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

4 Beautiful Ways to Celebrate Your Second Marriage

Second marriages are the perfect opportunity to have exactly the wedding you and your partner want, without the pressure of having to please other people.

Wendy Laurel

If you choose, you can forgo some of the more traditional ceremonial elements and personalize the day in a way that feels most natural to you as a couple. Here are 4 surprising ways you can celebrate your second marriage.
Elopement + Cocktail Party
Eloping is so romantic, and is particularly a great option if you or your partner already had a larger first wedding. Take this chance to go somewhere that’s special to you both or someplace you’ve been dying to go together. Splurge on the dress and the photographer, but don’t feel like you have to skip out on the party! Host a cocktail reception at a cool venue when you get back for friends and extended family so you can all celebrate together.

Le Secret d’Audrey

A Destination Wedding
Planning your second wedding should be fun, not stressful! If you had a hometown bash the first time around to accommodate a larger number of guests, this time go the destination route! Invite a few close friends and family members, and take the opportunity to have an extended vacation celebrating with the ones you love. Once you’ve chosen your location, hire someone local to coordinate all of the details so all you have to do is relax and savor this special time.

Family-Friendly Backyard BBQ
Want to keep things a little more low-key? Throw a family-friendly backyard BBQ celebration that’s intimate, relaxed and full of rustic charm. On a sunny summer day, have a short but sweet ceremony, followed by a casual evening of great food, refreshing drinks, lawn games, and twinkling lights. This laid back setting is perfect for you and your guests to comfortably hang out, celebrate and enjoy each other’s company.

Cassidy Carson Photography

A Surprise Wedding

For a completely different twist on the traditional wedding, covertly plan a surprise affair! Under the guise of a more formal engagement, birthday or holiday party, invite your friends and family to your chosen locale and then reveal the fact that it’s actually your wedding! The joy and excitement of your guests will be contagious, and it’s sure to be a day filled with lots of love and happiness. Make sure you have photographers stationed to capture the looks on everyone’s faces once they realize what’s happening, you’ll want to remember those priceless expressions forever!

Cassidy Carson Photography

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager from California and based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.

6 Favorite Destination Wedding Locations From Our Experts

With wedding season in full swing, it’s hard not to get caught up dreaming about saying your “I dos.” If a destination wedding is on your mind for your upcoming nuptials, look no further than the advice from some of our Little Black Book destination wedding planners.

Here, they share their favorite places to celebrate and say your vows. Take it from these guys, a destination wedding is the perfect way to treat your guests to an unforgettable experience. Bon voyage!

6 Favorite Destination Wedding Locations From Our Experts

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6 Favorite Destination Wedding Locations From Our Experts

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Briana Charlotte is a freelance writer residing in Brooklyn, New York. When she isn’t writing about all things bridal, she can be found on the dance floor at a wedding or bachelorette party.

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Event Planning

Mango Muse Events

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Not Your Average Anniversary Session

After photographing Karla and Steven’s wedding last summer, Jen Rodriguez couldn’t wait to get this adorable duo in front of the camera again. So when the idea for a styled anniversary session set at Kestrel Park struck, Jen jumped on it. She brought along some of her favorite industry pros to make the magic happen, and to say we’re obsessed with that mustard yellow dress, textured florals, and calligraphy banner is a serious understatement. More this way!

From Jen Rodriguez… Kestrel Park is the beautiful new wedding venue tucked in the rolling golden hills of the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s a hidden gem that you would easily pass by if you weren’t looking out the cobblestone gate that is discretely placed along the road. Once you pass through the gates of Kestrel Park you start to realize how special this property truly is. As you wind along the dirt road enjoying the vast views dotted with oaks you begin to see the estate come into view. It’s as if you were immediately transported and find yourself within the European countryside.

I wanted to highlight this magnificent property and the possibilities that it had to offer. *Enter* my gorgeous couple, Karla and Steven. I photographed their wedding this past summer and wanted the chance to get them back in front of my camera. An anniversary shoot was the perfect way to bring this wonderful couple and venue together.

I enlisted the help of one of my favorite Central Coast florists, April Flowers to create a fabulous and moody bouquet and car swag in tones that would compliment the mustard velvet gown that I fell in love with from ASOS. Because this shoot was focusing on an anniversary instead of a wedding we wanted to bring in a few other fun elements in unexpected ways. A vintage car fit the bill perfectly and instead of opting for an invite or other paper good, Fete and Quill hand embroidered a wonderfully large banner to hang on the vintage car and crafted another wonderful banner displaying a quote. We wanted the quote to feel like something that the couple could enjoy long after the shoot. Lastly, Jenn at The Queens Bees had Karla looking and feeling extra gorgeous thanks to her hair and makeup skills.

A Sentimental Proposal Inspired by the Bride’s Grandparents

This Groom-to-be absolutely nailed the proposal. While watching the sunset at their favorite spot, Chris handed Hilary a note with a semaphore message on it. Despite not knowing how to read semaphores, the Bride-to-be knew immediately that it read,”Will You Marry Me, Hilary?”…It was the same way her grandfather proposed to her grandmother almost 70 years earlier! With her grandparent’s proposal note framed and hanging in a special place at home, Hilary could not imagine a more special way to begin this new chapter in their lives. Their classic, formal engagement captured by Lissa Ryan Photography is as cute as their proposal story, so see it all right here.

