It’s no secret that New York Bridal Fashion Week is completely exhausting. But despite the physical and mental exhaustion, you get through it because the dresses are SO worth it — just look at these Berta beauties! One look at Heather Waraksa‘s beautiful photos and we’re confident you’ll be as obsessed as we are. 
Photography: Heather Waraksa
Few things in life are certain, but once thing we can always count on is that Inbal Dror will always wow us with her breathtaking wedding dresses. And this season was no exception. From short and sassy after-party dresses to decadent ballgowns dripping in beading, each dress is pretty as can be — just like Heather Waraksa‘s gorgeous images of them!
Photography: Heather Waraksa | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror
Inspired by the beauty of Darlington House’s Rose Garden, this celebration incorporates alfresco dining, romantic pastels, hand-crafted details (made by the groom!) and, of course, garden roses. It’s a true beauty crafted at the hands of Before I Do Events, the Modern Bouquet and Carmen Santorelli. See the full open air affair right here.
From the Bride…Cory and I met in college eight years ago. We both felt a spark the first night we met, and we soon found ourselves spending most of our time together.
Six years later, after deciding to attend law school, Cory and I moved from San Diego to San Francisco. We got engaged in the middle of my second year. Cory proposed on Pier 7, a charming pier along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Lined with traditional streetlights and with a breathtaking view of the cityscape, Cory chose Pier 7 because it overlooked the very city that we both took a chance on.
Despite our excitement, school made picking a wedding date a bit tricky. We knew that we wanted to get married in San Diego, Cory’s hometown and a destination favorite for my family in Arizona. I wanted to get married sometime after graduating, so we embraced the idea of a longer engagement. However, despite having 16 months to plan, our wedding date was only two weeks after taking the California bar exam! Despite the crazy timeline, with the right wedding vendors, Cory and I believed that we could pull it off.
With all of this in mind, wedding planning began! First, we booked our venue, The Darlington House. The Darlington House was a perfect fit. Not only do we enjoy La Jolla, but we also quickly fell in love with the venue’s historical charm, beautiful outside courtyards, and proximity to the ocean. I particularly loved their rose garden. It was the perfect blank canvas to plan a soft and romantic garden wedding.
With our venue selected, we focused on another big priority: photography. When gathering inspiration, I found myself gravitating towards photos emitting soft light and a natural, ethereal glow. When I came across Carmen Santorelli’s work, I grew obsessed with her photography and swooned at her ability to capture light on film. Further, Carmen’s attention to detail is unmatched! We were thrilled to hear that she was available to capture our special day.
Detail by detail, Cory and I pieced together our dream wedding. We wanted the ceremony and reception to feel light, airy, and effortless. Keeping the natural beauty of the venue in mind, I knew that incorporating garden roses was a must. I envisioned lush, sprawling, and organic floral arrangements. Focusing on a neutral color palette, we incorporated touches of gold, such as using antique, brass candlesticks at the family tables. We consulted our wonderful coordinator, Before I Do Events, on our design ideas, while Hannah from Modern Bouquet worked her magic to create jaw-dropping arrangements. Hannah’s florals brought our vision to life.
My favorite elements of the wedding comprise of personal touches handcrafted by my then husband-to-be. Cory enjoys woodworking as a hobby, so to contribute, he built our sweetheart table! It was so meaningful to use the table for the first time, eating our first meal together as husband and wife. We are also excited to be able to take it home with us, and to have it as a constant reminder of our special day.
Further, in addition to the sweetheart table, Cory built our wooden escort card holder and our wedding signs. As a joint effort, Cory cut, sanded, and stained each sign, while I hand-painted the lettering. Taken together, Cory’s overall work was, literally, a labor of love.
The ceremony was perfect, the speeches heart-filled, and the dance floor constantly overflowing with family and friends. There was so much love, laughter, and happy tears. Our vendors were unparalleled, and each one was an absolute joy to work with! I could have not asked for a more magical day.
Photography: Carmen Santorelli Photography | Floral Design: Modern Bouquet | Cake: Hey There, Cupcake! | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Catering: Personal Touch Dining | Lighting: Abbey Party Rents | DJ: Sage Productions | Officiant: Ceremonies By Bethel | Bridal Dress: Willow by Watters | Bridesmaids' Hair + Makeup: Jackie Blum | Groom + Groomsmen: Al Weiss | HMUA: Thorne Artistry | Print Work: Minted | Rentals: Platinum Party Rentals | Wedding: Darlington House | Wedding Coordination & Design: Before I Do Events
Peek inside this bright and sunny California abode that has just the right amount of blue and enough cozy nooks to satisfy a small army. Designed by Tammy Price of Fragments Identity, it pairs classic with serene neutrals and lets the sun shine in. Take the full tour captured by Jenna Peffley right here!
This open and bright California home is full of classic details, texture, and a serene layout. Tammy Price of Fragments Identity used a tonal palette, incorporating various layers and over-scaled furniture pieces to create a comfortable and casual, yet stylish interior that functions well for the client’s family and lifestyle.
Photography: Jenna Peffley | Console Table: Noir Furniture | Dining Accessories & Table Linens: Fragments Identity | Dining Room Three-Piece Art: Michelle Hilliard Art | Dining Table & Chairs: Fremarc Designs | French Linen Chair : Fragments Identity | Hallway Shandong Bench & Accessories: Fragments Identity | Indigo Shandong Bench & Towels: Fragments Identity | Indigo Textile Wall Art: Fragments Identity | Interior Design: Fragments Identity | Leather Chair: Ralph Lauren Home | Living Room Lamps: Bradburn Home | Living Room White Linen Sofa: Fragments Identity | Natural Mudcloth Round Ottoman: Fragments Identity | Pillows: Fragments Identity | Round Mirror: Arteriors Home | Seagrass Living Room Table: Ralph Lauren Home | Textiles, Throws & Vintner Bottle: Fragments Identity | Upholstered White Linen Bench: Fragments Identity
I, like many people, learned everything I know about makeup from YouTube makeup tutorials when I was 16. Once I mastered the basics, I was done. As a makeup novice, the concept of having your face professionally done up for your wedding or a big event can seem daunting. I’ve rounded up some great beauty professionals who will collectively calm your nerves, offer some great info and tips, and leave you looking flawless!
