A modern and stunning decor item, lucite has been popping up in wedding and home decor alike quite a bit lately. As a more durable option than glass and a minimalistic way to spruce up a space, lucite is a great addition to all decor!

Frankly, wedding industry terms can be hard to understand, especially when a variety of terms can be used interchangeably to describe the same thing. Enter lucite and acrylic. In simple terms, lucite is a high-grade acrylic material that is clear and durable. Think of it in the same way that Kleenex is used to describe tissues. Not all tissues are Kleenex, but all Kleenex are tissues. Some lower grade acrylics aren’t as clear and good quality, but the acrylic material that has come to be a staple in the wedding industry is high-grade lucite.

Woah, that’s a lot of shop talk! Basically, you’re more or less correct if you say lucite or acrylic. Most importantly, you’re definitely au courant and innovative if you choose to incorporate lucite elements into your wedding celebration!

From welcome displays to reception seating, the options are nearly endless for bringing in clear acrylic touches to modern, sophisticated, and chic weddings. We’re looking at a few of our favorite uses for lucite, but we can’t wait to see all the other innovative ways you chose to incorporate this trendy, and durable, material in your wedding plans!

Escort Display

When considering using lucite for an escort display, remember to make sure the background material will contrast strongly enough for guests to be able to read their names.

Signage

We love lucite signage, guest menus, and even lucite elements in Save the Dates and invitations!

Altar Structure

Whether you’re getting married on an urban rooftop or overlooking a picturesque golf course, an acrylic chuppah or altar structure has the added bonus of blending into the natural landscape and avoiding aesthetic competition with your ceremony backdrop. That’s a win-win in our book!

Serving Pieces

How stunning would welcome cocktails be on a chic lucite tray?

Seating

While this may be one of the most common ways to incorporate acrylic into your wedding decor, the look is certainly anything but pedestrian. Consider sprucing up standard ghost chairs by having custom decals or calligraphy done on the backs.

As the luxury chair rental industry continues to expand its inventory, we’re loving seeing opaque white and opaque black ghost chairs begin to pop up in the market as well!

We simply love how transcendent lucite is. It matches any color palette and works to elevate the surrounding decor while avoiding conflicts with the existing decor. Truly a gorgeous and versatile part of any wedding decor! So tell us, how are you planning to incorporate lucite into your wedding?

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

We started out this morning with a classic Southern bride (albeit with a stylish twist) and this afternoon, we’re taking it to a whole other fashionable level. Elegance meets creativity with a one-of-a-kind look that we can’t get enough of. With East Made Event Company behind the reins once again, we’re head over heels for this eclectic, organic, uniquely romantic bridal look. Michael and Carina captured it all and between this morning’s pics and these ones here, we know where we’ll be all week long…

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From Michael and Carina Photography…

“Trees down south have a difference to them, a subtle, slinking movement, mile by mile–a gracefulness, a swagger. Lanky trees stretching out their wiry thin, Spanish moss-covered branches, moss that sways and beckons … Come here, come here, it says.”
― Suzanne Palmieri, The Witch of Belladonna Bay, 2014

A bridal portrait session in front of the backdrop of the lanky trees at RiverOaks in Charleston, South Carolina – let’s examine the movement and sway of the trees and their slinky moss in the wind and relay this grace to how our bride poses and moves during a solo session.

Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Floral Design: La Fleur Du Jour | Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Shoes: Bella Belle | Ring: Susie Saltzman | Hair + Makeup: Emily Artistry | Calligraphy: Maurelle Calligraphy | Creative Direction: East Made Event Company | Event Venue: RiverOaks Charleston | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Hair Piece: BHLDN | Model: Carmen Thorpe

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Petit Bouquet

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You know what is the epitome of sweet? Building an entire wedding celebration around the idea of home. Crafted by Amorology, with florals by The Dainty Lion and images by Meiwen Wang, this seaside affair combines the beauty of alfresco dining with genius nods to Home, Sweet Home. Ahem brilliant backdrop, we’re looking at you. Oh and have you ever seen anything SO adorable as an uber chic audio guest book?! Just check it out, by the lovely FêteFone team, below.

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It is said that home is where the heart is and when Briana and Calum met they both knew they had found their home in each other. We loved this sweet sentiment and wanted to share it with their guests on their wedding day! Our darling couple’s relationship first began as one that was long-distance. The two got to know one another and ultimately fell in love through a series of late night phone calls and what our bride described as Calum’s ‘incredible’ letters, all of which she still has to this day. Finally, long distance no more – on their wedding day Briana and Calum wanted to recognize their loved ones as a part of helping to build their new life and home together.

Inspired by a more neutral palette, we chose colors such as soft greys, olive green, light blues, and warm beige with a touch of cranberry. Briana and Calum became Mr. and Mrs. in front of a small scale wood framed home we had Backup Back Drops build that was accented in greenery and delicate florals from The Dainty Lion Floral Co. as guests sat in wooden chairs overlooking the gorgeous California ocean. It was the prettiest little beach house we ever did see! During the cocktail hour guests sipped on a “mi casa es mule casa” (moscow mules) and a “call me old fashioned” and found themselves right at home in the lounge set against the top of the ocean cliff. In lieu of a traditional guest book they were also asked to pick up the FêteFone and leave a message for the couple. The guests had so much fun with this! These recordings were later saved and added to their wedding video! Such a special component of the day!

