Keeping your baby’s gender a surprise? Maybe you already found out but still prefer a gender-neutral name? It’s a trend that lots of parents are loving—even celebs (hello Blake Lively and her sweet daughter James!). A fun way to switch things up depending on gender is spelling. Try one of these 20 variations for your little guy or gal!

Alternative Spellings for Gender Neutral Baby Names

Rhys – Reese

Charlie – Charleigh

Casey – Cayce

Finley – Finleigh

Cameron – Cameryn

Danny – Dani

Riley – Ryleigh

Micha – Myca

Kai – Kye

Jordan – Jordyn

[dotted]

Try these DIY tassels for your baby shower

[dotted]

See our full baby name archives here!

What’s better than a bistro wedding? Absolutely nothing! Just ask Taylor and Austin who planned the perfect destination fete in their favorite city, New Orleans. With Julie Paisley Photography behind the lens we’ve got every bit of this colorful celebration waiting for you to fall in love with in The Vault!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Julie Paisley Photography… New Orleans weddings are something special. The vibe of the city is electric and it’s a perfect place for a Destination Wedding. Taylor and Austin are both from Texas but their favorite city is New Orleans so they traveled with family and friends and enjoyed a full weekend of wedding festivities. Taylor’s smile is infectious. She was such a joy to work with and Taylor and Austin’s reception was one of the most fun receptions I’ve ever experienced. I mean, when you end the night with a second line, how can you go wrong? It was the perfect day. From a stunning wedding party, love of family and friends and a bride and groom who clearly adored each other and all set in one of the most fun cities in the country, how could it not be amazing?

Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Wedding Planning: Down Annie Lane | Floral Design: Iris Floral | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Cake: Chez RuRene Bakery, Inc. | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Makeup: Glam Nola | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Venue: Tomas Bistro | Bridal Boutique: Brickhouse Bridal

After seeing endless celebrations as a wedding photographer herself, this Bride-to-be knew she wanted something a bit different for her own big day. Think chic and modern, and with palm leaves and stylish black and white decor, she got just that. This urban loft wedding is a breath of fresh air for those Pinterest boards of yours all thanks to Emilia Jane for capturing every bit! See it all this way!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Brian and I are originally from Bay City, Michigan but currently live in Chicago. When we walked into Loft 310 in Kalamazoo, Michigan (halfway between our two homes) we gasped. The first thing I noticed being a wedding photographer was the beautiful sunlight coming through the windows and I could instantly envision our wedding there. It very much had that Chicago loft feel and the rooftop overlooking downtown Kalamazoo was perfect for cocktail hour. Not to mention a gorgeous penthouse space in the same building that you can rent for the weekend. Once we saw that, we were sold! Nothing like taking the elevator up a quick two floors after your wedding.

As a wedding photographer who has seen dozens and dozens of weddings, I knew I wanted our decor to be a little more bold than the traditional wedding. We had decided on a black and white theme early on, but the inspiration started flowing when thinking about the florals… or really lack there of! I wanted the centerpieces to be a focal point when you walked into the room, as well as have some vertical height. As our guest list was only 115 people, I worried that without tall centerpieces the room would feel too large. We ended up using a mix of banana leaf palms and large ferns as our centerpieces and I loved the big visual impact they had on the room. When someone mentions seeing our wedding photos, they almost always comment on the palms! They were such a fun element to our summer wedding and fun surprise to our guests. Fond of Florals really made our vision come to life! There were however flowers in my bouquet – white ranunculus, white garden roses, sword fern, and of course palms. For the bridesmaid bouquets, they used hostas and geranium leaves, with a little sprinkle of white lilac.

In addition to the palms on the tables, we also placed potted ferns around the room to help make the space feel more full. Our florist kindly planted two of them in gorgeous gold pedestal vessels that anchored each end of the bar along with two candelabras. It made the bar feel so dramatic! My mom added some fun and unexpected accents to the bar. I’m a huge lover of dachshunds (Brian and I got our sweet dachshund pup Millie about eight months after the wedding) and it was a fun surprise to see a gold dachshund figurine amongst the bar decor.

To carry the black and white theme throughout the room, we purchased handmade black and white striped chargers from a previous bride, which we layered with a black napkin, menu card, and a fern spring to accent. We also purchased black and white striped runners for the tables, and had gold candelabras and candles throughout.

As for the dress, well, at one point I thought I wanted a black dress! I was looking for a dress that was elegant and stylish. But ultimately I knew I just wanted something that I felt absolutely amazing in. Once I put on my Blush by Hayley Paige dress I knew it was the perfect fit – classic yet modern. I loved the romantic waves of the skirt and the matching veil with the horsehair hem completed the look. I also purchased an adorable strapless white jumper from ASOS that I changed into after the first dance. The belt I wore with my bridal gown was the perfect addition to my jumper to make it feel more bridal. I had high hopes of also showcasing my gorgeous Badgley Mischka heels with the jumper, but by the time I changed I was ready to kick off my heels and dance. The jumper gave me more freedom to move and my guests loved that I had an outfit change!

One of the smallest, but most important details of the day, were the rings. Brian decided to wear his dad’s wedding ring, who passed away from cancer when he was 15. His parents, Jan and Fred, had a beautiful marriage and one to be admired. I know having a piece of his Dad with him not only on our wedding day, but everyday, was really special to him and myself. The ring is classic – a yellow gold band that has some light etching to it. Between the original etching and the slight scratches from the years of wear, the ring has so much character. As for me, I love the look of stacking rings, so I decided on two wedding bands – a skinny diamond band and a yellow gold band. I love being able to switch up the order of the stack or wear just the bands or the engagement ring some days.

Emilia captured the day so beautifully and we feel extremely lucky to have had such a talented photographer, and close friend, capture our day. Our wedding day was everything we hoped for and so much more, and we are so thankful to our friends and family for celebrating with us!

Photography: Emilia Jane Photography | Floral Design: Fond Of Florals | Wedding Dress: Birmingham Bridal Couture | Cake: Mackenzie's Bakery | Invitations: Minted | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Jewelry: Bauble Bar | Hair + Makeup: Pomp and Artistry | Venue: Loft 310 | Bridal Boutique: Birmingham Bridal Couture | Day-Of Coordination: Julie Gregory-Cupps | Menu Cards: Wedding Paper Divas | Rentals: Events By I. Candy

Whoever said you can’t have it all cleary hasn’t met the visionary that is Rebecca of The Wildflowers. Because this mastermind of creativity has managed to bring the outdoors IN and it’s got us to a point where we’re ready to bid adieu to alfreso and hello to architecture. Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography has snapped it all to share and we’ve got every bit of beauty waiting for you (like those Bows and Arrows florals) in The Vault!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From The Wildflowers…When faced with the perplexing problem of outdoor vs indoor, the answer is: “why not both?” Bringing the outdoors in is one of my favorite ways to design with intention, leaving the worry of uncontrollable weather behind. Being surrounded by such lush greenery, the smell of just-bloomed florals, and the glow of romantic candlelight creates a sweet, magical setting. This shoot shows just that. Bows and Arrows communicate the idea of a lush, overflowing garden in their table garland, growing wall installation, and cake table flawlessly. The wildness of the florals is counterpointed by the design of the table, adding a structured, polished facet. Continuing the theme of wild and polished juxtapositions is the bride and groom. The bride’s Tara la Tour gown looks fit for a princess, but with a closer look, you see the detail of polka-dotted strokes of tulle. The groom’s ASOS suit is well-fitted and proper, though there is an unexpected, vibrant blue hue. A couple of rebellious, yet conscious details that make up a very fun and beautiful scene.

