Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

This Vintage-Inspired Glam-Fest is Absolutely Perfect

From Jacqui Cole Photography…You may remember Ana and Tim from their engagement session featured here on SMP. Ana met Tim, a professional tennis player, at the Four Seasons Resort while Tim was in town for a tennis tournament. The couple wed 2 years later at the exact spot which they had fell in love.

Ana and Tim wanted to capture a glamorous winter wonderland at the Four Seasons venue. They wanted to create an evening that all of their guests would remember. The many ‘wow’ factors certainly achieved that! From a surprise mariachi band, confetti bombs, fireworks show and a late night taco stand the couple created an incredibly fun night for their family and friends. Ana said that “it was a dream come true to see our vision of an elegant, romantic, candle-lit winter wonderland come to life with all our closest family and friends. The whole day is a memory of overwhelming love and happiness”. Guests were treated to little surprises such as personalized slippers to dance the night away and a Mexican candy bar which were a ‘sweet nod’ to Ana’s heritage.

The reception decor was extraordinary, There were no details that were overlooked. From draped columns, floral covered entryways, mirrored facades, flower halos and beautiful centerpieces. Flowers draped everywhere with the focal point being the floral chandelier which hovered over the dance floor. The guests entrance was covered in stunning white flowers. The white roses were suspended from the top of the windows to make it seem like they were floating.

Ana and Tim left hand in hand under an aisle of confetti. They jetted off to Napa to enjoy their honeymoon the very next day. We wish them all the love in the world! Congratulations Mr and Mrs Smyczek!

From the Bride… After the proposal, which you can read all about here, as we began the wedding planning, the first and most important thing for us was the location and venue for our big day. We wanted to get married somewhere that was special and meaningful for us so where better than where we very first met – The Four Seasons in Dallas, which also happens to be my home town and where we got engaged! I’ve always dreamed of having an elegant and romantic wedding with a candle-lit ambiance to create an intimate and cozy feel. The time of year we got married, a chilly November day, was the perfect way to turn my wedding dream into a timeless winter wonderland.

Looking back at our wedding day, my heart is overwhelmed with countless moments but there is one moment that will stay with me forever – my Father-Daughter dance. It started with a tearful slow song and towards the end of the song, much to my fathers surprise, we transitioned to a fun Spanish song with confetti showering the entire dance floor! The confetti was such a special moment, giving my dad and I another moment to celebrate together as we opened up the dance floor for the festivities to begin!

The best advice I can give any bride-to-be would be to enjoy and cherish every moment – from the moment you say “yes!” to the moment you say “I do”. A fun tip for the big day; as Mr. and Mrs., take a moment to look around at your reception, to embrace how the vision of your big day all came together and to see all of your loved ones together in one place celebrating you!

Guy and Allison really know how to throw a wedding. And not just any wedding – a completely glamorous, vintage-inspired love-fest smack-dab in the heart of St. Louis. Think a sophisticated color palette, luxe details from Rogue Events and Design and perfectly crafted florals from Stems. All captured in mesmerizing images by Erin Stubblefield, this is sooo worthy of a trip to THE VAULT. See you there.

Colors

Seasons

Settings

Religious Institution

Styles

A Sunshine Hued Wedding in Tuscany

From the Bride… I will never forget the moment Guy kneeled down and pulled out what can only be described as the most beautiful vintage engagement ring a girl could hope for. From the moment we met I knew he was an old soul and from the very beginning our love had a timeless quality that seemed to transcend generations. The first time I saw his charming smile at a University of Missouri football tailgate hosted by his fraternity my freshman year of college I knew he was the one… my old soulmate! We fell fast and hard for each other in a whirlwind of laughter and selfless companionship. It didn’t take long for me to realize that Guy had become my best and truest friend. On our third anniversary, Guy asked me to be his wife – and the rest is history!

We took our vintage-inspired engagement photos on The University of Missouri campus where our love story began. We were enamored with how classic and ageless the photos turned out and decided to stick with our elegant vintage theme from then on. It was important to us that our wedding guests felt as if they had been transported back in time to an age of elegance and glamour, but with every comfort of the modern day. We toured nearly every historical venue in St. Louis looking for the perfect places to celebrate our marriage. Rooted in our traditional values, The Old Cathedral of St. Louis, which was built in 1834, was an obvious choice for our Catholic marriage ceremony. Father Dennis Stehly, a Monsignor from my childhood parish, agreed to preside and The Rosewood Ensemble, a string quartet and vocalist, created the perfect quintessential ambiance for our friends and family. Portraits of my deceased grandfathers were displayed near the altar, which was a special touch that made me and my family feel as if they were there with us. I had never felt more beautiful in my life than I did on that day thanks to Bliss Beauty Bar and my doting bridesmaids! While waiting with my dad for our double door entrance into the Cathedral, I will never forget telling him how I felt nothing but excitement in that moment – I had zero nerves!

