Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

How to Pull Off Summer Wedding Glamour in St. Louis

There’s no better place to pull off glamour than the city. And when said city is St. Louis, it’s time to layer on the loads of sparkle like this fete planned by Kristin Ashley Events. From the Bride’s oh-so-twirly mermaid dress to glittering tables set in La Tavola Linens, there’s no denying this day is packed with pretty. See more captured by Waldron Photography over in the full gallery!

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The proposal… Pat was a nervous wreck. Lisa wound up with a bad cold so getting her out of the house to go to lunch proved to be a much harder task than normal. Thank goodness for Starbucks! And just like that, off we were for a lunch date in Forest Park (where we had our first date) and then a walk with our beloved pup Gunner- one of Lisa’s favorite things to do. We sat on the patio for a quick lunch and then went on a walk. And then we started strolling hand in hand talking about… Life. Soon we turned a corner near a grassy area and Pat pulled Lisa aside and immediately got down on one knee, told her how it all started here at the boat house and he always knew she was the one… Then he asked her to spend forever with him and asked her to marry him.

(A friend from Lisa’s work later popped out of the bushes. I (Lisa) never wanted a proposal photo shoot and always wanted a very private proposal but thought it may be nice to have to have a picture one day of him down on one knee… So he arranged for this photographer-friend to hide out & grab a few shots. It was perfect. I never knew we was there until we were walking back to the car. The pictures we have are priceless)

Later that night Pat set up a very small, intimate engagement party for us with our immediate family members at our favorite neighborhood Italian joint. It was exactly what I wanted. The perfect cap to a spectacular day. Tell us about your beautiful engagement ring and how/why your husband (or the two of you!) chose it.

Pat designed the ring with the help of our jeweler Rich at Genovese Jewelers. I’m fairly sentimental and always loved my mom’s marquise diamond yet liked the look of an oval engagement ring. So with two completely different concepts, he worked with Rich to create a ring that gave me both. My center diamond is actually a marquise in an oval setting. Equal parts me and sentimental value. I never saw it until he proposed and was completely blown away… Not to mention emotional. My mom’s my best friend and my parents have been married for 37 years. It’s a nice tradition to hold on to.

5 Tips for Packing The Perfect Picnic

Summer is in full effect and with it, endless options to spend the long, warm days. Barbecuing and dining al fresco are all obvious options but did you know July is National Picnic Month?

O’Malley Photographers

Don’t worry if it’s been some time since you’ve packed a basket and hit the greens. We’ve rounded up planners to share their hacks for creating a gorgeous spread and seamless experience. Here’s what they have to say.

Upgrade your culinary experience.
Skip the burger and hot dogs. They don’t travel well and are better served right off the grill. Pack charcuterie, fresh fruit and roasted chicken for a picture perfect meal worthy of Instagram suggests River Roast event planner Hilary Saurer. Avoid boring side dishes like potato salad and instead, bring along colorful options like caprese and fruit skewers. The pre-portioned servings are easier to handle and make clean-up almost obsolete.

Meg Perotti

Set the tone with pretty packaging.
Maximize packing space, ditch the heavy dining ware and avoid having to clean plastic containers after by using disposable (and environmentally friendly) packaging. Christine Picerno, event planner at Cafe Brauer, recommends Pack’n’Wood supplies. The line has everything from bamboo skewers to mini wood boxes for sandwiches. It’s a simple way to elevate the dining experience from start to finish.

Harwell Photography

Dress up your set-up.
Take your picnic up a notch by focusing on the details. Bring along flowers which can be laid out or placed in a small vase. A patterned tablecloth or blanket goes a long way in setting the mood (ensure it’s big enough to fit your party, food items and then some). Opt for patterned plates and cups to add a fun and beautiful element to your picnic, says Hilary.

Go mini for dessert.
Stick to the personal portion theme. Individual, smaller portions are trendy, says Hilary. Bring along mini macarons, cookies, tarts and pies for guests to be able to try a little bit of everything.

Leo Timoshuk

Beautify your beverages.
Batch cocktails in advance to make packing easier suggests Hilary. A large container makes it easy for guests to share and serve themselves. Consider a glass receptacle for presentation points (think punches mixed with seasonal fruits or floral ice cubes for your drinks).

Make sure your booze-free option is equally as pretty (and tasty!). Christine suggests infusing your waters with cool and breezy flavors like strawberry, cucumber, lemon and/or berries.