From the Bride-to-be… We met at a group dinner (he was a friend of a friend) and then went dancing after. I remember being charmed by his East Coast, clean cut appearance and the fact that he could twirl me on the dance floor. As soon as we met, everything felt different. I’m not very much of a romantic, but all these cliches were coming true, and he was so genuine and amazing – like no one I had ever met before.

The first five months of our relationship was getting to know each other long distance. He lived in Florida, and I lived in California. We belly laughed together on the phone through calls and texts. His charm was so strong, even from across the country. Looking back, I’m so glad we had that time. I think it gets lost nowadays. With technology and this fast paced world, we don’t take the time to stop and just talk. Chris soon moved out to California and we were able to start our future together!

Chris proposed at our favorite sunset spot in Corona del Mar, CA. It was a Saturday night, and he got me to dress up a little by fibbing that we were meeting some friends for dinner after. Otherwise, he knew I would wear my traditional ‘yoga pants, sweatshirt, hair bun’ to our sunset jaunt. He also had our sneaky, amazing friends hiding in the bushes to take some candid photos, so we have the whole thing documented. It was a sunset like any other, then he handed me a piece of paper with a semaphore message spelling out ‘Will You Marry Me, Hilary?’ I knew instantly what it was (and I don’t know how to read semaphores), because it was the same way my grandfather proposed to my grandmother almost 70 years earlier. He was deployed on a ship and sent her a hand written, hand drawn semaphore message to propose. We have always loved that story, and I still have the piece of paper he sent to her framed and in a special place. So here we were, in present day, with a new message printed from a computer, sharing the same joy and invitation to spend our lives together. He made all of my dreams come true that day, and he totally nailed it. We were able to share the night at a surprise party with close friends and family after the sun went down. It was (to date) the best day of my life!

It’s actually hard to sum up the vision for our wedding because we have a lot going on. The ceremony will be at the USNA Chapel – it’s a formal and very beautiful spot. Then we’re going rustic for the reception at Hemlock Farm in Edgewater. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE barns and anything country. So on our big day, there is a range of Navy dress whites to hay bales. To connect everything together, we’re incorporating a lot of vintage and industrial elements in a tent to give it some rustic glam. I’m working with Adriana Gorman of Adriana M Events to plan, and she is amazing. I’m so confident that the scatter of ideas in my head will all come together in the coming months.

Planning from California has actually been great. I have been stalking social media for ideas and have found amazing people to work with! Aside from the look and feel of the decor, we just want to have fun and set up the night to enjoy time with our people. We love to dance, love to laugh, and love to let loose. Can’t wait to see everyone we love in one space and celebrate!

Photography: Lissa Ryan Photography | Hair and Makeup: Lori Nansi | Venue: Tudor Place | Film Processing: The Find Lab

When a UK Couple Ties the Knot in Santorini…

If I had to pinpoint the most romantic spot in the whole world to tie the knot, I’m pretty certain Santorini would take the cake. With its unbelievable views overlooking the ocean it’s not hard to see why, and this UK bride and groom wholeheartedly agreed. They opted for a destination wedding in this incredible locale and brought on Tie the Knot Santorini , Elias Kordelakos, Betty Flowers Santorini, and Spicy Bites to be a part of their vendor dream team. Head this way for more of this Santorini love affair right at your fingertips!

Dream of a Blush + White Wedding? This One Is for You

When it comes to infusing color into weddings, I always vote for subtlety. Just a kiss of hue to grace your day—and nothing says romance like white and blush. Just take it from the LBB dream team that put together this beauty of shoot. LVL Weddings & Events behind the design and planning, stunning stationery by Seniman Calligraphy, hair and makeup à la Page Beauty—all captured to perfection by Ether & Smith. Release your inner ballerina in this gorgeous gallery.

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Page Beauty

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4 Tips For Using Meditation To Reduce Wedding Stress

The words ‘wedding’ and ‘stress’ may as well be synonymous. Don’t get me wrong: planning a wedding is an amazing time in your life, but planning a celebration of love is not without its stressors.

Michael and Carina Photography

Before you know it, you’ve gone from registering for Waterford crystal and trying on gowns fit for the Oscars to answering texts from distant relatives pestering you about where to stay, what airport to fly into, and so many other questions that can all be answered on your wedding website.

The Problem

It’s not uncommon for the sheer bliss of an engagement to quickly become all about fielding questions, planning gluten-free menus for your guests, sending registry links to your fiance’s internet-challenged grandmother, and finding out the full names of guests named Jim (James) and Kenny (Kenneth) for the calligrapher. Once that begins, it’s no wonder some brides suffer hair loss from all the stress!

The Solution

So how, you ask, can a bride avoid the anxiety that comes with her long list of wedding to-dos?

Meditation.

If you’re anything like me, you might receive those texts, plan those menus, and respond to those emails in an emotional way—often feeling annoyed or frazzled. Sometimes venting to your partner is enough to make you feel better and move on (although my fiance doesn’t love this strategy), but meditation is a far more productive way to deal with my frustration.

Ruth Eileen Photography

How it Works

I use meditation as a substitute for having an emotional reaction, which, if I’m being honest, is usually a negative one.

