Detail after delightful detail stands out from this modern Midwest wedding. The candles and greenery gracing the aisle, the draped ceremony backdrop. The dreary Chicago day turning a corner and the sun peeking out. The smiles on these two cuties that never faded. And 312 Film captured them all – and their style of filming (with cinematic bouts of slow motion) has me swooning. LOLA Event Productions orchestrated the planning of this posh party and the finished results are just fantastic. Enjoy – and take notes, because these details aren’t to be missed.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/196649811 600 338]

From 312 Film… A modern Chicago wedding at Morgan Manufacturing!

This Couple Swiped Right and Lived Happily Ever After

This couple is the proof that sometimes swiping right leads to a walk down the aisle. From Tinder to “I Do”, this modern affair crafted by Kathy B. Codilis Design and Stemline Creative is giving hope to dating app users everywhere. It’s a celebration that pairs chic with a historic piece of Chicago architecture and through Clary Pfeiffer’s images, that combo is undeniably gorgeous.

From the couple… The story or how we met is almost a punchline… We met on Tinder (before it got creepy). However we quickly realized we did have a connection as she was the beautiful babysitter of his next-door neighbors that he didn’t have the courage to ask out, in the traditional sense. We quickly realized our connection and were engaged 18 months later! Our styles are somewhat conflicting, she likes classic and he likes contemporary. The Chicago Athletic Association provided an opportunity to have both. The building was originally opened in 1890 but was painstakingly restored in 2015, adding modern amenities to a very historic piece of Chicago architecture. Wanting to create a formal atmosphere while still keeping things simple, we invited guests black-tie optional and went with classic themes, white flowers, gold accents, and tried to highlight the beauty of the location as much as possible. Our favorite moments were certainly having all the nieces and nephews gathered for photos before the ceremony and witnessing several meltdowns, including a classic photo of one of our flower girls completely shutting down before walking down the aisle! So many memories from that day, from fantastic September weather conditions to some incredibly creative/funny toasts to having our 90-year-old grandparents lighting up the dance floor! We couldn’t have been happier with that day and we hope it is symbolic of our lives ahead of us!

We Played Dress Up at Kleinfeld + Here’s What Happened

It’s no secret that finding the perfect wedding dress can be a bit overwhelming, but with the help of the experts at Kleinfeld and gorgeous gowns of Allure Bridals, we’ve got you covered! From elegant nods to Grace Kelly and Jackie O to modern detachable skirts to help you party the night away, here are our favorite pieces.

STYLE: C463

Create two distinct looks with this convertible dress that will take you from a conservative ceremony to a sexy celebration in this fit-to-flare beaded gown. Let your hair down and add a flower crown for a more bohemian look, or don your most dramatic earrings for bold reception style!

STYLE: C461

Helloooo, Jackie O! The most thoughtful detail of all is the elastic underneath the cap sleeve for movement and comfort. This dress may look like a heavy and structured frock, but Allure Bridals has used special fabric to offer the sculpture silhouette without the weight. Update this retro look with a statement necklace or Beyonce-inspired crown that would make Game of Thrones jealous!

STYLE: C459

As stylist Shay puts it, “Sleeves are everywhere and they’re not leaving!” This fit-to-flare sparkles like a bottle of champagne, while bits of illusion keeps it young and fresh. You know you get quality with Allure Bridals when the lashes of the loom are used for the dress itself. Keep the accessories within the same tonal family to create a cohesive and chic aesthetic.

STYLE: W397

This gown has a train you don’t want to miss! This dress may be timeless and elegant from the front, but get ready to wow your guests with a surprising statement train and button details for the win.

STYLE: W400

This rustic beauty will flatter your curves while showing off a gorgeous collarbone. Want more coverage? No problem! Raise the neckline or add sleeves to make it your own.

STYLE: 9459

Stop it, you’re making me blush! This dress comes in flirty colors from blush to champagne. The super flattering A-line silhouette will give anyone a great figure with enough room to groove on the dance floor.

Don’t forget to be be you! If you’re attached to your lipstick or the ‘gram, get a fabulous clutch to keep your necessities in. Add bits (or tons!) of your personality to your dress through shoes, accessories and lip color. If you’re a glam girl, go glam; if you’re a sweats and Netflix bride, find a pair of beautiful flats. And remember, if you’re having a good time, so will everyone else!

