If you are a lover of modern, look no further than this elegant inspiration that pairs romance with contemporary design. Combining lush blooms like garden roses and ranunculus with sleek ghost chairs and crisp gray linens, this shoot crafted by Erin Land and captured by Matthew Land is bringing a fresh modern twist to classic wedding details. And the bridal gowns by Rime Arodaky and Alexandra Grecco? Yeah those are wildly gorgeous too. Sneak a peek at all the pretty details right here.

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From the Floral Designer… As a floral designer and event stylist, I’m typically working on designs tailored to clients and couples. This styled shoot was an open-ended opportunity to flex my creative muscles and craft a look that showcases my style as a designer. My love for light, airy backdrops, modern bridal fashion, and fun pops of color informed the overall aesthetic of this styled shoot, which combined modern elements and a fun, unstuffy, elegance. With my husband, photographer Matthew Land, behind the lens, the photo shoot took place in our home and studio space—deemed the Land Loft—which lent the perfect natural light and space to set up the vignettes for this shoot.

The Dress Theory provided gorgeous gowns (and a sequin biker jacket!) from French designer, Rime Arodaky, Alexandra Grecco’s ‘Astrid’ gown, and beautiful hair accessories by Twigs & Honey. No bridal look would be complete without rings, and Seattle jeweler T. Anthony Jewelers lent us some stunning pieces to top off the look! Gold Comb Salon and Love Beauty worked their hair and makeup magic for our lovely models, Amy, Mariah, and Mikayla from Seattle Models Guild. To keep things looking clean, modern, and elegant (but not stuffy), I draped the table in a grey velvet linen from La Tavola Fine Linen, and set the table using pieces from my personal collection for clean lines and neutral tones. The florals throughout the shoot lent a fun pop of color and flowing, organic lines to the design. To top off the details, local shop and stationery designer extraordinaire, Spruce, put together a stationary suite to pull the whole look together—I love the vellum envelopes and the pairing of clean typography with fun calligraphy! For a sweet element to this shoot, the talented baker Nancy Stuart from Saltadena designed cakes that pulled in hand-painted details and minimalist, clean lines.

Photography: Matthew Land Studios | Styling & Design: Erin Land | Floral Design: Erin Land | Cakes: Saltadena | Chairs: Cort Party Rentals | Gown & Jacket Designer: Rime Arodaky | Gown Designer: Alexandra Grecco | Gowns & Accessories: The Dress Theory | Hair Styling: Gold Comb Salon | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Location: The Land Loft | Makeup Artistry: Love Beauty | Models: Seattle Models Guild | Rings & Jewelry: T. Anthony Jewelers | Stationery & Calligraphy: Spruce

When the wedding is over and it’s time for just the two of you to celebrate, what’s your plan? Sure you could go the traditional honeymoon route and go to some popular tropical location, but why not get creative and plan your honeymoon with the power of your zodiac sign?

Aries
Adventure is your thing and you need plenty of freedom to roam, so post-wedding trips that include physical challenges are important for you. Where there are thrills there’s you, Aries, so plan a trip that gets your adrenaline pumping.

Taurus
Good food and drink are all you need to be happy on your honeymoon. Of course, a nice massage wouldn’t hurt…and a little shopping. A deluxe spa vacation to a warm locale will be the perfect cherry on the sundae of your wedding.

Gemini
Your ideal honeymoon must be interesting. Plan a trip that engages your mind and where you will meet lots of new people. A cruise ship or guided tour can be a great way to spend your honeymoon in perfect Gemini style.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

Cancer

Your sentimental connection means a honeymoon spent visiting a historical location like a country where your family has roots, or an ancient town you’ve always wanted to visit. Wherever it is, make sure you to connect to the past.

Leo
You want to play, to celebrate and most of all to have fun! Plan your honeymoon with fun in mind and all else will follow. What makes you laugh? Whatever it is, do lots of it on your honeymoon for a trip that you will remember.

Virgo
As a lover of nature, your honeymoon plan must include time spent with plants, trees, and flowers. Service is one of your most important values, so think of a trip that will not only be fun for you, but also help others.

Libra
To have the best honeymoon, you need beauty. So seek out what you find beautiful in nature, art and life and plan your trip based on this. You also enjoy time to relax, so a spa trip with plenty of soothing treatments would be perfect.

Best Photography

Scorpio
Although you would be happy locked in a bedroom with your mate for the duration of your honeymoon, if you do decide to venture out, make sure it’s a place that has some depth. You don’t like swimming in shallow waters, so maybe a diving vacation would suit your need for intensity?

Sagittarius
For you, a honeymoon is one more opportunity to plan an adventure. You want to your relationship to grow and expand as an outcome of your trip, so choose wisely. You may take a trek to some foreign destination, or enjoy doing a couple’s workshop of some kind.

Capricorn
You might be tempted to save your honeymoon money for a house down payment. And that’s ok Capricorn, but if you do decide to take a trip, choose a location that feels safe and secure. You might even plan a “staycation,” so you can save that money, but also enjoy time with your significant other.

