Prioritizing your wedding budget is certainly a hard task. However, I’m of the opinion that emphasizing the areas where guests will spend a lot of the celebration is a wonderful way to prioritize where and how you invest. To get the party started you certainly want your friends and family enjoying a few drinks, so why not dress up the bars they’ll be visiting all night?

I’ve gathered some of my favorite bar designs for any couple’s decor aesthetic. From fresh and modern to light and whimsical, there are a million ways to incorporate beautiful bar designs into each and every stunning wedding celebration! Cheers!

Woodsy
Classic elements of rustic iron and aged wood make for the perfect accent to rustically charming day. If you’re celebrating on an upscale ranch or in a refined barn venue, a bar like this could be perfect for you.

Modern
Crisp, clean, and inviting lines and fresh color palettes are beyond welcoming. From locations like Palm Springs to Cabo, a bright and simple look is the way to go. Reinforcing your wedding aesthetic throughout all the little details is the best way to create a distinct look, without seeming as though you’re overwhelmingly clinging to a trite theme.

Classic
If you’re the type of couple that’s burying bourbon or putting a sixpence pence in your shoe, a classic, bright, and southern look is the way to go! I love how some shapes, colors, and looks are simply timeless and don’t go out of style.

Parisian
I wouldn’t mind ordering a signature drink like a French 75 from a stunning bar, or rather decor statement, like this one. With an inviting pathway like this one at your venue, a welcome station to offer guests a glass of sparkling rosé would be a fun way to kick off the party.

Whimsical
For the jet-setting couple that wants to simply pull up their Airstream and host a party, a whimsical bar is the way to go. With nods to your travels to places like Iceland and Peru tastefully incorporated throughout your whimsical day, guests will admire the wanderlust vibes at your wedding.

Organic
Sometimes fresh and simple greenery is the most stunning way to bring the organic, farm to table feeling to your wedding day. Guests would enjoy sipping on craft brews and herb-infused cocktails at a bar as gorgeous as this one.

At the end of the day, no matter what, grab a glass of champagne and enjoy celebrating your special day. Cheers!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Hannah Nowack is a freelance writer, calligrapher, and event designer living in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 in love with this couple before I even saw their engagement snaps. One read of their story and I couldn’t adore them more (it’s all below; we’re talking the airport, a flirty Southwest flight, and the rest is history). But then came the photos – and holy moly are they gorgeous. Simply Sarah outdid herself capturing these cuties surrounded by the stunning snow-sparkling Lake Louise; it’s basically the epitome of a winter wonderland. Read and see more beauty below!

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From the Bride-to-be… Ty and I met in February of 2015. We were both in the Dallas–Love Field Airport waiting to board a flight to DC. A friend of mine had just moved to DC so a group of us from Dallas were going to go visit and surprise him for his birthday, everyone else was on an earlier flight than me but because I had a late afternoon meeting, I was flying solo. Ty was with his friend, Chase and they were flying up to DC to visit Ty’s older brother. Because I had just come from an all day meeting, I was feeling a little behind on emails so I planned to get a lot done on my flight. Ty noticed me working away in the airport and when Southwest called for the A boarding group to line up, I quickly packed up my computer and the rest of my belongings and waltzed up to the front of the line, needless to say I was in the zone and was a woman on a mission.

The next thing you know, I hear “um, excuse me… do you think you can just cut in front of us?” I turned around to find two guys my age standing there and replied, “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! What boarding position are you guys?” Ty then replied that he was just kidding and told me to go ahead. I boarded and found a window seat and immediately pulled out my computer to start checking items off of my to-do list.

A few minutes later, those same two guys came and asked me if anyone was sitting next to me. We spent the next several hours talking and getting to know each other and it turns out that Ty and I had been going to the same young adults ministry at church and that we all had a lot in common. I am not from Dallas originally, so in my mind I thought we were all going to be great friends, that we could go to church together and merge friend groups, etc. (I actually had a boyfriend at the time) but what I didn’t realize and what I wouldn’t find out for over a year, was that Ty was actually interested in me and wanted absolutely nothing to do with us just being friends.

For the next year, we were acquaintances, I think I ran into him a couple of times but we didn’t really keep in touch. About a year later, I was newly single and I got a call from Ty asking if I would be interested in grabbing a drink. I still wasn’t sure if we were just grabbing drinks as friends, or if this was a date but I said that I would love to and was looking forward to getting to know him better. That night, we talked for four hours and had a great time. The rest is really history.

Our first date was in April of 2016, we got engaged that December and then married on May 14, 2017. So many times I’ve looked back and wondered what I possibly could have said on that flight to peak Ty’s interest and how I’ve kept his interest all this time. To be honest, I don’t think it has anything to do with me and I truly believe that since day one, God has really just given Ty eyes for me and I couldn’t be more thankful. He is my greatest gift and it is my greatest honor to be his wife.

Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Planning: LP Events | Dress: BHLDN | Venue: Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints

You can just feel the warm Florence sun on your shoulders as you peruse this bridal inspiration designed by Kylee Yee and photographed by Anneli Marinovich. The bride’s dreamy, flowy dresses by Katya Katya would be gorgeous for summer brides either stateside or abroad.

Enter this Italian daydream with us, won’t you?

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From the photographer:

Inspired by the romance of Florence and golden tones of the sun setting over Ponte Vecchio, our “Gilded” bridal story takes place in Boboli Gardens, overlooking the city.

As fine art wedding photographers, myself and Kylee Yee wanted to create bridal inspiration which would appeal to brides looking to get married in Florence, Italy. The beautiful golden light in the gardens and feminine dresses were the perfect combination for the soft images you see here. Surrounded by 16th century sculptures and beautiful Italian architecture our ethereal bride wears a silk tulle gown by Katya Katya Shehurinha.

Delicate Italian lace detail bathed in golden light, a soft updo and an unstructured wedding bouquet by Fluida Design completes the picture. As the breeze picks up her cape floats in the wind, little strands of hair framing her face beautifully. Cascading earrings by Bride La Boheme and her ornate engagement ring by London Victorian Ring Co, glimmers in the late afternoon light.

