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

Intimate Luxury Wedding on the Amalfi Coast at Villa San Giacomo

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pinks, creams, whites, and pops of blue and yellow against a neutral palette.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]“As a designer, it felt a little overwhelming to decide what I wanted to do for my own wedding. So I did what I tell all of my brides to do – trust your intuition!” Kayla explained. With a love for color, Kayla wanted to lean into the bright colors of Italy, but in a softer and romantic way. She chose soft, spring pastels against a neutral backdrop. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]As a wedding planner, Kayla was used to planning elaborate affairs for couples in San Diego. When it came to her own wedding however, she envisioned the opposite. “I never dreamed of having a ‘big, white wedding.’ After 10+ years in the industry, typical weddings felt like work to me, so I wanted something so different,” she explained. “I had always dreamed of getting married in Italy with my immediate family only.” That dream became a reality shortly after Alex proposed to her in June 2022. They did not imagine, however, to plan the wedding so quickly! Alex serves in in the U.S. Navy and was slated to deploy at the end of the year, and with a busy wedding season ahead, they only had the options of getting married in September or October.

Kayla began researching venues in the Amalfi Coast region, and stumbled upon Villa San Giacomo in Positano, Italy. “Immediately when I saw photos, I could envision us getting wed there. The beautiful light pink walls, the backdrop of the city against the Mediterranean – everything about it screamed romance and intimacy.” While the villa typically rents out for a week at a time, they happened to have three days in September that were open. “It felt like fate, honestly – everything was coming together so smoothly and so quickly.” After discussing with their families, they moved forward, leaving exactly 95 days to plan their international wedding.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]“I was really only interested in two designers,” Kayla explained. “While my mom was in town, we had one week to find ‘the dress’. So I made an appointment at two stores in San Diego and two stores in Los Angeles.” At the flagship store in Los Angeles, Kayla chose a Galia Lahav dress from their Gala collection. Adding lace straps to the dress paired with the matching cathedral veil, the store promised the gown could be expedited to be delivered by the end of July. However, when it was delivered back to the store in July, the managers quickly noticed the top and bottom did not match. “They sent me pictures; the skirt was white and the corset was quite literally blush.” Because of this, the store had to send the dress back to Israel for repairs, leaving only a week for alterations. “The team at GL was incredible. They took every bride’s worst nightmare and made sure I got on that plane with a dress that fit properly and most importantly, matched!.” Partnering with The White Dress in Orange County for alterations, Kayla got her dress corrected and altered and fitted in just a week, boarding her plane to Italy only a few days later.

For her accessories, Kayla chose chiffon strapped Badgley Mischka ivory heels, paired with a borrowed diamond tennis bracelet from her mom, and borrowed three carat diamond necklace from a family friend. Her engagement ring is an elegant solitaire diamond paired with classic, thin gold bands. For her wedding day look, Kayla opted to accentuate her face and hair with a natural, elegant glam. “My beauty team was a dream. As someone who doesn’t typically wear a lot of makeup, the team used soft pinks and individual false lashes to compliant my natural features. I also knew I wanted to wear my hair down and showcase my long red hair, and the blowout with soft waves felt like the perfect pair. I have never felt so beautiful.”
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Kayla also asked all of the guests to dress in a certain color scheme. “Though there a small group of us, I really wanted the ambiance to feel elevated and luxurious. We were in Italy after all!” The woman chose floor length gowns in a champagne color, while then men all dressed in modern, black tuxedos. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Alex wore a custom Canali suit with black velvet To Boot New York loafers.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The staff at Villa San Giacomo prepared a stunning four course meal for us for the wedding night. Paired with our own selection of red and white wine, we dinned literally under the stars to a completely custom and curated meal for our family. Our signature drink featured the classic coastal cocktail, an Aperol Spritz. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]“I really wanted the flowers to be the focal point, and everything else to accent it.” Ashley with Esprit Floral Co flew from San Diego to capture the whimsical and romantic feeling of Positano, while Kayla brought out the rest of the décor. “Maybe it’s the type-A planner in me, but I didn’t love the tabletop items that were available in Italy in our short planning timeframe, so I brought pieces out myself! We bought our own pink coupes and gold rimmed charger plates, while the floral gold flatware and napkins were borrowed from my friend Samantha with Hostess Haven. Finally we rented the cream velvet table linens from Luxe Linen. Our suitcases were not light,” Kayla laughed. Complimenting the greenery in the pergola, Kayla added modern chandlers for a touch of drama and repurposed the ceremony florals at each end of the table. “One of my favorite moments was going around the reception table with Alex doing final touch-ups to the table and lighting the candles. It’s my favorite thing to do at weddings as a planner, so to share that moment with my husband before our families sat for dinner was so special.”[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The cake was an elevated four tiered layered wedding cake with simple white frosting paired with a cascading pink florals. We really wanted a modern twist on a traditional design. The stunning cake featured chocolate cake paired with a chocolate mousse and raspberry compote in each layer.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]One of the most important pieces Kayla and Alex wanted for their wedding was for it to be intentional. With only 14 of them total, they wanted every element to feel special. Alex and Kayla chose not to do a first look, but rather asked for a private moment prior to the ceremony to pray together. “I snuck up behind him and wrapped my arms around his and he prayed over our marriage. I still get emotional when I think about that moment – I felt completely at peace and so excited to marry him,” Kayla explained. Kayla did, however, choose to do a first look with her father. “Seeing his face light up was so sweet.” Alex and Kayla choose their siblings to be their Best Man and “Man of Honor”, respectively. “My brother Brett was the ultimate Man of Honor,” Kayla laughed. “We had a lot of downtime the morning of the wedding before the HMU team arrived, so my brother and I went on a walk through the city to get some excited energy out. He was so attentive to bringing me water, snacks, and adjusting my veil and dress. It was so sweet to see and I felt so loved.” Kayla explained they wanted all of their guests to have a role during the ceremony. Kayla’s godfather, Matt, also married the two of them, both of their father’s said a prayer over them during the ceremony, the brothers held the rings, and the mothers participated in a handfasting ceremony. As a nod to their Celtic and Nordic ancestry paired with their Christian faith, Kayla and Alex performed a handfasting ceremony, with each cord of a rope representing both of their families and God unifying together as one.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Kayla also added personal touches through the wedding. “The welcome bags were filled with a mix of Italy and San Diego – we included our favorite snacks, coffee beans from Better Buzz Coffee in San Diego, and a disposable camera for our family to capture their own Italian memories.” [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Kayla also created sunbeam drink tags as a nod to their home in San Diego. Loren with Four Things Paper also designed beautiful custom invitations, leaning into the Positano landscape. Loren even created a detailed map of Positano, sneaking in portraits of the couple and their golden retriever. Kayla also wanted to bring in her and Alex’s beloved golden retriever, Murphy. Pairing custom cocktail napkins with a custom cake topper snuck on the side of the chocolate and raspberry cake, Murphy was included in the celebration from afar – they even had moment to FaceTime him in![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Outside of the wedding, each evening the group dined under the pergola each night to three course meals cooked by the San Giacomo private chef. “All of the vendors and staff at villa San Giacomo really made our three days so magical. Gennaro, our host, felt apart of the family by the end of our stay. He gave me the biggest hug on the morning after our wedding – I cannot express my gratitude for the staff there enough.” Following the wedding, the group took a private boat out to the island of Capri. “Diving off the boat and floating int the Mediterranean with all of the people I love most around me was a moment I will never forget.”