Speaking of my dad, he surprised us with a vintage Rolls Royce to ride away in! The rest of our wedding party and families rode to the reception in a trolley. First, we stopped at The St. Louis Public Library – where all of the greatest love stories are kept. As wedding gifts to each other we had exchanged small leather bound books where we had written 100 things we loved about each other… so this photo destination was the perfect choice. Out of nowhere, it started to rain (which Guy said he was thankful for because he had heard it meant good luck for newlyweds)! Our cocktail hour and reception were held at St. Louis Union Station Hotel, which first opened in 1894 and is now respected as a National Historic landmark. The Grand Hall, where we held our reception, boasts 65-foot ceilings and a beautiful stained glass Tiffany and Co. masterpiece above the double staircase. Another one of our favorite memories of that night was waiting to be announced with our bridal party at the bottom of those stairs. I have known all of my bridesmaids since I was in preschool and Guy’s relationships with his groomsmen can be described as nothing short of brotherhood. It was then, in that moment, that we looked at each other and knew how impossibly blessed we were to have them and each other.

The reception space took my breath away when I saw it for the first time. A specialty table featuring childhood photos of Guy and me in gold frames was a special touch that I’m glad we included. STEMS Florist not only supplied us with impeccable bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages, but also created incredibly beautiful centerpieces with ivory and champagne roses and rosettes. It was important to us that our guests were able to see each other across the table and enjoy each other’s company – so we decided on tall gold candelabras and short trio arrangements alternating throughout the space. The room was sprinkled with candles in a variety of gold and mercury glass votives. Ivory linens, gold chargers, champagne overlays, and elegant place settings completed the tables. In lieu of wedding favors, we made donations in each guest’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association – a charity that is near and dear to our hearts (we both have had a grandparent affected by the disease). We used a photo book filled with vintage photos of St. Louis as our guest book – this was perfect because we now have it on our coffee table and can read well wishes and messages from our wedding guests whenever we’d like.

STEMS also supplied a gorgeous garland for our head table and the perfect cake topper for our wedding cake. We designed our wedding cake ourselves during a road trip to visit family a few months before the wedding and thanks to The Cakery Bakery our vision became a reality! Five tiers of sweet sugary goodness made with homemade vanilla – our cake featured a buttercream rosette base, two champagne tiers with delicate vintage piping, and two ivory tiers with gold ribbon. It tasted just as amazing as it looked! It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable four-course meal supplied by St. Louis Union Station. Guy was very involved in the tasting portion of our wedding planning and I have to admit that he did a fantastic job. In addition to a wonderful spread of cheeses and crackers, vegetables, fruits, and passed hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour – the first course, a baby greens and fresh berry salad in a cucumber wrap with a maple vinaigrette, was served by white gloved waiters as a dazzling high-definition light show was projected on the arched ceilings of the venue. Looking around and seeing all of our closest friends and family in absolute awe as they stared up at the ceiling was the moment we knew that all of the planning had been one hundred percent worth it.

The St. Louis Big Band provided a jazz quartet to accompany our cocktail hour and a 20-piece ensemble for the reception. Guy, my dad, and I had taken dance lessons during the months leading up to the wedding and were excited to start the party off with the waltzes we had practiced for the past couple of weeks. Guy and I were serenaded by Joe Mancuso, the St. Louis Big Band wedding singer, who performed our song “All the Way” by Frank Sinatra. I loved the way my Oleg Cassini gown flowed as he spun me around the dance floor! My dad and I danced to The Missouri Waltz – the official state song of Missouri that is most often associated with our alma mater The University of Missouri. Last but not least, Guy and his mom picked things up with Ella Fitzgerald’s “Our Love is Here to Stay”.

Free flowing champagne and a top-shelf open bar fully stocked with cigars guaranteed a night full of never-ending conversation, fun and laughter. The band eventually switched over to a DJ, also supplied by the St. Louis Big Band, and ended with a late night Panera station. Katie from Rouge Events was the perfect coordinator and Erin Stubblefield Photography captured every priceless moment flawlessly. The whole day went by in the blink of an eye. We woke up the next day and suddenly the weekend’s events felt like a dream. The best part? I got to marry the love of my life! If I could give any advice to future brides, I would say don’t worry too much about being trendy, trends come and go but your love (and your wedding photos) are forever! Always imagine things from your guest’s point of views. If you’re like us and have a majority of your guests coming from out of town you want to make sure you are treating them to an unforgettable event that represents your values and tastes. Lastly, I highly recommend making your gifts to each other on that big day something personal and heartfelt. We will have those little leather books for the rest of our lives and can read them whenever we want or need to. Something like that means so much more than a store bought gift!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Accessories

David's Bridal

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Accessories

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Bridal

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Bridesmaids

David's Bridal Spring 2018

Oleg Cassini Spring 2018

WHITE by Vera Wang Spring 2018

Truly Zac Posen Spring 2018

View All Collections

A sun-kissed celebration complete with yellow hued gowns is enough to turn heads, but add in the talented Peter & Veronika behind the lens and you’ve got yourself one stunner of a soiree. Complete with villa views, this is Italy like you’ve never seen it before. Witness the wonderment in The Vault!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/175551917 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Luxury Venue Outdoor Weddings

Settings

Styles

7 Ways To Simplify Your Kitchen Countertop

From the Bride…As for how we chose our wedding destination, Matthew and I realized when we first started looking at venues, we thought we would want a resort so we flew to Puerto Rico and visited 6 different resorts. They were all very lovely but we did not connect with them and thought they were too unreasonable priced for what we would get. We envisioned having a place to call home where we could reside with our closest family and friends and celebrate our wedding week. We decided to randomly email “large houses” all over the world and we narrowed the results to 3 villas all located in 3 different countries: St. Martin in the Caribbean, Mykonos in the Greek Isles, and Lucca in Italy. I decided against St. Martin because I cannot hang out at the beach for more than a couple of days before getting bored. Matthew decided against Mykonos because it has a reputation for being a “party town.” So, we both decided on Borgo Benni in Lucca because who doesn’t love Italy? We wanted our wedding guests to make a vacation out of it and Italy would allow everyone to do just that. We rented the villa without ever visiting and seeing it beforehand. We just put our faith in love and hope for the best outcome.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Enzoani

2014 Beautiful

2014 Blue

2014

2014 Love

View All Collections

Funny thing… whenever I decide to de-clutter our kitchen countertop, my husband always walks in the door and says “the house looks great, honey” even if I haven’t done anything else! Embracing simplicity isn’t something that most of us consider a design skill, but it truly IS and can transform any room, not just the kitchen. When it comes to that ever-busy home epicenter? It counts to go simple in the kitchen.

