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.

Cozy meets chic with this gorgeous maroon cape but add in the beautiful rich blooms from the bouquet and this anniversary session reaches stunning proportions. It wins style points from the start but with Mother Nature showing off and the love between these two radiating all over, it just keeps getting better and better. Amanda Wei captured it from start to finish and we’re mighty glad she did. Get in on all the warmth and romance right this way…

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From Amanda Wei… What better way to celebrate your anniversary than a cozy, snowy and romantic anniversary dinner in the middle of Yosemite Valley!?!? Brittany and Chris did it right and went to their favorite national park to celebrate their love and tie it in with the magic of Yosemite Valley. We asked the couple if they had any marriage advice and this is what they said…

From the couple… Out of all of the marriage advice that was given before and up to our wedding, the one that has been the most valuable for us was my aunt’s advice to commit to honesty, no matter what. Even for the small things: communicate and be honest. Our transparency with each other has made any argument we’ve had smaller, our trust has grown stronger, our independence has survived, and our bond has strengthened because honesty is a direct vein to trust. Without trust, you have no bond.

Photography: Amanda Wei Photography | Floral Design: Type A Society | Hair and Makeup Artist: Camille Goldston Hair & Make Up Artistry

Our wedding day was hands down the most magical day of our entire lives and we are so lucky to have spent it with so many of our favorite people in the world, who traveled from near and far to celebrate with us on Nantucket. None of it would have come together so beautifully without our month of planner, Caroline of Milly & Grace Weddings, who is one of the loveliest human beings I’ve ever met and was truly put on this earth to make wedding dreams come true. I’m so excited to share our wedding photos captured by Cameron Clark Photography with you all today!

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From Mackenzie of Design Darling… Will and I got married over Labor Day weekend on Nantucket. We started our wedding day getting ready with our bridesmaids and groomsmen. My bridesmaids and I had our hair and makeup done at RJ Miller, where we set up a little breakfast on the outdoor patio, including my lifelong favorite blueberry muffins from the ‘Sconset Market. I had done a hair and makeup trial at the salon a few weeks before our wedding day and decided to do a French twist on my hair — an updo that would keep my hair out of my face but that was undone enough for an island wedding. I had given my bridesmaids monogrammed pajama sets from J.Crew as gifts at my bridal luncheon the day before, so we all wore those while getting dolled up!

The boys got ready at a house in Tom Nevers. Will and I decided he would wear a classic navy sportcoat, a blue shirt, a striped bowtie, and white pants. We got suede loafers for the groomsmen but Will wore Tecovas cowboy boots as a nod to his Dallas roots. I didn’t learn until the day after our wedding that they had some time to kill before meeting up with us so they wound up playing a game of spikeball on the front lawn — in their white pants! Boys will be boys. 

After hair and makeup, my bridesmaids and I got dressed at my parents’ house. My bridesmaids wore the most beautiful seersucker Coren Moore gowns with navy silk faille sashes that we’d found at A Little Something White in my hometown. I wore Sarah Seven’s Sullivan gown, a silk crepe t-shirt style dress that I’d fallen in love with long before I ever tried it on. I paired it with Christian Louboutin satin heels with a big silk bow at the ankle and I love that you could see a peek of my shoes when I walked thanks to the center slit on the gown. I accessorized with a pair of earrings on loan from Manfredi Jewelers and my mother’s wedding and 10-year anniversary bands on my right hand. I found my fingertip length veil on Etsy and love the way the horsehair trim floated out in the pictures we took on the beach just before the start of our reception. My mom helped button me into my dress before I did a little first look with my dad in my parents’ living room. Seeing him tear up was the first thing that made me cry that day (though it definitely was not the last!).

Will and his parents drove to my parents’ house to do our first look and I was so anxious to see him! Our photographers Cameron and Jamelle set us up in the backyard and I love the way they captured Will walking towards me. But my favorite candid moment from the entire day was looking up and seeing my bridesmaids quietly looking down on our first look from an upstairs bedroom. There were tears and a big round of applause after I turned around and faced Will!

After our first look, we took a party bus to pick up the groomsmen and head to Sankaty Lighthouse to take the majority of our group photos. Will initially thought I was joking when I said I’d found a neon pink party bus as it’s so not Nantucket, but cranking music on the bus to the lighthouse with all our bridesmaids and groomsmen wound up being one of my favorite parts of our wedding day. I was so relieved to have seen Will and to get to spend the day with literally all of our favorite people that it was so fun to get to let loose a little a couple hours before our ceremony.

My parents had taken their wedding photos at the lighthouse 31 years ago and Will and I had actually taken some of our favorite engagement photos there the summer before. It’s just a magical spot positioned between a golf course and the endless expanse of the Atlantic. My bridesmaids carried bouquets of fluffy white hydrangeas and I carried a mix of blue and white hydrangeas, my favorite flower and one that grows all over Nantucket.

Our ceremony took place at the Siasconset Union Chapel on Nantucket. My parents had gotten married there 31 years ago and I knew from the time I was a little girl that it was where I would one day walk down the aisle! Our cockapoo Rory was the ringbearer in a needlepoint collar and leash made by my Grandy. After our ceremony, we led our guests on a short scenic stroll through ‘Sconset to our reception at the Summer House, a beachside restaurant and inn that also has a piano bar where we had our after party.

