It’s always good to have a touch-up bag on-hand for your wedding day—but wouldn’t it be nice if you could minimize or completely skip touch-ups all together?! You know your favorite song is going to come on when you decide to make a break to the bathroom (this happened to me, twice!). Well, I wished I had tried these three genius beauty tricks, but there’s still time for you my loves.

Lip Stain

Want to rock a classic red lip but fear staining your dress or your groom’s cheek? A lip stain is exactly what you need. If you’re finding that stains are too matte for you, simply add a clear gloss over the top for a pout that pops.

Lash Extensions

Nevermind touchups, let’s talk about avoiding the dreaded mascara-run from those happy tears! Lash extensions (which last about 3-4 weeks) are the perfect alternative to mascara—even the waterproof kind. They’ll last for your honeymoon, too—bonus!

Microblading

Have you heard of this new beauty trend? Microblading is the process of temporarily tattooing your eyebrows. You can go with a more natural look or something a bit more dramatic if you like to fill in your brows heavily. It actually lasts anywhere from 1-3 years, so you’ll be boasting beautiful brows looong after your Big Day is over.

Be it 10, 20, or even 30 years from now, Sam and Alexis’s wedding day captured by Sposto Photography and filmed by Moving Pictures will never go out of style. And while I love a good wedding trend, BLC Events planned this one to be traditional elegance at its finest – from the all white florals designed by Blum against the verdant, green grounds of the Waverly Country Club to the bride’s simply gorgeous gown.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/250936761 600 338]

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From Sposto Photography… There’s nothing quite like a classic black and white wedding. Weddings like these stand the test of time and are gorgeous through the ages. Alexis and Sam’s special day was no exception. Their romantic day revolved around the very country club the bride grew up near. With family roots that run deep in Portland Oregon’s community, this wedding offered nothing but class and elegance for the happy couple and their guests. Alexis walked down the aisle to the melodious sounds of a live string quartet while Sam anxiously waited to see her face for the first time. It was truly magical.

Photography: Sposto Photography | Cinematography: Moving Pictures | Floral Design: Blüm, Design in Flowers | Cake: Dream Cakes | Catering: Waverley Country Club | Makeup: Nicole Peterson | DJ: Modern Event Solutions | Ceremony Music: test | Venue: Waverley Country Club | Dessert: Voodoo Doughnuts | Event Planning + Coordination: BLC Events | Photo Booth: test | Rentals: West Coast Event Productions | Rentals: Sedera Rentals

The magic of blushing hues paired with peonies and garden roses is evident the second you delve into this Malibu vineyard affair planned by Callista and Company. Packed with a pink palette and the prettiest garden blooms crafted by Wisteria Lane Florals, it is a classic combo that will never ever get old. Take a deep dive into the day so beautifully captured by Rebecca Yale.

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Beth and Billy were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony next to the Vineyards of Triunfo Creek in Agora Hills. The bride chose a beautiful illusion back dress and a friend of the bride’s family lent her heirloom diamond earrings to match the detailing of the dress for the day. They were married under a wooden huppah adorned with flowers by the groom’s family Rabbi who traveled in from Brooklyn for the ceremony. After the I Do’s guests enjoyed cocktail hour under the large trees at the property, finding their names on a beautiful wooden escort card installation dreamed up by Callista & Co. Guests enjoyed modern Mediterranean appetizers and two signature cocktails before sitting down for an evening of dinner and dancing. The farm style tables were adorned in mixed arrangements in bright Spring colors by Wisteria Lane Flowers as was the cake table featuring a cascade of peonies.

From the bride…Bill and I met 5 years ago at a New Years Eve party at my apartment in Washington, DC. We both went to Carleton College and were introduced through mutual friends after we graduated. On a trip down to DC from New York, Bill surprised me and proposed on the National Mall in February 2016. He kept the ring hidden in his jacket pocket the whole time we were on the 5-hour bus ride, and I had no idea what he was planning. I knew that I wanted to get married outside in Los Angeles, my hometown. After looking at a number of different venues, it was easy to select Triunfo Creek Vineyards. It is a stunning property that has a tranquil vibe and natural beauty that I didn’t see anywhere else in the area. My favorite detail was my bouquet and all of the florals, the chuppa, our Ketubah hand drawn by our cousin, and the calligraphy elements on our bar sign (which is up in our house now!), napkins, and place cards. My biggest piece of advice to newly engaged couples is if at all possible, work with a wedding planner. Callista and I worked together from the beginning to identify vendors, come up with the vision and look of the wedding, and create the day-of timeline. She took care of all of the details on the day-of so that my family and I could completely enjoy the day!

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Event Planning: Callista & Company | Floral Design: Wisteria Lane | Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop | Catering: Command Performance Catering | Calligraphy: pink by peach | DJ: Vox DJs | Venue: Triunfo Creek Vineyards | Bartending: Liquid Catering | MUAH: Bliss Bridal Beauty | MUAH: Maria Policastri | Paper Goods: Minted | Rentals: A Rental Connection

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As much as I love snow and colder temperatures, I am eager to see the bright colors and new growth of spring come soon. I’m also excited about spring wedding season and all the fresh ideas that come along with spring celebrations!

Today we’re taking a look at stylish wedding looks that incorporate lovely spring florals. While I am all for including as much fresh floral product in your day as possible, I also love finding other ways to incorporate floral motifs, especially in attire and accessories for your wedding.

Bride

Delicate floral applique details are a feminine and soft way to include touches of floral in your wedding day look. It is also a way to tie in your reception decor by having the detailing serve as a nod to the flowers you’re using in the arrangements. This Mira Zwillinger appliqued number is truly stunning!

