This wedding might just have it all: gorgeous gown, a beautiful combination of cultures, friends and family and plenty of sweet emotional moments galore. From the littlest of details (this Brides’ hair accessory) to the whole wonderful celebration, NST Pictures captured it all and we’re swept up in all these feel good vibes! Enjoy!

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From NST Pictures… It seems like it was always meant to be with Mary and Steve. After meeting at 13, they became immediate best friends although eventually drifting apart in college. It wasn’t until a reunion among high school friends in 2009 that they bumped into each other again and rekindled their friendship, with Steve finally confessing that he had feelings for Mary ever since they met. Five years of dating led to a beautifully designed wedding at Battello with elements of both Korean and Filipino traditions tastefully blended into their modern-day celebration.

Photography: BlueSpark Photography | Cinematography: NST Pictures | Floral Design: Stems Brooklyn | Ceremony Venue: St. Mary's Church | Reception Venue: Battello | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Entertainment: LJ Productions | Traditional Garments: Bidulki Judan Inc.

We just found THE wedding every little girl dreams of. Captured by the incredibly talented Greg Finck and conceptualized by the fabulous Honey & Cinnamon Italian Wedding Planner, this affair in the Tuscan hills is all kinds of pretty. From the raw edged paper goods by Nice Plume to the soft florals by Isa Events, the details are the epitome of romance. See it all here, and when you inevitably want more, watch the film by Marco Abba.

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“This wedding is what I am use to define as a minimal chic event”, this is how Federica from Honey and Cinnamon Italian Wedding Planner describes the celebration of Charles and Alice in one of the most stunning scenes of the Tuscan countryside.

Alice and Charles had flown all the way from New York City to get married on the Tuscan hills. Villa Origo, which is part of the huge estate of La Foce, is so stunning and impressive, immersed in a marvelous Italian garden famous worldwide. Alice and Charles chose it for its beauty and for the majestic surrounding landscapes.

They were a very punctual and precise couple during the overall planning and styling process, but Alice was the creative mind between the two of them, very picky but at the same time so tasteful in every choice they made. “Alice is such an elegant woman, very determined, in love with all that is simple but refined, and the first styling concept that came to my mind was minimal chic, although in an ancient and impressive context like the one of La Foce”.

Their wedding was photographed by the talented Greg Finck who enhanced every single moment with his amazing touch. Delicate shades of blush with touches of grey were the basic palette of this amazing celebration, the pink in the magical flower arrangements by ISA Events and the bridesmaids’ dresses and ribbons from Silk and Willow, the grey in the groom’s and groomsmen’s suits, the invitation suite, and the paper goods created by Nice Plume Calligraphy.

The ceremony took place in the majestic Italian garden, and the beautiful sculpture situated at the end of it was decorated with drapes and floral arrangements which gave the overall set a refined look. It was such en emotional celebration officiated by a mutual friend of the couple’s, with a radiant bride and a touched groom so thrilled to stand in front of the love of his life – finally his wife. The weather was so beautiful and warm, and the dining area was set up in front of the villa, a marvelous area where the villa’s outdoor walls were the perfect backdrop for this merry and touching event.

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Cinematography: Marco Abbatangelo | Floral Design: ISA Events | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Vow To Be Chic | Catering: Guidi Lenci | Hair + Makeup: Lara Navarrini | Lighting: Wedding Music And Lights | String Quartet: Kaleydo | Venue: La Foce | Event Planning, Concept, Design: Federica Beni | Paper Goods: Nice Plume | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Silk Ribbons: Silk and Willow

Say hello to five dresses that push the limits. Dresses that give you the confidence to challenge the classic, yet still feel 100% timeless. Would you don one of these beauties on your Big Day? I’m putting this first Alexandra Grecco number on hold for my someday vow renewal. Let us know which one you would dare to wear in the comments!

Timeless in a Two-Piece

There was a time that we thought two-pieces might be a trend, but it seems these beauties are here to stay for a while. A timeless style like this one from Alexandra Grecco makes a sweet statement. Head here to see the back of the dress!

Pretty in Petals

Fresh off the runway, this floral-adorned number from Marchesa will take you from basic to blooming bride. Would you don this pretty petaled piece?

Babe in Black

You don’t have to be an edgy bride to rock black. Black gowns add a sophisticated and elegant vibe when done right—like this Elias Gurrola dress.

Take the Plunge

Another Marchesa number pushing the limits with a deep plunging v neck. Would you make a statement in this runway-worthy dress?

Rock a Romper

The romper trend is on the rise and we’re kind of loving it. This design by Samuelle is sweet, yet playful. Would you show off a little leg?

As a bride-to-be, finding your dream wedding dress can be one of the most exciting aspects of the wedding planning process. From gathering your girls for a day of glam, bubbles, and a bridal fashion show with no one other than you as the model, the day could not be more fun! But what if you live in a small town that’s miles, or even hours, away from a bridal boutique or even a chain store?

Fear not, because there are a few ways to get creative with the dress-finding process.

