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

Modern Meets Bollywood With This Multi-Faceted Wedding That You Have to See!

Multiple wardrobe changes, multiple decor changes, and a party at The London in West Hollywood, anyone would want to attend! For Brandon & Vikas, they wanted anything but traditional for their wedding day reception – from a Bollywood themed cocktail hour, to a reception with lounge furniture and ALL of the dancing, all planned by Jacqueline Hallgarth and envisioned by groom and groom! The Hidden Garden beautifully crafted multiple floral arrangements to fit the couple’s multi-faceted day from ceremony to cocktail hour, to reception and Lucas Rossi Photography captured it all perfectly. Take a peek and consider having a different theme for every portion of your special day!

From the Couple…We did not want our wedding reception to in any way feel traditional, uncomfortable, formal, or awkward for our guests. Instead, we had a vision of a rooftop party in a lounge setting where guests were free to mingle with each other, move around easily, drink, dance, and be joyful. We wanted everyone to feel welcome, loved, and carefree. For the ceremony, we wanted bright, white, sunny, and clean. We envisioned some seating but mostly standing room only and the opportunity for our guests to meet each other before we arrived. And, for the cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception, we wanted full-scale Bollywood fun to honor Vikas’ heritage.

We wanted everything to feel bright, modern, and effortless. For the ceremony, the vision was bright white with black and silver accents, and a pop of red for the officiant’s dress. We knew this simple color palette would work well with our white flowers and the green flooring at The London. For the cocktail hour, the more color the better for the Indian theme, but we wanted it to look purposeful and seamless. The reception was designed to be a night-time version of the ceremony, so we went with darker colors – black, grey, and pulled some of the white from the ceremony. The overall style and vision was simple but luxe.

We designed everything ourselves with some expert guidance from our fantastic wedding planner, Jacqueline. We chose all of the furniture, tenting, flowers, music, favors, our own attire, and all other details. It’s always challenging to design a venue with only an idea of what it might look like – especially in the relatively large spaces at The London – but we were more than pleased with the result. One specific element that was particularly important to us was the cake. We wanted to blend the themes of simple and modern with traditional Indian and this resulted in beautiful large mehndi design on the multi-tiered cake, including a heart and peacock to symbolize special moments on a recent vacation in India. Many guests thought the cake was a sculpture and were surprised when we started our cake-cutting moment! We could not have been happier with the cake designed by The Butter End. We also had a figurine made by Doob on Melrose – an eight-inch replica of us that was part of the cake display.

Our favorite moment of the wedding was undoubtedly the exchange of vows and being able to share our love with our friends and family on such a beautiful afternoon. Other favorite moments were the Bollywood dancers during our cocktail hour, our choreographed dance to open the wedding reception (Josh Groban’s “More of You” combined with Rihanna’s “We Found Love”), the combined mother-son dance, and the toasts provided by Vikas’ sister and Brandon’s brother.

We chose flowers that reflected the style vision – simple but luxe. White flowers abounded – orchids, roses, and calla lilies – and we also added arrangements of succulents. We each wore five different ensembles to reflect the mood of each “chapter” of the wedding – ceremony (white tux jackets), cocktail hour (traditional Indian attire both us as well as the entire wedding party), reception (black tuxes), dancing (flashy jackets), and post-party (flashier jackets – ahem, sequins). For favors, we wanted to choose something classy, meaningful, and edible. We knew that macarons from Bottega Louie would be a hit and we were correct!

It’s important to put a great deal of thought and time into creating your vision for your wedding. It’s equally important to partner with a fantastic wedding planner and we were very lucky to find Jacqueline. As well as our brilliant photographer, Lucas Rossi. But once the planning is done and everything is set to go, it’s MOST important to step back, take a breath, and enjoy each and every moment. Weddings go by quickly but it’s so worth all the work to make your special day truly phenomenal.

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Jacqueline Hallgarth Events

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The Night They First Met Became the Inspiration Behind Their Entire Wedding Day – and It Was Perfect.

Her effortlessly romantic dress, the soft lavender and peach blooms, the venue… these are just a few things we can’t stop obsessing over in today’s wedding planned by Lovestruck Events. The darling couple met on a crisp Spring night in the bride’s hometown. In a moment of kismet, they saw each other from across the bar and their connection couldn’t be denied. They talked for ours outside on a park bench as the bride glanced up and saw the budding trees and delicate blooms around them – it was the perfect inspiration for their Spring wedding day, two years later. We couldn’t be more in love with this couple or these photos by Jessica Blex Photography & Design – check out the full gallery here!

From Lovestruck Events… Betsy and Ryan’s wedding color palette was inspired by the peach and blush tones of the grand staircase at Joslyn Art Museum. We installed a clear top tent at the base of the stairs. Rather than walking straight to the tent from the museum parking lot, we invited guests to take the long route to the tent through the sculpture garden.

Betsy and Ryan’s guests were greeted with signature cocktails and passed canapés. Lanterns lit the path to the tent where large wooden planters were filled with dogwood, seasonal greens, and hand-lettered seating assignment posters. The sun set as wedding guests dined, so the soft patio bulbs strung from the tent and the warm candlelight on the tables created a warm glow in the tent. Guests were served a nontraditional wedding dessert of valrhona jivara milk chocolate mousse with a dark chocolate cake center. Each chocolate dome was topped with a chocolate ring and edible gold foil.

How They Met:

From the Bride… Our meeting happened by chance in late spring two years before we said “I do,” so we wanted our wedding to embody all things spring. The night we met, Ryan had dinner plans with a buddy at a restaurant that wasn’t open on that particular evening, so on a whim, they decided to go to a different restaurant and sat at the bar top for dinner. I was newly back in our hometown after working in a different city for several years. I was making rounds reconnecting with old friends when I stopped into that very same restaurant to say a quick hi to the bartender, a friend from college. That was the night that Ryan and I met for the first time, but it felt like we had known each other for years – lifetimes, maybe. We eventually made our way outside to a park bench and talked for hours catching each other up on what we had missed out on in one another’s lives. I remember looking up at the trees and seeing the bright green of the budding trees and blooms around us. This, I thought, this is the beginning of something I never want to forget.

About the Design & Advice:

The crisp spring air, bright greens, and soft fluttery flowers of that spring night became the inspiration for our wedding vibe. My advice to brides and grooms out there in the thick of planning their wedding is to pick two or three “must-have” items for your wedding and stick to them. The rest of your wedding details? Leave it to the creatives. This rule truly saved me from sweating the small stuff and being overly stressed out during the wedding planning year.

