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How to Show off Your Playful Side and Still Look Completely Glamorous

Jumping on the Jenny by Jenny Yoo bandwagon wasn’t a difficult decision to make, and with the release of the line’s second collection, we’ve officially reached obsessed status. That’s because these gowns are the sort of dresses that demand an audience – from the ultra-soft fabrics to the three-dimensional embroidery. We’re totally on board with showing off your playful side, while still looking completely glamorous – and these gowns are it.

Finding a dress that appeals to your youthful side doesn’t mean giving up your dreams of a luxe wedding gown. And the newest Jenny by Jenny Yoo collection totally proves it. We love the clean lines and whimsical details, and honestly can’t get enough of the high-low cuts and plunging necklines. But what we really can’t stop talking about are the gorgeous fabrics – think taffeta, stretch crepe and chiffon (just to name a few). If you’re a light-hearted bride who wants that princess moment, the volume and movement are sure to add that drama you’re looking for. And those Swiss Dots and pearl detailing? So in love, you guys.

I think it’s safe to say that the newest Jenny by Jenny Yoo collection just gets it. Which is no surprise to us, since Jenny’s been ruling the bridal industry for over ten years with her signature style of clean lines and modern cuts. She really does set the trends –  and we definitely follow. Whether that’s with versatile separates, textured embroidery or a taffeta ball skirt that is everything you’ll ever need.

We adore the classic meets modern styles in the newest Jenny by Jenny Yoo collection, and the price points, too. I mean, who can argue with dresses that range from $600 to $2,000. It just proves that you don’t have to break the bank (or your wedding budget) to achieve that wedding day look you’ve always wanted. And if your dream look happens to fall along the lines of classic Hollywood glamour with a hint of playful charm, this collection nails it.

If you’re in search of that gown that will be just as youthful + playful as you, but still rock in the glamour department, check out the newest Jenny by Jenny Yoo collection for an entire lineup of pretties you’ll definitely love.

Photography: This Modern Romance | Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo | Hair & Makeup : KC Witkamp | Mansion: Virginia Robinson Gardens

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The 3 Top Wedding Hairstyles of 2018

It can seem like there are a million resources when you were looking for your dream dress, but once you found it, are you frantically trying to find the perfect hairstyle to go with it? Pinterest has recently published their wedding trend report and the results are in for the most searched hairstyles: the messy up-do, the hair comb and waves with a side-part.

We’ve broken down each bridal hairstyle for you and described the perfect gown styles that may work with each!


Messy Up-Do
This can take on a few different forms, whether it be a messy braid or bun, but a lot of brides like this look as it feels a bit less formal and rigid than a proper up-do. This style works well with gowns that have interesting or low-backs where you don’t want your hair to cover it up, or if you need to anchor a long veil in your hair. Try a low, messy bun off to the side with a few pieces framing your face for a soft, romantic vibe!



Hair Combs
A gorgeous hair comb is a great accessory to add to your overall look without overdoing it. I like to have my hair combs off to the side or even towards the back of the head, that way it won’t compete with any other jewelry like statement earrings or a belt. They can work with a variety of hairstyles, down or up, and can be as big or as small and delicate as you like. The only advice I have is to set the comb on top of the veil, that way it will act as an anchor and elevate the look of your veil.



Waves with Side-Part
If you’re someone who only wears a ponytail to the gym, this style is great for you! Very classic, it will allow you to feel comfortable, elegant and just that little bit of glam. This hairstyle is great for v-neck or strapless gowns where you would like your hair to sweep over your shoulders and frame your face. Dust it with a bit of hairspray for the day and pop in a big chandelier earring to really finish it off!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.

Stylish + Chic, This Green + Gold Wedding Inspo Brings Out The Irish In Us All

Think there is absolutely no way to add a little St. Patty’s Day flair to your fete without looking hokey and completely un-chic? You think wrong. This emerald gold wedding inspiration before us is elegant, modern and incredibly stylish… and is totally the type of green-hued glam we love this time of year. The Ganeys captured all the details of the day, putting us in a fashionably fun mood for the weekend ahead. See it all in our gallery right this way!

From The Ganeys… The Cypress Grove Estate House was the backdrop for this wedding inspiration. Our inspiration for this session actually came from the green shutters and clean white facade. We wanted to create an elegant wedding filled with classy and modern details.

I’m a paper goods kind of girl. I love the textures. I love the stamps. And I love anything and everything that Andi Meija creates. Her signature is wrapping all of her items in a thin gold thread – which was the perfect accent for this emerald and gold invitation suite. She used watercolor as the backdrop of the invitation and a modern font to invite guests to the event was perfect to set the stage for this shoot.

Our bride, Brinley, was such a natural beauty. Her hair was pulled back into loose curls, pinned in place with floral clips. Tiffany from Michele Renee Studio did an amazing job taking this bride’s look to the next level of gorgeous!

Brinley wore a Ines Di Santo gown from The Bridal Finery. This gown was made for this wedding inspiration. The lace, the illusion back with the buttons, and that phenomenal cut was the perfect combination of elegant and modern.

The reception space was set and styled by Plan It Events. The pieces from RW Events elevated the event with the white and gold chairs, for the guest’s table and the emerald tufted ones for the sweetheart table. Every place was set with gold rimmed plates, gold flatware, a menu and the most exquisite emerald napkins. Flower by Lesley created the centerpieces – overflowing with roses and greenery.

The lounge area was set by the water at Cypress Grove Estate. On the emerald rug sat a velvet couch and two vintage upholstered chairs. Atop the marble table sat another incredible centerpiece.

The evening concluded as it always should – with cake! Sugar Sugar created a two tiered beauty – complete with a sugar flower and gold accents. It sat atop an emerald table, and behind it hung a scroll of vows from the couple.

This team of vendors was such a treat to work with! Everyone went above and beyond to ensure the day ran smoothly! It was a dream to photograph – Caitlin and the Plan It Events team made it so easy!

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Photography: The Ganeys | Event Planning: Plan It Event Design and Management | Floral Design: Flowers By Lesley | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Cake: Sugar Sugar Cake Boutique | Shoes: Lulu's | Hair + Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio | Venue: Cypress Grove Estate House | Bridal Boutique: The Bridal Finery | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Linens: Over The Top Linens | Paper Goods: Andi Mejia | Rentals: RW Events | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Tabletop Rentals: Treasury Rentals

An At Home Engagement Session That’ll Set Your Heart Aflutter

At home engagement sessions are officially my new jam. The cozy and intimate atmosphere created by being in your own space is unparalleled, and with this gorgeous couple plus Sierra Ramke there to add her special touch, it turns into something so beautiful, words don’t really do it justice. I love this e-sesh so much, I just might have to call Amelia Soegijono Photography and ask her to fly to LA to capture an anniversary shoot with my man.

From the Amelia Soegijono PhotographyOn a beautiful spring day, where the cherry blossoms, camellias and little daisies are in full bloom, Natasha and Derek celebrated their love story in a sweet, elopement-style getaway for their engagement session. We started out the story as Derek watched his beautiful and sweet Natasha wake up in the glorious sunny bedroom. The thoughtful fiancé then ran the bath for her as we created some delicate boudoir shots in timeless black and white film. As Natasha soaked herself in a pretty bath with daisies Derek picked from the gardens, Derek scribbled a love note in the living room. He presented it to Natasha before they head out for a little walk outside, enjoying the fresh afternoon sun, spoiling their eyes with the abundance of blossoming flowers and spending quality time together. They ended the day dressed up in stunning outfits as they head out to have a romantic dinner.

From the bride… Derek and I met on our first day at the University of Melbourne. We were both starting our degree to be dentists. I noticed Derek sitting towards the back of the lecture room, and I thought, “He’s kind of cute!” Soon we became friends, and we often talked over online messenger at night. I was the confused girl during class, but Derek was always there to help me, patiently teaching and explaining things to me. Even during the stressful exam periods, Derek managed to say a quick hello. We stayed friends for five years until we graduated.

A few months after graduation, we had dinner together, and only then we grew to be even closer. Text messages became long chats over the phone, and soon, we were in a relationship. Five years later, we went on a long awaited trip to the United States. Derek proposed, down on one knee, on the very top of the Empire State Building on October 18, 2016. I was so taken aback that I was lost for words and forgot to say, “Yes!” Eventually I did say yes, of course, and there was no question in my mind that I would say otherwise.

From Sierra RamkeNatasha has a very feminine and polished aesthetic, so we chose very soft yet elegant pieces for her styling. I really wanted to celebrate how beautiful she is with elements of sheer lace, soft tulles, and open necklines – she has the most divine skin. Derek is also very timeless in his taste, so we opted for a relaxed but classic look in neutral shades and a muted navy suit for his final look.

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Photography: Amelia Soegijono Photography | Styling: Sierra Ramke | Floral Design: Jordine Botanic | Hair + Makeup: Kaori Harigae | Calligraphy: Janet Ottaviano | Venue: The Rift, Bowral | Dresses: Yefta Gunawan

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5 Things You Should Know Before Renovating Your Home

When it comes to renovating and designing homes, Lindye Galloway Interiors lives and breathes this stuff. Case in point? This mid century modern with a cool coastal Cali vibe. Can you even with that blue island and hood combo in the kitchen?! SO good. Plus, Lindye and team (along with these gorgeous images from Chad Mellon) are giving us a handful of tips on what you need to know before beginning your own reno—get ready to take notes!

1. Have a plan.

The most important part is to determine your budget and figure out how it will be allocated. Then, stick to it!

2. Come up with a clear vision of the style.

There are so many beautiful styles out there, so it can be so hard to decide the direction you want to go in. Pinterest can be a great place to find inspiration, but be careful not to let it pull you in too many different directions. Figure out which style best represents you and/or the space you are renovating, and really hone in on finding inspiration that works with that style.

 

3. Do your homework!

Make sure to research the team that you’re hiring (architect, builder, designer, etc) and ask to see work that they’ve done in the past. By doing this you will get a better idea of their experience and the quality of their work. Here are a few questions to ask them… In their past projects, how close were they able to stick to the budget? Were they able to finish past projects on time? And don’t be afraid to ask these professionals for references!

4. Set your expectations.

It’s time to get excited about your soon to be renovated home! Make sure to take into consideration that things could potentially be a little more expensive or take a little longer than you expect, and that is okay. At the end of the day you will LOVE the results!

 

5. When in doubt, hire an interior designer.

A designer can help give vision and execute the project free of mistakes! I may be biased, but I think it’s a worthy investment that could save you money in the long run.

From Lindye Galloway InteriorsOur lovely clients wanted a California vibe with an underlying mid century modern theme, while mixing in some eclectic pieces. We married the styles and the end result was nothing short of amazing.

The home was built in the 90’s and needed a lot of updating. The floorplan was very tight, so we knocked down a wall separating the living space and kitchen. This opened up the downstairs, creating a much better flow between the spaces and letting in tons of natural light.

The clients were not afraid to embrace color, so we used a pop of soothing blue on the small kitchen island to ground the space.

We used an eclectic patterned tile for the fireplace which created a striking focal point for the room. We layered a natural rug, with a chic antique rug to layer texture and pattern in all of the right ways. Mixing patterns is a delicate balance and we love how everything in this home worked together so beautifully!

The sunny bedroom pays homage to the coastal California vibe, while mixing in a touch of mid century modern. The crisp, bright whites and deep blues provide a refreshing palette, creating a space for our clients to stylishly exist in.

Photography: Chad Mellon | Interiors: Lindye Galloway

Elegant “I Do’s” in the Most Glamorous Ballroom Setting

One of the latest trends to hit weddings is a move to more indoor affairs. And let me just say, this ballroom celebration is making a strong case for the true beauty of that trend. Pairing long sleeve gown elegance by Inbal Dror with glamorous decor planned by Details Details and florals a plenty by Bloom Box Designs, romance is in each and every moment of this day. See it all through Jana Williams’ gorgeous images.

Mixing vintage and modern can make for the most beautiful affairs. Vintage Elegance with modern flare planned by Samantha of Details Details , Romantic florals designed in the hands of Bloombox , and a sense of classic French in the paper goods by The Vintage Inkwell. Along with the last minute decision on the long sleeve Inbal Dror Gown. This wedding spook straight to my pretty-loving soul and it was a pleasure to photograph.

Photography: Jana Williams Photography | Videographer: Andrew James Abajian | Planner: Details Details | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Wedding Cake: Biltmore Estate | Catering: Four Seasons Catering | Hair & Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Lighting: SEAS Productions | Tux: Ralph Lauren | Officiant: Daniela Gesundheit | Bridesmaids Dress: JLM Couture | Bridesmaids Dress: Jenny Yoo | Bridesmaids' Dress: Reformation | Ceremony/Cocktail Hour/Band: Lucky Devils Band | Floral Designer/Linens/Chairs/Tables: BloomBox Designs | Hair + Makeup ( for Ashton): Nicole Armijo | Paper Goods: The Vintage Inkwell

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Blogger Bride Grace Shares How to ‘Propose’ to Your Bridal Party

Hi y’all! Grace here from A Southern Drawl! I recently ‘proposed’ to my bridesmaids and it was so unbelievably special to me! I think it has been my favorite part of the wedding planning thus far.

How I asked my bridesmaids

Many of my girlfriends knew it was coming. We had been friends since childhood and have already conquered a couple weddings together, but I still wanted to do something special for them. Many of my friends live in different cities (we’ve got some in Chicago, New York, you name it), so the only day everyone was in town happened to be on my birthday. It couldn’t have worked out better!

We scheduled a birthday brunch and I brought everyone the cutest little gift bags filled with some goodies: personalized lavender candles, Sugarfina sweet treats, and a personalized card. The cards were the most special part — I took my time on each single one and told them exactly how much they mean to me. Everyone said yes and it was quite possibly the best birthday gift I had ever received!

Make it special for your MOH

I ended up asking my maid of honor {my sister} separately. We’re best friends, so we’re always doing *something* together. I popped the question to her over a sushi dinner with a similar gift bag. I would be lying if I said there weren’t traces of a few tears on her proposal card.

How my fiance asked his groomsmen

My fiance, on the other hand, did something much different. He’s a guy, so he wasn’t too fond of any gift giving ideas. However, he didn’t want to ask his groomsmen over text message. He made a point to schedule to see each one of them, bought them a beer, and popped the question. Guys sometimes have it too easy!

I’m so excited to share more of our wedding planning details with y’all over the next few months!


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Photography: Erin Trimble | Event Planning: VIVID Events | Blogger: A Southern Drawl | Candy: Sugarfina | Personalized Candle: Etsy | Personalized Cards: Etsy

Grace

A Blush + Gold Beauty That’s Basically Made For SMP

A totally classic SMP wedding, refined, elegant and super romantic. But at a venue that’s full of love and meaning for the special couple. That my dears, is what we crave. Lindsay Madden captured this blush and gold beauty at the John’s Island Club, where the Bride and Groom became engaged and where they hope to vacation with their children some day. Pretty awesome, right? But before we get too far ahead of ourselves wishin’ and hopin’, let’s spend some solid time with their wondrous wedding, because it’s a good one for sure. Enjoy it all right this way!

Colors
Settings
Country Club

From the Bride… Timeless, traditional, romantic and fun! These words effortlessly describe the vision of our wedding day. A party we would never forget with breathtaking ocean views, a striking tent, great food and a band that would keep our guests dancing all night long. The best part was that it was a perfect reflection of our relationship; I oversaw the planning and design and Hayes brought the fun!

The venue, Johns Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida will always be very special to us. We spent much of our relationship visiting family and vacationing there and in April of 2015, Hayes proposed on a romantic morning walk on the beach. It was important to us to be married in a place we visit often and will hopefully bring our children someday.

The ceremony was held at the beach club overlooking the ocean, so we let the view speak for itself. We really wanted the focus to be on each other, saying our vows in front of our closest friends and family. The wedding was held on Mother’s Day Weekend to honor my late mother and during the ceremony we had all of our guests read a passage from my favorite children’s book “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. We truly felt her presence in that moment.

With my experience and passion for event planning, I wanted a tented reception to create a unique setting that could be designed from top to bottom. We kept everything neutral with subtle pops of blush pink and gold. We added layers and texture to the tables with fun fluffy linens, lush flowers, lots of candlelight and monogrammed linen napkins, which were tied with satin ribbons. One of our favorite design details of the reception was a custom floral frame our florist created as a unique take on a photo booth. Our friend and wedding planner, Claudia Hanlin couldn’t have executed our vision more perfectly and we are so blessed to be able to look back at our incredible photos by Lindsay Madden to remember the best day of our lives. It was truly magical and everything I had dreamed of since I was a little girl and there was certainly no shortage of laughter and partying with my husband at center stage!

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Photography: Lindsay Madden Photography | Videography: McKenzie Miller Films | Event Design + Planning: The Wedding Library | Floral Design: William Bainbridge Steele Design | Wedding Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup + Hair: Ivette Gil Beauty Design | Entertainment: Elan Artists | Groom's Attire: Paul Stuart | Wedding Venue: John's Island Club | Tent: TentLogix | Wedding Dress + Veil: Monique Lhuillier

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5 Books Every Woman Needs to Read

I am constantly wow-ed by the boss ladies, mamas and incredibly inspiring women in my life. From running successful businesses to toting babes on our hips to pushing each other to be our best selves every day, I’m dang proud to be a woman. Thankfully, we live in a time of positive change for women—with plenty of role models on the forefront, including these authors. Take a peek below for some inspiring female-penned reads!

From Kathryn Snyder… From biographies to self-help, to romance novels and more, women continue to break glass ceilings, teach life lessons, challenge the status quo, inspire change and redefine female sexuality for us, through their literary work. While no list could fully showcase all the thought-provoking books available for women today, we’ve highlighted five female-penned reads that promise to bring no shortage of noteworthy and engrossing new reading.

Faking the O by Jenna Leigh

Part personal story, part self-help book, Faking the O takes you inside the life of flight attendant, Jenna Leigh as she encounters heartbreak, divorce and dating in the 21st-century (as a mother). Both witty and unapologetic, Leigh opens up about the highs and lows of single life, her journey to self-discovery, digital dating, sexual encounters, and the lessons she learned along the way. Buy it here.

Goddesses in Everywoman: Powerful Archetypes in Women’s Lives by Jean Shinoda-Bolen

Published in the early 1980s, Goddesses in Everywoman: Powerful Archetypes in Women’s Lives takes a look at the profound historical patterns, thoughts, feelings, and life approaches specific to women. In it, author Shinoda-Bolen uses seven archetypal goddesses (or personality types) with whom all women will identify, to make women more conscious of the influence stereotypes outside can have on achieving life’s purpose and demonstrate how women can cultivate or overcome these enduring archetypes to achieve greater life fulfillment. Buy it here.

How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids by Jancee Dunn

Honest and devastatingly funny, journalist Jancee Dunn doesn’t hold back in her real-life self-help book, How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids. Dunn invites readers into the inner sanctum of her semi-messy family life, as she manages the unexpected side effects of becoming a mother. Using personal anecdotes, and raw insight from therapists, friends and even an FBI hostage negotiator—this book tackles the perils that can occur after having kids and offers couples tips for improving their marriage and creating a harmonious home. But it here.

Self Made: Becoming Empowered, Self-Reliant, and Rich in Every Way by Nely Galan

What does it mean to be self-made? It’s not just about having money, but financial empowerment. A New York Times Best-Seller, Self Made: Becoming Empowered, Self-Reliant, and Rich in Every Way voices the concerns and struggles of Nely Galan on her journey to becoming financially self-reliant. From sexism, to stereotypes and inequality in the workplace, Galan shares valuable, candid, no-nonsense lessons from her own experiences and offers actionable advice to help women become financially and entrepreneurially resilient today. Buy it here or at www.BecomingSelfMade.com.

Leave Me by Gayle Forman

Working mothers will appreciate this relatable fiction novel by author, Gayle Forman. In her adult fiction debut, Forman’s Leave Me follows stressed-out working mom Maribeth Klein through a disruptive life event, which spurs the mother to do the unthinkable—runaway and leave her children and husband behind. What Maribeth learns while seeking better health, balance and an understanding of her own past is a lesson about compromise and the power of family and friends. Buy it here.

This Jekyll Island Wedding Is Giving Us Butterflies

When this couple first visited Crane Cottage, hundreds of butterflies were flitting about the property gardens. They couldn’t forget this magical scene, which ended up providing a beautiful bit of inspiration for their special day. Custom silk butterflies were tucked into the floral arrangements by Colonial House of Flowers, and a beautiful watercolored butterfly by Every Little Letter was incorporated into the stationery. Yes, it’s as enchanting as it sounds, so head into this gorgeous gallery photographed by Sarah Ingram.

When D.C. couple, Courtney and Chris, started planning their wedding, they knew a destination affair was the right move for them. The bride grew up in Florida and knew she wanted a coastal location where guests could really disconnect and treat the trip not only as a wedding weekend but a true getaway. Jekyll Island was a vacation spot for the groom growing up, so the couple decided to visit and see if it felt right for the wedding. The bride says, “We immediately fell in love after touring Crane Cottage for no more than 15 minutes. We both knew this would be it.” The southern charm along with the dreamy landscape including Spanish moss, historic architecture, and the ocean shore steps from the venue was an instant draw.

“I remember when we had initially visited Crane Cottage, that there were a ton of butterflies in the gardens. This stuck with me when I started to think about an underlying theme, and I ended up having custom silk butterflies made, which we sprinkled amongst the floral arrangements. We also had our invitation designer paint watercolor butterflies to weave into our crest on the Save the Dates,” Courtney says.

She also shares a sage piece of advice for other brides-to-be: “Someone told us to take a moment in the midst of everything with your significant other to stand back and take everything all in. I would say that was the most memorable moment of our day! Seeing friends and family all together in one place having a good time is very special.”

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Photography: Sarah Ingram | Coordination: Jekyll Island Club Hotel | Floral Design: Colonial House of Flowers, Est. 1968 | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Cake: Jekyll Island Club Hotel | Invitations: Every Little Something | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Needle & Thread | Catering: Jekyll Island Club Hotel | Hair and Makeup: Emma Collins Beauty | Ceremony Music: Music By Pegge | Venue: Jekyll Island Club Hotel | Bride's Earrings: Mallarino | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab

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5 Simple Ways To Make Your Wedding Feel More Personal

The best way to make your wedding stand out among the rest? Pretty decor helps for sure. But more importantly are those little personal touches that make you and your guests smile—the full-of-heart details that go beyond a beautiful bouquet or a designer dress and give your wedding it’s heart beat. Read below for five truly meaningful ways to do just that!

Include Your Fur Babies

Pets are like family, so (if they’re well behaved) why not include them in your Big Day? From ring bearers to cocktail hour greeters, they’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Play Wedding Songs of Married Guests

A truly special way to make your guests feel warm and cozy? Play wedding songs of couple’s who are already married! A couple of our friends did this for us (and other guests) at their wedding and it was the sweetest personal touch!

Turn Up the Volume

Make sure your guests can actually hear your vows! I’ve been to too many ceremonies where I simply could not hear the vows. It might cost a little extra to get proper sound equipment, but it’s so worth it—those vows are what your wedding are all about.

Family Style Seating

Don’t feel like messing with a round table seating chart? Opting for lengthy, family style seating tables is a great way to allow more guests to mingle and get to know one another—and makes your reception feel like you’re right at home!

Game Time

Cocktails aren’t the only way to loosen up at cocktail hour—incorporate fun yard games that you love to play at home!

Indian Street Food + a Bollywood Flash Mob Make All Our Dreams Come True

This is one of those weddings where, after watching the film by Reel Eyes and perusing the images captured by Larissa Cleveland, I wish I could go back in time and attend. We’re talking a colorful and fun celebration with an industrial vibe planned by Shannon Leahy that featured Indian street food (yum!) and a packed dance floor until the wee hours of the morning. But I really shouldn’t be surprised, because this is clearly an awesome couple – the groom did propose with a Bollywood dance flash mob, after all!