When it was time to get the reception started, we invited guests to “love thy neighbor” and find their names and seating assignments on glass houses with gold vinyl set upon our display backdrop. Each little house was filled with flora and greens. Tables were named after addresses Briana and Calum had lived at and the entire room was designed to create a sense of home for their reception. Wooden tables beautifully set with soft toned runners and rounds covered in deep moss velvet linens offered dimension to the space while small wooden dollhouse furniture pieces calligraphed with guests names served as place cards. Instead of champagne the couple opted to fill glass coupes with italian soda and give their guests a fun treat to toast to! A dessert table full of the couple’s favorites was offered to satisfy any sweet cravings. Briana and Calum sent their guests away with a special “home brew” blend of coffee that they could enjoy throughout the week as a little reminder of the taste of home! It was truly an evening of warmth and comfort to see all of the love and excitement Briana and Calum had for their future together. We can’t wait to watch their home continue to grow!

Photography: Meiwen Wang | Videography: David Orgill | Event design and Planning: Amorology | Floral Design: Kimberly Anderson, The Dainty Lion | Catering: Giuseppe Catering | Make Up and Hair: Make Up By KC | Calligraphy: Miss Multee | DJ: Hit It Music Productions | Audio Guestbook: FeteFone / The Audio Guest Book | Backdrop Installation: Backup Backdrops | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum | Dessert: Hey There, Cupcake! | Farm Tables & Chairs: Farm Tables And More | Graphic Design: Prim & Pixie | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Lounge Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals | Tabletop Rentals: Hostess Haven

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Event Planning

Amorology

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One of my goals this month: wake up 30 minutes earlier every day. My 11 month old who is going through teething is helping with that, except it’s more like 3 hours early… but really though, what would you do with an extra 30 minutes every day? Life Coach, Yana German is joining us today to inspire a bit of morning motivation with three benefits of rising before the usual alarm.

Gives you time for self-awareness.

Instead of rushing through the door and critiquing yourself, give yourself 5 minutes for Mirror self-love to feel more confident and comfortable. Start from staring into your own eyes, go up to your forehead, back to your eyes and to the rest of the body. This exercise will give out a signal to your brain to be fully aware of the body so you become fully present in your own skin and ready for the day.

Positivity.

Waking up just a little bit earlier reduces your stress level significantly. Instead of trying to figure out where your keys are or leaving home hungry, those 30 extra minutes can eliminate the feeling of being rushed. As a result this allows you to start your day on an optimistic and positive note.

Organization.

Most of us usually leave our house in chaos: you might forget to pack a lunch for your child, you did not have time for a cup of coffee, or perhaps you forgot the presentation you’ve been working on all night. Extra time in the morning allows you to organize your thoughts and set meaningful goals for the day ahead.

Life Coach: Yana German

After becoming engaged, designing our save-the-dates and seeing our names together in print certainly made our wedding plans feel real. Personally speaking, creating our wedding paper suite has been one of the most special (and fun!) elements to our celebration.

As a new bride-to-be, I turned to expert Margaret Jones at Scriptura, who kindly guided my questions regarding wedding paper etiquette and timeline. Continue reading for a helpful Q&A session with Margaret covering common questions, like when to send save-the-dates and how to properly communicate the desired dress code.

Q: WHEN SHOULD WE MAIL SAVE THE DATE CARDS?
A: Save the dates are issued six months before the wedding. They inform family and friends of your plans and allow them to take your wedding into consideration when making their own plans. Save the dates are sent when out of town guests are invited and when the wedding will be taking place in a destination other than the bride or groom’s hometown. Many weddings are held in a resort area, and some guests might like to plan a vacation around your wedding. Save the dates may be sent to all guests, but it is especially important for out of town guests to receive them, as they will have to make travel arrangements.

Q: WHEN SHOULD WE MAIL WEDDING INVITATIONS?
A: Wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding; overseas invitations may be mailed twelve weeks in advance.

Q: WHERE DO WE INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR WEDDING WEBSITE?
A: Wedding website information is most commonly included on the save the date. A small wedding website insert may also be included in the wedding invitation to ensure guests can access additional information about accommodations and weekend itinerary.

Q: CAN WE INCLUDE OUR REGISTRY INFORMATION ON OUR INVITATIONS OR SAVE-THE-DATES?
A: The best way to let guests know where you are registered is by word of mouth. Putting in writing where you are registered on the save the date or wedding invitation is considered to be in poor taste, as it suggests you are asking for a gift. The best place to include registry is on the wedding website.

Q: WE’RE HAVING AN ADULTS-ONLY WEDDING. HOW CAN WE COMMUNICATE THIS CLEARLY (AND POLITELY) TO OUR GUESTS?
A: The traditional method of letting guests know children are not invited is to leave their names off the inner envelope. For example, when “Mr. And Mrs. Phillips” is written on the inside envelope, it means that only Mr. And Mrs. Phillips are invited, not their children. When children are not invited to the wedding reception, the last line of the invitation may also state adult reception to follow instead of the more typical wording – reception to follow. The preferred solution is to talk to your family members and friends with children and let them know that, although you would really love to invite their children, circumstances prevent you from doing so.

Q: HOW DO WE INFORM GUESTS OF A DRESS CODE?
A: Dress code for most evening weddings is assumed to be cocktail attire unless otherwise specified. If the wedding attire is black tie, this is noted in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation. Outdoor weddings often specify garden attire, letting female guests know to wear flat or wedge heels, as walking on grass may be involved.

Q: WHEN SHOULD WE SET A DEADLINE FOR RSVP’S?
A: Reply cards are typically dated two to three weeks before the wedding.