Vicki Grafton Photography

Aquarius
You’ll want a honeymoon that is outside the box. If everyone else is doing one thing, you want to do something different. So try staying at unique locales like a cliff on the side of the mountain in Peru, or a tree house deep in the woods.

Pisces
Your ideal honeymoon will involve a spiritual theme and preferably be near water. A yoga or meditation retreat on the beach is an option, but you also might enjoy a volunteer trip where you can share the compassion and kindness that is so much a part of you.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Fern Spring is an astrologer, wellness writer and owner of Wisestars Apothecary. She lives in Northern California with her dog and her guy in the beautiful West County of Sonoma.

Show-stopping is one way to describe this lush floral aisle crafted by Flowerwild and beautiful is another. But it’s just the tip of the iceberg with this bright, colorful celebration planned by Twine Events. From the sea of twinkling lanterns to the blue hued tablescapes, dive into the prettiest party by the sea captured by Michael Radford along with a film by Robert Michael below.

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From the Bride… My favorite moment of the wedding was our first dance. We were in the middle of this surreal setting with hanging lights and lush flowers watching the sun set. It felt like this tiny little moment we were sharing together and then with all of our family and friends. Plus, despite forgetting to practice, we actually pulled off a twirl! I am over the moon at how our wedding turned out. I love how I was able to pick out my favorite things and Erica at Twine Events pulled it all together into a cohesive wedding that was beachy, silly, delicious, heartfelt and totally unique. It was a dream wedding and yet felt like such a great expression of me and my husband. Flowerwild went so above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined for the flowers and decor. And thank goodness for Michael Radford who managed to capture all of the big moments with emotional accuracy and all of the gorgeous details I definitely would have missed.

Photographer: Michael Radford Photography | Videography: Robert Michael Films | Event Planning and Design: Twine Events | Floral Design: Kate Holt Creative | Wedding Dress: Des Kohan | Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop | Stationery : Jonathan Wright And Company | Caterer: Heirloom LA | Makeup: Kevianno Guerrero | Hair Stylist: Star Peterson at Shin | Lighting: Amber Event Production | Transportation: Chuck's Parking | Guitarist: Molly Miller, Strings by Reiko | Music: THE FLASHDANCE | Photo Booth: Amuse Booth | Private Estate: Malibu Home | Rentals: Town And Country | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Specialty Rentals: The Ark Event Rentals

When Maggie Sottero launches a new collection, you carve out some time in your day to take a nice, long look. Which is why we’re spending this Monday giving our undivided attention to the Cordelia Collection, a stunning lineup of dresses that are the epitome of traditional meets modern style. Think awe-inspiring designs, gorgeous embellishments and silhouettes that are ultra-flattering. Scroll for a very, very pretty look.

Designed for the uber-romantic bride (read: all of you), the Cordelia Collection by Maggie Sottero is the perfect mix of artful details and refined styling. We’re talking delicate lace motifs mix and mingling with beautiful fabrics (hello, satin, crepe and organza) AND elegant beading. From the glam details of the Jaslynn to the Swarovski crystals of the Maren to the plunging neckline of the Ida, there’s not a single gown that won’t, well… knock your socks off. Oh, and did I mention that the Cordelia Collection also features gowns with built-in shapewear? Sooo awesome, you guys. And so flattering, too.

Whether you’re in search of a vintage-inspired gown like the Cordelia or want to rock a keyhole back like the one on the Sinclaire, the Cordelia Collection by Maggie Sottero most definitely has a gown for you, no matter your shape, size, budget or style. Oh, and that built-in shapewear? It’s the figure-flattering look you love, without all of the extra support of an undergarment. Which means you can breathe, loves.

Visit Maggie Sottero today to find a retailer near you… the Cordelia Collection is waiting with bells on.

A gorgeous bunch of blooms can make your look on your big day, so why leave them to just the bouquet? From whimsical, bloom filled crowns to bohemian earrings made from greenery, we’ve rounded up 28 of our favorite creative ways brides have incorporated fresh florals into their wedding day style.

28 Reasons Why Flowers Should Be Your Main Wedding Day Accessory

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28 Reasons Why Flowers Should Be Your Main Wedding Day Accessory

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This professional designer and stylist-turned-bride? Let’s just say she knows her stuff. “Our vision was an intimate, romantic garden wedding with a sophisticated European aesthetic, incorporating the casual elegance of Santa Barbara,” she said. The big day unfolded as all that plus so much more, and we’ve got it all captured by Diana McGregor Photography with a film from Satellite Weddings below.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/220541266 600 338]

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From the Bride… As a designer and stylist, I was completely dedicated to creating a beautiful, romantic, and picturesque backdrop for our nuptials. Our vision was an intimate, romantic garden wedding with a sophisticated European aesthetic, incorporating the casual elegance of Santa Barbara with the warm, Spanish colonial style of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. The entire evening was al fresco, and the warm June weather made the outdoor setting absolutely perfect. Our color palette was comprised of pale pinks, blush, creams, and pale ice blue, accented by antiqued silver and gold.

