If you’re after charm, historic venues are a fabulous choice. But what if you want a more hip vibe, too? Playing with a combo of styles is a great way to truly personalize your fete, and mixing the old with new proves to be uber gorgeous—just take it from Lovely Leaves, the design mastermind behind this urban, organic editorial. Exposed brick serves as a mighty pretty backdrop, while overflowing greenery graces the table. Ready for more? Peruse the entire gallery captured by Kelli Lynn.

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From Giselle Callahan of Lovely Leaves… There’s something special about The Livery, a feeling you get when you walk through the space that takes you back in time to historic Lexington. A local landmark, the venue was initially built in 1868 and still features the original exposed which brick painted-over over the years creating a sort of rustic elegance overflowing with Southern charm. Horse culture is and has always been supreme in Lexington and at one time, the Livery stabled horses and carriages passing through the beautiful city. Now a gallery for local urban artists Allen and Evan of KRFT GOODS, the walls showcase pieces from their recent collections of wood art.

Our inspiration shoot was inspired by the venue and has a hip, urban feel with organic elements. We utilized a ton of southern smilax creating a gorgeous garland heavily draped down to the floor. The table featured a clean white linen topped with crystal wine glasses, glass candlesticks with pale blue taper candles. Modern gold flatware was paired with layered blush, linen and smoke heirloom china and beige napkins with crisp menus. Lexington is known for family traditions and history and we definitely wanted to tie that in: Vintage pieces, chairs and the cake table came from B&B Vintage and with a cake from family-owned Kentucky bakery Batter & Buttercream.

Caitlin and Cal are actually engaged to be married next year and we could not have found a more adorable and in-love couple to model. Absolutely gorgeous, Caitlin is a UK cheerleader and lives and breathes Kentucky spirit. Her gown was from Southern favorite Twirl Boutique which is also located in downtown Lex. Her naturally deep red hair was styled into a sweet, classic updo by Dana of Pink LouLou and contrasted boldly against the kelly green door of The Livery. Clematis grows wild in Kentucky. Raised in Texas, I have never seen something so amazing and I was thrilled to mix the star-shaped blooms into her bouquet with Keira garden roses, andromeda, tea roses, hellebore and white lilac. Blue suede shoes and rose boutonnieres completed the couple’s look.

Photography: Kelli Lynn Photography | Design: Giselle Callahan of Lovely Leaves | Floral Design: Lovely Leaves | Wedding Dress: Twirl Boutique | Wedding Dress: Stella York | Cake: Batter & Buttercream | Stationery: Haley Michelle Designs | Wedding Venue: The Livery | Artist: KRFT GOODS | Beauty: Allison Johnson Pink Loulou | Rentals: Bryants Rent All | Rentals: B&B Vintage Rental

When I see the lovely Valentina Glidden pop up on our submissions page, I know I’m in for a serious dose of pretty. Today’s Long Beach fete at The Ebell Club is no exception, especially with XOXO Weddings at the planning helm. The Bride’s style will have you staring, the blooms by Milieu Florals will have you blushing and the venue will sweep you off your feet—what’s your favorite detail?

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From Valentina Glidden… Rosalyn and Jeremiah met in May 2015. They spent the first few months apart since Rosalyn was interning in Northern California whereas Jeremiah was working in Southern California. In those first few months, Jeremiah would often fly up north where they had a chance to get to spend time cycling around, eating, and talking for hours. Jeremiah really appreciated Rosalyn’s sense of humor and intelligence, and Rosalyn really liked how genuine and rooted Jeremiah was. By the time Rosalyn moved back down to Southern California in September, they were stitched together and spent as much time together as possible. By December they became engaged during a trip to their parents’ hometowns of Taipei/Seoul. Jeremiah proposed to Rosalyn in a private room at a restaurant on top of Yangmingshan (a mountain overlooking Taipei city). Rosalyn was very surprised, as she wasn’t expecting a proposal until a few months later.

In January after they returned to California, they decided to start wedding planning and to have a short engagement. They wanted to have the ceremony and reception in the same place, as well as to have great food and drink. They wanted traditional events in their wedding such as having father/daughter dance, but eschewed some things that they both didn’t see a need for (slideshow). They weren’t sure what to do the couple’s dance, but luckily their wedding coordinator Kaci did a great job teaching them how to do a dance just a week before the wedding. The venue also happened to have a grand piano, and Jeremiah put together a medley of some inside-joke songs to play during the reception.

Since both Rosalyn and Jeremiah have many friends and family who are talented in dancing, they wanted good music to get everyone in the mood to dance at the end of the night. Their DJ did a great job spinning and kept the dancing going for a long time. Multiple people asked the bride and the groom whether or not they were in dance crews in college, given all of the talented dancers who were at the wedding (they both weren’t!).

After the wedding, multiple guests informed them that they loved many different aspects of the wedding, ranging from the food to the beautiful venue. It was really gratifying for both Rosalyn and Jeremiah to see their groups of friends and family mix together and have so much fun hanging out together. In the end, Rosalyn and Jeremiah are very grateful to their excellent vendors and guests and for making this a truly memorable day.

Photography: Valentina Glidden | Floral Design: Milieu Florals | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Cake: Layer Cake Bakery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair + Makeup: Makeup By Sung | Wedding Venue: Ebell Long Beach | Linens: Orchid Party Rental | Men's Tuxes: Bonobos | Planning: XOXO Weddings

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Jenny Yoo

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There are garden weddings and then there are wildly gorgeous outdoor affairs set against the backdrop of Santa Ynez. This celebration is all of the above with the most romantic of details crafted by Lally Events and dream florals by Anna Le Pley Taylor. It’s like a watercolor painting come to life at the hands of Christine Doneé Photography with the sweetest moments filmed by Focalbox.

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From the Bride… Our wedding day in April was truly the dreamiest, most intimate and personal celebration.

After dating long distance for more than three years from New York to Hawaii, we wanted a special spot in California to serve as a backdrop, and the gorgeous gardens worthy of a scene out of “Sabrina,” dramatic tree-lined pathways, and rolling, green hills dotted with old-growth Oak trees captured our vision of California elegance. Lally Clark of Lally Clark Events wowed us with the way she was able to bring all the personal details of the day together and truly make the venue shine.

