Calling all beach brides! If you’re looking for the perfect palette to complement a seaside fête, today is your lucky day. This romantic Florida wedding at The Bellamy of 30A brought in soft blues and greys in the bridesmaids’ dresses which picked up the cool tones of the water and a subtle, pinkish hue in the bride’s Leanne Marshall gown which picked up the warm tones of the sand and sun. The result is pure color palette magic, captured by Mint Photography with assistance from Claire Casner Photography.

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From Mint Photography… There are so many aspects to this wedding that made it one of my very favorites of all time. First off, Seaside in 30A is perhaps one of the most charming beach cities I’ve ever visited. If you haven’t been, it’s a must! It set the perfect backdrop for an intimate, yet unique wedding location. We had incredible weather this weekend, and the pastel color palette was a perfect touch for a beach wedding. The bride wore a stunning Leanne Marshall gown, which flowed beautifully on the beach. Their precious golden retriever, Romeo, even made a special appearance at their nuptials. The party continued on at The Bellamy, where guests enjoyed food, drinks, and dancing under the moonlight. Audree and Dan are also one of the sweetest, most easy going and head-over-heels in love couples we have worked with. It was such a pleasure documenting this gorgeous destination celebration!

Photography: Mint Photography | Coordination: Savoir Faire Weddings | Floral Design: Celestines Special Occasions | Wedding Dress: Leanne Marshall | Cake: Sweet For Sirten | Reception Venue: The Bellamy of 30A | Makeup: Blush Beauty Lounge | Hair: Lanna Bloodworth | DJ: Gulf Talent Services | Groom's Attire: Pronto Uomo | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Photography Assistance: Claire Casner

From The Bachelor to happily ever after, we’ve followed along as Whitney Bischoff found love and planned her Cape Cod nuptials. That gorgeous New England celebration is finally here and it is so worth the wait. Plus…#CutePupAlert. Peek inside this romantic coastal affair designed by Always Yours Events, with florals by The Wild Dahlia, stationery by Amanda Day Rose and images captured by Carly Michelle. And don’t forget to hit play on that perfect film by Brighter Lights Media below. Psst… for more of Whitney’s journey, click here.

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Y’all! You can official call me Mrs. Whitney Bischoff Angel! It still feels so surreal. For the past year, I’ve been sharing bits and pieces of the ideas and details I had planned for our special day, but to actually see it all come to fruition actually took my breath away. October 21, 2017 was hands down the best day of my life. I want to relive it all over again, but as knowing that time only moves forward, the next best thing is to reminisce and share all of my memories.

After Ricky and I chose to have our wedding on Cape Cod, we decided our first item to tackle was our venue. We visited several venues on the Cape, but after visiting The Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, our decision was made for us. Not only was the venue picturesque, from the grounds to the gardens, water views and accommodations, but the customer service was next to none. The team was so helpful during the planning process, but most importantly, what stood out to Ricky and I, was how well they treated not only us, but our family and friends. Every single employee of the Wequassett was so helpful, kind and warm. Our guests are still talking about it and some have already booked travel to go back. Thank you to the Wequassett for treating us all like family. We can honestly say we will visit the rest of our lives and can’t wait to bring our children.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, my vendor team was the key to pulling off the wedding of my dreams. Each vendor, led me to another who recommended another, and yet another. It was almost like it was meant to be. It was so important that I trusted them, but also that they trusted one another and their work.

Thank you to our wedding planner, Keri Ketterer of Always yours Events, for all you did to execute such a perfect day! You did not overlook one single detail and without you we would not have been able to pull off this celebration. Thank you for keeping me calm, for your advice, professionalism and overall being such a kind soul and good friend.

The theme to our wedding…”Life has a crazy, beautiful design”….was a line from our first dance, which was performed by Ricky’s father and brother… a moment I’ll never forget. When I first heard the song “Amazing Day” by Coldplay it was the lyrics that really spoke to me and this line in particular. For those of you who have followed my journey to true love, I’m not sure anyone, including myself, thought I would find it. But I did, in a very crazy, but beautiful way. Every step and decision I had made, led me to that moment, that day, and to Ricky.

It was important that our personal touch was evident throughout the design. Our theme was quietly placed throughout the wedding to catch each guest’s eye. Our invitation suites had a keepsake card with the lyrics, which was such a special touch. All stationary was completed by Amanda Day Rose and beautifully calligraphed by Design by Laney. Amanda created a personal crest for Ricky and I, which was also displayed throughout the day. What many people don’t know, is the thought that went into making this crest unique and personal. It is a crest that we will continue to use throughout our life. I look at it as a representation of the start of our life together. Eventually, with the start of our family, I will ask Amanda to add to it, but for now an “R” and “W” are intertwined together, with angel wing flowers as a border and one lily, which is a tribute to my late mother, her favorite flower.

This leads me to our amazing florist Shawna of Wild Dahlia. She completely blew me away. Y’all, did you see my bouquet? That arrangement was a complete work of art (not to mention it was heavier than my dog daughter, Lillie!). It was the perfect arrangement of lush, full gorgeous blooms, with one lily, to represent my mom. The lily was facing me, closest to my heart. My sister, also had one adorning her bouquet, as well as each family member’s table. Lastly, there was one empty chair in the front row of the ceremony, which had an arrangement of lilies. I am so appreciative to everyone who understood how important it was to have my mother captured in our day. There was no doubt my mom was represented and was present. Everywhere I looked, whether anyone noticed it or not, we knew she was there.