Michele Beckwith Photography | Skyla Arts Makeup and Hair
1. How do I communicate the look I want with my makeup artist?
Elizabeth Chang, of Skyla Arts Makeup and Hair, recommends clients to do some visual research before taking to their artist, utilizing tools like SMP and Pinterest to allow someone to really get a sense of what you’re going for. Then, include photos of your dress, accessories and even venue if applicable. She explains that “communicating visually through inspiration images, and then extensively through verbal feedback is essential for a successful appointment. It’s a collaboration, and so the artist relies heavily on your input to help you execute your vision.” If you need some time to process what you’ve discussed, definitely let them know! Their priority is to leave you feeling confident and excited about the work that is to come!
Alyssa, of Bridezilla Beauty, finds that the best way to uncover what her clients want is by asking a lot of questions. Things like: “What do you wear for makeup (if any) on a day-to-day basis? What would you put on for makeup if you were going out to a party or event? On a scale from 1 to 10 how natural or dramatic are you wanting your look to be? What feature would you like me to play up, if any? Do you prefer your skin to be matte, or have somewhat of a glow?” And one helpful hint: when searching for photos, try searching for people who have similar coloring (hair, skin) to yours! This keeps your expectations realistic and allows you to better visualize the final look.
“Not everyone knows the “lingo” of a professional makeup artist,” explains Gina of True Beauty Marks,”but you can start by making a list of what you do and do not want for your makeup or hair style”. It could also be helpful to describe features you typically wear on your nights out, such as shimmery eyeshadow or a matte, bold lip.
Rhythm Photography | Bridezilla Beauty
2. How do I prep in the days leading up to my event?
If you are going to start some sort of new regimen, ideally start it 6 months before the event, explains Liz. Don’t begin anything new within a month of the wedding, as your skin may not have the reaction you’re hoping for. She stresses to “stick to the skincare routine that work best, and keep your skin and lips hydrated with regular exfoliation and masks, and internally, stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet”. If you do want to appear tanned, avoid direct sunlight as makeup will struggle to adhere smoothly to dry, flaking skin. Instead, try using airbrush tanning! As for the night before the event, make sure to drink lots of water, avoid salty foods, alcohol and get plenty of sleep. All of these will ensure your face is not bloated or red and your eyes are not puffy.
Lauren Fair Photography | True Beauty Marks
If you do want to go for a nice facial treatment, Alyssa recommends going at least 4-7 days before your wedding, in case you have any breakouts from the treatment. This is only if you often get facials and know how your skin will react. Otherwise, test out any new treatments in the six months leading up to the wedding.”It is never a good idea to try something new so close to an important event in case your skin reacts negatively,” Alyssa explains.
Gina recommends doing a hair or a makeup trial a few months leading up to the event in preparation. That way, your professional can recommend any other prep such as skin care or regimens that could enhance your particular look!
Lauren Fair Photography | True Beauty Marks
3. How is event make up different than my usual routine?
“Event makeup is geared towards helping you look great in the media you will appear in, ” says Elizabeth, and needs to look good not only in person, but also in photos, videos and from a distance. Therefore, the products selected are a bit different from one’s day-to-day repertoire. And the time spent on the look can vary, as event make up is very detail oriented!
Some products Alyssa likes to integrate into flawless event makeup are primers, good setting sprays and individual false eyelashes. The individual lashes are a great way to make a more natural look a bit more dramatic and way less-risk than the full strip, because if one or two fall off, you can hardly notice! She uses a setting spray on all of her bridal clients (like a hairspray for the face) and helps your makeup stay fresh for the entire day!
Gina agrees that the key to event makeup is the longevity: “when you need flawless makeup for a longer event, especially including photos, you will need to start and finish with the correct products. and so primers and sealant sprays are crucial”.
As long as you find a professional you like and trust, and communicate your vision with them to the best of your ability, you’re sure to have a look you love!
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.
Are you ready to go gaga with some gorgeousness right here? We’re talking over the top florals folks. These blooms are bursting in beautiful shades of pink and lavender and we’re going pic by pic, soaking up every single pretty petal. Twisted Willow Flowers is the force behind these flowers and with Love & Light Photographs’ images, we’re able to look at them as long as we please. Add in between sleep and awake’s film and it’s safe to say we’ll be hanging out with this wedding for the foreseeable future…
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From the Bride… We knew we wanted a blend of tradition with a pop of fun for our wedding. When we visited The Ryland Inn, we knew immediately that was where we would be married. It offered elegance and class while incorporating a fun rustic twist. We approached the style of the wedding in the same way with one must-have – a setting which enabled our friends and family to celebrate our love and union, while at the same time celebrating the love and appreciation we have for them by hosting a celebration that would thank them for the support they provided us with throughout the years. Fantastic food and good music were high on our priority list. The Ryland Inn and our Hank Lane band did not disappoint. Our dinners (which we actually ate!) were just delicious and our guests danced the night away to our band, Spotlight.
There were personal memories sprinkled throughout the day such as Matt surprising me with my grandmothers engagement ring reset into a necklace (which I wore), photos on my bouquet of my grandmother and my parents each on their wedding days, and a walk down the aisle with my father to a string quartet version of the song he danced to with my mother at their wedding over 40 years ago – Here, There, and Everywhere by the Beatles. It was just perfect.
Our ceremony was a story of us. It detailed the story of how we met and Michael, our officiant, kept it light hearted and it’s exactly what we wanted. It was important to us to share our story with our loved ones. We opted to write our own vows and I’m so glad we did. It allowed us to use our own words and make our own promises, which is what the entire day was all about.
Amanda, from Twisted Willow Flowers executed my floral vision perfectly and fully embraced the idea of adding kumquats to the arbor and centerpieces for a little fun surprise! All of the details were captured flawlessly by Love & Light Photographs and documented perfectly by Between Sleep & Awake. They helped to bring our vision to life and the day was more than I ever could have dreamed it would be. We both feel very blessed and so thankful to have been able to truly have the best day, ever.