Meditation helps me to bypass any bad thoughts or feelings by allowing me to take a step back and process that emotion in a calm, productive manner. I do five or ten minutes at a time and feel totally refreshed, ready to forge ahead on the wedding planning journey.

This zen approach may be as simple as finding a quiet spot in your home and taking a few deep breaths, or you may want a bit more guidance, which is the route I’ve chosen.

My recommendations for effective meditation:

Download a meditation app. I’ve tried several, but my favorite is Simple Habit. I love that you can specify how much time you have (options range from five to 20 minutes) and what you’re doing (commuting, going to sleep, preparing for a big event, etc.), and I love that most of the sessions are voiced by an ostensibly unflappable Australian woman with a fantastic accent.

Use headphones. It is SO easy to be thrown off by your fiance loading the dishwasher or your dog barking, but distractions like that are significantly minimized when using headphones.

Julie Cate Photography

Put some physical space between yourself and others, just for those few minutes. You can sit in your closet, in the bathroom, in your bedroom — I’ve even gone and sat in my car. It’s tempting for people around you to interrupt with a pressing question or in my case, my goldendoodle scampers over to lick my face.

Don’t worry about all the traditional meditation rules like “sit with your back perfectly straight,” and the like. Sit however you feel comfortable, listen to what the nice Australian lady says, and all will be forgotten.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Molly Winding is a freelance writer from Denver, Colorado, where she lives with her fiance and their goldendoodle, Stevie Nicks. She is a major foodie, health nut, and world-travel enthusiast who is always on the hunt for her next great story.

The Recipe for a Perfectly Elegant Wedding

I spent a cozy chunk of time with this editorial captured by Rachel May Photography—and for good reason. It’s jam packed with layer upon layer of elegance. From the ridiculously pretty florals by Wild Green Yonder to the table draped in La Tavola linens, I’m challenging one of you to use this shoot as your Big Day blueprint.

From Rachel May Photography… When I first began planning this editorial, I was inspired in a completely different direction. The day I met with Lori of Wild Green Yonder at Rust Manor for a venue walk through, the direction of the shoot completely changed. As we explored the venue, the natural tones of the stone and beauty of the property just spoke for itself. We ran with the natural warm tones from the stone of the front porch to pull together a minimal yet elegant look.

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Wedding Dresses

Claire Pettibone

Couture Bridal

Fall 2015 Romantique

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5 Ideas to Make Your Wedding Table Design Uniquely Yours

It’s not every day you get the pick the brain of an event design mastermind, so consider this feature with Kate Siegel Fine Events the ultimate mid-week treat. Kate is sharing her insider knowledge on crafting a tablescape that’s anything but basic and she teamed up with some amazing vendors like Loop Flowers to show you how it’s done. Theoni Collection, La Tavola, Kinsely James, Bright Event Rentals, and so many more brought the details to life and Rebecca Yale captured the gallery you’re not going to want to miss.

From Kate Siegel Fine Events… So you’ve settled on a color palette, and realize that every other bride wants some combination of white, cream, blush, mauve, silver, gold, gray and green? Not to worry, there are so many ways to make your wedding uniquely yours; it’s all about the details!

When you draw inspiration from others, it can be hard to think outside the box of what has already been done. A Pinterest board is a great place to start, but take a moment to think about how you can introduce your own point of view and create a look that is distinctively yours.

Here are five ways you can customize your table design to create a wedding that is uniquely yours!

China

Change it up! Not every place setting needs to be identical. Try mixing and matching eclectic china. Choose pieces in the same color palate and play with different shapes and textures, or pick one color to accentuate. Pairing unique pieces with striking color combinations is a great way to add your own chic twist to a classic table setting.

Linens & Napkins

Linens are the foundation of any table design. While white or cream is certainly a classic, it doesn’t have to be basic. If you want to stick with white, choose a linen with a luxurious texture or graphic detail, for interest. Or, add an accent color by cinching white napkins with a colorful ribbon or natural leather. If you want to make the table more contemporary, try losing the white altogether! Make the table pop with a fun linen color such as blush, mauve, gray or green.

Stemware & Flatware

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a statement with your stemware and flatware!
Add visual intrigue by mixing stemware of different heights and shapes. Not all glass pieces need to be from the same pattern. Try pairing a retro champagne coupe or an etched water glass with your classic red and white wine glasses. Glasses of different heights add dimension and interest to the table. When choosing flatware, try replacing standard stainless steel with something more unique. For a contemporary look, add a sleek flatware with acrylic or wooden handles to your place setting.

Flowers

Top florists are breaking the mold of customary domed arrangements and so should you! There is a whole world of free form and sculptural arrangements to explore. Play with height and scale by keeping flowers low and allow greenery to sprawl across the table. Alternatively, create high and elegant arrangements with tall vases and branches for structure. Depart from all white flowers by adding a few accent colors, or push the boundaries with your own unique color palette. Find a florist who is comfortable working with different colors, textures, and styles to execute your vision and ensure you will have stunning flowers at your wedding.

Leaves

Leaves are a fantastic way to accent a traditional table design. Consider skipping flowers altogether and replacing them with greenery! Whether you go with tropical, classic or evergreen, there is so much room for personal expression! Green is often an afterthought in a wedding color palette, but you can play it up for a fresh and modern feel. Gilded leaves are a great way to keep a table feeling classic and glamorous.