Photography: Aimée Mazzenga | Floral Design: Alicia Kiewitt | Stationery: Scriptura | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Jewelry: Lester Lampert | Calligraphy: Calligraphy By Maria-Helena | Venue: Spiaggia Private Events | Agenda, Pen Holder: White Elephant Designs | Blouse: Astr | Pants: Nordstrom | Ribbon: Illume Silks | Wax Seals: Maurelle Calligraphy | Wax Seals: WaxSeals.com

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Petit Bouquet

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This forever winter has us dreaming of days spent lounging on warm beaches, soaking in the rays and sipping cocktails with our besties. A little bit like Sarah and Matthew’s amazing celebration at Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa. Along with 65 of their closest friends and family, this gorgeous duo ventured from North Carolina to party the night away in paradise (aka, the Caribbean), complete with a giant cut-out of their fur baby. Warm your hearts in the full gallery captured Punta Cana Photographer.

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From Punta Cana Photographer… Sarah and Matthew decided to venture from North Carolina to get married at a gorgeous resort located on the pristine beaches of CapCana. Surrounded by 65 of their closest family and friends, they enjoyed every minute of the celebration.

The day started early for us, when we headed to Matthew’s room to enjoy the fun moments that were taking place at Matt’s hectic getting ready. With people running all over the place and the guys enjoying a few drinks, everything was set for a good day. Things simply got better when we saw Sarah’s happiness shining through her eyes before getting her dress on.

The location they picked couldn’t be any better for an intimate ceremony by the shore at Secrets CapCana. Minutes before the ceremony, Sarah’s dad almost made us cry with his tears, and a unique reaction that we love to see when a proud dad sees her daughter about to get married. It’s something we cannot explain with words.

Sarah & Matthew’s friends rocked the day with their smiles, inside jokes and their patience! Hey, it’s not easy to take pictures under the strong Caribbean sun, even in winter. At night, everybody took their shoes off and danced like there was no tomorrow. We hope you enjoy looking at the photos as much as we did while capturing them.

Cinematography: Punta Cana Photographer | Wedding Dress: The Lily Rose | Makeup: Secrets CapCana | Photograpy: Punta Cana Photographer | Resort: Secrets CapCana

Leave it up to East Made Event Company to mix old and new to create something absolutely magical. And then leave it up to Michael and Carina to capture said magic oh so beautifully for our lucky, lucky eyes. Our classic Charleston bride shines bright with a full peony bouquet in hand, but add in her crop top two-piece wedding look and we’re taken aback by this stylish surprise… in all the best ways. See it all right this way! (And stay tuned… more Michael and Carina bridal beauty coming this afternoon…)

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From Michael and Carina Photography…

“Classic Traditions”

“I equate peonies with love because they’re the first blooms of summer.” ― Isaac Mizrahi

A bridal portrait session by the water at RiverOaks in Charleston, South Carolina – adding a modern twist to our Southern, classic bride, we drew inspiration from the juxtaposition of old and new by pairing traditional bridal elements like a long veil and all-peony statement bouquet with a modern crop top two-piece wedding gown.

Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Floral Design: La Fleur Du Jour | Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Shoes: Bella Belle | Ring: Susie Saltzman | Hair + Makeup: Emily Artistry | Calligraphy: Maurelle Calligraphy | Creative Direction: East Made Event Company | Event Venue: RiverOaks Charleston | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Hair Pieces, Earrings, Bracelet + Veil: BHLDN | Model: Kristen Cook | Ribbon: East Coast Trimming

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Petit Bouquet

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For their wedding, this couple imagined themselves toasting champagne while dancing the night away under the stars, surrounded by beautiful works of art and the ones they loved most. With the expert assistance of Ivory and Vine Event Co., that’s exactly what they did at their Nasher Sculpture Center nuptials photographed by Stephanie Brazzle! No detail was overlooked by their world-class vendor team including Something Pretty Floral, La Tavola, Scribbles and Swirls Calligraphy, and more, and you can see all the lovely details in the film by Jonathan Mayfield.

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From Ivory and Vine Event Co.… Ashley and Jonathan met in class at Texas Christian University, and after a year of flirting and friendship, they grew inseparable and knew that they’d end up together. After a few years of dating, they were engaged, and Ashley began planning their dream wedding day. They pictured themselves toasting champagne and dancing the night away with their families and friends, under the stars, surrounded by beautiful works of art – and that’s exactly what they did!

Ashley and Hono were married at Perkins Chapel with a wedding reception at Nasher Sculpture Center. Ashley envisioned a classic, southern wedding with just a touch of french country and used her color palette of ivory, blush, lavender, and gray to thread a common theme of timeless elegance through every element of her wedding. Ashley juxtaposed the modern, clean lines of the Nasher Sculpture Garden with wild, organic floral arrangements from Something Pretty Floral and accented her decor with silk ribbon, gold metallics, and textured linens from La Tavola. Her photographer, Stephanie Brazzle, captured each vignette through the medium of film and beautifully told the story of a night filled with excellent food, drink, and music. It was an unforgettable night under the stars.

Photography: Stephanie Brazzle Photography | Cinematography: Jonathan Mayfield Media | Event Planning: Ivory & Vine Event Co. | Floral Design: Something Pretty Floral | Wedding Dress: Legends by Romona Keveza | Cake: Panini Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Perkins Chapel | Reception Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering | Hair + Makeup: Maitee Miles | Calligraphy: Scribbles And Swirls | DJ: Le Force Entertainment | Transportation: Dallas Limousine | Hotel: The Joule | Bridal Boutique: Arte Latica | Bridesmaids' Dresses Boutique: Brideside | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Fauxcades | Rentals : Marquee Event Rentals

Valentine’s Day can be a pretty polarizing holiday, but whether you’re a self-proclaimed romantic or not, it’s a fun excuse to celebrate all of the different types of love in your life!

So this year, why not use the theme of love for a party in honor of all the special ladies in your life? Whether you want to host a Galentine’s Day celebration, or throw a Galentine’s themed shower or bridal brunch, here are 10 party essentials that will have you feeling all the love.

