The vision behind this wedding? It’s something we can totally get behind. “We wanted an intimate, laid-back and elegant wedding in a romantic garden…most importantly, we wanted our guests to have fun, eat good food and dance the night away,” said the bride. They flawlessly pulled off all the above, and Mint Photography captured every bit you simply must see.

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From Mint Photography…Michelle and Allen hosted the perfect garden themed wedding on a beautiful spring day for their closest friends and family. Michelle was beyond a stunning bride in her Monique Lhuillier ceremony gown. They incorporated soft delicate colors and florals, fun games and traditions to engage their guests, and their sweet pup Cooper who was the picture perfect prop. River Oaks Garden Club was the perfect setting for their day, it is one of the most enjoyable and beautiful locations we’ve photographed at, and we absolutely loved it!

From The Bride… We wanted an intimate, laid-back and elegant wedding in a romantic garden. We chose decor and furniture that were simple, natural and a little rustic to add some soft touches to our wedding. Most importantly, we wanted our guests to have fun, eat good food and dance the night away.

We decided not to exchange wedding gifts and just wrote each other cards on the morning of. When I went shopping the week before our wedding, I couldn’t resist and picked up a few pairs of socks for Allen and his groomsmen. I decided to personalize it by sewing a heart onto Allen’s sock that said “Love you forever” in pink thread. The fabric I used was the extra fabric cut off from my reception dress.

I couldn’t decide on a hair piece and waited until the day before our wedding to experiment making a floral hair comb. I picked up two bouquets of ranunculus and figured if I can fashion a comb out of it then great! If not, no big deal, I would just go without. The morning of my wedding, my MOH and I managed to make three hair combs for each of us in different sizes while giggling and eating breakfast. It was an unplanned DIY project which turned out to be so fun and memorable. Somehow our floral combs matched the boutonnieres my florist made perfectly and turned out to be such an unexpected surprise!

 I woke up on our wedding day feeling overwhelmed with happiness and excitement. It feels surreal that after months of planning and anticipation, our day is finally here. I was at home with only my bridesmaids and our dog. I sat in bed and teared up at the thought that the moment I’ve been waiting for for so long is here and it’s real. Another favorite is walking down to see Allen during our first look. My heart was filled with enormous amount of love and bliss. I still remember the rush of emotions that took over when Allen turned around, my eyes were filled with happy tears.

Advice for future brides/grooms
My advice for other couples is to embrace the unexpected. Don’t lose sight of why you are planning this wedding. At the end of the day, you get to marry your best friend. Nothing should take away from that.

Photography: Mint Photography | Cinematography: Elisheva Golani | Coordination: Blue Sage Events | Floral Design: The Senterpiece | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Catering: Silverstone Events | Hair + Makeup: Pink Palette Artists | DJ: Xceptional DJs | Venue: River Oaks Garden Club | Photography - Assistance: Claire Casner | Rentals: Houston Party Tent and Event

Here comes the sun and out go all those dark winter clothes that have been swapped for a sea of summer whites. And if you’re anything like me that means refraining from red wine, coffee, chocolate and the like. Fear not, we’re delving into the secret to getting even the toughest stains out. This is major life lesson kind of stuff and will be a life-saver for all those light colored gems in your wardrobe. Promise.

Best Stain Fighters for Summer Whites

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Best Stain Fighters for Summer Whites

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Another Life Hack to Stick in Your back pocket…

Now that summer is officially in full swing, we’re attacking the vacation calendar like it’s no one’s business. Here to help with the trip of a lifetime, plus all of the travel essentials you’ll ever need (see our list of faves is below)? The Registry at Bloomingdale’s and their amazing Tuscany giveaway. Think a romantic trip to Florence for you + yours, plus a fabulous trip to Vietri.  You can’t miss this one, lovelies.

It’s hard to imagine loving The Registry at Bloomingdale’s more than we already do (read: it’s an insane amount), but add a breathtaking trip to Italy to their already fabulous lineup of perks + products and it’s an entirely new level of obsession.  Think a 4-day, 5-night stay in paradise, roundtrip airfare for two, meals, transportation, sightseeing AND activities. It’s exactly what you’ll need to unwind after that whirlwind wedding and all you have to do is register.  It’s that easy.