My must-haves were 1. A tent reception 2. Greens, greens, and more whimsical greens, and lastly 3. A band. For the rest of the details I enlisted the help of my amazing wedding planners, Candace and Lindsay, at Lovestruck. They did such a good job listening to our vision and bringing it to life. Every detail was perfect and we couldn’t have been any happier with how it turned out!

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Petit Bouquet

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A True, Charming, Southern Wedding For These Childhood Sweethearts!

OK….this story completely melted my heart, when I read it; from the fact that the groom asked the bride to be his girlfriend when they were just 13 years old, to the utterly romantic proposal story! And, it just kept going once the wedding planning started! Meredith and John had THE most charming, Southern wedding at The Capital City Club with overflowing florals by Jackson Durham and a variety of perfectly paired linens by La Tavola! Chancey Charm Wedding Planning & Design brought the bride’s vision to life and Dear Elouise created the dream, custom invitation to set the tone for the day! To top it all off, Amy Arrington Photography was behind the lens, capturing every special moment from details to dancing! Check it out below, and be sure to read their story!

From the Bride…Our story began when I was thirteen years old and John asked me to be his girlfriend. His mom loves to tell the story of when he came home one day from school and told her “I am going to marry her one day”. Fast forward to Christmas Eve 2017. We were up at Lake Burton with my family and everyone was getting ready to go to dinner at the Waterfall Club (little did I know that the club was actually closed for the holidays). We pull up and there were rose petals and candles everywhere leading to the entrance of the club. I remember thinking to myself “this is very romantic for a Christmas dinner”. We open the front doors to the biggest Christmas tree, a band and all of our family members anxiously waiting for our arrival. John got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I was so excited I started hugging and kissing him and all of our family before I could even remember to put the ring on! We went on to have a beautiful dinner with our families and danced the night away.

Growing up I loved looking through my mother’s wedding album. I knew that I wanted to have a wedding that would never go out of style and that would be classic. I immediately started searching for the venue and the perfect planner. Thankfully I found Shelley Legg for Chancey Charm Weddings who helped me bring my vision to life flawlessly. Picking a planner was one of the hardest decisions for me to make and the second I talked to her I knew she was the perfect fit! It took a little while to find our venue but we landed on Capital City Club in Brookhaven. We decided to have a sailcloth tent out on the driving range lit up with twinkle lights. Green is my favorite color so I incorporated that as much as I could and stuck to neutral colors. One of my favorite parts about planning our wedding was designing all of our paper goods. Brent Fraim at Dear Elouise completely made all of my invitation dreams come true. You think about your wedding day since you were a little girl and being able to hold your invitation in your hand is one of the coolest parts leading up to your big day.

Our dogs mean everything to us and because we couldn’t have them there with us we decided to have Dear Elouise design specialty cocktails after them. We also wanted to have something different than a place card so we wrote everyone’s names on the leaf of a pear. We wanted to make the entrance a statement so we hired Jackson Durham to build a beautiful arch of flowers around the entrance of the tent. They also designed a beautiful champagne display. Sitting in each champagne flute was an acrylic table assignment. We really enjoyed The SlowMotion Booth. We decided to have them there instead of your typical photo booth and it was such a hit! Our guests couldn’t stay away and it was such a treat to be able to go back and watch everyone’s videos after our wedding day.

One of the most fun parts of our big day was the trolley ride that we took with our wedding party and family from the church to the reception. We popped champagne and laughed until our knees hurt. It was a really special time we got to spend with our best friends. Our wedding planner pulled us aside once we got to our venue and let us have a little meal together just us two before we went into cocktail hour. It was a time I will cherish forever. Looking back on our wedding day we appreciate having all of our friends and family together in one place…because at the end of the day that’s all you have! I cannot stress enough to brides that your wedding day is about you and your husband. Enjoy it, relax, have fun and don’t worry about anything else!

This Is the Most Creative Way to Make a Big, Outdoor Space Feel Cozy and Intimate

When the bride and groom decided to bring 20 of their nearest and dearest from Texas to Napa, they wanted to make sure it felt intimate, personalized and beyond memorable. And with the help of Brannan Events & Design – they achieved just that! The entire gallery captured by Olivia Richards Photography is filled with bespoke details that made their wedding weekend so unique for their guests. From the embroidered place cards to the thank you gift boxes to the wooden structure that made for the most intimate dinner setting – there’s so much to love about Jordan and Brett’s romantic Napa affair.

From Brannan Events & Design… Jordan and Brett brought 20 of their closest family and friends from Texas, to the gorgeous Calistoga, of Napa Valley, for a weekend of love and wine (can you really go wrong?!) Jordan wanted combine their love of travel, family and nature into a beautiful, floral inspired day!

Calistoga Ranch was the perfect was the absolutely perfect setting with it’s Spa Cabins, on-site vineyard, cacti varietals, wildlife, and a picturesque lake. We wanted to include bespoke touches so we created embroidered place-cards for each guests, have fresh fruit as a part of the table design, but also for guests to munch on, along with a thank you gift-box, waiting for them at their dinner seat.

To give dinner a romantic feel we rented a draped wooden structure, with floating floral lanterns was the perfect way to create an intimate dinner space in the expansive valley we were nestled in. With an ultra romantic setting, a whimsical and fresh color palette, and overflowing florals; readers are sure to be inspired by these sweet details!

The Top 10 Things Every Couple Should Include in Their Registry

When I got engaged, I initially was so excited to create our registry then when I actually started, I instantly became so overwhelmed. What do I put on there? I’ve only thought of like five things…that’s nothing…I’m totally lost on what I even need. What do people put on these things? Sound anything like you? Read on for a list I wish I had when starting my registry on the top 10 things every couple should include in their registry.

1. Tabletop Essentials

If you’ve been yearning for a sleek dinnerware or glassware set, now’s your time to get them through your registry. My husband and I registered for a new flatware set, pasta bowls, hi-ball glasses, and wine glasses to replace our mix-match and college sets of tabletop essentials. They are all easily some of our favorite items from the registry!

2. Home Décor Accents

Home décor isn’t just limited to those live, laugh, love signs you’ve probably seen a hundred times. When decorating your home, bring your own personality into each room with unique décor accents. Love artwork? Register for a few must-have pieces!

We registered for a ceramic pineapple with a white body and blush leaves and even though I had to persuade my husband to agree to it, he ended up loving it as much as I did. Whether you’re in need of decorative boxes for function and beauty or simply a pineapple for beauty only, don’t be afraid to add a few fun décor items to your registry.

3. Specialty Kitchen Appliances

Whether you could use a rice cooker (which also can cook steel cut oatmeal!) or an air fryer, think of what specialty kitchen appliance would be best utilized in your home. While it’s use might be more limited than a standard oven, if it can do a much better and faster job of cooking a staple food in your home then it deserves a place on your registry!

