I’m about to hug my three-year anniversary of being a hired bridesmaid for strangers hello. It might sound like the strangest job you’ve ever heard of, within the wedding industry or just within the world, but I’ve had the pleasure of working with close to 65 clients and have learned so many important lessons from each and every one of them. As their on-call therapist, personal assistant, social director, and peacekeeper, I’ve found myself at the front lines of their family drama, their relationship drama, and even the drama they have with their hired wedding vendors.

So brides-to-be, to save you from endless headaches, spending too much money, or just wishing you would have eloped instead of dived into the world of wedding planning, here are five things I have learned as a bridesmaid for hire.

[dotted]

You Don’t Need it All

As the bride’s hired go-to gal pal, one of my main jobs is to help her filter out wedding nonsense so that she can move along with the wedding process without feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or like she isn’t going to be able to cross every single item off her to-do list. One thing I usually notice is that brides are eager to “keep up with (wedding) Jones,” making sure that they incorporate every wedding tradition, trend, or even expected timeline of the day. Your wedding doesn’t have to look and feel like everyone, or anyone, else’s. You can pick and chose which wedding traditions you’d like to have (if you don’t want to walk down the aisle – there is no rule you have to) and which wedding trends you’d like to toss aside (if virtual reality video isn’t something that gets your heart thumping, don’t spend the $3,000 it).

Things Will Go Wrong

Even if your back-up plan has a back-up plan, it’s only a realistic approach to fully accept, and even adore, that things will go wrong at your wedding. Perhaps some of those “things” will be tiny and unnoticeable, like a seating arrangement mix-up that the wedding planner handles, or something more eye-catching, like rain pouring through the tent you are having your wedding reception inside of. Either way, things will happen and when you do, try to stay calm and literally carry on with your wedding day. Delegate problems to people who can handle them for you (wedding vendors, reliable friends and family members) so that you can enjoy your wedding day as much as possible.

Give Yourself Alone Time

While having ten or fifteen bridesmaids seemed like a good idea a year before your wedding day, you might notice on the morning of your big day, all you desperately want is peace, quiet, and a highly-trained glam squad to get you looking and feeling good. Having your bridal party beside you all morning may cause you unnecessary headaches or stress. One thing you can do, is have them get ready in the room next to you, so that you can pop in and out whenever you’d like, but also have a room of your own to relax in for down time.

Stay True to Yourself & Your Budget

The best piece of wedding advice to digest early on is that you should set a realistic budget that you pinky-promise yourself you’ll keep. A lot of my brides open up with me with the news that their wedding is putting them, slowly, into debt. While you may want the party of your dreams, you don’t have to tap into your 401K to pull it off. Stay true to yourself, only doing what you want to do for your wedding (so ditch the fancy invitations your mom says you have to have) and do lots of research so you can find the very best price on the items or the services you just have to have on your wedding day.

Remember Why

Note to brides: you are not just planning this very expensive party just to plan a very expensive party. You’re planning a celebration of the brand new step you’re taking into marriage with a person who makes you feel differently than anybody else does. So when things get overwhelmed and you’ve had your fifth breakdown of the week over how much you have to do and how much you feel like you’re spending, remember that, and then, go back to the basics of what kind of celebration you really want to have.

[dotted]

Jen Glantz is the proud author of the new book, Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire).

Any time that Brancoprata is involved in a wedding, it’s a given that all out beauty is sure to follow. And this celebration of a fellow wedding mastermind so lives up to all that hype. It’s a mix of old world beauty, modern touches and the softest, prettiest pastel hues set against the backdrop of an Italian Villa. Pore through the vault filled with two gorgeous ceremonies and one of the prettiest tablescapes to ever grace SMP all right here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Working in the wedding industry and being exposed to different styles of venue, décor etc meant we had already discussed in advance the type of place we wanted the wedding to be and roughly how it would look. I love photographing the details when I attend weddings so really wanted to focus on creating those in our own. We wanted a relaxed outdoor wedding and so going home to Italy (from the UK) was a must.

