I’m downright jealous of Julie Paisley. What I would give to spend a day surrounded by this beauty. And then to capture it for eternal obsessing? Even better. Next best thing though to experiencing this lavender field fabulousness in person? Our gallery of gorgeousness that I’ve found myself knee deep in for the past several hours. From the stunning landscape to the details of this dress and florals, it just gets better and better and better…. get in on all the goodness with me right this way…

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From Julie Paisley… I will never forget this day. It was seriously like a dream. The smells of the lavender, the sounds of the bees buzzing, the warm sun as it set behind the mountains, it was like a painting and so surreal. A foraged untamed bouquet designed by Janna Brown was the perfect fit with the flowing and delicate gown by Emily Riggs Bridal. The backdrop of the Abbey could not be more perfect to show off the lavender in bloom on that beautiful July day. France never disappoints but on this day it shined.

Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Floral Design: Janna Brown Design Co. | Wedding Dress: Emily Riggs | Hair + Makeup: Camille Bonardi Hair & Make-Up Artist | Silks: Silk and Willow | Veil: All About Romance

After tons of wedding planning, this sweet couple came to the conclusion that a big, traditional bash in their home state wasn’t right for them, so they canceled their plans and decided to elope in Portugal instead. Erin Wilson Photography and Vanessa + Ivo came along to capture their intimate vow exchange on the balcony of Bussaco Palace Hotel, and Studio Victorias styled a dreamy private dinner for the newlyweds inspired by the beautiful blue and white tiles the bride loves and which are so prominent throughout Portugal. This elopement is so good, you just might be tempted to throw your wedding plans to the wind and hop on the next plane with your beloved.

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From Erin Wilson Photography…Lynn and Matt are a sweet couple that booked me for their wedding in Arkansas last year. After tons of wedding planning, they realized the big local wedding wasn’t what their heart was set on, and they decided to elope in Luso, Portugal at a gorgeous palace. They made a long trip over and brought me to photograph their beautiful wedding.

Lynn was very much in love with the blue and white tile accents you can find all over Portugal and the warm welcoming culture. She wanted her wedding day to look and feel like Portugal and that played a big part in the day. Lynn studied abroad in college and made her way down to visit and fell in love with the country and always wanted to go back. When they decided to have their wedding in another country, she knew Portugal was the one. Lynn and Matt’s wedding planner incorporated her love for that blue and white tile in all the beautiful details, cake, and atmosphere. It was everything Lynn loved!

They read hand written vows to each other in the balcony of Busaco overlooking the courtyard. It was intimate and private and really special to them. We explored around the grounds taking incredible images to showcase the beautiful venue and grounds. They ended their evening with champagne toasts, cake cutting, a sweet first dance, and a private dinner just the two of them. It was such a dreamy intimate day. I’m SO in love with this wedding I wish I could go back a million times.

Photography: Erin Wilson Photography | Cinematography: Vanessa & Ivo | Event Planning + Design: Viktoriia Ignateva - StudioVictorias | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Invitations: Shutterfly | Rings: Israel Diamond Supply | Hair + Makeup: Andy Dyo | Venue: Bussaco Palace Hotel | Bridal Boutique: Tesori | Film Scanning: The Find Lab

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Erin Wilson Photography

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If I were to make a bet, I would say that this Southern city produces some of the most romantic weddings on the planet. And blush hued architecture has only a bit to do with it. There must be something in the water in Charleston or maybe insanely talented vendors like Mac & B Events and Dana Cubbage are to to blame. All in all, it makes for the most gorgeous classic celebration in downtown Charleston. See the full day right here.

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I knew that Jocelyn + Justin’s wedding day was going to be amazing, but just how amazing… I had no idea!  It surpassed every expectation I had and I’m just so thankful for this job – documenting love like theirs is an absolute honor and I count myself lucky to have been the one they chose to be there with them on their wedding day.  Every part of their wedding day was pure perfection.  The weather was gorgeous, we found some incredible locations during portrait time, the venue was incredible – it was my very first time shooting at The Cedar Room and let me just say that I could shooting EVERY wedding there!  It’s stunning!! A few notes: Jocelyn is a twin. She + Justin met in college at the College of Charleston. During college, Justin suffered cardiac arrest one day while running and after frantically looking for him when he didn’t come home that night, they found him in the hospital as “John Doe”. He was in a coma for two days and they didn’t know if he’d survive. But he did! And it’s something that bonds them together forever. Additionally, Jocelyn lost her brother while they were dating – yet another obstacle that they tackled together. These two are just absolutely incredible. Their love + bond is something everyone should wish for. They are just amazing.