7 Ways To Simplify Your Kitchen Countertop

View Slideshow

7 Ways To Simplify Your Kitchen Countertop

View Slideshow

[dotted]

You might also love…

10 Ways To Have a Stylish Home with Kids
5 Stunning Paint Colors that Will Totally Transform Your Kitchen
Feel Like You’re on Vacation from the Comfort of Your Own Kitchen

Calling all brides-to-be! This Trunk Show is an Absolute Must.

We can’t think of a better way to find that dream gown then attending a trunk show at the always fabulous Designer Loft in NYC. Lucky for you, on November 4th-6th + November 11th-13th, they’ll be hosting a Rosa Clara Trunk Show that’s basically everything you’ve ever dreamed. Think seriously romantic gowns that are as luxurious as they are figuring flattering. Scroll below for all of the deets.

From the gorgeous fabrics to the intricate + unique details to the seriously stunning silhouettes that will show off every one of your stellar curves, the Rosa Clara Two 2017 Collection is equal parts classic and romantic with something for everyone. Yep, whether you are saying “I do” high atop the city in a modern affair or tying the knot in that English garden of your dreams, Rosa Clara’s lineup of mesmerizing gowns will WOW all of your guests with styles that will make your hearts sooo happy.

From timeless ballgowns to sleek + sophisticated sheaths, the Rosa Clara Two 2017 Trunk Show is an absolute must-see. Contact Designer Loft TODAY to book your appointment (212.944.9013)… and don’t forget the 10% off Trunk Show discount you’ll receive if you purchase at the event. Amazing.

Collins Tuohy of ‘The Blindside’ Shares Her Wedding Day

We knew Collins’ wedding was going to be one for the books. She shared her darling bachelorette weekend chock-full of cute moments, so came as no surprise that her big day design knocked it out of the park. It’s a glamourous black and gold affair ending with an epic dance party, including a few family members you just might recognize. See their album from the lens of Chard Photographer!

Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Settings

Ballroom Weddings

Styles

Relaxed + Romantic Engagement in Joshua Tree

From the Bride…When deciding the “theme” of our wedding I sat down with my mom and basically said that I really didn’t want a theme. I wanted more of a feel, and an experience. I wanted people to walk away from my wedding saying, “Wow, they love each other and they love life!” Therefore, I decided the overall theme of the weekend, if I had to choose one, would be, “lights and liquor”! I wanted every emotion you get from any kind of lighting (romance from candles, joy from a disco ball, or excitement from multi colored laser lights), and liquor was simply the easiest way to say…A really good party! My husband, Cannon, and I have been together for 11 years, so we wanted our wedding to be a celebration of all the time we have grown together. I would say we both love traditions as much as we like to shake things up, and our wedding was a direct reflection of that. Our venue was an easy choice as it is one block from my parent’s house, and about three from his. Yes, we grew up 4 blocks away from each other ha! I have been in and around the events world my whole life, so I knew from day one I wanted to design and plan my own wedding from beginning to end. I had an amazing team of people that my mom and I assembled, and we would never have been able to pull the weekend off without each and every one of them. I only had a few specific wants for the weekend. One was being able to walk right from the ceremony to the reception, and the second was for my out of town guests to be close to all venues we used. After we chose the Hunt and Polo Club, and made the decision to tent over the pool, the choice became clear that we would use the tent for both nights.

Here comes the first thing we shook up. Instead of your traditional Saturday wedding with a reception following we split up the night into two. Friday we had an intimate wedding in one half of the tent (oh yes, my center isle was acrylic flooring over the pool!!) and in the other half of the tent, that connected to the ballroom, we had a seated dinner. One of my dear friends, Kelly English (James Beard Award Semifinalist) prepared a five course meal that included everything from caviar (my mother-in-law’s favorite) to my grandmother’s caramel cake! Following dinner we had aperitifs in the cigar room and spent time together with friends and family celebrating our first night as Mr. And Mrs. Smith. Saturday night we extended the guest list, flipped all the decor in the tent, and had a big blow out party!

There are too many amazing things from that weekend to describe them all so here are some of my absolute favs! First and foremost, my mom was my warrior and constant provider of peace and ideas throughout this entire process – I would not have stayed sane without her. My husband was game for anything that made me happy as long as he could wear a cool tux, which he did both nights. His favorite being his Tom Ford he wore Saturday night, that was a midnight blue! My dress took 7 months to make. It came all the way from Australia, and I did not even see it until the day it arrived – about a month before the wedding! The dress had an 11 foot train and I wore a hand-made crown that made me feel very Grace Kelly. My best friends and I share a piece of lace that has our initials and wedding date embroidered on it – it has become a tradition to attach the lace under the dress and wear it on the day of the wedding.