Another unique way to include flowers in a bridal look is through dainty floral detailing on your veil. Adding a touch of whimsy to a classic style element is a fun way to add character to your wedding aesthetic.

Groom

I love it when a groom’s look ties in seamlessly to the feel and color palette of the wedding as a whole. Adding a necktie with a colorful floral pattern is a fun way to bring a bit of personality to a classic and clean look.

Bridesmaids

You don’t need to feel obliged to go overboard with adding fresh spring floral detailing to your bridal party’s attire. I love the subtly of these watercolor floral bridesmaids dresses. They bring a lovely texture to the bridesmaids looks without competing with the beauty and texture of their bouquets.

Groomsmen

If the groom is wearing a festive floral printed necktie it could be fun to give all the groomsmen coordinating bow ties to accent the groom’s tie.

Flower Girl

Of all the wedding party members of your special day, your flower girl certainly deserves to have some extra floral elements tied into her special look! Similar to the bridal look, floral appliques are a fun way to add texture and interest to a simple white frock.

Ring Bearer

If all the groomsmen are getting floral patterned ties then the little ring bearer would certainly look dapper in a matching bowtie!

Wedding Guest

As a wedding guest, the options are endless, from festive floral frocks to stunning floral statement necklaces. However, I am absolutely loving these floral printed chunky heels. They will certainly get the party started!

Mother of the Bride

As the mother of the bride, it is certainly a great idea to go with a festive and colorful number. If they match the color palette of the day bright pinks and moody reds can bring a fun pop to a spring wedding.

We can’t wait to see all your festive and fresh spring wedding looks!

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.

Timeless and beautiful… with an ethereal punch. That description alone of this styled shoot had me interested immediately. And the pics by Justine Milton didn’t disappoint. Instead they shone brighter than I could have even imagined. With overflowing blooms in shades of peach, pink, cream and more, we’re swept away into a romantic story at the historic Deane House. It continues inside with pretty plates and sweet tarts, and we wrap up our day in the gorgeous garden. This my dears, is what dreams are made of, don’t you agree?

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From Justine Milton… Inspired by the historic venue (the Deane House was built in 1906!), this styled shoot was focused around creating timeless and beautiful elements that would withstand time and trend. Finding inspiration in the old adage ‘less is more’ the vendor team worked to create a simple yet intentional vision, focusing on small details that came together for a large romantic and ethereal punch. Although romance takes a center stage, pops of playfulness are brought in through an updated take on a wedding cake (tart anyone?) and small pops of bright peach and amber.

Photography: Justine Milton Photography | Event Planning + Design: Paper Doll Events | Floral Design: fern and frond | Wedding Dress: Tatyana Merenyuk | Calligraphy: Art + Alexander | Venue: Deane House | Bridal Boutique: Pearl & Dot | Earrings: Joanna Bisley Designs | Hair + Make-Up: Simplyme | Styling Surface: OneStone West

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Book a stay at the adorable Pebbles Cottage, because you’re going to want to recreate this minimalist wedding editorial after a peep at these pretty photographs captured by Katie Julia. We’re talking modern yet romantic, with both chic and delicate elements mixed together effortlessly by Studio Sorores. Plus, it’s all just steps from the beach. Commence Googling tickets to the UK now and packing a bag – who is joining me!?

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We were approached by the talented film photographer, Katie Julia, to help design, curate, and create a new styled shoot concept for one of her photography students, who was moving to the US and wanting to rebrand and launch a new website at the same time. Sisters Georgia and Jessie at STUDIO SORORES (who only recently launched their new studios in London and The Cotswolds) wanted to create a more minimalist and modern look, whilst still encapsulating all of the femininity and romance of a wedding day.

The colour palette consisted of crisp white with black, alongside warmer tones of yellows and oranges. They contrasted modern tableware with delicate lace and beautiful handmade pottery from the most talented of new ceramic designers local to their studio in North East London. Stationery was kept very minimal, with texture using leather and copper foiling to add depth and a little more luxe detail. They found the perfect venue in “Pebbles Beach House” – an adorable, little wood cabin on the coast in East Sussex – with interiors all white-washed and stripped back, and lots of gorgeous natural light. The bridal model wore a selection of detailed intricate dresses from Limor Rosen and Inbal Raviv, both stocked at one of their favourite UK bridal boutiques, Luella’s Boudoir. Hair and makeup was kept very natural and elegant to match the setting and the tone of the shoot. The groom model contrasted this with a sharp DKNY suit, bringing a little city to the coast!

Photography: Katie Julia | Event Design + Planning: Studio Sorores | Floral Design: Studio Sorores | Wedding Dress: Limor Rosen | Wedding Dress: Inbal Raviv | Stationery: Lucas & Company | Hair + Makeup: Harriet Cook | Venue: Pebbles | Bridal Boutique: Luella's Boudoir | Ceramics: AR Ceramics | Ceramics: Grace MacCarthy | Mentoring: Katie Julia | Models: Zone Models | Photography Assistance: Natale Horner

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Every home has its quirky details. Sometimes you give them a good overhaul and other times you embrace those funny little quirks with open arms. This Maryland abode of Kristin Corrigan is the perfect combination of all of the above. Mixing a cozy renovated kitchen with loads of art, a bright blue tiled bathroom and mid-century details, it is guaranteed to charm your pants off.

