This bride loved the idea of styling her wedding, being her own planner, and selecting small artisans and vendors to take part in her special day. And let me tell you, she absolutely knocked it out of the park! Lauren Fair Photography was there to capture all the lovingly crafted and curated details, from the ‘maids wearing an assortment of soft blue gowns each chosen to complement them best to the ceremony and reception decked out in greenery by A Cottage Gardener.

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From Lauren Fair Photography… Kate and Nick’s wedding was a perfect representation of them – all the beauty surrounding them just lent itself to highlighting their love for each other, for family, and for God.

From Kate, the bride… My inspiration for the day starts with my love of September. Something about the cool yet still warm weather and the changing leaves has always captured me. Also, we were engaged in April (on Nick’s birthday!) and knew we didn’t want more than a six-month engagement, so it worked out perfectly. Last, I had fallen in love with Lauren’s photography. I emailed her and Tim as quickly as I could, and we got their last available date – September 24th! That made our wedding date decision easy ;)

In terms of design, I was looking for one that best reflected our relationship. We are laid-back and love the outdoors. We wanted an environment that made our guests feel comfortable yet that maintained an elegant flair. Wyndridge Farm provided exactly the atmosphere we were looking for, and we fell in love with the chapel view and, of course, the craft ciders!

I took on the challenge of being my own wedding coordinator. I wanted to dig into my creative side. It was exciting to discover all the different, small vendors that contributed to our big day. I wanted to create a romantic feel that didn’t distract from the beautiful natural colors of the barn and landscape. To develop a light and airy vibe, we used primarily dusty blues and all white flowers. Kim from A Cottage Gardener created amazing lush, green table runners and a natural, elegant floral chapel display.

I chose a dress for each of my bridesmaids that they would feel most beautiful in, and used the varying colors to elicit a watercolor effect as they stood side by side. The groomsmen wore navy suits but had the option to remove their jackets and stay sharp in their suspenders and bow ties. That worked out well because it was 86 degrees – an Indian Summer!

Our favorite memory from the day was having so many friends and family come from all over the world. Just to name a few, we had friends travel all the way from Japan, China, Canada, and all over the United States. Having all these friends gathered to celebrate with me and my groom is something I will always remember. I loved looking out into the audience and seeing all of our loved ones.

My grandparents weren’t able to make it, either due to health or passing, so I tied in a few special elements to represent them into the day. On my bouquet, I had my grandmother’s pin and my other grandmother’s chain necklace. Outside the reception, there was a table featuring our family members’ pictures who have been married before us, called “Generations of Love.”

Another favorite moment was our “first look”. I was nervous to break tradition, but it was actually my favorite part of the day! It was thrilling to see Nick’s face and to have that intimate moment, just the two of us.

Above all, our focus was to honor Jesus Christ in our ceremony and to give Him glory alone for our marriage. Before our vows, we had a special time of worship, singing hymns with those around us. That is a memory we will cherish forever.

Lauren and Tim made Nick and I feel at ease. They captured our day and helped fill it with joy. We can’t say enough how in love we are with our photos!

Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Cinematographer: Mason Ford | Floral Design: A Cottage Gardener | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Invitations: Pretty Little Papers | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Groom's Attire: Joseph A. Bank | Venue: Wyndridge Farm | Bridal Journal: Manda Writes | Dried Flower Confetti: Larkspur Hill | Groom's Suspenders: Creattive Collective | Jelly Jar Favor Labels: Mavora | Program: Simply Suite | Signage: OAKYdesigns | Table Numbers: Red Clay Paper

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More than once, I’ve been saved by the bell with my Amazon Prime account. When a thoughtful gift is in order but you just don’t have the time to head to the mall (who really enjoys facing the crowds anyway?)—Prime is the answer. And I’m betting a bunch of you out there still need to grab a gift for your sweetie (or your bestie) for next week. There’s still time and plenty of cute ideas that are only 2 shipping days away from landing on your front door.

1. Perfume or Cologne

Does your love need a restock of their favorite scent or hinting a new one they’d love to have? Avoid a trip to your local department store and order that perfume on Prime! My husband recently bought me this one and it’s my new fave!

2. Tea.

Is your sweetie a tea lover? Stock them up!

3. Flowers, that’ll live forever.

Pair a dozen real blooms with a fun floral design book—that they can admire for years to come.

4. Love + Roses Beauty Mist

It takes tens of thousands of rose petals to make just one ounce of the precious rose oil used in Love + Roses Beauty Mist. What’s more romantic than that?

5. Meri Meri Love Tokens

From breakfast in bed to a foot rub, give the gift of sweet little experiences with this token booklet.

6. Love Poems

Get your chivalrous self on with this uber romantic book of poems.

7. Diptyque ‘Roses’ Scented Candle

If your gift receiver loves classic roses, pair them with this luxe scent.

Loads of sunshine and vibrant bursts of color come with the landscape of Palm Springs and this O’Donnell House celebration is completely embracing all that beauty. Tucked inside you’ll find a stunning mix of modern and desert savvy details planned by The Events Department, with florals by Hello Gem and imagery by Alex Warschauer. See it all unfold amongst the Palm Trees and bougainvillea below.

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I had anxiously been awaiting Chloe and Evan’s O’Donnell house wedding all year. I first met with this sweet couple at the beginning of last year and from initially sitting down with them I could feel how infectious their love is for one another. These two now live in North Carolina but back when they were living in California we headed out to Glamis for an epic sand dune engagement session. After braving 25mph winds, 100+ degree temperatures and climbing sand dunes the size of buildings I knew that this fun loving and laid back couple’s wedding was going to be an absolute blast.