**Side note: we also have an Instagram highlight via our videographer on my instagram handle @simplygorgeousevents ; I was unable to upload it here![/field]
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Fashion-Forward Provence Wedding at Chateau de Robernier

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Our wedding colors were cream, white and sage, we wanted everything to feel calm, neutral and in keeping with the landscape in the south of France. Our florists, sisters and bridesmaids brought our vision to life beautifully. The courtyard looked spectacular with the hanging foliage across the top table.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The South of France was an easy choice for us! Brad has a very keen passion for wine, and I love all things fabulous, so the location was an easy one. When it came to choosing the venue, however, we had slightly different ideas. When we began looking for wedding venues Brads favorite word was “Rustic” and I just kept saying to him I think you mean “fabulous”. Brad wanted a courtyard wedding, and I had my heart set on fairytale castle. When we found Château Robernier, we both instantly knew it was the venue for us. It was the most perfect mix of fabulous and rustic rolled into one. Château Robernier is just magical, and we felt like we were living a dream the entire time we were there. Driving up the beautiful driveway to the venue the goosebumps start as the palms sway in the warm breeze. The exterior of the venue is like something from a fairytale and the interior is equally as beautiful and so elegant. The courtyard which we had lit with pontoon lighting was perfectly intimate and romantic for the wedding breakfast and gave Brad that courtyard fix. It was important to us that we could privatize the venue for two days so we could have a wedding brunch the next day. Château Robernier was perfect for this with its pool to continue the party into the next day. We loved how intimate the venue was and that it allowed us to create a wedding that was very personal to us. We genuinely felt our guests were blown away as much as we were, and we loved every second of being there.

I guess you could say our vision was rustic but fabulous! We went with a black-tie dress code, we wanted it to be an over the top but relaxed affair. We wanted the wedding to feel elegant and refined yet fun and relaxed at the same time. We knew we had to put on a party, and we certainly feel that is what we did.
It was also extremely important to us that once guests were at our wedding they didn’t need to think about anything but having a good time. We were so humbled that people from across the world (as far as Australia) travelled to celebrate with us. I will always remember one of my bridesmaids dancing on a chair during the wedding breakfast turning to me and saying she was having the best night of her life. We didn’t use a wedding planner, so our vision was totally our own and it was captured beautifully by our photographers who absolutely blew us away in every sense of the word. Maïlys Fortune who we used as our photographers amazed us both during our wedding and when we received the photos, they are simply magical![/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Brad and I met in Dubai, whilst he was working between Dubai and the UK. Of course, like many modern-day romances it started with a dating app and grew from there. Covid meant Brad had to be pinned to one place which really allowed our relationship to grow and when restrictions eased Brad moved to the UAE full time. Brad surprised me with a 30th Birthday trip to the Ritz Carlton in the Maldives. The resort was breathtaking, and we felt totally removed from the rest of world, it was like our own piece of paradise. On the evening of my birthday Brad down on one knee under the stars…and the rain, which made its only appearance that week for the moment! The entire holiday was magic, and the Maldives will always hold a special place in our hearts.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]For my wedding dress I flew from Dubai into London to go to the Wedding Club in Knightsbridge. Finding my dress and having my dress alternations with the wedding club was a dream process in every way. I choose a beautiful Berta gown with a fitted bodice and tulle skirt with a daring slit and sparkle to match my personality…sassy! I felt like a queen. I also had a beautiful bespoke Chantilly lace backless getting ready gown, an evening gown and a brunch gown made by the extremely talented Susanna Rachel Bridal in Dubai, if you are looking for bespoke in Dubai, she is your girl.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]My bridesmaids wore silver satin matching dresses.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Brad had his bespoke tuxedo tailored by Dubai-based tailors Suited and Booted, who were incredible in their attention to detail.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The food and drink for our big day were extremely important to us. Our appetizers were an interactive affair with live cooking stations serving beautiful bite sized dishes, carving of serrano ham and oyster stations. This was followed by a choice of either sea bream or fillet of beef, beautiful desserts, and cheese boards. As we wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time, we provided an open bar across the three days of our wedding party. For the drinks we began the day with cocktails on the lawn which were a choice of either Aperol spritz or Saint Germain Spritz. We also served a selection of drinks including fizz, beer, Mirabeau Gin and Mirabeau rosé for cocktail hour. For our evening meal, Brad beautifully paired red, white and rosé wines we sourced in France as well as Champagne. As the party got started, out came the evening cocktail choices which were espresso martinis and old-fashioned cocktails along with a gin bar and most spirits you can think of. For the brunch day bloody Mary’s were first on the agenda![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Our wedding flowers, by the wonderful sisters and blush were a mix of white roses, hydrangeas, eucalyptus and hanging foliage. The courtyard was our favorite part of the décor. The hanging foliage structure across the top table with the hanging candles and pontoon lighting by wildfire DJs was just magical as the sun went down. We used Be Lounge to hire all of our furniture and Mirabeau Rose to hire a bar for our cocktail drinks. We also did a lot of DIY mirrors and favors which we brought over with us from Dubai or purchased whilst we were in France the week before the wedding.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our wedding cake was a traditional French “pièce montée” with pâte à choux.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]We had one of our bridesmen sing one of his songs during the ceremony. I walked down the aisle to a thousand years and our exit song was September by earth wind and fire which is a favorite of ours and our family. Our favorite reading, was our Winnie the pooh reading:
Winnie the Pooh
by A A Milne
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”
Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
“Pooh?” he whispered. “Yes, Piglet?”
“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand.
“I just wanted to be sure of you.”
“We’ll be Friends Forever, won’t we, Pooh?” asked Piglet.
“Even longer,” Pooh answered. “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]It is so difficult to give a single moment as there were so many. There were the obvious ones of seeing my Dads reaction as I came down the stairs in the Chateau which brought tears to both of our eyes. The next big moment was walking down the aisle and seeing Brad stood in his tuxedo about to become my Husband. What I think really moved both Brad and I was having everybody we loved in one place. COVID was hard for us living as expats away from family and friends, and this was one of the first times we had seen some people in years, and it was just amazing to have everybody we love join us to celebrate our special day. Brad and I both went upstairs and looked out onto courtyard whilst everyone was waiting for us to enter and seeing everyone together and enjoying themselves made us both extremely emotional.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Brad LOVES cars – he owns a racing company in Dubai. I wanted to create a lovely surprise for him, so I sought our a sleek ride for him. It was the gorgeous 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster we rode around the venue during our portraits. It felt so special for both. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]For our honeymoon we will be travelling to South Africa and we will be going to a game reserve on the border of Botswana. We will then be flying into the Seychelles to do some island hopping which will end at the Six Senses private island.[/field]
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Here’s Exactly Why Hiring Help From A Planner Is Beyond Worth The Price Tag

