Because the Bride created many of her childhood memories at her family’s vacation home in Sun Valley, this couple wanted to host a vacation weekend in the beloved resort town for their wedding guests. In addition to the wedding itself, the four day celebration planned by Heather Minor included a welcome dinner and party, rehearsal dinner, and a Sunday farewell brunch, each showcasing a favorite restaurant or meaningful spot around Sun Valley. Scroll on to see the wedding day captured by Dev Khalsa Photography, with its pretty details like the ceremony arch by Sue Bridgman Florist, and then head to the Vault to see photographs from the rest of the weekend!

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What an event the Durels and the Sullivans put together over Labor Day weekend 2016 to celebrate the marriage of Kelly and Terry! The four day celebration included it all and then some: a welcome dinner and party at River Run Lodge, an intimate and classy rehearsal dinner at Vintage Restaurant in Ketchum, an elegant and classically beautiful wedding day followed by a rockin’ party at Trail Creek Cabin, and a fun Sunday brunch to finish it all off (complete with bloody marys and advil for those who needed them!) at the Durels’ Sun Valley home.

Kelly and Terry met at a bar in downtown New York in 2013 while they were both out with their friends. Terry proposed at the King Cole Bar (an old, famous bar at the St. Regis Hotel in New York). After Terry proposed, he took Kelly to dinner at Sistina (a restaurant her family frequents), and they had dinner with both sets of parents (Terry’s even flew in from Indiana!).

Kelly and Terry have a good time pushing each other to explore new things. For example, Kelly learned how to scuba dive even though she’s scared of fish, and Terry learned how to ski even though he’s scared of heights. Kelly says, “We always have a great time together and are constantly joking around and laughing. We like to travel, hike, ski, scuba dive, watch movies, eat (especially pizza), and drink.” Kelly grew up in New York City but spent a lot of time at her family’s home in Sun Valley, so it only made sense to put together their big event in the Idaho mountains.

Kelly and Terry could not have been happier, and it showed! As you can imagine, every last detail was attended to, and the couple’s fun-loving personalities showed through in such an elegant way. Kelly was radiant in her Vera Wang wedding gown, but the full-length cathedral train didn’t stop her from hopping on the golf cart and zipping around White Clouds golf course to pose for some stunning photos in the mountains.

The formal toast in the dazzling tent was touching and certainly a highlight for Kelly, but one of Terry’s favorite memories is of his private PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) toast with his Bride immediately following the ceremony.

The tent was drenched in a mix of neutral colored peonies, roses, and freesia with a pop of fuchsia to add the couple’s fun spirit to the look. There was even an ice sculpture for the raw bar with a backdrop of bright fuchsia flowers with the initials “KT”. One of Kelly’s favorite memories from the day was “walking into the tent for the first time with Terry and our parents and seeing the tent covered in flowers. My parents had a few surprises for us in the tent, and it was so amazing to see it all put together after a year of planning.”

The crazy fun band Party Crashers, complete with a Michael Jackson impersonator, had a backdrop of aspen behind the stage, and there was no shortage of spectacular lighting all around. They kept the party rocking for many hours and most members of the wedding party made an appearance on stage at some point!

Photography: Dev Khalsa Photography | Event Planning: Heather Minor | Floral Design: Sue Bridgman | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Invitations: Honey Paper | Makeup: Britt Davis Beauty | Hair: Danielle Anspach | Band: Party Crashers | Venue: Trail Creek at Sun Valley Resort | Ceremony Band: Stoneseed | Rehearsal Dinner Band: Tylor and the Train Robbers | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Vintage Restaurant

When it comes to your wedding, it’s usually best to avoid trends. After all, your wedding photos last forever. But, if you want to embrace the millennial pink trend in your wedding decor decisions, we support you 100 percent. In fact, we’ll even help you out with these 50 fabulous ideas that will leave you and your big day feeling pretty in (millennial) pink!

Millennial Pink Wedding Ideas

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Millennial Pink Wedding Ideas

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Not only is this wedding just about the dreamiest of dreamy french chateau weddings we’ve ever come across but add to that beauty the fact that no animals were hurt in the making of this celebration. That’s right. This alfresco dream day is 100% vegan planned by Matthew Oliver with florals by Chataigner Fleurs plus vegan deliciousness by Gentle Gourmet. Get lost in the beauty of Ben Yew’s images plus a film by HD Moments below!

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From the Bride…Our relationship was nearly a decade in the making. We met studying abroad in the southwest corner of France, in a city surrounded by mountains and palm trees. An inevitable magic occurs while studying abroad, and though I cherished all of my new friendships, there was a certain je ne sais quoi about Pierre. In the years following, we visited each other and spoke on the phone, but mostly kept in touch through long e-mail exchanges. Then one day, Pierre sent me the most romantic e-mail that would forever change our lives. We were living in different countries at the time (he in Singapore, and I in New York City), so we decided to meet in Paris for New Year’s Eve to see if we could be more than friends, and it was there where we fell in love. With the instrumental role France had already played in our relationship, there was no question when we later got engaged that we wanted to be married there, too.

