SUBMIT WEDDING
A Sun-Kissed Garden Engagement

Monday mornings are tough – there’s no debating that. But when you’ve got a ridiculously cute lovefest shot by The Ganeys at your fingertips, the day automatically looks so much better. Take a browse through the images and get to know this sweet duo, Michelle and Colton.

From The GaneysMichelle and Colton are one of the sweetest couples! We met at Bok Tower for their sun-filled engagement session. Bok Tower Gardens is a hidden gem in Central Florida. These two were champs and totally rocked their session, even with the warm weather! They made each other laugh throughout the day with their fun-loving personalities!

Colton and Michelle met back in college. When Colton was ready to pop the question, he knew he had to plan something good. They were planning on heading out to California for a road trip after he passed the bar exam, so he determined this would be a great opportunity to propose (I mean, does it get any better than California?). While planning the trip, they were both looking forward to the stay in Big Sur the most.

It just so happens, that the day that Big Sur was on their schedule, there were crazy wild fires. As they left Santa Barbara, the hotel called and canceled their hotel room, as the fire was within 100 miles. Shortly after, the restaurant where they had reservations called with the same news. Of course, this was pretty much crushing Colton’s plans. He had even hired a photographer to capture the proposal.

The photographer was super helpful throughout the rest of the process. She dropped a pin and Colton and Michelle headed that way to watch the sun set. Michelle didn’t pause to ask questions as they drove through a gated community. Needless to say, the proposal was a success and they have beautiful images to remember that moment!

These two are planning their December wedding and looking forward to celebrating with all of their family and friends!

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Photography: The Ganeys | Hair + Makeup: Blo Blow Dry Bar | Lace Dress: Impeccable Pig | Location: Bok Tower Gardens | Photo Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Skirt + Top: BHLDN

Crafting the Prettiest Guest Bedroom Meets Office Space on a Budget

Most people have that room that works double and triple duty from workspace to storage unit and sleeping accommodations and I write this as I sit in my home office/ guest suite/ laundry room so I know all too well. For interior designer, Courtney Davey of Tuft & Trim, that catchall space needed an overhaul and her vision was a bright and serene office meets guest bedroom designed on a budget. Awash in shades of blush and cozy details, we think she totally nailed it. Click here for the full tour.

Our guest bedroom doubles as my office so it was important for me to make it a space where I want to spend time in and find motivation and inspiration. Before, it had dark gray walls and busy patterns and with spring coming, I wanted something more calm, bright, and serene. The rest of our home reflects a combination of my husband and I’s taste, but I wanted this space to be solely a reflection of what I love.

It’s funny, I would have never thought of using pink, it really isn’t my favorite color. But at the time I was working on a project for a client where I was on the search for pinks, and I grew to love the muted blush tone. There’s a sense of elegance to it, a mature feminine quality.

I was shopping at home goods one day and I came across this floral canvas and fell in love the soft pastel tones. One thing led to another, and before you know it, I had a cart full of pillows, lamps, curtains, a blanket, etc, all revolving around this one painting. After taking the painting home, I decided painting the walls was a must. I brought home a handful of white samples and found one that blended perfectly with the painting.

Within a day, I painted the room myself and was thrilled with the outcome. I didn’t have a huge budget to work with, oh the possibilities of what I could have done if I had the money. I used all the furniture I had originally, most of which are hand me downs or antique store finds. But by updating the paint, wall decor, lamps, and bedding, the whole space was transformed. I also did some DIY projects like bleaching my previous bedding white instead of buying new bedding, covering a side table with fabric, and making my own wall art.

Above my desk area you’ll see a set of 9 antique french architectural prints, I found these on etsy and framed them myself. It’s little details like this that set a space apart and show uniqueness.

What I love most about this room is that it reflects my personality. One of my main priorities in all my designs is to try to achieve a space that encompasses one’s personality, and in order to do that, you have to get creative. Don’t ever let a low budget hold you back, try to think of how you can work with what you have, and make it better! 

Photography: Courtney Davey | Interior Designer: Courtney Davey

The Couple That Water Skis Together, Stays Together

This couple met when they were just 13 years old, water skiing at their family’s summer homes on Lake George. Fast forward several years later, when they went waterskiing together on the morning of their wedding and took their “getaway” photos in the very same boat they skied behind when they were teens. This Bride and Groom’s wedding is as cute as their love story, so dig right in to the beautiful photos by Sweetwater Portraits.

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From the Groom… Our parents have summer houses down the street from one another on Lake George in the Adirondacks of New York, which lead to us meeting through a mutual friend when we were only 13 years old. We became fast friends, water-skiing and having all sorts of summer fun through the years. We were always smitten with one another (and may have even kissed on a wave runner in the middle of the lake when we were 15), but we lived 9 months out of the year in different parts of the State – I was in Albany and Janine on Long Island. As we went off to college, we drifted apart until we reconnected as adults in 2008. We began dating in the summer of 2010.

We dated for 5 years before the proposal. The first 2 years we lived apart from one another, with Janine working in NYC and me working in Albany. We then moved to Boston together in 2012. The proposal happened by the reflecting pool in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. It was a complete surprise to Janine. I had orchestrated a nice dinner out and suggested we stroll beforehand by the reflecting pool. As we approached the fountain that adorns the east side of the pool’s plaza, I began reminiscing with Janine on all that had transpired for us over the years. I pulled out the first letter I had ever written Janine, reading it in its entirety before connecting the dots to our shared future ahead: “with eternity left, we haven’t a moment to spare.” I then got down on one knee. Janine exclaimed, “Is this really happening?!?” and the rest is history!

From the Bride… For the wedding, we did it all “ourselves” – no consultants or wedding planner, but we had a lot of help from family, friends, and vendors along the way. It was important to us to have our wedding be a unique expression of our relationship and our shared vision for what that special day should entail. We spent the better part of a year slowly developing ideas and executing some of our handcrafted projects. It was less arduous planning and more shared experience. The day of can itself be so fleeting that we were mindful to savor all the moments leading up to the big day. We were so pleased with each and every one of our vendors: our photographer Sweetwater Portraits, our cinematographer 21 Summit Studios, our caterer Mazzone Catering, our Tent and Logistics vendor Rain or Shine, and our band The New York Players. The trick is to sample their work, speak with them before committing, and get feedback from past clients. We went the extra mile up front to choose the right people so we could focus our attention elsewhere and not worry about that particular piece anymore. That ultimately meant more time for us to spend crafting the unique elements of our event and purely enjoying the moment on the wedding day.

I have a small business, Paper Planes Studio, designing and printing paper goods for special events, so I designed all the stationery. Having designed invitations, thank you cards, and day of paper goods for so many others, I had a blast designing my own and made sure they all reflected the unique aesthetic of our event by incorporating hand-penned gold script, crisp elegance, and a warm blush palette with some campy iconography.