For more tips from Kleinfeld and to see these gowns in motion, check out the full video here:

7 Wedding Gift Ideas When The Registry is Picked Over

If you have a wedding coming up, you’ll need to bring a gift to congratulate the happy couple. But if you click over to their registry and the only things left are bath mats and salad spinners, it can be a bit disheartening. There’s nothing wrong with buying less-than-glamorous gifts; after all, the couple wouldn’t have registered for them if they didn’t want them. But if you’re looking for a more out-of-the-box present, here are a few ideas.

Ether & Smith

A gift card to a new restaurant in their area.

It’s the perfect set-up for a date night! Tuck a copy of their menu into a card and treat the bride and groom to the first of many dinners out together.’

Ruth Eileen

A cleaning service.

Particularly if the couple recently bought their first home, they’ll enjoy having it scrubbed without having to put in the work. Purchase a once-a-month service for their first year of marriage so they can enjoy newlywed life in a sparkling home.

Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography

Picture frames.

So many couples plan on framing and hanging their wedding photos…but before they know it, it’s been three years and they still haven’t gotten around to it. Grab some cute frames from Target or Anthropologie so that the couple can enjoy their wedding photos as soon as possible.

Food delivery.

Snag a subscription to Blue Apron or Hello Fresh for the newlyweds. They can enjoy making dinner together without the hassle of grocery shopping and meal planning. They can even select gluten-free or vegan meals if they have dietary concerns.

CJK Visuals

Their wedding invitation.

The bride probably spent plenty of time, money, and energy finding beautiful wedding invitations. What better way to hold onto one as a keepsake than to have it framed? The bride and groom can display it in their new home and always remember their wedding day instead of keeping an invitation in a box of mementos stuffed under the bed.

Perry Vaile Photography

Seasonal decorations.

When you first get married, there are lots of holiday milestones to check off, and the couple may find themselves lacking in the decor department. Put together a box of Christmas lights, a springtime wreath, or some Thanksgiving placemats so that their first year of holiday celebrations can be done in style!

A cool map of the city they tied the knot in.

Whether it’s their college city or the bride’s home town, a framed map of the city where they’ll say “I Do” will be a treasured piece of art.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Claire Swinarski is a writer and podcaster based in Wisconsin. When she isn’t writing, she can be found obsessing over football, eating a burrito bowl, or hanging out with her husband and son.

You Must See This Bride-to-Be’s Little White Dress

I always tell every Bride, this is your chance to wear as many chic white numbers as possible, so run with it! And this glam Mykonos engagement session photographed by Sotiris Tsakanikas is exactly why. How stunning does this Bride-to-be look in her fabulous white feathered dress? More sartorial inspiration is waiting for you, right this way…

From Sotiris Tsakanikas… Where pure sophistication meets privacy, in the luxurious Alegria Estate on Kalafatis beach, Sandrella and Hisham’s portraiture was all about the delicate opulence always so palpable in the sweet Mykonian afternoons. An intoxicating vision of an infinity pool, the pastel shades of blue and their Cycladic all-white villa gleaming in the sun was a perfect backdrop to showcase not only their immaculate style, but also their feelings of tenderness, joy, excitement, and desire. I love how they forgot I was even there and started to dance, so in love and oh so blissful.

Photography: Sotiris Tsakanikas | Event Planning: Deplanv | Bride's Shoes: Kurt Geiger | Venue: Alegria Villa Mykonos | Groom's Shoes: Pal Zileri

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Sotiris Tsakanikas

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The All-Inclusive Venue You HAVE to Meet

If you’re worried that choosing an all-inclusive venue will send you down the path to a cookie cutter wedding: don’t be. Trust us – you can have that glam celebration you’ve always wanted with all of the convenience an all-in-one location has to offer. Need proof? Check out The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center – they can handle it all.

Choosing an all-inclusive venue doesn’t have to mean giving up higher-end options like high-quality invitations, gorgeous linens and stunning table settings. With Hallmark Weddings at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, you’ll be working with a team of talented wedding pros that know how to handle everything, right down to setting up room blocks for all of your loved ones. We’re super impressed with their unique wedding packages – which start with a luxe venue of your choosing and touch on everything from customized menus to makeup + salon time to invites from the Halls Department Store.

