When you’re planning a wedding, there are a few obvious vendors that come to mind: a caterer, photographer, florist and venue. But then there’s the indie, under the radar vendors you hear about as you begin to plan your nuptials.

Some off-the-beaten-path vendors include bagpipers, tarot card readers, modern dancers and perhaps even a Wiccan coven (to bless the outdoor ceremony space of course).

Heck, you might even hire one before you’re engaged. Consider the “proposal planners” who help plan and coordinate the logistics of a wedding proposal. From there, things can only get more exciting, or strange (in a good way).

There’s a booming business around niche interests and here’s the best of them.

Doggy planner
If you own a pet, the love for them is real and so is the desire to have them included in your big day. But, it’s not as easy, or as simple as just having them show up.

Fairy Tail Pets, a Florida based vendor ensures your pet’s needs are taken care of. They dress, transport and babysit your four-legged best friend on your big day. The company also assists with ceremony needs and even provides a GoPro mount to capture the celebration from their point of view.

Fashion assistant
A whole service is springing up, out of the need for the bridal party to be picture perfect. The Wedding Dresser, a bridal stylist, is one of them. The team ensures everyone is pressed, confident and ready to go. If a seam rips or a button pops off, they’re there to get everything back into place. That’s something I could have used when my maid of honor’s zipper split before the ceremony, and a bridesmaid’s dressed ripped during the reception!

Bridesmaid for hire
After being asked to be a wedding party one too many times, Jen Glantz decided to turn it into a business. Bridesmaids for Hire offers various tiers of pricing in which the premium package gets you a friend for the day who ensures all your needs are met. Duties extend beyond corralling guests and taking photos for Instagram, they can even be a shoulder to cry on.

Colorful fun
When thinking of gift bags or fun wedding favors (particularly if your party includes families and children), consider getting your love story told through a coloring book. Curious Custom offers hand-drawn images made using photographs you provide. But let’s be serious, coloring isn’t just for kids and this is one unique and clever way for couples to wow guests.

Miniature bride
Weddings are a fun way for a couple to show off their personality, and there’s various ways they choose to preserve those memories. One of the off-the-beaten path options is by having a miniature replica of the bride made. Therez Fleetwood offers custom made dolls, complete with the exact dress, hair, veil, jewelry and bouquet the bride carried.

Ximena N. Larkin is a writer and publicist. She lives in Chicago with her husband and dog.

We’re seriously crushing on this bride’s wedding day style. Think Grecian goddess meets Italian beauty, with a romantic half-up do by Frank Giacone using Nea Bridal hair pins, a natural yet still sultry beauty look by Sara Onori, Italian-made accessories by DelBrenna Jewelry, and a sexy, flowing gown featuring a dramatic back and neck by Musat. Who do we have to thank for putting together and capturing all of this inspiration? The talented Weddings by Silke and Korman Photography.

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From Weddings by Silke… La Badia di Orvieto with its unique Benedictine Abbey from 1100 stole our hearts! Imagine your wedding at this stunning venue! Inspired by the amazing surroundings, we pieced together modern and traditional elements for the romantic set in our mind. We chose warm blush-toned florals to go along with this romantic theme. The table design we kept simple with a focus on the pretty flowers, the natural texture of the soft linen, and the calligraphed menus on handcrafted paper. The stationery of Nicnillas Ink was just dreamy, and we love the sketch of the venue.

The traditional jewelry DelBrenna from Cortona created was simple and delicate. We loved the amazing Musat dress, and the bride was looking like a goddess on the way to her wedding with her hair in a effortless yet sophisticated half up style with pretty hair pins from the talented Nea Bridal.

We really hope you will also fall in love with this beautiful inspiration. We like to show couples how a venue could be styled for an intimate wedding, and that the table will not be lost in this huge spot. 

Photography: Koman Photography | Floral Design: Fineartflowers Tuscany | Wedding Dress: Musat Bridal | Stationery: Nicnillas Ink | Jewelry : Delbrenna | Makeup: Sara Onori | Hair: Frank Giacone | Venue: La Badia Orvieto | Event Planning + Styling: Weddings by Silke | Headpieces: Nea Bridal | Models: Esprit Model Management | Rentals: Preludio Noleggi | Robe: Mes Petites Dentelles | Tablerunner, Silk Ribbons: Silk and Willow

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Who needs a Valentine when you have you? Treat yo’self to one of these 14 small luxuries this February 14!

1. Take an Instagram-worthy bath.
I’m talking about those baths with candles, mood music, bubbles, and a glass of wine. Leave your phone on silent in another room and refill the hot water until you’re so relaxed you might fall asleep submerged. Use lavender-scented bath products to wash all your stress away.

2. Go see that movie you’ve been wanting to see.
You know, that movie that’s been on your list since the previews first came out? That one you’ve told everyone in the office you want to see, but you never make time to see it? Buy a ticket and go! Escape for a few hours into a tear-inducing drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a cultured documentary. You deserve it.

3. Or host your own movie marathon.
Maybe you a have a whole list of movies to meant to see. (All the Oscar-nominated best pictures, anyone?) Park yourself on the couch in your favorite pajamas and watch them all, guilt-free!

4. Drink a nice bottle of wine.
No two buck Chuck for this holiday. Whether it’s wine, or champagne, or sparkling water, treat yourself to your favorite bottle and enjoy the whole darn thing.

5. Buy a fancy workout package.
Whether it’s Soul Cycle or Barry’s Boot Camp, invest in some classes that will empower you. Loving your body is one of the best ways to love yourself. And that’s probably the best kind of love on Valentine’s Day.

6. Get the shoes – or the bag – or the earrings.
Don’t forget to buy a gift! Take the money you would’ve spent on someone else, and treat yourself to something on your wish list. You can always treasure it as a gift from someone special – you.

7. Cuddle with your dog.
Studies show petting or cuddling a dog for 30 minutes is good for your heart. Your heart rate will actually slow to match your pet’s, which will leave you more relaxed. If you’re feeling anxious about Feb. 14, grab your pup (or a friend’s) and give her a long hug!

8. Hit the spa.
Schedule a date night with your favorite masseuse, manicurist, or esthetician. Then take extra time to enjoy the amenities with a glass of bubbly.

9. Read a book.
Unplug for the evening and savor a good story. This is your chance to escape into another world – no email, phone, or passport required. No doubt, your Valentine’s Day will have a happy ending.

10. Buy your favorite desserts – and eat them all.
Valentine’s Day = an excuse to eat as much chocolate (or cake, or ice cream, or candy, or whatever) as you want! Find a cute little bakery and stock up on everything that catches your eye – or your sweet tooth.

