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

Luxe Gold Wedding Inspiration for the Parisian-Obsessed

Glitz, glam and Parisian-inspired… that’s the vibe that Rikki Marcone Event Design and Paula Visco crafted in today’s slice of wedding inspiration. Yet, there’s a subtle earthy, organic touch in the floral design and details like the stationery that soften out the edges and pull you in. It’s proof that blending styles is always a good idea. Are you considering a combo of styles for your big day? Tell us in the comments!

From Paula of Paula Visco Photography and Rikki of Rikki Marcone Event Design… As long-time fans of Cluny Bistro, we were always inspired by its rustic Parisian decor. This inspiration led us to design a wedding editorial within this gorgeous space. Cluny Bistro utilizes luxurious blues, exposed brick, light woods and marble accents to bring their sophisticated, European cafe feel to life. Their baroque light fixtures, ornate ceiling decor and bustling open kitchen are central to the Cluny experience.

This editorial took place in the event space of the venue that features blue, intricate, country-inspired wall panels. We leveraged this blue with complementary orange and cream tones to create an antiquated, relaxed feel.

The invitation suite by Ink & Aisle, tableware by Plate Occasions and cake by Staij & Co. were purposely modernized to juxtapose old with new. The engagement ring by Meg Lizabet Bespoke Jewellery, bridal headpiece, earrings, wedding gown from Sash & Bustle + bridal hair and makeup by Nicole Grittani Artistry reflected the old world charm we wanted to preserve. The groom was wearing a hopsack shawl lapel dinner jacket wool Ivory made from Dormeuil fabric, accompanied with a white cotton pleated Fly front placket tuxedo shirt and adorned with Reversible gold and pearl DAVIGNON cufflinks. The tuxedo trouser were simple and elegant made from Loro Piana super black 150’s wool. The handmade black silk velvet bow tie was designed to match the velevet tuxedo slippers. The finished touch was the silk printed diamond pattern handkerchief for the breast pocket of the dinner jacket. All garments and accessories are entirely handmade by DAVIGNON.

The flowers by Rikki Marcone were our opportunity to incorporate colour into this shoot. Neutrality was not the goal. We incorporated a ton of texture in the arrangements to contrast the soft tableware. Our colour selection continued through two-toned candle decor. The ceremony featured a rounded arch with a natural, untouched look. The bouquet, boutonniere and centrepieces continued this natural and relaxed feel.

Paula Visco captured the details with her signature bright and airy touch – truly accentuating the colour and vibrancy of this shoot while still honouring the soft, feminine details.

How to Perfect Timeless Old Word Romance at Your Wedding

Today’s inspiration shoot will take you back in time and give you all of the vintage-romance you’ve been searching for! Janelle Rose Photography photographed and chose historic venue, The Paine Art Center and Gardens as the location, full of overflowing green gardens and picture-perfect backdrops to give you that old-world love kind of vibe. La Tavola brought rich green, velvet napkins to add just another vintage touch and the bride wore the MOST stunning Claire Pettibone dress, complete with removable lace, bell sleeves! Take a look below while I save that dress to my personal Pinterest board and add Etta James to my playlist.

From Janelle Rose Photography…Our editorial takes place in the heart of Wisconsin amongst a sea of green gardens that you could get lost in. The intimate ceremony was framed by lush greenery by Briar Loft, with just a sprinkle of light coming through the window. Our bride’s hair is whisped with soft curls, and she wears a vintage-inspired gown by Claire Pettibone.

Our inspiration for this shoot was to bring a touch of old-world vintage back into the light. While we love a good fresh trend, we wanted it to bring it back to the basics & remember what it might have been like to get married when our grandparents were young. The Paine Art Center & Gardens was the perfect backdrop, it once served as a historic estate and now has been turned into an art museum, gardens, & wedding venue. The museum preserves the property’s historic architecture, with the mansion as the centerpiece, and many of the house’s interiors as they were created by founders Nathan and Jessie Kimberly Paine.

Selections from the museum’s art collection, much of which was acquired by Nathan and Jessie, are featured in the many rooms and settings of the estate. Outdoors, the Paine maintains and enhances numerous display gardens as “galleries” of horticulture with varied designs and thousands of plant specimens.

It’s a place you can travel back in time to, a place you can remember all the love stories that have come before us, are amongst us, & yet to come. As we look forward into the beautiful new age of weddings we will always pause and remember what was.

Would You Elope in Provence? If You Did It Could Look Like This…

I can’t count how many times I’ve ooh-ed and ahh-ed over a submission delivery from Koman Photography. Marlene and John are two of my favorite people in the industry (I know I shouldn’t have faves! But they are incredible). When they deliver inspirational shoots like this one here? It’s hard not to praise them. Along with styling and planning by Intens’ Events and florals by Fleurs de Fée, they brought to life what an uber romantic Provence elopement could look like and I am dying to see one of you do your own real version. Go ahead, dive in.

From Murielle of Intens’ Events… When the Komans and I decided to collaborate on this beautiful creative project, I immediately thought that Chateau de Tourreau would be the perfect backdrop. Built-in the middle of the 18th century, the chateau has survived the French Revolution and has become over the years the beautiful gem we know today. With its green shutters and beautiful park, it really has something special. Right from the start, we decided to include that green in our main color palette.

Through the design, we wanted to celebrate Spring, the rebirth of nature. When we leave winter and we are only at the beginning of Spring, there’s a burst of life, trees are in bloom and it’s like we are surrounded by clouds of flowers. We wanted these blooms to be our central theme and we chose each element of the shoot accordingly.

The first part of the shoot was a boudoir session. We created a soft and relaxing environment for our young bride. Fleurs de Fée designed this stunning floral arrangement mixing blooming branches and beautiful garden roses, in a soft color palette. Camille Bonardi created a natural look that highlights our bride’s beautiful curls and fresh complexion.

The intimate ceremony was set up in the park, using the fountain as a backdrop. Here again, Fleurs de Fée did an incredible job, using only white flowers and blooming branches, as if our couple was walking in a field, surrounded by all these Spring blooms. The bride and groom’s look was romantic, elegant and chic. The bride’s Claire Pettibone blush dress featured lots of delicate pastel flowers and Camille created a more sophisticated bridal look, beautifully styling our bride’s natural curls. The bouquet showcased a color palette of soft pinks and browns and was the perfect match to this sumptuous dress. For our groom, we chose a classic yet stylish look featuring a black tux and black bow tie.

The table setting was deliberately clean and simple as we wanted the focal point to be this burst of flowers gushing from the ground, ready to invade our table. We envisioned a refined tablescape showcasing a fresh color palette of immaculate whites, vibrant greens and antique gold, organic flowers and beautiful chargers, adding a touch of old-world charm to the design.

The cake, designed by Made in Cake, was a masterpiece all by itself and we were all very impressed by the meticulous and fabulous work she did on the sugared flowers. And what to say of the beautiful invitation suite created by Shelby from S. Libbrecht Studio, mixing green and white handmade paper with vellum.

We really feel like all the vendors involved have totally embraced the festive Spring mood we wanted to create and we are very grateful for the great job made by such a talented team.

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Take These Dresses As Proof That Subtle Color On A Bride Is *Stunning*

Raise your hand if your #dreamdress includes an all-white silhouette that looks dazzling on you. (*Us too.*) Well, today we’re throwing you a bit of a curveball by introducing the latest bridal trend that’s a departure from the classic hue. From pale pinks to soft blues, the below gowns are unique and lovely in every way — even without the ivory vibe you’re lovin’. Take in the trend, and see if it’s for you, by checking out the following selection we’ve rounded up.

Photography by Julia Kaptelova | Dress by Rara Avis

This sky blue selection is so *magical*, it could be straight out of a fairytale. Can you say wedding dress goals?