Our ceremony was a tear-filled celebration and my uncle presided over the ceremony, which was centered around “ohana” and family. We bucked tradition and made the ceremony our own with quotes on adventure and travel, a Hawaiian reading, a lei exchange to honor Nick’s family and breaking a glass to honor my own.

The rest of the day was filled with love and fun and we held our cocktail hour in the gardens, sipped French 75s and Aperol Spritzs, as a romantic, folksy playlist with favorites like “Heavenly Day” and “Blues Run the Game” played in the background.

As the sun dipped down over the mountains, we headed to our twinkling tent adorned with chandeliers and hanging greenery that I crafted the night before with my sister. The long tables were stunning with brass candlesticks I collected and blush, lush arrangements from Anna Le Pley Taylor. And the night was made even better with a surprise sing-along of “I Say a Little Prayer for You” just like the scene from “My Best Friend’s Wedding” arranged in total secrecy by my sister and Maid of Honor.

The day was truly incredible and perfect because of one woman — Lally Clark of Lally Clark Events. She implemented a rain plan in less than 24 hours and — by her sheer will — dashed the clouds away and we had a sunny day! She helped tailor all of our ideas into sheer perfection from day one and if there was ever a wedding fairy godmother — Lally is it.

Our day was also made incredibly special from our beloved photographer Christine Doneé. The way she captures light, joy, love and our spirits is true artistry.

Keeping with the intimacy of the day, our dear friend Hussein Sayre of FocalBox Productions filmed our wedding so beautifully.

Field to Table Catering wowed us with their incredible food, our DJ Nick from Kramer Events put together the wedding playlists of our dreams, and Central Coast Tents dazzled with our rentals and special surprises on our tablescape.

We truly had an incredible day because of our dream team.

Photography: Christine Donee Photography | Cinematography: Focalbox | Event Planning: Lally Events | Floral Design: Anna Le Pley Taylor | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Field To Table Events | Hair + Makeup: Glamsquad | DJ: Kramer Events | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Kestrel Park | Bridesmaids' Dress Rental: Vow To Be Chic | Rentals: Central Coast Tent Party | Seamstress: The Williamsburg Seamster | Watercolor Illustration: Chez La Mariee

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Jenny Yoo

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If Silk Mikado, lace-paneled crepe and soft tulle are all you ever think about, then welcome to your happy place. Because the Fall 2017 Collection from Madison James has arrived – and it’s totally on point. From the sweet romantic details to the figure-flattering silhouettes to the detachable trains (!), your gown decision just go an itsy bit harder. But, oh, are you going to look awesome. 

We all know that when it comes to breathtaking wedding gowns, Allure Bridals can simply do no wrong. And the newest Madison James Fall 2017 Collection is proving that point whole-heartedly with designs that are as understated as they are romantic. Think blush hues, timeless lace and layers upon layers of soft tulle, all coming together in designs that are equal parts classic and modern in style. We’re all sorts of obsessed with the matte-finish fabrics and unique designs, not to mention the stand-out details. These are gowns that will make you look and feel like the beautiful bride you always imagined.

Falling in love with the Madison James Fall 2017 Collection is easy, deciding which dress to rock down the aisle is the hard part. Start your journey today by locating a retailer nearest you and don’t forget to check out all of the lovely gowns in the Allure Bridals Collection, because they are just as gorgeous.

The feeling and emotion a bride gets when she sees her bouquet or the reception room with all the flowers beautifully arranged for the first time is a memory of a lifetime.

Why not relive that experience monthly (or even annually) at your own home? Here are some simple tips from wedding floral designers, STEM Events, on how to recreate the feeling you experienced when you saw your wedding flowers long after the big day.

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Get Started

Make sure you know the names of the flowers used at your wedding. If they are not in season, look for similar shaped varieties.

Ask your florist to give you a basic tutorial on how to prepare and preserve flowers at home. Florists always know tricks and have tips for the longevity of flowers.

E.P. Anderson Photography

Budget

Buying flowers can be a healthy habit – think of it as self-care. If it brings you joy, work it into your weekly budget!

Perhaps once a month for your first year of marriage, treat yourself (and your new spouse) to a bouquet arranged by you! If you cannot always afford to have a full bouquet at home, try getting a few single stems and placing them in bud vases around the house.

Practice Arranging

The more you buy, practice arranging, and play with flowers, the more you learn about what to buy and how to arrange them. Also acquire a good pair of scissors and use them only for your flowers.

Pro tip: You don’t have to have a lot of vases. Almost everything in your kitchen works as a vase – a glass, a flute, a cup, a cereal bowl or a wine bottle will work in a pinch!

E.P. Anderson Photography

Celebrate

Whether you splurge on a monthly arrangement or make it an anniversary tradition, a nice spot to place your replica bouquet is near one of your wedding pictures. The sight and scent of your wedding flowers is sure to bring back emotional, happy memories of your big day! What is sweeter than that?

Floral Design Advice: STEM Events

We’re all about backdrops when it comes to weddings—whether it’s a breathtaking view, a fresh flower wall or meaningful words. But today’s simple, yet stunning hand-painted canvas in this shoot crafted by Ben Q. Photography and CHRYSQ handcrafted might just be my new favorite. It’s the perfect scene for neutrals and golden yellows to take center stage. Soak in all the elegance here in the full gallery, and if you decide to try this backdrop for your Big Day, we’d love to see!

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From Ben Q. Photography and CHRYSQ handcrafted… An aesthetic we’ve always really loved is the use of a monotone color palette. It started with a canvas cloth Ben hand painted. We really love the texture and neutral color tone. Using that as an inspiration, Taylor with Something Pretty Floral created the most gorgeous floral arrangements using soft colors and lush greenery. Kristin Mullen helped source a gorgeous gown from Stanley Korshak and style our decor including a custom invite suite from Pink Champagne Paper, a golden-toned cake from Amuse Bake Shop and rentals from Bella Acento. Anastasia Strattan provided makeup and created a gorgeously tousled, loose braid hairstyle for our model.