We moved from a rowhouse in Capitol Hill DC to our new home in a smaller neighborhood outside DC, in Fort Washington, Maryland.  We were drawn out of the city by our waterfront location on a creek off of the Potomac.  It’s larger than our previous homes so we needed to fill more space!

To add to the pieces we’d already collected, I worked diligently to shop at affordable antique stores, craigslist and estate sales to source furniture and art that are full of character.

While we certainly have some purchases from Pottery Barn, West Elm and Crate and Barrel, I think layering in antiques and family heirlooms adds richness to our design. 

Most of the furniture or art that we own has a story to it. For example, our cognac leather chairs and ottomans have been passed down to all the bachelors in my husband’s family (although they may be too good to pass down any further!). 

The home was an explosion of super modern, edgy 80’s décor (see our hashtag #miamivicereno). There were some things we embraced (blue tiled bathroom) and others that screamed for an overhaul (shiny black kitchen cabinets with bright turquoise backsplash). The clean, crisp white walls and white marble work well with all of the natural wood and mid-century modern accents.

Our kitchen was a fun project with such a dramatic before and after. The shiny black cabinets were replaced with soft, dove gray shaker cabinets with carrera marble subway tile backsplash and white quartz countertops. We chose gray because there is already so much white on the walls in our house. 

We have a very artistic family, so many of the pieces hung around our home are photographs or paintings by our own family.  I love scouring antique shops in Leesburg, VA – my favorite is Old Luckett’s Store. 

I usually combine antique shopping and wine tasting at the vineyards in Northern Virginia for the perfect day in the countryside! 

Our bathroom was a strange combination of dated mauve countertops, pink toilet and blue tiles/tub. We decided to embrace the blue and make everything else a bright, fresh white. 

We installed a new marble double vanity and white toilet and added some art and a Turkish rug – what a difference! We had a few other smaller projects around the house, like updating the fireplace and adding modern, wrought iron railings on all the stairs.

My husband and I want our space to feel stylish, but also inviting and warm. We are fortunate to have tons of natural light and great views with our floor to ceiling windows, the brightness and warmth balance well.  While we had quite a few updates to make when we moved in, our new waterfront location has made it all worth it. 

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Photographer: Sarah Bradshaw Photography | Bathroom - Prints: Wendy Alley Photography | Bathroom - Rug: Etsy | Bedroom - Artwork over Bed: Henry Strater | Bedroom - Artwork over Console: Catherine Buckingham | Bedroom - Bed: Belfort Furniture | Bedroom - Console Table: Wayfair | Bedroom - Gold Lamp: Target | Bedroom - Side Tables (Painted): Ikea | Bedroom - Table Lamps: Crate & Barrel | Dining Room - Artwork over Console: Nell Waters Bernegger | Dining Room - Chair Pillow: Crate & Barrel | Dining Room - Chandelier: West Elm | Dining Room - Gold Table Lamps: Pottery Barn | Dining Room - Misc. Antiques: The Old Lucketts Store | Dining Room - White Side Table: West Elm | Interior Stylist: Kristin Corrigan | Kitchen & Dining Room - Gold Flatware: Pottery Barn | Kitchen & Dining Room - Large White Vases: West Elm | Kitchen - Bistro Chairs: Serena & Lily | Kitchen - Ghost Chairs: Staples | Kitchen - Light: Rejuvenation | Kitchen - Rug: Etsy | Living Room & Bedroom - Leather Chairs: Roche Bobois Genève | Living Room - Artwork over Couch: Nell Waters Bernegger | Living Room - Baskets & Lanterns: Pottery Barn | Living Room - Couch: Bassett Furniture | Living Room - Misc. Antiques: The Old Lucketts Store | Living Room - Table Lamps: West Elm | Living Room - Umbrella Stand: West Elm | Living Room - White Coffee Table Tray: West Elm

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To veil or not to veil, that is the question. Choosing a dress in and of itself is tough—and then deciding on a hairstyle… so, when it comes to the veil, you’ll want it to flow with your entire look, and that can be a challenge! With several types to choose from, make sure to consider how your hairstyle will work in favor of the veil. Here are three pairings that absolutely nail it. Don’t forget to pin your favorite!

Side Swept

Veil style: Mantilla veil—Lace-lovers, this may be the veil for you. Mantilla veils are traditionally a circular piece of lace, or tulle with lace edging, held in place with a comb to frame the face and give you a sense of old-world elegance.

Hairstyle: The timeless mantilla veil looks stunning with any hairstyle, but particularly with romantic side swept curls.

Low Chignon

Veil style: Fingertip veil—Universally flattering for most brides and their stunning gowns, fingertip veils are one of the most popular veil styles. In fact, it’s the veil length Kate Middleton chose to wear on her big day!

Hairstyle: This sweet, low chignon pairs perfectly with a fingertip veil and embellished hair adornment.

Up(high)do

Veil style: Chapel-length veil—Traditional and feminine, chapel veils typically are the same length of your dress’s hemline and are a classic choice for any bride.

Hairstyle: We love how this bride chose a classic and clean high updo, paired with a lengthy veil tucked at the base for a truly elegant look.

I’ve lived on both coasts so I know a thing or two about the sense of style on each. So when this duo decided to infuse a bit of New York minimalism into their California ranch wedding, well, I got it. I understood it, and I love it. Whispering Rose Ranch hosted their fall fete and LVL Weddings & Events planned a party to remember, with Brandon Kidd capturing all the moments and more. Fall in love with this relaxed west coast soiree with just the right amount of east coast chicness!