Don’t play it safe! Set your table design apart from the rest. By making some of these key details uniquely yours, you are well on your way to creating a distinct and memorable event!

P.S. sneak a look at even more moments from this insanely gorgeous shoot!

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Kate Siegel Fine Events

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Planning the Party With Your Band or DJ

The catering, beverages, cake, flowers, dresses, suits, decor, invitations, and oh my, what about the entertainment?! All too often, couples will simply hire the first band or DJ they find that fits their budget and is available on their wedding date, but is that really the right approach? While it is absolutely important to keep your budget, there’s more to consider to ensure you have the best possible entertainment, so we sat down with Boston Common Band to get the inside scoop on planning your party.

While few people will recognize a catering switch or if the flowers and linens aren’t the exact shade of ivory you had envisioned, your band or DJ’s success (or failure) will be one of the most memorable parts of your reception. Everyone will notice a corny band that only plays yesterday’s hits or a DJ that can’t manage his sound levels properly. Your guests will also remember the energy and event flow, which build the excitement of your party. You will find bands and DJs at many points on the pricing spectrum, but creatively mixed music (customized to specific tastes), polished and fluid announcements, and incredible customer service are truly invaluable in the quest of having a perfect wedding day! Consider the cost of all your items on a per-person type scale. An all-inclusive entertainment package with a few accessories (uplighting or a photo booth) will vary in price by region, but you can typically expect to pay $12-15 per person for a great DJ or $45-60 per person for a great band. Reallocating a few dollars to entertainment can mean the difference between an average reception and a “my feet hurt from dancing so much” party.

Understanding and evaluating your overall objectives for your reception and finding a band or DJ that understands and takes the time to plan and execute them is paramount. Resources like the Style Me Pretty Little Black Book are excellent places to find great band and DJ options. The Little Black Book includes curated vendors from different regions who are at the top of their game. After browsing the websites of several local bands and DJs, schedule a consult with your top three to get a gauge of their personalities and values. Take note of how passionate they are about their work in addition to how quickly they respond to your emails. If you’re worried about if the person is going to be DJ Cheeseball all over the mic, it’s completely fair to ask to see live video of them MC’ing the introductions, etc. Almost all great MCs will have footage of their style so you can evaluate their skill and choose your entertainment professional carefully.

Once you’ve found and booked your band or DJ, take the time to connect throughout the wedding planning process. If this were a football team, you and your wedding planner are the head coaches and your MC is the quarterback, tactfully navigating the game plan. Many high-end entertainment vendors have now perfected a means to help organize your wedding via comprehensive wedding planning systems. Having a centralized space online, where all team members share ideas, will maximize your “calls” well in advance! Try to schedule at least one, if not two, of your meetings with your entertainment professional together with your wedding planner so everyone stays in-sync. The first meeting with your band or DJ should be used to get some ideas jotted-down about the overall vibe you want for your event so you can get to know each other and share your taste and style. Then as your wedding date approaches, around three weeks in advance, you’ll want to have a final meeting with your band or DJ to confirm and lock those plans in. On your wedding day, your wedding entertainment professional will then be able to host your event to perfection.

That said, here are five of items which should be discussed and planned with your MC during your meetings:

Photography: Lauren Methia Photography

Vendor Coordination

This means the names and contact information of your planner, caterer, photographer, cinematographer, officiant, etc. so your band or DJ can plan together and synchronize with all vendors to avoid potential speed bumps at your reception. Bonus, they can tag each other on social media.

Photography: M.Studios

Grand Introductions

Provide the names of your friends and family in your bridal party as well as the phonetic spelling. There is nothing worse than a botched name! Also discuss details, such as: Will each pair have a certain song to walk into, or is there one song for the entire introduction? What style music do you want for cocktail hour: Jazz? Pop? R&B? A little of everything?

Photography: Kelly Lorenz Imagery

Speeches and Toasts

Who will speaking, and when will they be taking the mic? Will you as the Bride and Groom be giving a welcome or farewell speech? Will your parents want to speak at some point?

Photography: M.Studios

Special Dances and Events

There are several traditions which require a special song – your first dance, parents dances, the cake cutting, the bouquet toss etc. Will you be participating in each of these traditions or do you have any other special formalities like an anniversary dance or a cultural dance? What songs would you like played for each of these?

Photography: Mark Davidson Photographer

Music Requests and Do Not Plays

Just as important as communicating your favorite tunes, we want to know which songs you’re allergic to! You can be specific (a list of individual songs) or more broad (absolutely no nineties grunge).

Expert Advice: Boston Common Band

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Boston Common Band

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A Gorgeous Elopement Set Above the Hills of Malibu

Blending modern with masculine and unabashed beauty, this hilltop wedding is alive with the sound of wedded bliss. And just wait until you hear how the adorable gentlemen behind the day met! It’s the sweetest love story that culminates in an intimate Malibu affair planned by Wedding Kate with one of the most breathtaking ceremony spots we’ve ever encountered (and we’ve encountered A LOT). From pretty, pretty greenery by Unique Floral Designs to photographs with a view by Lucas Rossi, get lost in this gem right here.

