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.

Hi, gals! We’re so excited to intro you to Ashley, our newest Blogger Bride! You’re gonna love her edgy style and globetrotting adventures — especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or have a short engagement! That’s right – she’s going from engaged to bride in five months! 

Oh hi, Brides-to-be! I’m so excited to be Style Me Pretty’s newest Blogger Bride. My name is Ashley and I’m the founder of Everyday Pursuits, a lifestyle and fashion blog based in Los Angeles. EDP is a place where you can find REAL daily discussions on fashion, beauty, travel, entrepreneurship, and relationships.

My fiance, Andy

Speaking of relationships my fiance, Andy, and I are pumped to finally make this thing official. Andy and I met at work a little over 5 years ago and I knew from the second he walked in for his final interview that I was going to be with him. It all started with a gchat convo about the office Spotify playlist and a few awkward lunch “dates.”

Fast forward 4.5 years later in Barcelona when he got down on one knee to ask me to marry him! Our European engagement was SO us and to be honest, I totally knew it was coming. Read more about our engagement story on Everyday Pursuits.

Funny enough I had planned a Paris photoshoot (right after our Barcelona stop) before I knew we were getting engaged, so these pics from Katie Donnelly ended up being pseudo engagement photos although I have some GRAND plans for real ones!

Short Engagement

This all happened in August and we’re currently planning our wedding for March 2018 in Los Cabos, Mexico. Nothing like a 5-month engagement! After doing some initial venue research, we realized that destination was the way to go to create a magical weekend experience for our guests. If you’re thinking destination, check out my recent post on where to start your hunt and tips for nailing down your ultimate destination venue.

Because of the weather in Mexico we decided to do a shorter engagement vs. extending our wedding planning to accommodate a spring 2019 celebration. I’m the kind of person who thrives on being busy and LOVES planning, so I know 5 months will be just enough time to make it all happen.

Next up: a week of firsts! We have our kick-off meeting with our planner, Amy Abbott, I’m going dress shopping soon (eek – I want to try them all!), and we’ve got to get those save the dates out!

Can’t wait to share this process with you on SMP and EDP.

Ashley

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When these two couldn’t find the right venue to say “I do” here at home, they decided to follow their hearts and return to a place they fell in love with before… and they weren’t disappointed. With the gorgeous Tuscan hills all around, they became Mr. and Mrs. and celebrated with this rustic Italian wedding – and we’re just jealous we weren’t invited. Gianluca and Mary Adovasio snapped away and Angelo La Torre filmed it all live – see more right this way!

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From Angelo La Torre… It was Super Bowl XLVI (2012) in Indianapolis that brought this couple together. The Giants defeated the Patriots and neither one of them ever thought we would end up finding the “one” in Indiana. Jonathan (the groom) was there working on the pre-game show for the NFL. Krista Belle (the bride) was there helping with the Bud Light Hotel. Krista Belle, a former wedding planner herself, turned corporate event producer, was living in Los Angeles at the time. Jonathan the co-owner of a lighting, staging, and audio / visual company was residing in Chicago. It was an unlikely setup, but a work colleague / friend introduced them, and a relationship bloomed. Their first weekend away was in Paso Robles, California and there began their love of traveling together and delicious wine. The couple spent two years commuting between LA and Chicago before Krista Belle finally moved to the Midwest.

Krista Belle’s job takes her all over the world. She had just finished up a job in Paris and Venice and Jonathan flew to Italy to join her with friends. There was a property in Pienza, Italy that Krista Belle had been dying to visit. They spent a week between the La Bandita Countryhouse and Townhouse. The area was charming, the food delicious, the people amazing, and both properties were perfect. This place was magical and really stuck with the couple. The everlasting beauty was something that they knew they would one day return to.

After getting engaged – at an Ostrich Farm in Solvang, California, the search was on for a place to get married. They scoured vineyards, private homes, and resorts all over Southern California. Not finding the perfect match, both kept feeling drawn to the possibility of Tuscany. After discussing all the options with John Voigtmann, the owner of La Bandita, the idea of Italy became more of a strong consideration. After a trip to Florence for work, Krista Belle drove out to the Countryhouse to view the property one more time. It was while standing next to the beautiful pool, looking out at the perfect view, that her mind was made up.

The couple began embarking on their greatest event to date. Most of Krista Belle’s family had never been out of the country so this was a huge undertaking! They hired Hope Caldwell to help with the process. Krista Belle and Hope worked hand in hand to manage all the details. The couple decided that they wanted to host several different activities for all those guests traveling so far to get there. The week before the wedding, the Mickelson Clan (Krista Belle’s 16 relatives) headed to Florence to explore its beauty for five days. Jonathan headed to Pienza for a few extra days with this family.

The wedding week started off on a Wednesday, with a lovely welcome cocktail hour at the La Bandita Townhouse. Spritz and cheese are one of the couples most favorite things. People gathered for a true aperitivo experience in the beautiful garden of the townhouse.

Thursday the group was transported to the The Abbey of Sant’Antimo in Montalcino for a tour. The couple handed out euro coins to each guest and asked them to light a candle in the church and make a wish for a loved one. The group was surprised when the Monks began chanting outside of the church. The group then headed to Ciacci Piccolomini Winery for a tour of the vineyard and lunch. That evening the couple hosted a bridal party wine tasting and pizza party at the La Bandita Countryhouse. A chef came in and created amazing pizzas in the wood fire pizza oven and John Voigtmann led the group through a Brunello tasting.

Friday was the rehearsal dinner at the restaurant known for the best view in Pienza, La Terrazza Del Chiostro. The night began with a phenomenal cocktail hour on the terrace with two signature cocktails, one for the groom and one for the bride. The joke in the relationship is that usually Jonathan orders fruity, umbrella drinks, while Krista Belle will drink more manly drinks. The drinks were a perfect representation of this. After sunset, everyone moved inside for a lovely dinner and speeches.

Saturday was the ceremony and wedding at the La Bandita Countryhouse. The bride got ready in the Pig Stye suite on the property. The groom got ready at the La Bandita Townhouse, which is about 20 minutes away. The boys played bocce ball in the garden and relaxed. The bridesmaids had a beautiful lunch overlooking the valley. The ceremony featured a string quartet playing popular music. The groom walked down the aisle with his parents to “The Final Countdown” by Europe. The bridal party walked down to “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. The bride’s 7-year-old niece was the flower girl and the ring bearer, her 6-month-old nephew, was carried down by her brother. The bride walked down with her father to “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon. The ceremony was officiated by one of the couple’s best friends, Ben Newmark. The ceremony was beautiful with sentimental moments, funny jokes, a wine pairing, and two readings by friends of family, of the bride’s mother’s poems and prayers. The chair closest to the bride was reserved for her mother, who passed away six years ago. The most memorable moment of the ceremony was during the reading of a prayer loved by the mother of the bride. Halfway through the reading, sheep were released right behind where the bride and groom were standing, all wearing bells, none of which was planned. The sheep are owned by the neighbor and it was a completely random, but beautiful moment. Everyone thought it was the bride’s mom sending a message.