I had ordered krazy straws for our cocktail hour on the lawn at the Summer House with our initials and ACK, the airport code for Nantucket. They were a fun prop but definitely not the fastest way to consume a cocktail! Will and I had some time to hang with our friends before sneaking away to take pictures on the beach for ten minutes at the end of our cocktail hour. These wound up being some of my favorite photos from the day — we both look so happy to actually be married!

Our reception took place under a Sperry tent set up by Nantucket Tents, who were a dream to work with from beginning to end and consistently went above and beyond to answer questions we had about hosting an event in that space. We rented tables, chairs, and place settings from Nantucket Party Rentals and our photographer Cameron actually helped me track down navy and white striped tablecloths via Instagram, which we finally found at RI Rentals. I love that they made a bold statement but felt totally true to Nantucket and my own classic, nautical aesthetic. We topped them off with alternating bouquets of blue and white hydrangeas put together by Sheila Daume, a family friend who also does the floral arrangements at the chapel every Sunday.

We had one long head table for bridesmaids and groomsmen and round tables for the rest of our guests placed around the dance floor. Delighted Calligraphy wrote everyone’s names in a classic white script on navy cardstock that matched the navy blue envelopes from our wedding invitations, which were designed by Albertine Press featuring watercolors by Kearsley Lloyd. My mom and I placed the escort cards in white trays filled with sand for a simple display that would stand up to the ocean breeze. We used acrylic frames for the table numbers, which combined the outline of Kearsley’s crest from our invitations with numbers drawn by Megan of Delighted Calligraphy.

My mom ordered affordable plain white napkins from World Market and had them monogrammed with our married initials at the aptly-named Nantucket Monograms in Milford, Connecticut. They were the perfect personal touch at each place setting and now Will and I have 130 monogrammed dinner napkins to get us through the rest of our lives!

The Sultans of Swing kept our guests on the dance floor all night (including between toasts, which we hadn’t even planned on!). My dad, the two best men David and Paul, and my sister Reilly all brought me to tears with their speeches — we are so lucky to have so much love in our lives! The band played right up until the outdoor music curfew (sadly 10 p.m. on Nantucket) when it was time for our sparkler exit (just up the stairs to continue the fun at the Summer House piano bar!).

She is the most organized, kind-hearted, thoughtful individual we met in our twenty months of wedding planning, and I’m certain our big day would not have been the same without her tireless efforts and generous spirit. If you are planning a wedding on Nantucket (or elsewhere!), she should be your first phone call. And if you have any questions about our wedding day, I’d be happy to answer in the comments! You can also take a peek back at our entire wedding journey right here. Thank you all for following along! xoxo

Photography: Cameron Clark Photography | Event Planning: Milly & Grace Weddings | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Invitations: Albertine Press | Bridesmaids' Dresses: A Little Something White | Hair & Makeup: RJ Miller | Calligraphy: Delighted Calligraphy | Band: Sultans Of Swing | Tent: Nantucket Tents | Chapel: Siasconset Union Chapel | Rentals: Rhode Island Rentals | Rentals: Nantucket Party Rentals | Restaurant: The Summer House | Watercolors: Kearsley Lloyd Designs

It probably goes without saying, but Top Chef judge Gail Simmons loves to spend time in the kitchen and this time of the year is especially meaningful for her. “I love cooking around the holidays,” she says. “It’s an excuse to get in the kitchen, connect, slow down and make a home cooked meal together.”

Avoid feeling stressed by taking Gail’s advice: invite family and friends to contribute a wine, cheese or dessert to the holiday meal.

Whether you’re hosting or attending a dinner, consider adding Gail’s go-to dessert to the menu: a hazelnut tarte au sucre. “My tarte au sucre is a traditional Québécois dessert I serve often,” she says. “It’s always a show stopper because very few people in the States have ever tried it. It has a sophisticated (and not too sweet) hazelnut crust as well as the most delicious, gooey warm maple sugar center.”

Get the recipe below (from her new cookbook Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating) and serve it up the same way Gail does: with cold cream poured over the top, tableside.

Toasted Hazelnut Tarte au Sucre

Serves 8
Hazelnut Crust:

1/2 cup hazelnuts
1 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Up to 4 tablespoons ice water

Filling:
1 cup maple sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup chilled heavy cream, plus 1/2 cup for serving

Special equipment:
9-inch tart pan with removable bottom

For the crust:
Heat the oven to 350ºF. Spread the hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven until lightly browned and the skins start to blister, 10 to 12 minutes. Rub the hot toasted hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel to remove skins (it’s OK if not all the skins come off), then let cool completely. transfer the cooled nuts to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the nuts resemble a coarse meal.

In a large bowl, whisk together the hazelnuts, flour, and salt. Using your fingertips, blend in the butter until incorporated, leaving some roughly pea-sized lumps. Working with 1 tablespoon at a time, stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water, just until the dough holds together. Place the dough in the center of the 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Using your fingers and a flat-bottomed measuring cup, spread and push the dough to evenly cover the bottom and sides of the pan. Prick the dough all over with the tines of a fork. Freeze until firm, at least 30 minutes or overnight wrapped tightly in plastic.

For the filling:
In a medium bowl, stir together the maple sugar, brown sugar, egg, flour, butter, and 1/3 cup cream until well combined.

To assemble:
Increase the oven temperature to 375ºF with the rack in the middle. Remove the tart shell from the freezer and bake until the dough is just starting to brown, about 20 minutes. Pour the filling into the hot crust and continue baking until the crust is golden and the edges of the filling are just set (the center will be fairly jiggly), 35 to 38 minutes more. Cool the tart in the pan on a rack for 1 hour (the filling will continue to set as it cools), then remove the sides of the pan.