Dress by Maggie Sottero

Cue the oohs and aahs — this slim-fit option with tasteful lace motifs is fulfilling all of our outdoor ceremony dreams.

Photography by The Edges | Dress by Monique Lhullier

ML is back with another beauty. And we’re positively tickled pink over the style. Its tiered tulle skirt with complementary tie straps is unique, yet lovely in its own flattering way.

Photography Amanda K Photography | Dress by Alexandra Grecco

Once upon a time, we fell in love with this embellished, creamy blue dress. End of story.

Photography by Carlie Statsky | Dress by Lovely Bridal

This glitzy, champagne-colored long-sleeved frock is both boho and glam. It’s a win-win for any style preference.

Photography by Oliver Fly| Dress by Galia Lehav

When you’re having a hard time leaning into color, a delicate off-white option like this one is a winner. Paired with a tulle skirt, and embellished mesh bodice and it still gives off a bridal vibe, without being too on-the-nose about it.

Photography by Kylie Martin | Dress by Lazaro

This feminine gown has everything we want: a sweetheart neckline, floral illusions, and romantic features of blue down the skirt. We’re in-love.

Dress by Maggie Sottero

Classic brides will go crazy over this striking style. We’re living for the full skirt complete with a decked-out crystal top. What a stunner!

Photography by Anna Roussos | Dress by Madebride by Antonea

Consider this the ideal mix of classiness and beauty, with its plunging deep v (yes, please!), floral appliques, and a sweet velvet bow to bring it all together.

Photography by Julia Kaptelova | Dress by Aurora

Between the flowers in her hair and the floral overlays on her dress, we can’t get enough of this elegant dress.

How to Turn a Destination Welcome Party into a One-Of-A-Kind Experience for Your Guests

What’s the best way to get your guests ready for the most amazing destination wedding weekend ever? A welcome party of course! There are so many directions you can take when it comes to welcome parties, whether it be a formal dinner or casual cocktails, the best and most important thing to do is embrace the local culture of your destination. This way, your guests will get a truly one-of-a-kind experience! Not sure where to start? Allow Golden Apple Weddings to lend a few helpful tips! While you’re planning, take some inspiration from this colorful gallery of images captured beautifully by Sotoris Tsakanikas. We’re still not over Kay Creations‘ vibrant florals…

From Golden Apple Weddings… Turning a welcome party into an experience is the right way to go when considering a destination wedding, especially when one finds themselves on Rhodes island. It is by far the largest and most historically steeped of the Dodecanese islands, and its cultural diversity has been influenced by an alloy of peoples that have inhabited the island under different guises. Medieval charm, oriental opulence, and Italian finesse are omnipresent. The local cuisine has acquired elements from the three continents that surround Rhodes, borrowing from Asia, Africa, and Europe, but is above all Mediterranean. And these various elements were selected, filtered and finally re-invented with a very distinct local character for our wedding welcome party inspiration.

The idea was to bring together local specialties that brilliantly combine traditional, fresh ingredients, native flavors, and hues that would serve as an appetizer for the couple’s guests. Instead of having welcome bags delivered to their rooms, the couple invites their loved ones to join them for cocktails, snacks, and goodies. Each guest can pack their own basket with a selection of items provided in a traditional welcome gift, like Rhodian artisan tiles, coasters and jewelry dishes, calligraphed postcards, gourmet treats, Koriandolino, a Rhodian liqueur whose characteristic feature is the sugar-coated coriander branch that is inside the bottle and looks like a small tree, a nod to the couple’s new roots together.

Then there’s “melekouni”, a pastry made of toasted sesame seeds, thyme honey, whole almonds, orange zest and cinnamon, Ritseli” a sweet preserve made only on Rhodes of grape-must, dried figs, quinces, and watermelon peels, and “talagoutes”, pancakes made with honey, walnuts, sesame seeds and cinnamon. And of course, the gifts would be remiss if there wasn’t for the Rhodian extra virgin oil, jars of honey, fresh fruit and florals that can be combined to arrange a unique bouquet for each guest. Decent bar and their mixologists set a wonderful niche for cocktails in the garden of the luxurious villa for the guests to enjoy two signature Rhodian cocktails, one flavored as the traditional “melekouni” sweet and the other made of Koriandolino which were also included in the couple’s gifts. We do believe a bespoke sling is a must to stir up a great party and nod to the destination the bride and groom to be have chosen. We wanted to create an intimate rustic-styled dinner under the pergola that would contain Rhodian and Mediterranean accents. The charger and dessert plates, as well as the tiles we placed in lieu of a table runner, were made to order from Nassos Keramik, a native ceramics artisan whose legacy and craftsmanship have made their way into several European aristocracy homes.

Allegoria Textile Delights from Italy added to the setting with fine linen and silk fabrics while cutlery and furnishings belong to one of the rarest 18th-century collections on the island, courtesy of a private collector. For the florals, we kept things vibrant as no welcome dinner should feel overwhelming or too formal, yet it has to exude exuberance and playfulness. We worked with lush arrangements of ranunculus in fiery shades of orange, amber, and marigold, Asclepias Beatrix, wine leaves, hypericum and spray roses for all the freshness they evoke. Manousenia Design created beautifully calligraphed menus employing Italian borne patterns we come across the Mediterranean, the Amalfi Coast and Rhodes itself, which all share the same verve and spirit. Our bride to be was styled by Anna Jill – Kiss From Fleur in a Greek designer caftan by Ancient Kallos, golden low heel sandals and Heart of Gold headpieces featuring golden bees and fleurettes, for her morning-looks. For the cocktail hour, her Zoya gown was a volume of silk and ruffles in copper. Our groom-to-be styled by our creative director Setty Lepida was dressed in head to toe Navy and Green smart casuals and Gucci loafers. Agis KP and Mika worked seamlessly to give our couple spruce day and evening looks in Charlotte Tilbury and Mac Cosmetics peach-toned makeup, a relaxed updo and gorgeous loose curls for the evening. We were thrilled for the opportunity to have our worked lensed by the talented Sotiris Tsakanikas whose fine images bottled up the beauty in perfect light.

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When the Bride and Groom Arrive to Their Reception via Razor Scooters

Here at Style Me Pretty, we have seen our fair share of creative getaways, but not too often do we see creative entrances, like this one of the bride and groom racing into their reception at The Mansion at Natirar on Razor scooters! Michelle Lange Photography photographed the entrance, along with all of the other wedding day details like the couples first look and the bridesmaids all white dresses! With some of the most romantic floral arrangements (and a ceremony arch that doesn’t disappoint,) Twisted Willow Flowers mixed soft blush, and ivory blooms with gold details to bring the event space to life! Take a look at one of THE cutest flower girls we’ve ever seen below and start thinking up ways you can make an entrance at your own wedding!

From the bride…Jake and I were married on April 28, 2019 in The Mansion at Natirar located in Peapack -Gladstone, New Jersey. The two of us could not have imagined a more perfect day – it was truly a fairytale come to life. Two months later and I am still swooning over all the beautiful photos we have to remember every moment of our wedding day.

When we began planning our wedding, I envisioned our day having a very soft and romantic feel and adding a very feminine touch with floral accents throughout. From live bouquets tied with blush silk, white petals to line the aisle and, a delicate flower arch, to my own wedding gown having floral embroidery covering the bustier, the floral accents throughout the day added the perfect feminine touch that I was looking for. Bridesmaids in all white (yes, all white!) and groomsmen in black tuxedos created the ultimate contrast within the bridal party and set the stage for a not-so-traditional, yet classic wedding.