I arrived to Chloe’s Air Bnb in the morning where all of the ladies were getting ready. While hair and makeup proceeded I was tucked away in the master bedroom photographing all of Chloe’s beautiful details for the day. Her rose gold color palette for the shoes and jewelry contrasted beautifully with her teal and peach invitation suite and pops of bougainvillea. She even bought Evan an adorable rose gold cactus pin for his suit- little details on the day of like that are my absolute favorite!

After all of the finished with hair, makeup and champagne toasts outside by the pool we all hopped in the van and headed up the hill to meet Evan and his groomsmen at the O’Donnell House. Chloe and Evan greeted each other with a sweet first look on the patio overlooking the hills and downtown Palm Springs. Many kisses, “wows”, and hugs were shared between the two. Afterwards we met up with the bridal party for portraits around the property and then everyone headed upstairs to relax while guests arrived.

While family and friends began to enter I walked the property photographing all of the gorgeous details. The day was planned to perfection by The Events Department and the desert inspired florals from Hello Gem Events used the most beautiful pastel color palette. By incorporating pops of rose gold, desert florals, and geometric table pieces, this O’Donnell house wedding was like something out of a dream.

Guests soon began to take their seats at the ceremony site. Everyone’s heads turned as Chloe made her way own the staircase to meet her father. After exchanging rings and vows everyone cheered for Chloe and Evan as they had their first kiss as husband and wife. While everyone made their way to the main courtyard for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres family had their formal photos captured on the upper terrace. Dinner was soon served and guests sat down to dine under the stars. Everyone danced the night away and enjoyed some tasty treats created by Over The Rainbow Desserts.

Photography: Alex Warschauer Photography | Videography: Grimace Films | Event Planning: The Events Department | Floral Design: Hello Gem | Wedding Dress: Rivini | Catering: Fusion Flair Catering | Hair + Makeup: Jen Plus Colour | DJ: Dart Collective | Bartending: Barone Services | Desserts: Over The Rainbow | Film Lab: Negative Lab | Historical Site: The O'Donnell House | Photography - Assistance: Lindsey Lawhon | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

Let’s just preface this by saying this is a judgment free zone. Whether you’ve only seen the first two movies because, hello, Jamie Dornan, or you’ve read all three books cover-to-cover, and maybe even Grey and Darker (written from Christian’s perspective), we can all agree that Fifty Shades of Grey is a cultural phenomenon. And with the third movie in the franchise opening today, we’re predicting Ana’s stunning off-the-shoulder lace Monique Lhuillier wedding dress is about to become one, too.

A post shared by Monique Lhuillier (@moniquelhuillier) on Sep 27, 2017 at 8:03am PDT

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Get the Look!

Monique Lhuillier

Lihi Hod

Watters

Rosa Clara

Oh, and the best news?! You can get the “Grey” dress from one of Monique Lhuillier’s flagship boutiques!

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You’re engaged! Now it is time to start planning all of the fun things. While deciding on a specific venue, dress, or detailed style right away can be overwhelming, it is good to have a general idea of the style that represents you and your partner. Not only will this guide your direction in selecting an event designer, but it will also help mold your overall wedding design.

Stuck on the design element? Here’s how to pick the right event designer for you.

Location
If you are having your wedding in your hometown, or even if you are hosting a destination wedding, you have an advantage with social media that brides-to-be didn’t have even a few years ago. With event design being such a visual profession, social media platforms, especially Instagram, are a great way to showcase their talents. Using location tags and location-specific hashtags (i.e. #DenverWeddingDesigner) for your search is a great way to start your journey in selecting the perfect designer for you. In fielding though people using this tag, your style of design will definitely stand out among all the other images. Now that Instagram has a “save” feature, you can collect all of your favorite images from event designers’ accounts and go back to them later to narrow them down.

Consistency with Style
With Instagram being a huge platform for wedding professionals in general, especially photographers and event designers, it is the perfect tool to determine the consistency of your event designer’s styling. Creating a cohesive and visually appealing grid on Instagram is an art in itself and shows your designer has an eye for detail – a skill that will definitely be important to you when planning your wedding.

Experience
It is perfectly okay to ask potential designers their experience with planning and executing weddings and events. Weddings are a huge project to take on and require numerous hours of prepping, styling, and arranging. For newer designers who haven’t yet executed more than a handful of weddings, it may be worth being upfront about your concerns with your potential designer upon your preliminary meeting.

Once you decide on style and meet with potential designers, follow your intuition and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is a connection between the couple and designer that is essential for them to be able to capture your true sense of style as a couple and execute that in florals, linens, music, etc. If you aren’t feeling that connection, it’s okay! There are many designers who you will click with to ensure your event goes seamlessly and represents your sense of style.

Note: If your venue of choice has an exclusive vendor list, meaning you can only work with the vendors they approve on that list, it is perfectly okay to meet with them all. First, do your research and determine which ones (maybe all of them) match your style and start booking your meetings. In the end, it is about their specific skill set and the connection that makes you feel like they have a firm grasp on your wedding day vision.

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.

