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A Boudoir Shoot Designed With Timeless Romance

If you have even the tiniest desire to book a pre-wedding boudoir shoot, consider this all the reason you’ll ever need. Photographed by Amelia Soegijono and styled by ALC Events and Styling, it’s just the right balance of soft and subtle, with light-kissed imagery we can’t get enough of. Head right this way to see the entire shoot unfold in the gallery.

From the photographer… We dreamt up this light drenched boudoir shoot to illustrate the intricately beautiful emotions a bride-to-be experiences as she prepares an intimate and romantic rendezvous with her lover. The sense of vulnerability and anticipation juxtaposed against the feelings of euphoria and longing are conveyed throughout the shoot by the use of the soft lace lingerie and full-length kimono gown.

Yvette’s delicate curves were complemented with a soft updo and natural makeup. Her femininity was further emphasized by the use of soft florals and foliage scattered around her body. The added finishing touches of the unique fresh flower crown inspired by Viktoria Novak and a grand sized pink rose further exudes the feeling of daintiness and sweet mystery.

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Photography: Amelia Soegijono Photography | Floral Design: Lime Tree Bower | Makeup and Hair: Sophie Lau | Lab: Atkins Lab | Lace Robe: La Belle the Label | Model: Yvette | Studio: Le petit studio blanc | Stylist: ALC Events and Styling

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Bringing a Big Dose of Modern to this Napa Black Tie Affair

Black and white wins every single time in our book. It’s so classic and elegant even when paired with modern details. Now throw a crazy talented bunch of wedding vendors into that mix including design by A Savvy Event, florals by Nancy Liu Chin, a whole lot of pretty imagery by Lindsay Madden Photography and a film by Reel Eyes Media, and it takes this already stunning affair and truly makes it shine. Plus there’s a fairy godmother of wine tucked in the gallery and what’s not to love about that?

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From A Savvy Event…Katlin and Nawder Alavi were just a girl from Florida and a boy from Texas, until they met each other at SMU during their college years. They fell in love, and eventually moved out to a beautiful apartment in the marina district of San Francisco. Their home is clean, and white, with many modern elements. When Katlin and Nawder first started planning their big day, they knew that they wanted to bring a similar style to their wedding.

With the help of Kelly from A Savvy Event, the Alavis planned a romantic, elegant, black tie affair at Meadowood Napa Valley. The entire weekend of events was picture perfect, from their welcome party and rehearsal dinner at Brasswood Estate, to their brunch and croquet game on the lawns at Meadowood.

Because the groom and his family are Persian, it was important to the couple that they incorporate Persian elements into the ceremony. Katlin and Nawder had two officiants, and a Persian-American ceremony. In following with the Persian traditions, they had a sofreye aghd, filled with beautiful elements such as a mirror, candlesticks, beautifully crafted flatbreads, decorated eggs, sugar, gold coins, and more. Traditionally this portion of the wedding is very colorful, but in keeping with Katlin and Nawder’s design aesthetic, it was filled with white and metallic accents.

Cocktail hour was held on the fairway of the golfcourse, with playful elements such as a woman wearing a champagne skirt, which the guests enjoyed immensely. They offered signature drinks from a bar surrounded by elegant lounge areas, all enclosed with greenery.

Dinner was held in an open air tent on the upper lawn. The tent was intended to define and elevate the outdoor space, so that the guests felt as if they were simultaneously inside a black tie venue while enjoying the beauty of Meadowood’s outdoor spaces. The head table ran down the middle of the tent, with chandeliers hanging above. The silver mirrored tables used to seat the bridal parties and bride and groom reflected the lights shining from above, creating a sparkly ambiance throughout the meal. The rest of the surrounding tables were covered in metallic tablecloths of two variations, all of which complemented each other and the head tables. The florals were white with hints of greenery and sage colors, in modern vessels to create a clean contrast with the more romantic china and table scapes.

Nawder’s most important request was to have a fantastic band that could sing into the night. So, they flew one up from Los Angeles and danced the night away with their guests.

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Photography: Lindsay Madden Photography | Event Planning: A Savvy Event | Floral Design: Nancy Liu Chin | Wedding Dress: Custom Made | Invitations: Yonder Design | Wedding Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Calligraphy: Sarah Hanna | Lighting: The Lux Productions | Entertainment: Elan Artists | Officiant: Nilou Weddings | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Meadowood Napa Valley | Hair & Make Up: It's A Date at The Powder Room | Hair & Make Up: Professional Makeup Artistry | Photobooth: Giggle and Riot | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Hensley Event Resources | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Rentals: Glassy Baby | Rentals: Bright Event Rentals | Rentals: Rion Designs | Sofreh Aghd Designs: Fancy Little Details | Video: Reel Eyes Media

The Perfect Signature Cocktail for Every Event in your Wedding Lineup

We all know that every fabulous celebration deserves an equally as fabulous cocktail. So to help you choose the perfect libation for every event on your wedding itinerary, we’re teaming up with the experts at Total Wine & More to run down the recipes that will steal the show. From rosé sippin’ at your bridal shower to a touch of rum at your bachelor party, these tasty treats just work. Take a peek below.

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BRIDAL SHOWER: rosé slushy

If you know us well, then you know we love anything and everything to do with rosé. And this yummy little number? Our happy place. From the Belvoir Elderflower & Rose Lemonade to the sprig of lavender, it’s an ice-filled concoction that will take your bridal shower to the next level. Plus, it’s sooo pretty.

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

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BACHELOR PARTY: THE PLUM STORM

Beer and whisky on the rocks might be the original bachelor party staples, but we’re here to tell you… it can be sooo much more. With this tasty cocktail, your man will be serving up plums, ginger beer and dark rum in a concoction that is the best twist ever on the timeless Dark & Stormy.  Yum.

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

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ENGAGEMENT PARTY: WATERMELON CHAMPAGNE

You can’t properly toast your newly engaged status without the perfect glass of bubbly, but when it comes to celebrating the biggest news ever, you need more than just the standard glass of champagne. Enter this dessert in a glass that is one part champagne, one part watermelon juice and all parts sooo yummy. We’ll cheers to this one anytime, my friends.

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

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REHEARSAL DINNER: HAWAIIN BLACKBERRY MOJITOS

This little beauty is the type of yummy sip that tastes just as good as it looks. Think crushed blackberries, lime juice, fresh mint leaves, sparkling water AND white rum (we love George Ocean White Rum) all coming together to form a cocktail that is perfect for celebrating the BIG event to come, aka, rehearsal dinner perfection. Orrr… you can make it this weekend, if you want.