After looking at a number of venues, we chose to get married at Chris’s family house on Lake George where it all began for us 20 years prior. It required some family and friends to travel in order to attend, but we made an entire weekend celebration out of it. We rented out an Adirondack cabin resort next to the house so people were a short trail walk away for festivities that extended from Friday night through Sunday afternoon.

I ended up buying something completely different from what I had in mind. I went dress shopping in October, put on a dress that was part of a trunk show, and fell in love. It was an ivory, stretch charmeuse, fit-to-flare gown with sheer corset detailing and hand beaded appliqué. It was so different yet so comfortable. I ended up wearing a veil for the ceremony that matched the sheer corset of the dress. I wore my grandmothers bracelet, a pair of diamond drop earrings, and gold wedges that had nice details to relate to the dress.

I had seven Bridesmaids, and I wanted them to be comfortable the day of, so I left them pick the cut they liked from a designer that had over 20 styles to choose from. They all wore the same color (light mint), and each dress was made from chiffon and looked light, airy, garden and party-esque. 

There were four Groomsmen. They wore black tuxedos with braces, bow ties, and mint argyle socks. Chris wore black tuxedo pants, a white tailored dinner jacket with gold paisley braces, and a bowtie. He wore the same mint argyle socks as the Groomsmen and accessorized with gold cuff links from his deceased father to bring his spirit into the day. We all got ready on site the day of, but we brought out Chris’s late father’s British racing green 1952 Jaguar XK for pictures and some weekend fun.

We decided to do the ceremony right on the lawn between a large tree and a landscaped gazebo area on the property. The lawn slopes away to the water right behind where we were standing, so the backdrop was an unobstructed panoramic view of beautiful Lake George and the surrounding mountains that come to the water’s edge. The ceremony was designed to enhance and draw attention to the natural splendor that was already there, so we used natural wood folding chairs in a semi-circle setup with a few tasteful flower displays at the start of the aisle. We used dahlias, garden roses, garden spray roses, ranunculus, dusty miller, and seeded eucalyptus, which were placed atop sanded wooden stumps that we harvested from the woods of the property.

We had four long rows of farm tables that extended from the dance floor towards the water for the reception. To keep with our idea of accentuating the natural beauty vs. creating beauty from scratch, we kept the table decorations to carefully chosen essentials. We had custom sewn mint and gold polka dot napkins (thanks, Aunt Sue!), gold chargers, and hand-painted pots that housed a variety of succulents. The succulents provided some life to the tables, served as a place card, and then were taken home as favors at the end of the night. 

Cocktail hour included some special appetizer stations on the deck with special seating areas and access to the bar spilling onto the lawn. It was important to us that the entirety of the property be experienced by guests, from the lake wall to the gazebo, to the small beach, to the dock, to the fire pit, etc. As such, we wanted to create a very comfortable, accessible feel to the event that did not corral people to one specific place. The special cocktail, coined the “Summer Love Smash,” contained bourbon, muddled peach, mint, ginger, simple syrup, and ginger ale – YUM! It was a winner.

The most important decision we made regarding the menu was to serve mains family style on our long wooden farm tables. It created a shared experience for everyone there. We had to work with the caterer on selection and the details of timing so it would come together just right, but it was worth it. It was such a treat to have all of our cherished people there, overhearing things like, “Can you pass the ratatouille?” We made sure to create a mindful moment by giving a short speech prior to service as an intro to breaking bread together.

We wanted to hang out with everyone post reception by the fire and under the stars. We built a large bonfire, set up a late night photo booth, cracked open some bottles of champagne, and had a blast. We did sneak off during the reception to take “getaway” photos in my waterski boat (which is the same boat we skied behind when we were 13).

A few other special details: We built and painted a custom photo booth backdrop that was inspired by Wes Anderson’s quirky, campy design. We accumulated decorations and props from garage sales and antique stores leading up to the wedding. We built a large “LOVE” marquee out of stained, cut plywood and metal flashing that served, along with some string lighting, as a marvelous photo backdrop for all the couples that night. My parents were undergoing a kitchen remodel on their cabin the year before the wedding, so we saved some old cabinet doors, window panes, etc. and leveraged them as day-of signs and a table seating key. We acquired some wood pieces used in animal hide tanning, affixed them to a downed tree branch, hand-painted directional elements onto them and used it as a signpost for guests directing to activities such as “Ceremony” and “Dinner and Dancing”. We also stripped and sanded down tree stumps from the woods to serve as additional seats around the fire pit during cocktail hour and the after party.

Our desire was to blend the best of a rustic Adirondack aesthetic with a glamorous 20s-esque vibe. One of our good friends coined the phrase “the Gatsbys go camping,” and we think that about sums it up! 

Our advice to other Brides and Grooms is to manage your time, your budget, and your friends/family throughout the process. It’s important that you make this special day your own, so sit down with your partner to do a little dreaming together. Then figure out how to make it happen. A lot of couples get lost along the way because they don’t have a strategy for keeping each one of these pieces under control.

 

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Photography: Sweetwater Portraits | Cinematography: 21Summit Studios | Wedding Dress: KENNETH POOL | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Mazzone Catering | Band: New York Players Band

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5 Ways To Plan For Your Marriage—Not Just Your Wedding

Planning a wedding is an exciting time for a bride. It’s easy to get caught up in planning the centerpieces, the layout of the reception, the details of the ceremony, and more. Once it’s all done at the end of the day, you’ve married your best friend. But don’t forget to spend time preparing for the actual marriage. After all, the most important moments will happen after you say “I do.”

Here are five things you and your fiancé should be doing to prepare for marriage.


Vocalize Your Expectations
As the wedding approaches, you and your fiancé should be having intentional conversations about what your expectations are for your marriage. If you never thought you’d take your fiancé’s last name but you forget to tell him, it could lead to an awkward situation later. Have conversations about your finances, where you’ll live, if and when you have kids, your short and long term goals, and everything in between. The more you communicate, the better.


Register For The Items You Need
While it’s SO fun (and easy) to get caught up registering for the décor that is pretty and makes your heart soar, you may end up with a lot of things you don’t need. So sure, you may love the polka dot throw pillows, but you also need that second set of flatware. Be honest about what you each have and first register for the things you truly need. Of course register for a few fun things, but make sure you don’t overlook the things you need as you merge homes (if you haven’t already).


Have A Flexible Mindset
When you get married, you have to be willing to give up some things. Marriage frequently requires compromise and the willingness to let go. You may have become accustomed to a weekly manicure but perhaps that becomes an expense to remove from your newlywed budget. As long as you’re willing to be flexible and make adjustments to your lifestyle (after all, you’re getting married—hello, huge adjustment), you’ll be on the right path.