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It’s hard to go wrong with a super sweet and stylish Southern wedding but throw in a Bride as fabulous as this one, and well, everything goes from good to really, really great. With a smile that goes on for miles and florals as lush and lovely as can be, we have a Charleston celebration fit for a Southern belle. It should be as no surprise though, with Pure Luxe Bride leading the charge and Dana Cubbage capturing it all. Add in Dock House Digital’s film and it’s an absolute happily ever after. Sit back, soak up and enjoy!

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From Dana Cubbage… I knew that Molly and Elliott’s day would be incredible. With the fabulous ladies of Pure Luxe Bride by their side, it was sure to be an amazing celebration… and it really was! They were a bit more traditional than most of my couples, opting for a church ceremony and no first look. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a wedding with such a traditional timeline, but it all ended up being fantastic! After Molly and Elliott said “I do!” in front of their family and friends at St Luke’s Chapel at MUSC, we jumped in my car and explored the historic Ansonborough neighborhood downtown before heading back to the William Aiken House for their reception. They danced the night away with their guests and everyone rolled up their pants and dresses as torrential rain moved through the area about an hour before the reception ended. The dance floor was soaked – and so were we – but it was a night to remember, for sure! At the end of the night, Molly and Elliott exited through a tunnel of sparklers… the perfect ending to their gorgeous wedding day. Here are some of my favorites from Molly and Elliott’s beautiful Charleston wedding at the William Aiken House…

Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Videography: Dock House Digital | Event Planning: Pure Luxe Bride | Floral Design: Wildflowers Inc. | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Invitations: Studio R | Reception Venue: William Aiken House | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mishka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Donna Morgan | Catering: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Hair + Makeup: Lashes And Lace Charleston | Lighting: Technical Event Company | DJ: Other Brother Entertainment. Josh. | Men's Attire: Tom James of New England | Tent: Snyder Event Rentals | Bridal Boutique: Gown Boutique of Charleston | Linens: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Eventworks | Signage: Tarah Catalano

This wedding videographer knew she was looking for a well designed home with a stunning yard to make her vision for her special day come to life, so when she stumbled upon Villa Montara, she was thrilled! We’re talking a minimalist, modern masterpiece with an equally breathtaking, cliffside view that, as you can see in Betsy Blue‘s gallery, photographs like a dream. All that was left was to don her Flora gown, grab her lovely bouquet by Meg Catherine Flowers, and say “I do” to her handsome groom!

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From the Bride… Mitch and I met during a documentary filmmaking course traveling through India. Instantly, a spark of attraction grew. Every evening, he would spend hours on the computer patiently teaching me all his editing tricks, and then we would sneak out onto the rooftop overlooking the city of New Delhi to talk about anything and everything the whole night through. We started dating shortly after that and moved to California together three years later.

My passion for video pushed me to start a wedding videography business upon moving. Watching real love captured on video has always reminded me of us and of how big a role video played in our own love story. Because I’m around weddings for a living, I knew I wanted to have something more intimate that wasn’t at your typical venue. I have an art and design background, so my dream was to find a well designed house with a stunning yard. My mom and I scanned home rental sites for months, praying that somehow the perfect home would pop up and they would allow a wedding to be held there. It seemed impossible, but one day we found the perfect place! Villa Montara is an architectural dream nestled on an ocean cliffside in Montara, California. The grounds are full of minimalist art, and the interior is a designer’s heaven.

I wanted the day to feel relaxed and the focus to be on the stunning property and view. The few design elements I did bring in were things I ended up making myself, like the hand-painted wood welcome sign and our floral alter. Mixing organic movement with simple, modern-geometric shapes has always been my signature go-to, and I’m so happy that this design concept translated so well on our wedding day!

Photography: Betsy Blue Photography | Cinematography: Canvas And Light | Floral Design: Meg Catherine Flowers | Wedding Dress: Flora | Invitations: Minted | Bride's Shoes: Vince Camuto | Jewelry: test | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: SALT & HONEY | Hair + Makeup: Dreamcatcher Artistry | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Bridal Boutique: The Dress Theory | Ceremony & Reception: Villa Montara | Event Planning + Coordination: Kaite Kalafat | Hair Accessory: Untamed Petals | Rentals: Pieces By Violet | Rentals, Linens: Standard Party Rentals | Robes: Le Rose | Signage: Details Darling | Tents, Lighting: A Festive Affair | Video Editor: SJ Videography

A bar cart that includes red velvet waffles, conversation hearts and bacon is totally winning in our book. And it’s also the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Get inspired to rethink your bar cart and whip up a breakfast spread that will steal the show this February 14. Cathy Durig is showing you how to get the look below!

Valentine’s Day is a day for celebrating the ones you love… And as wifey and a mama… I love all my boys. And what better way to show my love through food? My bar cart styling has taken a turn from all things liqueur to all things candy since having babies!

 I wanted to do something festive, but fun for my boys and they could not have been more appreciative. With pink elements to complement the overall theme of this love holiday, I also decided to add a pop of gold.

The Red Velvet Waffles with cream cheese frosting was the main centerpiece, and oh-so-delicous…. And easy too (literally just used cake mix from a box). The other sweet elements like conversation hearts and donuts just added a little more sugary vibe to the entire presentation. However, what a brunch without bacon? A little salt never hurt and it balanced out the entire brunch perfectly!

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Photography: Cathy Durig | Design: Cathy Durig | Floral Design: Bruce Wayne Florals | Banner: Target | Donuts: Krispy Kreme | Ribbon: Michaels | XOXO Banner: Target

Every May through September proves to be an exciting time known as wedding season! In the wedding season of 2016, my husband and I attended eight weddings. It was a blast but looking back it can be tricky to remember each wedding because some of them seem to blend together in my mind. But at the end of the day, there are always a few factors that help make that wedding stand out in your mind and create the best memory for guests in the years to come.