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From LVL Weddings & Events… Melissa and Matt met in high school. Melissa knew Matt as the “cool older guy” who played baseball and Matt knew Melissa as the always fun and outgoing girl. They knew each other in high school but didn’t start dating until after attending different colleges. When Melissa was a senior in college, they took their relationship to the next level and became a couple. After graduation, Matt and Melissa both moved to Los Angeles. And in those early years, they bonded by taking Matt’s dogs for long walks on the beach. Then, they decided to make the jump and move to New York. And one evening, Matt brought Melissa up to a rooftop overlooking Manhattan and asked her to marry him.

The couple brought their friends to Solvang, CA from all across the US. Melissa and her girls spent the night at a the cutest vacation rental tucked away in the Santa Ynez hills while the guys stayed at the Landsby. Their family and friends kicked off the wedding weekend with their rehearsal dinner at Saarloos. Their epic wedding took place on the famous Monty Robert’s Whispering Rose Ranch. The couple decided to go in a different direction with their design to reflect more of a modern minimalist look much like their New York lifestyle. The day began with Melissa and Matt sharing their first look overlooking the Ranch at the Vista location where the famous venue doors are located. Their ceremony was held under a canopy of stunning Sycamore trees with the most perfect vows shared between the sweet couple. The reception followed in the Park and is still to date one of the most epic dance parties I have ever seen, thanks to JME Entertainment. The couple’s sweet puppy Lenny wasn’t able to join the wedding but they made sure to incorporate him with props of him to use in their photobooth. After the wedding the whole gang shuttled over to Mavericks for the after party. The weekend was truly a perfect celebration of their love story!

Photography: Brandon Kidd Photography | Videography: ByDesign Films | Event Planning: LVL Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Stella Bloom Designs | Cake: Solvang Bakery | Catering: Chefs Touch | Hair + Makeup: Blushing Beauty | Band: Jordan Music Entertainment | Transportation: Santa Barbara Airbus | Wedding Venue: Whispering Rose Ranch | Photo Booth: Thought Box Photo Booth | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Rentals: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Rentals: Otis + Pearl Partywares | Wedding Dres: Jinza Couture Bridal

Rural and Jersey are not typically synonymous but this classic affair is about to flip all of your preconceived notions upside down. From rolling hills and picturesque vistas to the stately backdrop of Natirar, this romantic celebration planned by DM Events, with insanely gorgeous florals by Bride & Blossom, and images by Sally Pinera is Jersey at its finest.

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From Kate and Chase… Our first date took place at McCarren Park in Brooklyn, NY. Chase, an actor, lived in Greenpoint and I, a musician, was living in Williamsburg. When I saw Chase (tall, dark and handsome) approaching me with his bicycle, red converse shoes, and a smile that could move mountains – I turned around, panicked, and started walking the other way to compose myself. Surely this man was too handsome to be anything other than a mirage. Shortly thereafter my phone rang, and it was confirmed that Chase was not, in fact, a mirage, and he was just as sweet as his smile. He swept me away, and has every day, since.

Chase laughs when re-imagining Kate spinning around and heading the other direction. When I first saw Kate, I thought she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Conversation was so natural and it felt like we were on the same wavelength during our entire first date. As we started to get to know each other I discovered how thoughtful and kind Kate really is. For awhile I thought she was too good to be true, but soon realized she was the real deal. I knew meeting Kate meant it was the end of my days as a bachelor.

We always talk about how our first date was the best date we’d ever had. Effortless and unforgettable. We lost track of time and soon enough, realized we’d spent nearly an entire day together. We’ve been together for about three years and much like our first date, time flies when you find real love. Chase proposed to Kate on the Brooklyn Bridge in September 25th, 2016 and they were married at Natirar on September 3rd, 2017. Shortly after getting engaged, Chase and Kate visited Natirar and fell in love with the location.

Although they were living in New York City, Chase grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and Kate grew up on a farm in the NJ Countryside, so a natural setting was more desirable than a city setting. The natural landscape, gorgeous countryside views from Natirar Mansion hilltop, farm to table restaurant and cooking school (90 Acres) and the rustic elegance of Natirar were all factors confirming that it was the venue of their dreams. The fall season was so popular at venues they had visited, so they took advantage of the Labor Day long-weekend and secured one of the last open dates at the Natirar Mansion.

They couldn’t wait to start planning their special day. Kate’s creativity and vision flourished along the way as every detail was imagined and brought to life. Chase contributed with incredible big picture ideas. Together, Chase and Kate, lived the day of their dreams, with their incredible team of creatives and vendors. Our wedding day itself was a dream come true. It was cloudy that morning, and just as our party began walking down the aisle, the skies actually(!!!) parted and the heavens opened, allowing the sun to shine down for our ceremony. It was surreal, miraculous, and heavenly – like our love was being blessed from up above.

Photographer: Sally Pinera | Videographer: Christian Oth Studio | Florals: Bride & Blossom | Invitations: Lion in the Sun | Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair and Makeup: The Luxe Beaute | Groom's Attire: Alan David Custom | Venue: Natirar | Bridal Shoe: Aquazzura | Bridal Veil: Daphne Newman Design | Bride Gown: Liz Martinez (by Kinsley James) | Bride's Hairpiece: Naturae Design | Ceremony and Cocktail Muscians: Highline String Quartet | Day Of Stationery: Lichen Ink | Photobooth: Sweet Booths | Planning : DM Events & Design | Reception Music: The Loyales | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Wax Seals: VenusEnvyPaper

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We all know that weaving gorgeous metallics into your big day can be a fine line between seriously glam and a little over the top. A little glitter goes a long way, you guys – and nothing says pure sophistication quite like the beautiful gowns from Bari Jay. We’re obsessed with the sleek silhouettes and silky fabrics – and when paired with a breathtaking locale like Brooklyn Botanic Garden it’s absolute perfection.