And most importantly, don’t forget to leave your picnic spot in the same way you found it. Bring along a plastic bag to ensure you have somewhere to place your waste.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ximena N. Larkin is a writer and publicist who resides in Chicago with her husband and dog. ximenabeltran.com

Al Fresco Florida Wedding With a Bohemian Flair

As Windermere, Florida natives, Skylar and Eric knew they wanted a wedding set back in their hometown roots. Looking for an organic, bohemian-style celebration they opted for whimsical watercolor invites, bright pops of color, and an overall casual elegance that made for an unforgettable day. Justin DeMutiis photographed and Brandon Kari Productions caught it on film; the fun is only just getting started.

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From the bride… We are both raised in Windermere, Florida so we decided to bring it back to roots! Our wedding was surrounding the Town Hall of Windermere and the ceremony was be overlooking the lake we grew up on. I love the whimsical, botanical feel and wanted an organic vibe that felt more like a celebration than a wedding.

Lavender-Loving Springtime Wedding

If floral prints and pastel hues make your heart beat faster, say hello to your new favorite wedding. Photographed by Cassi Claire and filmed by Birchfields, it’s an ode to all things spring with romantic-driven details that could play any time of year. From the Plum Pretty Sugar robes to the bride’s purple diamond ring, this day doesn’t miss a beat.

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From the bride… Our wedding can be best described as a glamorous springtime wedding! While The Garden City Hotel is a luxurious and royal-looking venue, it was important to me to integrate beautiful flowers and springtime elements. I love everything about the spring, which is why we gave away wildflower seeds as favors, paired with homemade jam made by Etienne’s grandmother, shipped here from her countryside garden in the south of France! And the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom on our wedding day!

Our colors were purple, blush pink, peach, and gold. For our flower, we chose a beautiful array of peonies, tulips, roses, and ranunculus. My bridesmaids carried bouquets of pink peonies and the table centerpieces slightly mimicked my bouquet, which included all the colors of our wedding.

Our ceremony was very romantic, located in a dimly lit room with soft music and candles lining the aisle. Etienne’s best friend from college officiated the ceremony, and guests were handed glasses of champagne as they walked in to be seated.

Even more spring wedding inspiration!

3 Tricks I Used To Stay Present On My Wedding Day

If there’s one day where you should be present, it’s your wedding day. It flies by so fast. Savoring each moment allows you to look back on your wedding day years later with vivid memories, but I almost missed it.

Jen Huang

I was standing next to my husband underneath the altar at our wedding ceremony. Our 120 wedding guests sat quietly as we all overlooked the beach and felt the warm breeze roll over Lake Michigan on that warm summer evening. I held his hand as our officiant began his message when my mind started to wander. I quickly caught my wandering mind and pleaded with myself to stay in the moment.

I could have allowed my mind to wander and anticipate the moment we’d be announced as husband and wife. I could have giddily thought about our first dance or imagined how fun our honeymoon would be. I could have missed the special moment I was in by looking ahead.

Sally Pinera

Luckily I was able to take a deep breath and absorb the moment. I wanted to remember the message our officiant gave at our wedding, I wanted to remember the feeling of his hand squeezing mine so tight. I wanted to remember the glance I took as everyone closed their eyes to pray and feeling that surreal moment of being a bride.

It wasn’t my natural disposition to be still but for the sake of the most important day of my life, I used a few tricks and made it work. After two years of marriage, I can look back and say that I have those mental notes and images from our wedding day ingrained in my memory. Follow these three tips and thank me later.

D’Arcy Benincosa Photography

Look Up
I know this should be so simple to remember, but it’s easy to get wrapped up in yourself… after all you are the bride! Remind yourself to look around. Take a peek at everyone seated at your ceremony when you’re at the altar, dance with your wedding guests, just pause and look around the room. This is how mental images are made.

Andy Barnhart Photography

Focus On the Senses
To help myself focus on my wedding day, I tried to meditate on exactly what I was seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting. This forces you to stay in the moment and absorb each part of your wedding day. You’ll remember the sound of your officiant, the look on your spouse’s face when you walked down the aisle, and the joy that radiated through your wedding reception.

Cassidy Carson Photography

Delegate
Allow your wedding coordinator, master of ceremony, or bridesmaid to worry about the day. Hand the schedule over to them before the wedding and let them tell you what’s next. This will help you from being the one to worry about what’s ahead and just enjoy each moment.

It’s not our natural disposition to lose ourselves in the moment, but your wedding day is one you don’t want to blink through. Being present and allowing your mind to not wander will give you lifelong memories of the most important day of your life.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.