Cocktails were enjoyed by the pool overlooking the valley. Two signature cocktails and funny cocktail napkins were passed with appetizers and drinks. An Italian duo playing an accordion and a traditional Italian horn serenaded the guests. After cocktails commenced the same duo led the guests down the olive tree lined path to the reception. The duo are the cutest little old Italian men that you have ever seen. Straight out of a postcard. This was an absolute must for the bride. She adored them!

The reception was under a beautifully decorated marquee on the property. Guests enjoyed amazing Italian wines, burrata cheese salad, homemade pesto pasta, and filet mignon. After dinner guest were invited to a pergola under the stars for dancing. Next to the dance floor was lounge furniture, a bar, and a fire pit. The couple danced the first dance to “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges. The groom and his mother entertained everyone with their amazing rendition of “Perfidia.” There was not a dry eye in the house when the bride and her father danced to “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. The guests danced the night away until 4 am.

The next morning everyone was invited back to the Countryhouse for a pool party and brunch. The bride’s love of pool inflatables was made a reality with several fun items like a swan and pineapple.

The next day everyone went home and the couple continued to Malta with a few other couples – to what they called their “Buddymoon.” The couple later enjoyed their real honeymoon in French Polynesia.

Photography: Gianluca And Mary Adovasio | Cinematography: Angelo La Torre Films | Floral Design: Puscina Flowers | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Stationery: Written Word Calligraphy | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Lighting: Alma Project | Groom's Suit: Burberry | Bride's Hair + Makeup: Jessica Liparoto | Bridesmaids' Hair + Makeup: Ilaria Borgioli | Event Planning (Italy): Tuscan Wedding Events | Event Planning (USA): KLH Group, Hope Caldwell | Event Rentals: Handled by John Voigtmann | Farewell Brunch: La Bandita | Musicians: String Quartet & Accordion Duo (John Voigtmann hired) | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: La Terrazza del Chiostro, Pienza, Tuscany | Welcome Bags: A Signature Welcome | Welcome Celebration: La Bandita | Wine Tasting Lunch: Ciacci Piccolomini, Montalcino, Tuscany

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Cozy is this Nashville wedding’s middle name. From the scenic farm backdrop to the fireside cocktails, candlelit tent and guests dressed to the nines, every inch is the epitome of fall perfection. Get lost in the beauty of an elegant evening under the stars designed by 12th Table, styled by Jessica Sloane, and beautifully captured by Jessica Lorren.

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From the Photographer… Natalie and Danny’s vision for an elegant event set on a modern farm came to life with the help of a vendor dream team and the stunning Tennessee hills. The sunset started the celebration, followed by local fare in a beautifully appointed see-through tent showcasing the night sky. Guests enjoyed an evening of dancing to the sounds of The Jon Lucas band and cocktails by the fire before departing in limos back to the city.

Photography: Jessica Lorren Photography | Event Design + Planning: 12th Table | Styling: Jessica Sloane Event Styling & Design | Floral Design: 12th Table | Reception Venue: Bloomsbury Farm | Catering: Dan Forberg | Hair + Makeup: James Luxe Beauty | Entertainment: jon lucas | Transportation: Signature Transportation Services | Tent: Music City Tents | Beverages: Apertif | Rentals: 12th Table | Restrooms: Posh Privy

This is the kind of wedding that has a little bit of everything I love, rolled into one pretty package. From the Bride’s elegant style and lengthy waves to the Southern ceremony under the most beautiful tree, and then the portraits by the waterside. Simply Sarah, you never disappoint. With planning by Missy Brittain and blooms by The Proper Petal, there’s so much to soak in here in the full gallery.

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From the bride… Matthew and I are both from Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg is a mid sized town with a small town vibe in that everyone knows everyone, none of that “6 degrees of separation” here. We both went to the same elementary school for 4th and 5th grade. Needless to say we have known each other for a long time; however, we truly met the summer after freshman year of college, at a friends party one night. We were pretty much inseparable after that, and fell in love shortly after, somewhere between Virginia Tech football games, hikes along the Blue Ridge Mountains and late nights at the library. We got engaged on top of a mountain in North Carolina after a (basically vertical) hike. He really made me work for that ring.

September 16, 2017 will forever be one of the best days of our lives. For our wedding, I wanted it to be really true to who we were as a couple, and as individuals. I didn’t want to use, for example, flowers that I didn’t like but that went with the color scheme. I got a lot of design ideas and inspiration starting with the venue – Westover Plantation. It’s a property that is whimsical, but not in the Alice-in-Wonderland way but a sophisticated and classic way. Gardens that are a little overgrown, a stately old plantation home and lots of space for our guests to explore right on the James River. We were able to incorprate all of these elements into our day to create a special wedding experience for our guests.

It is hard to pick just one favorite memory from our wedding day, but walking down the aisle was one of the best moments of the day, of the week, of the year…. of my life. I had my dad there to support me, and walked towards the man of my dreams. There are no words to describe those emotions. Then, walking into the reception with my new husband – seeing everyone we love in one room. Getting to spend the night dancing and singing with all our people. As cliche as it may sound, It truly was the best night ever.

If you have the opportunity to have Simply Sarah photograph your day, and you don’t take it – you’re making a huge mistake. Not only is her photography stunning (there is no disputing the girl knows her way around a camera), she and Will make you feel comfortable, at home, and confident. We chose to have Simply Sarah do our engagement pictures as well as photograph our big day and it was one of the best decisions we made with regard to our wedding planning proccess. She is organized, knows what she is doing, and kept amazing attention to detail. Always making sure we got all the shots we wanted, and the ones she knew we needed. Sarah is a pleasure to work with and one of the sweetest, most genuine humans out there. Highly, highly recommend Simply Sarah Photography!

Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Planning: Missy Brittain | Floral Design: The Proper Petal | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Cake: Carrot Tree | Shoes: Bella Belle | Catering: Champagne Taste | Hair & Makeup: Eye Do Makeup & Hair | Calligraphy: Haniya Calligraphy | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Harpist: Diana Elliott | Wedding Venue: Westover Plantation | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints

As wedding season winds down and the holidays begin to ramp up, there’s a few newlyweds planning on hosting their first Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. As exciting as the milestone is, the moment can come with its own bit of stress.

But it doesn’t have to be, says Kathleen Schaffer, owner and creative director of Schaffer. And she should know, Kathleen’s catering business is the go-to choice for many of Hollywood’s biggest names (her clients include Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, George Clooney and David Beckham).

Kathleen shares the hacks that keep her in high-demand. Here’s what she says it takes to nail your first time hosting a holiday meal:

Play to your strengths

Prepare dishes you have previously made. If you want to try something new, do a practice run. Do not attempt an ambitious menu that involves timing dishes and à la minute cooking. If you are not a professional chef, set yourself up for success by staying within your abilities.

Go for an easy spread

Buffets are the easiest for a home cook to prepare. Once you put the dishes out, join the group and spend time with your guests. A comfortable, happy host makes for a great event.