Jake and I wanted to break away from some of the traditional elements of a wedding, and instead added personal touches that showcased our authentic selves. If the traditions fit our style, then we kept it and if it didn’t we threw the rule book out the window. We envisioned our day to be uniquely ours. As the bride, I did wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Although many couples still feel that seeing the bride before the ceremony may be bad luck, Jake and I decided to do a first look. To us, this was really special as it gave us some time to be alone and see each other before the ceremony. And if you are worried that a first look will take away from the emotions at the ceremony, it certainly did not! We also decided to write our own vows instead of reading the traditional scripted vows. And when we decided to ride into the reception on red Razor scooters (which of course was Jake’s idea), every single guest was literally laughing out loud. Overall, we wanted our guests to feel comfortable and have fun.

Although you would expect a large guest list at The Mansion, we wanted a very intimate day and capped our guest list at just under 70 people. By doing this, we felt that we could really connect with our guests from beginning to end and were able to enjoy the time with every person that was there. Containing your guest list and inviting those who are most important to you would be my first piece of advice to future brides and grooms. My second piece of advice is to do what feels right and what will make your day all that you have dreamt it would be, even if that means pushing tradition to the side at times. And lastly, keep it simple, have fun and enjoy the entire process. By the time you get to your actual wedding day, it goes by in the blink of an eye.

The Epitome of A New Orleans Wedding, Brass Band and All!

When it comes to New Orleans, two things come to mind…Mardi Gras and music! For Charles and Rebecca, they incorporated a little bit of both into their wedding day with Kinfolk Brass Band playing through the streets of New Orleans from the ceremony to the reception! Emilia Jane Photography captured all of the fun these two had and every detail thoughtfully planned by, Blue Gardenia Events including elegant centerpieces and beautiful textured linens to a fabulous flower wall and a gold stained cake! Take a peek below and check out the full gallery here!

From the Bride…We were spending Memorial Day Weekend in Washington DC visiting some friends. At the time, President Obama was in office and we were both so excited for the opportunity to tour the West Wing of the White House. Unfortunately, pictures aren’t allowed while on the tour, except in the Press Room which was our final stop.

When we got to the press room, our friends suggested we each take turns standing at the Podium and taking a few pictures or “fielding some questions.” When it was my turn to “be interviewed,” I had no idea the final question would be from Charles asking me to marry him.

We were both excited and anxious about finding ways to incorporate New Orleans traditions with my (Rebecca’s) Assyrian traditions. It was surprising how much overlap there was between the two and how seamlessly they flowed together once we thought things through. For example, both Assyrian and New Orleans traditions call for a marked celebration of the Bride and Groom’s new life together with a procession of music (specifically using drums and horns), so we were able to use the Second Line as a way to start this celebration and end with an Assyrian song as we entered the reception together.

Finding ways to integrate both rich cultures in a balanced way required careful planning, but was definitely worth it. It was incredible to see both sides of our families and friends experience the nuances each of the traditions had to offer and it made the day feel that much more perfect!

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You Need To See this Spain-Inspired Wedding Color Palette: Mimosa Yellow & Sky Blue!

There’s no question that blue and yellow are complimentary partners in crime. But today’s slice of Spain wedding inspiration from Muravnik Photography and DY Events gives that combo a twist, calling it mimosa yellow and sky blue. Doesn’t that sound whimsically colorful? It’s the perfect palette if you’re going for vibrant elegance and if so, there’s an entire collection of images below just calling to be added to your stack of inspo.

From Muravnik Photography… The minute we met Judit and Luka, it was clear that we would really need something special. Bright ginger hair and captivating beauty of the bride’s Catalonian face and Italian features of the groom gave us an idea to create something modern and fashionable but with some classic details.

It was crystal clear that only villa with peculiar interior and memorable style could convey their story. We were looking for a new wedding venue which would be yet unknown in the wedding industry. We were so lucky to have found not just the right place but also a real work of art – Villa Gran Villa Rosa with its harmonic fusion style. Villa complimented the visual perception of the couple and gave the right twist to their love story.

When we saw the venue, the first ideas that came into our mind were very classical and traditional for Spain. But we always love creating something new, especially for destination weddings, which are normally very classical. So, wedding designer Dina Yakushina decided to choose these stunning doors as a backdrop for the ceremony, but without adding any additional constructions like arches or chuppah as we didn’t want to fracture the existing geometry and pattern of these doors. She decided everything we needed here were flowers. But which ones?

So, we returned to the couple and to Spain itself, and more ideas came – it’s spring time, the time of bright and vivid colors, like yellow mimosa, and clear and limpid sky, fashion colors that many designers love. These colors are not common for weddings, especially yellow and blue together, so why not show how beautiful they are. Also, yellow is very traditional color for Spain, as well as the blue color that surrounds it – warm sea with beautiful beaches. So it all took shape – modern design, vivid colors, fashionable bride and groom and a historic Spanish villa.

A Luxe Lake House For Everyone’s Inner Kid

Nothing quite says summer like those childhood memories spent at the beach or the lake. When Mel Bean Interiors took on the remodeling of this stunning Grand Lake home in Oklahoma, the goal was to bring those kid-like feelings to life. They made a big impact with minimal changes throughout much of the home. We would happily fill our summer days here on the lake!

From Mel Bean Interiors…Mel Bean and the team redesigned the lighting throughout the house, painted the walls a creamy neutral, and used a dark gel stain to take the inconsistently toned existing wood trim to a dark ebony. In the kitchen, they updated the existing kitchen cabinets using ebony stain and beautiful bronze hardware from Rocky Mountain Hardware and replaced the countertops with a leathered quartzite slab and slab backsplash.

The two major overhauls took place in the Master Suite and the “Dog House”. The Master Suite was completely reworked to create a much more functional space – complete with Master Bath and closet. The bathroom includes a large shower with lake views, all of which is clad is Walker Zanger Silver Travertine tile and slabs, and a Master closet which includes a stackable washer/dryer.

In the “Dog House”, Mel and her team captured former garage space to create the stunning white oak bunk room and it’s attached closet and bathroom. This space required extreme precision in the design of the bunks using the white oak planks and custom steel railing.

KITCHEN

LIVING ROOM

SITTING ROOM

MASTER SUITE

THE BEDROOMS

THE ‘DOG HOUSE’

Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck Photography | Interior Designer: Mel Bean Interiors

A Central Park, Black Tie Wedding, Even Carrie Bradshaw Would Envy

There is just something I love about a New York City wedding! Maybe it’s the personal, intimate moments, all while the hustle and bustle of the city are happening all around you. Amanda and Will’s nuptials did exactly that, from a first look on the Loews Regency balcony with views of the city below to photos of the bridal party taken by Amy Rizzuto Photography making their way through Central Park. NST Pictures did what they do best and captured every NYC detail (like the brides very Carrie Manolo Blahnik’s) and every special moment between the bride and groom! Take a look below and start pinning away for your own city soiree!

The invitation suite designed by Bella Figura was so elegant and beautiful, and perfectly captured Amanda and Will’s wedding style! The map on the envelope liner was the perfect added detail to set the NYC tone.

After spending the morning with their family and friends, Amanda and Will finally saw each other for the first time on the balcony at the Loews Regency! The moment was so full of raw emotion and joy! Loews was the perfect location for their sweet first look as it overlooked Central Park where Amanda and Will would be getting married!

Amanda and Will were all smiles as she made her way down the aisle. I loved their personal vows during the ceremony! They were beautifully written and so thoughtful. The room was filled with so much love! After being pronounced husband and wife, Will and Amanda shared a kiss and made their way back down the aisle, hand in hand.

The Most Beautiful ‘Rainy Day’ Wedding We’ve Ever Seen

One look at this fete from Brooke Keegan Special Events and like me, you may have never guessed that storms threatened to derail this ‘outdoor’ wedding setting. Thankfully, the rain held off for this stunning reception—is this even real life?!—and we have the pretty images from The Grovers to prove it. See it all unfold below (and don’t miss the film from Aaron Novak)!