I am vegan, so I knew that any day that was all about our love also needed to reflect love and compassion for all beings. Given the notable reputation of French cuisine and the fact it is rich in meats, cheeses, and creams, versus vegan cuisine eschewing all animal products and being (incorrectly!) reputed as bland, light, or boring, finding a caterer who could defy these stereotypes and create food our guests would love was very important to us. We were over the moon when Gentle Gourmet of Paris agreed to cater our wedding. Their professionalism and the quality, beauty, and taste of everything they created had many guests who had never tried vegan food before asking for seconds and declaring themselves vegan! We also had the incredible luck of finding a local, vegan food truck, Les Petits Plats d’Anna, who provided late night snacks of crêpes, doughnuts, french fries, and popcorn while we danced the night away.

With so many personal touches that we wanted to include, we knew we could not plan this wedding alone. After reaching out to dozens of potential wedding planners, we found Matthew Oliver Weddings, whom we immediately connected with and knew we could trust to make our day everything we hoped it to be. Matthew’s incredible creativity, expertise, and charm made the entire planning process so much fun! He helped us find our dream venue, Château de la Beuvrière, our amazing photographer, Ben Yew, and brilliant videographer, HD Moments. What these three teams created for our wedding day was more beautiful than we could have imagined.

The château itself is not only stunning but the grounds are lovely as well, and it served as our greatest visual inspiration. The château sits beside a gorgeous lake with an island that is accessible by a small footbridge, and it was there on the island where we had the ceremony. Cocktail hour consisted of our signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres being hand served, accompanied by an avant-garde jazz quartet playing musette waltz with accordion, à la the soundtrack from Amélie. A photo booth, outdoor games, and a bouncy castle were set up on the lawn for guests to enjoy. Dinner was served in the courtyard on long wooden tables draped with flower runners on top of lace, softly illuminated by soy candles. A large tent was set up next to the lake for dancing where the party went on until 6 a.m.!

With July being the height of lavender season in France, lavender played a strong role in our décor. We chose deep purple with pale pink and gold accents as our color palette. Sprigs of fresh lavender were placed on top of gold charger plates, and sachets of dried lavender were included in guests’ welcome bags.

The château itself already provided such a beautiful setting that we decided on natural, loose floral arrangements to enhance the relaxed and timeless feeling of the day. To incorporate our message of love for all beings, we named our tables after different animals. Our escort cards were attached to small golden figurines of the corresponding animal and signage that read, “The animals will show you the way.” Tiles found in an abandoned building nearby were hand painted with the name of each animal in both French and English and used as the table markers. In lieu of traditional wedding favors, a donation was made to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals on behalf of each guest.

My bridal party’s look was that of modern, glamorous ballerinas. They wore custom tea length tulle tutus with tops and accessories of their choosing. Fashion makeup artist and vegan activist, Fanny Maurer, gave us a beautiful, cruelty-free glow. Our groomsmen embodied our laidback vibe by foregoing suits for suspenders and bow ties.

It is hard to pick one moment as our favorite, but the ceremony stands out as being so special as every part of it was a contribution from someone we love. My sister and brother-in-law performed all of the music for the ceremony, and our fathers performed a moving duet on guitar and violin. My nieces were our flower girl and flower baby, and my nephew was our ring bearer. Our mothers read our favorite readings, our pastor from NYC officiated, and our rescued dachshund, Lulu, served as my dog of honor.

We loved our wedding so incredibly much. From start to finish, the day felt as though we had been transported to another time and place with all of our favorite people. We were fortunate to have had an incredible team of vendors who made our dream wedding a reality. To everyone who attended and contributed to our wedding to make it all that it was, merci infiniment. Nous vous aimons.

Photographer: Ben Yew Photography + Film | Videographer: HD Moments | Flowers: Chataigner Fleurs | Wedding Dress : JLM Couture | Stationery: Minted | Shoes: Billy Ella | Bridesmaids' Dresses: V.Marie | Catering: Gentle Gourmet | Hair Stylist: Aline Maussion | DJ: Chris Wharton | Favors: Peta | Wedding Venue: Château de la Beuvrière | Caterer & Cake Maker: Gentle Gourmet | Château: Château de la Beuvrière | Jazz Quartet: Les Gentleman(s) | Jeweler: Lisa Lindhart | Marquee: BMF Location | Music: Ceremony & First Dance: Melissa Brobeck & Brian Scharfenberg | Personal Assistant : Sarah Sauvage | Planning: Matthew Oliver Weddings | Tableware Rental: Options | Vegan Food Truck: Les Petits Plats d'Anna | Vegan Makeup & Nail Artist: Fanny Maurer

This wedding photographed by Carrie Coleman was filled with some of the most meaningful touches! From the location on the grounds of the boarding school where the Groom grew up, to the semi-circle of chairs so the couple was surrounded by their loved ones during the ceremony, to the personalized vows, to the custom cake topper featuring their pup – each little detail represented something special. But the sweetest of all has to be the jars of cookies, baked with love by both mothers from beloved family recipes. We can’t think of a better way to show these two families coming together than that!

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From the Bride… Michael and I were introduced by a mutual friend of ours, Megan. When Megan first met Michael, she just knew he was the one for me, and when we met two months later, there was an instant connection – it turns out Megan is quite the matchmaker!

From the Groom… Hannah and I had been dating for four years before I proposed. Hannah’s mother offered me Hannah’s grandmother’s diamond ring – Hannah’s grandfather bought the ring in the diamond district in New York City just after World War II and the ring had been passed down to Hannah’s mom. I took the ring to a jeweler and had the diamond reset in a simple 18k gold band.