Photography: Anneli Marinovich Photography | Floral Design: Fluida Design | Wedding Dress: Katya Katya | Engagement ring: The London Victorian Ring Company | Make up: Sara Onori | Calligraphy : Judy Broad Calligraphy | Venue: Boboli Gardens | Concept & Design: Kylee Yee | Concept & Design: Anneli Marinovich Photography | Hair design: Frank Giacone | Jewellery : Bride La Boheme | Model: Gianina Genovese | Silk Ribbon: Seidenband

At first glance, you can’t tell that this alfresco affair is fully committed to a theme which makes it all the more amazing. Tucked inside are subtle nods to the Bride and Groom’s dentistry ties crafted by Amorology + florals by Catalina Neal. From toothbrush favors to “Crown” and “Ginger-vitis” signature cocktails, and a whole slew of stuff to satisfy your sweet tooth, this wedding day captured by The Grovers is sure to put a smile on your face.

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From Amorology Weddings… Megan is a Dentist and Nick a Dental Engineer and from the moment you meet them you quickly realize they both have smiles that are contagious, especially when they are talking about each other and how they met! Inspired by their story, we wove in elements of classic romance where masculinty met femininity in shades of navy and neutrals and accents of blush, gold and black. To give a nod to their pearly whites and the smiles that started it all we created a “stay the night” backdrop with the help of Back Up where custom built shelves held wood toothbrushes that doubled as favors and led the guests to their tables with calligraphed seating assignments. Floss inspired elements created with white string from Peanut Press served as table numbers and pretty place settings were sat upon navy houndstooth linens mixed with gray velvet. Tables were adorned with lush blooms of garden roses, anemones and chocolate cosmos from Catalina Neal and accented with blackberries and champagne grapes. The whole table was deliciously full of texture and lyrics from one of their favorite James Blunt songs were stretched on canvas as a backdrop behind their head table to read, “Day’s like these lead to nights like this, lead to love like ours”. Guests were given something to swish to at the bar with specialty drinks coined “Anesthetic”, The Crown” made with Crown Royal whiskey and the crowd favorite, “ginger-vitas” as a play to a (moscow mule made with ginger beer)

The night ended with a sweet tooth table of course to satisfy every craving you could imagine from Peanut Butter bicupsids to lemon fillings! 

From the Bride, Megan… I was visiting girlfriends in Austin and my friends and I decided to have a fake bachelorette party one evening, they deemed me the bachelorette. We made a fake story to go with our charade and my fake fiance was to be Nicholas Frothmeyer III. Nick just happened to be on his annual golf trip at the time also in Texas. Having missed his friend’s bachelor party, they decided to have an additional one for him that same night, which is where our paths crossed. Upon meeting, he kept asking if I was really getting married. I told him “allegedly,” and to this day he hates that word. The next night we met up again and I told his friend I wasn’t really getting married. Nick was very excited. We danced the night away and then kissed ;) He asked me when he would see me again and I said, “let’s be honest, I live in Kansas and you live in California, I will never see you again.” Three weeks later I flew out to SD. We did the long distance thing for a few months. During that time we would see each other every few weeks. In between we would send each other songs to listen to and text on a regular basis. After a few months I decided to move to San Diego, I figured the worst case would be that I end up in a beautiful place but I ended up with much more. With us it has never been a challenge. It has always been natural and easy, even when we were two time zones apart. Trust has always been something I had issues with in the past, but as soon as I met Nick, I never doubted his loyalty. 

Photography: The Grovers | Cinematography: Kavin Lindgren Films | Event Design & Planning: Amorology | Flowers: Catalina Neal | Make up and Hair: Beauty By Melina | Calligraphy: Betlem Calligraphy | Band: No Vacancy Entertainment | Art Installation: Laura Made It | Backdrop : Backup Backdrops | Bar Sign Calligraphy: Twinkle And Toast | Cocktail Musician: Dawn Mitschele | Graphic Designer: Peanut Press Creative | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Lounge rentals: Pow Wow Design Studio | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Tabletop: Hostess Haven

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The term ‘bridezilla’ gets thrown around liberally these days. As a bridal stylist, I get asked on a consistent basis about brides and the monsters they are possessed by in the months following their engagement. Most girls never set out to be a bridezilla, and some definitely maintain their chill-bride demeanor. Unfortunately, some do fall into the trap that stress and expectation builds around them. Read on to discover how to avoid these bridezilla pitfalls!

Be open, yet decisive.
As women, we often worry that being decisive will translate into being perceived as bossy or aggressive. Therefore many brides struggle with voicing their opinions and decisions and instead express that they’re ‘flexible’. Always flexible, and never with a specific answer. Nothing is more frustrating for those around you trying to help you plan a wedding than to never get a straight answer or choice from you. It is important to recognize that although you can be open to many different options, styles, and choices, and that, unfortunately, you cannot control everything, if you feel strongly about a decision- voice your feelings. It’s your wedding and it’s important that you feel in control. It will allow your relationships to remain strong and avoid any feelings of resentment later on.

Remember your WHY
This goes along with remaining present in the wedding process, as its always easier to remain calm and content when you are connected to the bigger picture! As you’re going through your wedding planning process and hurdles come up, remember the reason why you’re doing this. Chances are, you’re crazy about your fiancé and can’t wait to commit to this person for the rest of your life in front of all of your loved ones. Hold on to that excitement and joy and the rest won’t seem as daunting.

Be grateful
The magic words, as most would agree, are please and thank you. You will be surrounded by those who just want to help you create a special day, and when they do, try to use these words often and be genuine about it. Remember to be nice, because, by definition, bridezilla’s are not nice.

