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

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Colorful + Chic Spanish Villa Wedding

From W&E Photographie…Sumner & Drew were married on a bright, airy day in November. Seaside, Florida is known around the world for it’s pristine beaches and charming neighborhoods. Sumner and Drew’s wedding decor fit perfect with their surroundings. The Seaside Chapel is the perfect mix of classic and modern. It’s all clean lines and white, with the structure of a historic building. They added touches of loose greenery throughout, for a simple, understated beauty. Not only was their wedding a stunning display of classic details, but the joy that overflowed throughout the day was unescapable!

From kicking off the festivities with their rehearsal dinner, to uniting a global guestbook in Spain, this impossibly cute couple tied the knot with plenty of style. Amongst cobblestone streets and colorful houses, Sandra Åberg captured their emotional ceremony complete with a traditional exchange of coins. Holland Flowers adorned the evening at Villa Poniente, and you can see it all here!

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From Sandra Aberg… This impossibly cute couple chose to bring their friends and family from all around the world to the most quaint little chapel in an area of Marbella known as La Virginia to tie the knot with a collision of American, Dutch/Flemish, and Spanish traditions and style.

The cobblestone streets and colorful houses made the perfect backdrop for the bride’s walk to the church with her father. An emotional and extremely warm ceremony was capped off with a traditional exchange of coins.

The reception was held at the gorgeous Villa Poniente, where the bride and groom spent an entire week with their friends enjoying everything that Marbella has to offer. On the day of the wedding, the grounds at the villa were transformed into an outdoor lounge, complete with large pillows and cosy blankets to add a moroccan boho feel. Giant teepees and countless lanterns added to the ambience throughout the night.

The laid back couple was anything but traditional and a classic Austin Mini Moke was their choice for a wedding car. They had a blast bombing around the streets of Marbella in that little thing, and it was so fun to see a couple who dared to just be themselves and do things their way.

It goes without saying that this couple’s engagement session and rehearsal dinner, kept the same theme were just as incredible as their wedding day.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Pnina Tornai

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We mustn’t forget the kiddos (and the kid inside all of us) this Valentine’s Day, so we’ve whipped up a little DIY that will not only keep your little ones entertained, but they are also pretty darn adorable too. Oh and easy, definitely easy. With just a few steps, you’ll have a little valentine that will get everyone’s stamp of approval. See more cuteness captured by Ruth Eileen here.

Materials Plastic test tubes
Cork stoppers
Baker’s twine
Sewing needle
Scissors
Fringing scissors
Tissue paper
Pink and red foil tissue
Dishwashing liquid
Sugar
Copper wire
Needle nose pliers
Hot glue gun
Hot glue sticks
Glitter tape

Cut a 6” length of copper wire with the wire cutter on the needle nose pliers. Make a heart shape on one end by making a small bend in the wire about an inch from the end. This will be the center of the heart. Bend the wire on either side of the bend in the opposite direction until they cross. Squeeze the sides of the heart together until it is small enough to fit into the test tube. Then cross the wires to form the bottom of the heart and wrap the excess wire around the longer stem of wire.

Put a dab of glue on the stick end of the heart wand and push into the bottom of a cork topper. Repeat for as many tubes as you’d like to make.

Mix up some homemade blowing bubbles and pour into each test tube. Close with the cork toppers.

Cut tissue paper and foil tissue into 1.5”x3” pieces. Fringe both ends of the rectangles, leaving about an inch in between unfringed.

Roll one sheet of fringed paper into a thin cigar shape. Twist the center section into a tight, twisted rope. Fold in half, then twist the two ropes together in the opposite direction of how they were twisted the first time. Having trouble visualizing? Check out the instructions here.

Add a rim of glitter tape to the test tube. Cut a thin strip of cardstock and cut a triangle out of one end. Write “You make my heart pop” on the cardstock.

String the cardstock tag and 5-6 tassels onto a length of baker’s twine. Thread the twine through the cork with the sewing needle and tie off on the other side. Hand off a tube to all your Valentines!