It’s easy (and, hey, #ambitious) to get engaged and think that you’ll be able to do it all on your own. You have a good handle on what you want, what suits your style, and you may even have a reasonable degree of design savvy with all those hours you log on Pinterest and Instagram. But, that can only go so far. Hiring a planning partner ((and partner is the operative word here)) to your team can help in so many ways. Today we’re filling you in on why hiring a planner is beyond worth it.

Photo by Carlos Hernandez | Planning and Design by Joy Proctor Design, LBB

Professional Experience

Odds are, you haven’t planned a wedding from start to finish before. There’s a steep learning curve to the wedding industry, and professional planners bring experience and knowledge to the table that the average couple simply doesn’t have—know-how that can make your life a lot easier. Planners bring a level of edge, expertise, and elevation to your wedding. They work with your ideas, personalities, and stories and are able to use their experience and resources to bring things together in a way that is both polished and reflective of you and your partner.

Budget Management

Over the course of working with you, planners will get to know your bottom line. This means they’ll carefully consider your budget, relate it back to what’s most important to you, and find the right wedding people to recommend for your event. A wedding is a huge commitment—both in time and money—and a planner will do their best to protect your investments and make sure you’re covering everything you need (and some wants, too) with the funds that you have.

“A lot of wedding planning is education and budget management. It’s not only about putting together the right team of vendors but suggesting vendors within budget. Also its important to help them understand cost and prioritizing needs versus wants.”

– Jeannie, Details Details

Photo by Greg Finck Photography, LBB | Planning by Lavender and Rose, LBB

Vendor Connections

On your own, you might just settle for vendors who are in your price range, but not so much a proper fit for your vision. But, good wedding planners are amazing at not only developing and maintaining their vendor connections, but connecting with the ones who are the perfect fit for your day. Whether it’s a florist, a venue, a baker, or a makeup artist, your planner can curate a collection of vendors that specialize in events like yours.

“What most couples don’t realize is that to arrive to the final choice of the vendors, we go through revisions, phone calls, documents and projects examination, and this is the most stressful part of the work. Hiring a planner (and most of all a designer) that looks after every little detail very carefully is surely a guarantee of success and of perfect result.”

– Federica, Federica Beni Event Desig

Knowledgeable Advisor

A good planner will instill confidence in your planning journey. Take it from Meredith Grey, they are your wedding planning “person” who will make suggestions, accompany you on vendor appointments, help with any of your questions or concerns, and lead with your best interests at heart. Essentially, planners bring the calm—pointing you in the right directions and illuminating what matters the most, so you spend your money efficiently and know who will best serve your special day.

Organization

Organization is paramount to planning a wedding. There are countless contracts to keep track of and a crazy amount of deadlines for deposits and details. It’s enough for anyone to get a little overwhelmed! A planner can help set a schedule of tasks for your engagement period and keep things moving (a lot of the trouble with wedding planning is knowing what line items to tick off first on your to-do list; approaching everything all at once can be pretty paralyzing). If you have someone who can organize and manage details, you’ll feel an incredible sense of support and structure.

Photo by Sylvie Gil Photography | Styling by Greenwood Events, LBB

Communication with Vendors

If you hire a full service planning team, they’ll likely be able to handle the communication between you and your vendors. You’ll be CC’d on all the emails to stay in the loop, but you won’t have to lift a finger to put those messages together.

Mediator

Though wedding planners don’t need counseling credentials to precede them, these experts do an exceptional job of keeping the peace—especially when you’ve all but lost your energy to end disagreements, explain proper etiquette, and/or compromise with your soon-to-be spouse. While your wedding day should be the most joyous of days, if you’ve lost your sanity somewhere along the way, you’ll find it hard to enjoy it to the fullest extent. So, whether you’re arguing with parents, constantly playing referee for bridesmaids, or feel like you and your partner have fallen out of sync, your planner is usually waiting in the wings, ready and willing to jump in to help.

Handle Details on the Day-Of

By the end of the planning process, it’s understandable to think that everything is done and ready to go—the final checks have been written and head counts have been shared—but the day-of can be extremely overwhelming. A planner will take care of all the day’s details for you, managing vendor arrivals, ensuring bridal party members show up on time, answering last-minute guest questions, keeping the schedule on track, and busting out a plan B…just in case.

A wedding planner truly becomes a couple’s best line of defense against best-day-ever dilemmas. Consider hiring a planner+team like spending money to hire your best friend, but in this case you know they will deliver without fail, because it’s their passion and profession. All their effort and time goes into creating a wonderful and memorable experience for you and your partner—and at the end of the day, you’ll be so grateful you hired one!