Every Sunday when in Italy, my family and I all go to an agriturismo (a farm where they cook you fantastic food) for lunch and we wanted to recreate this at the wedding. These lunches have a very villagey feel often to them and so I wanted the dinner to be relaxed featuring long tables with boards of amazing food in the middle. Our vision for the day was to include our interest of art, music and our respective cultures (Scottish, Italian and Indian). It was also an opportunity for both sides to get to know us better as a couple. We have been together for years and know each others families very well but there are lots of interests, memories, life events you share as a couple that often people don’t see. I love Ancient, Etruscan and Renaissance art and so I knew I wanted to incorporate elements of these into the design and feel of our wedding.

We also love a large variety of music genres: R&B, rat pack, classical, bossa nova, Indian instrumentals, West African music and Madagascan reggae, and knew we wanted the day to reflect and work with these. We sectioned each part of the day with a different style of music. Classical, West African and Madagascan Reggae during the different stages of our wedding ceremony followed by Bossa Nova for cocktail hour, Indian for the Hindu ceremony, Italian and Rat pack over dinner and R&B for the dancing.

I looked to my home and wardrobe when choosing the color palette for our wedding before playing around with textures, material and color samples on a physical mood board to narrow down. We chose a mixture of pale pink, ecru and off white for our main colors with pops of champagne and silver. I did have a few concerns because the colors were also the colors that make up the brand colors in my business and I thought that might seem a little strange (A little “I can’t leave work at work”), as well as being colors you’d typically associate with weddings and I considered that I may want something a little different. However in the end they are color combinations I find most beautiful and they are also rarely seen in Indian weddings so I liked that we could create a visually unique version of the Hindu ceremony.

I went totally overboard with the DIY details. I had the strange idea that it would be super romantic to handcraft a wedding for the love of my life. I am known to get a little carried away and whilst working on one thing I’d get an idea to do another. I really love making things but in the lead up to our wedding both parents got quite sick and so I found I hadn’t budgeted enough time for DIY and unexpected life events which added a little more stress than I had anticipated.

I created all the stationary from invites, programs, signage and table stationary as well as made my garter and made hand dyed silk ribbons for the bouquets as well as napkins and tablecloths (Sofia kindly helped me with the latter last minute). I also painted plastic garden urns with a concrete based paint mix (for easier transport) for the tables. We made the garlands for the Indian wedding ceremony and my mum made the muslin curtains for the wooded ceremony.

The most fun project was designing my Indian wedding outfit. I knew I wanted something a little different and less heavily decorated than the usual. I couldn’t find what I wanted anywhere so I decided to create it myself. I travelled the length of the UK to source the right fabrics and it was amazing to see it come to life! The detail we got the most comments on were the personalized letters we wrote for each of our guests in lieu of having actual favors. This also doubled as their name card at their allocated seat. We chose to describe a favorite memory with them or/and give thanks to them in a specific way and I think that touched quite a lot of the guests. Your wedding is the one opportunity where you will both have all your loved ones in one place and we thought it was the perfect opportunity to not only share with them how we felt about each other but how we felt about each of them too. 

Seeing my husband to be, teary eyed at the end of the aisle was a beautiful moment. As well as reading our personalized vows to each other. Giuseppe from Blessings from Italy helped us create the most unique and personal ceremony and I didn’t realize quite how emotional it would be. There were a lot of tears. We did quite a lot of homework for the ceremony and it felt really special that every word truly reflected us as individuals and as a couple.

My favorite crafted detail had to be the stationary and our wedding timeline board. I took a calligraphy class and practiced for weeks before handwriting all the stationary myself. The stationary took around 3-4 weeks so quite an arduous and stressful job but once finished I was quite happy with them given I am a total calligraphy amateur! With our wedding timeline I painstakingly painted a serif-roman style font onto a sheet of thick glass and it was displayed amongst the foliage and crumbling arches of the Convent.

I had huge apprehensions about my gown. I knew a lot of the styles I liked wouldn’t be best suited to my petite but curvy body type. I decided to step away from Pinterest and try some on so I would really know what felt right. I had planned on just browsing and getting an idea so that when I went with my mum and bridesmaids, I’d not be swayed heavily by their opinions. Hence, off I went to visit the Coco & Kate Atelier. Sophie and I have worked together quite a few times and every time I have visited her atelier I have fallen in love with at least a handful of her grown up dresses. I walked in and spotted my dress. It was the first I tried on and was different to what I had anticipated I would want (I imagined soft tulle with three quarter length sleeves) but I have always loved the heavily beaded gowns from designers like Elie Saab, so what better time to wear such a lavish dress. Sophie encouraged me to try on more and her honest opinion of each was incredibly appreciated. I really liked the fact that I had went alone. It made the decision seem so easy.