The Friday night invitation was a 3×5 replica of Jackie Kennedy’s, simple and timeless, which aligned to our candle light ceremony perfectly. After we said, “I Do!” a gospel choir surprised guests and sang, “Oh Happy Day!” As Cannon and I walked down the aisle as husband and wife the drapes opened into the dining area. We had mirrored tables made specifically for the wedding so we could have an 80 foot long center table for the wedding party to sit together. I had 18 bridesmaids and Cannon had 25 groomsmen, 7 of whom were over 6’5″ (insert monkey emoji with hands over face).

Just as the Friday night invitation was a reflection of the evening, Saturday night was too. The invitation was 6×8 and had a gold glitter envelope liner – the guests knew they were in for a fun and crazy night! The band brought the house down! The dance floor had acrylic flooring over the pool that we lit with LED lights, we had confetti all night, and a light up tennis shoe station where guests could trade in their heels for some kicks and hit dance floor. I even wore bedazzled Nike high tops Saturday instead of heels! We had a live painter and now have a piece of art that captured our first dance forever. We passed out #5 football jerseys (my husbands number) late night that said Team Smith on the front. Guests could customize their name on the back, so they could really let loose. As we left the reception we had a fireworks wall and more confetti that capped off the magic of the night! After we left our guests thought the night had ended, but Cannon and I danced back into the venue and we had a surprise after party with a DJ, a glow-in-the-dark body paint station, and of course, Taco Bell!

Some of my absolute favorite moments however were the small ones between all the madness, like getting ready with all my girls, and having my little brother pop in and hang out. Or watching my nephew absolutely refuse to walk down the isle because it was clear flooring over the pool and my friend having to carry him down the isle. Like my groomsmen playing a little game of touch football Saturday night before the party…In their tuxes! They were silly but so special. There is not a single thing I would have changed about our wedding weekend, from beginning to end it was truly magical. My best advice to brides is go with your gut, and stick to your guns, because in the end it is about making memories with your husband that will last you a lifetime!

I’m a fan of all the individual pieces of this pretty puzzle – this shade of maroon, the dapper groom-to-be, a pup too cute for words and Greg Finck’s talent behind the lens. But put them all together and it’s even better than imagined. See it all in one gorgeous gallery right this way!

From Greg Finck Photography… Caitlin and Patrick contacted me awhile ago to photograph their wedding, which will happen in London next October. Patrick is from England, and Caitlin from the US, and they both live in Seattle with their oh so cute dog Moxie. We decided to realize their engagement photos in majestic Joshua Tree National Park.

There was no question Moxie would not be part of the adventure, or this session. So they drove all the way from Seattle, down to California, just so that Moxie can be part of the engagement photoshoot. I must say she’s been quite a model and totally behaved during the photoshoot despite her flower collar!

I truly cannot wait for this sweet couple’s wedding in London! And I can’t wait to see Moxie again in her wedding attire this time!

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Bride's Dress: Show Me Your Mumu

Two Fashion Buyers Tie the Knot in Style

Let’s just say Danielle and Kyle know a thing or two about style. These two New York City fashion buyers – Danielle for Bloomingdale’s and Kyle for Ralph Lauren – knew their wedding day had to make a statement and they totally delivered. Rebecca Yale Photography captured and the gallery is a fashion lover’s dream.

Colors

Seasons

Settings

Luxury Venue

Styles

Inexpensive Wedding Details That Make a Big Impact

From The Styled Bride and Rebecca Yale Photography….Danielle and Kyle were married on June 4th, 2016 at the Ashford Estate. Danielle and Kyle both work in New York City as buyers in the fashion industry, Danielle at Bloomingdales and Kyle at Ralph Lauren. Fashion was a very important element to them for their wedding day. They both attended NYU, but did not meet until after graduation at a local bar. The bride and groom picked the lovely Ashford Estate in Allentown, NJ as it was the perfect distance between their two families and an easy drive for their friends in New York City. The day was planned and styled to perfection by The Styled Bride. Guests gathered on a sunny Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a pre-ceremony drink in the courtyard before being welcomed into the light filled white barn, decked out in lush florals and candles by Sullivan Owen. The bride and groom recited vows they wrote themselves in matching his and her vow notebooks. Guests were invited to enjoy cocktail hour in the conservatory and out on the patio as golden hour set in. Guests were then welcomed into the reception by the Craig Scott Orchestra, which was bathed in candlelight and leafy green florals.

The estate has the elegant feel of a French chateau, which the bride and groom played into with their delicately calligraphed invitations that carried through to all the paper goods of the day- program, escort cards and menu by Written Word Calligraphy. Guests received a wedding welcome bag with a welcome letter and wedding day (and day after) essentials kit from the bride and groom. The bride wore a intricately detailed beaded gown by Monique Lhuillier with matching veil with blush and gold tones weaved in. The dress was paired with Valentino Rock Stud heels in nude to give the look a little edge and a vintage beaded clutch. The bride’s bouquet and boutonnieres created by the Sullivan Owen were soft and organic with long trailing ribbons featuring peonies, roses and blushing bride- one of the bride’s favorite flowers. The bride and groom exchanged letters and presents before the first look, the bride gifting the groom new sunglasses, which he wore throughout the day.