Greet your guests with food
Make sure you have appetizers out before your guests arrive. Choose room temperature items that create a beautiful display. Cheese and charcuterie plates are easy options. Platter and then cover with damp paper towels to keep the sliced meats from discoloring, and the cheese from sweating.

Keep your guests well-fed
Plan the menu to include one or two protein items, three vegetable side dishes, two salads, a bread basket and butter. This way you have enough choices for all of your guests and their diets.

Don’t forget the ice
Plan to have two pounds of ice per guest. Set up a self-service bar and let guests make their own drinks. Or, have a large batch of a specialty cocktail ready to serve over ice.

Make your table Instagram-worthy
Use matching tableware and serving utensils for an upscale look. Visit a restaurant supply store to purchase simple white platters and metal serving utensils (such as scissor tongs and slotted spoons). This will make your buffet look professional and clean. The upside is, you’ll use these pieces again and again. Incorporate candles, small floral groupings or succulents in between plates to create a great design element.

Don’t sweat the small stuff
Remain calm and keep things in perspective. Your life does not depend on the outcome of your dinner party, and your marriage is more important than this one night. The event industry exists because experts entertain for a living. Make sure you enjoy yourself and are also a guest at your event. Your guests and spouse should appreciate all of the effort you put into the evening. If they do not, you are hanging out with the wrong people.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ximena N. Larkin is a writer and publicist. She lives in Chicago with her husband and dog.

It was love at first sight when this Bride happened upon the natural beauty of Jardin de Buis. Filled with antiques, romantic gardens, and the prettiest greenhouse, it is a little pocket of European beauty in the wilds of New Jersey. Add in a gorgeous, rounded arch and plush blooms by Lara Clare Design, and that greenhouse proved the perfect spot for their wedding celebration. Captured by Lauren Fair Photography, have a look at the true beauty of romance among the flora.

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From the bride…Kevin and I got engaged in December of 2015 and planned our wedding for a little over a year and a half. While venue-hunting, our two requirements were to find a space that would comfortably accommodate an intimate guest list of 90 and a space that felt natural and beautiful to us. We searched for about two months until I stumbled upon a photograph of a greenhouse at Jardin de Buis in a magazine and was instantly enthralled. I immediately reached out to the owner of the property and arranged a visit. Our first visit to Jardin de Buis was in the cold of February and even though all the trees were bare and the nothing was in bloom just yet, we fell in love. The best part of Jardin de Buis is the beauty in the simplicity of the space – nothing felt too styled or planned, everything was placed organically and magically, from the thriving greenery to the scattered antiques. It all came together so beautifully on it’s own and we knew we had found our dream venue to tie the knot. We were excited about the idea of working with different vendors to really customize the space for our wedding. We also loved the idea of having our ceremony and reception on the same site and Jardin de Buis easily accommodated both aspects of our wedding celebration. We loved that our ceremony was on one side of the property and guests could take a short walk through a garden to Orangerie and greenhouse for cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. Dinner in a greenhouse under string lights? We were sold!

Once we found our venue, the rest of the wedding planning came together organically. The venue choice really set the aesthetic for the remainder of our wedding planning and thats when the planning process became really fun! Besides the venue, our second biggest priority when booking vendors was the photographer. Finding the right photographer was equally as important to me as finding the right venue. I knew exactly what type of photography style I was looking for and immediately reached out to Lauren Fair. When we spoke for the first time, we instantly clicked – she just got us! We really wanted capture our wedding in more ways than one, which is why we chose to hire a videographer as well. Luckily, I met Kristen Ryan through college and had always admired her work. I remember watching her wedding videos with tears in my eyes and knew that one day when I got married I would have to have her capture my wedding. It was really important to chose vendors who immediately picked up on the vision we had for our wedding – this made the planning process so easy and fun. It also made us feel so comfortable and at ease. We worked with Laura Clare Design to come up with a color palette and floral aesthetic. Since our wedding was greenhouse-themed, I really wanted to keep the colors neutral and earth-toned to compliment our surroundings. We went for a floral palette of only green and white and we wanted the florals to be loose and organic. Rather than using tall table centerpieces, we chose to garnish the dinner tables with oversized garland full of textured greenery, luscious white flowers and succulents. Laura Clare also designed the most beautiful rounded floral archway for us to get married in front of and lined our isle with white rose petals.

We were so lucky to have full access to the antiques at Jardin de Buis and we spent the night before our wedding at the venue moving furniture, decorating and getting everything in order. It was all fun, but it was also one of those moments we laugh about now because it’s so easy to go overboard with last minute ideas when you are your own wedding planner! On the day of our wedding, I was overwhelmed with such pure joy and gratitude. I couldn’t believe our wedding day had finally arrived and we were soon to be married in front of all our family and friends. I couldn’t wait to see Kevin and I couldn’t wait to see our guests arrive! The owner of the property was kind enough to open up her home so that my bridesmaids, family and I could get ready on site. We had such a fun morning listening to music, relaxing and getting all glammed up. In between hair and makeup, I kept sneaking outside to check on how the vendors were setting up. Everything kept looking more and more beautiful by the minute, the sun was shining, and I was counting down the minutes until it was “go” time. One of my favorite memories of the day was gifting my parents and bridesmaids special gifts and heartfelt written cards. I think we all shared tears in the moment and it was such a special send off before I left to meet Kevin for our first look.

Kevin and I decided to have a first look for many reasons but mainly we wanted to take the pressure off of our cocktail hour and be able to spend more time with guest who traveled near and far. When I was walking up to Kevin, I felt such a rush of excitement, I just couldn’t wait for him to turn around! We both were expecting tears, but during our first look we were just so happy and excited we couldn’t help but smile the entire time. We chose to write our own vows to each other but instead of reading them during our wedding ceremony, we chose to read them to each other in private, after our first look. This was one of my favorite memories from our wedding day. It was so special and intimate and it set the tone for us walking down the isle. It also kept our ceremony fun and light-hearted. We couldn’t stop smiling through the entire ceremony!

Our cocktail hour was held around a reflecting pool in between two greenhouses connected by an Orangerie. It was magical! I felt that our venue was really a treat for our guests – we wanted our guest to feel as though they were transported into Europe for an evening. We loved that the space was combination of rustic, chic and organic. It left us a lot of room for creativity and we chose to keep the decor simple to compliment the natural space we were in. Long, family-style dinner tables covered in crisp, white linens, white and green florals, string lights, hanging ferns, oversized planters overflowing with greenery, succulents and candles in storm jars filled the space. After cocktail hour, we entered the Orangerie and had our first dance to ‘Sea of Love’ by Cat Power. We chose to favor reach guest with a mini succulent plant that housed their name/table card. Surprisingly, we somehow kept dry eyes throughout most of the dinner until it was time for speeches and toasts. Then there wasn’t a dry eye in the greenhouse! We will never forget the feeling of how much love we felt surrounding us in the greenhouse during our dinner.

