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

Coastal Intimate Switzerland Wedding at Maison Buttin-de-Loes

When you blend blush and lavender with the coastal views of Switzerland, two words come to mind: uber romance. And maybe alll the other adjectives that I could overuse on this wedding, like lovely, dreamy and charming. But those words aren’t needed because every bit planned by Laura Dova Weddings is waiting right here for you in the gallery by Oliver Fly.

From Laura Dova Weddings… It was a true delight for me to be able to assist Sachié & Karl with their wedding in the beautiful region of the Lavaux in Switzerland. it is in this unique region of the world, whose terraced vineyards are classified as World Heritage by the UNESCO, they decided to invite their families from Japan, Estonia and Switzerland for an intimate celebration.

From the very beginning Sachié was particularly concerned with the style aspects of their big day and really made it clear that she wanted amazing vendors even if they had to travel to get to their wedding location. That’s how an amazing team came up to offer them an unforgettable day. They fell in love with the beautiful Musée de Buttin-de-Loes where the view on the lake is absolutely breath taking and the fabulous summer day let them have a moving and romantic ceremony officiated by the talented Marylin Rebelo.

They wanted a simple but very meaningful celebration with their closest family and friends. A ceremony fulfilled with tenderness and seemliness, where they could express their feelings subtly, in regards to their different cultures. They showed us that love is stronger than anything and can conquer it all, even when living on opposite sides of the planet. A message of hope and magic.

To enhance the beauty of all of these feelings, a harpist and flautist played masterpieces from Pachelbel to Bach. Pure delicacy as the we all could feel a nice breeze through our hair while hearing this timeless music. I have rarely seen such a proud man when looking at his bride-to-be when she walked down the aisle in a very intense atmosphere.

Sachié had two different bouquets in the colors and flowers she was drawn to. For her wedding, the florist designed a minimalist small bouquet of sweet peas and clematis in different shades of purple. The bridal bouquet was made of lilac (her favorite flowers), garden roses peonies and stock with touch of jasmine and sweet peas.

The ceremony held outdoor with a wooden arch as a focal point. Partially filled with greenery, stock & roses and draped with a hand-tied fabric, it was offering their guests a gorgeous view on the Leman lake. In the aisle runner, some light ground «growing» compositions brought a natural garden feeling.

The reception was designed with the same seasonal spring/summer flowers with an organic style. On a light grey table linen, the garden styled centerpieces in medicis compote gave this effortless elegance to a minimalist set-up. A light vines runner , fruits and votives was the last touch to bring life to the table and inspire conversation amongst the guests. For the beautiful white layered cake, a simple delicate floral design was made of hellobores, berries and nepetas flowers in lavender tones.

A stunning White One gown and some Jimmy Choo shoes perfectly enhanced Sachié’s natural and effortless beauty and grace, while the groom had chosen a bespoke tuxedo and a bow tie for timeless elegance. With smiles and tears of joy they walked towards their new life as husband and wife, accompanied by a round of applause from their beloved ones. The day finally ended with an elegant outdoor dinner and a splendid table design at the Restaurant Tout un Monde where they enjoyed the most beautiful sunset on the Lake Léman.

Modern & Organic European Wedding Inspiration at Hotel Domestique

Today’s slice of inspo from Floressence Flowers and Almond Leaf Studios (and the entire vendor team below!) has an old world vibe, yet a layer of modern lovely woven in. From the coral, mauve and beige tones and a hint of black for contrast to the sweeping Samuelle Couture dress, it’s exactly how you blend two styles into one gorgeous event—see it all here.

From Floressence Flowers… The vision for this editorial shoot was an intimate elopement with a modern, chic and romantic European feel. We pulled inspiration from the beautiful layered and textured Samuelle Couture gown and from the venue, which is set amongst the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hotel Domestique combines the style of a French chateau with a luxury modern boutique hotel.

We wanted the wedding to evoke simplicity and minimalism with textural elements to create depth. We chose an earth toned neutral color palette with pops of terracotta and black. The old world but modern quality of the stone patina style of Hotel Domestique’s exterior was a beautiful backdrop to all of the styling elements of the day.

We wanted their guests to feel as if they were sitting down to an intimate and relaxed al fresco dinner in the French countryside, to take in the beauty of their environment and surrounding scenery. The tablescape was adorned with layered elements, creating softness and depth throughout. The floral designs created by Floressence felt organic but modern by adding in textural elements like lunaria and pampas grass which gave the installations and arrangements a style of movement and added visual interest to the ceremony space and tablescape.

The paper goods that were created by Paper Birch were so unique. Lacy created terracotta engraved menus, the invitation suite was on handmade paper with a terracotta backing, all tucked inside a black suede envelope with an engraved leather piece which had the couple’s date and venue sketch on it.

The cake by Sugar Cloud Baking Co also incorporated a softness and modernity by creating a stone patina look enveloped by layered textural gold leaf design and adding lunaria to tie into the floral designs.

Our goal was to create a warm and inviting environment for their guests to really focus on the beauty and importance of the couple’s union.

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Feminine Southern Wedding at a Private Home

You know that saying ‘and not a detail was missed?’…Well, this Southern soirée, designed and choreographed to perfection by Invision Events, did not miss a single one! From a custom made monogram crest, designed by Kara Anne Paper, placed in every location possible (including the dance floor and each napkin) to a decadent chocolate groom’s cake and everything in between! Add in a classic Jaguar getaway car, an endless amount of pink, white and green florals by Southern Posies and all of the personal touches of the entire wedding taking place at the bride’s family’s private home…and Colorbox was given the picture-perfect Southern wedding to photograph. Check out this intricately beautiful wedding below and read how each vendor played a role in this couple’s amazing day!

From Colorbox Photography…Unforgettable– that’s the truest word to describe their day. Hoke and Hollan are two of the kindest, humble (not to mention– beautiful!) people I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. I noticed how gracious they both were to everyone amidst the busyness of any wedding day. I also will never forget the awestruck sense I had walking into their reception area. To say I was a happy photographer considering the content I was about to capture is an understatement! Romantic and elegant– every detail was truly gorgeous. I count it a blessing and privilege to have been their photographer.

From Kara Anne Paper…It all starts with making a fabulous first impression! Hollan and Hoke set the tone for their gorgeous summer wedding with a chic, die shape Save the Date featuring a watercolor monogram crest, letterpress lettering, shimmer liner and whimsical flowing calligraphy across the front of the mailing envelope. To provide their guests with more wedding details, a mini envelope and insert card was included. Shortly after, guests were presented with an oversized custom invitation suite using the same letterpress ink, watercolor crest, and a heavyweight cotton paper. To keep the cards in place, a blush monogram card with white silk ribbon was used for an extra feminine touch. Each suite was nestled nicely inside a handcrafted inner envelope made of a soft shimmer paper and mailed inside of a large Crane envelope. To tie in their wedding paper suite designs on the big day, their monogram crest was displayed for all to see on the dance floor, linen table runners and dinner napkins, ice sculptures, koozies, cups, ceremony fans, signage and more! It was small details like this that truly made the reception space feel extra custom and special to Hollan and Hoke!

