Friendsgiving might be the more laid-back cousin to Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t have all the pomp and circumstance of its counterpoint. Sure, we totally get the yoga pants vs. fancy dress debate, but this is a holiday that can have it both ways. See our registry picks that will make your party shine, even if you’re invite is casual dress necessary.
The first year of marriage creates many opportunities to learn and grow with your new spouse but also with yourself. No matter how long you’ve been together or lived together, you will learn new things about life as you grow together and individually… food related, and all.
1. Guys Need Food
Okay I know I’m not giving an earth-shattering statement here and I know we ALL need and like food but my husband truly is always thinking about food. I didn’t realize it until that first year when we’d have the dreaded “What’s for dinner” conversation every day. I could easily walk through life having eaten Strawberry Mini Wheats for dinner, but that does not fly with my husband. He needs a meal, and by “meal” I mean some variation of meat and potatoes. Call it Beef Burgandy, call it Shepard’s Pie… call it Beef Strew… THERE ARE ALWAYS BOTH MEAT AND POTATOES. Ugh, carb overload!
2. Boundaries Are a Must
In the first year of marriage, you and your spouse are becoming one, but both sets of parents and families look at it as, “we’re just adding one to OUR family.” It’s a common thing that can cause tiffs between all parties. When we got married, we wanted our space and had to learn what we were comfortable sharing with our families, and what we weren’t comfortable sharing. It’s different for everyone, but we had to learn how this new thing worked for us first.
3. Time Management Is Key
We LOVE our families and we found ourselves wanting to visit them often. BUT I will warn you now… when you see one family on a weekend, you want to see the other family the next weekend. This game quickly derails to an endless fest of “keeping things fair.” We became drained that first year because we spent too much time running back and forth between our families houses. We were spending more time with family on weekends than we were as a couple. That was not okay with us. We learned that managing our time was important and that we ultimately just have to do what’s best for the two of us in our marriage. That’s the most important.
4. The Value of Love Languages
Of course, before my husband and I got married, we knew each other’s love languages in the 7 years that we had dated. But we didn’t fully grasp them and understand the importance of catering to them until that first year of marriage. I’m not the best gift giver, but my husband’s love language is giving and receiving gifts. I had to learn to be more aware of his needs even though it was my natural disposition to forget details like that.
5. Wedding Decor Becomes Home Decor
This has to be something everyone experiences to some degree. Our wedding included glasses of sand and succulents, gold mirrored signs, pink roses, and gold mason jars. And as young newlyweds fresh out of college with a decor budget of zero dollars, we embraced the leftover wedding decor as our home decor. All the more reason to select great wedding decor right!?
The first year of marriage brings its challenges, but it is so special because it’s new for both of you as you figure out how to do life together. As long as you figure out what’s best for the two of you first, the rest will come easy. Oh and mix in a salad once in a while… damn you, meat and potatoes!
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.
The cake has been frozen, the dress has been preserved, and the gifts have been unwrapped and organized. But your wedding duties aren’t over just yet.
When guests generously give gifts, after potentially having to travel to your wedding, it’s important to show your gratitude. Here are some tips to remember.
Do: Make each note personal. Does it take a lot of time? Yes. But throwing in at least one personalized line about the gift they gave you will take your thank you card from run-of-the-mill-obligation to an actual demonstration of gratitude.
Think: Thank you so much for celebrating our new chapter with us. It was an honor to have you there. We can’t wait to put that waffle maker to good use some Saturday morning soon!
Another option is to include a line about a particularly endearing wedding memory. For instance: Thank you for helping us celebrate our big day. It was a joy to have you there. The photos of you leading the Conga line are priceless!
Don’t: Wait too long! The absolute latest your cards should go out is 12 weeks after your wedding. If you plan to use a photo from your wedding, this might mean ordering thank you cards only a day or two after receiving your pictures.
Do: Include your new partner. Divide and conquer the list — it’ll keep your brain from frying and help friends and family members see you as a unit.
Don’t: Overthink it. Thank you cards don’t need to be short novels. Keep it to around four sentences— you don’t need to write a lengthy letter expressing how much everyone means to you. They already know they’re important to you; you invited them to your wedding!
Do: Use your best handwriting. Yes, your hand might cramp after writing that many notes, but try and treat each note as if it’s the only one you’re writing that day. Some brides even write one thank you note a day. By the end of the allotted 12 weeks, you’ve probably got most of your notes taken care of.
Don’t: Forget to send cards to those who simply gave you cash. Sometimes receiving money can be the best gift of all–you can spend it however you wish! Let the giver know how you’ll be spending it, whether it’s on a couples massage during your honeymoon or a brand new coffee maker.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Claire Swinarski is a writer and podcaster based in Wisconsin. When she isn’t writing, she can be found obsessing over football, eating a burrito bowl, or hanging out with her husband and son.
The colder weather has us cozying up on the daily, and that means in the wedding dress department, as well. Because nothing says elegant winter or fall wedding quite like a Kate Middleton approved gown, and today we’re sharing some of our fave sleeved beauties to get you inspired. Find the perfect dress for your cooler weather nuptials below.
I spent a LOT of time poring over these images from Alex Warschauer. They took me back to my own wedding day and remind me of just how good al fresco fetes really are. And can we just pause a sec for this Bride? She is glowing in her Winnie Couture dress. SO good. Master Plans coordinated all of the lovely—I highly recommend setting a good chunk of time aside for this one, your wedding Pinterest board will thank you.
From Alex Warschuauer… Two of the sweetest people I know had friends and family gather for their wedding At Brookview Ranch over the Summer. I had the pleasure of photographing it and I’ve got some serious eye candy for you below. You might remember seeing Stephanie and Jonathan in a previous blog when we traveled to Los Olivos for an epic mountaintop engagement session.
I had been eagerly awaiting Stephanie + Jonathan’s big day to finally arrive. I met Stephanie in her bridal suite in the morning and had the most beautiful details to photograph. The entire day was perfectly planned by Masterplan Events and exquisitely decorated with beautiful pops of color by Rebelle Fleur Design. All of the bridesmaids donned gorgeous floor length dresses with subtle blush floral patterns that perfectly complimented the groomsmen in navy suits. The groom rocked the coolest looking three piece suit while the bride stunned in a gorgeous
Stephanie and Jonathan opted to do a first look before the ceremony (which is my absolute favorite). After hugs, kisses, and even a couple tears we headed over to meet the rest of the bridal party for more photos on the main lawn. As guests began to arrive, everyone was escorted to the main lawn for some pre-ceremony champagne.
As the guests took their seats and the music began to play, the bridal party began their walk across the lawn and down the aisle. As Stephanie approached all the guests rose out of their seats to see her “enter the room” through the gorgeous antique patio doors provided by Archive Rentals.
After the “I do’s” were said and the ceremony concluded, guests headed over to cocktail hour where they enjoyed lawn games and some tasty appetizers. Stephanie, Jonathan and I took full advantage of the property and visited all of the hidden little nooks and gorgeous spaces for the bridal portraits.
I headed up to the reception site afterwards to capture all of the gorgeous details. All of the vendors involved really pulled out all of the stops for this one; it was gorgeous! From the cascading Silk & Willow table runners provided by Archive Rentals to the gorgeous calligraphy on the geometric stone name cards that the bride created herself, this was truly a dream! The dessert table (my favorite table) had not 1,2, or 3 but 4 cakes beautifully created by Cake Divas. The gold foiling was the perfect accent to the blush tones found throughout the reception.
As guests took their seats Stephanie and her father shared a heartfelt father-daughter dance followed by Jonathan and his mother. As the sun began to slip behind the mountains we headed to the top of the property to enjoy the last few minutes of golden hour and 360 degree views of the hills. After sunset we headed back down to the reception area to enjoy toasts, some delicious cake, and a night full of dancing. I’d like to wish Stephanie & Jonathan the biggest congratulations and I look forward to following the progress of their sweet marriage!
Photography: Alex Warschauer Photography | Coordination: Master Plans Events & Design | Floral Design: Rebelle Fleurs | Wedding Dress: Winnie Couture | Cake: Cake Divas | Ceremony Venue: Brookview Ranch | Reception Venue: Brookview Ranch | Makeup + Hair: Design Visage | Calligraphy: Shag Ink | Groom's Attire: Indochino | Bride's Heels: Badgley Mishka | Coffee: Longshot Coffee | DJ/MC: Dashing Events | Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booths | Photography - Assistance: Ivory Birch | Rentals: Party Pleasers | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Table Runners: Silk and Willow
It’s that time again, you guys. Time to dust off those Martha Stewart-style hosting skills and start planning those epic holiday get-togethers. But we all know it takes a village to create an amazing feast, so today we’re teaming up with Nambé to bring you a guide on holiday essentials that will really take your party to the next level. Prepare to wow your friends and family with our tips + fave products below.
In our households, an awesome party always starts with the perfect tablescape, and our friends at Nambé truly have you covered with their POP Dinnerware Collection. We’re obsessed with their choice of neutral colors (Ocean, Sand, Slate and Chalk), because they go so well with any and all holiday decor – and really make a statement when paired with the POP Colours accent plates in Citron, Persimmon, Chocolate and Ocean. But what we’re really loving is just how durable the POP Dinnerware Collection is. Because, honestly? Holiday dining is always a little crazy, and the stoneware holds up to pretty much anything, plus it’s dishwasher and microwave safe, which makes clean up a breeze. I mean, no one wants to be polishing the fine china post-dinner when they could be having a nightcap with their friends and family. Amiright?
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We’ve always been obsessed with Nambé for its clean and modern approach to dining – their commitment to designing beautiful and artistic pieces is such a bonus when it comes to creating the perfect tablescape. And their new lineup of whimsical ornaments? A definite must-have. Because nothing says “awesome hostess” quite like a favor that all of your guests will love – it’s the best way ever to send your nearest and dearest off for the evening… after that aforementioned nightcap.
For everything you’ll ever need for the ultimate holiday party, visit Nambé to stock up on all of the beautiful essentials, from serveware to flatware to everything in between. Then be sure to enter their amazing giveaway below. Happy holidays!
What: Nambé is giving one lucky reader four (4) POP 4-Piece Place Settings in the color of their choosing! (Value $240)
How: To enter, simply head to Nambé and leave us a comment below letting us know which POP Dinnerware Collection piece is your favorite!
Who: One lucky reader, chosen completely at random, will be chosen on Friday, December 15th, 2017.
Official Rules: Click Here
Some people love the first dance, some love the vows, and some just wait for the bouquet toss. But no one can deny that one of the best parts of any wedding reception are the toasts and speeches made by the loved ones of the bride and groom!
If you’ve ever been asked to make a speech, you’ll know the pressure to deliver something that is just the right amount of funny, genuine, and compassionate. Don’t panic! With the help of JP Reynolds, a corporate communications trainer and wedding officiant, we’re here to help you leave a lasting impression with your wedding toast!
Start Early
If the thought of writing a toast is giving you anxiety, it’s best not to leave it until the night before. Start jotting down notes early, and it will be easier to craft into a speech that you’re proud of. If you’re stuck on how to begin, JP advises recalling the moment when you looked at the couple and realized, “This is real!” What makes them ‘work’ as a couple? That should provide some insight for you to get the ball rolling!
And if you’re one of the few who feels they can just speak from the heart int heat of the moment, JP advises otherwise. “Few, very few people, are capable of speaking intelligently from the heart ‘in the moment’. You MUST have your toast/speech written out. You may know it so well that you won’t have to read it, but you must have written down (and edited) what you want to say,” explains JP.
Anxiety?
With any form of public speaking, the more you practice, the easier it will feel. Many people have anxiety around public speaking, but JP reminds us that the toast is one’s ‘gift’ to the couple, and it’s not about you! Try to get out of your own head by keeping in mind most people are simply relieved it’s you making the speech and not them. To help calm your nerves when giving the toast, JP recommends to “be sure to stand near the couple and look at them – let their smiling faces steady your nerves.”
Short notice
If a couple has asked you to make a speech on very short notice, this shouldn’t deter you from doing so! Less is more, so just think about the best story or memory that expresses the reasons you love the bride and groom! JP says to keep it simple, “Tell them the memory, and then wish them a lifetime of more memories like the one you have of them.”
Tips & Tricks
JP offers his wedding clients two main pieces of advice:
Toasts are tricky, because chances are, you know one of the people better or longer than the other. However, you are toasting the couple and not just your friend. Speak to how ‘your’ person was transformed in some way after meeting their partner – thank the partner for what they’ve given to ‘your’ person.
When you’ve come to the end of your toast be sure to turn to the guests and invite them to raise their glasses and join you in toasting the couple. Then turn to the couple, raise your glass and actually give the toast, for example, ‘To a lifetime of health, happiness and joy!’ You want your toast to have this kind of rousing ending!
Stick to these guidelines and your toast will be sure to leave an impression, and the bride and groom will have it as a fond memory to cherish for years to come!
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.
Serena Willams has tied the knot! The tennis superstar wed Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in a fairy-tale New Orleans ceremony and lavish reception.
Of course, with Anna Wintour in attendance, Vogue shared all the photos! Here’s a sneak peek at her second dress of the evening, a beaded Versace number:
Serena walked down the aisle in an Alexander McQueen princess ballgown with a dramatic cape.
She changed into a shorter frock by Versace for their first dance, to Beauty and The Beast’s “Tale as Old As Time.” All celeb eyes were on the couple, including sister Venus Williams, Kim Kardashian West, Beyonce, and, most importantly, the couple’s 10-week old daughter, Olympia!
The sentimental couple incorporated many personal touches throughout their engagement and wedding, according to Vogue. You just have to read their engagement story, which includes a surprise trip to Rome to the exact table where they had their first date — swoon!
Congratulations to the happy couple!
Getty Images
When newly engaged friends ask me where to start with their wedding planning process, I always say venue! It really sets the tone for your entire day. It absolutely did for this modern fete at Milwaukee Art Museum. With planning by Blue Fancy Events and Heather Cook Elliott behind the lens, this beautiful duo had a day that was so very them.
From Heather Cook Elliott Photography… Jessica & Paul are a photographer’s dream. They are not just happy and stylish (which would be a gift in itself), but rather they are happy, stylish and so very Present. They wear their hearts for all to see – their vulnerable, engaged, open hearts and they trust those around them to take care, to value this about them and to share their own lives in return. Their wedding was filled to the brim with tears and smiles, a bridal party of family, adorable kids, kids, kids, and moments that we wanted to capture for them passionately because everything was so incredibly real. We adored their sunset walk with champagne, the inclusion of South Africa’s national flower (protea) in abundance to celebrate Paul’s heritage, their sweet relationships with all their nieces and nephews, how they trusted us when we suggested shooting in the parking garage. But that is Jessica and Paul – they trust, the explore, they say Yes, and in return they are living out their dreams, one beautiful day at a time.
Photography: Heather Cook Elliott Photography | flowers: Feisty Flowers | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Reception Venue: Milwaukee Art Museum | shoes : Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Hotel: The Pfister Hotel | Custom Bar: Bartique | Music: Kyle Feerick | Planning: Blue Fancy Events
Get ready to see the world through gorgeous mauve colored glasses because this Low Country inspiration shoot is filled with it. Designed by Urban Petals with imagery captured by Heather Payne, this shoot is steeped in southern romance, insanely gorgeous bridal fashion from Ivory & White and a signature mauve hue. Get inspired to step outside the blush box.
From Anna of Urban Petals… Pulling inspiration from the architectural features of the dramatic Old Sheldon Church Ruins, the low-country setting in Beaufort, South Carolina was the perfect backdrop for our styled editorial shoot with Heather Payne Photography. The design concept was produced with the sole purpose of inspiring future brides who are drawn to a lush, tailored-organic aesthetic featuring garden-style florals and who believe that details create extraordinary experiences. Each aspect of the shoot was chosen to tell a cohesive story and appeal to the discerning, sophisticated Bride. The palette combined tones of mauve, rust, peach and cream. The ultra feminine details of the couture Inbal Dror lace gowns and etched Anthropologie stemware were paired with modern elements including gold flatware and marble vessels. Thoughtful touches like the individual salt and pepper cellars (marble tiles) were introduced at each place setting. The beautiful muddy-raisin tones of Koko Loko roses and the like were featured throughout the bouquets and the table arrangements and gave the designs depth and visual interest. In keeping with the coastal setting, I opted to use driftwood chairs, which also provided a neutral warmth and texture to the romantic décor.
Photography: Heather Payne | Dress: Inbal Dror | Cake: Jonathan Caleb Cake | Shoes: Bella Belle | Rings: Susie Saltzman | Hair & Makeup: Glammed Up Southern | Venue: Old Sheldon Church Ruins | Candles: Creative Candles | Concept, Planning, Styling: Urban Petals | Dress Boutique: Ivory & White Bridal Boutique | Fashion Styling: Heather Payne | Flowers & Design: Urban Petals | Model: Brandy Nicole Maye | Model: Brandy Nichole Maye | Paper Goods: Alley & Co. | Rentals: Tri-County Rentals | Ribbons: Honey Silks And Company | Stemware: Anthropologie | Veil: Ivory & White Bridal Boutique
We all know that choosing an engagement ring is a huge milestone. I mean, you’ll have this beauty for a lifetime. So when you and yours head out to select the one, don’t forget to consider the most important piece of the puzzle: the metal. We know the options are endless, but here’s three reasons why we think platinum is the way to go.
PLATINUM IS RESILIENT
Anyone who’s worn an engagement ring for longer than ten minutes can tell you: they take a daily beating. Whether that’s knocking it against your dining room table (guilty) or dropping it against your tile floor when you try to put it on in the morning (also guilty), these beauties go through the ringer. That’s why it’s sooo important that you choose a metal that can withstand all of the stress of your daily routine. Platinum is stronger and denser than gold, so you don’t ever have to worry about denting your fave piece of jewelry. Plus, with a higher concentration of platinum in its alloys, the prongs on a platinum ring will hold on to that diamond and never let go. Seriously – unlike white gold, platinum has no “memory,” so wherever those prongs are placed, they won’t move an inch.
PLATINUM WON’T FADE
So you know that white t-shirt you absolutely loved that now looks a little yellow-ish after about 10 washes? That’s what happens to your engagement rings if you are sporting anything other than platinum – they fade. So if you want to avoid that yearly trip to the jeweler to have your ring re-coated, platinum is def the answer. I mean, we all want a ring that looks just as new as the day we first put it on, and choosing a platinum ring means you never have to worry about discoloration. And bonus? The bright white color of platinum is actually whiter than white gold, so you’re diamond will look even sparklier and shinier against its background.
PLATINUM IS RARE
Guys, no one wants a cookie-cutter engagement ring – and choosing platinum definitely guarantees that yours will be unique. That’s because platinum is 30 times more rare than gold and has a rich history that made it the go-to metal of the 19th and 20th centuries. I mean, platinum is the rarest metal on earth and can be found in meteorites (!), plus just a few other locales throughout the world. That’s why so many jewelers use platinum in their designs (think Tiffany and Cartier) and many of the world’s Crown Jewels have also been created using this amazing metal. In other words? Platinum is awesome.
To learn even more about the wonders of platinum, and to find your perfect platinum ring, check out Platinum Guild International for everything from buying tips to gorgeous galleries. And be sure to follow along on their Instagram for even more pretty inspiration.
You have been dreaming of this day since you were a little girl – the flowers, the cake, the music, the dress. From the moment he got down on one knee, cake flavors and colors have been dancing through your head. Although there may be timelines to create, dress fittings to schedule and seating charts to complete, every bride should take a step back and remember the reason behind the craziness.
Here are a handful of ways to keep the romance alive during wedding planning.
Keep Date Night, Date Night
Every week, you should both make plans to spend an evening together and not talk about wedding plans. Your plans don’t have to be the same each week, but make sure you make time for alone time every week. Relive your first date or visit the places where your love first started to grow. Had a rough week? Dress down and head to a dinner and a movie. There is a time and place for wedding planning, and date night is not one of them.
Involve him in the wedding planning decisions
So many brides get caught up in the planning process they substitute the “we” for “me.” While you may have been dreaming of this day far longer than he has, it’s still about both of you. Your groom has just as much say in the venue, the flowers, and the food as you do. While there are many aspects of planning that you may not want to involve him in (THE DRESS!), try to make him feel special and be welcoming of his thoughts and ideas.
Celebrate the Milestones
Just because wedding planning started, doesn’t mean life was put on pause. Although you may be preparing for the most beautiful day of your lives, the two of you should still be celebrating the smaller milestones of life. Did you get a promotion at work? Get all spiffed up and go out for a night on the town! Did you buy a house together? Spend your first night in your new home enjoying a bottle of wine and making a delicious dinner. No matter how big or small the occasion, don’t let planning be the reason you miss out on the finer moments of life.
Have fun with it
While planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times of your life, don’t let it bring you down. Enjoy these moments together. Steal a glance of your sparkling ring from time to time. Practice your first dance together. Sit down and plan your honeymoon with one another. When the vows have been said, the cake cut, the last glass of champagne drank, the wedding will be over but your life together has only just begun.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Maureen Cromer is a wedding planner, blogger and public relations professional from Baltimore Maryland, where she lives with her fiancé and kitten. When she isn’t working, you will find her running through the scenic trails of Maryland or sailing around the Wye River with her water-loving family.
Vermont can do no wrong in my book but with a soft and romantic color palette like this one here, it’s fulfilling all my wedding wishes. Michelle Elaine Weddings took the elegance of NYC and infused it with Vermont’s naturally amazing landscape and the finished results – captured by Ashley Largesse – leave us breathless. From that perfect palette to this floral-inspired dress and even a cute pup, these pics have it all – sit back and enjoy (and get ready to fall in love with the Green Mountain State ASAP!).
From Michelle Elaine Weddings… Inspired by Vermont’s natural beauty, Michelle from Michelle Elaine Weddings envisioned blending New York City’s elegant style with the breathtaking landscape of the green mountain state. Home to Vermont’s most luxurious vacation retreats, there was no question that Stowe would serve as the perfect location for the shoot. Ashley of Ashley Largesse Photography captured the beautiful vision for this romantic black tie affair.
In mid-August, the grounds at Topnotch Resort were at their most lush. A group of horses grazed peacefully in a nearby pasture and the layers of mountains created the perfect backdrop. Impassioned by such beauty, our vendors brought light, airy elements to their designs. Abundant blooms and vines hand-picked by Jasper and Prudence brought romance to the tablescape along with silver candlesticks and a collection of curated vessels. Vermont Tent Company allowed us to peruse their selection of linens and event rentals to complete the setup. Each place setting featured a hand-printed letterpress menu with soft grey-blue ink from Christa Alexandra Designs, who also provided a coordinating invitation suite.
The bride’s dress from Everthine had small flower accents that added dimension and grace to the a-line gown. Our hair and makeup team, Finishing Touch and Elizabeth England Studios, made sure the bride looked polished and natural. Sarah Marie’s handcrafted jewelry completed the ensemble with shades of gold and white. To ensure the groom looked his best, the tux was special ordered from California’s Sene. Lastly, the tri-tiered cake from 11th Hour Bakery featured one layer with flowers similar the bride’s dress and two others with texture for an organic but refined appearance.
Photography: Ashley Largesse Photography | Event Planning + Design: Michelle Elaine Weddings | Floral Design: Tedd Kapinos Of Jasper And Prudence Florals And Event Design | Cake: Eleventh Hour Bakery | Stationery: Christa Alexandra Designs | Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Sara Marie Jewelry | Make-up: Elizabeth England Studios | Hair: Finishing Touch Vermont | Tuxedo: Sene | Venue: Topnotch Resort | Bridal Boutique: Everthine Bridal Boutique | Linen + Rentals: Vermont Tent Company
This wedding is filled to the brim with SO many charming moments, you’ll find yourself ooh-ing and ahh-ing throughout the layers of imagery from Tiffany Kokal. First up, I recommend reading the proposal story below—it’s set at Lake Louise and ties into the little quote right here. And then, of course, is the Bride’s stunning style; if you were on the fence about long-sleeves, let her send you over the edge with this gorgeous number. With design by Collected & Co. and day of coordination by Blush & Whim, there’s no denying this one is #goals
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From the bride… The proposal was so romantic! Wyatt and I went on a trip to Canada for our 2-year anniversary. The trip had a fun itinerary of going to the Calgary Stampede, Banff and exploring the British Columbia hot springs. After a few days in Calgary, we were off to Banff to ride horses in the mountains and experience Lake Louise. Little did I know, Wyatt had a very special plan of his own. While walking around Lake Louise I was blown away as I turned around and saw Wyatt down on one knee. He was so nervous he tried to put the ring on the wrong hand, before whispering “You will always be my life’s greatest catch” as I happily said YES! I was completely surprised and not expecting a proposal on this trip. After tears of joy and some phone calls to family, we immediately headed to ride horses in the mountains and cap off a most exciting day with a champagne toast.
If I had to describe our wedding day with one word, magical. I had to keep pinching myself to know it wasn’t a dream. Every moment with Wyatt, family and friends exceeded my expectations. From my grandpa officiating our ceremony to celebrating in the most stunning venue. Our parents and all our vendors we worked with the last year helped make my wedding vision into a reality, we could not have done it without every last one of them.
From Collected & Co.… After the first meeting with Ashley & Wyatt, I immediately fell in love with them and could’t wait to get started on designing the wedding of their dreams. Ashley is an accomplished horse-back rider and trainer and Wyatt is a big fisherman, so they naturally love the outdoors. While we considered an outdoor tented wedding, the couple decided not to worry about the weather and opted for the gorgeous and light filled Machine Shop, right on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Once the venue was booked, we set out to create an “outdoors in” vibe by using cafe lighting to create a faux tent inside and adding as much greenery as we could. Climbing vines went up the industrial pillars, garlands draped the stairwell and the greenery up the chains of the suspended wedding cake all beautifully accented the show-stopping hanging installation. Using 5 large crabbing nets (a nod to Wyatt’s love of fishing), Poppy Lane draped loads of lush greenery off the nets, which helped fill the space and drop the ceilings down to help create some intimacy during dinner. We knew we also needed to incorporate lots of blue shades for Minnesota’s many lakes and Ashley’s piercing blue eyes. Blue taper candles, copper flatware, La Tavola linens, and deep burgundy florals atop white-washed farm tables carried out the rest of the theme. Using Wyatt’s proposal quote, we also created a custom Escort Card display with paper goods from Printerette, which turned into a photo wall after dinner. Mini desserts from Cocoa & Fig, pink champagne and dancing under the dimmed cafe and candle light.
Photography: Tiffany Kokal | Videography: Sky Blue Weddings | Event Design: Collected & Co | Floral Design: Poppy Lane | Wedding Dress: Sareh Nouri | Wedding Dress: Annika Bridal | Cake: Cocoa & Fig | Church: Our Lady of Lourdes | Reception Venue: Machine Shop | Wedding Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Rings: Wedding Day Diamonds | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy Group | Catering: The Deco Catering | Lighting: Phos Events | DJ: Rock With U | Ties: J.Crew | Suits: The Black Tux | Transportation: Renee's Royal Valet | Copper Flatware: Ultrapom | Day Of Coordinator: Blush & Whim | Event Rentals: Collected & Co | Getting Ready Robes: Oh Sugar Studio | Guestbook: Designed By Bride Via Artifact Uprising | Hair & Make Up: Eyes & Irons | Linens: Apres Party And Tent Rental | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Printerette Press | Table Runners & Silk Ribbon: Shasta Bell Calligraphy
There is quick and then there’s 48 hours to design every last inch of your new mountain cottage. Let’s just say Gabby rose to the challenge. Tour her and her husband’s bright, bohemian space whipped together in a mere two days after buying it sight unseen from across the country. Not only is it the perfect, cozy getaway but it’s also instagram famous. See the full space captured by Sara Coffin right here.
From Gabby…Asheville is my hometown and has always held a special place in my heart. My husband and I even met in college at University of North Carolina at Asheville. We both fell in love with the city (and each other) during our time studying. Since college we have moved from Asheville to New York City to San Diego, CA, but have always wanted to be back home.
We are both known for making pretty dramatic life decisions with little to no planning (re: move to NY and CA) and the decision to buy a house was no different. We were casually browsing the internet looking at pictures of homes and stumbled across our little cottage. Seriously, love at first sight! We put an offer in on the house 3 days later (without even taking a tour!). We knew in our heart of hearts this was the house we would buy and eventually raise kids in.
Fast forward to post purchasing. My husband and I still live in CA and are planning our move back to NC when the time is right. When we flew in to sign our homebuyers paperwork, we had a very short window of time to get the house decorated and ready before we flew back to CA — two days to be exact! I put a lot of work in upfront pulling together Pinterest boards full of home inspo before we started the decorating, thank goodness.
It was funny because it was almost like planning a wedding all over again! I decided the house vibe was going to be mid-century modern with a boho chic spin. The very first piece that I purchased was our swing chair which was basically the anchor for the rest of the decor. After that, the white couch and leather side chair just fell into place.
With the kitchen we were super lucky- the previous owner kept the colors clean and simple with pops of reclaimed barn-wood which added so much character! All we did was add the gold hardware to the cabinets and we were set.
I picked white linens for the bedrooms to keep it light and airy – I mean who doesn’t want to sip coffee in bed on a Sunday morning surrounded by a white, down-filled comforter?! Keeping the linens neutral also allowed me to add pops of color with the Moroccan rug and kilim pillows.
The West Asheville neighborhood where we are located is full of young couples, craft breweries, cozy coffee shops and award winning restaurants – all the important stuff. Asheville in general is know for its large population of craft breweries and was even Beer City USA a few years in a row. To say we are ecstatic about our home and new neighborhood is an understatement.
Photography: Sara Coffin Photography | Airbnb Rental: Gabrielle Graham
‘Tis the season for gift giving and something tells me you guys are hard at work, searching for the perfect presents for your loved ones. Well, guess what? Allure Bridals is, too. They’ve put together the ultimate holiday giveaway that is definitely giving your Secret Santa pool a run for its money. Learn more below.
What: The Allure Ultimate Sweepstakes: one (1) bridal gown from any of the Allure Bridals’ family of brands, up to five (5) bridesmaids gowns, up to five (5) tuxedo rentals and videography for your wedding day from 31 Films.
Who: One lucky bride-to-be!
Entry Dates: November 15, 2017 – February 14, 2018
To Enter & Official Rules: Click Here
We’ve been obsessed with the new Spring 2018 Collection from Allure Bridals since we laid eyes on their gorgeous lineup of gowns for both brides and bridesmaids, plus their dapper tuxedos. So when they told us they were giving away a prize package that basically covered all of your wedding attire bases, we figured it was worthy of a little virtual celebration. So here we go: put on your highest heels (or your best yoga pants), pop the bubbly and get ready to enter here. You can win that dream gown you’ve always wanted (trust us, Allure Bridals has it), colorful gowns for your besties and tuxes that will make your men really stand out.
Ready to win the present of a lifetime? Visit Allure Bridals to check out all of the gorgeous dresses, then head here to enter. Holiday dreams really do come true, and Allure Bridals is doing all of the gifting. Click here to enter.
Aren’t these two just the cutest? From their sweet kisses and smiles, to this fantastic locale (hello Inn at Perry Cabin), we’re loving every single one of these pics from Audra Wrisley. They met in college, started as best friends, then gave dating a try and well, the rest is history. If their e-shoot is any indication, we see quite a lovely future ahead but let’s not get ahead of ourselves; we got a gallery of pretty pics to enjoy first!
From Audra Wrisley… Brittany and Alex’s engagement session was the embodiment a beautiful summer afternoon, and we absolutely loved capturing this sweet couple’s love story! The Inn at Perry Cabin was so kind to host us, and we had the best time exploring their beautiful grounds with a greenhouse, beautiful boats and bicycles.
From the Bride-to-be… We grew up several miles from each other in Washington, D. C., but didn’t meet until we both showed up freshmen year at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. We quickly became best friends and, in hindsight, soul mates, but didn’t start dating until our senior year. We stayed together as a bicoastal couple through a few years of graduate and law school before settling back together in Washington D. C. Last summer, we took a memorable and romantic trip to Nantucket Island and with the sunset behind us and our lives in front of us we got engaged. This September we will be married in the Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral with family and friends there to celebrate the launching of our life journey.
Photography: Audra Wrisley Photography | Floral Design: Petals and Promises llc | Makeup: Nour Kazoun Makeup Artistry | Venue: Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond | Blue Dress: Tory Burch | Coordination + Styling: Caroline Dutton Events | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Striped Dress: Tuckernuck | Sunhat: Tuckernuck
When wine aficionados get married, it’s a beautiful thing and this Santa Ynez wedding is the proof. After meeting at the gym (thanks to a cupid trainer) this couple learned they had a whole lot of wine in common. Fast forward to this stunning affair held at the family’s winery, Grassini Family Vineyards, with design and planning by Jill & Co. Events, florals by TOAST Santa Barbara and all the festivities captured by Lacie Hansen. It just goes to show, you might want to rethink skipping your next gym session.
From the planner… Katie and Dean met at a gym in Santa Barbara where their trainer pushed them to get to know each other better. When they finally went on a date they had much to talk about, both being in the wine industry, Katie the CEO of her families Grassini Family Vineyards, and Dean in wine distribution, also with a family winery, Alban Vineyards, up in San Luis Obispo County. Katie has always loved visiting Ireland, and she met her very own Irish boy here in CA. Dean loves vintage cars, and when he saw Katie driving her families 1954 Chevy, he knew he had found his American girl! The truck made it’s way into some of the wedding details, providing a backdrop for the escort card display filled with vintage wine jugs hand lettered directing guests to their seats. The lettering on the invitations paid tribute to the branding of the winery where the guests would be gathering to celebrate Katie and Dean. The ceremony paid tribute to an Irish Tradition of ringing a bell to ward off evil spirits after they recited their vows and walked down the aisle, guests rang vintage bells tied with velvet ribbon and wooden rags with their diagram and “ring me”. For cocktail hour guests sipped on Grassini and Alban wines in the middle of the vineyard. Guests dined lakeside at sunset under a canopy of 100 year old oaks. They were greeted at their seats with engraved oak menus with grassini’s (Italian breadsticks), a nod to the bride’s Italian heritage and families name. Guests were served a three course meal before getting up to dance the night away under the stars, lounge lakeside by the bar, and enjoy the passed desserts and late night snacks.
Photography: Lacie Hansen | Cinematography: Elysium Productions | Event Planning & Design: Jill & Co. Events | Floral Design: TOAST Santa Barbara | Cake : Lele's Patisserie | Stationery: Lazaro Press & Design | Ceremony Venue: Grassinni Family Vineyards | Reception Venue: Grassinni Family Vineyards | Catering : New West Catering | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Grooms Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Vintage Car: Classic Motoring Car Rentals | Beauty: Fiore Beauty | Brides Gown : Mira Zwillinger | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Specialty Rentals : Barn Relic | Specialty Rentals : Elan Event Rentals | Specialty Rentals : Found Rental Co. | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin | Tabletop: The Ark Event Rentals
Tis the season for special occasions!
As you toast and “Cheers!”, your nails will be getting a LOT of extra attention. Before you grab a cocktail, here’s a list all the nail colors you need to get your hands (and nails!) on through the end of the year:
Thanksgiving
Think: rich colors, leaves, and red wine.
OPI Wanna Wrap?
Deborah Lippmann After Midnight
UO Matte Nail Polish Miss Scarlet
OPI Washington DC Collection Cool Apple Red
Deborah Lippmann Wild Thing
Winter Wedding
It’s proposal season, y’all! These colors are classic, formal, and feminine. And they won’t distract from the important things: the bling and the bride!
OPI The Color That Keeps on Giving
Butter London Doily
OPI Soft Shades Collection Passion
Essie Suit & Tied
OPI Dulce de Leche
Essie Find Me an Oasis
Holiday Party
These pops of color will get you into a festive spirit! Inspired by the bow on top of your Christmas presents.
OPI Snow Glad I Met You
Base Coat Noah
Marc Jacobs Deepest Darkest Black
Dior Diorific Vernis Nova
Essie On Your Toes
OPI Top the Package With a Beau
OPI Feel the Chemis-tree
Christian Louboutin Metallic Red
New Year’s Eve
Pop the bubbly! More is more when it comes to NYE. Bring on the sparkles, baby!
OPI Adam Said “It’s New Years, Eve!”
YSL Studio Silver
Chanel Liquid Mirror
Essie Ring in the Bling
Floss Gloss Candy Paint Job
Kendra Scott Gold Drusy
No dull nails allowed this season! Consider this your official permission to treat yourself. Whatever your event, pick a color that will make your heart feel merry and bright!
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.
Our favorite modern day farm girl and Style Me Pretty Blogger Bride, Chloe from Boxwood Avenue, is here to share her tips for creating the perfect holiday gift!
I think brides can all agree that selecting a photographer is one of the most important decisions we make when planning our weddings. We mull over style, technique, and portfolio, and pay a huge sum of money for the perfect person, knowing that our photos will preserve our big day for generations to come. So why is it that most of our photos seem to stay safe and sound in our computers? There is something very special about actually holding a photo in your hands, a memory frozen in time.
This holiday season, why not create a curated wedding day album for family members? I have teamed up with The Wedding Shop by Shutterfly to share some of my favorite tips for creating a beautiful wedding album for your husband, parents, or even grandparents.
Select the perfect cover
The Wedding Shop offers a variety of cover styles (from silk, to a matte cover and even metallic accents) so that you can customize every last detail of the album. I love the 10×10 leather-bound book, it is masculine enough to make the perfect gift for husbands and fathers. I have the absolute hardest time shopping for my dad, but creating this album for him was so easy, and I know he is going to love it. I also ordered (and love) the 8×8 white linen book for a crisp, classic look.
Place photos to tell a story
Although The Wedding Shop will place your photos for you, I really like to take the time to hand select the placement of the photos. I like to pair photos together so that they tell a story just by themselves. For example: I placed a photo of my dad walking me down the aisle on one page, and a photo of my husband watching us walk towards him on the other. It evokes so much emotion and captures the moment completely. I think taking the time to group photos together makes the album that much more special. However, if you are short on time, Shutterfly offers a Make My Book Service where a designer will curate your photos and create a beautiful wedding album for you. So convenient!
Create a luxe look
Since I like a more minimal look, I used photo placement and formatting to tell our story without words (although it’s very easy to add if you’d like to place a special note in your book). I included some pages with lots of negative space, but also added a few full bleed images into the book. I think a mix of formatting, plus a mix of color & black and white images creates a luxe look, especially when paired with The Wedding Shop’s double thick, lay flat pages.
Add a little something extra
I love how easy it is to import photos into your Shutterfly account; once they are imported, you can use them in multiple projects and for things like ornaments, cards, or anything else. I ordered a few beautiful ornaments with my photo books, which serve as gift tags, but I am having a hard time parting with them, they are so beautiful! Adding a little something extra is the cherry on top of these beautiful gifts!
I can’t wait to deliver this special present to my mom and dad this holiday season; I know they are going to cherish them for years to come! Now, head on over to The Wedding Shop to create your own wedding albums and don’t forget Shutterfly’s holiday gifts for your family this year!
This post was written in partnership by Chloe Mackintosh for The Wedding Shop on Style Me Pretty.