What do you get when you take a jaw-droppingly beautiful wedding and add in gorgeous metallic bridesmaid gowns from Bari Jay? Happy besties… AND a day that is just as glamorous as you always wanted it to be. That’s because Bari Jay knows everything there is to know about bridesmaid dresses (they’ve been doing it for 50 years, after all) and just how to create a sparkly gown your bridal party will love. We’re all kinds of obsessed with the beautiful fabrics (like chiffon and lace), size options (hey there, 0 – 26W with petite and extra length available) and maternity dresses with stretch panels. And we’re really loving the new floral sequins, because, well… they are awesome.

Perusing this gorgeous shoot from the likes of Gabrielle Hurwitz, Patina Events, Shutterfly and You Look Lovely Fine Art Photography (just to name a few) was not our hardest day at the office. And if you’re suddenly picturing a bridal party decked in head to toe metallics, we say do it. From junior bridesmaid gowns to super cute flower girl options, Bari Jay has you totally covered in gowns that will add just the right amount of glitter to your celebration. Visit them now.

Photography: You Look Lovely Photography | Floral Design: Gabrielle Hurwitz | Flowers: Fifty Flowers | Wedding Dress: Mon Cherie | Invitations: Shutterfly | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bari Jay | Hair & Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Venue : Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Catering + Event Production: Patina Events at Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Event Planning, Design & Styling: Gabrielle Hurwitz | Fashion Styling: Gabrielle Hurwitz | Linens: BBJ La Tavola

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You’ve set your budget and pinned away, but now you’re worried the numbers don’t match your vision. Don’t fret! Wed by Design, the luxe wedding e-design service, is here to help! Together with stationery extraordinaire Paper Rock Scissor and floral genius MAVEN, they created multiple paper good packages and flexible floral arrangements – all for one budget. That’s right – you have options! Dig in to their tips and tricks below along with the gorgeousness that is this shoot captured by Melissa Oholendt, and we promise you’ll finish feeling ready to design around your budget – not the other way around.

The Inspiration

From Wed by Design… The concept of this shoot was to show brides how you can take one budget and create a variety of designs all depending on your creative vision. We teamed up with amazing Minneapolis vendors to demonstrate how this unfolds in both floral and paper design, working off the bride’s initial points of inspiration.

The shoot begins with a bride flipping through magazines, scrolling on her phone, and collecting all her design ideas to show off at her vendor meetings. She know what she wants when it comes to color palettes and textures, but she ultimately wants to design around her budget – not the other way around. First up, it’s a meeting with her paper designer.

Paper Design

From Paper Rock Scissors… Our first piece of advice is to bring things to your consultation that have inspired you: color swatches, photographs, magazine pages, and anything you have looked at that you love! We also recommend working out a stationery budget as well as a rough count of invitees/households ahead of time. All of this will help your paper designer create your perfect wedding stationery.

If you haven’t shopped for stationery before, don’t be afraid to ask questions about different printing methods, paper stocks, or ways couples typically handle situations. Knowing your stationery budget is key to making the BEST suite. Your designer will be able to guide you in balancing elements to get the right feel. Maybe doing a foil stamp printing won’t have as big of an impact for your guests as a custom envelope liner, etc.

If you find yourself stuck, keep in mind your designers are here to help you! Be it financial concerns or feeling too close to a project to make decisions, we want to help you realize your vision for your day while maintaining your sanity and your budget.

We designed two separate stationery suite and day of paper good packages so you can get a sense of ways your stationery designer can create a custom look that suits your style and needs. The overall budget for each of these packages is $3,000, and the paper goods are for 100 guests.

Stationery Suite Option #1

• Custom digital invitation
• Digital reception card with custom map illustrations
• Digital RSVP with printed envelope
• Outer envelope with return and guest addressing and envelope liner
• Total: $1490

Stationery Suite Option #2

• Custom digital invitation
• Digital reception card with custom map illustrations
• Digital RSVP with printed envelope
• Outer envelope with return and guest addressing and envelope liner
• Total: $1410

Day of Paper Goods Option #1

• Double sided programs
• Menus
• Place cards
• Total: $635

Day of Paper Goods Option #2

• Folded programs
• Seating card
• Welcome inserts for hotel bags
• Total: $635

Next is a meeting with her floral designer.

Floral Design

From MAVEN… We designed three different looks, and they all work within the same vision and design to accommodate various price points. Our best tip is to set a budget for your florals and really stick with it. You’ll have a lot of different vendors and budgets you’ll be working with, so make it easy on yourself and set realistic standards. For example, more greenery does not always mean less cost. A lot of what is factored into the budget is the ordering, supplies, labor, elements, etc. When talking through cost effective options with your floral designer, here are a couple questions to help frame your discussion: “What are ways I can stick within my budget?” and “Is there a particular bloom that is less expensive than others?” Overall, make sure to trust your vendors and let them run with your vision.

In this shoot, the game plan for the reception tables is to mix-and-match centerpiece options to stay within a total budget of $7,000. You might choose to splurge on the most expensive centerpiece options for the head table and scale back to smaller arrangements or bud vase clusters for your guests tables. There are so many creative solutions to bring your vision to life within your budget!