Rushing off to Tuscany with your love is the definition of awesome, but even better? Coming home to a house that is filled to the brim with products that will always remind you of that week spent in total luxury. With The Registry at Bloomingdale’s, you can select from a never-ending collection of fashion, home goods, entertaining staples and more (!) to really bring that vacation to life.  Not to mention that fabulous perks that you’ll receive just by registering, like completion offers, special benefits and exclusive savings. With The Registry at Bloomingdale’s, you honestly can’t go wrong.

What: Open a qualifying registry at The Registry at Bloomingdale’s through June 30th* to be entered to win a trip to Florence, Italy with Vietri! (Value $10,000)

Who: One grand prize winner will receive roundtrip airfare for two to Italy, a luxurious 5-day, 4-night stay in the Tuscan capital of Florence, meals, transportation, sightseeing and activities, travel to the Tuscan countryside and a visit to a VIETRI workshop!  

Terms and Conditions: Can be found right here. Good luck, loves! xo

*$6,500 worth of items must be added to your registry by July 7, 2016.

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Photography: Matthew Ree

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Registry Picks: 1. Vietri Bellezza Dinnerware 2. Vietri Optical Gold Glassware 3. Vietri Rufolo Gold Small Deep Bowl 4. BCBGMAXAZRIA Isadona Pleated Maxi Dress 5. Bailey of Hollywood Fernley Hat 6. bluebellgray Wisteria Print Decorative Pillow 7. kate spade new york All That Glitters Stud Earrings 8. Vietri Aladdin Brilliant White 5-Piece Place Setting 9. Bric’s Bojola 22″ Cargo Duffel 10. Echo Floral Bouquet Silk Square Scarf 11. Simon Pearce Rye Decanter

Choosing the right photographer to capture your Big Day? Sooo important.  Which is why we’ve set up a sweet little meet ‘n’ greet with one of faves, Erich of Magnolia Weddings.  Think beyond breathtaking images from a photog that knows everything about capturing those moments you will cherish for always. We adore him, loves… scroll below for just a sampling of his amazing work.

With over a decade of experience and sooo many gorgeous weddings already photographed, Erich at Magnolia Weddings prides himself on not only documenting your special moments perfectly, but by being there for YOU in every.which.way possible.  I’m talking the calm your nerves, tie your bowtie, find your bouquet type of assistance that only comes with the knowledge and know-how of someone who has years of understanding couples and their Big Day moments.  Not to mention that Erich will really get to know you and your love, so that he can capture those special little nuances the two of you that you might not even notice are happening. Sooo awesome, no?

Ready to begin your journey with a photographer that will walk with you step by step throughout your day and capture every second of HAPPY?  Contact Erich at Magnolia Weddings today to set up a consultation. Trust us, it will be the best decision you’ll make.

What: Magnolia Weddings is giving away an engagement shoot or wedding photography credit worth $450!

How: Simply follow Magnolia Weddings on Instagram, tag a friend in a comment and use the hashtag #StyleMePrettyGiveaway!  The contest ends this Sunday, June 12, 2016. Good luck, loves! xo

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Petit Bouquet

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Friends, it’s time think beyond the gallery wall and the pop of color throw pillow, as clutch as they are. If you really want to make a statement in your home, we’ve got a little challenge for you: get wild with paint. We’re completely inspired by these 10 fabulous ideas courtesy of the every-stylish Jen Pinkston of The Effortless Chic. Click below and tell us, which one would you try out in your home?

10 Unique Ways to Add Paint to Your Home

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10 Unique Ways to Add Paint to Your Home

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More Home Inspo This Way…

7 Interior Designer Tips for Picking the Perfect White Paint
How To Get the California Beach Vibe in Your Bedroom
Julianne Hough’s Kitchen is Absolute Perfection.

When One Kings Lane invites you to host a brunch highlighting their gorgeous registry products, you say YES without question. Because the fact that you can actually um, REGISTER at OKL and then carefully choose pieces that will build your forever home together is basically our idea of complete and utter genius. The only tough part now is choosing the perfect pieces!

The Style Me Pretty Bedroom. A neutral bedframe that you can dress up or down as the mood fits, something with a bit of gold of course, add linens that are soft and cozy and beg you to dive right in. From those neutrals, you can select artwork that will stand the test of time and a few accessories that you love NOW. Not that you think you’ll love in a few years.