There were no preconceived ideas about what I should wear. Luckily, once I had softly decided and sent a photo to my mum, she loved it too. My seamstress worked wonders in recreating the v-neck at the front to bring it a little lower and to shape it in at the waist and under my bottom to give a little more height to my petite height.

The flowers I chose were quite simple. I love foliage like eucalyptus, olive leaves and ruscus so I wanted to create a look that was foliage heavy. I decided to go for white, creams and pale pinks to keep in with the rest of the décor. I loved our ‘concrete’ urns so wanted these to be the focal point of the tables. I had actually under ordered the amount of flowers we needed but yet Sofia created the softest and freshest looking tablescape and really saved the day!

For our wedding cake, we chose to have a pandoro table in multiple sizes along with my favorite Italian pastries, bigne. Pandoro is traditionally a cake you would eat at Christmas but I love the taste and we just wanted to have food that we enjoyed eating rather than worrying if it was typically wedding or not. I also wanted our guests to experience all the parts of Italy that I have grown up with and love.

Don’t be fooled by thinking that DIY is a more budget friendly option. It really isn’t. Unlike the professionals there is a lot of trial and error and there were times when the stress and time it took was quite a lot of pressure. If you are like me and absolutely adore making things, then I strongly recommend working out how much time you have and planning jobs that take only half that time because life does get in the way, unexpected things crop up and the stress of not having enough time to do things can overshadow the fact you are marrying the love of your life! (The satisfaction of making all the details is lovely though). If you are having a destination wedding too without doubt I would recommend hiring a wedding planner throughout your wedding planning journey. The week running up to our wedding we had quite a few issues and it really created so much stress. You definitely can plan a wedding yourself but sometimes it is worth every penny to outsource!

Photography: Brancoprata | Videography: Marco Caputo Films | Event and Floral Design: Brancoprata | Shoes: LK Bennett | Jewelry: Poetry Jewelry On Etsy | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair and Make Up: The Hair And Makeup Atelier | Celebrant: Blessings from Italy | Bride's dress: Coco & Kate (Jenny Yoo Collection) | Catering and Furniture Hire: Love Banqueting | Ceremony and Reception venue: Convento dell'Annunciata | Day of Coordination: Revelry Events | Flower Girl Dress: Zara | Groom's shoes: Churches | Groomsmen's Bow Tie: Gucci | Maid of Honor Dress: Monsoon | Maid of Honor Dress: H&M | Music: Italian Wedding Music | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Scent: Eau des Merveilles by Hermes | Sent: Chanel | Tux Jacket: Dobell | Veil: Custom Made By Helen Martin | Watch: DW

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

It’s no secret we spend an inordinate amount of time drooling over beautiful gowns here at SMP. It’s what we do. So to say that the newest Malone Collection from Sottero and Midgley has been filling our work days is so obviously an understatement. It’s stunning silhouettes, gorgeous fabrics and just the right amount of edgy glamour. Head to the Look Book to soak in all of the pretty details, then scroll for a sneak peek below.

Our happy place? Anywhere the Malone Collection by Sottero and Midgley is going to be. Because when it comes to gowns made specifically for the confident bride who really wants to make a statement, these beauties are perfect. From the oh-so-dramatic back of the Addison (we heart cap sleeves) to the exquisite beading + crystals of the Bristol (it’s ballerina meets street-style, you guys) to the vintage-inspired Hadley (hello, fit and flare), these are gowns that are basically dripping with amazing details. You know… so your guests won’t stop talking about how fab you look the entire evening… and beyond.

