Texas Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

The Most Glamorous Wedding Overlooking the Houston Skyline

Imagine the most glamorous affair on the planet and then kick it up a few hundred notches and you get this Texas-sized celebration. Crafted by A Fare Extraordinaire along with Harper Events, Events in Bloom and imagery by Aisha Khan, it’s a day that blends modern with luxurious and all while looking out over a breathtaking Houston skyline.

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/0yqawKFQMaI 600 338]
[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/DWw82RwrpDM 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Ballroom Weddings

Styles

Glamorous

From A Fare Extraordinaire… I loved working with Brett and Meagan Burgin to create the perfect menu and dinner layout for their big day! By working hand-in-hand with wedding planner Hedi Shankleton, of Harper Events, and Rob Smith, of Events in Bloom, we were able to turn their dream wedding into reality so they could embrace this very special life moment. Their vision was an industrial-chic themed wedding, with acrylic furniture and pops of light pink, hot pink and metallic colors. The gorgeous wedding overlooked the Houston city skyline through the windows of The Astorian. This 14,000-square foot, bi-level, private space is located within a landmark Houston building with 14-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing downtown Houston. It served as the idyllic space to set the tone for an industrial-chic scene, especially with its beautiful overhead lights for both the ceremony and reception. It was very important to the bride and groom that their guests enjoyed every minute of the wedding and decided to deviate from some of the more traditional details to focus on celebrating this momentous occasion. Here at A Fare Extraordinaire, our typical wedding involves a seated meal or buffet dinner. It was so fun to get creative with the couple and plan a unique menu. The food was served on small composed plates in the lounge area. In lieu of a wedding cake and ceremonial cake-cutting, A Fare Extraordinaire passed dessert bites around the dancefloor so guests could continue dancing the night away with little interruption. To add the final touches to the event design, each table was topped with gorgeous floral arrangements, created by Events in Bloom, incorporating the pops of light and hot pink colors. Front and center on this magical night was the gorgeous bride in her Loretta Gown, by Galia Lahav, and the sharp-dressed groom dancing the night away and enjoying newlywed bliss!

Colorful + Stylish Spring Wedding

Eager to embrace spring for your special day but a little worried that there’s still a crispness in the air? Well, fret no longer because this wedding right here has all the answers to your wardrobe worries. With colorful bridesmaid dresses and some chic furs, we have a look that’s bound to keep your ladies warm while still looking gorgeous. Forage + Film captured the looks and every bit of beauty from this Texas wedding – all in our Vault right this way!

Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Settings

Estate Weddings

From forage + film… This vibrant private estate wedding was just the perfect introduction to spring! With its rich colors, beautiful light, yet soft furs and organic florals, we spent the day swooning all over each special detail! We loved that the estate belonged to the groom’s family and is where he spent many holidays and where family members before him said their own vows on its waterside lawn! Speaking of families, these two not only grew up in the same town, but their families were also friends for years prior to meeting! It was a fairytale day for a beautiful couple and their sweet families.

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

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

View All Collections

We Found the Most Scenic Locale for Your Aspen Wedding

Having an outdoor wedding in Aspen automatically comes with a side of crazy amazing views, but if you’re looking for breathtaking scenery that also happens to include Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Creek Valley, we found your spot in the Cliffhouse. Laid back and set against one of Colorado’s most scenic backdrops, it’s the type of place where saying “I do” is simply magical… and don’t even get us started on the food. Want to learn more? We’re teaming up with ASC Catering for a little rundown below.

Situated at the very tippy top of Buttermilk Mountain at the Summit Express Lift, the Cliffhouse is everything you’ve ever dreamed for you Big Day locale… and so much more. Which is no surprise, really, since anytime you partner up with ASC Catering, you’re in for a day that is perfect from start to finish with a talented team of professionals at the helm making sure every moment is just so. Think farm to table buffets, five-course dinners and certified kosher catering all prepared with sustainable, organic and local produce. Now add to that lineup of tasty goodness a venue like the Cliffhouse + awe-inspiring scenery and you AND your guests are in for the celebration of the century.

Can’t wait to tie the knot at the Cliffhouse surrounded by breathtaking views at every angle? We don’t blame you. Contact ASC Catering today to talk all things wedding and start planning that Aspen day of your dreams, yummy menu options totally included.

Ceremony Venue: Aspen Snowmass Weddings | Catering: ASC Catering

How Fresh Greens took this Country Wedding to the Next Level

Greenery and garden blooms never disappoint but when paired with an elegant country wedding in Texas, they’re downright gorgeous. Set against a bright white barn, with climbing garland and fuchsia colored florals by The Southern Table plus a marbled dream cake by Sugar Bee Sweets, this insanely cute couple said “I Do”. And fun fact, all the farm tables so beautifully adorning the reception were handmade by the Bride’s family. Now that is dedication. See the full affair captured by Adria Lea Photography right here in the vault.

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

Settings

Rustic Weddings

Styles

Rustic

From the Bride… Our story began back in High School (in Garland, TX), however we did not realize it at the time. We knew of each other, but our paths did not cross much. A few years passed after High School, and we ran across each other again during a birthday get-together on Lower Greenville in Dallas, TX. We dated a couple of times, but were geographically separated too much at the time to give it a serious try (Don was in the Air Force stationed at Wichita Falls, TX and Jennifer was living in Dallas, TX). Seven years later, we met up in Austin, TX (Jennifer came down with her girlfriend’s birthday and Don was living there). We both agreed that we needed to try dating seriously this time, and nearly every other weekend we were together in either Dallas or Austin for three years straight. We did everything together and made a lot of great memories. It was clear that the third time was a charm, and we had found the one that we had been looking for our whole lives (not knowing they had been there all along).