We repeatedly heard the same advice from everyone: enjoy every moment of your wedding day because it goes by in the blink of an eye. That advice is SO true and I’m glad we listened. We were so pleased with all of our vendors – each did their own part to make sure our wedding day was exactly how we imaged. day was so incredible and went by so fast it was a blur – we barely got to eat we were so busy having fun! After dinner, I threw my floral crown on and Kevin and I danced the night away until we had our sparkler exit. Our wedding day was truly a dream!

Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Videographer: Kristin Ryan | Floral Design: Laura Clare Fine Floral Design | Ceremony Venue: Jardin De Buis | Reception Venue: Jardin De Buis | Hair & Makeup: Jenielle Jensen + Lauren Senese | Dress boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Paper Goods: Paperless Post

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Lauren Fair Photography

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Simply put: the new Spring 2018 Collection from BHLDN is gorgeous. With stunning silhouettes, beautiful detailing and amazing fabrics, it’s the kind of lineup that has everything you’ve ever wanted all in one cozy (extremely beautiful) place. And guess what? They’re launching 25 gowns for pre-order starting today. Yep, you don’t have to wait any longer to find “the one” – you can log in online and do it, like, right now. #bestdayever

So, there’s good news… and then there is this type of good news. And if you want to dance around in your yoga pants, we’ve been there, done that. Because with a collection of gowns that includes everything from figure-enhancing mermaid silhouettes (hey there, Nicolette) to voluminous ball gowns (the Carlton = one of our faves) to off-the-shoulder classics like the Windsor, there is most definitely something for everyone. And, really, who doesn’t love a little early bird shopping? Plus, as an early holiday present, our friends at BHLDN our giving us a sneak peek at their newest Look Book Collection, available on November 28th. See the pretties below, because today is awesome.

Ready to do the most important holiday shopping of your life? Log on to BHLDN to peruse the 25 gowns available for pre-order – and get ready to walk down the aisle like the princess you know you are. Simply hover over your selected size on the product page to see when your gown will ship out – some will arrive as early as January 2018. Want to try the gown on prior to your order? You can see every gown in store, and can even attend one of the launch parties for the Spring 2018 Collection in select stores starting on December 14th.

Start shopping, you guys!

Purchasing wedding gifts for couples these days is much more complicated than it used to be. Many couples live together pre-marriage so they already have most home essentials, meaning for their wedding they’ll likely either choose to upgrade to pricier brands, or register for life events and experiences.

For guests and engaged couples alike, this means navigating the gift giving and return process can be a bit tricky! We sat down with wedding expert Cristen of Cristen & Co. Events, to answer some of the most common gift giving and return questions for modern-day registries and weddings.

When is it ok to go off the registry? If you do, what type of items should you buy?

A registry is created by the couple for items and products they may need and/or want. If you are extremely close to the couple and have a few ideas in mind that are off registry it is okay to purchase something that is sentimental or something you know they would enjoy having, they can put to good use.

If the item is small and sentimental I still recommend purchasing something small from their registry to accompany it. I would not just buy something from the registry that has no purpose. If you intend not to purchase anything on the registry list then I recommend gifting a check and they can put that towards something they would like to purchase in the future.

If you’re invited to multiple wedding events, should you buy both a shower gift and a wedding gift?

If you’re invited to both the shower and the wedding, you’re probably a close friend or relative of the couple. It is expected that you buy a gift for both occasions. In order to keep costs down, go in on a big gift with other people, or get them something smaller for the shower, and a larger gift for the wedding.

How much should you be spending on a wedding gift?

This is tricky because it really depends on your budget. I always say you give a gift because you want to. The couple invited you to celebrate such a happy time in their life, and however, you gift them is really appreciated! You can either gift them something from their registry or deliver a card with a check. If you’re looking for spending guidelines, here’s what I normally recommend:

Close friend or family member: $150+
Relative or friend: $100+
Co-worker or distant relative: $50+

How much time do you have to give a wedding gift?

Tradition says that you have an entire year to send a gift. However, so you don’t forget—and before the couple mails out thank you cards—it is easier to send within a couple of months after the wedding date. Also, remember tradition is if you are a family member and can’t attend the wedding, it is customary to still send a gift.

Is cash acceptable?

I recommend check vs. cash and it is completely acceptable. If the couple doesn’t have someone looking after their gifts like a wedding planner or family member there is the potential for stolen goods as many know that cards are very common and stuffed with monetary goods. I have heard it happen in the past from other industry vendors to client family members. Giving a check gives the couple freedom to spend it on their honeymoon, first house, or a fun date night and you the peace of mind that it could be canceled.

How do returns typically work? Are guests notified?

It is important to put a gift receipt with the gift you are giving to the couple. There could be a chance that the couple received multiple of the same gift and/or changed their mind about something they had on their registry. To make things easier, they can simply return with the gift receipt and exchange the piece for something else and the guest may not necessarily be notified unless the couple reached out to let them know. However, if the guest didn’t provide a gift receipt and requires the couple to reach out about the duplicate gift, you may receive a note then.

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

When creatives like Amanda Wei, Joy Proctor and Bows and Arrows come together, good things are bound to happen. Case in point, this seaside shoot in Sonoma where Mother Nature’s beauty alone takes our breaths away. But add in these tablescapes and ceremony scene – and this bouquet – and it just gets better and better. Amanda Wei captured every beautiful bit and this gorgeous gallery is all the proof you need – stunning seaside inspiration right this way!

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From Amanda Wei… The Amanda Wei Team and Joy Proctor partnered up for this gorgeous sea side inspiration shoot that we are just swooning over! With the help of Tanja Lippert and Alicia Rico with Bows and Arrows Flowers, this shoot is simply jaw dropping. Take a peek and enjoy the inspiration!!

Photography: Amanda Wei Photography | Styling: Joy Proctor Design | Floral Design: Bows and Arrows | Hair + Make Up: Tanja Lippert | Venue: Sea Ranch Lodge

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Bows and Arrows

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Joy Proctor Design

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When it comes to tying the knot, Birmingham is one of those hidden gems that makes your wedding weekend just as fun as it is stylish. Trust us, just one stop in “The Magic City” and you’ll be smitten. Which is why we’re teaming up The Westin Birmingham to bring you a little insider’s guide on how to make the most of your Birmingham celebration. From fun activities to amazing restaurants, we’ve got you covered.

BEST SPOT FOR PHOTO OPS

Our Pick: The Westin Birmingham.

Why we love it: We all know that choosing a venue with stellar photo ops is sooo important, and The Westin Birmingham will definitely not disappoint. We can’t get over the vertical wall and stairs combo that jumps out at you the second you walk into the lobby (hello, drama) AND the views of Uptown from the rooftop pool. Taking those newlywed images to an entirely new (breathtaking) level has never been easier.

Our Pick: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Why we love it: Three words: sooo many flowers. Plus, gorgeous greenery and awe-inspiring structures, too. Which means that you can snap those moments with your love surrounded by everything from beautiful roses to tulips to camellias, the perfect backdrop for those fall wedding captures. Bonus? It’s just a 10 minute drive from The Westin Birmingham, so you don’t have to miss your entire cocktail hour.

FAVE RESTAURANTS 

Our Pick: Todd English P.U.B.