The Looks

• Large arrangement: $265
• Medium arrangement: $195
• Small arrangement (bud vase clusters): $85

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Photography: Melissa Oholendt | Event Design: Wed By Design | Floral Design: Maven | Makeup : Heather Trachsel | Hair: Cristina Ziemer Beauty | Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny Calligrapher | Model: Nicki Lamkin | Paper Goods: Paper Rock Scissor

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Saying “I do” in front of a view like this one; can you just imagine!? Thanks to Laura Murray’s gorgeous photos and Elysium Productions’ film below, we can stop and stare at this beauty all day long. But don’t stop there; we have much more to share, for when you have a wedding with Gold Leaf Event Design & Production running the show, it’s guaranteed the details and design will be pretty near perfect. See every beautiful bit right this way!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/251510609 600 338]

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From Gold Leaf… Harmony (Teitsworth) and Dylan (Bowman), former Aspen locals, tied the knot on Aspen Mountain in September. Dylan, originally from Boulder, is a professional ultra runner, and he and his wife, Harmony have always had a place in their heart for the mountains, particularly in Aspen. Harmony and Dylan asked for a modern aesthetic that wouldn’t interfere with the beauty of the mountains. This drew on the Gold Leaf Event team to utilize accent pieces including glass and acrylic. Guests found their table assignments on escort boards lightly draped in greenery, which led them to other specialty acrylic signage, and ghost chairs. The round, dining tables were dressed beautifully in soft white linen, gold-rimmed chargers, gold flatware and a peach napkin for a subtle pop of color, highlighting the colorful arrangements in the center. An assorted eucalyptus runner grew down barn wood tables, peppered with garden roses, dahlias, and ranunculus which were perfectly emphasized by a mix of glass votives, modern floating candles, gold candlesticks with cobalt blue tapers contributing to the Sundeck at The Little’s romantic glow. The bride danced the night away in her stunning, fairytale-esque Carolina Herrera gown, alongside her champion ultra-runner hubby, in which, that evening they both won the ultimate prize!

Photography: Laura Murray Photography | Cinematography: Elysium Productions | Event Design: Gold Leaf Event Design & Production | Floral Design: Carolyn's Flowers | Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera | Cake: d'Elissious | Catering: The Little Nell | Make Up: Malle Gambuti | Hair: Jess Robson | DJ: Who Is Chris Lewis | Ceremony Music: Silver City Strings | Wedding Venue: The Little Nell | Audio Visual: Halcyon Productions | Dinnerware: BBJ La Tavola | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Suite: Paper Plates Press | Rentals: Premier Party Rentals | Specialty Entertainment: Katarina | Specialty Signage : Paper Birch Designs

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Elysium Productions

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A chic Alexandra Grecco dress featuring a playful back cut out. Fun and colorful Aquazurra sandals. A bold, tropical bouquet created by Lara’s Theme featuring palm fronds and king protea… Yeah, this bride’s style game is strong. So it’s no surprise we’re crushing hard on every single image of this modern, tropical celebration, captured by Amalie Orrange Photography.

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From the bride… Mike and I met on LinkedIn. I’m only half kidding. Living only a few blocks from one another and sharing quite a few mutual friends, Mike and I kept bumping into one another, but both of us were a bit nervous to begin talking. Finally around the third casual encounter, at a bar in the East Village, Mike struck up a conversation with me about my career – something my friends know I am incredibly passionate about. He had clearly done some digging. Needless to say that kicked things off, and he really sealed the deal with a LinkedIn request the next day.

Mike and I never discussed marriage. We both always saw it as a very organic process – either it would happen one day or it wouldn’t. Safe to say, I did not see it coming! We were at his family’s house at the beach, we had just finished a perfect, leisurely Sunday lunch, and I suggested we go for a walk at a nearby nature preserve, something Mike normally politely declines. But lo and behold, he was up for it today because we had eaten quite a bit. We came up to a beautiful outlook, and I annoyingly asked to take Mike’s photo, and he repaid the annoyance, asking me the same. When I turned around, there he was, ring box in hand. I was so surprised, it took me what felt like five minutes to fully grasp what was happening. Needless to say, I said yes, and Mike, who looking back was incredibly well dressed for a casual walk, managed to get the whole thing on film. We actually didn’t tell anyone for a few hours and just enjoyed the time together, with a fire and some champagne. of course.

I have always loved botanicals, and when we decided to get married at Windsor, I immediately thought of The Book of Palms by Taschen. I felt it captured the tropical lushness yet refined elegance of the club. It served as inspiration for the save the dates and then everything grew from there. The book made a cameo as our guest book, and it was fun to be surprised with notes on random pages.

Windsor is such a stunning location, and the team is so on top of it, it was beautiful from the moment we arrived. We basically showed up. Lara executed the flowers so flawlessly. We chose to use as much local greenery as possible, and I loved the way it looked like everything could have just come from the property.

The theme for the wedding party was tropical chic, and I basically let the girls choose whatever dress they wanted in a solid color. They all ended up with the most stunning and vibrant colors, that up against the colors and architecture of Windsor, brought so much life and movement to the event.

The highlight from our first look was walking over to the Town Hall, where our ceremony was about to take place. There was an intense sense of anticipation knowing the striking structure was about to be filled with all of our favorite people yet the calmness of it just being us for a moment. We knew that after the ceremony, the rest of the night was going to fly by, and we wanted to make sure we set aside a few moments to breathe and take it all in together.

One of my favorite moments was the New Orleans style second line parade from the Town Hall to the reception. The brass band was a surprise to our wedding party and guests, and the spontaneity of the whole thing really set the tone for evening. Music has always been central to our relationship, so it is no surprise that our favorite moments center around it. Other favorite moments were our mother/son, father/daughter dance, which we did together to the 1920s swing song, ‘In the Mood’. One of my close friends performed ‘Like A Prayer’ by Madonna as a tribute to my amazing aunt who passed away, and she absolutely rocked it.