Photography: Ben Q Photography | Floral Design: Something Pretty Floral | Cake: Amuse Bake Shop | Hair + Makeup: Anastasia Strattan | Venue: Arlington Hall At Lee Park | Bridal Salon: Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon | Paper: Pink Champagne Paper | Rentals: Bella Acento | Ribbon on Bouquet: Silk and Willow | Ribbon on Invite Suite: CHRYSQ Handrafted | Stylist/Planner: Events by Kristin

On their first date, this couple went skateboarding and ate acai bowls…and they have been inseparable ever since. With a start to their love story as adorable as theirs, how could their wedding not be incredible? A little bit  boho (the Bride’s Claire Pettibone gown), a little bit modern (the ikebana-style centerpieces), a little bit rustic (the farm-style tables), and a whole lot of beautiful, this wedding planned by Smith + James Event Design & Production and captured by Madie McKay is everything.

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The couple traveled from Nevada to have their dream wedding at Triunfo Creek Vineyards in Malibu, California, one of our favorite venues in Los Angeles. First, they had a small, intimate ceremony inside the Los Angeles California temple. Being of the Mormon faith, there are no photos taken at this time as it is extremely sacred.

McKenna had a vision for her wedding reception to be set amongst nature and filled with beautiful blooms and modern touches. She was such a stunning and relaxed (!!!) Bride in her bohemian Claire Pettibone gown. And of course her Luna Bea crown was such a beautiful detail. McKenna designed their wedding rings herself, and they are truly so cool and modern. We also love the red vintage mustang they rented to scoot around town.

Crystal of Heirloom Design House really outdid herself with this one. The Bride’s bouquet and ikebana-style centerpieces were sensational and made everything feel so modern and bespoke. Guests arrived to the sound of a local band called The Standards that McKenna found walking through a local farmer’s market, and the guests were invited to play lawn games and mingle. As the sun set and dinner ended, the party started with Dart DJs spinning to an amazing dance party!

Photography: Madie McKay | Event Planning and Design: Smith + James Events | Floral Design: Heirloom Design House | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone | Cake: Lizzie's Bakery | Invitations: Ettie Kim Calligraphy + Design | Ceremony Venue: Los Angeles California Temple | Reception Venue: Triunfo Creek Vineyards | Rings: Designed by the bride | Catering: Command Performance Catering | Makeup: Mariana | Hair: Kami Johnson | DJ: Dart Collective | Band: The Standards | Crown: Luna Bea | Rentals: A Rental Connection

Let’s be honest, no one wants a cookie cutter wedding. But if finding a venue that is the perfect mix of luxe accommodations and totally unique wedding space has left you a little frustrated, we’re here to help. Because today we’re hosting a little meet and greet with The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, a hotel that has everything you’re searching for. Find your dream space below.

Situated in the center of downtown Kansas City, The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center is the type of venue that just makes sense. Surrounded by Hallmark’s Crown Center and more than 85 acres of fabulous shopping, yummy restaurants and entertaining theaters, it’s the perfect spot to spend a weekend with your nearest and dearest, celebrating your big moment. But what really stands out about The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center is the amazing venue options. From sophisticated ballrooms, to the gorgeous panoramic views from The American, to the elegant rooftop locale known as the Games Deck, each venue will truly stun your guests. Which means saying goodbye to a generic, cookie-cutter wedding and hello to an awe-inspiring soiree for the ages. Just like you want.

Ready to host the wedding of the century at a hotel that knows everything there is to know about glamorous nuptials that are as unique as you and your love? Contact The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center today to start planning your dream day. With a talented team of wedding specialists, an amazing downtown location and accommodations that are the definition of luxurious, you honestly can’t go wrong. Oh, and don’t forget to ask about their Hallmark Wedding Packages, because, well… they’re awesome. Happy planning, loves!

Photography: Kelsey Diane Photography | Photography: Wirken Films | Event Design: Craig Sole Design | Event Planning: Quintessential Events | Reception Venue: The American Restaurant | Hotel: Westin Kansas City At Crown Center

Eager to reclaim the fairytale castle for the modern Bride, Stefanie Kapra Photography and a team of talented vendors created this stunning wedding inspiration session located on the grounds of a German castle, Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg. By incorporating romantic elements and tying everything together with light blue, velvet accents – from the Groom’s bow tie to the cake! – they created a light and airy feel for this traditional venue. So head on over to the gallery where all your Snow White wedding dreams will come true!

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From Stefanie Kapra Photography… Historic castles are one of the unique trademarks of Germany (at one time, Germany was home to more than 25,000 castles and palaces). While not all of them exist anymore, many of these grand buildings have been restored and today make for a perfect wedding venue for the sophisticated and modern Bride, providing a one-of-a-kind backdrop for a luxury wedding. Yet castles are also known to be old-fashioned, dark, dusty, and a bit stiff – not exactly the characteristics a modern Bride is looking for in her wedding venue. Therefore, our amazing team of wedding vendors came together to create a castle wedding inspiration session with a modern twist to show future Brides that a castle wedding can indeed be modern, airy, bright, sophisticated, fun, and glamorous.

The idea was to use traditional materials and items that would typically be found in old castles and tweak them in a way to fit a modern wedding. We therefore chose velvet as our main material, but instead of going with a gaudy gold or heavy dark red color, we opted for a light and modern grey-blue. We incorporated vintage golden elements (for example the trays, perfume bottles, and mirrors), which added a bit of glamour and elegance to the modern palette while tying in the history of the venue.

Beautiful and soft colored flower arrangements were a modern update on old-fashioned red roses. These floral arrangements were put together by Madita in such a dreamy and natural looking way that they looked as if they came right out of a fairytale. Ira and Merle set up a gorgeous table using the historic walls of the castle for the backdrop. Again, soft and light-colored materials were used, and velvet was incorporated in little accents. Last but not least, Ana also did her usual magic with all the stationery items, combining high end materials with modern calligraphy and a one-of-a-kind drawing of Schloss Bensberg to top it all of.