The proposal (07/02/2016) was surprise at the Harbor in Rockwall, with family on both sides prepped in secret (Don drew a map for family to park and hide safely out of view). We walked towards the movie theatre from the hotel and stopped in front of the fountain (Don took out some pennies and said, “Remember that one time we came here one of our first dates and tossed in coins for good luck? Jennifer said, “Yes I do.”). We then closed our eyes and made a wish and then tossed in the pennies (Don then turned to Jennifer and said, “Remember that one time we came here and I proposed to you?” He got down on one knee and said, “Will you marry me?” Jennifer covered her mouth in happiness and said “Yes!”). All the family them came running out of hiding sharing their congratulations.

The wedding day was the perfect family country wedding. It was exactly how we imagined, from the beginning to the end. It was such a blessing to have friends and family travel from near and far to be with us on that special day. Jennifer’s family did a remarkable job on custom building all the picnic style tables that were used for the reception (countless hours by the whole family). The First Look was one of the most emotional moments of the day, leaving both the Bride and Groom in unbearable anticipation. When we both saw each other, our hearts were full of love. Don was simply in awe of Jennifer. The ceremony was held outside in the most perfect day; we could not have asked for better weather. Don lost it when Jennifer came down the aisle to “A Thousand Years” in string quartet. The reception was full of laughter and good times with karaoke and dancing. The exit was lit with sparklers and well wishes as we waived good bye to all our loved ones. The perfect day, the perfect couple.

A Wedding Editorial Inspired by Shades of the Sun

I’m a tad bit reluctant to admit just how many hours I spent poring over these images by Ivory+Bliss. But can you even blame me? It’s springtime wedding inspiration at its finest, with Tristan Needham Design and Bows + Arrows playing off all the shades of the warm Texas sun. Think buttery yellows, coral poppies, and soft tones of tangerine brought together for photo gallery you’ll never want to leave.

From Ivory+Bliss… Ever since I came across The White Sparrow Barn, it was on my heart to create an editorial there. Between the natural light on the inside of the barn, to the expansive surrounding property, The White Sparrow Barn is nothing short of a film photographer’s dream.

Earlier in the year, I connected with Tristan Needham at a photography workshop and I just knew she was the one for the job. The palette – inspired by the warm Texas sun can be found in each element chosen for the editorial. Buttery yellow, and coral poppies, mixed with the soft and edible tones of tangerines – added just the right amount of color and subtle European romanticism we were looking for. All of the vendors we collaborated with for this editorial truly poured their heart into it, and to us, it shows.

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

Bows and Arrows

View Portfolio

How to Choose the Perfect Island for Your Hawaiian Nuptials

Deciding to say “I do” in Hawaii is one of those no-brainer decisions that makes celebrating your nuptials in paradise oh-so-easy. But narrowing down which island to host your party of the century? That’s a little more difficult. Which is why we’re teaming up with SPG Hotels of Hawaii to help you make that decision of a lifetime. (Hint: They’re all amazing.) Scroll for the beautiful, beautiful deets.

BIG ISLAND WEDDINGS

Want to tie the knot on the Big Island? We don’t blame you. Especially when you see the breathtaking beauty that is the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Think endless ocean views, vibrant sunsets and an amazing selection of indoor and outdoor wedding venues that will take your celebration to the next level. (Seriously.) Plus, their talented team of Wedding Specialists will be on hand to walk you through their oh-so-awesome package options, enhancements, yummy menus… and more. This one’s a win-win, loves.

MAUI WEDDINGS

If you’ve ever been to Maui, you know that it’s an island that was basically made for marrying. We’re talking awe-inspiring views, acres of sandy beaches and sunshine at every. single. turn. Which is why we’re downright obsessed with the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali and the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, three breathtaking resorts that will ensure that Big Day you’ve always dreamt of will most definitely happen. We couldn’t be more in love.

KAUAI WEDDINGS

Kauai is known for its stunning rainforests and raw, untouched beauty, so hosting your Big Day amongst its gorgeousness? Definitely a good decision. We’re all about the breathtaking views at Kauai’s coveted oceanfront resort destinations, like the St. Regis Princeville Resort, the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas and the Sheraton Kauai. Think infinity pools, luxurious spas and a team of wedding pros that have your every want + need handled. Plus, you can celebrate your reception outdoors or in a glamorous ballroom. It doesn’t get better.

OAHU WEDDINGS

The iconic shores of Waikiki Beach aren’t just for soaking in the sun… saying “I do” in this gorgeous locale is most definitely a must. From the fab restaurants to the endless list of outdoor activities, you AND your guests are in for a vacation/wedding you will never forget. Our fave resorts? The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, the Sheraton Waikiki and the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. Four seriously amazing resorts that know a thing or two about hosting your magical day. From the romantic venue choices to the totally knowledgeable wedding experts to the accommodations that will blow you away, they’ve got you sooo covered.

Ready to start planning that wedding of a lifetime on the Hawaiian island of your choice? Contact SPG Hotels of Hawaii today to begin your journey to happily ever after. From the luxe accommodations to the endless activities to the breathtaking venue options, you won’t regret it for a single minute. And don’t forget that you can earn bonus Starpoints® when you host your wedding at participating SPG Hotels of Hawaii and apply your Starpoints® toward free honeymoon nights at SPG hotels and resorts in Hawaii, Paris, Bora Bora and more. We can’t wait to see which amazing resort you choose.