Ask For Advice
Like all new things, it’s very helpful to ask married folks if they have any wise words about marriage. When you’re engaged, you’re most likely receiving a lot of advice about marriage and your wedding (warranted and non-warranted). That may turn you off to the idea of receiving advice in general, but honestly, if someone you trust is giving you solid advice on marriage, don’t take it for granted. Take things with a grain of salt, but look to those who have said “I do” before you. It can make all the difference.


Plan Date Nights
When you get married and are together almost every hour of every day, you forget about dates. Dates are a great way to spend intentional time together. Sure it’s nice at night to sit next to each other and read, or watch a movie, but setting aside quality time is important. It’s fun to plan cute ideas for dates you can go on, and restaurants you want to try out. Write a summer bucket list, and include things like going on weekend road trips, making watermelon sorbet (this in on my list) and going on bike rides! This is also a great way to explore your city if you’ve just moved somewhere new together. Overall, planning fun date ideas will help make it a priority in your relationship even after you’ve tied the knot.

When you’re wedding planning, it’s easy to pour your time and energy into planning the actual wedding day itself, but don’t forget about everything that comes after “I do!”

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.

5 Perfect Minimoons From Coast To Coast

Taking a full honeymoon immediately following your wedding can be a lot of stress on your vacation time and on your wallet! That’s why so many couples are choosing to do a “mini-moon” now and saving the extended honeymoon for later.  The best mini-moon destinations are those that aren’t too far from your wedding location to minimize travel time and maximize romance and relaxation. Here are of some of the best destinations for quick travel no matter where you live.

Big Sur, California

You might recall the painstakingly beautiful scenery from Big Little Lies, and that’s exactly what you will find in Big Sur, California. This coastal community in Northern California is home to miles of rugged coastline, breathtaking waterfalls, giant redwood trees, and some of the most romantic hotels on earth. Splurge on the adults-only Post Ranch Inn where you can stay in your own secluded house with views of the mountains and the ocean.

Punta de Mita, Riviera Nayarit

Punta de Mita is only 45 minutes outside of the hustle of Puerta Vallarta but it feels like worlds away. In this secluded community you’ll find 5-star resorts, private beaches, and spectacular service that caters to your every whim. At your resort treat yourselves to massages, eat fresh seafood, drink ice cold coconuts, and have candlelit beach dinners. If you happen to need a break from the pool and pampering, head to nearby Sayulita, a colorful sleepy surf town that has great shops, restaurants, and beach bars.

Rosemary and Aly’s Beach, Florida
Located on the Scenic Highway 30A on the Gulf of Mexico are two of Florida’s most picture-perfect beach towns: Rosemary and Aly’s Beach. These idyllic beach communities feature whitewashed Moorish buildings, powdery-sand beaches with striped umbrellas, and views of the ocean that stretch on for miles. Rent a vacation home in Aly’s Beach or stay at the Pearl in Rosemary’s Beach and spend your time relaxing and strolling through the charming streets, all roads lead directly to the beach.

Anguilla, British West Indies

An easy flight from the east coast, you’ll find the stunning and serene Caribbean island of Anguilla. Located in the British West Indies, Anguilla is the perfect place to relax and unwind after wedding festivities. Anguilla has 33 pristine beaches, an amazing restaurant scene, world-class boutique resorts, and the feeling of laid-back luxury without being too pretentious. Go horseback riding on the beach, scuba diving or snorkeling in the famously clear blue waters, and drink local rum at beach bars with live reggae music.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Enjoy Americana at its finest on this charming island off the coast of Massachusetts. A favorite vacation destination of presidents, celebrities, and the like, Martha’s Vineyard is home to historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, quaint downtowns, and fresh lobster rolls. Rent bikes and explore the towns of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, each with a unique vibe and scene. Temperatures drop at the night, but you and your hubby will have no problem cozying up by the fire and listening to the sound of the waves crashing at this quintessential New England destination.

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

This Wedding is the Prettiest Ode to All Things Blue

Crafted by Jacin Fitzgerald, this Pippin Hill wedding has way too many pretty details to gush over in one little intro. Let’s start with the “Trade Your Tie for a Bowtie” bar (cute!!) or the personalized macarons by Laura Hooper Calligraphy and finish with those sweeping Virginia landscapes. But that’s only the beginning of this French country inspired celebration. Jump into all the stunning imagery captured by Ryan Ray. And if you missed it, take a peak at this couple’s seriously pretty engagement and pre-wedding festivities that include a good ol’ southern clam bake.

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From the Bride… From the minute we got engaged, we knew we wanted to get married at Pippin Hill. We felt it was a perfect representation of the beauty of this special spot in the country where most of our guests had never been before. Fall is our favorite time in Charlottesville, so a September wedding was a no brainer for us. We wanted our wedding décor to have the same feel as the French countryside, with lush, overflowing flowers, woven baskets filled with lavender and herbs, and a rustic yet refined feel.

Working with Jacin was a true dream come true. She completely understood our vision for the wedding, and perfectly transformed the ideas in our head into reality. Working with her on the flowers was one of my favorite experiences from wedding planning, as flowers played such a big part in the décor for the day. I wanted a lush and loose bouquet, and the centerpieces to be low and overflowing flowers as well. We chose lots of champagne, cream, and blush-colored flowers, and the bridesmaids had pops of color in their bouquets. Jacin traveled to Nashville, TN to meet one weekend and pulled together the entire tablescape and flowers that we were going to use at my wedding. It was amazing to be able to see it all together in person and work with her on what I liked, and what I hoped to change. I loved watching her swap flowers in and out right in front of me. It was such an incredible interactive experience that I will never forget.

It was so fun to be able to get ready at Pippin Hill on the morning of our wedding, as we were able to watch Jacin and her team pull together the entire décor for the day. We could see all of the details that we had talked about and planned for the past year and a half come together, which was truly special. My bridesmaids and I had mimosas and were in a fun, celebratory mood all day long. It was a perfect getting-ready day!

We had absolutely stunning overflowing baskets of flowers that were at the entrance to the aisle for our ceremony. As for the ceremony, we wanted to stand at an altar, but did not want to block the incredible views of the mountains behind us—one of the main reasons why we chose to get married at Pippin Hill. Jacin found vintage screen doors that she then draped in flowers and greenery, which blended in beautifully with the natural beauty of our backdrop and made for an absolutely breathtaking altar.

Our wedding ceremony was both my and Ryan’s favorite time from the day. My dad walked me down the aisle to a string version of All I Want Is You by U2, his favorite band. Our dear friend from college officiated wonderfully, and he chose some very special poems and quotes to incorporate that resonated deeply with us. We had a ring warming ceremony, where we passed around our wedding bands through the guests for them to send their love and well wishes into. We also had one of the bridesmaids sing the song Halo with our string trio. It was so special to have her sing during our ceremony. While she was singing, we invited our immediate families to join us in lighting a unity candle, to symbolize the blending of our two families. Another one of my favorite parts of the ceremony was that two of my little nieces walked down the aisle as flower girls. They got a little diverted during their walk, which made everyone laugh, but they eventually made it down the aisle, cuter than ever. We wrote our own vows, and didn’t share them with each other beforehand, making it truly special hearing them for the first time at the ceremony. We followed the same pattern, so our vows would have a similar feel to them. We each said “I am here because…,” “I love you because…,” and “I promise to…” with three reasons for each. Ryan was pretty emotional during his vows, which ensured there was not a dry eye in the crowd.