Wedding planning shouldn’t be stressful. So if you find yourself struggling with finding the right florist or musician, need help with choosing the perfect pre-wedding event outfits or just want to make sure your guests are completely taken care of, contact The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center to talk all things Hallmark Weddings. You’ll even earn perks on every guest room booked.

A Modern Elopement Overlooking the Aegean Sea

When you share a love of travel and exploring, a destination wedding in Santorini is the perfect choice. This couple fell in love with the white-washed architecture, pops of blues and stunning ocean views and with the help of a savvy group of vendors, they channeled all that into a gorgeous modern celebration built for two. Designed by Tie the Knot in Santorini, along with florals by Betty Flowers Santorini, see this rooftop wedding unfold through the gorgeous images by Anna Roussos.

From the bride… My husband is from the USA and I am from Ecuador. We both lived in Europe for a while and met at work in Belgium. Eventually, he returned to San Francisco and we were long distance for about a year until I moved there to be with him. Being so far apart for over a year was tough but we made the best of it by traveling together as often as we could. We love Europe and visited many cities together but we never made it to Santorini. We chose to have our special day there because it’s a place that both of us had always wanted to visit, the white washed cliff houses and blue roof churches are so pretty and the views are unforgettable! We always knew that we didn’t want a big wedding. With our friends and family spread across the world, even planning a small wedding seemed daunting. Eloping was the perfect choice for us! Since we wouldn’t have any guests it was very important to have nice pictures to show our family and friends. We spent a lot of time looking for photographers who have experience shooting in Santorini. Eventually, we met Anna and fell in love with her work as soon as we saw it. Hiring her was one of the first (and best) decisions we made. We wanted our elopement to be simple, modern, and minimal. Maria from Tie the Knot in Santorini did an amazing job in bringing our vision to life – the flowers, the cake, the private dinner – she went above and beyond, always with a smile. We wanted it to be very private and intimate, so we had the ceremony and dinner on the terrace of the beautiful villa we rented. Aenaon Villas is absolutely incredible – so white and minimal – as soon as we saw pictures we knew that it would be the perfect venue!

Meet the Fun, Fabulous and Sexy Gowns We Know You’ll Love

Finding that all-important wedding dress means nailing down a designer that fits your personality to a T. But if you still haven’t landed on the one, we’re diving into a line-up of gorgeous gowns from Stella York we know you’ll love. From glamorous mermaid silhouettes to tulle ball gowns, we’ve got the perfect match for your fabulous and sexy self.

One thing we adore is a design powerhouse that isn’t afraid to have a little fun. And when you take a look at the pretties coming from Stella York, you can see why we’re all about their traditional meets sassy styles. From boho-esque A-lines to soft crepe chiffon numbers to backless beauties, they’ve got that dream gown you’ve been waiting for.

Whether you’re looking for an elegant number for that cathedral wedding, a sleek and sophisticated style for your modern affair or something a little more casual, Stella York has you covered with gowns that are always on point. And if you’re someone who likes to stay ahead of the trend curve, they’ve got that covered, too. Think stunning backs, modern princess styles and beautiful hues that are anything but ordinary.

For figure-flattering silhouettes, bold drop-waists and everything in between, look to Stella York to find that fab, fun dress you’ve always wanted. And for even more inspiration, follow Stella York on Instagram for a daily does of romance with a dash of sexy. #sostella

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Petit Bouquet

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Get Miranda Kerr’s Bridal Look

This past May, Miranda Kerr wed her husband on a cool morning in Los Angeles with an intimate at-home ceremony and reception. Her long sleeve Dior satin-skirt ball gown with floral appliques and a cascading tulle veil with studded jewels was fit for an elegant bride with royal inspiration.

This look is perfect for any time of year. The floral appliques seamlessly tie into the freshness of spring and summer, while the long sleeves work functionally well for fall and winter nuptials.

Get her look with these similar items here and feel like a queen!

A post shared by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jul 16, 2017 at 10:34pm PDT

Dress

Pronovias

Zuhair Murad

A post shared by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jul 16, 2017 at 10:40pm PDT

Veil

Belaire Bridal

David’s Bridal

MH Tiara

A post shared by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jul 16, 2017 at 10:45pm PDT

Headpiece

Nordstrom

Cassandra Lynne

Hushed Commotion

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband. 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.