At the table, just before serving, pour the remaining 1/2 cup chilled cream over the top of the tart, then cut into wedges.

The tart, without the cream poured over the top, can be kept, covered and refrigerated, for up to 1 day. Bring it to room temperature, then pour on the cream just before serving.

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

When my husband and I got engaged, we entertained the idea of getting married in the church. After all, we were both raised Catholic. Up until high school, he attended a Catholic private school. And I started every Sunday with mass and then picked a Catholic university.

Charla Storey Photography

There was no way around it. We were engulfed in religion.

It was the primary reason we were even considering incorporating the ritual in our wedding day. Even though during our two-year relationship, and one-year engagement we had never attended mass as a couple, we felt like it was something we had to do.

So we began calling churches to inquire about pricing. I was shocked to discover our first pick required a $1,200 mandatory donation for 45-minute use of the church (more than 10 times the cost of our wedding venue for the evening). And from there, our options got less and less attractive.

A wedding symbolizes the start of a life together. The planning process is one of the first official steps in working as a team, and deciding what’s best for you as a couple. Getting married in a church is a beautiful tradition, but we had to look at our options objectively to decide if this was something worth sacrificing for and potentially going over budget for.

We decided it wasn’t.

Elizabeth Messina

The church had played no part in our relationship. We honored and respected the traditions held by family and friends, but realized we had to make a choice between what we ‘should do’ and what was right for us. For us, that meant promising to honor, love and respect each other every day. A pledge requiring work from both parties and not a religious deity to do the heavy lifting for us.

It was not a decision made out of spite or as a protest statement. But rather as a practical look at our finances and interactions with our religion. Not everyone was thrilled and it took time for some people to accept our decision. But ultimately, upon hearing our explanation, everyone understood our approach to the situation and welcomed it wholeheartedly. It helped that we were paying for most of the wedding ourselves, because it gave us the liberty to do what we wanted.

In the end, it all worked out. We got married without any church drama or protests. And that’s in large part because we analyzed the situation and did what was best for our relationship.

Family members still ask if one day I’ll get married by the church. Being Mexican and Catholic is part of my identity so the answer is yes. One day it’ll happen when we’re ready, not when someone tells us to.

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

Hygge, pronounced (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word that essentially describes the feeling, moment, or little pleasures associated with being warm, cozy and happy with your loved ones. The Danish are definitely onto something, and a recent United Nations World Happiness Report found that the Danish are some of the happiest people in the world.

So it goes to show that creating a cozy home, atmosphere and style of living during the colder months of the year truly makes a difference in your state of mind and level of happiness. In order to achieve hygge, try being present, lighting candles, listening to soft music, curling up under a blank with a good book, or having dinner and drinking wine with your friends and family.

Here are 10 things to add to your registry to help hygge your home!

Warm and Cozy Registry Picks to Master The Art of Hygge

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Warm and Cozy Registry Picks to Master The Art of Hygge

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

There are so many beautiful moments that surround Nikki and Kevin’s day; it is impossible to choose just one to focus on. Shall we start with the fact that the Bride’s sister, Krista Skellern, planned this gorgeous fete? With rentals from Casa de Perrin and Pretty Vintage Rentals, of course. And then, there’s the cute flower girl who happens to be the Bride and Groom’s sweet daughter. Can you even? And the twinkle lights, the cake, the everything… all captured to perfection by Rebecca Yale and Grimace Films. Want more? Right this way, darlings.

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From Rebecca Yale… Nikki and Kevin threw a stunning destination wedding next to the vineyards at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, CA. The couple are originally from Los Angeles but now live in New Orleans. They knew they had to return home to LA to tie the knot with their friends and family and their shared love of wine brought them to Saddlerock Ranch at Malibu Wines. The bride and groom even incorporated wine into their ceremony, pouring a glass for each other and toasting during the ceremony. The couple had a large wedding party with over 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen each and decided to let all the girls pick out their own white dresses making for a beautiful fashion moment! The couple was also joined by their one and a half year old daughter who made the most adorable flower girl and even joined them on the dance floor for some late night partying after a catnap during dinner.

The day was planned and designed by the bride’s sister who helped pick every detail from the plates to the invite suite. The ceremony was held down on the lower lawn right in front of the vines and was followed by a cocktail hour during golden hour with delicious passed hors d’ouerves and cocktails. The couple set up 5 lounge areas all over the cocktail space so guests would have plenty of room to spread out and relax to watch the sunset and later take a break during dancing. They set up escort cards on a vintage wagon hanging on twine with a Polaroid next to it so as each guest removed their escort card they replaced it with a photograph of themselves. Long farm tables were set up for the reception surrounding the dance floor with chandeliers and twinkle lights hanging from the trees above. Guests were welcomed to their seats with individual slabs of agate hand calligraphed with their names. A dessert table was set up nearby with a white and gold flecked cake and cake pops, macarons, cookie bars and other treats surrounding it. Guests enjoyed a lovely evening of dinner and dancing beneath the twinkle lights.