We started their day with a sweet First Look in downtown Charleston before meeting up with their bridal party for group photos.  Jocelyn + Justin’s bridal party was amazing and everyone was so nice… It felt like I was part of the family!  Their ceremony was officiated by a family friend and it was honestly one of the most moving ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed.  I was on the verge of tears as they recited their own vows to each other.  Witnessing + documenting love as strong as theirs is the ultimate honor and makes me so excited to find that in my own life someday.  It exists!! After a seated dinner, we ventured to the rooftop at The Cedar Room just in time for the perfect sunset and it was AMAZING!!  I loved spending this time with them and allowing them to take some time together before the party really got started.  They even shared a second First Dance together on the rooftop… So sweet!!  DJ Wade kept the dance floor packed all night and let me just say that Jocelyn + Justin know how to throw an incredible party!  I am just so happy for them and so honored to have been there to document it all for them.

Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Videography: Film Anywhere Productions | Floral Design: Tiger Lily Weddings | Gown: Essense of Australia | Cake: The Cedar Room | Stationery: The Silver Starfish | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaid Dresses: Kennedy Blue | Catering: The Cedar Room | Hair + Makeup: Pink Dot Beauty Bar | Lighting: Lowcountry Entertainment | DJ: DJ Wade Of Other Brother Entertainment | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Ceremony + Reception: The Cedar Room | Gown Shop: De Ma Fille Bridal | Planning + Coordination: Mac & B Events | Rentals: Event DRS

If there’s one thing I can always count on to make me smile, it’s fresh flowers, which is why these 10 beautiful bouquets have me grinning from ear to ear. From cheery, bright blooms bursting with joy to oh-so-romantic moody masterpieces, these bouquets are getting us through the gray skies and chilly air. Take a peek below, and don’t forget to check out all the other winners of our 2017 Wedding Awards!

A Bride’s Guide to the Boho-Luxe Look

Photography: Carlie Statsky | Floral Design: Michelle Lywood

How to Infuse Elegance Into a Bold, Bright Color Palette

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Floral Design: Oak And The Owl

This Whitewashed Barn Guarantees a Picture Perfect Wedding

Photography: Tenth & Grace | Floral Design: Everly Alaine Florals

This Happily Ever After Started at the Gym

Photography: Lacie Hansen | Floral Design: TOAST Santa Barbara

Citrus Wedding Inspiration Gone Totally Chic

Photography: Koman Photography | Floral Design: Coco Rose Design

Pretty in Pink Wine-Country Wedding Inspo

Photography: Christine Doneé Photography | Floral Design: Ellamah

The Prettiest Pink Black-Tie Wedding

Photography: Lacie Hansen | Floral Design: Stella Bloom Designs

A Wedding Filled with Whimsy and a Stunning Butterfly Release

Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Floral Design: Amy Osaba

This is the Kind of Love that They Write Books About

Photography: Michelle Boyd Photography | Floral Design: Bristol Lane Florals

A Fresh, Modern Twist on a Classic Garden Affair

Photography: Natalie Bray Studios | Floral Design: Best Day Ever Floral Design

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Natalie Bray Studios

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‘Tis the week of last-minute shopping and if you haven’t already done your Santa duties, we’re here to help with a little gift guide for all of your newlywed friends. From beautiful decor (hey there, sweet globe) to household essentials (a copper tea pot, of course), we’ve got you covered with 22 items that will bring the joy time and time again.

The Ultimate Newlywed Gift Guide

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The Ultimate Newlywed Gift Guide

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When art history and a love story combine, you’re sure to get a beautiful wedding. This editorial by Shawna Yamamoto Event Design and Hylah White Special Events blends the historic painting ‘The Birth of Venus” with modern day wedding accents like a gorgeous ombre cake, winged wedding heels and halved peaches featured within the decor.

The lush green and peach florals take center stage at the reception, complementing the classic greenery of the Four Seasons Los Angeles. Feast your eyes on the photos captured beautifully by Koman Photography.

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Hylah White from Hylah White Special Events:
We drew inspiration from an old Italian Villa and added a Grecian vibe. The Four Seasons, Beverly Hills was the perfect backdrop for this wedding editorial. Every detail was carefully curated to blend perfectly to create some breathtaking ethereal photos by the talented team The Koman Photography.

The couture gown by RMINE with a delicate lace bodes was seamlessly complemented by a delicate airy cape that flowed effortlessly down the hand-stitched train. The amazing bridal bouquet by Shawna Yamamoto Event Design echoed this soft aesthetic with luxurious florals paired with the cascading greenery for an utterly heavenly design.

For the invitations, Jasmin Michelle Designs created a suite inspired by the decor and old Italian villas with a nod to classic design with a soft, modern finishes. The layered invitation included an ornate old world Italian crest printed on a delicate, soft semi-translucent overlay with a handmade peach ribbon wrap treatment. The classic invitation was paired with an unexpected pop of color with the vintage peach illustration of the envelop liner.

Upon entering the reception area, a vision of overgrown lush greens and tranquility take center stage. Nicole and Jeany of Shawna Yamamoto Event Design produced something truly spectacular through their floral design paired with unexpected romantic touches reminiscent of the grandeur of a time long ago. The statue created a dramatic focal point that effortlessly grew from the table center with flowers draping over her and cascading down towards the table.