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Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Design & Styling: SMP Living

Glamorous Fig House Wedding

A love story as sweet as this one (read: colleague cuties) guarantees that the wedding will be just as endearing. After six years of dating, they teamed up with Kayla Vie Events and celebrated big time at The Fig House with one glamorous affair. Honey Honey Photography captured the sweetness, from the craft ice cream cart to romantic raindrops, and it’s all waiting for you in the full gallery here!

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Vintage Inspired Chicago Wedding

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From the Newlyweds… We met one another at work. Brian saw me when I came in for my interview and little did we know, that moment would change our lives. Any excuse to get us two together was always occurring (happy hours, work functions, etc). Pretty soon it became apparent that it was meant to be for the two of us to become a “we”. Flash forward 6 years later and we were planning our wedding.

True to form, it was also love at first sight with our venue. We both fell in love the second we stepped foot into the building. We originally planned on getting married near a vineyard, but once we saw this, we knew instantly. The vision from that point forward was pretty easy and fell into place since the Fig House has so much design and character of its own. It is unique and intimate with touches of glamour but not pretentious. That became our theme for the wedding. While searching for wedding planners, we stumbled across the best wedding photos we had seen. Yet again, love at first sight. Emma was exactly what we had hoped for in a photographer. She knew how to handle our inexperience in front of the lens, make us feel at home and amazingly still got great shots.

Kayla Ton, our planner brought everything together for us and made sure the day was flawless. There was a lot of pieces to the puzzle for us to make sure this wedding embodied our relationship. In lieu of a wedding cake for all the guests, we chose to do an ice cream cart from our favorite craft ice cream shop near our street. Rings were also purchased from our neighborhood jewelry shop. We were focused on making a great party for everyone and truthfully the ceremony was not meant to be the highlight. What a surprise that was. The ceremony is by far our favorite part and memory. As we are not religious, we wanted to create a unique ceremony mixing together our love with the support of our friends and family, Our dear friend, Tracy, obliged us to become our officiant. She truly outdid herself bringing together quotes of love from our friends along with our personal vows.

Our greatest goal in all of this was to remain true to our relationship, and with all these beautiful people behind the scenes, it became the best day of our lives. Even the drops of rain after the ceremony became a romantic memory and our good luck charm for the future.

This is a wedding where romance takes center stage. Think two gorgeous sweethearts tying the knot in a vintage-inspired celebration with the amazing Chicago skyline as their backdrop. It’s lush blooms from Fasan Florist meets a fabulous Justin Alexander gown meets one jaw-droppingly gorgeous image after another captured by Tamara Gruner Photography. See them all in the full gallery.

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From Tamara Gruner Photography… Katie and Kyle grew up worlds apart. She in the US, while he in New Zealand. But, they were meant to be. Their wedding was a coming together of two hemispheres and they made that happen in style!

The rooftop at the Wyndham, in Chicago, was a perfect setting for a quaint celebration with close family and friends, who joined them from far and near. Dressed in Justin Alexander, Katie exuded a vintage look for a modern bride. The bridesmaids chose to wear unique, yet matching, designs which elegantly complemented the bride. Soft, yet subtle, the bouquets completed an absolute wonderful look.

The evening was a very emotional affair. Perched high above the Chicago skyline they celebrated the day watching the fall sun drift away as the delicate candle lights took over. The couple joined their guests rejoicing and celebrating this romantic evening.

We were delighted to be part of this wonderful wedding and we wish the couple the very best!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Wedding Dresses

Justin Alexander

Spring 2016

Spring 2018

Justin Alexander Fall/Winter

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Hayley Paige Occasions

Occasions Spring 2016

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Rustic Vinewood Plantation Wedding

I’m a big believer in fate, and these Southern sweeties are the perfect example why. An ode circumstances, their day was filled with personality and with Paperlily behind the lens every image will have you smiling before you can say “Serendipity”. With a dessert table literally filled by loved ones, this graphic designing Bride and her beloved prove to be the picture-perfect pair here!

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Spring Weddings

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Whimsical

From the beautiful Bride… Even though we went to the same college and had the same group of friends for years, Conley and I somehow managed not to meet until 2011. I guess fate was waiting for the right time. We got engaged in 2012 and started planning our wedding for early 2013.