Ryan loves wearing bowties, so we thought it would be fun to have a “trade your tie for a bow tie” bar at our cocktail hour. My mom worked for months on sewing bowties for every male at our wedding, and created lavender sachets for all of the women. They turned out so gorgeous (I still think she should open an Etsy shop!), and it was so fun seeing guests helping each other tie bowties at our cocktail hour. Jacin hung the bowties from vintage shutters, and placed bunches of lavender and other herbs in little vintage boxes and baskets all around them. She also lined the bars with beautiful hops, which added to the lush, green feeling of the day. We had a bluegrass band start the fun and merriment at our cocktail hour, and our signature cocktails were a hit. Everyone was able to watch the sun set behind the mountains during our cocktail hour—we couldn’t have timed it more perfectly.

Our centerpieces and tablescapes turned out perfectly. Jacin created the most gorgeous low and overflowing centerpieces with all of my favorite flowers, and surrounded them with tall candles, votive candles, little vases holding single stems of flowers, and herb pots. We chose vintage plates that had a variety of blue patterns on them to serve as charger plates, topped them with our hand torn menus and lavender sprigs, and used vintage silverware alongside them. We also had macarons serve as escort cards, with each guest’s name written on an individual macaron and placed in mini cake holders at each seat. The entire tablescape and place setting truly felt like we were back in France—I couldn’t have dreamed up something more gorgeous!

Our band, A Town A List, made sure our wedding reception was incredibly fun. Ryan and I danced to Zac Brown Band’s Loving You Easy, and I still get a rush of emotion every time I hear the song. Ryan and his mother invited all other mothers and sons to join them on the dance floor partway through their dance, which was so heartwarming to watch. Our band made sure no one left the dance floor all night, and we had an absolute blast. We ended the night with a sparkler sendoff while our band played The Saints Go Marching In. It was such a perfect day and night, we both wish we could relive it again.

We are so thankful for all of our vendors, who played such special roles in our planning and big day. I’ve already talked how much we appreciated Jacin and her whole team for planning the weekend of our dreams (which involved essentially two weddings!). She was such a joy to work with and has become a dear friend. She and her team made the whole weekend move seamlessly and perfectly, even playing the dual role of planner and florist. Our photographer, Ryan Ray, has provided us with some of the best memories of our special day, as our pictures are absolutely stunning and perfectly capture the feel from our special day (and Welcome Dinner). He was even right in the middle of the dance floor all night, missing nothing. Chelsea Petaja took our vision for paper goods and absolutely nailed it. I still cannot get over how beautiful our initiation packets were. Our videographer provided us with such a special video of our wedding, weaving in vintage film for parts of our day, that makes us cry every time we watch it. We cannot thank them enough!

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Photographer: Ryan Ray Photography | Videographer:: Shaking Hands Productions | Wedding Cake: Sweethaus | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Band: The Adrian Duke Project | Transportation: Albemarle And Ambassador Limo | Additional Bridesmaids Hair: Mariam Muhammad | Additional Bridesmaids Makeup: Tinsley Onuegbu | Bluegrass Band: Early Grove String Trio | Bow ties & Suspenders: High Cotton Ties | Bridal Gown: Vera Wang | Bride and Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Amanda Dang | Bride's Earrings: David Yurman | Bridesmaids Monogrammed Bow Tie Tank Tops: LPE Designs on Etsy | Ceremony Musicians: Linden Trio | Ceremony Singer: Ashley Hogan | Cocktail Table Linens: Nuage Designs | Cork Board, Save the Dates, Seating Chart Design & Napkins: Southern Fried Paper | Flower Girl Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Groom & Groomsmen's Attire: Kenneth Cole Reaction | Hand-made Bow Ties & Lavender Sachets: Beverley Venables, Mother of the Bride | Ice Cream Sandwiches: Its It | Invitations and Day-of Paper Goods Design & Calligraphy: Oh My Deer Handmades | Lighting, Sound & Stage: Blue Ridge AV & Lighting | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Macaron Hand Lettering: Laura Hooper Calligraphy | Macarons: Buttercream Bakeshop | Martini Glasses, Easels & Trays: Festive Fare | Mother of the Bride Gown: Badgley Mischka | Mother of the Groom Gown: Monique Lhuillier | Place Settings, Glassware, Ceremony “Altar” Production & Vin: Southern Vintage | Ring Dish: Paloma's Nest | Seating Chart Production: I Do Linens | Wedding Planning, Design & Florals: Jacin Fitzgerald Events

It’s All Berry Hues and Smiles at This Elegant NOLA Wedding

This Bride is as pretty as can be with her elegant ballerina bun, her gorgeous berry hued bouquet by Kim Starr Wise Floral Events, and the delicate lace neckline of her beautiful gown. Lance Nicoll captured this NOLA wedding, including the absolutely adorable, joy-filled look of the Groom when he first saw his Bride. We’re in love and know you will be too, so scroll on!

From Lance Nicoll PhotographyFernanda and Farere hosted their wedding in New Orleans, Louisiana, centered around the unique and character filled French Quarter. The day began with a joyful first look in Armstrong Park. Family and friends met the lovely couple at the home of Farere’s parents for family formals. In the evening, the couple and wedding party gathered for a formal church wedding and then went to the main ballroom of the Westin at Canal Place. The couple’s entrance was filled with energy as they burst into the room, dancing with guests before taking their seats for their formal sit down dinner. Gold and blush accents were met with deep purple and dark gray tones for an untraditional but sophisticated color palette for the wedding day.

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Photography: Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography | Floral Design: Kim Starr Wise Floral Events | Cake: Bittersweet Confections | Reception Venue: The Westin Canal Place | Hair and Makeup: Wink Eyelash Bar Makeup Studio | Rentals: Distressed|Rentals & Revival

Stylish Southern Clambake Welcome Dinner

Now that we’ve gotten to drool over their engagement session, we’re stepping into Katie and Ryan’s clambake dinner that welcomed guests to Charlottesville for an unforgettable weekend. Held the night before their big day, Katie and Ryan took the opportunity to mingle with their loved ones who traveled from the East and West coasts, and paid homage to their both their home states with playful design choices by Jacin Fitzgerald throughout. Take a stroll through the gallery by Ryan Ray and stayed tuned for their big wedding day reveal!

From the bride… Ryan is from California and I’m from Massachusetts, but it was important to us to get married someplace that held special meaning to both of us. Charlottesville was an easy choice for us to make. We fell in love with the town during our three years of law school there and knew our families and friends would also adore its incredible small town charm. We wanted to find a way to show our appreciation for everyone traveling such great distances to celebrate with us on our special day, so we decided to invite everyone to a Welcome Dinner the night before our wedding. We were so fortunate that so many of our family and friends decided to make long weekends out of our wedding, so much so that almost every single guest decided to come to our Welcome Dinner!

Ryan and I traveled throughout the French countryside in a special trip we took after taking the bar exam, and we absolutely fell (even more) in love with the country. We worked with Jacin to bring the same feelings and imagery from the French countryside into the décor at our wedding, and she absolutely hit the ball out of the park. For our Welcome Dinner, we wanted a much more relaxed atmosphere that felt more like “home” to us. Both being from the coasts, “home” for us involves amazing seafood, being with family and friends, and a beachy relaxed atmosphere. Those are always our favorite nights. We decided, therefore, to do our take on an East coast meets West coast clam bake for our Welcome Dinner. We wanted it to be a fun, relaxed time, just like clam bakes on the beach are. We asked everyone to dress “Nantucket casual”—and our guests really took this theme to heart, coming out in droves in Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer. Ryan and I also built and painted our own cornhole set to be used at our Welcome Dinner, which had a California side and a Massachusetts side, as an ode to our roots.

Ryan and I really wanted to make sure we had a chance to truly thank everyone for coming so far to celebrate with us, so we decided to write out individualized letters on custom vintage postcards to every guest, which were placed on each guest’s place setting. We worked with Chelsea Petaja to choose eight different vintage Cape Cod and San Francisco postcard images, which she then turned into custom postcards for us. We spent weeks writing out letters to each guest, and everyone seemed to really love them, which truly warmed our hearts. We knew we were going to have lush, overflowing flowers at our wedding, so we wanted the tablescapes at the Welcome Dinner to have a very different feel. Our escort cards were scallop shells that Chelsea wrote everyone’s name and table number on—we still have ours today! Jacin used beach grass, fishing nets, lanterns, driftwood, and classic red and white seersucker napkins on each table, truly making the table feel coastal. Every seat also had corn holders and mini Tabasco sauce bottles. String lights and lanterns lined the pathway down from the cocktail hour area to the tent for dinner, and a guitarist played during dinner, really setting the tone for our fun evening. We were absolutely blown away by all of the décor. Jacin truly did transform our venue into a beachy atmosphere!

Our signature jalapeno margarita cocktail was a huge hit, and it was amazing seeing everyone drink our favorite beers from each coast in our koozies. Our East coast station included clam chowder, mini lobster rolls, and corn on the cob. Our West coast station included different types of tacos (including fish) and classic San Francisco garlic fries. And of course, we had oysters and a raw bar, fitting in both coasts.

Our Welcome Dinner was such a blast! It was really special for us to be able to chat with all of our guests that evening, and then be able to truly enjoy dancing at our wedding without worrying about having missed anyone. We asked some of our best friends from different time periods in our lives to give little speeches (or roasts), which ended up being extremely special to us, and the whole night was an amazing way to kick off the fun weekend and welcome our guests to Charlottesville. It made everyone excited for the wedding, and was a night I will never forget.

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Photography: Ryan Ray Photography | Event Planning + Design: Jacin Fitzgerald Events | Floral Design: Jacin Fitzgerald Events | Lighting: The AV Company | Venue: Keswick Hall | Music: Peter Richardson | Napkins + Koozies: Southern Fried Paper | Paper Goods Design + Production: Oh My Deer Handmades | Rentals: Festive Fare Event Rentals | Shuttle Bus: Ambassador Limo | Specialty Linens: BBJ La Tavola

The Seaside Views Are Stunning at This Backyard Celebration

There’s something about the fresh, ocean air and looking out to where the water meets the horizon that make a seaside wedding. This backyard celebration captured by Justine Yandle Photography drew inspiration from its perfect location, allowing guests to take in all the beautiful scenery with a tented reception, thanks to Sperry Tents. Chris McClain Productions filmed the festivities, so press play below to see the nautical elegance, from the elegant Bridesmaids in navy Joanna August gowns to the adorable pup in his polka dot bowtie.

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From Justine Yandle Photography… Kara and Pat planned the most perfect backyard wedding at the family home in Duxbury, Massachusetts. They combined classic, seaside elegance with some masculine touches. Melanie of Blissful Beginnings seamlessly incorporated the Groom’s love for hockey into the day. This wedding truly couldn’t have been more perfect.

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Photography: Justine Yandle Photography | Cinematography: Chris McClain | Event Planning: Blissful Beginnings Wedding and Event Design | Floral Design: Consider The Lilies | Wedding Dress: Judd Waddell | Wedding Dress: Katie May | Wedding Dress: Judd Waddell | Cake: The Catered Affair | Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: The Catered Affair | Band: Rare Form | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Tent Rental: Sperry Tents

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A Wedding in NOLA Is Always a Good Idea

The French Quarter of New Orleans was the perfect choice for this couple’s destination wedding – they wanted to say “I do” in an exuberant city! Marissa Lambert captured the celebration (on film and video!), which included a lively second line parade to kick off the joy-filled night. A team of incredible vendors including Sapphire Events, Poppy and Mint Floral Company, and Melissa’s Fine Pastries put together the classic, festive event, and you can see it all right here.

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From Sapphire EventsLauren knew from the moment she had met Colin, she was going to marry him. The couple dreamed of a destination wedding located in an exuberant city full of fun and happiness – New Orleans was the answer. The ceremony and reception were held at The Chicory, located right outside the heart of the French Quarter.

The ceremony decor focused on deep burgundy, ivory, and gold accents. The altar arrangement consisted of one large wreath and two smaller wreaths made of grapevines by Poppy & Mint. These wreaths perfectly foreshadowed the nine hanging grapevine spheres created by Luminous Events that guests would admire at the reception. Throughout the reception, centerpieces alternated between gold candelabras accented with flowers and full flower arrangements accented with gold votives. The marriage between the floral and candle decor gave a lush and illuminating ambiance to the reception. Above the stunning wedding cake, made by Melissa’s Fine Pastries, hung glass bubble tea lights of various lengths (also seen above the buffet). The celebration went into the night as guests joined the Bride, Groom, and family on the dance floor until the very last moment.

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Photography: Mon Soleil Weddings | Cinematography: Mon Soleil Weddings | Event Planning: Sapphire Events | Floral Design: Poppy and Mint | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza | Cake: Melissa's Fine Pastries | Stationery: Crane & Co. | Shoes: Menbur | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: The Chicory | Hair and Makeup: Maritza Barthelemy | Lighting: Luminous Events | DJ: Mobile DJ Nola | Band: Kinfolk Brass Band | Groom's Attire: Tommy Hilfiger | Groomsmen's Attire: Menguin | Venue: The Chicory | Formal Photography Location: City Park

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Mixing Old with New in the Sweetest Vintage Inspired Nursery

For a mama who loves all things vintage, crafting a sweet nursery that incorporates a mix of old and new was a must. The result is a bright, happy space with pretty gold accents and the coolest retro moments. But the cutest thing of all? Sweet little Blythe and her collection of bonnets. Take the full tour snapped by Elza Photographie right here.

As a photographer who adores bright spaces, I totally fell in love with Blythe’s nursery. With these white walls, the wood and these cream and gold accents, it’s all warm and serene. I also love how the vintage furnitures and accessories give a romantic look to the room. Kelly, the mother, says she found her inspiration for baby Blythe’s room ”from my love of vintage and always wanting to mix the old with the new! I love a bright nursery (especially in the morning!), so I wanted to keep the walls and furniture light pulling all accent colors from the vintage Persian rug.

Photographer: Elza Photographie | Beige bunny: Jellycat Stuff Animals | Bonnets: Little Mimmo | Bunnies: Restoration Hardware | Crib: Ikea | Curtains: Ikea | Giraffe: Melissa And Doug | Glider: Monte Glider (Colour: Stone) | Gold frames: Ikea | Mermaid doll: Post Market | Mobile: Restoration Hardware | Pillows: Homesense | Small tool: Homesense | Styled by : Kelly Power | Watercolor paintings: Erin Millman | White shelves: Ikea

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Pretty French Blue Engagement Session in Nashville

Today isn’t an average Friday around SMP. Today is a pretty filled celebration of love with one special couple – Katie and Ryan – at the center. These two hired the dream team of Jacin Fitzgerald and Ryan Ray for their East-Meets-West-Coast Southern Wedding and we’re diving into all the events leading up to “I do.” First up – their darling engagement session set in Nashville. Get to know this sweet duo and sit tight for their clambake welcome dinner up next!

From the planner, Jacin FitzgeraldKatie and Ryan were a match in wedding planner/client heaven. Katie is from Cape Cod and Ryan is from San Francisco and they planned to marry in the South. I’m from New England, lived in San Francisco, and had recently relocated to the South when Katie reached out to inquire about my availability. From our very first phone call, I knew these two were special and I couldn’t wait to work with them over their extended engagement.

From their New England meets San Francisco in the South “Clam Bake” welcome dinner to their French Country-inspired wedding day, a nod to travels taken in their favorite place, we wanted to work together to really weave their story through the details without getting too kitschy or cute.

Subtle details were included to really make all of their guests feel welcomed and appreciated while exuding Katie + Ryan’s personalities to a T. Ryan Ray perfectly captured everything from their engagement session to their wedding weekend and we are so excited to share these photos with you today.

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Photography: Ryan Ray Photography | Wedding Planning: Jacin Fitzgerald Events

Here’s What To Eat On Your Wedding Day—Dietitian-Approved!

Wedding planning can be stressful and even exhausting, but no one wants to feel anything but blissful on the big day. Nutrition plays a large role in how you feel both physically and emotionally. On your wedding day, it is important to make the right food choices to help you last from morning makeup and blowouts, all the way through to the final dance. These tips will not only keep you looking your best, but will help you feel energized enough to truly enjoy the day.


Jordan Brittley

Keep Breakfast 
Simple but include Complex Carbohydrates

The morning of may seem like the perfect time to dive into a celebratory brunch, but instead, stick with something similar to your regular routine. Try to keep this meal as simple as possible, while still incorporating complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the brain’s preferred source of fuel, meaning without them, many people feel somewhat drained. Choose whole grains for sources of complex carbohydrates, like steel cut oatmeal or 100% whole grain toast. These fiber-rich grains take longer to digest, meaning you will feel fuller for longer, and therefore, less likely to have an energy crash later.


Round Out the Morning Meal with Protein and Healthy Fats

Keep breakfast as balanced as possible by including lean protein and healthy fats with your complex carb choice. Both protein and fat provide satiating nutrients, and also help control any spikes in blood sugar. This means, you will feel satisfied all morning long, with a steady level of energy. Lean proteins are easier to digest than high-fat varieties, so skip the bacon or sausage, opting for an egg or low-fat Greek yogurt instead. Stick with healthy fat sources like 1 TBSP of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds to provide anti-inflammatory omega-3s, too. Even easier? Choose a plant-based protein, like nuts, for a high protein and healthy fat combo in one. Try 1 TBSP of almond butter, or other nut butter, to stir into your oats or spread onto toast.


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Use Caution with Caffeinated Beverage Choices

Caffeine is a morning must-have for many, but if flavored lattes, soda or juices are part of your routine, you may want to rethink your drink. The sugar in beverages adds up quickly, meaning these simple carbohydrates will leave you buzzing, followed by an energy crash. Instead, choose unsweetened coffee or tea with a milk of your choice, like a skim or almond milk latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon. You’ll still get the caffeine boost, just without the added sugars and probable crash later. In place of soda or juice, use still or sparkling water to quench your thirst. Staying hydrated helps avoid false hunger cues; plus, hydrated skin means an extra-glowy bridal complexion.


Abby Jiu Photography

Eat Small, Frequent Meals

One major energy zapper? Skipping meals. On your wedding day, mealtime may be the last thing you care to think about, but be sure to find time for fuel. Stick with small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day. Just as skipping a meal can drain your energy, overeating at meals causes similar issues. Consuming too much food at once can lead to discomfort or bloating, takes extra energy to digest, and ultimately leads to tiredness or fatigue. Instead, choose small, balanced meals and snacks. Ask a bridesmaid to stash easy, portable options, like fruit and nut bars, to avoid low energy levels and keep hunger pangs at bay.

Overall, incorporate these tips for healthful meals and snacks into your wedding day to take care of yourself and enjoy each special moment.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Amanda Baker Lemein, MS, RD, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian and freelance writer from Chicago. She works in private practice, helping both pediatric and adult clients find healthy lifestyles that work for a variety of nutrition needs.

Lord Byron Says It Best, “She Walks In Beauty”

Romance is at the center of this styled shoot crafted for the Michael and Carina workshop and it’s taking a page out of the English poetry book. Inspired by the words of Lord Byron, East Made Event Company along with La Fleur Du Jour and Emily Artistry dreamed up this photo shoot perfect for the lover of old world elegance. And with images by the experts themselves, Michael and Carina, the vault is a sea of artistry.

Our bridal portrait session was rooted in the authenticity of a real wedding day: with a period of preparation, portraits, a lovely tablescape for celebrating, and an evening gown that flowed with energy. We specifically took inspiration from English poetry of the early Romantic period: ‘She Walks in Beauty’ by Lord Byron and ‘She Was a Phantom of Delight’ by William Wadsworth. Each piece, from the rings by Susie Saltzman to the jewelry and headpieces by Liv Hart, was carefully selected to echo this idealized statement of grace found in these poems. We ended the bridal portrait session in a meadow as our bride and groom ran into the distance, embracing and happy, a vision of an ideal world.