Galentine's Inspiration

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Galentine's Inspiration

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.

A few things come into play when deciding on what to wear for your e-sesh. First and foremost, you want your personal style to shine! But it’s also important to let your setting guide your style. From Paris to New York, here are five outfits inspired by the prettiest engagement session spots.

California Cozy

Who said you have to wear a dress? This pant and sweater combo is timeless and elegant—and not to mention, makes us want to book a trip to wine country.

Garden Gorgeous

Turn up the romance for a garden-set engagement session with a sweet dress like this one, featuring graceful ruffles and shoulder cutouts.

City Chic

Strolling the streets of your city? Go for something chic like this crop top and skirt pairing. The black and white combo adds a sophisticated look without feeling too formal.

Parisian Romance

Shooting in a location full of historic beauty? Step it up a notch with an elegant number like this burgundy beauty featuring lace sleeves.

Right at Home

Planning an at home session? Keep things in context and go for cozy attire that you would normally wear in the comfort of your abode.

What can hold its own against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Aspen? Bold and bright blooms by Bare Root Flora, that’s what! Trust us, you’re going to be obsessed with the rich burst of color at this lovely wedding, planned by the talented Bluebird Productions and captured by Laura Murray Photography. This is a gallery filled to the brim with the colorful floral inspiration of our dreams!

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From the bride… Brian and I met in Dallas in June of 2015. Brian had moved to Dallas a few years earlier from Los Angeles where he lived all his life. We went on our first date to a local wine bar and never went a day without talking after that. After dating for a little over a year, Brian proposed on the bluffs overlooking the ocean in Laguna Beach. It was an incredible day!

I grew up in Dallas but always wanted a Colorado wedding. Our family went there every summer, and it is full of special memories. The first time I brought Brian there with my family, he immediately loved it as much as I did. The Roaring Fork Club was a place we loved to go, and it was available on June 17 – the same wedding day as my grandparents. So it seemed like it was meant to be.

With only eight months until the wedding, we were off to planning the big day! We found our wedding planner, Bluebird Productions, based in Aspen, and they helped connect us with incredible vendors to make our vision come to life. We envisioned an outdoor ceremony and tented reception with a seated dinner and a great band. We wanted bright and bold flowers to showcase the incredible scenery of the Rocky Mountains and blue sky. The big bonus was the incredible sunset that seemed to last forever during dinner the night of the wedding. My favorite accents were the birch log chargers, greenery hanging from the exposed bulb chandeliers, and a long table for the wedding party full of bright coral and magenta flowers. Everything we envisioned came to life and surpassed our expectations.

A welcome party thrown by family friends at their beautiful home overlooking the mountains and the Roaring Fork Club golf course kicked off our wedding weekend. It was the perfect opportunity to see everyone who had traveled to celebrate with us. On Friday, the guys golfed, and the girls had a luncheon in Snowmass. Friday night was a small, family only rehearsal dinner. We loved that night with just our siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

The wedding day was relaxing, getting ready slowly and spending time with close family. Brian and I wrote each other a note that we read on the wedding day. Before I knew it, it was time for the first look. That was such a special time with just us (and the videographer and photographer). It allowed us to soak up the day and prepare for the ceremony and the life we were beginning together. Our ceremony was incredibly special. Our minister from our Dallas church back home traveled to be there and delivered a message that we will never forget. Following the ceremony, we were off to the cocktail hour next to the dinner tent overlooking the mountains and golf course. The night went fast with toasts from Brian’s brother, my sister, and my dad, lots (and lots!) of dancing to the band Tunisia, and eating a wonderful meal with our friends and family. It was a night of joy and love that we will never forget!

Photography: Laura Murray Photography | Cinematography: Elysium Productions | Event Planning: Bluebird Productions | Floral Design: Bare Root Flora | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza | Cake: d'Elissious Cake Studio of Aspen | Stationery: the HELLO co. | Catering: Roaring Fork Club | Makeup: Vanessa Vieni | Hair: Megan McHale | Calligraphy: test | Ceremony Music: Silver City Strings | Venue: Roaring Fork Club | Cocktail + Reception Music: Tunisia | Lighting + AV: Halcyon Productions | Rentals: Premier Party Rentals

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Elysium Productions

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As the mama of an 11 month old baby boy, I have first hand felt the pressure to do it all, to be it all… to juggle a million things at once and make it look effortless. The reality: every time I try to keep up with my own extreme expectations, it all comes crashing down and I face disappointment. Sound familiar? Many of us are “mamachievers” (a.k.a. over-achieving, hot messes). I’m not an expert at this mom gig by any means but I’ve learned some pretty valuable lessons in the last year and when I put them into practice, I feel fulfilled and come to the realization that I AM giving it my all.

Self Expectations

What does ‘doing it all’ mean to you? Chances are, that looks a bit (or a lot) different for each one of us. But one thing most of us mamas have in common: we usually set our self expectations too high. Many of us do this even before having a baby. The solution: we first need to accept that we simply cannot do. it. all. Something will always have to give, whether it’s passing on a dinner date with friends or skipping sending out holiday cards.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Hard to do, especially in today’s world of social media, I know! But even when you’re chatting with your closest mama friends, it’s easy to feel like you’re not keeping up with the pack. Embrace those mamas who will lift you up, rather than bring you down. Surround yourself with those who inspire you, but remember—we ALL have hard days. So, that super mom on Instagram who always looks like she has her shit together? She’s probably gone days without showering, been covered in spit up and snot and has cried her eyes out at one o’clock in the morning, too.

Set Priorities

There’s nothing like becoming a parent that forces you to slow down and live in the moment. These babies of ours grow up at lightning speed and when you look back on these years, you’ll be happy you chose to hang with your little instead of work a couple extra hours on a Saturday. This is where setting priorities comes in. Life is still happening and yes, you’ve got responsibilities—but what can you shave off of the list without feeling like you’re drowning? Finding that balance can be tough, but setting priorities is a huge help.

YOU are a Priority.

And don’t forget, YOU are a priority too. Taking time for yourself to recharge is equally as important as feeding your baby or changing diapers. You are not just a mom. This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since becoming a mama. Each time I’ve put myself on the back burner, stress creeps in. I’m 110% certain that our babies feel our stress—my son absolutely does! He’s always more fussy and more clingy when I’m not myself. Which brings me to my next point…

Ask for Help!

This can be SO hard to do—but it’s absolutely necessary. It really does take a village. It’s natural to feel like you’re burdening family and friends if you need help, but having a support group is incredibly important. Don’t have family nearby? Review your budget and see where you can hire help. When I was 8 months pregnant with our son, I was in serious nesting mode and wanted to clean every inch of my home—my mind was saying “clean, mama, clean!” but my body was saying, “girl, you cray, let’s go sit on the couch”. So, I hired a house cleaner to come and deep clean our home. Did I feel guilty about it at first? Hell yes! My parents never had house cleaners and here I was with some random lady cleaning my toilets. It took a little while to not feel embarrassed by it, but now that I look back it was the best decision I made. She now comes to clean every 2-3 weeks and that extra help gives us more time to spend with our little guy—or, for this mama to go and get a pedicure. No shame in that.

Work Smarter, Not Harder.

Ever want to go back and punch your pre-baby self in the face, because she had it SO good and didn’t know it? Now, you probably accomplish more during your baby’s 30 minute nap than you did in 3 hours as your pre-baby self. Becoming a mom has taught me to simplify and break down my tasks. A few ways to do this:

• Rather than doing 4-5 loads of laundry on the weekend, toss in one load a day (and actually fold and put it away!)
• Give your house a quick blitz while your baby naps—it’s amazing what you can do in 15 minutes
• Prep your little one’s lunch the day before while you’re making dinner since the food is already out
• Create a revolving staple grocery list on your phone (I use a list-style app to check items off we need each week)
• Utilize online grocery ordering and/or pickup and delivery services
• Create a meal plan and meal prep each week

One Step Ahead (or more like ten)

I consider myself a proactive, motivated and organized person… but my type A tendencies were crushed when I became a mom. My weekly to do lists would roll into the next week far too often and I started feeling as if I could never keep up. My simple (but challenging) solution is to give myself WAY more time than I think I’ll need. Give yourself realistic goals and then double that time. This goes beyond giving yourself an extra 20 minutes to get out the door—think bigger. For example, our goal was to start feeding our son solids at 6 months, so I started doing food research a good three months before that. Really want to get those holiday cards out? Start thinking about doing a family shoot at the end of summer or beginning of fall. Planning a birthday party? Start brainstorming details a few months in advance. I use this planner which allows me to write out my goals at the start of each month and then, my weekly to dos. I also write out a bare bones list of goals for the year—from mom tasks to career goals to planning out birthday gifts, trips and parties.

Even with practicing all of the above, I still have my days, I still get behind. We all do! But when I know I’m giving it MY all, I really do feel like the mama that does it all.

Three days is but a blink of the eye in terms of wedding planning. But when wild fires hit California this black-tie affair had to be completely re-worked and quick. With the help of an awesome team of vendors including Tyler Speier Events and Natalie Bray Studios, that gorgeous Plan B came to life. Feast your eyes on this Downtown Los Angeles celebration so pretty and so full of heart,  you would never know it came together in under 72 hours.

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From the Photographer… On a beautiful day in December, Omar and Cynthia had a wedding overwhelming with love and joy. Due to the fires in Southern California their entire celebration had to be moved and replanned in 3 days. Yes 3 days! Everyone worked together to revision a chic black-tie affair in DTLA. Tyler Spier planned the entire event start to finish and did a fantastic job.

The private venue had never had a wedding hosted before, let alone for 200 of Cynthia and Omar’s family and friends. Nonetheless, with a little creativity and a lot of imagination Tyler and team create an event to remember. Their wedding story and love story is such an inspiration and really goes to show it is all about the love.

From the Bride…

What inspired your wedding style?
Above all else we really wanted our wedding to be inclusive and welcoming, really more of a celebration of our community than anything else. We decided to go with black tie because we thought it would be fun to get everyone dressed up, but the rest of the vibe was intended to be very warm and inviting. We wanted to break some of the gender stereotypes and include traditions for both our mothers and fathers, and having such a diverse group of friends we wanted to incorporate wisdom for multiple faiths into our ceremony. December is a little tricky because you can quickly get things feeling christmasy or like every other new years eve party, so we went towards more neutral colors, tones, and textures incorporating white furs, marble, mixed metals, rose gold, etc. to make it feel festive without the ho ho ho.

How you planned your wedding…
Do you mean plan a or plan b? Tyler played a HUGE role in both. The best advice I got from two of my best friends the day after I got engaged was to get a planner if we could swing it financially. That advice paid off in ways I never could have imagined when the Thomas fires in California pushed us out of our original wedding venue days before the big day. Tyler had been working with us in lock step to plan the Santa Barbara event, helping us with vendor recommendations and incorporating elements we came up with on our own. When we had to switch locations the week of the wedding he was instrumental in coordinating the entire vendor team, helping us source new vendors, finding a new venue, scouting the new location (which he had never seen!), redesigning the timeline, redesigning the layout, and modifying the design aesthetic to match the new space. It wouldn’t have been possible if he hadn’t taken so many steps along the way to get to know us as a couple to come up with a plan B that ended up being more “us” than the original plan A. I think Tyler might have slept a total of 10 hours the week of our wedding and was an absolute rockstar under some pretty insane conditions. He managed to do it all with the most unbelievable determination, grace, and humor. The whole weekend was moved by his positivity and energy and we could’t have done it without him!

Photography: Natalie Bray Studios | Videography : Natalie Bray Studios | Florals : Tyler Speier Events | Bridesmaid Dresses: Katie May Collection | catering: Omni Catering | lighting: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Bouquet Ribbon: Tono Co | Bridal Shop: Bride | Dress Designer: Tara Lauren | HAMU : PRIV | coordination and planning and design : Tyler Speier Events | custom signage : Lotus & Ash | rentals: The Tent Merchant

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Natalie Bray Studios

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Looking beautiful on your Big Day begins and ends with the right gown, and if you dream of sailing down the aisle like a total princess, trust us on this one – it’s the fabric that can truly make all of the difference. Whether its ultra-soft Mikado, stunning tulle or romantic lace, the genius designers at Allure Bridals have you covered with gowns that will ensure you’re the center of attention. Oh, and the unique accessories? We’re jumping on the translucent capes bandwagon, like yesterday.

Every bride wants that wow-factor, so choosing a gown that is crafted with fabrics that make the grade is really important. The Spring 2018 Allure Bridals Collection happens to have stunning, high-quality fabrics down to an absolute science, so you can breathe easy with a dress that feels soft against your skin, flows with the music, doesn’t make you sweat (!) and isn’t constricting during that after party at your fave restaurant. (All good things, you guys.) Even more important, Allure Bridals is known for their insane craftsmanship (i.e., your gown will last AND look beautiful) and they merge their aforementioned high-quality fabrics with luxe detailing, so you don’t have to give up your dreams of sparkle or jeweled sequins. Some of our faves? Style 9508 with its beautiful English Net and unique geometric pattern, the vintage-inspired Style 9525 with its flowy chiffon skirt and Style 9506, because we can never, ever get enough of illusion sleeves on a lace sheath.

Allure Bridals’ classic approach to bridal gowns has always been one of our faves, and we love how you can always count on them to deliver the high-crafted goodness. Their Spring 2018 Collection is everything you’d expect with incredibly feminine silhouettes and demure designs that you’ll love. We adore the clean lines of Style 9514 (hey there, silky Mikado) and the beach-ready Style 3105 is a chiffon masterpiece. Need proof? Check out this beautiful shoot from the talents of  Heather Waraksa, Gabrielle Hurwitz and Pear Tree Flowers to become next level obsessed, and then head to Allure Bridals’ website to find a retailer near you, because you’re going to want to own an Allure Bridals’ dress.

Photography: Heather Waraksa | Floral Design: Peartree Flowers | Wedding Dresses: Allure Bridal | Cake: Nine Cakes | Hair + Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Accessories: jennifer behr | Engagement Ring, Bangle + Diamond Studs: Lauren Addison | Linens: Nuage Designs | Paper Goods: Ipanema Press | Planning + Styling: Gabrielle Hurwitz

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Petit Bouquet

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When it comes to wedding desserts, you’ve probably got the cake down. But what about a groom’s cake? These nods to the groom can be a fun way to incorporate his passions, give guests tasty options, and celebrate the man you’re marrying.

What is a groom’s cake?

A groom’s cake is a fun dessert that celebrates the man you’re marrying. It’s typically a smaller, one-tier cake decorated with his favorite sports teams colors, a hobby of his, or anything else that he loves. Groom’s cakes are particularly popular in the southern US. A homage to the groom, the groom’s cake is typically seen as a special gift from the bride and is kept a surprise until the big day.

Do we need one?

Groom’s cakes are totally optional. They’re another fun–and delicious–wedding detail that certainly isn’t necessary, but is a lot of fun.

How much do they cost?

Groom’s cakes have similar costs to wedding cakes per slice. For simpler cakes, they can be as low as $2 a slice, but for more elaborate creations, they may go up to $10 or so.

When are they served?

Groom’s cakes are served right alongside the wedding cake at dessert time.

What flavor are groom’s cakes?

Groom’s cakes can be any flavor you know your guy likes, but traditionally, they’re either a rich chocolate or liquor-infused. This is because wedding cakes were once seen as too light and airy for men to enjoy! Either way, make your groom’s cake a different flavor than the official wedding cake to give your guests some options.

How can one be decorated?

If you’re considering a groom’s cake, think about what makes your groom happy! Some popular ideas include:

• Colors of sports teams
• Fandoms like Star Wars or Game of Thrones
• Outdoorsy cakes decorated in camouflage
• Homages to his dog or other pet
• A tribute to his alma mater

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Claire Swinarski is a writer and podcaster based in Wisconsin. When she isn’t writing, she can be found obsessing over football, eating a burrito bowl, or hanging out with her husband and son.

When the Bride-to-be writes a design and DIY blog (which is pretty fabulous by the way), you are almost guaranteed to have a wedding full of delightful details and plenty of personal touches. And this destination wedding delivered on all that and more. With friends and family from all over the globe, it’s a beautiful celebration that turned into one amazing dance party… and Happy Together Films got it all on camera. Get ready to get creative and kick up your feet with this film right here!

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From Happy Together Films… Lauren is from UK and Joseph is an American boy, and they met in Mexico at a wedding. They are a super talented couple; Lauren handcrafted a lot of the wedding details like the table setting, stationary, etc. And Joseph did all the drawings for their groomsmen.

One of Joe’s family member decided to read a super special poem, by Roy Croft. The voice and the reading was so impressive that we decided to add it to their highlights film.

From the Bride… The way we met was definitely interesting! We often tell it as “the unlikely story of a girl from England who was living in Dublin, meeting a boy from Kentucky at a mutual friend’s wedding in Mexico — he did ‘the Bernie’ on the dance floor, but she knew she could do it better. She was right.”

With my family living in England and Joe’s in the US we decided to pick Portugal as the destination for our wedding as my parents have had a house there for the past 12 years. Portugal has always been special to us and this gave us an opportunity to share the beauty of the country with our extended family and friends. As for the venue, Quinta de Sant’Ana, which is a working farm and wine estate north of Lisbon, we knew it was where we wanted to get married the second we saw it. There was something so incredibly romantic and idealistic about the property, the way the light reflected off of the yellow buildings and the beauty of the surrounding vineyards, it was love at first sight!

I write a creative DIY blog called Paper Vines where I share craft projects, tips, and tutorials, so we were keen to put our personal touch on as many of the details as possible. From designing the stationery and calligraphing the envelopes, to lettering the wooden signage and hand making the photo booth backdrop, our wedding was one big DIY project which we absolutely loved! Our decor was rustic with a modern flair. We wanted the flowers to complement the venue, to be soft yet wild – roses and peonies with eucalyptus, olive leaves, and wildflowers . As the venue was so breathtaking, we wanted to keep it as simple as possible and let the surroundings speak for themselves.

The entire day was an incredible whirlwind. To have all our family and friends from all over the world in one place was indescribable. We tried to savour every moment, from soaking in the picture-perfect weather and location to spending time with our loved ones. My face has never hurt so much from laughing and smiling!

Photography: Matt + Lena Photography | Videography: Happy Together Films | Event Planning: Quinta De Sant'Anna | Styling: Bride herself | Floral Design: Quinta De Sant'Anna | Wedding Dress: Ivy And Aster | Cake: Quinta De Sant'Anna | Stationery: Bride herself | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Catering: Quinta De Sant'Anna | Groomsmen's Bowties: MenLau | Wedding Venue: Quinta De Sant'Anna | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Bridal Headpiece: Aya Jewellery | DJ + Acoustic Duo: Jukebox | Flower Girl Crown: Karina Wedding | Flower Girl Dress: Monsoon UK | Groomsmen's Trousers: J.Crew | Groom’s Suit: Suitsupply | Hair + Make-Up 1: Vera Garcia | Hair + Make-Up 2: Cati Beauty | Veil: Britten Weddings

Growing up as the daughter of a small business owner, it was quickly instilled in me the importance of shopping small and shopping local, so I’m totally in love with the concept behind this gorgeous Tuscan editorial designed and coordinated by Laura Bravi Events! From the couple’s attire to the stationery, many of the components of this wedding inspiration feature the work of an Italian craftsman or brand, and they’re all so exquisitely done. Take a peek at all the glorious details in this gallery by Kristine Herman Photography.

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From Kristine Herman Photography… This shoot was inspired by a very soft and romantic atmosphere which called for organic decor. Fall was tinting the Tuscan hills with golden strokes, and nature was the muse that inspired the color palette of creams and golden hues we used. The venue, Tenuta di Papena, inspired us with its simple, rustic-yet-refined aesthetic and its amazing view of the countryside. The venue is also located just minutes away from the magnificent, 13th century, roofless San Galgano Abbey – the perfect place for a special ceremony and for Kristine Herman Photography to capture the newlyweds in a timeless and romantic way.

The other elements we incorporated were tied to Italian craftsmanship. Italy has a tradition of great artisanal production, and despite being a young couple, we imagined our bride and groom being old souls, appreciating a lovingly handmade detail and choosing small brands and artisans for their wedding attire and decor. The bride’s dress is an artisanal piece created by Silvia Moretta. Light as a feather, romantic and fresh, it fit our bride perfectly. She was a vision of grace. The groom’s suit is another artisanal piece, created by Linneo Archivable Clothing. A non-conventional cut and a warm light gray fabric complemented the color palette perfectly and made for a very comfortable groom. The rings were designed especially with the warm light of Tuscany in mind – the engagement ring features a pink sapphire, and the design of the mount is inspired by designs of the past with a contemporary spin. All rings were made with red gold by Luca of My Golden Age lab, chosen to complement the warm color palette. 

The stationery pieces by Grigiocielo studio were a work of true love. The designers hand embroidered vellum paper and calligraphed each piece, creating something so delicate and never seen before. The flower design by Sofia of Il Profumo dei Fiori brought together the inspiration and added that botanical and romantic touch. For the ceremony setting, she created an installation that emulates nature, a frame for bride and groom that appeared as if it was already there, just waiting for them. A sweet favor was placed at each table setting – a tin of the historical sugar candies, “Pastiglie Loene,” to send guests home with a touch of Italy’s heritage, tradition, and style.

Photography: Kristine Herman Photography | Floral Design: Il Profumo Dei Fiori | Wedding Dress: Silvia Moretta Wed Lab | Ceremony Venue: Tenuta di Papena | Reception Venue: San Galgano Abbey | Shoes: Bella Belle | Rings: My Golden Age | Hair + Makeup: Giulia Cresci | Favors: Pstiglie Leone | Groom's Attire: Linnèo – Archivable Clothing | Event Design + Coordination: Laura Bravi Events | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Graphic Design: Grigiocielo Studio | Models: Esprit Model Management | Rentals: Preludio Noleggi | Ring Box: Social Vintage Mystery Tour

The ladies of Be Inspired PR are here to inspire you and your work tribe to fully jump on the Galentine’s bandwagon. Flowers, watermelon mimosas and cookie decorating are all on the agenda. And who doesn’t want in on that fun? Celebrate love day with your favorite ladies and 5 cute ways to commemorate the holiday all captured by Sanaz Photography below.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we wanted to celebrate in a fun way with all of our work wives! Valentine’s Day may be all about romance, but Galentine’s Day is about celebrating the love and appreciation you have for your girlfriends. We came up with 5 ways to do just that while you’re at work!

Fresh flowers – Nothing brightens an office like fresh blooms! We went with a festive (but subdued) palette of pastel pink garden roses and carnations, soft white ranunculus, and peach tulips.

Mimosa brunch – It’s no secret that we love to brunch, so we decided to celebrate Galentine’s Day with pretty watermelon mimosas. No need for fancy cocktail recipes here – Just pop your favorite bottle of champagne, add a splash of juice, and enjoy.

Valentine cubbies – We turned an office bookshelf into Valentine cubbies for each team member, where we could write and leave personal cards for everyone. Plus, how cute are these Valentines?! Talk about an upgrade from elementary school.

Cookie decorating – We took a break from work in the afternoon to decorate heart-shaped cookies with festive sprinkles (and a lot of icing.)

Girlfriend gift exchange – We finished off the day with a small “secret Galentine” gift exchange with pretty BFF jewelry!

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Photography: Sanaz Riggio Photography | Flowers: Fifty Flowers | Stationery: Darla Marie Designs | Jewelry: Bare and Me | Production: Be Inspired PR

In a world of social media overload, it’s easy to become a victim of the latest wedding trend everyone is obsessing about (um, hi, burlap and mason jars). And, no bride wants to look back on her wedding photos and wonder, “What was I thinking?!” But, thankfully, 2018’s biggest wedding trends aren’t only beautiful, but they’re totally timeless. We consulted some of the biggest and best event planners and designers in the industry, and let’s just say, we have a lot to look forward to this year. See all their predictions below!

The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2018

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The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2018

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Let’s be real, there are a lot of wedding planning tasks that are less than fun. The good news is that song selection does not have to be one of those daunting tasks.

In fact, you can make the process into some really fun dates! Set aside a day to listen to wedding playlists, research perfect songs for certain moments, and listen to all of “your songs” with your fiancé. Is there anything more romantic than cuddling and listening to songs about love for the big moments in your wedding?! The only thing that could make it more romantic is if you also danced to some of the songs, which we highly recommend (after all, you have to test if the songs work well)!

We asked some of our favorite music vendors their advice for selecting your wedding music.

Tips For Selecting Your First Dance Song:
“Not every couple has a definitive signature song when they start planning their wedding – but don’t get discouraged. Try taking a mental journey through the highlight moments of your relationship – from exciting travel adventures or a memorable date night to a simple quiet morning cooking breakfast. If you can remember any music playing in the background that holds some significance, it may be the perfect song for your first dance.

Otherwise, think about what you both enjoy listening to together in the present. It could be an artist you discovered together or someone you or your fiancé have loved for years. Enjoy a night of browsing their albums to find a song that reflects the two of you in the best possible way – maybe it’s a popular classic or a modern rendition of a  favorite artist you both grew up listening to.” —Brian Lee, Elevated Pulse Productions

Tips For Selecting Parent Dance Songs:
“Take some time to remember the most poignant moments of your childhood and whether there was a song or musical artist that you associate with those memories. Perhaps your family took a road trip across the country and heard a song in the car that was tied to a vivid memory of your adventure together. Or, it could be an album that was always playing in the background when your mother or father was preparing dinner or working outside in the garden.

It can sometimes be difficult to find that perfect tune – one that also complements your wedding day, so don’t be afraid to get inspired by what you love and create a new favorite song. Perhaps there’s an artist that your mother/father took you to see in concert that you still love to this day. Browse their albums together to find the type of song that resonates with you a that you can envision fitting perfectly on your wedding day. If it sounds too fast or too slow, your DJ should be able to make adjustments for you. We’ve made custom edits for our clients so that their song would have the ideal tempo and timing needed to create a magic moment on the dance floor. ” –Brian Lee, Elevated Pulse Productions

Tips For Selecting a Band/DJ:
“Getting married is a really awesome time! And we find that music is usually near the top of that “the only thing we care about is” list. There’s really only one question to keep in mind when looking for a DJ. “Does this person have our best interests at heart?” This might sound obvious, but it’s your wedding and it should be about what you want. You’ve taken ridiculous pains to dig way deep into Etsy and Pinterest to make the big day look like you. You can totally make it sound like you, too!

Find someone who is going to appreciate your guilty pleasures, someone who will throw in the genres that you won’t hear in your typical ballroom. See if you connect with a DJ who embraces your emo or old-school hip-hop throwbacks and will mouth along to the words with you and your friends! Make sure you are working with a person who is responsive and actively taking in your feedback and adjusting their notes. We affectionately call this the “Human Spotify” process — soaking up your likes and tossing back recommendations that feel special to you. A lot of DJs can play the standards. M.J. and Timberlake are amazing, sure. But it should feel different, and non-cheesy, and about all you, your friends, and your family.”-Tom & Jon, Love Sick Inc.

Our biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the process! We also recommend selecting songs that speak to you as a couple. Use songs of significance to the two of you for your procession, recession, first dance and entrance.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Carly Robinson is a freelance writer and the gal behind The Cozy Curator, a blog that features all things life+ style. She lives in Hoboken, NJ with her husband. She considers herself a ‘modern hostess’ because she loves entertaining but doesn’t like all of the old school pressure that comes with it. Carly is a rookie wife, an ‘attainable fashion’ fan and a lover of food.