We were having a hard time finding the right venue until we found Paperlily Photography. They completely understood my style and the look and feel we were going for. They lead me to Vinewood which lead me to all my other vendors as well. Conley and I fell in love with the southern, vintage, casual yet elegant charm of Vinewood. I knew that the barn would be a huge hit with Conleys side of the family since they are from Kentucky and dabble in horse racing. Since Vinewood already has so many rustic details we added more formal accents like chandeliers, mix matched china, flowers, my dress, and our cake.

I am a graphic designer and my mom is an interior designer so we knew we could use those creative skills to our advantage while planning the wedding. I took on many projects, partly to save money and partly so that we could control the outcome. We created the moss escort card board, tool boxes for floral arrangements, burlap wreaths, bunting banners, flower girl and ring bearer accessories, the dessert table and the invitations and stationary. My mom and I love birds, so we added bird details wherever we could as well. I also did the design and production of all the invitation pieces and all printed materials used throughout the wedding. It was a huge project and I am so lucky that Conley helped me assemble them and tolerated my messes! The dessert table was special because our family members provided the desserts. Conleys identical twin grandmother and aunt made Neimen Marcus bars, my Aunt made her famous banana pudding and my cousins talented wife made several things too. We are so blessed that they helped out and that we are always surrounded by so many yummy things!

Conley and I decided to go with our favorite BBQ restaurant for catering and it was one of the best decisions we made. Fox Brothers was amazing and the food was a huge hit! Without our family, friends and amazing vendors, we would never have had pulled it off! We are thankful to everyone for all their help making our special day all the more special.

Seaside Spanish Engagement Session & Rehearsal Dinner

I love the idea of having a fun photo shoot to kick off your wedding weekend. This adorable couple was already dressed up and in a celebratory mood, as Sandra Aberg captured their smiles and the stunning Spanish sights, before their rehearsal dinner where wine was poured and toasts made. We’re getting a look at all the amazing festivities that happened the next day at their wedding later on today but for now, I’m quite happy to plant myself here and soak up every perfect pre-wedding pic.

From Sandra Aberg… We met Jessica & Ian on the beach. They looked so cute in their boho chic outfits and I think it comes through in the images just how much they enjoy each other’s company. We got to ride through the streets of Marbella with them in the back of their Austin Mini Moke. And we even managed to squeeze in some photos in the famous Porta Banus harbour on an 80 year old sailboat and a six story yacht.

Jessica & Ian’s rehearsal dinner was one for the ages. The dinner was held at Ian’s father’s summer home, so far up on the hill that you can see Morocco on a clear day. The sprawling backyard was adorned with countless blooming African lilies. Guests were treated to a welcome drink and snacks, and a horse and dog show by Santi Serra Camps, and a meal with an incredible selection of food. Long tables were decorated with rosemary and lemons and candles on the sand that had been brought in and transformed the tennis court into a beach setting.

Highlights included the many speeches by the couple’s friends and family. Ian’s father gave the couple a gold bottle of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades champagne, which he mentioned hip hop stars like Jay Z quite like, so that everyone at the dinner could toast the couple properly.

Photography: Sandra Aberg Photography | Dress: Marchesa | Venue: Private Villa | Champagne: Armand De Brignac Ace Of Spades Champagne | Horse Whisperer: Santi Serra Camps

Bedrooms So Pretty, You’ll Rethink Getting Out of Bed

Bedrooms are a total sanctuary. A place to snuggle in after a long day and lay your weary head. Some prefer that sanctuary to be soothing, others dark and moody but all with an air of all out gorgeousness and a really, really comfy bed. That’s #1 right? These 35 bedrooms are the prettiest of the bunch – a mix of romantic, masculine, bright, beautiful and serene.

The Dreamiest Bedrooms in all the Land

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The Dreamiest Bedrooms in all the Land

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While you’re searching for your bedroom soulmate, have a look at the nuances of folding a fitted sheet and never crumple it up in a ball and throw it in the linen closet again. You know you do!