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Jen Huang Photography

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A Timeless Charleston Wedding for a Couple That Met in Grade School

Meeting the love of your life in grade school does not happen very often but for this Bride and Groom, the road to happily ever after began in the fourth grade. Their timeless Charleston wedding is the culmination of puppy love turned forever love with the backdrop of the sweet Southern city where they first met. With a mix of romantic and classic details, like the all white blooms by On a Limb, this heartfelt celebration is one for the books. Grab a front row seat to all the beauty through image after stunning image captured by Michael and Carina.

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From the Bride… I met Christopher when I was 9 years old. He sat behind me in Ms. Thompson’s Fourth Grade class. Chris has little memory of me from this time but I remember him as the boy who said volcanoes were going to explode and destroy the earth. Needless to say I wasn’t overly fond of him. Ironically enough, when I moved back to South Carolina at 15, he again sat behind me in class. This time, he left a better impression on me and we’ve have been pretty inseparable since. My sister said it best in her rehearsal dinner speech; that every time she thinks of me in high school, college, or today, she can’t help but think of Chris too. The majority of my high school memories come from time spent at the Kennedy’s house: between the Christmas’ and Easters our families spent together to the chalk board city scape we drew in his room that’s still there today. I can still remember the butterflies I got the first time he held my hand walking up to his house and when he asked me to senior prom on his porch. We fell in love at his parent’s house so there was nothing more fitting than having our reception there.

Chris and I have very different styles and made sure both were represented on our wedding day, feeling the best way to do so was to show our individual styles through the details of the day. Chris wanted the day to be traditional and timeless and I wanted to make sure it had an air of romance and magic. I think you can see both of those in Chris’ black tux and my tulle dress. My favorite combination of the two were the garland lights hanging from the trees over the black and white dance floor. When the day finally arrived I couldn’t help but feel anything but an overwhelming sense of peace. I expected my heart to be pounding as I walked down the isle but it was steady; Marrying Chris was the most natural thing I’ve ever done and nothing could or ever will feel more right.

Wedding Day Manis For Every Personality

After mulling over raspberry jam and chocolate ganache fillings and scouring hundreds of attendant ensembles, how can you possibly decide on details like your wedding day manicure without a little help?

As it turns out, there is a perfect nail polish for every bride based on their personality. Whether classic or quirky, bold or girly, your wedding day nail color choice can easily be suited to your characteristics, suggestions at the ready!

Wedding Day Manis For Every Personality

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Wedding Day Manis For Every Personality

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

From Pool Swans to Polaroids, This Malibu Wedding Is a Good Time

Sally and Anthony are the kind of couple you want to be friends with – just take one look at their effortlessly cool Malibu wedding. From the chic, mid-century modern venue to the Bride’s romantic lace dress, from the whimsical pool swan to the fun polaroids, and most of all from the joy and laughter to the looks of love seen on the faces captured by Leah Vis, this wedding is a celebration at its finest. Can’t get enough either? Head to the Vault for more!

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Al Fresco Whimsical

From the Bride… Our wedding day was nothing short of perfect. We felt so much love from all our friends and family. It was all the love, laughter, and smiles that made our wedding the most memorable day to date.

From Sweetest Love Events… Sally and Anthony’s wedding was such a blast to coordinate! They wanted to have a beautiful, intimate, and fun wedding – and that is exactly what they had! Their wedding was held at a stunning private residence that served as the perfect backdrop for their special day. I absolutely loved their details – from the Bride’s gorgeous lace, backless dress, to the Groom’s blue suit and bow tie, to the beautiful blooming flowers and fun inflatable swan floating in the pool! There was such great energy the entire day. Everyone at the wedding had an absolute blast, and you can truly see it in the photos!

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Essense of Australia

EveryBody/EveryBride Fall 2017

Spring 2017

Fall 2017

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Groom Serenades Bride in this Fort Worth Fete

Does it get any more romantic than writing your own vows? Why yes, yes it does lovelies. Just grab a guitar and a mic and sing those sweet vows from your heart—like these two beauties did. OK, how freaking cute are they?! Their entire day captured by Feather & Twine deserves a bow, but that vow story? That’s where the love is at my friends.