“As one of our former brides-turned-friends always says, why would I spend so much of my time learning how to do a complicated task (planning the wedding) when I am only going to do it once? I would rather hire a pro who does this full-time to help me throughout the process!”

– Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design

Photo by Sandra Fazzino | Planning and Design by Federica Beni, LBB

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Joy Proctor Design

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This Wedding Showcased 6-Foot-Tall Hand-Made Silk Flowers!

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The Butler wedding was inspired in multicolor with elegant black details.

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The wedding dress became the driving force behind the entire wedding, inspiring a tale of its own with its hand-stitched flowers from Nardos Design, Dallas Texas. They envisioned a color story that would take their guests on a captivating journey – monochrome hues for the ceremony, a touch more color during the cocktail hour, and a grand explosion of vibrant tones for the reception. The whimsical charm of an Alice in Wonderland ambiance intertwined seamlessly with the industrial allure of their venue’s black iron elements. Seeking to create an immersive experience, they delighted their guests with delightful surprises throughout the event, affectionately referred to as “Easter eggs.” From personalized welcome bags featuring a brochure showcasing each member of the bridal party, complete with intriguing questions to spark conversations, to napkins adorned with their baby pictures during the welcome party. A bubble truck serving self-service cocktails at the rehearsal and a breathtaking fireworks display synchronized with their “big dip” during the first dance. Their love for hosting and surprising their guests reached new heights on their wedding day, creating an atmosphere of joy and wonderment.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Little did she know, Coleman had embarked on a journey from Atlanta to Kansas City for a mere two hours solely to have lunch with her father and seek his blessing in person. Months later, what she thought was a “Friendsgiving” gathering turned into a day of surprises. Awaking to a knock at her door, she found her best friends with an array of white dresses and a card that read, “Meet me at 10:30.” Arriving at the historic Swan House in Atlanta, she discovered Coleman waiting to propose, with their parents secretly hidden in the background, ready to celebrate the momentous occasion. But the surprises didn’t end there. Coleman had organized a beautiful brunch, flying in her grandmother and extended family to join them. And to top it all off, they concluded the day at a celebratory cocktail party, where friends from all corners of the country ascended the stairs to revel in their joy. It was truly a dream engagement day, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.[/field]
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Her custom gown, meticulously crafted by Nardos Design, Dallas Texas, showcased hand-stitched, multi-colored flowers. The dress featured a removable overskirt, ingeniously attached with magnets, eliminating the need for a belt. Originally designed for a gala, she approached Nardos with a vision to transform it into a wedding dress. The experience of trying on the gown and collaborating with the talented team at Nardos Design was an absolute delight, akin to a magical dress-up session.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaid dresses were sourced from Frame & Partners. Inspired by the concept of the bridesmaids donning white, each dress exuded elegance. To add a unique touch, every bridesmaid carried only a few stems of a different-colored flower, perfectly complementing a corresponding flower on the bride’s dress. Drawing inspiration from Australian weddings, the bride found the idea of dainty floral accents carried by the bridal party to be incredibly chic and charming.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Comfort was paramount for the groomsmen, so they could choose their black tuxedos, ensuring they felt at ease throughout the day. Complemented by stylish loafers, their attire exuded timeless sophistication. The flower boys sported matching blue suit jackets with black and blue floral loafers, adding a touch of playful charm. Coleman’s custom tuxedo from State and Liberty, a recommendation for athletically built men, perfectly accentuated his physique, paired with velvet smoker loafers from Louboutin, completing his distinguished ensemble.

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The couple had a vision to showcase Cabo’s incredible cuisine and drinks to their guests. During the cocktail hour, guests indulged in tantalizing appetizers, including pork belly and eel wontons, mini ceviche, and sriracha and mezcal boneless chicken wings. Signature drinks included the spicy watermelon mezcalitas and a delightful brujo, an iced old-fashioned that came highly recommended. For dinner, guests were treated to a crab cake with an almond crust as the salad course. The main course offered a choice between the local catch with garlic butter and ginger mojo or beef cheek enchiladas with ancho piloncillo sauce and avocado cream. When it came to dessert, the couple delighted their guests with options like corn cake with sea salt caramel ice cream and caramel corn pieces and warm chocolate sponge cake with coffee mezcal ice cream.

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Drawing inspiration from the vibrant flowers on the bride’s wedding dress, the florals throughout the celebration beautifully captured the essence of their colorful blooms made by Aria Vera Floral. The ceremony featured a striking ground installation comprised of bold bougainvillea and monochromatic pink lush flowers, creating a chic and organic atmosphere. Each bridesmaid carried 1-2 stems of different-colored flowers, mirroring a flower on the bride’s dress, while the bride herself carried a small, blush and pink bouquet. The groom wore an elegant blush orchid boutonnière. The seating chart displayed over 600 hand-made origami cranes on a living greenery wall, where guests eagerly searched for their personalized birds while enjoying the photo booth by Opto Booth. Sheffield House Creative crafted hand-drawn menus and handwritten cards for each guest, adding a personal touch to the reception. The room exuded an enchanting ambiance, with a black, mirrored dance floor highlighting the string lights above. The bar featured a large iron installation adorned with blue baby’s breath and hydrangea florals, creating the illusion of flowers growing from the ground. Adding to the artistic marvel, the DJ booth showcased magnificent 6-foot-tall, hand-made silk flowers from La Roseta, perfectly matching the bride’s dress and leaving guests in awe of the artistry.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]As devoted carrot cake fans, Abby and Coleman couldn’t resist selecting it as their wedding cake flavor. Their scrumptious carrot cake was adorned with cream cheese frosting, pecans, and lime zest. To their delight, their friends surprised them with an antique bride and groom cake topper, fulfilling a long-held dream.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The couple curated an intimate and romantic atmosphere for their reception, personalized with meaningful elements. Honoring the groom’s wish to forgo a first look, the bride walked down the aisle to witness a touching moment as tears streamed down the groom’s face. Prior to the bride’s entrance, her adult cousins stole the show with a choreographed dance to “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing, culminating in the iconic lift that enthralled the crowd. A close friend, Erik Meade, surprised the couple by sharing their love story and cherished memories during the ceremony. The couple wrote their vows, continuing the stream of happy tears. Inspired by the Bridgerton Netflix series, the ceremony music featured violin renditions of new hit songs, evoking a sense of classic elegance. Cabo Strings, discovered on TikTok, provided the melodious strains, with the bridal party entering to a violin rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams.” Balancing classic and fun, the bride walked down the aisle to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and the couple exited to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The seating chart showcased a stunning display of over 600 hand-made origami cranes. Each crane adorned a living greenery wall, inviting guests to find their own bird while enjoying the Opto Booth photo booth. Del Cabo Weddings conceived this awe-inspiring idea, and the bride was captivated by the result. The pink origami theme extended to the bathrooms, where quotes from the couple adorned the mirrors, providing another delightful surprise for guests.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The 6-foot-tall, hand-made silk flowers were one of the wedding’s most captivating “wow” factors. The talented artist, Larosta, hailing from Mexico City, transformed the flowers from the bride’s dress into life-sized works of art. As the sun set, the illuminated flowers created a whimsical ambiance; their beauty reflected on the shiny black dance floor. It was as if the couple had stepped into their own wonderland.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The couple wrote heartfelt, handwritten notes to express their gratitude to each guest, leaving them at their designated seats to be read during the reception. They cherished their guests’ efforts to travel and stay in Cabo, and it was essential for them to share their appreciation. Accompanying the notes were menus with each guest’s name meticulously hand-painted by Sheffield House Creative. The personalized touch received numerous compliments, with guests declaring it their favorite aspect of the wedding.[/field]
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Event Planning