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Summer Weddings

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Vineyard

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Glamorous Rustic

Jason was tired, but not just regular tired. He was LA tired. Sick of dating, traffic and 40+ hour work weeks with no end in sight. He needed to get away from it all. A cruise? That sounded like just what the doctor ordered! He booked his ticket and set sail. Night two was his formal dinner with a show that all the guests were talking about. The “singer is incredible” he overheard guests saying. He walked in and his breath was taken away. The singer was Gavin, a Brit, handsome as all get out and charming to boot. They made eye contact and fate, or mermaid magic, had it so they ran into each other about an hour later. They quickly fell in love and kept in touch long distance since Gavin was an ocean away all the time. When he was in port, Jason would fly to see him and although they loved their monthly tropical vacations together, they soon realized they needed a more permanent solution. Gavin took the leap and moved to LA, working for the TV show The Voice. Jason proposed and they decided they wanted an elopement set above the hills of Malibu. Malibu Solstice Vineyard was the perfect setting. Secluded and serene, we set the stage for these two gentlemen to have a private and intimate exchange of vows and a world class dinner to celebrate.

10 Rules for My Marriage—And How to Write Your Own!

My impending wedding has had me thinking a lot about marriage and asking questions, like why do so many marriages suffer? How do people stay happily married?

Greg Finck Photography

I’ve “interviewed” so many married couples (from my family members to my Uber drivers and everyone in between) to hear their advice. If we all entered our marriages with intention and forced ourselves to check in on this intention, would marriages have a better chance at surviving?

Just like I have an annual review at work, I want to have an annual review for my marriage. So, my groom and I will be saying our vows in front of our friends and family in a week and a half, and signing our marriage contract in private a couple of days after.

Jose Villa Photography

Here 10 of my own marriage rules:

Have a date at least once a week. It just has to be some form of quality time together, ALONE!
Speak highly of one another with other people and each other—build each other up!
Actively listen and lend an empathetic ear when the other spouse is sharing an emotional experience. Make eye contact during these moments and give your undivided attention.
Don’t take your stresses out on your partner. Treat your partner as your number one teammate and ally. He/she is on your side!
Be your partner’s number one teammate and ally. Stand by what they feel, who they are and support them. Have the other person’s back!
Trust the other person completely; to be loyal, to do a good job with the kids when alone, to take care of you.
Celebrate milestones and the small victories. Relish in the good times and happiness with proper acknowledgment. Don’t just let life’s craziness get in the way of taking a moment to appreciate all that is GOOD.
Show your partner that you care about what he/she says. If your spouse is unhappy with an aspect of your relationship and expressed it nicely, work towards changing it. By making the change, you will communicate to your partner that you truly care and value what he/she feels.
Do simple gestures to fill your spouse’s love tank–make lunch, let the other one sleep in once kids are in the picture, bring home a favorite treat, buy a present for no reason, offer to give the other person a massage, send a flirty text—it’s the little things!
Hold up your portion of the household responsibilities without being asked to do so by your partner.

Greg Finck Photography

How to write your own marriage rules

You and your partner can write down promises to each other in your own, personalized contract. Try to make them realistic for the changes that your future may entail so that you don’t set yourself up for failure. Then, select a specific date to have your “review” each year. Don’t pick your wedding anniversary because that should be only filled with fun! You might want to select the anniversary of when you started dating or some other date with significance. Then, each year on that date you can sit down and discuss how you think you are doing as a couple at achieving these goals.

The contract will keep you accountable and if nothing else, it will force you into having those “big picture” talks that are so easy to side step when life feels so busy.

What are your marriage rules? I’d love to know in the comments below!

Jenna Kutcher

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Carly Ellentuck is a freelance writer and blogger bride. She is the gal behind The Cozy Curator, a blog that features all things life+style. She lives in Hoboken, NJ with her fiancé. Carly is currently enjoying planning her modern boho-beach wedding that will take place on Long Beach Island this summer!

Exactly How To Avoid Getting Sick During Wedding Week

The excitement of getting married also comes with a bit of stress. Left unchecked, it can wear you down and lower your immune system, putting you at risk of being a sick bride on your wedding day. I know because it happened to me. In order to ensure you’re happy and healthy when it’s time to say ‘I do,’ read what the experts say you should do.

Jen Huang

Stay properly hydrated.

Avoid soda, alcohol, caffeine and high-protein diets which can deplete your body’s water source says healthy living expert Ashley Pettit. Drink half your body weight in water every day to keep your system running properly (the added effects are less bloat and healthy looking skin). Drink more if you’re exercising in hot and humid conditions. Keep it interesting by flavoring your water with citrus fruits and remember, drinking water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. Reach for cucumbers, celery, radishes, grapes, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, watermelon and spinach for hidden hydration.

Move and rest your body.

Unless you have severe allergies, exercise outdoors says Erin Oprea, celebrity trainer to stars like Carrie Underwood. “All the germs are inside. Clean, healthy air is outdoors, and your body needs get accustomed to the weather. Especially if you have an outdoor venue,” she adds. Oprea suggests keeping your workouts consistent in the days leading up to your vows and getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night to avoid a weak immune system and late night food cravings.

Steve Steinhardt Photography

Fuel your body right.

“Fruits, veggies, grains and proteins are the key to building a healthy immune system and preventing illness,” says Sarah Arel, nutritionist and culinary director of Cooked. “But variety is the most important part of the equation.” Eating the same thing every day, no matter how healthy it is, can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Switch up your meals according to the season and eat foods such as beef and oysters (which are packed with zinc and shown to help prevent and lessen the severity of the common cold).