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Videographer: Grimace Films | Florist: Rist To The Occasions | Cake: Frost It Cakery | Invitations: Krista Skellern | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Rings: Nicole Mera | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: Command Performance Catering | Makeup: Bliss Bridal Beauty | DJ: Vox DJs | Venue: Saddlerock Ranch | Bride's Dress and Veil: Monique Lhuillier | Coordination and Design: Krista Skellern | Flower Girl Dress: Arabella Rose | Photo Booth: PixaBooth | Rentals: Pretty Vintage Rentals | Rentals: A Rental Connection | Tabletop Rentals: Casa de Perrin

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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College sweethearts always hit my soft spot as my hubs and I also met during that time in our lives. Charley and Oli have a love that jumps off the page and their day set in the English countryside is equally as beautiful. Anneli Marinovich captured it all for our viewing pleasure—here in the full gallery!

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From Anneli Marinovich Photography… University sweethearts, Charley & Oli, tied the knot at Brympton House, a romantic medieval manor house set in the rolling hills of the English countryside. The wedding theme “Modern Romantic with a slight Gatsby influence” was beautifully executed with metallic & geometric details dotted around the venue, adding a contemporary feel to the medieval setting. Gold ran throughout the wedding, from their gold foil wedding invitations, to flecks of gold leaf on the wedding cake.

Charley works in fashion, so finding THE dress was so important to her. After a lengthy search, she chose Decklyn by Hayley Paige at Coco & Kate Bridal. The contemporary design was unique and I loved the draped ballerina bodice, open back and cascading skirt. It was the perfect dress for a few girly twirls, and we made the most of the movement on the day! Paired with golden Jimmy Choos, and a rose gold Posy Hair Vine, she was an absolute vision.

The girls arrived in style in a Vintage Austin Gordon Landaulette adding a touch of Gatsby to the day. After the beautiful ceremony, the happy couple enjoyed cocktails & canapes in the sunshine with their guests, before sitting down for dinner in the Salon, beautifully styled with golden candelabras and an abundance of flowers. Charley & Oli’s wedding was a feast for the eyes, and I loved capturing it all!

Photography: Anneli Marinovich Photography | Styling : Dani Kempf from Brympton Styling | Floral Design: Stems of Somerset | Wedding Dress: Coco & Kate (Jenny Yoo Collection) | Wedding cake: Ornella Bianca Cakes | Bridesmaids' Dresses: ASOS | Catering: Dine With Style | Calligraphy: By Moon and Tide | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Wedding Venue: Brympton House | Hairstylist : Tracy Pallari | Jewellery : Lily Bella | Make up artist: Sasha Pallari | Photography - Assistance: Wayne Marinovich | Wedding car: Age of Elegance

This Vancouver wedding falls squarely in the minimalist meets modern design category while letting the organic beauty of flowering branches and spring blooms take center stage. The drizzle added to that romantic air and cute umbrella portraits are an added bonus. Step inside this sleek and stunning affair designed by Spread Love Events, with blooms by Celsia Floral and images by Kaoverii Silva.  It proves rain on your wedding day can be a beautiful, beautiful thing.

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From the Event Designer… Without rain, nothing grows. Though the sky’s opened on Hayley and Andrew’s spring wedding day, the mood was pure sunshine. Held at the iconic Stanley Park Pavilion in Vancouver, with almost 200 of their family and friends, their wedding was non-stop fun from the moment guests arrived. Guests gathered closely on the patio for an intimate tented ceremony, followed by cocktails in the tea room and a family style dinner set inside the pavilion ballroom. Hayley and Andrew’s wedding was designed with their own minimalist and modern aesthetic in mind, and also to embrace the bounty of the seasons blossoms and flowering branches in Vancouver. Hayley and Andrew’s ceremony was set under a clear tent on the patio, in front of a blooming dogwood tree. The ceremony floral piece was designed to blend beautifully into the natural surrounding of the park. Rain poured over the clear tent, as guests stayed warm and dry below. It was a intimate and beautiful experience! The ceremony was followed by a lively cocktail reception and a family style dinner set inside the pavilion ballroom. Guests put their feet up in The Collection Rentals stylish lounge and danced the night away before hopping a shuttle to the after party! My favourite moment was the anticipation Hayley and Andrew showed before entering their reception to a room full of cheers. See more from their day below as captured by Kaoveri Silva.

Photography: Kaoverii Silva | Event Design : Spread Love Events | Wedding Planner: Spread Love Events | Floral Design: Celsia Floral | Wedding Stationery: Spread Love Events | Make-up: Denise Elliot | Venue: Stanley Park Pavilion | Chair & Flatware Rentals: White Event Studio | Decor Rentals: The Collection | Linen Rental: Faire Lafete Linen

Ready or not, the colder months are coming for a lot of us! It gets increasingly harder to look fashionable while bundled up in layers.

The reality is that we will be wearing those layers for a lot of months, though. So, we should all find coats that we feel confident in! You know, coats that actually add to your look instead of taking away from it. It’s true…they exist! Yes, they can get pricey but don’t fret because all of these coats are $150 and under!

8 Winter Coats Under $150

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8 Winter Coats Under $150

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Carly Robinson is a freelance writer and the gal behind The Cozy Curator, a blog that features all things life+ style. She lives in Hoboken, NJ with her husband. She considers herself a ‘modern hostess’ because she loves entertaining but doesn’t like all of the old school pressure that comes with it. Carly is a rookie wife, an ‘attainable fashion’ fan and a lover of food.

Your wedding stationery is the first impression of your wedding. From the moment you send out your save the date, the vibe of your wedding is introduced to family and friends. So why not make it special? While the classic invite is still a beautiful touch, those looking for a bit of flair may look to these new trends in wedding stationery. First impression, conquered.