The Perfect Mixture of Cultures + Stunning Style

Mixing anything – cultures, styles, colors – can be a tricky science but when it works, it’s pretty fabulous. And there’s no better proof than these perfect pics by Stephanie Brazzle. This stunning multi-cultural wedding in Dallas, complete with a beautiful Bride, handsome Groom and florals by Bows and Arrows are all making our hearts beat a bit faster this morning. But enough with the babbling… hop on over to our Vault and see it all for yourself!

[styleguide}

From the Bride… William and I are total opposites. We’re from different cultural, religious and political backgrounds. When we first started dating, we didn’t have much in common and there were lots of boundaries. It wouldn’t be until much later we’d realize that love has no boundaries and our love for one another would trump all of our differences. We wanted our wedding to be a juxtaposition of two different backgrounds fusing together to create something beautiful.

For the ceremony, instead of traditional vows, William and I wrote seven promises to each other representing the seven traditional vows Indian grooms and brides make to each other. Our officiant, my cousin, also wrote four earnest wishes for our future, modeled after the four circles couples make around a sacred fire. Though I walked down the aisle in a Gatsby style Justin Alexander white dress with a gorgeous detailed back, I danced the night away in a royal blue lehnga accented with a hot pink chunni, or scarf, and beautiful traditional Indian jewelry. My wrists were adorned with dozens of magenta, royal blue and gold choodies, or bangles. The palms of my hands were embellished with intricate henna and my late father’s name was written across my wrist in Hindi.

Our reception was beautiful. Our colors were blushes, mauves and gold. Indian weddings always have beautiful gold accents as well as a plethora of gold jewelry traditionally given to the bride on her wedding day. The tables were adorned with stunning garden-style centerpieces in terracotta vases from Bows and Arrows. My stunning bouquet of dahlia, hellebores, champagne roses, scabiosa, blushing bride, and memory lane roses were wrapped in Frou Frou Chic ribbon which was later displayed on our gold sequenced sweetheart table.

I did not think it was possible for two people from completely different upbringings, traditions and beliefs to forge a life together that somehow makes sense. To be able to get married exactly how we wanted was a dream come true.

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

Florals

Bows and Arrows

View Portfolio

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

Wedding Dresses

Adrianna Papell

Spring 2015

View All Collections

A Wedding for the Bride Who Loves Pink Peonies

They say everything is bigger in Texas and lucky for us, that includes the peonies. The bride, Allie made sure her bouquet included the fluffiest pink blooms you ever did see and it made for some incredible photos and video by The Bird And The Bear. Snag a closer look at this Camp Lucy event with more in the gallery.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/194359398 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

Settings

Event Venue Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Classic Weddings Romantic

From the Bride… After Jeremy and I got engaged and began talking about what we envisioned for our big day and decided we wanted a truly intimate wedding. We wanted those that have been a part of our relationship for the past five years there by our side, as we became husband and wife. We were in a long distance relationship for almost 3 years so our friends and family were an integral part in supporting our relationship and commitment to each other.

We instantly fell in love with Ian’s Chapel at Camp Lucy and knew it would give us the warm and intimate setting we imagined. We wanted all of our guests to spend the weekend on-site of the beautiful property and enjoy their luxurious cabins while they got to know each other better over wine and s’mores by the fire pit.

When it came to the vision of our wedding day I wanted everything to glow. As my fiancé so eloquently put it we wanted to create “intimate elegance.” (Pretty impressive for a man’s man.) I wanted romance everywhere you looked, in the candles, in the flower petals lining the aisle, and the sparkling chandeliers that lined our long farm table under the gorgeous pavilion of Camp Lucy. I wanted to create a space for close family and friends to laugh, love, and create lasting memories.

Including sentimental details was particularly important for me, as my grandparents have passed with the exception of one living grandmother who is in poor health. My mother’s parents were married for over 60 years and have a beautiful and classic World War II love story that will never be forgotten. Jeremy had my engagement ring made from her diamonds, which is so precious to me. She gave both myself and my sister pearl covered bibles to carry with us on our wedding day and her locket with a WWII picture of my grandfather was wrapped around my bouquet as I walked down the aisle.

As many brides understand, our wedding day was a blur. But oh, what a beautiful blur it was. I have so many favorite moments to choose from on that day. Being surrounded by my mom and bridesmaids in the bridal cottage just minutes away from walking down the aisle and being serenaded to “Going to the Chapel” while they danced around was at the top of my list. These girls always know how to calm my nerves. Of course, my handsome groom tops the list and seeing him standing at the end of the aisle was everything I ever dreamt it would be. Stealing small moments with him between pictures and sharing a toast during my hairstyle change were some of my favorite moments.

When the whirlwind of pictures, dress bustling, and hair changes were done we were seated at our gorgeous table for dinner and we shared a moment of taking it all in. This moment epitomizes what that day was about. Everything was perfect. The glowing candles and chandeliers, the stunning floral arrangements, a perfect cool breeze on a November hill country evening, laughter coming from every direction, and champagne bubbles filling everyone’s glasses. My handsome groom looked over adoringly at me and we both felt the magic of that moment. Being surrounded by those closest to us, and realizing we were finally husband and wife was a feeling I know neither of us will ever forget.

Glittery Gold Engagement Session Set in Dallas

Everything about this engagement session is a recipe for perfection. From the bride’s glittering gold Badgley Mischka dress to the waterside setting, to the champagne flutes holding celebratory bubbly. It’s all our favorite things in one pretty shoot made even prettier through the lens of Alba Rose Photography.

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

Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

View All Collections

Say Hello To Our New Favorite Garden Wedding!