From the Wedding Planner and Event Designer, Lindsey Zamora… I met Victoria four years ago when designing for a photography workshop she attended. We had kept in touch via social media and I was thrilled when she reached out about her own wedding! It was very clear early on that Victoria and Will wanted a wedding that was intimate and filled with their closest friends. The design included a color palette of varying tones of lavender, farm tables with loose vines mixed with low, lush centerpieces and an abundance of soft candlelight. Will serenaded Victoria as she was escorted down the aisle by her mother and father. Surrounded by a semicircle of wildflowers, they sang their vows to each other. Guests congratulated the newlywed couple by showering them in rose petals. During the reception, guests were served corn bread red pepper roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese and roasted root vegetables. The dinner was filled with laughter and tears from the heartfelt toasts by the best man and maids of honor. Lastly, loads of dancing and photo booth snapping continued throughout the evening.

Gray Is the New Black

What began as a friendship at work gradually grew into a beautiful love, and this couple’s Virginia wedding is as classic as their story. The Bride looked stunning in her perfectly fitted Blue by Enzoani gown and her royal-worthy diamond and sapphire engagement ring, accompanied by her pretty Bridesmaids wearing shades of gray. Meredith Sledge Photography captured the beautiful day, and it’s all waiting for you in the Vault.

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From Meredith Sledge Photography… Sarah and Jon met at work in September of 2011. Sarah remembers the first time she saw Jon at an event services meeting. Jon was presenting a financial forecast, and Sarah thought to herself, “That guy is so cute! But what is up with his 1950s hair style and blue suede space shoes?” Jon remembers when Sarah first started and thought to himself, “Man, Anna’s sister is cute.” (Sarah’s sister worked with Jon at the time.) Over the next year, they would get to know each other as friends through happy hours and work functions.

In October 2012, Jon was preparing for Halloween and shaved his head to get into character as Walter White from Breaking Bad. Sarah wasn’t at work on Halloween but ran into Jon later that week. She saw his completely bald head and thought he may be sick and became very upset. Thankfully Sarah learned it was just a costume. As Jon’s hair grew back, and he decided to keep it short, Sarah took notice and developed a bit of a crush. Over the next few months, she planned happy hours to get to know him better. Jon, a connoisseur of happy hours, was always in attendance and thought Sarah was a lot of fun to be around. In January of 2013 at one particularly festive happy hour, they fell into conversation for hours and realized they were the only two left at the bar. They continued the evening bar hopping through DC, and a week later Jon called to ask Sarah out for their first official date. In June 2015, Sarah moved into Jon’s house, and as a welcome present, he gave her his blue suede space shoes to be cut up and thrown out.

From the Groom… I had intended to propose at sunset on a boat ride while we were at Sarah’s family cottage in Thousand Islands, but she kept going to bed at 8:30, so I realized I’d have to find another time. I wanted it to be a private moment for just the two of us, because I know how much she hates big scenes. On Saturday, July 2, we were going to run some errands for her dad and then take the boat out for a spin through the islands; I thought this would be the perfect time to propose. I stealthily grabbed the tripod and hid the ring in a sweater as the box was too big for my pocket. Sarah always gets cold so I knew she wouldn’t suspect a thing if I brought a sweater for her just in case. Once we were out on the water, I suggested we take a picture with some of the islands in the background. I set up the tripod, and as we posed for the first picture, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. I blacked out and don’t remember if she said yes, but she is wearing the ring and we planned a wedding, so I assume she did. Best part – she didn’t suspect a thing!

From the Bride… We had talked a lot about the timing of when we would get engaged. We both wanted to get married in 2017, and I told him for that to happen, he needs to propose by July 1, 2016, because we’d want to get married in the late spring/summer and avoid our busy work season. What can I say? I’m a planner. As July approached, we were getting ready to go to Thousand Islands. We were packing the car, and Jon must have asked me a hundred times to make sure the tripod was in the car, and he wouldn’t let me carry his back pack. I thought to myself, “I wonder if the ring is in the back pack, and he is going to somehow incorporate the tripod into the proposal.” On July 2 (a day past the deadline!), we were getting ready to run errands, and Jon made a big deal about bringing the tripod and said “I’m gonna grab a sweater in case you get cold.” Had he not carried the sweater to the boat as though it had a time bomb inside of it and place it gently inside a cooler, I probably wouldn’t have thought twice about it, but instead I wondered if the sweater had something hidden inside. Later as we were out on the water about to take some pictures, I learned my suspicions were correct. Regardless of how much intuition I may have had, nothing can prepare you for the moment it actually happens. When Jon got down on one knee, it still took my breath away. I’m pretty sure I said yes, although neither of us quite remember. Luckily Jon captured it all on camera!

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So You Want to Get Married in Italy?

If Italy is on the top of your wedding location wish list, you’re on the right track—it’s ambiance is incomparable. And it’s backdrops? So fitting for romance. Just take a cue from Nomad Republic and this stunner shoot they designed—inspired by a historic venue that boasts loads of charm. If Italy is in the cards for you, consider these images from Olga Makarova a little push. Go ahead, dive on in.