GOLD FOIL
Nothing catches the eye quite like a little gold. Use the gold foil trend to enhance your names on the invite or create a “wow” factor to the border. No matter what you decide to do, this trend is extremely versatile: add it to a simple design for a modern look or to a classic design for a sophisticated, elegant feel.

HAND LETTERING
Hiring a calligrapher to create your invitations may be an added expense, but the end result is so worth it. Hand lettering gives your invites that personal touch, while still looking elegant. If you don’t want to spring for the calligrapher, look to sites like Minted or Etsy for hand lettered invites—they offer a ton of options without the added expense.

WATERCOLOR
This is one of the latest trends to pop up in wedding stationary. The result is a light and breezy look that is sure to brighten up your guests day as they open it. If you are afraid of color, opt for muted tones that blend together to add just a little spark to an otherwise plain invite. If your wedding is all about the party, pick hues in red or orange. Keep the watercolor theme going by adding it to your envelopes and your day-of paper items.

ENVELOPE LINERS
If you feel your invites need something a bit more, an envelope liner is a great way to do that. Liners are also an easy way to add a personal touch to your invite. Include a black-and-white photo of you and your fiancé, a bold color, or an image of the city where you are getting married.

MINIMALISTIC DESIGNS
Sometimes the biggest impression comes from the simplest idea. This year, minimalistic designs popped up everywhere and we love them! Black calligraphy against a white background is a beautiful and simple way to kick off your wedding festivities and are sure to leave a lasting impression.

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

It’s pretty hard to top the fact that you met your soulmate at the happiest place on earth (aka Disneyland), but these two lovebirds did just that with their beautiful oceanfront “I do’s”. From the stunning sights to the Bride’s drop-dead gorgeous dress, it has everything you need to take a wedding from ordinary to absolute fairytale level lovely. Mallory Dawn captured every perfect piece and this gallery is where it’s at. Get inspired for your own happily ever after right this way…

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From the Bride… Tyler and I met once upon a time at the happiest place on Earth, working at Disneyland. The beach has always been important to us; it is where we had our first date, where Tyler proposed, and we knew it was where we wanted to get married. Ole Hanson’s historic hacienda overlooking the serene turquoise-blue ocean was the perfect setting for our vision.

Walking down the beachfront aisle to the strings of the harp made the entire experience angelic. We felt like the luckiest couple having the best vendors partake in creating and designing our magical day. From our invitations to the custom tile place cards, Pirouette Paper let no detail go unnoticed. The entire staff at 24 Carrots Catering made every one of our guests, including our bridal party, feel like royalty. We completely trusted Unoaked Event Design and Production to bring our clean, neutral theme to life. They truly delivered above and beyond our expectations! Penelope Pots created textured natural greens adoring every table and bouquets. Mallory Dawn Photography was there to capture each moment of our day like it was a work of art. I also highly recommend Theater 10 Film; we are able to have a video for the rest of our lives of our happily ever after.

We are completely in love with every moment of our wedding day. Our oceanfront happily ever after was a dream come true!

Photography: Mallory Dawn Photography | Videography: Theater 10 Films | Event Planning: Unoaked | Floral Design: Penelope Pots | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Elise Cakes | Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | Makeup: Kalina Fernandez | Hair: Jackie Zavala | Calligraphy: Pirouette Paper | DJ: Entertainment Pros | Officiant: Cottonwood Church | Harpist: Wendy Smith | Venue: Ole Hanson Beach Club | Wedding Venue: Ole Hanson Beach Club | Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Choreographer: Roland Gruspe Jr. | Jazz Band: Standard Mel

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Mallory Dawn Photography

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Petit Bouquet

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You know you’ve hit the nursery jackpot when both wallpaper and lucite drapery rods are part of the decor mix. This gorgeous space crafted at the hands of Jennifer Barron Interiors manages to be both classic and modern in the same breath. Perfect for a baby girl or a baby boy, get inspired to sing the blues with the full tour captured by Molly Culver.

Houston-based interior designer, Jennifer Barron, uses color, pattern, and her favorite medium (wallpaper!) to bring every room she designs to life. So, when she found out she was pregnant with her first child, she knew her nursery would be no exception. It didn’t matter if she was having a boy or a girl, Jennifer immediately began dreaming of what wallpapers she could use. 

The “Dawn Chorus” wallpaper by Sanderson provided the perfect balance between newborn nursery and chic so that, once Barron decided on it, the rest of the room followed suit. She enlisted The CEH to restore and customize the room’s pale blue dresser, which she painted in Benjamin Moore “Blue Labrador.”

Barron turned to Serena and Lily for two of the most utilized pieces in the room, the crib and rug, and found crisp blue and white linens at Restoration Hardware Baby & Home. Working closely with a local upholsterer in Houston, Jennifer made a custom daybed for the room. The room’s glider is from Lee Industries, which adds another element of function to the space.

Both pieces make the room comfortable and cozy, as do the blue and white curtains that hang on lucite rods from Lux Holdups. Details like a gold rimmed mirror from Wisteria, baby animal prints from The Animal Print Shop, and a chandelier from Stray Dog Designs give the room the perfect finishing touches.