We worked with Kasia of Plenty of Petals as our floral designer. We included a loose, organic composition of peonies, cabbage roses, garden roses, clematis, dahlias, ranunculus, along with greenery swags and jasmine vines, all contributed to an elegant garden feel on the multi-leveled decomposed granite courtyards of the museum grounds.

As the brilliant orange sunset, the white string lights came on to signal the beginning of an intimate evening under the stars. We had just over 100 guests, which kept the celebration small and the dance party strong; the setting allowed us to mingle with everyone throughout the evening.

There wasn’t a detail missed, from chair backs, accented with peonies and greens, custom signage and a gorgeous escort card display by Sophia Loves Letters. Our ceremony backdrop was stunning, made up of romantic soft pink floral, foliage and vines loosely displayed against the wooden pergola. Soft white, light linen draping was added to the pergola. The ice blue bridesmaids’ dresses by Amsale popped beautifully off the lush backdrop. The groomsmen wore light gray tuxedos to complement the pale blue and pink touches. The cake was designed by Jana at Delicious Artistry. We wanted a simple white frosted 3-tiered cake with textured lines and a pink floral cluster. Jana also created a pink palette of French macaroons for our dessert table.

I customized our wedding invitation suite with designer & calligrapher Bianca Mascorro from Little Miss Press. She created a beautiful suite for us, using pale blue and gray, and romantic script. The pale blue envelopes and white calligraphy completed the suite.

It was our dream to celebrate our wedding in the location where we first met nearly 10 years before. Santa Barbara is such a special place to us, and it is where our friendship and romantic relationship first began when we were just 18 and 21 years old. Santa Barbara reflects our personalities as well: casual beach-style with a layer of elegance and charm. Our vision for the ceremony was to incorporate our relaxed spirituality with a desire to share and celebrate our love and vows to each other with our closest friends and family (and even our little puppy Daisy).

We chose exposed farmhouse tables, mixed with linen covered rounds, and a mix of both cane back upholstered chairs and vineyard cross back chairs. We used three different linens: a solid pale blue, an ivory, as well as a subtle cream patterned linen. Plenty of Petals created lush, semi-loose, floral arrangements in a variety of vessels ranging from cement urns, to silver julep cups, to mercury glass, as well as blush milk glass mercury votives. European floral arrangements and tabletop details, such as silver beaded chargers and Fleur De Lis glassware, all served to tie in the sophisticated, chic elegance we desired.

Our French-inspired lounge seating, weathered oak bar, and gold leaf crystal chandelier set a sophisticated tone. For the bar tables, we chose a nude sequin linen for the highboy tables, and a solid ivory linen mixed with French caned upholstered chairs.
What made our reception so special was the fact that it felt like a close outdoor party to all of our guests, even though many were from so many different parts of our lives: from California family and friends to UCSB college friends, to Wake Forest grad school friends, and co-workers, many guests commented on the close feeling and camaraderie of the evening- whether dancing to the expert sounds of DJ Dominic of Red Show LA, or sitting nearby enjoying the stars, all of our guests felt a part of an amazing evening!

Photography: Diana McGregor Photography | Cinematography: Satellite Weddings | Coordination: Danae Grace Events | Design : Claire Ross Wilbur | Floral Design: Plenty Of Petals | Rings: Blue Nile | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Omni Fresco Catering | Hair + Makeup: Unveiled Makeup | DJ: Red Shoe LA | Officiant: Peter Ross | Transportation: Santa Barbara Airbus | Hotel : Fess Parker | Venue: Santa Barbara Historical Museum | Bridal Dress: Hayley Paige | Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Dessert: Delicious Artistry | Groom's Shoes: Allen Edmonds | Grooms Tux: Menguin | Invitation Suite: Little Miss Press | Lighting + Draping: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Matches, Napkins, Drink Stirrers: For Your Party | Musician : Matthew Commerce | Paper Goods: Sophia Loves Letters | Photographer Assistance: Lauren Guilford | Programs: Minted | Rehersal Dinner: Santa Barbara Yacht Club | Rentals: Town And Country | Signs: Flora South Designs | Small Signs: Paper & Pine Co | Tie: Brooks Brothers | Veil : Kinsley James Couture Bridal

We know that narrowing down that cocktail menu for your Big Day isn’t always easy, especially when you’re searching for drinks that are seriously tasty, but blend well with your look and theme, too. Which is why we’re joining up with BevMo! to help guide you to a bevy of yummy cocktails that happen to be perfect for YOUR unique celebration. Yep, whether you plan on spending your night barn dancin’ or simply sippin’ Cosmos from your penthouse suite, we’ve got you covered. See the thirst-quenching options below.

RUSTIC: CAMPFIRE COCKTAIL

Nothing says rustic shindig quite like a cocktail that infuses marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate. So this sweet concoction? Seriously awesome. From the yummy vodka and Irish cream to the crazy cool presentation, it’s absolutely everything you’re looking for with a little side of campfire. Be prepared for your guests to fall in LOVE with every sweet sip.