From Nomad Republic… The driving force for this editorial shoot comes from the history of the 1000-year-old Italian village of Casperia, located in an unspoiled and quiet region in the countryside just northeast of Rome. At the heart of Casperia is a trattoria, formerly owned by an internationally renowned olive oil taster.

Dining at La Vigna feels like attending an extended Italian family reunion. On summer evenings, everyone gathers outside for an aperitivo or a dinner at sunset in the picture perfect, traffic-free piazza, which offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and nearby mountains.

It is not rare that in between courses, guests take their drink and go for a stroll around the square so as to fully appreciate the melodic sound of the graceful fountain or admire the evening light play on the ancient stone of the village and on the valley beyond.

The ambiance is kind of magical and we also love that it’s a superb people-watching spot since there are only two ways in and out the centro storico, and those are the two fortified gates that define the space where the restaurant is nestled.

What makes this venue so unique is not so much the delicious food and wine, the awe-inspiring vistas or its authenticity but the fact that this place is exactly what every couple is dreaming
about when they think of Italy and La Dolce Vita. Once you get there, you feel like having stepped back in time and you’ll never want to leave.

Soulful Indoor Wedding with South Korean Traditions

I can always count on Michael and Carina to wow me with the simple beauty of their imagery. This soulful soiree for instance, showcases love through moments of anticipation, tradition and sweet embraces. Above all detail, those are my favorite layers of a wedding. See more of this day in the full gallery.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

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What Happens If You Don’t Absolutely LOVE Your Engagement Ring?

After being wrapped up in all the excitement and pure bliss of a proposal, not absolutely loving your engagement ring can be gut-wrenching.

First of all, do not panic. If you are not thrilled with the ring you received, these are some actions you can take!

Tell Them! (Nicely)
There may be a myriad of reasons your partner got you a ring you’re not happy with, but I highly doubt that it was at all intentional. Find a time to tactfully discuss the situation with them, making sure to emphasize how much you love everything the ring symbolizes, but that you prefer not to wear this particular style. Lay out some specific, mainly aesthetic, reasons you would like to upgrade or adjust your engagement ring. If nothing else, just casually let them know it’s not originally the ring that you had pictured.

Discuss a Future Upgrade
If the ring is not quite the size you imagined, it may be that your partner is well aware, and their choice might have been a result of their financial situation. If this is the case, talk about doing a ring upgrade a few months or a year or two down the line. This way you and your partner will be on the same page, and can work on saving for something larger down the road—together!

Dress Up What You’ve Got
Many designers are featuring chic, stackable rings to add and enhance engagement rings! Consider adding one or two of these to help elevate the look! Many designers have a collection of stackable pieces and will even work with you to create custom stackable pieces that work with your existing ring to give it a fresh update!

Focus on Your Love (and your wedding band)
If your ring is an heirloom, passed down throughout the family, or truly all you and your fiancé can afford at the moment, it may be your best option to just keep it and move on. Just focus on what the ring stands for: someone loves you more than anything else, and this ring is a symbol of how that love will stand the test of time. Love what it means, and the person it came from! Perhaps you can get the band of your dreams and just wear that!

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.

Bright and Preppy is the Name of This Bridesmaid Brunch’s Game

I have never met a stripe that I don’t adore and this gem of a tablescape is continuing that tradition. Lemon colored stripes and sherbet hued blooms are topped off with a bevy of balloons that make for the perfect preppy bridesmaid brunch designed by Be Inspired PR. It’s a party that combines delicious mini appetizers by Modern Art Catering with a fun floral bar and cute way of popping the question to your best gals. Whether you’re on the hunt for poolside party ideas or killer brunch inspo, look no further than Christine Doneé’s images.

This bright and preppy bridesmaid brunch was perfectly colorful, detailed, and so much fun! We wanted to create an event that served 2 purposes – Asking bridesmaids to be in your bridal party (“popping the question!”), and gathering your friends to DIY floral arrangements for your engagement party! Christine Doneé was there to capture it all on film! We set up a tablescape using preppy linens, luxe tabletop rentals, and colorful blooms! We created the floral arrangements using wholesale flowers from Fifty Flowers, which was really easy and a lot of fun to design. We also custom designed papergoods and details from For Your Party, like calligraphy place cards, straw tags, and balloons. The bride added a personalized note inside each balloon before filling them, and then had each of her bridesmaids pop their balloons to reveal the question. Modern Art Catering created the cutest and most delicious mini-appetizers for the event! There were lemon wedge ahi tacos, citrus and fennel avocado toast, miniature Caesar salads in parmesan cups, and more. After snacks and accepting the bridesmaid proposal, the girls gathered around a DIY floral design table where they all created their own centerpieces that the bride then used the next day at her engagement party! It was such a cute way to add a personalized touch to the event, and let all of the bridesmaids feel like they were involved in the wedding process from the beginning.