How did you meet?

On my first day of work at the downtown Chicago Merrill Lynch office. I was beyond nervous and was brought up to the 19th floor to be introduced to him and his team. I immediately knew I wanted to be around that guy!

How and where did Jim propose?

Jim really got me good. I run a tight ship – not much is getting passed me. But I was completely shocked when he got down on one knee and proposed to me outside our favorite pub on the way to brunch. I think my first words were “shut up!” After I stopped shaking and processed what was happening, I kissed him hard and said “YES”. Naturally, Jim being Jim, he had my two girlfriends hiding in the bushes taking pictures of the action. I was truly so surprised I didn’t even see them until they came up to tackle us. What seemed lackluster for proposal location eventually turned into an emotional and overwhelmingly beautiful day and evening. We came back up to our condo in Lincoln Park and invited our closest friends over to celebrate. I wanted to start calling my family immediately but my girlfriend advised me to “have a couple minutes for myself and just enjoy being IN it”. After a glass of champagne, I was ready to call my peeps. I immediately started with my little brother (who doubles as my best friend and was the Man of Honor at our wedding). Next up were mom and dad. Everyone was over the moon and while hearing their voices made my heart feel full, it also made me realize how much I wished they were with us. Jim made dinner reservation just for the two of us at this neighborhood gem in the Gold Coast. He looked so proud telling me he made arrangements for me to choose to ANY bottle from their extensive wine cellar—I was stoked!! When we got to the “cellar” our server pulled back the curtain to reveal both our families screaming with joy, big smiles on their faces and champagne in hand. I was in tears. My family had flown in from Southern California and Jim’s from Boston. You see, my girlfriends were trying to delay me calling while they were all in the air. And while during my phone call campaign they were all together at O’hare airport. All seated in the same taxi on their way to the city, waiting for me to call the next person in line! Jim did good.

Why did you decide on Shady Canyon and CA for the wedding since you live in Chicago?

I grew up in Southern California. I lived in Corona Del Mar and later moved to Laguna Beach. I think we were one of the first wave of members to Shady Canyon and I was pretty hooked in high school and home from college breaks/summers. After I graduated, my brother and I established “Shady Sibling Saturdays” which consisted of running the trails, cannonballing in the pool, lunching on chicken Caesar wraps and spicy margaritas. Not a bad program. When it was time to take Jim home to meet the family, we showed him around Newport and drove up to Shady. He shared our love for the special place that southern California is and embraced the “program”. P.S. those spicy margaritas were 100% served at our cocktail hour.

Tell us about the planning process.

Honestly, working with Brooke Keegan Events was the best decision we could have ever made. I work full-time +++ hours and I realistically didn’t have the time to put the energy into due diligence on the thousands of potential vendors to choose from. Brooke, Heather and their team knew exactly what we were looking for. We trusted and valued their opinions and they never came up short. When I needed help or a second opinion, they were there. If I needed someone to run me through the numbers for the tenth time, they were there. Planning really is a marathon. There are moments when you are overwhelmed and exhausted. I was very lucky to have help and be surrounded by the best humans. The only thing that could have made it better, would’ve been grabbing a glass of wine with Brooke, Heather and Leslie after major accomplishments.

Tell us about the overall design and decor you chose for the wedding.

Once we confirmed Shady Canyon as our venue, I was dreaming up what the reception space would look like come the big day. I knew I wanted something open-air (no tent), fairytale-like, with lots of lush greens, cream florals and chandelier lights. A romantic Gatsby Garden party with room for dancing all night under the stars. The final product was truly a dream come true. AK Johnston constructed these gorgeous walnut stained wooden beams for the structure and installed chandeliers hanging throughout the space. The beams were covered in sweeping greenery and blush/cream toned flowers by Inviting OC – who is a florist genius! The table setting was adorned in similar hues as the structure – bouquets filled with semi-wild greens with cream and blush tone florals, lots of varied sized candelabras, and timeless vintage crystal champagne coupe glasses. It was warm, naturally beautiful and elegant.

Tell us about your wedding day experience.

I don’t think I slept much the night before. It stormed thunder and lightning, I was so nervous it wouldn’t stop on our wedding day. I woke up extremely early to the sweetest text from Heather asking what I’d like for breakfast. She knew how to distract me from the weather – pancakes and bacon baby! Getting ready for hair and make-up with Kacee and all my girls was a blast. I had a genuine connection with Kacee. I remember feeling really chill (I was teased as “Bridechilla”). The drizzling kept up but it was light and I was in the highest of spirits. We chose to do a first look and I recommend for any couples who are on the emotional side like us. I’ll never forget how handsome Jim looked in his tux and the look on his face when he turned around to see me for the first time. I’m honestly getting teary just thinking about this moment! Riding to St. Catherine of Siena with just my parents was also a surreal moment – it’s not just one of the happiest days of your life as the couple. It brings so much joy to others who have loved and cared for you your whole life. I could feel this love immensely. St. Catherine of Siena was the only time I started to get a little nervous – small Church, very large dress, what could go wrong? We are lucky to know our priest, Fr. Dave Mastrangelo, very well and consider him a true friend. I think having him up there with us calmed my nerves a bit. The rest of the night was a party – even with the rain. Cocktail hour was moved inside and then back outside as originally intended. I remember taking pictures with Jim around the golf course and hearing our guests laughing and singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Road” so loud we could hear every word clearly! The rest of the reception was perfect. From the speeches that had everyone in tears, to the roasts, and the non-stop dancing – I mean legitimately non-stop, the band had to ask multiple times for us to take our seats and finish out dinner – it was the best day of our lives!

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We wanted to go somewhere far away from Chicago to take advantage of being out of office for our honeymoon – no one can give you a hard time for that! So we decided on Hong Kong to start, a small island for relaxation in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand, then Bangkok for a couple adventurous nights, and finished strong in Tokyo. We were connected with Katie Frederick Jacobson with Ever After Honeymoons to help plan travel, activities, day trips, dinners, etc and I don’t think we can plan a big trip again without her. It was perfect!

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14 Affordable Veils from Etsy for Every Bridal Style

Oh, the bridal fashion… this might just be the best part of wedding planning! Brides spend most of their time focused on finding the perfect wedding gown, but we think veils deserve a little special attention, don’t you!? With this in mind, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite veils to suit every bridal style from Etsy – our go-to shop for handmade and custom goods. Bridal veils come in all shapes, sizes and lengths. Maybe you’ve had dreams of a dramatic lace trimmed cathedral length veil cascading behind you as you walk down the aisle, or maybe you’re more of an elegant fingertip veil kind of bride – either way, we’ve got some gorgeous (budget-friendly) picks for you!

Keep in mind: As you get farther into the veil discussion for your wedding, you will also want to start thinking about how you want to wear your hair for your wedding. Are you thinking up or down? Maybe up for the ceremony with the veil, and then down for the reception without the veil? There are so many options for both the veil and your hair. You’ll most likely want to coordinate your hairstyle with your veil style.

1. CRYSTAL VEIL

Dotted with Swarovski crystals in all the right places, this fashion-forward bridal veil is simply stunning. Shop this shimmering bridal veil hand embellished by All About Romance.

Made By: All About Romance

2. ADDISON VEIL

Modern meets feminine with this elegantly sheer bridal veil featuring a long blusher in the front. Shop this ultra-feminine bridal veil hand made by Noon On The Moon.

Made By: Noon On The Moon

3. MARIA VEIL

Wether it is a stunning bridal comb you can’t wait to wear in your hair, or the elegant back details of your wedding dress that you want to show off, you’ll fall for this draped-style bridal veil. Shop this gorgeous draped veil for the bride from Noon On The Moon.