Photography, Design & Styling: Lark & Linen

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

MODERN: SPARKLING OMBRE ROSE COCKTAIL

Want to impress with a tasty drink that is one part light and refreshing flavor and one part gorgeous hues and tasty blackberries? Then this Sparkling Ombre Rose Cocktail is IT. Think rose syrup, fruit-flavored liqueur, prosecco and a whole lot of happy guests marveling at your contemporary take on the “typical” toasting drink. It’s basically everything… and will fit right in with your modern soiree in the city.

Photography: Erin McGinn | Styling: Abby Capalbo

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

CLASSIC: PINEAPPLE MOSCOW MULE

Whether you plan to party the night away at your fave yacht club or in a tented reception in your parents’ backyard, adding a classic drink that spans decades is SUCH a good idea. Our fave? The Moscow Mule. It’s a tasty treat that is sooo familiar and sooo fruity, it will definitely add a little something special to your soiree. Plus, it’s vodka and ginger ale. And this one has pineapple. So good.

Photography, Recipe & Styling: SMP Living

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

BOHEMIAN: POPSICLE-TOPPED BUBBLY

Your boho soiree deserves a little something, well… outside of the box. So when choosing the perfect cocktail to WOW all of your guests, look no further than this tasty little number with colorful popsicles and champagne. It’s the perfect fusion of yummy AND pretty and is just the pop of wow (pun intended) your bohemian soiree deserves. We ADORE this one.

Photography: Ainsley Rose Photography

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

VINTAGE: STRAWBERRY MINT JULEP

Mint Julep’s have definitely stood the test of time and there’s a very good reason: they are sooo yummy. So if you’re hosting a vintage-inspired celebration that would make even the Great Gatsby proud, then you most definitely need to add a little whiskey-infused lovely to the party. (Bonus points for mixing it up with a strawberry twist.) Plus, is their a cuter cup than these silver sweeties? We think not.

Photography: Rustic White Photography | Concept, Styling & Recipe: Waiting on Martha

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

Ready to tackle your cocktail menu with libations that weave perfectly into your look and theme? Head to BevMo! for all of the ingredients you’ll need, plus everything else it takes to create the perfect cocktail. Think barware, accessories, mixers and amazing deals on everything from wine (2-for-1 options in Washington state and 5 cent sales in California and Arizona) to beer (they have over 100 selections) to complimentary delivery on orders over $500 (chilled upon request). You can even contact an Event Specialist for advice on quantities and menu pairings, plus schedule private tastings. I mean, how awesome is that?

Find a location near you now or register online to get the ball rolling. And don’t forget to check out the BevMo! Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for even more inspiration. This is going to be so much fun.

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Petit Bouquet

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The hair! The dress! The BOUQUET! All I can say about this wedding in Puerto Rico is yes, yes, yes! STEM Events outdid themselves with an unexpectedly amazing pairing of the Bride’s favorite flowers, peonies and proteas, which pop against her delicate, lace gown. See more of this amazing fête by the beach in the Vault.

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From STEM Events… Sometimes you don’t need to spend a lot on decor. A great dress, a historic hotel by the beach, and the perfect bouquet with close friends and families by your side can be extremely glamorous!

When I met Nancy a few months before her wedding at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, she mentioned to me that she wanted a big bouquet, and when I asked her what type of flowers she wanted, she told me this: “I love proteas and peonies!” I immediately wondered how I was going to make these two work together. The result was a bouquet unbelievable beautiful, very organic, and dramatic. I had a box full of proteas of different sizes, and I chose the biggest one. When Nanvy held her bouquet for her first time, she did it so gracefully (it was a very heavy bouquet)! The contrast of her delicate figure and beautiful dress against the bouquet with such dramatic mix of flowers made her looked like a professional model. She was the perfect bride.

Photography: E.P. Anderson | Coordination: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel | Floral and Event Design: STEM Events | Wedding Planner: Anne Marie Kleis | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Love at First Bite | Shoes: Cole Haan | Hair and Makeup: Caridad Vidro | DJ: Jose Concepcion | Groom's Attire: Tuxedo House | Venue: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel | Reception Dress: BHLDN

I’m a big believer that every anniversary is worth celebrating. Every year together is a true gift and for their 1st-year milestone, Lauren and Charlie decided to mark it with a special photo shoot. Hitched by Heather designed the pretty, Kristine Herman photographed, and Yosemite National Park provided the incredible scenery we can’t get over. More this way!

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For their one year anniversary, Lauren and Charlie decided to have a California road trip from San Francisco to LA. Coming from Maryland, they decided that Yosemite would be the best spot for their photos and to celebrate the love and their first year of marriage. Lauren, being a coordinator herself, planned the perfect shoot with some of the most beautiful views California has to offer.

Photography: Kristine Herman Photography | Event Design: The Hitched Company | Floral Design: tumbleweed floral truck | Dress: Lulu's | Hair + Makeup: Imagi By Fiona | Location: Yosemite National Park

The luxe velvet linens, statement florals, and romantic blue and gray palette of this Atlanta wedding captured by VUE Photography first caught my eye, but the goodness didn’t stop there. This couple loves a great party, so they made sure their wedding was as fun as it was elegant. From the Bride’s gem-studded Nikes to the boozy milkshakes and an amazing band, they threw a beautiful and unforgettable celebration!