I had planned to propose when we took a trip to Maine, but when the ring was finished sooner than expected, I couldn’t wait to do it. I wrote a note, put it in a little bag, and tied it around our dog’s neck. The note read, “Mom, I would really like it if Michael could become my dad for real. Love, Muggins.” I released Muggins upstairs and put a Van Morrison record on the turn table (pretty early on in our relationship, we bonded over the song “Crazy Love”). Just as the song started playing, Hannah walked downstairs. I got down on one knee and proposed. Meanwhile Muggins, sensing the excitement, was jumping up and down on both of us.

From Carrie Coleman Photography… When planning their wedding, Hannah and Michael knew that they wanted something beautifully simple and very personal for their closest family and friends. The hillside at Woodberry, the boarding school where Michael grew up, was the perfect backdrop for the ceremony with its view of a lake down below. Guests sat in a semi circle, surrounding the couple in support and love. Michael’s sister, Kellye, officiated the wedding, and Hannah and Michael wrote their own vows, which made their ceremony incredibly personal.

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour under the grove of trees on Woodberry’s main lawn, playing corn hole on the set Hannah’s dad crafted, before entering the tent for a delicious dinner by Red Hub Food Co. Hannah had figurines of her dog, Muggins, and her sister’s dog, Gertie, custom-made for their cake, and the dessert table also featured glass jars of cookies made by both mothers from family recipes. This joy-filled wedding was certainly one for the books!

Photography: Carrie Coleman | Floral Design: Hope Zeitler | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Arley Cakes | Bride's Shoes: Jack Rogers | Catering: Red Hub Food Co. | Hair + Makeup: Tyler Young | Bow Ties: The Tie Bar | Groom's Attire: Combatant Gentlemen | Bridesmaids' Skirts: Revelry | Bridesmaids' Tops: J.Crew | Private Property: Woodberry Forest | Rentals: Gibson Rental | Silk Ribbon: Adorn Company | Striped Pajamas: J.Crew

The recipe for a timeless engagement session: regal architecture and rolling green landscapes, natural light and a white lace dress, and most importantly, a beautiful couple in love. Check, check, and check! Christina Bernales photographed these two cuties at the Crane Estate, so head to the gallery and get lost in all the pretty of this engagement session.

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From Christina Bernales… Our sweet couple, Connie and Andy, wanted their engagement session to be set at a location in their home state of Massachusetts that had a historic and timeless feel, with gorgeous architecture and beautiful landscapes and light. The Crane Estate was the perfect place for their vision, and I had a blast photographing the beautiful scenery at this location.

Photography: Christina Bernales | Dress: Nordstrom | Shoes: Ann Taylor | Shoes: Designer Shoe Warehouse | Estate: Crane Estate | Pants: Banana Republic

These high school sweethearts have a love so apparent, it almost jumps off the page. The Ganeys did an incredible job at capturing that love, along with the dreamy details of their Italian-inspired wedding day at Bella Collina. Take a little stroll with us under the twinkle lights and floating al fresco chandy—the full gallery awaits.

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From The Ganeys.. Stephanie and Greg met in high school and started dating when they were juniors. I mean, does it get any more perfect than that? They spent four years doing long distance while they were at different colleges, but the distance didn’t stop them from building a great connection. They love to travel and hike, and they recently moved out west to build a new life together.

Stephanie and her bridesmaids got ready at a beautiful home on the lake right near Bella Collina. The natural light at that home was a photographer’s dreamt! The girls spent the morning having their hair and makeup done, anticipating the wedding day.

After a few hours, we all made our way over to the venue. It was more beautiful than I had envisioned. Stephanie put on her dress with the help of her mom, sister, and future mother-in-law. Her gown was delicate and covered in lace. Her bridesmaids wore dusty blue dresses with fun off-the-shoulder details. The groomsmen played pool and relaxed in the locker room around the corner.

Stephanie and Greg opted to share a first look before their ceremony, and I’m so grateful that they did! It allowed us to truly take advantage of this incredible venue and capture so many images of the two of them!

Greg and Stephanie were married in the driveway at Bella Collina. It was a wonderful location with the arches as the perfect backdrop. Stephanie walked down the aisle with her dad by her side. During the ceremony, Stephanie and Greg placed letters into a box, along with a bottle of wine, that they will open one day in the future. Before we knew it, these two were officially husband and wife!

The party got started shortly after the ceremony, as guests made their way to their dining area. The weather was perfect for an outdoor reception. String lights and an epic chandelier hung above the dance floor. Tables were covered in garlands and lanterns. At each place setting sat a bottle of olive oil and a jar of spices – the perfect favor for such an Italian-inspired wedding!

The rest of the evening was filled with hilarious and heart-felt toasts, the most delicious cake, and grandpa (along with everyone else) tearing it up on the dance floor! The newlyweds exited just after midnight through a tunnel of sparklers. It was such a magical day!

As Caitlin Jones, owner of Plan It Events, said, “the couple was truly wonderful to work with. Stephanie and Greg had an impeccable and heart-felt vision for their day. In addition, we had a dream team of vendors that pulled together this flawless event.”