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Petit Bouquet

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You’ve Got This! Bridal Bootcamp Week 7 Starts Now!

Only two more weeks of workouts, babes! Only two more weeks until you’re looking and feeling better than you were six weeks ago. Only two more weeks until your fiancé is like, “DAMN, you look good!” (which he should be saying all the time anyway, but this time he’ll really mean it). Let’s be honest, there’s nothing sexier than a toned, strong, confident woman. Who wouldn’t want to marry you after this boot camp?!

You’ve clearly been working your butts off, and I want to reward you all for that this week – although maybe not in the way you’re expecting. I want to give you guys a break this week – not a physical one (sorry! Peter won’t allow it…) but a mental one.

There’s no doubt you’ve got a lot on your mind: planning a wedding, getting your workouts in, trying to eat right, working a full-time job most likely. It’s a lot when you list it all out like that, isn’t it?! I’m doing it all, and just to keep things extra interesting my fiancé and I bought a new house last week, so now I’m dealing with that, too! When it rains, it pours, eh?

So how are we expected to stay sane through all of this? I happen to be a big believer in the power of a mindfulness practice. I wrote about how meditation was saving my wedding a few months back, and I wasn’t making that up. A formal practice (designating a specific time and place each day to meditate) isn’t necessary, but I would encourage everyone participating in an intense workout program like this to, at the very least, consider practicing informally – for example, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths; or take a minute in your car on your way home from the gym each day to feel proud of yourself and thank your body.

You’ve got some major stuff going on in your lives, my dears, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a few moments each day to pat yourselves on the back or close your eyes. It’s so easy to feel beat down by the wedding planning process that it’s important to remember how great you are, how loved you are, and how hard you’re working. If you need a little guidance, check out my tips here, or reach out to me directly – I am a health coach, after all! A free consultation may be just what you need to add a little mindful awareness into your day.

And because I want to acknowledge how AMAZING you all are, I’m going to treat you to an extra special recipe for the week that actually feels like a guilty pleasure – although there is no guilt to feel! My go-to smoothie bowl is great for breakfast or lunch, and I usually make enough for a few days at a time, making it an easy on-the-go meal since you can eat it with a spoon or just throw it in a blender bottle and sip in the car.

So don’t forget to throw yourself a little love this week, gals, and don’t be afraid to take a breather every once in awhile. You’ll be surprised how much it helps. See you next week!

View Whole Bridal Bootcamp Here!

XO,

Molly

Molly Winding is a freelance writer and health coach who splits her time between Vail and Denver. She is a foodie, health nut, and lover of books, movies, and meditation. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her spending time outside with her fiancé and their goldendoodle. Follow her @windmol!

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Petit Bouquet

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Green Smoothie Bowl Recipe Perfect For #SMPBootcamp

Molly’s Go-To Green Smoothie

prep time
3 Minute/s

cook time
5 Minute/s

total time
8 Minute/s

Ingredients

2 cups fresh spinach
½ medium-sized banana
½ cup blueberries
1 Tbsp almond butter
¾ cup almond milk (you may need to add a bit more if your smoothie doesn’t blend easily)
1 cup frozen riced cauliflower (this is what will make it cold, so it’s important that it’s frozen)
2 scoops collagen peptides OR 2 egg whites
Optional: ½ cup sugar-free granola
Optional: another ½ cup of blueberries

Instructions

Add spinach, banana, almond butter, and some of the almond milk to a blender and blend on high for 1 minute
Add ½ cup of blueberries, cauliflower, collagen peptides or egg whites, and the rest of the almond milk to the blender and blend on high for 3-4 minutes, or until thoroughly mixed so there are no chunks or little bits of fruit
Option 1: If you want to eat as a smoothie bowl (I prefer this because it helps me feel fuller than if I just drink it), pour smoothie mixture into a bowl and top with granola and additional ½ cup of blueberries
Option 2: If you want to drink it, pour into a blender bottle and hit the road, no additional ingredients needed!

This Off the Radar Venue is a Total Hidden Gem

Ever heard of Lotusland? Yeah, me either. Tucked in the hills of Montecito, it unfolds like a secret garden (animal topiaries and all) and when paired with a stunning ethereal wedding like that photographed by Kurt Boomer, the beauty is off the charts. From romantic florals by Plenty of Petals to a magic open air reception coordinated by Hoste Events, get lost in this celebration with even more right here.