The blue velvet was our one element that tied everything together. From the menus, to the cake, to the Groom’s tie, we subtly incorporated this luxury material in all our beautiful and thoughtfully created details. I then got to capture all this beauty on film with my vintage Contax Film camera – only fitting for this set-up and venue.

From Merle… This styled shoot combines classic, elegant, and modern elements and takes place in a very unique venue in Germany. I was always fascinated by weddings in castles. Therefore I was really happy when we found this beautiful and elegant venue for our shoot. Every little girl’s dream is to marry the love of your life in a venue like the castle Bensberg, which is located on top of a hill and offers a stunning view.

In this shoot, we combine the elegant fabric, velvet, in a modern color, blue. We used this for the decor, flowers, and the wedding cake. The purpose was to give this venue a certain kind of lightness, which is supported by the outdoor table setting, the outdoor ceremony, and the floral arrangements. I am delighted by all the lovely details like the calligraphy wedding stationery that has a drawing of the castle and the directions. This shoot proves how a classic castle wedding can be interpreted in a modern, fresh, but also classy way.

Photography: Stefanie Kapra Photography | Event Planning: Merle Weddings | Floral Design: grace and flowers | Wedding Dress: Emanuel Hendrik | Jewelry: Ehinger Schwarz | Hair + Makeup: Der Brautsalon | Stationery + Calligraphy: Ana Luiza Design & Calligraphy | Groom's Attire: The Bloke | Venue: Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg | Decor: PomPom Your Life! | Printing: Frese | Pâtisserie: Pâtisserie Petit Paris, Düsseldorf

If you think all things elegance should be reserved for seaside soirees, think again. This slice of inspiration crafted by Lovely Leaves and Creative Innovations proves that lakeside lovin’ can be next level. So, pull up a chair and feast on the full gallery captured by Dani Cowan Photography with us.

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From Giselle Callahan of Lovely Leaves… Weddings in nature are our favorite variety. For this reason, Flint Creek Country Estate is one of our favorite venues. Guests experience nature on the long winding roads through tall trees and rolling hills setting the tone for a relaxed yet beautiful wedding. The drive alone is enchanting, but when you reach the venue set on private property, you get the feeling that you have travelled to a faraway place. The magnificent French Colonial mansion seems almost out of place set in Texas woods, but is perfect for a luxurious outdoor event. The venue is new and boasts rich stone archways, climbing ivy, stained glass windows and sits atop a cliff overlooking the lake with a stairway down to the water. The view is heavenly at sunset.

This inspiration shoot was different than many others we’ve styled. It came together easily with a group of dear friends one afternoon and everything just fell into place perfectly. I loved the opportunity to collaborate with florist Ginny Swalley from Creative Innovations. She designed the most wonderful, lush bouquet of Alabaster garden roses and pale blush Quicksand roses filled with veronica, ranunculus, silver brunia, astilbe, wax flower, sweet-smelling freesia and a glorious mix of ruskus, dusty miller and eucalyptus. Decor is will always be minimal at Flint Creek so as not to take away from the gorgeous setting, but vineyard chairs and farm tables tie in the French country-feel. Gold silverware, crystal wine glasses and romantic taper candles in vintage brass candle sticks tie in with the look. Menus were layered on cheese cloth set on vintage stoneware china atop the table paired with a thick garland of silver-dollar and roses.

Brittney has the type of effortlessly beauty you see in old Hollywood films and a perfect smile that lets you feel at ease. The dress she wore was designed by Allure from Georgio’s Bridal Salon. The way she and Colton smile and laugh, you would think they were actually getting married. It was almost difficult to get them to be serious. Perhaps the lake can make people fall in love. Hair and make-up by Southern Belles Beauty was light and simple⎯ideal for warm Texas evenings. Stationery was made to feel relaxed yet luxurious fitting with the location, each piece with perfectly hand-torn edges on heavy organic paper and a rich velum wrap to hold it all in place. A charcuterie board with aged Prosciutto, arugula, Texas pecans and french cheese was chosen for an afternoon snack. Buttercream icing is smooth waves across the four-tiered cake was meant to mimic the waves on the lake and accented with roses and greenery.

Photography: Dani Cowan Photography | Event Design: Lovely Leaves | Floral Design: Creative Innovations | Wedding Dress: Georgio's Bridal | Wedding Dress: Allure Couture | Cake: Lily's Cakes | Stationery: Studio W Designs | Catering: Pignetti's Italian Restaurant | Wedding Venue: Flint Creek Country Estate | Beauty: Southern Belles Beauty | Rentals: Confetti Rentals | Suit Rental: Georgio's Bridal

If you find yourself panicking over the mere thought of getting those engagement + wedding photos taken, know that you are not alone. Freeze face happens to the very best of us, and if you’re more than ready to conquer those awkward poses and staged kisses, the uber-talented Bethany Rees of DOLA Photography is here to tell us exactly how it can be done. Cozy on up for a lesson in oh-so-natural wedding photos below.

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

When it comes to capturing natural images, I love to keep couples moving and doing things, so that they almost forget they are being photographed. Even small amounts of movement can make photos look less posed and stagnant. It’s great when couples are up for whatever I ask, like leading one another through a field or walking quickly together down a set of stairs, trusting that I will always make them look good. Even if they are just standing in one spot for me, I’ll ask them to sway, almost slow dance with each other, so there is always movement. A good photographer knows how to give direction to get natural looking photos out of anyone, no matter what their personality is like.

IGNORE THE CAMERA

My style is also very photojournalistic, so outside of the time we do portraits together, I am constantly scanning the room on a wedding day looking for small moments – glances, laughs, hugs… those are the best candids. Sometimes I even hold my camera up and wait. I can see the photo in my head and I just need something small to happen, or someone to move into the frame to get it perfect, and it happens so quickly that if I didn’t already have my camera ready at my eye, I would miss it! For those photos I need people to ignore me – a lot of times when people see a camera they want to pose or smile, which is great, but normally my favorite candid photos happen when people are just being present, enjoying themselves at the party and ignoring me.

ENJOY YOURSELF

Consider doing something that is just for the two of you. It doesn’t need to be something major, but a small moment or activity together gives an opportunity for me to just document what you’re doing together in an unscripted way. Get coffee, have a glass of champagne together, go off and eat your cake while watching the sunset. Give yourselves extra down time in your wedding day schedule to really allow yourself to relax and for spontaneous things to happen. Those in-between moments are always some of my favorite and the most natural looking photos! For engagement sessions, too, I recommend getting your hair and makeup done so you are feeling fabulous and confident… treat it like you’re going on a fun date!

You want your wedding day to rock, so finding a photog that can ease your mind and help you feel natural in front of the camera is key. Bethany Rees, studio owner of DOLA Photography, is one of those talented photographers, using her years of experience to snap images that are modern, timeless AND gorgeous… and all with an unobtrusive and laid-back style that will sooo put you at ease. We are all kinds of obsessed with her photojournalistic style, and her ability to snap those moments you didn’t even know were happening. Do yourself a favor and contact her today for a wedding album filled with heart-tugging images you’ll cherish for always.

Photography: DOLA Photography

From a chic, city backdrop to the beauty of a rustic farm, this wedding celebration has a little bit of everything. Starting in downtown Tampa for portraits and continuing to Barrington Hill Farm for a heartfelt celebration, see how glamour is infused into every nook of this beautiful day captured by Cathy Durig.

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Their wedding day began in downtown Tampa a the beautiful chic Le Meridian hotel. Here they each got ready with their best and closest of friends. The gorgeous and historic columns outside the hotel was the perfect setting to have their first look. As Megan exited the doors, Brent took a huge breath and didn’t release it until just after he turned around to see his stunning bride. The two embody poise and sophistication, as their portraits unfolded along the colonnade. After their portraits the couple, the wedding party made their way to the beautiful rustic Barrington Hill Farm, where Megan & Brent shared their vows under blowing Spanish moss. The evening proceeded on the front lawn of the farmhouse, where Megan chose dark wood tables that accompanied gold chivari chairs and light blue chiffon drapery for the tablescapes. She chose all white florals to add subtle glam and elegance to her already gorgeous palette. The two enjoyed the company of friends and family under the dark starry night sky, which made way for the stunning sparklers at the end of their already perfect wedding day.

Photography: Cathy Durig | Planner : Barrington Hill | Floral Design: Barrington Hill | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations | Ceremony Venue: Barrington Hill | Reception: Barrington Hill | Wedding Shoes: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Hair & Makeup: Rachel Reumann | Calligraphy: Old City Calligraphy | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Bride's Clutch: BHLDN | Groom's Shoes: Johnston & Murphy | Groom's Tux: Crown Tailor | Hotel - Getting Ready: La Meridien Tampa | Seating Chart: Old City Calligraphy | Welcome Sign: Paper and Pine Co.

It’s no secret we love a good destination wedding and when it just so happens to be set oceanside in The Bahamas? Prepare to get your swoon on. These two gathered their closest friends and family for a tropical escape on January 15th, exactly 4 years to the very day they met. It’s a love story for the books and you can watch the day unfold with captures by Hunter Ryan.

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From the bride… We selected The Cove for its outdoor, natural beauty. We wanted a small, intimate wedding with our closest family and friends. We wanted a relaxed atmosphere, genuine interaction, warmth and celebration. We loved the idea of all the guests being in one location for a long weekend to spend time with each other and to make it a vacation for themselves (and to feel like a vacation for us, too!). It was important to us that our guests felt like VIPs and had a one-of-a-kind experience.

For the wedding itself – one of our friends who have known us and our relationship since the first time we met will be our officiant. The day we chose for our wedding date, January 15th is actually the exact day we met over 4 years prior (January 15, 2012 – MLK weekend). We have been together ever since. For our bridal party, we chose only our siblings -Tal’s only brother, Jake, who I also knew in high school, my older sister, Kaitlin, and my younger sister, Kelsey.

For the wedding weekend, we hosted a cocktail Welcome Party to watch the sunset at the Point Bar on Friday night. On Saturday, we had the rehearsal dinner beachside, which was a fun and relaxed seafood barbecue with steel drums and local music. The wedding took place on Sunday (Jewish tradition) with an amazing DJ we brought in from NYC and the whole weekend ended with us sending our guests off with a farewell brunch on Monday morning.

Photography: Hunter Ryan Photo | Event Planning: Engaging Affairs | Floral Design: Boy Meets Girl Weddings | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations | Reception Venue: The Cove Eleuthera | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair + Makeup: Calae Burrows | DJ: DJ Hesta Prynn | Groom's Suit: Enzos | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints

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Hunter Ryan Photo

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Designing a home to call your own is no small task — especially when you’re designing from the ground up. Loving their location but itching for more space, this young family decided to start from the studs and rebuild the home customized to their wish list. A little bit modern and a little bit boho, they fully embraced the Southern California vibes with risk-taking design moves (looking at you, turquoise cabinets!) that paid off in a major way.

After living in our 1,118 square foot home for nine years, we came to the realization that we loved our neighborhood, but had a huge wish list of things we wanted and needed for our growing family. We took the house down to the studs and doubled the square footage, pushing out the house to the backyard and adding a master suite on the new second level. We didn’t have the budget for a designer, so I relied on Pinterest, Houzz, designer blogs like Amber Interiors, Studio McGee, Emily Henderson, as well as, my trusty contractor Steve of Christiano Homes to source everything for the house.

We wanted lots of natural light, clean lines, and a beachy, inviting home built for entertaining. The look ended up being white walls with warm wood accents and we have a mix of mid-century modern, transitional, and boho accents throughout the house, like many homes around here in Southern California.

The only thing my husband requested was NO all white kitchen! I went with “Galapagos Turquoise” from Benjamin Moore off of a kitchen I had seen in a magazine and paired it with modern satin copper (rose gold) hardware from Schoolhouse Electric. I love to cook so the kitchen really is the heart of our home. The kids eat at the peninsula in the mornings, and we sit in the nook for dinner. I especially love the accordion “pass-thru” window over our nook. I can stand at the sink and get to look out to the pool and the greenery. We entertain a lot, so our wood clad La Cantina doors pocket into the walls to create an indoor-outdoor space we can use year round with built in space heaters and speakers.

Typically, the ladies are in the kitchen around the big peninsula in the comfy Serena and Lily Riviera barstools, while the men stand around the bar, and the kids run back and forth between the pool and the playroom which conveniently has barn doors to close off the kid mess and the noise!

My favorite room design wise is the powder bath. I knew that was one space that everyone will always get to see, so I went with my dream tile by Tabarka Tile from their Morroccan collection and played around with mixing metals in there. For the girls, I chose Aimee Wilder’s Pina Sola pineapple wallpaper and had chalkboard paint put on the barn doors in the playroom. Their bathroom has a fun, bright patterned cement tile, and I made sure they had their own mirrors and outlets for when they grow up and start fighting over hair tools and makeup!

Our master bedroom and bathroom is our retreat. We created a large double head shower with built in bench and I used a beautiful neutral limestone in different sizes and patterns. Small squares on the shower floor, large offset tiles in the shower, and herringbone on the bathroom floor. The walnut vanity drawers have a mid century design and I decided to have some panels of walnut added to the pony wall outside the shower to break up all the tile and tie in the vanity. And bonus, I found the most perfect rug at the Salvation Army for $100!

We have now been in the house a year and a half and there’s still a lot of wall spaces and nooks and crannies to fill and design, but I think when you’re choosing everything yourself, you just have to take your time. Thank you to Lane Dittoe for the beautiful shots of our home!

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Photography: lane dittoe | Contractor, Custom Homes: Christiano homes

If old-school charm, historical landmarks, and high tea get you giddy for more, a weekend minimoon to the east coast might be the perfect wedding celebration for you and your new spouse. With history and plush luxury amenities, these east coast resorts offer more than you could imagine.

Emily Delamater

The best part? You can cozy up together on your dream honeymoon while holding onto your wallet and vacation days.

Start planning your stay with one of these irresistible inns.

1. Inn by the Sea
Cape Elizabeth, ME

If you’re longing for ocean views, this well-kept secret gets you up close and personal with the Atlantic. The nautical aesthetic lures you out of your cozy cabin to explore all that the coast has to offer. And with Portland just a short drive away, you can add city adventures to your weekend to-do list.

2. The Sagamore
Bolton Landing, NY

The jaw-dropping elegance of this estate makes upstate New York transform into a secluded European escape. Rolling green hills and endless skies envelop The Sagamore Resort on Lake George. Facing the water, the resort’s inspiring gardens lead you down to the shore where you have an uninterrupted view of the entire lake. You can’t go wrong with a Duet spa before diving into the rest of your minimoon weekend.

3. The Verb Hotel
Boston, MA

This is the exception to the usual east coast decor. Themed entirely with a mid-century modern rock and roll decor, the hotel is almost too cool for itself. Little touches like the seafoam typewriters and records ready to browse around every corner make this a hipster-friendly hangout. That doesn’t take away from the amenities fit for a rockstar. You’ll feel just as comfy as any high-end resort as you lounge by the pool listening to classic Beatles tunes.

Carla Ten Eyck

4. Ocean House
Watch Hill, RI

As grand a location as a hotel can get, the Ocean House sits atop Watch Hill, the southernmost tip of Rhode Island. It offers unmatched views of the surrounding water and a direct path to the sandy shore below. Dating back to the later 1800s, this corner of the state is riddled with adventures perfect for canoodling. Laze on the beach, explore the ocean coves, and slow down to savor the flavors of small town living.

Rebecca Yale Photography

5. The Pierre
New York, NY

This one’s for all you city lovers. Sitting squarely on Central Park’s southeast corner is The Pierre, a hotel rich with history and dripping with gold. From the moment you walk inside to your first sip of their famous afternoon tea and every moment after, you’ll feel like royalty. Not only is the hotel’s 1930s architecture admirable, but the views outside offer an idyllic New York City landscape. Take a stroll around Central Park and enjoy endless local attractions like museums, theaters, restaurants and coffee shops. You’ll fall in love all over again.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Katy Palmer is a freelance writer and casting producer from Denver by way of Los Angeles. When she isn’t working you will find her volunteering at local film festivals, enjoying the Denver comedy scene and supporting other women in media. Connect with her on Instagram @bykatypalmer.

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Petit Bouquet

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Ready to plan for your future? Premarital counseling is as important to planning your wedding as setting the date! If you’re having a religious ceremony, you might already be registered for faith-based counseling through your place of worship. Your wedding planner, friends, or insurance company are other great resources for counselor recommendations.

Let’s talk about how to make the most of your sessions.

Tamara Gruner Photography

Accept the Challenge
It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worth having ever is. Accept that some sessions are going to be more challenging and be ready to rise to the occasion. You’ll talk through fun topics in your sessions – like how you met and where you want to vacation someday. You’ll also tackle some tough topics – like intimacy and budgets. When you and your fiancé are on the same team, you’ll leave each conversation feeling more prepared to walk down the aisle.

Embrace Change
Okay, so you’re not perfect. Nobody is! Keep that in mind as you’re talking through what’s not working in your relationship. With the help of a professional, you’ll be able to identify ways to better meet your partner’s specific needs. Maybe your fiancé will finally learn not to leave his dirty towels on the bathroom floor. And – with that – you’re one step closer to perfection.

Graham Terhune Photography

Keep it Private
Trust is key to improving any relationship. Whatever you discuss in that room stays between you, your fiancé, and your counselor (or pastor, or priest). Don’t talk about it with your mom, your bridesmaids, or anyone else, for that matter. Absolutely do not post about it on social media. Counseling should be a safe place to communicate your dreams – and your vulnerabilities. It’s you two against in the world in there, just like in marriage.

Encourage Each Other
Remember, you’re here because you love each other! Share all the things your fiancé does well, your favorite parts of the relationship, and all the goals you’re working on together. Thank him for making the time to attend counseling together. If you know talking about intimacy is hard for him, reach over and hold his hand during the appointment. Counseling sessions can be a sweet time to build each other up and connect on a deeper level. At the end of the day, it’s a great sign that you’re both making your future a priority.

em the gem

Continue Communicating
Premarital counseling gives you tools to communicate and resolve conflicts in your marriage. Don’t let them get rusty! Keep asking questions to make sure each of you is feeling happy and loved. Set aside time to chat about the goals you set for life together. How’s the budget going? When do you want to start a family? What do you want your children to learn from your relationship?

Not quite ready for counseling? Grab a book or search online for “questions to ask before you get married.” (Here’s an example.) Take turns asking questions on date night or a road trip!

Pre-marriage counseling is a wonderful way to highlight the strengths in your relationship. Asking the right questions can help you learn things about your fiancé you never knew before. It will also help you understand how he thinks—a valuable skill, since you’re planning to spend the rest of your lives together!

Jasmine Nicole Photography

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Madeline Littrell is a corporate PR strategist and freelance writer. Born and raised in the South, she loves big hair, country music, and chicken fingers. You can find her in Dallas with her Sheltie puppy, Tennessee.

When choosing your wedding florals, what comes to mind? If you’re picturing a princess in a ballgown saying “yes” to Prince Charming, a fairytale wedding may be in your future.

Here are five tips on achieving those fairytale florals you’ve been dreaming of.

Vasia Photography

Invest in high-quality florals while buffering with greenery.

If some of the flowers you’re hoping for are a bit pricey, get a few to be the center of your bouquet and then use pretty greenery to fill it out. This will add texture and make your blooms stand out. The quality of your florals will make all the difference in terms of how long they stay fresh and how bright their coloring is.

Don’t let them see too much heat.

On hot summer days, your florals will wilt quickly, and you want to keep them as lively as possible. Take a few outdoor shots with your stunning bouquet before having it whisked away by a bridesmaid or attendant to be kept in water. Ditto the cold–if you’re having winter nuptials, take one gorgeous shot with the flowers and then have them brought inside.

Keep the colors in mind.

“Keep the color palette eye-catching with contrasting but complementary colors,” said Phuong Nguyen of Mibellarosa, a floral + event design studio. “For instance, if a white peony has streaks of pink in it, then place a pink flower next to it to make both colors pop out from one another. If the color scheme is predominantly white and neutrals, use natural variations of greenery like bits of yellows, reds or creams in the leaves to break it up and add more character to the palette!”

Play with shape.

Cascading bouquets are having a moment right now, and they bring to mind castles and enchanted gardens. Don’t feel as if your bouquet has to be a perfectly-shaped sphere. Dangling flowers or pretty greenery can give your bouquet the extra “oomph” you’re looking for.

The Great Romance Photo

Evoke a garden feel.

“Keeping the aesthetics as true to nature as possible is ideal while creating larger-than-life designs. Integrate large blooms such as peonies and garden roses with smaller blooms such as clematis and sweet peas as if they were growing in a garden together,” Nguyen said.

Natalie Bray Photography

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.

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Natalie Bray Studios

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The recipe for a gorgeous wedding day look? It all starts with the dress, of course. So when the Pronovias Fashion Group announced they would be launching four new collections under the St. Patrick brand, we broke out the bubbly to celebrate the latest from the design powerhouse that has been making bride’s dreams come true for decades. And we have your first look.

When St. Patrick sent over images from their latest 2018 Collection Photo Shoot, as well as snaps from their runway show in April, we jumped at the chance to preview them first. Because these gowns? They’re amazing. Think sophisticated + glam (St. Patrick Studio), elegant + stylish (St. Patrick), trendy and innovative (White One) and totally romantic (La Sposa). And if you weren’t lucky enough to sit front and center at the debut fashion show during Barcelona Bridal Week, this is the next best thing.

The perfect combo of figure flattering and sophisticated, the newest St. Patrick collections are everything you want… and so much more. We’re talking fabrics like lace and crepe, thread embroidery, gemstones and a light, airy movement to each design that will leave you feeling like an absolute princess. We obviously love that.

From stunning overskirts, long capes and beautiful appliqués to Mikado silk and crystal tulle, the new St. Patrick collections are perfect for those brides that are as stylish as they are romantic. To see the gorgeous gowns, find a retailer near you or visit their website to request an appointment here. They’re available in over 97 countries throughout the world.

Fashion Show Pictures: Ugo Cámera

Glamour is at very single turn in this destination wedding captured by Aria Studios. From the bride’s perfect red lip to the all white florals by Su-V Expressions and the tropical elegance of Honolulu’s Royal Hawaiian Hotel, it all makes for a wedding day as stunning as they come. Go from seaside portraits to a ballroom dressed to the nines with the full celebration right here.

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From the Bride…Growing up in two completely different parts of the United States, I’m a local girl born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and Tom, a southern boy from Jackson, Mississippi we some how found our way to each other in the middle of one of the busiest cities, Los Angeles. Our love story began with short glances and interactions at work in the hospital. Tom is a surgery resident physician while I am medical surgical nurse at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. We would occasionally talk about plan of care about the patients we would be caring for and purposely start to religiously show up for our monthly unit MD/RN collaboration meetings just to get more of a glimpse and interaction with each other. Not quite like Grey’s Anatomy but the real and genuine love that grew between us was extraordinary because we found our person in each other.

When we were planning our wedding it was a no brainer that Honolulu was the place to be but where exactly?! Since both of us lived in Los Angeles we were grateful that my parents were able to help us look at different venue options that were available for our date. When they came across the Royal Hawaiian it was just perfect and came full circle when Tom told me it was the first hotel he stayed at when he first came to Hawaii couple months before we met and for it to be the place where we celebrate our love, there was no other place than the Royal. The lush greenery against the historic pink reminded him of places back in the south and with having Waikiki beach and Diamond Head as our back drop we had the best of both worlds at our finger tips. Our ceremony was held in a chapel that was near and dear to my heart. Growing up Catholic, I wanted a traditional Church wedding ceremony and as a daughter/alumni of Sacred Hearts Academy I knew St. Margaret Mary Chapel was the perfect intimate setting. Lina from Lina B flowers decorated the church with a simple green garland to add to the charming character of the Chapel.

Planning the wedding from Los Angeles felt a little overwhelming even with family back in Hawaii to help, we still had no idea where to start after we got our venue. Everything just fell into place when we found our amazing wedding planner that is now our dear friend Karisa from Say I Do By Karisa! She is definitely the definition of a boss lady! With our first meeting in Hawaii back in August we told her our vision of a clean, chic, elegant and romantic wedding at the Royal, she helped guide us in making our dream wedding come to life! Her vendor recommendations were spot on because they were truly the best! Every trip we made to Hawaii, Karisa had set up appointments with our vendors and continuously emailed, called, and texted us with updates when we were back in LA. If you are planning a destination wedding in Honolulu, Say I Do By Karisa and her team is the first phone call you should make cause she will make your wedding dreams become a reality!

A Cake Life made our wonderful guava chiffon and carrot cake with buttercream frosting! The cake meeting and tasting was truly an experience because Kristen was so sweet and she sketched our cake design at the meeting! Aria studios were our videographer and photographer and Jonas and Holly were our main contacts throughout our whole experience and even after the wedding! They truly listened to our vision of how Tom and I wanted our wedding day to be captured and we are truly grateful on how amazing everything turned out! The floral goddess, Sue from Su-V Expressions is so talented. We wanted more of a greenery wedding with white accented flowers even though the idea seemed simple she made the floral decor so elegant! The sweetheart table was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and one of my favorite highlights of our wedding decor. The cascading greenery and the pillar candles reflecting against the light coming from Waikiki beach just set the tone for romance.

Little details were just as important. The draping from Les Saison transformed the ballroom into a white canvas and the glass panels that surrounded the ballroom were exposed so our guests could look out and see the night sky of Waikiki beach. I took calligraphy classes from one of my favorite calligraphers Courtney from PoppyJackShop. I hand calligraphy all the escort cards that were in a shape of a marble leaf tile to go with our greenery theme. HappilyEverEtched from Buena Park, California made our amazing Laser etched photo booth back drop and Nestor and Joey Hipolito from One Day Signs from Mililani, Hawaii created a beautiful mirror calligraphy signage to add a personal touch.

Tahiti Rey sang songs to the important dances I’ll ever remember. DJ Anit, a dear friend, brought the reception to life. All that mattered was all the love we were surrounded with that came from our friends and family who travelled all over the world to be with us on our special day. Our wedding day was everything we could have imagined and more!

Photography: Aria Studios | Cinematography: Aria Studios | Coordination: Say I Do by Karisa | Florals: Su-V Expressions | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: A Cake Life | Ceremony Venue: St Margaret Mary Chapel at Sacred Hearts Academy School | Reception Venue: Royal Hawaiian Hotel | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: Bay Diamond Importers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Calligraphy: Happily Ever Etched | Calligraphy: Poppyjack Shop | Calligraphy : OneDaySigns | DJ: DJ Anit | Groom's Attire: Indochino | Bridal Robe: BHLDN | Ceremony Flowers: Lina B | Draping & Linens & Gold Flatware: Les Saisons | Film processing : Indie Film Lab | Hair Pin: Twigs & Honey | Linens & Chairs : The Wedding Linen Company | Photobooth: Photo Ops Hawaii | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Veil : Pronovias | Wedding Dress Salon: Mon Amie Bridal Salon | Wedding Singer: Tahiti Rey | Whit Dance Floor : Accel Rentals

Intimate weddings pull at my heartstrings. Classic weddings are my jam. And subtle details always win in my book. This brunch bash from Vicki Grafton Photography combines all three, and darlings, it’s wedding GOLD. With planning by Harvesting Love Events and florals by Studio Mondine, it’s a sweet reminder that when you strip an event down to the basics, it still shines so brightly.

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From the Bride… Both of us being bay area natives and having lived in San francisco together, we knew we wanted to have our wedding in the city. Considering both budget and guest count having the wedding at a restaurant seemed the obvious choice. We had visited Trou Normand back when it first opened and loved the drinks and food. Once they got the back patio up and running, I thought it would serve as a perfect venue, providing an indoor/outdoor feel that would be weather proof.

Having worked in the wedding industry for a number of years, I crossed paths with Studio Mondine in their early days. I loved their style and booked them first thing, before any of my other vendors! Even though our wedding ended up being delayed a year due to an unforeseen job opportunity and move to NYC, they rolled with it. Through them I found Lorraine Lee. She was one of the best decisions we made. Lorraine and her team insured everything went off without a hitch and made the long distance planning as smooth as possible.

To complement the french industrial feel of the spaces, I wanted to go with a classic and neutral pallet. Lush spring floral arrangements in white and green helped soften the space and worked with both interior and exterior finishes. Even though the wedding was during the day and at a restaurant, we still wanted it to have that special wedding feel. We brought in white table clothes to add that element of refinement.

A passion for breakfast food is something Billy and I both share, and seemed like a fun thing to tie into the event. We decided to hold the reception midday and have a brunch menu complete with mimosas and french toast.

With my family’s rich Irish catholic heritage, having the ceremony at St Patrick’s church was a obvious fit. My grandfather played the bagpipes as we exited the church and kicked off the walk to Trou Normand which was just blocks away.

Our biggest advice to couples would be to hire a planner/coordinator, especially if you are planning your wedding long distance or have a demanding day job. IT IS WORTH IT. Lorraine was the best thing we could have hoped for. The year leading up to the wedding she kept tabs on all the moving parts, made fantastic vendor recommendations, like our photographer Vicki who flew in for the event, and made the entire process so smooth.

A second piece of advice: If you opt for a non traditional wedding time, like ours, make arrangements for an afterparty. We ended up renting out a bar later that night to celebrate and let loose with a larger group of friends and family. It was a great decision and we are really glad we incorporated it into our day.

Photography: Vicki Grafton Photography | Event Planning: Harvesting Love Events | Floral Design: Studio Mondine | Wedding Dress: Novella Bridal | Invitations: Erin Thompson | Ceremony Venue: St. Patrick Church | Reception Venue: Trou Normand | Grooms Attire: Combatant Gentlemen | Beauty: Dreamcatcher Artistry