Historic New York Mansion Wedding

For this Long Island bride, capturing the grandeur and glamour of old Long Island was at the top of the design list. And with that in mind, she and her sweetie opted for a mansion venue steeped in history, keeping every detail true to their vision. Ava Flora dressed the day in soft, textured blooms while Brett Heidebrecht and Joseph Minasi captured the pretty in perfect form. Peek here for more.

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SMP Midwest Welcomes Our Advertisers + A Discount!

From The Bride…From the moment Sean and I met in the Spring of 2010, we were inseparable. Sean always joked about how he was never getting married, which made it the ultimate surprise when he popped the question while on vacation in Mexico 3 years later. I was overjoyed knowing that I was marrying the most amazing man I’ve ever met.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always known I wanted to capture the beauty of old Long Island in my wedding; there is something about the mystery and grandeur of the historic mansions that is truly mesmerizing. Sean and I fell in love with the Village Club of Sands Point from the moment we drove up to the entrance. The Italian Renaissance style mansion is filled with so much character and history, it was the perfect hidden gem, exactly what we envisioned for our wedding. We wanted our wedding to be classic and timeless and thanks to all our wonderful vendors, our dream became a reality.

Surrounded by family and friends, we exchanged vows at the Garden City Community Church on September 6th, 2014, one of the best moments of my life. Following the ceremony, we had a tented cocktail hour on the sprawling back lawn of the Village Club, complete with a cigar roller and pianist. It was important to us that our guests felt relaxed and could take advantage of the views and warm September weather. For the indoor reception, we kept our decor simple with seasonal florals, tapered candles, and ivory linens to compliment the beauty and original detailing of the rooms. From the live music to the delicious food, we couldn’t have dreamed of a better beginning to our new life together.

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

Wedding Dresses

Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Amsale

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2014

Amsale Bridesmaids Spring 2014

Additional Styles by Amsale

Amsale Bridal Fall 2014

Amsale Bridal Spring 2015

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Amsale Bridal Blue Label

Amsale Bridal Spring 2016

Amsale Bridal Fall 2016

Amsale Bridal Spring 2018

Amsale Bridal Fall 2018

Amsale Bridesmaids

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Tara Keely

Fall 2016 Collection

Spring 2017 Collection

Fall 2017 Collection

Spring 2018 Collection

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DIY Arrow Treat Bags

If you’re planning a sweet little something to gift for Valentine’s Day, why not plunk those treats down in these treat bags? It makes chocolate or baked goodies all the more sweet and is super thoughtful without being labor intensive. So grab those leftover stripy straws from your last party and get to work on these Arrow Treat Bags; the perfect little something for all your favorite people.

Materials White paper bags
Striped paper straws
Gold cardstock paper
Peach or pink tissue paper
Heart stamp
Pink or red ink pad
Exacto knife
Scissors
Arrow template

Print out the arrow template pieces and cut out. Trace the templates onto gold cardstock paper and cut out. Fringe the feather end.

Use the exacto knife to (carefully!) cut a slit in one end of the straw, about ¼” long. Insert the feather end into the slit. Hot glue the arrow to the other end of the straw.

Cut out a piece of 3”x5” tissue paper. Cut a triangle out of one end. Stamp a heart onto the tissue paper. Glue the tissue paper onto the bag about 1” from the top.

Fill the bag with treats. Place the arrow at the top of the bag and roll down the arrow and the bag until you reach the tissue paper. Hot glue the roll in place.

Repeat steps 1-4 until you’ve made as many treat bags as you need and hand out to all your Valentines!

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Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Design & Styling: SMP Living

How do you spend the perfect Sunday? Getting to know the fabulous + oh-so-talented team of eco-friendly wedding vendors at the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance. Because when it comes to hosting an amazing event that is also socially conscious, this is a group of vendors that will most definitely deliver. Learn so much more about their mission… and their crazy cool wedding show, Committed, below.

From Chicago Green Wedding Alliance… The Chicago Green Wedding Alliance is a group of eco-friendly wedding vendors that is committed to making less environmentally impactful events. We connect vendors with the conscious consumer for mindful weddings and social events. Our vendors create gorgeous events that transcend people’s expectations of “green” weddings.

Check out the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

The GWA is hosting a wedding show on February 22nd at Greenhouse Loft! Any couple that books with the code “SMP” will get $5 off! The discount on tickets can be redeemed on the Eventbrite ticketing page.

Pretty Picks – Valentine’s Day Essentials + A Giveaway!

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and smothering your sweetheart, your besties, and your family with tokens of love is on the agenda. Have a look at this collection of gifts big and small that fit the bill. From the love of your life to your partner in crime and maybe even a few things for yourself, there’s a little something for everyone tucked inside our Valentine’s Day pretty picks.

Valentine's Day Essentials

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Valentine's Day Essentials

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And for a cheat sheet of our favorite vendor picks, have a look at this curated collection that would make any Valentine recipient crazy happy. Oh and a giveaway from Minted, Nespresso, Plum Pretty Sugar and Teavana too. Grab the details below!

Minted is giving away a $200 credit towards their products. Head here to enter. Entries must be received by February 10, 2015 at 11:59pm PT

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Nespresso is giving away a machine for one lucky reader.

The Prize: Nespresso by Kitchen Aid machine in Empire Red.

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post starting with “NESPRESSO” telling us what drink you’d make for your sweetie.

To Win: The winner will be randomly selected and announced in the SMP Weddings Social Hour post on Friday, February 13, 2015.

Terms & Conditions: Can all be found right here.

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Plum Pretty Sugar is giving away a set of rompers valued at $256!

The Prize: 1 winner will receive a set of 4 rompers for her ‘maids.

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post starting with “PLUM PRETTY SUGAR” explaining why you love your bridesmaids.

To Win: The winner will be randomly selected and announced in the SMP Weddings Social Hour post on Friday, February 13, 2015.

Terms & Conditions: Can all be found right here.

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Teavana is giving away an entire tea set valued at $60!

The Prize: Included is First Blush Tea Blend, a Valentine Tea Tin, a Perfectea Maker, a Perfectea Rock Sugar and Perfect Tea Spoon

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post starting with ” TEAVANA” letting us know your favorite tea blend!

To Win: The winner will be randomly selected and announced in the SMP Weddings Social Hour post on Friday, February 13, 2015.

Terms & Conditions: Can all be found right here. Good luck and wishing you all the happiest of Valentine’s Days! xoxo

Social Hour!

We’re scratching that whole Thursday part and running with Throw Back Friday. As in, holy moly there were a lot of goodies that graced our pages in January. We’ve rounded up your favorite Pinterest and Instagram posts from last month and it’s a place where carmel bacon popcorn and Paris go hand in hand. Have a look at a Social Hour jam packed with greats.

Cheers to our Social Faves!

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Cheers to our Social Faves!

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

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Elegant Wedding at Saddle & Cycle Club

We’re saying farewell to yet another pretty week on the Little Black Book blog, but not before we go out with a bang in the form of this Kate Ignatowski wedding. Her imagery defines elegance and the combo of sparkle, ribbons, floral patterning, eclectic blooms and metallics is spot on. So grab that Friday afternoon cocktail (we won’t tell if you start early) and click through this gallery goodness—it’s so worth it.

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Ballroom Weddings

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Eclectic Mint & Gold Outdoor Wedding

From Kate Ignatowski…Karen + John’s wedding was sophisticated yet fun and relaxed. One of my favorite elements was their ceremony backdrop – gold and white drapes over an earthy wood structure. I also love how they integrated their love of good food and wine with the cheese paired escort cards. Everything came together so beautifully.

While it did rain a bit in the morning, we were lucky that it cleared up in time for family photos + the outdoor ceremony. I still think Karen + John would have had the perfect day had it poured the whole time – they were so happy and in the moment. And I love the way they look at each other.

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

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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Amsale

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2014

Amsale Bridesmaids Spring 2014

Additional Styles by Amsale

Amsale Bridal Fall 2014

Amsale Bridal Spring 2015

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Amsale Bridal Blue Label

Amsale Bridal Spring 2016

Amsale Bridal Fall 2016

Amsale Bridal Spring 2018

Amsale Bridal Fall 2018

Amsale Bridesmaids

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Vera Wang

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

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Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

2016 Bridesmaid Collection

2016 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2017 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2017 Accessories Collection

Fall 2016 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Lingerie Collection

Spring 2017 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Bridesmaids Collection

Spring 2018 Bridal Collection

Spring 2018 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2018 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2018 Bridesmaid Collection

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Adrianna Papell

Spring 2015

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Joanna August

Babes of the Nile

Ceremony

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Tadashi Shoji

Spring 2017 Mother of the Bride

Spring 2017 Bridal

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When it came time to pick a wedding location, these two California sweethearts chose to venture back to where it all began – San Luis Obispo. Opting for a whimsical design chock full of mint, gold and navy, they built a day that spoke to their individual styles with just the right amount of California cool. Feast your eyes on the vintage trailer turned dessert bar, and party on in the full gallery from Danielle Poff.

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Target Registry Event Recap

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Garden Weddings

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Whimsical

From The Bride…With Nick being from the Bay Area and myself from Los Angeles, our first year of dating was long distance. Every few weeks we’d meet up in the San Luis Obispo area for the weekend since it was a three hour drive for both of us on the dot.. We spent many amazing times there, especially the one when he popped the question. Besides our wedding, this was the best day of my life! At that moment I knew we HAD to get married near San Luis Obispo and bring our friends and family to where we fell in love with each other.

Pulling up to the Garden at Peacock Farms, you’re greeted by one of the cutest fruit stands you’ll ever see. There are beautiful vineyards, gardens and a bridal suite that is every bride’s dream. The groom was instantly sold after seeing the man cave with a huge flat screen (I mean what groom wouldn’t be?!).We both knew the moment we walked in that this was it, this is us, this is everything we could have dreamed for our big day! One piece that really stood out was the vintage blue trailer that was just perfect for everything we envisioned for our decor, which we used for our dessert bar. We knew we wanted something vintage and elegant with a fun and relaxed feel but more importantly we wanted something that was us and really wanted to give our guests a vibe that brought out the both of us. With the bridesmaids in all mint, the boys in mint plaid ties and navy suit pants, the mixes of wood, gold, mint and chevron gave off that perfect feel better than we had imagined. Nick and I are party people and wanted to bring that out in the music. We choose a little bit of funk and A LOT of 90’s rap which had all of our guests up shaking their tail feathers all night long! Being on the dance floor with all our loved ones was one of the best parts of the night. This was the best day in both of our lives and will forever be so special to us.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Donna Morgan

Bridesmaids

Bridal

Mother of the Bride

Donna Morgan Collection - Core Chiffon

Donna Morgan Collection - Core Lace

Donna Morgan Collection - Serenity

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I recently attended one of the coolest registry events ever hosted by Target. It was one of those one-of-a-kind events where newly engaged couples and industry influencers mixed and mingled over wedding chat and bubbly, and it was all set against an oh-so-lovely NYC backdrop filled to the brim with Target goodies. Y’all, it was amazing.

So we all know that the Target Registry is basically perfection, I don’t need to tell you that. So take a real NYC home and outfit each and every room with fabulous products from Target and add in some hands-on workshops with the likes of Emily Henderson, Ana Quincoces, Kevin Denton, Mario Armstrong and Melissa Dilger and I was in some serious newlywed bliss. But the best news of all? You didn’t need to attend to reap the rewards of a Target registry yourself. That, loves, is the beauty of Target. No matter where you are, Target makes it as easy peasy as possible to register, literally putting all of their fabulousness right at your fingertips.

Bopping from room to room at the event was sooo much fun, but what really stood out was just how many unique products Target has to offer. With everything from Calphalon cookware to Threshold bedding to sports equipments and board games like Monopoly, you can literally merge your different personalities and style preferences to create a home, together. And talk about convenience. Engaged couples can start their registry online, at one of Target’s 1,800 nationwide stores or with your crazy cool mobile app. Plus, your guests will love Target’s amazing prices and you can complete your registry post-wedding with 15% off!

Visit Target now to be yourself, together.