Kate and Aaron’s wedding was one of my favorites this year. Lotusland is one of those off the radar venues but its beauty is astounding. Set in the hills of Montecito, it gives off a feel all of its own. The whole day seemed to have a beautiful etherial feel. The bride Kate was an artist and created all of the paper goods as well as backdrops for photographing them. She had amazing style and was a joy to work with. Kasia from Plenty of Petals brought her artistic touch to the florals and the day was completed with a cruise around Santa Barbara on a catamaran.

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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A Texas Wedding Inspired by the Hospitality of the French Countryside

Inspired by the beauty and the hospitality of the French countryside, Chancey Charm Wedding Planning and Design set out to create a country wedding where the entire town comes together with their best china, favorite wine, prettiest blooms, and fresh food harvested from their gardens. They enlisted the help of La Tavola, Bella Acento, Allen Tsai Photography, Lovely Bride and more of Texas’s best vendors to bring this vision to life. The shoot is warm, romantic, and celebrates love and togetherness – what else could any Bride want for her wedding day?

From Chancey Charm Wedding Planning and Design… Perched high above the Texas countryside, Dove Ridge Vineyard, a new working vineyard and venue, boasts 360 degree views of the rolling hills, impeccable finishes, and the warmest hearts amongst the owners and staff. With their self-proclaimed “Napa meets Pottery Barn” design, Dove Ridge is a perfect backdrop for any Bride’s style. Simple, neutral colors pair beautifully with the dark wood beams, complemented by astounding views of endless evergreen trees. Natural stone fireplaces bring a rustic warmth to the space. The amount of gorgeous light that flows into the main ballroom takes your breath away. At sunset, you’ll be able to catch the wide Texas sky lit up with watercolor hues. This venue captured the hearts of so many wedding vendors and nearlyweds in the few short months since its grand opening. It was a no-brainer to dream up a beautiful styled shoot to show off this new space.

When coming up with a concept for the shoot, we were drawn to the soft and romantic colors, natural elements, and endless romance that is found in the Provencal countryside of France. Provence boasts warm hospitality – just like here in the heart of Texas – and we wanted to bring to life an idea of a country wedding, together with the help of the town’s residents. Everyone brings their best flowers, china, food, and wine to spend a beautiful evening together celebrating love. The powerhouse duo, Jayla and Brandi of Blushington Blooms, brought together romantic fresh florals and aromatic plants that showcased our inspiration perfectly. The soft florals mixed with Sugar Creek Vintage Rental’s eclectic pieces made each space feel homey and warm.

Because no day in the European countryside is complete without a delicious meal, Two Sisters Catering created summer-inspired meals that looked like art. We wanted each course to feel as fresh as if the vegetables were picked from your backyard only hours before and to bring everyone at the table closer together. The luxurious paper goods and calligraphy were dreamed up by Sisters Ink Studios to mimic the soft, natural tones found in the Provencal architecture and landscapes. All of this was captured so beautifully by Allen Tsai, who brought his extensive European travel experiences with him to this shoot. From the delicious golden light to the subtle emotions he captured, every image perfectly showcased our inspiration and the romance of Dove Ridge Vineyards.

We’re All About the Gorgeous Details In These Two Destination Weddings

Before you bust out those comfy sweaters and start sipping your fave PSL, we’re taking a moment to relive those warmer days on the beach with two of our fave destination weddings. Because what any fall day deserves is some glam details straight from the likes of Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica and Dreams Riviera Cancun. Raise your hand if you agree!

We’re big fans of saying “I do” in paradise, especially if paradise happens to be in Costa Rica. And Carolyn + Jack? They agree. They rushed off to Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica for what they knew would be the celebration of a lifetime in a spot that is perfect for couples AND families. Think water sports, an Explorer’s Club for kids and even golf excursions to Nicaragua. Not to mention the luxe accommodations for guests, gourmet dining options and pools + spas. It’s a gorgeous locale that has everything you’ll ever need, right down to the talented wedding coordinators that will guarantee your dream day.