Get the Look

BED | SIDE TABLE (WITH TASSLES) | ART | BENCH | LAMP | MIRROR

The Style Me Pretty Office. We love the idea of a gender neutral look for the office. The chair and the artwork then become it’s most treasured accessories. Whether you go modern with something in lucite, traditional with tufting and floral fabric or industrial with an iron stool, investing in a neutral desk means that you can have fun with your office space for years to come.

Get the Look

DESK | CHAIR | LAMP | SMALL LAMP | BONE MIRROR | GOLD MIRROR | WHITE MIRROR | RUG

The Style Me Pretty Entryway. Whether it’s a hallway or a wide open space, the entryway is one of the most important “rooms” in the house. A perfect bench and a mirror, a great place to hang hats, a beautiful chest and a gorgeous gallery wall are all important pieces that will go a long way in setting the tone for your guests. First impressions, after all, are everything.

Get the Look

CREDENZA | RUG | MIRROR | FIGURE DRAWINGS | LAMPS | VASE

Style Me Pretty Dining. While the size of your home may change with time, a great table should be able to be used in different rooms, in different ways. My first small white dining table is now used in a corner of our home, decked out with photos. Our second is used as a craft table in our playroom. Buy a great, timeless table and you will be able to use it for many years. Same goes for chairs that can later serve as extra seating, flanking a fireplace or entryway or just built out into a mix and match set for your new larger space.

Get the Look

RUG | DINING CHAIRS | ROUND TABLE | CHANDELIER

The Style Me Pretty Linen Closet. There’s something so perfect about a closet filled with crisp, clean linens tucked away in your home. While we always love a white-on-white look, don’t forget a few classic stripes and varied neutrals for good measure. When extra guests come to town, you’ll never regret having a few beautiful linen sets ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Get the Look

QUILTED BEDDING | NAVY + WHITE SHEETS | STRIPE PILLOWS | BOOKSHELF | BASKET

The Style Me Pretty Entertaining Pantry. It’s no secret we love a good party and it all begins with entertaining pieces that set the scene. Whether you’re throwing your very first housewarming party, or a veteran host prepping for family gatherings ahead, stock your entertaining pantry with serving sets you can’t wait to show off and put to good use.

Get the Look

CREDENZA | OTTOMANS | STOOLS | TOPIARY | STRIPED TOWEL | ANIMAL PRINT TOWEL | STRIPED RUG

The Style Me Pretty Living Room. If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the living room is probably the soul. The space where families gather and life happens on an everyday basis. Don’t be afraid to infuse a dose of personality and mix-and-match patterns with like-minded style. Whether you opt for a statement rug or a beautiful bookshelf to hold all your treasures, design a room that merges form with function and feels completely “you”.

Get the Look

BOOKSHELF | SIDE CHAIR | RUG | OTTOMAN | FLOOR LAMP | TABLE LAMP | STOOL | CHANDELIER

The Style Me Pretty Patio. For casual meals enjoyed on sunny days, there’s no better space to try a pop of color than your patio. Up the style game with layered rugs plus a unique chandelier that steals the show, and this could easily become your go-to hangout spot.

Get the Look

CHAIRS | TABLE | RUG | CHANDELIER

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And now for the best part. Our 10 Favorite Pieces from the One King’s Lane Summer Collection that every soon-to-be millennial should add to their wish list.

One Kings Lane Registry Picks

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One Kings Lane Registry Picks

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To read more about the One King’s Lane Registry, click right here! And start building up your Shopping Fund (what!? did you say shopping fund!?) today!

Products: One Kings Lane

This Galveston wedding is so gorgeous, you’d never know there were a few hiccups along the way (including a wardrobe malfunction and flower girl breakdown). But from Laura Hooper Calligraphy‘s wooden signage to the Bride’s pretty pink peep toe pumps to the classic reception, this day is all kinds of pretty. Feel all the love, courtesy of Courtney Leigh Photography, in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Peter and I were married on Good Friday, in a little beach town perched precariously on the sand barrier island of Galveston Texas. Galveston is decorated with character and charm. We said our “I do’s” in front of the ones we loved the most in a quaint little chapel called the Lyceum that has weathered hundreds of storms. We were told while venue hunting, that the Lyceum had actually floated off its foundation during a hurricane. The Lyceum was restored to its original location and re-anchored. To us, this symbolizes how marriage can drift off its foundation too but both individuals have to work to reroot the marriage foundation through faith. We were sold. My now husband, is also a complete history buff so it was only fitting that the Hotel Galvez known as the “Queen of the Gulf” caught our eye to host the wedding reception. The Hotel Galvez is a symbol of Galveston’s restoration efforts following the Great Storm of 1900. It is uniquely beautiful, historically rooted, majestically resilient and maybe a little bit haunted.