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1. Crosley Cruiser Turntable 2. Trellis Beaded Toss Pillow 3. Lazy Susan Wooden Tripod Floor Lamp – Natural 4. Torre & Tagus Miko Glass 4-Ball Vase – White 5. KitchenAid Ultra Power 4.5 Qt Stand Mixer 6. Threshold Bar Cart – Gold 7. Threshold Herringbone Throw 8. Gorham Lady Anne Crystal Liquor Decanter 9. Threshold Bramptom Classic Glass Drinkware Set

Quince Año Anniversary Celebration

Studio EMP has dazzled our screens many a time with their beautiful photographs so no surprise that their 15th Anniversary party would be out of this world. A mix of mexican heritage, papel picado and a yummy taco feast are just a few of the festive tid bits you’ll find below. With the help of Lavenders Flowers, Found Vintage Rentals and 24 Carrots, this fiesta was made fabulous. See it all right here.

In Latin America countries, Quinceañera’s are celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday to signify their passing from childhood to womanhood. I myself had a quinceanera on my 15th birthday and am very proud of my hispanic heritage and have a love affair with all thing Mexico. So when I found out that 2013 marked Studio EMP, Inc. 15th year in business and owner Joel Maus’ 15th year as a wedding photographer, I jumped at the chance to throw this guy a quinceanera minus the poofy dress of course!

I have grown to know Joel like the back of my hand and knew that this fiesta would have to be a surprise because he would never let me throw a party where he was the center of attention. I knew that after 15 years in the industry the guestlist for this party could easily have well over 400 guest but knowing Joel I want to keep this celebration intimate. But I didn’t want all of our industry friends, past brides and grooms to miss out on the fun, so an email blast was sent asking them grab their iPhones or laptops and send me a video of them sharing a memory, wedding story and/ or thought on “Señor Hoel”! The response was overwhelming I was flooded with videos, cards, emails and act of love towards this man!

November officially marked 15 years since Joel’s first wedding which was actually a redo session after a failed attempt by another photographer of the couple wedding day. So on a sunny November Monday morning in hopes that he won’t suspect a thing, we transformed our all white studio into a colorful fiesta complete with papel picado, pinata, tacos, bougainvillea, latin sips, bites and tunes! I signed on Joel’s wife Jeni of Found Vintage Rentals, my dear friend Janelle of Lavender’s Flowers and the AMAZING team at 24 Carrots. The Found pieces help set the fiesta vibe with colorful rugs, pillows, cocktail and dining tables and seating. Lavenders Flowers brought her amazing floral skill and provided the perfect bougainvillea centerpieces paired with papaya and limes! The team at 24 Carrots stole the show going above and beyond turning my tacos and churros idea into a delicious five course lunch, needless to say we were stuffed but love every minute of it! His reaction to the surprise fiesta and the video of friends and clients filled my heart with so much joy. This fiesta was my way of showering him with love and showing him how loved and appreciated he is for sharing his gift and talents with the world. I am eternally grateful to our vendor friends whom without their help and time I seriously could not have pulled of this party for it was all a true labor of love.

Feliz Quince Años “Señor Hoel” and here’s to muchos muchos más!

Floral Design: Lavenders Flowers | Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | Event Design + Photographer: Joel Maus Lorely Meza For Studio Emp | Invite: Paperless Post | Rentals: Found Rental Co.

10 Unique Items for Your Registry

Hi Brides! Angela here from Saffron Avenue bringing you a helpful little post on out-of-the-box registry picks! We all have our standby favorites when it comes to registries, but take it from me – getting a unique gift from your guests makes it that much more exciting. Especially those extra fun gifts that keep on giving. See below for my top ten items to add to your list, stat!

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Angela Mondloch

Contributing Editor, Blogger Bride

Saffron Avenue

Romantic Cranberry + Dusty Blue Wedding Inspiration

When this gem from Mint Photography landed in my lap, the first thing I did was ‘ooh and aah’ over the gorgeously unexpected color combo. You might think, oh red and blue, it’s been done before. But Posh Events Co. and the entire vendor team turned it into it’s own character. From the velvety red ring box from The Mrs. Box to the incredibly stunning bouquet by Lovely Leaves tied up with dusty blue ribbons, it’s romance at it’s best.

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