Made By: Noon On The Moon

4. ENGLISH NET VEIL

No matter your bridal dress style, this luxurious bridal veil with English net will be a stunning compliment to your wedding day style. Shop this English net bridal veil hand made by Tessa Kim.

Made By: Tessa Kim

5. ILLUSION TULLE VEIL

If you want your wedding dress to be the star of the show, you will love this elegant bridal veil with its soft illusion tulle. Shop this classic bridal veil had made by Blanca Veils.

Made By: Blanca Veils

6. MINI FLORAL VEIL

Mini in length, but not mini on style, you’ll love this gorgeous tulle mini veil with silk flowers and rhinestones. Shop this short and sweet blusher veil from Smitha Menon Bridal.

Made By: Smitha Menon Bridal

7. MANTILLA VEIL

If French lace and luxurious tulle have you swooning, you’ll find your perfect bridal accessory in this Mantilla veil. Shop this stunning and vintage inspired bridal veil hand made by Twigs & Honey.

Pro Tip: One of our best pieces of advice when it comes to veil shopping is to try a few different styles on when you are wedding dress shopping. Even if those veils in the bridal shop might not be the exact one that you will get for your wedding, take note of the length, the texture and any details that you like such as a lace trim or maybe a sparkly comb to hold it in your hair. Get a feel for how the different veil styles look with your dress and, most importantly, notice how you feel in it. Trying a veil on with a wedding dress makes such a big difference.

Made By: Twigs & Honey

8. JASMINE VEIL

Is your bridal style boho chic? How about romantic and classic? No matter your wedding day look, classic and elegant are front and center with this dramatic bridal veil made with silk. Shop this feminine silk bridal veil hand made by Noon On The Moon.

Made By: Noon On The Moon

9. FRENCH LACE VEIL

If romance and elegance are a part of your wedding day style, you will fall for this hand sewn bridal veil made with French lace around the edge. Shop this finger tip length bridal veil hand made by Twigs & Honey.

Made By: Twigs & Honey

10. JULIET CAP LACE VEIL

You can wear your hair up or down with a Juliet-style bridal cap and veil like this one. The gorgeous lace piece in the veil’s cap will look beautiful in your hair while the double layer of tulle flow down. Shop this lace detailed veil hand made by Smitha Menon Bridal.

Made By: Smitha Menon Bridal

11. ITALIAN TULLE VEIL

If your wedding dress has back a detail that you don’t want to miss, you’ll love this simple bridal veil with soft Italian tulle. Shop this simple and adorable bridal veil from My Jasmin Corner.

Made By: My Jasmine Corner

12. EMILY VEIL

Lovers of lace will fall head over heals for this Juliet-style cap veil with a blusher and alençon lace. Shop this romantic lace bridal veil handmade by Yuri C. Wedding Shoppe.

Made By: Yuri C. Wedding Shoppe

13. CATHEDRAL VEIL

If you’ve dreamed of walking down the aisle with a simple, yet, stunning veil draped behind you, then this cathedral style veil will be unforgettable. Shop this statement cathedral length veil hand made by The Ruffled Rose Boutique.

Made By: The Ruffled Rose Boutique

14. GRACE VEIL

Simple and delicate with a touch of modern, you will float down the aisle in this waltz-length bridal veil with horsehair trim. Shop this delicately modern bridal veil hand made by Yuri C. Wedding Shoppe.

Made By: Yuri C. Wedding Shoppe

Happy veil shopping!

A note from SMP: This post contains affiliate links that promote products sold by others, but offers genuine editorial recommendations.

A First Look That Will Melt Your Heart with the Grooms Reaction

Lace sleeves, willow trees, and ALL of the feels for today’s Boone Hall Plantation wedding! Caitlin and Patrick’s wedding day was a day full of lots of love, the couple’s closest friends and family and one of the best First Look reactions we have seen to date, all captured by Southern photographer, Dana Cubbage. Tailor & Table used the grounds lush greenery and enhanced its beauty with white and green blooms throughout and Natalie Knox, tied all the details together to deliver Caitlin and Patrick’s dream wedding day! Take a peek below and be sure to slow that scroll when you get to that First Look!

From Dana Cubbage Weddings…From Day One, I knew Caitlin + Patrick’s wedding day was going to be absolutely amazing. Caitlin had such a clear vision of what she wanted and I knew she had an amazing team of vendors to bring it to life. It was everything I thought it would be… and so much more!

Our day started downtown, where the bride and groom got ready along with their friends and family before everyone headed out to Boone Hall Plantation for the festivities. Caitlin and Patrick shared a sweet First Look under the oaks and Patrick’s reaction to seeing Caitlin for the first time was EVERYTHING!

We spent some time shooting portraits of the two of them on the grounds before their amazing bridal party joined us for group photos. Everyone was so sweet and so kind…it was just a truly perfect day for Caitlin and Patrick!

Caitlin and Patrick said “I do!” in a beautiful ceremony in front of the gates, then spent the evening celebrating with their closest family and friends. The team at Tailor & Table created such an amazing atmosphere inside the Cotton Dock and those florals? WOW!!

I love that they chose to put the dance floor and band outside on the dock… what a fun and different layout!! Future Boone Hall brides, take note! Before the end of the night, Caitlin slipped into a second dress and it was absolutely gorgeous!! At the end of the night, Caitlin and Patrick exited through a tunnel of sparklers… the perfect ending to an incredible day.

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Jenny Yoo

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The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Newport, Rhode Island

Summertime in Newport is pure magic. Sailboats, sunshine, and the sea – it just doesn’t get better. We are lucky enough to live just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the gorgeous city by the sea, so the number of times we are asked for our must-dos in that pretty little place is countless. Well, thanks to Erin McGinn‘s picture perfect images I’ll now have all my answers in one sweet spot. xo, Abby Capalbo

BEACH

Newport and beaches just go hand in hand, so don’t forget to set aside some time to soak in the sun on one of these pretty stretches of sand.

Easton Beach (also known as First Beach): This beach rests underneath the glamorous and scenic Cliff walk and is a very popular spot because of its location.
Sachuest Beach: (also known as Second Beach): Up the road a bit from Easton Beach (and technically in Middletown, Rhode Island) this is a very popular beach-going spot. It’s large beach area with concession and bathrooms, but beware of large crowds on summer weekends.
Third Beach: A calmer alternative to Second Beach (on many levels) this is the serene bay side, meaning calmer waves and crowds.
Gooseberry Beach: Hidden away on the stunning Ocean Drive, this is typically my go-to for beaching in Newport. It’s quiet, the parking isn’t nearly as much of a pain, and the concession stand serves a dynamite grilled cheese.

DO

Newport is filled to the brim with so many things to do, and this is just scratching the surface, but here are my must dos while visiting.

Cliff Walk: A stroll along the gorgeous Cliff Walk just shouldn’t be missed. The summer “cottages” of the likes of the Roosevelt’s and Vanderbilt’s are truly a sight to be seen. I’ve been coming to Newport my entire life, and they honestly never get old. Make sure to take a walk down Newport’s 40 Steps too.
Newport Mansions: Step off the Cliff Walk to experience the mansions first hand by touring some of these beauties. The Breakers, Rose Cliff and the Marble House are a few of my favorites.
Beavertail Lighthouse: Hop over to Jamestown for a stunning view of Newport at Beavertail Lighthouse. The rocky coastline against the open ocean is pretty no matter what the weather.
Newport Polo: If you are in Newport on a Saturday in the Summer, definitely take in a polo match. From a general admission ticket to sitting under the tent, it can be as fancy or casual as you like, but there is nothing like stomping divots on a Saturday afternoon while sipping rosé.