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

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THE WEDDING: APPLE ROSEMARY BOURBON

When it comes to signature cocktails, nothing is more important than the one you serve up on THE big day. But if you are worried about choosing the can’t-get-enough-of-this-drink that will make all of your guests happy, don’t be. This Apple Rosemary Bourbon is perfect for sipping during cocktail hour, toasting during dinner AND refreshing your palette after dancing the night away. Bourbon is good, y’all (we recommend Watkins Select Bourbon)… and this is no exception.

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

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It all starts with a fabulous recipe… but making sure your bar is stocked for every last pour? That’s where Total Wine & More comes in to play. Think of it as a cocktail superstore that is basically your party’s lifesaver with a never-ending lineup of delicious wines, spirits, beers AND accessories, all in one fab place. We sort of adore the aisles and aisles of yumminess (read: we’re obsessed), and when it comes to guaranteeing your signature cocktail will be a hit, there’s no better place with their crazy knowledgeable staff who can most definitely guide you in the right direction. I mean, they have 120+ hours of training and taste 1000+ products a year, you guys. They def know their stuff, so stop by one of their locations today or visit their website to check it out… then get ready to mix your hearts out.

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Bridal Shower (Rosé Slushy): Photography: Erin McGinn + Styling & Recipe: Abby Capalbo | Bachelor Party (The Plum Storm): Photography: Josh Deaton + Calligraphy: Darling Devotion | Engagement Party (Watermelon Champagne): Photography & Recipe: Lauren Kelp | Rehearsal Dinner (Hawaiin Blackberry Mojitos): Photography: Kylie Martin Photography + Styling: Kylie Martin Photography + Recipe: Caroline Potter | Wedding (Apple Rosemary Bourbon): Photography: Jacqui Cole Photography + Concept, Design and Styling: Daly Digs

The #1 Mistake Couples Make Before Marriage

Saying “I do” is so much more than the wedding day. More than pretty flowers or a gorgeous dress. It’s about entering into a lifelong commitment with the one you love, and according to relationship expert, Dr. Deborah Sandella, getting married for the right reasons is the most critical component.

“The biggest mistake people make is deciding to get married because “It’s time,” “I want to have the security of marriage,” or “I’m afraid I won’t find someone else.” Deciding to marry out of worry, fear, scarcity or expecting him/her to change after marriage is not a positive way to enter this long-term, intimate agreement—I promise you!”

So, how can a couple break off their engagement if the marriage isn’t right for them? Dr. Sandella suggests first and foremost, compassionate honestly. “Talk about your feelings and consider having a couple’s therapist or coach facilitate a discussion,” she said. “Having a neutral outsider can help structure the conversation in a constructive, caring way.”

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Dr. Deborah Sandella PhD, RN is a leading psychotherapist and international best-selling author of Goodbye Hurt & Pain, 7 Simple Steps to Health, Love and Success.

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12 Signs You’ve Found “The One”

12 Signs You Found Your Soulmate
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12 Signs You Found Your Soulmate
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P. S. Marriage Advice From Real Couples!

Pop the Question to Your Bridesmaids with These 6 Chic DIY Ideas

An engagement all starts with that one simple yet magical question: “Will you marry me?” And while these four words will undoubtedly form the most significant question your groom will ever ask, it is actually only the first of many proposals that will define this beautiful season of your life! Before long, after the initial excitement and surprise has worn off, you (as a newly minted bride-to-be) will begin to realize you have one pretty major question to pop yourself!

Yes, we’re talking about your bridesmaids. These are the girls that have seen you through all of your ups and downs that life has to offer. They have been there to support you through your struggles, and to celebrate you through your successes. You, of course, want to invite them to share in your special day in a way that they will remember forever. But if you find that you are drawing a blank on the perfect way to pop the question to your girls, no worries! We have rounded up 6 of the chicest ways to ask your besties to be there for you, and the best part is, they are all fun, unique, and completely DIY status!

Curate a Custom Goodie Box

Assembling a custom bridesmaid box from scratch can be the ultimate way to ask your friends to come along for your wedding ride. Not only can you personalize this gift depending on each girl’s individual personality, but it is also a great shipping-friendly option for those pals who live out of town. Throw in items such as your favorite bottle of wine, monogrammed knick-knacks like tumblers and ring trays, jewelry to wear on the day-of, or even something as simple as paint chips representing your wedding colors.

Say it with Champagne

Sometimes the best way to pop the question is none other than popping open some fresh, crisp bubbly! Gifting a bottle (or mini bottles) of your preferred champs to your favorites is a light-hearted, classy, and celebratory gesture that will most definitely get your friends on board with the wedding vibes. And if you want to add a little more of a DIY touch, hit up the pages of Etsy for custom-made champagne labels, available in an entire range of designs and easily applied to any glass bottle. Your maids will love to show off their own personalized bottles as they enjoy champagne specifically chosen by you.

Put a Pen to Paper

What is more DIY than writing a lovely note to each one of your gals on beautiful stationary? Not only is this route super glam and traditional, but it also lets you express your gratitude in a way that is genuine and truly from the heart. Including funny memories, inside jokes, and other special reasons about why she is so important to you will help to make this handwritten ‘proposal’ note one-of-a-kind. Plus, it will serve as an amazing wedding souvenir that your friend can cherish forever.

Plan a Luxe Surprise

If you are able to swing it (and are good at keeping a secret), plan an enjoyable excursion so you can pop the question to all of your bridesmaids at the same time. This is the best way to create a shared experience that you are all guaranteed to rave about for months to come. Whether you want to host a quaint Sunday brunch at home, schedule a full-on spa day, or even organize an elegant group dinner at your favorite local hot-spot, the sky is the limit when it comes to planning a luxe surprise.

Sweet Treats for the Win

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth? Presenting your maids with a scrumptious sweet treat is always a popular tactic when asking the big question. Whether it is an iced cupcake made in your own kitchen, an adorably decorated batch of custom cookies from a chic bakery, or even a mini bag of rosé gummie bears, there is always something for everyone when it comes to sugar.

If All Else Fails, Confetti!

And if you are still finding yourself stumped on swanky ways to pop the question to your closest gal pals, remember that you can never go wrong with confetti! It is bright, shiny, and always gets people in the mood to celebrate. Stuff some party confetti in an envelope along with your handwritten letter, or in your specially curated goodie box for an added surprise. In the end, no matter what way you decide to ask your best girls, unwrapping any of these chic options will certainly induce tons of smiles and excitement, and it will absolutely set the tone for the best time of your life!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Adrienne Holland is a freelance writer and watercolor artist based in Greensboro, North Carolina. When she isn’t working on a new piece, she can be found redesigning rooms in her cottage, spending time outdoors with her boyfriend and lovable border collie, or with her friends overusing Snapchat filters.

This is How You Host the Perfect New Year’s Eve Affair

New Year’s Eve weddings are one of my fave ways ever to tie the knot… and when that NYE affair is hosted at the dreamy Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino? Even better. Think snow-covered mountains, faux fur accessories and the perfect waterside captures all coming together for a celebration that will go down in history. (Seriously.) Scroll below to soak in a wedding that will show you just how awesome it all can be.

For Margaret and Travis, choosing the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino for their New Year’s Eve affair was sort of a no-brainer. They wanted a “winter wonderland” celebration packed with breathtaking views and luxurious amenities and, well… they got it. From the full-service salon and spa to the on-site catering and restaurants to the lush accommodations, they knew they were in for a party they would never forget. Not to mention that the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino offers in-house babysitting for the little ones (!), so every single one of their guests could enjoy everything the resort has to offer. Sooo fun… and relaxing.

From the snow-capped Sierra Mountain range to the lake-view ballroom to the icicle-clad cottages dotting the property, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is the perfect place to celebrate your New Year’s Eve affair, countdown included. Contact them now to start planning your dream day, and don’t forget to ask about how you can earn FREE honeymoon nights anywhere in the world.

Photography: Torrey Fox Photography

This Wedding will Surely Get You in the Mood for All Things Spring

I don’t know what it is but the second the calendar tells me Spring is officially sprung, I’m all (and I mean all) about the florals. The same goes for weddings too.  This Charlottesville beauty falls right into that “Three Cheers for Spring” category. With ribbons and classic details crafted by Donovan-Groves Events, those blooms I can’t stop blabbing about by Whimsical Floral Design, this is just the celebration to get you in the mood. Pore through the prettiest of images by Josh & Serena with even more here.

From the Photographer…Rachel and Marc’s ceremony and reception both took place at Keswick Hall under the impeccable direction of their planner, Adam of Donovan-Groves Events. It was an honor to document the love between these two and to capture the love felt for them by their family and friends!

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Photography: Josh & Serena | Event Planning: Donovan-Groves Events | Floral Design: Whimsical Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Pnina Tornai | Cake: Maliha Creations | Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jim Hjelm | Men's Attire: Tailor & Bond | Wedding Venue: Keswick Hall | Beauty: Charlottesville Makeup Artist | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Escort Cards: Invite Alice | Groom's Attire - Bowtie: Brackish Bowties | Photography - Assistance: Josh Gooden Cinematography | Photography - Assistance: Love by Serena | Shoes (Bride): Badgley Mischka | Shoes (Groom): Hugo Boss | Wedding Bands & Engagement Ring: Custom made in NYC

Blush + Marsala: Does It Get Any Prettier Than This!?

This is one of those posts that could have gone on and on forever, there was just too much goodness to work with. Because while it’s no surprise that we love blush around these parts, add in some pops of marsala and our hearts pitter patter even faster than usual. Charmed Events Group took the pretty palette and ran with it and we’re so glad they did. Jasmine Lee captured every stunning spec and it’s all in our Vault ready to be enjoyedright this way!

From Charmed Events GroupIt was love at first sight for this lovely couple. For their wedding, they dreamt up a romantic wedding of marsala, gold and blush to complement the venue that they chose and dreamt up a European experience for all their guests to enjoy. The bride wore the most amazing blush dress by Vera Wang and her bridesmaids wore various blush and rose gold gowns by Amsale. The men looked dapper in their Menguin tuxes.

The ceremony took place inside at Wente Winery; Gavita Flora did an amazing job of creating the dreamiest arch with lush foliage and blooms accented with lots of candles and foliage lining the aisles. Guests were given petal toss bags upon entering the ceremony and as the couple kissed and said “I do”, guests celebrated by tossing rose petals in celebration.

For their cocktail hour, they wanted to re-create the love they have for Italy. They were engaged in Italy so they wanted to pay homage to that special place by inviting guests to their seats with homemade limoncello.

Their reception was a beautiful affair under a tent of stringed lights! We created an elegant feel by pairing grey linens and modern, gold chairs. The marsala and blush blooms really popped on the tables and guests were seated at place settings of grey and custom wax seals. As the sun went down, the atmosphere became a rowdy yet romantic one as the tent of stringed lights came to life, allowing guests to celebrate and dance the night away.

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Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography | Videography: Lovespun Films | Event Planning + Design: Charmed Events Group, LLC | Floral Design: Gavita Flora | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Stationery: Charmed Events Group, LLC | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Hair + Make Up: Makeup By Quis | Tuxedos: Menguin | Bride (+Blogger): Chic Happens | Invitation Suite: Little Miss Press | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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This Studio is an Entertainer’s Dream Space

When your studio is so gorgeously designed, it is prettier than most homes, you know you’ve got a good space on your hands. And I’m only slightly jealous of that whole wall full of entertaining accoutrements. Ok, ok maybe a bit more than slightly but do you blame me? Tour the stunning hub of Spread Love EventsThe Collection Rentals through the lens of Whitney Krutzfeldt Photography  and prepare to fall hard for all those well styled bookshelves.

It’s every creative’s dream to have a space to call their own! Spread Love Events has been able to tick that goal off their list, opening their own studio on the North Shore of Vancouver, Canada in 2016. Sharing the space with their sister company, The Collection Rentals, principal planner and creative director Ashley Bond had a vision in mind from the start.

“When we first found this space it was exactly the size we wanted – but it had a black and red lino floor, black ceiling and very little natural light! It needed some love but we could see it had so much potential!”

Along with her team, Ashley set out to transform the space into an inspiring yet functional work environment.

“We wanted our studio to be visually pleasing for ourselves and our clients, but also practical. We knew we wanted to have a lounge area to showcase our rental furniture, an inviting table to meet at and natural light; but we also needed more practical items like work desks, shelving for our inventory, an industrial sink, and plenty of space for designing and creating our florals, stationery and decor.

“We chose some specialty pieces from Restoration Hardware and The Cross Decor and Design in Vancouver, and combined these with other affordable pieces we picked up along the way that still complemented the more modern aesthetic we were after. We’re pretty thrilled with how it came together!”

I feel most inspired when I’m out in nature, or taking in the sights and sounds of a new neighborhood or city. Creating the space and time to allow your mind to wander and dream, and eyes to take in new environments, is so important. For me, it’s when I feel free to explore (in my mind or through a forest or city) that the best ideas come. Fortunately our studio is located close to the ocean and the mountains!

Natural environments, fashion and design, personal memories, art, the seasons, architecture and our surroundings inspire our designs. It is important to look outside of weddings for event design inspiration. A pattern, favorite song, or place is enough for us to begin the inspiration process with our clients. Ultimately our designs are about our clients, reflecting what they love and how they fell in love or like to celebrate.

Photography: Whitney Krutzfeldt Photography | Styling: Spread Love Events | Hair and Makeup: Denise Elliot | Ceramics: Provide | Furniture and Decor: The Collection | Furniture and Decor: The Cross Decor + Design

A Clean, Modern Take on a New England Wedding

In a day where clean lines and modern design reigns king, it only makes sense that the incredible Belle Mer plays backdrop. Set right on the sea, the venue was everything Samantha and Zach were looking for. Add in the abundance of white-on-white florals from Greenlion Design and the images from the ever-fabulous Rebecca Arthurs and you have a day to remember from beginning to end.

From the bride, Samantha… Zach and I met in college at The University of Michigan, but we did not start dating until a few months after graduation when we lived in the same building in New York City.

My vision for the wedding was a formal evening with a modern sophistication in a waterfront location. My favorite moment of the wedding day was the first look – it was such an honest and raw moment and something special that I will always remember.

From the floral designer, Greenlion… Samantha and Zach both were drawn to clean lines and simplicity. We incorporated lush large philodendron leaves to add a contrast to the clean groupings of white hydrangea, tulip, and orchids we used in the centerpiece work. It complimented the space beautifully. The chuppah was hand-crafted from vines and we added lush organic style florals in greens whites and creams for a bold ceremony backdrop.

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Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Event Planning: Exquisite Events | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Shoes : Gianvito Rossi | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Makeup : Deb Houghton | Band: Night Rhythm | Groomsmen's Attire: My Suit | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Ceremony Programs: Wedding Paper Divas | Escort Cards: Heather Belle Ink | Grooms Shoes: Del Toro | Menu Cards : Katlem Design | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

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Say Hello To Our New Favorite Garden Wedding!

If insanely gorgeous floral design is your thing – major kudos to Without Wax, Katy – this wedding is for you. The bride, Allison is a part of the Mayhar Design team and when it came to styling a wedding for one of their own? Well, they delivered. Big time. I’m predicting this day as one of our very favorites of the year, and with one look at the images by Michelle Boyd, I guarantee you’ll agree.

From Melanie, of Mayhar DesignsI have had the privilege of knowing Allison for just over three years. Within that time frame, she has loaned her heart, her spirit, her incredibly hard working attitude and energy and her grace to both my life and to the lives of every single Mayhar client and vendor alike. She has stood beside us at every single wedding, helping to ensure that each bride and family member was cared for and that each detail was perfectly placed. She is the type of colleague who gets personally thanked in Father of the Bride Speeches. She is a truly amazing friend and person and I was beyond thrilled when she asked us to help plan her own wedding, which took place this past November in San Antonio. 

When we sat down to discuss her wishes for the day, she kept going back to an organic yet classic design with thoughtful details and an overarching atmosphere that was inviting and welcoming. She wanted a space that was rich in texture and soft color and made each and every guest feel incredibly special. It was such a joy to be a part of this celebration! I hope that we did her greatest wishes justice!


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Photography: Michelle Boyd Photography | Floral Design: Without Wax Katy | Cake: Cathy Young | Shoes: Kate Spade | Hair + Makeup: Makenzi Laine | DJ: Mixer Rogers | Venue: Zaza Garden | Antique Rug: Aziz Rugs of San Antonio | Coordination + Styling: Mayhar Design | Creative Direction: Mayhar Design | Draping: Quest Drape | Invitations & Signage: Whitney Farnsworth | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals | Rentals: Whim Hospitality | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Ring Boxes: The Mrs Box | Ring Dish: Paloma's Nest

This New Bridal and Bridesmaid Collection is an Absolute Must-See

We’re always up for a day spent soaking in a beautiful photo shoot, and when that shoot happens to be in celebration of the new 2017 Jenny Yoo Bridal and Bridesmaid Collection? Even better. Think seriously stunning gowns, a crazy cool converted warehouse and lush florals + greenery all coming together to take Downtown LA to an entirely new level. Take a peek at the pretty below.

To know Jenny Yoo is to love Jenny Yoo and her newest collection of bridal and bridesmaid gowns is off the charts in every which way possible. From the romantic meets vintage detailing to the elements of gold, nude and blush to the mix and match versatility of the bridesmaid frocks, each and every piece in this fab collection most definitely deserves a standing ovation. Now pair that total chicness with a place like HNYPT and you’ve got an inspiration sesh that is one part gorgeous gowns, one part 20-foot ceilings, and one part exposed brick walls. We couldn’t be more in love.

From the beautiful bridesmaid dresses featuring floral chiffon prints, embroidered floral prints, soft ruffles, muted AND rich jeweled tones (sooo re-wearable) to the bridal gowns that flatter your every curve with their sophisticated details to the textures and fabrics that you’ll absolutely adore, 2017 Jenny Yoo Bridal and Bridesmaid Collection is a must-see. Head to the Jenny Yoo website today to soak in all of the beauty. You’ve found your dress(es), lovelies.

Photography: This Modern Romance | Floral Design: Running Wild Florals | Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Venue: HNYPT LA | Hair + Makup Artist: KC Witkamp | Location: HNYPT LA | Rentals: Archive Rentals

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Capturing an Engagement in this Couple’s Favorite Getaway Spot

San Francisco is a city with many a gorgeous backdrop and this destination engagement is hitting all the classic gems like City Hall. From sweeping views to larger than life grand staircases and some seriously stunning fashion moments, see how Jasmine Lee Photography captured these two in a city they hold near and dear to their hearts.

From the Bride to Be…Abid and I met in 2015 in Houston and the rest was history. He lived in Seattle at the time, so long distance was the biggest obstacle in our relationship. Our first trip together was to San Francisco, he attended Berkeley, showed me his stomping grounds and I instantly fell in love with the magical city. When he proposed, I knew I wanted to have my engagement session in the vibrant city! Coincidentally Jasmine Lee, who I have been following on iG for quite some time, was based in SF. The stars were aligned! I wanted our engagement photos to have a modern appeal. I desired for our attire to be darker, sleeker-a more elegant feel. Abid doesn’t get the chance to wear sweaters in Houston, so he jumped at the opportunity. As for me, I sought after solid pieces with beading. The dress was bought at Neiman and the gold beaded top paired with the skirt was found at an antique boutique. (My best friend and I started antiquing as a new hobby)

As we wrapped up the session, Jasmine suggested I use the gold top as a background for the ring shot (so creative) and it was perfect! A very old piece with the newest gem in my collection.

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Photographer: Jasmine Lee Photography | Makeup Artist: MAC Counters | Hair Stylist: Joseph Cozza Salon | Location One: San Francisco City Hall | Location Two: Lyon Street Steps

Modern Art + Romantic Gardens Combine to Create Wedding Magic

A stylishly chic dress + gorgeous florals; really, what more does a girl want? With these pics by Kayla Barker we don’t need to venture far to find this and more. Designed and planned by Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design, with ridiculously beautiful blooms by Bows and Arrows, this shoot mixes modern art with pure romance and we’re 100% on board with every bit of it. See it all in our Vault right here!

From Anne-Claire Allen Planning & DesignIt all seemed to click when we came across the Nasher Sculpture Center in the Dallas Arts District. Our team envisioned an ‘art brought to life’ shoot that embodied a mix of the elements found in sculptures and more modern museum-like settings with soft, feminine touches of ethereal beauty; essentially a painter’s palette meshing with a sculptor’s completed work to create one overall piece of living art! When we discovered the Nasher Sculpture Center and their incredible collection of art (including Rodin, Picasso, Calder, Kooning and more) the overall vision came to life and the beautiful sculpture lawn was just the icing on the cake.

Together with our team of A-list vendors and real-life Dallas couple, Katy and Rocky Cherry, we chose unique details and textures to complete this true, life-like work of art to inspire weddings and events for years to come. We chose to combine the soft, modern concepts of a bride, her dress and decor and pair it with the richness and masculinity of her handsome groom! The structured Sarah Seven dresses from a&be bridal shop along with sleek hair and make-up by Meg B incorporated the modern details of the venue. The concrete, slate and marble textures used were inspired by the sculpture works of art around the lawn. Romantic florals by Bows and Arrows and soft calligraphy by Fig & Flourish softened the modern edges and incorporated the soft tones of vintage abstract art. There is something so mesmerizing about blending the stillness of artwork with real life celebrations and we feel we achieved that with this romantic and beautiful styled shoot.

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Photography: Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography | Event Planning + Design: Anne Claire Allen Planning & Design | Floral Design: Bows and Arrows | Wedding Dresses: Sarah Seven | Cake: Layered Bake Shop | Rings: William Noble Rare Jewels | Calligraphy: Fig & Flourish | Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center | Bridal Boutique: a&be bridal shop | Calligraphy on Escort Cards: Script Merchant Calligraphy | Concrete Escort Cards: Paper Birch Designs | Hair + Make-Up: Meg B | Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals

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“Fairytale Garden Party” Style Wedding

In my humble opinion, blush pink is one of those colors that will never (and should never) go out of style. It’s sweet, it’s subtle, and it was the perfect color palette anchor for Briana and Patrick’s Sarasota wedding at the Ringling Museum. Designed around the idea of a fairytale garden party, the images by K&K Photography are one dreamy moment after another, including this happily ever after kiss you simply have to see.

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From the Bride… Patrick and I met at a bar in New York City during Hurricane Sandy. We lived in New York City together for two years before moving to Sarasota, Florida.

I wanted to plan my wedding a la carte – meaning I wanted to pick and choose each element to create an experience that transported my guests into a fairytale garden party. I wanted to create an environment that was all-encompassing and focused around a celebration of love, family, and incredible friendships. I found images online of what my wedding looked like in my mind and our wedding planner (Nicole) did an unreal job executing.

My color palette was white, blush and natural greens accented with gold. The venue could not have been more perfect for my vision and ended up being the perfect backdrop for photos. I knew I wanted sprawling greenery and overflowing orchids for the florals. I wanted ethereal lighting in the way of moonlight, string lights and chandeliers in the trees as opposed to any direct lighting or up lighting. It was important that I have long wooden feasting tables without linens, laden with gold trimmed plates and flatware that felt opulent but also inviting.

As most of our guests were traveling from New York and Massachusetts we wanted the food to be indulgent Florida fare and served an incredibly fresh and decadent menu (with the most incredible chef and catering staff, Fete!). My brother officiated the wedding and we entrusted him to craft a meaningful ceremony and he ended up setting the mood for the whole night with a dissertation on love, companionship and Kanye West’s “Bound 2”.

For my dress, I wanted something chic that felt like me (not like I was wearing a costume) – the dress I wore on my wedding day was actually my second dress after the first one was ruined by the tailor! Picking my dress and shoes and accessories was definitely the most fun! The bridesmaids dresses I found at Bloomingdales and fell in love with as they encapsulated the vision of my wedding, and they had pockets which the girls appreciated!

My one piece of advice for brides is to constantly remind yourself that this process should be FUN – don’t get caught up in things being perfect or feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, enjoy the journey and make sure you and your partner (and your parents, and bridesmaids…) are having fun every step of the way! Also, being meticulously organized will make the process so much easier.

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Photography: K and K Photography, LLC | Event Planning: NK Productions Wedding Planning | Floral Design: Victoria Blooms | Stationery: Citrus Press | Bride's Shoes: Gianvito Rossi | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Aidan Mattox | Catering: Fete Catering | Hair & Makeup: Fresh Salon | Lighting: Affairs In The Air | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Officiant: Bride's Brother | Transportation: Sprinter Van Rental | Venue: Ringling Museum Of Art | Bride's Dress: Gemy Maalouf

The Dreamiest Alfresco Wedding by the Lake

This Bride knows just how to build a Dream Team of vendors and her Washington wedding to the love of her life is the living proof.  With flowers turned art and the prettiest of lakeside details crafted by Sinclair & Moore, plus snapshots by Maria Lamb that are so gorgeous, they are begging for a gallery wall display, this celebration is about to suck you right in.

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From the Bride… I started out wedding planning with the top three things that were most important to me, then went from there. 1. Dress: I wanted something unique that would really stand out in the crowd, high quality materials, trendy but timeless, and comfortable. When I went into Le Salon Couture in Seattle the Julie Vino Martina Dress immediately caught my eye, It was the first dress I tried on at the store and every dress after that I was comparing it to the Martina. I guess that’s when you know its the ONE! Another stand out about the experience was the great customer service. It can be hard to come by, but when you come across people that are really living out their passion you know you are in good hands. Alexis the owner gives 100% of her attention to each of her brides and really goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable throughout the process.

2. Photographer: We changed our Wedding date to book our photographer, and it was one of the best decisions! All I can say is, the power of social media. I found Maria Lamb on Instagram! It was instant gravitation. So dreamy and organic, was my first thought. I love that she shoots both film and digital to really capture the mood and setting your in. I love her ability to see the finer small details along with the big picture, and also capture what you may think is a simple background and transform it into an amazing piece of art! She really is just a genius behind that lens and a truly a gifted photographer. Maria puts her heart and soul into her work and it undeniably shows. Not to mention she is a joy to work with, and makes you feel comfortable in sometimes not so organic situations(slow dancing in the woods). Again, one of the best wedding planning decisions to book Maria. Now I just have to figure out what other life event I’ll have next for an excuse to work with her again!

3. Design/Florals: Call me crazy but if florals and table designs could talk, Sinclair and Moore’s Designs are telling a story. When I came across their wedding designs I was blown away. Steve Moore is such an innovator in his field and definitely sets the standard high in the industry. Being an artist myself, I know if your put in a box of too many requirements it’s more challenging to let the artistic mind flow. So with that, I gave a few things I was interested in and told Steve to have at it and to create whatever he wanted. While doing an event he created a mock up of the floral design and it was absolutely gorgeous and more beautiful than I could ever imagined. Perfection! So easy to work with, can’t say enough good things about the experience I’ve had with Sinclair and Moore Events.

In conclusion, I have THE Dream Team and I feel so grateful. Jay and I met 6 1/2 years ago through friends. Definitely was smitten at first sight! We dated for a month, took a month off, and by the third month became inseparable and the rest is history! On our four year anniversary we took a trip down to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. It was a pretty memorable vacation to say the least. Tanning, Sun, Drinks, Tacos, Sick for 4 days….., Then bouncing back to tour the incredibly breathtaking ruins of Chichen Itza, swimming in a Cenote, and then ending with a proposal on the beach! 

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Photography: Maria Lamb | Videography: Cabfare Productions | Event Design: Sinclair & Moore | Floral Design: Sinclair & Moore | Invitations: La Happy | Ceremony Venue: private residence - Moses Lake | Reception Venue: private residence - Moses Lake | Rings: Joseph Jewelry | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Marie Moi Couture | Catering: Michaels on the Lake | Makeup : Avery-Christine Golson | Hair: Avery-Christine Golson | Favors: Mighty-O Donut | Grooms Attire: Nordstrom | Beer: Ten Pin Brewery | Bride Dress: Le Salon Bridal | Bride Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Headpiece/earings: Le Salon Bridal | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Robes: Stone Cold Fox

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Charming Backyard Wedding On The Water

This bride always knew she wanted a wedding by the sea and the groom’s parents’ backyard made for a seaside venue you could only dream of! From the bride’s romantic Monique Lhuillier gown to the tented reception with beautiful details from La Tavola, this day fully encapsulated elegance and charm. The lush floral designs by Studio Blush enhanced the backyard setting with perfect pops of summer color. Head over to The Vault now to browse the entire gallery!

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From the bride… Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted a wedding by the sea. Blue and white stripes, boats, a lobster bake, and waves in the background on a warm summer day… it would be perfect. It became even more perfect the day my best friend asked me to marry him, and I finally had the perfect guy to round out my perfect day.

Jake proposed to me on the steps of Sacre-Coeur in Paris. We’d met 10 years earlier in college while we were both on the crew team at University of California – Berkeley. We spent the first 6 years of our relationship as good (if not best) friends, 3 years living our lives separately, and 1 year dating after a fateful meeting on a street corner in the Mission District in San Francisco. We decided to get married within the year and immediately knew where we’d wed – Jake’s parent’s house on the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook. Since we’d known each other for so many years, I’d been there several times previously and had known his family for years. It met all our requirements with the added benefit of being a destination for the majority of our friends, and so it was decided that we’d do a wedding weekend on the water incorporating all the aspects we both loved about our hometowns in New England – especially, the blue and white nautical stripes – love those!! :)

Our first decision was hiring a wedding planner. We’d heard from friends that it wasn’t always 100% necessary, but especially when planning destinations, it was critical. We wouldn’t have survived without all of Sarah’s recommendations. She had tons of contacts, was “johnny on the spot” at all our meetings, and kept me breathing in the moments leading up to my big walk down the aisle… I was almost certain I was going to fall on my face! We then focused on hiring the essentials – photographer, caterer, music and florals. From the start, flowers were always going to be my “splurge” item. Our wedding was in August and outdoors, so flowers were key to the ambiance I was trying to create. Beth was amazing. It took all but a quick phone call, a Pinterest board, and a handful of meetings for her to grasp my vision, and boy did she deliver. Every detail was flawless. Her flowers in combination with our beautiful Sperry tent and Ryan Designs decor brought my vision to life. Couldn’t have asked for better!

On the photography front, we relied on reviews. I found Emily on a wedding blog, checked out her portfolio and gave her a call. Being a Boston girl myself, we immediately clicked. Her energy and attitude were spot on. I remember hanging up the phone and saying to Jake, “She and I need to be friends.” That’s exactly what you want on your wedding day. She took the time to get to know me and subsequently felt more like a friend snapping candids than a formal photographer reminding me to stand up straight. As a result, you get what you see here – stunning photographs.

Next, we selected our music. I was adamant about having an band, not a DJ. Live music always spoke to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the luxury of traveling around to see a bunch of bands play at venues being so far away, so I, again, relied on reviews. Immediately after checking out their website, I fell in love with the Metropolitan Players. The lead singer literally sounded like Adele’s doppelgänger :) They were super accommodating, agreed to drive up from New York, and knocked everyone’s socks off. My father is still talking about their set. What an epic performance!