4. Kitchen Knives and Cutting Board

Before my husband bought a set of Shun knives, I always doubted how useful “fancy knives” would be. Trust me when I say they’ve made our cooking lives a whole lot easier. I recommend Shun or Wusthof knives to pair with a wooden cutting board that’ll last you a lifetime.

5. Cohesive Bath Towels and Bath Rugs

As someone who loves the idea of cohesive design within a home rather than hodgepodge mix-match décor, I was over the moon when we received a full bath towel and bath rug set from my husband’s grandmother for the wedding. Register for a set of bathroom essentials that’s cohesive, whether your set is from the same designer and matches perfectly or the pieces simply complement each other in color and style.

6. Linen Bed Sheet Set

Linen is everywhere these days and I have no idea why I’ve yet to purchase a linen jumpsuit. Thankfully, I registered for linen sheets for my own wedding registry and seriously love them. If you think linen doesn’t sound soft, you might change your mind when you learn that linen softens more and more with each wash. They breathe better than almost any other sheet fabric, making them a lifesaver for hot nights. Total win!

7. Garden Tools

If you happen to have a home with a yard, start a vegetable or flower garden with tools you can register for. From gloves and trowels to buckets and raised beds, garden essentials make the perfect gift from a guest with a green thumb. If your guest is local, you can deliver them some of your harvest as an extra special thank you!

8. Cooking Lessons

My husband and I registered for cooking lessons (via a cash fund) so that we would finally be motivated to try one out. The class was one of our first gifts to be purchased and we couldn’t be more excited to attend our first lesson! If you’re not much of a cook, you can try cocktail classes, art classes, or anything else you think your guests would love to gift you for an incredible experience.

9. Honeymoon Activities

If you don’t need many material goods or simply value experiences more than things, register for honeymoon activities. Rather than just having an open cash fund, create a few separate items (i.e. a surfing lesson, drinks for two, exhibit tickets, etc.) that give your guests a much better idea of what they’re gifting you.

10. Pet Essentials

Don’t forget your pets! If you’ve been eyeing a new dog or cat bed or even a new feeding station, you can absolutely add that to your registry. Pets are just as much a part of the home as you are, so feel free to add a couple of home items for your pets.

Cavin Elizabeth is a wedding film photographer based in San Diego, California. Her wedding work has taken her all over the United States and abroad. In addition to being a photographer, Cavin is an educator and an avid blogger of wedding planning tips for brides and grooms. She authored the book A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding, which teaches couples how to make wedding plans that are best for photography.

Making the Most out of a Small Space Beach Bungalow

I love a good tiny home renovation. But, when said tiny home also has meaningful details, thoughtful changes and style and style and style for days? Well, it just makes my blogger heart so very happy. This beach bungalow reno was a total labor of love for Magi Fisher – photographer behind Magdalena Studios – and her husband, who brought in friends and family to help them turn their little cottage into something that beachy dreams are made of. Make sure to scroll down to the end to watch the gorgeous video of the space, too and if you’re looking for sources, Magi has them all on her blog here!

From Magdalena…It’s been a journey from the beginning – from a couple years worth of house-hunting for the perfect fixer-upper project, to design ideas and inspiration, color palettes, and long nights picking out tiles in Home Depot and painting ceilings over spilled Chinese food take out while I studied for the bar.

It’s truly amazing how much this space changed in a matter of months and how quickly it became our dreamy surf bungalow in Ocean City, NJ!

So much of our inspiration came from our love for the sea and travel, as well as spending time with our family and friends. Our kitchen and living room now open up into one now large space and our the former attic was lifted into a white shiplap vaulted ceiling with a ladder leading up to a guest loft.

We wanted extra space for hosting and designed the layout to open up the space we have for gathering. Our home style and décor intertwines boho bungalow beach shack vibes with a clean, midcentury minimalist palette. It’s our imperfect blend of boho beachy, California coastal, midcentury chic all at the same time.

We are so, so incredibly lucky to have had my in-laws who are insanely talented with these projects. (So when I say we did all of the work ourselves, I mostly mean they did!) I learned so much from them.

My sister-in-law Sarah taught me how to cut and place tile (see what an incredible job she did on our bathroom!?) and my father-in-law taught me how to put up wallpaper. My father-in-law did everything from plumbing and electric to skylights and building the breakfast nook.

We had the help of so many family and friends in knocking down walls, gutting the old, and painting the new. It was a full-on family affair and looking back, there were so many good memories made creating this home!

And if you really want to see this sweet bungalo come to life, check out the cool film of the space Magdalena and her hubs made. It’s gorgeous and gives you such an incredible view into their lovely home!

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Photographer: Magdalena Studios | Design: Magdalena Fisher

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Petit Bouquet

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A Mountain Top Wedding With A Little Rain and A Lot of Color!

Boy, do I love when a color palette completely surrounds a bouquet! What I love, even more, is when they are bright and colorful like these florals, beautifully crafted by Floressence Flowers. Not only did they deliver for the bride’s bouquet but they created the most stunning reception installation at The Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club. While a bit of a rainstorm delayed their ceremony, it made for the best mountainside images by Perry Vaile Photography! Take a peek below, and check out Hart to Hart Media’s video of the couple’s dreamy day!

From the Bride…Sam and I met on my first day of work in mid-July of 2013. Our firms, his real estate, and mine marketing shared office space at the time (and still do today!). Our friendship was platonic for two and a half years until one evening at a post-work happy hour, we found ourselves effortlessly chatting the night away and made all excuses to extend our time together. From that night on, our relationship was fast and fun.

Sam will die claiming he fell in love the moment he saw me. Cute of him, but we really sealed the deal over pitchers of Shiner Bock at Milo Butterfingers, a windowless dive bar in Dallas. My mom had sent me the NY Times article that received some attention that year, The 36 Questions That Lead to Love. I shamelessly suggested we try it out. We sat in a grungy booth laughing and listening to each other for nearly three hours. If there was any doubt before, it was gone. That night confirmed it – we had both found our match.

Fast-forward two short years. Sam proposed, and unknown to me, I planned the engagement celebration – he’s clever like that. His July birthday offered the perfect excuse to gather friends on a Friday night at, you guessed it, Milo Butterfingers (his idea). He proposed at our house a few hours before the celebration was set to begin. It was quiet, sweet, and casual. He followed protocol by getting down on one knee and delivering some unforgettable words. I said, ‘yes’. We laughed, I cried, we Facetimed with our families, ate pizza and drank champagne before heading to Sam’s birthday party to share the big news with the rest of our friends. Note: Sam never told anyone his plan, which made for a night full of surprises all around.