EAT

Because we have determined calories don’t count in Newport.

Castle Hill Inn: My number one recommendation for anyone visiting Newport is a trip to Castle Hill Inn. Sitting on the lawn of this stunning property looking over Narragansett Bay might be my favorite way to spend a day. It also helps that everything on their menu is just delicious.
Clarke Cooke House: A Newport institution, the Clarke Cooke house is always a go-to for any trip to Newport. Whether you are grabbing oysters in the restaurant, sipping a cocktail while the sun sets on the second floor bar, or bringing it back old school in the Sky Bar, we love it here with all our hearts.
Black Pearl: Known for it’s amazing clam chowder, The Black Pearl has been a Newport staple for years. In the summer, they have a fabulous outdoor seating area right on the wharf, so you can take it all in.
Diegos: This one is a little unconventional, but my husband and I are kind of obsessed with this little Mexican spot. It’s right on the wharf, super casual, serves a mean margarita and the food is fresh and delicious. It might not scream “Newport” but it’s one of our favorite spots.
Talullah on Thames: If you are looking for a special night out that will completely wow you from a culinary perspective, then look no further than Talullah on Thames. With its locally sourced, to die for menu – dining at Tallulah is truly an experience.
Dels: No trip to Rhode Island is complete without a Dels. Once we spot a Dels truck, there is no way we won’t stop. To look like a local, make sure it’s served with a scoop, out of a truck and enjoyed sans spoon or straw.
Brick Alley Pub: With its family-friendly vibe, dynamite brunch and award-winning lobster roll – it’s easy to see why we never give a Newport recommendation list without Brick Alley Pub on it.
41 North: We love to grab a cocktail and something to nibble on here while we watch the boats (ok, massive yachts) roll in. Great for people watching too!
Flo’s Clam Shack: If you are anything like me, a trip to the beach also means a trip to a clam shack, and when I’m in Newport, that means a trip to Flo’s.
Bouchard: Another nicer night out spot would definitely be Bouchard. They describe themselves as refined by not stuffy, and I describe them as delicious.

STAY

Once you get to Newport, you’ll want to stay forever. But if you can’t call this pretty place home, these are a few good spots to lay your head after a fabulous day.

Castle Hill Inn: Alright, so I know this is mention number two for Castle Hill, but it deserves it. Just an all around fabulous place, and if you are lucky enough to stay here, you’ll pinch yourself.
Viking Hotel: With an old school Newport vibe, an amazing spa and one killer rooftop bar view, The Viking Hotel is a class act.
Gilded Hotel: This place screams “have a bachelorette party here!” It’s colorful, vibrant and not your typical Newport.
The Chanler Hotel: Five star service with a five star view right on the Cliff Walk. Even if you don’t stay here, make sure to at least grab a cocktail on its stunning porch.
Mill Street Inn: A loft like feel in the middle of Newport, this is an amazing option for your Newport stay.
Vanderbilt Grace: Another place for a special occasion, this place will make you feel like like one of the Vanderbilts. Complete with another rooftop view that will make your jaw drop.
Air BnB: Newport tends to get a bit pricey in the summer months, so I’m always a huge fan of Air Bnb. You’ll never know what little hidden gem you’ll find there!

SHOP

Because what’s going to a quaint little seaside town without bringing home a little something to remember it by? Here are some of my favorite Newport shops.

Armory Antiques: This is honestly my favorite shop in Newport. There are so many hidden treasures, and it changes every time we go. In the winter, we’ll grab a coffee with no other plan then to spend the morning perusing all the little booths.
Anchored in Pink: Looking for Lilly? Look no further.
Chace N’Lulu: A great stop for gifts, accessories and your outfit for the evening.
CK Bradley: Colorful and chic dresses to take you day to night.
Island Outfitters: All of your favorite preppy brands in one spot.
Laura Jean Denim: Looking for a pair of the perfect white jeans to go with your stripe shirt (the Newport uniform it seems), this is your spot.
Monelle: The kind of store where you just want to walk out with everything.
Pink Pineapple: Great clothes, accessories, home goods and cashmere for those chilly Newport nights.
Royal Male: Because the boys need a place to shop too.
Shore Soap Co.: A great little spot to grab a souvenir to remember the smells of Newport via their handcrafted soaps.

BOAT

One of my favorite ways to see Newport is from the water. But just because you don’t have your own vessel, doesn’t mean you can’t grab that priceless vista.

Antique Yacht: You can’t beat a custom charter by the amazing Greg and Alana on one of their gorgeous boats. Not only will you get a ride with your pick of people, but you can customize the entire experience by bringing your own beverages and snacks. And they love dogs, which is always a bonus for me.
The Madeleine : If you want to just hop on a sailboat that runs throughout the day, this is a great option to cruise through the bay.
Rum Runner: Built during the high of prohibition, this option allows you to see the bay on a little piece of history.
Gansett Cruises: With a cash bar, history lesson, and multiple departures daily, this is another great option.

Would love to hear if I missed any of your must-see spots! Leave them in the comments below so we can all have the best little mini guide!

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You Might Just Be Envious of this Perfectly Sunny Vineyard Wedding

If you’re channeling all the sunny vibes on your Big Day, you might want to let this vineyard affair at Villa De Amore rub off on you. With the vision of a romantic vibe, loads of florals, twinkle lights, and bright colors in an outdoor setting, this duo surely lived out their wedding dream. Thanks to Natalie Bray Studios, we get to, too.

What was your color palette and your style vision?

My style vision was rustic elegance with a modern take on traditional elements. The color palette was blush and gold with pops of light blue floral accents.

What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

You hear most women say “I’ve been envisioning what my wedding would like since I was a little girl!” – Ironically, I was not one of those girls. I didn’t start envisioning my wedding until I got engaged, but then it was all I could think about!

I spent most of my days researching on websites such as Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Style Me Pretty (of course) to achieve an iconic look. We envisioned a romantic vibe with the use of lots of florals, twinkle lights, and bright colors in an outdoor setting.

My main goal was being surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones in a magical environment for all to enjoy! It was exactly how I envisioned it and more!

What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

I was very integrated in the entire design process since I am a graphic designer myself. My invitation designer hand-designed custom invitations for us. The menu cards also functioned as name cards; Our calligrapher inscribed each guest’s name on their menu by hand.

As a tribute to my Middle Eastern Heritage, my dad hired a belly dancer to come out and perform a show as we were being seated for dinner! It was so beautiful to watch her and of course, my bridal party, husband and I could not resist to get up and dance with her by the end!

What was your favorite moment?

I am half Middle Eastern so incorporating elements of my culture was important to me. My favorite moment was during the “chair dance” at the reception, where my family members lifted me up in a chair, my husband on my brother’s shoulders, as we danced to my favorite Middle Eastern song, “Sahrany by Ehab Tawfix”!

Your favorite crafted detail?

The invitations! As I said, my designer hand-created the invitations into a beautiful, custom design to perfectly encapsulate the design of the wedding along with a hand drawn map of the reception! It was such a fun process going back and fourth with her to make them perfect. I am so happy with how they turned out.

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

My one piece of advice to brides-to-be is to be in the moment and enjoy every second of it!

We decided not to hire a wedding planner, so leading up to the wedding was EXTREMELY stressful, to say the least. However, everyone was shocked to see how calm I was on the day of the wedding. I was just so excited the day had finally come so I decided to take it all in and relish each moment. The day flies by and often times brides are unable to really appreciate their special day.

Ignore any small things that may go wrong (someone else can take care of it!) because something will go wrong; Just relax, and enjoy!

Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, the details, etc.