Find Online Companies Who Fill This Need
A fun new retail trend, which plays off of the above tip of trying dresses on at home – but with a twist, is trying on multiple samples at home through participating retailer’s programs! Companies such as Floravere and BHLDN offer to send you as many sample styles as you wish for free with any purchase. By adding all of your favorite dresses to your cart online, it is essentially the same as thumbing through gowns in a boutique.

Once your box of dresses arrives, you and your gals can plan the day around playing with different dresses in the comfort of your own home! Once you find “the one,” send the samples back to the retailer and customize your favorite gown. Who wouldn’t love a custom try-on session in your own home? Pretty cool, right?

Order and Try On at Home
Utilize larger retailer’s free shipping and free returns online policy. Retailers such as David’s Bridal and Nordstrom’s Wedding Suite all offer this to their customers, so grab your girls and start online shopping! You can start small by ordering a single dress you’ve had your eye on, or order 2-3 dresses to get you started.

Having at least this many options (ideally all of the different shapes that match your ideal gown) will aid you in narrowing down a silhouette. Find your dream dress online then take it to a local seamstress if alterations are needed.

Make a Day Out of It
Make sure you’re prepared with heels, undergarments and even jewelry you might want to wear to help you get a better idea of what the dress could look like. If your mom and friends are in the same town as you, make a day of it, just like you would a regular dress shopping trip. Imagine a day filled with mimosas and pastries at home, trying on dresses and dreaming about your wedding day with your favorite people. Sounds like a fancy-filled day perfect to kick off the rest of the planning process!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Erica Chambers is a freelance writer and blogger at Styles by the C. After living in New York City, she has made her permanent residence along the white sandy beaches of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with her new husband and fur child, Maxwell. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her exploring local brunch spots or designing a nursery for her and her husband’s first child, Leo.

This is one of those weddings that will never, ever go out of style with its clean lines and classic pink, white, and blue color palette. Throw in some Southern charm courtesy of Pure Luxe Bride, beautiful photos captured by Dana Cubbage Weddings, and a heartfelt film by Dock House Digital, and you’ll keep coming back to this fête time and again.

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From Dana Cubbage Weddings… Stephanie is one of those brides whose joy is just contagious. Her squeals of joy throughout the day were a fabulous reminder of just how lucky I am to be a part of my clients’ wedding days, and when I get to work with my favorite #dreamteam vendors, it just takes things to another level! Stephanie and Brett’s wedding was one for the books, and I’m so thankful that I was able to capture every sweet moment for them and their families. Stephanie and Brett shared an amazing first look and spent some quiet time together before meeting up with their bridal party for group photos at Middleton Place. They recited personal vows to each other in a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony under the Oaks in the Octagonal Garden before recessing up the aisle as husband and wife. After a few more photos post-ceremony, they joined their guests at cocktail hour before sharing their first dance under the stars at the Pavilion. The dance floor was packed all night thanks to Stephen Darby, and man, they were a dancing crew! At the end of the night, Stephanie and Brett exited through a tunnel of sparklers.

Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Cinematography: Dock House Digital | Event Planning: Pure Luxe Bride | Floral Design: Wildflowers Inc. | Wedding Dress: Mori Lee | Cake: Sablee | Bride's Shoes: Nina | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Hair + Makeup: Paper Dolls | Lighting: Innovative Event Solutions | DJ: Stephen Darby | Men's Attire: Calvin Klein | Venue: Middleton Place Plantation | Bride's Jewelry: Nadri | Rentals: Eventworks

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day then with this pink hued number. Both bohemian and loaded with blushing hues, it will make you fall hard for this romantic color palette designed by Luna Wild Design, along with florals by Layered Vintage. Pink stripes look gorgeous set against the Moroccan infused backdrop of Korakia Pensione and Paige Jones’ images are the proof.

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From the bride…We met in the summer, so we are going for a warm dreamy romance that conveyed the carefree spontaneity of falling in love. We also wanted a smaller venue where we could rent out the entire property to make our wedding not just a celebration of our love, but also where our community could connect easily. We knew the very moment we stepped on the property at Korakia Pensione the venue was perfect for us – we so easily got lost in the dreamy romantic vignettes on the property. 

The venue already has a lot going on so we wanted bright whimsical bursts of color with an undone casual style, sort of something we could relax into with our tribe.

Rather than traditional bridesmaid bouquets, our planners and florist came up with the floral lanterns which conveyed this carefree romance that we could have only dreamed of, along with a floral teepee for our cake! During our ceremony we had a part where we gave out candy to our guests so they could help take part in the sweetness of our love. Also for our rehearsal dinner we did bowling instead of a sit-down dinner to set a fun playful vibe for the weekend.

Definitely for us the pinnacle of our wedding was our vows to each other. We are both pretty private people, so we wanted the opportunity to share and give definition to our community about ourselves and our relationship. 