Vent in a healthy way
I can guarantee that it will not be smooth sailing the entire way through. Family members will weigh in, caterers may cancel and dress alterations may prove more difficult than you thought. It’s definitely okay to vent and express yourself, just be sure to do it in a healthy way. Unloading all of your distress onto your bridesmaid may make her feel unappreciated and more like a punching bag than a partner. Make sure that you don’t use accusatory language when venting and you don’t make broad sweeping statements: i.e. “Everything is going wrong,” or “No one cares about my wedding,” and “This is supposed to be MY day.”

Remember that there’s life outside the wedding
Finally, its important to remember that life is still going on outside of your wedding. Although it will feel like this is the biggest thing ever to happen (because for you, it might be!) but you still have responsibilities outside of being a bride. So, next time you’re on the phone with your bridesmaids and you’ve exhausted all wedding topics, don’t forget to ask them how they are and properly catch up with them. Even though you feel like you don’t have a spare moment in your schedule, there’s always enough time to shoot someone a text just to remind them that the wedding hasn’t completely claimed your sanity.

Have fun
This should be first and foremost, because happy people just don’t turn into bridezillas, its a fact. Happy planning!

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.

Well if this classic holiday wedding doesn’t put you in the mood for the Christmas, I don’t know what will! A Charming Fete and La Tavola Fine Linens took the best of the season—including Christmas trees, hot cocoa and luxe fabrics — and created a winter wonderland captured by Emily Millay. You’ll wonder why all winter weddings aren’t this cozy and full of winter charm!

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From the Bride, Molly:
When Michael and I started planning our wedding, we knew we wanted it to be a classic, timeless affair but also a great expression of ourselves. We decided to get married in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio in early December which helped guide our winter wedding vision, complete with blackwatch plaid, navy velvet, luxe hunter green and even a hot chocolate bar!

When we walked into The Union Club for the first time, we both got chills! From the grand staircase (trimmed in garland and a beautiful Christmas tree), to the multiple fireplaces, ornate rugs, and dark wood it’s old world feel was just right. The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is one of the most stunning churches with detailed ceilings and a cobblestone (soooo long!) aisle. It was such an incredible moment walking down that aisle with my dad to Michael.

All of my planning dreams came true when I met Lauren and the team at A Charming Fete. They helped bring our dream to life and made the process so much easier and more enjoyable. Haley at Lather + Maggie Kleinman made up my glam squad and truly made me feel like a timeless, classic winter bride. Our florist, Scott Sella made winter magic happen with the flowers.

The entertainment and guest experience was so important to us and our band, The Orchestra (Cleveland Music Group) really delivered. I don’t think I have been to another wedding where the dance floor was jammed pack from start to finish.

Aside from the elegant decor, we really wanted this day to feel like us and we wanted to surprise our family and friends with some fun things throughout the day. I got ready at my childhood home with all my bridesmaids, cozied around the fireplace and Christmas tree with Father of the Bride playing. Michael and I exited the church with a Cleveland Fire Department bagpiper (who is retired FDNY – just like Michael’s father). We chose to have fresh baked pies instead of wedding cake and displayed them on a beautiful walnut wood pie stand that Michael’s brother custom built for us. I surprised Michael with a (spiked) hot chocolate bar with all the fixings. We served late night pizza (with ranch dressing!) to guests as they danced the night away. And we ended the night with a sparkler send-off.

Michael and I are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family who have supported us every step of the way. Our wedding day was a (very cold!) dream of a day that truly felt so special and true to “us.” Our love story has only just begun!

Photography: Emily Millay Fine Art Wedding Photography | Cinematography: Full Bloom Photography | flowers : Every Blooming Thing | Stationery : Aerialist Press | Ceremony Venue: St Johns Cathedral | Reception Venue: The Union Club | makeup : MKleinman Artistry | hair : Lather A Salon | Band : Cleveland Music Group | Transportation: Lolly The Trolly | Invitation Design: The Groom, Michael Miano | Linens : BBJ La Tavola | Pies : Simply Delicious Pies | Planning and Styling : A Charming Fete | pie stands : Chris Miano

There’s a lot of pressure for wedding industry brides when it comes time to plan their own wedding, but with an incredible team of talented vendor friends, it’s easy to exceed expectations.  Just ask Emily of Borrow and Beau, who went to Oh! Such Style Events with three things certain: her dress, the venue, and her bridesmaid’s dresses. Oh, and that she wanted to fly Julie Paisley Photography from Nashville to New Zealand to capture it all. The rest came together and resulted in this stunning day!

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From Julie Paisley Photography… I met Emily 3 years ago when I traveled to New Zealand after shooting a wedding in Australia. I teamed up with a local wedding planner for a styled shoot and Emily provided the rentals. She told me after the shoot that when she got married, she was going to contact me and guess, what, she kept her word! When I received the email from her telling me she was engaged and wanted to hire me to come from Nashville, TN to shoot her wedding in New Zealand, I might have squealed a little! I’m pretty sure I was still pinching myself as I boarded the plane to head to the wedding. The wedding was everything I had dreamed it would be. We had perfect weather, we were welcomed by Emily and Ben’s family and friends and I was asked repeatedly to talk so they could hear my “southern accent!” I love Emily’s color scheme of blue with pops of red and gold and the napkin fold with the little greenery tucked in just made it perfect. From the cute little chapel, to the antique car and cutest ring bearer ever, I think you will find so much inspiration all the way from New Zealand.

From the Oh! Such Style Events… I can honestly say that Emily and Ben’s wedding was one of my absolute favorites. Working with them to bring it all together and create their perfect day was such a pleasure. Fortunately for me, I knew Emily prior to her and Ben getting engaged as we had worked on several photo shoots together. This really helped make the styling process smooth and cohesive as I already had a lot of insight into who she was and her tastes and preferences in general.

Our first meeting to discuss the wedding ended with three things we knew for certain – her dress, the venue, and her bridesmaid’s dresses. Then – and here’s the fun part – she said she trusted me to make it all work from there!