Flowers – Our venue created all of our floral arrangements and they truly made my vision come to life. My bouquet was Moon shaped and unstructured incorporating white peonies, blush garden roses, white ranunculus, light blue delphinium, genestra, jasmine vine, quicksand roses, white scabiosas, lisianthus w/ pink edges, white anemones and gunni euc. For our floral arrangements we had one large floral installation with hanging jewels and bulbs on gold empire stands. The surrounding tables had low profile florals down the length of the table. Centerpieces in the middle with a combination of Antique glass and gold pedestals.

Gown – When choosing my gown I ended up going with something I never expected and it was definitely not a style on my Pinterest board. The moment I put my dress on everyone in the room was crying including myself so I defiantly new I had found the one. Be opened minded and you will find the right dress! My dress was Vicenta by Atelier Pronovias. A slightly sexy crepe mermaid wedding dress incorporating a sheer illusion tulle bodice with rebrodé lace appliqués. A crepe mermaid skirt with re-embroidered ace appliqués and a narrow crepe belt.

Shoes – Belle Belle Florence Embellished Bow Shoes with hand-sewn beads and crystal embellishments.

Tux – The groom wore a Navy Ermenegildo Zegna suit with a White & Gold French Cuff Formal Dress Shirt made by Eton that had gold trimming and a Navy giorgio armani bow tie to top it off. The belt was a classic black Mont Blanc belt. The shoes were marrone leather by Too Boot New York.

Favors – Instead of doing traditional party favors we did a candy station and had a Photo Booth where they could take their phones home as memorabilia.

Cake/dessert – Each layer of our cake was a different flavor covered in buttercream. My favorite was the Lemon cake with raspberries and raspberry jam filling. Along with our cake we had a donut bar and candy station.

Table settings – we used a combination of rounds with linens and farm tables with a runner down the middle.

Photo booth – we had a white floral backdrop with a wooden sign saying “The Semperos” in calligraphy.

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Natalie Bray Studios

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Not Even a Snowstorm in June Could Stop This Colorful Wedding Day from Shining

This charming June wedding in Big Sky, Montana planned by Habitat Events started off with a snowstorm (that’s right, a SNOWstorm in July!) and ended with clear skies ahead. As you scroll through the full gallery captured beautifully by Simply Sarah Photography, you can’t help but feel the happiness radiating from every picture, the love between this adorable bride and groom is truly contagious. From the bright yellow arrangements by Habitat Floral Studio to the floral bridesmaid dresses, it’s safe to say this gorgeous wedding day has no shortage of heavenly blooms. See all the magical details below!

From the bride… Jim and I went to Marfa, TX to celebrate my birthday and hike Guadalupe Peak (the tallest mountain in Texas) in April of 2018. We woke up early on April 12th, like 3 am early, to get to this base of the mountain. I thought it was because we needed the time to avoid bad weather and to have enough daylight; I later found out that it was because Jim wanted us to be alone at the top. We hiked up the mountain and at the top Jim proposed!

I grew up in Big Sky, or at least it feels that way! My family has had a vacation home there for as long as I can remember. My sister and I learned how to drive there and my first job was actually working at Moonlight Lodge. After Jim and I started dating, one of our first trips was to Montana and he fell in love with it as much as I did. When the time came to choose a venue, it was a no-brainer to share a place we love with all the people we love so deeply. My inspiration really came from my favorite color, yellow. If I could have made my bridesmaids wear yellow and still be a good friend, I would have.

We were getting married in the most beautiful place on earth and I wanted the decor to complement the mountains without trying to compete. Habitat Events executed my ideas better than I could have ever imagined. I loved every moment of our wedding day. I loved getting ready with my crazy friends and family while watching the snow come down through the trees. I loved hearing my nephew tell me hello all through our ceremony and I thought it was awesome that he picked me a flower as he was walking down the aisle and gave it to Jim to give to me all because the flower was yellow!

I absolutely loved our vows. Being able to finally hear the words Jim prepared for me, melted my heart and seeing him get emotional was so moving. I also loved taking our couple’s portraits after the ceremony. It felt like we went to a secret place of our own to celebrate our wedding privately before the craziness of the reception.

No other photography team could have captured the craziness that was our wedding. From dealing with my rowdy bridesmaids, my even rowdier father to the unpredictable weather, ( snow in June!!) the Simply Sarah team was absolutely amazing! They made Jim and I feel so comfortable during our portraits and we are totally not “picture people”! With Sarah and Will, it felt like old friends were taking photos of us throughout the entire wedding weekend instead of people we had just met that day! It’s not even a question— hire Simply Sarah Photography!

Looking for Inspiration for Your Something Blue? We’ve Got You Covered!

When it comes to adding your ‘something blue’ to your wedding day, why not an insanely gorgeous tulle skirt?! Photographed by Danielle Roth and Melissa Johnson, this inspiration shoot full of soft blues and blush pink hues has me daydreaming in pastels to get me through that midweek slump! Adori Designs set the tone with a romantic and timeless, floral invitation suite complete with envelope liners and place cards which incorporated the whimsical floral design. Wandering Poppy Co. enhanced the floral inspiration using a mix of eucalyptus, large roses, and other florals to create a show-stopping bouquet and Cakes Elevated added in a little bit extra of that ‘something blue’ with a mesmerizing pastel blue and gold marble cake! Check it out below and get those wheels turning for your something borrowed, old and new!

From Adori Designs…Soft hues of blue and blush tones make an appearance in this bliss-inducing inspiration photoshoot set in the peaceful, magical park of St. Vrain National Park. The team behind this editorial dove right into bringing this romantic fairytale to life. With a natural greenery backdrop, perfect natural lighting, and majestic views of Colorado, our photographers Danielle Roth and Melissa Johnson were able to capture the essence of the scene and beautiful spirit of the couple.

Florals played an important role throughout the design and heightened the beauty of the backdrop. Wondering Poppy Co. used a mixture of eucalyptus, roses, baby’s breath, and white peonies in the ceremony arch, bride bouquet, centerpiece, and canoe. Cakes Elevated provided this simple yet stunning edible work of art by incorporating a marble mix of blue hues and gold accents.

The invitation suite design was timeless and romantic which heightening the overall romantic feel. I wanted the suite to feel complete with envelope liners, addressed envelopes, and name cards. Wallflower Rentals topped off the photoshoot with the ceremony arch and amazing sweetheart table chairs.

The bride wore a beautiful sky blue tule skirt by Mr. Pretty Skirt which was the star of the show. In our final moments, Danielle captured our sweet couple as they waded in the calm lake into the sunset. This day was exceptionally magical and each of our vendors truly brought something stunning and inspirational.

This Classic Couple Tied the Knot at Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s Wedding Venue and It Is STUNNING

This gorgeous day combines elements from two royal weddings – Megan Markle’s dress and Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s venue… this right here is what classic wedding dreams are made of. Oh, and did we mention the bride’s name is Megan too?! The talented team at Weddings of Excellence in Provence planned their elegant Provençal wedding weekend to perfection. All the can’t-miss details are at the full gallery captured by Katy Lunsford!

From Weddings of Excellence in Provence… Megan & Oliver chose to get married in Provence, South of France, for multiple reasons. First, as an ode to her mother’s French heritage. Second, as Oliver is British and Megan is American, they knew a destination wedding would be the perfect way to blend their friends and family together.

Third and lastly, because Provence is known for it’s stunning landscape, incredible food and wine, warm weather, and beautiful chateaux. Megan was looking for the perfect backdrop – a romantic, outdoor setting that would take everyone’s breath away – and Ollie was looking for a grand, elegant venue where they could host a close group of friends.

It was their incredible wedding planner, Stephanie Fayolle of WEP Events, who found their dream venue right in her backyard – Chateau de Tourreau. “When we walked through the Chateau and out into the south side garden for the first time, I cried. I couldn’t believe I was really going to get married in Provence in this dream venue.