I tried on 74 dresses, then at the 75th dress I just knew that I had found “the one” – I purchased it that very moment without even asking for anyone else’s opinion. We also had a little ice cream sandwich cart that our guests couldn’t stop talking about! 

There is so much going on the few days before the wedding, with last minute details and family & friends to attend to, that I think it’s sometimes hard for couples to feel close amidst all the festivities. My husband and I set aside a fixed time every day, 2-3 days before the wedding, to make sure we were staying connected, where we could talk through any fears, expectations, or anything that was going on. That really helped to make sure that even through all the of the business, we were on the same page and felt connected to our love.

Photography: Paige Jones | Event Design: Luna Wild Design | Planner: Sitting In A Tree Events | florals: Layered Vintage | catering: MIHO | makeup: 10.11 Makeup | dj: Dart Collective | band: Django Foxtrot | hotel: Korakia Pensione | Rentals: Hostess Haven | bar: Pharmacie | rentals: Planks And Patina | rentals: Signature Party Rentals | video: Austin Hendrix Productions

There are shoes, and then there is the newest collection from Bella Belle – the Euphoria Shoe Collection. The difference? Other than its ability to completely stop you in your tracks (seriously), this collection is alllll about the feminine details. From the soft textures to the sexy silhouettes to the floral embroidery and perfect pops of sequins, making a wedding day statement has never been easier. And guess what? We’re giving away two gift certificates.

Nothing says “sophisticated bride” quite like a gorgeous heel, and Bella Belle’s new Euphoria Show Collection most certainly fit the bill. These stunning creations are perfect for those of you who are a little bit classic and a little bit fashion-forward with everything from leg-defining heels to chic booties to comfy flats. What’s even more amazing? Getting to peruse these lovelies in breathtaking images captured by Laura Gordon, because what’s more “euphoric” than a fab photo shoot designed by Joy Proctor with fashion styling by Gabrielle Hurwitz? Umm… absolutely nothing.

Bella Belle is leading the way when it comes to redefining bridal shoes, and it’s never been more clear than with the 2018 Joy Proctor for Bella Belle Collection. With its Old World elegant style and modern sensibility, each of the three designs in this gorgeous lineup are offering up a fresh take on bridal wear. The Orchid has a gold heel, y’all. A. Gold. Heel. Not to mention the seriously sexy Peony bootie and the Lavender flat with its chic bow. Stunning.

Your wedding day deserves a little something special, but so does every other day of the week. Thankfully, Bella Belle launched an evening wear line that is just as awesome as their bridal styles. Think all of the same feminine details we love about the bridal line with hues ranging from nude to sparkly gold to sweet blush and black. These are more than perfect for every wedding event leading up to the big day, from your bachelorette party to your rehearsal dinner to that engagement bash.

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Falling in love with Bella Belle’s breathtaking shoes is easy – and so is perusing this beautiful photo shoot. To see more stunning images, click here, then visit Bella Belle to get your shopping on. Oh, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, because, well… it’s awesome. (For official rules, click here.) Good luck, loves.

Photography: Laura Gordon Photography | Cinematography: Josh Gooden Cinematography | Design + Styling: Joy Proctor Design | Floral Design: Tulipina - Kiana Underwood | Wedding Dress: Liz Martinez (by Kinsley James) | Wedding Dress: Lee Grebenau | Wedding Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal | Shoes: Bella Belle | Engagement Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Engagement Ring: J. Birnbach Jewelry | Makeup: Niko Beaute | Hair: VIvian Hu | Calligraphy: Written Word Calligraphy | Venue: Jardin De Buis | Accessories: Enchanted Atelier by Liv Hart | Accessories: Luna Bea | Accessories: jennifer behr | Additional Flat Lay Styling: Mallory Joyce | Additional Flat-Lay Styling: Mallory Joyce | Bridal Boutique: Spina Bride | Fashion Styling: Gabrielle Hurwitz | Flower: Florabundance | Model: Eydis Evensen of Silent Models NY | Ring Boxes: The Mrs Box | Styling board: Simply Rooted Calligraphy | Styling board: Heirloom Bindery | Veil: Daphne Newman Design

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Written Word Calligraphy

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Joy Proctor Design

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Petit Bouquet

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Your wedding photographer is the storyteller of your big day. So in order to tell the story of your dreams, you’ll need to do more than just book a photographer — you need to communicate with them, too!

With so many talented vendors across the industry, choosing the right photographer is more about finding someone to collaborate with that can bring your vision to life. With just three more checkmarks on your to-do list, you can get that dreamy set of wedding prints after saying, “I do.”

Ask for the shots you want, including those intimate candids
Have an honest conversation about both how you envision your big day and what photos you hope to have. If you want lots of documentary-style candid shots, say that. If you want only posed shots, say that too. If you and a particular photographer have different styles, it’s okay to wait until you find a great match. You only get one chance to capture these moments. Make your voice heard and leave the rest up to the pros. After all, their entire career is about capturing your joy on that special day.