Here are five ways to make your reception the most memorable.

Make It Personal
It’s always special when the bride dances with her dad, or the groom dances with his mom – but I love when couples take it a step further. My friends’ father passed away years ago and wasn’t able to dance with her at her wedding so instead of not having any dance, she danced with a few men in her life who filled in a fatherly role throughout the years and wrote a note at each guest’s place setting explaining the situation. It was extremely personal and heartwarming… a memory the guests will never forget.

Invest In the Dance Floor
Some of the most memorable wedding receptions are the ones that have the most lively dance party. Don’t feel like you need to make it a competition, but know what it takes to create an environment that allows guests to dance. Dim lighting, drinks, a good DJ, enough space, and props like glow in the dark lights…all of these factors come into play for the reception. Know your audience and make it fun for them. Text a few of your friends and family when you’re working with your DJ on the playlist and ask them what their favorite song is. They won’t be able to resist the dance floor when their song comes on, and they’ll love that you reserved it just for them.

Exchange Sweet Moments
Every party needs a host. Of course, you don’t need to walk around and take care of everyone all night, but you should be intentional about mingling with your guests. They traveled far and wide to attend your wedding. You don’t need to talk for 5 minutes with each and every guest, but take a moment to give someone a hug, share a dance, or say “hi”. Some of the cutest and most memorable moments happen when a bride is simply having a conversation in her wedding dress with her loved ones.

Have A Showstopping Menu
One of the easy ways to ensure guests will always remember your wedding reception is to feature foods and drinks that people love. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, but ensuring that you have a little something for everyone and giving guests options will make them comfortable and perhaps remember that one appetizer or cupcake years later.

Reserve Time for Toasts
You can’t deny that the most cringe-y, tear-worthy, and heartwarming moments happen when you give guests a glass of champagne and allow them to give a toast at your wedding. Set aside a few minutes before dinner begins for your brother, dad, maid of honor, or best friend say a few words. This adds a personal touch to each wedding and allows guests to learn something new about you and your new spouse. Guests will never forget the toasts that made them laugh and cry.

Every wedding reception has its special moments, but it’s a few key elements that keep guests talking about the reception for years to come. Choose your moments and remember to bring your mental camera.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband and golden retriever. 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.

One read through this beautiful Bride’s story below and it’s crystal clear that she and her hubby-to-be loved their wedding vendors. They supplied the colorful ideas and their team transformed them into a wedding masterpiece, perfectly mixing California cool with their stylish Southwestern site. Rachel Solomon captured the creative combo and all its bright details, from the bridesmaids and the bouquets to the al fresco table settings, leaving us feeling inspired and excited. See it all right this way!

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From the Bride… When Neil and I talked about what we wanted for our wedding day, we both agreed that we wanted a traditional wedding where we could celebrate our marriage with friends and family. As simple as that sounds, it helped us prioritize where we wanted to focus – we wanted to make sure that we provided a fun and memorable experience for our guests.

Neil and I loved the mission-style of both Brophy Chapel and El Chorro. Because he grew up in Santa Barbara County and I grew up in Phoenix, we loved the way that El Chorro perfectly blended the coastal mission style white stucco with the beautiful desert mountains. Lindsey Rendon, the wedding coordinator at El Chorro, was a true delight to work with and earned our trust very early on. She made everything so wonderful for us and we are so grateful to her. We loved that we had the option of eating outside and dancing inside. The lawn at El Chorro was just the perfect setting for the al fresco, intimate dinner party that we had in our minds. Lindsey helped us pick out a delicious, family-style dinner including sea bass, pork tenderloin and Chateaubriand.

Teaming up with Rachel Troyan of Outstanding Occasions was absolutely one of the best decisions we made. I felt like I kept throwing random, disjointed ideas her way but she took them all in stride and when she presented us with our first design guide, I was in awe. She had taken all my disjointed ideas and made a cohesive and beautiful event design out of them. On top of that, Rachel was super organized, timely, knowledgeable, professional and honestly just fun. We spent so much time together, it was nice to genuinely enjoy her.

We were really inspired by El Chorro’s traditional yet fresh feel and how warm and inviting the whole place felt. I wanted to incorporated the bright pop of bougainvillea into our color scheme and flowers from the very beginning and have always loved the way navy and grey work together. We knew we wanted to put the groomsmen in classic navy suits, so we sought out long, flowing grey chiffon dresses for the ladies (and a grey suit for my man of honor!).

We hired Rachel Solomon as our photographer early on because we knew how quickly her schedule would fill up – she was recommended by both our venue and Rachel, our planner. We both loved how natural, relaxed and light-filled her photos were. She has a talent for always catching the most beautiful lighting and color in her photographs. Her timing is also truly amazing and she has a way of catching each person’s warmth. She was so organized and kept in touch with us the perfect amount throughout the whole planning process.

During our first meeting with Celebrations in Paper, our stationer, we discussed doing a floral envelope lining as a fun pop. Rachel, our planner, noticed a print, out of the corner of her eye that reminded her of bougainvillea and called our attention to it. We all loved it instantly and that design quickly became a theme throughout our wedding – from our invitations, to our table number, to one of our cakes and even some pillows on our furniture vignettes (which was an exciting surprise by Rachel for my mother and me!). The invitations themselves were simply stunning. Rene at Celebrations in Paper was so helpful in designing our grey and gold invitations and immediately picked up on the classic, romantic look we wanted.