“Right before your wedding day is not the time to make big changes in your diet,” says Oprea. “Eat clean leading up to the day and you’ll be ready to rock and feel your absolute best.”

love is my favorite color

Give yourself a mental vacation through meditation.

Most people’s lives are hectic enough without the added workload of planning a wedding. Counteract the frenetic pace by making time to meditate. “This can be done anytime, anywhere, for as little as five minutes a day,” says Isabel Beltran, yoga instructor. Need structure? Try a hatha yoga class which is great for beginners. Looking for something more solitary? Try floatation therapy in a sensory deprivation tank. Harvard studies show meditation decreases stress, anxiety and insomnia.

Still find yourself feeling run down? Try an IV treatment.

At the first sign you might be getting sick, consider an IV treatment. The sooner you act, the better chance your body has to fight off a bug before it settles in. I waited until day three of my cold to do a treatment and the physician explained it wouldn’t totally cure me, but it’d keep me from getting worse. “The extra fluids take care of the dehydration that can accompany illness,” says Dr. Jack Dybis, general/trauma surgeon and co-founder of IVme. “The vitamins, minerals and elements will boost your natural immunity, and give a needed increase in energy. If you’re already sick, the treatment won’t make you feel 100%, but it will get you back on your feet and feeling good enough to get through your wedding with minimal discomfort.”

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ximena N. Larkin is a writer who lives with her husband and dog in Chicago. Her work has appeared in Refinery29, Forbes, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Chicago Sun-Times, The Huffington Post and more.

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Jen Huang Photography

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Petit Bouquet

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A Ranch Wedding that Blends Rustic with Sweet Personalized Touches

Blending rustic details with the prettiest pastel color palette, this San Diego ranch wedding coordinated by Bliss Events is not only gorgeous but chock full of personal touches. From a “first ~~look~~ touch” before the ceremony to an adorable balloon ritual, there are so many moments captured by Aga Jones that truly pull at the heart strings. Get lost in all the beauty right here.

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Winter Weddings

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From the Bride… Danny and I met over 7 years ago in a local Ann Arbor bar when I was studying business at the University of Michigan and he was coaching youth club soccer. After just coming back from studying in Paris for the summer and deciding that I had a definite preference for European men over American college boys, I was in luck – Danny was English and still had his adorable accent! We lived in Ann Arbor for several years together and just before moving out west to sunny San Diego, he proposed mid-mountain while on a ski holiday in Breckenridge, CO. It was the most romantic setting in the midst of doing something together that we both loved.

We settled on having the wedding in our new home of San Diego since we eventually wanted everyone to visit. Since our guests would be traveling from 9 different states and as far as England, Danny and I wanted to make it a special, memorable weekend that made it worth their journey here. We wanted a venue where we could have the ceremony and reception outside and house all of our guests onsite in our own private space to take advantage of our time together – all of which led us to The Ranch at Bandy Canyon. The weekend could not have been more perfect with (almost) everyone we loved in one place and many special personal touches that reflected our personalities and relationship.

The personal touches Danny and I incorporated started with an intimate ‘first touch’ rather than ‘first look’ where we exchanged handwritten love letters from opposite sides of a door. We both love live music so we had a singer songwriter (who could also DJ!) play the guitar and sing some of our favorite songs during the ceremony and cocktail hour and then DJ at the reception. One of our favorite parts of the evening was when he pulled out his guitar again to play a few live songs for our first dance as well as spontaneously for the last song of the evening. During the ceremony itself we did a unique balloon ritual where our bridal party, parents, and grandparents wrote one word describing each of us on a small piece of paper. The officiant then read them off during her reading, after which Danny and I tied them (along with secret messages we wrote for one another’s eyes only) to two large balloons and released them. After processing out of the ceremony we spotted the balloons way up in the sky and they were still close to one another, which we took as a good sign of things to come. For the reception we did ‘sip and search’ champagne glass escort cards where each guest picked up a glass of champagne with their name and the outline of a state or country on it, which matched table numbers that had the state or country outlines instead of actual numbers. The idea was for them to sip their champagne while they searched for their table and along the way read at each table why that place was significant to us. Everyone enjoyed this unique and personal twist. The best men also surprised us with their own personal touch during their speech, which was a handmade scrapbook of Danny’s memories from grade school through the present.

Our intimate group of approximately sixty guests dined on sea bass, short ribs or a mushroom risotto and sipped on the signature Blueberry Vodka Soda and Moscow Mule cocktails. We danced our first dance to a live version of One Republic’s Something I Need and welcomed our guests onto the dance floor to dance the night away under the stars. It was an intimate and magical evening for all the guests that traveled the world to celebrate our love.

Unleash Your Inner Festival Girl With This Boho Wedding

This elegant, bohemian wedding is equal parts Tex Mex and California with signature festival style details and Southwestern accents. Strawberry Milk Events created the perfect, laid-back luxe atmosphere with the magnificent ceremony arch, dreamy floral crowns, tipi lounge, and neutral tablescapes. 31 Films and Koby Brown Photography captured the day, and we have it all waiting for you right here.