Why we love it: No wedding is complete without a fabulous lineup of restaurants on the itinerary, and if one of those restaurants happens to be in the lobby of The Westin Birmingham? Even better. Todd English P.U.B. boasts a full Raw Bar, plus a lineup of traditional American “comfort foods” that will leave your tummies happy. And the Bloody Mary Cart? A must for your morning-after brunch AND a quick jaunt down from your luxe accommodations.

Our Pick: Perry’s Steakhouse

Why we love it: Just a short 20 minute Uber from The Westin Birmingham’s Uptown location, Perry’s Steakhouse is one of our fave spots in Birmingham. Why? It’s tasty award-winning menu will get you every. single. time. and the cocktails are super tasty. We suggest trying this locale out for a yummy rehearsal dinner or bachelor/bachelorette party.

Our Pick: Galley and Garden

Why we love it: And speaking of rehearsal dinners, the Galley and Garden is a beautiful spot for that night-before celebration with your nearest and dearest. We’re sort of obsessed with the historic Merritt House locale and the beautiful private dining options will really make your evening stand out. Oh, and the food? Spectacular.

FUN ACTIVITIES

Our Pick: Top Golf Birmingham

Why we love it: Guys, Top Golf is the best. Whether you’ve never picked up a club in your life, or happen to be the next Jordan Spieth, trust us on this one: you and your guests will love it. Plus, with good food, good drinks and fun to be had by all, it’s the perfect spot for any of those pre-wedding parties you have on the lineup… or a getaway with your love post-nuptials.

Our Pick: Sips n Strokes

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a more laid-back activity, Sips n Strokes is IT. Think wine, painting (your very own works of art) and tons of laughs with your besties. We’re loving this Birmingham hot spot as an amazing girls’ getaway with your bridal party – or a fun activity with all of your nearest and dearest who are in town to celebrate you and your love.

Our Pick: Locked in Birmingham

Why we love it: Having a list of activities for your guests is one of the most important parts of planning your Big Day and they’ll absolutely LOVE you when you add this brain charger to their itinerary. Because nothing says “bonding experience” quite like a game that requires you to use clues to escape from a room with your friends and family. So fun, you guys.

Ready to plan the week or weekend of a lifetime? Contact The Westin Birmingham as your starting point. They’ll take care of all of your wedding dreams (luxe accommodations, beautiful venues) and the city of Birmingham will handle the rest of the fun.

Photography: Sam Jasper Photography | Photography: NicTay Photography

Good morning, lovelies! We have an oh-so-exciting announcement for you today. Our friend Greg Finck, is hosting a workshop from May 21-24, 2018, in Paris – and we’ll be there with some incredibly talented people! In celebration of the news, we’re taking a look at the enchanting images captured at last year’s Alice in Wonderland inspired workshop, which all came together with the help of Branco Prata Studios, Rime Arodaky, Bella Belle, Laetitia C. Fleurs d’Atelier, and more.  Just TRY not to get ridiculously excited for 2018’s workshop after watching the video from last year, captured by Pascal Délé.

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From designer Sofia Ferreira of Branco Prata Studios… Time has the importance one gives it, and what we do with time is infinitely more important. This is a reflection about the perception of everything that surrounds us and also a deliberation on how we see and interpret reality. There are different realities and we are the only ones responsible for the reality we choose to live in. We must never obliterate the importance of our five senses and what they display in regards of the reality we choose to live in.

This workshop is an alternate reality, and as in Alice’s Wonderland fable, everything is immeasurable! The world – your reality – is ready to be explored and questioned. In our interpretation of the tale, Alice is bold, fearless, and adventurous. Also agile, cunning, and communicative. She loves to explore the unknown, embrace new realities, and often questions everything that surrounds her.

Her journey begins with curiosity. As Alice ventures into the forest, the sound of her footsteps becomes deafening. The trees seem to close the way and the movement of her body blend in with the gentle breeze. “What is this place that I feel so drawn to? Where is this rabbit hole taking me?” At the same time, Alice feels frightened but with an enormous desire to follow the path that is taking her to a whole new world, to a whole new reality. This is the first visual impact of Wonderland. Alice immediately perceives a new reality, a parallel universe, where everything she sees is bright and vivid and more euphoric than any person could ever imagine. It’s a marvelous imaginary realm, a world of fantasy or illusion. Welcome to Wonderland, dear Alice.

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Cinematography: Pascal Delé Filmaker | Floral Design: Laetitia C. - fleurs d'atelier | Cakes: T Bakes Atelier | Stationery: Crème De Papier | Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair + Makeup: Camille Bonardi Hair & Make-Up Artist | Calligraphy: Nice Plume | Bespoke Dresses: Rime Arodaky | Crown + Headpieces: Heart of Gold Design | Event Design + Concept: Brancoprata | Greg Finck Workshop: Greg Finck workshops | Location: Les Domaines De Patras | Table Top: Cañigueral | Tabletop: Cañigueral

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Earlier today we got a good look at the colorful engagement shoot for these two jet setters and now it’s time to soak up their elegant Southern ceremony, one beautiful bloom and travel-inspired detail at a time. Amy Arrington captured it from start to finish and our gallery is jam packed with all the goodies, rounding out our day in the most delightful of ways. And don’t miss Imagine Video Productions film as well; can this get any better or more beautiful!?

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From the Bride… We chose to have our wedding at The Cloister on Sea Island. It’s such a special part of the country and we wanted our friends and family to share and experience true Southern hospitality.

I loved planning the wedding, it was such a fun thing to do. Though it can get a bit overwhelming at times, a friend of mine said that this is the one time you have to do it, so enjoy all the steps in planning it! When doing so, we wanted to personalize a few items of the day. Charles and I love to travel, it’s no secret that we bonded over airplanes and places we wanted to go. Our friends know we are the go-to people for airline advice, as well as travel tips! We brought the travel theme into the wedding by having our seating chart be a departure board, with the different airports and places we had visited and loved together. We had the obvious ones (JFK, ATL, LAX) but then had some of our unique trips TOS (Tromso, Norway) and LIM (Lima, Peru – both of our first trips on the other side of the equator). We also incorporated some smaller details, we made paper planes to serve as place cards at each seat.

The most special moment from the wedding day to me, was seeing our families come together for this union. Charles’ dad, Edward Ralston, had been in the hospital just two days before our wedding and we weren’t sure if he was going to be able to make it to the ceremony. To see him and his wife walking into the chapel with Charles, and being involved in the day, was such a blessing and a moment we will cherish forever.

Another moment that I remember is reading the letter Charles wrote me and seeing him at our first look. We wrote each other letters that would be presented to one another on the morning of our ceremony but we didn’t talk about what was in them, or how long they were going to be. It’s funny because when I started reading his, we ended up saying very similar things to each other in our own ways. We spoke about our dreams of our wedding as kids and how they both involved finding the right person to marry and knowing that it would be a very happy marriage. It was so special to see that he and I spoke of the same things to each other. I also remember seeing him as I walked up behind him for our first look. I was so excited that I wanted to run towards him. I didn’t know if I was going to cry or not but ended up just having the biggest smile on my face. I think from that moment on during the day and into the evening, I didn’t stop smiling or wanting to hug and kiss him.