Dreams Resorts & Spas’ is known for its amazing locations, and we’re big fans of Jackie + Tyler’s choice, Dreams Riviera Cancun. This AAA Four Diamond resort is basically famous for its tropical gardens and stunning beaches, plus they offer suites with private plunge pools. They also happen to be kid-friendly, so you can bring along every one of your loved ones. So if you are ready to take the leap, contact a wedding coordinator today to learn all about your options – and their Unlimited Luxury ® experience, which includes 24-hour room + concierge service and top-shelf liquor. Then get inspired with more of these beautiful days here and here, because you’ll be relaxing on the beach in no time at all.

Photography: Dawn Derbyshire | Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography

Would You Write Rules for Your Wedding Day?

As my wedding day is getting closer and planning is in full swing, I have started thinking about what is most important to me on that day and how I can ensure that, above all, my fiancé and I actually enjoy this most-anticipated event.

So, in order to help myself combat the inevitable hiccups with calmness, side-step unnecessary stress and focus on the happiness of the day, I decided to write a few rules for my wedding.

Love & Light Photographs

Here are the five rules I have set for my wedding day, and tips for writing your own!

1. No matter what, I will not sweat the small stuff.
On that day, I will not let anything become more important than the fact that I am marrying my best friend and no catastrophe, big or small, changes the fact that we will be husband and wife when the celebrations come to an end. If the cake doesn’t show up or the flowers aren’t quite right, that’s ok, as long as my groom is waiting for me at the end of the aisle and on the dance floor. If it rains, that’s okay too, we’ll be showered with love.

2. First “I do” and then “we eat!”
So often you hear people say that the bride forgot to eat—this will not be me and it certainly will not be my fiancé. After spending over a year planning the wedding and choosing the food, we also deserve to enjoy it. Plus, we really love to eat! So, before greeting guests or hopping on the floor for our first dance, we will sit and enjoy our meal alongside family and friends.

Asia Pimental Photography

3. Timing is not always everything.
Of course, it is important to keep a schedule, but my wedding day is decidedly a drill sergeant free zone. When I look back on the day, I want to remember getting ready with my girls, spending a few extra moments with my mom while I put on my dress or hugging my dad extra tight before heading down the aisle. What I do not want to remember is someone constantly telling me that “it’s time to go” or “you don’t have time for that,” inevitably causing the type of stress that distracts from the joy.

4. Day-of tasks will be delegated and simplified.
My bridesmaids are there, first and foremost, because they are my favorite people, but they are also there to help and I am going to let them. I vow to let go and trust that my best ladies can handle small tasks, finishing touches or, quite simply, the logistics of breakfast. I also promise myself I will simplify and make choices that will help the day run smoothly so everyone can relax and enjoy being in the moment.

Christine Clark

5. We will marvel in the magic of Mr. and Mrs.
Even though it is your wedding day, there can be a lot of things you are “supposed” to do. From greeting all your guests to cutting the cake, not much happens without the two of you, which often causes the day to pass in the blink of an eye. As such, possibly the most important rule I have set is to take ten minutes to truly marvel at the magic of the day. It may sound cheesy, but whether it is just after photos or post-dinner, my new husband and I will spend a few minutes, just the two of us, taking in the moment together as newly-minted Mr. and Mrs.

How to write your own wedding day rules:
When it comes to writing rules for your own wedding day, it should be simple and fun!

Lacie Hansen

First, take time to sit down with your fiancé and talk about what you feel are the priorities for your wedding day and what you are looking forward to the most. If neither of you can wait to bust a move with each other and your guests, one of your rules may be that you will ensure you spend a majority of your evening on the dance floor. If you set rules that align with the aspects of the day that are most important to you, it is more likely that you will end up experiencing the day the way you envisioned.

Second, it is also important to take into consideration your personality type. If you are a person who tends to be more high strung, you may want to abide by the “don’t sweat the small stuff” rule in order to minimize stress and maximize joy. If you are a person who errs on the side of always making everyone else happy, perhaps consider writing a rule that encourages you to put your own happiness first on this day.

Ether & Smith

Lastly, share the rules you have written with your family and bridal party! This way, everyone that has a hand in the day knows what is most important to you and can help ensure the day is enjoyed to the fullest.

Happy wedding rule writing!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Katie Patton is a merchant and freelance writer from Ohio, currently residing in Celebration, Florida with her fiancé. When she isn’t working you can find her sipping and snacking on a patio, traveling to see her friends and family, endlessly scrolling Instagram or Pinterest and, of course, planning her own upcoming wedding!