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From Julie of Strawberry Milk Events… The theme was “bohemian luxe,” and I nicknamed it our “bohemian rhapsody wedding.” Regan wanted it to be beautiful, but also feel laid back, intimate, and unpretentiously elegant. We wanted to marry the Tex Mex ranch vibe (The Inn is a luxury Relais and Chateaux property on 300 acres of Texas countryside) with the spirit of “California Dreaming.” We created a twist on the typical boho vibe by using mostly neutrals and a white on white scheme, creating interest by layering textures, with minimal pops of lavender, gray, and peach. We also channeled a bit of a Coachella vibe with the tipi lounge in addition to boho accents. Regan wanted it to feel like a weekend full of multiple celebrations where partying all night was not out of the question.

From the Bride… We wanted a sunset ceremony, so we did our first look photos in the afternoon while our guests were back at their hotels getting ready. I’m so glad we did – it gave us a moment to really take a deep breath and appreciate this experience together in a way that I think we wouldn’t have if we had waited to see each other at the aisle. We were shuttled separately to a beautiful, treelined driveway at The Inn, with old oak trees hanging over either side. When I arrived, Colin was facing away from me, waiting for me to turn him around. That first moment together was awesome – I think it helped calm us both down and made it all sink in. Our photographers, Koby and Elizabeth of Koby Brown Photography, were so great about capturing the candid moments and not making us feel awkward or stiff. We walked around that area and hung out with Jorah the horse before meeting up with our bridal party near the ceremony site for some group shots.

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Bows and Arrows

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6 Steps To Creating A Wedding Website That Wows

Wedding websites are a definite must these days, and its no surprise why. Your website is a great place to share vital information, saving you from awkward conversations about dress code and last minute texts about the address of your wedding reception. They’re also easier than ever to create! Here are a few steps to creating a wedding website that will wow your guests.

Use a template
If you aren’t a software coder or an expert designer, consider using a template. There are plenty of free and paid ones floating around online. Our faves include Minted, Squarespace, Zola and Riley and Grey. Get inspiration from other couples— there’s plenty of ideas on each of these awesome sites!

Get custom
Consider investing in a custom URL. They’re very affordable and a lot easier for your guests to remember.

Match the tone
Give your website the look and feel of your wedding. Consider implementing your wedding colors, as well as the overall theme of your big day. For instance, if you’re having a rustic chic barn bash? Write your details in a casual, easy-to-read tone. Black tie affair at the art museum? Keep your wording elegant and formal.

Be useful
Know the essential information. Your website isn’t just a fun way to show off your engagement photos. It should serve as a tool to help your guests navigate your wedding weekend. Don’t forget to include the date and time of your wedding, even though it was on the invitation, as well as dress code, directions, and registries.

Add personal flair
Have fun with it! Now that you’ve got the must haves out of the way, include some interesting details for friends and family. How did you two meet? How did the proposal story go down? Who’s in your wedding parties? These kinds of details may seem superfluous, but you’d be surprised how many people enjoy reading your love story or how honored your bridal party will feel to have a spot on your wedding website. It’s also just enjoyable to type it all out and read it for yourself! Other fun details that could be good to mention but aren’t strictly necessary are your menu or your wedding hashtag.

Make it easy
Take it to the next level by allowing guests to RSVP, make meal selections, and request songs on your website. It’s a great way to add an interactive component and kick your website up a notch.

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

Festive + Traditional Wedding in Guanajuato, Mexico

On the eve of this wedding in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, the bridal party and their guests participated in a callejoneada – a walking serenade and folkloric parade unique to the area led by performers wearing papier-mâché replicas of the Bride and Groom. The event was filled with joyful dancing and tequila, setting the tone for the festive wedding day itself. With traditions and local culture infused throughout, this Mexico wedding captured by n.barrett Photography is a can’t miss!

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From n.barrett Photography… Madalyn and Job had a magical wedding weekend in San Miguel de Allende. On Friday, friends and family gathered for the callejoneada, which is a walking serenade through the city, where tequila flows like water. It is a folkloric event unique to Guanajuato, Mexico. Painted papier-mâché replicas of the Bride and Groom dance through the streets with family and friends close behind. It’s the most theatrical and colorful celebration!

The couple was married the next day at the beautiful Villa Xido, a private garden residence just at the edge of town. The home sits on a hilltop overlooking the vast fields of Mexico. The reflection pool is a bonus to the expansive views. The couple did a first look at Casa No Name, a hidden retreat in the heart of town. Then we set out to create the perfect portrait in front of the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour. This included signature mango and tamarind margaritas and a full Mariachi band. A tented reception followed complete with first dance sparklers! What a weekend!

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Penzi Weddings

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Badgley Mischka

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Bride + Groom Take a Helicopter for Sunrise Bridal Portraits

When it comes to wedding portraits, we’ve seen couples climb over rocks, withstand rain, trek through forests, etc. just to get the perfect shot. But I think this duo tops them all with their helicopter ride to Roy’s Peak in New Zealand. Janna Brown went along for the ride and infused her gorgeous styling into these images from Katie Grant. The view is too good to miss—come along for the ride.