Knowing how precious and short time is, is the reason I wanted a videographer there to capture every moment. Christian and his team at Brighter Lights Media did just that…every tear, laugh, kiss, look, touch…they captured. I’ve watched the video they put together a minimum of 100 times and each time my eyes well up with tears of happiness. There is no better gift to ourselves than this. Not to mention, I felt like Ricky and I were starring in our own movie. The cinematography was top notch. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

I have dreamt of my wedding day since I was a little girl. I wasn’t sure who would be waiting for me at the end of the aisle; I wasn’t sure what I would wear, or where I would be, or when it would be, but I knew it would happen. But this day surpassed all I had ever dreamt. Having my Mamaw (my mother’s mom) walk me down aisle to my “Old Kentucky Home” (a nod to my roots) and place my hand into Ricky’s, will forever be imprinted in my memory. When I looked out to our guests, and scanned the lawn of all the people that impacted our lives, I remember thinking to myself, “don’t forget this moment. Don’t forget this feeling you have. Don’t forget how loved you are.” And I won’t.
Thank you, Carly Michelle Photography for capturing this day and this wedding journey for us over the past year. Your love for what you do shines through your work and we will forever cherish the friendship we’ve made.

You know the saying “it takes a village.” That phrase has never meant more to me than preparing for my day and even more now looking back on it. Thank you to my makeup artist Amanda McCarthy and hairstylist Jen Tawa for all your hard work and attention to detail. I’ll never forget looking at my sister and saying “I feel beautiful.” What more could any bride want than to feel beautiful on her wedding day? This was all because of you.

Finally, thank you Ricky for choosing me to be your wife! I want to end this last post with the way I started my first: Ricky, thank you for being you and loving me for being me. We really did have one perfect, amazing day!

I appreciate you all reading along! I hope you’ve enjoyed this as much as I have.

XOXO-
Whit A (gosh that feels good to write)

Photography: Carly Michelle Photography | Cinematography: Brighter Lights Media | Floral Design: The Wild Dahlia | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Brideside | Calligraphy: Design by Laney | Airbrush Tanning: Glo Airbrush Tan | Bridesmaids Accessories: Kendra Scott Jewelry | Bridesmaids' Pajamas: Celebrate with Laura | Ceremony Musician: Jason Paradise | Classic and Contemporary Hair Styling On Location: Jennifer Tawa | Custom Angel Wing Art: Wildline Weddings | Custom Gift Boxes for Bridesmaids + Groomsmen: Teak Twine | Custom Wedding Dress Designer: Belle Vie Bridal | Gown Salon: Belle Vie Bridal | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Makeup Artistry: Amanda McCarthy Beauty | Ribbons: Stella Wolfe | Stationery + Crest Design: Amanda Day Rose | Sweetheart Table Rentals: Peak Event Services | Wedding + After Party DJ/Emcee: ECF Entertainment - DJ Boogz | Wedding Band + Entertainment: Boston Common Band | Wedding Cake Bakery + Designer: Montilio's | Wedding Planner + Designer: Always Yours Events | Wedding Rings + Jewelry: Sam Rafidia + European Jewelry | Wedding Venue + Catering: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

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Boston Common Band

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The Wild Dahlia

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Petit Bouquet

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Napa Valley? It’s a gorgeous place for pretty much anything. Romantic weekend excursions, girls’ trips with your besties and, of course, celebrating your Big Day. But if you think Napa is only for wine lovers, trust on this one: you couldn’t be more wrong. Sure, the vino is always flowing, but that’s not the only thing Napa Valley is known for. Check out four reasons why it should be your go-to wedding locale.

THE LUXE ACCOMMODATIONS

Fact: some of the prettiest venues in the world happen to be housed in Napa Valley – which is why we fall in love with a Napa celebration on the daily.  One of our absolute faves? Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel located on the “main street” of Napa Valley, Saint Helena. It encompasses everything we love about Wine Country with a list of awesome amenities that will truly make your wedding day unforgettable. From the 2,200 square foot Acacia Barn + amazing demonstration kitchen to the 3,000 square foot Vine Lawn (perfect for intimate celebrations) to the breathtaking views of Spring Mountain and Beringer’s Home Vineyard, this place really has it all. And we really can’t mention Las Alcobas without giving props to their fabulous rooms – the definition of luxe.

THE WORLD-FAMOUS CUISINE

Okay, you guys. If you haven’t been to Napa Valley for their can’t-ever-stop-talking-about-it cuisine, we insist you make the trip. Because this is a city that truly celebrates the foodie in all of us, starting with the Acacia House, a signature Chris Cosentino restaurant with a wrap-around veranda that you’ll absolutely love. We adore the modern meets classic menu, and the wine pairings? Equally as awesome. But what we love the most about this tasty hot spot is the rich culture that is weaved into every yummy dish on the menu. Talk about the best place ever for a rehearsal dinner.

THE AMAZING ACTIVITIES

Obviously, planning a day (or two, or three) for wine tastings is an absolute must when it comes to any trip to Napa Valley, but did you know that Napa isn’t just for touring the wineries? With everything from hot air balloon tours to bike, kayak and hiking tours to amazing shopping on the menu, your guests will love the fun-filled itinerary you’ll be able to put together… and so will you and your special someone. Bonus? The spa at Las Alcobas, Atrio, is amazing, and the perfect way to cool those pre-wedding jitters. Basically, it’s heaven on earth, you guys.

THE BREATHTAKING SCENERY 

If you’ve been to Napa Valley, you know it’s Sound of Music worthy when it comes to scenery. Which makes for one beautiful backdrop when it’s time to celebrate those “I do’s” in style. We’re all about an outdoor celebration that takes in the amazing views, or an al fresco reception under the stars. Just as nice? Sitting on the balcony of your room at Las Alcobas, soaking in the mountains… or taking that post-wedding day walk with your new spouse to really enjoy some time alone.

To plan that Napa Valley wedding of your dreams (with or without vino), visit Las Alcobas today. And for even more wedding inspiration, check out their Instagram. You won’t need any further convincing, but this will do it.