11. Call your Grandmother.
You know that warm feeling you get when you reconnect with someone you love? Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to remember someone special in your life. A phone call is the best Valentine your Grandmother will get.

12. Do something you love.
Carve out the evening for your favorite hobby. Light candles and play the guitar. Paint an abstract piece for your living room. Cook a three-course meal for yourself. You get to do whatever you want on your night, so spend it doing the thing you love most.

13. Make a reservation.
Somewhere you’ve always wanted to try. Go alone or ask a few friends to splurge on a memorable meal at a chic restaurant. Who says dinner dates are only for couples? Enjoy the Valentine-themed centerpieces and complimentary champagne!

14. Tell yourself how amazing you are.
For the record, you are beautiful, talented, intelligent, and loved. Take a minute this Valentine’s Day to remind yourself just how special you are.

No matter how you plan to spend your holiday, it’s going to be amazing – because it’s with you.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Madeline Littrell is a corporate PR strategist and freelance writer. Born and raised in the South, she loves big hair, country music, and chicken fingers. Madeline plans to spend Valentine’s Day in Dallas with her Sheltie puppy, Tennessee.

Pastels are certainly a mainstay in the wedding world, but jewel tones are quickly becoming a new favorite palette. Rich, bold hues are woven throughout this ranch wedding designed by A Good Affair, with lush blooms by Little Hill Floral Designs. It starts with another new trend… the circular arch and only gets better from there. Dive into this colorful celebration so perfectly captured by Adrian Jon Photography.

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Piper and Adam tied the knot at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. They came to us wanting a wedding that really popped with color. A Good Affair Owner, Natalie, designed up the wedding of their dreams with rich jewel tones to stand out from the lush green backdrop of The Ranch. She played with lots of textures, fun geometrics, and glitzy geodes to bring color and movement to this fun, modern and moody affair.

The ceremony was held overlooking gorgeous greens in the canyons of Laguna Beach. The aisles were lined with ferns and snapdragons that seemed to grow organically alongside the chairs. A lush circular arched stood as the focal point behind our amazing couple as they made promises to each other just before sunset.

Guests enjoyed cocktails on the patio overlooking beautiful trees. In the distance, deer crept out for
their evening stroll to the delight of the guests. A beautiful lounge allowed guests to gather and relax. This lovely focal point comprised of beautiful vintage pieces, fun ikat patterns, and touches of gold accessories to reflect the bride’s personal style. Following cocktails, guests were escorted into the ballroom for a night of fine dining and dancing. Individual agate pieces, hand calligraphed with each guest’s name and table number told guests where they would be seated for the evening.

The reception was filled with a mixture of long tables and round tables with low centerpieces and tall centerpieces to give the room an eclectic feel. Textures of velvet and silk adorned the tables with each table having a unique design of beautiful colored glassware and votives. Little sparkles from the gold charger under a stone-grey plate and the purple geodes added just a hint of glam. Blush florals with pops of fuchsia and burgundy warmed up the cool tones to create a colorful balance.

Photography: Adrian Jon Photography | Videographer: One Story Weddings | Event Design: A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production | Florist: Little Hill Floral Designs | Catering: The Ranch At Laguna Beach | Hair & Makeup: Beach Bridal Beauty | Wedding Venue: The Ranch At Laguna Beach | Handmade Textiles: Tono Co | Lighting & DJ: Elevated Pulse Productions | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Found Rental Co.

While your wedding day is most importantly about the union between you and your partner, it’s also about celebrating your love with your closest family and friends! And while there are so many different things to consider when planning a wedding, your guests’ experience should not be an afterthought!

Here are 10 things that annoy wedding guests the most and advice on how to solve them– so that your wedding is the best day ever, for everyone.

Cash bars

Having an open bar can quickly blow up budgets, but when you’re hosting a formal party, it’s majorly frowned upon to make your guests pay for their own drinks! If you need to keep costs down, consider only serving beer and wine, or just having signature cocktails, which cuts down on the amount of liquor and ingredients you have to buy. Your guests will understand and still have a great time!

Having a long time between ceremony and reception

If the logistics of your ceremony and reception locations necessitate a longer break, find a way to fill the time for your guests! You don’t want them skipping the ceremony or showing up to the reception late and irritated, or having them already start the party on their own. Suggestions could be taking them on a tour of the city or having an open tab at a bar nearby for people to congregate.

Destination weddings when attendees live in the same city

If you and your fiancé are both from the same area, and most of your friends and family are also located there, then having a big destination wedding can seem a bit indulgent. So while you should be able to have the destination wedding of your dreams, you also need to be considerate of guests who can’t afford to make the trip. Expect to have a smaller wedding, but then as a nice gesture, throw a low-key local party for friends and family to celebrate when you get back!

Conflict with a big event

Long lines for bathrooms and bars

No one likes spending their time waiting in line when they could be celebrating! Make sure your venue has enough bathroom facilities to accommodate your guests. To avoid bar crowds, set up a couple of bars dispersed throughout the venue, or if that’s not possible, ensure that there are at least enough bartenders to keep the line moving. Experts typically recommend about one bartender per 50 to 60 guests.

Too long or too many speeches

Speeches at weddings can be incredibly sentimental, funny and touching, but there is such thing as too much of a good thing. Keep wedding speeches or toasts to 3-4 people max, and try and give everyone a time limit. More people want to speak? Amazing—just slot them in at the rehearsal dinner the night before when it’s a more intimate group.

Not enough food

You can’t expect people to spend their entire afternoon AND evening with you and NOT feed them! Passed apps and hors d’oeuvres will keep guests satisfied until dinner is served and then there are different options for different budgets for dinner. If you can’t do a seated dinner, then a full buffet is a totally fine option! And always make sure you give your caterer an accurate headcount, and then budget for a little extra.

Forcing an outdoor ceremony

Mother Nature can rear her ugly head in the worst of times, especially during weddings, but unfortunately that’s the risk you take when you book an outdoor venue, especially in the offseason. Work with your planner to have a backup plan you would be happy with in case of rain or extreme temperatures. Sometimes you have to let go of your perfect vision in order to ensure that your ceremony is both comfortable for your guests, and something you can give your undivided attention without stressing about the weather!

Unclear table assignments

Free-for-all seating sounds nice in theory, but in practice it can be hectic, confusing and potentially stressful for guests. Your wedding guests should clearly be able to tell where they’re supposed to sit, aided either by escort cards or a clearly displayed seating chart. The best and easiest route is assigning tables but not necessarily individual seats.