From Janna Brown Design Co.… The bride and groom, along with our team, were whisked away by helicopter before sunrise and set atop Roy’s Peak. We watched the sun rise over the horizon and cast golden light upon the most breathtaking view of New Zealand’s landscape. Our bride donned a stunning Lee Grebenau gown that glistened in the morning sun, and was adorned with a lush bouquet of garden roses in peach hues. The groom, dapper in his custom tux, lead his bride to the edge of the peak and embraced her in an epic moment of beauty.

Vintage Bikes + Boardwalk Strolls for a Nantucket Engagement

Ashley and Mike opted for a 5 am sunrise engagement session on Nantucket and the payoff was pretty major. They strolled the charming island streets and took a vintage bike out for a spin, all with Meredith Jane Photography capturing behind the camera. Steal a peek in the gallery for every adorable moment of this classic New England lovefest.

From the bride… Mike and I met 4 years ago while we were both out on the South Shore in Massachusetts, each with a separate group of friends. I was not looking for a boyfriend at the time as I had just made a career change and was back in college full time with a very busy schedule. But as Mike started talking to me something grabbed my attention. After that night out we continued talking and texting on a regular basis and I agreed to go out with him on a date. We met up and had drinks and watched The Bruins. After that first date I could tell there was something different about him, and from that moment on we were inseparable. We continued going on dates and turned that one night out into a lifetime of love.

We chose Nantucket for our engagement session because I love the Cape and Islands and the beach, and had never been to Nantucket before. We thought what better way to capture my first time there then to plan our engagement session for the same time. Memorial Day weekend on Nantucket is also the location where Figawi is held, which I have heard is a great time! I knew it would be fun and the backdrop would be extra special with all of the boats and American flags flying.

This session was special because we wrapped up our weekend away by doing a sunrise shoot on our last day in Nantucket. No one was around yet and it felt like we had the Island to ourselves. It was great to be out on the beach and walking along the cobblestone streets all alone. It was also pretty unique because it was freezing cold! Who would have thought that Memorial Day could have weather like that?! I think it was only in the 40’s and with the wind and being on the water, it sure didn’t feel like the start to summer.

My future vision for the wedding day is a classic, timeless evening. Colors of navy, blush and gold accents. Simple, clean decor. Floral centerpieces with hydrangeas and peonies and added touches of greenery. I envision my wedding day to be the most magical day, something that I will want to relive over and over again.

Photography: Meredith Jane Photography | Floral Design: Flowers on Chestnut | Bike Rental: Cook's Cycles | Rentals: Nantucket Bike Basket Co. | Rentals: It's a Shore Thing - Nantucket

Whitney B. Shares Why Wedding Videography Is Her Priority #1

From SMP blogger bride, Whitney B… I once wrote a paper on the human senses. I know you are thinking, where in the heck is Whitney going with this?! But truly, senses are really a powerful thing. A person’s senses are so intertwined with an experience. You struggle tasting without smell, it’s difficult to see without touching and can be hard to speak without hearing. But the most valuable thing senses bring are the intangible, the nostalgia, the memories, but importantly the feelings.

I’ve said on many occasions, the biggest thief we will face in our lifetime is time itself. In 2004, my mother’s Christmas gift to my sister and I was a video interview she recorded of my grandmother “Mamaw” about her childhood, our ancestry, her relationship with my grandfather, their childhood, their memories. When my sister and I opened it on 12/25/04 it was so meaningful, but admittedly I didn’t understand the importance at the time. If you know the worrier I am, I was alarmed. Did this mean that Mamaw wasn’t going to be with us much longer? I wasn’t ready for that. I packed the CDs (with transcript) in a safe place. I wasn’t ready to listen.

A short 5 months later, my mother tragically and unexpectedly passed away. I’ll never forget going in search for the CDs I had tucked away so unexpectedly just a few short months earlier. I had them, but I still wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready to hear her voice. 6 weeks later was my 20th my birthday. When I opened up my gift from my sister, was a series of DVDS of home videos she had transferred from VHS as well as a roll of undeveloped film she found in my mom’s safety deposit box. Once developed we were astonished to see it was photos from the day I was born in 1985.

Oh my word, were my senses in full effect! The sight of the photos, the sound of stillness and sadness, the grasp/touch of my sister and grandmother, the taste of salty tears and the smell of my mom, everywhere.

Again, you may wonder where on earth I’m going with this. But if there is one thing a picture can’t capture it is a sound, a mannerism, a personality. I listened to my mom’s interview for the first time with Mamaw (Who just celebrated her 90th!) and the only second time I could listen was with Ricky. I wanted him to get to know her more than a face a camera captured. Her humor, her voice (yes, I think we sound alike), but, also, the dynamic we had as a family that unfortunately he will never, nor will our children ever get to experience firsthand.

Because of this experience, having a wedding videographer was a non-negotiable for us. Not just for Ricky and I, but for the simple fact that there is a circle of life and I want our day to forever be captured. This is our wedding day, our life, our moments. I want to remember them. And our video is not only for ourselves, but also for those around us and our future legacy – to me it’s such a beautiful gift to cherish!

I want to share so many thanks to Brighter Lights Media for tackling this task head on and with such grace. It was hard to find someone that I could trust to capture our day perfectly, because for me it is one of the most important aspects to our wedding. I am so confident this video will be passed down through the generations, hopefully many. Thank you, Brighter Lights Media, for capturing our families as we are in 2017 so those in 2100 can look back and reminisce at how amazing we were!

Until next time!

xo,
Whit