From Invision Events…Celebrating Hollan & Hoke was the easy part. Producing a private residence event on the bride’s family land while bussing in 625 guests from hotels nearly an hour way was a little bit trickier, however! When Hollan and her mom, Penny, enlisted us to design, plan and produce her and Hoke’s June wedding on their family farm, we knew it was something special and an exciting challenge we embraced with open arms. Knowing the ties their family had to Post Oak Plantation (named after Hollan’s beloved “Pop”) made everything that much more meaningful, especially because Hollan’s brother had just been married on the property a few years prior. To say this beautiful and serene spot was special to them would be an understatement. We brought Hollan’s vision of summer southern feminine to life through a variety of more than 30 perfectly paired creative partners and a color palette of soft pinks and blushes complimented with warm beiges and ivories. From the creamy sailcloth tent to the tailored, yet relaxed vibes of the various furnishings, to the carpet and drape to the lounge settings and linens, our team curated each design element with thoughtfulness and purpose to exude a southern fete that was if the newlyweds were welcoming guests into their home. Ultimately, their wedding day was beyond magical in every sense and our team was so grateful to be a part of such a hospitable celebration. Cheers to The Smiths!

From Southern Posies…When curating the floral components for Hollan and Hoke’s wedding we looked towards four words that Hollan gave us on the day we first met: Romantic, Feminine, Southern and Pink. With it being an early June celebration our late Spring and early Summer choices were plentiful and thoughts of fluffy hydrangeas, sweeping smilax and jasmine vines alongside aromatic peonies and garden roses filled our minds. A few of the main ‘leading ladies’ we selected in Hollan’s overall floral plan were: Blush Italian Ranunculus, Pastel Pink Bouvardia, Miss America Peonies, Keira Garden Roses, Pink Majolica Sprayroses and Pink O’hara Garden Roses. Over 35 floral and greenery varieties were used throughout her wedding design. Hollan’s favorite design pieces (as well as ours!) were the beautiful 7′ diameter floral chandeliers suspended in 4 locations of the tent. Each floral and tablescape detail was meticulously designed from the vessel to the votive as well as sourcing the perfect blush tapered candles to compliment the centerpieces for an extra dose of romantic candlelight. Hollan’s bouquet consisted of 3 different peony variations as well as Blush and White Italian Ranunculus, White Hydrangea, White O’hara Garden Roses, Keira Garden Roses, and White Dove Roses. Hoke’s classic white dinner jacket was the perfect backdrop to his boutonniere consisting of Bouvardia, Ranunculus and Italian Pittosporum.

Q&A’s From Hollan and Hoke…

How did you two meet?

Hollan: “We met in Auburn, Alabama. I remember smiling from ear to ear when I first met Hoke– we just clicked automatically. It was like I had known him for forever!”

Hoke: “We met in Auburn, Alabama. Her brother and I had spent several weeks over the summer together, so I had heard a lot about her. When I finally met Hollan, I saw her from aways away and was so excited to finally meet her (my friend’s good looking sister.) We talked so easily to each other, and I wasn’t worried about what else was going on.”

What was each of yall’s favorite part of the day?

Hollan: “I have so many favorite parts of the day! However, my absolute most favorite was stepping onto the aisle with my brother, Hunter, and looking down the aisle at Hoke waiting for me. In that moment- Hoke and I were stepping into the next chapter in our life as husband and wife!”

Hoke: “My favorite part of our wedding day was when Reverend Pat Mcwhorter pronounced Hollan and I as husband and wife! Hand in hand, we turned to face all of our family and friends at a place that is so special to Hollan, and has become special to me as well! I proposed to her on this property, and now we officially became husband and wife there too! We are so thankful for our family and friends who helped us celebrate our special day.”

What’s next for you two?

Hoke: “There’s a lot I could think is next in our lives and goals we want to accomplish— but since I have met Hollan, our lives have changed for the better, so there is no telling where our lives will be in five years. (But I am looking forward to it!) The only thing I know for sure is that I will spend the rest of my life loving her and doing the best I can to make sure she knows and feels that. We have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to as Mr. And Mrs. Smith!”

Hollan: “We are currently renovating my grandparents’ home in Mathews! We are truly blessed to be able to start our new life right where I grew up. I am so excited to see what God has in store for us!”

A Rustic French Blue Wedding at Holman Ranch in Carmel

The rolling hills of Tuscany or Central California? One look at Holman Ranch in the enchanting village of Carmel and it’s almost impossible to tell! Today’s gorgeous wedding planned by Engaged & Inspired is a sea of romantic french blue, rustic stone walls and organic floral arrangements by Growing Grace Floral that will leave you speechless. Sposto Photography captured every swoon-worthy moment of the day with perfection – including the cutest bride and flower girl moment EVER. Keep on scrolling to see all the pretty unfold…

From Sposto Photography… This gorgeous french blue wedding was the perfect pallet for the warm rustic walls of Holman Ranch. It truly felt like we were somewhere tucked in the hills of Tuscan wine country. Carmel just has that out of this world feel.

The weather was sunny and warm making it the perfect California day to ring in their nuptials amongst their family and friends. The day was filled with personal touches from the bride’s family.

The tray that was used to photograph the invitations was Jordan’s grandmothers’ and the Cross they got married beneath was lovingly made by the bride’s father made out of wood he salvaged from an old barn.

Walking into the reception space was like a dream. The long rustic tables were adorned with the most beautiful dusty blue runners and each place setting had a unique name card and sprig of greenery.

Jordan and Ryan’s chemistry all day was just so contagious, you couldn’t help but be just so happy for them and the love they found together. They were a dream in front of the camera and I’m so grateful I got to be a part of this special day celebrating with such special people.

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French Provençal Wedding Inspiration at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

I’m filing this one under ‘vow renewal’ inspiration. Yes, yes I do have a secret Pinterest board just for this reason—after all, I see hundreds of wedding features a year, and since I’ve already said my I dos, a vow renewal is next on the docket. I cannot wait to see one of your transform this inspiration into your own celebration. It’s all French Provençal dreaminess, loaded with textured neutrals and glowy candlelight, coordinated by I Love You More Events. Please do spend some time with Mallory Dawn in the gallery — it’s a gem.

From Mallory Dawn Photography… Tucked away in the rolling hills of Vista, California is the gorgeous Cal-a-Vie Health Spa. Since 1986, the historic French Provençal spa has been overflowing with intricate detailing, beautiful textures, and stunning light. We used Cal-a-Vie as our inspiration for the shoot, hand picking each additional element to showcase the already stunning scenery.

Plain Jane Posy created an abundance of floral arrangements that really featured elegance and luxury. Jane made sure to stick to a classic color combination of whites and greens while still incorporating different textures to make a diverse color palette. Bree, owner of I Love You More Events did an outstanding job making sure each individual component came together effortlessly to fit our overall vision.

For our bride and groom, we really felt it was important to keep their look classic and timeless. Our bride wore a beautiful couture Rosa Clara gown with delicate lace detailing and a breathtaking cathedral length veil. She wore a stunning vintage diamond ring from Olive Ave Jewelry and classic shoes which had a beautiful silk bow ankle strap detail from Bella Belle. We wanted the groom in a clean black tux to keep with the theme as well.

Moving on ~ and into the marriage celebration ~ Peggy Liao created a stunning four-tiered masterpiece. A wedding cake that provided that visual wow factor that is part and parcel of all classic celebrations.

The talented Flourish Calligraphy took her inspiration from the venue, specifically the stone walls when she was designing all of the paper goods. She mixed different hues of grey, ivory and soft taupe to play off of the natural tones of the beautiful setting. For our reception tablescape, the design was inspired by the elaborate walls in the reception space. The french linen chairs from Archive Rentals provided that touch of luxury we craved. We added a plethora of florals around the table to add an overwhelming sense of romance to the scene. The ivory chiffon table linen from Mrs. Freund & Co. was a very important element that we knew we wanted to incorporate in our design. The soft, draping fabric really took the whole tablescape to the next level.

Overall, we wanted to feature elegance and romance in this inspirational shoot, and Cal-a-Vie was the perfect location for us to do just that!

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Mallory Dawn Photography

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Coastal ‘Something Blue’ Pacific Palisades Wedding at Bel Air Bay Club

For a beach-loving duo like Chelsea & Ray (whose first date was paddle boarding!), a wedding at Bel Air Bay Club was just the ticket. Sweeping views of the Pacific Coast made for an incomparable backdrop and a dreamy canvas for Intertwined Events to work their magic. One look at the film from Elysium Productions and captures by Kristina Adams Photography, and I think you’ll be craving a coastal affair, too.

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From Intertwined Events… Chelsea and Ray’s wedding day, also known as #ChelsAndRaysBigDay, was nothing short of stunning! From a fully custom design motif to the most romantic ceremony backdrop, this wedding has so many beautiful details that perfectly reflect Chelsea and Ray’s personalities.

Chelsea and Ray met at a bar in Corona del Mar. A couple of drinks in and a shared appreciation for bad dance moves later, they planned their first date. A day of paddle boarding solidified their love for the beach and was the beginning of an amazing love story. When it came to deciding on a wedding venue, they knew they just had to tie the knot with views of the ocean in the backdrop and Bel Air Bay Club had the perfect one.

To complement the stunning ocean views, Art With Nature crafted a stunning ceremony arch that featured bright white roses and hydrangeas. Guests could take a seat at one of the benches or modern slotted wood folding chairs. Either way, there was a gorgeous view of these two finally getting married! Chelsea’s uncle married them in a very intimate and personalized ceremony. Both of their siblings did a special reading as well.

Chelsea was an absolute bridal vision in a Rue de Seine gown. Her bridesmaids wore teal Show Me Your Mumu gowns that matched the entire day. We can’t forget how dapper Ray looked in a classic black suit.

River and Bridge designed custom branding for an invitation suite that was later incorporated into all of the day-of paper goods, cake and favors. The invitation suite was letterpressed and featured their monogram on the invitation, envelope liner, and custom postage. Delicate hand-drawn flowers were an added romantic touch. One of our favorite details was the escort display that featured acrylic triangles, diamonds, and hexagons with calligraphed names. They also served as meal indicators. Fun and functional!

When creating the design, color and texture were huge components, especially in the reception. Place settings featured silver rimmed chargers, grey glassware, and grey and gold flatware. Chandeliers were adorned with eucalyptus leaves. Centerpieces crafted from white tulips, anemones, and roses, paired with blue taper candles were so dreamy. Mismatched linens and chairs were an added touched and completed the overall design.

It was truly a beautiful day for a couple who is beautiful inside and out. It’s always a pleasure working with a couple who want to integrate their personalities into their wedding day. This unique ‘Something Blue’ day will always be one of our favorites!

Photography: Kristina Adams Photography | Videographer: Elysium Productions | Event Planning: Intertwined Events | Floral Design: Art With Nature | Wedding Dress: Made With Love Bridal | Cake: Sweet and Saucy Supply | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Lighting: Honored Occasions | Entertainment: Dart Collective | Wedding Venue: Bel Air Bay Club | Bridal Salon: Love And Lace Bridal Boutique | Makeup/Hair: Design Visage | Paper Goods: River & Bridge | Rentals: Casa de Perrin | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Rentals: Circa Vintage {Rentals} | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals | Rentals: Chiavari Chair Rentals | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

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Elysium Productions

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Beyond the Ring: Platinum Jewelry We’re Loving For the Big Day

Ladies, listen up! It’s time to talk about your Big Day look. Beyond picking your dream dress and shoes, there’s one often overlooked detail we’re ready to pay some attention to — your jewelry! Deciding whether to flaunt a glitzy statement bracelet, a sparkly pair of stud earrings or a revamped family heirloom can make all the difference in your bridal ensemble. (It’s all about those details, baby!) So we’re rounding up a few glamorous pieces to consider. Since they all come clad in our v. favorite, benefits-packed metal — platinum — you’ll look good and feel good the day you walk down the aisle until your Platinum Anniversary (20th) and beyond. Scroll on to find something special that speaks to you!

1. Glitzy Bracelets

There is nothing like some arm candy to enhance all those bouquets and ring shots you’re bound to take. Our tip? Make sure you choose an accessory that’s an extension of your style. For the minimalist bride, this Singlestone Gemma Bracelet is worth the splurge with its sophisticated and subtle diamond finish. Plus, since platinum is so durable that you’ll be able to keep it around forever, too! Now, for ladies looking to make more of an impact, these thicker, more intricate options from Brilliant Earth will take you to the next level. Bring on the glam!

2. Solitaire Pendants

For those of your baring shoulders or a deep V, we’re all for a little extra bling to frame your flash of skin. In this case, swap the standard strand of pearls for a simple solitaire, like these flawless pendants by Shimansky. They have the shine you crave, in a classy and simple shape. And unlike other pendants commonly made in white gold, Shimansky uses platinum, which is hypoallergenic, so you can rest easy that you’ll stay irritant-free on your Big Day. (Which, is kind of important… don’t you think!?)

Platinum: Rings by Singlestone, Earrings by Shimansky, Bracelet by Singlestone

3. Minimalist Earrings

When you think about wedding earrings, you probably think of the over-the-top, chandelier style jewelry, right? But these minimalist beauties in platinum prove that less really can be more. Just take these Shimansky Prong Huggies for instance. They are elegant and understated, but still add just the right amount of sparkle you want on your special day. Or, for those not looking to take away from their dress, they also come in stud form, which might make for a great gift for the mother of bride and groom, or bridesmaids. Hint, hint.

4. Wedding Bands

Did you know platinum is 30 times more rare than gold? In that case, put the precious metal where you can see it — on your finger! We’re over the moon for these diamond-studded platinum bands, like this Hearts on Fire Classic Eternity band. It’s delicate but dazzling, and since it comes with platinum prongs, rest assured those diamonds will stay safe and secure where they belong. (Hey, you can’t say that about just any metal!). On that note, convert your entire ring bling to platinum, or be sure to choose a complete platinum look when researching your wedding ring jewelry.

Looking for an extra special personal, romantic touch for your wedding bands? Follow these tips to customize your wedding rings.

Now excuse us while we soon over this pear-shaped engagement ring by Brilliant Earth!

Sarah Koller is a writer based in San Francisco, California. In addition to writing about other brides’ special days, Sarah is currently planning her own wedding for Spring of 2019. While she’s not browsing florals or chic wedding things, you’ll find her looking for a new brunch place, perfecting her Instagram story, or doing anything outside on a sunny day in Cali.

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Petit Bouquet

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A Mediterranean Theme Bridal Shower with an Ocean View!

When planning this picturesque bridal shower on the Southern California coast, Sarah Schallberger, owner of Mulberry and Moss Floral Design, knew it had to be extra special! Why? Because the momentous event was for a very important client – her sister! “It was my one chance to plan a truly special event for my sister Hannah to celebrate her engagement” says Sarah. With her family’s roots in Italy, Sarah decided to incorporate the Mediterranean feel into the event. The color scheme matched the ocean backdrop perfectly, and with a setting like this, how could guests not enjoy such a fabulous event!

I think the color scheme is really what brought this design to life, which was inspired by the romance of the European coast and of course, the breathtaking ocean view at the private estate where the shower was hosted. Playing off of the deep blue water that surrounded the property, choosing indigo blues for the color theme only made sense!

Pastel blush and peach florals kept it feeling romantic while olive foliage and pops of red evoked thoughts of Santorini’s lush, bougainvillea covered hillsides.

The invitations designed by Pirouette Paper Company set the tone for “An Afternoon by the Sea” with a blue ombré watercolor pattern. We repeated this pattern in the signage throughout the party.

Sweet Salvage Rentals helped us create an elegant coastal vibe by providing a cozy lounge vignette, which featured a rattan settee, white velvet tufted chairs, some fun indigo poufs and indigo and macrame accent pillows. Indigo textured linens from Wildflower Linen added the perfect pop of color to the patio cocktail tables.

Now days, no party is complete without a flower wall… Am I right?! Being a florist, I couldn’t resist creating a fun installation decked with florals, which Hannah’s guests enjoyed taking photos in front of throughout the party. A custom “Sail Away With Me” sign hand-lettered by Pirouette Paper Company and laser cut by Etched Box completed the look.

Hannah’s guests loved sipping Sangria and Prosecco from blue goblets and beautiful crystal champagne coupes from Cherished Rentals. The “We met in San Fransisco” sign was something I sourced on Etsy – a small personal touch and tribute to the couple’s story.

Lisa’s Bon Appetit provided yummy eats with an Italian flair.

An Elegant Late Summer Wedding in Muted Tones at Chateau Ratměřice

We LOVE when couples kick tradition to the curb and plan their day their way! This gorgeous bride and groom decided to have a very intimate ceremony followed by a seated lunch. After the bride and groom were able to get some quality time in with their closest friends and family, the wedding guests were invited to join them in celebrating their day at a larger reception that same night – how amazing is that?! From her knockout CAXA gown to the trendy trendy round arbor from Frezia Fleur, there’s so much to love about this beautiful day planned by Svatby Podle Adely. Take a closer look below with images by Katka Koncal!

From Katka Koncal… The wedding day started the late morning with the bride’s preparation in her bridal suite. Following an intimate ceremony for their closest friends and family. This romantic part of the day gave the couple time to feel the love they had for each another and to enjoy the presence of every single guest.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds and the ceremony guests continued for a seated lunch served in the courtyard of the castle. Later on, the wedding planner did an outstanding job quickly re-designing the outdoor space for an evening reception with round tables perfectly designed.

The sun was just setting during the guests arrival and it really had a special feeling. The circle ceremony arch was chosen as the latest wedding trend. These oversized wedding arches decorated with flowers are absolutely stunning and can be personalized by the bride’s wedding colors and theme. The circle symbolizes eternity, which goes with the idea of marriage lasting forever.

From the Bride… Our day was just what I’d always dreamed of! We were able to welcome all our guests from all over the world in one place to celebrate with us this special day. We planned the schedule of the day so we would have enough time for us and our families. Therefore the first half of the day was reserved for the closest family and friends and later on our other guests joined us.

Our wedding planner Svatby podle Adély together with Frezia Fleur did an amazing job designing the whole event from start to end. The color palette and flower decoration was exactly how I imaged my wedding to be. Also the venue Zámek Ratměřice is a place we were looking for. Just an hour from Prague, our guests who had to fly in had an opportunity to do a tour across historic parts of Prague the day after the wedding.

Seeing our wedding photographs from Katka Koncal few days after made me cry again with happiness and smile on my face. Our day was just perfect and I am beyond grateful to have everything perfectly captured and I will treasure these memories forever.

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Petit Bouquet

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Classic Amalfi Coast Wedding at Relais Vittoria Nerano

Five words: week long Amalfi Coast celebration. A dream wedding for many, but one that came true for Elya and Emilio. As a blogger, the Bride—Elya D’Angelo is a creative herself and inspires and empowers women through her fashion, travel and wellness tips. It only seems fitting that her wedding is brimming with beauty. She called on Sposiamovi Italian Wedding Planners to craft their special day. Soak it all in by pressing play on Zen Film Works video below and Claire Morris‘ imagery.

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This enchanting wedding was inspired by the beauty and charm of the Amalfi Coast. The warmth in the air, the cool summer breeze and the beauty of the sea inspired a wedding that was altogether inviting, intimate and fresh. As the sun set, elements of the wedding came together to create a dreamy and romantic setting for the couple and their guests.

Elya and Emilio set out to the Amalfi Coast of Italy with a day that would change their lives forever ahead of them. They gathered the most special individuals to take on this journey with them as they wed and took their vows. The night was absolutely breathtaking; filled with happiness, love, and laughter. Their wedding took place at a beautiful venue overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Elya wore a gown that was classic, modern and sophisticated to bring to life the drama and the beauty of the sea. The wedding pre-shoot took place on a boat heading to Positano where the allure of their fairytale wedding truly radiated. Before the reception, Elya slipped into a lace and silk number to evoke a feeling of old-world charm and Italian romance. The bride and groom hopped into a vintage car and soon after sat down with their guests to enjoy an intimate dining experience overlooking the entire Amalfi Coast, toasting the night away.

The entire wedding is filled with endless creative inspiration, placed so perfectly together. The floral designs and greenery were beautifully presented and brought the wedding to life in the most magical way. When planning the wedding, Elya wanted to incorporate touches of Italy, which included olive branches, keeping both the decor fresh and beautiful. The day of the wedding turned out to be much warmer than anticipated. Elya’s wonderful wedding planner managed to quickly come up with the idea to give each guest a beautiful white parasol, which added an even more charming touch. Sophistication, simplicity, and romance were elements Elya wanted to touch on as she brought her vision to life. Feelings of authentic Italian charm and warmth tied in beautifully to create an unforgettable fairytale wedding.

From the Bride… Our wedding was such a dream come true. My husband Emilio and I planned every detail and were inspired by the beauty, charm, and warmth of Italy. Last year Emilio proposed on a boat looking out to all of Positano – it was insanely beautiful! We choose the Amalfi Coast to continue our wedding love story. Emilio is Australian-Italian and I myself am Armenian. The warmth of the Italian people is exactly what we are used to and what we wanted to be surrounded by. We knew the charm of the towns and the warmth of the people would fit in perfectly with what we wanted our family and friends to experience.

We rented a villa and housed all of our guests for a full week. We wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and really get to spend time with us and one another. It was the best decision we made. Every morning we took trips to the nearby cliffside villages and went for long swims, lunches and beautiful intimate dinners. Since coming back, everyone reminisces about their time there, which is the best feeling knowing your guests had such an unforgettable time. We really wanted our wedding week to be rooted in what mattered to us most – family and love! We wanted it to be about togetherness, good food, great laughs and making unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.

Our official wedding day was set towards the end of the week which really gave us those first few days to iron out any last-minute details with our wedding planner. Planning a destination wedding takes a lot of effort and having someone that you really trust is crucial. Our wedding planner, Valentina, was so instrumental in helping us plan every detail with incredible passion and care. She listened to what we wanted and went out of her way to bring our vision to life. All of the vendors that we worked with were brilliant and so hard working. I will never forget waking up and watching the flower team set up from my balcony, bright and early. It just sent my emotions soaring and filled my morning with so much love as they waved to me, congratulated me and worked hard to make the entire venue a flower-filled dream.

Some of the small moments from our wedding that really filled me with unforgettable memories included the sweetest Italian granny. I was in desperate need of finding someone to steam my gown and reception dress. Our venue manager suggested the tiny laundromat in the next town over with grandma Maria who had been steaming wedding dresses for decades. She was just so sweet and overcome with love for Emilio and I. My short time with her filled me warmth and so much joy. We came to Italy for a few reasons and the love and excitement of the people was one of them. What a precious moment that will stick with us for years to come.

The morning of our wedding day Emilio and I spent some time alone, just him and I. We had written love letters to one another and wanted to share this time together, reading them aloud and soaking in these final moments. As we looked out onto the Amalfi Coast, everything felt just right and we were overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude. Having exchanged our vows in front of our nearest and dearest was the most special feeling. Our wedding came to life exactly how we had envisioned it – it was intimate, beautiful and filled with so much love and care.

After we exchanged our vows and before we sat down for dinner, I slipped into my reception dress. I had a vision of silk and lace for my second dress. I took a page out of the old Italian, classic films and wanted to bring my vision to life in Italy for our wedding! We rented a vintage bridal car and shot the most beautiful photos. I still can’t believe how this all came to life. It was all so dreamy. While our guests enjoyed cocktail hour by the pool, Emilio and I were able to capture this once in a lifetime moment that we will treasure forever. We soon returned to our guests and sat down for an intimate dinner. We had one long dining table with the most gorgeous tablescape. Everything was set to perfection. The authentic Italian food, the smell in the air and the cool ocean breeze set the mood for the most unforgettable time. We toasted, danced the night away, cut our cake and ended the night with beautiful sparklers.

We had one final day at the villa after our wedding and so we decided to jet off to Capri with all of our guests! It was the most gorgeous day. We rented two beautiful boats and took off to Capri to celebrate. It seemed like the most perfect way to end our wedding week and the best way to say goodbye to all our guests. What a dream come true.

Intimate Prague Elopement at Vrtbovska Garden

If I could go back and do it all over again, I’d do what Noah and David did in a heartbeat: Elope. To me, there’s nothing more meaningful than vowing your forever in an intimate setting without distraction. With the help of Julie May, their celebration was a garden-gorgeous event (minus the guests), with plenty of opportunity for Nikol Bodnarova to capture their sweet union.

From Julie May… Prague, the historical city of 100 spires is a perfect destination for a wedding! That’s why two charming men, Noah and David from Switzerland contacted us with their intention to get married in the capital of the Czech Republic. They completely fell in love with this city during their holiday and they decided to tie the knot here. Julie May has had the privilege to organize a stunning elopement in Vrtba gardens with a breathtaking view to red roofs of magnificent Prague right under Prague castle.

On their wedding day, they both wore absolutely wonderful blue-grey checked suits with a blue bowtie (as the blue is their favorite color)made by two talented guys from Suits up. Their biggest wish had been to have classical music as a part of their wedding. Therefore, we invited gorgeous cellist Mrs. Milada Gajdova, who performed during their ceremony and created a truly romantic atmosphere. Indeed, one eye did not stay dry. Mr. Vlastimil Kalaš used fingerprints to create unique wedding rings. The groom’s hair and make-up by Michaela Polomis amazed both the couple and us as well. The boys chose a simple floral design for men – white powder roses with lots of greenery by Infinity flower.

Last but not least, the marvelous work by a photographer Mrs. Nikol Bodnarova should not be forgotten especially her double exposure shot on film. In the end, we opened a bottle of delicious Prosecco from ‘’Prosekárna’’ when wishing the couple lots of love and happiness. After, they continue to the private intimate dinner celebration. In the name of our wedding company, we do believe that Prague will always remain as their beloved place in the world. We would like to pass on you this message: “True Love is unconditional. It cannot be taken away, nor can true love be removed based on circumstances or situations. LOVE is unlimited. It knows no boundaries, no color, no race, no gender a no species. Love is who we are all made from.”

3 Ways To Elevate Your Wedding Flowers

In my next life (or maybe when I’m retired), I will live by the beach and spend my days in the sweetest little flower shop on the coast. Blooms are by far my kryptonite when it comes to weddings (I could have blown half my budget on flowers). And I don’t doubt that many of you in the planning process are probably placing heavy importance on florals for your Big Day. But how do you achieve a truly personalized look with those pretty petals? We’re sharing a few tips below, alongside this insanely beautiful workshop shoot from Fleuropean and The Blue Carrot, all captured by Anna Doshina.

Embrace Movement

Gone are the days of perfectly packed and rounded rose bouquets. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not bashing that very classic style—but we’re loving seeing movement in florals. Rather than forcing the shape of a bouquet or centerpiece, the key is to embrace the natural direction of each bloom, stem and branch for an overall look that is modernly organic and incredibly beautiful.

Creating Dimension & Depth with Color

In most cases, blooms are really the focal point when it comes to a wedding color palette. Giving your floral designer color inspiration is always helpful, but remember—dimension and depth is key. That may mean being open to incorporating hues you might not have envisioned including. Maybe you’re not a fan of yellow, but a touch of buttercup yellow can elevate a peach, coral and burgundy melody like shown above. Putting trust in your floral designer is always key!

A 360 Degree View

Whether you’re taking this inspiration to your floral designer or hoping to go the DIY route (or simply want to create beautiful arrangements in your own home), this tip is one you might not think about when approaching the design of a bouquet or centerpiece—take care in making sure that your arrangements are equally full and complete at every angle. This means turning your centerpiece or bouquet as your work. You might not realize that floral designers do this! Being mindful of this creates a gorgeous finished product that will be stunning from every view.

From Anna Doshina… Last fall Emily (Fleuropean) and Susanne (The Blue Carrot) organised an exquisite flower retreat in the Belgian countryside entitled “Movement” that I had the pleasure to document.

Everything about this workshop was like a breath of fresh air: refined dinner table settings, pleasant walks along the fields, unceasing conversations about the rarest species of roses, dahlias, vines, etc. and passionate floral art lectures. This retreat is a great opportunity to slow down, disconnect from your everyday problems, resuscitate your bonds with nature and let your inner voice speak. It also allows one to take a moment to relax, make new discoveries, savour delicious meals prepared by a Belgian chef and create bonds with remarkable florists from all around the globe. From a practical side, the retreat lasts four days and includes multiple activities like a foraging excursion, floral arrangement demonstrations from the talented organisers, a tour of Emily’s unconventional flower garden, styled shoot with a professional model and a silk dying class using natural dyes. The setting is soothing and picturesque: rolling green hills strewn with fields, small groves of trees, farms and historic sites. What also strikes is that despite being based in different countries, Emily and Susanne, have that special kind of chemistry between them that makes you feel comfortable and cheerful at their side. Moreover, their knowledge and talent are incomparable making this workshop outstanding and enriching. Even if one has very poor expertise in flowers, taking part in this experience and soaking up the special atmosphere that reigns in this floral sanctuary is a pure pleasure.

For those interested in this retreat, Emily and Susanne organise floral workshops on a regular basis so you can follow along their social media to get a chance to unearth/improve your floral talent together with them.

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Petit Bouquet

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Ethereal & Citrus Inspired Wedding Workshop in Cyprus

Upon first glance, this bright yet ethereal workshop looks like a real wedding! Staged in Cyprus alongside sandy beaches and sun-soaked skies, this gorgeous shoot had everything from real food to a marble wedding cake! Splendid Events took the lead planning every beautiful detail and called upon Sotiris Tsakanikas to capture it all, including bright pops of color and citrus-inspired centerpieces! Be sure to check out the video below by Oscar Studio and see the behind the scenes and how with the help of The Secret Owl this workshop came to life!

From Splendid Events…With compelling landscapes of hidden valleys, vineyard stretches of lush sandy beaches, and a host of Statesmen, international aristocracy and new Hollywood frequently alcoving, Cyprus feels almost utopian. Sun-soaked almost every month of the year and therefore saturated with colors, it has destination pretty written all over. For this very reason, when Sotiris Tsakanikas and The Secret Owl teamed up with Splendid Events we wished to present them with a multilayered suite of wedding inspiration and hail the new season in instant feel-good splashes of color and textures for days. We wished to find a vast venue which would provide us with the opportunity to set up in multiple locations, each with its own distinctive vibe and capsule backdrop and Columbia Beach Resort on Pissouri Bay was just the place. As far as wedding celebrations are concerned in Cyprus, more is more, hence our wish to bring together a sea of brands and creative teams to breathe life into this unique concept.

Swaddled by rolling hills studded with cypresses, bougainvilleas, Jacaranda and palm gardens, the day began with an elegant butterfly inspired boudoir session at the Master Suite. Maria A. Aristidou Studio created a made-to-order swathe of hand-painted butterflies and Naturae Design headpieces were matched to Leda lingerie sets for our bride. Panagiotis Assiotis worked on her early morning laid-back hairdo, and Niki Chrysanthou gave her free-abandon makeup with hues inspired from her stationery suites and our florals. And since butterflies drove much of the inspiration on site we couldn’t have chosen a pair other than the Sophia Webster signature Evangeline sandals. Letterpressed together with Nadia Hernandez designed a suite of hand-drawn invites, place cards, RSVPs, boutonnière assignments and welcome notes, weaving together tonal calligraphy and sketches of our venue in soft as moss paper, while the bride’s Kings Jewelry engagement ring and wedding bands sat pretty on The Mrs. Box Roosevelt, Paloma and Newport respectively. Wearing a second Naturae Design headband our bride slipped on her Berta gown from Primalicia and walked through the resort towards the gardens of the bay to meet her groom, dressed in a spruce grey linen suit and silk dove grey tie by Carlito, our groom stylist.

Our ultimate goal was to showcase how diverse Cyprus is and create a setup that would feature full potential. It might have sufficed to have a gorgeous venue to build on but as we like to have it here the charm is in the service. Beach weddings are usually thought of as bohemian or too laid-back, but we wished to show the luxurious side of a wedding just off the waterfront. We challenged ourselves to stay off soft pastels. Instead, we went for pops of zesty fruit — pink lady apples, pink grapefruits, and limes — uber large hot pink peonies and red protea pincushions. Drawing from the massive grey pebbles of the shore and the rocky surroundings we matched a seal grey tablecloth which contradicted the strong coral pink linens and florals.

Working with Mint Event Finds, we set up the reception table under a billowing drape gazebo with crystal chandeliers and Paige round-back dinner chairs, near the ceremonial aisle. We sourced vintage revamped pieces of candlesticks, cutlery, and dinnerware for the table set. The chandeliers used were restored from a retired al-fresco restaurant from a nearby village and the glasses belong to a 200-year private collection. Finally, we highlighted the celebration with something rarely seen on inspiration shoots. Real, delicious food.

Inspired by the famous still life painting by Severin Roesen, Pandora Catering went beyond any expectation and designed, styled and prepared an entire wedding menu buffet, laden with lavish seafood bites, lobsters, shrimp cocktails, fresh oysters, cheese and breadboards, sea-urchin soup and dragon fruit platters, mangoes, salty cakes and macaroons, finger treats and mussel canapes that not only added a magnificent punch to our inspiration but presented the way Cypriots view our celebratory art de la table.

To top it all we worked with Yiamy to couture actual edible cakes for the table as we are avid believers in treating guests with scrumptious favors. Our blue marbled wedding three-tier cake was pipped with organically grown real florals especially ordered for this purpose. Not all florals are cake appropriate and our selection not only coordinated with the rest of the blooms but was safe as was pretty. We couldn’t be more grateful for the stellar teams of vendors who made this possible and proved that Cyprus as a destination should definitely be on your summer wedding radar!

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Sotiris Tsakanikas

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Glamorous Pink Maryland Wedding at Oxon Hill Manor

Erika and Shayan grew up only twenty minutes apart, but their first meeting wasn’t until five years ago! Once their love bloomed it was impossible to halt that beautiful momentum and their fete planned by Claire Duran Weddings And Events is a sweet celebration of their union, years in the making. Not to mention, an absolute fairytale of a day. See it all through the lens of Asia Pimentel Photography in the full gallery.

Though Erika and Shayan grew up in the same area of Montgomery County, Maryland (Gaithersburg and Potomac, respectively—just 20 minutes apart), they finally met in 2014. At first, their relationship was long distance with Shayan living in Orlando where he had settled after graduating from law school, and Erika living and working in Washington, D.C. For their first date, Shayan took Erika to the Kennedy Center to watch a broadway production of her favorite movie, The Lion King. They have been best friends since.

It didn’t take long for Shayan to realize he wanted to marry Erika—he just had to convince her to say ‘yes.’ While Erika was planning a vacation in Italy in the spring of 2016, Shayan was planning their engagement. Shayan hired a local photographer in Venice to help capture the moment and popped the question during a gondola ride. They couple got married on September 22nd, 2018 at Oxon Hill Manor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

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Wedding Dresses

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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A Classic Wedding on Top of the World at the Little Nell

Today’s stunning brides exchanged vows at a magical ceremony complete with breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, surrounded by their closest friends and family at one of our all time favorite wedding venues – The Little Nell! We don’t know what we’re more obsessed with… the elegant mountain wedding decor or the heart-melting love these two share! (Their sheer happiness in every photo is seriously the cutest) Guests dined at a romantic indoor reception teeming with birch trees and overflowing greenery, all planned perfectly by Gold Leaf Event Design & Production. Take a look at all the pretty captured by Luna de Mare Photography below!

By Luna de Mare Photography… Gracie & My Yen wanted a destination wedding their friends and family would love as much as they did, with an experience that they would all truly enjoy.

Set high atop Aspen Mountain at 11,212 ft sits The Little Nell, with its log cabin warmth and an incomparable view of majestic mountain tops, is where they exchanged vows. With the adoring gaze of their closest, the snow capped mountains and the tallest of trees encompassing them, they celebrated the union they had always envisioned.

The reception was a stunning display which included birch tree installations on each table with overflowing leaves, and candlelight twinkling amidst low arrangements.

Guests were served several courses by the renowned chef at The Little Nell and hidden underneath each plate was a personal note card written to the guest seated there by the couple which brought tears and cries of laughter throughout the venue. Executed with effortless style by Gold Leaf Events, it was truly a breathtaking experience.

Classic Pink California Wedding at Klentner Ranch

I’m going to make a bold statement: this right here is my favorite tablescape of all the weddings I’ve written over the years. Isn’t it incredible what lighting can do?! Every other detail of this day planned by Alexandra Kolendrianos follows suit—utterly gorgeous, completely classic and oh-so-romantic. Not to mention, those blooms from TOAST Santa Barbara are beyond. Michelle Beller carefully captured the celebration and did every moment justice with her imagery. Find it all here in the full gallery.

From the Bride… Ben and I were set up through a mutual connection in the late summer of 2015. Ben was living in San Francisco and I was in LA. After a few emails that turned to texts, that turned to phone calls, we finally set a date to meet. After many trips up and down the coast, I moved up to the Bay Area and in with Ben. The ease and comfort I felt in making such a big decision confirmed I knew Ben was the one, so when he asked me to marry him it was an easy answer.

Growing up in Santa Barbara, I always knew it was where I would be married. My parents got married locally, and the plan was always to follow in their footsteps and get married at the same location. With a venue change less than three months before the wedding due to the natural disasters in California, I was in a bit of a panic but our planner Alexandra Kolendrianos put me at ease and helped create the most magical day I could have ever dreamed of. When I first met Alexandra, I knew she was the perfect person to plan our wedding. I felt an instant connection to her and knew she would not only build the most beautiful day for us, but ease all my worries and manage the details so I could truly enjoy the day and focus all my attention on the fact that I was finally getting to marry Ben.

As an interior designer, the decor, design and details of the day were very important to me and became such a fun part of the process. Alexandra and our florist Kim from Toast Santa Barbara helped put together each beautiful detail to bring my vision to life. The ceremony setting itself with a dramatic stone staircase and incredible ocean view was breathtaking. Kim and her team enhanced it even further by building the most glorious chuppah filled with greenery and flowers. My lush bouquet was wrapped with ribbon and tied in were my grandmothers wedding rings.

During cocktail hour, Ben and I got a moment just the two of us in the reception tent to take in the incredible work the team had done. The tables were lined with loose floral arrangements filled with spring flowers and luscious greenery. The natural elements of the wood chairs, chargers and rattan pendants mixed delightfully with the the gold and silver accents on the table. Brenna Berger created simple and stunning menus that coordinated with the hand painted invitation suite and was a true labor of love. Every detail came together perfectly and was impeccably captured by Michelle of Michelle Beller Photography.

When thinking back on the day, the first thing that always pops into my mind is the indescribable amount of love that you could feel in the room. With our families, friends, and of course each other all together to celebrate our future, the love radiated and it was a feeling I will never forget. Thank you to our families and the incredible vendor team who made the day so special for us.

A Glamorous Oceanfront Destination Wedding at Solaz Los Cabos

Grab your sandals and your passports ’cause we’re whisking you away to the white sandy beaches of Mexico for this glamorous oceanfront wedding! From the intricate geometric design details inspired by the venue’s architecture to the modern color scheme of marigold, blush, copper, and crème… every moment of this day is wow-worthy! Lynette Dow of Amy Abbott Events had the events running flawlessly while Jana Williams Photography captured all the can’t-miss details, see all the beauty below!

How did you choose your wedding venue?

From the Bride… Our planner Lynette knew we were looking for an outdoor venue, with modern aesthetics. Solaz was still under construction, but she knew it would be a perfect venue for us. I got goosebumps, and teary-eyed as soon as we walked on to the Calypso Terrace.

Did your wedding have a theme? If so, how did you choose it?

I had a color palette in mind and look/ vibe I wanted. I was trend shopping for work a few months before we got engaged and saw a beautiful mix of marigold, blush, copper, and crème tapered candles displayed with soft linens, so when Ted and I got engaged I knew that had to be the color palette! Something about those color against the turquoise ocean backdrop made my heart melt. I wanted a chic and elegant mix of modern and boho. The vibe was fresh, bright, and modern wedding. Britt, our wedding invite designer was inspired by the architecture of our venue and incorporated a geometric pattern on the invite. We used the geometric pattern and delicate tassel as part of the décor accent throughout.

Did you incorporate any religious and/or cultural traditions into your ceremony?

Part of our ceremony was bilingual in English and Spanish. We also included the Lasso Ceremony; the lasso is placed around the bride and groom’s shoulders to symbolize their everlasting union. We used the same lasso that bound my parents on their wedding day 40 years ago. It was one of my favorited moments.

How did you choose your table decor?

I love tabletop! I had a vision in my head and Lynette just got it. We visited several rental companies and put together the perfect mix of modern, glam, and boho. The pampas install was the show stopper!

Tell us your fave moments of the day!

1. Walking down to our big welcome bonfire. I was so nervous/ anxious but as soon as we saw all of our friends and family cheering, laughing and ready to kick off the weekend. I instantly felt all the love and excitement for us.

2. Walking down the aisle was magical. I had a great laugh and a particular moment with my dad a few seconds before we started walking down. My eyes instantly connected with Ted. I could see he was teary-eyed and I mouthed to him “I love you.” It felt like for a second it was just the two of us. When our eyes meet it brings me all the peace, security, joy, and warm fuzzy feelings I need.

3. The fireworks were amazing! It was an explosion of all love and excitement shared by our friends and family. If you could sum up your wedding day in one sentence, how would you describe it? It’s like the best dream I’ve ever had. I wake up and want to go back to sleep hoping to relive it. Seriously, pinch me!

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Elysium Productions

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Petit Bouquet

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Amy Abbott Events

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Destination Wedding in the South of France at Château de Lartigolle

“I don’t know if a lifetime is going to be enough but we’ll certainly have fun trying…”, the sweetest words spoken from Bride to Bride. You will soon see that Jen and Rachael’s celebration is so much more than a dreamy al fresco fete in France (although we’re big fans of the setting!). It’s jam-packed with love—the kind that will make your heart swell ten times and your smile glow brighter. Darek Smietana is bringing that joy to our screens today in the form of these beautiful images.

From Darek Smietana… Although initially against the idea of a destination wedding, it quickly became obvious to Rachael & Jen that they should host their celebration abroad for everyone to come together and celebrate their wedding. The couple chose the incredible Chateau de Lartigolle in the South of France for a long weekend, also throwing a gorgeous intimate gathering in a relaxed welcome party at the sister venue Ferme de Labarthe. Hearty BBQ food with home grown produce grown on the farm offering a perfect start to weekend with that golden sun, making for an unforgettable summer evening. Nick, Emma & Chris were incredible hosts.

“We decided to have a destination wedding for a number of reasons: we wanted an outdoor, rustic wedding with more sun than the UK could offer. We also wanted to extend the celebrations into a holiday so the South of France was a no brainer due to the food, wine, sunshine and beautiful countryside. Jen came across Lartigolle online and before even visiting we knew it was the one, it was actually the only venue we visited. A very special place in a way that you cannot articulate but only feel. You instantly feel at home and are encouraged to treat it as such whilst staying there. Stunning, relaxed and not pretentious in any way while the food is the best you will ever taste at a wedding. As foodies this was a big selling point for us. Head chef Zoe nails it.”

When people arrive to view Lartigolle they are just rendered smitten by the relaxed and genuine welcome from the owners who have created a venue which has the perfect blend of french chic and rustic charm, staying warm in character while not too posing as too grand for itself, traditional with so many intelligent modern touches in an impressive masterclass of styling.

“Our planning weekend was brilliant. Breaks in eating (not wine) were filled going over details with Emma, one of the owners and our planner, who we bonded with instantly, and continued drinking wine and sharing stories with until 2am. The next day Jen had arranged for an engagement shoot as a birthday surprise for Rachael. It wasn’t something we originally planned but would recommend as it is a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and feel more comfortable in front of the lens.”

Both brides were made to feel equally special with a stunning ceremony… “We would both say our favourite part of the weekend was the ceremony, simply beautiful and just how we imagined it. We made our entrance at the same time emerging from different sides of the chateau walls with our respective fathers. The moment we caught a glimpse of each other was magical. We opted for a very personal humanist ceremony with a reading that was written by Rachael’s grandfather, read by her brother and a poem called Invisible Kisses by the British Poet Lemn Sissay.”

From the perfectly choreographed entrance to the breathtaking floral ceremony backdrop, Emma’s faultless touches of styling and sensitivity were so thoughtfully created for a gorgeous, intimate and celebratory atmosphere.

“A favourite personal touch came about for the dining tables. Since Jen’s father is a beekeeper, we made rustic candles for the favours which looked and smelt amazing on the place settings, bound together with our personalised wax seal, as used for the invitations.”

The speeches were incredibly touching with one especially sweet moment as Jen vowed to support Rachael to live out all of her dreams, saying “I don’t know if a lifetime is going to be enough but we’ll certainly have fun trying…” as well as hilariously touching stories from their best men. These included sweet childhood adventures to a general take on their appetite for life, travel and new experiences. Rachael & Jen are two gorgeous souls who evidently seem to belong together and showed everyone present why. The speeches finished with a quote from a member of Rachael’s family, that “Life is for sharing with someone, otherwise its’ purpose is limited. You and Jen follow your hearts. Life is precious, grab it with both hands and hold on tight.” Rachael then promised before everyone to do exactly that!

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Candlelit Fall Wedding at Chaparral Ranch in Aspen, Colorado

Fall wedding babes, we’re about six months out from those cool, cozy autumn days and that means you’re probably in the thick of planning. So, I hope today’s subtly rustic celebration from Bluebird Productions will peak your senses. A slate blue, navy and teal palette compliments the loads of greenery and ivory blooms (oh hey, Prema Style!) and also paves the way for welcoming a warmth in the form of the dreamy candlelit reception. None other than Tec Petaja captured it all so, so beautifully and I just know when the leaves start to drop we’ll be seeing fetes inspired by this very one.

From Bluebird Productions… M+B’s gorgeous fall wedding was held the last Saturday of September in Aspen, Colorado. Despite a long planning timeline (almost 18 months), the celebration took the perfect shape from the get go with very little changes to the plan. We were able to work with both M+B and their families to craft the perfect weekend full of activities, hosted dinners and the most spectacular wedding.

Chaparral Ranch, just outside of Aspen, was home to the actual wedding day. We transformed this massive riding arena into a wood-floored and smilax and velvet-draped area fit for the celebration that ensued. Guests enjoyed an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour with plentiful food and beverage (and a beer truck!).

They listenedd to music by New York Virtuosi and the Wooks. Guests then found their way through a tunnel of hanging globes with escort cards into the arena. A festive family style dinner followed and fueled guests for hours of dancing the night away to Northstar.

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Elysium Productions

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Coastal Outdoor San Clemente Wedding at Ole Hanson Beach Club

Prepare yourself for a dose of happiness in the form of delish coral charm peonies, the sweetest flower girl and a colorful California celebration at Ole Hanson Beach Club. Paige and Christian called on Confetti Skies to plan their joyous day, complete with blooms from Penelope Pots and rentals from Found Rentals and Casa de Perrin. The entire fete was documented by the vondys. with care, see it all unfold below!

From the vondys…. California dreamin’ came true for Paige and Christian at this SoCal sea-side beach wedding. This beautiful couple tied the knot surrounded by friends and family in an outdoor ceremony with views of the big blue Pacific, and the hills and mountains of Southern California.

Much like their gorgeous venue, Ole Hanson Beach Club, a historic Spanish-revival style building with ornate & original detailing, Paige and Christian’s wedding was old-school California glamour blended with pops of lush vibrant color and unique, personal charm.

Penelope Pots floral design and Confetti Skies created an atmosphere of bright, effervescent color and exquisite detail that perfectly matched the couple’s warm, bubbly personalities. It was truly a pleasure to snap this emotional and touching ceremony and get to know such a wonderful new family!