A fun moment during the process was finding my wedding shoes! I knew I wanted to get a really fun, great pair of shoes and knew just what to do. I worked for an airline at the time, and my great friend from work and I would go on weekend trips to Europe (a great perk!). We decided that for the wedding shoes we would have to go to the best place we could think of – Paris! We hopped on a plane, went to Paris for a long weekend, and shoe shopped all day long. I tried on a few pairs at Le Printemps and then went into Dior. I saw my shoes and fell in love with them. They are completely unlike me, I wear typically plain pumps, but these were so special and screamed wedding to me. They had a delicate abstract satin rose on the front in a light pink. I knew after trying them on that I had found the pair – kind of like how you know with your wedding dress! They are so special and whenever I wear them I think of the crazy, fun trip I took to go find them! We even had the same flight attendants on the way back who knew of the story and couldn’t stop saying how great the shoes were as well as the story!

If I could offer one piece of wisdom to couples currently planning a wedding, I’d say take time each weekend to sit down and talk about things with your significant other. We set aside a few hours each Sunday afternoon to get a lot of the planning items done, so that we could focus on being together during the week and not having the entire wedding consume our whole life. Also, I’d suggest reading the Love Languages book. Our pastor had us read it individually and then we sat and talked about our different love languages. It was really eye opening to both of us and helps us understand the other person’s love language and let’s us figure out new ways to show them “I love you.” It was definitely a great way to start our marriage.

Charles and I decided to put our roots down in Atlanta, his hometown. It’s been amazing so far, we love our new house, our new golden retriever, Stella, and are happy being in the same time zone finally!

Photography: Amy Arrington Photography | Videography: Imagine Video Productions (Ryan Lindsey) | Event Planning: Sea Island | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Bride's Shoes: Christian Dior | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Wedding Venue: Sea Island | Bridesmaids' Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Pastor: Bill Barrow | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Ocean Forest Golf Club (Ann Heins)

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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There’s a major wedding trend towards minimalism right now and it has found its way to bridal gowns. Structured, simple elegance is the foundation of this Rosa Clara gown which fits perfectly with the effortless beauty of this Pacific Northwest celebration. Crafted around elegant greenery and ivory florals at the hands of Kaleb Norman James, feast your eyes on a wedding au naturel through the lens of O’Malley Photographers.

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From Planner & Florist, Kaleb Norman James Designs… Grace came to me with a single photo as the inspiration for her wedding. When she handed me her phone, the image was of one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Positano, Italy, on the Amalfi Coast. Grace had seen this photo randomly on Pinterest, not knowing where it was. I’m sure when she saw my facial expression she thought I was crazy, but after explaining my connection to this place and how many times I’ve traveled to Positano for the main reason being that restaurant, I think we both knew we were meant to work together. Grace & Phillips poise and demeanor, matched with their effortless kindness, created the rest of the inspiration I needed for designing their wedding. We kept everything very light and ethereal, again, almost effortless. The white linens, matched with white floral and clear glass throughout the place settings, let the organic nature of all the greenery that climbed up the walls and across the beams make the focal statement it needed to. The paper goods were simple, yet elegant and intentional. The simplicity of Grace’s gown matched perfectly, letting the richness of the sleeves and neckline do the talking, as opposed to any ornate lacework or beading. The wedding was a celebration of their love for each other and their love for the friends and family. Nothing was fussy or overdone as it needed to reflect Grace & Phillip in a way that everyone would know their wedding was uniquely, custom made for them.

Photography: O'Malley Photographers | Event Planning: Kaleb Norman James Design | Floral Design: Kaleb Norman James Design | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara | Cake: Felicitations | Stationary: La Happy | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Make-up: Erin Skipley | Hair: Erin Skipley | Calligraphy: La Happy | Groom's Suit: Custom | Donuts: Roche Harbor Resort | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Roche Harbor Resort: Roche Harbor Resort

Our friends at Black Tomato introduce us to the luxurious concept of an “earlymoon”— and the absolute must-visit resorts in the U.S. to take one! 

You’ve been through the meticulous details of the program design, custom cocktails, seating card display, and yes, even the ring bearer’s pillow. We all know that preparing the ceremony details can often be the most stressful period of planning before the big day, but it doesn’t have to be.

Why not start relaxing in full honeymoon style and total bliss on a pre-wedding moon for you or you and your spouse close to home? So, when the anticipated date arrives you’ll be relaxed, reset, and most importantly ready for your big debut.

Click through the slideshow for the best domestic destinations for a pre-wedding “earlymoon.”

Top 10 Luxury U.S. Properties for An “Earlymoon”

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Top 10 Luxury U.S. Properties for An “Earlymoon”

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P.S. Any of these resorts would make an amazing honeymoon for those looking to stay on U.S. soil!

Style Me Pretty Contributor

We’ve got quite the double dose of Southern style for you here today! Not only do we get a peek into the colorful engagement shoot for these two cuties but we get to dive wholeheartedly into their classic “I do’s” at the stunning Cloister on Sea Island later today. Amy Arrington captured both special sessions and we’re oh so grateful she did! To kick start our special day, let’s love on this sweet e-shoot among the Spanish moss right this way…

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From the Bride-to-be… Charles and I met about 10 years before we started dating. We met while we were at University of Southern California (Go Trojans!) when I decided to join the golf club, and he was the President recruiting new members. We had a lot of friends in common but just never connected in more than a friendly way during our years at college. Fast forward to 2012, I found myself back in LA and realized that Charles and I only lived eight blocks from each other in Manhattan Beach. We started hanging out as friends after realizing that we had so much in common, including our love of airplanes in particular. We started dating in May 2013, and just eight months later, I got offered my dream job in New York. Needless to say, we traveled long distance for the next three years, flying back and forth between LA and New York, and only missed a handful of weekends together. It was tough, but he was definitely worth the red eye trips back to New York! Because of my job, we got to travel a lot and had some amazing experiences together. We went to Norway in January and saw the Northern Lights, flew to Ireland to play golf for Charles’ birthday, and hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for my birthday. We’ve had some amazing adventures!

We knew that we wanted to have our engagement pictures in Sea Island, Georgia because that is where we would get married. Charles grew up going to Sea Island with his family, and they always spent important holidays there together. Charles’ parents actually went to Sea Island on their honeymoon, and while riding around the beach on bikes picked out houses they wanted to own (as we all do in amazing places in the world.) Mr. Ralston ended up buying one of the houses they saw a few years later and they have it to this day.

A year into dating, Charles brought me to Sea Island to spend Easter with his family. I remember immediately falling in love with the Spanish moss hanging from the live oaks; it seemed to be the perfect combination of romance and Southern heritage. There are some beautiful golf courses down as well, and because we are both golfers, it was never hard for his parents to get us out to the island for a weekend. Sea Island is such a special place that has a lot of Ralston family history associated with it. It’s not just a beautiful place, but a place that has a lot of deep rooted meaning with our family.