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From the Bride… Before the planning began in earnest, while I was still basking in my excitement over my engagement, I spent some time dreaming about how I wanted my wedding to feel and about my overall vision for the day. In the end, I knew I wanted an elevated and refined feel that captured our joy and love through a wonderful celebration. I wanted the wedding to have a balance of both personality and style.

When an architect opens up an event venue, you know that it is going to be stunning. Nestled in the heart of West Midtown, Atlanta, Summerour Studio is a relaxed escape from the city. It is just a stone’s throw from railroad tracks and department stores, however, the moment you step into the cobblestone courtyard, you’re transported miles away. I loved the European feel of the venue, yet the refined industrial touches also complemented the space well! This venue books up fast, and I was thrilled when we secured a date and settled on a late winter wedding.

The aesthetic of the decor and florals played on various hues of blues, grays, and greens. Some of my favorite decor elements were the custom velvet linens we had. The velvet had amazing texture and created such a luxe look. We layered grays and neutrals in the lounge area to reinforce the aesthetic of the wedding, and we had custom seating for our two head tables that was simply to die for. Our specialty rental company custom made two elegant farm tables for us and paired them with stunning linen chairs. Our stationery, featuring a custom monogram, also matched the elegant gray and blue aesthetic of the wedding. The letterpress and gold foil printed invitations felt so rich and refined, I was almost sad to see them go! The gorgeous stationery did, however, make opening RSVP cards that much more fun.

Our floral designer created even more amazing texture with the flowers and greenery. A few highlights of the floral decor included a beautiful garland on our cake table, a greenery halo hanging over the dance floor, and greenery cascading down the stairs from cocktail hour. Our table centerpieces had lamb’s ear, seeded eucalyptus, white roses, hydrangeas, sand dollar eucalyptus, and various other stunning varieties. I loved that there was variation in our centerpieces, however, they all complemented each other well and created a gorgeous flow to the room. I think the best weddings are ones where lots of thoughtful and beautiful details are layered together to create a cohesive event.

While we wanted the night to feel elegant and refined, we also wanted to make sure it was fun! Grant and I like to be the life of the party, and we wanted to create a memorable night for all our friends. After the ceremony, I changed into gem studded, high-heel Nike kicks to get the party started! Our wedding planners gave us a fun idea to pass out some party items later in the evening, so we had custom sweatbands made featuring our hashtag. We both went to Auburn so the headbands were navy and orange, just like Grant’s amazing groom’s cake! In addition to the aforementioned details, we also had a live painter, late night boozy milkshakes, a festive photo booth, and hors d’oeuvres that were absolutely delicious. Our amazing band wrapped up the weekend with a party I will never forget!

My best advice for brides who are in the planning process would be to envision what you want to be true about your wedding day and choose what you want to prioritize in the planning process. By honing in on your vision and staying true to it throughout the planning process, you will achieve the end result you were looking for!

Photography: VUE photography | Cinematography: Rusticus Films | Event Planning: TOAST | Floral Design: Andy Beach | Cake: Lush Cakery | Stationery: Paper Daisies Stationery | Ceremony Venue: Peachtree Road United Methodist Church | Reception Venue: Summerour Studio | Catering: Bold American Events | Hair and Makeup: The Moore Agency | Calligraphy: MM Ink | Band: Perfect 10 Band | Live Painter: Ronald Bayens | Rentals: Sejour Events

Dreamed up by Laura’s Floras and crafted around one of the most beloved Spring florals, this photo shoot will have you reveling in all things lilac. From that arch dripping in blooms to the tablescape layered in the prettiest shades of plum, get inspired to draw from the beauty of the season with these gorgeous images captured by Esmeralda Franco, plus even more in the vault!

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From the florist… For this spring shoot, I wanted to feature one of every florists’ spring favorites… Lilac! It is only in season for such a short time each year, and this shoot was right in the peak time for local lilac. We were inspired by the beauty of the rows of olive trees at the location for this shoot, and thought an arch placed right in the middle of one of these rows would offer a great focal point, not to mention how dreamy the colors of the lilac look next to the color of the olive foliage. The romantic shape of the arch was perfect to accentuate the rows of olive. We used only lush lilac and greenery dripping from the arch frame. For the bouquet, We kept the design simple again using mostly lilac with touches of hellebore, and plum foliage offering deeper mauve color and contrast, and the most perfect clematis cascading to one side paired so beautifully with the lilac. The tono&co ribbon in rose was the perfect compliment to the colors of the bouquet. The oval stone vessel had the organic feel of the olive grove setting. We added more variety and contrast in the centerpiece by incorporating foraged foliages with deeper plum tones. Spirea, another spring only flower, added great shape to the low, wide centerpiece. This is such a great example for brides to let their florists use the best of the season to guide the vision for their wedding florals, and that when the ingredients are at their peek, a simple design can be so beautiful!