Photography: The Ganeys | Videographer: Nate Puhr | Event Planning: Plan It Event Design and Management | Florals: Lee James | Cake: Party Flavors | Bride's shoes: Betsey Johnson | Bridesmaids' dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: Bella Collina | Makeup: APG Makeup | Hair: Hair by Elena | Lighting: Kaleidoscope Event Lighting | DJ: Liquid Jay | Groomsmen ties: Express | Groomsmen's attire: Calvin Klein | Officiant: Pastor Calvin Gittner | Bridal shop: Bridal LTD Gallery | Dress designer: Essense Of Australia | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Golf Course: Bella Collina | Groomsmen shirts: Banana Republic | Paper goods: Bliss Paper Boutique | Rentals: RW Events | Wedding rings: Labosco's Jewelry Castle

Inspiration comes in many forms, but my favorite kind? The simple beauty that’s all around us in nature. That’s exactly what this shoot from Elisa Bricker and Bijou Bride embodies, from the ribbons swaying in the wind like dancing blades of grass to the soft grays and blues on the table that resemble a romantic sky. It happens to make for some seriously gorgeous wedding inspiration—and it’s all right here for the taking.

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From Elisa Bricker… This shoot is inspired by the natural landscape and colors of the countryside of Wales. Throughout the planning process, we emphasized the rolling hills and blue skies in the natural environment. The movement of the grasses and the wind in the trees are echoed by the movement of the Bride’s hair and dress. The most beautiful part of the day was when we stumbled across a field of bluebells!

Photography: Elisa Bricker | Floral Design: Designer Blooms | Reception Venue: fforest | Shoes: Freya Rose | Jewelry: Jon Richard | Jewelry: Suz Somersall | Hair and Makeup: Jenn Edwards | Calligraphy: Julie Ha | Cake Designer: Piece of Cake | Dress Designer: Shehurina | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Ribbon and Styling Cloth: Frou Frou Chic | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Stylist / Planner: The Bijou Bride | Workshop: Snap Photo Fest

Celebrating ten glorious years in the photography business, Anna Wu decided to throw a flower and champagne filled bash perfect for this milestone. With bright blooms by Studio Wildflower, an array of macarons and sweet treats by La Chinoiserie and the prettiest watercolor papergoods, this photographer knows her way around a great party and it shows.

It’s not every day your little business turns ten! I am so thankful to have been photographing weddings now for a decade, and I am happy to report that it hasn’t gotten old. I still love photography and weddings and hope to keep photographing for another ten years and beyond.

In honor of the anniversary, I threw a little celebration in the back yard of my studio. We fully embraced color with gorgeous florals from Studio Wildflower. 

We had beautiful milk glass goblets and clear champagne coupes from Katybirds. The cake stands were provided by Julia’s Cake Stand Rentals. 

And all the sweet treats were created by one of my former brides, Joyce. She has since become a pastry chef with her own business, La Chinoiserie. 

Finally, I put my latest hobby, watercolors, to good use with my own DIY signage. Many thanks to everyone who has supported me and my business in every step along the way. Cheers to ten years!

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Photographer: Anna Wu Photography | Flowers: Studio Wildflower | Calligraphy: Anna Wu | Cake Stands: Julia's Cake Stand Rentals | Glassware: Katy Birds Shop | Sweet Treats: La Chinoiserie

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You may have heard Pantone’s big announcement that greenery is officially the color “it” of 2017 and we’re seeing it in weddings all across the board. Longtime sweethearts, Lillian and Alex translated the trend for their modern Texas nuptials with lush garden greens in every detail, including mismatched ‘maids in every varied shade. Get inspired by the photos from Honey Gem Creative and don’t miss the couple’s al fresco rehearsal dinner tucked inside the gallery.

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Lillian and Alex have known each other since elementary school, were best friends in high school, and started dating after college! This is a real life fairytale and it totally melts my heart! Their love is so genuine and sincere and it radiated on their wedding day. The wedding was designed by the bride and her talented wedding planner Camille Ross, who went with the theme of greenery. The bridesmaids wore varying emerald green gowns to compliment the look of the wedding.

Guests were greeted with a glass of champagne topped with a raspberry where they mingled and made their way to the ceremony location at the ever-gorgeous Prospect House. Post-ceremony, guests enjoyed a mix of barbecue and Tex-Mex (the perfect Austin tradition) from Valentina’s catering and danced the night away to a playlist of greatest hits selected by the groom- a big time music buff! The groom also provided all of the printed materials for the wedding and rehearsal dinner including menus, cups, napkins, bar signage, save the dates and the invitation itself.

The theme of greenery was seen throughout the wedding with cactus placed throughout the entire venue, as well as greenery garlands on the tablescapes, greenery topped wedding cake and cup cakes with hand-piped buttercream succulents. The team created a greenery wall with ferns that made for a great backdrop for the photo booth later on in the evening.

A special touch to their wedding was the groom’s handkerchief embroidered with the letters of his late sister, so she could be with them throughout the wedding. The bride also had the same sewn into her dress which added the perfect sentimental touch to their special day.