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Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Floral Design: La Fleur Du Jour | Cake: Catherine George Cakes | Invitations: Signora E Mare | Shoes: Bella Belle | Ring: Susie Saltzman | Makeup and Hair: Emily Artistry | Venue: Retreat at Cool Springs | Bridal Designer: Carol Hannah | Decorative Dishes: Marbella Dish | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Garter: The Garter Girl | Headpiece & Earring Designer: Enchanted Atelier | Model: Liquid Talent | Model: Modelogic Wilhelmina | Rentals: White Glove Rentals | Styling and Event Planning: East Made Event Company | Veil: GirlandaSeriousDream

Proof You Can Never Go Wrong with a Classic Sunset Beach Shoot

Golden hour on a deserted beach with Jose Villa and TEAM Hair and Makeup in tow is the stuff that photo shoot dreams are made of. It’s a simple recipe really. Take equal parts gorgeous couple and blushing sunset hues and you get one gloriously good looking vault of images with love that is palpable. See for yourself right here.

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Photography : Jose Villa Photography | Hair and Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup

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This Couple Stumbled Upon the Perfect Venue

When this couple went searching for a venue in Healdsburg, California for their spring nuptials, they stopped by Barndiva on a whim for a quick drink to fuel their search. It was then that they had an epiphany – this fun, laid back space was perfect for their vision! With the help of Soulflower Design Studio, they created a gorgeous fetê that balanced an organic, rustic feel with modern touches. Valorie Darling Photography captured the day, so head on over to the Vault for plenty more pretty.

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From the Bride… Healdsburg is a special place for my husband and me, so when we got engaged, we were pretty sure that was where wanted to “tie the knot.” We were looking for a rustic venue with an elegant feel, but we wanted something that wasn’t stuffy or fancy. We went to Healdsburg to look at different options and stopped to have a drink at Barndiva, which wasn’t on our list of venues. We both had this moment where we realized that we wanted to have the wedding there. We loved the indoor/outdoor aspect of the venue and the fact that guests would have multiple places to hang out after dinner was done. It was also a space that could easily be “dressed up” while still keeping a fun and laid-back vibe.

I’m a clothing designer (bridal robes for Doie Lounge), and my husband is an architect (OXB Studio), so we were both very involved in the design concept of our wedding. We both love neutrals, so we wanted to keep the color palette fairly subdued, so we chose gray and white and accented with blush and green. Our theme was “modern rustic,” and we incorporated succulents and airplants to give the space an organic feel. This all went really well with the long wood tables and modern barn venue.

We decided to have a first look because we wanted to take some photos at a nearby vineyard and barn. Part of me wanted to have that moment where he saw me for the first time when I was walking down the aisle, but it was so worth it for those photos! Plus, it was nice to have a private moment alone, when we first saw each other all dressed up. My white shoes were muddy by the time I walked down the aisle from tromping around in the vineyard before, but our favorite photos are from that pre-wedding shoot, so we have no regrets.

The only thing that threatened our day was the rain! With an outdoor wedding, we were watching the forecast closely, and it predicted rain for our big day. We did have a rain plan, but it really would have changed the entire feel and look of our wedding. Our planner was on it, and we re-worked our plan hourly the day of the wedding. We made the call around 2pm to have the wedding and reception outside. We were so lucky! The rain held off, and it only started to sprinkle as dessert was being served. At that point people were already moving inside to dance, and we had a small tented area outside as well.

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Photography: Valorie Darling | Event Planning: So Eventful | Floral Design: Soulflower Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel | Cake: Moustache Baked Goods | Invitations: Fly Away Design | Catering: Barndiva | Makeup: Artistry by Danika | Hair: Trace Henningsen | Venue: Barndiva | Bridesmaids' Robes: Doie Lounge | Earrings: Sweet & Spark | Veil: Trace Henningsen

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You Can Never, Ever Have Too Many Flowers

My motto: You can never, EVER have too many flowers. There’s just something about beautiful florals that makes it impossible not to be happy, so when I saw this gorgeous bridal inspiration session captured by Jen Fariello Photography, I was in love. Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs created an abundance of spectacular floral arrangements, each one of them even better than the last. Take one look at that bouquet, and you’ll be swooning. This is one enchanting gallery to get lost in!

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Photography: Jen Fariello Photography | Floral Design: Southern Blooms | Wedding Dress: Elaya Vaughn Bridal | Cake: Favorite Cakes | Makeup: Anna Breeding | Bridal Boutique: Sealed With A Kiss | Embroidery: Belovedthread | Flower Girl Dresses: Whimsies | Veil: Hushed Commotion

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Get Swept Away by a Modern, Waterfront Wedding

We love a waterfront wedding, and even more so when it’s done by Brandy Maddison Event Planning and DesignBlush Wedding Photography and Joy Factory Films captured the modern elegance of the day, which reflected the hues of the ocean in the Bridesmaids’ dresses, the Groom’s suit, and in the silk, bouquet ribbon – all soft shades of gray and blue. It’s a whole lot of beautiful, so scroll on and press play to get swept away by this Vancouver wedding.

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Brandy Maddison Event Planning and DesignOn the dock of the UBC Boathouse in Richmond, British Columbia, Kyle and Rozalind said “I do” in a beautiful, fall ceremony, as the most gentle breeze came off the ocean. It made for a stunning backdrop, and as the bride’s veil blew perfectly in the wind, the whole world seemed to stop and stare. Rozalind looked breathtaking as she came down the aisle. Her dark hair tucked into a simple updo was a beautiful contrast to her classic, strapless dress; a vision in white. Rozalind had a vision for her flowers and wanted a big bouquet of subtle ivory and greens with light touches of navy blue to accent Kyle’s suit. Their vows were personal and their guests were overcome with an overwhelming sense of love and a little laughter, too.

For the reception, Rozalind changed her hair to a ballerina bun and traded in her veil for a timeless hair clip.
Inside, the reception hall was transformed with hundreds of lights strung in the rafters, gray linens on the tables, slate centerpieces with clusters of white candles, and an abundance of greenery. It was subdued and romantic, setting the mood for an intimate evening. After dinner and speeches, under the lights and surrounded by candles circling the dance floor, the couple shared a special moment before the night kicked off. Jesse from Common Sound in Kamloops came down to play the music for the wedding, and the couple had the dance floor packed until the wee hours of the morning. The bride’s glittering Jimmy Choo stilettos were the only thing left behind – a testament to the most amazing and fun night of their lives!