Photography: Esmeralda Franco | Floral Design: Laura's Floras | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Candels: Creative Candles | HAMU : Camille Goldston Hair & Make Up Artistry | Hair accessories: Brides And Hairpins | Model: Mel Ziegler | Ribbon: Tono + Co | Table Runner: Silk and Willow

Just as much as we love a good home tour, we equally obsess over a great workspace and this one so fits the bill. Peek behind the scenes of a master at work. Her creativity knows no bounds and her studio speaks to all that talent. Awash with floral art, pretty, pretty details and a flood of light, we’re touring the HQ of artist Jess Blazejewski and gabbing about her wildly gorgeous work, staying inspired and important tid bits like her latest podcast obsessions. Take the full tour shot by Ruth Eileen right here!

Tell us a little about your business and how you got here.

I’m an artist painting in oils and I sell original paintings and prints of my work on my website. I work out of my home studio, where I live with my husband and our toddler son just outside Boston, in Natick. I actually got my degree in Fine Arts (a decade ago! eep!) but I hadn’t really considered making art into my full-time career until after the birth of my son in 2014. So in one way, I have a lot of experience and training in this, and in another, it all feels very new to me. Previous to this I was styling photoshoots and creating DIY projects for SMP & SMP Living which was such an amazing experience! I love seeing that influence my process and artwork today. I continue to take on freelance styling projects when I can, because I still love it, and because working in different methods and materials keeps my creative juices flowing. I’m still finding my way towards my truest art- I can feel that I’m circling around the edge of it but I haven’t quite gotten there yet. I adore flowers, which is what my current series “Flourish” is filled with, but I can already feel a desire to expand in the next series and add in the figure.

What is your favorite item in your studio?

The huge canvas storage rack I just built with my hubby! I was desperately in need of a more workable way to store all the different sizes of canvas I have, and it is sooo satisfying to be able to design something to fit my situation exactly.

How do you stay inspired creatively?

I always find the best inspiration comes from creative arenas that aren’t the one you’re currently working in. So, if you’re a painter, don’t look to other painters for inspiration, because then your head will be all “OMG I love their work, how do I get more of that in mine without looking too much like theirs?!” and it brings a weird tension and insecurity along with the inspiration. Instead look at anything else that inspires you- interior design, jewelry, gardening, film, etc.

What’s your best tip for balancing work and personal life?

Let it be cyclical. Instead of trying to make each day or week perfectly balanced between work and personal, let yourself have a season that’s more focused on work when you have a big project to pull off. Then when your kid is (inevitably) sick and you need to clear things off your plate, accept the time of rest and family focus. And when the weather’s awesome and you only want to lounge around and host barbecues, do that! Have faith that the drive to work will come around again instead of trying to push yourself through it. We’re not supposed to be performing at top level in every direction with no breaks all year round- rest is actually part of the cycle.

Advice you’d give to your younger self?

Stop trying to problem solve your career path by thinking your way through it. Just get out there and start trying things!

Do you have any secret talents?

I am a speed reader and have been known to down a fast-paced novel in a day or so (hello, beach vacation!)

What was the first job you ever landed?

The first creative job I got was as a Display Artist for Anthropologie, creating displays around the store and in the windows. It was like creative bootcamp- everything moved so quickly, and the materials I was working with were different every time, that I was forced to get good at creating at a quick pace, under a tight budget, and brainstorm my way out of almost any unforeseen roadblock. It was intense but I made lasting friendships with coworkers who went on to be some of the most talented creatives I know.

One thing you can’t live without?

Podcasts! I love to keep my mind busy while my hands are working. Especially now that I work from my home studio by myself most days, it adds a bit more of a human touch to my workday. Some of my current favorites are Pod Save America (politics), Crimetown (long form story about corruption in Providence) and Femtrepreneur (women in business).

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Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Calligraphy: Becca Joas | Artwork & Studio: Jess Blazejewski

Dream honeymoons come in all shapes and sizes, but for Maria and Nikos it looked like an escape to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The Mediterranean locale served as the perfect backdrop for romantic excursions with scenery like you wouldn’t believe and Tie the Knot Santorini + Peter & Veronika came along to bring every moment to life. Join these two loves as they explore the town of Ravello with even more newlywed bliss in the gallery.

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From the bride, Maria… After a beautiful bohemian wedding on one of the prettiest and traditional Greek islands, Anafi, I thought it was going to be difficult to find an amazing place for our honeymoon! Well, it wasn’t :)

Amalfi Coast was the ultimate location for a romantic honeymoon!! We have always loved traveling to Italy! Amalfi Coast is a fabulous Mediterranean location we were dreaming of spending this memorable time, that would forever be in our hearts, our honeymoon! We decided to stay at the picturesque village of Ravello! An enchanting mountaintop setting on Italy’s most beautiful coastline and views that over the years have captivated and inspired artists and hearts filled with passion! There are so many stories to be uncovered along its medieval streets, garden villas and ancient stone pathways!!