Photography: Honey Gem Creative | Wedding Planning: Camille Ross | Floral Design : Prickly Pear | Wedding Dress: Theia | Wedding Cake: Quacks Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Prospect House | Catering: Valentina's | Hair and Makeup: Rae Cosmetics | DJ: Q. Davidson | Bridal Boutique : Unbridaled | Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booths | Rehearsal Dinner Catering: Noble Sandwich CO

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Petit Bouquet

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When it comes to intimates, the choices can often be a bit overwhelming and seemingly uncomfortable, especially if you generally choose loungewear over lingerie. However, if your honeymoon is around the corner, you may be considering slipping into something a little sexier for the special occasion.

While garter belts and teddy’s with so many cut-outs it’s hard to tell where your head goes may feel like the only option, there is an abundance of lingerie that is both comfortable AND sexy.

Here are 10 pieces of beautiful, bedroom-worthy intimates, from robes to rompers, that you will actually want to wear again and again.

Comfy, Sexy Lingerie

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Comfy, Sexy Lingerie

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Whether you’re still selecting the perfect wedding band for your big day or you’ve already found your entertainment and now want to make sure they’ll pull off the vibe you envision for your reception party, the experts at ONE Entertainment are here to help. Having performed a variety of styles of music around the globe, they’re sharing their vast experience below by answering your most pressing questions about wedding bands!

How do we know if a band is legitimate?

Clients are relieved to know that we have performed many times before, making us experienced in what we do, and we are able to prove this experience in more than one way. Our advice on how to ensure that a band is legitimate before booking them would be to search for online presence, make sure to see plenty of visual and audio footage recorded at events (not just from a recording studio/video shoot), and of course read some of their testimonials! Don’t forget word of mouth has great power, too!

Are there any hidden charges like overtime?

We usually adhere to one set price so there are no surprise costs added – even if our set runs past midnight! But there are some bands that do increase their prices per number of performances or that charge over time, especially past midnight, so it is important to read the fine print and know exactly what you will be getting for your money

What happens if any of the band members are unwell on the day of our wedding?

This is a very important question to ask, as you don’t want a band to turn up on your big day who have never played together before! You must find out that if any of the band are unwell or unavailable that they have a suitable replacement who is up to the same standard. Ask for audio and visual references to ensure this!

We haven’t chosen our first dance yet. Can I ask my band for suggestions?

This is a great question to ask your band as your first dance is one of most special moments of your wedding day. We find this question easy to answer once meeting the Bride and Groom and getting a general understanding of their journey together and their musical tastes. We are then able to suggest the perfect first dance song for them, and often your band will be able to create something bespoke (for example, slowing down a fast song or making it acoustic, etc.). Make sure your band will make time to meet with you and that they want to get to know you, as they probably have a vast list of songs up their sleeves you may not have even considered as a first dance!

Will my band have a list of songs that they perform?

We feel it is important for Brides and Grooms (and sometimes other family members) to have an input in creating the set list for their special day and make it as personalized as possible! Most bands enjoy playing different songs at different weddings and not sticking to a ‘set’ list as that would get a little boring if they did! When discussing music choices with your band, be honest about your likes and dislikes and make sure they are able to accommodate your requests! It is always important, too, that a band is able to read the crowd and alter songs accordingly, so don’t be afraid to ask them for an example scenario of when they had to adjust their music to match the vibe of the guests at a wedding!

My wedding has a specific style. How will I know if the band members will be dressed appropriately?

Most bands tend to have a uniform or costume that looks really smart, but a good way to tell if your band will turn up looking great is by watching their promo videos – if they are not dressed well in their promo videos, they will probably not dress well on the night!

What style and size band do I need for my wedding?

This answer depends on your venue, the type of music you would like, and your budget. Bands can range from a duo to 25 pieces, cover a variety of styles of music, and can range vastly in budget. The following are the sizes of bands we recommend for different weddings, so you can narrow down your search:

• For small weddings (less than 100 guests) and intimate venues, choose a six piece band.
• For more than a hundred guests, you will require a larger reception venue and, in turn, a larger band. We believe an 8 piece band is a perfect size as it has the components (drums, keys, guitar, bass, saxophone, and three singers) necessary to play any song and any style of music!
• To maximize the sound quality in a room with the capacity for a very large wedding (think grand ballroom, huge outdoor space, 250+ guests) – or if you just want a party atmosphere – choose a show band!

If the band members are good at their job, they shouldn’t have any problem making sure the dance floor is full all night long no matter what you choose!

Photography: Paul Toeman | Expert Advice: One Entertainment

Tying the knot fresh out of college means rushing around Bloomingdale’s and scanning everything you can. But if you’ve already been adulting for awhile, registering can be a little bit trickier. So how to register when you and yours already have everything? Scroll for our tips on curating the perfect registry… even if you don’t think you need it.

1. Smeg 2-Slice Toaster 2. Villeroy & Boch Casale Blu Dinnerware 3. Frette Balze Throw 4. Ralph Lauren Nadiya Sheets 5. All-Clad Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set

ONE: UPGRADE!

Sure, you already have a toaster, but it’s the toaster you’ve been rockin’ since college, so a newer, better version is a definite must. And all of those other kitchen essentials, decor, bathroom and bedroom must-haves? It’s time to REFRESH and really turn that house into an HGTV-worthy wonderland. Because you may already own “everything,” but starting that new life together means creating a space that is perfect for hosting overnight guests and monthly dinner parties… and that means some improvements are definitely in order.