The grey menus featured the old world Italian monogram for an understated elegance which paired perfectly with the intricate hand scrolls dinnerware from Borrowed blu laid perfectly on Luxe Linen. Their rose gold flatware and gold-rimmed stemware complimented the organic arrangements which included halved peaches as accents.

The draping greens running down the tablescape really added a garden elegance to the overall decor. The romantic and an ethereal Tuscan decor was illuminated through the draping and the lighting really warmed up the atmosphere.

The vintage vignette provided by Sweet Salvage Rentals really completed the overall romantic ambiance with a chandelier adorned with lush greens and an ice sculpture accented perfectly with fresh fruit.

Shawna Yamamoto from Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
The initial inspiration came to us from the planner. She had a very soft, romantic palette with the inclusion of a famous painting ” The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli. When I am presented with famous works of art, I feel it is my duty to represent that artwork correctly. It depicts the goddess Venus arriving at the shore after her birth when she had emerged from the sea fully-grown. She is surrounded by other gods in the image that represent the wind and seasons, you can see the wind blowing blossoms around and their clothes all have an organic motif to them. The painting is very sensual and we wanted to show her sensuality and beauty by rising up to her – creating a feast of sorts to celebrate her birth and all she would stand for; creating a beautiful garden that would suspend around her.

Selecting fruit was both to demonstrate an offering as well as to depict the sensuality of the woman. We covered up her body to take the painting one step further – you can see she is about to be clothed and is attempting to cover up her body herself. The painting was highly criticized it when first came out for its nudity.

We wanted to nod to that era, however, also celebrate the fact that it eventually came back out of hiding and is now again celebrated. The painting is also very large in scale – using a replica statute helped make it feel larger than life – as if you are standing in front of the very painting and feel that same scale it presents to you in person.

Photography: Koman Photography | Floral Design : Shawna Yamamoto Event Design | Wedding Dress: R-Mine Bespoke | Shoes: Sophia Webster | Ring: test | Make Up: Blushington | Hair: Face It Sugar Beauty | Lighting: Parde Productions | Groom's Attire: Friar Tux | Hotel: The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills | Draping: Pipe Dream Events | Ice Sculpture: Ice Bulb | Invites: Jasmin Michelle Designs | Linens: Luxe Linen | Model: Alice Radu | Model: Brandon Moshenko | PR & Marketing: Rayce PR | Planning: Hylah White Special Events | Rentals: borrowed BLU | Rentals: Marnie Schnabel - Sweet Salvage Rentals | Rentals: Revelry Event Designers | Ring Box: Amonie Ring Box

A reception under the night sky was high on the list of priorities when searching for a venue and this sweet duo found a winner, winner with Brookview Ranch. Coordinated by Wedding Kate, along with lush florals by Rockrose Floral Design and beautiful images by Michelle Beller, feast your eyes on the most gorgeous mix of classic garden details with a modern twist. Instead of an arch, there’s a rose infused A-frame, bridesmaids gowns are replaced with silk rompers and guests arrived to a pre-ceremony cocktail hour and lawn games. Sounds pretty darn fab if you ask us.

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From the Bride… Dave and I were both born and raised in California and wanted to have an intimate outdoor wedding in the summer surrounded by nature and our loved ones, followed by a reception under the night sky. We fell in love with Brookview Ranch the moment we stepped onto the property. Everything was so green with large Oak Trees and white rose bushes surrounding the ceremony lawn. The most beautiful Olive Tree’s encompassing the reception area and 360 degree mountain views at the top of the property…we knew it was the perfect place for our wedding. We wanted our wedding day to be laid back with both a classic and modern feel with neutral tones and pops of lush and deep colors with rose gold and mustard accents which came out in our ceremony benches, long farm tables at reception, rose gold flatware, peach glassware, neutral linens and table runners, wood and crème taper candles and mustard ribbons while our deep and lush pops of color came from the stunning floral center pieces. We had a so much fun tying together all the different elements we envisioned and creating complimenting details with our wonderful vendors. Our friends and family arrived to a pre cocktail hour with delicious passed appetizers, a beautiful charcuterie, lawn games and refreshing drinks to cool everyone down in the surprise 106-degree heat wave. We said “I do’s!” under our custom built wood A Frame, adorned with incredible cascading florals while My sister and brother in law lead our ceremony. My mom walked me down the isle. We both wanted pieces of our grandparents with us so Dave wore his grandfather’s watch and I wore my grandmothers wedding band. Once it cooled down and guests were on the dance floor, we stole a minute and watched the sunset together from the top of the mountain overlooking the venue. Pink clouds surrounding a rising moon, set the back drop for a perfect romantic photo sequence.

Photography: Michelle Beller | Coordination: Wedding Kate | Floral Design: Rockrose Floral Design | Cake: Frost It Cakery | Catering: L.A. Roots Catering Co. | DJ: Gavin Roy | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Party Pleasers | bar: liquid cult | beauty: TEAM Hair and Makeup | invite: Minted | paper: Lazy Creative Designs

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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The beach is a place that is overflowing with wedding inspiration, and no one knows that better than genius designer, Madeline Gardner. She took her love of the sand, sea and sunny skies and designed one of her most beautiful collections yet with the Morilee Madeline Gardner Spring 2018 Bridesmaids Collection. Boasting muted earth tones and modern lines, it’s a fresh take on the classics with a gorgeous beachy twist. You’re going to love it.

With 12 stunning new color options and silhouettes that are basically made for mixing and matching, the new Spring 2018 Bridesmaid Collection from Morilee Madeline Gardner is perfect for any style wedding. We adore the clean, modern lines, but we’re especially smitten with all of the different styles. Different styles always means happy besties and, trust us, yours will be over the moon with the gorgeous options, including off-the-shoulder looks and chic jumpsuits. Not having a seaside wedding? No worries. These beauties were inspired by the muted tones of the beach, but will flow effortlessly into ANY style wedding – whether you’re throwing a classic affair, a boho chic soiree or a more modern party.

Do yourselves a favor and check out the new Morilee Madeline Gardner Spring 2018 Collection by finding a retailer near you here. We promise you’ll love the versatility and the beachy undertones… and we can’t wait to see you mix and match your hearts out.

Enjoying a nice bottle of wine on the couch or patio with your loved one is one of life’s great pleasures! If you’re a vino-loving couple, why not add these products to your wedding registry to elevate your at-home bar!

From innovative openers to chic displays—these wine accessories will have you begging for another glass!

9 Perfect Gifts for a Wine-Lover's Registry

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9 Perfect Gifts for a Wine-Lover's Registry

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

I know we’re already diving into winter’s wonderland but can we go back and do autumn just a little bit more? Because this shoot right here has us all heart eyed with fall florals and one gorgeous gown and we’re not ready to leave it anytime soon. Kelly Hornberger captured all the chic seasonal moments at this historic D.C. hotspot and we’re oh so grateful she did. Head to our gallery to see more!

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From Kelly Hornberger Photography… Gorgeous fall flora color scheme bridals set amongst the stunning Tudor Place historic home and gardens.

Photography: Kelly Hornberger Photography | Floral Design: Petals By The Shore | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Invitations: The Dandelion Patch | Jewelry: Atheria Fine Jewelry | Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Ana B | Venue: Tudor Place | Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Live Painter: By Brittany Branson | Purse: Yonder Design | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Veil: Shea Marie

When Allie emailed Brenda Babcock of Italia Celebrations in hopes of planning her destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast in four short months, she never could have dreamed it would come together this perfectly. From the opulent florals by Orazio for Italia Celebrations to the insanely beautiful Marchesa gown (I’m just a little obsessed with it!) to the stunning pops of blue, every single detail was sheer perfection. Trust me, loves, there’s no better way to start a Monday than with this gallery by Emm and Clau.

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From the Bride… When we started planning the wedding in April, the most important thing was to have close friends and family at our side. My husband, Andrew, was just about to begin NHL hockey playoffs, and so he wanted me to deal with all things wedding related since he couldn’t dedicate himself to anything else at that moment. Having the responsibility of planning for the both of us made me stop to consider what he would want more than if he had been at my side planning along with me.

Location was key for us, and the prior year, we had the most amazing afternoon and dinner in the town of Ravello. We strolled through the tiny, ancient streets and gardens taking it all in. The night ended with a delicious meal at the Belmond Caruso. It was a perfect night in a perfect town. Discussing this with Brenda and mentioning our desire to have the wedding on the sea, she suggested having the wedding there, which is also one of her preferred locations. The memories, sights, and sounds came rushing back to me, and I knew immediately that it was the perfect place for us. We couldn’t wait to share it with our friends and families, who we knew would love it as much as we had! It was easy for us to have a destination wedding because, there was never one location that made sense. We knew we would have guests traveling from Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden, Israel, Australia, and the UK for our wedding.

It was really important to make each and every guest feel welcome, and so it was important to us to have three days of events where we included all guests. They had all travelled so far to be with us. We had a casual welcome dinner the first day, the wedding on the second day, and the third day we spent by the sea relaxing with all of our guests at The Clubhouse, which is a private club carved into the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast that goes straight down to the sea where we could go for a swim or take out one of their small boats. The day was amazing and may be the most talked about part of the wedding to this day, months later.

When planning the wedding, I wanted to use local vendors as much as possible. I found my wedding dress 15 minutes down the road from where I live; I designed the invitations together with a local California woman who designs greeting cards whose contact I got from my neighbor. I knew I didn’t want to fly photographers and videographers over to Italy, and we couldn’t have been more pleased with the local ones that Brenda suggested and hired on our behalf. All the vendors that she suggested and hired and all those on her team were exceptional and a pleasure to be around. The photographers, hair and makeup team, musicians, florists, caterers…everyone did a wonderful job. We LOVED Monsignor John who celebrated our wedding in the Catholic church and hope to have him baptize our children in the future. We can’t thank everyone enough.

It was important that the wedding reflected the particular tastes and style of Andrew and myself, which the intimate setting, eclectic decor, and amazing food did, 100%. The wedding planning was a dream because of Brenda Babcock of Italia Celebrations. She made our vision come alive and on such short notice. Aside from being visually everything I had hoped for, she and her team organized everything impeccably. This allowed us and our parents to spend all of our time with our guests, and so we were all able to relax and enjoy the thrilling three days without any stress!

I now suggest to people that they plan their weddings in just four months! The only down side to having the destination wedding was not having our chocolate Labrador, Charlie, at our side. Since we had included him on our invitations, he was always there with us in spirit, too.

Photography: Emm And Clau | Cinematography: Marco Caputo Films | Event Planning: Brenda Babcock Celebrations | Floral Design: Armando Malafronte | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Invitations: Darla Marie Designs | Ceremony Venue: Belmond Hotel Caruso Amalfi Coast | Shoes: Alexandre Birman | Rings: Crowley's Jewellers + Goldsmiths | Rings: Noam Carver | Hair + Makeup: Brenda Babcock Celebrations | Bride's Earrings: great Aunt Margaret’s turquoise earrings (something old) | Veil: The White Dress

An engagement ring is a big purchase—even more so than your wedding dress because it’s something you’ll wear every day for the rest of your life! It’s therefore very important that your ring style be both one that you’ll always love, as well as one that’s personal to you and your style!

While timeless, classic rings will always be in style, many brides are looking for a unique engagement ring, something that’s more personal to them. However since there are so many new jewelry designers out there providing a breadth of options, it can be overwhelming to find the right designer for you! To help narrow it down, here are 10 new jewelry designers offering intricate designs, unexpected materials, and extraordinary styles for each and every bride!

10 Unique Engagement Ring Designers

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10 Unique Engagement Ring Designers

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

We are firm believers that the most beautiful of weddings have the prettiest of details! One gorgeous detail that always gives us inspiration is the bride’s hairstyle. From ethereal braids to delicate up-do’s, we’ve gathered the prettiest wedding hairstyles that graced Style Me Pretty this year. And they are GORGEOUS – you’ve been warned!

Best Wedding Hairstyles of 2017

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Best Wedding Hairstyles of 2017

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There are so many emotions and excitement that surround your wedding day, including all the excitement form your loving guests! With so many moving parts involved, it is easy to get caught up in all the tiny details and overlook the smallest of details that welcome your guests.

You and your partner have carefully curated an invite list and each guest has planned out their day or weekend to share in your wonderful evening. Making them feel comfortable and welcome will create an atmosphere of love and excitement you always dreamed would surround your wedding.

Greet your Guests with a Beverage

Whether it be a glass of bubbling champagne or a chilled lemonade, this is a touch that is sure to welcome your guests to your soiree. Having a fall/winter wedding? Opt for a warm beverage that will warm your guests’ hands as they enter your venue. They will be especially sure to thank you if you are having a portion of your event outdoors.

Involve your Guests in the Fun

Creative ways of including your guests in the day’s events or moments can mean a lot to your guests who may not know each other. If you are having a weekend event, such as your rehearsal dinner on Friday and your wedding on Saturday, make it a “the more, the merrier” occasion and invite all of your guests coming into town that day to your rehearsal dinner party. This will act as a huge ice breaker for guests on both the bride and the groom’s side to meet and mingle.

Be Inclusive in Planning your Seating Charts

Head tables can be the center of your reception vision and include your closest friends such as members of your wedding party, but they can often feel exclusive. If your maid of honor invites her new boyfriend and he knows no one, yet there isn’t room for him at the head table, it can become quite an uncomfortable evening for him. You want to make sure everyone feels welcome and thought of individually. If you opt for a head table, make sure to make room for each member of your wedding party and their plus-ones to ensure a fun moment for everyone involved! As far as the remaining tables are concerned, be strategic and thoughtful when arranging your guests if you are having a seated dinner.

Whatever elements you implement into your affair will be sure to elevate the overall energy of your event and will leave you and your guests overcome with joy and excitement in celebration of a wonderful moment.

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.

High Emotion Weddings is on a mission to showcase the many beautiful options for weddings in Austria, and this princess-worthy editorial photographed by Daniela Porwol is but one! The concept was inspired by the words written by the heir-apparent to the Austro-Hungarian empire in the late 18th century to his wife: “I would do anything for you. I will forever love you!” Romantic, right? From the gorgeous castle venue, Schoss Eckartsau (the home of the very same heir-apparent) to the contributions of many talented Austrian vendors, we cannot help but get swept up in this fairytale shoot.

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I chose a beautiful baroque castle, about one hour drive from Vienna, to show couples one of the different options this beautiful country has to offer when it comes to celebrating love in a romantic, luxury setting. This time I decided to create an exquisite love story in a history-filled imperial jewel: Schloss Eckartsau. We were inspired by the love story of Franz Ferdinand – the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne – and Sophie Chotek, and a letter he wrote to her in this castle, ending with this beautiful words:
“I would do anything for you. I will forever love you!”

We chose to immortalize these words on leather and incorporated leather from Mike’s Creative Factory, beautifully calligraphed by Tintenfuchs, into our stationery concept, in remembrance of the castle also being a hunting chateau for the imperial family. We decided on a blush, brown, and copper color palette at dinner, with pops of coral and orange to adorn that majestic staircase. Our bride, wearing an amazing peach and crème beaded dress by Ukrainian designer Oksana Mukha and matching headpieces by Viennese designer Edita Rosenrot, takes us on a trip to a previous century, when ladies were strolling through the castle park whispering poems of love behind lacy parasols and fans.

Photography: Daniela Porwol Artful Weddings | Cinematography: Cinerava | Event Planning: High Emotion Weddings | Floral Design: PONK Rentals | Wedding Dress: Oksana Mukha | Wedding Cake: Betty's Bakery | Reception Venue: Eckartsau | Hair + Makeup: Adriana Holban Make-up Artist | Calligraphy: Tintenfuchs | Groom: Marino Kriftner | Groom's Attire: Brautsalon Flossmann | Bow Tie + Hankie: STRAUB Vienna | Bride: Tempo Models | Headpieces: Edita Rosenrot | Leather Stationery: Mike's Factory | Parasol: Delicouswedding | Tableware: J.&L. Lobmeyr

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Petit Bouquet

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If you’ve been struggling over the perfect gift for your guy, we feel you. He may be the love of your life, but finding that stop-you-in-your-tracks present isn’t always easy. No worries, we’ve been busy scouring the web and the results are a curated a list of 23 sure-to-please goodies we know he’ll love. Scroll to take your gift exchange to the next level.

23 Gifts For Your Guy We Know He'll Love

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23 Gifts For Your Guy We Know He'll Love

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It’s all about the tension between hot and cold in this Tuscan inspiration shoot, captured by Thecablookfotolab and Gattotigre – and it proves without a doubt there’s truth to the saying, “There is beauty in the tension.” The Tuscan Wedding carefully crafted cool and calming settings around the villa using bluish hues like in the incredible creation by Tuscan Wedding Cakes and then added that spark of fire with red accents, often in the arrangements by Flowers Living or through the warmth radiated by the bride and groom. A scroll through this gallery, and you’ll feel all that beautiful and irresistible tension yourself!

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Many young girls dream of their wedding day since their childhood, however I don’t think you could ever dream of a wedding location this spectacular. The Tuscan Wedding had an extremely particular vision for this lovely shoot, and with help from Darya Kamalowa, an excellent photographer who lives in Milan, Italy, they accomplished their goal. We loved her vision for this shoot, and it is always a pleasure working with her.

This shoot is full of colors, creativity, and inspiration for a dream wedding in the hills of Tuscany. These photos take place at Il Borro located in the heart of Tuscany, however not far from the city of Florence. This villa has it all and will take your breath away the moment you enter. From the stationery to the food to the table setting, every little detail has a consistent color theme. The Tuscan Wedding wanted to create a unique feel, including cold and warm colors in their shoot. They used blues, grays, and greens to create a cool tone, sprinkling a pop of cherry red to create a hot tone. In all areas of this shoot you can find this exclusive color theme.

Let’s begin with the stationery created by White Flowers Calligraphy. The Tuscan Wedding wanted to keep this part simple, using white cards and envelopes with light blue text. Placing cool colors around the stationery caused the two red cherries laying on the stationery to really pop. They then brought this shoot to a bedroom filled with red, green, and blue. Small accents of red were spread around the room, while the wallpaper had small accents of blue and green. The model has beautiful bright blue eyes, helping the color theme to stay consistent. This room brought a rustic feel to the shoot.

Flowers Living did an outstanding job with all the flower displays for this shoot; we can always count on them. The Bride’s bouquet continued this color theme; red and white flowers with green leaves were tied together with a light blue and red sash. Again even in the bouquet, where you can only find a few red flowers, they continue to stand out the most. The groom matches the bride’s details as well. His boutonniere includes white flowers sprouting out of a green steam, a small red flower, all tied together with a light blue ribbon.

The scenery changes as they bring the bride and groom into a more contemporary setting. As you enter your eyes are immediately drawn to the bright blue pool located in the middle of the room. The cake, designed by Tuscan Wedding Cake, stands on a grey table in front of a dark wooden door. We are always impressed by Tuscan Wedding Cake’s designs and creativity. This cake matches the room, being all white with a gorgeous blue detail. This blue detail includes light and dark blues matching the swimming pool. The blue stones get darker in the middle of the design causing the cake to look cut into. Inside the room, you can find accents of blue and green, staying consistent. This is the first time we do not see a pop of cherry red. However the bride and groom’s romantic tension takes place of the bright red color; they create a very warm feeling that stands out in this cool, calming setting.

Photography: Thecablookfotolab | Cinematography: Gattotigre - Destination Wedding Videography | Event Planning: The Tuscan Wedding | Floral Design: Flowers Living | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: TUSCAN WEDDING CAKES | Stationery: test | Catering: Delizia Ricevimenti | Hair + Makeup: Cherie Spisso | Venue: Il Borro | Car : Andrea Banchetti

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The Tuscan Wedding

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I’m 100% convinced it’s not possible to love a wedding any more than this beauty. Combining the bride’s Caribbean roots with the couple’s California zip code, this celebration is a mix of vibrant color, gorgeous nods to heritage and fun, modern details all planned by Sweet Emilia Jane, along with florals by The Little Branch and gorgeous images by Rebecca Yale. From leaf signage to a healthy dose of fuchsia, get inspired by an affair filled with modern, tropical vibes.

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Bridgette and Alex were married on August 6, 2016 at a private estate in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. The bride and groom are both software engineers and met in 2011 while building custom animation software for the film industry. They worked together on How to Train Your Dragon 2, King Fu Panda 2, Puss and Boots and more. The bride currently works at Dreamworks and the groom at Flipagram.

Bridgette and Alex are fun, adventurous and have a love for good food and drink. Sweet Emilia Jane highlighted those aspects of their relationship throughout the wedding design. They incorporated Bridgette’s Caribbean heritage in a way that was elegant and modern. Every detail from the invitations to the place settings had a modern tropical vibe with bright splashes of color. From the guestbook and cake flanked by oversized palm leaves to the palm leaf and rose adorned arch, the wedding felt distinctly unique and tropical. The lush landscape, bright pops of bougainvillea and incredible architecture were the perfect backdrop for the day. Elements found around the property were tied into the design from the tropical leaf signage to the bougainvillea on the wedding cake.

The bride wore a custom Sarah Nouri gown and placed white flowers in her afro on one side and braided the other with delicate pink flowers tucked underneath. The groom wore a blue suit and Shinola watch, gifted to him as a surprise by the bride the morning of the wedding. Instead of a traditional wedding party the bride and groom had their large families serve as their attendants, the bride’s three brothers as her bridesmen, and the groom’s four older brothers and sister as his groomsmen (and woman). The groom’s niece and nephew served as ring-bearer and flower-girl and the other many nieces and nephews got together for a large group picture and helped get the party started dancing the night away.

The bride chose to walk by herself down the aisle while a guitarist sang All of Me, meeting her dad at the very end for a hug before handing her off to her groom. The couple wrote their own vows and finished the ceremony by jumping the broom, which had been decked out in flowers to fit the Caribbean theme.

Since they are foodies and cocktail-lovers the food from Root Cellar and drinks from Snake Oil had to not only taste good, but look good. The bride and groom had four signature cocktails, two named after themselves, that guests sipped throughout the evening. Cocktail Hour took place at the back of the estate and guests enjoyed passed hors d’ouerves and a market table with fresh fruits, charcuterie and cheeses. At the end of the cocktail hour Root Cellar surprised the guests with a whole roasted pig, Caribbean style, which had been cooking all day.

The escort card table was set next to the dining area with each guests name written on a leaf and placed in wooden bowls full of coffee beans. Guests were welcomed down to the tables as the sun began to set, which were decked out in blue Ikat tablecloths with bright blooms and string lights above. Each guest had a piece of sea glass on their seat serving as their place card and a coconut shell with the salad course awaiting them. It was the perfect way to tie in the overall design of the day into the design of the food in a way that was unique and unexpected. The groom surprised their guests by serenading his new bride to Elton John’s, Your Song, during dinner followed by traditional Caribbean music that got everyone up and dancing between courses. After dinner guests returned to the house’s patio for cake and more dancing. The bride and groom’s entire family ended up jumping on top of the fountain on the patio and dancing the night away atop it.

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Videographer: Grimace Films | Event Planning: Sweet Emilia Jane | Floral Design: THE LITTLE BRANCH | Cake: Hey There, Cupcake! | Bride's Shoes: Oscar De La Renta | Caterer: Root Cellar Catering Co. | Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Hair: Ebony Riley | DJ: Red Shoe LA | Bar: Snake Oil Cocktail Co. | Bride's Dress: Sareh Nouri | Bride's Dress Point of Purchase: Saks Fifth Avenue | Guitarist: Angela Mukul | Paper Goods: Rachel Marvin Creative | Private Estate: Paradise Shores - Venue Lust

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Raise your hand if you still have some holiday shopping to do?! C’mon, be honest. I myself have a handful of people to cross off the ol’ list… you know, the ones who are the hardest to shop for so you procrastinate until the very last minute. That’s where gift boxes always come in clutch. I think it’s the best gift really, even if you’re an early shopper. Pick a simple theme and stock it up with a few fun items! This lavender-inspired box from Salt & Grove would delight just about any receiver. Plus, shop owner’s Katie and Sarah are giving us 5 amazing tips on how to master your gift-giving skills this season!

Shop small and local! Being a great consumer is an especially wonderful thing to be around the holidays. By shopping at places where the items have been carefully curated, you are not only supporting a small business, you are purchasing something that is well-designed and made, which makes for an awesome gift. Gift-giving should be a thoughtful process… your loved ones will truly appreciate the effort you put forth when they open such a special gift, something so perfect just for them! You are also more likely to be gifting a longer lasting and better quality product.

Create a theme for individual gifts. This is something really fun to do, especially when creating a gift box or basket for a holiday gift. You can get really creative here, and a theme can start with a simple idea. For example, we created this lavender-themed gift box, which could be perfect for so many people…someone going through a stressful time, a new parent, or someone who just really loves the calming scent of lavender. Our gift box contains several lavender themed items, from a bar of soap, to actual lavender, to a tea towel with an illustration of our favorite herb. You can take this concept anywhere with any theme. Again, you are creating a well-thought out gift, which is the best kind to receive!

Make a budget. Shopping around the holidays can be a bit frantic, and if you are not careful, you can overspend just for the sake of making sure you have everyone crossed off your list. Being organized early in the holiday season with a list of everyone you need to shop for and what you want to spend for each person is a smart way of staying the path when it comes to your shopping. It will also help you feel successful and accomplished as you gradually (and calmly) conquer that shopping list!

Come up with a wrapping theme for all of your gifts! You can come up with some really fun ideas for your holiday wrapping (use Pinterest and blogs for inspiration), and once you have an idea in mind, you can wrap all of your holiday gifts with the same components, with a bit of added variety between each gift. For example, you can wrap all of your gifts in kraft paper, bakers twine, some simple gift tags, and varying sprigs of holiday greens on each package. Not only is this adorable, but it will save you money and space. All the wrapping paper out there is cute, but you don’t need it all! You will look like the most organized and creative person when you show up to the holiday party with the cutest packages under the tree!

Send holiday cards! In a world full of emails, texts and stories, snail mail has sadly lost its place. Receiving a card in the mail and even better, one with a hand-written note can be just as special as a wrapped gift. Sending cards to loved ones and perhaps someone you have lost touch with can be a darling sentiment.

Photography: Sarah Jayne Photography | Tips, Styling + Gift Box: Salt & Grove

Want to create your own custom gift box for friends and family? Head to Salt & Grove for more info!

Whether your wedding party is an intimate few, or a larger crew, you’ll want to express appreciation for those standing by you on your big day. It’s a lot of work supporting a bride and groom!

As a bride-to-be, I love thoughtful and unique ways to celebrate my bridesmaids,  which is why I turned to The Wedding Shop by Shutterfly for personalized bridal party gifts. From monogrammed tote bags to wine glasses and canvas pouches, gifts from The Wedding Shop are practical and fun, for use on our wedding day and beyond. And guys: I didn’t forget about you!

Scroll below for a peek at the customized gifts I created with The Wedding Shop for my bridesmaids and for my fiancé’s groomsmen.

These monogrammed tote bags can hold all the essentials, including a change of clothes (and don’t forget shoes, too!). I’m excited to gift these classic monogram totes to each of my bridesmaids.

I absolutely adore these etched wine glasses, perfect for morning mimosas or serving fresh fruit. I can just imagine them being put to use in our bridal prep suite!

A portable phone charger is a total lifesaver! On our wedding day, my bridesmaids can keep connected and snap photos, from morning prep to the final dance.

A cute, black-and-white striped canvas pouch can play double duty to carry day-of supplies or a mini emergency kit for last minute touch-ups.

Moving on to groomsmen gifts! How cool is this stainless steel growler? Beer aficionados will appreciate a personalized growler of their own.

I know my fiancé’s groomsmen will love raising a glass (or two!) with this monogrammed pint glass. I loved being able to personalize with each guy’s initial.

These etched flasks will certainly lift spirits! Each flask can feature his monogram, or a personal message for groomsmen.

The vintage map journal is a great timeless gift for guys, one he can keep at his desk or for travel.

The Wedding Shop carries all these items for bridesmaids and groomsmen, plus much more, all the way from your wedding stationery to your wedding albums and newlywed home decor. The Wedding Shop has a wide variety of bridal party gift ideas, both for guys and girls. Items can be customized with a simple click, and ordering is a total breeze — even for a large group. All items I received were neatly packaged, ready to be gifted and enjoyed. So easy! Adding a personal touch to each gift is just what I was looking for in celebrating our wedding party!