Share your style and set pricing expectations
Every photographer has their own style of capturing events, as well as editing galleries. Ask to look over their full portfolio from previous weddings. Find out what style a photographer prefers. There are no right or wrong answers. You’re only looking for a good match for your big day. Also, ask about color prints versus black and white. Some photographers charge more for a certain type of print and you’ll want to know up front what to expect financially.

Make time to create your wedding album
As soon as you know your wedding date and book your photographer, mark a day on the calendar to create your album together. Then stick to it. The wedding album is often the most forgotten piece of wedding memorabilia. The hustle and bustle of planning lead up to an unforgettable ceremony and celebration that your photographer can’t wait to capture. But afterward, life moves fast and follow-up meetings are forgotten. Some photographers may include scheduling a date for this in their packaging. Either way, your wedding album is a living memory you won’t want to forget. Be sure to schedule time for that before the big day so all you have to do is choose your favorite snaps.

Let’s be real. As amazing as wedding photographers are, they can’t read your mind. No matter what, you’ll get a stunning set of stills after the party’s over. Just make sure you share your vision and plan ahead to get the wedding photos of your dreams.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Katy Palmer is a casting producer and creative consultant in Denver by way of Los Angeles. When she isn’t working, you can find her indulging in the latest indie films, enjoying the Denver comedy scene and supporting other women in media. Connect with her on Instagram @bykatypalmer.

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Petit Bouquet

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I’m all for going out and doing something special for Valentine’s Day but you know what the best part is usually? Coming back home. Even if you happen to be in the paradise (aka Paris) and have the opportunity to have an absolutely beautiful photo op by the Eiffel Tower like this couple here, it’s still just as magical, if not more, to come home and toast to each other in the comfort of your Parisian apartment. And it couldn’t look at chicer amid the comforts of home than in these pics by Greg Finck. Complete w champagne and macarons, this gallery is giving us all sorts of new Valentine-style dreams for next year.

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From Greg Finck… Cici and Matt both live in Singapore and had come all the way to France to celebrate their wedding anniversary. For the shoot, we organized a session in the pure Parisian quintessence. We started the session with Cici and Matt cozying up on the sofa of their Parisian apartment, and sipping some of the finest Champagne while eating macarons. Then, we went for a stroll in the streets of the 7th district, sat on a terrace in a cafe, and ended below the Eiffel Tower with the beautiful Parisian backlight.

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Shoes: Jimmy Choo

If you needed proof that a modern wedding could be done (and done beautifully) in a rustic space, here it is. Detailed I Do’s conceptualized this bold and sophisticated design with its bright colors, sleek silhouettes, and pops of pattern yet seamlessly tied it in with the rustic, romantic setting that is Foxhall Resort for a wedding editorial captured by Diana Lupu Photography that’s truly one of a kind.

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From Detailed I Do’s… We are so delighted to share this Southern, minimalist shoot that was captured at Fox Hall Resort with an awe-inspiring vendor team who brought our bright and bold design to life. We felt so inspired by the stately historic stables on the venue’s property. We wanted to show couples who have been pining to do a rustic wedding that they can put a modern twist on that and really wow their guests while also creating a more sophisticated affect. We incorporated pops of fuchsia pink and bright red, greenery climbing the shiplap walls, and a handwoven striped linen for a dramatic but playful look. Rachel and Patrick, our sweet couple, also influenced our design with their strong features, compelling chemistry, and true adoration for one another.

Photography: Diana Lupu | Event Planning + Design: Detailed I Do's | Floral Design: Victory Blooms | Wedding Dress: Houghton Bride | Cake: Gingerspice Bakery | Stationery: Tiger Lily Invitations | Shoes: Kate Spade | Hair + Makeup: Margaret Snider | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Foxhall Resort And Sporting Club | Bridal Boutique: The Sentimentalist | Earrings, Comb: Hushed Commotion | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Model: Rachel Hegner from Salt Model & Talent | Model: Rachel Hegner from Salt Model & Talent | Rentals: Presentime Rentals | Veil: Jaclyn Jordan New York | Welcome Gift: From Sir With Love

From 20 to 55 and every age in between, no matter how old you are when you get married, there will always be pros and cons. My husband and I got married at 22 in an age where people are waiting longer and longer to get married. Both paths are great but bring their own opportunities for learning, growth, and challenges.

By the time we said, “I do” we had been together for seven years. We experienced the awkward teenage years, and the growing pains of adjusting from naive high school students to naive college graduates. We held hands through the ups and downs of applying for jobs, launching our careers, finding who we really were and living together. But here’s why getting married at 22 was the best decision for us.

The Simple Life
Life as a recent college graduate is simple. You own a car, you pay rent, you do whatever you want after 5 p.m., and you try to keep your basil plants alive. The older you get, the more complex life can seem to be. You own more things, you’re more established in society and you have greater responsibilities. At 22, you’re just diving into that aspect of life and it was fun to experience with my other half as newlyweds.