The bride and groom had their first look in front of the estate as their parents and wedding party watched through the large glass windows. Bridesmaids wore lovely off the shoulder grey gowns while the groomsmen looked sharp in their black tuxes. The couple honored their families by having a memory table with photographs from their parents and grandparents weddings set at a table by the entrance and a 4 of those grandparents were in attendance at the wedding. Guests danced the night away and enjoyed the old fashioned photo booth before joining the couple for a sparkler send off and an after party in the library with snow cones, hot dogs and favors of Momofuku Milk Bar truffle cake balls.

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

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

Photography

Rebecca Yale Photography

View Portfolio

Written Word Calligraphy

View Portfolio

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

View All Collections

Bridesmaid Dresses

Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

2016 Bridesmaid Collection

2016 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2017 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2017 Accessories Collection

Fall 2016 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Lingerie Collection

Spring 2017 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Bridesmaids Collection

Spring 2018 Bridal Collection

Spring 2018 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2018 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2018 Bridesmaid Collection

View All Collections

Designing your dream wedding on a budget is easier said than done. Especially when you want a celebration that your guests will be talking about long after the last dance. But fear not, savvy brides, because our editors are sharing inexpensive details that can make a serious impact. Trust us, you’ll want to save these for future reference!

Inexpensive Details With a Big Impact

View Slideshow

Inexpensive Details With a Big Impact

View Slideshow

Steal a Fashion Blogger’s Modern Wedding Style

You might recognize her as the Texas fashion blogger behind Murphy’s Law, and today Lauren is stopping by to share her wedding day photographed by Lauren Peele. I’m deeming their rooftop affair “classic with a crisp, modern twist,” and it has everything to do with the lucite accents and white-on-white floral design by Branching Out. More to see right this way!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/166153951 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Settings

Hotels + Resorts Weddings Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Advice From Our Editors: What We Wished We Had Registered For

From the bride, Lauren… Charles and I met eight years ago as Freshman in college. It wasn’t until I moved back to Dallas from Los Angeles that we began dating. We knew immediately that our connection was something special and we have been inseparable ever since! He proposed at a Dallas landmark, Reunion Tower, during dinner overlooking the city. He included my absolute favorite flowers on the proposal, pink peonies, that floated over to our table on the rotating exterior of the restaurant. It was an incredible moment and I blissfully said, “Yes!”. As if this wasn’t enough excitement for one night, he planned a surprise party after dinner with our closest family and friends.

Charles and I were both born and raised in Dallas so we knew we wanted to get married here. I had my eye on the Joule Hotel in downtown but really wanted an outdoor ceremony and reception. The Joule accommodated by letting us be the first and only wedding reception to ever be held across the street in the Eyeball Garden. We knew that getting married outside in Texas Was a risk but the weather could not have been more perfect for our rooftop ceremony and garden reception on April 30, 2016.

We’ve always loved a mix of classic and modern design which we created by using all white elements, lucite accents along with gorgeous, lush white floral. Detail is also very important to me so with the help of our exceptional planner, nothing was overlooked! Our dog, Bandit is very special to us and was actually the ring bearer in our ceremony. Additionally, we had an artist sketch his profile which was included in the reception paper goods like the coasters and bar menu. We were so happy that our guests loved the excitement of the black tie evening as much as we did and together, we all danced the night away under the stars. The juxtaposition of a white garden party in the middle of a Metropolitan city made for the most spectacular evening that we’ll never forget!

As a fashion blogger picking out my dress was a really fun but nerve-racking process. I ended up selecting a custom Mira Zwillinger blush dress with hand embroidered white flowers on the bodice, a layered tulle skirt, and the daintiest blush organza bow. When the seamstress added the bustle beneath the tulle, it was visible. I ended up forgoing the bustle in favor of having someone (a professional!) cut off the train of my dress after the ceremony and before I entered the reception. It was the best decision I could have made – I felt so free to dance the night away with all our family, friends, and now husband!

Charles wore a custom J. Hilburn Midnight Blue tuxedo stitched with our wedding date, 4.30, and his initials. The process of creating his tux together and picking out each design option made it such a fun experience for both of us. The team was amazing to work with and I couldn’t recommend them more.

As special as it was to create a vision for our wedding day and watch it come to life, marrying my soul mate was truly a gift. The amount of love and joy given to us by our family and friends is such a blessing and we couldn’t be more thankful!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

View All Collections

Guys, we’ve been there, done that. Registered our little hearts out, only to realize later that we missed a few key pieces that would have made our holidays sooo much better. So today we’re teaming up with our friends at Macy’s to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes. It’s our gift to you with a fab list of must-haves that will cozy up your home just in time for Friendsgiving. Scroll for a peek.