Del Cabo Weddings

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A Classic Boston Wedding Celebrating The Colors Of Springtime

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were Pink, Green, and Gold.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

My vision was to mix a traditional romantic wedding with some non-traditional elements. The historic Fairmont Copley Plaza is exquisite, with gilded glam. My idea was to pretend an ivy garden had taken over the Ballroom! Which meant a lot of communication from me to my amazing vendor team!! One example was the awesome luggage cart from the hotel that I asked to borrow. We purchased vintage luggage and asked our florist to fill them with flowers for our authentic hotel-style “Welcome” sign!

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Jake and I have been together for over 12 years, he proposed after one of our weekly Friday date nights in our small town on December 17th, 2021! We had our annual family Christmas Dinner in Boston the next day and decided to keep the Friday night to ourselves and tell them all in person! We love to live in the moment because life is short, we enjoyed by cuddling with our golden retriever, Macie and watching the Grinch! [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

My mom actually found my wedding dress; she shipped it to the Boston bridal boutique, L’elite, secretly, and it was the 3rd dress I tried on. I knew it was the one, and so did she. I think with a very traditional Catholic Wedding, it was nice to have something non-traditional to surprise my now husband, Jake, & our wedding guests! It was stunning.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]For the bridesmaid’s dresses, I wanted them to wear white or ivory, it is so classy & it would make my dress pop a bit more since it had some green in it. Finding white or ivory bridesmaids dresses… isn’t too common, so it was basically them going into the Bridal section in any store or online store. I wanted my best friends to feel comfortable and pretty, and select a style that is true to them. So they had the task to just find a dress that they love and actually WANT to wear, somewhere from Revolve, Saks, Net-a-Porter, Show Me Your Mumu, Anthropology, and more; which was great because it was also in a price range they were comfortable in! After all, being in a wedding is a lot; and I am so blessed to have had them by my side!

For the Matron of Honors (2 sisters), Maid of Honor, and my beautiful mother, they all wore our favorite, Alexia Maria gowns. My mom wore a pale mint color to complement mine, as she walked me down the aisle. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The Groom, Jake, wore a custom tux from George’s Apparel in NH. This is where both he and my dad were going to go for their tux; with my dad passing away suddenly the day before Thanksgiving from a cardiac arrest, Jake was still determined to go to the place my dad always went from my sister’s weddings in the town he grew up in.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza is known for its amazing food, so they took the lead in that regard.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The florals were outstanding from Olive James Bouquets. All of the Bridesmaid’s bouquets I wanted to be simple and minimal, but that “look” is often just as difficult, if not more, as the traditional bouquets. I thought a small lily of the valley bridal bouquet would compliment my dress and tie into the Catholic tradition as well! The cherry blossoms, don’t get us started; our florist kept her garage at 40 degrees to keep the cherry blossom trees from blooming; she even timed one branch to see how long it would take. Incredible. Our cocktail & reception decor was so fun to design with my mom! My mom and I made 180 pink silk bows to place on top of the guest plates. Our drink signage tied into our invitations, using the facial profiles of Jake and I throughout the designs, such as the “his and her” cocktails that I made on my computer! We ordered a variety of custom matchbooks to be placed all around the cocktail tables & bars for an easy/fun favor for guests to take home!

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]When I asked Jake if we could have a pink cake, I wasn’t sure how he would take it. But he loved the idea too. It matches our pink bows and it came out so beautifully! I wanted a tiered cake with the traditional pillars like my parents had. But again, to bring in some non-traditional elements.. it was pink, and confetti cake! I feel like no one remembers your wedding cake or what it looks like, so why not have some fun with it! [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Our first dance was to “How Deep is your Love” by the Bee Gees, performed by our amazing band, Night Shift Entertainment!

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]We did a non-traditional first look, I wasn’t in my gown yet and only had makeup down and we met to exchange gifts face to face. It was something we never thought we would do because we love the tradition; but after some thought, we decided to see each other and I am so glad we did (and still kept the dress a secret). I then gifted Jake my dad’s cufflinks to wear that my dad also wore to my sister’s wedding. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]My mom and I shared the Father/Daughter dance and halfway through the song we brought my 2 sisters to the dance floor; this wasn’t planned. Just felt right. The band said everyone join the dance floor, and our family and friends just watched us 4 in amazement. We needed each other in that moment. And a beautiful tribute to our dad! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

My mom got me a charm for my bridal bouquet, it was my dad’s fingerprint!

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A Regal Adare Manor Wedding in Ireland

When we think of fairytale wedding destinations, the spellbinding Adare Manor in Ireland’s County Limerick is right at the top of our list! And today’s nuptials captured beautifully by Sophie Kaye Photography is everything you’ll need to convince yourself of the same. Guests celebrated the newlyweds in style on the castle grounds, blanketed by the bright summer sun. With planning help from House of Hannah, meaningful touches of Irish culture were woven into the details of their day – see all the pretty at the full gallery!