Whether you dream gown of a gown that is the perfect mix of show-stopping trains and striking lace appliqués or want to impress your love with a sophisticated + sassy number, the Malone Collection by Sottero and Midgley has a beautiful masterpiece that is so, so right for you.  They even offer chic + totally stylish separates, like lingerie-inspired crop tops and illusion-lace bodysuits. It’s the one-of-a-kind Oakley (three words: illusion halter back), the zigzag motif of the Parisia, the romantic boho (with an edge) Evan and the beaded shoulders of the Rhett all coming together to create a collection that will make your hearts so, so happy. Trust us. Be sure to check out the Sottero and Midgley Look Book, then head to their website for even more awesomeness. Your dream gown is waiting for you there.

Are you doing neutrals all wrong? Never fall into the boring beige trap again with these expert tips from artist and designer Kerri Rosenthal. She is giving us the 411 on how to create a soft and neutral color palette at home without even an ounce of snoozeville. And for more design inspo, click here.

How to do Neutrals Without Being Boring

View Slideshow

How to do Neutrals Without Being Boring

View Slideshow

[dotted]

You might also love…

Easy Decorating Tricks for Brightening Up a Dark Space
The Best Design Instagrammers to Follow for Gorgeous Home Inspo
7 Ways To Simplify Your Kitchen Countertop

Photography: Kerri Rosenthal | Design and Styling: Kerri Rosenthal

You probably don’t need convincing that rushing off to paradise to tie the knot is a really good idea, but just in case you were looking for a little somethin’ to push you in the right direction, our friends at Round Hill Hotel and Villas are here to break it down for you. Think of it as 10 friendly reminders as to why Jamaica is the best place ever to celebrate, then grab those suitcases and get to planning.

ONE: ROMANCE, ROMANCE, ROMANCE

You can’t say “I do” without a big ol’ side of romance and Round Hill Hotel and Villas most definitely delivers on every front. Think an awe-inspiring Montego Bay locale (on a private hillside!), secluded beaches and a never-ending list of romantic activities (hello, sunset cocktails and candlelit dinners) that will make your entire stay the wedding/honeymoon you’ve always wanted… and more.

TWO: YOUR OWN DEDICATED WEDDING PLANNER

They say it takes a village and when tying the knot, that couldn’t be more true. Luckily, at Round Hill Hotel and Villas, you’ll never be going at it alone, because their talented staff of wedding planners will walk with you step by step throughout the entire process. Yep, every single detail will be completely taken care of, which means you can sit back with that cocktail and totally relax with your love.

THREE: A TRIP TO JAMAICA WITH ALL OF YOUR LOVED ONES

The best part about destination weddings? They’re a wedding and vacation all wrapped up into one. Which means saying “I do” against a stunning paradise-filled backdrop (hello, Round Hill Hotel and Villas), then sharing an amazing vaca with all of your loved ones. It honestly doesn’t get any better… or more fun.

FOUR: WEDDING PACKAGES TO FIT ANY BUDGET

Whether you plan on an intimate wedding with just a few of your closest friends + family or want to party the night away with everyone you’ve ever known, Round Hill Hotel and Villas has a customizable package perfect for you and yours. From small, laid-back beach affairs to elegant four-course dinners, your vision is their reality. And that’s why we love ’em.

FIVE: NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT

Saying “I do” in Paradise isn’t just 24-7 lounging on the beach – you definitely need to get your party on, too. Which is why we love Round Hill Hotel and Villas awesome options for keeping things lively, like live Calypso music and romantic jazz under the stars. Sooo fun.

[dotted]

SIX: A RANGE OF BEAUTIFUL VENUES TO CHOOSE FROM

Been dreaming of that perfect seaside locale since before you were even engaged? Or maybe an elevated terrace with panoramic views or a sprawling beach is more your thing. Either way, Round Hill Hotel and Villas most definitely has THE spot that will make all of your dreams come true… AND take your breath away.

SEVEN: OCEANFRONT ROOMS + LUXURY VILLAS

For all of those moments pre and post-wedding that you’ll want to kick back and relax, Round Hill Hotel and Villas has a sophisticated + completely luxurious room or villa that is more than perfect for you and yours. From their island-inspired 2-6 bedroom villas to their Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront rooms, you’re entire stay will be dripping in absolute luxury.

EIGHT: GET PAMPERED

After an entire year (or more!) of planning your Big Day, you’ll be ready to spend some time getting completely pampered. Trust us. So, what better way to unwind than with an indulgent spa treatment with breathtaking views of the ocean at Round Hill Hotel and Villas? It’s awesome.