1. Umbra Mira Mirror 2. Art Addiction Inc. Succulent Silhouette Wall Art 3. Jonathan Adler Metallic Zebra Dish 4. Safavieh Casablanca Rug Collection 5. W&P Design LLC Pineapple Glassware 6. Orbit Key Finder

TWO: THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

You can’t start your life together without fine china and beautiful flatware, but don’t be afraid to also add things to your registry that are a little outside the box. Think jewelry boxes, desk accessories and even gorgeous artwork. Have your eye on something a little larger, like an amazing sofa? Go for it. Making sure your registry has items that span price ranges will give your guests the opportunity to spend what they’re comfortable with. Which may mean pooling their money together for that cozy gift of a lifetime.

1. Bric’s Firenze 22″ Cargo Duffel 2. Master & Dynamic Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 3. Ralph Lauren Pique Travel Blanket 4. Rimowa Topas Silver Cabin Multi-Wheel IATA 5. W&P Design The Carry On Cocktail Kit 6. Bag-All New Yorker Laundry Bag

THREE: GET YOUR TRAVEL GAME ON POINT

We all love vacations, but sometimes the journey isn’t as much fun as the destination, unless you have the right luggage + travel essentials to take along with you. Thought that your registry was reserved exclusively for kitchen gadgets? Nope. Registering for items like duffel bags and in-flight necessities can literally change your life. So along with that juicer you love, add items that will help you navigate all of those amazing adventures you’ll be taking… because there will be a lot of them.

You may think you have everything you need, but The Registry at Bloomingdale’s will def prove you wrong. They’ll even help you out with guides on how to layout your tabletop and couples’ cookware classes. So if you’re ready to dive in, contact one of their talented Registry Consultants to chat about their fab products and amazing perks + benefits, like a 10% Off Completion Offer and a Big Brown App. Then register your hearts out and start living your best life with the one you love.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

Mindy and Harold’s wedding is proof that you don’t have to leave the U.S. for a destination experience. They took their guests to New Orleans for a celebration in the city’s historic French Quarter and Lance Nicoll captured every bit – from courtyard ceremony to a second line down Bourbon Street. See even more of this charming lovefest with a trip of your own right inside the gallery.

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Mindy and Harold hosted their destination wedding the French Quarter of New Orleans. The centered around one of the cities newest top wedding locations, the Mazarin. Soft pink, blush, and creams colors highlighted the design palette for the day surrounded by the inescapable character of the French Quarter.

The couple was married in the central courtyard of the Mazarin with their reception following. The evening was capped in traditional Big Easy fashion, with a second line down Bourbon Street with family and friends.

Photography: Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography | Videography: Bella Productions | Event Planning: Weddings By Lulu | Floral Design: Erin Steen | Cake: Haydel's Bakery | Hair + Makeup : Just Face It | Venue: Hotel Mazarin | Decor Rentals: Event Rental

From the proposal to the big day itself, a lot of thought goes into getting married. But what happens when the day is done and you’ve been pronounced husband and wife?

Black Tomato

Well, hopefully, you’ll jet off on the honeymoon of a lifetime – but this shouldn’t be taken as a given and the perfect honeymoon takes just as much planning as the perfect wedding.

Save the date
We know that there is a lot to think about when it comes to getting married, but by starting to talk about your honeymoon early on and being open to all options, you’ll have one less thing to worry about ahead of the big day. Plus, you’ll avoid the risk of rising flight prices and availability issues. Your honeymoon is a trip that you will remember for the rest of your lives, and working with a travel expert can help you determine exactly the right dates for travel depending on what you’d most like your trip experience to be. Leave this part up to the experts!

A room with a view
It’s tempting to simply opt for the best available rate when booking a hotel room, but Carolyn, the head of Product at Black Tomato, recommends having a more in-depth look: “While having a room with a spectacular sunset view may cost a bit more, it will be more than worth it in the end. Just think of those insta pics!”

A whole new angle
Look at traveling within the low season to take advantage of amazing prices and offers on luxury vacations. If you’re looking for a relaxing break in the Caribbean or Maldives but the weather and 24-hour sun isn’t your top priority, then you could take advantage of some great offers during the summer months in some of the best hotels. Safari destinations also have great ‘green season’ offers where you’ll still see great wildlife but can also take advantage of more cultural activities such as visits to local villages. These quieter times are often when you will see a destination at its most authentic too as you get away from the crowds.

Love Is My Favorite Color

Break the mold
It’s all too easy to plan for popular destinations of the past, but your honeymoon is also a great opportunity to travel somewhere neither of you has ever been – nor are likely to go again. When we asked Milla, our Iceland travel expert, why she chose French Polynesia for her honeymoon, she told us: “We are both very well-traveled and it was one of the only places neither of us had been to. It’s also so far away and a little trickier to get to that we figured we would probably not be able to go ever again, so it will remain even more special to us.”

Adventure away from the beach
Whilst we recognize that beach destinations are a common pick for honeymooners, Carolyn encourages you to consider something a little bit different, mixing beaches with another destination. “People get so hung up on beach destinations, but ironically these destinations tend to be very easy to do with kids – I would urge honeymooners to consider more intrepid destinations like Cambodia, Australia or South Africa – places that are harder to bring small children to in the future, that also offer beach with adventure.” After all, your honeymoon is perfect for ticking off those bucket-list destinations.