My advice to brides would be to embrace any glitches while wedding planning as an opportunity. My original dress order had to be canceled two months prior to the wedding and while it wasn’t ideal – I looked at it as another chance to go dress shopping! I went to a new bridal salon, Gabriella Bridal, and they were just amazing. They directed me towards dresses that could be ordered in time and worked effortlessly to follow up and make sure everything was perfect. The dress I ended up choosing was a Bliss Monique Lhuillier dress and it was classic and timeless, and my colorful bouquet added the pop of fun that I wanted and it was just the right amount. At the end of the day, the bump in the road ended up working out for the best and yours will too, xxoo!
Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Cinematography: Between Sleep and Awake | Event Planning: EVJ Wedding Co. | Floral Design: Twisted Willow Flowers | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Palermo's Bakery | Invitations: Holland Designs | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Jeanine Mangan Makeup Designs | Hair: Pink Comb Studio | Band: Hank Lane Music | String Quartet: Highline String Quartet | Wedding Venue: Ryland Inn | Ribbon on Bouquet: Frou Frou Chic
This bridal inspiration shoot is all about the old world, European feel, and we’re kind of obsessed with it. The intricate gowns, Sardinia lace veil, Trumpet & Horn vintage ring, and delicate florals by Designs by Hemingway all pay homage to the past yet are still fresh for today’s Bride wanting for a romantic, nostalgic look. Christine Clark captured this gorgeous session, and there’s more waiting for you in the Vault.
From Christine Clark… “They just don’t make them like they used to.” Nothing can be more true of antique lace and diamonds. For this shoot, we wanted to pull together some old world charm and combine it with delicate florals. Nothing can match the exquisite beauty of vintage lace, and our two gowns were beautiful showcases for it. Our first gown was Edwardian and mesmerizing in its imaginative intricacy, while our second gown of romantic tambour lace was a beautiful pairing with a veil of Sardinia lace. The florals created by Debbie Hemingway featured the riotous textures of dahlias with soft blushes of dusty lavender roses. Their delicate colors and textures were a perfect complement to our gowns. The loveliest vintage ring from Trumpet & Horn was the crowning detail to pull everything together.
Photography: Christine Clark | Floral Design: Designs by Hemingway | Cake: A Cake Life | Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Hair + Makeup: Nalei Jane | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Linens + Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Model: Eva Blacker At Premier Models And Talent | Model Agency: Eva Blacker At Premier Models And Talent
I think my favorite way to unwind after a long day is with a face mask — bath and glass of wine optional. They make even the dullest of days feel luxurious. And as a busy girl myself, taking care of my skin (and finding time to actually relax) is high on my to-do list.
Thankfully, face masks are available in every budget and for every skin type. Now is the time to take your skin, and zen, to the next level.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Briana Charlotte is a freelance writer residing in Brooklyn, New York. When she isn’t writing about all things bridal, she can be found on the dance floor at a wedding or bachelorette party or finally learning how to dance for her own upcoming nuptials.
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. My mom was a high school English teacher while I was growing up, so reading was her approach to literally everything in life.
Want to learn more about your favorite animal? Here’s a book called Meerkat Kingdom! True story; I was 5. And I probably read that book 200 times. You’re dying to go to Italy? First, you need to read Dante’s Divine Comedy. Also true, I was 14, and Inferno changed my life.
So naturally, when I met “The One,” my first instinct was to find the best books to make this relationship work. We’re long distance, so we needed all the help we could get!
After a lot of internet research, social media polls, and expert recommendations, here’s a condensed list of the 7 books you need to read with the love of your life:
Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus
If you’re living on planet Earth, you’ve heard of this book. Trust me – it’s worth the read. I couldn’t believe how many “facepalm” moments I had reading this guide to communicating and understanding the opposite sex.
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts
This book is the O.G. It’s been a bestseller for more than 25 years. Do yourself a favor and take the quiz with your significant other. Realizing, for instance, he feels more loved when you unload the dishwasher than when you write him a love letter will change your life.
For Men Only / For Women Only
These books pack a lot of punch. Based on surveys and scientific research, they break down in simple language: For men, what she wants you to know. For women, what he wants you to know. The best part? They have cheat sheets in the front of the book for those people (ahem, my boyfriend and brothers) with short attention spans.
Fun exercise: After reading your gender, swap with your significant other and read theirs. Chat about what you learned and where you thought the book was spot on!
I Do, Now What?: Secrets, Stories, and Advice from a Madly-in-Love Couple
TV stars Giuliana and Bill Rancic give an upbeat reality check on what it’s like to be newlyweds. It’s nice to see a glamorous couple have totally relatable issues – and work through them! Stars: they’re just like us.
The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
Money guru Dave Ramsey tackles everything from college debt, to marriage conflicts, when it comes to financial planning. Now’s a good time to have an honest conversation around budgets and spending – and what that will look like in your relationship.
The Meaning of Marriage
This is a bestseller and favorite among church-affiliated pre-marital counselors. Timothy Keller gives an honest and insightful breakdown of the whole point of this thing called marriage. Keep reading for the wedding china story – I wanted to high five to his wife for that one.
Whether or not you’re a self-proclaimed bookworm, you should take some time to read up before you walk down the aisle.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Madeline Littrell is a corporate PR strategist and freelance writer. Born and raised in the South, she loves big hair, country music, and chicken fingers. Madeline lives in Dallas with her Sheltie puppy, Tennessee.
If there was one thing I wish I would have known after I got engaged, it would be that decision making would be the most important skill I would need for the next two years. What I realized after spending endless hours on Pinterest, there are three major to-do’s that every bride should consider crossing off the list first:
1. Find a wedding planner
2. Find a venue
3. Set the date.
Once these three tasks are complete, step four would be to work on your invitations!