When it was all said and done, we were blown away by everything Provence had to offer. We found everything we were looking for – the backdrop, the venue, incredible food and wine, beautiful weather, fantastic vendors, and overall an experience that neither we nor our guests will ever forget!

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This Groom Called the Wedding Planner Before He Even Proposed

Friends, be prepared for the most EPIC Lake Como wedding you’ve ever seen… from the custom logo combining the couple’s names and the 7,000 garden roses to the theatrical entertainment and fireworks. The best part? The Groom called Happy Moments Collector to start planning it all before even proposing to his Bride. They made the entire day come to life in a celebration like no other and I urge you to soak in every detail captured by Andrew Bayda and Mikhail Levchuk.

From Happy Moments Collector… This event still takes our breath away when we remember it. Watching the photos and videos bring us to that day, filled with love and happiness. Shores of lake Como, historic villa, warm September. Color theme was white, ivory, beige and blush. We made it more elegant adding transparent and mirror elements to the decor. It is hard to imagine, but the first time the groom called us was before he made the proposal. But I guess he was already sure with the answer. It was quite an interesting talk, we felt a bit like on the interview with some agent. Only after we understood that the groom was super precise with the details, perfectionist by himself, with great sense of humour and he wanted to find the planners who could meet his expectations and look one way. So that was a big honor to be chosen by him. You would be also surprised to know that we have planned the whole event together with the groom only. Everything was a surprise to his future wife. Whom me met more close to the date and she was a pure angel, very beautiful, kind and polite, but with the same great sense of humor. That’s there family sign!)

From our very first chat, the groom knew what kind of location he was searching for, what kind of the style he liked the most. That’s how our journey started with the planning of the 2-day event for the Georgian couple on the shores of Lake Como. The main idea went from the names of the couple emerged together. “Guli” in Georgian means love/heart. Names of the groom and the bride – Guram and Lika – together formed “GuLi” like a sign and symbol of their love. We decided to use that in the stationery, making a logo, “GuLi” written in the way of a heartbeat – representing both their initials and love. And this “Guli” was everywhere those days, you could have felt it in the air.

There were 3 days of setup, 250 guests from all over the world, 7000 garden roses, more than 130 staff members, 5 bands, 4 opera singers, orchestra, actors, dancers, immersive show, 3D mapping, fireworks and more. The setup took two days 24/7. We built a tent 1 meter above the beautiful Italian garden in order not to harm the 200 year plants. The gathering of the guests started near the main villa and was followed by a long walk to the ceremony zone through the amazing gardens of the villa. On their way guests found lady playing a violin standing on the special construction all covered with the tailor-made dress. At a certain moment the dress was open and the ballerina was dancing accompanied by the violin. In the ceremony zone area, on the terrace overlooking the lake, there were two ladies with bodypainting who looked like a real statues. Sometimes they were moving making the guests fascinated. A String Quartet was in charge of the music for the walking down the aisle but at a point of the bride coming with her father – arrived opera singer in a red dress with the Ave Maria song for that moment.

After the ceremony all the guests proceeded to the aperitif area, where they were enjoying the food and an instrumental band. At a certain point suddenly started the immersive theater among the guests. The show lasted around 15 mins and involved actors, dancers and opera singers, making the court yard of the villa place for the famous Italian arias and stories, bringing all the guests to the 16th-17th Century. Aperitif was followed by the dinner, during which there were some presents from the guests and first dance of the bride and groom (traditional Georgian one that was just fantastic) as well as 5 bands singing, starting from traditional Georgian bands and finishing with Italian cover band. But the main surprise for the guests was later. After the dinner we asked all the guests to come back to the courtyard of the villa. The area was changed with lots of candles in the vases. We turned off all the lights and the story began – lovestory of the couple. 3d mapping on the villa and garden together with an actor-narrator were making magic. Then projection arrived to the screen where the story continued accompanied by the orchestra… And when all of the guests saw the silhouettes of the couple on the screen, suddenly it fell, leaving behind our couple in waltz. Nearly at the end of the dance, when bride and groom were making some pas, they turned to the lake with some gesture – fireworks started – giving to this moment even more effect. Everyone was literally crying. Then in a dance bride threw her bouquet and we immediately had the cut of the cake moment. That day was really saturated with emotions that we will always keep. Collect moments. Not things.

From the Bride… There are a few days, in our life, that are really important. The wedding day is one of them, so when we started planning, both agreed that we had to made this day unforgettable, not only for us, for our guests as well. It was not easy to find the destination for this day, but when we have seen the photos of Como, loved it immediately and decided that it would be the best choice.

We are from Georgia, weddings in our country are full of traditions with national dances and music, Although we decided to marry in Italy, we wanted to have some traditional elements in our wedding ceremony. we had music bands, our first dance was national dance and created a mixed ceremony of Georgian and European traditions, and we want to say many thanks to our organizers, to the team of “Happy Moments Collector” for making our special day so beautiful and magical!

The wedding took place on 20 September 2018 at villa Pizzo, this villa is one of the most famous villas of the lake, this charming private villa placed directly at waterfront with the gorgeous lake view towards Como! Of course, We were a bit nervous about weather but on the wedding day weather was truly magical! With the effort of our planning team designed several venues for wedding ceremony and working hard to create spectacular show at this beautiful destination. Ancient Italian town with a modern lifestyle, located in Alps at the bank of beautiful lake Como with its breathtaking views and great weather conditions mixed with spectacular show, organized by our wedding planners created the real fairy-tale. We got more than expected, and we know that it was unforgettable day for everyone. Our guests still talking about our wedding! For us it still the happiest day ever!

The wedding dress was designed by the Wedding Fashion boutique EDEM Couture in Moscow, they choose materials of highest quality which are crated in the best factories of France, England, Italy. The dress was made of silk with Swarovski crystals, each embroidery was made by hand, and wedding shoes by Manolo Blahnik! Groom wore the costume by Tom Ford and Armani shoes.

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Say “I Do” Under the Tuscan Sun at the Most Romantic Villa We’ve Ever Seen

Dreaming of a wedding destination that feels like a real life fairytale? Infinite views, enchanted gardens and sparkling pools for your guests to enjoy – let us introduce your to Belmond Villa San Michele – a venue that encompasses that and SO much more. Lucas Rossi Photography, Acquamarina Wedding Planner, and CMG Events brought together a talented team of local Italian vendors to create an inspiration shoot that illustrates the effortless elegance and endless romance of the beautiful city of Florence. From the balcony reception to the muted color palette… be sure to stay tuned ’til the very end for an incredible video wrap-up from Marco Abba – then head on over to the full gallery of images for some major destination wedding inspo.

From CMG Events… Tucked away in the outskirts of Florence, Italy is the stunning venue Belmond Villa San Michele. With stunning views of the skyline of the romantic city, you could not imagine anywhere else you would want to be. No better place to look into the eyes of the one you love and say ‘I do’.

We traveled from California with Lucas Rossi Photography to capture a destination we know people long to see and more frequently these days, planning to emulate with their destination weddings. We partnered with local wedding planner IIlaria Manaresi of Acquamarina Wedding Planner to help navigate through the Italian language and help us build a team of incredible Italian vendors.

Florals, by Nina Eifiori, came from Rome, rentals from Milan, dress from downtown Florence and so many more. The collaboration was an inspiring international thing of beauty. We knew we wanted romance and it to feel authentic to Florence, which is why we chose an elegantly muted palette to let the details speak for themselves.

My favorite design element was the tablescape that was enclosed in its personal balcony with views of the entire city of Florence. I knew that others would see this shot and feel the same emotion I did standing there in the moment. It was an honor putting this editorial together and would be an honor to share with the SMP readers and have them transport to Florence and start daydreaming about or planning their own Italian destination wedding.

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