A gorgeously restored homestead (Abbeville Estate in Auckland) was the venue. Because of it’s stunning décor and features we used that as a starting point for the look and feel of the wedding. We were able to incorporate Emily and Ben’s personal style and showcase it against the vintage, farm style backdrop of the homestead. As they live on a farm, it seemed very fitting and organic to reference those elements in the wedding design.

The estate has a little chapel on site, which was absolutely gorgeous, like something from a picture book. Emily and Ben held their ceremony here, where the focal point was a lovely old stained glass window behind the altar with light softly filtering through. From the moment I saw that window, I knew we had to have florals around it. The bridal party was also quite large, particularly for such a small space, so we had to limit how much was at the front of the chapel and prevent it from getting crowded. Florals sort of festooning the window was the perfect touch, and as you can see, it worked perfectly.

One of the most “Wow” moments of the ceremony was when the couple’s little dachshund, Cooper, was led down the aisle as a ring-bearer. He was utterly perfect with his tiny floral collar and calm, gentle demeanour, and I have to say that for a little while, he completely stole the show.

For the wedding stationery, Just My Type created these tactile, organic feeling invitations from thick, softly torn hand-made paper that felt amazing in the hand, and was the first hint of the textures that we emphasised through the wedding itself.

Our guiding principle for the theme was “Effortlessly florally elegant”, which provided for the glorious blooms from Lux Floral Studio to take centre stage. We really placed a lot of focus on florals, which helped to lift the heavier aspects of the homestead décor, such as the solid wooden beams, and give a touch of femininity. Emily loved the idea of deep berry and red throughout the florals. To layer textures, we paired pale blue natural linens with loads of soft candlelight against the strong wooden elements of the tables and homestead. Touches of gold accessories, such as the cutlery and candleholders, offered just the right amount of enhancement, and brought the whole design together.

In the reception space there was a stone courtyard right outside the dining area, which made perfect sense to use for canapés and then later as a dance floor. Our goal was to create a relaxed atmosphere that would invite guests to congregate, interact and eventually get their groove on! We created a living room feel with vintage style chairs and sofas from Borrow and Beau around the courtyard, and accessorised with braziers, tables and blankets to ensure people would stay comfortable relaxing outside as the night grew longer. Festoon lighting in the trees and surrounding the courtyard gave an incredible magical ambience and cast a lovely, gentle glow over the whole atmosphere.

The wedding was a perfect, amazing day, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a great couple who are just lovely, inside and out. The wedding, although a more formal affair, reflected their laid back approach to life and ensured that they and their family and friends would have incredible memories for years to come.

Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Event Coordination: Oh Such Style | Floral Design: Lux Floral Studio | Cake: The Caker | Catering: The Great Catering Company | Make Up : Eve Makeup Artistry | Lighting : Multi Media Systems Ltd | Wedding Venue: Abbeville Estate | Bridal Gown: Pallas Couture | Bridal Shoes: Mi Piaci | Bridemaid's Dresses: Miss Crabb | Custom Printing : Just My Type | Lounge area rentals: Borrow&Beau - Vintage Furniture Hire | Rentals: The Pretty Prop Shop | Sign : Harlan Creative

A brand new year means a brand new crop of amazing trends to fall head over heels for, and we’re looking forward to every. last. one. But, if we’re being honest, nothing will ever take the place of lace in our hearts, in all of its romantic meets beautiful glory. From Chantilly to Alencon, we can’t wait to see the gorgeous lace gowns that you lovelies will rock in 2018. Here’s 15 of our faves to get you inspired.

The Tried and True Trend That Will Never Go Out Of Style

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The Tried and True Trend That Will Never Go Out Of Style

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Greenery galore and fedora hats for the win. This Athenian Riviera wedding is full of gorgeous florals and plenty of fun to boot. With The 12 Events behind the scenes planning and styling, it’s no surprise we have a wedding that just gets better and better with every single one of Anna Roussos’s pics (from start to finish!). Get ready to get inspired in our gallery right this way!

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From The 12 Events… Hana and Aly’s elegant wedding had our greenery-loving hearts aflutter! Married in the Athenian Riviera, at the exquisite Island Residence, the couple wished to keep everything light and organic in accord with the verdant surroundings of their luxurious venue.

Bringing their vision to life, we incorporated canopies of fresh foliage, ferns, eucalyptus, ruscus, amaranthus, myrtle, and olive branches with a few pops of pinks and porcelain whites, in order to create a revitalizing and classically chic feel.

Caped by greenery-heavy floral installations, arches, massive floral arrangements, and crystal chandeliers added more glamour to the long, slender leaves, maintaining the minimalist look.

Bundles of stunning greenery centerpieces bound with peonies, hydrangeas, garden roses, Queen Anne’s lace and beautifully decorated the tables, aside intricate rustic frames, votive candles, Baccarat candelabra, and superb flatware and linens, all in white, gold and green tones.

Hana and Aly’s way of catering to their guests’ sweet tooth included a rustic farm table topped with large emerald glass vases. Fab pastry creations, themed after gold and green olives, leafy and aurelian macarons and “koufeta” (bonbons), tiers of pops, syrupy delights, as well as an assortment of small and larger cakes, kept our dessert bar on a super sweet and stylish note.

Wedding favors galore were perfectly placed on repurposed rustic tables and benches. Goodie bags filled with organic products for all, hand-made filigree parasols, monogrammed gilded pendants, hand fans and timbrels bound with olive leaves and ribbons for the ladies, and fedora hats made to order for the gentlemen, gracefully placed on a frame and ready to pick up.

We were so delighted to integrate a whooping metal gazebo styled with long cascades of trailing vines and orchids. The tree trunks and pavements of the gardens were all invested with a sea of candles and fairy lights all adding a fairytale twist to our elegant reception.

Styling the bride and groom’s getaway mobile with matching to the overall floral design blooms, gave us the perfect excuse to admire this vintage classic Mercedes, which honked its happy horn late at night as the newlyweds took off in superb style.