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Petit Bouquet

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Wedding dress shopping is a bonding experience for you and your #squad. No matter who you decide to bring with you, you should also bring an open mind. More often than not, brides walk out of the salon loving something they never expected. As a bridal consultant, I see this kind of reaction from brides all the time. I always start off the appointment by asking what they envision themselves in, but it’s rare that the bride ends up in the type of gown she’s describing.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind while shopping for a gown:

Don’t judge a dress by its hanger appeal
When you’re wandering through the store, we recommend not completely writing off a dress just from one glance at it while it’s hanging up. Gowns truly come to life when they’re on a body. Until you put it on you won’t get a good sense of the shape it creates, the drama of a train or the fit of the fabric. If you have even the slightest interest in a gown, try it on. You’ll be surprised what you end up loving.

Trust your consultant
While you may know what you think you want, the consultants are incredibly familiar with the store’s inventory and how the gown will look. They have insider intel on what body shapes look the best in certain gowns and what dresses look incredible on every kind of body. There have been many times where I pull a dress for a bride and she’s hesitant, but once she sees it on herself, she’s floored by how great it looks!

Remember you’re trying on sample sizes
The great thing about wedding gowns is that they’re custom made for your body. The consultants take your measurements after you’ve picked your gown and send it up to the design house to build the gown from the ground up to perfectly fit your body. The downside of that is you’re trying on sample sizes in the fitting room, and they might not necessarily fit you. As consultants, we’ll do the best we can to clip you into the gown and get it to look as close to fitted as we can so you can get a good idea of what the gown will look like when it’s yours. Don’t get discouraged by it, nobody fits perfectly into the sample sizes.

I talked to a handful of real brides who had this happen to them!

It Takes Two
“I originally envisioned a classic satin ball gown with a sweetheart neckline. I did try one on that was beautiful! But then I went to another appointment and tried on another series of dresses that were all pretty and I hesitantly picked up the two-piece by WToo. I loved what the skirt looked like (layered flowy ivory organza), so we (me with the consultant) grabbed a top to go with it, a matching ivory belt, and went to try it on! And I was shocked I loved it! It felt like it was made for me and it looked like a perfect dress! The top was lace (which I thought I didn’t want at all), the pieces were ivory, which I didn’t think I wanted, but it all came together so beautifully. At first I was hesitant to love it so much because it was two pieces and it took me a second to get over that, but it was perfect.”
-Julie // Washington D.C.

Expect the Unexpected
“I thought I knew what I wanted in a wedding dress. Something long, simple and elegant, with some lace. I wanted a classic look, but I wasn’t finding anything that wowed me. People told me that usually one of the early dresses wins and I wasn’t thrilled with any of them. My mom came to New York to visit and take me dress shopping. We tried on so many dresses at numerous bridal stores in Manhattan. We were at the last place and my mom reached into a rack and pulled out this dress that looked totally over the top; it had a super long train that would need to be bustled and elaborate patterning, plus these cut out portions on the bust. It was something I never would have picked off the rack. I laughed and agreed to try it on for fun. I put it on, my mom and I looked at each other and that was it. It was truly stunning.”
-Olivia // New York, New York

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.

After months of speculation, Prince Harry finally put a ring on it — he and Meghan Markle are engaged! The two announced their engagement, which took place earlier this month, Monday morning in a statement from Clarence House. The 33-year-old prince, who’s fifth in line to the British throne, and the 36-year-old American actress and activist will be saying “I do” next spring in what’s sure to be a gorgeous affair!

According to Kensington Palace, Prince Harry designed the ring himself, using two diamonds belonging to his late mother, Princess Diana of Wales, and a center diamond from Botswana, where the couple has spent time together over the past year and a half.

Photography: Getty Images

With the Bride’s father unable to travel to the wedding because of health issues, the photography and videography took on an even greater importance.. and the finished results are just as stunning as the celebration itself. CLY By Matthew captured every ounce of beauty, from the grandeur of the venue to the tender moments between this beautiful Bride and Groom, and Fred Lee filmed the action live and it all came together oh so perfectly. This is a gallery not to be missed.

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From the Bride… Our wedding was bittersweet. As we were finalizing the details and readying ourselves for marriage, we were hit with the crushing and heartbreaking news that my dad had suffered a stroke just two weeks before the big day. He wouldn’t be able to travel from Korea to NY. Plans to cancel or postpone the wedding rushed through my mind. In the end, with tears and heartache, we decided to go through with the wedding at my dad’s request. I would have given anything to have had him there, but he was able to experience every detail and relive the day through the work of our talented photographer, Matthew of CLY by Matthew, and our amazing videographer, Fred Lee, who truly captured the raw emotions of that day.

If you’re not familiar, Long Island City is an industrial area across the river from Manhattan, where our view is the beautiful and towering NYC skyline. This place is special to us. After nearly seven years together, it’s where my then boyfriend and I chose to move in together for the first time. It’s where he proposed the very night we moved in. It’s where we built our home full of so much love and constant laughter. That’s why, when it came to choosing a place to get married, Long Island City was a no brainer. It was, after all, where we joined our lives together.

Our venue, The Metropolitan Building, is quite simply, a breathtaking warehouse hidden within the industrial remnants of Long Island City. Though unassuming at first glance, you’re transported to a different era once you walk in. The space is enchantingly beautiful, and its details are hauntingly captivating. With its multiple floors, each full of individual character and charm, we knew that we could bring our vision to life here in this century-old gem.

It was important to our families that in addition to our Americanized ceremony that we performed a Korean ceremony as well. With the vibrant colors of our Korean outfits contrasting against the muted colors of the warehouse’s walls, it was a special moment where two cultures met and blended beautifully.

Greens and candles flooded our reception floor, creating a warm, natural and inviting atmosphere against the unadorned warehouse aesthetic. Garlands of leaves lined the long tables while thick bundles of tall eucalyptus branches were scattered throughout the open space. As a focal point, fairy lights were suspended over our sweetheart table giving us the feeling of sitting under a canopy of stars.

It takes a village, they say. We couldn’t agree more. All of our vendors were so wonderful to work with. Special shout out to our planners, Emily and Jasmine of Events by O9, who guided us every step of the way to make sure every detail was taken care of and nothing was overlooked.