A Family-Focused Wedding Planned in 3 Months

Andrew and Billy’s wedding planning story is one filled with unwavering hope, the importance of family, and a remarkable amount of love. Due to Billy’s mother’s health, they planned their Tennessee nuptials in just a few short months, and the special day included a tribute to love even in the midst of incredible loss. Ryon:Lockhart Photography captured each moment with such grace and we invite you to see even more in the gallery.

From Andrew… As I think back on our first date at a small wine bar in Los Angeles, I’m not entirely sure what it was that made me fall for Billy so instantaneously on that warm June night. Maybe it was his sea blue eyes and dimples, maybe it was the fact that he was an even more avid lover of 90’s country music than I, or maybe it was our shared choice of a career in nursing. Or maybe it was just the wine. Whatever it was, Billy and I knew there was something pretty incredible between us right from the start.

After just eight months of dating, Billy and I made the decision to make a cross-country move from Pasadena, CA to his hometown in rural Kentucky to live with and help take care of his mom, who was fighting stage IV breast cancer. Unbeknownst to Billy, it was just two days before we packed up the car and headed east that I snuck away to buy rings from a local jewelry store in Pasadena (which I promptly stowed away in the spare tire compartment of my car in a paper bag labeled “lug nuts” – Billy is notorious for accidentally spoiling surprises, so I felt the need to take extra precautions with this one). As Billy’s mom’s health began declining at a more accelerated rate, I moved my planned proposal forward a few months and we dove headfirst into wedding planning almost immediately.

Just a two-hour drive away, Billy and I took weekend trips into Nashville fairly frequently during our time living in southern Kentucky. With an incredible food scene, some of the best breweries and bars in the south, and the best live music in the country, we quickly settled on Nashville as the location for our destination wedding. As our wedding research began, Billy and I knew that we both wanted our wedding to have a country, rustic feel to it. Through an hour or two of online research, we stumbled upon our dream venue: Homestead Manor. Situated about 40 minutes outside of Nashville in a Civil War era manor, Homestead Manor features an on-site, farm-to- table restaurant, an incredible cocktail lounge, a climate-controlled barn for events, and the most delightful event staff a couple could ever hope to work with.

Homestead was the first and only venue we visited, and we booked them immediately. On that same weekend trip to Nashville, Billy and I wandered over to The White Orchid floral design boutique and didn’t hesitate in booking Jerry and Michael as our florists. Since our venue conveniently offered catering from their absolutely delicious, farm-to- table restaurant, we were able to check another important vendor off our list! Next, we turned our focus to finding the perfect photographer. I grew up just one house away from Sarah Lockhart, where she and her sister Andrea served as my parents’ go-to babysitters for as long as I can remember. With Billy’s mom’s health in mind, we left ourselves just three months to plan our entire wedding. With this short of notice, I was certain Sarah and her husband Tim would be booked but I decided to shoot off an e-mail anyway.

Being the absolutely incredible and selfless people they are, Sarah and Tim agreed to fly into Nashville on the morning of our wedding after shooting a wedding in NYC the night before! We were ecstatic. And, sure enough, the photos Sarah and Tim captured during our wedding left us speechless. Our wedding photos perfectly and beautifully captured the happiest day of my and Billy’s lives.

After our move from a bustling suburb of Los Angeles to a rural and remote town in Kentucky, Billy and I found ourselves with a lot of spare time on our hands. We used much of this time to hand-make a lot of the décor for our big day. We designed and constructed the program fans that sat on each guests chair as well as the flower holders that lined the aisle, we repurposed old barn wood into various signs that we then painted and situated around the venue, and we took a stab at some basic carpentry to build three different lawn games for our guests to play during our cocktail hour. The time Billy and I spent together planning and creating pieces that we used in our wedding was an absolute blast and helped keep the cost of our decorations at a minimum.

Now for the part of our story where fairy tale and real life collide head first. Unfortunately, Billy’s mom did not make it to our wedding day. After a years-long battle with breast cancer, she passed away two weeks to the day before our wedding. One of our favorite personal touches in our wedding was the bouquet that Jerry and Michael made for Billy to lay on the seat that we had reserved for his mom: it was comprised of beautiful pastel yellow roses, vibrant bright craspedia, and a single pink rose to symbolize her fight against breast cancer. While the absence of Billy’s mom was palpable on our wedding day, the love and joy that surrounded us on that day made it feel as though she was a part of it all. Billy and I walked away from our wedding hand-in-hand through a path lined with friends and family, their faces aglow with the light of their sparklers. This unwavering love, support, and light surrounding us has yet to fade and will always illuminate each and every step we take together as husbands.

This is How You Get Married in the South of France

When a group of vendors like this comes together to create inspiration for the taking—you can’t help but want to book your flight to the South of France… for your wedding, that is. With event design by Wanderlust Wedding, floral design by L’Art qui Pousse and captures by Gert Huygaerts, get ready to fill up those wedding pin boards my loves.

From Gert Huygaerts Photography… With this real couple editorial we wanted to visualise a whimsical Provence wedding with a touch of luxury. Le Hameau des Baux was the perfect setting for this wedding shoot, surrounded by olive groves. The gold and blush color scheme created the perfect sense of elegance and playfulness for this wedding shoot. Dressed in a sophisticated Zahavit Tshuba gown, Valerie looked absolutely stunning for her groom Robert, who was really star-struck with his Rietbergh tailor-made suit. The exquisite stationery, hand-written by Nora from Nice Plume enhanced the styling of this shoot by giving it the perfect combination of a romantic authenticity and a touch of exclusivity. With the table setting and floral decorations fitting perfectly in the color scheme flawlessly, the complete design fitted in the rhythm of this exquisite French beauty. The amazing team of vendors created the best of their craft to make this shoot to the wonderful result we achieved. Valerie and Robert looked stunning and they really enjoyed the first look and spending some utterly romantic moments together.

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An Elevated Take on the Cozy Winter Wedding

When wedding inspiration comes straight from the creatives behind Jen Huang Workshops, you can bet it’s going to be next level. And the vision for this beauty? A winter celebration with subtle holiday vibes and a timeless, clean design. The resulting gallery has us all kinds of obsessed and you can head this way for so much more.

A wedding designed by Jen Huang Workshops at the Santa Barbara Presidio with a classic, simple, holiday feel. Gorgeous greenery and garlands adorned the beautiful, historic Presidio chapel, guests dressed in lux velvets and the bride wore a newly designed loho brides gown, off the shoulder with a full skirt. Instead of traditional bouquets, the bridesmaids held a garland down the aisle. This intimate celebration is perfect inspiration for cool weather brides, especially those who want to have holiday weddings with a timeless feel.

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How To Find the Perfect Wedding Band To Match Your Engagement Ring

We all know that the only thing better than rockin’ a gorgeous engagement ring is rockin’ a beautiful wedding band right along with it. But if you’re lost trying to find the perfect band to pair with your sparkly stunner, we’re here to help. Whether your fave piece of jewelry is classic, modern or something else entirely, scroll for our tips to find its match!

CLASSIC

If you happen to be one of those lucky ladies sporting a classic engagement ring, you know it will pretty much go with anything. Which is why we’re all for pairing up the simplicity of a classic style with a band that matches your, well… sassy side. We adore anything and everything from Shane Co., so check out their infinity bands to add a touch of sparkle and their bezel-set bands for a splash of modern detail.

VINTAGE

A vintage engagement ring is far from simple, so to play up your vintage stunner, we suggest adding a band that mimics that intricate detail and sophisticated design. Think you need something a little more simple? Nope. Teaming your engagement ring with a style that is similar (think a vintage bezel set ring with a vintage bezel-set band) will honestly make for one seriously amazing combo.

PAVE

One part classic style and one part twisty sparkler, a pave engagement ring will always make a statement. It also happens to work well with a lot of different wedding band styles. Our faves? Something with a beautiful milgrain detail – or a bezel-set band for a polished look you’re sure to love.

INFINITY

You can never go wrong with an infinity engagement ring, so why not add a little extra bling to that awesome style with a diamond-lined infinity band? Because, honestly? You can never, ever have enough sparkle and this is a look that is the definition of super elegant. (Hello, completely timeless.)

You’ve found the perfect partner AND the perfect engagement ring, so it’s definitely time to dive into the search for that wedding band that will leave everyone you know talking. Go ahead and check out all of the beautiful creations available at Shane Co., a place that just gets it with vintage bezel-set bands, diamond-lined infinity bands and everything in between.

A Pretty + Pink Destination Wedding Overlooking the Pacific

Kady and Adam chose sunny California for their destination wedding. The ceremony took place on a terrace of the hotel overlooking the Pacific – we can see why they picked the hotel, L’Auberge Del Mar! Leah Vis Photography captured the memorable view as well as the beautiful day, with its pretty white, pink, and peach palette and bountiful blooms, and you can see it all here.

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From the Bride… We chose to have a destination wedding in sunny Del Mar, California. The wedding was at the hotel, L’Auberge Del Mar, and the ceremony took place on a terrace of the hotel overlooking the Pacific. Guests experienced the ocean view, bountiful amounts of blush flowers, a 9-piece live band, ice-cream sundae and deep-fried Oreo stations, a three tiered cake (including carrot cake), and much more. It was well worth the travel!

How to Have a European Inspired Wedding Anywhere

From the English garden to the to the lavender-lined driveway reminiscent of Provence, you’d never know this wedding inspiration dreamed up by Swoon Floral Design and Sweetlife Photography took place in the Pacific Northwest. I love each and every thought-filled, European-inspired detail – the bistro chairs for the ceremony seating, the stunning hand drawing of the venue, the gold-rimmed dinnerware, and the classic Lotus Elan getaway car. If you were looking for a European getaway this week, look no further.

From Swoon Floral Design and Sweetlife Photography… Our initial inspiration for this shoot was the idea of a couple walking through the quiet, tiled streets of a European city, just the two of them walking hand in hand, and surrounded by grand architecture.

Our goal was to demonstrate how to have a European inspired wedding anywhere, and when we first visited Monet Vineyards in Brush Prairie, Washington, we knew this was the perfect venue to bring our vision to life. The owner, visionary, and master landscaper behind Monet Vineyards is Luisa DePaiva, a sweet and generous soul who grew up in Portugal and spent most of her life experiencing various European cultures. When she moved to the Pacific Northwest, she decided to build her dream home – a unique fusion of her European background. From the English garden, to the imported French door locks, to the lavender-lined driveway reminiscent of Provence, what Luisa has accomplished at this stunning property is nothing short of incredible and truly brings a bit of genuine Europe to the Pacific Northwest like no other venue in the area has.

We wanted the color palette of this shoot to be neutral, all while mixing warm and cool tones. We love the juxtaposition of warm ivories, buttery yellows, and cool grays against the texture of marble. Swoon Floral Design’s vision for the table was clean, inviting, and elegant. She loved the contrast between the gorgeous gold rimmed dinnerware and the gray linen. The centerpieces were full of garden roses, peonies, hellebore, and blueberries, just to name a few. For the ceremony vignette, Swoon decided to keep it simple as the backdrop of the estate is so regal by itself with its grand imported front doors and lush green ivy. We used stylish bistro chairs for seating, and white garden urns filled with seasonal greens and white floral flanked the couple as they exchanged vows.

Classic Vintage Rentals provided many elegant pieces for this shoot that tied perfectly into the European story we wanted to tell. From the vanity to the plush sofa and chairs, we love how each piece added character and a richness to the vignette. The cake table featured a statement cake in the center and two smaller cakes on each side. Rosycakes brought a marble design into the cake – the perfect bit of texture. Our calligrapher, Rachel Jacobson, added the French quote by Victor Hugo, “Life is a flower of which love is the honey.” The stationery was perfectly sophisticated, with a stunning hand drawing of the venue. Rachel Jacobson also created place cards and a banner for the getaway car to round out all of the beautiful, European-inspired details.

For the wedding attire, we wanted to convey the kind of style and elegance you’d expect to see at a refined, European estate wedding. “Leigh” by Nicole Miller from The English Department gave us exactly the look we dreamt of, and a traditional tuxedo from The Black Tux gave our Groom the right amount of class and sophistication. For the getaway dress, we wanted to capture a bit of playfulness and imagined a separate top and skirt. Claire la Faye’s “Spellbound” top and “Amour” skirt fit the bill perfectly. Our Bride’s hair by Cassandra Kennedy Beauty had a carefree and romantic feel with loose, natural texture. Her makeup was subtle and fresh with a sheer wash of Bordeaux on the eyes. The look was finished with a stunning vintage diamond ring from Trumpet & Horn.

And lastly our getaway car, a classic Lotus Elan from the UK, provided the perfect ending to the story we hoped to tell. We chose this particular car for its small European-size, and of course, its green color that matched the ivy on the estate perfectly.