Photography: Anna Roussos | Cinematography: I Like To Movie It | Floral Design: The Twelve Events | Wedding Dress : Naeem Khan | Cake: Aria Fine Catering | Catering: Aria Fine Catering | Hair + Makeup: Anita Brandhuber | DJ: Dimitris Fragoulis | Groom's Attire: Hield | Wedding Venue: Island Art & Taste | Event Planning + Styling: The Twelve Events | Fireworks: Nanos Fireworks | Furniture Rentals: Zazoo | Groom's Shirt: Tom Ford | Lighting + Sound: Loud And Clear Entertainment | Preparation Venue: The Margi

This garden celebration is a beautiful blend of Persian and western tradition planned by Madix & Co. From the soft, romantic color palette and copious amounts of the Bride’s favorite blooms crafted by Amanda Vidmar Design, to the table full of gorgeous cakes by Edith Meyer, this affair is a true mix of all things pretty with a dash of whimsy. See everything from polka dotted tablescapes to peonies and garden roses by candlelight through the lenses of Sally Pinera and LoveSpun Wedding Films.

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From Madix & Co…Yasamin and Kameron’s wedding was a fairy-tale celebration of their love, which was evident by their support of each other throughout the time I worked with them. Bernardus Lodge in Carmel, CA was the perfect backdrop for the romantic, garden inspired design. A soft color palette of pink, peach, and yellow captured the jubilance of their personalities and admiration for each other. The bride’s love of Peonies and garden roses is evident throughout the florals by Amanda Vidmar Design and even included on the invitation suite by Aerialist Press. Polka dot linens and silk ribbon tied menus add the perfect dose of whimsy. Yasi wore a custom Atelier Des Modistes gown and her maids were in watercolored Jenny Yoo dresses. The bride’s Aunt officiated a blended ceremony combining western traditions with that of their Persian heritage to create a ceremony truly representing the couple. The Sofreh Aghd, traditional Persian ceremony spread, became our design focal point, while making sure it stayed true to the couple and their romantic, garden aesthetic. The entire design was created to inspire an ambience of love and jubilee, and you could truly feel it in the air with all their family and friends. It was a truly magical day.

Photographer: Sally Pinera | Cinematography: Lovespun Films | Wedding Planner: Madix & Co | Florist: Amanda Vidmar | Cake: Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair and Makeup: The Hair and Makeup Company | DJ: Sound in Style Productions | Groom's Suit: Prada | Ceremony Music: Entire Productions | Venue: Bernardus Lodge | Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Calligraphy and Signage: Brown Fox Calligraphy | Candles: Creative Candles | Card Box: Kate Spade | Custom Bridal Gown: Atelier des Modistes | Furniture Rental: One True Love Vintage Rentals | Groom's Ties: Hayden Harlow | Invitation: Aerialist Press | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Abby Party Rentals | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Sofreh Aghd Designer : Fancy Little Details | Tabletop Rentals: Casa de Perrin

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Jenny Yoo

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From trying on beautiful gowns to sipping champagne, wedding dress shopping is one of the more fun parts of wedding planning, so it’s totally understandable that you’d want to bring a big crew with you. If you’re not sure if you want to bring a sizable group along, I’ve put together some pros and cons of each so you can have the best experience possible.

Pros of shopping with a big entourage (more than 3 people)

You have a crew of personal shoppers
A bigger group means more suggestions, so you’ll have the opportunity to try on things you wouldn’t necessarily pick for yourself. You’ve probably scoured Pinterest and Instagram for gowns that appeal to you, so you might come to the appointment focused on those styles. With more friends and family around, they might find something you never pictured yourself in, but end up loving!

You have a big support system
Having your whole bride tribe means more people telling you how amazing you look in a gown! Since we tend to be our own worst critic, you might focus more on the negative aspects of each dress. Your girls can be there to stroke your ego and draw attention to how incredible you look. They’ll help you see the positive in every gown you try on. Plus, who doesn’t love their own personal cheer squad?

It’s a good bonding experience
Bringing your friends and family along makes the experience all the more fun! It’s a special moment for you and the people you love most in life and it’s just another celebratory event you can enjoy before the wedding. There’s no doubt they’ll be thrilled to come along and offer their input.

Cons of shopping with a big entourage

More people = More opinions
The thing I see most often as a bridal consultant is the entourage confusing the bride with their opinions. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve seen a bride change her mind because someone in her squad didn’t like the dress, I’d be rich. People in the group sometimes speak up before the bride has a chance to voice her thoughts on the dress, which makes her less willing to say how she feels. When it’s just you and your closest family members or friends, you can focus more on how you feel in the gown, what elements about it you like, and you can really take that time you need to figure out what you want.

Crowd pleasing
Often times a bride’s entourage will want to wander the store themselves, pulling things for the bride to try on. Do you really want to waste your time trying on that big ball gown Aunt Lydia pulled from the rack that you know you’ll hate? With fewer people in tow, you won’t have to worry about putting on dresses you really don’t like just to please the group. Instead, your focus will be on narrowing down what you actually like.

The experience isn’t as special
If you bring along all your bridesmaids, aunts and other friends, then the moment won’t feel as special when you finally reveal THE dress. Wedding dress shopping is a very personal experience and it’s one that you and your mom and/or sister or best friend should cherish. The fewer people you invite, the more special the occasion will feel!

In the end, there’s not a set number of people you should invite shopping with you (unless the store has a policy), so do what makes you feel happiest.

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

I have a new favorite time of year for weddings: late fall. The leaves are still crisp, the colors still vibrant but there is that magic chill in the air as the holidays approach. It’s basically the perfect recipe for romance if you ask me. And this North Carolina celebration, captured by The Ganeys, has this all and more. We were sold from first glance of the berry-hued bridesmaids and the too cute for words couple, but then add in the film by Maiography and there is just no denying it; we have a winner through and through. See all right this way!