We quickly narrowed our sights on a wedding in the North Carolina mountains, a corner of the world near and dear to both of us. I grew up in Charlotte and have spent summers in the mountains since childhood. Sam fell in love with the area early on in our relationship, and we could not pass up the opportunity to bring our friends and family from Texas and Nebraska together to experience everything it has to offer. An activity-filled guest experience was high on our priority list, so we planned hikes and played golf in the days leading up to the wedding. I even spent the morning of our wedding day on Lake Glenville with my dad and a few close friends.

We knew we wanted to get married outdoors with a long-range mountain view, and the 18th tee box at Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club was certainly one of the most dramatic places we saw. At the edge of an elevated and exposed ridge, it delivered nearly 360-degree mountain views. For the ceremony and reception, we envisioned a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that was classic and elegant but with a colorful twist. I have always been drawn to bright, happy colors and knew I wanted that to come through the floral. The team at Floressence Flowers took my inspiration and crafted a stunning floral and moss-topped alter for the ceremony, along with my favorite part – a matching asymmetrical bouquet. The blush tones mixed with the vibrant pinks and oranges created a beautiful contrast against the blues and greens of the mountain backdrop.

The weather was pristine all weekend, warmer than anticipated, sunny, not a cloud in the sky. That is, until 20 minutes before I was supposed to walk down the aisle. Without warning, as can be the case in the mountains, the skies opened up and it poured. Lightning, thunder, a little hail, and plenty of rain. The storm ultimately delayed our ceremony by an hour. We laughed and used the extra time to snap a few photos while our guests enjoyed a bonus cocktail hour. The rain cleared leaving a misty landscape and dramatic sky, all of which were captured by our immensely talented and hilarious photographer, Perry Vaile.

Our cocktail-style reception was on a grass lawn under a sailcloth tent. The entry path was lined with lanterns and the space was filled with café lights and candles. Hanging floral installations framed the dance floor, which Sam and I did not leave all night long. We made our exit in a flurry of white confetti and rode slowly to Old Edwards Inn in the back of a white 1980s Excalibur Phaeton. With the top-down under the star-filled sky, it was the perfect end to a weekend we will never forget!

About Floressence Flowers…Floressence is a floristry studio based in western North Carolina that specializes in floral design for weddings, rehearsal dinners and special occasions. Our work brings us to the most elegant and inspiring venues in North Carolina and beyond. At Floressence, we create from a deep sense of place. The mountains of western North Carolina and its lush biodiversity supply our designers with a surplus of inspiration and seasonal touches, the abundance we use to conjure your dream aesthetic. Our deeply personal approach paired with our talented team of designers and exquisite flowers conspire to create your most unforgettable moment. Surpassing expectations is our baseline.

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This Wildflower Themed Wedding at Kestrel Park Is Every Ethereal Bride’s Dream

The joy and cheerful spirit of today’s whimsical celebration at Kestrel Park is jumping off our screens! Leave it to TOAST Santa Barbara to completely wow us with their unique take on the couple’s “wildflower” themed wedding. From the invitation suite by PS Paper to the towering trellis covered in climbing blooms and greenery – every detail of their day was curated to perfection. Get your pinning fingers ready and head on over to the full gallery — captured by Tenth & Grace!

From Tenth & Grace Photography… Sarah and Peter’s beautiful wedding at Kestrel Park was inspired by wildflowers, which was a theme that was woven throughout every detail of their big day. The wedding was planned and designed by TOAST Santa Barbara, who also designed the florals for the ceremony and reception.

Sarah and Peter held their ceremony under a white and green floral arch flanked by sycamore trees. The day proved to be hotter than anticipated, but the bride and groom took the weather in stride -and guests stayed cool with the handheld fans that were distributed prior to the ceremony.

After cocktail hour in Kestrel Park’s famed garden, guests entered a reception space that was completely transformed. TOAST Santa Barbara designed a unique trellis that enclosed the entire space and was adorned with greenery and florals.

The wildflower theme was on display with the escort card display, lush and colorful floral centerpieces and an amazing cake designed by Colin O’Dea. After dinner, guests danced the night away thanks to The Midnight Special band from West Coast Music.

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Elysium Productions

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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When Italian Views Meet Indian Traditions, the Blending of Cultures Create Destination Wedding Magic!

It’s official… traditional Indian wedding elements mixed with a touch of Italian culture and cuisine… that’s amore! We’ve seriously become mesmerized by the jaw-dropping Lake Como views, stunning traditional Indian attire and the overall decor, dripping in heavenly floral arrangements from Fiore all’Occhiello! Lucky for us, Katie Grant Photography was there to capture every memorable moment of this Lake Como meets Bollywood fairytale, allowing us to live vicariously through the full gallery – see for yourself!

From Katie Grant Photography… In making plans for their wedding, Esha and Aakash were quickly drawn to the gorgeous shores of Lake Como and knew it was the perfect setting for their traditional wedding events. Friends and family flew in from all across the globe to help the couple celebrate their union.

The weekend started off with a traditional Mehendi, lunch and lawn games followed by the Sangeet in the evening in which the two families got to celebrate coming together. Esha and her maids were busy with their Mehendi in the morning while Aakash was having his Haldi. The evening turned to all party where a combination of Italian and Indian elements made the event completely unique where guests were treated to Spritzes to start, curry for dinner, and a dance party into the night.

The wedding day itself kept with the pace of the weekend where traditional elements were blended with the gorgeous Italian aspects. Guests arrived via boat to the stunning Villa Pizzo and got to cheer on as Aakash arrived on his boat Baraat.

The gorgeous ceremony and reception followed with live music, plenty of food, and lots of laughs. A group of friends even surprised the couple during the reception with a choreographed Bollywood dance reenacting their relationship!

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Lake Como Wedding

A Romantic Wedding in the South of France that Didn’t End Until 4AM!

Leave it to Oliver Fly Photography, to deliver us the most romantic, French Riviera nuptials complete with an eye-catching ceremony view and creative floral designs by Miss Rose by Perinne. The lovely couple who wanted the entertainment to be the highlight of their destination wedding weekend with multiple aspects of music, including DJ Thomas Dussseune who kept the party going until 4 am! Get your scroll on and see all that White Eden Weddings put together for the ultimate South of France Wedding!

From White Eden Weddings…Solene & Matt’s wedding was created based on a destination, the French Riviera, and an experience: a very fun week-end. Guests were coming all the way from Los Angeles, New York, London, Asia, France… and the idea was to put together and plan the warmest, meaningful & effortless chic wedding. The overall color palette was infused by the bright but so natural colors of the South of France. We wanted to create a warm styling, a bit informal but definitely not over the top and embracing every single space. In order to greet everyone, welcome baskets with local treats, a vintage postcard & a wonderful hand-drawn itinerary map by the talented Silent Word Studio were waiting for guests in hotel rooms.