With the joyful company of the uber talented Peter of Peter and Veronika Destination Photographers, we discovered and captured the irresistible allure of Ravello’s gem villas and cliff edge gardens! Wonderfully aristocratic and devastatingly beautiful Ravello and the whole Amalfi Coast truly is a present of nature and history to all us romantic souls!

Photography: Peter & Veronika | Styling: Tie The Knot In Santorini-Weddings & Events | Hair + Makeup: Beauty Livery | Groom's Outfit: Massimo Dutti | Blush Evening Dress: Nidodileda | Floral Dress: Twin Set | Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Villa Fraulo

While we will always have a soft spot for a timeless bridal ensemble, today we’re celebrating the fashionista Brides who rocked bold and beautiful looks on their wedding days. It is YOUR day after all, so find something that feels like you – there are no rules! From black velvet gowns to chic bridal pantsuits, from feathers to florals, and from short to very long, here are 21 times bridal fashion risks paid off.

21 Times Bridal Fashion Risks Paid Off

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21 Times Bridal Fashion Risks Paid Off

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My whole life, I’ve been waiting to get married and finally shirk my last name, which causes a storm of confusion to all. It’s Rodrigue—not Rodriguez, or Rodrigues—and people, rightfully, think the end of it got chopped off in a printer somewhere whenever they see it.

It hasn’t meant much to me for most of my life—especially since no one in my French-Canadian family really knows where it came from. So, I’d tell myself, feminism be damned, as soon as I’m hitched, Rodrigue is getting ditched (or at least hyphenated).

Only, when the time actually came, and I finally tied the knot with a Joseph Presser, I got cold feet about the whole thing. Would taking his name and tossing mine be like losing part of my identity? Would my fiercely feminist girl tribe be judgey? Is hyphenating a gimmick? Can’t we both just pick a new last name, like Middleton? Now, ten months after we’ve left the altar, I’m still a Rodrigue, he’s still a Presser, and I’m as undecided as ever.

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Change is Tough

First, the obvious roadblock: Changing your name is annoying. Who knew? Imagine the worst experience you’ve ever had at the DMV, then multiply it by every card you have in your wallet, add every auto-filled form you have saved online, then subtract any knowledge of what you’re doing whatsoever. Too hard, no way.

Compounding my hesitation? The fact that, if I were to take Joe’s name, I would have to do all this turning-my-life-upside-down paperwork, and Joe would have to do… nothing. Except sit there and look handsome. And my reward for all this work? A name I don’t even like that much. Like, I’m not dying over that last name. A Lauren Presser sounds like an occupation that requires a hazmat suit and OSHA training.

Thinking Ahead

Beyond ruminating over my future of becoming a professional Lauren Presser, I have to think about our future children and all the favorite baby names I’ve collected over time. It turns out, they all sound like occupations when paired with our potential family name: There’s little Fox Presser, which sounds like something you could go to jail for if caught by a park ranger. Then there’s Clementine Presser, who sounds like a juice-maker (trendy!). So on, and so forth. Joe Presser is the only one that sounds even sort of normal. And even then—a coffee press!

A Me By Any Other Name…

But, all joking and nonexistent babies aside, taking Joe’s name, now that it’s an option to me, sounds a little like abandoning myself. What has felt so liberating for my whole life—losing the complicated last name and starting anew—now feels like a decision that could mean saying goodbye to something that is so uniquely me, and my connection to the family that is so uniquely mine. “Lauren Rodrigue” is the name on all my college newspaper bylines. “Lauren Rodrigue” won all those At Least You Tried awards during school sports. “Lauren Rodrigue” is somebody! And so are the Rodrigue women, all of whom can insult you so sweetly in their native Quebecois, you’ll blush thinking it’s a compliment. “Lauren Rodrigue” even wrote this! Who the heck is Lauren Presser, and what has she ever done, besides press a lot of Laurens, probably?

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A Clumsy Compromise

There is, of course, the matter of hyphenating. We’ve discussed it, and we’re both equally into giving up parts of our identity to build a new family that’s half him and half me. But with that, we’d also be committing to one mouthful of a last name. Would it even fit on a credit card? Or would the character count runneth over, dripping off the edges of all of our official documents till people started confusedly calling us the Rodrigue-Pres family, essentially rendering us right back at my own personal square one—a Rodriguez with no “z?” Even more: Would Joe’s family judge me for dragging him into this hyphenated-name nonsense with me?

Taking our Time

You probably thought that by this point in the story, there’d be a nice finishing paragraph where I reveal that together, Joe and I finally came to a decision we both loved. But actually? Nope. The more we ponder, the more I realize that deciding what to do with your last name when you get married isn’t a decision you can make as lightly as the one that led to your choice of cocktail napkins—it’s not a wedding decision, it’s a life decision. If it takes years time to find the right partner, then years to decide to get engaged—maybe it’s OK to take a long time to pick your new names.

So, I guess we’ll keep throwing around the options and getting used to working as a family unit until something that finds us. And in the meantime, I’m just happy to be his Lauren, and to have him as my Joe.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Lauren Rodrigue is a writer based in NYC. She lives for cocktail hour, long scrolls through Twitter and her rescue mutt, Molly.