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From The Ganeys… Amanda was a dream bride for us! She is the kind of girl that has every detail planned. She and Alex had anticipated their Hawkesdene wedding for over a year. To say their wedding was perfect would be an understatement. The weather was crisp but welcoming. Laughter surrounded Amanda and Alex throughout the day. The words that these two exchanged were so impactful. These two are so deserving of their love, and I couldn’t be more honored that Thomas and I were by their sides documenting the event.

When we first arrived at Hawkesdene, I was blown away by the beauty. The leaves were turning as fall was coming to a close.

Amanda wore a sleeved gown with lace details. Her hair was pulled back into a low bun. Her bridesmaids by her sides had floor-length berry-colored gowns that were perfect for the fall season. In their hands they carried bouquets filled with succulents, burgundy hydrangeas, and anemones. Each bouquet was wrapped with lace from Amanda’s mother’s wedding gown.

Alex wore a suit with a wool vest to keep him warm. His velvet bowtie was perfect for the season. Each of his groomsmen wore cufflinks that represented their passions – video games, drawing, fishing, and tabletop games.

Amanda and Alex shared their first look on the lawn and had the biggest smiles on their faces – so overwhelmed with joy that this day was finally here!

The ceremony was held under a tunnel of trees – twinkle lights hanging from them, creating the most romantic scene (plus, llamas to the side, what could be better?). Alex and Amanda opted to exchange personal vows – in addition to traditional ones. The promises they made to each other were some of the most heartfelt I’ve heard.

After they officially became husband and wife, we were whisked away to the top of the mountain for some champagne.

Their reception space was breathtaking. Held under a white tent, the long farm tables covered with garlands welcomed guests to their seats. Each place setting had a sprig of rosemary. Their welcome book was a globe that the guests could sign and on the other end of the space, there was a lounge next to the fireplace where guests could warm up. As favors, guests took home jars of apple butter.

It was such a beautiful wedding and I couldn’t be happier for Amanda and Alex!

Photography: The Ganeys | Videography: Maiography | Coordination: Hawkesdene House | Floral Design: Andrews Florist | Cake: The Knot | Invitations: Minted | Rings: Blakeman's Fine Jewelry | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Wtoo | Catering: Hawkesdene House | Makeup: Salon El Khouri | Hair: Süße Poesie | DJ: Sound Extreme | Favors: Barber's Orchard | Officiant: Minister Dr. Randy Harry | Venue: Hawkesdene House | Bridal Boutique: Jasmine Galleria | Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mishka | Bridesmaids' Earrings: Pearl Land Jewelry | Cake Topper: alphabet canvas | Earrings: BHLDN | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Garland: Wholesale Garland | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Vera Wang Black For Men's Warehouse | Groom's Bow Tie: Mrs. Bow Tie | Groom's Shoes: Johnston & Murphy | Hangers: Dark Horse Engraving | Ties + Socks: The Tie Bar | Watch: Shinola Watch | Wedding Dress + Veil: Jasmine Collection | Wooden Signs: OAKYdesigns | Wreath Sign: The Virginia Artisans

Whether you’re on the hunt for inspiration in any of these styles: glam, elegant, modern, classic—this slice of pretty from Mayhar Design has it ALL. A little something for every lover. It’s moody yet soft, stunning yet sweet and I want to see one of you rock this look for your 2018 fete (and promptly share the imagery for our viewing pleasure!). More right this way captured by Kayla Barker.

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From Melanie of Mayhar Design…When Michelle of Sprout Floral and I set out to design a photo shoot at San Antonio’s stunning Hotel Emma, we knew immediately that Emma itself would dictate most of the decisions. To visit Hotel Emma, is to walk into an experience that has been exquisitely and expertly curated to embrace each guest with warmth, beauty, rich San Antonio history and the most unbelievable attention to even the tiniest details. From the peach and ivory toned brick work to the textural walls and ceilings and the bold ironwork, every single accent has been thoughtfully designed, selected and presented. As we began to make selections, we wanted to present details that would honor the strongest industrial and modern elements of Emma, while also showcasing some really feminine and romantic aspects of her design. Each space throughout the hotel is filled with layer upon layer of texture and interest, and we hope that we were able to capture some of her charm and provide a design that truly embraced the spaces we were in!

Photography: Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography | Floral Design: Sprout | Shoes: Vince Camuto | Hair + Makeup: Makenzi Laine | Venue: Hotel Emma | Black Dress: Elias Gurrola | Blush + Ivory Dresses: Tatyana Merenyuk | Creative Direction and Styling: Mayhar Design | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Model: Kim Dawson | Paper Goods: Guten Co

Happy first day of spring, loves! Flowers make everything better, but what’s even better than a beautiful bouquet brightening up your home? A beautiful bouquet that you made yourself! We spoke with Alice of Alice’s Table, a company who hosts flower arranging workshops all over the country, how to create a flower arrangement you can be proud of.

Here, Alice gives her step-by-step guide to creating a gorgeous arrangement, just in time for the first day of spring or perfect for the Easter and Passover holidays!

Make a grid with tape on top of your vase (just like a tic-tac-toe board). This helps you avoid the flower flops by building structure. This will also help to control and hold your arrangement in place so you get the best-looking arrangement possible.

Fill your vase with room temperature to warm water–about baby bath temperature. This will help open the flowers and let them last for at least a week. Always add plant food to the water! It’s a preservative and a sugar which really makes the flowers last longer. There are lots of myths out there about adding bleach to your arrangement or Seven Up and Vodka – I always say I am not a chemist and I prefer to drink my cocktails, so stick to the plant food, it works!

Create your base with greenery. This is the least expensive part yet most people skip it. It’s the key to florist-quality bouquets! Use inexpensive greens to start your arrangement. When we “green our base” we’re building the skeleton of the bouquet. I like to use Italian or Israeli Ruscus to green my base because it’s the best bang for your buck but still gives a high-quality look, as opposed to ferns.

Work with flowers from largest to smallest. The larger flowers are the structure needed to support the smaller flowers and make them shine. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle, this increases the surface area to drink water and also makes sure that your stem does not sit flat on the bottom of the vase.