Magical Engagement on a Volcanic Island

I love when we get to add new locations to our site. With a bajillion weddings, engagements, elopements and inspiration shoots in our archives, that’s not something we run into very often! But today, we get to add Fuerteventura to the list—a gorgeous volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean, where these Tanja Kibogo captured these two lovers in the perfect golden light. There’s more right this way!

From Tanya Kibogo… Reya & Christian are two doctors who met each other at work in south Germany. Both wanted to move back up towards middle west of Germany because they found it boring in the mountains for young folks. This is how a relationship started, escaping the south. Both love traveling a lot and that why they decided to do their engagement session on the volcanic island Fuerteventura. We went to the side of the island where usually no cars are allowed to drive but that was the more beautiful part of the island so we sneaked away from the main road and made it to this magical rough place for sunset shots. The second part was in the morning during sunrise at the beach in front of their hotel. Pure magic, worth the early wake up.

Photography: Tanja Kibogo | Film lab: The Find Lab

This Duo Dated Nearly a Decade Before Getting Engaged

Speaking from personal experience, having a long “dating” relationship before getting engaged is an absolutely wonderful thing. That growing together process makes the day you say I do that much more meaningful, as these two lovebirds can attest. Hello Love Photography joined them to document all the feels. See some of our favorite captures below and check out the full gallery when you’re done!

From the Bride… Stanley and I had been dating for nine years before we got engaged last summer. Many of our friends and family have been waiting for this day for a long time. And since most of our family and friends live on all ends of the US (and even abroad) we were excited at the chance to have an occasion to bring everyone together! I was inspired by the beautiful arches and garden of the Winnetka Community House for the wedding. The lush greenery provides a gorgeous backdrop that doesn’t need anything more to make it beautiful. I gravitated towards floral and watercolor motifs to bring it all together and aimed for simple, romantic and elegant.

Love + Laughter Filled Florida Wedding

I fell head over heels in love with this first image right here. The The blushing Bride surrounded by the love of her beautiful bridesmaids. The smiles are real and authentic… and contagious because I can’t get a grin off my face either. Jessica Bellinger captured this sweet moment – and many, many more from this Floridian fete – and with Fox Grove Films‘ clip as well, we have a full view of what a wonderful wedding day it truly was. Soak it all up and enjoy!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/226819385 600 338]

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Estate Weddings

From Jessica Bellinger… One of my favorite weddings to date! Alexis and Evan had amazing style and vendor choices. This day was so important to them, and you could tell through all the effort into details they put in. I loved their venue, probably my favorite in the Central FL area. Full of beautiful gardens, a courtyard, and vintage rooms full of antique items. They also have this gorgeous historic boat that created beautiful photos for us. It was a lovely day.

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Wedding Dresses

Watters

Willowby Fall 2014

Watters Maids Fall 2014

Wtoo Maids Fall 2014

C20 Mothers 2012 Part I

C20 Mothers 2012 Part II

C20 Mothers Spring 2013

C20 Mothers Fall 2012

Seahorse Spring 2013

Watters Brides Fall 2014

Watters Brides Spring 2013

Watters Brides Spring 2015

Wtoo Brides Spring 2015

Willowby Spring 2015

Watters Maids Spring 2015

Wtoo Maids Spring 2015

Encore Spring 2015

Watters Brides Spring 2016

Willowby Spring 2016

Wtoo Brides Fall 2015

Willowby Fall 2015

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Wedding Dresses

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

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Accessories

David's Bridal

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Accessories

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Bridal

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Bridesmaids

David's Bridal Spring 2018

Oleg Cassini Spring 2018

WHITE by Vera Wang Spring 2018

Truly Zac Posen Spring 2018

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The Family Heirloom China Pattern Inspired This Bride’s Big Day

Working in the wedding world, I have the pleasure of hearing of some of the most thoughtful and creative ways couples honor loved ones throughout their big days. Today’s wedding decor inspo is one of those extra special ones – the sweet Bride, a high school art teacher, had one of her students recreate the floral pattern of her grandmother’s china, and Kruse + Vieira Events expertly incorporated this watercolor painting throughout the celebration. It made for not only the prettiest of weddings, but also one of the most meaningful, and you can see it all here with thanks to the gorgeous photos by Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography.