Photography: Amalie Orrange Photography | Event Planning: Lauren Melillo | Floral Design: Lara's Theme | Wedding Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Bride's Shoes: Aquazzura | Makeup: Cindy Goetz | Hair: Lindsay Naffziger | Band: Gypsy Lane Band | Groom's Attire: Armani | Venue: Lauren Melillo | Bride's Jewelry: Miriam Haskell | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Sesame Letterpress

Between travel, entertaining guests, and partaking in many festive cocktails over the past several weeks, you and your love may be feeling a little sluggish and missing your healthy energy and in-house date nights. Getting back into a healthy eating schedule after the holidays can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and an organized trip to the market, you will be feeling like your pre-holiday healthy self.

Make a List of All the Recipes + Go Shopping

Inventory all the groceries, spices, and ingredients you currently have in your kitchen and think about what meals you can make with those ingredients. Not only does this decrease your cost at the grocery store, but it also decreases the amount of time spent shopping for ingredients. It’s a win-win.

Then, sit down with your partner and curate a list of recipes you both will love. Once your recipes are chosen and your days are outlined, make a sub-list of all the ingredients you will need when you go to the market. Extra props to you if you make an additional list with all of your ingredients listed in the order in which you will shop for them. This tip will save you the headache of searching for each item on your list.

Start Prepping

Make it a date night! Stay in on a Sunday night, pour a glass of wine, turn on some music, and start prepping! Who says cooking and meal prepping can’t be fun?

First things first, rise and slice your fruits and veggies, and grill or bake your proteins and sides and store in separate containers.The best way to make this more fun is to cook with your partner! Maybe he prepares the meat on the grill while you chop veggies for a beautiful salad or organize your fruit for morning smoothies. You will be much more prone to make a healthy breakfast in the morning if all the ingredients are carefully prepared ahead of time instead of scattered about your refrigerator.

If you don’t prefer to make three to four combinations of meals for dinner and store them in containers together, opt to store all the cooked ingredients separately and mix and match throughout the days. Also, a large salad with all the healthy fixings makes for an easy, ready-to-eat side that elevates your entire meal.

Set Aside Grab-and-Go Breakfast Items and Snacks

Last but certainly not least, snacks! Preparing grab-and-go snacks such as fresh fruits and veggies, granola, and low carb crackers will make starting your morning routine that much easier! Plus, who doesn’t love a good snack?

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

Backyard weddings are our jam, but if you’re not too keen on hosting your Big Day celebration at your own abode, we’ve got the perfect solution: Sole East Resort. Think of it as your home away from home with everything from gorgeous gardens, bamboo archways and a fire pit perfect for roasting post-nuptial s’mores. It’s that backyard vibe we absolutely adore meets a talented events team that will handle every jaw-dropping moment. You seriously can’t go wrong.

Sole East Resort has always been one of our fave Hamptons venues, and it’s not just because of the sweet Tudor charm and their 70 gorgeous guest rooms. Their accommodations are amazing and their onsite amenities make it the perfect place to relax and play with your friends and family. From their heated pool to their fab Montauk locale to their awesome (+ full-service) Backyard Restaurant, it’s the best place ever to spend a weekend celebrating you and yours. Gather your friends around the fire pit after your rehearsal dinner, take a 5-minute walk to the beach the morning of your Big Day to ease those butterflies and host your last hurrah with a goodbye brunch the morning after your nuptials. They literally have everything covered – and it’s all with that laid-back charm we love so much about the Hamptons.

Sole East Resort isn’t just the perfect place to tie the knot, they have the perfect staff, too. From planning your rehearsal dinner to coordinating your big moment to everything in between, the Sole East Events Team has you totally covered. Our advice? Shoot them an email pronto (events@soleeast.com) to get started planning your amazing nuptials. That backyard wedding you’ve always wanted is waiting – and there are still a few prime May and June 2018 dates available (with generous discounts!) if you’re last-minute planning!

Photography: 4Eyes Photography | Ceremony & Reception : Sole East Resort

Eloping is becoming more and more common these days, and no longer involve a bride sneaking out of her bedroom window and running away to a chapel in Las Vegas. Now, couples just want a more private and intimate experience for their wedding and chose to get married in secret, or with only a few friends. Elopements are often still planned to some extent but they better reflect a bride and grooms personality.

Then comes the hard part: letting everyone know that you’ve tied the knot! If you’re not quite sure how to go about it, read on for some tips!

Face-to-Face
In all fairness, a few key people should be informed of your marriage before everyone else. Even if the elopement is to remain a secret, as soon as you get back you should make an effort to sit your parents and families down to share the big news. The key to allowing this to run smoothly is to choose your words carefully. Clearly express why you chose to elope without casting any sweeping statements about your loved ones. Explain that you were not trying to leave anyone out or exclude anyone but that you wanted to maintain an intimate, close moment with your partner specifically.

Paper announcements
It can be nice to take a more traditional route in this situation and send out nice marriage announcement through the mail to all your friends and family. This is a chance to include any photos you have from the elopement itself, and it allows you to express your new status in a slightly more personal way, while saving the dozens of conversations at family holidays. Online wedding invitation websites have plenty of options for this.

Your announcement can include a photo from your elopement, or just of the two of you, the date on which it occurred, the location and potentially a brief description. This could be where you express your desire to elope, a bit about your feelings on the day and thanking each person for the role they play in your lives as a couple.