The perfect couple
Fear not, just because your new husband prefers hiking through the hills whilst you’d rather sip cocktails by the pool, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a honeymoon destination to suit you both. At Black Tomato, some of our favorite honeymoons involve a mix of destinations and experiences, so we know which combinations work well together. Why not opt for a safari honeymoon where you can start off with a bit of adventure before enjoying some downtime at the beach later? It’s the best of both worlds.

Style Me Pretty Contributor

The Healdsburg Country Gardens was the perfect choice for a couple looking to personalize their day and incorporate the Groom’s family background in the wine industry. The gorgeous outdoor setting married with pretty garden details by LVL Weddings and Events and florals by Lily & Mint make for a day as easy as it is elegant. And don’t even get me started on the Booth Bus! Get cozy with Kara Miller’s images for even more.

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From the Bride… My husband and I met and fell in love in New York city, but grew up on opposite coasts – I am from Northern California, and he was born and raised in Connecticut. When we were planning the wedding, we really wanted to make the experience as personal to both of us as possible. We decided on a vineyard setting in Healdsburg, with Mike’s family background in the wine industry – once we visited the venue, we were 100% sold on getting married under the gorgeous oak tree on site. We wanted a beautiful outdoor setting that was as easy as it was gorgeous – something laid back and low key that was equally elegant. I love flowers and I wanted that to be a huge part of the day, so there were lots of arrangements and garland to bring out the greenery even more. We went for personal touches with the VW photo booth bus, which featured graphics from our wedding invitation, and handwritten signs that I created using mirrors and rustic picture frames. Both of our dads are big cigar smokers, so we had a “cigar lounge” for the boys to hang out and smoke, using personalized matches that read “The Schaeffer’s Cigar Lounge” along with our wedding date. One of my favorite details were the adorable sports helmet cookies that were made to represent our favorite football teams – his dad was on the Jets back in the 60’s, so he’s a die hard fan for life. I’m an SF 49ers fan no matter how many miles I am from home. The whole experience was so incredible and fun to plan. I’m such a big fan of sentimental touches, so it really meant a lot that we were able to pull both of our worlds together to create such an unforgettable day.

Photography: Kara Miller Photography | Event Planning: LVL Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Lily & Mint | Wedding Dress: Wtoo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Nudnik Foods | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klien | Bride's Jewelry: Lulu Frost | Ceremony and Reception: Healdsburg Country Gardens | Live Spanish Guitar: Daniel Fries | Photo Booth: The Booth Bus | Photography - Assistance: Elsie McDonald Lopez | Rentals: Encore Events Rentals

If you’re about to tackle planning your Aspen wedding, but are unsure it can be done on a budget, take it from this beautiful bride… it most definitely can. Yep, with the right team of vendors and an eye for DIY design, she crafted one seriously stunning celebration – and proved that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have that Aspen dream day you’ve always wanted. Scroll to soak it all in.

The first step to planning that gorgeous Aspen wedding on a budget? Finding the right team of vendors to help you make it all happen. And with ASC Catering, you’ve most definitely found your match. A talented team of chefs + event managers, they have yummy meals down to an absolute science. From farm to table buffets to five-course dinners to certified kosher catering, they’ll take that vision dancing in your head and make it an absolute reality… and all with organic and sustainable local produce. Not to mention their six on-mountain venues at Aspen Snowmass, aka, a list of locales that will totally make your celebration. Now add in some DIY details and breathtaking views and you have yourself the wedding of the century… and for far less than you think.

If you’re ready to tackle planning that Aspen wedding without breaking the bank, contact ASC catering to talk menu and venue options today. Trust us, they’re the team of wedding professionals you definitely want in your corner, because, well… they’re amazing.

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Photography: Tiffany Cook Photography | Ceremony Venue: Aspen Snowmass Weddings | Reception Venue: Aspen Snowmass Weddings | Catering: ASC Catering

Londoner Alex met Sarah when she was a student studying abroad in his city. The two fell in love and it wasn’t long before Alex moved to Philadelphia to be with Sarah. For their Pennsylvania nuptials, the couple paid homage to the three countries most meaningful to them – England (his heritage), China (her heritage), and the States (their current home). From the English Pimms signature cocktail to the Chinese writing on the paper goods to the historical venues, the end result captured by Ashley Bartoletti Photography was perfectly “them” and perfectly beautiful!

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From the Bride… We wanted a classic but not stuffy wedding that reflected our personalities and heritage. Our color palette was pinks and peaches to fit with the venue. I wanted it to be romantic but not too girly or cheesy. We wanted to pay tribute to both his English and my Chinese heritage, so we tried to include elements of each: English and Chinese verses for the ceremony, Chinese writing on invitations and menus, and English Pimms cocktails as our signature drink. We had a big Chinese banquet the night before (with so much karaoke!), so we served a traditional English menu at the dinner (rack of lamb and stuffed Cornish hen).

There were so many favorite moments from the day – two of my favorites were definitely the toasts and first dance. Also, my parents hand made the favors. It is traditional in China to give out wedding candy, so my aunt brought the candy from China, and we wrapped it in colorful Chinese double happiness boxes.