No Money No Problem
No matter when you get married, you’re tight on money after the wedding. We spent a substantial amount of money on our wedding but once it was over, we didn’t notice a huge adjustment in our spending habits because we were still living like broke college students. We weren’t 30-year-olds who had experienced years of selfish saving and spending only to be startled by the newlywed budget. Broke college student budget translates pretty easily to newlywed budget.

Baby Steps
At 22, we watched our young adult life unfold together. We experienced job interviews, new careers, waving goodbye to our broke college student budget, and establishing our habits, activities, and hobbies as a married couple. When you’re older, you have a system for how you fold the towels, you have a spending habit, you buy the same groceries every Sunday, and you have a weekly happy hour night with friends. That’s all great but once you get married, those aspects to your personal life have to adjust. It can be a confusing time because before you were able to do whatever you wanted whenever you wanted and now you have to compromise with your spouse. At 22, you don’t have those habits and set lifestyle because you’re new to the world as a young adult.

Young or old, there are pros and cons to each life stage you decide to get married in. I wouldn’t change a thing about my story and our experience, but I’m grateful for the lessons it’s taught me along the way.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.

I’m obsessively in love with this venue (shout out to the Fairmont Banff Springs) and I get downright giddy whenever a wedding there comes across my desk… but when it’s Justine Milton’s work, well, my day is made. Curious what all my raving is about? Look no further than this navy and blush beauty before us. Justine’s pics shine and Memory Lane Videography’s film brings it all to life. So good, right!?

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From the Bride… Being a girl from San Diego and a guy from Portland living in Las Vegas, we wanted a unique destination wedding that our family and friends would be excited about! We love skiing in Banff and the beauty of the mountains, so we thought it’d be the perfect place! We chose navy for the guys and blush for the girls because we knew it’d look beautiful for the outdoor ceremony with the greenery and mountains! Our main focus on decor was the flowers! With a room as beautiful as mount Stephan Hall, that’s really all you needed. Our wedding day turned out to be more amazing then we could have ever imagined, thanks to help from all our incredible vendors! The best part was saying I do to the love of my life in front of all our family and friends!

Photography: Justine Milton Photography | Videography: Memory Lane Videography | Floral Design: Flower Artistry | Wedding Dress: Evelyn Bridal | Hair: Justin Rizzuto | Venue: Fairmont Banff Springs | Bridal Boutique: Couture Bride

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Justine Milton Photography

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Ready to make those dream house goals happen, but not sure where to start? You might just be in the market for an interior designer. Someone who can help hone down your inspiration, make the entire process a smooth one and give you a result as gorgeous as this home. Designed by Coco & Jack, you might just have even more to add to those Pinterest boards today—plus, they’re sharing five important tips on what to consider when hiring your designer! Head here to see the before images, you won’t believe the transformation!

Know their Role

In addition to picking out all the finishes and furnishings, a designer can also help you with new layouts, millwork designs, and lighting placement. Designers will work alongside architects, engineers and contractors from the start of the project to ensure the design is followed through. Once the construction is completed, they will also install the furniture, hang artwork and style the accents so you can come home to a finished space. In short, they help manage the project and simplify the process for you!

Know Your Project

The more information you can give a designer the more they can understand your project and meet your needs. Be prepared to give a wish list for your home, inspirational images and what you are willing to spend. The more detailed the better. This will help the designer meet your expectations and keep within your budget!

Ask Questions

Renovating your home is a big deal, and there is a lot involved. Make sure you understand the process and who will be responsible for what. If you are unsure about anything don’t be afraid to ask!

Love their Look

This point is so important! Don’t just go with a designer because they came highly recommended, make sure you also love their aesthetic. This will make the design process so much easier and ensure you are both on the same page!

Trust

During the design process and construction of your project, it can be really overwhelming and hard to see how everything is going to come together. Remember this is why you hired a designer in the first place. Trust their vision, they are the expert!

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Photography: Cameron St. Visual Storytelling | Interior Designer: Coco & Jack

From the illusion back wedding dress by Ines Di Santo, to the elegant yet understated paper suite by Plume Calligraphy, the details of this alfresco wedding are what really steal the show. Set at sunset in Ojai with planning by Details Darling and florals by Plenty of Petals, it’s magic from the very start. See the day unfold through the lens of Jake Anderson.

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How We Met…
John was living on his friend’s couch in downtown Detroit and lacking direction. Nicole had graduated early and was headed to law school. She had recently moved to Detroit from Los Angeles and the two met through mutual friends. Ten years and four cities later John is an orthopedic surgical resident at Froedtert Hospital and Nicole is the Director of Business Development at the advertising agency, Laughlin Constable. Throughout the years Nicole pushed John to embrace his potential while John encouraged Nicole to relax and have fun.

John’s Favorite Part of the Day…
It was very important to me to not see Nicole before the wedding and chose not to do a first look. I’ll never forget when I first saw her coming down the aisle, I couldn’t believe it, my knees almost buckled and I thought, crap, I’m not going to make it through this, I should have done a first look.