I thank my lucky stars that my dad is better now. Looking back on our big day, however, even though his absence inevitably coated a layer of sadness throughout the celebration, our vendors worked so hard to ensure that everything was perfectly executed and that all we needed to do was to enjoy the moment. Our family, friends and everyone who brought that day to life managed to make our wedding magical, and for that, we’re forever grateful.

Photography: CLY BY MATTHEW | Videography: Fred Lee | Event Planning: Events by O9 | Floral Design: Events by O9 | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Pauline Bakes | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: Bassett Caterers | Hair + Makeup: VickyC5 | Lighting: Universal Light And Sound | DJ: URE Events | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Wedding Venue: Metropolitan Building | Bridal Boutique: Wedding Salon Of Manhasset | Day of Coordinator: Events by O9 | Floral Assistance: Occasion9 | Korean Ceremony: The Hanbok | Photobooth: Cly Booth

Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography, Lonely Eskimo, and Lovebird Designs somehow managed to find that delicate balance between light + romantic and dark + sexy in this wedding inspiration session, which took place amidst the gorgeous Irish countryside. Each photo has us captivated, and we know it will take your breath away, too.

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From Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography… Our impassioned and dramatic inspiration shoot took us to Carlow, Ireland and to the Lisnavagh House. The pieces of our shoot tied in a slightly darker palette of rose and rust accents, which is found in the watercolor stained invitation suite, the rose diamond ring, the subtle rose ombre/fade of the Leanne Marshall cream wedding gown, and the beautiful indoor tablescape with hand-dyed rose and cream linens. The story of our couple plays off a strong sense of tension and passion utilizing the dramatic beauty of the Lisnavagh House with the romantic landscape of Ireland including the romanticized ruins at the Rock of Dunamase.

Photography: Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography | Cinematography: Lonely Eskimo Productions | Event Planning + Design: Lovebird Designs | Floral Design: Lovebird Designs | Wedding Dress: Leanne Marshall | Shoes: Bella Belle | Makeup: Linda Collins Makeup Studio | Hair: Pin-Up Hair | Venue: Lisnavagh House | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Calligaphy: test | Concept + Creative Direction: Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography | Dressing Gown: Gossamer | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Models: Li-ann & Adam | Original Poetry and Voiceover: Taslima Alam | Ring Box: The Mrs Box

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Petit Bouquet

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If it’s your first holiday season with your new in-laws, you probably want to try extra hard to give them a great gift! I think that a lot of us can agree that the best gifts are ones that either provide a memory or evoke a memory in us. I think that most of us can also agree that our in-laws are some of the hardest people to shop for.

We got you covered with these 10 gift ideas for your new in-laws!

Your Favorite Item Off Your Registry
What was your favorite gift that you received from your wedding registry? Pass on the love by getting them the same gift! If your new fancy Keurig stands out as your favorite, then get them the same one and share the love.

Personalized Wedding Reel
Piece together parts of the raw footage from your wedding that have your in-laws in it. Add those parts to the parts with you and your husband and they will have a personalized highlight reel wedding video!

Photo With Their Child From The Wedding
Purchase a beautiful picture frame from Zola and print out a photo of your in-laws with their son/daughter from the wedding.

Tickets to a Play/Concert/Comedy Show
Send them to a show that they will love. Maybe you heard about a play that you think they’d love. Maybe you know their favorite band and heard that they’re going on tour. This gift will let them know that you pay attention to their interests and want them to have an amazing experience.

Wedding Album
Create a wedding album with all of your favorite photos from the wedding for them. They will treasure this gift for the rest of their lives!

Sketch Of Your Wedding Venue
Hire a professional artist to sketch your wedding venue and then get that sketch printed on a canvas for them to hang in their home.

Play Tourist With Them In Your City
If you live in/by a city that they do not live near, plan a day to show them around all of the tourist destinations. You will create memories that will always stick with them!

Calendar
Create a photo calendar from Minted that is filled with photos from all of the wedding events. Make sure to include photos of them from the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding! Each month they will get to look at different photos from these special events!

Crockpot and Recipe Book
Buy them a nice crockpot and then create a personalized crockpot cookbook. Fill the cookbook with all of your favorite crockpot recipes that you think they would love.

Gift Certificate To Your Rehearsal Dinner Restaurant
Give them a gift certificate to the restaurant where your rehearsal dinner was. Let them go back and experience the place all over again! That restaurant holds some amazing memories for all of you.

As a longstanding botanic enthusiast, I love a good flower wall. Whether as extravagant as Kim and Kanye’s white-bloom-covered ceremony backdrop or as simple as a brick wall with floral accents, flower walls add a touch of elegance and make for incredible photo opportunities. See some of my favorites below!

A Classic Wall of Green and White
This simple boxwood wall provides a gorgeous, natural backdrop for this couple’s big day. Inspired by Pantone’s 2017 color—greenery, this wall was styled by Atelier De LaFleur and photographed by Elyse Hall to show just how lovely green foliage can be!

Fall Ombré Foliage
This couple’s fall fête didn’t have a speck of white—with the exception of the bride’s dress and bouquet, of course! Their palette featured fall-inspired tones of dark reds, oranges, yellows, and greens with pops of blue and pink. This gorgeous ombré floral wall, created by Sweet Root Village, was the perfect addition to their autumn celebration.

Blooming Wall of Pink and White Roses
Every inch of this couple’s ceremony backdrop was covered in pink and white blooms. Created by Alta Fleura, this flower wall created a sweet, feminine touch to the classic wall of roses. The bride, a mother-to-be, looked stunning standing next to her groom!

White Barn Door of Green Vines
What better way to spruce up a simple, white barn door than to add some lovely greenery? This couple opted to take advantage of their Texan farm venue with minimalistic portraits in front of gorgeous, whitewashed barn doors at The White Sparrow.

A Whimsically Bright Hanging Flower Wall
This couple’s bright color palette made its way to their ceremony backdrop, which included bright pink and orange blooms hanging in front of a white sheet. Simply done and beautifully executed by Bows and Arrows, this Dallas loft wedding was huge hit!

Whether you’re looking to brighten up your venue or add some natural charm, there are so many ways to include flower walls in your special day. Don’t like the idea of having a flower wall for your ceremony? Consider using one as a photo booth backdrop or to brighten up your reception space instead! If you’re looking for gorgeous pictures or a conversation piece for your guests, you just can’t go wrong with a flower wall.

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.

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Bows and Arrows

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If you’re newly engaged, or if you’ve just bought a ring and are about to propose, first of all, congratulations! And second of all, have you considered engagement ring insurance?

If you’re like most couples, you’ve followed the age-old rule and spent three times your salary on the perfect diamond. In this case, consider it an investment and consider protecting it! Read on for some pros and cons, and how to go about insuring your engagement ring!

YES
There are a lot of questions to consider along with this happy time of getting engaged. Things like: What happens if someone steals the ring? What happens if you lose it or it gets damaged? You should consider the ring an investment and an asset now as well. You want to make sure it is properly protected, as well ensuring that nothing happens to it.

The benefit of engagement ring insurance is the same as many types of insurance and that is peace of mind. Although you hope you never need to put it to use, having a bit of a safety net can help soften the heartbreak of anything happening to your ring.

NO
As with most things in life, the con comes with the money involved. Essentially, you need to analyze the cost of insurance as compared to the ring. The rule of thumb is to pay $1-2 for every $100 you spent on the ring. For someone who splashed out on the ring, paying $900-1100 a year to replace it may not seem like a frivolous expense, but rather a responsible choice.

A few factors need to be considered before you make your decision, and these include the likelihood of something happening to the ring. Do you have a very hands-on profession where you’re consistently taking off your engagement ring; therefore the chances of loss are higher? Do you live in a city with a higher crime rate and have concerns of theft? Evaluate your own needs and situation to make a well-informed decision.

How to get ring insurance

If you have decided to go ahead with purchasing engagement ring insurance, it is not difficult to arrange! If you already possess homeowners or renters insurance, you may be able to simply add an extension (also called a ‘rider’) to cover the ring specifically. If they don’t offer the specific insurance you’re after, there are independent insurers that you can utilize, such as Jewelers Mutual. Begin by having the ring appraised so you are well aware of the cost and therefore the cost to cover it. Don’t forget to have the piece reappraised every few years, as it may depreciate in value and your coverage needs may change.

Evaluate all insurance needs as newlyweds

After making this step; it may be a good time to evaluate all of your insurance needs as a newlywed couple! Think about your home, possessions, health and lives. You may even want to consider your new, expensive wedding gifts and what kind of protection you may need for your shifting status. Along with the joy of the proposal and excitement of the next chapter comes making sure everything important to you is well taken care of in any case of emergency!

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.

Color, elegance and ocean views? This  cheeriest of ballroom weddings planned by Events Inspired has it all. Florals designed by Native Poppy add a stunning layer of color and when paired with Minted stationery and the prettiest calligraphy scrolls by Shasta Bell, it’s  safe to say, this celebration shines oh so bright. Get inspired to add a dash of color to your wedding day with the full affair captured by Natalie Bray right here.

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From the Photographer… Janet and Eric wed with hearts united and love abounding. Witnessing their love and positivity was truly inspiring. Janet looked stunning in her 2 piece beaded gown with classically elegant hair and make-up. The look of their wedding reflected this elegance with cheery and amazing berry tones from fantastic Native Poppy. The florals framed their ceremony and brought a lovely happiness to the decor. Guests dined in the lovely ballroom that Events Inspired transformed into a beautiful space where fun was had by all.

Photographer: Natalie Bray Studios | Event Planning: Events Inspired | Styling : Natalie Bray Studios | Floral Design: Native Poppy | Invitations: Minted | Reception Venue: The Dana | shoes : Stuart Weitzmen | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | calligraphy scrolls : Shasta Bell Calligraphy | ring box: The Mrs Box

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Natalie Bray Studios

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To the out-of-the-box bride who wants to embrace her style on her wedding day, to the travel-obsessed bride who wants more money for the honeymoon, to the impatient bride who gasps at the idea of waiting four months for a wedding dress from a bridal shop, and to the rest… this one is for you!

Embrace the tone that fashion currently has today. Anything goes! A wedding dress is no longer categorized as a ballgown frosted with sparkles and dolloped with major Cinderella vibes. As a bride, you can wear midi, maxi, mini, black, blue, two-piece, jumper… whatever your heart desires! Use this to your advantage and find a dress that isn’t defined necessarily as a wedding dress. This will keep your costs low (yay for more honeymoon money), and you’ll have months for alterations if needed.

Don’t be intimidated by ordering online. A good seamstress can take your online-ordered dress with ease and alter it to your desire. If you’re worried about getting the right size, order two different sizes and return whichever one didn’t fit the best. Take a look at these amazing options below and thank me later!

10 Dresses Under $550 That Could Totally Pass As A Wedding Dress

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10 Dresses Under $550 That Could Totally Pass As A Wedding Dress

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband and golden retriever. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.

Elopements don’t get much cooler than this. Maybe it’s the beautiful bride in her insanely chic ensemble, the gorg Flora Pop florals + pop-up ceremony trailer (we’ll never get over how awesome that is) or the celebratory donuts. Our guess? A sweet combo of all of the above, plus a bevy of stunning images from Jodee Debes. Enjoy perusing all of the Palm Springs-inspired moments, because this one’s crazy good, friends.

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From Jodee Debes… Lauren and Wes are a graphic design and architecture duo who sought an otherworldly backdrop with vignettes of modern architecture for their intimate elopement. Palm Springs and specifically Joshua Tree hit the spot, so the two escaped their home in Boston and headed westward to make their love official. Lauren wore a gorgeous Sarah Seven top and a Free People skirt to create her dress look, while Wes wore a navy suit and burgundy tie. They wanted a minimalist look with a wabi-sabi feel so they teamed up with Flora Pop to create the experience. Along with providing officiant services, Flora Pop created the bouquet and brought in a pop-up trailer for the reception. During their ceremony, Lauren and Wes took 4 minutes of silence to connect and be present in the moment. After they sealed their marriage with a kiss, they celebrated with beverages, donuts and polaroid pictures. We then ran around the desert and captured them some gorgeous images to commemorate the moment in anticipation to share with friends and family back home the next day. I absolutely adore when couples choose to forgo a traditional ceremony and marry in a way that is unique and personal.

Photography: Jodee Debes Photography | Floral Design: Flora Pop | Ceremony Location: Joshua Tree National Park | Dress Skirt: Free People | Dress Top: Sarah Seven | Officiant & Pop-Up Ceremony Trailer: Flora Pop

Beautiful wedding details know no season, but there is something really special about winter affairs. From long sleeve wedding dresses to dramatic warm florals — here at Style Me Pretty we feel pretty thankful for gorgeous winter wedding details. Thinking about having your big day during winter? Let the pretty details below inspire your planning!

Long-Sleeve Wedding Dresses

Warm Hue Florals

Velvet Accents

Naked Wedding Cakes

Fur, Fur, Fur!

Greenery

Cozy Favors

Wedding planners are some of the hardest working people on earth. Every client needs to feel like she’s your #1 priority. And every wedding you plan is literally the most important day in someone’s life.

No pressure, right?

I talked to two real-life Wonder Women about multitasking, horror stories – and what we can all learn from their experience. Meet Lindsay Jani, Event and Creative Director, Owner of Simply Sunshine Events, and Kim Balasubramaniam, who owns London-based Kim Balasubramaniam Weddings.

What does a wedding planner do?

Lindsay: This is a loaded question… now, if you have the time… there isn’t a lot we don’t do! In essence, we are there to help guide, educate, plan, interact with vendors, develop budgets and timelines and on top of it all, make it our duty to make sure your wedding day not only meets your expectations in every way but exceeds them. We are there to help set realistic goals, help you create what you’ve envisioned, and to help bring on and maintain an incredible vendor team. We not only help with these logistical details but work with your vendors behind the scenes – always making sure your vision is top of mind. In the end, we are your go-to’s, your timekeeper, your financial planner, mediator, etiquette expert and logistical muscle. We have played doctor, seamstress, and zen-master. There’s not a lot we don’t do because every event, and every client, is different.

Kim: I often describe the role of a wedding planner as part project manager, part interior designer, and part therapist! Typically, I work with clients on a full design and planning basis. This means that I deal with all the logistical planning of the wedding from finding the venue, sourcing suppliers, managing financials and creating timelines for the planning and wedding day itself and also create the look and feel of the celebration, ensuring a cohesive, thought through design is woven throughout the day. I work really closely with my couples, so they often also turn to me for help navigating tricky situations such as family politics and bridal party choices.

Will you walk me through a typical day (if there is such a thing!)?

Lindsay:

• 6:00 am: Early bird catches the worm (and also when my child wakes up). First pot of coffee brewing (my lifeblood during our event seasons) and starting to get my family ready for the day. I quickly scan my email inbox to see if anything needs to be prioritized the first thing we start working.
• 7:30 am: Now that more than a couple of cups of coffee are coursing through my system, I start to become more of a human and definitely more productive. Breakfast is eaten, my daughter is taken to daycare and the dogs have been walked.
• 8:30 am: I start most of my work days with a guided meditation. It’s a great way to focus and center my mind for the day ahead which will undoubtedly consist of emails, phone calls, working out logistics and something event design-related, traveling and meetings. The first of the emails are cracked open with a fresh set of eyes and I review my to-do list, and add to it if needed.
• 9 am – 12 p: Emails… lots of them. Following up with vendors, couples and clients, scheduling meetings and walkthroughs. Tracking client budgets and timelines as well as a few little peeks at the social media world to make sure I’m up on the latest news in the industry and to congratulate our colleagues and peers on their successes
• 12 p – 12:30 p: Lunch. I’ve learned never to miss a meal. Otherwise, productivity may start to lag the second half of the day… which is sometimes my busiest!
• 12:30 – 3:30 p: My creative time! Once the heavy logistical items are crossed off of the to-do list, it frees up my mind and puts me in a much more creative space. This is the time I reserve for creating event design briefs, researching new and different ideas, hold creative discussions, etc. This is often my most favorite part of the day
• 3:30 – 5 p: This is generally when my clients will start to free up during their days and tend to hold calls with me. I will have completed a lot of client follow-ups by this point in the day, so it’s great to be able to give my clients a status update and next steps as needed. Here, I also start to compile the next day’s to-do list.
• 5 – 7 p: Most days, this is the time when my family starts to come home, dinner is eaten and we spend some quality time together and my little girl goes to bed. I work hard during the day so I can savor these moments. After all, planners are human too! A couple of nights a week, I reserve this time for after-hours client meetings since, lets be honest, not everyone can answer emails and concentrate on their wedding during their typical work hours.
• 7 p – 9 p: A couple of nights a week, I business plan… it’s an ongoing process to make sure that we are staying on our A-game. Generally done over a glass of wine and with a TV show on in the background (Modern Family and Fixer Upper re-runs, Jeopardy… my guilty pleasures). The nights where I truly have off, I tend to hit the gym or go running if it’s nice outside. It’s a great way to begin unwinding from the day.
• 9 p: I check my emails one last time (and if it’s time sensitive, I’ll respond to them – if not, they go on the to-do list for the next day). My to-do list is reviewed and then put away for the evening. I hang out with my husband and quiet down before heading to bed.
• 11 p: Bedtime (if I don’t fall asleep earlier!)

What is the best part of your day?
Kim: The best part of my job and therefore the best day is running the wedding itself and seeing all the hard work and planning come to life. I work incredibly closely with my clients – I can only design celebrations that are truly reflective of them by getting to know them so well, and have typically been with them over a period of months, so seeing them get married is still quite emotional even after all these years! I am the first to arrive and last to leave and manage the whole day from start to finish, so they’re long days but so full of excitement and adrenaline – nothing beats it! Seeing all the design details that have been so carefully chosen come together perfectly is such a rewarding time, and watching the couple and their guests having the time of their lives is just magical. I truly love every minute.

What’s the worst part?
Kim: The clear up! I always find it so sad going back to the venue the following day when it’s all over.

Do you have a story of a crisis you averted or when your quick-thinking saved the day?
Lindsay: We had a bridesmaid at a client’s wedding who had just recently flown in from out of the country and was severely jet lagged. She was a tiny woman who lacked sleep from traveling and had one too many cocktails and a little too much fun. Before the wedding party entrances into the reception, she was nowhere to be found. I found her in the bridal suite with blood pouring down her arms – she had scratched them so badly due to a mixture of anxiety, being so sleep deprived and having far too many drinks.

While we were working to get her medical attention and much-needed sleep, we wound up reconfiguring the wedding party introduction line-up so seamlessly, the bride and groom were none-the-wiser until the next day. It was scary to see someone in that position, but, like in the “what does a planner do” question, we wear many hats and sometimes become medical personnel, therapists and a shoulder for those who need it.

Kim: A few years ago I designed and planned a wedding for a couple who were based in New York but originally from the UK and were getting married in an at-home wedding at the bride’s sister’s country home. It was a spectacularly beautiful setting in the middle of The Cotswolds which is a really beautiful part of the country and one where I work in a lot. Unfortunately, that particular weekend the local area had the worst flooding since records began with two months’ worth of rain falling in just 14 hours. When I arrived on site for the wedding, the whole venue including the marquees was under about a foot of water. My team and I had to work quickly and think on our feet – we drafted in local farmers to pump water out of the venue, arranged for wooden pathways to be built so that guests could still walk from one marquee to the other and moved the bridal preparations to a local boutique hotel. We had to re-route various deliveries including all the dining chairs that were stuck in the surrounding waters and had to rescue others.

It was a hugely complicated couple of days but the couple and their guests had the most amazing wedding and it still looked absolutely beautiful. I’ll never forget the sight of the bridesmaids dancing in the party tent in their couture gowns, accessorized with wellington boots! On the news the following day there were tales of other local brides who’d had to cancel their wedding plans, which obviously wasn’t an option for us, as the couple was flying back to the States a couple of days later. I was really proud that we’d managed to pull off a wedding that was still gorgeous and so much fun in the face of disaster!

What lesson can we learn from your career?
Kim: I think there are three main lessons that I pass on to my coaching clients which I’ve learned over the years:

1. Work Hard – designing and planning beautiful weddings isn’t easy – the hours can be long, some of the planning and logistics can be really complicated and there will be some aspects that you don’t necessarily enjoy, but if you work hard and hone your craft it really is such a rewarding career. You’re privileged to be working with people on the most special day of their lives and it’s important not to forget that.
2. Be Nice! I am lucky to work with the most amazing clients who are just lovely, and have a vast network of superbly talented, really supportive professionals who over the years have become friends. Planning a wedding should be fun; clients & suppliers tell me that they love working with me because I make the process enjoyable, am nice to be around and don’t take myself too seriously!
3. Always go the extra mile – I always go above and beyond for my clients and love thinking of unexpected thoughtful touches I can add to their celebrations. I am also always available to my clients for any question, concern or detail and for me that is the definition of the true luxury service on which I have built my reputation.

From vendors, to budgets, to natural disasters and unruly wedding parties – these wedding planners handle it all. And they do it with a smile on their faces! Now that’s an attitude that will stand up under pressure.

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

Like every year, this holiday season we have a lot to be thankful for! Here at Style Me Pretty, we feel pretty lucky to have such fun and inspiring jobs. I think I speak for all of us when I say we are especially thankful this year for the talented vendors we work with and are inspired by on the daily. We are grateful we get to share peoples’ special days with the world, all while bringing brides-to-be the best of the best wedding inspiration! Lastly, we are thankful for all our readers and our loyal SMP fans — we wouldn’t be able to do it without all you.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! May you be surrounded by loved ones all while enjoying yummy food.

Xo,
Style Me Pretty

If there is anything we love more than a good deal, it’s getting one from the comfort of home. Get out your comfiest plaid PJs, make some hot cocoa (or pour some bubbly, why not!?) and peruse our favorite Black Friday – Cyber Monday deals. Check back over the next couple of days – we’ll add more details as we get them!

Wedding

Weddington Way – 25% off everything with code CYBERSALE (including our Style Me Pretty line of bridesmaid dresses!)
BHLDN -Gowns starting at $500, Little White Dresses and party dresses starting at $100, accessories starting at $30 and free shipping with code “STOCKUP” from 11/22-11/28.
Shutterfly – Black Friday Spotlight Offer – Enjoy up to 50% with code SPOTLIGHT until 11/23.
LeRose – Free shipping sitewide for Black Friday, 50% off selected items on Cyber Monday.
Minted – 25% off Save the Dates, 15% off all wedding orders. Code: BFWED17, through 11/24
Etsy – Cyber Week Sale – 10% off
Sugarfina – Receive a free “Cheers” 3pc Bento Box with a $75 purchase on Cyber Monday
Jennifer Behr – 30% off

Fashion

ASOS -Use code EPIC30 and enjoy 30% off absolutely everything, including mark-downs, outlet and new in.
Nordstrom – Deals across categories from November 23 until November 27
Old Navy – 50% off their entire purchase and thousands of styles from $10 & under, both in stores and online.
Draper James – 25% off sitewide, with 25% of all proceeds donated to Girls Inc.
TopShop – Up to 50% Off + Free Worldwide Shipping, all markets.
Etsy – Cyber Week Sale – 10% off

Home

Joss & Main – Up to 80% off furniture, decor and more
Serena and Lily – 25% off for email subscribers through November 26
Etsy – Cyber Week Sale – 10% off
Home Depot – Black Friday Savings: Up to 40% off appliances + instantly save up to an extra $500
Nordstrom – Shop NORDSTROM for up to 25% off Holiday Decor. Find great savings on tabletop items, ornaments and more
Parachute – Parachute’s sateen sheets will start at $60 and waffle towels will start at $29. On Cyber Monday, everything will be 20% sitewide.
Wayfair – Kitchen appliances from $19.99. Up to 75% off lighting. Accent chairs from $79.99. Up to 80% off wall art. Area rugs from $49.99.
S’Well –  25% off your entire purchase at S’well for Black Friday through 11/26!

If we’re being honest, putting together the perfect wedding day look isn’t always easy – for you, your besties OR those dapper gentlemen in your bridal party. So today we’re calming those nerves and making it simple with a little introduction to Allure Bridals Spring 2018 Collections. With classic silhouettes, amazing fabrics and stunning details, your entire lineup will look fabulous – and mix and match in ways you never thought possible.

Our love for Allure Bridals is no secret – and that’s because they just keep delivering the pretty goods time and time again. This time around, it’s one gorgeous gown after another from their Spring 2018 Collections, plus a lineup of dapper tuxes that will make the men in your life shine, as well. Which means that you don’t have to spend your days searching for the perfect bridesmaid dresses to work with your gown, or tuxes that fit the bill. Allure Bridals has it all for you – and their beautiful designs and attention to detailing will make choosing “the ones” the easiest part of planning your wedding.

From mermaid stunners and princess-style ball gowns for you, to elegant + sophisticated bridesmaid dresses for your gals, to chic tuxes for your guys, Allure Bridals really has a handle on effortless bridal party shopping. PLUS, they make it simple with the ability to mix and match based on individual styles while still keeping it all cohesive. That’s heaven for any bride we know.

Visit Allure Bridals today to find a retailer near you and get ready to find everything you’ll ever need in one gorgeous spot. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Allure Ultimate Sweepstakes for your chance to WIN attire for your entire bridal party.

The one thing my fiancé and I would both agree on is how generous our family and friends are. We certainly knew this before our engagement but are ever so aware of it now.

Any bride will tell you that getting engaged sets off a flurry of calls, snail-mail cards, parties and drinks, and of course, very generous gifts. Having been on the other side of the gift-giving, I knew just how important properly thanking everyone really is—with a hand-written note that is! Read on for several tips for sending thank you cards that will make the task as easy as saying “I do.”

Find Stationery You Love
An old co-worker told me the second thing to do when I got engaged was buy a ton of thank you cards. She couldn’t have been more right—we used up the whole pack in only a few short weeks. However, this beautiful stationery from May Designs can be completely customized with your soon-to-be initials, upcoming wedding date, or a nod to your bride-to-be status. Having something gorgeous to write on makes the process of sitting down and sending the notes even more enjoyable.

Keep Everything Organized
Each time my fiancé and I have received a gift, we’ve logged it in a spreadsheet noting if the thank you card was sent. It’s easy to forget whether or not we’ve written them out and this system has kept us on track. We’ve also made it our personal mission to get every thank you card out within one week of receiving the gift—because no one appreciates a late thank you card. Did you forget? That’s ok! Better late than never…

Write from the Heart
Ever gotten a very generically written thank you card and wondered if it was copy and pasted? Me too. With that in mind, I always try to write from the heart and let the reader know just how much their gift meant. If it was champagne flutes, I let them know how excited we are to celebrate with them. If it’s something as simple as a bottle of wine, I compliment the gifter on their choice of selecting one of our favorite bottles. Thinking for an extra second or two about what you’re going to say will really make all of the difference to the reader.

Stamps in Advance
There’s nothing worse than having a pile of thank you cards on your desk and no stamps to get them out the door. I make a trip to our post office every few weeks and stock up on booklets of stamps—better safe than sorry. Knowing the stamps are always in the drawer makes sending notes out a breeze. And literally, no excuses.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Briana Charlotte is a freelance writer residing in Brooklyn, New York. When she isn’t writing about all things bridal, she can be found on the dance floor at a wedding or bachelorette party or finally learning how to dance for her own upcoming nuptials.

I’ve never been to Montana but one look through Simply Sarah’s pics right here and get me a flight pronto! Its natural beauty is on the jaw-dropping level and the perfect backdrop for this vow renewal inspiration. BASH Bozeman planned and styled this shoot and hit every note perfectly. We’re talking beautiful blooms, bottle of wine, a color palette to die for and more. Considering a vow renewal celebration yourself? Look no further – and pull up kayak.com because those flights aren’t gonna book themselves.

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From BASH Bozeman… This shoot was inspired by colors on various sandstone mountains found in Arizona but muted down to feel a bit more muted and less vibrant. With the stunning backdrop that Paradise Valley offers, there’s not a ton that needs to be added to the existing landscape. Collaborating with the florist Julio on the tones, look and feel of the florals was so much fun, per usual. He’s so talented in his craft and it’s always a good time working together. For the invites, I wanted one piece to be an artistic expression of the movement of the Yellowstone River, but not too literal. The whole team brilliantly came together and everything turned out to be the perfect Montana , fall, muted toned inspiration.

Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Design + Planning: Bash Bozeman | Floral Design: The Flower Hat | Wedding Dress: "Lya Tulle Skirt" And "Esra Silk Cami" By Alexandra Grecco | Shoes: ASOS | Jewelry: Trumpet & Horn | Hair + Makeup: The Hair and Makeup Collective | Bridal Boutique: Bash Bozeman | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Invitation Suite + Calligarphy: Spurle Gul Studios | Ribbons: Tono Co