My Galvy girls and I boarded the trolley to the church, a few wardrobe malfunctions and flower girl break downs later, I was ready to roll. I walked down the aisle with my paternal grandfather’s wedding band attached to my bouquet and married the man of my dreams. After the ceremony, my husband and I were dashing to our get away car and I felt a tug on my veil that sent it whirling around into the sky high above our heads, maybe to serve as a little reminder the man upstairs and my grandpa had a perfect view for our wedding day.

The spring vibes played well in to my garden theme. The floral arrangements were full of fresh blooms, my colors blush and gold colors were light and airy, and the cocktail hour was held on the hotels private lawn called the Oleander Garden. We danced and ate goat cheese lollipops and red velvet cake from my hometown bakery. We laughed, had an anniversary dance off to Last Dance by Floyd Cramer, drank shark bites inspired by our pup Clark, and were whisked away to the Tremont House in a white Rolls Royce cloud. What a whirlwind. It was both romantic and a little bit wild, like the best parties are.

Times of great anticipation also come with times of great sadness. Shortly after setting a date and picking the venue, my mother was diagnosed with Stage III Ovarian Cancer. Looking back now, we embraced wedding planning in efforts to bridge the gap between a great celebration and the harsh reality of surgery, treatments and waiting. Of course, the planning piece came with its share of hiccups, headaches, and an excessive amounts of midnight oil; but it was a labor of love. My creative juices were flowing as the count down grew closer. My inner accountant put the kibosh on a few outrageous ideas. I snapped photos of every detail that inspired me. I think my phone hit its max photo capacity the first few months we were engaged. I drew inspiration from all things wedding; blogs, styled shoots, photography sites, Pinterest, Etsy, letterpress, friends weddings, family heirlooms and traditions, and childhood dreams. Almost a year later, my mother has weathered the cancer storm and is in remission! Ah, it’s been a year of tears, fears, smiles laughs and a whole lot of love. How soon is too soon to do a vow renewal, kidding.

Photography: Courtney Leigh Photography | Event Planning: Heather Benge Events | Floral Design: Constance Dryden-Island Flowers | Wedding Dress: Whittington Bridal | Cake: Rise Cupcakes | Invitations: Hayley Hardcastle | Ceremony Venue: The Lyceum | Reception Venue: Hotel Galvez | Bride's Shoes: BHLDN | Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN | Hair + Makeup: Sunkissed And Made Up | Calligraphy: Nib And Pixel | Groom's Attire: Jos A Bank | Transportation: Vintage Car Services | Hotel: The Tremont House | Photography - Assistance: Awake Photography | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Sound: Divisi Strings | Trolley: Original Trolley Co. | Veil : BHLDN | Wooden Calligraphy Signage: Laura Hooper Calligraphy

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Courtney Leigh Photography

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Even on the wettest gray day, Paris still manages to take our breath away. Take this elegant inspiration captured by Lara Lam Photography as proof. Drenched in elegance and irresistible Seniman Calligraphy, we’ve got every minute of magic waiting for you in The Vault!

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Photography: Lara Lam | Wedding Dress: Paolo Corona Paris | Stationery: Seniman Calligraphy | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Hair + Makeup: Anais Ferraguti | Venue: Square Du Vert Galant | Event Planning + Floral Design: Luxe Paris Events | Lingerie: Lavienne

Time to break open a bottle of the good stuff (translation: all the champagne) because we’re toasting to this lovely pair. For Ryan and Candace planned the sweetest celebratory engagement session with Elizabeth Fogarty behind the lens and we’ve got it all waiting for you to relish in The Vault!