If insanely gorgeous floral design is your thing – major kudos to Without Wax, Katy – this wedding is for you. The bride, Allison is a part of the Mayhar Design team and when it came to styling a wedding for one of their own? Well, they delivered. Big time. I’m predicting this day as one of our very favorites of the year, and with one look at the images by Michelle Boyd, I guarantee you’ll agree.

Colors

Seasons

Winter Weddings

Settings

Garden Weddings

Styles

Romantic Whimsical

From Melanie, of Mayhar Designs… I have had the privilege of knowing Allison for just over three years. Within that time frame, she has loaned her heart, her spirit, her incredibly hard working attitude and energy and her grace to both my life and to the lives of every single Mayhar client and vendor alike. She has stood beside us at every single wedding, helping to ensure that each bride and family member was cared for and that each detail was perfectly placed. She is the type of colleague who gets personally thanked in Father of the Bride Speeches. She is a truly amazing friend and person and I was beyond thrilled when she asked us to help plan her own wedding, which took place this past November in San Antonio.

When we sat down to discuss her wishes for the day, she kept going back to an organic yet classic design with thoughtful details and an overarching atmosphere that was inviting and welcoming. She wanted a space that was rich in texture and soft color and made each and every guest feel incredibly special. It was such a joy to be a part of this celebration! I hope that we did her greatest wishes justice!

Modern Art + Romantic Gardens Combine to Create Wedding Magic

A stylishly chic dress + gorgeous florals; really, what more does a girl want? With these pics by Kayla Barker we don’t need to venture far to find this and more. Designed and planned by Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design, with ridiculously beautiful blooms by Bows and Arrows, this shoot mixes modern art with pure romance and we’re 100% on board with every bit of it. See it all in our Vault right here!

From Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design… It all seemed to click when we came across the Nasher Sculpture Center in the Dallas Arts District. Our team envisioned an ‘art brought to life’ shoot that embodied a mix of the elements found in sculptures and more modern museum-like settings with soft, feminine touches of ethereal beauty; essentially a painter’s palette meshing with a sculptor’s completed work to create one overall piece of living art! When we discovered the Nasher Sculpture Center and their incredible collection of art (including Rodin, Picasso, Calder, Kooning and more) the overall vision came to life and the beautiful sculpture lawn was just the icing on the cake.

Together with our team of A-list vendors and real-life Dallas couple, Katy and Rocky Cherry, we chose unique details and textures to complete this true, life-like work of art to inspire weddings and events for years to come. We chose to combine the soft, modern concepts of a bride, her dress and decor and pair it with the richness and masculinity of her handsome groom! The structured Sarah Seven dresses from a&be bridal shop along with sleek hair and make-up by Meg B incorporated the modern details of the venue. The concrete, slate and marble textures used were inspired by the sculpture works of art around the lawn. Romantic florals by Bows and Arrows and soft calligraphy by Fig & Flourish softened the modern edges and incorporated the soft tones of vintage abstract art. There is something so mesmerizing about blending the stillness of artwork with real life celebrations and we feel we achieved that with this romantic and beautiful styled shoot.

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

Florals

Bows and Arrows

View Portfolio

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

Wedding Dresses

Sarah Seven

Signature Bridal

Gold Label

View All Collections

A Moody Blue Wedding Inspired by The Bride’s Love of Fine Art

If the color blue isn’t on your favorites list, this wedding will completely change your mind. It’s infused from beginning to end with a moody, romantic color palette inspired by the Bride’s love of art. And that nod to fine art doesn’t stop there. Crafted by The Wildflowers with lush florals by The Southern Table, a painted card display by Kayla Barker and all that beauty captured by one of our favorites, Ryan Ray Photography, pore through image after insanely gorgeous image right here.

Colors

Seasons

Winter Weddings

Settings

Tented

Styles

Romantic

From the event designer, The Wildflowers… Samantha and Michael’s winter wedding was like dancing through a work of art right out of the Romantic Era. The initial vision of their celebration called for moody and dramatic color themes, when the discovery a floral watercolor painting hung in Samantha’s home presented us with the perfect palette: dusty blue-gray, deep navy, rich plum and berry, with tiny hints of blush and green. Samantha’s love for art beautifully influenced many of our design decisions, like Southern Fried Paper’s watercolor envelope liners to the custom-painted ombré blue escort card display.

Along with an ode to fine art, another aesthetic ethos was an emphasis of the color palette in subtle yet impactful ways. Gradients of twilight made appearances from the spectrum of bridesmaid gowns to the invitations, including dining cards that used shades of blue to dictate meal choices rather than standard text. The rich shades of plum and amaranthine complemented the blues in the bouquets and the breathtaking floral ceiling installation at the reception. Vibrant freesia that was dip-dyed by The Southern Table to create dramatic depth, as the flowers rained down among string lights over the tablescapes in a truly ethereal dining atmosphere.

From the ceremony to the reception, we strove for this harmony of classic and whimsical. In subtle ways, like the undone romantic florals, carefully arranged staggered silverware, and flowing fabrics with loose ribbons. And more noticeably, in the medley of androgyny and femininity in colors, textures, and shapes throughout. It was a night that was beautiful, sentimental, and iconic; with Samantha and Michael’s getaway in a 1964 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud leaving a last, long lasting impression on all of us.