Working with Růže Cake House was so much fun and we loved how much creativity and joy they brought to our desserts. Our macaron favors were a huge hit with all of our guests and the cakes were just so beautiful. Not to mention, they were simply delicious.

Our floral design with Carte Blanche Design was a lush, romantic dream come true for me. All the complementary colors combined with the candle light and greenery were exactly what I wanted. We love how it added to the relaxed, welcoming and celebratory feel of the whole day.

Mariée Bridal was so great to work with for my wedding dress. It was actually originally two pieces: a strapless dress and a separate lace top. Their innovative problem-solving helped me find my perfect dress! Not to mention the tireless alterations work by Sadie at Couturier! She removed the sleeves from the lace top and attached it to the silk dress so well. She truly made it my dream dress. One of my favorite details of the day was that I was able to wear my mother’s veil! Wearing her veil in the same chapel that my parents were married in almost 42 years prior was so special to me.

Lastly, our band, Instant Classics, was beyond amazing and we have plenty of friends and family who are still talking about how great they were. They played an acoustic set during dinner that had everyone quietly singing and swaying along among the chatter. They then moved inside where they just had so much fun with the crowd and played all the favorites so well.

One of my other favorite details was my “something blue.” My sister had a blue handkerchief embroidered “My American girl becomes my forever girl” and the date of our wedding in Neil’s handwriting. “American Girl” by Tom Petty is our favorite song so having that on a handkerchief (that was used plenty of times throughout the day!) was so special.

Neil and I are so grateful to all the amazing people, vendors and friends and family, that helped make our day so gorgeous and memorable. There was a point at dinner when we looked at each other with huge smiles on our faces and said, “This is exactly everything that we wanted.” We still feel that way every time we look back on our day.

Photography: Rachel Solomon Photography | Event Planning: Outstanding Occasions | Floral Design: Carte Blanche Design | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Cake: Ruze Cake House | Stationery: Celebrations in Paper | Ceremony Venue: Brophy College Preparatory | Reception Venue: El Chorro | Hair + Makeup: Glam Lounge | Band: The Instant Classics | Men's Attire: Nick's Menswear | Bridal Boutique: Mariée | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Inspired Environments

There’s no question that serving one’s wanderlust is good for the soul—but traveling (away from the comforts of home) can also bring on a bit of stress if you’re not equipped properly. From the fear of losing luggage to charging your devices on the go, these five gadgets are sure to elevate your next getaway!

1. Away Travel Carry-On

This little beauty is sooo much more than luggage. Not only does it sport a durable, unbreakable shell—it features a built-in battery that can charge any USB device. So, you can get comfy in the airport anywhere you please while your devices stay charged and ready for use. Find it here.

2. Tile Luggage Tag

What if I told you you’d never lose your luggage again? This little tile is the answer! This slim bluetooth tracker will tell you the exact location of your luggage via the coordinating app. Genius. Find it here.

3. Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Headphones

Truly wireless, these babies will deliver top-notch sound while taking up little space in your bag. Find it here.

4. FrontRow Wearable Lifestyle Camera

This is the ultimate way to capture your travel adventures! The stylish camera can be worn effortlessly in everyday situations to capture and share experiences in bold new ways, from vacations to music festivals or a day in your favorite city. Find it here.

5. Vago Travel Compressor

Want to know how to pack for a week in a carry-on? This little gadget is a huge part of the answer. Save space in your luggage with this portable bag compressor. Find it here.

Prospect House is a bright white, modern space with a charming farmhouse feel, making it the perfect spot for this Texas celebration. Shiplap and lush greenery designed by Westcott Weddings and Clementine Botanical Art are paired with a wedding party dressed to the nines and and a simple and modern approach to celebrating all captured by Mint Photography. It’s redefining what we think of rustic.

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Stephanie and Matt got married on a beautiful fall evening in Dripping Springs, Texas. The couple had been together for many years and wanted an intimate elegant, yet modern celebration for their friends and family. There were so many beautiful details that came together to truly make this day a stunner. The modern feel and clean lines of Prospect House created a perfect all white backdrop. We decided to play up the space by adding lush greenery and touchs of delicate white blooms dispersed throughout. My favorite detail from the day had to be the main dining room. We dressed the tables in a simple and classic white linen from La Tavola, but really made the palcesetting stand out by choosing a slate gray diner plate with a beautiful black and white striped napkin. We placed a sprig of resoemary on each seat with a simple, delicate place card. Another favorite detail from this day was the bold, modern, clean invitiaon suite from Boarding School Collective. Black and white with an infusion of green was simple, yet personal details such as the little monogram wax seal and emerald green thread paried with a vellum overlay kept it special. Mint photography did a wonderful job capturing all of the beauty of this day. Many thanks to all of the vendors that made this day happen. Congrats to the newly Mr. And Mrs. McClendon…. Such an honor to work on their special day with them!

Photography: Mint Photography | Event Design + Planning: Westcott Weddings | Florist: Clementine Botanical Art | Invitations: The Boarding School Collective | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Wedding Venue: Prospect House | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: 10th Collections

Just because your celebration is by the shore doesn’t mean you have to go all out classic nautical. This wedding right here took their locale and used it as inspiration in a whole other wondrous way… we’re talking stunning watercolor stationery and the most beautiful shades of blue we ever did see. Kelsey Combe captured our new favorite blue hues and more, creating a gallery that makes us downright jealous that we weren’t at this summer celebration ourselves. See it all right this way!