Choosing the flowers was my favorite part of wedding planning. We loved using all local, small-business vendors. Everyone was so great to work with!

My advice to Brides-to-be would be to enjoy every moment as it will go by in a blur. Also plan extra time for hair and makeup as things will inevitably run late!

Photography: Ashley Bartoletti Photography | Floral Design: Posey Hill Flowers | Wedding Dress: Judd Waddell | Cake: Ciao Bella Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Bryn Athyn Cathedral | Reception Venue: Cairnwood Estate | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Karen Spire Catering & Events | Makeup: InTouch Hair and Spa | Hair: Intouch Day Spa | Band: The Untouchables | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein

For a couple who watched Across the Universe on their first date, this Beatles themed wedding planned by Sweetchic Events was the perfect fit. Inspired by the hit songs of the Fab Four, it’s a mix of gorgeous florals by Avant Gardenia, sweet images by Kristin La Voie and a subtle theme that brings it all back full circle to when they first met.

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Jennie & Nic had the kind of wedding day dreams are made of. Meticulously planned by Courtney of Sweet Chic Events, the lovebirds’ magical Beatles themed wedding was pulled off without a hitch. One of Jennie & Nic’s first dates consisted of watching the Beatles inspired movie “Across the Universe” so the day appropriately so incorporated beautiful hints of the Beatles; the “All you need is love cake”, the Octopus themed escort table and bow ties, their “love” table favors, and of course, the band!

Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography | Planner: Sweetchic Events, Inc. | Floral Design: Avant Gardenia | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Cake: Le Sucre | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | SHOES: Stuart Weitzmen | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Hair & Makeup: Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists | Band: Meet the Beetles | Tuxedo: The Black Tux | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Noah's Event Venue | Mexican Catering: El Pollo Rico | Sushi: El Pollo Rico

What’s not to love about France? Cassie of Flaire Weddings & Events wanted to introduce her Brides-to-be to the beauty and irresistible charm of sun-soaked Provence as a wedding destination. This editorial elopement captured by Alexandra Vonk Photography was inspired by the colors of the region and is entirely gorgeous, but perhaps my favorite detail is the drool-worthy dinner table set amidst the cypress trees, outfitted with a mauve velvet linen from Nuage Designs and an assortment of romantic taper candles.

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For this shoot, she imagined an intimate elopement for a stylish couple that juxtaposed ancient, medieval architecture (the Abbaye Saint Eusebe dates back to the 11th century) with lush, glamorous details. The Bride, Cindy, wore a sparkling two-piece sheath gown by Eddy K Italia, and her look was completed with a cathedral length blush veil. She carried a loose, textural bouquet filled with roses, sweet peas, queen anne’s lace, eucalyptus, and foraged greenery. The bouquet’s colors included mauve, mustard, and touches of lavender, inspired by the colors of the region. Her Groom, Sacha, looked debonair in a slim-fitting charcoal suit with a black tie.

The creative team styled an intimate ceremony inside the Abbaye, with Cindy and Sacha flanked by two stately trees and groupings of candles. The rough stone walls of the Abbaye were the perfect contrast to the lush greenery and romantic candlelight.

Cassie designed a welcoming, intimate table among the Abbaye’s cypress trees where the couple could sit down with their nearest friends to celebrate after their ceremony. She draped the table in mauve velvet linen and set each place with driftwood chargers and black flatware. Cassie filled an urn to overflowing with blooms, placed it atop the table, and lit an assortment of taper candles placed in brass candlesticks so the couple could see as the sun sank below the hilltops.

Photography: Alexandra Vonk Photography | Event Planning: Flaire Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Flaire Weddings & Events | Wedding Dress: Eddy K | Stationery: Olivia Grace Paperie | Hair + Makeup: Casey Powell | Bridal Boutique: One Fine Day | Chargers + Flatware: Emily Grace Design | Linen Rentals: Nuage Designs | Location: Abbaye Saint Eusebe | Models: Enjoy Models

All the things that make Newport one of the most quintessential New England cities can be found tucked inside this Rhode Island celebration coordinated by Exquisite Events. Held at a stunning family estate, you’ll find lobster, loads of hydrangeas by Stoneblossom, a classic tented reception and the blue backdrop of the Atlantic. Relive the celebration through the perfect film by Inkspot Crow Films and pretty images by Rebecca Arthurs too.

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From the Cinemetographer… I loved Alex & Zack’s seaside celebration in Newport, Rhode Island. The weekend kicked off with a classic clambake at the Eisenhower House where guests ate New England fare at communal tables and danced to honky tonk music. The ceremony was at the historic Trinity Church in Newport (location in the movie Moonrise Kingdom) and the couple and their wedding party arrived by double decker bus, paying homage to London, where Alex and Zack currently live. The tented reception was on the lawn of the family’s home in Newport, on the historic Cliff Walk. Guests dined, danced and danced some more through the night. It was both beautiful and full of heart. 

Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Cinematography: Inkspot Crow Films | Coordination: Exquisite Events | Floral Design: Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design | Church: Trinity Church Newport, RI | Catering: The Catered Affair | Makeup: JOANNA PETIT-FRERE | Hair: Lawrence Hamilton | Band: Rhythm Collective | Tent: Newport Tent Company | Aerial Video: Max Holiver | Private Estate : Newport, RI (bride's family home)

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Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design

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