Photography: Molly Culver Photography | Design: Jennifer Barron Interiors | Chandelier: Stray Dog Designs | Crib: Serena & Lily | Curtain Rods: Lux Holdups | Daybed: Custom | Dresser: The CEH | Glider: Lee Industries | Linens: RH Baby & Child | Mirror: Wisteria Faux Bois Mirror | Prints: The Animal Print Shop | Rug: Serena & Lily | Wallpaper: Sanderson

The Cali coast is generously dotted with beautiful venues, but when it comes to San Diego, this one gets all the heart eyes. Scripps Seaside Forum was the perfect setting for Lauren and Luke’s Big Day and with a pretty touch from Evelyn Francesca Events & Design, there was plenty of beauty for Natalie Bray to capture! See it all right here.

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From Natalie Bray… On a beautiful day in July, Lauren and Luke wed in a classic church ceremony followed by reception on the water front of Scripps Seaside Forum. With Evelyn Francesca designing and coordinating an outdoor reception space of their dreams guests enjoy the breeze and soft sounds of the ocean while dining. With navy, blush, and white leading the color palette, everything shined beautifully on this summer day.

Photography: Natalie Bray Studios | floral design : Moments In Bloom | church : Mary Star of the Sea | Reception Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum | Catering: Continental Catering | Design and Coordination : Evelyn Francesca Events and Design | Photography - Assistance: Traci True | Rental and Decor : Concept Event Design | Rentals and Decor : Lounge Appeal | beauty: Unveiled Bridal Beauty | cinema : kcampelicious | donuts : VG Donut & Bakery | favors and gifts : hand crafted occasions

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Natalie Bray Studios

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Sometimes simple is best. But that doesn’t mean boring; this engagement shoot is far from that. It’s just simply stunning. With a view as gorgeous as this one, with the sea literally sparkling, and a couple as stylish as these two, there is no need for extra fluff. Keep it simple. Rebecca Yale captured all the sweet moments, the laughter and the love, making this engagement shoot, well, pretty perfect. It’s as simple as that.

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From Rebecca Yale… Kate and Andre, who are San Francisco dwellers, chose to have their engagement sessions in one of their favorite places – the beaches of Santa Cruz where Kate’s family has a vacation home. They’re getting married in the city and wanted the contrast between the two locations for these photos. We started at a beautiful cove with giant rock formations that the Northern California coastline is famous for and finished up walking along the water near Santa Cruz Harbor at sunset.

From the Bride-to-be… We met at a friend’s birthday party in Santa Cruz in July of 2009. There was a spark (and some banter) but the timing wasn’t right – I was moving to Chicago the next week! Almost a year later, Andre and some other friends came to visit me in the Windy City. After a long night of dancing and deep dish, we were the last two standing. We walked to Oak Street Beach and watched the sunrise…. Little did he know, I would be waking him up to watch the sunrise hundreds of times over the next seven years. Within the next six months, we had both moved to San Francisco. The following years were a blur of friends, travel, Giant’s Games, hiking, concerts and exploring northern California (typically in search of spicy food and the perfect Old Fashion). Growing up, I spent my summers in Santa Cruz. Andre (or Dreamy Dre as my friends call him) proposed on a cliff overlooking Seabright Beach – it was perfect! Our wedding planner, Kate Siegel, introduced us to Rebecca’s work and we fell in love! I love that she shoots on film and the way she captures light. Andre suggested Santa Cruz (a location he now calls one of his favorite places in the world) for engagement pictures and it just seemed right. We don’t typically go to the beach in cocktail attire, but Rebecca’s photos makes us want to do it again!

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Event Planning: Kate Siegel Fine Events | Pink Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA | White Pants: Topshop

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Kate Siegel Fine Events

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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At the hands of Amorology this desert wedding is turned into an elegant bohemian paradise. From the blushing backdrops to tabletops made gorgeous by Hostess Haven and Oak and the Owl, every single moment is stunning. But the greatest part? The couple celebrated their best kept secret with a wedding centered around that very theme. Read all about their beautiful love story and the ensuing celebration captured by Ashley Keleman and filmed by Kavin Lindgren below.

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From the Event Designer… Want to know the best part of a secret? Finally getting to share it with those you love! When we first heard Maria and Oscar’s story and how they had wed in secret 5 years ago all the while keeping it from their family and loved ones, even after having a baby together… We were beyond thrilled that they came to us to help them with the big reveal. The two dated briefly in high school, but 10 years later fate brought them back together. After dating for seven months they knew they couldn’t spend another day without one another so they decided to secretly elope. Fast forward to when they came to us with the desire to honor and share the love they had found. Their ceremony was to be the first time that they would share with their guests that they actually were already married. For Maria and Oscar’s we pulled inspiration from Maria’s personal style and combined bohemian and romantic elements to create a day that felt intimate, elegant, and full of romance. Their wedding took place at the La Quinta Resort located in Palm Springs, California and set a beautiful desert backdrop for their day. For their color palette we paid homage to the Palm Springs desert with boho neutrals and shades of wine, plum, and mauve. The groomsmen (many of them police men and colleagues to the groom) appropriately wore suits in a deep shade of blue, while the bridesmaids wore flowy white dresses. Guests were greeted by an escort wall built by Back Up Backdrops that read “You’re My Best Kept Secret” and were favored with diaries hand painted and calligraphed by Betlem Calligraphy that held their names and table assignments. Guests were asked to sign in with “the secret to happily ever after” all as a tribute to our couple’s love story. Floral arrangements by Oak and the Owl that mimicked the surrounding desert landscape sat on top of Moroccan inspired runners from hostess haven with tables and chairs from Folklore. Gold flatware was placed alongside crisp white plates with intricate details, and glassware that resembled the blue dessert sky. When it came to designing Maria and Oscar’s dessert table we wanted to keep it playful. Maria is a nurse and Oscar is a police officer, so naturally dessert began with coffee (a nurse’s go-to beverage) and an array of donuts by Home Bakeshop (because what police officer doesn’t love a good donut?!). Hey There Cupcake! Designed a cake inspired by the intricate detailing of Maria’s wedding gown. Friends and family spent the rest of the evening dancing under strings of market lights, sipping on a boysenblue (boysenberry and blackberry cocktail) and another nod to Oscar’s career, as well as “a hush hush”, a ll the while watching Maria and Oscar’s darling 3 year old bust a move on the dance floor. It was a night to celebrate family and the unveiling of Maria and Oscar’s secret – because some secrets again are best when they’re shared with those we love most!