As soon as you cut the stem, make sure to place the flower straight into water. Flowers have the ability to scab over – once the scab is formed (which only takes about ten seconds) they do not drink water as effectively and don’t last as long. Be sure to have a good (sharp!) pair of clippers and rose strippers to make your beautiful bouquet.

Strip your roses to get rid of thorns. By stripping the rose, you remove all of the leaves and thorns. We never want leaves in the water as they create bacteria, which will prevent the flowers from lasting long. The great thing about stripping your roses is it also removes the thorns, which makes the roses easier to handle and arrange.

Blow on your roses to help them open. You know when you go to a wedding and all of the flowers are perfectly opened? That happens thanks to interns! They painstakingly blow on each and every rose to open them up. The warm air from your mouth will open them up and make the arrangement look fuller.

Finish off your arrangement with textural elements to complete the look. You always want to finish your arrangement with a textural element. Again, these are the least expensive parts and make the biggest difference. Whenever we create bouquets, there are always holes or places that don’t look right when we are finished. Those are the spots we fill in with texture.

I like to use Hypericum Berry because it comes in all sorts of different colors, is hearty, and is available year-round. Another thing I love is wax flower – I like to say it is the classy sister of Baby’s Breath!

In an ideal world, you would change the water every day… I tend to just add water when it is needed though, because honestly, who has time to empty the vase and refill when it is only going to give you one extra day with the flowers?

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

Getting slightly off track with your workout regimen can be easy while you are traveling. From a packed schedule filled with activities to dining out every night, your entire trip can be over and you haven’t had an ounce of exercise.

Finding creative ways to stay active while traveling can seem daunting, but with a little planning, you will be walking, or shall I say, running, toward your fitness goals.

Book a Hotel with a Gym
With a little inquiring, this one is super easy. Most hotels have guest facilities, including on-site gym access. Depending on what hotel you stay at, this can be a few ellipticals and weights, or a full-service gym complete with classes. During your research of where to stay. Keep this amenity at the top of your must-haves in order to have quick-and-easy access to a workout before your fun-filled day ahead.

Psst: You can do Style Me Pretty’s Bridal Bootcamp workouts anywhere! Click here to work out with Peter Kraus from the Bachelorette!

Wake Up Early to Walk Around and Explore the City
This can be a tough one when laying in your comfortable cloud-like bed, but once you hop out of bed with a plan, you start to feel much better about your day ahead. Waking up early, taking a hot shower, and briskly walking to a local coffee shop can release a surprising amount of endorphins. You’ll be saying, “I’ll have a skinny vanilla latte, please” with a smile on your face in a few short steps.

Walk to Your Destinations
Skip Uber and lace up your sneaks to head to a fun vacation-worthy activity. Walking from place to place will not only give you the extra cardio your body needs, but it provides a chance to happen upon great local spots you otherwise wouldn’t notice on a car ride.

Take the Stairs Instead of the Elevator
This is an obvious one, yet not always obvious in the moment. Walking up to the 50th floor of a building is a little much, but if you’re going up two or three flights, opt to take the stairs for an extra boost of cardio. Plus, if you’re like me, this will eliminate the fear of getting trapped in an elevator!

Look for Local A La Carte Classes
A good place to start is to look for lifestyle and exercise events online in the city in which you are about to travel to. There is a good chance, especially on a weekend, that there are a la carte classes available. Also, some gyms have certain days of the week or certain classes on their schedule where they allow non-members to pay a small fee to partake in the class.

Tip: by going to a local gym, or class that allows pay-per-class access, you are essentially living like a local. Ask the girl on the mat next to you what her favorite brunch spot is – you’re already in the same yoga class, chances are, you will have a few things in common, brunch spots included!

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.

This quintessential California wedding is transporting us right into the heart of beautiful Montecito. Just look at that the classic Mission architecture of the church where the bride’s parents were married 30 years ago! Not to mention, the airy backyard reception (at the bride’s grandparent’s stunning estate) complete with palm trees, a pool and twinkly lights over the al fresco dance floor. Sneak a peek at this classic Cali affair, captured by Christina of Hello Blue Photo.

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From the Bride:

“Like most girls, I’ve been planning my wedding since I was about 10. I went through stages where I wanted to be a wedding planner, a wedding cake baker and a wedding dress designer. My style has changed a little over the years, but I always knew I wanted a white wedding, and for it to be at my grandparents’ house in Montecito, CA. The church we are getting married at is the church that my parents got married at 30 years ago.

When I saw an inspiration photo with eucalyptus , I knew that would be perfect, because it is an Australian native tree and my grandpa is from Australia. So, my all white vision turned into mostly white with eucalyptus greenery and touches of gold.

My overall vision is light and airy, a romantic garden wedding. As soon as I stumbled upon Christina’s (Hello Blue Photo) work, I fell in love. Her style is so romantic, airy and beautiful. When we met her in person, I knew she’d be perfect. She’s so fun to work with and made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera during our engagement session.”

Photography: Hello Blue | Wedding Coordinator: Smith & Murphy Events And Desgin House | Floral Design: Padora Floral | Wedding Dress: Alfred Angelo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Nordstrom | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Cake Designer: Your Cake Baker | Furniture / Catering: DJ's Catering | MUAH: La Rouge Artistry

This Atlanta wedding captured by Tenth and Grace will make you rethink your local eatery. Fave restaurants aren’t just for dinner and drinks; they also make the perfect backdrop for celebrating “I Do’s”. And this location done up with florals by Gold & Bloom proves extra special because it was the site of many a date for this Bride and Groom and also sits right across the street from where they got engaged. So to say JCT Kitchen was written in the stars for these two is a complete understatement.

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Nicole and David wanted a wedding that really reflected who they are as a couple – part traditional, part modern and completely Atlanta. Choosing JCT Kitchen as the venue for their wedding was an easy choice – the couple lived nearby while they were dating and often dined at the restaurant. They even got engaged across the street! So the location was so meaningful to them and it was the perfect spot to exchange their vows. Although it poured fifteen minutes before the ceremony, the clouds moved out just in time for Nicole to walk down the aisle and we even enjoyed some sunshine later in the day. It was a beautiful day for this sweet couple!

