If you love all things summer and are looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding weekend, then this Ojai wedding inspiration session at Caravan Outpost is for you. CMG Weddings & Events envisioned a vibrant and modern wedding in the Californian desert amongst a backdrop of authentic airstreams, and we’re definitely fans of the bright and whimsical look! Lucas Rossi Photography captured their fun and festive vision, which you can see all of in the gallery.

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From CMG Weddings & Events… With summer adventures dancing in our minds, we were inspired to create a styled wedding shoot that tugged at the heart strings of the summer/weekend warriors. We immediately thought of incorporating an authentic airstream, but we soon discovered a venue that far exceeded our wildest dreams. We visited the Caravan Outpost in Ojai, California, and just knew this would be magical. One airstream? No, how about 12?! This up-and-coming venue is home to a collection of beautifully curated airstreams that are available for booking for daily or weekly accommodation. The venue can also be rented out exclusively for one-of-a-kind wedding weekends!

For this shoot, we wanted to pay homage to the eclectic and bright summer colors that we thought complemented the airstreams. We focused on geometric shapes and modern lines in contrast to the bright, romantic, and flowing florals. We mixed woods and metals throughout the tablescape, ceremony altar, lounge, and cake pedestal. We chose the most amazing Berta gown as the extra sparkle for this wedding shoot. Some of our favorite details included the place cards, the welcome sign painted on acrylic, the bright blue bicycle, and the old truck we couldn’t resist incorporating. Between the bright colors, palm trees, colorful “water tower,” and backdrop of airstreams, this shoot satisfies all summer wanderlust fantasies.

Photography: Lucas Rossi Photography | Event Planning: CMG Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Belle Of The Ball Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Berta | Cake: Frost It Cakery | Stationery: Kelly Patrice Event and Design | Hair and Makeup: Cheek to Cheek Artistry | Calligraphy: Kelly Patrice Event and Design | Groom's Attire: Stich & Tie | Venue: Caravan Outpost | Bridal Boutique: Lovella Bridal | Rentals: Party Pleasers

Matthew and Denise love escaping to Miami Beach any chance they get, so hosting a destination wedding in this sizzling city was kind of a no-brainer. Denise, an event planner herself, brought on a team of awesome vendors to help them plan from afar, including Erika Delgado to work her magic behind the camera lens. From her jaw-dropping Enzoani dress to the couple’s rooftop vows, this epic celebration is one for the books.

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From the Bride… Matt and I have known each other since high-school but it wasn’t until we ran into one another 15 years later that we gave it a shot at dating. And here we are married today! We had a destination wedding since we are from Pittsburgh. Our wedding day was modern, chic and elegant, with our colors being primarily white with shades of blue.

I opted to go with no wedding cake (I may be the only person who doesn’t like cake) but instead, we decided on a Viennese table of assorted mini desserts and champagne. I’m an event planner myself so I wanted to keep everything easy and really have fun while planning my own wedding. Coordinating everything from Pittsburgh was a bit of a challenge, but the Miami Beach EDITION hotel and all of the wedding vendors we chose were amazing to work with and helped keep me at ease throughout the entire process.

My favorite parts of the day were our ceremony on the rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean and our “first look” which was on the amazing rooftop deck of our penthouse suite. Thanks to our photographer, Erika Delgado for coming up with the idea. It could not have been any more perfect, private and beautiful. Since we planned a destination wedding, our favors and escort cards were leather luggage tags for each guest. We also asked our guests to fill out destination tags for places we should travel to anywhere in the world on future trips together. Next up is our honeymoon to South Africa!

From Erika Delgado Photography… Sizzling, vibrant and known for its sunshine, top-notch food, and music, Miami is made for celebrations. The city is also home to historic art deco hotels, and ballrooms with sweeping ocean views which made The Miami Beach Edition Hotel the perfect wedding venue for Denise and Matthew. The couple is from Pittsburgh with friends and family traveling from the Midwest, so the skyline and beaches were a perfect treat.

Photography: Erika Delgado Photography | Event Planning: The Edition Miami Beach | Floral Design: D'Vine Creations | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Wedding Invitations: Minted | Reception Catering: The Edition Miami Beach | Hair + Makeup: Face2Face Studios | DJ: Modern Era Weddings | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: The Edition Miami Beach | Dress Store: Sorelle Bridal Salon | Hotel Accommodations: The Edition Miami Beach | Robe: Piyama Kimono Robe | Wedding Band: Brilliant Nuevo Diamonds

P.S. More fashion inspiration for the destination bride!

There’s something about Southern weddings that pair so well with twirl-worthy dresses, don’t you think? It goes without saying that this Bride steals the show in her lovely layers of Hayley Paige. Paired with a sweet yellow bouquet designed by Gloriosa Design and her Groom looking dapper in navy, this day documented by Simply Sarah is the definition of darling.

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From the Bride… We were roommates before we even knew each other. Through a mutual friend, we ended up living in a six-person house in Northwest DC. I had just transferred to finish undergrad at American University up the street, and the five boys were all starting out with new jobs in the area. We moved to Georgia together to attend Emory graduate school: he went to the law school, and I was in the art history program. In Decatur, we built a life a life together. Both of us became deeply involved with wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work while living in the area, and found a beautiful community there (our DJ, Zack Falls, is a dear friend who volunteers at Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort). Volunteering also a strengthened our relationship–nothing brings two people together like rescuing a hawk or raising baby opossums as a team. We fell in love with Georgia as our love was growing into its own, and that may be the reason why, when it came time to choose a wedding venue, there was no question of where it should be.

Carmine proposed to me in Ft. Pierce, Florida, during a quick weekend getaway. At the time, he was living in Westchester, New York, for work — but I was working in DC and living at my old apartment. After almost five happy years spending everyday together in Georgia, this was a tough time for us both. But we made it through, and now we are married and back in the same place!

I’m not sure what my favorite moment of the wedding was but the best candidate may be popping the bottle of champagne during our ceremony. Carmine and I had a great experience touring the champagne caves of Reims, France, in the summer of 2015. So we chose a bottle of Taittinger champagne for a toast during the ceremony, which happened right before our officiant, friend, and former roommate gave Carmine permission to kiss the bride. Before toasting, we went over to open the bottle and pour two glasses for ourselves: this is my alternative to lighting a unity candle. I popped the cork and he poured, the same as we do at home, and it just felt so warm and familiar even with everyone’s eyes on us. That, or any moment spent with the goats.

My best advice to future bride is to try to find a venue where you actually want to be. In a vacuum, does it feel good to be there? Things will go wrong, but if you are somewhere that makes you feel happy, then you’ll feel less stressed even when you aren’t together. I know that once I was with Carmine, I didn’t have a care in the world, but even before I saw him, I had the baby goats and the gorgeous landscape at Serenbe to keep be me calm and that definitely made a difference.

We had quite a week leading up to the wedding. It started with me losing my wallet with everything inside, including my passports, before we left to drive down to Georgia. Having to replace everything delayed us leaving D.C., messed up our rental car reservations, had us scrambling to make up for time, and little things just kept going wrong from there. For example, our trunk opened somehow while we were driving at night and a few gifts flew out and disappeared. Luckily we were able to replace them in time!Our wedding week was such a ridiculous comedy of errors that I felt completely calm on the day of our actual wedding. Somehow, I remained calm when things kept going wrong throughout the day, too. None of it mattered, honestly, except that I got to marry my best friend and start the next chapter of our life together. In the end, everything worked out just fine, and we had the most beautiful, Georgia spring day full of goats, daffodils, and champagne–not to mention all the love and joy we felt from our friends and family.

We loved working with Simply Sarah Photography. There were a few bumps in the road and Sarah definitely helped me to stay happy and have fun throughout the day. The final results arrived so much sooner than we anticipated, and the images are breathtaking. They captured gorgeous details like the ethereal pinstriped organza fabric of my Hayley Paige gown, and the varieties of heirloom daffodils grown specially for the day. We are also so grateful for the beautiful pictures of the two of us. They perfectly represent the dreamlike quality of the whole evening. I would recommend Simply Sarah to anyone getting married, we were so glad to have them with us and so grateful for their beautiful work.

Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Design: Gloriosa Design | Event Planning: Sashay Creative Events | Floral Design: Gloriosa Design | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Cake: Cakes By Carissa | Ceremony Venue: Serenbe | Catering: Gloriosa Design | DJ: Zach Falls | Film Processing and Development: PhotoVision Prints

Weekends are a thing to be cherished. Don’t let this one pass you by without a good ol’ Sunday funday. Liz Martin of Charlston Weekender and her gal pal Beth of Palmbeach Lately are showing us how to pack in a tipple by the pool with a side of entertainment. It’s the perfect way to send the weekend out in style. Plus a new cocktail recipe never hurts. Get inspired to up your social game with this poolside soirée complete with the Aqualillies all captured by Rachel Red Photography.

From Liz Martin…While visiting Palm Beach, I invited Beth from Palm Beach Lately to my join me for a sunny Sunday by the pool. She came to my hotel where we enjoyed refreshments and a mini show from synchronized swimmers, the Aqualillies. I hope you enjoy these photos & feel inspired to recreate your own Sunday Funday with these simple steps.

Pick a place with color pops

These days, your friends will probably appreciate being invited somewhere with an Instagram-worthy backdrop. Find a place with plenty of fun colors, whether it be delightful furniture or a vibrant wall. We opted for the Colony Palm Beach Hotel where color abounds, but you could even BYOC (color) with a fun pool float or beach balls.

Offer Up Some Entertainment

Lounging by the pool is always a good idea, but providing some entertainment is key if you want to have a little more festive gathering. We loved having the Aqualillies come wow us with their synchronized splashes, but you could get creative depending on your budget and location. See who is available in your area; perhaps you have a great DJ, puppeteer, or ukulele player near by. Offering up a trade can help keep your costs down; i. E. Put that extra party budget toward a photographer and you might be able to barter a performance for professional photographs of them in action.

Get Crafty With Cocktails

Gone are the days of serving a boring old screwdriver as a fun brunch beverage, but you can still serve a great cocktail with minimal effort required. I used this recipe for a simple iced coffee cocktail. Add a colorful straw, cute coasters, and some fun glasses and now it’s officially a party!

(Makes 1 serving)
7 oz. Iced coffee or cold brew coffee
3 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 oz. Whiskey
a dash of cinnamon
Serve over ice

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Photography: Rachel Red Photography | hotel: Colony Hotel | Sunday Funday Tee: Charleston Weekender | Weekender Bag : Charleston Weekender | blogger : Palm Beach Lately | glassware & games: Sideshow Press | stylist : Charleston Weekender | synchronized swimmers: Aqualillies | turkish towels : Charleston Weekender

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Jose Villa’s photographs are such a good combo. For this engagement that combination spans from light-filled forest to stunning ocean cliffs and a seriously cute couple to boot. It’s a dreamworld as seen through the lens of a master.

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photographer: Jose Villa Photography

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Jose Villa Photography

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When this Bride, the beautiful Southern blogger behind Glitter & Gingham, fell in love with The Apiary as her reception venue, she was crushed to find out that the space couldn’t accommodate a seated dinner for her number of guests. Instead of letting this discourage her, she consulted with the team at Shelly Fortune Event Design and came up with the perfect solution! They opted for a cocktail style reception – no seating chart, no table settings, no real timeline. The end result was fun, casual, and comfortable – and lucky for us, Aesthetiica Photography and Reel Special were there to capture the day and share it all here.

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From the Bride… Hey y’all! I’m Shelby Back, and I’m the southern life and style blogger behind Glitter & Gingham. And I’m so excited to share our wedding with you all today! Our day was such a fairytale, and we owe it all to our amazing vendors.

For a little back story, Tyler and I actually went to college together, but weren’t friends and didn’t start dating until a few years after we graduated. I admittedly dragged my feet when we were set up by some mutual friends, and I definitely still give him a hard time about that! Thankfully I gave in and the rest was history, so they say. When I finally got to know Tyler, I was immediately taken aback by his kind nature, his handsome smile, and his ability to make me feel like all is right in the world.

I was never the little girl who dreamt of her wedding, never the little girl who grew up dreaming of prince charming, and he changed all of that for me. I was suddenly dreaming of our wedding, but I had no idea where to start or what I wanted! Cue Shelly Fortune Events. Once we were engaged, we knew we could not do this alone, so we sought out help from Shelly and her team to plan our wedding – it was easily one of the best wedding investments we could have made. She understood what was important to us on our wedding day and made it happen.

We wanted our day to be fun, memorable, and feel like “us”. Most importantly, we wanted our day to be about LOVE – the love we have for each other, the love we have for God, and the love we have for those nearest and dearest to our hearts who were there that day to help us celebrate. Shelly understood that, and she understood my wedding “style” when even I didn’t understand what I wanted our wedding to look like. From the lucite chairs, to the bold and bright flowers, she made the space feel warm and inviting, which set the tone for the entire day!

After 14 months of planning, Tyler and I tied the knot in front of 250 guests during a classic Catholic ceremony in Lexington, Kentucky. It was followed by a fun and romantic reception at our stunning venue, The Apiary. The Apiary was the first venue we visited when we started looking, and I had my mind set on that space right away. It shattered my sit down dinner dreams when space became an issue for the amount of guests we wanted to invite, so we took a different approach – we opted for a cocktail style reception. No seating chart, no table settings, no real timeline. This allowed for more socializing and flow through the venue throughout the night; people ate what they wanted, lounged and drank when they wanted, and danced the night away! It couldn’t have felt more like us!

Photography: Aesthetiica Photography | Cinematography: Reel Special Productions | Floral Design: P.G. Howard Designs Florist | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Cake: The Cake Lady | Church: St. Peter Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Apiary | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Donna Morgan | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Apiary | Hair and Makeup: Allison Johnson Pink Loulou | Band: Jordan English Band | Bridal Boutique: Bridal And Formal | Bridal Boutique: Twirl Boutique | Bride: Shelby Back | Event Design and Coordination: Shelly Fortune Event Design | Groom's Cake: Tinker's Cake Shop | Paper Goods: Cardinal And Straw Fine Paper Goods

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Jenny Yoo

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Cake is synonymous with weddings—there’s even an entire part of the reception dedicated to cutting it! But what happens if cake just isn’t your thing? Well, you’re in luck.

Lately, brides and grooms are taking a different approach to their post-dinner dessert, opting for different sweets or foregoing the sugar altogether. Here are our favorite ideas for non-traditional wedding desserts.

Cheese Wheels
Cheese lover? Consider creating a cake completely out of cheese wheels. This trend is becoming more and more popular for brides and grooms, but there are ways to mess it up. Be sure you taste the cheese before choosing the wheels for your cake and try to choose cheeses that balance each other out. We’ll take a cheese tasting over a cake tasting any day.

Matthew Land Studios

Pancake Cake
If you’re looking for something different, consider serving pancakes for dessert! Add chocolate chips or berries to give it that dessert-feel and offer syrup on the side in lieu of icing. Just be sure to pile it high to give it that element of “wow.” Plus, you can even make one of these yourself. Follow this recipe from Betty Crocker, and mix it up to make it your own.

Donut Tower

Cake may not be your thing, but that doesn’t mean you want to forgo dessert altogether. If that sounds like you, a donut tower is a great option. Many local donut shops offer this, but if they don’t, it’s an easy DIY cake option. Order clear tiered trays and fill each level with your favorite donut flavors. Your guests will love the options and the grab-and-go feel—it leaves more time for the dance floor!

Pie Table

Pie makes people feel at home. If you’re looking for a cozy vibe at your wedding, consider a pie table. Maybe your mom makes a killer apple pie or your local bake shop has the most delicious pumpkin slices. Order a few of your favorites and display them on a long table at the reception. Top a few with a cute cake topper and viola! You have a beautiful and tasty addition to your wedding.

Candy Table

Remember the grab-and-go element we mentioned for the donut tower? This takes that idea and runs with it. Set up a bunch of different bowls filled with candy on a table at the reception and place little clear baggies next to them for guests to fill. It’s a fun activity for the guests and it can double as your party favor!

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

You don’t need a passport to achieve the romance of Tuscany in your bridal boudoir session – this inspiration shoot was actually captured in San Francisco! Yourdreamphoto kept the images simple and the color palette neutral, juxtaposing the beauty of the Bride-to-be against the timeless architecture of the unexpected location – the Legion of Honor – and capturing that effortlessly romantic Italian vibe. This beautiful shoot proves that by thinking outside the box for your pre-wedding boudoir session location, you too can recreate that European elegance.

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From Yourdreamphoto… The session was inspired by the aesthetic of old Tuscany – its unique architecture, shapes, and timeless vibe. The goal was to convey the spirit of Italy through classic and simple imagery while accenting the beauty of our gorgeous model. the main color palette was red, white, and a bit of green. A veil from Jin Wang, a uniquely shaped topaz ring from Anthropologie, and a golden tiara from BHLDN made the look of this styled bridal boudoir session complete.

Photography: Yourdreamphoto | Event Planning: Yourdreamphoto | Floral Design: Vo Floral Design | Ring: Anthropologie | Hair and Makeup: Jasmine Chan | Accessories: BHLDN | Location: Legion of Honor | Model: Chelsea Schroeder Photography | Veil: jinwang

You may think the hardest part is finished after you lock in the white dress, but the toughest decision is just upon you: shoes! Settling on a wedding shoe involves logistics, taste, and a good working knowledge of your own personal style. To help narrow down your search, I’ve profiled the five major shoe types and what they say about the bride who rocks them!

What Your Wedding Shoe Says About You

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What Your Wedding Shoe Says About You

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a secret garden-style wedding, allow me to introduce this summertime Virginia fête that’s storybook romance brought to life. Captured by Jodi & Kurt Photography, it’s the love story of Hannah and Dyer who tied the knot on the bride’s family estate that’s steeped in history and beauty. We invite you to get lost in the pretty and head over to the gallery for a full glimpse into this truly timeless day.

From Jodi & Kurt Photography… Long-time residents of the picturesque Middleburg, Virginia community, Hannah and Dyer wanted their home-based nuptials to capture the elegance and grandeur of the Reuter family’s historic estate.

Established as Glenstone in the early 1920s, the rolling pastures of this quintessential hunt country property have been the foundation of the Reuter family since the late 1790s. At the very heart of the farm’s 1200 acres stands an incredible 250-foot tulip poplar tree that is believed to be over 300 years old. It was under this magnificent tree so deeply rooted in both the Reuter’s land and their hearts that Hannah and Dyer exchanged vows.

Prior to the ceremony, guests were greeted with Champagne in Glenstone’s formal Boxwood Garden; the first of several unique outdoor spaces used throughout Hannah and Dyer’s celebration. Following an intimate first look in the estate’s Secret Garden, the couple joined their 300 guests beneath the imposing poplar.

Immediately following their joyous ceremony, guests made their way to the Eastern Garden, which was built to celebrate Hannah’s grandparent’s 65th wedding anniversary. Over cocktails and conversation, guests feasted on seasonal hors d’oeuvres prepared by Middleburg’s famed Red Fox Inn, which has been owned and operated by the Reuter family for three generations.

Dinner and dancing ensued under a lantern-lit tent on the South Lawn, featuring an abundance of flora from the estate’s grounds.

Photography: Jodi & Kurt Photography | Event Design: Middleburg Events Studio | Floral Design: Nature Composed | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Sarah Orman Of My Modern Diary | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Hitched Salon | Catering: The Red Fox Inn | Hair + Makeup: Salon Emage | Calligraphy: Saltwater Fiesta Studios | Lighting: Rebekah Graves Light Sculpture | Venue: Glenstone Farm | Bride's Veil: Family heirloom | Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Vintage Rentals: Bella Villa

After 17 years of dating, two beautiful children, and the groom’s diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, this family decided to celebrate their love with the destination wedding they’d always dreamed about. Planned by Ema Giangreco, with florals by Giardino Delle Fate and touching images captured by Koby Brown, have a look at this heartfelt celebration surrounded by family, friends and the beauty of Tuscany.

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From the photographer… The olive branch, a symbol of peace and victory, was the theme woven throughout this beautiful destination wedding in Tuscany, Italy. The olive branch makes an appearance on the bride’s gorgeous Calla Blanche gown, the floral details and even the wedding invitation. The significance goes beyond pretty and touches on a deeply personal note for the bride and groom as they face the groom’s diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Take a look at the collection of images to get a glimpse of this touching celebration of love including their two children and closest family and friends.

From the Bride… In the year 2000 when I was 16 years old I was asked by a friend to come to a hockey game to meet a cute boy that she had a crush on. That cute boy turned out to be my now husband Cam. We dated all throughout our senior year until graduation. After grad Cam planned on pursuing a career in Alberta which was a whole province away and leaving my friends and family for a very very cold place was something I wasn’t ready for so I stayed behind. We went our separate ways but always knew we’d end up back together somehow. In the summer of 2007 we met up again at a country music festival and danced all night together while Reba McEntire sang up on stage. Cam still lived in Alberta and I was still in BC but we were determined to make it work this time. Cam often travelled 16 hours straight to come see me on his days off, and I flew to Alberta every chance I had so we could be together. We bought our first home in 2008 and welcomed our children, a boy and a girl, in 2009 and 2010. On Thanksgiving of 2009 Cam was given the unfortunate diagnosis of having Multiple Sclerosis. His symptoms were pretty mild until the summer of 2016 when he had a very significant attack. It was then that we decided it was time to have the destination wedding we’ve always wanted in Italy before it was no longer possible due to his disease. On May 16, 2017 we exchanged vows in Tuscany surrounded by our children and closest friends and family and it couldn’t have been more perfect. It may have taken 17 years for us to finally tie the knot but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Photography: Koby Brown Photography | Cinematography: Alessandro Bordoni | Planner: Ema Giangreco Weddings | Planner: Caterina Weddings | Floral Design: Il Giardino Delle Fate | Wedding Gown: Calla Blanche | Shoes: Harriet Wilde | Jewelry: Birks | Makeup: Masika May | Hair: Brittany Foote | Ceremony & Reception: Private Estate | Chair Signs: Westcoasters BC | Earrings: BHLDN | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Flower Girl Dress: Dollcake Oh So Girly | Place Cards: Emma Allen Photography + Design | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar

You said yes to the dress, had your measurements taken, put down your deposit…and, as you were walking out of the boutique, you suddenly wish you hadn’t. If this is you, don’t panic! I’ve worked with many brides who second guessed their choice and I understand how stressful it is. Purchasing your wedding gown is such a big, emotional decision and it can often come with some big, emotional reactions. However, once you start working to rectify the situation, you’ll feel better.

Here’s your way forward from dress regret to dress bliss!

Lindsay Madden Photography

Revisit Your Gown

First of all, call your boutique and ask them about your options. Since the majority of wedding gowns are made-to-order, your contract might stipulate that there are no exchanges or refunds. However, if you call right away, your boutique might allow you to select a different dress. If your boutique cannot offer an exchange, stay calm—schedule a time to revisit your gown when the store is quiet (weekday mornings often work well for this). Try it on again and see how you feel in it. Recall what you loved about it and why. With a clear mind and some quiet time with the dress, you might fall for it all over again!

Ask About Styling

Styling can be transformative! Are you thinking that the skirt of your wedding gown is too full? An alterations specialist may be able to remove layers of crinoline from the inside, slimming out the silhouette. Feel like you missed the chance to wear a puffy gown? Inquire about detachable tulle skirts that you can wear over your sheath or even mermaid dress. Is the gown sweet while you are a little more rock ’n roll? Go for a gunmetal belt or fringe necklace. With the right tweaks, you may just love your gown even more than the first time.

Retrospect Images 

Moving On

If you simply cannot live with your dress, you might want to begin your search again. It’s a good idea to look at new options in the same salon so you can compare them side-by-side with your first gown. Think hard about what you want in a new style and ask for an experienced stylist to help you hone your selections. As for your first wedding gown, you can try to resell it on a ‘previously loved’ wedding dress sale site or even donate it so a less-fortunate bride can have a gorgeous gown.

Tamara Gruner Photography

At the end of the day, don’t feel bad about picking the wrong dress or having to purchase another one. So many brides become “two dress” brides and that’s totally okay. The journey to your wedding day is full of surprises and you learn so much about yourself. Remember that the important thing is that you’re mrrying the man of your dreams—no matter what you’re wearing!  

xoxo, Desiree

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Peek Back at Desiree’s Wedding!

Nothing — and I mean nothing — about Laura and Brian’s wedding was cookie cutter basic. Instead, they wanted their big day to be bright, happy and full of garden party whimsy. They reinvented the formalities to fit their personal style (hello, statement floral comb!) and treated their guests to a celebration that felt authentically them. Go see the fun for yourself via the incredible captures by Lynette Boyle.

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From Lynette Boyle… Laura and Brian are a great example of how when it comes to your wedding, you can and should make your own rules. If you want to follow some of the traditions, that’s cool… And if you want to kick some of them to the curb, that’s cool too. When we first sat down to chat about their wedding plans and what things were most important to them, I could tell how important it was for them to enjoy the day and be present. They didn’t want to deal with not seeing each other the morning of their wedding, formal dances, or a full wedding party. Laura chose to not carry a bouquet and opted for a floral comb instead and Brian chose to skip a boutonnière altogether (though he did insist on wearing a tux).

Madrona Manor is such a beautiful space, from the Victorian mansion to the expansive gardens, the couple wanted Madrona and its gardens to be the inspiration. When Laura sat down with Natalie of Mack Floral Design, she told her that she wanted color…no specific color in particular just lots of beautiful color. Natalie brought in seasonal flowers like peonies, ranunculus, tulips, and roses in an array of pink, red, orange, and yellow – all the colors you would expect to see during peak spring in California. Brian built their beautiful ceremony arch which Natalie adorned with lush florals and greenery.

Macarons served as escort cards, and why have one cake when you can have seven specialty cakes and more macarons?! Laura’s sister served (informally) as the matron of honor, and during her speech, read a hilarious poem she wrote in her youth about Laura. Of all the little details though, I think my favorite was the father of the bride’s tie. It had a repeated photo of Laura as a little girl, dressed up like Wonder Woman.

I truly loved how these two did the things they wanted and didn’t worry about the formalities that didn’t matter to them. They were so happy to just be with their families and closest friends to eat, laugh, and celebrate.

Photography: Lynette Boyle Photography | Floral Design: Mack Floral | Wedding Dress: Theia | Cakes: Mad Batter Bakery | Invitations: Kathryn Selbert Illustration | Bride's Shoes: Shoes Of Prey | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Needle + Thread | Catering: Madrona Manor | Makeup: Glowing Brides | Hair: Rachel Carpenter of The Style Studio | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Officiant: A Beautiful Ceremony | Venue: Madrona Manor | Bride's Rings: Brilliant Earth | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Groom's Ring: Vintage | Macarons: Whipped Desserts

P.S. Another unique bouquet alternative…

Great wedding videos draw you in to the couple’s story and their wedding celebration like nothing else, and this Playa Del Carmen destination wedding captured by LunArts Films will make you feel like you’ve known the Bride and Groom for years. You’ll laugh when they laugh, cry when they cry, clap at the end of the toasts, and you might even get up and start to dance when they dance – I did. That’s what happens when you combine a vibrant wedding like this with an exceptional cinematographer – just click play!

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From LunArts Films… A unique couple! She has beautiful eyes and an equally beautiful soul; he is so charming and has impeccable style. This was a wedding where the couple made me feel part of them – a destination wedding that nobody wanted to miss! They are blessed with awesome families that spread their love in all directions. Their friends and family were present to celebrate more than 10 years of this couple’s story and the new chapter in their relationship, and the day was full of love.

Cinematography: LunArts Films | Venue: Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta (Formerly Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa)

Planning a wedding on Martha’s Vineyard is no easy fete. Speaking from experience during my own venue search—things book up quickly! That is, unless you’re parents have a home on the island like this stunning Bride, done up by Stacie Ford Weddings. Their classic church ceremony followed by a tented reception is pulling at my seaside-loving heartstrings. Craving a coastal affair packed with elegance? Spend some time with this fete planned by Lyndsey Hamilton Events and captured by K Robinson Photography.

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From the Bride… Matt and I grew up in the same small town just north of the Manhattan. We unofficially met when we worked down the street from each other, he at his family’s pizzeria, me at the town bakery. He’d come in on Saturday for glazed donuts. We officially met in high school when he starting hanging around with my group of friends- and we became lab partners in physics and we’ve been partners ever since.

It took 10 years for matt to propose and a second for me to say yes! In July of 2015 we got engaged on Edgartown harbor in Martha’s Vineyard and decided there was no better place for us to say I do! We were married in St Elizabeth’s in downtown Edgartown by Matt’s cousin Michael White, who also married Matt’s parents 31 years earlier.

The reception was held at my parents property on the Edgartown great pond. Lyndsey Hamilton Events planned and designed a fairytale wedding. We started with cocktails, passed hors dourves, and a raw bar, in my backyard over looking the Edgartown great pond. During cocktail hour and dinner we enjoyed the beautiful musical styles of the lovely Parkington sisters- including an hour of old Irish songs as a nod to our heritage.

Matt, a chef in downtown manhattan, worked with Jaime Hamlin catering to curate a delicious menu; to start a plate of local cheeses and honey, then the main event of a whole roast pig, roast chickens, and grilled sword fish- complemented with a side of fresh succotash, and the biggest culinary hit of the whole night; cornbread. We made our way from the Sperry dinner tent to the clear top tent with a clear dance floor covering the pool. We used big sky tents for all our rentals. After all the important dances and the iconic moment, of my best friend jumping on stage to sing with the wedding band Sultans of Swing with Jerry Bennett, we cut our delicious carrot wedding cake made by Cakes by Val. The cops shut us down at 1045pm but that didn’t stop us from we heading over to the barn for my favorite part of the whole evening; the late night food truck from The Artcliff diner. We danced all night under the stars and ended the day sitting cuddled by the fire pit.

Photography: K Robinson Photography | videography: Wes Van Heest | Event Planning: Lyndsey Hamilton Events | Floral Design: Lyndsey Hamilton Events | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | stationery : Fourteen-Forty | Ceremony Venue: St. Elizabeth's Church | shoes: Prada | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Giorgio Armani | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Ralph Lauren | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Rachel Zoe | Bridesmaids' Dresses: JCrew | Catering: V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons | hair : Styles On B | band: Sultans Of Swing | Groomsmen's Attire: JCrew | organist : David Ball | transportation: Martha's vineyard excursions | Restroom trailer: Dottie's Pottie's | Beverege: Your Market | Food Truck : Art Cliff Diner | Jewelry (earnings & necklace) : Hearts On Fire | Makeup Artistry : Stacie Ford Weddings | Pool Dance Floor: NY Lounge Decor | Private Residence : Martha's Vineyard, Ma | ceremony soloist : Jamilyn Manning- White | furniture & lighting: rEvolve Furniture & Lighting Co. | generator : Mark Forbus | jewelry (vintage bracelet) : Fred Leighton | music : The Parkington Sisters | photo booth: photo booth MV | tents and rentals: Big Sky Tent & Party Rentals | veil: Oscar De La Renta | wedding cake & deserts : Val Cakes | wedding ring : gold art 18 K

After perusing this collection of wedding imagery from Joseph Rogero, pews and palms might just be my new favorite combo. Doesn’t this scene just make you want to jump through the screen? I wouldn’t mind being a guest in this serene space watching two love birds pledge their vows. Thankfully, we can all be virtual guests in the full gallery!

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From Joseph Rogero… Jason and Emily set out to plan a beautiful outdoor wedding on Amelia Island. The two claim love at first sight. Jason was invited to eat New Years dinner at a local supper club in Atalanta and Emily just so happened to be working that night. The rest is history. Personal touches and attention to detail are things these two know about. Jason is a personal/private Chef (Dine with Jason) and Emily founded her own energy company (Emrgy). These two love the warm costal beauty of the Island and hosted an organic gathering along costal inlet of the incredibly charming delta. Guests had a sense of sanctuary as they were greeted with pews outside under the ancient oaks of Amelia, then enjoyed the setting sun while partaking in low country traditions such as old fashions and oysters during cocktail hour along Walkers Landing veranda. With the grooms background in culinary arts, guest enjoyed not so traditional wedding plates that were nothing short of amazing. Courses included soft egg and asparagus salad with goat cheese,smoked morels with aji pepper vinaigrette. Stuffed Chicken roulade with carrot puree, fava beans and peas, carbonated blueberries. Pan seared cobia with ramp chimichurri, local sea beans, shrimp chip, Congaree and Penn broken rice with mushrooms. Of course all food had wine pairings with each course as well. The always delightful Atlanta Showstoppers and their 12 piece band played the night away.

Photography: Joseph Rogero | Floral Design: Liz Stewart Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Ceremony Venue: The Omni Hotel - Amelia Island | Reception Venue: The Omni Hotel - Amelia Island | Brides Shoes: Sam Edelman | Rings: Pickens Jewelers Inc. | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Lulu's | Catering: The Omni Hotel - Amelia Island | Makeup : Kimtasha - pro make-up artist | Hair: Grazyna Mercado | Band: Atlanta Showstoppers | Grooms Attire: Ted Baker London | Groomsmen's Attire: Sean John | Bride's Earrings: Kendra Scott Jewelry | Decor: PRI Productions | Invitation Designer: Kerry Gronewald | Invitation Printer: Simply Put | Wine Selection: http://perrineswine.com

This elopement comes with a warning. It’s so insanely pretty, you might just scrap your big celebration plans and opt for a wedding built for two. The pretty blue and yellow color palette fits right into the rolling hilled landscape of Villa le Fontanelle. It’s straight out of a Florence dream all crafted by Tie the Knot Santorini with blooms by Flowers Living and so many gorgeous images captured by Elias Kordelakos. See even more of this real life celebration under the Tuscan sun right here.

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From the bride, Antonella… There are moments that you dream for a lifetime, which you’d like to be perfect, to hold in your heart. Thinking about my wedding I realize that my wishes came true! I shall never forget the emotion of walking down the aisle, the look on my husband’s face, the deep scent of the spring flowers, the happiness in everybody’s eyes and hearts… Florence and the surrounding hills have been the ideal frame for our wedding, a place so magical and elegant like no one else. We fell in love at the first sight with the villa, its garden end its little church. Pictures speak better than words, for us it was like living in a fairy tale.

Friends have always told me that they lived their wedding day with a bit of anxiety and apprehension, and I can’t deny I’ve felt the same feelings as I approach the event. However, I can say that all concerns about dress, shoes, weather, have disappeared already since my arrival in the villa. Probably because Tuscany has always represented for me and Sossio the place of tranquility, relaxation, the oasis in which to take refuge from the stressing life of the city. Or probably because the beauty of the place makes you forget about everything that is not important and helps you abandon yourself to your feelings.

About “the day”, I’m already nostalgic for the awakening in my fantastic suite, for the preparation, for the excitement to know I was going to marry the man I love. Some people say they don’t remember everything of their wedding day, or they didn’t enjoy it at all because of the tough work to make the event go fine. I can say that every single detail will remain intact in my mind, and if I could I’d marry again in the same place, with the same atmosphere. Even just to relive that moment at the sunset, looking down on Florence, when we both understood that day was the most important day of our life.

But you know, it’s not a special wedding without special people! And I don’t just mean our families and friends. I’m talking about our wedding planner, Maria, who was superlative in arranging everything. I never imagined to find someone so able to understand my needs and to put into practice what I had in my mind. I’m talking about Elias who made us feel free and never embarrassed, making a spectacular photo shoot. What else can I say? Florence, the birthplace of Renaissance, this time has been the birthplace of our love and dreams. And if you consider the work of Maria and Elias, from Greece, the cradle of European civilization… Could it be more perfect?

Photography: Elias Kordelakos | Wedding Planning & Design: Tie The Knot In Santorini-Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Flowers Living | Wedding Dress: Nidodileda | Cake: Roland's Catering | Wedding Stationery : Bright White | Catering: Roland's | Wedding Venue: Villa Le Fontanelle | Furniture: Roland's | Getaway Car : We Like Tuscany | Ice cream car : Miss 500 | Makeup & Hairstyle: Giulia Cresci | Tableware: Roland's Catering

In traditional wedding vows, couples are asked to take each other “in sickness and in health.” Even if your ceremony doesn’t include those words, getting married binds you to the physical and mental well-being of your spouse. With that in mind, now is the time to learn more about each other’s health and discover ways to maximize the quality of your life together.

Jeremiah and Rachel Photography

Health Knowledge is Power

The best way to start is by gathering and discussing your personal medical history, as well as the history of your parents, siblings and extended family. Ask relatives about their health conditions and at what age they were diagnosed. You and your spouse should be well aware of possible future illnesses and what conditions you may pass down if you choose to have children.

Once each of you has compiled your medical history, see a doctor. Though you may like diagnosing yourself using medical websites (who doesn’t?), it’s no substitute for establishing a relationship with a reputable physician you trust. Ask your doctor about recommended screenings and lifestyle changes, and make sure to share the results of your appointment with your partner.

A critical part of health knowledge is having the ability to respond in emergency situations. For instance, you may know your partner is allergic to peanuts, but do you know how to give them a potentially life-saving injection? If your partner was rushed to the hospital, could you tell the doctors what medications he or she takes? I recommend putting that info in your phone so you always have it with you.

Diana M. Lott Photography

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Although emergencies can occur, your health is more likely to be impacted by daily diet and exercise habits. According to doctors at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic, poor lifestyle choices contribute to diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Spouses should support each other in making improvements where possible. Keep healthy foods in your home and experiment with new recipes that use nutrient-rich ingredients. You might exercise independently based on schedules and preferences, but try to find physical activities you can share (in addition to that one) so you can be active as well as spend time together.

Jordan Brittley

The Importance of Mental Health

As you work to improve your physical health, make sure to check in with each other about mental health issues. Conditions such as anxiety and depression can have a detrimental impact on health and on relationship satisfaction. Unfortunately, many people try to hide or downplay their symptoms. If you have concerns about your own or your partner’s mental health, discuss the subject and be proactive about seeking professional help.

Finally, if you are truly committed to having the best health possible, work on having the best marriage possible. Stressful marriages have been found to negatively impact blood pressure, heart disease and even the number of colds you catch. So instead of fighting with each other, fight for a marriage with intimacy and connection to give yourselves the best chance for a long and healthy life together.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Paula Holt is a marriage preparation expert living in Chicago. She’s been described as “obsessed” with podcasts and enjoys trying new restaurants with her family.

I dare you not to fall in love with the insanely fun details tucked inside this modern Los Angeles wedding. From the show stopping backdrops by Seventh Bixel, to the calligraphy gem table numbers, this party designed by First Comes Love along with florals by Shindig Chic straight dazzles. And with Carmen Santorelli behind the lens, the proof is in the stunning imagery. Have a look and be sure to press play on the film by SJ Videography below.

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From the Bride… Working within the wedding industry, I knew right away what I had envisioned for our Big Day. I wanted to try to stay clear of the old traditional wedding routine and do things in a way that felt more like a big celebration. We had all of our guests and bridesmaids wear shades of white and we had our best friend marry us which was by far our favorite memory of the day. I wanted to create a lot of the elements throughout our wedding day by hand such as the wooden menus, blue hand dyed dinner napkins, and the custom ceremony wand stamp. We had so much fun planning each and every detail together leading up to our wedding, which made our day even more enjoyable. We had an all star cast of vendors who made our wedding possible, each and every one of them helped bring our modern-boho theme to life!!

Photography: Carmen Santorelli Photography | Coordinator: Details Darling | Styling + Design: Kaite Kalafat | Floral Design: Shindig Chic | Wedding Dress: Rime Arodaky | Bakery: Frost It Cakery | Catering: RoomForty | Makeup: Hailey Hoff | Hair: John Of Italy | Wedding Venue: The Fig House | Beverage: Pharmacie | Ceremony Backdrop + Escort: Seventh Bixel | Cocktail Napkins: Sip Hip Hooray | Desserts: Chunk-n-chip | Getting Ready: Hotel Covell | Laser Cut Out Wood Signage: Delovely Details | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photoboth: Selfie Station | Rentals: Circa Vintage {Rentals} | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Table Numbers: Bash Calligraphy | Tabletop: borrowed BLU | Veil: Bo & Luca | Video: SJ Videography

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A little bit dreamy and a whole lot beautiful, this destination wedding inspiration session Crosby + Jon Design at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the ultimate in beach weddings. The lavender, aubergine, and mauve color palette effortlessly complemented the natural surroundings, and Tec Petaja worked his magic to capture the whole thing brilliantly.

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From Crosby + Jon Design… When we first visited Banyan Tree Mayakoba, it felt like a dream. So a year later, when we were given the opportunity to create this special shoot for the property, it truly felt like a dream come true. Our attraction to Banyan Tree is how the property balances nature with luxury in the most effortless way; it is the ideal place for a destination wedding.

Inspired by the property’s zen-like quality, we embarked on the design journey by focusing on the natural setting of the Riviera Maya. The color palette was derived from the soft white sands, pastel skies, and lush mangroves. We knew it was essential to collaborate with a photographer that would understand the aesthetic, and the obvious choice was Tec Petaja. With his limitless talents, he brought his worldly and artistic approach, and each photo seems to capture a dream-state. Tec Pataja seemed to command the sea and sky, blending the colors that can only be created by nature, and light so rare that it somehow seems exclusive to Banyan Tree Mayakoba. Indeed, our destination wedding dreams were realized.

As our Bride, Felicitas Oyhenart, made her way to the ceremony in a traditional Ixchel boat, she wore a taupe tulle gown from Tara Latour, the perfect mix of femininity and texture as she drifted through the romantic waterways to meet her Groom, Joel Cecottimade. Undone sand paths led her to the beach ceremony, where the sky was awash in lavender. For the ceremony, we wove white tulle on a simple teak canopy, with unconventional mixed tufted seating from Archive Mexico. Moni Junco brought her floral prowess to the day, providing a bridal bouquet as lovely as the Riviera Maya dawn with a mix of lavender, blush, and mauve. She added flowing arrangements to mirror each side of the aisle entrance.

For the reception, overhead café lights created a frame for dinner on the sand. We placed a handful of round weathered wood tables on the beach and added a mix of cane-back and bistro chairs. The tabletop, all from Archive Mexico, included vintage goblets of silver and grey, glazed stoneware, and modern rose-gold flatware. Centerpieces of aubergine florals were flowing from etched copper bowls and dainty lavender bottles. A found piece of lavender fan coral started as table decor but became our favorite alternative to the Bride’s bouquet.

Photography: Tec Petaja | Event Design: Crosby + Jon | Floral Design: Moni Junco | Wedding Dress: Tara LaTour | Venue: Banyan Tree Mayakoba | Rentals: Archive Rentals