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From the Bride… My family spends practically every weekend of the summer at Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, New York, and it’s one of my husband and I’s absolute favorite places, so when we got engaged in April of 2016, choosing our venue was a no-brainer. We booked Shenorock the very next day.

Though the venue is right on the water – which would normally inspire a reception with a beachy, nautical vibe – we really wanted to create a more formal, sophisticated atmosphere, with a few casual and unexpected touches throughout.

After meeting with our florist Diana at Petals, we knew that she would be the perfect partner to help us execute our vision, and boy did she deliver! At cocktail hour, blue and white ginger jars and lanterns of various sizes were surrounded in florals. In the ballroom, vintage crystal candlesticks holding tall tapers were offset by rustic farm tables and lush white and ivory florals popped next to blue watercolor table numbers and menus.

The entire wedding had a very personal touch, as my mom and I imagined and sourced every detail ourselves. My mom even tracked down every single candlestick, lantern, and ginger jar used throughout the space. In the end, everything turned out even more beautiful than we could have ever imagined, and Jake and I were able to laugh, cry and dance the night away in a place that means so much to both of us.

Photography: Kelsey Combe Photography | Cinematography: Lucid Lens | Event Planning: Jack & Grace Events | Floral Design: Petals Party & Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Sachin And Babi | Cake: Artuso | Invitations: Morgan Holliday Designs | Ceremony Venue: Church Of The Resurrection | Reception Venue: Shenorock Shore Club | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Lulu's | Hair + Makeup: Beauty Bar and Salon | Calligraphy: Val Cole | Lighting: Fabrico Events | Transportation: County Coach | Earrings: Sachin And Babi | Rentals: Party Line Rentals

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about spoiling your significant other, it’s also about letting everyone you love know just how much they mean to you. If you’re feeling the Valentine’s Day spirit, considering gifting your best gals a little something this February 14^th. Need some ideas? Check out some of our favorite Galentine’s Day gifts!

Galentine's Day Gifts

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Galentine's Day Gifts

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Jessica Tzikas is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager from South Florida, who recently moved back to the sunshine state after living in Philadelphia for the past few years. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading by the beach, spoiling her black lab, and exploring nearby towns with her new husband.

Miles and miles of sand paired with the most gorgeous lighting, a pastel bouquet by Blue Ladder Botany, and a timeless, hand drawn paper suite by Pirouette Paper – all we can say is yes, yes, yes, and yes! This editorial captured by Mallory Dawn Photography and coordinated by Just a Kiss Weddings and Events has us singing its praises from the rooftops, it’s so darn pretty.

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From Mallory Dawn Photography… Miles and miles of open sand dunes make for one epic view. That jaw-dropping sight mixed with the gorgeous light in Glamis, California, created the perfect ambiance for this wedding inspiration. Destiny of Just a Kiss Weddings and Events gracefully handled all of the coordination with the vendors while I worked on the design and style aspect of the shoot. Diamant of Blue Ladder Botany created a stunning arrangement of florals for our bride to hold. She incorporated deep, rich greens as well as soft pastel colors for the bouquet. Kaylyn, the talent behind Pirouette Paper, put together some timeless paper goods for the invitation suite and hand drew elements on textured paper. We wanted simple, clean lines for the bridal gown, and this Elizabeth Dye wedding dress was the perfect piece for our bride to wear. We also wanted to keep with the pastel theme, so we were sure to grab a light grey suit for our groom. Theresa of Kohnur composed a timeless and elegant makeup look as well as a delicate updo hairstyle. Film is definitely my favorite choice of medium. The way it handled the golden light added an overall sense of romanticism and effortlessness to the images, bringing them to life.

Photography: Mallory Dawn Photography | Coordination: Just A Kiss Weddings And Events | Floral Design: Blue Ladder Botany | Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Dye | Hair + Makeup: Kohnur | Groom's Attire: Friar Tux | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab | Models: Jilliene Marie, Eric Jernigan | Paper Goods, Calligraphy: Pirouette Paper | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon | Ribbon: Honey Silks And Company | Styling Board: Heirloom Bindery | Veil: Blush Ivory Gowns

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Getting ready to meet my groom was one of my most cherished parts of my wedding day. The sweet anticipation is like no other. Thankfully my photographer captured all of those moments so beautifully and they take me back instantly. Chances are, your photog will know what to do so you don’t have to give them direction (and you can fully soak in the day!), but it doesn’t hurt to express some of the special moments you’d like to remember beforehand. Here’s a little inspiration!

Boudoir Beauty

If you’re feeling comfortable enough, do a mini boudoir session with your photographer! A perfect post-wedding gift for your new hubs, too.

Admiring Your Dress

Take one last look, things are about to officially get real!

Donning Your Dress

You’ve waited months to wear this stunner! And we’re betting your smile will shine so bright when you slip into that beauty.

The Spritz

Have a signature scent? That scent will remind you of your wedding day for years to come. Have your photographer capture that sweet moment.

Putting on the Sparkle

Whether you’re wearing your grandmother’s pearl earrings or purchased a new pair for yourself, putting on your wedding day bling is such a sweet moment.

Dress Details

Ask your photographer to capture your favorite details of you dress.

Primping

Whether applying a final layer of lipstick or perfecting those locks, capture those last-minute touch ups.