KitchenAid KSM152PS Artisan 5 qt. Custom Metallic Stand Mixer | Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron 7.25 qt. Round French Oven | Royal Albert Old Country Roses Polka Rose 2 Tier Cake Plate | Martha Stewart Collection Wooden French Rolling Pin

We love to host and entertain guests in our home, especially during the holidays! One thing we’re kicking ourselves for not registering for is a beautiful Le Creuset Dutch Oven. From homemade stuffing at Thanksgiving to baked french toast casseroles on Christmas morning, this would have been such a useful (and beautiful!) addition to our chef’s arsenal. – Melissa

Baking delicious treats is one of my most favorite traditions during the Holiday season and no pie, cookie and cake making arsenal is complete without a Kitchenaid Mixer. Plus they look really cute sitting pretty on the counter. Thinking we should have skipped the fondu set and headed right for this copper beauty with our registry scanner. – Erin

[dotted]

Bodum Chambord 12 Cup French Press | SMEG TSF02 4-Slice Toaster | KitchenAid KWB110OB Waffle Maker | Mikasa Dinnerware Italian Countryside Cappuccino Mug

There is nothing (and I mean nothing) I love more than a lazy Sunday morning brunch during the holidays. Which is why I wish I’d registered for a waffle iron, because sometimes a stack of pancakes just won’t do! – Michelle

As growing coffee aficionados, my husband and I love trying new blends and getting various espresso drinks whenever we’re out and about holiday shopping for all our friends and family… so why did we not register for an espresso maker or French press!? We could enjoy these when running errands AND when snuggled up at home wrapping said gifts! We ask ourselves this way too often and plan on investing in the near future (Santa, please?)! – Elizabeth

Would you believe me if I told you we don’t own a toaster? And after years of making toast under the broiler, I’ll be dreaming of this little SMEG number for Christmas. – Michelle

[dotted]

Donna Karan Home Silver Queen Flat Sheet | Lauren Ralph Lauren Memory Foam Cluster Pillows | Martha Stewart Collection Solid Seed Stitch Sweater-Knit Throw | Lauren Ralph Lauren Humboldt Plaid 15 x 20″ Decorative Pillow

Once the holidays roll around, we tend to host out-of-town family and friends quite a bit. While we splurged on great pieces for our room, we always wish we had registered for several extra sets of quality linens, towels, and bedding for the guest bedroom. Don’t forget to include those must-haves on your list! – Stephanie

It’s so easy to fall in love with all of the amazing appliances Macy’s has in their arsenal, but if I had to do it all over again, I would most definitely add some cozy home decor to the list, especially decorative items that would translate well to the holiday season. Plaid pillows, sweater-knit throws and any other festive additions can really make a difference when hosting all of those family and friends! – Dawn

[dotted]

Whether you’re prepping for your first Thanksgiving as newlyweds or simply want to feel the holiday spirit on those lazy Sunday mornings in, Macy’s Registry is THE place to make it all happen… beautifully. From their never-ending lineup of crazy cool appliances and kitchen must-haves to their fab home decor and baked good essentials, Macy’s Registry will walk with you step by step throughout the entire process to guarantee you don’t miss a single must-have. And don’t even get us started on the fab perks + benefits, like the Macy’s Newlywed Discount, The Registry Guide, The Registry Checklist and Macy’s Registry Star Rewards. (Hint: their awesome.)

Contact Macy’s today to begin your registry journey… and don’t forget those items that will cozy up your abode just in time for the holidays.

[dotted]

Photography (Top to Bottom): Ruth Eileen Photography + Manifesto Photography + Danielle Moss

A Modern Wedding with a Classic Twist

This wedding had me at dinner plate dahlias and from there it just kept getting better and better. With Jen Wojcik Photography on hand capturing every wonderful detail (like those incredibe terranium centerpieces from Cost Plus!), this is one celebration that you’ll want share pronto. See it all in The Vault!

Colors

Seasons

Outdoor Weddings Religious Institution

Settings

Styles

Find Love in a Lavender Field with This ‘After-Wedding’ Shoot

From the Bride…It all started in little Hermosa Beach, California where Kevin and I first met through some friends. After a few years of post-college bliss in a small beach town, we decided to pack up and move across the country to NYC. I’m from Los Angeles and Kevin grew up in New Jersey, so he really wanted to spend a few years back east before we settled down somewhere. Fast forward a year to a casual walk through Central Park when Kevin proposed in front of the Conservatory Pond! Together with our jeweler, Kevin designed a beautifully vintage, yet modern engagement ring, which was really the catalyst for most of my design inspirations.

Thankfully, Kevin agreed that we should have the wedding in Southern California, and we settled on the historic and quaint little town of San Juan Capistrano. Because we had people traveling across the country, I wanted the wedding to feel undeniably California; relaxed and inviting, but still chic and contemporary. My main inspirations came from watercolors, geometric shapes, and edison lights. I love the juxtaposition of old and new, as well as industrial vs. Romantic, so I combined a lot of those looks for various aspects of the wedding. The Franciscan Gardens’ lush greenery was a perfect canvas for me, as I was able to bring in some eclectic pieces and add a little whimsy to it. I can’t say enough about this beautiful venue tucked away behind downtown San Juan Capistrano; even that juxtaposition was on theme!

I had my hand on every detail of the wedding, but was able to relax a bit during the final stretch, mostly due to good organization and amazing vendors. I’m not the best delegator, as I like to do things myself (I even hand water colored my own escort cards!), so handing such important aspects of the wedding off to people was not the easiest thing to do. Every single vendor though, specifically my photographer, florist and coordinator, were so wonderful to work with, and truly wanted me to have the best day of my life. I took some time early on in the process to interview a few vendors in each category, so when it came time to clearly convey my vision and hand over the reigns to them, I felt more than comfortable doing so. Find people who sincerely love what they do, and I have no doubt that they’ll come through for you in the end!