Why I’m Doing Two Makeup Trials Before My Wedding

This might sound trivial but one of my biggest concerns about our wedding day is having to wear a face full of makeup that makes me feel like a totally different person. I think a lot of women have had terrible experiences having their makeup done! Maybe you have too? Today, I’ll be chatting about why I’m doing two trials and some tips I’ve learned along the way with Blushington! xo, Mackenzie of Design Darling

So, back to those terrible experiences… I remember having my makeup done before my high school prom and immediately running to the bathroom to scrub off layers of orange-y foundation before anyone could see me. Even as an adult I’ve had makeup artists tell me to trust them that purple eyeshadow will look great on me because it will complement my red hair (again only for me to scrub it off in the bathroom!).

So while I’m planning to do a proper hair and makeup trial at the salon on Nantucket the day of our wedding, I also wanted to do a more casual makeup trial locally so I could get more comfortable with the whole concept. A friend recommended Blushington, a makeup lounge with locations in California, New York, and Texas. They actually do on-location makeup services if you’re getting married in one of those states!

It might not be a traditional part of the planning process but I’m so glad I took a morning to do an additional makeup trial and address this little fear of mine. I followed advice from several Style Me Pretty posts to bring in pictures of makeup looks I like, which was definitely my biggest takeaway from the day. It was also so helpful to have Mason, my lovely makeup artist for the day, share the words she’d use to describe them — fresh-faced, natural, classic, understated — so I can repeat them to the makeup artist who will actually do my makeup the day of our wedding when I do my real trial on Nantucket this summer.

Another tip from Mason that resonated with me is that it’s easy to start light (whether with foundation, eye shadow, bronzer, you name it) and add another layer if you feel like it hasn’t covered every blemish or you don’t think you’re wearing enough to show up on camera. So I’ll definitely be asking my wedding salon to go easy on the first application and go from there if we agree it’s not quite enough.

My final tip is to have pictures taken after your makeup trial. I might not schedule your engagement photos immediately afterward because it might be too much pressure, but something a little more formal than an iPhone selfie is great because it will show you how your makeup will read on camera for your big day. Even if you can’t meet up with your wedding photographer like I did (thanks Cameron Kelly Studio!), asking a friend who has a nice camera is an easy and worthwhile alternative!

All in all, I’m happy with the choice to do two makeup trials, especially since Blushington offers full face makeup starting at $55. Now in addition to bringing inspiration photos from Pinterest and other bloggers to my real makeup trial, I can bring in a couple photos of myself wearing makeup I actually like! Anything else I should know before my hair and makeup trial this summer? I’m all ears!

[dotted]

P.S. See Mackenzie’s Coastal Engagement Session Here!

Photography: Cameron Clark Photography | Makeup: Blushington

Mackenzie Horan

Blogger Bride

Design Darling

Garden of Eden Inspired Shoot Ending in a Real Surprise Proposal

At the end of each day, I like to acknowledge or jot down a few things that made me smile. On the top of that list today will surely be this slice of garden-inspired goodness from Ivory & Vine Event Co., which ended in THE sweetest real surprise proposal. Fellow wedding lovers, there’s even a video documenting it below!—be sure not to miss it after you peruse all of the lovely captured by Ellen Ashton. P.S. Get a load of those Sarah Seven dresses, dreamy right?

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/203932583 600 338]

From Ivory & Vine Event Co.… This shoot was inspired by the Garden of Eden. We wanted to create an intimate wedding scene surrounded by elements of lush floral, greenery and vibrant pops of color to bring the Garden of Eden to life. The White Sparrow Barn made an incredible backdrop, surrounding us with stunning white walls and a grand space to set the stage.

The vibrant, spring color palette of deep berries, pinks, blush and creams helped to add so much color to the neutral walls of the White Sparrow. Kate Foley Designs created an amazing installation of floral and greenery, climbing the walls of the White Sparrow and evoking the feeling of a lush, hidden garden. From the bridal bouquet to the centerpieces, each element was designed with the intention of elevating natural elements into something elegant.

A few weeks into planning the editorial shoot with our model couple, the “groom” reached out to me asking if I would help plan his girlfriend’s proposal at the end of the shoot. He knew she loved The White Sparrow barn and that she would be getting her hair and makeup done specially for the shoot, and decided that it would be a great opportunity to ask for her hand.

We decided to split the shoot in two different sections, the wedding section and the “day after” portraits which have become popular among many couples. During the day-after section, as the models stood in the center of the room, Jaden got down on one knee and proposed. We opened the barn doors to reveal all of Havyn’s best friends standing there with balloons. She was absolutely stunning as she said “yes” to her future groom!

Ellen Ashton did such an amazing job of not only capturing the intricate details of the shoot, but the emotions of the day as well. Her aesthetic eye helped to bring an entirely different perspective into the space, capturing each intimate moment.

Pink Champagne Paper created a gorgeous stationery suite, with so many fun elements. From the custom map of the White Sparrow hand-drawn on textured paper, to the wax seals and barn drawing, each stationery element helped to tie the concept of the piece together.

We were thrilled to showcase two stunning Sarah Seven gowns. For the wedding portion of the shoot, our model wore the Carlisle gown by Sarah Seven. This piece gave a nod to the Garden of Eden concept through it’s illusion lace detailing and floral pattern design. During the day-after section and real proposal moment, our model adorned a buttery-yellow Sarah Seven slip dress, full of movement.

Whisk Until Sweet provided an incredible cake adorned with fresh floral, dripping chocolate and fruit accents to tie in our concept. This two-tiered beauty was simple, but full of so many fun details.

Each moment of this shoot was so truly unique. This team of vendors put so much thought and care into every detail not only to elevate the design, but to give our couple one of the most memorable days of their lives. It was truly an honor to plan something so beautiful for this couple!