We know it’s easy to find yourself in a registry rut when you’ve already spent years turning that house into a home. So today we’re helping you master Group Gifting with 10 items that are perfect for those of you looking for a little something outside of the box. From fabulous mattresses from our friends at Leesa (three cheers for their recent partnership with Zola!) to coffee subscriptions, Group Gifting is about to change your world.

10 Awesome Items to Help You Master Group Gifting

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10 Awesome Items to Help You Master Group Gifting

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Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

Watching this San Francisco wedding filmed by Seaglass Cinema and viewing the photos captured by Anna Wu had me crying and laughing with this beautiful couple. Their pretty, pink wedding set in front of the Golden Gate Bridge is filled with the sweet smiles and tender moments that make weddings so special. See more of their celebration, including their traditional tea ceremony, in the Vault.

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From Anna Wu Photography… Pauline and Justin were wed on a beautifully sunny day in San Francisco, surrounded by family and friends. The day was an absolutely perfect blend of tears (25%) and laughter (75%), as this East Coast transplant and San Francisco native tied the knot.

Photography: Anna Wu Photography | Cinematography: Seaglass Cinema | Floral Design: Poppy's Petalworks | Florist: Poppy's Petalworks | Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: The Cakemaker | Catering: Catering by Dana | Hair and Makeup: PRETTYOLOGIE | Lighting: Magical Lighting | DJ: Big Fun DJs | Venue: Observation Post at the Presidio | Bridesmaids' Hair and Makeup: Quyen Artistry

Nadia and Ray wanted to capture those special moments before they officially became husband and wife, so they called on Katie Grant and Janna Brown Design for a pre-wedding shoot they’ll always remember. With Nadia donning a couture gown and statement bouquet, they explored the majestic landscapes of New Zealand in incredible style and the resulting images – simply put – are everything.

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Our bride and groom, Nadia and Ray opted for a pre-wedding adventure throughout New Zealand prior to their Bali wedding celebration. Donning a Zanzis Couture gown, Nadia sauntered along the shore at Lake Wanaka, with a beautiful landmark in the distance. Known as the “Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka,” it is said to be one of the most photographed trees in all New Zealand. To offset the haze and muted tones of the overcast day, Nadia carried a hand-tied bouquet of garden roses, blueberries, and fruiting plum branches.

Photography: Katie Grant Photography | Floral Design: Janna Brown Design Co. | Wedding Gown: Zanzis Couture | Calligraphy: Michaela McBride Calligraphy | Bridal Shop: SPINA | Creative Direction + Styling: Janna Brown Design Co. | Film Lab: Atkins Pro Lab | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Silk Ribbon: Silk and Willow

There are engagement sessions, and then there are engagement sessions photographed by Sara Weir. And this beauty we’re about to dive into is the latter. She has a natural way with the camera and captured this California e-sesh in all its dreamy glory. Believe me when I say your Friday morning just got a whole lot prettier.

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From Sara Weir… Engagements are some of my very favorite sessions! It’s so easy to create something beautiful with two people so in love with each other. Add two beautiful locations, amazing light, and a romantic gown and it’s a dream! For the first location, I knew I had to take advantage of the beautiful wildflowers. The wildflowers in California are just out of the world this summer and I’m so glad we were able to really take advantage of them.

I’m so happy for these two and cannot wait for their upcoming wedding!

Photography: Sara Weir Photography | Church: The Neighborhood Church | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab

When there’s a wedding photographed by Wendy Laurel, I immediately know it’s going to trigger my wanderlust. This laid back, watercolor Maui wedding is no exception. From the Bride’s effortlessly gorgeous dress by swimwear designer, Acacia, to the old, abandoned high school by the beach where the couple held their ceremony (It’s also the location of their engagement session!), to the stripped down bouquets, every single detail was thought through to perfection.

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From Wendy Laurel Photography… Leah and Joey are both from Maui and have the sweetest love story. They met in high school and have been together ever since. Their wedding happened on their ten year anniversary. They got married at Old Maui High, an abandoned high school building near the beach in Paia, Maui.

Leah is kind of amazing. She styled not only her engagement session, but also her entire wedding as well. The reception was in the backyard of their house in Paia. The yard was transformed into a dream wedding venue with lights, flowers, and all sorts of DIY details made by the bride and her friends. They did the invites, the florals, the pupus, the dessert bar, and the planning all themselves!

Leah’s wedding dress was gorgeous. Hawaii’s super popular swimwear brand, Acacia designed by Naomi Nerwith, just started designing wedding dresses. Leah is good friends with Naomi and is one of the first brides to wear an Acacia wedding gown. The gown is easy to wear and perfect for a tropical wedding with gorgeous details similar to the brand’s swimwear, such as the cut outs on the side, intricate beadwork, and sleek, flattering cut.

Photography: Wendy Laurel | Wedding Dress: acacia | Cake: Mana Foods | Catering: Maui Cones | Makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry | Photography Assistance: Jeffrey Oltman | Rentals: Hawaiian Style Event Rentals

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