The entertainment was the priority of Matt, the atmosphere was Solene’s. Music was then naturally a central focus of the celebrations. Starting with the welcome party with a strolling band who literally got the partygoers singing their hearts out and dancing on their chairs, however, the second day wasn’t left out.
A threesome of strings escorted our lovely couple during the ceremony; Lizzy & the Gentlemen, a live jazz band, played during the cocktail hour; Four Kicks, a pop-cover band accompanied Solène & Matt’s grand entrance at dinner and played several sets during dinner and set the party on fire, until Thomas Dusseune took over and DJed until 4 am.

The styling of the reception was quite a challenge, as it was hosted on a tennis court. The idea was obviously to transform the space into a modern, effortless and elegant area. With the guests coming down from the most breathtaking terrace on the French Riviera after an emotional ceremony and a musical sun-set cocktail hour, disappointed wasn’t an option. You can say it wasn’t thanks to the beautiful shots of the so talented Oliver Fly. Building and decorating a tent is always a challenge. Only a very few couples envision their wedding receptions under a tent for their South of France wedding. When it comes to it (and especially when it’s a plan A), doing 3Ds mapping & sketches really helps to envision the space and work together with the couple until we find the perfect and most adapted design. Working with the most talented floral designers such as Miss Rose by Perrine is a must, which allows a mix of creativity and boldness! After 8 months of intense planning, seeing Solene & Matthew speechless entering the reception was literally everything, and was one of these moments that remind us why we love so much our work!

A Contemporary Napa Wedding at Beaulieu Gardens with Just 20 Guests!

There’s always one thing that absolutely takes our breath away about every wedding we publish here on SMP. For today’s wedding, the answer is simple – the way they look at each other. Jeremy Scott Photography captured the overwhelming love between Rob and Jason perfectly, with emotion pouring out of every shot in the full gallery. Their love story, told below by their planner Tracie Domino Events, is even sweeter. They tied the knot in front of their closest family and friends and enjoyed a modern, candlelit 5-course meal from Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events. Keep on reading for more!

From Tracie Domino Events… Rob + Jason had met back in high school where they actually dated the same girl! They go off to college, lose touch, Rob opens an internationally renowned interior design business, Jason joins the military. Years later out of total coincidence they see each other again and reconnect, but the timing isn’t right. Fast forward a little bit and the timing gets is right.

All their friends know it is meant to be because Jason convinces Rob to attend a country music concert with him, which no one can believe! At the concert Faith Hill and Tim McGraw open up with a cover of “I Knew You Were Waiting For Me” (can you feel the goosebumps!?!?) Jason retires from the military but continues to work as a civilian employee. He also has two children in their late teens by this point. Rob and Jason commute back and forth between Rob’s home in St Pete and Jason’s in Savannah until they can make it official and Jason moves to St Pete.

They got engaged in Capri, Italy and start planning their fabulous and glamorous wedding for 250 people. Jason left his job to work on their joint passion of opening a chicken-focused restaurant (Social Roost- due to open in October). They realized they didn’t want to focus on the restaurant and a big wedding at the same time, so with 5 weeks notice, the invited 20 of their closest family and friends to Napa for an intimate wedding weekend at Beaulieu Garden with a celebratory dinner at Promontory Winery.

Paula LeDuc created a fabulous, 5-course tasting menu and of course Promontory provided the wine. Anastasia Andenmatten created a luxe floral runner that was a perfect compliment to the venue allowing all the guests to interact with the gorgeous glow of candlelight illuminating their faces. With such an intimate group, all the guests gave toasts or speeches and everyone left feeling like one big family.

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A Magical Maui Wedding with Hanging Gardens Over Every Reception Table!

Wow. There is so much to love about this Four Seasons Maui wedding, from a non-traditional color palette for a tropical wedding, to outfit changes for both bride and groom, to the bride’s vision of hanging gardens created by Teresa Sena Designs and Rio Event Design. With “wow-moments” like a carefully choreographed first dance to unbelievable “wow-images” by Chris J. Evans, it is safe to say it was a struggle picking just a few to showcase! Take a look below and be sure to check out the full gallery to see even more…like knife throwers and every magical detail planned by Opihi Love Wedding & Event Design.

From Opihi Love Wedding & Event Design…Yuchen and Peiran’s romantic and whimsical wedding was nothing short of perfection. We focused highly on the bride’s wedding design and color palette which included tones of mustard yellow and dusty rose. With flowers being the main focus, we brought in Teresa Sena to achieve the bride’s vision of a hanging garden over guests’ dining tables. In order to achieve the hanging gardens, Rio Event Design custom-designed canopies to hang each piece and romantic crystal chandeliers hung in each canopy to highlight the hanging garden and the blush taper candles, low candlelight, and gorgeous blooms in creams, dusty rose, and yellow tones to create a romantic tabletop experience. The tables were draped in velvet linens to bring a soft design and the place settings all included gold elements by Set Collections. Each place setting included custom menus created by the bride and hexagon marble place cards with each guest’s name.

The ceremony had a touch of flowers in large compotes at the start of the steps as guests entered into the ceremony location. The bride wanted to keep the florals simple at the ceremony location since there is an incredible view of Maui and the large Plumeria trees created a beautiful setting.

The bride included many unique items throughout her wedding which included hand-drawn wedding invitations with the couple standing in front of their ceremony location with their dog Matcha. She also included a tropical photo booth set up which included a peacock chair to bring in a boho vibe with gold painted flamingos. The couple also practiced for months and performed a choreographed first dance to the song “You are the Reason”. Their first dance included lifts, spins, and steps that will be remembered by their guests forever.

Now, let’s talk about that dress and veil customized by Galia Lahav. The bride wanted a low back, mermaid silhouette with a touch of sparkle. The dress is classic, romantic and a little sexy. Galia also helped the bride add in embellishments around the waist to make it unique. The bride’s second dress change was customized by ShiniUni. She wanted something flowy and easy to dance in. She also loved a halter neckline and included stars scattered all over her dress.

The groom was dressed in Ermeneglido Zegna which brought in a dark navy color into the wedding design. His dress change included an off- white jacked which was a gift for his 30th birthday!