From Sophie Kaye Photography… Laura and Jesse, an American couple, embarked on a magical journey to the Emerald Isle for their dream Ireland wedding. Set against the backdrop of majestic Adare Manor and filled with abundant florals, regal elegance, and breathtaking details, their celebration was nothing short of a fairytale. Laura and Jesse chose a local historic church as the setting for their ceremony. Nestled amidst the lush Irish countryside, the church exuded a timeless charm and provided a sense of reverence to their union.

Their florist adorned the entrance in a lush wreath of white florals to welcome guests inside. After the ceremony, the celebration continued at the remarkable Adare Manor, a true gem in Ireland’s castle landscape. This breathtaking estate, nestled in the quaint village of Adare, offered the perfect blend of opulence, history, and natural beauty. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the grandeur of the castle’s facade and gorgeous summer sun. The attention to detail was evident at every turn, with the venue beautifully adorned in a palette of soft pastels and lush greens, reflecting the natural splendor of the Irish countryside.

Inside Adare Manor, the reception space was nothing short of a regal masterpiece. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow upon the elegantly set tables. Delicate floral centerpieces graced every table, creating a romantic ambiance that took everyone’s breath away. The magnificent architecture of the ballroom enhanced the sense of grandeur and added to the fairytale-like atmosphere. Each guest found their seats via a beautiful escort card display adorned with tiny golden bells – an Irish wedding tradition.

Laura wore a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown that effortlessly captured the essence of regal sophistication. From the exquisite floral arrangements to the personalized touches on every table, no detail was overlooked. The couple’s love for Ireland was woven into the celebration, with touches of Irish culture incorporated throughout the day. A traditional Irish band and dance group provided lively entertainment.

An All White Lake Como Wedding Blooming With Baby’s Breath

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]All white[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Chloe from the very beginning had the vision of her wedding day to be all white. Elegant and sophisticated. While all the guests to support the style wearing black tie.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]I actually flew to Los Angeles with my mom and sister for a girls trip to pick out my wedding dress! I had four appointments lined up in LA., the first was at Kinsley James Couture Bridal. I walked in and Gabrielle helped me (she was amazing), I told her my vision was editorial vogue vibes, something that was a moment. She looked at me and walked to the back immediately to grab the dress that was sent in for a bridal show they were doing in a few days for the designer Rita Vinieris. Long story short, it was the very first dress I tried on and I fell in love with it. Which if you know me, is a shock that I picked the very first dress I tried on, lol! I knew immediately that was exactly what I was looking for. My dress is a Rita Vinieris, and I customized the neckline making it deeper and more curved with alterations.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Brand is Nookie and then we cut the straps and custom added the pearl strands (literally from Amazon). Everyone at the wedding was in black, so I wanted to add a little bit of a statement for the bridesmaids to incorporate the black and white theme. They turned out better than expected![/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Brand is Nookie and then we cut the straps and custom added the pearl strands (literally from Amazon). Everyone at the wedding was in black, so I wanted to add a little bit of a statement for the bridesmaids to incorporate the black and white theme. They turned out better than expected![/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple and their guests were treated to a delightful culinary journey, from refreshing cocktails to a sumptuous Italian aperitif, followed by a seated dinner featuring three delectable courses. The celebration concluded on a sweet note with a delectable wedding cake and an enticing sweet buffet.
Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests indulged in a rich Italian aperitif. A wide array of tantalizing finger foods and delectable bites awaited everyone, showcasing the diverse flavors of Italian cuisine.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The abundance of white baby’s breath, meticulously arranged, creates a dreamlike ambiance. The delicate flowers seem to float effortlessly, lending an air of purity and grace to the surroundings. Their ethereal presence speaks of love, innocence, and everlasting beauty, perfectly symbolizing the union of two souls.

The focal point: a long, enchanting table stretching as far as the eye can see, adorned with delicate white linens and an array of flickering candles casting a warm, romantic glow.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]At this extraordinary wedding, the couple chose to showcase the artistry of Italian pastry with a show cooking of the iconic millefoglie. The air is filled with anticipation as the talented chef takes center stage, ready to craft a masterpiece before the awe-inspired guests.
With a graceful touch, the chef layers delicate puff pastry sheets, creating a foundation of light, flaky goodness.
The air is infused with the tantalizing aroma of freshly whipped cream, rich vanilla, and the promise of luscious sweetness. The chef deftly spreads a generous amount of the velvety cream between each layer, ensuring a harmonious balance of texture and flavor. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]When I first reached out to Anastasia to see if Italy would even be an option with our budget, she was so upfront about the costs (which I loved). It was important to us since we knew we had a smaller wedding guestlist to not have a space which felt huge to the number of guests we had. When she recommended Villa Regina Teodolinda, we knew it was perfect! It was that classic Italian villa feel, without being too big or too showy, something about it felt so homey when you were there. We wanted our wedding to flow very organically and not forced, and this venue allowed us to do just that![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Happy Moments Collector

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Elevated Garden Elegance With Intimate Refinement and Natural Beauty

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were peach, cinnamon, gold, blush, and ivory.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The design direction was an elevated garden party. The bride and groom wanted an intimate feel but refined. We opted for warm spring tones of peach and blush and then accented it with some darker rust/cinnamon type tones. We added in floral prints (reminiscent of the maid of honor’s dress and Emily’s wedding down) and brought in warm metallics of gold in the flatware and glassware. The property already had so much natural beauty with all of the foliage everywhere that we just wanted to enhance the space so everything worked in harmony.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]We had a surprise beach proposal that involved help from our family and friends involving fake beach day plans, photoshopped airplane tickets from my parents, and more. I had thought that we were going to the beach with Al’s best friend and goddaughter, and instead of putting suntan lotion on me while my back was turned, he started proposing and I saw him on one knee. Al even snuck in a few lines from The Office, his favorite show. My family all flew in from the East Coast to surprise us at lunch at Shutters at the Beach and then his family hosted a dinner for all of us.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The wedding gown was designed by Amsale.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaid dresses were designed by Jenny Yoo.

[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groomsman attire was FitWel Custom Clothes.

Before the ceremony, we had fresh lemonade from their working lemon grove. We served mini grilled cheese during cocktail hour (the bride’s favorite food) and had specialty cocktails of a Gold Rush and Aperol Spritz. Guests dined outdoors for dinner and enjoyed Sundried Tomato Pesto Chicken and Filet Mignon.