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From Elizabeth Fogarty…Ryan and Candace are just the sweetest couple ever! Ryan wanted to re-create their proposal night by bringing the bottle of Don Perignon to their engagement session. Candace had a perfect little pink Mrs. Box for her GORGEOUS ring. I love when my brides think about the styling details for their engagement session. You do not have to go crazy on Pinterest trying to find props, but little things that mean something to you as a couple is always key. Having a couple of items (like a ring box and a blanket) helps you get more styled images. Also, let’s talk about how perfect this ring is! These two totally rocked their engagement session!

Photography: Elizabeth Fogarty | Dress: Tadashi Shoji | Makeup: Amber Kwong | Location: Maryland

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Tips to Look Your Best at Your Engagement Session

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Having been together for 15 years, this couple decided to elope to San Fran to make it official, but before heading to City Hall (and we have pics of that chic occasion coming tomorrow!) they did a little engagement shoot around town with Jasmine Lee, and let’s just say these pics are what I like to call postcard worthy. Fall in love with these coffee drinking cuties in our Vault right here!

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From the Bride… Dennis and I have been together since we were seventeen and after many wonderful years as a couple, we got engaged and flew to San Francisco to elope. These photos were taken two days before our ceremony at City Hall and depict a beautiful day in San Francisco that we will always remember. We had to research locations from afar but knew we wanted to photograph in places where we felt the most natural. The cafe was the perfect casual setting, a place to just sit down for a chat and enjoy heart-warming coffee. The barista kindly created heart-shaped latte art in my favourite red “love” mug – something that Dennis had given me ages ago that was a little piece of home we brought with us to SF. Golden Gate Park was our second location and was full of beauty and character. The park was lush and had this magical way of dispersing light, an aspect that was so delicately and beautifully captured by our photographer, Jasmine Lee.

This day perfectly complemented our wedding day and we’re so happy that these moments were captured in our place of marriage. San Francisco will always have a special place in our hearts.

Peruse more engagement inspiration here!

Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography | Hair + Makeup: Makeup By Quis | Venue: Shakespeare Garden In Golden Gate Park | Venue: The Mill

You know how we feel about adding a new blogger bride to the SMP family, so this Tuesday morning we’ve got good vibes ALL around. Dallas fashion and lifestyle blogger, Allison of Love You, Mean It is kicking off her journey down the aisle, and she’s going to be sharing stories from the wedding planning trenches, right alongside you. Read her engagement story below, and get excited for lots more fun ahead.

Hello, Brides-to-be! My name is Ali and I am the face and voice behind Love You, Mean It, a fashion and lifestyle blog based in Dallas, Texas. My site is all about my life as a woman in her mid-twenties learning how to start my own business, plan a wedding, and all the other things life throws my way.

That being said, my blog hasn’t always been about fashion and lifestyle. I originally started the site as, believe it our not, a wedding blog! Growing up, my dream was to become a wedding planner. I loved the idea of helping two people make their dream day become a reality. I guess you could say I’m a hopeless romantic because one of my favorite pastimes is to get lost in hours of proposal videos online. Seeing as you are here, I bet you can relate!

The summer between my junior and senior years of college, I interned in New York City for event designer and wedding planner Preston Bailey. As Preston’s social media intern, I was inspired to create my very own blog and Love You, Mean It was born!

I am so excited and honored that I get to share my wedding planning journey with you here. I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and cannot wait to return to my hometown for our wedding next May. To say I’ve given my wedding day some thought would be an understatement, but none of this would be possible without my fiancé, Ben!

A photo posted by Ali Hollins (@alihollins) on Mar 16, 2016 at 6:57pm PDT

Ben and I met on November 5, 2011. I remember it like it was yesterday! I was enjoying my last year as an undergrad and Ben had just started his first year of graduate school at Southern Methodist University. A few of our friends had met previously and we were introduced during the homecoming tailgate. We parted our separate ways, but as fate would have it, we would run into each other again later that day and from then on, the rest is history!

On a sunny day this past February, Ben asked me to come over to his house for lunch. Seeing as this was nothing out of the ordinary, I showed up with no expectations other than a turkey sandwich. When I arrived, Ben had prepared a beautiful spread and right before we were about to eat, he got down on one knee right there in the kitchen! He could have popped the question anywhere, but he knew that proposing in our home would make our engagement a special memory we would be reminded of daily.

what a day!

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Allison Hollins

Blogger Bride

Love You, Mean It