NINE: AWARD WINNING CULINARY OPTIONS

Six words: James Beard award-winning Executive Chef. One that creates beyond tasty dishes inspired by Jamaica’s bounty and cultural influences. Think a completely custom event menu that will more than impress your guests with fresh ingredients and herbs + veggies from Round Hill Hotel and Villas’ on-site organic garden. Yum.

TEN: CREATE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

Saying “I do” to the one you love is truly about being in the moment and creating those memories that will last a lifetime. And, honestly, there is no better place than Round Hill Hotel and Villas to help you host that special day. With a talented staff, breathtaking views AND unparalleled exclusivity (only one wedding per weekend!), you’ll be living the dream you’ve always wanted. Contact them today to celebrate under the stars.

[dotted]

GIVEAWAY

What: Round Hill Hotel and Villas is giving away a 50-minute Couple’s Massage at the Spa Lawn Gazebo!* A brief stroll along the aquamarine sea, on a nature path rimmed with Jamaica’s exotic greenery, will lead you to The Spa at Round Hill Hotel and Villas. Here you will retreat in an 18th century Great House “Welcome Wharf” with sweeping lawns and views which offer the ideal setting to replenish your mind, body and soul. Body, facial treatments and beauty salon services are performed in an oasis of serenity by trained professionals. *Valid until October 31, 2017

How: Simply leave a comment below telling us the one reason you would LOVE to say “I do” at Round Hill Hotel and Villas. (Ex: The ocean backdrop is everything I ever dreamed of!)

Who: One lucky winner, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, March 10, 2017. For terms and conditions, click here. Good luck, lovelies! xo

Photography: Closer to Love Photography | Photography: John-Paul Teutonico | Photography: David Massey | Photography: Raquel Reis | Photography: Amelia Johnson Photography | Photography: Alan Smith | Wedding Venue: Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Saying “I do” against a stunning mountain backdrop is the end-all, be-all of wedding celebrations – and for cuties Lauren and Danny, it also happened to be the perfect way to honor their years-long friendship turned romance. I mean, when it all starts with skiing together in high school at the Kirkwood Mountain Resort, tying the knot in the very same picturesque local is an absolute must. See every sweet moment of their fairy tale below.

For years Lauren knew she wanted to get married at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, she just didn’t know it was to Danny… yet! It started off as a joke amongst her family, because their cabin slept so many people. Her parents would say, “great, you can just get married here.” Once she met Danny, and the thought of marriage got closer, she started looking at Kirkwood Mountain Resort’s packages (a few years before they got engaged—don’t tell him). As soon as she said yes, she knew she wanted Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort is a special place to Danny and Lauren, because they used to ski there together in high school and college (and beyond!) and have really great memories of their friendship starting there. So, on a beautiful summer day in July, Toby (the dog ring bearer) and Desi (the dog flower girl) preceded the bride down the aisle in a meadow bursting with wild flowers. Lauren wore her mom’s wedding dress, which had been re-designed for her wedding. Lauren’s mother had made her wedding dress while she was in medical school, and Lauren is in medical school now—so it came full circle. The 1980’s sleeves were used to make the top of the dress (those sleeves were huge).

The wedding was DIY: Danny’s brother’s band, Drunken Logic, played live music, the bride made the cake, friends made all the centerpieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres after a visit to the flower market, the groom made the programs, and the bride’s father made the favors (wooden coasters). At the reception, guests snapped selfies on the lift in the plaza and played games including giant chess, jenga, and corn hole. As the evening wound down guests cozied up around the outdoor fire pits as the sun set on a fabulous celebration at Kirkwood Mountain Resort!

[dotted]

Whether you plan on tying the knot in the heart of summer like Lauren and Danny or can’t wait to say “I do” surrounded by fresh fallen snow, Kirkwood Mountain Resort has a wedding package more than perfect for you and yours. Contact their talented staff today to talk about all of the amazing options, from their fabulous venue locales to their never-ending list of amenities totally included in your big day. (Hint: think on-site coordinators, lighting and so much more.) They’ll even help you find the perfect vendors to make it all go off without a single bump in the road. It’s awe-inspiring views meets the best day ever and we sooo can’t wait to see the results.