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Summer Weddings

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Church Weddings in Wineries

Styles

Romantic

From Kruse + Vieira Events… It was such a pleasure to help Melissa and Brennan plan and design their romantic Stone Tower Winery wedding. From our first meeting, Melissa had mentioned the desire to use her grandmother’s china pattern as the guide for her color palette. We ended up taking it a step further and having one of her high school art students recreate the floral pattern in watercolor form to use throughout her big day. This was just one small example of the thoughtfulness that this couple put into commemorating their loved ones and their relationship through the deliberate personal touches that permeated their big day.

The ceremony took place at St. John’s the Apostle where Melissa’s uncle officiated the wedding. Following the ceremony, guests were greeted with a wine tasting bar at Stone Tower Winery as a nod to the couple’s proposal, which took place after a visit to their favorite wine tasting bar. It was important to Melissa and Brennan to provide their guests with interactive and personalized experiences. Food and wine played a big part of that with a curated passed appetizer selection from Occasion’s Catering to pair with the couple’s favorite Stone Tower wines. The French fry station ended up being one of the bigger hits of the evening with the Cacio e Sale (parmesan and sea salt) – a nod to the Bride’s Italian heritage – being the crowd favorite.

One of the biggest wow moments ended up being the escort card display directing guests to their tables. Melissa spent hours collecting photos of the couple’s friends and family with them that we turned into black and white polaroid-esque escort cards displayed on a large wooden frame adorned with delicate blooms and stunning Café au lait dahlias.

Melissa loves soft lavender, blush, and white blooms so there was no shortage of peonies and roses in the bouquets and centerpieces. Sweet Root Village even added some fragrant little fresh lavender buds to the boutonnieres. Simple, elegance was our guiding principle for the tables, which allowed Sweet Root Village’s stunning florals to be the main focus. We paired natural linens with lots of soft candle light and several other romantic textures such as silk ribbon tied around the menus and a vintage lace runner on the head table. After dinner, the dance floor filled up quickly and remained packed throughout the evening with several spontaneous dance-offs bursting out. The dancing went on into the night and only paused shortly when late night snacks of Brennan’s favorite breakfast food – egg and bacon biscuits –were served before finally coming to an end with a stunning sparkler exit.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Tour a Lake Home That Perfectly Blends Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

When you own a lake home in Texas, it’s probably a given that you’re patio game needs to be strong. But Barbara Town took it a step further, designing a home that beautifully blurs the line between outside and in. Tour this dream space filled with great light, beautifully designed spaces and a patio that we could 100% spend the rest of our days in.

Project Lake Ridge is a recently built home that sits on the beautiful Lake McQueeney in Seguin, TX. After downsizing from their 5 bedroom traditional hill country home, the couple wanted to make their new custom built home feel more modern and while showcasing their beautiful lake views. When initially moving in, they purchased uber contemporary pieces (ie. White leather sofa) but nothing could make the space feel quite like home.

They decided to hire an interior designer to help give them a modern look that was still comfortable and casual for daily living. The only piece the client wished to keep was their glass topped coffee table and dining table. When starting the design concepts for this project, I knew I wanted to bring in natural colors with pops of blue, organic patterns and lots of texture.

For the Living Room and Dining Room, I wanted to keep the furniture low, drawing your eye in the minute you walk through the door and out to the lake.

Mixing metal and wood tones brings in a more modern and comfortable feel, while giving the clients a lot of options for seating and table tops while entertaining. We custom upholstered the back of the host and hostess chairs in a subtle pattern that really adds something special and unique.

In the Master Bedroom, the clients really wanted this to be a moody and sexy space filled with lots of layers and rich jewel tones. They had a beautiful Gustav piece that they really wanted to showcase in the room and pull the color way around. With the high ceilings I knew I wanted to create a simple, yet tall custom bed that created a great focal point for the room and backdrop for some colorful pillows.

Out on the patio, we really wanted to bring the inside, out. By continuing the look and feel from the Living Room, Dining Room, and Master Bedroom out into a comfortable space with both living and dining. I laid out the ‘living’ portion of the patio directly off the Master bedroom, with a small sofa and two swivel occasional chairs.

We brought in color with a few decorative pillows and accessories and grounded the space with an indoor/outdoor rug. The ‘dining’ portion of the patio was placed directly off the Living Room and creates great additional seating during large parties as well as helps draw the eye out to more of the lake views.