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Event Planning

Opihi Love Wedding Planning and Design

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A Modern Home Rooted in Travel, Tradition and Style

One step (actually… just go ahead and give us a giant leap) into this stunning Utah home and you know you’ve hit paradise. It’s a perfect mash-up of modern meets tradition, traveled meets right at home, and with craveable details like matte black walls and serene white bedrooms, this is one of those spaces that will forever resurface time and time again on future Pinterest boards. Designed by the talented Ames Interiors with gorgeous photographs by Kate Osborne, kick off those shoes and come on in! We’re breaking down ALL of the dirty details including a million and one sources for pretty products so that you too, can have a home styled so very pretty.

From Designer, Ames Hansen…

ENTRY. There are three things that set this entryway apart from all the rest. First, the five foot wide pivot door that smoothly swivels open, welcoming you into this light and bright home. Hand-crafted from white oak, we designed the square glass pattern to be the focal point for this front entry.

Second, the unique black brick floor tile. We had it laid in a straight set pattern, with contrasting grout, in hopes the lines would guide your eyes towards the stunningly tall windows ahead. The long hallway of windows are what brings us to our last unique focal point. Flooding this space with natural light, it’s the best way to greet guests.

Lucca Chandelier | Woven Wood Stool

MUDROOM + CRAFT ROOM + OFFICE COMBO. One of our favorite corners of the home features the mudroom and craft room. Tied together with bleached oak cabinetry and sleek slate floor tile, these rooms do not skimp on design. By doing so, they become the perfect areas for inspiring creativity.

MUDROOM. Imbrie Articulating Sconce | Classic Small Iron Hook | Slate Floor Tile

CRAFT ROOM. Lennox Office Chair | Larkin Bin Pull | Large Oval Cabinet Knob | Brass Boxes

LANDING. Curba Loveseat | Gray Linen Throw | Niran Pillow | Aom Pillow | Infinity Black Round Wall Mirror

LIVING ROOM. The heart of the home is centered around the open style living, dining, and kitchen area. With endless seating, we helped our clients create a space built for entertaining. Open both sets of sliding glass doors for more room to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Jam out to some tunes through the surround sound speaker system, or cook for your friends at the kitchen island on the incredible induction cooktop. Each and every detail was executed with a purpose in mind.

Functionality aside, we love how the materials in this space came together. The rich colors, soft textures, pops of pattern and globally inspired pieces are what bring this modern Spanish villa to life! We had so much fun sourcing elements that felt familiar to our clients who have hearts deeply rooted in Mexican culture.

GUEST BATH. Graphite Grey Zellige | Yaquina Mirror | Edmund Light | Hand Towel

MASTER BEDROOM. The serene Master Suite feels nothing short of a tranquil getaway. Its soft and calming color palette makes this a perfect place to unwind after a long day.

In the center of the master bath sits a large clawfoot tub, awaiting nightly bubble baths. And the Moroccan tiled shower? A steam shower meant for relaxing and riding your body of stress. Functional meets beautiful in every corner of this space!

KIDS’ BUNK ROOM. The home’s bunk room is the ultimate kid space. Not only were we able to create a space to sleep four, but to house all the toys and dress ups a child should ever need! From the play table, to the swinging chairs and corner for reading books, there isn’t anything you wouldn’t want to do in this cozy room!

KIDS’ BATH. Oval Metal Framed Mirror | Hand Towel | Bath Towel

HOME SALON. Because who said your passion has to extend beyond the walls of your own home? Our client has dreamed of an in-home salon her entire adult life. And we were so thrilled to take part in creating a space for her to work and her client’s to enjoy.

Globe Wall Light | Rounded Rectangle Metal Framed Mirror | Ledge Pull | Large Amber Canister | Medium Amber Canister

BASEMENT KITCHEN. Downstairs you will find that although our color palettes are the same as upstairs, the mood changes ever so slightly. From Ultra-Spanish to a little more mid-century. Hence the retro fridge in the kitchen and the Malm Fireplace in the corner. Our client’s wanted the basement to portray a whole different feel of entertaining. Think less sipping on wine and gabbing about The Bachelor, and more playing pool with the Super Bowl playing on the big screen in the background. Keeping the two levels feeling cohesive with one another, felt challenging on our end. But we love how it came together!

BASEMENT THEATER. Thesis Counter Stool

MORE ABOUT THE HOME: ‘Fort Villa’ is a modern Spanish style home was built for a couple whose hearts are tied to Mexico. We were asked to incorporate a lot of culture inspired elements, while creating a space that still felt fresh and up to date! The homes open style concept was created specifically, with entertaining in mind. With endless seating, rich colors, textures and pops of pattern, this soft and airy home feels calm and inviting. Reminding this couple of their relaxing trips under the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear ocean water.

Photographer: Kate Osborne Photography | Home Builder: Stony Brook Homes | Interior Designer: Amy Hansen | Interior Designer: Amy Hansen

An Elegant Garden Wedding at the Bride’s Family Home That Celebrates COLOR

We love a bride who kicks tradition to the curb and isn’t afraid to be BOLD with her color scheme. KirkBrides Wedding Planning & Design brought their elegant garden vision to life complete with petals galore, bright colors, three tents and 15,424 square feet of flooring… it only took 7 days of load in at the bride’s family home and a dream team of vendors to finish ;) Check out the full gallery to see all the magic unfold!

From the Bride… Chad and I met six years ago during our senior year of college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. From the first conversation I had with Chad, I knew immediately that I wanted to marry him and that he was the one for me. We were at a bar with lots of mutual friends and I remember so clearly thinking that I had never met a guy like him before. He was so clever, engaging, and charming. By the end of senior year we were “official” and I followed him to New York City after graduation.

After five more years together, we became engaged in my hometown of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Chad planned an amazing surprise proposal for me. We were on a hike with our puppy in a beautiful area when Chad got down on one knee. As we neared the end of the hike I saw a tent across a field and lots of people cheering and waving. I couldn’t believe it, but Chad had organized for all of our family and dear friends to come in town to celebrate our engagement with us! It was truly incredible to have family and friends from Michigan, NYC, Boston, Florida, and Columbus all there for us. Chad and my parents had planned a beautiful picnic lunch, complete with champagne toasts!

It was a truly gorgeous, natural setting with our closest family and friends – exactly how we would have wanted it. When it came to wedding planning, we knew that we wanted to carry over these themes of intimacy and nature. Since I was a little girl I had always wanted to get married in my parent’s backyard. It is a grassy, open meadow that really lends itself to a tent and I could picture the wedding coming to life there.

The best decision we made was working with wedding planner Stephanie Anter at Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design who truly made our vision of an “elegant garden wedding” a reality in every way. It was important to me to be very involved in the planning process with my mom, and to also include Chad and my dad as much as possible. Our planner, Stephanie, helped us select an amazing florist – Arne Klein at Plantscaping & Blooms – who really understood our vision from the start and helped us develop everything from our color palette to the finest details of the event. It was also really special to include Chad’s family and the bridal party in the planning process, as they are some of the most special people in the world to us.