[dotted]

Photography: Lauren Lindley Photography | Ceremony: The Meadow at Kirkwood | Reception Venue: Off The Wall Bar and Grill

Lucy and Jim wanted the exotic feel of a destination wedding but the comfort and convenience of a wedding close to home. Alys Beach, Florida served as the perfect middle ground and their stunning modern venue totally delivered. From the invitations by Amanda Day Rose to the custom monogram carried throughout, no detail went untouched and Eb Photography + Artistry captured every last bit.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the photographer, Elizabeth Bacon… This mid-November destination wedding took place at the stunning Alys Beach, located in the panhandle of Florida on 30A. They were giddy to gather 70 close friends and family members for a wedding weekend celebration no one will soon forget. All of the white, simple, crisp architecture and chic, classic styling plus the stunning and vibrant wedding party made for an excellent combo. Lucy and Jim have impeccable taste and their whole wedding weekend highlighted their intentionality and attention to detail.

From the Bride… Jim and I are high-school sweethearts. We both grew up in Brentwood, Tennessee, a small town right outside of Nashville. Alys Beach, Florida was the perfect choice for our small destination wedding. Jim studied architecture in Rome and I grew up sailing around the Greek Islands. Alys Beach has both Greek and Italian architectural themes but also the coziness of a small town. We wanted the feel of an exotic destination wedding with the comforts and familiarity of home. We held our wedding at the end of November with our closest friends and family who have watched and been a part of our relationship for nearly seven years.

Photography: Eb Photography + Artistry | Event Design: H&M | Event Planning: Alys Beach | Event Planning: The Pearl Hotel | Floral Design: Bella Flora | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara | Cake: Bake My Day | Invitations : Amanda Day Rose | Ceremony Venue: Alys Beach | Reception Venue: The Pearl Hotel | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Robin Klag Makeup- Artist | Hair: Mindy Norris | Groomsmen's Attire: Street Tuxedo | Bridesmaids' Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Cards: BHLDN | Ceremony Trio : Wedding Music Plus | Cocktail Hour Band: The Lagoons | Garters: BHLDN | Hangers : BHLDN | Macaroons: Beau-coup Wedding Favors | Paper Goods: Gracious Bridal | Photography - Assistance: Alex Ry | Reception Band: Big Night Dynamite | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Wands: Crafty Ribbon Galore | Wedding Can Cooler: Etsy SipHipHooray | Wedding Dress Custom Design and Alterations: Mira Couture | Wedding Programs: Etsy WiregrassWeddings

You might have an idea of what the typical desert wedding looks like, but I can promise you this day will leave you happily surprised. Designed in the softest neutral shades with natural greens and succulents throughout, it’s modern romance brought to life thanks to the vendor team behind it. Catch each one of Rachel Solomon’s photos over in the full gallery.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/200760010 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the planner… Nikki and Keenan’s special day was straight out of a fairytale. Neutral hints of romantic blush, ivory, and birchwood perfectly complemented the gorgeous desert landscape. The outdoor reception area at Desert Mountain Golf Club served as the ideal location for this December Arizona wedding. This color scheme, accessorized with various succulents, burlap and wood enhanced the space with a warm winter vibe.

The staircase was adorned with lush garland and enhanced with lanterns. The altar was a beautifully constructed white birch wood arch, as the corners spilled over with lush white and pale pink peonies and roses, created by Petal Pusher.

The elegant and unique escort card display featured natural ivory cards nestled into several small logs of white birch wood. Foil & Ink created simple and chic escort cards, with light grey printing. The dinner menus followed the same simplistic and crisp design of ivory and grey tones paired with calligraphy style font.

La Tavola provided a selective collection of ivory and neutral linens that were topped with gold rimmed white charger plates, courtesy of Event Rents. Shimmering blush colored napkins tied with twine laid on top was the perfect finishing touch for the reception tables. Tapered candles on glass vases and smaller ornate gold candles added a dainty touch to the center of the tables. Contributing to the wintery atmosphere were white birch wood table number holders.

The floral centerpieces from Petal Pusher were absolutely detailed and stunning. Tall gold candle holders served as the base for abundant circular bouquets of peonies, roses and lush greenery. Petal Pusher brilliantly created a lavish row of florals to compliment the dark wood head table, accented with numerous charming white candles. Romantic roses hung at various lengths along the blush pipe and drape behind the sweet newlyweds.