Social Media
In order to forgo any drama or hurt feelings, it might be wise to hold off on updating any relationship statuses or even posting pictures until everyone has received the marriage announcements and been informed. However, this could be different for every couple because you may know that none of your family members will really be upset about your elopement.

Or, you may have some really traditional extended family and simply avoiding a post on Facebook could keep your happy new marriage bubble intact!

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.

Scroll down just a little to see that invitation suite by Bluebird Paper Company and then scroll back up here. Done? Now let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this color palette. So good, right? Warm, natural, inviting – the olive, tan, and cream combo captured the quintessential look and feel of wine country while providing a sense of freshness for this romantic affair, planned by Kathy Higgins Weddings and captured by Sylvie Gil Photography. More, please!

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From Sylvie Gil Photography… Carrie and Matt’s wedding is filled with fresh, late-summer-in-wine-country vibes, from the simple olive, tan, and cream color palette to Carrie’s effortlessly chic lace gown, complemented by modern, one-shoulder bridesmaids’ gowns. Guests threw dried lavender buds as the newlyweds walked out of the church, and a vintage car for the vineyard shoot added to the romance of the day.

From the bride and groom… Our dream of a wine country wedding was turned into reality by our amazing team of artistic experts. Napa Valley holds a special place in our hearts from the beginning of our relationship, so we couldn’t think of a better place to host our special day. Our wedding was authentic, elegant, and timeless. Our vision was beautifully crafted and captured in the stunning photographs that will stand the test of time.

Photography: Sylvie Gil Photography | Cinematography: Amor In Motion | Event Planning: Kathy Higgins Weddings | Floral Design: Valley Flora | Cake: ABC Bakery | Ceremony Venue: St. Helena Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Calistoga Ranch | Catering: Calistoga Ranch Resort | Hair + Makeup: Carrie Aldous | Lighting: Illusions Lighting | Band: Lucky Devils Band | Ceremony Music: Larkangel | Transportation: California Wine Tours | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Suite: Bluebird Paper Company

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Lucky Devils Band

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Friends, get ready! This one gives me shivers every time I looks at it! Inspired by the haunting yet soft, draping qualities of Spanish moss, the stunning landscapes of RiverOaks, and a beautiful passage (see below!) from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Evangeline, East Made Event Company created this “Forest Primeval” editorial for the recent Michael and Carina photography workshop in Charleston. From the effortlessly draped table to the moody autumnal palette, from the twisted updo to the wild quality of the florals, this shoot has all the magic of a woodland fairytale.

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This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,
Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight,
Stand like Druids of old, with voices sad and prophetic,
Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms.
Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep-voiced neighboring ocean
Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest.
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Evangeline, 1847

From Michael and Carina Photographers… Inspired by the draping, ghostly quality of Spanish moss, our main shoot draws upon a deep, autumnal color palette to enhance the richness of the forest and the landscape of RiverOaks.

Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Floral Design: La Fleur Du Jour | Wedding Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Cake: Wild Flour Pastry | Shoes: Bella Belle | Ring: Susie Saltzman | Hair and Makeup: Emily Artistry | Calligraphy: Maurelle Calligraphy | Venue: RiverOaks Charleston | Accessories: BHLDN | Creative Direction: East Made Event Company | Dishes: Chris Targoni Clay | Female Model: Madison Shaffer | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Male Model: Rivers Atkinson | Ribbon: East Coast Trimming | Ribbons: Frou Frou Chic

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Petit Bouquet

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Early in my bridesmaid career, I spent an entire afternoon hot gluing tiny papier-mache flowers to a gold-painted birdcage. “What on earth is this for?” I whispered to the Maid of Honor, avoiding eye contact with the DIY bride. The MOH pointed to the gift table, where another bridesmaid was busy arranging a backdrop of paper lanterns and balloons.

Since then, I’ve noticed similar receptacles on gift tables at every wedding reception. Cards including cash (or a check) are quickly outpacing wedding registry items at modern weddings.

But etiquette is one thing that should never be outpaced. Here’s how to avoid that cringe-worthy “thanks for the cash” thank you note.

Avoid words like cash, check, money…
Never, ever start a thank you card with “thanks for the cash/check/money/donation to my honeymoon fund…” It’s impersonal and flies in the face of a graceful note. The “it’s rude to talk about money” rule still applies here. And you should absolutely never mention the amount.

Instead, include a phrase like “thank you for your generosity.” No matter how much they gave, it was a generous gesture.

Describe how you’ll use it
While it’s a little different from describing all the ways you’d use a crystal punch bowl, people still like to hear how you’ll enjoy their gift. It makes the note more personal. Add a thoughtful way their gift will contribute to something you’ll enjoy as newlyweds.

For instance, “Thank you so much for your generosity and for attending our wedding! Landon and I are so excited to decorate our new home. Thanks to you, we’re able to add chairs to our dining room table! We’re looking forward to hosting you for dinner soon!”

Mention the card
Remember, it’s not just about the money. Odds are this guest picked out a specific card and wrote a handwritten note to express their love and congratulations. Show them how much you appreciate their thoughts (and that you actually read their card!) by mentioning it in your thank you note.

For example, “Your card was so special to us! We always appreciate your advice.” “We laughed out loud at your card! Let’s hope we never get to Step 3….”

While you’re at it – say a special thank you to the bridesmaid who created your special “deposit box” (or birdcage, or dollhouse, or whatever). She worked hard for your money.

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 lives in Dallas with her Sheltie puppy, Tennessee.