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

Wedding Dresses

Sarah Seven

Signature Bridal

Gold Label

View All Collections

This Couple Turned Their Backyard Into a Dream Venue

When Shyler and Trevor bought their first home together, they got it with the dream of a backyard wedding. Nearly 13 months later, they managed to completely transform the setting into a charming garden venue perfect for the occassion. Their labor of love paid off in a big way, and we have all the images from the lens of Becca Lea.

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

Styles

Romantic Rustic

From the Bride… Trevor and I met while I was working at a hotel in Dallas as a hostess in the restaurant. I had a friend that worked with me that asked if I could fill in for her one night at neighboring establishment, which was down the street. I walked in to fill in for her and met Trevor, who was the general manager. We went on our first date on New Year’s Day, about 2 months after I had begun working with him. During that first month of work, before the night got busy, I was telling a story to the cocktail waitresses in the hallway. Trevor was walking up behind me trying to pass through the group, and I accidentally backhanded him in the face, as I tend to talk with my hands. We had a good laugh and we like to say that the first time I slapped him in the face is the first time we both knew we might be meant for each other.

Trevor and I had been together 6 years when we got engaged so we have had a lot of time to think about our wedding and dream about different options. We had always talked about buying a house together with the intention of getting married in the backyard. We were fortunate enough to be able to make our wedding dream come true and buy a home in a wonderful Dallas neighborhood in July of 2015. We spent nearly 13 months tackling different projects in preparation for the big day – redoing the driveway, adding double doors to the backyard, building a backyard deck, removing and adding trees and plants, and re-sodding the front and back yard among other things. It was a lot of hard work but all very much worth it. Our families and friends and especially my father was able to help us out with much of the hard work. Trevor is the Beverage Director and cocktail creator where he works in Dallas. That being said, he had the food and beverage portion of our event covered. The wedding inspiration was a combination of the personality of a beverage director/cocktail creator and myself, a free-spirited holistic nutrition-trained clinical director of a wellness center and part-time yoga instructor.

Finding the right gown was very important to me. I dragged my sister Shane all over town trying on different wedding gowns. She was wonderful and very patient with me! I guess most women understand how important the gown can be on your wedding day. I had it in my head that I wanted a long sleeve dress with lace, but I kept trying on all different styles of dresses in case I fell in love with one that I wasn’t expecting. I went to Neiman Marcus with my future mother in law at the time. I have a great memory of us drinking champagne and trying on dresses. In the end, I fell in love with my Romona Kaveza long sleeve wedding dress. I am very happy with how my dress turned out. The associates at Neimans took wonderful care of me and added a little layer of lace to the bottom of my dress to make sure that it was long enough.

Our wedding was planned with Lindsey Zamora as my stylist and planner. She was so amazing! We became friends through the wedding planning process. It was wonderful to have her by my side for everything. She helped me create a clear vision for the garden inspired wedding that Trevor and I wanted to achieve, and then she executed everything just the way we had dreamed it up together. Becca Lea Photography was another huge part of the wedding planning process. She was so kind and gave me so many recommendations that helped get the planning process started. I feel very fortunate to have had the team around us that we did for the wedding, and we couldn’t have done it without our hospitality connections. It was great to feel like we were surrounded by people that really cared about us and our wedding day. We love them all and will always remember everything they did for us during our wedding.

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

Wedding Dresses

Romona Keveza

Romona Keveza Luxe Bridal

Romona Keveza Luxe Bridal Fall 2016

Romona Keveza Bridal Fall 2017

Romona Keveza Collection Bridal Spring 2017

Romona Keveza Collection Bridal Fall 2019

ROMONA New York

View All Collections

This is How You Bring Old World Glamour to Texas

If a Texas wedding is in your future but you want to steer away from those rustic cliches, this is your blueprint my friends. It’s old world charm meets layers of elegance executed so beautifully by Chancey Charm, with blooms from Bows and Arrows to boot. Can you even handle this sun-graced dinner setup? Head to The Vault for more gorgeous captured by Davy Whitener.

From the Skylar Caitlin with Chancey Charm… When Davy and I (Skylar) first started brainstorming for this editorial, all we had was a basic outline of what we wanted. Davy was traveling from Atlanta and wanted to utilize the beauty of Texas ranches, but we both wanted to stay clear of the rustic barn look that is so common here. As we started brainstorming a few ideas, an inspiration couple started to take shape.

Our couple would want to bring Old World glamour to the natural Texas countryside. By tying in subtle French inspiration and natural styling, our design goal was to meld their love for European travel with an appreciation of their Southern upbringing. For a venue, I knew instantly there was no other choice than The Clubs at Houston Oaks. They have a 15th Century chapel on property that was brought over from France and serves as their main wedding ceremony site. The entire property is full of these meticulous details that I cherish as a designer and played perfectly into the inspiration couple’s profile.

The palette started with a soft primary group of blush, cool grey, and gentle green. We brought it to life by infusing more depth into the secondary palette through vibrant burgundies, antique golds, forest greens, and rich, peachy flesh tones. Hailey and Lindsey of Venus and Co Flowers (who came to us by way of Alicia with Bows and Arrows Flowers) took the palette and absolutely ran with it. The fully developed color spectrums and textures they pulled into their arrangements captured everything we’d dreamed of and more.

The entire creative team for this shoot went above and beyond. The Brian Gavin Diamonds engagement ring seen here is a part of their brand new 810 Collection and we were honored that they released it to us to style just after production. Dionne of Nib and Pixel hand crafted the invitation suite on a luxurious textured paper. Guests of the couple would actually feel the weight and mood of the wedding before they even arrived.

We set up our tablescape beneath the soft overhang of the oaks dripping in Spanish Moss. House of Hough supplied the base – an ivory cord textured linen with flecks of gold and silver throughout that reflected a light blush in the glow of sunset. Swift Events provided the tableware, including the natural wood charger with elegant point details and the white dinner and salad plates with the intriguing cutout details around the rims. With a pop of green from a set of House of Hough moss green napkins and a few springs of green, this organic glam sets the tone for a mouthwatering dinner under the oaks.

When it came to sweets, we wanted to be careful to keep our French inspiration subtle. While Erica of Wink by Erica is known for her killer macarons, I shared a vision for a cake that would fully envelop the gentle melding of inspirations. The simple semi-naked cake with edible gold details absolutely shimmered in the soft evening light. It embodied the Southern delicacy of red velvet while elevating it to a place of elegance. And as we discovered during a post-shoot indulgence, the cake didn’t just look breathtaking, it was rich, moist, and was gone before we could finish packing up our bags.

To put the cherry on top of the team cake, Taylor with She + Him Bartending whipped us up a plethora of custom cocktails all inspired by the Europe meets Texas vibes. The group’s favorites were tied between the savory, sweet Whisky Rose which stood out among the groom’s details and the La Flora which combined brut champagne with violet liquor for a delicious celebratory toast.

One of my absolute favorite details, though, was the 1960s Rolls Royce. Not only did Jordan Limousines custom make a “Oaks” car tag, but just check out that awe inspiring floral garland. The ladies of Venus and Co crafted the perfect getaway setting for the couple.

Our sweet model couple brought the love for the camera. With a dapper groom in Menguin’s ‘Dublin’ tuxedo and the bride slaying in Leanne Marshall’s ‘Gabrielle’ that looked as if it was made for her body, they breathed life into our inspiration couple. Some of my favorite images are just of the two of them, close together, and you can tell that their love is authentic and real. It’s always a blessing to have a totally in-love duo who connect on and off film.

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

Florals

Bows and Arrows

View Portfolio

Classic Burgundy + Navy Fall Wedding

For Sarah and Tanner, a wedding under the Texas sun was kind of a no-brainer. Both outdoor lovers through and through, they planned a fall celebration with loved ones by their side, and you better believe they soaked up every last second. Michelle Boyd was on hand to photograph the day and Sarah’s advice to all fellow brides is to not sweat the small stuff along the way. “At the end of the day, you will be married to the love of your life, and in comparison to that, nothing else matters.”

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

Settings

Outdoor Weddings Rustic Weddings

Styles

Rustic

From the bride, Sarah… Tanner and I both absolutely love the outdoors. It’s where Tanner proposed and it’s where we like to spend our free time. So it was an easy decision to exchange our vows amongst our closest friends and family under the sun. Our goal for the ceremony and reception was to create an organic elegance by incorporating a variety of freeform botanical arrangements with touches of gold throughout. The biggest desire for our wedding day was for it to be laid-back and an enjoyable environment for everyone who came to celebrate with us.

Although Tanner would say cake tasting, my favorite part of planning was working with the florist and watching them beautifully create what I had envisioned aesthetically for our wedding day. Tanner and I were blown away by the execution of the floral design team. Besides marrying the love of my life, our favorite part of the wedding was seeing all the people that came to celebrate our marriage with us. Our hearts were truly overwhelmed by all the love and support we were shown throughout the entire wedding process, but especially on our day. Thinking about the people who we were able to interact with still puts big smiles on our faces.

A little wedding advice from one bride to another – soak in every moment you possibly can on your wedding day. Enjoy the wonderful people around you and don’t let little things that may go wrong get you down, because more than likely no one else will even notice. And at the end of the day, you will be married to the love of your life, and in comparison to that, nothing else matters. So enjoy every bit of it!

Gorgeous Wedding Hair From I Do’s to Dancing

While I went with an updo on my own wedding day, I often find myself ogling a gorgeous bride with flowing waves… but then I see an elegant twist and I’m back in the other direction. So when Hey Lovely Makeup shared their take on the best of both worlds, well, I was won over in seconds. Dana Fernandez and Next Trail Photography captured the easy peasy switcheroo making this look ideal for the bride that wants it all!

Ceremony Style: Romantic Side ‘Do

Part and prep the hair with a dry texture spray

Sweep hair to one side twisting from the bottom

Pin the bottom twisted pieces of hair loosely

Twist a few front pieces away from the face meeting the other pinned pieces

Add a vintage hair pin or embellishment – tada!

[dotted]

To Dance The Night Away: Effortless Side Chignon How-to

Gather hair in a clear elastic slightly off center

Begin twisting hair away from the face

Continue to twist and begin forming a bun around the clear elastic

Secure bun using bobbi pins

Pin loose ends leaving a few pieces out for a more effortless feel

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/jreMD3M1e4M 600 338]

From Dana Fernandez… One thing that myself and Erica (owner of Hey Lovely Makeup) often see at weddings where we share the same client is that the majority of the time, a bride’s hairstyle rarely stays fresh all the way through the reception. While brainstorming one day with a shared client who couldn’t decide whether to wear her hair down or in an updo, we suggested that she wear her hair down through the end of the ceremony and then have her hair styled into an updo during the cocktail hour. Our sweet bride ended up going with the suggestion and it was perfect! Not only was she able to have two different hair styles, but also her hair was up and away from her face during the dancing as well as her hair being perfect and fresh for the pictures until the getaway!

Since it was such a success for our client, we decided to put together this tutorial for brides that are looking at doing the same thing in an easy step by step format!

Photography: Josh & Dana Fernandez | Videography: Next Trail Photography | Hair + Makeup: Hey Lovely Makeup | Film Lab: The Find Lab

Don’t Say “I Do” in Aspen Without Reading This First

Three ingredients of an amazing wedding celebration? A fab locale, great friends and really good food. It’s a little something that ASC Catering knows a thing or two about with a top-notch team of chefs + event managers filling your Big Day with some of the tastiest menu options you’ll ever gobble up. It’s the foodie celebration of your dreams, all set against the stunning backdrop that is Aspen Snowmass. Get to know them (and their mouth-watering talents) below.

Let’s be honest. Once those “I do’s” have been said and those first dances have been had, it’s all about the food. ASC Catering totally gets that, and their talented staff of professionals will make sure you’re celebrating with the most amazing lineup of tasty treats ever. From a farm to table buffet to five-course dinners to certified kosher catering, they’ll bring their unique blend of creative meets modern dishes to your wedding… and all crafted with sustainable, organic and local produce. Not to mention that they cater to SIX venues on Aspen Snowmass (including the amazing Elk Camp seen here), as well as any off-site venue of your choice. So whether you plan to tie the knot against the stunning Rocky Mountains or in the backyard of your childhood home, you can rest assured that ASC Catering has you totally covered; from hors’ d’oeuvres to main course to dessert.

Ready to talk to the only catering company that can match the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains? Contact ASC Catering’s fab team of chefs and event managers today to chat about your Big Day at Aspen Snowmass OR that amazing locale of your choosing. They’ll use the freshest + finest ingredients available to create that totally awesome + totally unique menu of your dreams and you’ll be blown away by the deliciousness… and their outstanding service. Psst… don’t forget to ask about The Sled, a mobile kitchen that is an absolute must for any event. You’re going to love them.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/85674307 600 338]

Photography: Jason+Gina Wedding Photographers | Videography: Red Mountain Productions | Ceremony Venue: Aspen Snowmass Weddings | Catering: ASC Catering

Snow In Texas Makes For The Perfect Intimate Winter Wedding

This couple knew they wanted a winter wedding but didn’t necessarily expect a snow storm in Texas! But with the snowy weather came an ultra romantic feel, adding touches of shimmering white to the trees outside the chapel where the ceremony took place. With a neutral color palette and dramatic hints of deep red, the florals by Twigs & Twine Events felt wintery and festive for the time of year. Finch Photography captured the beautiful day and the gallery will have you dreaming of a white winter wedding – no doubt!

Colors

Seasons

Winter Weddings

Settings

Hotels + Resorts Weddings Religious Institution

Styles

Classic Weddings

From the photographer… Stephanie and Carter knew that they wanted a cold-weather wedding following the conclusion of football season, but they never expected that they’d be surrounded by snow in Texas! As guests began to arrive, the winter storm arrived, too. The cold weather kept everyone inside, making the wedding festivities so much more intimate! Thankfully, the bride stayed warm in a fur wrap from Royal Scout & Co. That added an elegant touch to her modern Jesus Peiro gown. The southern oak trees that lined the entrance to the chapel were brushed with snow which beautifully complimented the traditional ceremony. After the ceremony, guests were surrounded by hundreds of romantic candles and a neutral color palette with pops of marsala throughout the winter florals. Following a delicious dinner from Knife Steakhouse and heartfelt toasts from the maid of honor and father of the bride, guests danced for hours with one of Dallas’ award-winning bands. Ben Finch and Candlelight Films did a fabulous job capturing every detail of the night but also the JOY that everyone shared!

Being from Knoxville, Carter had three requests for the wedding – a UT checkerboard end zone on his grooms’ cake, to sing “Rocky Top”, and to celebrate the special occasion with Tennessee moonshine! The ever-so-important checkerboard end zone was accompanied by building equipment surrounding the cake as a nod to Carter’s job as a construction engineer and his love for hands-on projects. Other Tennessee traditions were woven into the night’s events amongst the all of the sparkle and monograms that Stephanie knew she needed to have! Stephanie also hand-wrote the calligraphy place cards that each guest found at their table to add a personalized touch to the decor. After graduating from Auburn University and getting engaged at the iconic Samford Hall, Stephanie and Carter made it a priority to incorporate traditions from their college town. The bride and groom descended the modern staircase as they exited through a sea of orange and blue shakers as friends and family cheered ‘War Eagle’!

Texas Weddings

BIG ISLAND WEDDINGS

MAUI WEDDINGS

KAUAI WEDDINGS

OAHU WEDDINGS

P.S. See Mackenzie’s Coastal Engagement Session Here!

Mackenzie Horan

Ceremony Style: Romantic Side ‘Do

To Dance The Night Away: Effortless Side Chignon How-to

From Our Partners

Austin

Boerne

Buda

Dallas

Driftwood

Dripping Springs

Fort Worth

Fredericksburg

Galveston

Georgetown

Hill Country

Horseshoe Bay

Houston

Kyle

Mckinney

Montgomery

New Braunfels

Plano

Quinlan

San Antonio

Wimberley

Texas Weddings

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

BIG ISLAND WEDDINGS

MAUI WEDDINGS

KAUAI WEDDINGS

OAHU WEDDINGS

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

P.S. See Mackenzie’s Coastal Engagement Session Here!

Join The Conversation

Mackenzie Horan

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Ceremony Style: Romantic Side ‘Do

To Dance The Night Away: Effortless Side Chignon How-to

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

From Our Partners