Feast your eyes on the cutest ever couple, second only to their adorable puppy. I’m sorry but the minute someone pops a floral collar on a fur baby, I’m a goner. With the beauty of Charleston as a backdrop and Julie Livingston behind the lens, this shoot is a vision of light, airy romance. See even more right here!
Photography: Julie Livingston Photography | Floral Design: Wildflowers Inc. | Engagement Ring: Croghans
Amanda and Craig’s wedding might look straight out of California wine country, but this special day actually took place at a charming Wisconsin vineyard. Photographed by Kate Weinstein, the celebration included a handmade pergola for the ceremony plus an evening of dinner, dancing and food truck fun. Take a peek at all the pretty waiting below!
From Kate Weinstein Photo... Who says you need to head to California to get married in a vineyard? Amanda and Craig’s wedding day took place at Over the Vines, a Wisconsin vineyard situated between Milwaukee and Madison. Guests were seated for the ceremony overlooking a beautiful and serene field and Amanda and Craig were married under a pergola garnished with flowers. The groom, Craig, and his father hand built the pergola. Amanda wore a unique peach dress that was custom designed just for her by Monirose Bespoke Designs.
Midwestern Bride styled the day to perfection and pulled together a dream team of Wisconsin vendors. Milwaukee Flower Co. designed the bouquets and floral decor and greenery. The desserts were created by Yield Bakehouse and A La Crate and Event Essential provided the rented decor. The invitation suite and signage was designed by Coqui Paperie.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails on the lawn before heading to the barn for dinner served by Carrotbomb Catering. After dinner, they all danced beneath the stars to the Michael Walters Orchestra and enjoyed late night creative dumplings from SoHo Gourmet Cuisine’s food truck.
Photography: Kate Weinstein Photo | Wedding Planning + Design: Midwestern Bride | Floral Design: Milwaukee Flower Company | Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: Carrot Bomb Catering | Makeup: Haute Blow Dry Bar | Band: Michael Walters Orchestra | Venue: Over The Vines | Cakes + Desserts: Yield Bakehouse | Paper Goods + Invitations: Coqui Paperie & Gifts | Rentals: A La Crate Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Event Essentials | Wedding Dress Designer: Monirose
If I am being really honest, I never ever go on a trip without first reading each and every city guide I can get my hands on. Because the only thing better than being a local is getting recs from the natives. And that is just what Liz Martin of The Charleston Weekender did. On a recent trip to Palm Beach she went right to the source, a.k.a. this little map of gems from the ladies of Palm Beach Lately. Follow along on her adventures captured by Rachel Red and grab tips for what to see, eat and sip on should you find yourself in the land of palms.
From Liz Martin of Charleston Weekender… Finding great city guides through blogs is usually my version of using a travel agent. I find the best Instagram-worthy coffee shops and discover stores I wouldn’t otherwise have heard of. While in Palm Beach for a work trip, I figured who better to turn to for the best of the best of this fun Florida City than Palm Beach Lately.
Beth of PBL met me at The Colony Palm Beach and dropped off one of her adorable maps from her online shop. After that, I was off to explore the city, which was really walkable/bike-able from the Colony to Royal Palm Way and back. I love exploring a city on foot, because it always leads you to other hidden gems you might not have otherwise discovered. Here are a few of my favorites!
You definitely have to see Palm Beach’s version of 5th Avenue, Worth Avenue. Even if you’re just going to window shop, it is quite a street. One of my favorite stores is The Island Company, a little more casual than the other kids on the block (i.e. Tiffany and Hermes). This place is all about living that Island lifestyle, and it even has a bar inside. The best part, though, is the back of the store leads out into the most adorable outdoor area. You’ll find more shops, sculptures, and a cute cafe enclosed in a European-style courtyard.
The Brazilian Court has the most lush oasis feel about it. The clean white furniture really complements the gorgeous greenery in the courtyard, making this the perfect place to have a serene happy hour. I haven’t tried the food, but the drinks were pretty darn delightful! I would have been pleased with just about anything in a gilded pineapple, and my friend really enjoyed her cocktail presented with a frozen orchid.
I have to admit, I ate more than one meal at Imoto while I was in town for the weekend. They have sushi staples and some great dishes like a cauliflower and cashew appetizer. If you don’t want to try just one place, Buccan is right next door. I think it’s really fun to do a little progressive dinner between the two places. Go early to get a good spot, or sit at the bar to chat up the locals.
I saw so many gorgeous sites and foliage along the way. Beth & Danielle’s Palm Beach Lately city guide was so spot on, it even inspired me to create my own city guide for Charleston vacationers! I hope it will inspire you on your next visit to the Holy City.
Photography: Rachel Red Photography | hotel: Colony Hotel | map: Palm Beach Lately | travel blogger: Charleston Weekender
Technology exists to make our lives easier, and let us tell you, these apps will definitely make wedding planning easier. From planning timelines and checklists to budget trackers to endless inspiration, these apps will take you from the proposal to the honeymoon and all the way into happily ever after!
If you don’t already have the Pinterest app on your phone, now is the time to download it. Though it can be a little overwhelming, there’s no better place to find big day inspiration (besides Style Me Pretty, of course). From dresses to flowers to DIY ideas and more, Pinterest is about to become your best, and most addictive, friend.
Don’t spend the day after your wedding stalking social media for photos of the big day. Instead, try Veri, the first service that makes sharing photos and videos from weddings completely automatic using the built-in camera on your guests’ phones. After accepting the invite to participate, all your guests’ photos and videos will be auto-shared into a folder that you and your beloved can scroll through without getting lost in hashtags.
Everyone’s favorite one-stop shop for all things registry just got even better with the new Zola Weddings, a free wedding website, registry, checklist and guest list all in one place. From designing a gorgeous wedsite to managing your registry wish list, Zola’s all-in-one service helps take some of the stress out of planning your big day.