My other advice for brides-to-be is simple, and I’m sure you’ve heard before; remember to slow down and take everything in! Because it’s such a magical day, I felt like I was floating above everything as if I was in a dream-like state. I had to deliberately bring myself back down to earth, and fully immerse myself in each beautiful moment. At one point during the day Kevin and I stood alone on the balcony overlooking the reception, and without saying a word to each other, both realized how lucky we were to be at that exact moment in time. Remember that everyone is there to celebrate you and your fiancé, so be sure to accept their love and support, and let it fuel your relationship for years to come!

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

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

2016 Bridesmaid Collection

2016 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2017 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2017 Accessories Collection

Fall 2016 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Lingerie Collection

Spring 2017 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Bridesmaids Collection

Spring 2018 Bridal Collection

Spring 2018 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2018 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2018 Bridesmaid Collection

View All Collections

For those of you that dream in deep hues of purple, this lovely lavender field inspiration was made just for you. A culmination of all things chic, it’s proof from Weddings of Excellence in Provence (WEP) that you can always (and absolutely should) snap pics post ceremony and thanks to the talented Tamara Gruner Photography, we’ve got it all waiting in The Vault! P.S. See more of this pretty on our LBB Blog!

From Tamara Gruner Photography…Lavender inspiration: What can be more beautiful than getting married in Provence during the lavender season? An after-wedding session with just the two of you in the lavender fields! We started this after-wedding session at the beautiful La Coquillade with all its little romantic nooks. The blooming roses complement the beauty of our couple. The wind adds a romantic touch to this session – flowing hair and a flowing gown – a girl’s dream come true. From La Couqillade we headed to the lavender fields of famous Luberon in Provence. There, our couple strolled through the fields with the sun shining on their skin and warming them on a wonderful June day. We are in love with this couple showing their love for each other. We can’t take our eyes of them – the bride in her beautiful Musat Bridal gown – a romantic lace fabric combination, which complements the bride’s beauty. Our bride is playing with her dress and the wind in the lavender fields, which make for absolutely stunning moments. And the groom? No words for him!

If you want to be part of next year’s wedding workshop in beautiful Provence please go to our website for registration. The workshop offers a 3-day hands-on experience on how to offer the finest for your clients, your fellow vendors, and last but not the least, for yourself – using your talent and art. A wonderful provencal time with lots of surprises awaits you at our workshop: http://tamaragruner.com/info

The Couple’s Pups Took Part in the Engagement Session

We’re seeing more and more couples include their fur babies in the engagement shoot, and it’s a trend I can totally get behind. Megan and Chad planned exactly that for their session in Chicago and Emilia Jane photographed all the fun. More this way!

From Emilia Jane…I love that more and more of my couples are opting to do multi-part engagement sessions! Megan and Chad are a perfect recent example of this. We woke up early to do a sunrise, riverwalk shoot with their adorable pups on Wednesday and then shot their formal save-the-date’s during golden hour on Thursday.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Adrianna Papell

Spring 2015

View All Collections

A Parisienne Inspired Brunch Wedding

If you were to get together and create a wedding based around all of my favorite things, this would be it. First off, it’s a brunch wedding (I mean, who doesn’t love that). Secondly, it’s Parisian themed and totally perfect. Complete with Silverplate Press stationery and some of the sweetest snapshots from Ashley Bosnick Photography, we’ve got every bit of this beauty waiting for you in The Vault!

Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Settings

Hotels + Resorts Weddings Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Provence Is Where Wedding Dreams Come True

From the Bride…We’re so happy with how everything turned out! When you plan most of your wedding yourself, it’s difficult (and very stressful!) to visualize how everything will look on the big day. The design inspiration we went for came really naturally to us, as they were all elements that we already loved. We went with a very organic, Parisienne theme with a modern twist. Naturally, fresh flowers and greenery were must haves. The French blue and white color palette at Colette Grande Café made it the perfect venue to tie everything together. We chose the breathtaking Toronto cityscape view from the Rooftop Lounge at Thompson Hotel to give our atmosphere a modern touch. I love crafting so including some DIYs was a great way for me to contribute personally to the décor. We created DIY himmelis and succulent shot glasses for the tables to complement the modern theme. We also scattered geometric photo frames with important memories, such as our Malibu engagement and parents’ marriages from decades ago, throughout the venue. What made our day extra special was how much love we felt from everyone. Despite not having a bridal party, we received so much help and support from our family and friends, and that meant everything to us!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Pronovias

ATELIER PRONOVIAS

PRONOVIAS

Dancing Lights, Cruise Collection

View All Collections

I’d put money down on the fact that Provence is on every single person’s wanderlust wish list. And after seeing these pics by Tamara Gruner, how could anyone disagree? Weddings of Excellence in Provence was the force behind this inspiration shoot, giving us endless beauty to inspire. Eager to bring your wishes to reality? Read on for info on Tamara Gruner’s Workshop where you too can capture the magic of this special place next May. Oh and PS. More Provencal treats coming to our Front Page later today :)

From Tamara Gruner Photography… Wedding inspiration: Inspired by the soft color palette of Provence we chose ivory, green, blush and peach as our main colors for this soft and romantic wedding inspiration shoot. Our venue, La Coquillade, with its beautiful and romantic nooks in every corner, was the perfect setting for this Provencal wedding. The ceremony, nestled in the midst of a blooming lavender field and olive trees, was the perfect backdrop for our pretty couple. The bride’s dress, a Musat Bridal gown, with fine lace elements and a romantic fabric – flowing with the wind – makes our dream look complete. The bride’s classic updo and her beautiful jewelry complements the bride’s delicate face. The groom in his elegant black tux presents himself as Prince Charming. The cake and invitation suite adds a classy touch to the whole inspiration. The pretty table setup, with the soft flowers and classic tabletop with its typical Provencal candle holders, continues our romantic look and feel. The table overlooks the mesmerizing Provencal vineyards – the perfect location to bring a perfect day to a close.