We had pictures taken on the Avenue of the Oaks, a beautiful long drive on the way into The Lodge, part of The Cloister. The Lodge has ruins from the colonial era that we used as a really beautiful backdrop. We then went and took pictures at a secret driveway on the island (I can’t tell the location though!!) and at Charles’ house. The engagement scene was really wonderful because working with Amy and Brandon was so easy. They have the kindest of hearts and are just a joy to be around. They put you at ease the second you start talking to them, and you barely notice when they start snapping away! Our session was during the 4th of July weekend, and it was of course SO hot and humid the day of our photos (like any good Southern summer day). It rained in the morning but the silver lining to that was that we had a beautiful rainbow over the ocean when we took pictures at Charles’ house.

Photography: Amy Arrington Photography

There was a time when we probably overused the word ‘smitten’ in our features, but I’m bringing it back today. This fete from bonphotage has me 110% smitten. As if the setting at Chateau Bouthonvilliers wasn’t gorgeous enough, the Bride is an absolute beauty in her Lazaro dress, the florals by Floresie are to-die and then you have moments like this and this that will have you on the edge of tears. Get your full dose of pretty in the gallery!

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From bonphotage… I am so excited to submit this real wedding which took place at Chateau Bouthonvilliers in the French Countryside! I literally squealed when these film scans landed in my inbox from Richard Photo Lab! Like a scene out of a fairy tale, guests arrived through the long tree-lined driveway and were met with waiters serving champagne. Guests entered into a lounge area set in front of the chateau for perfectly French appetizers of foie gras and duck pate. Surrounding the guests on the far sides were beautiful horses and all white cows, owned by the chateau owners whose family has lived at the property for over 200 years. Quite possibly the most beautiful wedding I’ve had the privilege of covering, Nicole + Tarik’s special day was nothing short of a dream! The ceremony took place by the chapel steps at the historic Chateau Bouthonvilliers in the French Countryside. It had been raining in the morning but the skies opened up with the perfect amount of sun and light breeze right before they said “I do” (a film photographer’s dream!)

The flowers from Floresie were out of this world (see her bouquet!!) and I absolutely cannot forget Nicole’s blush Lazaro dress which literally stopped me in my tracks! Every detail was accounted for, from the oval emerald stunning engagement ring, to the hand calligraphed vow books to the studded louboutins, and all of it was perfectly executed by Mayra from The Event House.

Photography: bonphotage | Event Planning: the event house | Floral Design: Floresie | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Makeup: Modern Beauties | Hair: Chaised | Groom's Attire: DG Custom Suits | Harpist: harpeetcompagnie@free.fr | Venue: Chateau Bouthonvilliers | Rentals: Be Lounge | Ring Box: The Mrs Box

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“Something blue” might just be one of my favorite wedding traditions. I just love seeing how couple’s weave this hue throughout their day! And today’s fete, planned by Lindsay Lauren Events, sure is beaming with blue beauty; from the ribbons streaming from the Bride’s bouquet to the Groom’s navy attire to the tabletops, there’s no shortage. Have a look a the full gallery from Sorella Muse and let us know your favorite detail in the comments!

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From Lindsay Lauren Events… Kathryn and Brad’s wedding was a dream to plan. The venue, the bride’s father’s beautiful Spanish-style home, set on over an acre with immaculate landscaping and architecture, was the perfect canvas for Kathryn and Brad’s special day. Olive trees, boxwoods, lavender and gardens created such a lovely setting. As guests arrived, they made their way to the backyard which was set up for the ceremony. A custom bridge adorned with greenery was built over the pool for the wedding party to walk across during the ceremony. The bridge is now the bride and groom’s dining room table at their home. How sweet is that?!

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the front yard on the circular cobblestone driveway and lawn. The Spanish guitarist, ginger margaritas, moscow mules and scrumptious hors d’ oeuvres made guests feel transported to another place.

The guests dined and danced in the backyard. We framed the pool with farm tables for the wedding party and family. Kathryn and Brad’s sweetheart table, set in the casita, was such a sweet spot, as they could look out and see all of their guests during dinner and toasts. The lace runners on the farm tables were covered with gorgeous garlands of bay leaves, olive and eucalyptus, and bright blooms throughout. The round tables were covered with a heavy Tuscany linen and white scalloped stoneware. The place cards and signage throughout the wedding were all made by a family friend of the brides. One of my favorite details was the beautiful blue and white napkins from La Tavola. They added such a fun pop to the tables, all while complimenting the Spanish inspired home. As if the evening couldn’t have gotten any better, Kathryn, Brad and their guests danced the night away under the stars.

From the Bride… I like to say that Brad and I met on several different occasions, but the third time was the charm. We sat at my father’s house in the backyard that became our wedding venue, and we discussed mountain biking and Gossip Girls (which he will never admit to) as he finished his Godzilla burrito.



I had always envisioned a summer wedding on a warm summer evening, and I sure got that with 100 plus temperatures that day. Décor is something I have always been into; I can get a little crazy on Pinterest! Since my father’s house is Spanish style, and Brad’s one request was for the guys to be in navy suits, a blue vision for our wedding came to mind. I love that Brad’s idea was the start of the design, and he was there until the very end through my ups and downs of planning right by my side supporting me. I searched EVERYWHERE for the perfect napkins and blue goblets. My mother, who always supports my vision, went up to Sacramento the day before the wedding because that’s the only place I could find our blue chairs and goblets. My father went above and beyond to make sure that the yard was perfect, and he also helped play a role in part of the design. My father had built the bridge for us to walk across on for the wedding, which we are now working on turning into a dining room table. My mother-in-law helped assist through the planning and was constantly going back and forth with me to the floral shop. We feel so fortunate to have such amazing family and friends who all celebrated and helped us create our dream day – it would have been nothing without the support from them. 



Brad and I wanted our ceremony to be unique, something with meaning for us, so we wrote our vows to each other. Although I loved the moments of him taking the entire top tier off our wedding cake and him dancing for the garter toss, there were a few other moments that were incredibly special to me. One was the reading of our vows; we had no clue what each other wrote, nor did anyone else; it had so much meaning to us. The second moment for me was his aunt marrying us – it made the ceremony even more special. One thing I loved was that she asked us to take a moment to look out at everyone; I will never forget that, and I can still picture everyone in the exact spot.

I could not have planned this wedding entirely on my own. I was fortunate to have a wedding planner who went above and beyond. Luckily, we also had the same taste, and she helped make everything perfect. Fringe Flower Co. created my florals; I probably went into the shop five different times changing my mind, wanting to add or subtract things! That morning of the wedding, when I received my bouquet, I was beyond impressed – it was exactly what I wanted. I was so nervous about choosing the DJ, calling several different ones, until I finally found Rick with AMOS – he drove the wedding. All of our guests were impressed with the food and the service from Fraiche Catering. Also, we are so glad we hired a truly talented photographer, who captured our day beautifully. Nicole Anderson truly captured the day as a story book, and we will forever have these photos to look back on.

Photography: Sorella Muse | Event Planning: Lindsay Lauren Events | Floral Design: Fringe Flower Co | Catering: Fraiche | Venue: Private Residence | Dessert: Susie’s Cakes | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Botanica Specialty Rentals | Rentals: Pleasanton Rentals

This celebration may have a rustic zip code but tucked inside is the prettiest of ballroom weddings planned by Gemini Event Planning, with florals by Vail Vintage Magnolia and stunning images by Rebecca Yale. It’s a wedding week filled with everything from a bridesmaids’ hike to a 4th of July bbq and a knock-out black tie celebration at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch.

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From the Photographer…Lindsay and Steve were married at the Ritz Carlton in Bachelor Gulch, CO over July 4th weekend in a 5-day celebration in the mountains. The bride’s parents have had a vacation home in Bachelor Gulch for years and knew instantly that the wedding would take place in their “happy place” with other events including a welcome dinner, bridesmaids hike and July 4th BBQ all taking place in the Beaver Creek area. Each guest was welcomed to the Ritz with a personalized hiking backpack with the wedding’s hashtag “Red White and Berg” printed on it and full of local goodies from the area including the bride and groom’s favorite candy, red and blue sunglasses, trail maps and a program of the wedding weekend details. The weekend’s events ranged from casual to cocktail, but the wedding itself, set on the skier bridge and in the Ritz’s ballroom was black tie. The couple wanted to bring in an unexpected floral combination using more formal orchids with mass amounts of loose greenery to bring the outdoors in and create a romantic woodsy aesthetic. They kept their wedding invitation simple in tones of white and silver with a simple line drawing of the mountains and the bride’s mother found vintage map of the area to use as the backdrop for the schedule of events which was all bound together with a piece of leather. Escort cards continued the clean white and grey aesthetic and were placed inside hand calligraphed envelopes outside the reception.

The bride wore a classic Monique Lhuillier ballgown, which she loved for the drama with the background of the mountains and paired it with delicate lace louboutin shoes and a sapphire and diamond bracelet leant to her by her uncle. Her uncle is a jewelry designer and created the couple’s beautiful wedding bands, surprising her with an extra as a wedding gift. The bride also donned a seed pearl crown worn by both her mother and grandmother with her veil for the ceremony. The bride also payed homage to her mother and mother-in-law by wearing a re-worked version of her mother’s dress to the welcome dinner, which was re-tooled by her mother in law, and used a left over piece of lace from the dress to wrap around the stems of her bridal bouquet. The bride and groom exchanged gifts before their first look and the groom surprised her with a locket featuring a photo from their engagement session on the bottom and then a selection of cutout images of her favorite foods and favorite people that she could sub in and out in the other opening. The bride’s mother, also in a Monique Lhuillier gown, helped the bride into her dress before doing a first look with her father on the balcony overlooking the mountains. After the bride and groom’s emotional first look on the property they ventured out to an overlook near the bride’s parents house for a few moments alone and portraits with the incredible mountain backdrop.

The ceremony took place under a lush floral chuppah on the skier bridge next to the resort, overlooking the mountains. The bride and groom broke with tradition and elected to have a male and female usher to honor two of their dearest friends. The forecast was clear for the day, but minutes before the bride was to walk down the aisle the skies opened up and poured rain for about 2 minutes sending all the guests running back inside, but luckily it was just a quick rainstorm and everyone was able to return back outside for the ceremony. However during the ceremony the skies decided to sprinkle again and some dramatic wind made for some fun moments with the bride’s veil. In Jewish tradition the groom broke a glass at the end of the ceremony, but instead of smashing it, it rolled away twice, creating a great comedic moment, which the bride and groom embraced. The bride and groom wanted to keep the mood of the ceremony light and playful like them and had their wedding party walk down the aisle to two of their favorite musicals- Hamilton and Phantom of the Opera.

Vail Vintage Magnolia transformed the ballroom with a mix of high and low centerpieces, a large chandelier installation over the head table and lush greenery hanging from the chandeliers. The couple wanted the ballroom to be unrecognizable, but also wanted guests to still be able to talk to each other over the tale so created installations at two levels to not block any conversation. The couple were welcomed onto the dance floor for their first dance to Beyonce’s Crazy in Love, which set the tone for the amazing dance party that was the rest of the evening. After they cut the cake the bride changed into a tasseled short party dress to dance the night away in. The next day instead of a Sunday brunch they let guests recover at their own pace around the resort and then invited everyone over to the bride’s parents house for a 4th of July BBQ complete with red white and blue candy bar and the bride and groom surprised the bride’s parents with a custom “Bergs of Prey” official Beaver Creek trail sign installed outside their house as a thank you for the wonderful weekend. The weekend came to a close with a fireworks celebration back on the bridge where the couple said their I Do’s.

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Planner: Gemini Event Planning | Floral Design: Vintage Magnolia | Invitations: Bella Figura | Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Makeup: Makeup Therapy | Calligrapher: The Blooming Quill | Band: Elan Artists | Venue: test | Bride's Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Lighting and Decor: Pink Monkey Solutions | Ring Box: The Mrs Box

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The holiday season truly is the most magical time of the year. I love dreamy winter weddings and am thrilled to share 5 tasteful ways to incorporate a bit of holiday cheer into your wedding.

From wood and fir natural elements to bold hues and plaid accents, there are endless ways to incorporate holiday cheer and merriment at your event—without going overboard!

Fir and Evergreen
While I tend to be a sucker for magnolia leaf garlands, the winter months are the perfect setting for an evergreen tablescape. Consider pairing your garland with a collection of potted Frasier firs as a band backdrop and you will truly create a winter wonderland.

Jewel-Tones
From deep burgundy and merlot to rich emerald hues, jewel tones make a bold and beautiful visual impact. They add much-needed warmth to an otherwise cool winter palette whether in bridal party attire, cake decor, or floral varieties.

Twinkle Lights
While bistro lighting is really having a moment, the colder months are the perfect time to bring back the sparkling ambiance created with string twinkle lights. String lighting helps to define the space and draw your guests into the intimate setting you’ve created.

Firewood Accents
I recently saw the most stunning custom bar back made of stacked wood and accented with smilax. This custom bar fit perfectly with the North Carolina mountain venue and had guests flocking to it all evening. The texture and variety created in the firewood bar was stunning and creative. Even if you would rather use firewood accents in a more understated way, a late-night bonfire is a wonderful idea.

Plaid
While an outdoor wedding on a snow-covered peak in Aspen is beyond idyllic, the reality is that it may be a bit chilly. I truly believe in carrying to aesthetic of your wedding day through to even the smallest details, and ceremony blankets are no exception. Stunning wool plaid throws in your colors that coordinate with your decor are the perfect multipurpose decor element that your guests will love.

So tell us, what are your favorite holiday wedding trends? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Hannah Nowack is a freelance writer, calligrapher, and event designer living in Atlanta, Georgia. When she isn’t working, you will find her decorating her Danish Modern-inspired apartment, frequenting the gourmet cheese counter, or enjoying a glass of Cabernet with friends.