Nicole’s Favorite Parts of the Day…
My favorite part of the day was being in Ojai. The sun was shining, the mountains surrounded us and you could hear horses in the background. It felt surreal that I was in this beautiful place with everyone I love. All day long I couldn’t believe that it was real life. The other part of the night that felt like a movie was when the band had to end due to the city noise regulations but the guests felt like we needed one more song. Everyone including the band broke out in song singing Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” a cappella.

Why Ojai (from John)…
We picked Ojai because its gorgeous, magical, and peaceful. Nicole grew up in California and goes back every chance she gets. Nicole introduced John to Ojai years ago and since then they go back at least once every year. When I proposed to Nicole, it was at 6am in the morning before we were headed to the airport to go to California to celebrate being together for 10 years. While we were in California we almost eloped but instead decided that it was the perfect way to share our favorite place with all of our friends and family that live across the country.

Photographer: Jake Anderson | Event Planning: Details Darling | Florist: Plenty Of Petals | Dress: Ines Di Santo | Invitations: Plume Calligraphy | Shoes: Bella Belle | Catering: Whoa Nelly! | Hair and Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Ceremony Music: Cattus Quartet | Paper Goods: Graceline Art | Private Residence: Private | Reception Music: Wind & Wheels | Rentals: The Tent Merchant | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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While Pinterest can be a goldmine of great ideas, it also has the ability to perpetuate wedding trends that actually don’t make a lot of sense from a planning or guest experience perspective. It also sometimes hinders creative brainstorming while oversaturating the market with a few specific trends. Thankfully, we love to think outside the box and are sharing some tips and must-know details for designing a killer escort card display!

Organize names alphabetically

Organize names alphabetically to make it simpler for guests to locate their names. While escort display boards that are organized by table number may look interesting, it is nearly impossible for a guest to find their name among the 200 or so others if it isn’t organized alphabetically.

Another thing to consider is whether you’ll group escort cards per couple or if each person will have their own card. If you have a lot of single guests then per person makes sense, but with a predominantly married crowd, it is simplest to do per party/ per couple!

Make the display intuitive

Make the escort display, and any interactive element it may include, intuitive. Guests will likely be stopping by the display while mingling on their way to the bar during cocktail hour. You want to engage guests but you don’t want them stuck at the display for too long trying to understand what’s expected of them! Having a clear-cut course of action will help you avoid bottlenecks. Sometimes a simple sign is all you need, instructing guests to take their card. Alternatively, if you don’t want guests to take their card, but rather simply look at the display, it is helpful to indicate that in some way. A wedding coordinator standing near the display is also a key way to ensure guest bottlenecks are avoided.

Simplicity is key

Often less is more! A refined and simple escort card display will make a big impact and it will aid in the overall guest experience as they more seamlessly locate their name.

While hundreds of ribbons flowing from a tree may be eye-catching aesthetically, from a guest experience perspective you’re bound to have many confused guests and you may end up having guests avoid the display to save themselves the hassle. Of course, you don’t want to end up with lost and upset guests so as adorable as a few hundred ribbons hanging from a tree may be, you want to keep the act of finding guest names simple!

Keep it personal

As you brainstorm the design for your escort card display, draw inspiration from your story as a couple. Whether a certain vacation locale means a lot to you or you have a shared love of a certain hobby, draw on your interests to make an escort card display that is both beautiful and intimate!

Envision the overall impact

Your escort card display is a place for you to make a strong design impact and reinforce the overall aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve! Think big and incorporate fun floral elements or other motifs that tie into the day’s overall look and feel.

Consider eco-friendly options

Antique skeleton keys are adorable, and I wouldn’t say no to a copper elephant. However, once I get home I know those trinkets will end up in my junk drawer in my desk. Consider incorporating an eco-friendly and earth conscious element into your display for your guests to enjoy during the wedding day!

We absolutely love seeing the creativity and unique ideas that go into couple’s escort card displays! Make sure to tag @stylemepretty with all the gorgeous escort display pictures you dream up.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Hannah Nowack is a freelance writer, calligrapher, and event designer living in the Midwest. When she isn’t working, you will find her decorating her Danish Modern-inspired apartment, frequenting the gourmet cheese counter, or enjoying a glass of Cabernet with friends.

A villa in Thailand and endless white and green florals…the perfect recipe for paradise if we do say so ourselves. Kiah Weddings planned the day, Bliss Events & Weddings supplied the blooms, and ARTIESE Studios captured it all for our viewing (aka dreaming) pleasure. Add in not one, but two, gorgeous gowns, and we’re positively smitten. Don’t you agree?!

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From ARTIESE Studios… This wedding was inspired by the vibrant tones of the Mediterranean, with splashes of tropical elements. Amy Fung of Kiah Weddings planned and coordinated every detail of the shoot from idea and concept, providing the stationeries, styling, and executing the day. The fresh floral arrangements curated by Bliss Events & Weddings were composed of florals in soft whites and delicate hues of pale yellow decorated with greenery. The ceremony was held by the infinity pool alongside a breathtaking view of the water – a heavenly setting for the couple and for the guests at Villa Koh Koon. The villa is private and secluded, equipped with airy and light-filled spaces – a perfect atmosphere and aura for intimate destination weddings and celebrations.