Photography: Ashley Keleman | Cinematography: Kavin Lindgren | Event Design & Planning: Amorology | flowers: Oak And The Owl | Cake: Hey There, Cupcake! | Invitations: Dear Darling Calligraphy & Co. | Backdrop: Backup Backdrops | Calligraphy & Journals: Betlem Calligraphy | Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals | Table Top: Hostess Haven

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Event Planning

Amorology

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You know it’s a good day when a new home decor line makes you squeal with joy. When it’s TWO new lines and they come from Amazon, well, insert all the praise-hands emojis here!

We went down the rabbit hole of Amazon’s two new lines, Rivet (think mid-century-modern and small space living) and Stone & Beam (sturdy, family-friendly pieces) to hand pick our favorites from each!

The best part? Free shipping for Prime members! Get on it, girls!

Our Favorite Picks From Amazon's Two New Home Decor Lines

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Our Favorite Picks From Amazon's Two New Home Decor Lines

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Having two different wedding dresses for your big day makes perfect sense for some brides. It can be such a fun way to debut your style AND feel comfortable. But it all depends on different factors for you and your wedding day. If you answer “yes” to most of the questions below, perhaps you should consider two dresses for your wedding day.

Do you have an extravagant venue?
An extravagant venue should be paired with an extravagant dress! If your ceremony takes place in a big grand church with a long aisle, imagine yourself walking down the aisle in a beautiful ball gown with a cathedral veil. Your look will tie the whole ceremony together as you make your grand entrance, but perhaps you have a quiet more intimate wedding reception that doesn’t require the full glam look. This is a perfect excuse to justify both a ball gown and a more understated dress. Think Kate Middleton on her wedding day… she went from full on Princess Glam, but wore a simple satin A-line for her reception.

Do you love to dance?
If you’re a bride who loves to dance, chances are you will want to spend part of your reception on the dancefloor. This is a perfect chance for you to put on a shorter or lighter dress that allows you to move comfortably throughout the reception. You will seamlessly be able to go from dancing the night away, to mingling with guests. Bonus… you won’t have to worry about people stepping on your dress all night. Another bonus… you can show off those amazing pair of shoes that have been hiding under your other dress all day.

Will your wedding be over the course of a long day?
If your wedding day has an early ceremony, a big break between ceremony and reception and a late reception, you will be hauling around your dress all day long. You may get a little tired of that dress after you’ve been in it for 6 hours and you’re still taking pictures before the reception. Having a second dress can be a nice option that will make you comfortable during the long day ahead.

Is your wedding in an extreme weather climate?
If your wedding is in a climate that’s very hot or very cold, a second dress may be the perfect answer for you. If it’s hot outside, you may be dying to wear a heavy satin ball gown with a cathedral veil for your ceremony, but want something lighter for the reception so that you’re not sweating. Or perhaps your wedding is in the winter and you want a sparkly dress with a fur shrug for the reception, but want a light airy dress for the ceremony. The temperature and your comfortability can easily sway you towards two dresses.

Are you struggling to decide?
This can totally happen! As you try on wedding dresses and narrow it down, you may feel stuck deciding between two dresses that you’ve fallen in love with. If you can make it work in your budget, why not wear both? If you’re going to treat yourself like a Queen for one day, shouldn’t that day be your wedding day!?

Do you have to follow a dress code in your ceremony venue?
Some ceremony venues require brides to cover their shoulders. This can quickly narrow down the type of dress you can wear. If you find a strapless lace mermaid dress that you love, it may be a HUGE bummer to not be able to wear that for your ceremony. But two dresses can easily solve this. Cover your shoulders with a gorgeous cap sleeve A-line dress for your ceremony, and throw on the strapless lace mermaid for your reception. Don’t let a dress code stop you from wearing the dress of your dreams.

Are you re-wearing your mom/grandmas wedding dress?
In the spirit of nostalgia and family tradition, you may be leaning towards wearing your mom or grandmas traditional wedding dress. I’ve seen this done beautifully but you may not want to be in that dress all day. No matter how classic those dresses are, they tend to be extremely itchy which can irritate your skin. Or perhaps you want to wear the dress because “it’s a tradition” but you’re not completely in-love with it. Wear the dress for the ceremony and then put on the dress you love for the rest of the day. This is a great way to follow a family tradition and make your ceremony extra special, while still getting to express your style.

Two wedding dresses can be a perfect fit for you depending on your needs and your wedding day. As the bride, you should feel like a Queen on your big day and two dresses can allow you to be both stunning and comfortable!

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.

This venue, Haiku Mill, has long been a favorite of mine, so it’s safe to say this wedding caught my attention from the get-go. However, add in this dress – designed by the Bride herself – and we’re talking a whole other level of lovely now. We’re talking total favorite status here. Christine Clark did the locale and the gorgeous couple justice with her perfect pics and this gallery of inspiring images is nothing short of stunning, from their ceremony to their sweet beach portraits – right this way!