Our next workshop will be held in Provence, France in May 7-10th, 2017. The workshop offers a 3-day hands-on experience on how to offer the finest for your clients, your fellow vendors, and last but not the least, for yourself – using your talent and art. We will engage in one-on-one sessions, with professionals, to review your work. The sessions will offer nuances on how to elevate your work, and, provide marketing tips on standing out in the crowd. As a part of this workshop, you will capture the work of professional vendors – stylists, designers, calligraphers, florists, and, models – thereby providing you with rich photographing experience. Our workshop will be in French and English. Our speakers include Elizabeth from Style Me Pretty, Susanne from Hochzeitsguide, Albany from Richard Photo Lab, Stéphanie from Weddings of Excellence in Provence, Céline from Un Jardin En Ville, Jeremy from Icon 6 and myself. You will find more information about our workshop and registration at http://tamaragruner.com/info

Notre prochaine formation se déroulera en Provence du 7 au 10 mai 2017. Notre forfait offre trois jours d’apprentissages, ou comment offrir le meilleur à vos clients et bien plus encore. Vous suivrez des prestataires de talents et pas des moindres, qui mettront à votre profit leur expérience afin de développer votre talent et votre art de la photographie. Nous vous proposons également des rencontres individuelles, avec des professionnels pour affiner et aiguiser votre travail. Ces interventions vous apporterons tout les ingrédients nécessaires afin de développer vos connaissances et des conseils marketing pour obtenir le succès dont vous rêvez. Lors de cette découverte, vous suivrez le travail de certains professionnels: designer, calligraphe, bloggeur, wedding planner, fleuriste, mannequins. Ils sont là pour vous permettre d’acquérir une expérience riche dans le monde de l’industrie du mariage. Notre workshop sera en Français et en Anglais. Nos talentueux intervenants sont Elizabeth de Style Me Pretty, Susanne de Hochzeitsguide, Albany de Richard Photo Lab, Stéphanie de Weddings of Excellence in Provence, Céline d’Un Jardin En Ville, Jeremy de Icon 6 et Tamara de Tamara Grüner Photography. Plus d’informations et toutes les données pour votre inscription sur le lien http://tamaragruner.com/info-french

Bridal Beauty 101: Finding That Perfect Style for Your Gown

You’ve found that dress of your dreams and now it’s time to focus on putting the entire look together with hair and makeup. Need help? Well, we’ve got you covered, because today we’re joining forces with Jennie Kay for a quick run-down on all things beauty with tips + tricks on achieving that glam wedding day look, no matter the gown or style you’re dreaming of. Let’s get started.

LOOK 1: CASUAL GLAMOUR

Your style? Laid-back with a big ol’ side of sophistication. Which means rocking a stunning gown that shows some skin and hair + make-up that is just as sleek and glamorous. Jennie Kay suggests pairing your dream dress with a rope braid pony or soft low bun that is dressy enough for a wedding, but is also completely effortless.

[dotted]

LOOK 2: VINTAGE ELEGANCE

You’re a vintage-inspired lady looking to rock that elegant lace number, but still maintain a modern, yet sexy edge. Jennie Kay’s tip? A bright red lip for that much-needed side of sophistication and a stunning updo that frames one side of the face, plus sweeps across the back in a beautiful style that is reminiscent of the past.

[dotted]

“Look at the way you wore your hair at your initial dress fitting. It usually mimics your initial idea on how your hair should be.” – Jennie Kay Beauty

[dotted]

LOOK 3: BOHO BEAUTY

Crave a look that is soft, romantic and free, just like you and your wedding? Then this fab boho look from Jennie Kay Beauty is sooo for you. Simply keep your hair natural in wave and texture and add three gorgeous braids for a little pop of WOW. Want to add a little glamour to the look? Really make those eyes stand out with just the right shade of shadow and mascara.

[dotted]

LOOK 4: SWEETLY CLASSIC

For those of you who want to keep it sweet + classic on the Big Day, Jennie Kay suggests a low twisted ponytail that is equal parts show-stopping and wholesome. Pair it with subtle makeup (like a light pink lip) and a gown that has just a pop of sass and the results are absolutely timeless.

[dotted]

LOOK 5: TOUSLED SOPHISTICATION

Waves are a girl’s best friend and when it comes to a wedding day look that is equal parts laid-back and sophisticated, Jennie Kay keeps those tousled waves down with just a few sweet strands pulled back for a look that is all sorts of romantic. Add some soft pink lips and some barely-there makeup to complete the look.

[dotted]

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/167191983 600 338]

Contact Jennie Kay Beauty to create a seamless, stunning look from head to toe… you won’t regret it.

Natural + Airy Wedding with a Timeless Design

Let’s face it, when a wedding photographer gets married it’s going to be so very good. They’ve inherently got an eye for design with focus on the details, and that was exactly the case for Megan and Johnathan’s nuptials captured by Kayla Yestal and Videos by Janet. No surprise, Megan made certain their portrait session stole the show including linen signage to show off their new status as Mr and Mrs.

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/lQCuavh9OFo 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Backyard Outdoor Weddings

Settings

Styles