Photography: ARTIESE Studios | Event Planning: Kiah Weddings | Styling: Kiah Weddings | Floral Design: Bliss Events & Weddings (Thailand) | Cake: Lily Sweet Art | Makeup: Dany Lopez | Hair: Dany Lopez | Venue: Villa Koh Koon | Bridal Boutique: Hitched! | Rentals: Bliss Events & Weddings (Thailand)

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In addition to their gorgeous, floral-inspired wedding at Rock Creek Gardens, this sweet couple held an intimate Thai wedding ceremony at the bride’s father’s home to honor her heritage and culture, and we could not be more in love. Photo after photo captured by the wonderful O’Malley Photographers shows the exquisite beauty that was the coming together of these two. Rebecca of New Creations Wedding Design + Coordination puts it best, “As two became one, two cultures also combined, creating one perfect day, perfect couple, and perfect marriage.” See it all in the film by Good Times Productions.

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From New Creations Wedding Design + Coordination… Planning a wedding while your fiancé is going through med school and trying to move cross-country is one tough gig! Joy was tasked with doing just that, so she knew she needed assistance. She reached out for help in planning her and Zach’s summer wedding in Seattle as they were gearing up for a cross country move just a few weeks after their engagement. Since both of them grew up in the greater Seattle area, the wedding was planned here so family and friends could be in attendance. However the majority of the planning was done long-distance from Georgia.

Joy and Zach were a dream couple – the ones that make you LOVE your job! Kind hearted, genuine, passionate, and certainly not least, possessing impeccable style and taste. They made it back when they could for planning meetings – mostly surrounding the design, as that was the most important to pulling off their vision for the wedding. Creating their inspiration board first, followed by artist renderings to have the space take on a more realistic feel (and to help their vendors capture the overall design), the design began to take shape and no detail was spared.

Creating the vision of a bountiful summer garden, we wowed guests upon entering the venue with a 8′ tall floral wall backdrop. We dubbed this the “selfie station,” and guests LOVED taking their photo in front of it, not to mention the stunning portrait photos captured of the bride and groom before the guests arrived. The garden feel carried over to the ceremony with a lush floral canopy attached to the venues existing arbor, sheer draping, a chandelier, and garlands along the backside of the ceremony chairs.

There wasn’t a dry eye as Joy and Zach exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by Zach’s father. As they recessed out, guests threw flower petals on the happy couple. After, guests enjoyed signature cocktails to cool them off on a hot summer day and could rest on the lounge area by the bar. Once cocktail hour was over, guests were escorted down to the reception tent where they found their seating assignments on scrolls hanging from wrought iron gates topped with florals transferred from the ceremony site. They were wowed by the reception tent with textured custom linens on the guest tables, gold rimmed glassware and flatware, and stunning floral centerpieces in burgundies, pinks, creams, and greens. Rough edge paper table numbers with calligraphy numbers were held by floral frogs to carry the floral theme throughout. Various styles of centerpieces dotted the guest tables as well as provided visual interest to the tent.

As the reception moved on and we got to the dessert portion of the night, it was clear that guests were not going to leave hungry. Three dessert tables abounded with wedding cakes, dessert bites, and even mini peach cobblers to give a nod to the couples’ new home state of Georgia. “Georgia on My Mind” was their first dance song as they kicked the night into open dancing. The night ended with a grand sparkler exit to the car, and Joy and Zach were whisked away to wedded bliss.

This wedding seriously was a dream to work on, and I could not have asked for a better, more beautiful couple to partner with to make their dreams come true. One of the things I love most about specializing in Asian weddings is that I get to be witness to the blending of traditions and cultures of so many families. Joy and Zach opted to have an intimate Thai ceremony at her father’s home to celebrate Joy’s family heritage just a couple days before their actual wedding day. Joy dressed in traditional Thai wedding attire, and family surrounded them in an intimate celebration of her culture and joining Zach into it. As two became one, two cultures also combined, creating one perfect day, perfect couple, and perfect marriage. Cheers to one of my favorite weddings! Enjoy!

Photography: O'Malley Photographers | Cinematography: Good Time Productions | Event Planning + Design: New Creations Wedding Design & Coordination | Floral Design: Floressence | Wedding Dress: Nicole Spose | Catering: Pacific Grill | Hair + Makeup: KLS Makeup Artistry | Transportation: Butler Valet | Venue: Rock Creek Gardens | Cake, Desserts: The SweetSide | DJ, Emcee: Brandon Ghorley | Floral Design (Thai Ceremony): Busara Floral | Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Murano | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Lounge Furniture: Vintage Ambiance | Paper Goods: La Happy | Rentals: Cort Party Rentals | Tent Rentals: American Party Place | Veil: Bel Aire Bridal | Vintage Rentals: Vintage Ambiance

Every four years, we watch with the world in awe of the magnificence of the Winter Games opening ceremonies and of the inspiring triumphs and tear-jerking defeats of some of the world’s best athletes. But if you ask us, we would totally make decorating our homes an Olympic sport — it’s easier on the knees.