With the endless choices in the early stages of wedding planning, I found that The Wedding Shop by Shutterfly was a great resource and one-stop shop for all paper goods. The range of products, personalization and great value makes The Wedding Shop a no-brainer when searching for your complete wedding stationery suite. Here are four things you should keep in mind when thinking about your suite:
SAVE THE DATE SETS THE TONE
Your save the date sets the tone for your wedding. If you are thinking of having a black tie wedding, create a save the date that fits the theme. The Wedding Shop has endless options to fit any budget and style, like these with gold foil, which immediately jazzes up your wedding announcement. Another favorite style is the magnet. Our fridge is full of our beautiful friends and it is a constant reminder of the upcoming events! Plus, everyone can always use another magnet. My favorite thing about The Wedding Shop’s selection of save the dates is the photo option. You can upload your favorite picture and view all of the cards with your favorite image. It makes the process so fun and easy!
CUSTOM IS KEY
Once you send out your save the dates, the next step is thinking about the rest of your invitation suite. The Wedding Shop by Shutterfly is your best resource for invitations, RSVP cards, enclosure cards, place cards and more. The pre-designed suites allow you to customize your colors to match your wedding theme without adding any additional cost. One of my favorite collections within The Wedding Shop is Wedding Paper Divas — the designs are beautiful and modern. My favorite part about the Sophisticated Glamour Wedding Suite was the custom watercolor design and my ability to customize the color and fonts. Also, the gold foil accent added an extra special touch. Another pro tip while customizing your invitations, change the fonts to match your aesthetic. Being able to choose from the endless list of fonts allows for one-of-a-kind invites, RSVP cards, and more.
STICK TO YOUR STYLE
The other design I found and fell in love with was the Tropical Herald. With greenery being such a hit this season, this invitation suite creates a streamlined wedding theme. Think: palm leaves, white peonies and modern fonts. This wedding suite is also a great option for a tropical destination wedding. Another bonus, you can customize the floral color to match your wedding flowers without any additional cost.
DON’T FORGET THE EXTRAS
A little piece of advice from a former bride-to-be, once you’ve created your invites, use Shutterfly’s addressing system. When I ordered my save the dates, I decided I wanted to hand letter all 300 invites. After endless hand cramps and a few mistakes, let’s just say, I cannot recommend this simple service enough! Trust me, you can have your fairytale wedding and the invitations of your dream without going over your budget. The options in the The Wedding Shop by Shutterfly allow you to create your wedding suite without sacrificing style or quality.
This post was written in partnership by Ali Shilling for Shutterfly on Style Me Pretty.
When I dreamed about my wedding, it was inside a huge venue filled with people I loved. But two small families joining together and the choice to host it in our adopted hometown, far from loved ones, meant that huge venue would have to be downsized and our guest list would shrink to 70.
At first, I was disheartened by the idea of having a small wedding. After all, dream weddings all over the world always feature a huge party and endless amounts of guests. But looking back, the size of our wedding is exactly what made it so special. Here are a few reasons why.
It was Intimate
As I stood at the end of the aisle before my big entrance, I couldn’t help but appreciate that everyone in the crowd was not only a familiar face, but the face of people I loved and admired. While I was waiting in the wings with my parents, I was shaking and unable to control my nerves, but as soon as I saw that the people who would witness me pledge my love to my best friend were my favorite people in the world, my nerves disappeared. Everyone there had their own special story of our relationship and it made the entire event feel like home.
It helped our budget
My now husband and I paid for our wedding on our own, and the smaller guest list allowed us to get other things we otherwise would of had to forgo. Knowing we wouldn’t have to spend too much on invitations and meals let us a splurge on things that ended up being the best parts of our wedding: We got our favorite photographers, were able to add in a videographer, and even planned a day-after sightseeing bus around the city for all our guests. All of these things would have been nixed had our guest list been bigger.
It lowered our stress levels
We had our wedding in Philadelphia, but the majority of our loved ones were coming from Florida. It just so happens that the week of our wedding, a major hurricane hit the Sunshine State and I spent the days leading up to the day rebooking flights and hotel rooms. While the situation was stressful, having less people to worry about helped our stress levels immensely. Plus, since our entire guest list was made up of close family and friends, no one had a problem with the added costs and worries that came with the last minute changes.
We were able to enjoy everyone
Many couples often note that the entire wedding was a blur and they don’t even remember seeing half the people who were there. While I can agree that our whole day definitely felt like a blur, I can wholeheartedly say that I spent time with each and every one of my guests. Being able to show my friends and family how much they mean to me on my wedding day is something I will always remember.
We look back at our pictures with adoration
When looking back on the wedding albums of my family members, I am constantly asking “who is that?” I know that with our wedding photos, we will be able to look back and remember every single person who was there. I look forward to the day our kids watch our wedding video and recognize every person in the crowd.
If you’re like me and your small guest list has you concerned, remember all the amazing things that come out of having a small, intimate wedding. For my husband and I, it was the best “mishap” that could have ever happened to us.
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.
Admittedly, I haven’t invested much time into my own style after having my first baby, and my closet is suffering from that neglect. In my search to revamp my style haven, I happened upon lifestyle guru and closet stylist, Shira Gill and her Closet Makeover Planner. Thank goodness, because bikinis and sweaters were finding themselves unhappily stacked together. Sound like you? Implement Shira’s four fab tips below and grab the full guide here!
Start by removing everything from your closet. It helps to organize clothing in stacks by specific categories, so you can take inventory. This will make it easier to see how much of each type you have and will also expedite the editing stage. This is your opportunity to start fresh, so make sure to wipe down any shelving, give the space a vacuum and relocate stray items that don’t belong in your closet.
A good edit is by far the most important step! Before you begin, think about what’s required for your typical week as well as what you need for workouts, hobbies, and travel or events. Since the contents of your closet will determine your style, this is also a great opportunity to become more intentional about how you present yourself each day. Just because something cost a lot of money or looks good on somebody else doesn’t mean that it is the right fit for you. Think about how you want to look and feel in your clothing and do your best to keep only what you actually use, wear, and love.
Favorite closet essentials include:
1. Uniform hangers. Use the same style and color for a streamlined look.
2. Open bins and baskets for storing scarves, seasonal items, and accessories.
3. Shelf dividers to keep stacks of folded jeans or sweaters from toppling over.
4. Sturdy hooks for handbags, necklaces, and handbags.
5. Wall mounted shelves to maximize your vertical space. Make sure to make a list before you shop and only invest in what you actually need for your closet makeover project.
Now, for the fun part! In setting up your closet, take care to store items by frequency of use. Set up everyday essentials in prime real estate areas for visibility and easy access, with formal, seasonal, and occasional items in the back of the closet or in bins on a high shelf. Once you’re all set up, it’s nice to add some personal touches and décor to complete the transformation. You might try accessorizing with an accent rug, pretty lighting, framed pictures or a style inspiration board. Remember: You start and end each day in your closet. It’s worth it to invest a little added effort to ensure it feels inviting and lovely.
Shira is the founder of Shira Gill Home a boutique lifestyle brand with a “less is more” philosophy that offers full service home organization and styling as well as online resources and inspiration to help you design a clutter-free life. Head here to grab your free Closet Makeover Planner and follow along with @shiragill for more inspiration!
Photography: Vivian Johnson Photography | Styling + Tips: Shira Gill
Have you been following along with blogger bride Ali Barshop of Love You, Mean It’s wedding plans.? From engagement session fashion to a monogrammed bridesmaid brunch, we just knew her celebration was going to be a good one. And this classic Southern wedding with a very fashionable twist does not disappoint. With a custom gown by Nardos Design, planning and florals by Lauren Chitwood Events, the most gorgeous imagery by Leslee Mitchell, and a film by When It Clicks, get lost in this romantic and charming Kentucky affair.
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Meet Ali | Engagement Session | Bridesmaid Brunch
From the Bride… Oh my! It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am as I look back at these photos. I’m so happy that I finally get to share a glimpse into our wedding day with you all. When trying to describe this special day, I can’t seem to find a better word than “perfect,” because y’all, it was absolutely PERFECT! A day I’ve pictured forever became a reality and I married the man of my dreams!
The inspiration for our wedding day was to create a romantic and comfortable oasis with a touch of Kentucky charm. For many of our guests, it was their first time to visit the bluegrass state, so we wanted to showcase the beautiful landscape of my hometown. Besides the elements of green from the scenery and rustic accents from the barn, I wanted everything else to be white. Everything from the stunning Jenny Yoo bridesmaid dresses to the flowers falling from the ceiling fit perfectly into my vision. I wanted it to feel like you walked into a little slice of heaven.
For me, I had a clear vision for what I wanted our day to be. That being said, wedding planning still had its ups and downs. Planning an event for hundreds of people is no joke and there are a lot of moving parts. I’m so grateful I had the support of my amazing family, especially my mom, who was on the ground and acted as our eyes and ears as we planned the wedding from Texas. For those of you who are currently planning, my biggest piece of advice would be to continually remind yourself what this day is truly about. When you start to feel stressed or frustrated, remember the most important part of the day is that your surrounded by the people you love. Anything you hoped to do but can’t for one reason or another will not be noticed and everything that you can do is truly just icing on the cake!
It should come as no surprise that one of my favorite parts of wedding planning was designing and creating my dream dress alongside Nardos Design. After two full days of dress shopping I had found a few dresses I liked, but still didn’t have the feeling that I’d found the one. After just minutes of talking to Nardos, she sketched up my vision, combining my favorite aspects of the other dresses into one amazing dress that just felt right. The reason I loved my dress so much was that it was truly three dresses in one. With the detachable skirt, it could go from having the most stunning train to a bustled ball gown to the perfect little column dress to dance the night away. From sketching up the design to picking out the perfect fabric to match my bridesmaids’ dresses, the process was so fun and truly a once in a lifetime experience.
I remember waking up the morning of the wedding and feeling a calmness I can’t explain. The impending thunderstorms on the forecast couldn’t even break my mood. By noon, it was our final opportunity to decide if we’d move the ceremony inside the Keeneland clubhouse or take a chance with the weather and do the ceremony outside like I’d always imagined. We had to take our chances! Getting ready with all my girls at the home I grew up in was exactly what I had wanted for the morning of. We were relaxed and comfortable as we all got dolled up.
Mother Nature had our back because the morning rain cleared and it turned into the most beautiful sunny afternoon. The ceremony and reception were beautiful, fun, and all that we had imagined. But boy did it go by fast! That being said, Ben and I made a point during the reception to take a step back to take it all in and remember that while this night may have flown by, our love will last for the rest of our lives!
Photography: Leslee Mitchell | Videography: When It Clicks | Event Planning: Lauren Chitwood Events | Floral Design: Lauren Chitwood Events | Wedding Dress: Nardos Design, Dallas Texas | Cake: Martine's Pastries | Invitations: August Blume | Ceremony Venue: Keeneland Library | Reception Venue: Keeneland Library | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair & Makeup: Ana Crane | Band: Burning Las Vegas | Blogger: Ali Barshop | Bridesmaids' Robes: Piyama | Welcome Bags: To & From Gifts
In case you missed it, this week is the 10th birthday of our Little Black Book! Isn’t that incredible!? And we couldn’t think of a better way to keep the celebrations going all weekend long than to share this insanely beautiful Camp Lucy wedding, which shows the magic that happens when Little Black Book members like Jenna McElroy, Westcott Weddings, and Lovely come together. Trust us, you’ll be coming back to this swoon-worthy gallery all weekend long – just add bubbly, and we’ve got ourselves a proper celebration. Cheers to 10 years!
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From the Bride, Jerika… Harry and I met at Texas Tech University through a mutual friend. Although I had already heard of him, we did not get the chance to really get to know each other until my senior year of school. After we met officially, we hit it off! He had this genuine and confident demeanor that I was so intrigued by from the start. After school, Harry and I both ended up in Fort Worth, Texas (my hometown) and knew that it was the place we were going to start our family. After four years of dating, Harry surprised me and said we were going to dinner with friends, however we ended up in my parents’ backyard with a very romantic setting of glowing candles and white rose petals, and he proposed! It was perfect for us, and the best part was that he had both of our families and close friends there at my parents’ home ready to celebrate with us! There was champagne, toasts, dinner, dessert, and we had quite the night to remember.
When it came to planning our wedding, we knew we wanted something intimate and elegant yet still upscale. We also knew we wanted it to feel very personal to who we are as a couple and to incorporate unexpected details that were true to us. One of the most important things to us was our guests’ experience; we wanted to create a beautiful day not only for us, but also for our family and friends.
As a designer for a homebuilder, I spend much of my time on the details of beautiful spaces, so when it came to the planning process of our wedding, I really had my hand in every aspect and detail involved. With the help of my wedding planner, Ellen Westcott, and a whole list of amazing vendors, it truly became better than I could have imagined! It also could not have been possible without the help of my amazing mother, who helped me with every decision and was there with me through the whole journey. She is the absolute best person and partner in crime!
There were many things that helped make for a very special event, including great food, bar, entertainment, and company. However the details of the day really made it so special, including the welcome baskets that welcomed our guests to Camp Lucy, the urns at the ceremony that were from my mother, the acrylic table numbers at dinner that matched our custom crest, and the tulips placed at each plate at the head table. Plus all of the paper goods (which were so fun to design and had such a romantic feel!), including our custom watercolor crest which became the signature design of the day, our invitations with floral liners, and my FAVORITE – a watercolor on the napkins of our dog, Piper!
My bridesmaids and I started out the morning sipping on mimosas and hot tea in Camp Lucy’s’ Bridal Suite. It was such a relaxing morning leading up to the ceremony. We had stayed in the extremely elegant cabins on site at Camp Lucy since that Wednesday night leading up to the wedding, so it made that morning so much more anticipated. By the afternoon, I got changed into my dress. The gown was originally strapless, and we had a custom topper sewn onto the dress created by Nardos Design. It was everything I wanted – simple and classic yet with a feminine, couture look!
Later that evening, the ceremony started. The natural surroundings of the ceremony space of Sacred Oaks speak for themselves. It was like a fairy tale with the teak slatted chairs for the guests, the string quartet playing in the background, and the willowing branches with white delphinium florals hanging above us. Ceremony then flowed into cocktail hour on the terrace and lawn behind the pavilion of Sacred Oaks for guests to enjoy champagne, wine, the signature gin cocktail (which we named after our dog, Piper), and delicious hors d’oeuvres including petite black pepper biscuits with country ham and caramelized pear mustard, bacon wrapped quail breast drizzled with habanero nectar, and lump crab cakes with tarragon caper-aioli. The terrace and lawn felt like the perfect mix of elegant and natural with the green cypress and pops of pink floral in the vines hanging off the pavilion. It felt like a private Italian villa. Guests were then led to dinner under the sperry tent to the right of the lawn. After sunset, feasting on southern comfort cuisine, and sipping wine, everyone headed into the large pavilion where we danced and celebrated into the night!
There were so many memorable moments from the wedding, but I would have to say the moment that I keep going back to is our candlelit dinner under the sperry tent on the lawn. I wanted everyone to feel loved on and comfortable as if they were coming to our home for a lovely celebration. It was right after our ceremony, and not only was it absolutely STUNNING in the tent, but hearing the toasts and seeing all of the joy and laughter from our friends and family meant the world to both Harry and me. That was the moment I was looking most forward to, and that is the moment I will never forget! The night was such a perfect mixture of intimate and elegant.
It had been quite a journey for us during the planning process. Three months before the wedding, my dad passed away from a long fought battle with Leukemia. All of the details of planning this wedding melted away. My main focus became my family and the relationships with the people I love most. Everything gets put into perspective. Our family has always been extremely close, so my big brother walked me down the aisle. Something that was very special to me was the boutonniere my dad was supposed to wear. We had already ordered it, and I wanted to use it in a special way. So in the ceremony right next to the aisle, we had a table with a picture of my dad and me, a candle, and my dad’s Bible with the boutonniere he was to wear placed on top of the Bible. Although I knew my dad was already going to be with me on the day of, having those pieces there made me feel so comforted during the whole ceremony. I knew I wanted to do something for him in a special way, and this was perfect for me! I felt such a joy on the day of. It was truly unlike anything I can explain, the amount of pure joy and calmness I felt the entire day. I knew he was with me. My faith in the Lord got me through those three months, the day of, and ultimately every day since then.
One thing I learned during the whole planning process was the power of being present amidst the chaos, such as making an effort to be present at my bridal showers, my bachelorette party, and other events. I was reminded that people are the most important part of any season! For future bride, be present with your loved ones not only on the months and days leading up to your wedding, but also on the day of. Be present with your family, your best friends, and most importantly, your groom!
Photography: Jenna McElroy | Cinematography: Ryan Gerecke | Event Planning + Design: Westcott Weddings | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Cake: Simon Lee Bakery | Stationery: The Inviting Pear | Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Hayley Paige | Hair + Makeup: Sarah Sallis | Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design | Band: Ice House Band | Venue: Camp Lucy | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Bridesmaids' Dresses Boutique: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering + Floral Design: Whim Hospitality | Photo Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Photobooth: Oh Happy Day Booth | Rentals: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals | Wedding Dress Overlay: Nardos Design, Dallas Texas
Chip and Joanna have captivated the nation during their soon-to-be five seasons of HGTV’s Fixer Upper, from their incredible home transformations to their completely endearing personalities. So a visit to Waco, Texas to see the duo’s Magnolia Market at the Silos – a marketplace where you can shop for home goods, play lawn games, unwind in an adorable garden, and nibble on one of Jo’s famous sweet treats – is on many a Fixer Upper fan’s bucket list! I recently took a long weekend trip down to Waco for the 3rd annual Silobration at Magnolia Market and can confirm – it lives up to every ounce of praise. That’s why when Cassie Conforti’s pics from her recent trip to Magnolia Market landed on the SMP Living desk, we knew we had to share. Get inspired by all the pretty at the Silos, plus Cassie shares her expert tips for making the most out of your visit!
We all love us some Chip and Jo, so you know I was excited to go on a girl’s trip to the Silo’s for their 3rd annual “Silobration” event. While we were there, we learned a few “Magnolia hacks” that we wanted to share with the world so that when YOU visit the Silos, you will be set to go!
Pack Light!
I visited with my mother and sister-in-law from Indiana, so we flew and only took a carry on bag, which meant we didn’t have much room to bring home ALL THE THINGS! (If you can drive, drive!) So I packed a pair of leggings, a t-shirt, some blush, and a toothbrush and called it a day, leaving lots of space for my shopping finds.
*If you find something amazing and it obviously won’t fit in your luggage, they have a FedEx shipping station in-store so you can send your purchases home. Yay! The lines do get long, though, so be prepared to wait.
Get a Cupcake (or a Cookie!)
The Silos Baking Co. is obviously one of the main parts of visiting the Silos, but the line can get long, especially when you are visiting on a weekend. Honestly I was just so happy to be at the Silos that the 15 minute wait was no big deal, but the nice thing is that the staff will only allow a certain number of people in the shop at once, so once you are in, it feels very intimate, and you can take your time looking and choosing from all the pastries. And once you have chosen, find a shady spot on the lawn (claim a striped beanbag if you can) and enjoy! The treats are amazing. My favorite was actually the “Classic Chocolate Chip” cookie – definitely one of the best I’ve ever had!
If the Bakery Line Is too Long…
There is a food truck in the back (in the form of an airstream) that has all of the same goodies as the bakery, but with a much shorter line.
Eat Lunch (and Dinner!) at the Silos
Joanna did a great job creating an experience where she wants you to stay a while. After your shopping is finished, there is a huge lawn area with games, lots of shade, and giant beanbags to sit, relax, and eat. While there were many temporary food trucks present for the Silobration, there are quite a few permanent ones at the Silos. My favorites were:
Even the Bathrooms Are Cute
And the cutest of all is the Bakery’s bathroom. If you watch Fixer Upper, you know there was pretty much a whole episode about that adorable bathroom, and it doesn’t disappoint.
If You Can Visit During the Silobration – Do It!
Anytime is a good time to visit the Silos and get some inspiration from our favorite girl, Jo, but the Silobration was really special. Every year in October, they celebrate the anniversary of opening the Silos, and 2017 was the third annual. For this event, they brought in 99 vendors all with the cutest stuff ever (think Joanna handpicking the best Etsy shops and bringing them to Waco, and that is the vendor lineup). Plus there was a two night concert event featuring Castro, Jon Foreman, and Johnnyswim, and an appearance by Chip and Jo themselves. Since we traveled pretty far, this made the two day trip worth it for sure!
Take the Free Trolley
There is a free trolley that picks up right outside of the Silos and does a trip around the downtown area of Waco. Once you are done at the Silos, get on the trolley and visit Spice Village. It’s a HUGE shopping area (air conditioned, which is important in Texas!) with tons of boutiques inside and wonderful food options. We ate at the Olive Branch for lunch, which prides itself on “homemade everything, even the salad dressing”. Our sandwiches on the homemade bread were incredible. There is also the Dr. Pepper Museum, Baylor University, and a food truck row down by the river all on the trolley route.
Sit in the Gardens
The Silos’ gardens are located in the back, near the Seed and Supply Shop, and they are pristine. When we were visiting, everything was perfectly in bloom, there were beautiful pumpkins (all muted whites, greens, and oranges) stacked everywhere we looked. There were a million places to stop for photo ops. It seemed people didn’t know it was back there because we had the place to ourselves.
Lastly, Don’t Forget to Visit Harp Co.
Fixer Upper fans, you know Clint Harp from the show. Well he has a small shop just around the corner from the Silos. Don’t forget to stop in and check out his beautiful wood working creations.
Photography: Conforti Photography | Shop: Magnolia Market
When storms raged and made this couple’s Big Sur wedding literally impossible, they relied on each other to persevere and plan a new wedding in just weeks. And with incredible vendors like Hive Events, The Bloemist, and Field to Table, rallying around them, they were able to pull off an intimate gathering that was still all kinds of beautiful. Just look at Maria Lamb‘s photographs from the day – you won’t believe this wasn’t the plan all along. The bride explains it best, “While it might not have been the wedding we had dreamed of for years past, it’s safe to say it truly was the wedding of our dreams.”
From the Bride… Kyle and I, both transplants to California, met on Match.com (before it was cool!). I so wish I had saved our first correspondence because our conversations were so unlike your typical “get to know you” questions that occur with online dating. They were funny, light-hearted, and the opposite of all the other generic messages. That actually is the main reason I agreed to go on our first date – I knew it would be an adventure. And it was. We had our first date on a Saturday afternoon hike, and we’ve been together ever since.
Working in the wedding industry for the past 10 years (I’m a wedding photographer), the time had finally come for me to play the role of bride. It was so exciting to plan the wedding – and surprisingly effortless. We decided to get married 8 years (and 1 day) after the day we first met. And since I’m a part of the industry, a big party was not on the agenda. Rather, we opted for an intimate, week-long celebration with our immediate family, joined by extended family and close friends towards the end of the week.
Our plan was to get married on the cliffs of Big Sur. The estate was booked, private chef hired, and all the other vendors had fallen into place nicely. Eight weeks before the big day, Mother Nature had another plan. Big Sur was struck with once in a century storms that led to landslides, road closures, and a collapsed bridge. Every hour on the hour, we were checking the Big Sur blog to see road closure updates. Six weeks out, there still was no passable road, and the wedding we had planned (for years in our dreams) was no longer an option. I went into problem solver mode. We needed a new venue, a new chef, and to further accommodate all the changes with our other vendors. This is the point of the story when I am SOOO THANKFUL to be a part of the wedding community that rallied for us and with us to create a beautiful day. To top things off, my custom dress arrived severely past its deadline date, which was just three weeks before the day only, to be four inches too short. Apparently, the gal measured me wrong! I couldn’t believe that yet another thing had gone awry. Thank goodness for BHLDN who saved the day with a gorgeous gown and overnight shipping!