Photography: Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography | Floral Design: Bows and Arrows | Wedding Dress: Tara LaTour | Stationery: Arabella June Design Studio | Jewelry: Shapiro Diamonds | Hair + Makeup: Tracy Melton Artistry | Venue: Hotel Crescent Court | Cake + Desserts: Layered Bake Shop | Event Design + Event Planning + Styling: The Wildflowers | Female Model: The Dragonfly Agency | Gown Boutique: a&be bridal shop | Hair Accessories: Erica Elizabeth Design | Male Hair Styling: The Campbell Agency | Male Model: The Campbell Agency | Reception Dress: Gossamer | Reception Dress: Marchesa | Rentals: Bella Acento | Table Linens: BBJ La Tavola

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

Bows and Arrows

View Portfolio

Erica Elizabeth Design

View Portfolio

When you think of traditional tea parties, they probably consist of vintage china and cucumber sandwiches and other frilly bits. Well throw those notions out the window because this tea party designed by Ruby & Rose is streamlined and modern and insanely cool. Get the low-down for throwing your own tea time masterpiece with even more captured by Anna Wu Photography in the vault.

From Anna, the photographer… Enjoying a good cup of tea has long been a passion of mine, and I do love an elaborate tea party. But after seeing so many takes on tea and garden parties with mismatched vintage china, frilly decor and Alice in Wonderland themes, I was eager to take a more modern approach to afternoon tea.

I teamed up with wedding planner and fellow tea lover Rachael Silard of Ruby & Rose to bring this vision to life. We had the most amazing team of collaborators, and it was the perfect way to indulge of all our modern tea dreams.

From Rachael on the design…  I was super excited to collaborate with Anna on the concept for this event because I had also been feeling like the tea party could use a serious makeover. I love the clean and minimal lines of mid-century modern design and it seemed like a natural way to keep the overall feel modern and elegant and playful at the same time.

I asked Melanie of Hawthorn Flower Studio to design florals that would balance out the sleek lines of the furniture and place settings without being too feminine, and she nailed it. We really wanted the focus of the event to celebrate our love of tea, so when the talented folks at Tea People (the sister company to Boba Guys) agreed to lead a tea tasting for us we knew we were in good hands.

We sampled four different teas, each one totally unique from the next. Benj, our ‘Tea Genius’, shared so much fun knowledge about different types of teas, their history and origins, and how to brew the perfect pot. Of course, no tea party is complete without sweets, and partnering with Craftsman and Wolves to provide the desserts was an obvious choice.

Each one of their delicious confections is like a miniature piece of modern art. The event took place at a brand new venue in Oakland, 1544 Events, run by the lovely folks from Terra Gallery. 

We especially loved their hardwood floors salvaged from a shipping yard in Alameda. Overhead skylights provided beautiful natural light without the need for tons of windows. Cheers to tea!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

[dotted]

A Cozy Fall Gathering
5 Entertaining Rules to Throw out the Window
Get Ready for Game Day with These Essentials

[dotted]

Photographer: Anna Wu Photography | Planning & Design: Ruby & Rose | Floral Design: Hawthorn Flower Studio | Calligraphy: Brown Fox Calligraphy | Furniture: West Elm | Tabletop Goods: CB2 | Tabletop Goods: Crate & Barrel | Flatware: Mrs. Peasy | Makeup: April Foster Artistry | Hair: Fox & Doll | Desserts: Craftsman and Wolves | Tea Tasting: Tea People  | Venue: 1544 Events

Seeing as we’ve already introduced you to The Everygirl co-founder, Alaina (a.k.a. beaming bride-to-be), we felt it was only fitting to dive right into Part II. Alaina’s oh-so-smart and totally creative bridal shower that doubled as a cooking class! From cocktails to crudité, we’ve got the entire celebration as well as every delicious bit captured by Hallie Duesenberg Photography waiting for you below!

From Alaina… My mom generously kept offering to host a bridal shower along with my sister and sister-in-law, and for a number of reasons it took me a while to get on board. Namely, my fiance and I had a fairly short engagement so it was difficult to orchestrate around busy summer schedules on short notice, and second, we are having a destination wedding and I really didn’t want to inconvenience any of my guests more than the three days they were already giving us by flying out to California)!

But after some convincing, she and I came up with an idea we thought would be really fun and kind of different for guests. The food scene is just as much a part of Sonoma as the wine (that’s where our wedding will be in two weeks–you can check out all the inspiration here. So we decided that instead of a traditional brunch or luncheon, it would be fun to host a farm-to-table cooking class complete with endless wine flowing and some pretty great favors.

I requested it be in the city since all of my bridesmaids and friends live downtown, and after looking up a few places that all seemed to be on the outskirts of the city, she ended up working with a friend of mine’s company: Boutique Bites Catering and having it in their new event space in the West Loop: Brique.

I shared my wedding inspiration Pinterest board with my mom so she could pull ideas from in terms of design and I think they really nailed it. The reclaimed farmhouse tables, the delicious, healthy menu, the herb-inspired flower boxes from my favorite florist, Fleur–it was really everything and more I could have hoped for! Elaina Vasquez, the owner and head chef of Boutique Bites did a cooking demo for everyone, and the guests all said it was the most fun they’d ever had at a bridal shower. If you’re reading this, thank you, mom! :)

Follow Alaina’s Journey Down the Aisle!

Meet the Bride | Behind the Blog

Photography: Hallie Duesenberg | Floral Design: Fleur Inc | Dress: Shopbop | Catering: Boutique Bites | Favors: Staub | Event Space: Brique | Paper Goods: Minted

Rustic weddings are awesome, but a rustic wedding tucked away in the mountains of North Carolina at Majors Estate? Well, that’s an entirely new level of amazing. Think acres upon acres of breathtaking scenery, five traditional American log cabins and the beautiful Pigeon River providing a gorgeous backdrop for walking + hiking. In other words? Saying “I do” at Majors Estate is a total MUST.

Located between Asheville and Waynesville in North Carolina, Majors Estate is the sort of rustic meets romantic locale perfect for hosting your Big Day… and beyond. From their awe-inspiring ceremony and reception sites (hello, traditional white chapel and fab barn) to their lineup of crazy cool outdoor activities to their talented staff that knows all there is to know about hosting your dream event, Majors Estate will make everything you’ve ever imagined (and more) happen. We can promise you that.

Whether you’re planning an intimate set of “I do’s” for a small group of friends and family or have a much grander affair in mind, Majors Estate will completely pamper you AND wow all of your guests. Contact them now to start planning that dream day, and don’t forget to keep Majors Estate in mind when it comes to those family vacas, corporate retreats and social gatherings, because, well… you’ll want to celebrate there time and time again.

We’ve been fangirling Alaina Kaczmarski for quite some time now. Co-founder and editor of The Everygirl, she knows a thing or two about style (peek back at her home office tour) and today this bride-to-be is spilling details on her upcoming wedding. Alaina dove straight into The Vault, finding imagery that speaks to the vision for her Sonoma nuptials, and we’ve got her bridal shower reveal up next.

Greetings SMPers, brides-to-be, wedding lovers and planners alike!

The no fuss, non-wedding wedding. That’s what I always wanted when it came to my own big day. The thought of a 200+ guest list and four-tiered cake with all the bells and whistles makes me nervous. Of course now that my fiance Dan and I are less than one month out from the big day, and I have five months of planning under my belt (we got engaged at home this past February), I wholeheartedly understand what everyone meant when they said there’s no such thing as a no fuss wedding! No matter how much I tried to downplay our super long to-do list and not stress and just enjoy the process, truth is it’s been a complete whirlwind and all of the little details quickly blur together.

“The no fuss, non-wedding wedding. That’s what I always

wanted when it came to my own big day.”

Fortunately, my wonderful fiance Danny was on board with all the big picture stuff that mattered the most and made planning much easier: destination, intimate, as laid back as possible, not a show about the two of us, more a celebration of all the people there. He, fortunately, didn’t have strong opinions about most of the pretty details like flowers and hand-lettered envelopes. Lucky for me–that’s the part I had the most fun with!

And now that the wedding is right around the corner and I’ve shared a few sneak peeks on my Instagram with our wedding hashtag #MeetTheSchmiedskis, I wanted to explain more of the thought process of how it all came together here on my favorite wedding blog, Style Me Pretty! We didn’t have a wedding planner so the majority of what our wedding will look like is the outcome of me sourcing inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest and diligent online research on the part of Danny and myself. And like most weddings, we began with the location and venue.

[dotted]

THE VENUE

We both always wanted a destination wedding, but it was Dan who chose Sonoma for our October outdoor nuptials. (Amazing. I know.) The perfect spot considering wine country is one of our favorite places on earth–and really, the Bay Area is a place we hope to move one day. We even talked about it on our first date. I was open to going almost anywhere so long as it could be outside and would offer our guests an amazing vacation opportunity–Glacier National Park, New Orleans, Tulum, Banff… but Dan thought we should get married in the place we hope to live one day. I couldn’t agree more.

We were open to any venue so long as the wedding could be outside (fingers crossed for no rain–no really, please cross them). We looked into dozens of vineyards, national and state parks, farms, hotels–you name it–we called them. But one after the other came in above of our budget. Eventually, we started looking into private homes we found on VRBO and AirBNB that allowed large parties, and one of them–I repeat ONE of them–worked out! Had that not happened, I joke we may have just eloped… but it’s perfect! The whole event will take place in the back yard of a house rental complete with a vineyard view at sunset!

[dotted]

THE VIBE

Overall, we hope the vibe is like that of a lovely backyard dinner party! Almost as though we invited everyone over to our own home for dinner and great music (and a wedding ceremony!). I’ve had the pleasure of attending a few outdoor dinners in the Sonoma area for work and I quickly learned it doesn’t take much to make an alfresco meal feel ultra special there. It’s just so beautiful and the overall energy in wine country is so relaxed. So we want the day to reflect that.

“The meal will be family-style farm-to-table; the wine will

be flowing…simple and magical.”

My hair and make-up will be simple; the meal will be family-style farm-to-table; the wine will be flowing. All of it will be lit by string lights and votives. Simple and magical.

[dotted]

The Florals

Once the location and venue were decided, we (ahem–I) began sorting out the pretty details and vendors (the latter of which was quite easy after spending the past eight years in the blogging and styling business)!

For example, when it came to florals, I knew I wanted to reach out to a friend I had met at the School of Styling two years prior: SF-native, supreme floral wizard, and SMP Real Weddings veteran Natalie Bowen Designs. She’s not only the best, she’s an absolute joy to work with. I sent her a few inspirational images, and that was that!

I knew we weren’t going to do a lot of flowers because fortunately, the venue is so lovely and there is so much greenery with the landscaping and the vineyard that it really doesn’t require much. But I explained to her that the color palette we were going for was simple: muted neutrals. Grey, white, ivory, a whisper of blush pink… so Natalie and team will be creating bouquets for the bridal party, a few small arrangements for tables, and simple but elegant olive branch garlands in lieu of multiple centerpieces. And I have no doubt it will be perfect.

[dotted]

The Paper

The part of the planning I probably had the most fun with and put the most time into was actually the invitations. It was more a fun craft project for me than anything else, and there were a million ideas I found online and loved and could have gone in.

My definite wish list included a hand-drawn map of the Sonoma area done by the talented Holly Hollon (I LOVE maps), hand-lettering done by friend and local artist Jenna Blazevich, an assortment of stamps, and having it all sealed with a wax seal. Two more amazing elements that crept in included a floral crest by Arabella June with our monogram (who I discovered on Instagram!) and beautiful letterpress printing courtesy of the awesome team at Minted. I am so beyond thrilled with how these turned out and cannot wait to show you the finished product (but again–you can see some sneak peeks on Instagram).

I used Arabella’s illustration to create a floral pattern that I then had printed at Kinko’s and I cut into envelope liners. 2 glasses of rose and 45 minutes later and we were in business, stuffing the beautifully lined envelopes. I saw a few guests have the map of Sonoma hanging in their homes! It really was all a work of art.

[dotted]

The Bridesmaids

So oddly enough the bridesmaid dresses took me a while to really hash out a plan, keeping in mind I knew I wanted neutral colors (or at the most, blush). At first, I thought I wanted them all wearing white thinking “ooh how edgy! What a great way to take the focus off me!” Then I randomly clicked on a “Top Wedding Trends of 2016” article and saw that white bridesmaid dresses topped a very short list. Super original, Alaina.

But I still loved the look, so I ended up putting my two maids of honor in white/ivory dresses from BHLDN–they had a ton of great dresses listed in both their bridesmaids and “reception dress” section. It was really important to me that all the girls choose a dress they felt good in–we all have such different body types I know how uncomfortable it can be to have to spend an entire evening wearing something that doesn’t feel good.

“It was really important to me that all the girls choose

a dress they felt good in.”

As for the other three bridesmaids, I basically suggested grey or taupe/beige colors… I just wanted them all to be different. They all ended up getting J.Crew bridesmaid dresses that went on super sale and were very reasonably priced. I haven’t even seen them in them but I did a little photoshop mock-up of the styles they chose and with the bouquets from Natalie Bowen, I have no doubt it will all look beautiful together!

[dotted]

So…that’s that! Feel free to ask any questions about planning a wedding on your own, doing a destination wedding, Sonoma tips, etc. Happy to help! And I’m excited to share my bridal show plus more details in my upcoming posts about where we saved and where we splurged for the wedding! Stay tuned, and be sure to follow along at #MeetTheSchmiedskis

xo, Alaina

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

Hot air balloons are the star of this gorgeous shower. It’s a theme that started with a balloon infused nursery and carried right on through to an Up, Up and Away party. Crafted by Gold Leaf Event Design & Production with images by Melissa Jill Photography, pore through the VAULT for even more including the cutest succulent place cards we’ve ever laid eyes on.

 Danielle’s recently renovated nursery was used as inspiration for her hot air balloon themed shower, hosted by friends at her and her husband’s home in Scottsdale. Gold Leaf Event Design & Production used soft pink, teal, mauve and yellow (mommy to be’s favorite color) throughout floral and decor elements.

Prior to guest’s arrival everyone received the ultimate baby shower invitation; a wooden garden planter, accompanied by packets of Sweet Pea, representing new life and growth in addition to macaroons with a raspberry filling. In a much smaller box guests were directed to crack a hallowed out egg revealing Danielle is having a girl!

 Handmade paper invitations with gold ink listed all shower related information, and everything was wrapped beautifully in cheesecloth, tied together with silk ribbon and laser cut wooden tags individualized with each guest’s name by Paper Birch Designs.

As guests arrived they were greeted by Local Bistro’s friendly catering staff, and an option of sparkling or flat fresh fruit infused water, white wine, or Rosè along with a spread of delicious eats, while they listened to the very talented, Arizona-native Sydney Sprague play guitar and sing all of Danielle and her friend’s favorite tunes. Laser cut hot air balloon “place cards” accompanied mauve succulents, complimenting the desert’s atmosphere perfectly.

Later the women enjoyed a plated, full service lunch including steak salad, truffle mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, grape leafs and hummus… Oh and we must not forget the chocolate and salted caramel cake with vanilla icing for dessert. What a beautiful way to celebrate a new life coming into the world, and to top it all off, it was Mother’s Day!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Photography: Melissa Jill Photography | Florist: Blissful Blooms | Cake: Ruze Cake House | Catering: Local Bistro | Entertainment: Sydney Sprague | Event Design & Coordination: Gold Leaf Event Design & Production | Paper Goods: Paper Birch Designs

As much as I love lounging poolside with a margarita, fall is most definitely my favorite season. Think cozy, hot cocoa sippin’ days, changing leaves and, of course, an entire lineup of fab products from The Registry at Bloomingdale’s making sure you AND your home are autumn ready. From gorgeous decor to fall’s chicest fashion to everything you’ll need for that holiday get-together, it’s time to grab that pumpkin spice latte and say hello to the chillier weather… in style.

Fall is all about being cozy, and what better way to feel all warm and cuddly than spicing up your abode with a few (or more!) new products from The Registry at Bloomingdale’s?  From soft + chic pillows and throws to stunning crystal pumpkins, The Registry at Bloomingdale’s is chock-full of those insanely gorgeous home goods that will take your place to the next level.  Bonus? You can use The Registry at Bloomingdale’s Completion Offer (10-20% off) for all those must-haves that didn’t make it to your gift table on the Big Day.

[dotted]

Did you know?  The Registry at Bloomingdale’s offers you possibilities to live a stylish life in more ways than just the new home you are creating!  You can peruse their never-ending collection of chic + stylish finds for you and the one you love. Think that fab fall coat, booties that really make a statement and the perfect scarf to keep you warm.  You’ll even receive exclusive savings (hello, 20% off in store) on dresses, intimates, fine jewelry, men’s suiting and men’s formal wear.  Need I say more?

[dotted]

Along with the changing leaves and cooler temps comes a long, long list of holiday get-togethers. And if you’re hosting for the first time as newlyweds, put that stress aside and turn to your Personal Registry Consultant at The Registry at Bloomingdale’s to walk you step by step through those holiday must-haves. From the perfect platter to place settings that will WOW to a pretty, pretty tea kettle for those evening nightcaps for your guests, The Registry at Bloomingdale’s will have you hosting like Martha in no time at all… your Personal Registry Consultant will make sure of it.

[dotted]

Visit The Registry at Bloomingdale’s today to begin your journey to that fall-ready home of your dreams. And don’t forget to ask your Personal Registry Consultant about all of the amazing benefits + perks, including honeymoon packages and bridal event invites.  There’s even awesome time saving tools, like a Registry Checklist, Thank You Manager and mobile Big Brown App. We couldn’t love them more, my friends.

[dotted]

Home Decor: 1. Oake Windowpane Throw 2. Simon Pearce Short Pumpkins 3. Juliska Waveney Wicker Round Tray, Gray 4. Michael Aram Palm Candle 5. Donna Karan Calf Hair Decorative Pillow 6. Madura Harmony Decorative Pillow & Insert 7. Brooklyn Lights Company Moroccan Ball String Lights 8. Jaipur Scandinavia Dula Area Rug – Turtledove/Monk’s Robe

Fall Fashion: 1. Hobbs London Levina Trench Coat 2. Splendid Hamptyn Side Cutout Booties 3. Tory Burch Collins Double Wrap Watch 4. Bloomingdale’s Diamond Chevron Stud Earrings 14k Gold 5. Theory Boska Wool-Blend Sweater 6. Burberry Giant Icon Check Cashmere Scarf 7. rag & bone/JEAN The Leggings in Night

Holiday Entertaining: 1. Staub 24 oz. Pumpkin Cocotte 2. Bernardaud Top Dinnerware 3. kate spade new york Malmo Rose Gold Place Setting 4. Juliska Cardinal Ruby Napkin Ring 5. Smeg 7-Cup Kettle 6. Kikkerland Vintage Copper Bottle Opener 7. Lenox Firelight Signature Goblet 8. Michael Aram Palm Serving Tray

With a vision in her head, this Bride called upon Twine Events to help execute all those dreams and turn them into reality… and the results were even better than she could have imagined. Meghan Kay Sadler snapped it all up and Lens and Compass filmed it live, giving us a Vault gallery that leaves us breathless – see it all this way!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/180968308 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride…

What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

My vision for my wedding always focused on the little moments. At the end of the day, we knew it was going to go by so fast so when I thought of the day I would marry the love of my life and best friend of 11 years I imagined walking out the doors and seeing his face. It was so important for us not to see each other before the wedding because we have lived together for so long but this day was different. In our unconventionally wonderful life we have built, we wanted to keep a little tradition and save the first time we saw each other to be when those doors opened and our eyes could meet. When I envisioned my wedding, it was about creating memories. My vision prior to planning was always a nighttime moment. Something about dancing under the stars with white lights was a picture I couldn’t get out of my head. We wanted to get married in nature underneath the stars and after looking at a few places we went to brunch at my dad’s place in the canyon on the way to Malibu in Agoura Hills. Viktor and I walked outside and looked at each other and just knew this was it. This is my father’s home and it’s close to our heart. The fact that it had the space and everything we were hoping for and more made the decision easy. It would give us the opportunity to have a clean palette to play with and make it unique to us. It’s the gift that keeps on giving because we get to go back and stand in the spot we say our “I dos” and it is an amazing feeling.

What was your color palette and your style vision?

The most important thing to us was having our wedding feel like us and nobody else. The scene I pictured was like a vintage fairytale and I got every bit of that and more. We wanted to get married in nature with as much greenery as possible. The backdrop was a creek with white lights and of course, the stars. The color palette was an homage to nature so it was mostly white with some blush and pink for florals and green for the the greenery that accented the menus and invitations. The running themes were floral accents and ferns drawn on custom calligraphied menus stations and printed menus on the tables so the theme of nature and romance flowed through the whole thing. The most important thing to us was that no element felt rented or that it has been seen at another wedding before. Each piece from the chipped picture frames to the exposed long wooden tables (no rounds at all so it didn’t feel like a banquet was important) with no linens made it feel natural and unique. No two votive candle holders looked alike so it felt like each place you looked was a different feel. The wooden tables were so beautiful so we wanted to let them to be seen. Instead of large centerpieces we spanned the long tables with beautiful eucalyptus sprinkled with white florals and placed mismatched votive candles which amped up the romance. We wanted the lighting to be an extension of the stars because we were lucky enough to be away from the city that we could be free from street lights and really be in nature. The stung white lights that spanned the backyard felt like an extension of the sky and really tied that romantic feeling together.

What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

I decided to have my dress and veil made because there were elements I wanted that I could not find elsewhere. I had them made separately to go with the mismatched feel and it worked out amazing. The dress was lace with a very low neckline that made it feel unique to itself. The tulle at the bottom gave it that bridal element but the different colors of tulle underneath made it still feel… me. The music choices for the wedding were anything but conventional. Instead of tradition wedding music we decided to celebrate our day with songs that we loved instead. The groom and family walked down the aisle to “Delicate” by Damien Rice and I walked down the aisle to the acoustic version of “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran. The unique elements were the vintage suitcases sprinkled around the backyard and vintage couch and love seats we used for a seating area. We leaned a converted chipped green and white door to hold our keys with hand calligraphy names on them for our escort cards. They paired well with the custom doorknob table numbers so it had a cute lock and key theme. The place cards were vintage bottles with tea stained calligraphy tags on them. Inside the bottles were hand picked lavender sprigs to give it a nice touch. The bars and food stations were all themed (Mediterranean, seafood with sushi.. yum!, and a pasta station where someone would make it just to to their liking) with vintage mirrors propped against them with the menu items written in custom calligraphy to give it a unique feel. The two thing that people loved were the whiskey and cigar bar, and the s’mores bar. The cigar and whiskey bar was on the deck overlooking the creek with decanters and hand picked whiskey that my husband thought the guests would love to try. They sat in vintage smoking chairs and enjoyed the cigars and just got a little man time. The s’mores bar was amazing because we opted for a true fire pit to give it that outdoor nature feeling. People left their diets at the door and relished in the childhood treat. It allowed people who didn’t know each other to laugh and connect with something fun.

What was your favorite moment? Your favorite crafted detail?

My favorite moment was the moment right before I walked down the aisle. When my dad and I just stood in quiet after everyone else had walked down. I saw my little ring bearer dragging the custom sign we made that said “here comes your bride” (intended for my husband to see). That’s the moment I remember. My dad and I having a good laugh at the planned moment that didn’t go as planned and that’s what made it so amazing. He literally dragged the sign down in the cutest bow tie and suspender outfit and you know what? I’m so happy it happened that way. Those are the moments that make a wedding.

Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc.

My bouquet was natural and romantic. It contained ivory, blush, and soft pink accent florals to differentiate from the bridesmaids who had all ivory. They were tied with natural cotton ribbon (blush for the bride and ivory for the bridesmaids). Instead of perfectly formed centerpieces we did bud vises everywhere – from the bars to the sign in table… everywhere. They made the place feel whimsical and romantic. Eucalyptus lined the long wooden tables. Eucalyptus also framed the arch we got married under which was wrapped with twigs and accented with greenery and white flowers.

My gown was so special to me because I had it made and loved being a part of the process. Being able to go back each time and make little adjustments was so exciting and the final piece made me feel so proud to see it all come together. I love that I didn’t wear what everyone expected me to wear and was true to myself. The veil was something I didn’t know I would care so much about until I tried on the first one. It is what made me feel like a bride so I knew mine had to be dramatic and unique. The woman who made it (separate from the dress) captured my vison perfectly and sprinkled a waterfall of flowers cascading down. It was beyond special.

The favors were custom DIY s’mores boxes that my bridesmaids and I made a night of while finishing quite a bit of champagne. They were placed in brown boxes wrapped with twine that had tags that said “s’more love” and our wedding date. Inside were a variety of dark and milk chocolates with cinnamon graham cracker cookies and jumbo marshmallows. It was a nice way to tie in the s’mores bar.

We wanted the wedding cake to be more about taste than just something to look at so we opted for 3-tiered where the top and bottom was cream cheese icing and strawberry shortcake while the middle was Nutella and almond. The guests loved the unique flavors and I think it was a nice break from the expected. The cake decoration itself was a simple white buttercream. It was so beautiful and naturally draped with real florals on a vintage cake stand. The cake rested on a vintage dresser and adorned with eucalyptus and votive candles.

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

Prior to planning my focus was on finding people who understood us. Of course I initially contacted them based on their portfolio or recommendation of a friend but if we didn’t click we knew it didn’t work for us. We wanted the planning process to be enjoyable and didn’t want to be one of those couples who felt so stressed through the process. So, if they made us laugh or felt like old friends we went with that vender over someone else. That is my greatest piece of advice to any bride. They made my day and I never felt for a minute that I had to check on things because they had my best interest in mind on the big day. I still stay in contact because they mean a lot to me and I have every moment of my day to thank them for. They brought my vision to life and I never felt like my wedding was just another job for them. They made it unique in every sense of the word. Go with your gut… not with the most expensive or who someone else said was the best.

Photography: Meghan Kay Sadler | Videography: Lens and Compass | Event Planning: Twine Events | Floral Design: Olive & Blooms | Wedding Dress: R-Mine Bespoke | Cake: Sweet Escape Cakes | Invitations: Aerialist Press | Catering: Monrose Catering | Calligraphy: Angelique Ink | DJ: J.P. McLeod | Officiant: Officiant Eric | Venue: Private Home, Agoura Hills | Rentals: Smart Party Rentals | Ribbon: Tono Co | Veil: Julie Harris Designs | Vintage Rentals: Vintage Owl Rentals

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

If there ever was an award for a couple that chose a totally unique venue, then Clara and Tim would absolutely win it. For the venue they chose for their colorful and modern celebration was none other than an old smog check center (I mean, how unique is that?!)! It’s a day that’s both contemporary and crazy chic and thankfully Ether & Smith has captured it all in The Vault.

[iframe https://player.vimeo.com/video/183565507 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… One can find love in a lot of places- ours just happened to be in the library memorizing the brand and generic names for the Top 100 Drugs. Tim and I met in USC School of Pharmacy back in 2009. One would think having two meticulous pharmacists plan a wedding could be either a gift or a curse- but one thing was for certain, every little detail of the wedding would not go untouched.

One of the biggest challenges was picking a venue we both equally loved and that represented us as a couple. Tim is your typical guy who loves cars, racing, and video games, while I am your typical girly girl who loves all things bright, sparkly, and pink. We were lucky enough to find SmogShoppe, a gem hidden in the heart of Culver City. It used to be an old smog check center in to 80’s, so it still has old car parts hanging on the walls and bits and bobs from its past life. Tim loved the fact that the reception would be inside of a garage. In addition to the industrial feel, the massive succulent walls and seas of green added a secret garden feel that I loved. Although the venue was beautiful as is, I wanted to add splashes of bright color and Milieu Florals went above and beyond in creating the most beautiful arrangements using all of my favorite flowers.

Since details were very important to us, we wanted someone on our team who thought so as well. We were so blessed to have had the privilege to work with the amazingly talented Catherine Leo (from CCL Weddings) who was our biggest cheerleader throughout the whole wedding planning process. Although there are tons of great inspiration on Pinterest and on various wedding blogs, Cat constantly challenged us to take those ideas and make them our own. For example, we named our signature drinks after prescription drug names, put a silhouette of our dog on our cocktail stirrers, and custom made car air fresheners that doubled as our escort cards/gift for the guests with the phrase “Love is in the Air”.

If Tim and I had to choose one thing to eat for the rest of our lives, it would definitely be oysters on the half shell. So it only made sense to have an oyster bar during cocktail hour for our guests to enjoy our favorite food. Hungry Bear Catering made our dream a reality by shucking three different kinds of oysters and serving them along side three delicious sauces. Not only is their food hands down THE BEST catering we’ve ever had (and we’re not just being biased- till this day our guests still RAVE about our food!), their presentation and plating is equally as stunning.

Our favorite moment of the wedding was when the entire wedding party was gathered in the bridal suite as cocktail hour was about to begin. The bridal suite was an open loft so we were able to look down into the crowd and see the faces of all our loved ones gathered together in one place to celebrate our love story. Tim and I just looked at each other and smiled, and knew we were the luckiest couple in the world to have such loving, supportive, and inspirational people in our lives. Surrounded by our family, friends, and vendors who we’ve grown attached to throughout the year, we definitely felt that love was in the air.

Photography: Ether & Smith | Cinematography: David Rho | Floral Design: Milieu Florals | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Cake: M Cakes Sweets | Invitations: Small Paper Co. | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal | Catering: Hungry Bear | Hair + Makeup: Kelly Zhang | DJ: Miss DJ Bliss | Ties: The Tie Bar | Venue: SmogShoppe | Air Fresheners: Make My Freshener | Alcohol: Sunseri's | Event Design + Event Coordinator: CCL Weddings & Events | Ice Cream: A La Minute | MC: ProKreation/Paul Kim | Men's Socks: Happy Socks | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Modest Peach | Rentals: borrowed BLU | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Slo-mo Booth: A Little Scene | Veil + Sash: Untamed Petals by Amanda Judge

These two cuties didn’t plan for a Halloween wedding, but when October 31st was the only date that worked, they embraced it whole-heartedly.  The results? Absolutely stunning. From the lush florals from TODD Events to the soft, romantic color palette, this is a day that proves Halloween celebrations don’t have to be even the least bit spooky.  Press play on the film by Marc Roberts below, then spend some time perusing the perfectly captured moments by Shaun Menary in THE VAULT.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/160045589 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From The Bride…We didn’t mean for our wedding to be on Halloween night, but that was the only available day in October for all of our vendors, so we went for it. We’re so glad we did! Having our wedding on Halloween added so much fun and festivity to the whole event. Everyone changed into costumes for the reception, we had fake skeletons at the dinner tables, and we ended the night doing a waltz as Cinderella and Prince Charming, followed by a getaway where we got covered in silly string by our guests! It was definitely a night to remember.

For design, I really wanted my wedding to be organic, natural and timeless. I’ve always loved wild flowers and Todd Events did an incredible job incorporating that look into all of our florals. Gray pumpkins added a tasteful touch of fall, and soft neutrals (greens, whites, grays) with hints of blue and coral made everything classy but still fun.

Overall, we just wanted our wedding to show our personality. That’s my biggest advice to brides. Whatever your passions, quirks and gifts are as a couple, incorporate those into your special day. Don’t be afraid to be unique and think through all of the details. A few examples: my husband loves dinosaurs, so I surprised him by having our baker make bride and groom T-Rex’s for the groom’s cake topper. He loved it! We’re both very family-oriented, so instead of a Maid of Honor, I had my two brothers as Men of Honor. One of my brothers co-officiated the ceremony as well. Lastly, we’re both huge lovers of food and wine, so we created a wine pairing dinner menu for our reception. We just wanted everyone to share in our passions that night.

Photography: Shaun Menary Photography | Cinematography: Marc Roberts Videography | Floral Design: Todd Events | Wedding Dress: Nardos Design, Dallas Texas | Cake: Fancy Cakes By Lauren | Bride's Shoes: Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon | Rings: Lyles-DeGrazier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Nordstrom | Catering: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara | Hair + Makeup: Beauty And The Blush | Band: Party Crashers | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara | Bridal Boutique - Bridesmaids' Dresses: Nordstrom | Cotton Candy: Make Your Life Sweeter | Event Design + Coordination: Todd Events | Invitations + Stationery: Socially Write | Reception Dress: Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon | Rentals: Todd Events

What do you get when you bring the glamour of “Great Gatsby” to Orange Beach, Alabama? You get this gorgeous wedding photographed by Christian Oth Studio. With no shortage of great fashion moments and a puppy that’ll make you squeal, there’s more than enough reason to head straight to The Vault.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

I wanted Great Gatsby meets the South while playing Zydeco. Palmer was born in Natchez Mississippi and I was born in Monroe, Louisiana but raised in Baton Rouge while calling Lafayette home so there’s a lot of culture in that mix!

What was your color palette and your style vision?

I used different shades of blue but really just used the nature and natural surroundings of the water and trees. We have been incredibly lucky to have an amazing florist and caterer that I’ve known since I was 5 that I call family and they knew every vision and made it come alive.

What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

We designed and put together all of ours save the dates with 4 coasters that had the date, our initials, his favorite drink, and my favorite drink as well as Jack Daniels and Maccalen Scotch and stirrers with our initials on them.

What was your favorite moment? Your favorite crafted detail?

I absolutely loved our go away on the boat with fireworks going off the background but if I had to say my most favorite it would have to be the actual ceremony. Everyone told me to keep my pup locked up for the ceremony but as I was leaving my bedroom I decided to let him out and he was the perfect addition while we were saying our vows. He definitely thought the entire wedding was for him.

Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc.

One of my bridesmaids and dearest friends made her famous chocolate fudge and caramel. My sister also had linen bags made with our initials that people put lavender into throw as we left. Our cake was absolutely stunning! My gown was the perfect amount of glam without being too over the top for a beach wedding. The flowers and food were insanely elegant and still made you feel like you weren’t in a home that had been recreated and redone for the event but that you were in a home that was loved and filled with deliciousness and fab floral arrangements. As the night went on we had tambourines that lit up that ended up being a huge hit.

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

Have a wedding planner! I am a control freak which I never realized until planning a wedding and she made sure that things that went wrong weren’t things I would ever ever ever know about. EVER. Also, enjoy it when it comes because it happens fast.

Photography: Christian Oth Studio | Cinematography: Sweet Tea Media | Event Planning: Leslie Campbell | Floral Design: Lance Hayes Flowers | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Flour Power | Catering: Margo E. Bouanchaud | Band: Party On The Moon | Tent Rentals: Blue Rents

Surprisingly (with all of the baking and cooking I like to do), one thing I’ve never made is my own granola. Yet I eat it alll the time. Well, that changes today friends. Brittany of Life, Set, Sail has me convinced I need to be making my own from now on. And bonus? It only takes about 15 minutes. That’s my kind of homemade granola. Once you’re done drooling over the images captured by Justine Milton, get the recipe below!

From Brittany Messner of Life, Set, Sail… For all you like minded people that enjoy making healthy food at home (without sacrificing taste), you are going to love this granola recipe! As someone who’s eaten a lot of oats in her lifetime (seriously my dad thought that I had serious issues as a teenager), I am a (self-proclaimed) expert when it comes to ingredient combinations, cook times, and pretty much anything oat related…should I put this on my resumé or what? The best part about this recipe, aside from it being absolutely delicious, is that it only takes 15 minutes to make from start to finish. Now if you’ve ever made granola before you will know that most recipes call for at least an hour cook time with a watchful eye and stirring or turning multiple times though out the whole process…it’s enough for me to never want to make granola again. So let’s just cut to the chase shall we?

Melissa Baran15-Minute Granola

prep time 10 Minute/s

cook time 5 Minute/s

total time 15 Minute/s

Serves 0Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed almonds
• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. At this time I like to pop my coconut oil into the oven to melt (I don’t own a microwave).
2. Crush your almonds with a food processor or, if you want to have a lot of noisy fun, bash them while still in the bag with a solid object (I use the back of an ice-cream scoop, it’s a great stress reliever).
3. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
4. Once your coconut oil is melted, add in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
5. When your liquids are properly combined, add to dry ingredients, mixing until the oats are throughly coated.
6. Spread out mixture onto two baking sheets and pop into oven for 5 minutes.
7. Take out, give them a toss and stick back in the oven for another 5 minutes. You can transfer your granola to some wax paper (in an even layer) to cool, but I just leave it on the baking sheets because I’m lazy like that and it seems to work fine.
8. When the granola is cooled, store in an airtight container or jar.

This recipe is so easy to make your own… replace coconut oil, sweetener, and toppings to whatever alternative you prefer (vegetable oil, agave syrup or honey etc.), it’s so versatile! I like my granola on top of a good plain greek yogurt (none of this non-fat nonsense). It’s a great quick and healthy breakfast or snack that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. What more could you want?

[dotted]

For those days you don’t feel like eating healthy…

[dotted]

See all recipes here!

Photography: Justine Milton Photography | Recipe: Brittany Messner

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

Justine Milton Photography

View Portfolio

Two dapper gentlemen, a romantic chateau in the South of France. A royal blue carpet aisle from the front door to the gardens and a dance floor that was never empty. It’s a perfect recipe for a wedding to remember thanks to Et Voila Weddings and luckily AIRSNAP filmed it all for us to enjoy – and not forget!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/136627722 600 338]

From Et Voila Weddings… James and Andrew got married on the 25th of July 2015 in the South of France. Andrew proposed to James in Paris in July two years ago and that is why they chose France and a July date for their wedding.

Their brief to us was that they wanted an elegant affair with a very relaxed feel, great food and wines, and a crazy party!

The venue: Chateau de Robernier was the perfect venue for them: it has the wow factor but provides an intimate environment with contained outdoor spaces and fairly small rooms inside. Also the couple wanted to indulge their guests with a bit of luxury and the Chateau was providing just that.

Colour scheme: James is an interior designer (James Gostelow Interiors) so he had a very clear view of the look and feel he was after for his wedding. The couple chose their favourite colour, blue, as the main colour of the day. We incorporated this in the flowers, the table linen and a 200m long royal blue carpet aisle running from the Chateau door to the bottom of the gardens. We incorporated also white and silver to make it elegant yet simple.

Flowers were kept simple for ceremony as the Chateau and its views spoke for themselves. For ceremony: big arrangements of gypsophila inside the Chateau’s medicis vases. For cocktails reception: hydrangea, lisianthus and eucalyptus in stone vases to suit the surroundings. For dinner: hydrangea, delphinium, roses and gypsophila.

Feel and special touches: James and Andrew wanted their wedding to feel intimate and to make every guest feel special. At ceremony all the guests who had a reserved seat had an envelope attached to their chair with a personal note inside. On the ceremony piano were frames (lots of them!) with photos of the grooms and their family and friends. After the ceremony the grooms had a congratulation line allowing them to see and greet each guest. On the escort cards the grooms included a little “nickname” for each guest, be it a shared memory or a private joke. As a guest was celebrating her birthday that day we organized a birthday cake brought with candles and to a music that brought back a special memory shared with the grooms.

Cake: The wedding cake was a traditional French cake with choux a la crème. It had it own entrance with sparklers and music!

Favours were olive oil bottles purchased from the mill down the road. A sign next to it said “Love is gold, please take one”.

The order of the day: The grooms invited their guests one hour before the ceremony so they could be greeted with champagne and ice cream. We had organized some garden games to entertain them and set the tone of the day. Ceremony started at 6pm on the terrace of the Chateau. As soon as everyone was seated the grooms and their party emerged from the bottom of the gardens, walking on the blue aisle, to the Glasgow Theme from Love Actually. During the certificate signing the singer and pianist performed “A Thousand Years” from Christina Perri. After ceremony the guests were served drinks and canapés in the gardens. They were then invited on the Chateau terrace for a group photo and a very special royal kiss.
The grooms had a sparkler entrance in the dinner courtyard and got everyone to dance straight away!

Details: The grooms had a balcony kiss on of of the Chateau’s balconies, followed by a bouquet toss! As the grooms wanted a fun evening they had dancing between dishes. The escort cards were tied to mirror balls to give the guests a hint of what was coming next. The top table was linked to the band’s stage so the singer and musicians could walk, get on it and perform on the table, which made the guests go crazy! A bracelet that says “Will you?” and a Paris date is a bracelet Andrew gave James as a reminder of his proposal.

Outfits: Gucci and Richard James was worn by James, purchased from Paris and London. Andrew was wearing Ralph Lauren from London. The bridesmaids wore navy blue, silk Armani knee length dresses. Shoes by Paul Smith.

Favourite moments: The ceremony, the dinner sparkler entrance on “Diamond” by Rihanna, and dancing during dinner. It really surprised the guests who at some point did not want to go back to their tables and stayed on the dance floor!

Advice from James and Andrew to couples still planning their big day? Go with your heart, and don’t take it too seriously!

Photography: Robby & Marina (Capyture) | Videography: AIRSNAP | Event Planning: Et Voila Weddings | Floral Design: Big Day - Design Studio | Stationery: Seven Swans | Celebrant: Anne Naylor | Wedding Venue: Chateau De Robernier | Live Band: G Star events

October is one of our favorite months here at Style Me Pretty. And not because of the pumpkin spice everything, sweater weather, or even the fact that it’s time for Bridal Week. No, we love October because it’s the official month of all things pink (a.k.a. Breast Cancer Awareness Month). So for the next 31 days, we’ll be bringing you a bevy of pretty pink inspiration with #SMPThinksPink, starting with these gorgeous dresses. P.S. Want your own pink dream? Head to Kleinfeld, where they’ll be donating five percent of their dress purchases this month to Memorial Sloan Kettering for breast cancer research!

Pretty in Pink Wedding Dresses

View Slideshow

Pretty in Pink Wedding Dresses

View Slideshow

[dotted]

More Pretty in Pink Inspiration

Gorgeous Pink Bouquets | Delicious Pink Drinks | Beautiful Blush Details

When planning my wedding, I loved searching for just the right pieces of decor to deck our tables and bring my vision to life. But finding those missing pieces of your pretty puzzle isn’t always easy. Design studio and online shop esselle SF is here to help with advice on sourcing those stylish add-ons for your special day – read on and check out their chic site; you may find just what you’ve been looking for!

1. Know Your Venue

Sourcing the most suitable decor and details will be much easier if you know the parameters of the space as well as what is allowed. For example, many venues do not allow candles with an open flame, so know that information can help you avoid having to purchase and then return. Some reception and ceremony sites may have a strong breeze that can blow away anything that doesn’t weigh much. Make sure whatever table top items you are using can stand up to any wind and weather variations.

2. Inquire Pricing Options

Find out if a store offers trade discounts and/or bulk pricing prior to purchasing. Esselle gives a trade discount as well as a discount on bulk orders, so be sure to take advantage of these type of savings. Keep in mind that often times your florist are the people who supply tabletop decor, such as centerpiece vessels, or candle holders. He/she may get better deals through large wedding decor shops such as Accent Decor or Cultural Intrigue.

3. Plan Accordingly With Timing

If you have a full-service wedding planner, this may not be a big deal as he/she should have a tentative schedule of when to make decor purchases. If you don’t have a planner, definitely keep a reasonable timeline to source and place orders. Ideally we suggest checking 2-3 months prior to the big date to confirm if all the decor you need are in fact in stock and ready to ship. If an order requires production time, be sure to reach out to vendors for an estimated turnaround time.

4. Be Super Specific When Searching

Whether you are using Pinterest, Google, Etsy, or Instagram for searching for the finishing touches for your wedding design, using specific keywords or hashtags may yield more unique decor companies than big box stores which dominate popular key words. After distinguishing the look and feel of your wedding, use as many of those descriptive adjectives in your product search.

5. Double Duty

Get more value out of your purchase by sourcing products that have the versatility to be used in your home after the wedding. For example we have place card holders that also doubles as photo/art print holders!

6. Check Stationery + Signage Sizes

When applicable, ask your stationery designer signage dimensions and paper weight. A typical place card holder may hold up to 80#-110# cover stock while very few on the market can hold up to 265# or more. You don’t want to set your heart on a cardholder style only to find out later that it can’t hold the signage properly!

Wedding Details that Pull Double Duty

View Slideshow

Wedding Details that Pull Double Duty

View Slideshow

ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…  

Wayfair Registry Event in NYC Oct. 4th + Giveaway
Skillshare
Animoto
Nambe 
The Registry at Bloomingdale’s Trip to Vermont with Simon Pearce

We’re excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don’t miss out!

THIS WEEK’S DISCOUNTS…

For our California Brides… Discounts from The Ranch at Laguna Beach and Weddings by Susan Dunne, and a giveaway from The Heritage House Resort & Spa!

For our Destination Brides… Discount from Hitch’d Weddings & Events

For our Southwest Brides… Don’t miss upcoming trunk shows at Lovely’s in Dallas, Phoenix and Houston!

For our New England Brides.. Discount from Long’s Jewelers

For our Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design, giveaways from NST Pictures, OLLI STUDIO, and Craig Paulson Photography, and don’t miss the Designer Loft Aire Barcelona Trunk Show Oct. 7th – 9th and Oct. 14th – 16th!

Wedding Decor Advice: esselle SF

We first met Jamie and Alex with their Venice engagement session that left us with a serious case of wanderlust. Luckily they brought that same sense of Italian charm to their San Diego wedding at the incredible Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The pros behind Thecablookfotolab and Audrey Alba Films captured the must-see gallery (and film below!) guaranteed to start your weekend off just right.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/176893052 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From The Bride…We wanted to get married in Italy, but found an amazing venue closer to home that was even better, because it felt like a million miles away, but was actually in our hometown!

In planning the wedding, we were aiming for an effortless, yet elegant, vibe. We think our vendors hit it out of the park!

From Blanc Floral Design…Within the first fifteen minutes of meeting the Jamie, I felt a strong connection and knew that working with her would be a wonderful experience that would lead to a beautiful wedding day for her, her fiancée, and their guests.

Prior to our first meeting, their June date had been set and the Grand Del Mar had been selected as the venue for their wedding and reception. It is a beautiful, spacious resort – the landscape and architecture romantically evoke a visit to a European village near the Mediterranean coast. 

We decided to capitalize on the venue’s qualities and have her wedding and reception feel as though they were held at a Mediterranean villa surrounded by ornamental gardens. The bride and groom were wed under a gazebo into which a custom-made chuppah was built. We added lace and draped her father tallis for a personal touch.

The color palette consisted of ivory, blush, mauve, and burgundy. For florals, dark fruits such as cherries, plums, and grapes were integrated to add volume, color intensity, and lushness. Arrangements were placed in weathered gray urns which were sourced on a visit to New York. For the reception, guests enjoyed the night dining al fresco at long communal tables from Stecklair Events. Strings of market lights were suspended to provide soft, warm illumination. Custom burgundy napkins, woven by artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico contributed dramatic color and texture to the natural-feeling tablescape. At each place setting, a sprig of rosemary brought a touch of green and further elicited the Mediterranean.

To provide the event with a cohesive identity, graphic elements were designed and applied to a wide range of collaterals including welcome baskets for hotel guests, menus, place cards, and – the bride’s favorite – a backdrop for the wedding cake table (which the couple loved so much, it now sits in their home). All our efforts for this wedding were done with admiration for the sweet, beautiful couple and we are honored that they trusted us to design it.

Photography: Thecablookfotolab | Cinematography: Audrey Alba Films | Coordination: To La Lune Events | Event Design: Blanc Floral Design | Floral Design: Blanc Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Tulle New York | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair + Makeup: Blo Blow Dry Bar | Calligraphy: Swash and Spur | Band: Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment | Venue: Fairmont Grand Del Mar | Lazer Cut Elements: Minnie Graber | Photo Booth: Flickwell | Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Stecklair Events

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

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

Want to say “I do” in total style? We feel you. And so does our fave jewelry designer, Kendra Scott. Her collection of seriously stunning bridal pieces is everything you’ll ever need to make a statement on your Big Day, from intricately designed earrings to chic bracelets to fab necklaces that you’ll wear long after the celebration is over. It honestly doesn’t get any prettier… or more timeless.

Tie the Knot with Kendra Scott

View Slideshow

Tie the Knot with Kendra Scott

View Slideshow

[dotted]

Whether you’re saying “I do” on the beaches of Cancun or tying the knot in a chic garden party fit for a princess, Kendra Scott’s lineup of lovely has something that is right for you and your moment. Think stunning bridal + bridesmaid jewelry and gorgeous thank you gifts all featuring Kendra’s insane eye for detail with that classic meets modern look that you’ll be pulling out of your jewelry chest time and time again. There’s even a Color Bar which allows you to design your own jewelry to match your palette perfectly. Yes, I just said that… and it’s as awesome as you can imagine.

Visit Kendra Scott today to begin piecing together your look for your engagement party, wedding day, bridal luncheon… and beyond.  And make sure to share your works of art on Instagram with #TieTheKnotInKS, so we can see all the pretty. (We can’t wait.)