Very specific dress codes

While requesting that guests adhere to general formality dress codes is totally acceptable and even helpful, asking them to wear a certain color or style can be a bit too restrictive. Especially if a guest doesn’t already own something like this, because then it’s just another expense they have to worry about! If you really care what people wear, suggest something with a little more flexibility, like neutrals or solids.

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.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something comes across your desk that makes you stop and stare. And then you send it along to all the other editors because it is just so fresh, so unique. And this calligraphed aisle runner is just that. Not only gorgeous, but it has the lyrics to a song written by the Groom. Crazy good, right? Koman Photography captured this stunning statement piece and all the other blue and white wonders of this Malibu wedding. See every beautiful bit right this way!

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From the Bride… Austin and I met three years ago in Miami, Florida, but from the moment we met it seemed like we were destined to be together.

Even though our families live in different states on the east coast, we decided to host our wedding in Malibu since we now live in Los Angeles. We joke that it was a destination wedding for everyone except for us. The most important thing for our wedding was that everything have meaning. For us that meant having a small wedding and incorporating details that celebrated our love and heritage.

We started by choosing a location that we felt encompassed the magic and romance of our relationship. We were looking for an outdoor venue that overlooked the ocean – one of our favorite things. In fact, much of our first date was spent on the beach right by the ocean and we also got engaged on the water. Rancho del Cielo was the first venue we looked at and we instantly fell in love. Not only was it owned by two of the nicest people we have ever met, but it also felt like a magical garden filled with lush blooms that overlooked the ocean. Once that was in place we worked hard to surround ourselves with an amazing group of vendors. Our goal was to find genuinely good people who loved their job and were in love with love! Then it was on to finding ways to incorporate meaning into our wedding through planning the details.

For our first dance we danced to a song written and performed by Austin and his band, The Colonized, about our relationship. We also made sure to provide just a few copies of the lyrics at each table in case our guests wanted to read them. We also incorporated the song into the ceremony by having Millie’s mom and grandmother sew together a runner and having Jessa at Flax and Wool Designs calligraphy the lyrics of the song onto the runner.

Other details included having a table with wedding pictures and portraits of our grandparents and parents, some of whom are no longer with us. Finally, we incorporated our heritage (Cuban, Ecuadorian, and American) by having favors that represented each country: balsa wood pens made in Ecuador, dominos, which are a favorite Cuban pastime, and popcorn representing the cornhusker state of Nebraska.

Photography: Koman Photography | Cinematography: ByDesign Films | Event Planning: Summer Newman Events | Floral Design: Honeycomb Affair | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Cake: SusieCakes | Invitations: Minted | Shoes: Macy's | Shoes: Vince Camuto | Shoes: Michael Kors | Bracelet: Swarovski | Rings: Icing on the Ring | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Whoa Nelly! | Makeup: Kohnur | Hair: IM Hair Studio | Calligraphy: flax and wool Designs | DJ: Vox DJs | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | String Quartet: Fiddlestix | Wedding Venue: Rancho del Cielo Malibu | Bridal Boutique: La Soie Bridal | Earrings, Tiara + Necklace: Royal Accessories | Groom's Shoes + Tie: Hugo Boss | Linens: Luxe Linen | Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booths | Rentals: Smart Party Rentals | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Veil: La Soie Bridal

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Ashley Cooper Design is not only an uber talented Artist and Designer but she is also a Super Mom to 4 beautiful babes. For her newest addition to the Cooper clan, she designed the most gorgeous space. The bold contrast of light and dark gives this nursery a sophisticated feel while still bringing in moments of whimsy. And if you’re currently in the baby registry phase of being pregnant or simply looking to add a few Allstars to your must haves, check out Ashley’s short list of baby gear faves.

When I was designing my son’s nursery I wanted to kept the aesthetic modern and sophisticated. I knew I wanted a bold focal wall, so we added wood grid detailing for interest before painting the wall a deep, rich blue. 

For contrast I choose a white 3-in-1 crib that is simplistic in style while being able to transition into a toddler bed as our son grows. 

For storage I added a pair of white campaign dressers with a portable changing pad on top. In the top dresser drawer is where I store all my baby care products, baby bottles, nursing covers, diapers and wipes for easy access.

A rug always adds warmth to any room, so I added not one but two full rugs for a layered look. The rug on top is machine washable and natural, which is amazing for any kids’ space. I choose a glider chair that is neutral in color and most importantly, so comfortable for me to sit in while nursing and spending time with my baby. 

A moroccan inspired pouf is a fun footrest and also adds extra seating when you have other little ones. I added wire baskets on the wall near the glider to store books, stuffed animals and swaddle blankets.

The faux fiddle leaf fig tree adds a pop of interest to the room with dimension and height. Wood elements from the framed mirror, side table, and picture frames mixed with the storage baskets add earth textures and tones. Gold and brass accents in the ceiling light, floor lamp, and accessories make a subtle statement with a pop of glam.

I love my diaper bag, car seat and stroller. The stroller set easily unfolds to seamlessly attach in the car seat, multiple different seat options, as well as the standing attachment off the back. It can tote around 3 of my 4 kids and is durable, stylish, and lightweight, which is a total game changer!

For the first 6 months or so we use the SNOO bed to help our son (and us) sleep through the night and for longer stretches during the day. It’s smaller than a normal crib, so it fits conveniently in our room.

The bed gently rocks while playing white noise that soothes him to sleep. I use the Owlet smart sock to monitor his heart rate and oxygen levels while he’s sleeping and track it all through an app or from the portable base station. It’s a wonderful peace of mind! The whole nursery design came together even better than I had hoped and will easily be able to transition with him as he grows.

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4Moms: MamaRoo | Ashley Cooper Design : Ashley Cooper | Ave Home : One Kings Lane | Babies4Babies: Swaddle Blanket | Babyletto: Babyletto | Bed Bath & Beyond: Bed Bath & Beyond | Bed Bath & Beyond: Bed Bath & Beyond | Bellacor's House Brand: Mill & Mason: Ceiling Light | Benjamin Moore: Benjamin Moore's Robbins Egg, High Gloss | Buy Buy Baby: Little Castle from Buy Buy Baby | Buy Buy Baby: Little Castle from Buy Buy Baby | Buy Buy Baby : Little Castle from Buy Buy Baby | Comotomo: Baby Bottle | Covered Goods: Nursing Cover | Dock-A-Tot: Deluxe+ Dock | Finn + Emma: Finn and Emma | Happiest Baby : SNOO | Lamps Plus: Lamps Plus | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Lorena Canals: Bereber Beige Rug | Mustela: Baby Skin Products | Oilo: Oilo Studio | Oilo : Oilo Studio | Oilo : Oilo Studio | Oilo : Oilo Studio | Owlet: Smart Sock 2 | Select Blinds : Select Blinds | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market

Happy Friday, loves! We’re sending you into the weekend with a wedding inspiration session at Florence’s Castello di Bibbione that is 100% romance. Featuring a real-life, insanely gorgeous engaged couple, the love is so apparent in each and every one of Simply Sarah‘s photographs. Add to that the autumnal styling inspired by the Tuscan landscape by Weddings in Tuscany, and we can’t imagine anything better.

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From Chiara of Weddings in Tuscany… The austerity of the Castello di Bibbione inspired and nourished my imagination for this session with our sweet couple, Sara and Andrea. The discreet colours of the landscape were the base from which I started to create the colour palette for the shoot. The silver green of the olive oils and the gentle hills where the vineyards were starting to fade into fall were my companions during the creation of the setting for this shoot.

From the Bride… From the first time Andrea and I met, we knew there was something special there. Andrea owns a restaurant on the beach in Italy, and we were first introduced when I started working at the restaurant. After working together for a few months, we couldn’t deny the chemistry we shared, and Andrea finally asked me on a date. After only three months of dating, he proposed, and we are so excited to spend forever together!

Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Design + Planning: Weddings in Tuscany by Chiara Sernesi | Floral Design: Floral Events | Floral Design: Chiara Sperti | Wedding Dress: Mywony | Cake: Sugarcups | Ceremony Venue: Castello Di Bibbione | Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair + Makeup: Consuelo Cardella | Invitations + Calligraphy: Lazywood Lane | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Rentals: Roland's

When it comes to wedding fashion, many brides play it safe with a classic white wedding dress—which can be absoluely stunning, don’t get me wrong. But, if you want to take your style to the next level, consider making a statement with one of these next-level bridal fashion choices.

Rock a Pant Suit

Say hello to the sexy pant suit—edgy, daring and equally as stunning as a twirl-worthy dress. We’re hoping to see more Brides rock pants in 2018. Let that aisle be your runway, ladies.

Bridal Capes

We love the idea of trading a veil for a bridal cape! Short or long, a cape adds a bit of drama without hiding your hair ‘do.

Puffed and Ruffled

Gone are the days of the puffed sleeves and ruffled details of the 80’s… but we’re loving the more toned down, elegant version of today. For a bit of added romance, go for sleeves with attitude and ruffles to match.

Abstract + Alluring

Bring your wedding fashion to the next level with a dress that mimics abstract art. This beauty would suit a modern, city fete perfectly.

Wear What You Want!

This is your wedding day, wear what (color) you want! Throw tradition out the door and opt for a non-white dress. This gorgeous gray stunner made us do a double take.

Modern meets elegance, greenery meets white florals, and we get to meet a gorgeous Ontario summer wedding, all thanks to RDT Events + Beauty planning and design. It hits every note oh so well and Mango Studios’ pics are pretty much perfect. What more could we even ask for!?

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From Mango Studios… Romantic, modern and elegant is how I would describe Erica and Michael’s Arlington Estate wedding. Erica and Michael met each other in high school. They wanted their big day to be a celebration of their love, where they could share their joy with their extensive group of friends and big loving family.

Erica envisioned a beautiful day filled with a fun and romantic atmosphere. That’s why I took a candid approach when it came to their bridal party and couples portraits. I shared Erica’s vision and wanted their wedding photographs to feel active, organic and naturally elegant. It was so easy to capture the candid moments of laughter and I love how these two were so expressive with their love of each other. They just knew how to have a great time with their wedding party! What works best for me is taking a step back and giving my couples their space, I won’t direct them to a certain spot but would guide them to a general area that photographs beautifully. This way they can choose to move freely and do what feels natural to them such as, throwing arms around each other, planting kisses and waltzing. My aim is to try to weave my way around and simply let them enjoy their wedding day and their bond with each other while taking photos along the way.

Erica and Michael described their reception decor as full of white flowers and greenery. I fell in love with their space the moment I stepped in! All of their vendors worked their magic to bring Erica and Michael’s vision of a simple yet elegant celebration to life. RDT Events + Beauty transformed the beautiful Arlington Estate into a modern-day oasis filled with organic and artful floral arrangements by the talented Fleurisma Events. There were many heartfelt speeches shared and the sounds of happy laughter filled the halls throughout the night. I’d like to thank Erica and Michael for giving us an opportunity to document their gorgeous wedding and I wish them many years of happy marriage!

Photography: Mango Studios | Event Planning + Design: RDT Events + Beauty | Stationery: PK SENTIMENTS | Makeup Artist: RDT Events + Beauty | Calligraphy: The Lettering Studio | Chargers + Cutlery: Chairman Mills | Day-of Stationery: RDT Events + Beauty | Invitation: PK Sentiments

Picking a favorite detail is hard when you have a bridesmaid in a jumpsuit (yes!!), a mother of the bride decked out in florals and a dance party worthy of its own post. Not to mention the stunning combo of Carolina Herrera gown and Cartier choker worn by the Bride. This Rose Garden wedding designed by Amber Events, with florals by Inessa Nichols Design, combines beauty, romance and killer dance moves all captured by Feather and Stone. Get your groove on in the gallery and be sure to hit play on the film by Joel Vanz below.

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Nathalie, a brilliant attorney practicing in Silicon Valley, was in Law School when she met Clifford, a physique competitor pursuing a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. The power couple was destined to meet at the gym and fall for each other’s brains, brawn, and beauty. Clifford’s daughter, Scarlett, adores Nathalie as the three of them rooted, grew, and lead a beautiful life together. It was clear their wedding goals were to represent no less than the classic elegance, charm, beauty, and fun-loving nature they radiantly exude. Amber Events was brought on as their planner six months before the big day to take place at the remarkable Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.

With half of their guests (including themselves) traveling from The Bay and the other half local to Southern California, we set out to create a memorable wedding weekend for all, kicking off with a stellar Welcome Party the night before at Mondrian Hotel’s restaurant, Ivory On Sunset. The big day came all too soon, filled with love and excitement. Guests arrived at Greystone Mansion’s Upper Formal Garden, enjoying the well manicured garden filled with white roses and lined with boxed hedges, of course with a flute of bubbles in hand! With Nathalie’s brother officiating their union, the couple wed with the garden’s historic fountain and marvelous circular floral arch as their epic backdrop. The newlyweds partied down the isle as Mr. & Mrs. to the sight of their loved ones waving ribbon wands and the sound mini bells festively ringing in celebration. Guests meander through the venue’s impressive forecourt, famous Cypress Walk, overlooking the majestic mansion, to find themselves guided to the Terrace. Nathalie and Cliff surprised their guests with a magician, Frankie Foti, who strolled through cocktail hour performing mind boggling up close magic as folks enjoyed cocktails and conversation with a breathtaking view of downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean.

To invite everyone to the reception, grand mansion doors elegantly swing open as the sun set, welcoming guests to pass through the interior of the historic mansion, and into a romantic candle lit courtyard. The couple represented Nathalie’s Lebanese heritage with a festive Arabic folk dance, Dabke, performance integrated into their grand entrance. With celebratory energies high, they invited their guests to the dance floor for a couple beats before sitting down to dine surrounding a grand fountain. Traditional Filipino desserts were featured to represent Clifford’s heritage alongside an impressive Parisian dessert spread. As yet another delightful surprise, if guests weren’t on the dance floor, they would stumble into a silhouette artist who would hand cut your silhouette on the spot! Nathalie, Clifford, their wedding party, friends and family, departed with radiant smiles and full hearts, ready to keep glowing at their after party at Skybar.

Photography: Feather and Stone Photography | Event Design & Planning: Amber Events | Floral Design: Inessa Nichols | Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera | Reception Venue: Greystone Mansion | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Catering: Primal Alchemy | Hair & Makeup: Fiore Beauty | Hair & Makeup: The Halcyon Agency | Calligraphy: Leafy Luxe | DJ: Luxury Entertainment Group | Groom's Attire: Armani | Transportation: Riz Transportation | Bar: Indépendent Beverage | Bride's Choker: Fallon Jewelry | Bride's bracelet: Cartier | Dance Co: Sa'id Dance Company | Lighting & Sound: Stage Labs | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Magician: Frank Foti | Parisian Dessert: Moulin Bistro | Rentals: A Rental Connection | Silhouette Artist: Sylhouettes by Sylvia | Specialty Rentals: Archive Rentals | Video: Joel VanZ

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Petit Bouquet

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Valentine’s Day may be synonymous with love and commitment, but Valentine’s decor motifs can sometimes feel trite and forced. From the oversized plush teddy bears to the boxes of sub-par chocolates, we sometimes feel like the holiday of love could take a page from Marie Kondo and learn about refined elegance.

Today we’re sharing seven unique and tasteful ways you can incorporate red, pink, and everything in-between, as a nod to Valentine’s Day, into your February wedding without going overboard.

Flowers

One of the most obvious and simple ways to incorporate red and pink into your wedding is through the floral design. However, it is also easy to go over the top in this area and err on the side of trite or overwrought. Less is often more when it comes to strong design and a few bold pops of color against an otherwise neutral palette will be both beautiful and eye-catching.

Tabletop

Reception tabletop design is one of the central elements of wedding decor design and a place you can have some fun creatively! From pale pink chargers to pops of red foliage and produce in the centerpieces, guests will love the stunning tabletop design as they enjoy dinner gather together. Rose gold flatware or bright red taper candles are some other fun and on-trend ways to incorporate a little February cheer into your tabletop design!

Paper Goods

From eye-catching cranberry red escort card displays to dainty hand-calligraphed place cards, stationery is a wonderful way to bring in pops of color in a refined and elegant way.

Cocktails

Your signature cocktail is a wonderful place to bring in some color by incorporating Rosé or fun ingredients like pomegranates. With raspberries or hibiscus flowers, there are endless garnish details that will bring your pink cocktail together cohesively.

Attire

Bridal party attire is a fun way to bring in a variety of stunning shades of pink, red, and burgundy. Accompanied by festive red bowties on your groomsmen, the entire wedding party will look stunning dressed to the lines in deep red!

Lounge Seating

Consider using your lounge grouping as a decor statement with a pop of rich red or deep pink. The neutral grey throw pillow mellows out this crushed velvet armchair and the result is utter perfection.

Details

One of the best ways to tastefully incorporate a certain motif in your wedding celebration is to add small touches throughout the day. From a bold red lip to a red velvet ring box, there are many small touches you can include to pay homage to the holiday of love.

Remember, a little goes a long way. Consider implementing one or two of these ideas and making space for neutral colors to fill in the rest. Refined moderation will bring a beautiful elegance to your day!

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.

I was never a fan of mauve, I’ll put it out there… that is, until now. One look through Jasmine Lee’s gallery right here has me convinced that mauve is my new favorite. Romantic and oh so soft, this color took center stage when Charmed Events Group, LLC planned and designed this California villa celebration (that I just can’t stop staring at). From the florals to the tabletops, it’s a glorious feast for the eyes. Our gallery has it all – and don’t miss Owl and Tree Films’ clip at the end as well!

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From Charmed Events Group, LLC… Our bride and groom met in New York and instantly fell in love on their first date. While the groom was born and raised on Long Island, the bride is from California and they decided to throw the wedding of their dreams at the bride’s childhood dream wedding venue, which is Villa Montalvo! We wanted to bring color into their wedding day so we chose a palette of dusty rose and mauve and built around it by adding golds and lots of natural elements.

There were so many heirloom pieces to the wedding, from the handkerchiefs that were sewn into the bride’s dress, the heirloom brush set that belonged to the bride’s grandmother to the heirloom lace that was draped over the couple’s chuppah for their ceremony. To bring a little bit of east coast flair to their California wedding, they chose to do a champagne tower as the grand entrance to their cocktail hour which was a lot of fun. Guests found their seats to escort cards that were lovingly tied with gold string and sealed with the couple’s custom monogram.

The reception was a dusty rose, mauve and gold dream! We created lots of hand crafted elements such as hand painting all the acrylics and cloche bell jars with mauve and calligraphing their table numbers onto it. Each guest setting had different elements of eucalyptus on them and place cards were also scribed and sealed with the couple’s custom monogram.

At the end of the night, they couple had a grand exit with a vintage car that whisked them away after their guests congratulated them with glow sticks.

From the Bride.. Together, Evan and I dreamed of celebrating our marriage with our family and closest friends. We fell in love spending time outdoors running, exploring and
traveling, so we searched for the perfect venue to hold our wedding outside. Villa Montalvo, nestled in the private hills of Saratoga, my hometown, provided the perfect scenery. A private one-way road leads to the Mediterranean style mansion showcasing manicured lawns with stunning gardens, courtyards and verandas. Our aim was to create an intimate feel and to honor our guests who showered us with unconditional love and support. As many of our guests traveled from afar, we planned a summer wedding to guarantee our guests would enjoy the California sun.

We enjoyed designing personal touches to make our wedding day unique to us. We shared personalized vows to each other under a chuppah draped in a tablecloth my Great Grandmother crocheted. Evan gifted his groomsmen custom-made cuff links with a map of their hometown, Huntington, New York. I honored my passed Grandmothers by sewing their blue handkerchiefs into my Lazaro Couture bridal gown as my “something blue”.

Some of our fondest memories include being welcomed into cocktail hour with a champagne tower, having our first dance on the veranda and driving off to our after party in a vintage Rolls Royce.

Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography | Videography: Owl & Tree Films | Event Planning + Design: Charmed Events Group, LLC | Floral Design: Poppy's Petalworks | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture | Cake: Icing On The Cake | Stationery: CHATHAM & CARON | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Le Papillon | Calligraphy: Blush Type | DJ: Big Fun DJs | Officiant: Rabbi Jerry Levy | Venue: Villa Montalvo | Ceremony Musician: Jay Alvarez | Dessert: C.R.E.A.M. | Film Lab: The Find Lab | Hair + Makeup Artist: Aimee Makeup & Hair Design | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photobooth: Tom Foolery Photobooth | Rentals: Standard Party Rentals | Ribbons: Silk and Willow

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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You’ve been planning your wedding for months, and now the big day is almost here! You deserve to be able to be present in each moment and for your special day to run smoothly from start to finish. However, getting ready is one of those things that often gets overlooked in the planning process, but we’re here to help you change that! We sat down with Blue Rose Wedding Photography, Simply by Tamara Nicole, and Yessie Libby Makeup + Styling to get their tips and tricks on planning a smooth, enjoyable morning. From what bites and nibbles to keep on hand to how to capture the best getting-ready images, these proffessionals have all the advice you need. Read on, because you are just a short ways away from sitting back and relaxing with a mimosa in your hand and your besties by your side!

Just when you think you’re ready for your wedding day, after all the planning with the help of your soon-to-be mother-in-law, your friends, and your planner, you find yourself confirming with all your vendors the morning of because you fear deep down that you will forget something! Something small – not the ring – but something that you never thought you would. Or you find yourself rushing around, trying to fit everything in to not enough time. Our first piece of advice is simple, and you’ve probably heard it from everyone, including your bank teller: MAKE LISTS! Creating lists in advance for what you need to bring, who is responsible for what, and where to be when will help your day go smoothly from the very beginning! A few minutes thinking through all of this ahead of the wedding weekend will make all the difference, so here are each of our quick and easy tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable morning that will set the tone for the BIG day:

Tips From Your Photographer

1. Turn off your phone, and let your planner handle the last minute details.
2. Have a great brunch or breakfast, and enjoy it with your bridesmaids.
3. Get ready in a great vacation rental or awesome place that gives you enough space (and good natural light) to spread out, get ready, and relax. Check sites like Airbnb or VRBO for unique spaces.
4. Plan for extra time. The last thing you need is any extra stress, so allot more than enough time in the schedule for each part of the day so that you don’t have to worry about being late for anything or rushing through any important photos.

Tips From Your Wedding Planner

1. Plan for food while you’re getting ready or delegate someone to provide/order/bring! These days you can even Amazon or Uber Eats this. You want to avoid getting hangry – or anyone in the wedding party passing out! Make it something fun, easy to eat, and not too messy (ie. food that can stain or get seeds stuck in your teeth, etc). Small bites are cute for photos, too!
2. Plan for fun details. Get glasses with the names of your wedding party (and anyone else who will be there) written in calligraphy. Purchase cute straws to drink from. Bring a champagne bottle to pop open for a photo. There are so many fun options for detail photos while you’re getting ready.
3. Assign someone the task of coffee run or plan ahead to have coffee delivered or available on site. Coffee is always a good idea!
4. I always recommend waiting to open gifts for the ‘maids these until the photographer is present to capture it!
5. Specify in advance what everyone should wear while getting ready so that it is cohesive in photos. You can dual purpose this as a gift! Ideas include robes, rompers, pajama sets, etc.
6. Why not have your favorite dessert just for getting ready? Mini cakes for the win! Who doesn’t love some sweet treats?
7. If you don’t have a planner to do this for you, make sure to coordinate the timeline for your wedding day with your hair and makeup artists, photographer, etc. in advance for the getting ready portion. Don’t forge time for the fun photos! Keeping in mind what each vendor recommends and building in extra time just in case will allow a smooth, stress free morning.
8. You hired your dream team for your wedding, so let go of ALL of the details and just sit back, turn your phone off, and enjoy your morning. Be present in the moment and trust your amazing hired vendors to rock your big day!

Tips From Your Makeup Artist

1. Make sure you talk to your artist about the look for your bridal party in advance. Trust me, your team will thank you for this! The hair and makeup artists can then plan to have the right supplies on hand and can give you any instructions in advance, and you will be so glad to not have to make any sudden changes on your wedding day.
2. When planning your timeline, take into consideration those who can’t wake up early, those with babies, and those who might or might not get on your nerves!
3. Everyone will tell you, “You need to eat something!” and yeah, it’s so true, but remember that you can reward yourself with a delicious mimosa right after eating…or two!
4. Make sure you can count on at least two if not all of your bridesmaids to keep the room clean and tell everyone where things need to be placed. I have seen too many times where the ring or undies have gone missing.
5. After all those stressful yet fun months of planning, it’s time to sit and savor every moment. Be present! You don’t want to look back in the future thinking of the horrible morning you had because of a small mishap. It’s your wedding day, so enjoy it!
6. Okay, okay, fine. One more tip. Pamper yourself! Put on a mask the night before, drink a glass of cucumber water first thing that morning, and don’t forget to moisturize those hands!

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Photography: Blue Rose Photography | Event Planning: Simply By Tamara Nicole | Floral Design: Simply By Tamara Nicole | Cake: Honey Crumb Cake Studio | Rings: Green Lake Jewelry | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering: Ravishing Radish Catering | Hair and Makeup: Yessie Libby | Calligraphy: Bespoke Strokes | Favors: Fran's Chocolates | Accessories, Jewelry: Lindsay Marie Design | Bridal Boutique: a&be bridal shop | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Models: Jenna, Olivia and Bianca | Paper Goods: Grey and Cake | Spray Tanning: Simply Sunkissed | Vacation Rental: Seattle

During the month of love, it’s easy to just focus on showering the relationships in your life with love and affection, but it can be hard to turn those efforts inward and also give yourself that level of care too! Self-care is so important these days when we are all stretched thin by work, life and even relationships that can leave us feeling stressed, drained and stuck in a rut.

Self-care doesn’t have to be big life-changing things that require a lot of time, effort or money. Instead, prioritize simple tasks that help you find inspiration, recharge energy, relieve stress and nurture your mind, body and soul.

Nourish Yourself
What you eat plays such a huge role in how you feel, but eating healthy isn’t always the easiest proposition. If you start small by limiting your indulgences to only a few times a week, or moderating portions of those, you’ll start noticing the change in how you feel. Another way to improve your eating habits is start meal prepping on the weekends and make sure you always have healthy and nutritious snacks on hand whenever hunger strikes.

Drink more water
Staying hydrated is good for your skin, your health, and your general well-being, and so many women still don’t drink enough water! Buy yourself a pretty new water bottle, and make sure you’re constantly refilling throughout the day! If you crave a little more flavor, steer clear of drinks with a ton of added sugars and instead try an infuser bottles where you can add things like lemons, cucumbers or limes.

Get your beauty sleep
Prioritize getting enough sleep! Create a nighttime ritual and an ideal sleeping environment that include any number of things like investing in a sleep mask, limiting screen time at least 30 minutes before bed, making to-do lists for the next day before sleep, and testing out ambient noise.

Schedule “Me” Time
Don’t feel guilty about deciding to take some time and dedicating it to yourself! Do whatever helps you relax, recharge and find inspiration—and that means staying away from social media! Go for a long walk while listening to an audiobook or podcast, take a bath surrounded by scented candles, read a book, put on a face mask, drink a glass of wine, or even treat yourself to an afternoon at a museum! Do something small that gives you that much-needed break.

Exercise
Get your butt to class! To help get you motivated, maybe buy some cute new workout clothes, a pretty yoga mat, or new headphones. Even if you don’t have time or money to go to a fancy studio, you can find so many free at-home workouts online to squeeze in when you have a spare half hour. You will feel both amazing and energized!

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.

For many couples, hosting a wedding after-party is an afterthought. But what better way to celebrate your new titles as Mr. and Mrs. than with your closest friends at a late-night, intimate gathering? Here, I answer some of the questions you may have if you’re considering hosting an after-party of your own.

Why host an after-party?
You’ve orchestrated a tearjerking ceremony, planned the most beautiful reception your friends and family have ever seen, and even arranged a farewell brunch complete with Belgian waffles and seafood frittatas—do you and your fiancé really need to add an after-party on your list of to-do’s?

The answer is yes. According to wedding planner Elizabeth Bailey of Elizabeth Bailey Weddings, an after-party isn’t just an opportunity to keep the celebration going. “During the reception itself, the couple is so busy with all the things that they’re required to do that the after-party gives them a chance for some great one-on-one conversations with friends they may or may not have seen on the dance floor or during dinner,” she says. Think of your after-party as a chance to eat, drink, and be merry with the friends who have been by your side from your first date to your first dance.

Does our after-party have to be a formal affair?
Absolutely not! An after-party is defined as some kind of gathering that occurs after the wedding reception is over—and your after-party should feel authentic to you and your new spouse. Just like the rest of your wedding weekend, your after-party is meant to reflect who you are as a couple. If that means inviting your four best friends to share leftover food and a couple beers on your front porch, then do that! Casual after-party options are less expensive in terms of food, drink, and décor.

Some other laid-back after-party ideas:
• a bonfire on your wedding venue’s property
• pints and pizza at your favorite local pub
• wine and leftover wedding cake at your parent’s Airbnb
• drinks and snacks at the hotel lounge or bar

Do we have to provide food and alcohol?
Although offering drinks and snacks to your intoxicated friends is no doubt an appreciated gesture, it isn’t required, by any means. That being said, the average after-party is at least 90 minutes long, so you should certainly consider providing food, at the very least. Some bars even require hosts to pay a food-and-beverage minimum, which Becky Navarro of Pearl Events highly recommends couples do. “It’s well worth [the price], because they usually already have music going and an ambience,” she says. “In reality, you’re going to spend that minimum anyway, and everything is already in place.”

Realistically, your guests are going to be hungry—and what better way to herd all of your drunk friends to your after-party than with the promise of food? If you’re trying to keep cost down, something as simple as ordering a few pizzas or catering Chick-fil-A is a guaranteed huge hit.

How do I ensure that only our younger friends are invited without hurting everyone’s feelings?
Inviting your entire guest list is, of course, the polite thing to do. However, your after-party guest list should consist of people you want to be there, and if that means your childhood best friends and college roommates only, don’t feel like you have to spread the word! Consider sending private after-party invitations electronically or in the mail, and be sure to specify that this gathering is not to be talked about during the reception. And don’t stress too much—at the end of the day, you’ll be so elated with post-wedding joy that chances are it won’t really matter if a family friend’s daughter and her boyfriend somehow heard about the after-party and showed up.

How do we make our after-party memorable?
Your after-party should be authentic to you as newlyweds—think of it as your first chance to throw a party for you and your friends without all the formalities of a reception. If you and your partner can be found at a bowling tournament on an average Sunday afternoon, reserve a couple bowling lanes downtown. If you love jazz and well-crafted cocktails, rent out a room at this month’s trendiest speakeasy. Your after-party is an opportunity to enjoy your closest friends and family members’ company, so do it in a way that you (and your guests!) won’t ever forget and you can’t go wrong.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Morgan Chamberlain is a freelance writer and social media consultant for wedding vendors in New England. She believes weddings are all about sentimental details, cohesive décor, and a well-chosen playlist to keep the party going!

One doesn’t immediately think “minimalist” when you say the words “Santorini destination wedding,” but after seeing this lovely celebration photographed by Les Anagnou and planned by Santorini Glam Weddings, we think those words ought to go together forever more! We adore the paired down romance of the ceremony, the chic arrangements of bud vases and simple floral clusters by Betty Flowers Santorini, and the sleek all white reception set up by Spicy Bites Catering, so scroll on and be convinced minimalist Santorini is the next big thing.

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From Les Anagnou… Summer was here. The sky was blue, the sound of crashing waves echoed in the distance, the breeze of the Aegean Sea rolled softly through the air and streamed into the open doors. The bridesmaids moved gently around the room, while Ji transformed into the beautiful bride she was ready to become. Jonathan, handsome in his black tuxedo, waited patiently for Ji to descend the cobblestone steps, glowing from happiness in her flowing white gown and her elegant high heels. What makes us come back over and over again to this wedding is that from the very beginning to the end, we were in love with the elegant and minimalist details of the invitations, the special yet intimate and beautiful adornment, the calm flow of the ceremony, the warmth of the couple, and their dedication to each other, all set against the backdrop of the magnificent Caldera and the endless Aegean Sea.

Photography: Les Anagnou photographers | Cinematography: Mont Videography | Event Planning: Santorini Glam Weddings | Floral Design: Betty Flowers Santorini | Cake: Alexandra's Cake | Hair + Makeup: Christine Panagopoulou | DJ + Lighting: Multimedia Events | Furniture: Spicy Bites

Mountain weddings are gorgeous but often land firmly in the rustic category…until now. This stunner captured by Brett Heidebrecht is blowing that notion right out of the water. An elegant mix of structured Vera Wang gown, a ballroom draped in white, and lush florals + candlelight designed by Alexan Events makes this Colorado celebration like no other.

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From the Bride and Groom . . . Even before we officially began planning our wedding, we knew one thing. We wanted to get married in the mountains in Colorado. We visited several locations but eventually decided on the first place we had been: The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon. We couldn’t pick one reason for our decision; everything just felt right there. With Beaver Creek Mountain and the Eagle River providing the background for our ceremony, everything was perfect on our wedding day. The decor was beautiful, reflecting the blend of elegant and rustic that we wanted. The speeches at the reception brought on the laughs and fun, which kept going as our guests took the dance floor and remained well into the night. Our wedding planner Alexan Events made sure that we had no day-of worries. They coordinated vendors and with the venue, and made sure the guests were in the right places at the right times. Brett, our photographer, beautifully captured both the big and quiet moments of the day.

Photography: Brett Heidebrecht Photography | Videographer: Elysium Productions | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Invitations: Rabbit Design House | Shoes: Gianvito Rossi | Hair & Makeup: Megan Cary | Band: Diamond Empire Band | Linens: Wildflower Linen | Planning, Decor Rentals & Floral Design: Alexan Events | Venue & Catering: The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa Avon, Vail Valley

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Elysium Productions

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Diamond Empire Band

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We know that planning your big day celebration can be a little, umm, stressful – and it’s so, so tempting to start minimizing your list of to do’s to make things easier. We totally get that, but when it comes to checking items off your list, a wedding website is most definitely not one of them. Trust us on this one – if there is anything that will make your planning life simpler, it’s a gorgeous website. Here’s why.

ONE

THEY ARE THE PERFECT WAY TO COLLECT ADDRESSES

Ahh… the wedding address scavenger hunt – one of the most time-consuming aspects of your Big Day. Sure, those Google spreadsheets may come in handy, but tracking down all of your nearest and dearest is harder than it looks. Enter a stunning wedding website from Basic Invite. Not only is it a totally gorgeous component of your celebration, it allows you to collect your guests’ addresses and then utilize their free addressing service to create beautiful envelopes without lifting a finger. (Totally genius.)

TWO

THEY OFFER AN EASY WAY TO RSVP

RSVPing is definitely a necessity, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could make it easier on your guests to do so? With Basic Invite, you can use their FREE digital RSVP service and all of your loved ones can simply log online and RSVP in a matter of seconds. They can even do it all from their phone or tablet. Even better? After you’ve collected all of the names, meal choices, etc. etc., simply export the info and tackle those seating charts, place cards and escort cards. You and your guests will both be happy – it’s a win-win.

THREE

THEY MAKE TRAVEL + EVENTS SIMPLE

Your wedding weekend isn’t just a simple set of nuptials, it’s an event – and letting your guests know all of the little details is key. From the welcome dinner to the going away brunch, having those dates and times handy will keep everything flowing smoothly – and your website from Basic Invite is the way to do it. (We mentioned it looks fab on a tablet or phone, right?) Not to mention that you can also keep everyone up-to-date on all of the Big Day details – like time, place, transportation and room rates.

FOUR

THEY ARE THE PERFECT WAY TO SHARE YOUR REGISTRY DETAILS

Your guests definitely don’t want to arrive to your party empty-handed, so setting up a wedding registry is super important. Getting that info to them, however, can be a little tricky. Our tip? Find a wedding website that allows you to list as many registries as you want (hey there, Basic Invite) and gives your guests all of the info they need without breaking tradition. It’s an easy way to let all of your loved ones know the deets without having to spread the word the old-fashioned way, i.e., word of mouth.

FIVE

YOU CAN SHARE YOUR STORY

This is your time to shine and your guests definitely want to be a big part of it. With a wedding website from Basic Invite, they can get to know you even better with entire pages dedicated to sharing your love story and gorgeous photos. We love how it personalizes your site and gives your guests a chance to truly be a part of everything. Plus, those e-pics you and yours captured? They’re awesome, and they need to be shared.

Tackling your wedding website doesn’t have to be daunting, but finding the right partner is important. We’re big fans of Basic Invite, because they make things so, so simple and all of their designs are out-of-this-world gorgeous – not to mention customizable in 180+ colors. Which means you can really make it your own and we absolutely adore their easy-to-use platform. Plus, when it comes to getting all of your pertinent info to your guests, there’s just no better way. Oh, and did we mention that they have beautiful invites + paper goods to match your website design?!? We couldn’t love them more, you guys.

Let’s be honest, there is such a thing as too honest. Or too blunt, or aggressive, and the last thing you want to be called is a bridezilla. While wedding planning, dealing with others can get overwhelming and stressful, but it definitely pays to keep your cool. If you’re not quite sure how to do that, read on for some possible scenarios and how to handle them with grace!

“But this vendor is cheaper…”
There may potentially be vendors who price outside of your ideal budget. There is a way to go about negotiating with them, and it does not include comparing their prices to other vendors or complaining that they are not worth the price. Instead, explain the budget you have set (and plan to stick to) and ask if there is anyway you can adjust the package to accommodate. Make sure you let them know that you would really like to have them as part of your wedding, and why!

“Are you going to give us cash or pay the bill directly?’
Your family is a big part of your wedding planning process, and may even be the monetary source paying for the wedding. Don’t take them for granted, and definitely don’t assume that they’re going to offer help. Communicate clearly and effectively; don’t ask whether they prefer to pay cash or card. Additionally, make sure their help is appreciated, and say thank you early and often to show you see their value.

“This is our wedding, not yours.”
Your in-laws will want to play a role in your big day just as much as your parents will! Your mother-in-law may also want to be included in important moments, such as deciding on a venue or a wedding gown. You may feel stifled by all of the opinions whirling around you, and that’s okay, just stay calm before it becomes overwhelming. Instead of sending a passive-aggressive text, set boundaries early and explain in detail the level of involvement you would appreciate.

“I don’t want you in my wedding!”
Ideally, you’ll want those standing up next to you in your ceremony to be integral people in your life. However, sometimes these friends and family members can butt heads and begin to cause tension and you may want someone out of your wedding party. Although your feelings may be hurt and there may already be a lot going on in your life that you feel out of control, try not to just out-right fire your friend from the wedding party. This can end friendships, which ideally, we’re trying to avoid. Enlist someone to mediate, and find a way to ease the tension.

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