Last we selected our caterer. This was a little more stressful than the others. For me, food quality carried some underlying pressure for some reason. The last thing I wanted was bad food! We took our time evaluating vendors, and ultimately decided on A Thyme to Cook. Lexi and her team did an excellent job careering to our needs before and during the wedding, and the appetizer selection was excellent. I still crave the lamb meatballs!

If I could offer three pieces of advice beyond hiring ALL my vendors (because they were seriously awesome!), it would be the following:

1 – Don’t let your guest list get out of control – your wedding is supposed to be special. Be selfish and invite who YOU want and not who everyone else wants you too.

2 – Dance your face off at your reception and don’t be afraid to get your dress dirty.

3 – Let yourself cry on the alter – you and he only get the moment once. Let everything around you fade away and embrace the emotion. You won’t regret it! PS – For all the readers that were wondering whether or not I got my lobster bake… sure did! Clambakes of Connecticut threw a killer rehearsal dinner on the lawn with lobsters up to my eyeballs :)

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Photography: Emily Tebbetts Photography | Event Planning & Design: A Polished Plan | Floral Design: Blush Floral Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake : Lynn Palmer Cakes | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: A Thyme to Cook, Inc. | Make-Up: Jennie Fresa Brow & Beauty Bar | Hair: Posh Salon | Calligraphy: Karri Lee Designs | Lighting: Social Decor | Band: Metropolitan Players | Tent: Sperry Tent | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Lounge Furniture: Ryan Designs | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

A Ridiculously Stylish Miami Wedding

If real weddings won medals, this one would undoubtedly snag the gold for chicness. With layers upon layers of thoughtfully designed style and Masi EventsThierry Isambert Culinary + Event DesignUnearthed Vintage and Jarrell Entertainment working their magic behind the scenes, there’s no denying this day is one for the books. Kat Braman photographed, and the fun is only just getting started.

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From the Bride… We always knew we wanted our wedding to be outdoors and we wanted the reception to be one big fancy-dress dinner party with delicious food, free-flowing wine, and all night dancing.

The overall vision changed dramatically as we started out planning an October wedding in the Hudson Valley, which meant cool weather and warm fall colors. But we ended up wanting more of a warm weather destination feel and Miami is still hot and gorgeous in October. Carlos spent several years in Miami for his residency and still has great friends there. We went there together on our first weekend getaway, and try to go back at least once or twice a year. So it’s come to be a special place for both of us. And who doesn’t love a weekend in Miami?!

Stylistically I wanted to approach it the same way I would an interiors project – lots of small thoughtful details and layers that in the big picture added up to feel harmonious, striking a fine balance between an elegant black tie wedding and a good old fashioned throw down! Carlos and I love to throw parties and entertain our friends and family, so it was very important to us that the evening encapsulated that same sense of intimacy you would feel in our home.

Because the Deering Estate is such a spectacular setting, both indoors and outdoors, we let it do most of the work and kept the color palette and decorations very neutral and unobtrusive. My bridesmaids were super chic in a variety of black dresses and a jumpsuit, and the flowers were a flawless mix of whites, ivory and greenery. I spent hours and hours putting together inspiration boards for each aspect of the evening and my amazing team of vendors ran with it! They captured all the subtle nuances I was looking for and the night came together beautifully.

Our photographer, Kat Braman, was beyond words. We had already spent a weekend with her in New York taking photos at our home upstate and around Brooklyn. So we were really comfortable with her on the day of and felt confident that she would capture the essence of the celebration on film. And she did a fantastic job! We couldn’t have asked for better photos.

The entire weekend was filled with lots of little moments that meant so much to each of us. We both wanted live music for the ceremony and the cocktail hour. I grew up playing the cello and still think it’s the most beautiful sound in the world so that was a necessary for the ceremony. For the cocktail hour, we wanted something jazzy and loose. In came Chad Bernstein to the rescue. He’s a local musician (who also runs an amazing non-profit called Guitars Over Guns) that was recommended to me by a vendor. He put together a trio for the ceremony including himself on trombone, a cellist and a guitar and created a custom arrangement our music selections.

Carlos makes world-famous empanadas so we wanted to send everyone off at the end of the night with one of our favorite treats for the bus ride back to the beach. We ordered them from a local Argentine restaurant and they were delicious. Not as good as Carlos’ but a close second!

My maid of honor’s father officiated our wedding. We’ve known him for years and it was so special to have both of them standing up with us. I put the transcript for the ceremony and our vows into this lovely musical composition notebook and also used it as the guest book for the reception. In the back of it, I’ve saved lots of little mementos from the weekend so now we have one big scrapbook full of well-wishes and love, and lots of happy little reminders.

My father is a loquacious man, so we knew his welcome toast would be something to remember. But he surprised even me, bringing out a book I’d written in elementary school as a Father’s Day gift, listing all the things I liked about him, complete with illustrations. It was so sweet and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Then 10 minutes later I literally had to get up and remove the mic from him his hands. I don’t think anyone will forget that moment!
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My biggest piece of advice to other brides is if you don’t hire a videographer, ask someone to record the ceremony! I was having such an out-of-body experience during the ceremony, I didn’t even hear the music as I was walking to meet Carlos. All of our friends kept saying how beautiful the music was and I totally missed it! I would also love to be able to hear us saying our vows to each other again – we wrote our own and would love to relive that moment. That was, after all, what the entire day was about!

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Photography: Kat Braman | Event Coordination: Masi Events | Event Planning : Masi Events | Wedding Dress: J. Mendel | Wedding Cake: Earth And Sugar | Invitations: Paperless Post | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Rings: Vale Jewelry | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Elie Tahari | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Shakuhachi | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Self Portrait Studio - Azaelea Red Dress | Catering: Thierry Isambert Culinary + Event Design | Hair and Makeup: Carolyn Jones Makeup | Lighting: Illumene | DJ: Jarrell Entertainment | Favors: Catalina's Bake Shop | Groom's Attire: Seize Sur Vingt | Venue: Deering Estate | Bridal Shop: Bergdorf Goodman | Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musician: Chad Bernstein | Film Processing: State Film Lab | Florals + Design: Julia Rohde Designs | Getting Ready: The Edition Miami Beach | Rentals: Unearthed Vintage | Veil: Tia Mazza

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5 Ways to Keep Your Bridesmaids (and Their Wallets!) Happy

Being a bridesmaid is the end-all, be-all of best friend duties… and one your lovely ladies will most definitely take seriously. But, if you love your girls (and we know you do), then keeping it as cost-effective as possible is beyond important. So today we’re turning to our friends at Vow To Be Chic for their advice on how to do just that. Scroll below for happy maids in five simple steps.

GIVE THEM OPTIONS

We’ve all done the bridesmaid dance a time or two (or three) and there’s nothing more annoying than trying to squeeze ten different body types into one gorgeous style. That’s why we’re all about letting your besties choose from an array of stunning dresses, aka, making sure they feel confident in a style + color combo that flatters their every curve. We suggest teaming up with a stylist (like the talented ones at Vow To Be Chic) to help guide you to the mix and match combos that will really make a statement. They know their stuff, you guys, so you can totally trust them.

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GIFT THEM JEWELRY

One of the biggest expenses of bridesmaid-ing is all of the little accessories your ladies have to buy along the way. So rather than asking them to stock up on new jewelry, we suggest buying them the essentials as a sweet present that really shows them how much you care. And you don’t have to get crazy with gorgeous sparklers… keep it simple with beautiful earrings and show-stopping bracelets. Oh, and bonus points if you have your maids wear their own shoes. ‘Cause that’s just comfy AND cost-effective.

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KEEP THE TRAVEL TO A MINIMUM

From the bachelorette party to the bridal shower to the engagement party and everything in between, your out-of-town maids are sure to be feeling the travel cost heat. So instead of asking those ladies you love to fly in for a special bridesmaid dress shopping excursion, curate your very own Vow To Be Chic Bridal Suite, then invite your besties and have them order try-ons. Your maids can pick a day to host their own personal fashion show (with bubbly, of course) and send you photos of the big reveals. It’s just as much fun at zero the cost.

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HAVE A LOW-KEY BACHELORETTE PARTY

Take it from someone who has been there, bachelorette parties can get crazy expensive. So why not relieve some of that financial stress from your maids and DIY your “night out” with your friends. Think an at-home spa night just days before the wedding filled with tasty treats and drinks. You can kick back in your robes, sip champagne and watch all of those movies you grew up loving. Sooo fun.

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RENT YOUR BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Of course, nothing saves more than renting your bridesmaid dresses. I mean, you can literally save your besties hundreds of dollars on gowns, alterations AND dry cleaning just by hopping online and kicking back in your yoga pants. (Champagne is optional.) And it’s sooo simple. Just head to an online shop (we suggest Vow To Be Chic), peruse the stunning lineups of top-quality designer dresses, consult a stylist and start curating. With Vow, your besties will receive their dresses (with a backup size!) two whole weeks before the Big Day and can simply return it once the party is over with pre-paid packaging. Vow will even dry-clean for you. We love that.

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Head to Vow To Be Chic today to start your journey to seriously happy maids. And don’t forget to use promo code SMP10 for 10% off a rental!

Photography: Abbi Hearne | Photography: La Exposures | Photography: Emily Harris Photography | Photography: Jill Doty Photography | Photography: Boone Studios | Photography: Kate Botwinkski | Photography: Brian Flint Photo | Photography: Stellar Exposures | Photography: Ashley Largesse Photography | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Vow To Be Chic

4 Ways to Include Every Kind of Mom in Wedding Planning

“I think you need a grand five tier cake.” I sat staring, open-mouthed, at my usually laid-back mom. This was the same woman who, through the florist and caterer meeting had stayed largely silent, saying “whatever you like!” The baker did the math on a napkin for us – the cake my mother was suggesting was 450 pieces of cake to our 120 guests. Rest assured, we ultimately found a cake compromise. I was surprised, but maybe I should have seen this coming – my mom is French and I know how that country feels about desserts.

Having any loving relative involved in this special time is a huge blessing. The fond memories you’ll make by having these women at your side while you embark on this new adventure will be treasured – but there are bound to be times when you all differ in opinion. So, to help you navigate the mama-minefield, we’re outlining four different mom styles, and how to involve them in your planning process while staying sane.

The Traditionalist

Some women are bound to care more about adhering to tradition, whatever that may be for their family. It gets even harder when families bring different sets of traditions to the table. If these wishes don’t necessarily fit with your modern vision for the day, the best advice is to find a way to honor each family member, without sacrificing your own vision. Find out what your mother cares about and pick something you’re comfortable incorporating that will make her happy. It might be a short reading during the ceremony, photos of loved ones on the cake table, or a bouquet toss. Involve them in the parts of planning that will feel familiar – like setting up your registry, or shopping for stationary.

The Specialist

If you are lucky enough to have a mom with a particular area of expertise – you can expect a lot of opinions. This is my mom, who is a professional photographer. While all the extra input might be overwhelming, think of this as an advantage, and accept some extra help. Let your mom take one thing off your plate, but don’t forget to voice your opinion. I put my mom in charge of booking a photographer for our big day, but before she got to work, we looked at portfolios together online so she could get a sense of the styles my fiancé and I liked. With her input we found an incredible professional at a fair price that we all loved!

The Cool Companion

Maybe she eloped for her own wedding, generally shies away from voicing her opinion, or for whatever reason doesn’t have many strong feelings about weddings. It’s great to have a laid-back confidant throughout wedding planning, but don’t let her lack of firm opinions prevent you from making memories together. Involve your mom in something activity based, where her company is more important than her input. A menu tasting, china pattern shopping, or site walk-through are all great examples. If you know you’ll be faced with some tough decisions across the day, you can also include a friend who is sure to tell it like it is. No matter what you’ll be glad you had your mother by your side for a few key events.

The Party Animal

On the other hand, there are certainly those moms who have been waiting for this moment their whole lives and intend to make it the party of the century. This is great if you also want a huge bash, but the party she has in mind may end up larger than you hoped. If you envisioned a smaller, more intimate affair, or disagree on how to spend wedding funds, the best course of action is an honest conversation. If your parents are footing some or all of the wedding bill, you may need to make some compromises, for example, on extending invitations to their friends. If you and your fiancé are covering the cost yourself, you need to stick to what you are comfortable spending. Regardless, the key is to clearly communicate what is important to you, as well as where you are, and are not, willing to compromise. Then,involve your mom in all the celebration decisions that will be right up her alley – favors, or dance playlists, for example.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Chloe O’Sullivan is a freelance writer and sales director based in Washington DC (soon relocating to Northern New Hampshire).  When she isn’t writing, she can be found trying new restaurants, planning her next trip, or hiking with her soon to be husband.  

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Plus, Pass This On to Mom

How Not to Be a Momzilla
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How Not to Be a Momzilla
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