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Photography: Blush Wedding Photography | Cinematography: Joy Factory Films | Event Design: Brandy Maddison Event Planning & Design | Floral Design: Brandy Maddison Event Planning & Design | Cake: Sweet Spot Cupcakes | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: For Her And For Him | Catering: Ritz Catering & Coffee House | Hair and Makeup: Laine Dagneau Hairstylist Makeup Artist | DJ: Common Sound | Groomsmen's Attire: Indochino | Venue: UBC Boathouse | Bartending: Straight Up Bar Service | Bridal Boutique: Lisa's Bridal | Earrings: BHLDN | Silk Ribbons: Sheer Florals and Silk | Veil: Aglow Bridal Lounge

A Wedding Draped Head to Toe in Greenery

It’s no secret that greenery is making a major comeback, and this Texas wedding captured by Mustard Seed Photography embraces those fresh greens in a beautiful way. From ceremony to reception, you’ll find this organic floral alternative making its way into every detail, and we can’t get enough of the fresh, natural look. Have a look below and don’t miss the clip from Cakewalk Films.

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From the bride… If I’m being honest our entire wedding day is a blur to me now. I don’t remember what I ate, what I talked about with my bridesmaids as we got ready, or how many songs we danced to. What I will never forget is the amount of love that was evident on this day. Our families had been awaiting this day for a very long time since Isaac and I were high school sweethearts. I will always remember the moment I first saw Isaac standing at that alter and I knew that he had been placed in my life for that moment, for the two of us to become one.

Isaac and I met when we were two kids in elementary school we didn’t know it then but we would eventually fall in love. We became high school sweethearts and have been inseparable ever since. After many years of dating Isaac surprised me with a trip to Paris, France! I had no idea that I would be proposed to in front of the Eiffel Tower, but there Isaac was down on one knee asking if I would spend the rest of my life with him. The moment I had prayed for had finally arrived and I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough!

During the planning process we knew we wanted to be as close to Houston as possible since that’s where our love story began. I had always wanted to be married in a white barn so we did some research and found a white barn themed venue that was just being built. We immediately drove out to Montgomery, Texas to view the venue. When we toured the venue they had just began building it so all we saw was literally just a frame of the venue. As we stood inside the center of what was to be the reception space we looked at each other and knew this was it. We took a leap and booked the venue while it was being built. The venue wouldn’t be complete until two months before our wedding day. When we toured the completed Farmhouse a month before our wedding I couldn’t help but tear up. The venue was absolutely stunning on it’s own. We couldn’t get over how bright the venue was and the beautiful marble details. I knew I wanted to incorporate the marble details into the decorations for the wedding and the wedding cake.

We wanted to have mostly greenery throughout the wedding with pops of blush. Our florals from Jenna Lynn Events were absolutely breathtaking and the greenery flower crowns she made for us really gave the wedding an ethereal touch. At the family table, our florist created a stunning greenery garland and we added a special touch with laser cut wood names as the place cards. We added gold touches with the hammered gold silverware and the gold rimmed plates. Our gray table clothes that covered the majority of the tables were an organic material that brought an extra special touch to the reception space.

We incorporated a few DIY projects into our wedding and I’m so happy we did. I love looking back at the pictures of the DIY projects and knowing the love and dedication we put into creating each project. My father and Isaac worked together to build the table in the entrance of the ceremony space and the boxes that held the programs. We created a wood board filled with polaroids from over the years of our relationship. Lastly, we used terrariums on some of the tables and filled them with twinkle lights for stunning budget friendly centerpieces.

Our ceremony was held in the chapel behind the reception space of The Farmhouse. The altar was draped in greenery and had pops of blush florals. The aisle had two huge greenery garlands down each side. We wanted to keep our ceremony as traditional as possible except for our string trio, Third Floor Strings, that played the Game of Thrones theme song as our wedding party walked down the aisle! We decided not to do a first look because I’ve always loved seeing the reaction of the groom when he first sees the bride step into the chapel. Seeing Isaac’s face as he saw me walk down the aisle is a moment I will never forget. I thought he would be the one to cry but it was really me doing all the crying!

The most important thing about our wedding was to involve our daughter, Ava. She was with me the entire time I got ready with my bridesmaids and we danced the night away with her. She wore a dress very similar to my wedding dress with long sleeves and lace detailing.

Charlie Whiskey really created such a stunning calligraphy invitation which included a map of the venue. Paper and Pine Co-created our calligraphy welcome sign and various other signs that were scattered throughout the wedding.

For the bridesmaids’ dresses, we decided to go with a long, off the shoulder, blush gown from Vow To Be Chic. The gowns were paired with greenery floral crowns and custom made Kendra Scott earrings. Our florist created ethereal greenery bouquets for the bridesmaids.

One of my favorite moments was our father and daughter dance. My dad and I had prepared choreography to a music mash-up! We were so excited to surprise our guests and Isaac with our fun dance moves. Needless to say, Isaac loved it and even cried because he was so surprised! My dad and I have always been super goofy so doing this fun mash-up really showed our father and daughter relationship.

Everything was captured by the amazing Mustard Seed Team. They were amazing throughout the entire process. We’re so thankful to everyone for their love and support. Our wedding was a dream come true because of all the amazing vendors involved.

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Photography: Mustard Seed Photography | Cinematography: Cakewalk Films | Floral Design: Jenna Lynn Events | Wedding Dress: Essense Of Australia | Cake: Dolce Designs | Invitations: Charley Whiskey Design | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Vow To Be Chic | Catering: Alma Latina | Hair + Makeup: Butter Artistry | DJ: DJ Enloe | Favors: Couldn't Smell Better Candles | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Day-of Coordination: Sweet Memories Events by Jen | Rentals: Aztec Events | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Signage : Paper & Pine Co. | String Trio: Third Floor Strings

A Pop o’ Color Looks Down Right Dreamy in this Master Bath Redo

We are ALL ABOUT this master bathroom redo masterminded by Austin Bean Design Studio. It gives off a luxe, spa-like quality with the prettiest of upgrades. I swear that tub was just made for lounging in with a wine glass in hand. But on top of all that dream bathroom goodness is a pop o’ color in the form of a gorgeous vintage rug and show-stopping art. Take the full tour captured by Kacey Gilpin right here.

From Austin Bean Design Studio…The master bathroom before remodel was a very french country design, covered in wallpaper and with a heavy and non functional cabinetry layout. The bathroom felt dark and outdated. The client wanted the bathroom to be light and airy with pops of color. She wanted it to be functional for their family with young children- which most of the time means everyone is in there together. The floors are a laid in a herringbone pattern, made of limestone– with matching wall tile in the shower, floor and walls.

Bathroom Sources

Sconces: Visual Comfort | Mirrors: Mirror Image Home | Faucets and cabinet hardware: Restoration Hardware | Wall color: Benjamin Moore “White Dove” | Vanity Color: Benjamin Moore “Witching Hour”

Photography: Kacey Gilpin | Design: Austin Bean Design Studio