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Jenny Yoo

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This Is the Sweetest Idea to Commemorate Loved Ones Who Have Passed on at Your Wedding

This gorgeous day at Holman Ranch planned by engaged + inspired is the perfect recipe for a classic California wedding. It’s just the right balance between fresh style and timeless design, featuring the creamiest blooms from Gavita Flora that complimented the fairytale vibes of their venue. Don’t miss the full gallery captured by Jordan Galindo Photography and keep on reading for a few sweet words from the bride – including the special way they decided to honor the groom’s mother on their wedding day.

From Jordan Galindo Photography… “From the beginning, I felt so at ease around him, like I could let my guard down, and he immediately became my best friend. Falling for him wasn’t falling at all – it was like walking into a house and suddenly knowing you are home.” This joyful and romantic wedding day at Holman Ranch overflowed with a dreamy color palette with muted tones of blush, cream, and powder blue.

The couple chose this particular venue because of the fairytale-like trees surrounding the property. The charm and serenity of the venue was everything they could have hoped for. Gavita Flora made sure the florals highlighted the natural beauty of Carmel Valley with a romantic elegant twist incorporating ranunculus, sweet peas, peonies, and queen anne’s lace. Melissa’s dear bridesmaids were her “something blue” who wore a gorgeous shade of powder blue by Morilee.

The couple’s favorite moment of the day was during their First Look. Melissa said, “For a brief moment, all of the nervousness and anticipation disappeared, and we were able to enjoy an emotional connection that was a once in a lifetime experience. All of the nerves and butterflies leading up to seeing each other were definitely calmed. This moment allowed us to slow down and soak up the love we share before the frenzy of all the wedding events to follow. The rest of our day was filled with family and friends so this was also the perfect moment to get some alone time together.

It was truly special to be able to see each other for the first time without 130 sets of eyes staring at us. Our first look was a private, personal, and true emotion moment that I will cherish forever.” Melissa + Chris said, “I do” overlooking the sun drenched rolling hills of Carmel Valley. A special detail that truly made their wedding special was honoring Christopher’s mother and keeping her memory alive during their big day.

Pirouette Paper created a candle with her name that was lit the entire day to symbolize her presence. In addition, a beautiful sign that sat in the front row of the Ceremony next to Christopher’s grandmother. After the Ceremony guests sat in the Rose Patio to enjoy their dinner al fresco as the sun set. Entertaining music, the warm glow of fire pits, and the smell of cigars filled the air surrounding the Carriage House continuing their union.

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A Wedding Photographer’s Colorful Smoothie Themed Wedding!

When one of the best of the best wedding photographers gets married – you know it’s going to be extra special. Cavin Elizabeth’s smoothie-themed wedding is just what our Sunday needed! The story of how their planner, Amorology, came up with their delicious wedding theme truly couldn’t be cuter. After a few messages back and forth on Ok Cupid, Cavin subtly asked for smoothie recommendations… and the rest was history. Amorology wow’d us (yet again) with their fruity creations, from a “Smooth Moves” escort display to colorful, edible table decor. Top it all off with the coolest most fashion-forward wedding dress we’ve ever seen, plus cheerful arrangements from Compass Floral and there you have it – it was truly a day to remember! Trust us, you’re going to want to check out the full gallery captured by Tenth & Grace… it’s an absolute MUST.

From the bride.. I, Cavin, am a wedding photographer and the owner of Cavin Elizabeth Photography, as well as the author of A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding. David is a software engineer and the founder of Aventrix – a website that helps people discover fun events and activities throughout the US. We met online through OkCupid in 2012. For our first date, we met in Dupont Circle for beer and pizza and the location served as one of our signature cocktail names at the wedding. David and I spent every weekend together afterwards and the rest is history.

I love miniatures so much! David knew this and would often gift me miniature packages with handwritten addressing filled with tiny goodies for my birthdays. For the proposal, he suggested we visit Catalina Island as a 5 year anniversary trip. The first night, we were getting ready to have a picnic on our hotel balcony when someone knocked at the door to deliver three miniature packages. The first contained a miniature cat, the second a miniature kitten, and the third my engagement ring. It was a very meaningful and adorable way to propose and gave us the name for our second wedding signature cocktail!

We chose the Fairmont Grand Del Mar as our wedding venue as it was the closest thing we could get to Europe in San Diego. The Fairmont has gorgeous Mediterranean pink walls, Cyprus trees, and exquisite architecture. As a photographer, a variety of portrait opportunities was hugely important to me in choosing our venue. We also wanted to pick a location that would truly wow our guests.

Lastly, being entirely al-fresco topped our venue priorities list, as we wanted guests to experience the sunset and evening under the open skies. We booked Heather of Amorology to plan and design our wedding because she is excellent with color. She’s also skilled at creating a theme that honors the couple’s personalities and history.

Heather was drawn to the following story of our relationship and created a theme based on smoothies and fruit for our wedding: Since we met online, David and I messaged back and forth before meeting. A few messages in, David didn’t return one of mine. I decided to message him again (double message, so risky) under the premise of asking for smoothie recipe recommendations. He had mentioned smoothies on his profile and I figured that was a good excuse. I told him I would be making some that weekend and needed some ideas… He wrote back something about blueberries and once again we were talking back and forth. Just to be clear, I had zero intention of making those smoothies. Those were my smooth moves.

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Event Planning

Amorology

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Little Postage House

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You’re Going To Want To Add Napa Valley To Your Possible Venue List After Seeing This!

Saying I Do among a grove of oak trees…yes please! Ashley and Ryan tied the knot at The Silverado Resort in Napa Valley surrounded by their closest friends and family and some pretty amazing views! I Do Details Weddings & Events brought the day together as the couple lived across the coast and assisted with everything from blooming bouquets by LC Floral Design to a gold-topped wedding cake crafted by Sweetie Pies. One of our faves Tenth & Grace captured it all, even the most stunning sunset photos of the new Mr. and Mrs. Take a look below and be sure to check out their video by Shutter & Sound!

From Tenth & Grace…When Ashley and Ryan saw the oak grove at Silverado Resort, they knew it would be the perfect spot to host their destination wedding. They wanted a picturesque ceremony location and the venue definitely delivered.

Living in Washington DC, the bride and groom relied on their wedding planner, I Do Details, to help bring the wedding day together. Their main goal for the entire wedding was for their guests to have a good time and enjoy themselves during their classic and elegant reception.

After the stunning ceremony set among the oak trees, guests enjoyed cocktail hour before the completely outdoor reception which included stunning details like a mix of beautiful centerpieces and a gold-topped wedding cake!