Kyle, who works in the movie industry, and I had been told time and time again that we were living a movie script of all things that could go wrong with a wedding. We learned to laugh through the uncertainty and harness our strengths to pull it off. This wedding was the truest reflection my and Kyle’s relationship. Over many years of dating, both locally and from a distance, Kyle’s patience and my perseverance have gotten us through any challenges we might have faced. This time was no different. So as the weeks flew by, detail by detail, we were able to plan a new wedding. I was worried that come the day of, everything would have felt like a back up plan. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. Not only did the new vibe resonate with us, but it also accommodated the experience we wanted to provide to our families with ease. Our dinner was one of the best we’ve ever had, and I couldn’t have felt more happy and beautiful on that day. It was supremely special and blew away any expectations of what it would be. While it might not have been the wedding we had dreamed of for years past, it’s safe to say it truly was the wedding of our dreams.
Photography: Maria Lamb | Cinematography: McDuff Productions | Coordination: Hive Events SB | Floral Design: The Bloemist | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Invitations: Moo | Bride's Shoes: Steve Madden | Jewelry: Custom from Bride's Mother, Family Heirlooms | Catering: Field To Table Events | Hair + Makeup: LunaBella Make-up and Hair | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Venue: Biddle Ranch Vineyard | Beach: Montana de Oro State Beach | Custom Napkins: BAM Draping | Rentals: Party Pleasers | Romper: Plum Pretty Sugar | Table Paper Goods: Bash Calligraphy | Table Top Decor: Concrete Geometric | Tie: OTAA
Fun fact: I used to design wedding invitations before I was an editor for Style Me Pretty! They’ve always been one of my favorite details in the wedding process because they’re the guests’ first impression, but it can be a big challenge (and a lot of pressure) to decide on a design when there’s so much planning ahead. My advice? Focus on one aspect of your paper goods and go from there—something that makes your invites next level. From custom illustration to fabric-printed, here are a handful of details to inspire.
Nothing is more personal than a customized monogram, like this one from Seniman Calligraphy. The best part? You can take your monogram or ‘wedding logo’ beyond your paper goods and weave it throughout your wedding decor to carry your branding from start to finish.
We’ve been seeing custom couple’s portraits pop up in the wedding world and they’re pretty darn cute. What better way to tell the story of you than with a custom illustration of YOU!
It’s not just what’s inside the envelope that counts—the packaging matters, too! DIY wax seals are such a fun touch and really elevate your guests’ experience of opening an invitation. This beauty designed by Seniman Calligraphy is oh so lovely.
Get creative with the edging of your invitations—from naturally torn to rounded to scalloped, the options are endless.
How gorgeous are these custom fabric printed invites from bride Kathryn of The Everyday Co.?! We love that she got creative with her material. An unexpected and fun twist on traditional paper and SO next level.
The Manny is off the market! Everyone’s favorite brother, This is Us star Justin Hartley—aka Kevin Pearson—aka The Manny—tied the knot with his longtime love Chrishell Stause in Malibu last weekend.
Get Mandy’ Moore’s This is Us wedding look here.
First things first: HER DRESS! Insert all the heart-eye emojis, right?!
We are just drooling over her Monique Lhuillier gown. The high-low hemline, the feathers (!!) the low back — it’s everything, loves.
Even better? It looks like most of the cast and crew of This is Us was invited. More tears. How’s that for work fam?
People Magazine has all the snaps including castmates like Mandy Moore and Sterling K. Brown.
Justin wore a black tux but changed into a white jacket for the reception. So glam and very Hollywood, if we do say so! Kevin Pearson would be proud! But the real star has got to be Chrishell’s feathered dress.
Congratulations to the happy couple!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in love with Monique Lhuillier‘s gorgeous wedding dresses — when I was a little girl dreaming of my future wedding dress, it was always a Monique Lhuillier masterpiece. And now that I’m all grown up, not much has changed because I want to wear each and every one of her Fall 2018 wedding dresses. Classic lace gowns paired with crazy cool bomber jackets and a slick tuxedo next to a fabulous feather skirt, the new collection has something for every bride’s perfect wedding day! Scroll on to see all the beautiful dresses photographed to perfection by Heather Waraksa!
Photography: Heather Waraksa | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier
I can say from personal experience, Lake Sunapee is beautiful. Simply gorgeous. So to say your “I do’s” here can only mean good things. And this summer celebration, planned by By Emily B. Event Design and captured by Rodeo & Co. is all great things and much, much more. Sweet moments and super special, meaningful touches abound but enough with our chit chat – see it all in our gallery right this way and get ready to get inspired!
From Rodeo & Co… Katie and Jeph grew up on Lake Sunapee, a pristine New Hampshire lake. They met at the Lake Sunapee Yacht Club during their early childhood years. Katie had a crush on Jeph early on and they reconnected later in life.
Their wedding ceremony and reception took place at Jeph’s grandparents house on Lake Sunapee; the same home Jeph’s Mother grew up in. The property and ceremony site included views of Herrick Cove Lighthouse, a lighthouse restored and dedicated in the name of Ginger Cross, Jeph’s Mother, who passed away in a skiing accident when Jeph and his brother were young. The true magic of the event transpired as Katie took a non-traditional route to the altar, arriving by boat just moments after passing the lighthouse in Ginger’s honor and walking up the dock towards the ceremony to meet Jeph at the altar.
Photography: Rodeo & Co. | Event Design: By Emily B. Event Design | Event Planning: By Emily B. Event Design | Floral Design: By Emily B. Event Design | Wedding Dress: Leanne Marshall | Cake: Tarte Cafe & Bakery | Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: A Catered Affair | Calligraphy: Lulu & Roo Design Boutique | Band: Sultans Of Swing | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Tent: Peak Event Services | Bridal Boutique: Ceremony | Ceremony Musicians: Todd Thibaud & Juliet Lambert Pratt | Day of Stationery: Lulu & Roo Design Boutique | Rentals: Reserve Modern Event Rentals | Save the Date: Lulu & Roo Design Boutique