Desert Mountain Golf Club catered to those with a sweet tooth with a two-tier wedding cake adorned with miniature succulents, as well as a dessert bar. Event Rents provided a cozy seating area with birch wood centerpieces to add the perfect finishing touch.

Photography: Rachel Solomon Photography | Videography: Zomei Film Stories | Event Planning: Outstanding Occasions | Floral Design: Petal Pusher | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Stationery: Foil And Ink | Reception Venue: Desert Mountain Chiracahua | Makeup: House of Beauty by Lo | Hair: Jay Wesley Olson | Band: The Instant Classics | Bridal Makeup: Jessica Fierro | Cocktail Hour Musician: Jeff Ocheltree | Gown Boutique: Posh Bridal Couture | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: The Hip Booth | Rentals: Event Rents- Phoenix | Signage: Freed Hands

Sunshine and great alfresco weather are a given when it comes to weddings in California. It would almost be a crime not to take the festivities outside. These nuptials definitely do that Dreamy California Wedding idea justice. With rustic details, beautiful blush infused florals by Julep Bloom Design and that certain je ne sais quoi that comes with a West Coast wedding, these nuptials are fueled by vitamin d and a whole lot of love. See even more of the pretty pretty pics captured by Hello Blue Photo in the vault.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… For our wedding, I wanted it to be soft, romantic, and rustic. I wanted every detail to flow together. Our location was outdoors at our church, surrounded by rolling hills, trees, and adobe style buildings. This location was perfect for us because it is not only our church home, but it also creates a feeling of simple romance and the beauty of the venue speaks for itself. I chose blush and ivory as our two simple colors, and then added in greenery accents to create a warm and rustic feel. We also had a lot of homemade wooden pieces, including the wooden cross for our altar, the cord of three that we braided during the ceremony, and our cake base. I loved having these homemade pieces because it put a personal and unique touch to our day! Our day, overall, felt perfectly romantic, rustic, and elegant. I chose Christina to be our wedding photographer because her photos were different from the other photographers that I had seen! Her photos created a soft and romantic look that was so unique. I knew right when I saw her work that I had to have her! My wedding vision of soft romance fit her photography style perfectly!

Photography: Hello Blue | Videographer: Light Up Video | Coordination: Agape Planning | Floral Design: Julep Bloom Design | Wedding Dress: The Wedding Belle | Stationary: Twig and Juniper | Ceremony Venue: Saddleback Rancho Capistrano | Make up & Hair: Beauty And The Beach | DJ: Moondance Mobile Music | Favors: Succulents All Day | Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Cake Design: Jay's Catering | Film Lab: Pro Photo Irvine | Styling Ribbon: Tono Co

Oceanfront with family and friends, this couple tied the knot in Maui under blue skies and the perfect Hawaiian sunset. With hues of blue to match the breathtaking Pacific ocean and luscious florals by Damselfly Designs in coral and blush, this wedding was a bright celebration infused with island traditions. Trust me, looking through the entire gallery will have you daydreaming of a tropical getaway. The beyond gorgeous day was captured by the talented Wendy Laurel.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Photography: Wendy Laurel | Event Planning: Maui's Angels Weddings | Floral Design: Damselfly Designs | Cake: Cake Fanatics | Catering: Aloha Events Catering | Hair + Makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry | DJ: Maui DJ Services | Officiant: Da Barefoot Warrior | Venue: Olowalu Plantation House | Music: Marvin Tevaga | Photography - Assistance: Jeffrey Oltman | Rentals: Hawaiian Style Event Rentals | Shave Ice: Ululani's Shave Ice | Signage: kate paulson

The sights, the sequins, the sparkling sea; all these come together for one gorgeous Italian engagement shoot that looks straight out of a fashion magazine. But oh no, this is oh so real and it’s making our midweek blues disappear. Andre Teixeira of Brancoprata captured it all and you can see every shot in our Vault right this way!