Brides everywhere swear by the WeddingHappy Wedding Planner. As soon as you enter your wedding date, the countdown begins, setting deadlines for every task on your to-do list. Not only that, but this app helps you stay on budget and stores all your vendors’ contact info in one place. Whether you’re totally type A, or, well, totally not, this app is for you!
To state the obvious, weddings are expensive, and that budget you thought was totally reasonable will be gone quicker than you think. That is, unless you use Mint. The free money manager and financial tracker app brings together all your bank accounts, credit cards, bills and investments so you can keep track of your spending and stick to your budget.
Much like Pinterest, Etsy is pretty much a no brainer when it comes to planning your wedding. Looking for the perfect cake topper? Done. Gifts your bridesmaids will love? Check. No matter what you’re looking for, chances are, you can find it on Etsy.
One of the more fun parts of planning your wedding? Deciding on the perfect color palette! And with Pantone’s Studio app, that’s never been easier. Not only can you build custom color palettes and take a picture based on which their color picker will build a custom palette, but you can also extract colors directly from images in your social media accounts.
With LadyMarry’s Wedding Planner, you can plan the wedding of your dreams all from your phone. From a monthly checklist and hands-on tips to the ability to book trustworthy wedding vendors through the app, LadyMarry’s Wedding Planner is about to be your new BFF.
This fun, free and easy-to-use app helps you manage guests, RSVPs and more — all in one place. With Joy, not only do you get your own beautiful website and app, but you also get to share everything important about your wedding with your loved ones for years to come.
Meet your new personal assistant — in an app. Take notes, create to-do lists and save the things you find online all in one easy-to-use place. Plus, you can search for keywords and sync up across devices so what you saved on your laptop, you can pull up on your phone while running around at various appointments. The best part? Evernote can keep you organized way past “I do!”
If you thought Slack was just what you use to ping your coworkers random GIFs throughout the day, think again. Not only can you use slack to communicate with your wedding party and guests, but you can also track hashtags through its Facebook and Instagram integrations, sync with Google calendars, keep contracts in one place and so much more.
Whether you’re the beaming bride, always a bridesmaid, or perpetually single, you’ll love designer Hayley Paige’s wedding-related stickers and GIFs. With more than 120 emojis, you can express all of you wedding planning feels — from bridezilla crises to squad goals and everything in between. Texting your bridesmaids just became so much more fun!
In one little, but powerful app, Appy Couple takes all of your wedding planning needs, across friends, family and vendors, and consolidates them in one place. Keep track of everything from accommodations to RSVPs to the guest list and more in an interactive website and mobile app both you and your guests will love.
No, this isn’t technically a wedding planning app, but we all know weddings are super stressful, so an app that helps you relax and recuperate is a must-have in our book. The simple, guided meditations will not only relieve anxiety and reduce stress, but can also help you improve your focus and exercise mindful awareness.
Palm Springs is such a good spot for a wedding. With its year-round sunshine and cool, colorful vibes it never disappoints. Now add to that a stunning Spanish estate and an alfresco wedding with fresh twists on tradition and you get this gorgeous day. Planned by The Walk Down the Aisle along with florals by Vaso Bello, those twists include bridesmaids carrying wreaths and guests dining on a delicious taco bar. Pore through all the pretty captured by Amanda K Photography for even more!
From the maid of honor, Lacey Aschbrenner… Love can happen at any time. It was lucky for Christy and Josh Kisseberth that she needed to have her home appraised when she did in 2012. Christy had just returned from teaching abroad in Thailand and had landed her first teaching job in the United States. It was a terrible time to fit in a home appraisal, but she made the appointment anyway. Josh entered her home dressed nicely in business casual as Christy donned sweatpants and was without a trace of makeup. After the business of the appraisal was out of the way, Josh made sure to get Christy’s phone number. Their relationship developed quickly as they shared a love for great food and exotic travel destinations, and they traveled to more than ten countries before he popped the question.
Christy and Josh decided to get married in beautiful Palm Springs because they had not only spent their one year anniversary there, but Josh had also proposed nearby in Joshua Tree National Park.
The wedding venue, Casa de Monte Vista, is a beautiful Spanish style hacienda house in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs that features beautifully curated grounds, furniture, and artwork in the style of the 1920s when the home was built. Christy and Josh immediately fell in love with not only the house, but the owner of the home, Joe Luisi, who shared their love of travel, people, and life experiences. They instantly dreamed of their wedding taking place at Casa with its breathtaking desert mountain views, lush gardens, and dreamy historical architecture.
Christy’s dress, Princia by Pronovius, is a dress that is as classic as it is romantic and perfectly suited the Spanish style of Casa de Monte Vista. She chose a champagne undertone that brought an extra layer of warmth and earthiness beneath the classic white lace of the dress, and perfectly complemented the environs on the day of her wedding. Josh impressed their guests in his light grey J. Crew suit, shined brown leather shoes, and light green socks with palm trees on them—a subtle nod to the town they were married in.
To suit the comfortable, intimate environment that Christy and Josh hoped to create, they chose SoHo Taco to cater the event. Waiters circulated during the post-wedding cocktail hour with Espadas de Camarones, Albondigas, and traditional Quesadillas as guests mingled. During the reception, guests were invited to the taco grill where they could choose the meat and toppings to pile atop their fresh, homemade flour tortillas. To honor Christy’s Taiwanese heritage, Jasmine Green Milk Tea and Mango Green Tea with boba were served to greet guests as they entered the courtyard before the ceremony.
A huge part of the success of their wedding was how personal and customized every element was. The guest book was a 4’x5’ wooden map that Christy made by hand with the help of her brother in law. He cut beautiful wooden boards and secured them to each other, and they stained the wood in a rich, dark color that matched the furniture and décor of the wedding venue. Christy then free-hand painted a map of the world in off-white paint to represent the couple’s love of traveling the world. On the day of the wedding, guests were directed to write their well-wishes and sign their names around the world. Tiffany Rowe of Trowe Art helped to complement the natural and whimsical vibe with her contributions of the wooden hand painted “Cigar Bar” and “Mr and Mrs” signs, among many other featured signs that decorated the venue on the day of the wedding. Christy hand calligraphed menus for the tables and place cards for every guest, as she had also done for each and every wedding invitation envelope.
With the help of the florists at Vaso Bello Celebrations, the bride designed beautiful wooden wreaths with lush green plants and flowers that the bridesmaids carried down the aisle, rather than traditional bouquets of flowers. All of these features were beautifully captured by professional photographer, Amanda K. Her eye for detail and her artful way of capturing every moment from a modern, yet instantly nostalgic perspective make all of her photos so special.
The bridesmaids’ gowns were a variety of blush, champagne, or beige tones that were hand selected by the bridesmaids themselves. This allowed each of us the freedom to find a dress that flattered our figures as well as our budgets. The result was a lovely array of styles that featured lace, chiffon, or both, while tying together the theme of Christy’s dress and the wedding style. The groomsmen wore light grey J. Crew suits that matched the groom, which added a chic, masculine component against the femininity of the bridesmaid dresses.
Christy and Josh put so much thought, effort, and love into this celebration of themselves and it was a wonderful party to introduce them as husband and wife, and also to celebrate their gathering of friends and family. What I would recommend to any bride or groom regardless of location, budget, or skill at DIY projects, is to incorporate as much of yourself into your wedding as possible. As long as it comes from the heart, your wedding will be as beautiful as this one and will be a talking point for years to come.
Photography: Amanda K Photography | Videographer: Honeybunch | Event Planner: The Walk Down The Aisle | Floral Design: Vaso Bello | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Over The Rainbow | Stationery: Twig & Juniper | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Soho Tacos | Catering: Soho Tacos | Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Nicole Makeup | Suits: J.Crew | Assistant Videographer: Nathaniel Colbert | Bartending: Mint Bartending | Bridal Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Bridal Salon: Panache Bridal | Calligraphy & Signage: Trowe Art | Earrings: Kendra Scott Jewelry | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Music: Vox DJs | Photography - Assistance: Christine Pienaar Photography | Planning: The Walk Down The Aisle | Private Estate: Casa De Monte Vista | Specialty Drinks: Cha For Tea | Veil: Panache Bridal | Wood Signs: Trowe Art
The moment my hubs and I moved into our new abode, we set about tackling our at-home bar. I mean, as entertainers at heart, we knew we couldn’t throw all of those amazing dinner parties we planned on hosting without one. But crafting the perfect bar? It’s easier said than done. Enter Total Wine & More. Their awesome lineup of, well, everything will help you pull it all together like the talented mixologist you know you are. Scroll for four steps to absolute greatness. (Cocktail background music totally optional.)
This one seems fairly obvious, but trust me… missing the main ingredient to a yummy libation is a common side effect of at-home bars. Well… ones that aren’t well-stocked, that is. So when that next guest requests the perfect Paloma, make sure you have a tasty silver tequila on hand to really show off your hostessing skills. And don’t forget the vodka, gin, whiskey and rum, either. It’s almost Mojito season, you guys. Be prepared.
Photography: Style Me Pretty
And speaking of tasty Mojitos, unless your dad (and his love of whiskey on the rocks) is the only one attending your dinner parties, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have all of the mixers you need for those other yummy drink requests you’ll get throughout the night. (We love you, dads!) Think Gin & Tonics (with the perfect tonic water), Vodka Lemonades and Whiskey Sours for those that appreciate that dash of simple syrup. Your guests will be really impressed.
Photography: Erin McGinn
You can’t serve up beautiful drinks without a set of equally beautiful glassware to match, and when it comes to finding everything you’ll ever need for those fun-filled get-togethers, I always turn to Total Wine & More for all of the necessities. From awesome Moscow Mule mugs to stemless red wine glasses to sweet Mint Julep cups (those Derby parties are the best), you’ll never be without the perfect serveware. We promise.
Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography
If you’re anything like me (and I know you are), it’s easy to forget all of the little pieces that go into crafting the perfect drink. So, if you plan on spending your summer channeling your inner Martha Stewart (#hostessgoals2017), then you’ll want to fill that bar with bar tool after bar tool. I’m talking everything from gorgeous decanters to copper bar sets (LOVE) to pretty, pretty corkscrews for all of your besties that prefer wine over liquor. Yum.
Photography: Megan Welker
Ready to build the perfect at-home bar just in time for all of those summer get-togethers? Head to Total Wine & More today for an amazing Build Your Bar tool that will help you every step of the way. Because whether you’re hosting just a few of your nearest + dearest, crave the perfect after-dinner drink or plan on throwing the bash of the summer, Total Wine & More is THE place to make it all happen. You’ve got this.
Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography
Photography: Erin McGinn | Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Photography: Megan Welker Photography
When this Chicago couple returned to the Bride’s Seattle hometown for their wedding, they knew they wanted to incorporate both of these special cities into their classic celebration. During late night dancing at the reception, guests were offered Chicago style hot dogs and Dick’s cheeseburgers, a Seattle staple. The rest of the wedding looks as delicious as we’re sure those treats tasted! So get scrolling, because there’s so much goodness to be had in this gallery by O’Malley Photographers and the beautiful wedding film by First and Foremost Productions.
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From the Bride… Josh and I knew the second that we got engaged that we wanted to get married in my hometown of Seattle. Having lived in Chicago for 10+ years, it was a reason as good as any to get all of our Midwest friends and family to the Northwest. After attending our fair share of warm weathered, barn weddings, we craved something more classic and cozy. We landed on November and knowing that yielded more days of rain than not, indoors was an obvious choice. We were greeted with a warm welcome by Plymouth Church and felt right at home with the insanely talented team at the Fairmont Olympic. Because the majority of our guests would be traveling in for the festivities, we wanted everything to be super easy and walkable.
Natasha, with The Invisible Hostess, was instrumental in putting together what we deemed the A-Team. McKenzie Powell was one of the first people we reached out to (after I came across her work on Instagram) and helped us evolve our vision to be both complementary to the classic ballroom and fresh and fun at the same time (I literally gasped. There’s a photo for proof). We knew our memories were in the best of hands with the O’Malleys as well as First and Foremost Productions. Most importantly though was the band, and we knew our guests would all need new shoes after the dance party the Michael Benson Band was going to deliver.
The color palette we settled on was black, gold, ivory, lots of greenery, and at the last minute, we introduced some ballet pink (a nod to my background) and merlots. Even though we wanted a more classic event, we still wanted it to feel fresh and new, so the combinations of tables and high/low centerpieces all surrounded by a warm, candlelit glow really helped elevate the room and made it visually interesting.
It was really important to us to acknowledge, incorporate, and celebrate our friends and family throughout our day. My dad and brother made gorgeous walnut welcome boxes for all of our guests that were stocked with family favorites like Garrett’s Popcorn and chocolate chip cookies. My mom gave me my great grandmother’s fur stole (that I used to wear while playing dress up!) to wear over my dress. My grandparents (who have been married for 65 years) loaned us their cake topper for good luck. My dad and brother drove me to the church in our family’s 1942 Chevy Suburban – they so kindly removed one of the rows of seats so my dress wouldn’t get wrinkly (thanks, Mom).
We surprised all of our guests with a Sister Act II-like performance of “Joyful, Joyful” just after we were announced man and wife! My sister and I watched that movie so many times as kids that we broke the VHS. Just after our guests sang us through our first dance, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” the Maids of Honor “released the hound” – our beloved dog, Walter, who was hiding out under the head table.
After the most delicious dinner, a confetti cannon signaled the polka party to begin. In one of the most epic dance parties I’ve been a part of, Dick’s cheeseburgers sustained the late night crew in classic Seattle fashion. We also toasted the Chicago Cubs WINNING THE WORLD SERIES (mere days before) with late night Chicago style hot dogs that the Fairmont perfected, with a little direction from Josh. It was the perfect combination of our two worlds, Chicago and Seattle, coming together.
As guests ushered up to bed or, let’s be real, the hotel bar, they took along a Top Pot Donut, which is where Josh told me we were going when he detoured for the proposal instead. In true Seattle fashion, it rained the entire day, which really brought it full circle for us. There were so many little quips and details baked into the larger story, we are surely forgetting to share something in the above. Our love story isn’t particularly unique, but it is oh so special. The whole day just felt sweet, warm, and the perfect celebration not only of our union, but also all the people that got us here!
Photography: O'Malley Photographers | Cinematography: First And Foremost Productions | Event Planning: The Invisible Hostess | Floral Design: McKenzie Powell Floral & Event Design | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Sarah Drake Design | Ceremony Venue: Plymouth Church | Makeup: Michelle Finch | Makeup: Kayla Kollection Bridal Beauty | Hair: Marco Two Union Square | Lighting: Crimson Haze Event Lighting | Band: Michael Benson Band | Favors: Top Pot Doughnuts | Ceremony Music: Total Experience Gospel Choir | Custom Party Elements: For Your Party | Hotel and Reception Venue: Olympic Fairmont Hotel | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: 321 Foto | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Canlis | Rentals: Rented Elegance & Design | Welcome Boxes and Seating Chart: Northwest Building Tech
This right here is one seriously adorable engagement session! Aria Photography captured the love between Katie and Chad, who traveled to the bride’s Sacramento hometown for a bright and sunny shoot outside the California State Capitol. See some of our favorite photos below, then head to the gallery where more sweet moments await.
From Katie… It’s no secret that I am absolutely obsessed with 4th of July. Each year, my family hosts a 4th of July party at the home I grew up in for all of our closest friends and family. Six months into my relationship with Chad, he came home with me to meet my parents for the first time and to attend this party. He’s been coming every year since – I think we’ve racked up five 4th of July parties now, but this last one will always have an extra special place in our hearts.
On July 2nd, Chad and I caught a flight from Chicago to Sacramento to head home for the 4th of July weekend. My mom had mentioned that we were going to brunch with my nana when we landed, so without thinking twice, we both changed from our “travel clothes” into brunch appropriate attire at the airport. When heading down the escalator towards baggage, the airport seemed unusually empty, and I noticed a woman holding a sign reading “Mr. and Mrs. Wardlaw”. We approached this woman, Chad thanked her, and he got down on one knee. I don’t totally remember what he said, but I remember feeling like we were the only ones in the entire airport and so overwhelmed with happiness. Before I could process what was happening, I turned around to see my best friends and both of our families approaching us to celebrate. Chad had flown everyone in to be part of this special moment! The fun was not over then. We went outside to a waiting limo filled with champagne that took us back to my family’s home where we were joined by 60 more family members and friends. We celebrated all day and ended the night watching fireworks. This day was everything I had ever dreamed of, with so much love, excitement, and joy surrounding us.
Photography: Aria Photography | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Location: State Capitol Of California
When Momento Cativo Photography planned this Switzerland bridal inspiration session, they originally imagined a sunny, cloudless morning, but when the day of the shoot arrived, rain was in the forecast. Instead of abandoning their shoot, they reimagined it to capture beauty in the unexpected and in the imperfect – and with cloud covered mountains and the foggy forest, the end result is pretty dreamy. Get some serious gray day, bridal inspiration right this way…
From Momento Cativo Photography… When we imagine the perfect wedding, we think of a beautiful bride and groom over the moon, a landscape that takes our breath away, the blue sky with the sun shine kissing our skin, and toasting to love!
When we first planned this styled shoot on our trip to Switzerland, we envisioned a cloudless day, but we must confess that although a few times we thought of giving up on our vision before we realized that no matter if rain appears and persists, we can’t change that, and it will still be a truly special day. So we changed our plan and decided to capture the moment in a unique way, accepting what the gods had give us. We created something unexpected and imperfect but so beautiful and so improbable.
Although the rain didn’t stop for a moment during our shoot, we believe that even in a storm, with the motivation and support of those we love, we can be happy and complete! We hope we can inspire and motivate all brides and grooms to see in their grayest day in a different perspective.
The true inspiration was the blue of Lake Blausee, the magic of the snow-capped mountains hidden in the fog, and the beauty of a peaceful country surrounded by nature. All vendors who worked on this project are Swiss.
Photography: Momento Cativo | Floral Design: TML | Tabea Maria-Lisa | Wedding Dress: Caroline Castigliano | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture | Jewelry: MEL | Hair and Makeup: Carolina Teles | Film Processing: Carmencita Film Lab | Model: Gloria Amelia | Wedding Dress Boutique: Boutique Belle En Blanc
Imagine this – a small, intimate wedding off the Pacific Ocean with just your officiant and parents to bear witness as you become husband and wife. That’s exactly the type of celebration Julia and Bryan chose for their special day, with Focused Bliss Productions there to capture the film they’ll treasure for a lifetime. Watch the day unfold through their beautiful cinematography below!
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From Focused Bliss Productions… Julia and Bryan met through mutual friends, running into each other briefly at different gatherings. However, one night at a party of their friends, they found time alone together where they were able to talk for hours. At that point in time, they both say that they felt a strong spark – a feeling so deep and intense that they had never felt before.
Unfortunately for Bryan, Julia had to leave for a week of travels for work the following day, leaving Bryan hopeful at a chance that they would reconnect when she returned. It’s said that she played a little hard to get when she got back, but Bryan knew he had fallen in love that night and just had to meet with her again.
A few dates later, their relationship quickly grew and it was only a matter of time before they decided to hold a small and secluded wedding by the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara California. They rented out the San Ysidro cottage to use to get ready for the day, surrounded by rolling mountains, a garden of flowers, and an orange grove.
Bryan could be found nervously re-reading his vows as Julia got ready in her dress. When both were ready, they moved over to the Casa Del Herrero, an estate constructed in Spanish colonial style architecture, for the wedding itself to exchange their personal vows – witnessed by just their officiant and parents for that special moment.
Afterward, they celebrated with some champagne and cake with their parents before using the remainder of the day to explore the estate and the nearby coastline to capture some beautiful imagery of their day for them to look back on for the years to come.
Photography: Skyla Walton | Cinematography: Focused Bliss Productions | Hair + Makeup: Pretty Please Beauty | Officiant: Kitty Ryan | Botanic Garden: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden | Home + Gardens: Casa Del Herrero | Ranch: San Ysidro Ranch
It might not be Pantone’s beloved color of the year, but around these parts, mauve is having a pretty major moment. A close cousin of blush pink and plum, this subtle hue is making its way into more and more wedding palettes, and Swoon Floral Design is showing us how it’s done. Dive right into the image captured by Jamie Rae Photo below!
From Swoon Floral Design…. Lately, I have been crushing hard on the color Mauve. Can it please be the new blush?! I love how it elevates many different color palettes and I wanted to create a shoot that showcased this gorgeous hue. I chose to combine it with deep plum, lavender, pops of nude and peach, with gold accents. It is such an unexpected, moody palette for spring. It was important to me that the overall feel was soft, elegant and refined, nothing overdone or gaudy. Fine Art Film Photographer, Jamie Rae Photo, captured the essence of this shoot perfectly.
The velvet linen from La Tavola is such a showstopper. It laid a beautiful foundation for the brass candlesticks, gold rimmed china, and lush, feminine florals. Much of my floral selection was directed by the season. I love how delicate spring blooms are and knew I wanted to include some of my favorites such as sweet pea, fritillaria, hellebores, and ranunculus. Another favorite element of this shoot was the gorgeous cake by Sainte G. It was the perfect mauve color with hand painted gold accents. It really only needed simple floral adornment. Each creative involved did such a wonderful job capturing the refined, elegance of this shoot and we’re thrilled with the result.
Photography: Jamie Rae Photo | Wedding Dress: Ania Bridal | Cake: Sainte G. Cake Company | Ring: Enchantment Goddess | Hair + Makeup: Cassandra Kennedy Beauty | Concept, Styling, Floral + Event Design: Swoon Floral Design | Earrings: Jes Design Studio | Film Processing: Photovision | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Model : Alexandra Hagel | Paper Goods: Letters & Dust | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic | Speciality Rentals: Something Borrowed Portland | Tabletop Rentals + Dining Chairs: Barclay Event Rentals
When it comes right down to it, nothing kicks off a weekend in style quite like a fabulous giveaway. So today we’re diving headfirst into the newest collection from BHLDN, then wrapping it all up with a sweet little something for all of you lovelies. Think of it as our kick-off to summer with a gorgeous parade of bohemian fashion – from wedding gowns to party dresses to accessories. Oh, and there’s a $500 gift card involved. Scroll for the deets.
In the world of beautiful wedding attire, BHLDN can do no wrong. And their newest collection, Spirited, is everything you’d expect from the design powerhouse with a sweet boho festival vibe running throughout each stunning style. Perfect for the summer bride, Spirited features everything from graphic lace to off-the-shoulder tops and gowns to delicate embroidery to fringe and little hints of sparkle. It’s basically THE collection to turn to for your wedding day, engagement party, honeymoon and more.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect frock to wear to a summer wedding celebration (hello, the Wanderer Dress), need a gorgeous number for your wedding like the Joplin Gown or want to rock the beach in the awesome San Paulo Bikini, your bohemian side is going to love everything Spirited has to offer. And did we mention the giveaway? It’s a $500 BHLDN gift card you can use towards anything. Amazing.
What: BHLDN is giving away a $500 gift card to one lucky winner!
How: Simply browse the gorgeous wedding dresses at BHLDN, then leave us a comment below telling us which dress is your favorite by June 2nd! Good luck!
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We totally understand that sticking to your wedding budget isn’t always easy. Especially after you start wading into all of the pretty details that will really make your Big Day unique. But we’re here to tell you, loves: you can do it… and with the help of Shutterfly’s gorgeous lineup of stationery, you can do it beautifully. We’re talking everything from awesome Save the Dates to stunning invites that are sooo YOU, without breaking the bank. See three steps to the perfect personalized invites below.
Guys, you don’t need to spend half of your wedding budget to find stationery that tells your story. With Shutterfly, the options for crazy cool invites are pretty much endless… and super gorg. From luxe designs that speak to your classic side to floral-filled pretties that embrace your inner Coachella, they’ve got you covered, no matter your wedding aesthetic. The best part? Each one is seriously cost-effective, so you can choose an invite that matches your wedding style and represents you and your love. We are sooo on board with that.
Trust us. When it comes to planning your Big Day, choosing the affordable path doesn’t mean skimping on style. In fact, with Shutterfly, it’s completely the opposite. That’s because Shutterfly makes one heck of an awesome product (read: seriously attractive and totally luxurious) and lets you run wild with the personalization. Think everything from crazy cool options in trim (it doesn’t just have to be rectangular, you guys) to paper types (hello, Signature Card Stock) to glamorous foil-stamped and glitter beauties. That’s a total win in our book.
Nothing says “custom” quite like an invite that matches your wedding perfectly and with Shutterfly’s Custom Color Palette Tool you can put a unique spin on your chosen design with a hue that is totally right up your celebration’s alley. Which means that gorgeous light blush you’ve been weaving into each and every detail of your Big Day? It can make its very first appearance on your Save the Date. I mean, luxe invites at an affordable price? Come on, you guys… this is so great.
Ready to begin that awesome journey to custom invites that will totally make your wedding budget happy? Head to Shutterfly today to order five free samples with YOUR PERSONALIZED DETAILS. (That totally deserves an all caps.) Just use code 5WEDINVITES and then sit back and prepare to be amazed. Oh, and be sure to check out all of the extras, like Save the Dates, thank you cards and address labels for a sophisticated suite that looks like you spent a fortune. We won’t tell anybody.
In honor of the fabulous collaboration we announced earlier this year, we helped celebrate the launch of Weddington Way‘s first pop-up store in San Francisco inside Banana Republic on Grant Ave! Bringing together some of the best vendors in the west to showcase wedding trends and inspirations, we helped local brides-to-be plan their big day in the best way possible — a BIG party! With a candy bar by Sugarfina, a floral workshop with Fionna Floral, a lip and lash bar by StyleBee, and favors and displays by BBJ Linens, Black Tomato and many others, it was definitely a night full of pretty things! Check out the gallery below, captured by the lovely Michele Beckwith! And don’t forget to shop the Style Me Pretty collection at Weddington Way for your bridesmaids’ dresses!
Combine classic style with an amazing, lakeside venue for one effortlessly beautiful wedding captured by Clane Gessel Photography. For the tented reception, the Bride chose to decorate with deep greens and whites, highlighting the natural beauty of the private estate. But our absolute favorite detail is the ceremony arch, which was covered in lush greenery and pretty white florals, framing the picturesque Lake Tahoe in the background.
From Clane Gessel Photography… A twist on black tie, this traditional wedding took place in South Lake Tahoe at a private estate. The Bride chose neutral colors and lots of greenery to showcase the amazing outdoor venue. The Bridesmaids were all dressed in black, and the mother of the bride in green. The groom and groomsmen were dressed sharp, in black and white tuxes with delicate paisley gray ties.
The ceremony took place looking over beautiful Lake Tahoe under a stunning flower arch. The reception took place just outside the private estate, which was lightly decorated with elegant, white linens, gold rimmed glasses, greenery on every table, and big white centerpieces to top it all off. This brought a very elegant, clean touch of beauty to this lakeside wedding.
The couple met in high school and have stuck by each other’s side since day one. A mutual friend introduced them after Talia commented on Brock being pretty cute. The proposal was very intimate, just between the two of them in their living room on their eighth anniversary.
Photography: Clane Gessel Photography | Cinematography: Justin Woodcock | Event Planning: Merrily Wed | Floral Design: BandB Designs | Wedding Dress: Katie May | Invitations: Fine Stationery | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Rings: Rocky Mountain Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Light In The Box | Catering: As You Wish Catering | Makeup: Megann Guerrero | Band: Chuck Wansley After Hours | Transportation: North Star Transport | Venue: The Carousel House | Bridal Boutique: a&be bridal shop | Cake and Cupcakes: Sugar Pine Cakery | Hair Accessories: Twigs & Honey
Shannon and Tom currently call Brooklyn home but knew they wanted to escape the city for their Big Day. They opted for a casual, picnic-style celebration, and a working farm outside of Nashville was the perfect spot for them. Filled with bright and cheery florals, they brought a touch of whimsy to their rustic setting and Cassidy Carson didn’t miss a beat.
From Modern Vintage… Shannon and Tom are a sweet, sweet couple who live in Brooklyn but were getting married in Nashville. Shannon and Tom truly respect one another and really took into consideration each other’s opinions during the planning process. They laugh a lot and love each other deeply. Shannon and Tom’s venue is a working farm with a lot of gorgeous landscape and character.
They wanted to throw a party that was laid-back and fun with a lot of colors and a lot of dancing! Shannon and Tom know exactly what they like and truly wanted their guests, many of which were traveling from out of town, to have a great experience and a great time. The food and beverage were really important to them so they put an emphasis on a fun menu and local beverages. They had a welcome party the night all the guests arrived and transported them to and from the wedding ceremony and reception the next day.
When it came to the design Shannon and Tom wanted something with a really colorful with a fun, indie-vintage and eclectic feel. They both have great style and great taste so picking out elements for the wedding was really fun. It was a fun departure from the muted colors we see frequently. They had a wide range of colors from yellow to green to pops of pink with bright red being the main emphasis. Shannon’s bridesmaid’s dresses were fun, with one being red and the other having a great floral print. For the ceremony, we utilized the venue’s wood arbor and brought in really fun vintage rugs then paired them with whimsical and bright flowers. They had a bluegrass string band perform the ceremony music. Tom was all smiles as he went down the aisle as was Shannon who was escorted by her mom and her dad. Her stepfather married them in a truly heartfelt and funny ceremony. Did I mention that their music choices were pretty amazing as well? They had songs from The Darkness to The Beatles and Hall and Oates.
We played on the rustic (but air conditioned) barn where their reception was held and paired neutral linens with red and white checked napkins and bright pops of colors from flowers in milk glass vases. We worked closely with Shannon and Tom and the florist to bring in the perfect flowers including amazing red anemones. The dance floor was lit by drop Edison bulbs (I personally can’t get enough of those) and a local indie station DJ kept the dance floor going! The reception had a local menu with food cooked on site, a pie bar, ice cream from Jeni’s ice cream truck and lots of dancing! They had so many thought out, meaningful details from their Instax photo guestbook to their Quinn’s popcorn favors but more importantly, there were so many moments with family and friends who were there to celebrate Shannon and Tom.
Photography: Cassidy Carson Photography | Event Planning: Modern Vintage Events | Floral Design: Owsley Design | Wedding Dress: Wtoo | Bride's Shoes: Cole Haan | Jewelry: Clay Pot | Bridesmaids' Dresses: ModCloth | Catering: Alex Belew Catering | Hair + Makeup: KATIE RUSSO BEAUTY | Lighting : Bright Event Productions | DJ : Dan Buckley | Favors: Quinn Snacks | Groom's Suit: Freemans Sporting Club | Ceremony Music: The Howlin' Brothers | Venue: Green Door Gourmet | Accessories: Virginia Geiger Elegant Jewelry Design | Bartender: J. Jackson Mobile Mixologist | Fans: Oriental Trading Company | Gown Hanger: BHLDN | Groom's Shoes: Banana Republic | Groom's Tie: The Tie Bar | Guest Book: Laser Tree | Linens: Over The Top Linens | Paper Suite: RAW konversations | Pies: Alex Belew Catering | Rentals: Southern Events Party Rental & Vintage Prop Shoppe | Rugs: Shop Vintage Sparkle | Vow Books: BHLDN
I’m just going to come right out and say it – sometimes tropical weddings can be a bit cheesy. But this one photographed by Christine Clark is anything but. Designed with an effortless elegance that touched every detail, including fresh greens for a natural vibe, this Big Island affair embraces Hawaiian style in the prettiest way and we can’t get enough.
From Christine Clark Photography… Set at Puakea Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii, Vai and Greg’s wedding was the epitome of delicate island style. The reception setup, brilliantly designed by Bliss in Bloom, featured hanging greens against old, polished wood, all accented with subtle pops of tropical florals. It was the perfect blend of elements and tones. The ceremony took place under the shade of a great, spreading tree outside of the ranch house, with touches of tropical greens lining the aisle.
Vai was a vision of loveliness in Catherine Dean, proving the timeless refrain that simplicity is the greatest elegance. Greg clearly agreed as he couldn’t take his eyes off of her all day! I love it when the groom is spilling over himself with pride for his bride, and Greg was beaming nonstop.
For our portraits, we were visited by a pair of beautiful white horses that could not have been more perfect. Vai seemed to channel a real world Snow White as the animal lover in her shone through. I half expected a bird to sweep down and land on her shoulder! The whole day was filled with grace and warmth, with an elegant tropical touch to pull together the beauty of the day.
Photography: Christine Clark | Event Design: Bliss In Bloom | Event Planning: Bliss In Bloom | Floral Design: Bliss In Bloom | Wedding Gown: BHLDN | Cake: Kona Sweets | Invitations: White Ink Designs | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Engagement Ring: French Jewelry | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Rory Beca | Catering: Mon Ami Catering | Hair + Makeup: Mara McMichael | Lighting: Big Island Tents | Venue: Puakea Ranch | DJ + Sound: Hawaii Sound & Vision | Ladies Prep T-shirts: Before the Bells | Rentals: Hawaii Island Events | Rentals: Big Island Tents | Ukulele, Hula, Fire Dance, Coconut Drinks: Olowalu Entertainment
This Bride and Groom sure know how to throw a good party! At their winter, Charleston wedding, guests were treated to a firepit and s’mores, a glam station, a late-night chicken wing station, and Taylor Swift face cut-outs to rock on the dance floor! As if that wasn’t fun enough, Bridesmaids got ready wearing matching striped onesies and the Ring Bearer rode down the aisle in a miniature electric car. There are even more surprises at this wedding, captured by Virgil Bunao Photography. See them in the Vault!
From Virgil Bunao Photography… Allison and Casey got married at Boone Hall Plantation in January. Although it was one of the coldest days of the year, they had a fire pit and s’mores to warm guests up! The Cotton Dock was draped in dreamy lace fabric that they found from London. The room was filled with blue hues, and the floral had touches of cotton throughout. The bride loved Taylor Swift, so they had cutouts of her face for fun on the dance floor for guests! The bride surprised the groom with a late night chicken wing station from Wild Wings! Other fun components include a girls glam station in the bathroom, the bride and groom buried the bourbon, and the ring bearer rode down the aisle in an electric car.
Photography: Virgil Bunao Photography | Cinematography: Film Anywhere Productions | Event Planning: A Charleston Bride | Floral Design: A Charleston Bride | Hair and Makeup: Paper Dolls | Catering and Cake: Duvall | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Boone Hall Plantation | Getting Ready Venue: Restoration on King | Rentals: Ooh! EventHaus | Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals
This Bride and Groom had something extra special to celebrate at their prohibition-era New York City inspired wedding – the Bride had recently received a clean bill of health! After she had been diagnosed with a rare auto immune disorder, these two grew even closer together as they fought for her recovery and for their future life together. Their wedding is as beautiful as their story, thanks to the amazing work of Curtain Up Events, SB Beauty, Anthony Brownie Flowers + Events, and so many other amazing vendors, and you can see the whole celebration through the lens of Karen Hill Photography.
From the Bride… Cooper and I met and fell in love immediately. We got engaged at age 24 within a year of meeting. There has never been a clearer decision in either of our lives. But two months later, I went to the doctor for what we would later discover was auto immune encephalitis. My immune system was attacking my brain, at first causing mood swings of anger and crying, and eventually causing loss of speech ability, loss of motor control, and seizures. Cooper defended me to doctors who thought I was being hysterical, and he acted as my interpreter when I could no longer express myself. Even when doctors didn’t know how to diagnose me and said they couldn’t help us, Cooper never lost faith that we could make me better. He gave me the strength to go on when my brain was armed against me.
After landing in the hospital in front of the right doctors (thanks to Cooper’s mom reading a book, “Brain on Fire,” about a woman who went through the same thing), the same doctors in the book diagnosed me and started me on treatment. I was injected with other people’s immune systems, intravenous immunoglobulin. A science miracle was worked, and now I’m 100% healthy.
Cooper and I know each other so much more deeply and could not wait to get married. We are so thrilled and grateful! Our wedding was held at 632 on Hudson, an extraordinary venue! Following the ceremony was an extended cocktail hour. We wanted our wedding to be timeless, organic, playful in moments, and always full of love and joy. Our colors were midnight blue and gold, inspired by a portrait on the atrium ceiling. Our bridesmaids wore earthy metallics and blush. Our flowers were burgundy, red, blush, and green. We went for a loose prohibition era, New York vibe!
Photography: Karen Hill Photography | Cinematography: Kress Productions | Event Planning: Curtain Up Events | Floral Design: Anthony Brownie Flowers + Events | Wedding Dress: Austin Scarlett | Stationery: Claire Nordloh | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: Marcey Brownstein Catering & Events | Hair and Makeup: SB Beauty | DJ: Scratch Weddings | Band: Peter Mazza | Ceremony and Reception Venue: 632 on Hudson | Getting Ready Venue: Refinery Hotel
As a wedding and event planner, I work within my client’s budgets every day. Whether they have an unlimited budget or are looking for more budget-friendly options, there are some of the areas I tell them to consider investing in, as well as areas where they can save money without sacrificing quality. Here’s my advice for six places you can splurge and save when planning your wedding.
WHERE TO SPLURGE
Wedding Day Photographer. This is arguably the most important item in your wedding budget. You’re going to show these photos to your grandchildren one day so you want to make sure you get a quality product. Ask your venue or wedding planner for recommendations and check out the photographer’s website to make sure their portfolio is a good fit with your style and venue location. You’ll also be spending a lot of time together on your wedding day so I recommend meeting in person before hiring them.
Lighting. This always catches my clients off guard. As a bride, it caught me off guard too. Whether you are having an outdoor garden wedding or getting married in a hotel ballroom, lighting is so important. It can completely transform the look and feel of the venue and greatly impact the quality of your photos. You don’t want to be disappointed with the end result from your photographer because you skimped on lighting.
Wedding Planner. You know that saying “You have as many hours in a day as Beyonce”? Yeah, well, Beyonce has help. She has assistants, a nanny and probably a personal chef. Leave the details of your wedding to a professional whose job is to make your life easier. If you’re on a tight budget, many planners offer partial planning services or even hourly rates for wedding day assistance.
Catering. The food is one of the first things guests experience and can set the tone for your wedding. You don’t need a five-course meal to make an impact, either. Maybe there’s a restaurant in your hometown that is special to your family and is available to cater your event. Just make sure there is enough food, that it’s served at the right temperature, that there are choices for guests with dietary restrictions and that you hire waitstaff and bartenders if your venue doesn’t provide them.
WHERE TO SAVE
Save the Dates. Thanks to websites like Minted and Shutterfly, the options for your save the dates are endless! Add gold foil or choose a heavier paperweight to make it feel more custom. Add a picture from your engagement session to make it personal. Many of these retailers offer promotions like free recipient addressing or free shipping if you sign up for their emails.
Engagement Photographer. Since you’ll be investing in your wedding day photographer, there are other ways to save on your overall photography budget. If you live in a different state than where you’re getting married, hire a local photographer to do your engagement pictures instead of paying your wedding day photographer’s travel costs for this session. Engagement pictures are also a great time to call on a friend or family member who loves photography as a hobby but doesn’t do it full time. They’ll probably charge you less, if at all, and it will be a fun afternoon for everyone.
Unique Desserts. I am getting more and more requests for non-traditional wedding cakes. From donut bars from your local donut shop to a collection of smaller cakes or even cupcakes, this is a great place to save without sacrificing quality.
The good news is the wedding industry has really evolved over the last few years. With more venues popping up and more vendors opening up shop, there are great options at every price point that will allow you to have the wedding you’ve always dreamt of, even on a budget.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kristen Lauck is the owner and lead planner at Marie Rose Events based in Oklahoma City. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her spending time outside or enjoying a glass of wine and cooking dinner at home with her fiancé.