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From Christine Clark… Rebecca and Scott’s wedding took place at the always amazing Haiku Mill on Maui. Nestled in the hills of Haiku, the mill is an oasis of overgrown, old world beauty. The ceremony took place in the Mill with a cascade of flowers lining the steps where the vows were spoken. Chandeliers hung from above, adding accents of sparkling glint to the old stone and growth. The cocktail reception was laid out under the shade of the mango tree with lights woven through the branches. The bar featured favorite spirits and signature drinks for guests.

Rebecca, a former wedding gown designer in Australia, was radiant in a dress she designed herself. The beading and flowing tulle were a perfect feature for the Mill’s surroundings and enchanting light. We ended the day with a portrait session at a nearby beach, taking advantage of the sunset light and beautiful Maui ocean. The whole day was a dream, in an absolute fairytale setting. Rebecca and Scott, surrounded by family and friends, reveled in the gorgeous day, glowing with happiness.

Photography: Christine Clark | Floral Design: Teresa Sena Designs | Wedding Dress: Beska | Invitations: Rachel Marvin Creative | Jewelry: Samantha Wills | Calligraphy: Miss B Calligraphy | Groom's Attire: Ted Baker | Transportation: Aloha Maui Limousine | Wedding Venue: Haiku Mill | Bar: Garnish Craft Cocktail Catering | Chairs: Rio Event Design | Cocktail Tables: Island Rents | Desserts: Beach Bunny Bakery | Draping: Pua Le'a & Co | Event Design + Coordination: Lindsay Miller with Elements Luxury Events | Food Display: Maui Preserved | Hmua: Meili Autumn Beauty | Lounge: Signature Boutique Event Rentals | Musician: Ben Deleon | Officiate: Pia Aluli | Tableware: Set Collections

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, thanks to its simplicity. It’s a chance to be surrounded by good vibes and (hopefully) good food. It’s one of the more low-key holidays and yet, stress can creep up in unexpected places.

In order to avoid feeling overwhelmed, I asked a handful of event experts to provide their turkey day hacks. Whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving dinner or your 10th, these are the things to keep in mind in order to pull off a memorable time with family and friends.

Melanie Duerkopp

Ask for help.

Consider ordering certain menu items from a local caterer to alleviate some of the stress,” says Christina Kassi of A Fare Extraordinaire. “If you don’t want to cater food, then get your friends and family to bring over dishes, but don’t try and do it all yourself! Just remind the guests that if they bring any food, it needs to be ready to eat.”

Set the mood with music.

Cue up a jazzy soundtrack. “There’s something about mid-century crooners that make any event sound like an elegant holiday party,” says Alessandra Wood, director of style for Modsy. “Miles Davis, Otis Redding, Etta James, or anyone from The Rat Pack creates the nostalgia of a vintage cocktail party, synonymous with the holiday spirit,” she added.

Keep things comfortable.

“Even though the weather is cool, you might want to consider turning down the A/C depending on the amount of guests you are expecting,” says Christina. “For a large guest count, we suggest keeping the temperature at 10 degrees lower than the typical temperature to ensure the house is cool enough when the guests arrive and the temperature remains cool during the evening.”

Greet your guests with something special.

Specialty drinks are a fun way to welcome guests, says Christina. A fall inspired cocktail is the perfect touch for your family and loved ones as they walk through the door. Her favorite is an autumn old-fashioned made with bourbon and a cinnamon and nutmeg infused syrup. Garnish the drink with an orange twist and cinnamon stick. Cristen Faherty, event planner for Cristen & Co, recommends making a big batch the night before and placing it near the entryway. Making it easier for you to serve, day-of.

Jeremiah and Rachel Photography

Dress up your table.

Pumpkins, flowers, candles, fruits, vegetables and garlands are some of the fun decor items Christina uses to dress up tablescapes. “A long, leafy garland made of smilax, ivy or your choice of a vine, works best for long, rectangular tables,” she says. If you opt for the fruit and veggie combo, Christina recommends jewel-toned shades such as eggplant, lemons, red apples, grapes, artichokes and oranges.

Kick your pumpkins up a notch by painting them. “Navy, blush, peach and your choice of a warm metallic hue is a sophisticated palette you can experiment with,” says Christina. Candles work well with any of these options or as stand-alone items. However, Christina warns against using scented candles. “You don’t want them to compete with the amazing smells from your food!”

Provide plenty of food options.

“Thanksgiving is the ultimate farm-to-table meal,” says Dana Klitzberg of Blue Aubergine. “It is a celebration of the bounty of the season and the best kind of family-style feast.” Which means there’s plenty of vegetable options for non-meat eating guests. Seasonal items include squash, pumpkin, brussels sprouts, mushrooms, potatoes and stuffing which can easily be dressed up with apples, pears and nuts.

Sarah Kate, Photographer

Don’t be afraid to mix and match.

Lifestyle expert Reyne Hirsch recommends hitting your local antique mall to pick up unique plateware. Look for depression glass plates and glassware. Single plates are very affordable and there are numerous patterns to mix and match. Keep an eye out for various wine or champagne glasses and napkin rings to add to the uniqueness of each place setting.

Have fun!

And don’t forget, the most important part of the evening is the chance to share a meal with loved ones while giving thanks for all of life’s blessings.

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