Ashley and Ryan snuck away during the reception for sunset photos – this is always such a perfect time for the newly married couple to enjoy a moment to themselves and capture portraits during the prettiest light of the day!

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When Ashley and Ryan saw the oak grove at Silverado Resort, they knew it would be the perfect spot to host their destination wedding. They wanted a picturesque ceremony location and the venue definitely delivered. Living in Washington DC, the bride and groom relied on their wedding planner, I Do Details, to help bring the wedding day together. Their main goal for the entire wedding was for their guests to have a good time and enjoy themselves during their classic and elegant reception. After the stunning ceremony set among the oak trees, guests enjoyed cocktail hour before the outdoor reception. Ashley and Ryan snuck away during the reception for sunset photos – this is always such a perfect time for the newly married couple to enjoy a moment to themselves and capture portraits during the prettiest light of the day!

Hot New Wedding Dress Trends For The 2020 Bride By Maggie Sottero

You want a perfect dress for your perfect day. But with so many styles to choose from (A-line? ballgown? lace?) the pool of options can feel overwhelming. So, like a good BFF, we’re giving you scoop on the hot new wedding dress trends for the 2020 bride, all by Maggie Sottero. From styles for the curvy gal to budget-friendly selections, you’ll be ready to find your dream dress once you click and scroll below.

For the Curvy Bride

Not all dresses are created equal. And Maggie Sottero gets that. This is why she offers chic bridal gown options to cater to the plus-size brides made with high-quality fabrics and flattering silhouettes. (We’re having *heart-eyes* over their charming details!) Even better, each dress caters to a variety of budgets across all three of their labels ⁠— Maggie Sottero, Sottero and Midgley and Rebecca Ingram ⁠— so you don’t have to break your bank account to find something special.

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Thaddeus by Sottero and Midgley

Valerie Lynette by Rebecca Ingram

Devon by Sottero and Midgley

Corrine by Rebecca Ingram

Taylor Lynette by Maggie Sottero

Wedding Dress Styles Under $1,000

Small budget? No problem. We love how Maggie Sottero offers jaw-dropping options under $1,000 across a wide range of fashions (think short wedding dresses, beach wedding dresses, off-the-shoulder wedding dresses, even sparkly wedding dresses!). Not sure which route to go? Head in-store for a fun try-on sesh after previewing this gorgeous pool of cost-savvy styles.

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Reggie Jane by Rebecca Ingram

Nia by Rebecca Ingram

Greta by Rebecca Ingram

Meadow by Rebecca Ingram

Simple Wedding Dresses (But Definitely Not Boring Wedding Dresses)

Minimalism is IN in 2020. And if you’re afraid of a monotonous vibe, the selections below may just have you rethinking that. The beauty lies in the details with their deep v-necks, cascading skirts, or off-the-shoulder necklines, proving that simplistic frocks can sometimes be the most beautiful of all. Take our word for it by checking out these choices…

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Fatima by Maggie Sottero

Aberdeen by Maggie Sottero

Cindy by Rebecca Ingram

Admina by Sottero and Midgley

Fernanda by Maggie Sottero

Unique Lace Wedding Dresses

How romantic are these lace gowns? Made with new to you prints— as seen in the geometric lace wedding dress or the palm print wedding dress ⁠— their ethereal details will have you feeling extra special when it’s time to walk down the aisle. Check these five styles below that have all the makings to turn your day into a real-life fairytale.

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Elsie by Rebecca Ingram

Roxanne by Sottero and Midgley

Daxton by Sottero and Midgley

Demi by Maggie Sottero

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Love what you see? Check out more hot new wedding dress trends for the 2020 bride at Maggie Sottero.

Trick or Treat! 16 Best Ever DIY Costumes

The countdown is on for procuring Halloween costumes and if you prefer decking your kids out in customized attire then this post is for YOU. Look inside this collection of 16 costumes that are sure to take home first prize this year. From a sushi roll to puff of cotton candy and a circus trio perfect for siblings, this is the only costume roundup you need. Psstt.. we have a whole hub page dedicated to spooky decor, treats and outfits. Check it out!

DIY Halloween Costumes

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DIY Halloween Costumes

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Her Grandfather Made Her a Collection of Wedding Day Jewelry Before He Passed When She Was Only 17

Don’t get us wrong, this wedding is incredibly beautiful from start to finish, but it’s the personal stories from the bride that have us trying (and failing) to hold back the happy tears. From the groom getting choked up as he recites his handwritten vows to the collection of bridal jewelry her grandfather made for her before he passed away when she was only 17 and far from her wedding day – we’re getting emotional just talking about it! Head on over to the full gallery from Shannon Moffit Photography to see all the pretty from the day, planned by Simply Chic Events.

From the Bride.. My maternal grandfather, who was a well-known jeweler in France, became really sick when I was about 17-years-old. He realized he was nearing the end of his life and that he would never attend my wedding. Before he passed, he made a collection of jewelry including a handmade pearl bracelet, diamond earrings, and a diamond necklace, specifically for me to wear on my wedding day. I had no idea about these gifts until the Thursday before my wedding, when my aunt gifted them to me in the original boxes with my grandfather’s company emblem. This was the first wildly emotional moment surrounding our wedding day, and there were plenty more of these types of moments over the course of the weekend!

Like many other brides, I’ve dreamed of my wedding day since before I can remember–formal dress code, live string music, and over-the-top floral arrangements. When it was time to plan my wedding, I wanted to bring this fairytale vision to life. We chose our venue, Airlie, because of its natural beauty–it has perfectly maintained gardens and lots of natural stone walls everywhere. We wanted our event to feel timeless, yet colorful at the same time, so our color scheme was mainly blush and a few hot oranges, peaches, and pinks to compliment the dark greenery of the garden.

My favorite part of our wedding day was watching Alex get emotional in front of all of our guests as he began reading his handwritten vows to me. Alex does not like to show his emotions publicly (even his sister noted that it was the first time she saw him cry since they were kids), but watching him choke back tears, then eventually let himself cry, made his heartfelt promises that much sweeter. There was not a dry eye in the crowd as we exchanged words during the ceremony and I feel so grateful that we were able to share that intimate side of our relationship with our guests. It was truly magical, and the outpouring of love Alex and I felt from everyone made it all so surreal. Alex and I have two amazing fur babies that were the center of attention when it came to planning the final details. Drawings of our two Samoyeds, Oliver and Oshie, were displayed on the escort banner, guest book sign, and our wedding menus. Almost all of our guests have met our dogs, so we knew those details would capture everyone’s hearts. We were laughing all night because people kept asking, “Why aren’t the dogs here?!”