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The escort wall was a fun, interactive display and a nod to the couple’s Chinese heritage. Guests found out their table assignment by opening up a fortune cookie with their name on it. Heavenly Blooms created gorgeous centerpieces of garden roses, ranunculus, sweet peas, queen anne’s lace, and larkspur, to name a few. The illusion arch for the ceremony had so much depth and really complimented the brick path. The head table had its own special moment with wicker pendants hanging overhead, covered in greenery and specialty blush-colored glassware with a place card dangling from the glass on vellum paper. The long tables had a table runner with a geometric embroidered pattern to add some texture to the table.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]In lieu of serving cake, the couple opted for an ice cream and pie bar with triple berry, pecan, and apple pie. Alex’s favorite dessert is pie! [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

A string quartet played during the ceremony, and Emily especially loved the moment right before she walked down the aisle when she was able to have some quiet, alone time with her dad. They were married by the pastor from their home church who made the ceremony really meaningful and sweet (weaving in what the couple had written to him about what they love about each other). Emily and Alex’s family and community is really important to them, so they had mentioned them all in a Prayers of the Faithful during the ceremony.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The live band! They were a hit the whole night and really helped kick off the night of dancing.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The layout of the venue is really special. Emily and Alex chose Quail Ranch not only for the beautiful garden setting but also how the venue felt progressive, in the sense that you kept on moving from the ceremony, to cocktail hour in front of the house, to reception in the back of the property. Everything had it’s own designated area and new potential to “wow” the guests.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The menus were wrapped around the napkins and secured with a peach silk ribbon (in case of a windy day!). Inside the menu was a thank you note to guests in addition to the evening’s food selections. [/field]
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Louise & Third Events

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An Elegant ‘Tiffany Blue’ and White Wedding at Château de Castellaras

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]”Tiffany” blue, white and green[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]This is an elegant and noble French wedding with delicate white flowers and amazing details from the Ecuadorian culture such as cocktails like “Rosita”.

The mix of cultures appears in specific details of the wedding.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”][/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaid’s dresses are totally coordinated to fit the “Tiffany” blue that was so important for our bride Adriana.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Carlos wears a typical “Queue de pie” suit perfectly sublimated by a French “Haut de forme” hat. So French ![/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Giry Traiteur created a delicious menu combining a starter based on Mozarella cheese and the main course with “loup” fish.

DNA Bartending created five specific cocktails, “Mexican Time”, “Rosita”, “Vieux Carré”, “Espresso Martini” and “Pisco Sour”.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Wanderlust Wedding design stunning and elegant weddings with a garden style un soft white flowers sublimated by Sisters & B.

The iconic tent perfectly matches with the timeless style of Château de Castellaras.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The refined wedding cake created by Made in Cake is decorated by delicate flowers from Sisters & B[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Event Planning

Wanderlust Wedding

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Thomas Audiffren

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Old World Garden Meets Modern Chic Luxury

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]

This old-world garden-inspired editorial at Goodstone Inn located near Middleburg, Virginia is sophisticated, chic, and timeless with the soft touches of delicate garden florals, an ivy-covered ceremony facade, and a nod toward fashion. Industry talent from Virginia, Maryland and beyond came together to make the perfect showcase of classic design and modern elegance. Baltimore wedding planners Nouvelle Weddings and photographers Margulies & Brooks, a recent project partnering between Gray Kammera Photography & Paola Nazati Photography, joined together to dream up a day meant to capture the hearts of every garden romantic.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were white, ivory, beige, peach, orange, and yellow.

[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Shenandoah Valley, the Goodstone Inn located near Middleburg, VA, was an obvious choice for our collaboration. The old Inn exudes an air of tranquility and romance. Its charming architecture, adorned with rich history and rustic elegance, as well as the lush gardens and rolling hills surrounding the property, offered breathtaking backdrops for this stylish couple.

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A puff sleeve one shoulder gown by Romona Keveza from The Bride Room in Nashville paired with a flawless bridal beauty look by Sarah Khan Artistry provided a sleek and modern glam vibe.

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This intentionally styled editorial collaboration is sure to inspire with a focus on fashion and florals that are traditional with a twist of drama and playfulness. An abundance of delicate garden florals was infused into every scene by Stacy Bowen Floral Design and set the stage for a memorable experience. Overflowing baskets of flowers for the ceremony hinged current trends with classic elegance. While a touch of yellow brought a fun, summer feel to the sophisticated neutral palette of the tablescape.

[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

My favorite design elements were the gorgeous bouquet by Stacy Bowen Floral Design, the ceremony basket decor, and the gold-etched glassware which brought an elegant yet fun vibe to the day.

[/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]For couples hoping for a similar look, we recommend focusing on a fusion of black tie and garden styles. A simple, yet chic wedding gown and tux paired with a primarily neutral color palette provides classic elegance. Pair this with a large number of organic florals and some playful elements, like baskets, colored candles, and fun glassware for an event no one will want to miss. [/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Nouvelle Weddings

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Celebrating Classic French Design at Chateau de Champlatreux

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]In designing this celebration, planner Heather Benge of Styled Shoots Across America brought together elements to celebrate both the classical French interiors and enchanting flower filled grounds of Chateau de Champlatreux. The ceremony site, set on the sweeping back steps of the chateau, made for a truly iconic moment while the intimate reception design celebrated the whimsical outdoor garden grounds.

While the ceremony focused on the grand back steps of the venue, and the reception setup overlooked the chateau from the shady trees, for portraits we wanted to highlight the unique flower fields that make up the exquisite grounds streaming out from the venue. Photographer Katie Trauffer used the golden late afternoon light to craft glowing portraits that would highlight the whimsical, romantic effervescence of the flowering lawn. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Soft pink, honey, mint, and forest green.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]The idyllic Chateau de Champlatreux, located just forty minutes from the heart of Paris, served as the inspiration for this French garden party celebration. Combining both the sumptuous elegance of classic French details inside each of the seven unique salons with the whimsical grounds covered in fields of soft white flowers, Chateau de Champlatreux embodies both classical French design and the leisurely romance of the countryside.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride’s etherial Pronovias gown floated through the flowering fields of Chateau de Champlatreux. Layers of dancing tulle flowed as the bride walked the gardens while the delicately beaded bodice sparkled in the afternoon sun. The bride kept her look simple with drop earrings by Joanna Bisley Designs while Sunkissed and Made Up set loose waves in her hair.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The florals were a mix of modern garden party chic while still honoring the wildflower fields of the Chateau’s park. Florist La Maison Dautel crafted centerpieces of roses, peonies, greens, and carnations in vintage urns to enhance the garden party feel of the reception. Meanwhile, the ceremony site incorporated more natural textures to coordinate with the fields stretching beyond the aisle.
[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]The bride’s petite bouquet, filled with florals and light on greens, perfectly accentuated the beauty of the bride and her look. The ceremony and reception design was filled with greens, but in the bouquet, La Maison Dautel focused primarily on blooms and used greens only sparingly. The creams and honey tones beautifully complimented the venue, and by doing a bloom heavy design, the bride’s bouquet stood out amongst the other florals of the day.[/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]Every Chateau in France has such a unique personality, and part of what makes Chateau de Champlatreux so beautiful is the whimsical park in place of what is typically a more formal garden. This inspired the team to create a more relaxed, romantic feel by placing the table amongst the fields. Venues play such a large and important role in setting the tone for your celebration, so especially when considering destination events, be selective to find a venue that embodies the spirit you want your celebration to have.[/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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Elephant Limbo

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La Maison Dautel

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Katie Trauffer Photography

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A Williamsburg Wedding Filled with Colonial Charm and Classic Elegance

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were white and neutral mixed greens.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The vibe of this wedding was classic colonial with simple but elegant touches. The couple went with natural tones such as deep natural greens and simple white for their flowers and reception details, which allowed both the venue and the fife and drum to steal the show on the way to cocktail hour and through the evening. The bride grew up in Williamsburg and went to William and Mary, so she was excited to showcase the Inn and colonial traditions of Williamsburg.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]The bride is an avid runner, and during a run through Washington DC, he dropped down on one knee and proposed to her along the reflecting pool at Lincoln Memorial. This is later where they had their engagement session![/field]
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The wedding gown was by Lela Rose from Carine’s Bridal.

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Reformation with different hues of natural green and florals.

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]Passed Hors d ‘Oeuvres included Brie Tartlet, Crab Cake, Tuna Tartar
Dinner first course was Petite Chevre Cheese Pave, Lavash Cracker, Marinated Cucumbers and Tomato, Regency Dressing (add seasonal berries)
Dinner entree was Main Course – Filet of Beef and Halibut | Roasted Garlic
Whipped Potatoes, Pan Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Preserved Lemon
Relish, Veal jus[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Florals were primarily white roses with design by Loluma.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The cake was a multiple-tier cake made by Williamsburg Inn decorated with roses.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Ceremony music was a a string quartet by Col Vita Music Studio & Strings.

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Floral ceremony arch covered in white flowers

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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Brigitte Renee Photography

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A Floral-Centric Wedding in Hill Country That Exudes Whimsy

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Lilac, soft pink, buttery yellow, light orange, and sage green. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Hailey envisioned a whimsical, romantic wedding that was full of floral. The bride has a special passion for florals as she previously in the wedding industry as a floral wholesaler. When she got engaged, she knew that the floral design of the day would be the star of the show! While the day was garden-inspired and timeless, there was no shortage of color. Pops of purple, pink, yellow, and oranges all played together to create a bright and colorful setting for these two to tie the knot. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”] The night these two got engaged, Carson invited Hailey to go out to eat at their favorite restaurant. It is a sushi place that they went on our first date to in high school and have gone there occasionally ever since. On the way to dinner he pulled into a park they used to run at in high school and was joking around about the changes and construction. He parked the car and Hailey could instantly see a floral wall by the trees. He walked her over to a full floral arch with flowers, candles, and champagne and proposed there! It was absolutely beautiful! Carson knew he would have to go big with the flowers since Hailey loved them so much but she never would have expected just how big it was![/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride’s ensemble, a White April gown, was procured from Coreena’s Bridal in Georgetown, TX. Featuring an a-line silhouette and botanical detailing from the bodice and trailing downward, this dress was the perfect extension of the wedding theme. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids were donning mix-matched dress styles in “Deep Sea” from online retailer Kennedy Blue. Their outfits were paired with neutral and gold accessories for an effortless, classic look that brought depth to the overall color palette. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]As soon as the ceremony was over, guests enjoyed some of the most delicious appetizers and cocktails. Chimichurri Filet Skewers, Artichoke Crostinis, and Tequila Shrimp bites were passed across the serene lakeside cocktail hour, while prickly pear margaritas and old fashioned’s were mixed at the bar.

When it was time for dinner to begin, guests were treated to a first course of a plated fall salad with mixed greens, julienne green apples, dried cranberries, feta crumbles, candied walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette. The party then enjoyed a main entree of Champagne Chicken paired with garlic mashed potato and grilled green bean almandine. Their menu exemplified the best of southern culinary tradition with a sophisticated twist. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]As a part of the floral industry herself working as a wholesaler, the bride wanted a celebration that was marked by an abundance of creatively colorful flowers. Farmer-florist Carrington of The Farmer & I brought this bride’s abundant garden vision to life! The ceremony design was a natural floral meadow on the stairs that grew into a garden arch. Placed against a backdrop of a fully glass wall overlooking the nature preserve the venue is perched on, this focal design brought nature indoors in the most beautiful way.

At cocktail hour, gorgeous floral adorned a larger-than-life escort card display executed by LBV Design House. This three panel stand alone design incorporated nearly all of the colors in our palette while remaining classic and timeless. Every last detail, down to the floral marking on the wax seals, was considered.

In the reception area, guests passed a living floral arrangement growing up the signature staircase before entering the spacious ballroom. Sonoma burnished lilac linens, from specialty linen provider BBJ La Tavola, were paired with light yellow napkins, classic white plates, silver flatware, and crystal glassware to create a tablescape full of refinement and color. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The show stopping, six tier wedding cake was designed by Iced Cakes ATX. It featured alternating cream and lilac tiers with iced floral detailing growing up the confection. There were two types of cake flavors displayed – strawberries & champagne and classic chocolate. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Their favorite part of the night was the private last dance and getting to look at all the hard work they accomplished while dancing to their favorite song. These high school sweethearts had a short engagement (only 6 months) so it was nice to take in the moment with just the two of them. Hailey says, “I am still baffled at everything we were able to do in such a short amount of time!” [/field]
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