Slipping into Your Shoes

Chances are, your shoes won’t get much attention if you’re wearing a long dress! Have your photographer shine the spotlight on them before you walk down the aisle.

A Moment with Your Favorite People

Whether you’re toasting with your bridesmaids or having mom put on your necklace, these are the moments that you’ll cherish forever.

A View of the Veil

You’re almost ready! Get a view through your veil for a final moment before your walk down the aisle or head out for your first look.

If you love the water but your big day is happening a bit further inland, you can still bring a little piece of the sea into your celebration. For this couple’s anniversary session at a lovely, Spanish-inspired La Rio Mansion, this beach-loving duo had Taylor Bible Weddings create a seashore vibe using clean white china and pops of gorgeous, pale blue along with incorporating sea glass and oyster shell accents. Lovely Leaves Floral Design tied it all together, and the resulting gallery captured by Hannah Haston Photography is sweeping us off our feet.

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From Lovely Leaves Floral Design… Taylor and Tevin are the absolute sweetest couple! They married last year in a Texas Hill Country vineyard, but they love the beach, and so this was perfect for their one year anniversary. It’s not often that we get to plan a styled shoot with a theme for real couple. The day was so much fun and completely perfect.

La Rio Mansion is located in the small town they now call home. The venue was selected for its stunning stone architecture. Hannah Haston captured the most beautiful emotion on film that they will forever cherish, commemorating their first year.

Colors were a very pale blue with a lovely mix of neutrals. Florals included white dahlias, anemones, cosmos, veronica and delphiniums with the perfect amount of petite spray roses. We love to infuse weddings with greenery – southern smilax, ivy, and maiden hair fern are some of our favorites.

Taylor Bible Weddings used clean white china with silver flatware and layered fabrics on the table — a sheer with unfinished edges over a pale blue linen. For brides who dream of days on the beach, sea glass and oyster shells are ethereal accents, which offer a way to incorporate the place they love into their special days. Gold rimmed sea glass glasses in addition to sea glass bottles and oyster shells galore tied in some of Taylor’s favorite things about the beach.

Taylor’s gown came from Georgio’s Bridal, one of our favorite boutiques nestled in the heart of Waco. The soft tulle and lace appliqués tied in with the romantic feel. Her shoes were to-die-for. I love wedding booties, and these white gems were fabulous. Her hair was wind blown and magical, and her makeup was clean and natural, with the help of Southern Belles Beauty.

No anniversary would be complete without a chilled bottle of champagne, so we picked them up a beautiful bottle from one of their favorite local restaurants.

Photography: Hannah Haston Photography | Event Design: Taylor Bible Weddings | Floral Design: Lovely Leaves | Cake: Lily's Cakes | Reception Venue: La Rio Mansion | Hair + Makeup: Southern Belles Beauty | Calligraphy: test | Bridal Boutique: Georgio's Bridal | Champagne: Pignetti's Italian Restaurant | Rentals: Confetti Rentals

This Tuscan wedding captured by Katie Grant is guaranteed to live up to all of your Italian wedding dreams…complete with gelato. Set among the cypress tress and sweeping vineyard views of Tuscany, it fully takes advantage of the gorgeous countryside with an alfresco celebration designed by Che Chic, along with florals by Janna Brown Design.

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Melissa and Jordan found it no difficult task on deciding where to hold their intimate destination wedding. The rolling hills of Tuscany with it’s Cypress lined roads, lush vineyards and sunny disposition were the perfect surrounds for their day. While they didn’t get the last part (sunshine), the day was pure magic. Styled by Che Chic weddings with florals by Janna Brown Design, their day was ripe with lush centrepieces and local foliage, glowing taper candles and inspiring decor. A fun and vintage gelato cart and local cocktails served guests while waiting out the rainstorm. Later, the guests dined on traditional Italian fare at long tables under a romantic canopy.

Photography: Katie Grant Photography | Floral Design: Janna Brown Design Co. | Gown: Watters | Both: Borghetto Poggio Bianco | Candles: Creative Candles | MUAH: Lee Max Team | Paper: Indigo Eleven | Scans: Atkins Pro Lab | Silk: Silk and Willow | Styling and Planning: CheChic!Weddings

When Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday, a date night at home sounds incredibly appealing. It might be the fact that I have a tiny human and enjoy an early bedtime now—but I also kind of love the idea of skipping the crowds and doing something a little more intimate in the comfort of our abode. You with me? Then you’ll want to fully soak up this inspiration from Marie Flanigan and Alba Huerta. From setting the table to mixing up cocktails, Julie Soefer captured it all and it’s the perfect blueprint for a date night in!

Set the Stage

Mix It Up – Just because you aren’t hosting 20 people for a holiday dinner doesn’t mean your table should be neglected! Why not pull together settings using your family’s finest to create a moment that feels grand and unforgettably special? While you’re at it, don’t be afraid to mix and match place settings; old meets new and varied patterns and finishes come together for a look that feels casual yet sophisticated, and by pairing plates and silverware of varying styles in the same color palette, your table becomes a true celebration of texture!

Master Monochromatic Mood – V-Day doesn’t mean you’ve gotta’ go wild with the red and pink! Timeless monochromatic settings are brain soothers after a long day at the office and they serve up an attractive backdrop to the delicious food you’ll be plating. When you’re opting for a monochromatic moment, bring in rich textures through the use of placemats, linens, and runners. Chunky weaves layered against the gloss of a fresh white place setting lends depth and interest to a peaceful tablescape.

Waste Not, Want Not – There’s no need to run out and buy new table décor. Get creative and use elements you already have around your home, like garden greenery, fruit, baskets, jars, and votive candles, to set the mood. DIY-Queens looking for something more? Pull out your leftover holiday ribbon or twine to craft impromptu napkin rings and adorn leaves with you and your honey’s nicknames in gold paint pen for that extraordinary finishing touch.

Bring it Behind the Bar

Get Fresh – Fresh juice, that is! Alba recommends fresh juice when crafting cocktails to enhance the flavor and heighten the visual experience. Same goes for using fresh fruits and herbs as garnish.

Give ‘Em Some Sugar – Alba shares that the best simple syrups are crafted by hand and they’re not difficult to make! Dissolve sugar into super-hot water, allow it to cool, and then get mixing!

Shake Things Up [or Shall We Stir?] – Unless you’re making a classic martini, it can be tough to know which cocktails should be shaken and which should be stirred. Alba offers up a tip worth memorizing: Shake the drinks that have juice in them and stir the drinks that don’t. Of course, you will always find exceptions, so, when in doubt, taste test it out!

Pack a Punch

Although mixing a specialty cocktail for your loved one is a super thoughtful experience, there are times when you want to be more present and less concerned with constantly whipping up drinks! Alba suggests a punch for precisely those moments because they have a welcoming intent that feels warm and celebratory. Best of all, you can mix up a batch before your beau gets home, sip, and easily refill throughout the night!

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Photography: Julie Soefer | Design + Styling: Marie Flanigan | Mixologist: Alba Huerta | Place Settings, Drink Mixing Utensils and Glassware: Kuhl-Linscomb

If you’ve been asked to be in a wedding party, you probably have a few questions that you don’t feel totally comfortable asking the bride or groom, so we’re here to help. We’ve outlined a few things you may be wondering about, there’s no need to feel ashamed!

“Can I say no to being a bridesmaid or groomsman?”
When you’re asked to be a bridesmaid or groomsman, it’s essentially the bride or groom saying, “You mean a lot to me and I would love to have you by my side while I get married.” It’s a big gesture, so unless you have a legitimate reason (you know you can’t make the wedding, you’re pregnant, etc.) you’re advised to say yes. If you say no without reason, there’s a good chance your friendship may suffer because of it, to put it bluntly. If you’re hesitant because of financial issues, let your friend know. You two are obviously close, so sit them down and express your concerns. Chances are you’ll be able to come up with some kind of solution.

“These bridesmaid dresses are very unflattering, and everyone agrees. Can we tell the bride?”
If the bride is really liking specific gowns and they clearly don’t fit or look like they’re making the other girls clearly uncomfortable, nominate the MOH to softly let her know that there might be other gowns out there that would make her ‘maids feel more comfortable. That being said, don’t push it; the bride gets the final say. It’s her wedding and as a supportive friend, you need to put the dress on, along your best smile, and get through the day without complaining. You can always sell the dress, alter it or get rid of it after the wedding. It’s just a few hours and it will make your friend happy.

“I don’t think I can afford the bachelor/bachelorette party, what should I do?”
The bottom line is, weddings are expensive. Whether you’re in one, having one, or attending one, there are a lot of costs to consider. It’s understandable if flying across the country for a weekend-long bachelor or bachelorette party is out of your budget, especially if you factor in the Airbnb, fancy dinners, and any other activities that are planned. That’s a lot of cash to cough up.

So what’s the best way to handle this? Be honest and open with the bride or groom you’re celebrating. Talk to them about your financial concerns. Explain that your main priority is attending the wedding and that it’s just not a possibility for you to be at both. Offer to do something special with them (if you live close by) or send a bottle of wine to the restaurant they’re dining at one night. If you’re good friends, they should be understanding of your financial situation.

“Do I have to get the bride/groom a gift for the wedding?”
Yes. Being in the wedding party does not excuse you from buying the newlyweds a gift. In fact, following proper wedding etiquette means the closer relationship you have to the couple, the nicer the gift you should buy. Yes, we know you just went to their bachelor/bachelorette party and traveled for the wedding, but this gift is all about the next chapter of their lives together, so don’t skimp on the wedding gift.

“I was asked to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner and I get terrible stage fright. Can I say no?”
Typically the maid of honor or best man gives a speech at the reception, but sometimes couples want their other close friends or family members to speak at the rehearsal dinner. Before you make a rash decision, you should feel flattered! They have a number of people they could ask to speak, but there is clearly a reason they chose you, so let that sink in.

If you’re still hesitant, consider what makes you nervous. Are you worried you won’t know what to say? If so, consult other bridesmaids or groomsmen and ask for their input. That way the burden doesn’t have to fall solely on you. If you’re more worried about giving the actual speech, ask the couple if you can do it with someone. Perhaps another bridesmaid or groomsmen can accompany you during your speech. If both of those suggestions are out of the question, sit down with the couple (or whoever you’re closer to) and explain that your nerves are getting the best of you and it would be best for the flow of the dinner to ask someone who is better suited for situations like that. Your friend is bound to understand.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Sarah Title is a travel & wedding writer and editor living in Washington D.C. She also works part-time at a bridal salon in Georgetown helping women find the perfect dress. When she isn’t working, you can find her at the closest oyster bar enjoying a glass of rose or catching up on the latest celebrity gossip.