Photography: Tanya Menoni | Coordinator: JCT Kitchen + Bar | Floral Design: Gold & Bloom | Wedding Invitations: Minted | Wedding Venue: JCT Kitchen + Bar | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Vow Books: Seniman Calligraphy

Dreaming of a destination wedding and actually doing it are two completely different things, but if you’re one of those couples that is on the fence about traveling to paradise to tie the knot, we’ve got two celebrations that might make things a little bit easier. From a super sweet elopement to a romantic beachside affair, think of today as all the inspiration you’ll need to get planning.

We love a good elopement, but an elopement set against a stunning Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa backdrop with only the couple’s adorable daughter in attendance? That’s next level. We’re all about Michelle and Dave’s day built for three with the seaside ceremony site and the bride’s vibrant bouquet, and we’re especially smitten with the gorgeous setting. Home to 44-acres of lush gardens and a private, white-sand beach, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is the sort of place that takes weddings AND vacations seriously. Kid-friendly (they even have an Explorer’s Club and Core Zone Teens Club) with the sort of accommodations that you’ll miss when you’re home, you can choose to spend your days relaxing on their beach, lounging poolside or golfing at the Riviera Maya Golf Club. And that’s just the beginning, you guys.

If you think you can’t have a larger destination wedding, Briana and Gabe are here to tell you: you’re most definitely wrong. They packed up 112 of their closest friends and family and headed to Mexico for a celebration that was one part outdoor fairy tale and one part super luxe party. And, ohmygosh, did they pick a gorgeous spot to tie the knot. The Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort is just 10 miles north of downtown Cancun with stunning pools and an awesome water park on-site. Not to mention their stage shows, beach activities (like football and volleyball) and dance lessons. And, of course, their wedding packages are amazing – and their talented staff can take care of literally everything, so you don’t have to worry about any of it for even a minute. We love that.

To plan that celebration of a lifetime, contact Dreams Resorts & Spas today. You’ll love their amazing locales, wedding packages and Unlimited Luxury® experience with 24-hour room + concierge service. And for even more inspiration, click here and here. Happy planning!

Now that you’ve got a stunning engagement ring on your finger, you want to make sure it stays in tip-top shape. Caring for your engagement ring is essential: it helps it sparkle longer, shine brighter, and look even more stunning. It’s also a pricey investment, and just like any other expensive items, it needs to be cared for.

Here are some important things to remember when caring for your brand new engagement ring:

Keep your diamond clean.
By dipping a soft brush in warm water and mild detergent, you can make sure it stays dust and dirt free. Rinse your ring thoroughly and simply dab it gently with a cloth to dry. Obviously, make sure to stay away from drains when cleaning!

Ring comes last!
Jerry Ehrenwald, the president and CEO of the International Gemological Institute, suggests getting mostly ready to go out before putting your ring on: “To avoid harming your diamond and/or dulling its luster, apply any hairspray, perfume or lotion before putting on jewelry. Once you’re ready to head out the door, gems should be the last thing you put on – the perfect finishing touch!”

Worried about scratches?
Ehrenwald suggests storing your ring in its own fabric-lined box. “This also provides an ideal place to keep a small soft cloth with which to wipe the diamond to remove oils at the end of each day,” he said.

Get professional help.
To keep your sparkler in prime condition, go to the professionals to have it checked for things like worn mountings or loose prongs at least once a year. They can also clean it for you.

Purchase ring insurance.
“People often think an engagement ring or other fine jewelry is automatically insured under a homeowners policy; however, many policies only provide limited coverage, which could leave you footing the bill if you need to replace an item,”  Ehrenwald said. He suggested brides-to-be and their fiancés consider purchasing a tailored insurance policy.
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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Claire Swinarski is a writer and podcaster based in Wisconsin. When she isn’t writing, she can be found obsessing over football, eating a burrito bowl, or hanging out with her husband and son.

This couple had their wedding day priorities right: they wanted to honor family and tradition, and they wanted a rockin’ dance party. To fulfill the first, Denae Brennan Events hung 1000 paper cranes folded by family and friends of the couple, to symbolize happiness, prosperity, and luck – plus, the installation looked amazing! Before dinner, they had all their guests sing a prayer that has been passed down through the bride’s family for generations. And for that second priority, they had some help from Bluewater Kings Band, who had the dance floor packed all night long – even BEFORE dinner was served. Now this is the kind of wedding you want to get invited to, but luckily for us, we can experience it all through Laura Ivanova’s photography.

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Maria and Jimmy discovered the River Farm in Rochester through a family friend and knew it was the perfect place for their summer nuptials. The couple’s priorities were a meaningful ceremony, great food, and a rocking dance party. They incorporated family traditions, such as the 1,000 paper cranes folded by the groom’s mother and other family and friends (a Japanese symbol of happiness, prosperity, and luck), and a prayer sung by all of the guests before dinner that has been passed down through the bride’s family. The dance floor was packed (they even danced before dinner!), and guests enjoyed the bride’s favorite treat – ice cream sandwiches – as a late night snack. The groom’s surprise serenade to the bride was a highlight of the night!

Photography: Laura Ivanova Photography | Cinematography: Hippo Film Co. | Event Planning: Denae Brennan Events | Floral Design: Modern Concepts And Design | Invitations: Ginger P Designs | Catering: Pinnacle Catering | Makeup: Kristin Soyring | Transportation: Rochester Trolley & Tour Co. | Beverages: With A Twist | Dessert: Catering By Design | Late Night Snack: Mama Meg's Ice Cream Parlour | Linens: Linen Effects | Reception Band: Bluewater Kings Band | Rentals: Majestic Tents & Events | Wedding Day Signage: Allegra Rose Design Co.

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