From Brancoprata… Sirmione is one of the most popular “sights” on Lake Garda, with thousands of visitors flooding in each day to view the picturesque peninsula. The castle and Roman ruins are probably the most popular features but if you are looking for a different angle to see the village, the best option is to rent a boat and go for a ride. This was exactly what Alethiea and Krushi, from Xander & Thea, did last July, for their engagement shoot. And because they wanted to do something special and honor the Bride’s Italian heritage, Lake Garda was the perfect location for an elegant engagement session with minimal styling.

Photography: Brancoprata | Videography: Marco Caputo Films | Coordination: Revelry Events | Hair + Make Up: The Hair And Makeup Atelier | Boat: Riva Boat Ride on Lake di Garda

You know our love for all things The Bachelor runs deep, and that most certainly includes Bachelorette alum, Ali Fedotowsky. Not only is Ali a new mama, but also a blushing bride-to-be and she celebrated with a stylish brunch that takes bridal showers to the next level. Mimosas served in the prettiest champagne flutes by Foxblossom Co. greeted each guest, “Love is in the Air” candles from The Little Market lined the tables, and you better believe the entire event followed suit. See it all through the lens of Ashley Burns Photography right here in the gallery.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Ali celebrated her bridal shower at Au Fudge in West Hollywood, hosted and styled by Casi Densmore-Koon of cupcakeMAG. Guests were greeted with mimosas, and then seated on the patio for a family-style brunch. In attendance was Ali’s best friend Stefanie Munoz (a bridesmaid), her soon to be sister-in-law Jill Escoto, Lacey Chabert, Amy Davidson and other close friends.

[dotted]

The Brunch Menu

Chia Parfaits with granola & mixed berries

Healthy Egg Scramble: tomato, avocado, jalapeno

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Local Avocado Toast: baby heirloom tomatoes, chili flakes, cranberry walnut bread

Sides: breakfast potatoes, organic fruit & bacon

[dotted]

P.S. See Ali’s Emerald Cut Engagement Ring!

[dotted]

Photography: Ashley Burns Photography | Styling: Casi Densmore-Koon | Floral Design: Mulberry & Moss | “Love is in the Air” Candles: The Little Market | Ali’s Dress: “Lindsay Wrap Dress” by Endless Summer | Decor: Wayfair | Dessert Table + Cake: Au Fudge | Floral L ove Letters: Little Sparrow | Location: Au Fudge | Personalized Champagne Flutes: Foxblossom Co.

Engagement sessions can be awkward. Especially if you’ve never worked with a photographer before! But when you choose a location you love? All those jittery e-sesh feels melt away. Whether it’s the cute coffee shop you go to every weekend or the first city where you fell in love—like these two sweeties captured by Sawyer Baird. They let New York City be their backdrop and the results are dreamy as ever.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Ben and I started dating our last year of college at Georgia Tech. Soon thereafter, I moved to Manhattan to start my career and after doing long distance for a bit, he also decided to move to NY to be closer to me while pursuing his career as well. We fell in love with the city that shaped us into who we are today. We moved back home to Atlanta a few years later to be closer to our families but ultimately decided to have our engagement shoot in NY because we absolutely fell in love with the city — we love how all of the neighborhoods have such distinct characteristics, the vast variety of arts and culture, the amazing architecture, all of it! Overall, we felt that our time in NYC was full of adventure and growth and we wanted to find a way to commemorate our time together.

Photography: Sawyer Baird

In reality, I was named after a distant relative my mother discovered while exploring an ancient family tree. But I like to think I was named after Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. (I definitely wasn’t.) In my mind, being named after one of the chicest women ever to live meant I would grow up to be equally fabulous and fashionable. And with any one of these stylish names — inspired by fashion’s greatest — your little one will be destined to a very chic future.

Fashion-Inspired Baby Names

View Slideshow

Fashion-Inspired Baby Names

View Slideshow

If ever there were a day to live out your Disney Princess fantasy of Happily Ever After, your wedding day is definitely it. And it’s safe to say this bride did just that. With wedding dresses (yes, plural) straight out of a fairytale, a royal-worthy wedding cake and her very own Prince Charming, this bride’s big day is nothing short of epic. Don’t believe us? Just watch her jaw-dropping wedding video!

A post shared by Rachel In

Join The Conversation

0 comments favorite (0) share share (0) tweet (0) pin (0)

share (0) tweet (0) pin (0)

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio