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

A Genius Excuse to Throw Yourself A Pretty Party

House warming parties are a genius excuse to break in the new pad. And any reason to throw a lovely get-together is 100% ok in our book. Send out that invite, pick up some fresh blooms and a great bottle of rosé and you’re practically ready. Read on as The Romanticist Studios + Corporate Glitter and Annmarie Swift Photography share some great tips for throwing your first party in your new home.

After you’ve been showered with gifts and well wishes to start your new married life, celebrated your day, and return home—and maybe even gotten used to being a “Mrs.”—you’re ready to break out all your fabulous registry gifts and share them with your loved ones!

Hosting a dinner party is a newlywed rite of passage. You’re starting to develop your style as a couple. Are you chill hosts who invite people over spur-of-the-moment because you found something delicious at the local farmer’s market? Are you formal hosts who most enjoy throwing elaborate holiday and event parties? Or are you somewhere in-between?

Show your favorite people your love through fresh flowers, handcrafted details, and a bright, inviting atmosphere. Roberta from The Romanticist Studios got creative with an already-beloved artisan coffee maker by repurposing it as a vase filled with beautiful flowers from FiveFork Farms.

Our hostess Katelyn from Corporate Glitter lovingly set the table with new cups from Myrth ceramics, gorgeous napkins from The Everyday Co. and inviting calligraphy goods from Jenny at Leveret & Hare – all made locally here in Boston! She then poured herself a fun summer cocktail and eagerly awaited her guests!

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For All Your Entertaining Needs…

10 Summer Serving Pieces for the Hostess with the Mostess
The Ultimate Wine Tasting Guide (Clink, Clink)
5 Rules to Achieve Perfect Party Host Status

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Elegant Bohemian Chic Wedding by Craig Paulson Photography

Craig Paulson Photography just gets it. Case in point? His captures from Bess and Christian’s stunning celebration that took place at a restore farmhouse in Pennsylvania. Documenting every sweet kiss, first look, and awe-inspiring moment, it’s safe to say that every. single. shot. from their Big Day is frame-worthy, and we’ve every bit of pretty sitting in The Vault!

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Spring Weddings

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Rustic Weddings

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Bohemian

From Craig Paulson Photography… Bess & Christian wanted their wedding to be low key and just with their family and a few best friends. They had recently purchased a GORGEOUS farm in Pennsylvania and worked hard to restore it for their wedding the next summer. With help of 5th Avenue weddings, Bess was able to create her dream day at home, complete with a Karen Willis Holmes gown, fresh spring florals and a host of dogs to help spread the good energy.

Photography: Craig Paulson Photography | Wedding Dress: Karen Willis Holmes | Venue: Private Estate | Event Design + Coordination: 5th Avenue Weddings

Celebrate Your Dream Day at the Historic Rengstorff House

If there’s one thing I love more than a beautiful wedding, it’s a beautiful wedding at a stunning historical home. Enter the Rengstorff House, a little slice of nuptial heaven that also happens to be the oldest home in Mountain View. Think breathtaking chandeliers, Victorian plaster rosettes and gorgeous manicured lawns. The wedding of a lifetime? It’s happening here, loves.

Originally built in 1867, the Rengstorff House was completely restored in 1991 with some of the prettiest details you will ever lay your eyes upon – from the gorgeous Eastlake furniture to the lush gardens surrounding the property to the awesome restored windmill that makes for some crazy cool First Look photos. So whether you’re planning a small, intimate ceremony for 50 or a more elaborate celebration for 150 of your closest friends and family, the Rengstorff House’s amazing indoor-outdoor spaces will most definitely wow you AND your guests. They even have a list of pre-approved vendors that will make the entire event run oh-so-smoothly. And you know we absolutely love that.

Ready to plan your Big Day at THE place that will make all of your dreams come true? Contact the Rengstorff House today to schedule a visit or stop by for one of their free docent-led tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and on Sundays from 1:00 pm — 4:00 pm to soak in every last bit of gorgeousness. And don’t forget to check out the City of Mountain View website here for a complete rental packet and info on availability. 2017 is filling up fast, so don’t wait a minute… trust us, you won’t regret it for a single second.

Photography: Anna Wu Photography | Photography: Erica B Photography | Photography: Sorella Muse | Photography: Whittaker Portraits | Historic Home: Rengstorff House

5 Effortlessly Sexy Hairstyles for Moms

When I eventually become a mom, I am determined to never chop my hair off just because it’s easier. Because sexy is still SO do-able after baby and these five hairstyles prove it, from beach waves to soft side braids. Case in point, four of these five styles are modeled by my boss lady, Abby, who happens to be a beautiful mama of three. Get the tutorials here!

5 Effortlessly Sexy Hairstyles for Moms

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5 Effortlessly Sexy Hairstyles for Moms

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10 Real Mom Secrets on Returning To Work After Maternity Leave

Not Your Average Warehouse Wedding

Oh, how I love a couple who thinks outside the box. No surprise, the bride is the owner of an amazing online art gallery and that love of aesthetics perfectly translated to the wedding day. Think mismatched chairs, an asymmetrical ceremony arch, cheeky paper goods, and a warehouse setting with an industrial vibe. Kate Ignatowski photographed and we’re totally obsessed.

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Spring Weddings

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Classic Weddings

From Kate Ignatowski… Tze is the owner and founder of Uprise Art, an online art gallery based in New York City. So I wasn’t surprised at all to see her bring the same creativity and attention to detail to her wedding as she does her business. She especially spent a lot of time personalizing her paper suite, which included “west” and “east” coasters since her and Geoff are from opposite coasts.

The space itself was full of character, from the mismatched ceremony chairs to all the unique nooks and crannies. The asymmetrical ceremony arch full of white flowers and greenery added a softness to the industrial space. And the reception tables were set up to take full advantage of the grand space. Long tables were decorated with white florals, greenery and neutral runners. And Tze took especially great care in the cake toppers, which she hand painted and picked out to be proportional to her and Geoff’s significant height difference!

Upon their entrance, Tze and Geoff entertained their guests with an Argentine tango dance. Tze is a long time dancer and owner of a dance company in NYC, but, after months of practicing, Geoff’s ability delighted everyone! It was a wonderful day and I felt so lucky to be there capturing it all.

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

Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

Spring 2016

Blush by Hayley Paige

Hayley Paige Occasions

Fall 2016

Spring 2017

Blush by Haley Paige

Spring 2018

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Tour a Home that Balances Modern + Classic Design Like a Boss

Jacquelyn Clark, the wildly talented interior designer behind Lark & Linen, may be part of the SMP extended fam, but one peek at her latest design project, and you’ll fall in love, relative or not. It’s a home wrapped in blues + layered with a bit of modern and a touch of classic. And the wallpaper game? Strong, very strong. Tour this pretty space captured by Heidi Lau with even more in the VAULT.

As an interior designer, one of the best things that can happen to you is to land a really great client.

Not only does the project tend to go off without a hitch, but it always garners the most beautiful results. I coined this project as #LLProjectDreamClient for that very reason. These clients have been nothing short of a dream the whole way through, and the results right here are proof.

When they first hired me on, their home was a step up from builder-basic, but was still lacking in its execution. It boasted pretty mouldings, and stunning barnwood floors, but the rest was lackluster at best.

With the exception of the mint green sectional (which is, I might add, dangerously comfortable), their existing items consisted of pieces they had haphazardly collected over the years, and, lucky for me, they weren’t tied to a thing.

As a young family, with two adorable little kids, we knew from the get-go we wanted to infuse some light into the space, and make their entire home wow-worthy from the moment you walked in.

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In the mood to pin? Peruse the rest of our home tours!

A Santa Barbara Wedding That Epitomizes California Cool

I dream of saying “I do” in Santa Barbara — the breathtaking views and laid-back California vibe makes it the perfect spot for any dream wedding. And let me tell you, Kristen and John’s ceremony on the bluffs and al fresco reception definitely qualifies as a dream wedding, especially with Michael + Anna Costa Photography there to capture it all. Head to The Vault for all the pretty!

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Summer Weddings

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Outdoor Weddings Rustic Weddings

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Al Fresco

From the Bride & Groom…Even though we live in San Francisco, we had our hearts set on marrying in Santa Barbara, the place we met over ten years ago. Once we stepped on the property of Dos Pueblos Ranch we fell in love and wanted to maximize the incredible location. We opted for a first look, which took place in a rustic green house. Then the celebrations started with exchanging our personally written vows on the ocean bluff before proceeding to the lawn on the beach for delicious signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Guests were then transported to the fig tree enclosed lawn behind the Casa Grande for the reception which kicked off with Kristen’s favorite food, cheese, as the “salad” course. During the night, guests overwhelmingly elected to enjoy cocktails over wine on the unseasonably warm evening which naturally resulted in a packed dance floor. We decided to forego a large cake and served some of our favorite desserts including salted caramel pot de crème, cheesecake bites and a selection of homemade cookies. However, we did cut a small cake made by the same family friend who made the cookies. The amazing day ended with late night snacks before guests were treated with a favor of homemade jam, made with love by John’s mom.

What Your Zodiac Sign Reveals About Your Interior Design Style

We’ve looked to the stars for your perfect engagement ring, the most gorgeous wedding dress and, your dream wedding style and your ideal honeymoon. Now, we’re looking to the future and consulting the stars for your newlywed home. We’re breaking down the interior design style best suited to your sign and giving you the items you need in your registry ASAP to get the look!

How to Decorate for Your Zodiac Sign

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How to Decorate for Your Zodiac Sign

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The Smart Bride + Groom’s Guide to Wedding Registries

Wedding Registry ABCs | Unique Registry Ideas | 10 Must-Have Registry Items

7 Summery Selfies to Post on Instagram

Let’s face it, the same old selfies get pretty boring over and over again. Unless you’re a fashion blogger with a fab new outfit or an adorbs baby (who could get sick of baby selfies?! Not I!). But thankfully summer provides plenty of opps for a cute shot—we’re looking at you, pineapples and flamingos. Take your selfie game to the next level with these fun ideas!

7 Summery Selfies to Post on Instagram

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7 Summery Selfies to Post on Instagram

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Get your hair summer selfie ready with this beach wave tutorial!

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10 Summer Splurges That’ll Put You in Vacation Mode
28 Ways To Style Messy Summer Hair Beautifully
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The Closet Trend that Will Make you Feel Oh So Fancy

While devouring the latest episode of ROHNY, my girl Carole Radziwill said something that got me thinking. “Wallpapered closets are the mark of a very wealthy person.” I’m sure there are wealthy people that do indeed have wallpapered closets but I’m here to tell you the prettiest closets do not discriminate. I think, rather, they’re a mark of a wildly stylish person. So go ahead and give your clothes storage a serious case of the fancies with this latest pretty closet trend.

The Fanciest Closets

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The Fanciest Closets

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More Decor Ideas to Crush On…

3 Ways to incorporate Wallpaper
10 Unique Ways to Add Paint to Your Home
20 Genius Ways to Decorate Your Hallway

Top 5 Questions to Ask When Designing Any Room + Havenly Giveaway!

I’m a firm believer that our homes (and how well they are designed) are a BIG reflection of our moods and well-being. But when it comes to designing each room with a blank slate in front of you? The challenge can be a whole lot tougher than it sounds. That’s where Havenly comes in! They’re here today to talk about the five questions you should ask yourself when designing any room, and offering a mighty fine giveaway below, too!

1. WHAT’S MY COLOR SCHEME?

Are you a bold and beautiful color connoisseur? Or do you have a neutral and neat palette preference? Knowing the answer to these questions before you design will prevent those accidental splurge purchases on items that just don’t match your style.

With Havenly‘s online interior design service, you’ll determine your style starting with an effortless (and free!) style survey to get the process started.

2. WHAT SIZE IS MY SPACE?

A space should be judged by its ability to delight, not by its size. That said, the size of your space will influence how much you spend on anchor pieces like sofas and rugs. So measure, measure and then measure again.

After completing your free style survey, you’ll choose your designer and upload photos of your space. Havenly caters to any budget or style providing you with a fun, affordable and empowering design experience!

3. WHAT WILL MY SPACE BE USED FOR?

A space for entertaining might require more furniture comfort items than a personal space like a bedroom. Work with your Havenly designer online to create a custom concept for your space.

Choose from one of two interior design packages that suite your needs! The Havenly Mini ($79) or The Havenly Design ($199). Both packages include choice of a personal designer, two custom concept boards, personalized product suggestions and complimentary buying services.

4. WHAT CAN I LIVE WITHOUT?

Sometimes you have to choose: The complete art wall collection, or just the sofa to go underneath it.

The Havenly Design package also includes an additional room placement visualization and extra revision time with a designer. See real Havenly homes come to life here!

5. WHAT ITEMS SHOULD I SPEND THE MOST ON?

The items you’ll spend most of your money and time on will vary depending on the room type. For instance, if you’re designing a living room, you should consider how you want to arrange your budget around the sofa.

Get the Full Design Budget Guide here! With Havenly you can save up to 90% compared to traditional interior design services. With all of the challenges designing a home can bring, it’s a no brainer.

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Ready to design your home online with Havenly? Enter for your chance to win The Havenly Design package ($199 value) and $400 in merchandise credit! Choose one of the entry options below (or both for bonus points!)

1. Leave a comment on this post with a design question you’ve got about a room in your home that Havenly will answer!

2. Show us a room that needs Havenly’s help using hashtag #StyleMeHavenly on Instagram.

3. Giveaway ends on August 15th. See terms & conditions here.

Good luck and happy designing!

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

Petit Bouquet

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9 Style Trends from the 90’s that are All Grown Up

I grew up smack dab in the middle of the 90’s when the idea of fashion even remotely started becoming a thing of importance to me. And what a decade to survive the trends, I tell you. But lately, I’m feeling the 90’s vibes all around me and I kind of like it. Because things like jelly shoes, tie-front tops and baggy jeans? Are WAY hotter than they used to be, when done right. These 9 style finds are the proof.

9 Style Trends from the 90's that are All Grown Up

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9 Style Trends from the 90's that are All Grown Up

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An Around the World Romance Led to this Sweet Washington Wedding

They met in Germany, fell in love in Thailand, and became husband and wife in Washington in the most breathtaking setting ever. And with views like that, Cooper and Debbie kept the decor at their at-home wedding simple, allowing Washington’s natural beauty and their love shine. Head to The Vault for all kinds of pretty courtesy of Brittany Mahood Photography!

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Summer Weddings

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Backyard Outdoor Weddings

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Al Fresco

From Brittany Mahood…Cooper and Debbie met four years ago while attending a missionary training school in Herrnhut, Germany. Debbie is German and Cooper came from Mt. Vernon, Washington. They went on outreach to Thailand and their relationship developed from there, where last summer they tied the knot at Cooper’s family home in Mt Vernon.

Friends from all over the world came to celebrate their intimate day. Cooper and his two groomsman donned navy blue suits with simple white boutonnieres. The bridesmaids rose quartz dresses were beautiful and feminine amongst the great mountainous backdrop of the outdoor affair.

Cocktail hour was held amongst the property with simple flowers and fruit arranged in glass vases. The paper cranes were handmade by the bride and hung among the trees, dancing in the wind.

This Groom Had a 24 Hour Window to Pull Off the Perfect Proposal

Being in a long distance relationship is not easy. Neither is planning the perfect proposal when you only have 24 hours to pull it off, but with the help of Olive Photography, Andy did. Meeting up in Toronto before heading on a trip through Asia, Andy arranged a sweet proposal followed by gorgeous engagement photos. Fall in love with it all in The Vault!

From Olive Photography…On a recent evening my phone started to ring – the call display said the number was from the US. I picked up, and learned of the sweetest thing!

Andy and Viv have a long distance relationship – both living in different states currently. Originally both from California, she moved to New York to be a real estate lawyer and he tours around being a dentist for the military. They were planning a trip through Asia, and they had a one-day layover in Toronto.

Andy wanted to propose on that layover day, and he wanted a photographer to document the happy occasion.

I was SO excited. I can’t even tell you.

Well, being the totally enthusiastic and keen person I am, I immediately started working with him to brainstorm ideas, and we quickly set a plan. I would gather a few items – picnic basket, blanket, champagne, glasses – and help him find THE BEST Toronto skyline view for a romantic site for him to pop the question.

The day approached. Their planes had both arrived in Toronto and they met up around 11:30 am. They checked into a hotel, dropped off some stuff, & explored the city. Meanwhile, I took the ferry to the Island that afternoon and set up the picnic stuff at the site.

At 5:30pm, they took the ferry across and Andy started to lead Viv across the island (saying a friend had said it was super pretty) using the directions I had sent him.

I knew what they looked like (he had sent me a photo), and when I saw them approach I readied my camera.

They arrived at the spot, and Andy made a comment about the strange picnic basket. They walked towards it, and he got down on one knee.

Y’all know what happens next. She was totally surprised in that moment. And I was smiling ear to ear as I photographed the magic happen.

Hugs, kisses, happiness abound!

They then enjoyed some bubbly and some quality time exploring the beautiful scenery as I snapped away to commemorate the evening.

Photography: Olive Photography | Location: Algonquin Island | Picnic Basket: Bed Bath & Beyond

At the Halfway Point Between Their Two Hometowns, This Bride and Groom Said “I Do”

For this New Zealand Bride and her New Jersey Groom, getting married in Hawaii wasn’t just pretty, it was practical with its location halfway between both of their hometowns. With guests in all white, Keren stunned in a beaded blush gown, which made for beautiful beach photos on the beach at sunset. See every pretty detail from Moana Events, captured by Christie Pham Photography, in The Vault!

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Winter Weddings

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Luxury Venue Outdoor Weddings

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Al Fresco

From The Bride…How and where did you meet? A mutual friend of ours asked a group of us to help him review a restaurant (he’s a food blogger) – that was the first time Adam and I met and we spent the whole night talking behind the back of the guy sitting between us – we were inseparable! Adam asked for my number at the end of the night and we went on a date the following Saturday and the rest is history!

How did he propose? At the Taj Mahal in India

From Moana Events…Keren from New Zealand, met Adam from New Jersey, while they were both living and working in Singapore. This fun-loving and well-travelled couple decided to have their dream Jewish destination wedding in Hawaii on the island of Oahu, which was the half way point between the bride and grooms hometowns. Loulu Palm Estate, which offers gorgeous oceanfront and mountain range views, was the perfect location that provided the tropical elements the couple wanted for their romantic wedding day.

In a private ceremony, before their wedding, Keren and Adam signed their Ketubah, a document that outlines the husband’s obligations to his wife, that they had specially made from Israel. Guests were asked to wear all white allowing the bride, who was stunning in a blush pink gown with sparkling embellishments, to truly be the center of attention. Keren and Adam provided specially made light pink yarmulkes, embroidered with a yellow and pink hibiscus flower, for the men to wear. In true Jewish tradition the couple was married under a wooden chuppah, adorned with creme and blush flowers and solidified their union with the breaking of glass. During cocktail hour, guests were able to choose from five cleverly named specialty drinks, including a “ Mazol Tov Mai Tai” and “Singapore Sunset.”

For the reception guest were invited to sit under a clear top tent partially draped in white silk fabric and adorned with crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Guest tables were arranged in a “U” formation and decorated with blush tablecloths. The centerpieces included clear, textured glass and wooden vases that were filled with creme and blush flowers and accented by dark green foliage. The couple was married on the first day of Hanukkah and conducted a menorah lighting during their wedding reception. In honor of their Jewish culture, the couple and their guests danced the Hora and had the blessing of the challah by the rabbi. For dessert, guests were treated to Malasada’s, a delicious Hawaiian doughnut. Surrounded by loved ones, Keren and Adam danced the night away which was the perfect ending to their dream wedding.

10 Ways To Make Your Home Smell Like Summer

There are so many reasons to love the happy season that is summer. But one that we might not think about all that often? The sweet scents that fill the air during these warmer months. From tropical vibes to blooms aplenty to goodies baking in the oven—here are 10 ways to fill your home with divine smells this season!

10 Ways To Make Your Home Smell Like Summer

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10 Ways To Make Your Home Smell Like Summer

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A Boho Inspiration Session Fit for a Grecian Goddess

It all started with a dress. And not just any dress. No, this is the Hayley Paige “Honeycomb” dress, which inspired The I Do Scene to dream up this gorgeous “Grecian bohemian” editorial photo shoot. With a vision for a lush, intimate ceremony and tablescape design, these amazing vendors transformed Sage Market + Design‘s floral studio into the perfect photo shoot backdrop. See all the pretty from Christina Bernales in The Vault!

From The I Do Scene…What an amazing shoot this was!! I came up with the concept to create this gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired shoot after first seeing an inspired gown from Hayley Paige and my vision for “Grecian Boho” was born. I wanted to create an intimate, lush and elegant setting for the ceremony and I wanted that same feeling to carry through the tablescape décor as well. New England Country Rental provided the gorgeous rentals and when I first saw the white oval table I had to have it! I like the juxtaposition of the modern feel of the table and the organic elegant feeling I created with the tablescape décor. The china setting had a heavy Grecian style influence that I loved and paired with the mother of pearl flatware and a simple olive green cotton gauze napkin the combination made my heart skip a beat!

Sage Market + Design is an amazing little design boutique in Newburyport, Massachusetts owned by mother-daughter team, Beverly and Jordan Fowler. These ladies were a dream to collaborate with! They graciously offered their studio space as the location for the shoot and are responsible for the gorgeous floral design! The floral design for the tablescape consisted of two lush centerpieces featuring olive leaf, asparagus fern, eucalyptus, white hydrangea, white roses and white peonies and the gorgeous garland that flowed from the edge of the table and spilled onto the floor. The backdrop for the “ceremony” was a living wall of boxwood with dripping floral “lanterns” hanging from either side of the beautiful gilded sconces from Anthropologie, anchored by tall gold lanterns on the floor. The stunning bouquet mimicked the same beautiful flowers and greenery featured in the centerpieces.

Rachel Meadows of Honey Honey Calligraphy designed the beautiful watercolor-inspired stationary and lettered the gorgeously unique calligraphy! I loved the gorgeous shades of green from the paper goods that was woven throughout the design in the tablescape and ceremony backdrop.

The white linen vow book from Wedding Story Writer was the perfect heirloom piece that added just the sweetest touch of romance. I just adored this book from the first moment I laid eyes on it and was so happy to have been able to feature it.

Our beautiful model “Bride” Danielle is a real bride-to-be and one of my beautiful clients getting married next year. She excitedly transformed into our Grecian-Boho bride and brought life to this shoot. She truly was a vision in the “Honeycomb” gown from the incredible Hayley Paige. The beautiful jewelry from designer Eugenie Bee was just the right touch-I especially loved the gold bee earrings! Hairstylists Monica Tufts and Jacqueline Barone from Mirror Mirror Salon created a beautifully relaxed, yet romantic hairstyle for Danielle, and the talents of makeup artist Raena Tripp Mason highlighted her natural beauty flawlessly.

Last but certainly not least is the incredible talent you experiencing while seeing these gorgeous images. Christina Bernales is truly a visionary behind her lens. She is patient, thoughtful and is an inspiration to see in action!

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

Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

Spring 2016

Blush by Hayley Paige

Hayley Paige Occasions

Fall 2016

Spring 2017

Blush by Haley Paige

Spring 2018

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Bridal Braids + Blush Gowns Add Style to this Romantic Spring Wedding

This Groom knew from the start that this lovely lady wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and after only a couple short years of dating, she was right there with him, ready to take the next step forward. And they did so with one beautiful, rustic elegant affair, captured by Michael and Carina Photography and Molly Scott Photo. From the Bride’s braid that I’m eager to copy, to the florals and styling by So Lovely Wedding, it’s a wedding winner we’re happy to have in our Vault. More this way!

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Spring Weddings

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Outdoor Weddings Weddings in Historical Venues

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Al Fresco

From Michael And Carina Photography… A rich color palette, lots of emotions, movement and stunning details make us think that many SMP brides will fall in love with Katie and Jared’s Richmond wedding. The blush wedding dress and organic florals left guests speechless. But it is not only the beauty of this wedding that will inspire brides, but also the personal touches of it. As the bride was preparing for her wedding day, the grandmother was reading the vows for the wedding video. It is those precious moments and personal details that tell stories best.

From the Bride… Jared and I met towards the end of 2012 on a popular online dating website. He was my very first date from the site, for him I was number ____ (still to this day the number is undisclosed); he likes to tell me he was waiting for me the entire time. After a week and a half of seeing one another he stated I would be his girlfriend one day and like a gentlemen would wait for me to figure out we belonged together. Lucky for me he was right! I do not think I knew how lucky I was to have someone like him till the day he began looking for engagement rings. In good Jared fashion he did lots of research on diamonds and sought out the best of the best, just to come back home more stressed than ever because of the cost for the best of the best. He never does anything half way though, when something matters to him he gives all of himself to it. That was the moment I really realized I was the someone that mattered to him and he would dedicate himself to investing into us. See, when we first began dating he was at a point in his life where he did not know if he wanted a wife and kids, but after two years together he would look at me and tell me “Katie, I would not be getting married if it was not to you.” Every time I think of him saying those words I grow so warm, what a treasure that gift is. I am so blessed to live this life with him and our two fur babies, Polly and Athena.

Being a photographer myself I knew I wanted my day to be something I would be excited to photograph! Soft color palette, lots of greenery, a gorgeous Roman inspired building with gorgeous architecture, urns full of flowers, and vintage touches were a must. Michael and Carina were the first vendors I knew I needed to book! I actually told them they would be my photographers six months before I was even engaged. We lucked out finding The Scott House which is a building on my college campus and made the perfect backdrop to our wedding. Food was another big one for Jared, we ended up hiring our favorite restaurant to cater our wedding, and Alan even went off menu to prepare special requests! Ultimately I wanted things to feel garden wedding elegant with touches of Jared and I throughout.

As a bride I realized these few things: having a wonderful and trustworthy wedding coordinator is worth the price! Do not skimp on having one; Lauren saved me so many times the weekend of our wedding and kept everyone at ease. Hire a videographer!! So many people have said that was one of their biggest regrets and I ended up digging deep in my pockets to hire Molly Scott Photo & Video. She posted a sneak peek on her IG two days after our wedding and I have seriously watched it at least 100 times, it’s beyond memorizing! I cannot wait to see how she incorporates my grandma’s voice into the video, as that was a top priority for me. Have a rain back-up plan well before the wedding date, price out tents and rent one sooner if you feel uncomfortable waiting (especially the – apparently – super popular clear top tents, because… natural light), this will save you about ten grey hairs down the road! Do not allow the stress of planning to make you forget why you are getting married in the first place. Take time to go on no-wedding-talk date nights, because it can be stressful and sometimes you just need to go back to the root of what this day actually means.

More Virginia weddings this way!

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

Wedding Dresses

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Clifftop Views. Windswept Hair. This Engagement Has Everything.

We like to think of ourselves as experts in the engagement session department. I mean, we’ve covered what to wear, where to shoot, and how to get those dreamy, romantic photos we all completely adore. And this e-sesh from Winsome And Wright? It puts all of the above into practice. Go see the full gallery with a trip to The Vault!

From the Bride to be…Matt and I were introduced by his sister-in-law during my senior year in college at a fundraiser. He was (and still is) hilarious, nerdy, and awkward enough to give me the wrong number during our initial phone number exchange. Our first date was at a Halloween party, to where he wore a Slytherin crest on his costume knowing that it was my favorite Harry Potter house. That’s when I knew a magical adventure was in the works.

Over the years, we’ve grown to love nature and have made experiencing it a priority in our lives. We’ve traveled near and far to some of the most enchanting parts of the world and Matt even pulled off an epic proposal in Yosemite National Park! The next stop for us was Big Sur and taking our engagement photos there was only natural.

When we discovered Faith of Winsome of Wright, we were in awe. Her photos were beautiful and her personality was even more so. She was friendly, positive, and helpful right from the beginning. During the session, she made us feel comfortable and knew exactly what she was doing with the camera. We give Winsome and Wright our highest of recommendations.

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Photography: Winsome And Wright | Floral Design: Wilder Floral Co. | Dress: Reformation | Suit: Zara | Location: Big Sur Point 16

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They Said “I Do” at Australia’s Oldest Church and it was Breathtaking!

It’s hard to top an Eiffel Tower proposal, but these two sweeties managed to do just that with a wedding that was even MORE romantic than their ice skating engagement in the City of Light. Think a stunning ceremony in Australia’s oldest church followed by a sweet celebration at the beautiful bride’s grandparents’ farm, all designed by Decorative Events and Exhibitions and captured by Gabriela Ana Weddings. See the breathtaking results in THE VAULT.

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From Gabriela Ana Weddings… Lucy and Paul had the most beautiful early spring wedding getting married at Australia’s Oldest Church, Ebenezer Church, which Paul’s ancestors actually help built (amazing!).

The reception was held at Lucy’s grandparents acreage on their breathtaking property in Mt Wilson nestled within the Blue Mountains, Australia in a Marquee. Lucy had always wanted to have her wedding at her grandparents place ever since she was a little girl.

Lucy and Paul are both nurses and met while Lucy was on work placement on Paul’s ward. Lucy even yelled out “By the way, my name is Lucy!” after she met Paul while he walked away so he wouldn’t forget who she was! From there, their romance blossomed and then Paul proposed on their overseas holiday to Europe on Christmas Eve while ice skating in front of the Eiffel tower. Because the ice was so cold Paul didn’t want to bend down on one knee until Lucy made him do it again on one knee to make it official. (I think I would have done the same haha!)