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From the bride… We met at Stanford University during our sophomore year. We became close friends through mutual friends and started dating shortly thereafter!

Nima knows that there’s nothing more important to me than my family and friends, and living far away from them in Minnesota is a challenge for us every day. So, one absolutely freezing January morning (and I mean -10ºF), we went out to our favorite brunch place in Minneapolis, and there, doing a Bollywood dance flash mob, were all my family and friends. My family, Nima’s family, my high school friends, my college friends, my Minneapolis friends, my cousins, and more (around 25 people!) were there doing a choreographed dance to the Bollywood hit “Pretty Woman”. People flew out from California, Texas, and more. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect moment, because I got to celebrate with all of my favorite people.

During the ceremony, our female relatives held a cloth over our heads and sewed a thread into the cloth to symbolize sewing love into our relationship while rubbing sugar cones together to symbolize a sweet life. Along with exchanging rings, Nima placed on me my grandmother’s Mangal-Sutra, a traditional Hindu necklace representing marriage sewn with gold thread and gold and black beads. My a cappella group from college sang two songs: Baba Yetu (the Lord’s prayer in Swahili) and Avulekile Amasango (a Zulu song translating to, “The mothers of old used to pray; things are the way they are because of prayer.”).

Overall we wanted a really bright, colorful, high energy event. We wanted a modern, sleek, industrial vibe, utilizing both outdoor and indoor spaces. The NWBLK is a super unique location with its origin as an old sign factory for the city of San Francisco. The dark and industrial interiors really allowed us to turn up the volume on the colors and define our own vibe. The courtyard outside was perfect for our stations style Indian street food dinner, and the large, open space inside was great for the ceremony and dancing.

Our favorite part of our wedding was most definitely the dancing! Our DJ, Chris Fox, really hit it out of the park with 5+ hours of a packed dance floor! Our wedding planners told us that was a first for them. Getting ready with all my ladies was also really fun!

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Photography: Larissa Cleveland Photography | Cinematography: Reel Eyes Media | Event Planning: Shannon Leahy Events | Floral Design: Hunt Littlefield | Invitations: Minted | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: Filigree jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bridelan | Catering: Jalsa Catering | Hair + Makeup: Kelly Jo Makeup & Hair | Lighting: Got Light | DJ: Chris Fox | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: NWBLK | Floor Decal: ProWraps | Henna: Henna Creation | Photo Booth: Tomfoolery | Rentals: Hensley Event Resources | Rentals: Blueprint Studios | Seamstress: The Wedding Detailor | Stylist: Bridelan

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Setting the Mood for the Most Romantic Rainy Day Affair

Inspired by the romance of a rainy day, this photo shoot crafted for the Jeremy Chou workshop sets the tone for an elegant and moody celebration. Classic details masterminded by East Made Event Company  are paired with a sea of candlelight, florals by Wild Green Yonder and the old world beauty of Anderson House. It just might make you wish for overcast skies and a little good luck sprinkle on your wedding day.

Embracing a late summer day of pouring rain, we allowed ourselves to be inspired by this Langston Hughes quote: “Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.”

Lulled by the sound of rain and surrounded by the lush grandeur of the 1905 Anderson House in Washington, DC, dusty blue-grey tones and a candlelit aesthetic set the mood to this shoot designed by East Made Event Company for the Jeremy Chou Photography Workshops in DC. Drawing inspiration from the exquisite detail on both Emily Riggs gowns and the refined decor of the venue, each element of this slightly moody shoot was carefully chosen for the fine art bride who appreciates subtle embellishment and luxe materials. Soft silk ribbon from Frou Frou Chic, elegant calligraphy by Julie Ha, and the most carefully crafted accessories by Maggie Wu created a delicate bridal look, which is juxtaposed with a more organic tablescape, with handmade pottery candlesticks, raw linen napkins, and organic florals by Lori Tran. Embellished, silver flatware from stylist Elizabeth’s own collection inspires an antique aesthetic, reflective of the grandeur of the venue. By the end of the day, the skies parted enough to enjoy some photos on the front portico of the Anderson House, the perfect finale to Day One of the workshop.

Photography: Jeremy Chou Photography | Floral Design: Wild Green Yonder | Cake: Fleur and Flour | Shoes: Bella Belle | Ring: Susie Saltzman | Hair and Makeup: Georgetown Bride | Venue: Anderson House | Bridal Gowns: Emily Riggs | Calligraphy and Stationery: Julie Ha | Creative Direction: East Made Event Company | Film Lab: The Find Lab | Furniture and Tabletop: White Glove Rentals | Hairpieces and Earrings: Maggie Wu Studio | Models - Fontaine and Patrick: Modelogic Wilhelmina | Ribbon Sponsor: Frou Frou Chic | Sponsor: Dekora Album | Sponsor: Fuji Film | Sponsor: ProDPI | Sponsor: Align Album Design | Styling Surfaces: Simply Rooted Calligraphy | Styling Surfaces: Simply Rooted Calligraphy

Why We Can’t Stop Talking About These Gowns Inspired by Space Mountain

It’s not everyday we get to peruse a gown collection inspired by a ride on Space Mountain and the music of Queen, but with Hayley Paige’s latest Spring 2018 collection, that’s exactly what we’re doing. And as awesome as busting out Bohemian Rhapsody truly is, these dresses are so much better. With gorgeous fabrics, amazing textures and fab prints as the pretty highlights, we’re totally on board with this space fantasy-inspired collection.

Pardon the cheesy pun, you guys, but Hayley Paige’s latest Spring 2018 collection is seriously out of this world. Sure, it’s a lineup of gowns inspired by a fun-filled ride on Space Mountain (accompanied by Bohemian Rhapsody, of course), but it’s so much more than that.  From illusion details to layers of beautiful lace to chic necklines and tiered skirts, these are the kind of gowns that are perfect for brides who love pretty details AND want to make a statement.

Hayley Paige is a design genius, and this new Spring 2018 collection proves it. We can’t stop talking about all of the body-skimming silhouettes and are especially excited with the new, exclusive Glazer knit fabric for it’s classic look with a modern twist. And who can say no to beaded backs, star-dusted lace and full tulle skirts? Not to mention that wearing a gown designed by Hayley Paige means walking down the aisle in a dress that boasts couture craftsmanship, plus a youthful charm you can’t find anywhere else.

Can’t wait to see Hayley Paige’s new Spring 2018 collection in person? Find a retailer near you here, then put on some Bohemian Rhapsody and start shopping.

I’ve Planned 100 Weddings – Here’s How I’m Planning My Own!

Have you ever wondered how the experts go about planning their weddings? Being in the industry can make it easier, or it can make it that much more complicated. We caught up with Caitlin Campbell, Senior Event Coordinator and Designer at True Event to find out how she’s gone about planning her big day, and any advice she can offer from her many experiences!

What are some key pieces of wisdom you can offer other brides?
Caitlin: “Always remember what’s important to you and your fiancé. The wedding is to celebrate the two of you coming together so remind yourself of that in times of stress during the planning. Keep it fun and exciting!”

Do you still feel overwhelmed planning your own wedding?
Caitlin: “Honestly, yes! The beginning was a little overwhelming. Where to start and where we wanted to have it? Hire a planner! The best way to help get organized and enjoy the process! I’m lucky enough to have Sarah True to help keep us on track and in line!

Since I have planned over 100 weddings, how do I now top that? Keeping the wedding day true to us is what is important. We love being surrounded by family and friends so planning a weekend to celebrate rather than just one day is the best way!”

What are some hacks of wedding planning that you’ve learned over the years?
Caitlin:Splurge on the vendors that are important to you two! My clients can tell you I’m a huge pusher of a videographer so that’s one thing I have learned not to cut back on. The photography is just as important to me. This is the person besides your planner that you will likely see the most that day and it’s important to feel really comfortable with them.”

What part of planning your own wedding are you most looking forward to?
Caitlin: “Honestly, ALL of it!! It’s so fun to finally be a bride! I’m really excited to dive into the design process with Yumiko from Hana Floral Design about the flowers! Every time I start talking about it I get excited!!”

In your opinion, what is the most difficult part of being a bride?
Caitlin: “The guest list! We are so lucky to have a big family and many friends but a lot of the venues we were looking at couldn’t accommodate our guest count, so we needed to cut back!”

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.

Santorini + This Sweet Couple = Anniversary Shoot Success

Simple and stunning; one of my all-time favorite combinations. Especially with an anniversary shoot, I’m all for removing the excess and focusing on the special couple. And with a location as stunning as Santorini, you really don’t need much else but their love and the jaw-dropping sights. Lilli Kad Photography did just that with this sweet couple and their romantic anniversary shoot planned by Stella and Moscha, leaving us feeling inspired and eager for more – right this way!

From Lilli Kad Photography… Louise and Robin decided to capture their fresh love and celebrate their first anniversary in Santorini. When they got married in Italy 2016 they had a hard time deciding between Italy and Greece. So it made sense for them to celebrate their anniversary in Santorini. They wanted to make the most of the stunning location and hired us to ensure they capture this special event.

They relaxed at the one and only Kirini Resort in Oia where they also arranged an intimate lunch before heading out and wandering through the streets of various little towns in Santorini.

In keeping with the blue and white theme of the island Stella & Moscha styled the lunch equally in blue tones with some amazing floral arrangements by Santorini’s Flowers. Since it was a celebration the couple couldn’t resist and had an anniversary cake made by Alexandra’s Cakes who added some amazing macaroons to the mix.

Louise and Robin’s laid back style ensured that we didn’t just get amazing images wandering through Santorini’s little towns and streets but also made for some fun sightseeing. They did say that most probably they wouldn’t have seen all they have with us as we had done some locations scouting before and are very familiar with the island. So we wandered through some unexplored areas without tourist crowds! The right way to travel!

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Photography: Lilli Kad Photography | Event Planning: StellaAndMoscha Exclusive Greek Island Weddings | Styling: StellaAndMoscha Exclusive Greek Island Weddings | Floral Design: Santorini's Flowers | Gown: Reiss | Cake: Alexandra's Cake | Calligraphy: Wild Heart Calligraphy | Venue: Katikies Hotels | Clothing: The Line Project | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab

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You Won’t Believe This Was a DIY Wedding!

You will not believe me when I say this darling, backyard San Diego wedding photographed by My Sun and Stars Co. was largely DIY. And you DEFINITELY won’t believe me when I say this gorgeousness cost less than $15k. But it’s all true! This bride and My Sun and Stars Floral Design Co. are officially hired for every backyard féte I ever plan.

Emily and Bryan had their entire wedding for less than $15k. They had friends and family help put together the pergolas and most of the decorations. They commissioned an artist to design the sheer backdrop from the ceremony, which is also the design from the invitations. The bride hand painted and hand lettered the tiles for the tables.

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Photography: My Sun and Stars | Floral Design: My Sun and Stars | Wedding Dress: Here Comes The Bride | Hair + Makeup: Danielle Ryan Beauty | Rentals: Witty Rentals

Get the Look: Kate’s Wedding Dress from the ‘This is Us’ Finale

How is season two of This is Us already over? Tuesday nights are not going to be the same for a while.  This season, we’ve watched Kate and Toby’s wedding prep, from her dress shopping experience to their joint bachelor/bachelorette party in Vegas. And now we get to see their wedding!

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Chrissy Metz looks stunning as Kate in a lace v-neck gown with flowing sleeves. The rustic wedding at the Pearson family cabin had all the elements of a dreamy day — perfect weather, a trailing bouquet, heartfelt speeches and twinkle lights, too!

Chrissy told The Hollywood Reporter the custom dress was “beaded and handmade and couture, literally hand made!” Get the look of Kate Pearson’s boho wedding gown for yourself with these dresses you can buy right now! Perfect for all you rustic glam brides to be out there!

Kate Pearson Boho Wedding Dress Inspiration
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Kate Pearson Boho Wedding Dress Inspiration
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P.S. Get Kate’s mom, Rebecca Pearson’s wedding look and peek at Kevin Pearson’s real-life wedding here!

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A Romantic Rehearsal Dinner Overlooking the Ocean

We started off with a Welcome Party to remember and now we’re at the Rehearsal Dinner for our epic Hawaiian wedding weekend. Joel Serrato captured every second and for this romantic rehearsal, we have leis, cocktails and sweet moments on a golf course overlooking the ocean. Is this real life!? Oh yes it is!
P.S. Check out the BIG DAY aka the wedding on our Main Page right now too!

From the Bride… When you have the ability to have a party on the golf course in Lana’i at sunset you definitely take advantage. We wanted our guests to be able to take in the beautiful views while enjoying cocktails and canapes the night before the big day. We greeted all the female guests with a lei which continued to embrace the Aloha spirit and also made for some cute pictures.

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Photography: Joel Serrato Film Photographer | Videography: Aaron Novak Films | Event Planning: Brooke Keegan Special Events | Hair + Makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry | Venue: Four Seasons Resort Lanai | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Hawaiian Style Event Rentals

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7 Stylish Luggage Finds for Your Next Getaway

I think I speak for 98% of us when I say where are you spring?! Old man winter’s shenanigans have earned many of us well-deserved warm weather getaways. You might just be days or weeks away from your own, which means planning your packing list—and maybe even upgrading that old dusty luggage in the attic. We’ve got you covered girl, with seven luggage finds to take your closet to carry-on, in style.

Durable and stylish, this Joy Mangano Christie Carryon Luggage is made of rich affiant cognac leather paired with gold hardware, perfect for the pro wanderluster.

Keep it classic with black, but still stand out from the bag crowd with Nordstrom’s Chevron Luggage Set, featuring a fashion forward pattern.

Away’s ‘The Bigger Carry-On’ has all bases covered with an unbreakable shell and built-in battery that charges any USB device so you can stay connected on the concourse.

Luggage that matches our favorite glass of rosé? Yes, please! Calpak’s Ambeur 20-Inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On is sleek and stylish, yet functional.

Built from virgin German polycarbonate, the Rimowa Salsa Carry-On offers a tough, lightweight solution for modern travelers. It features a stageless telescopic handle and multiwheel technology for effortless, free-wheeling navigation.

Never lose sight of your luggage again. The Calpak Astyll Carry-On features a marbled hardshell that’s sure to stand out among the crowd.

Tumi’s ‘International Carry-On’ is the perfect size for short trips. The organized interior features zipped mesh compartments and straps that hold your items in place, while wow-ing on the exterior.