Go for the gold and accent your home with your own precious metals inspired by the Olympics’ medals. Check out these 9 gold, silver, and bronze pieces worthy of a podium finish in your home.

Going for Gold: 9 Metallic Home Accents Inspired by the Winter Games

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Going for Gold: 9 Metallic Home Accents Inspired by the Winter Games

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ali Struhs is a freelance writer, blogger, and mama in Denver, Colorado. When not typing away on the computer, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, rocking out at Red Rocks, snuggling her new baby, and chasing around her toddler.

Despite a day of record breaking temps in the Bay area (we’re talking 110° Fahrenheit!), you would never know by the images captured by onelove photography. We’re so in love with the simplicity of the celebration, held under the (welcome!) shade of the Redwoods at The Mountain Terrace, and with the incredible couple that kept their cool despite the heat and still managed to pull off an absolutely perfect day.

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From the bride… Our wedding guests are scattered all across the globe, so we were SO thrilled for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gather all of our closest friends and family together in one place! We wanted to have a deeply personal, simple, and intimate event that would celebrate this new chapter of our lives and to honor and thank our friends and family for everything they have done for us. Much of our wedding planning thus ended up focusing on what was really most important to us: a heartfelt and uncomplicated ceremony, a memorable outdoor setting, an evening of delicious food (and desserts!), and many hours on the dance floor.

We have lived in the Bay Area for quite some time, so we wanted to find a venue that would allow our guests to experience the gorgeous Northern California scenery. When we visited Mountain Terrace, we knew it was absolutely perfect for our simple celebration – the venue had a beautiful lodge and outdoor deck under the shade of stunning redwood trees.

The gorgeous venue made it easy to take a fuss-free approach that focused on what was most important to us. (We planned and designed everything for the wedding, so this was a really helpful strategy!) We drew on a neutral color scheme of grays, cream, and copper, and our foliage leaned heavily on greenery and forest plants. We DIYed all of our simple signage, reception table decor, placecards, infused olive oil favors, and other touches, all to honor the already-perfect forest setting.

As much planning/simplification as you might do, unexpected things will happen the day of your wedding, but the memories will still be incredible! The day of our wedding, the Bay Area experienced an unprecedented and record-setting heat wave. Although we expected temperatures in the high 70s, it ended up being about 110 degrees when our wedding began, so some our DIY decor literally fell apart from melting, our guest shuttle to the venue battled a broken air conditioner, and we had to cancel our plans for toasting s’mores over a fire pit. Despite these setbacks, our guests and vendors were absolute troopers, and we all spent the rest of the evening bonding over the experience. We wanted a memorable event, and we got it!

The whole day was so much fun! We held our ceremony right under the redwoods, had a close friend officiate, and tearfully shared the vows we had written in front of our dearest friends and family. After the ceremony, we enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks with our guests on the lawn followed by a lovely dinner together on the deck under twinkle lights and a full moon. Instead of the traditional wedding cake, we had Cantonese egg tarts, Taiwanese snow ice, and passed s’mores to honor our heritage and love of sweets. We closed out the evening with embarrassing toasts from our family and bridal party, silliness in the photo booth, and amazing energy on the dance floor.

Photography: onelove photography | Cinematography: Drake & Evan Wedding Films | Coordination: Harvesting Love Events | Floral Design: Ha Rue Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Stationery: Minted | Shoes: Schutz | Jewelry: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: The Mountain Terrace | Hair + Makeup: Joli De Jackie | DJ: DJ's And MC's | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Venue: The Mountain Terrace | Rentals: Standard Party Rentals

The romantic and luxurious look of velvet inspired this winter wedding shoot designed and captured by Natalie Bray. Pairing candlelight with gold, marble, velvet, and lush florals by Native Poppy, its beauty is undeniable. Get inspired to ditch your warm weather plans and consider a romantic and cozy winter affair instead.

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Being from California we don’t always experience seasons as fully as other parts of the country. I wanted to experience winter and translate that into an editorial. With La Tavola velvet grounding the inspiration as it reminded me of new fallen snow, golden glowing candles bringing in warmth, marble showcasing weight, and gorgeous crystal adding a feminine romance. Shasta Bell created the most stunning paper goods and Native Poppy created all the lovely floral pieces.

Photography: Natalie Bray Studios | styling and design: Natalie Bray Studios | Floral Design: Native Poppy | rings : L Priori Jewelry | Hair + Makeup: The Hair & Makeup Box | Dress Boutique: The Dress Theory | Table top rentals : Hostess Haven | paper goods: Shasta Bell Calligraphy | ring box : The Mrs Box | studio space : Natalie Bray Studios | table linens: BBJ La Tavola

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Natalie Bray Studios

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