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

Pops of Orange Celebrate Fall At This Relaxed Boho Wedding

Just one look at this special day and you’ll immediately decide to have a fall wedding. Think warm colors, rich textures, and an abundance of autumnal accents all perfectly pieced together by Vanessa Pence Events. Fresh floarls in eye-catching shades, designed by Golden Fields Floristry’s, add to the effortless romance of the day. Elizabeth Warrick Photography was there to capture every incredible moment in her artful imagery, you can see it all in the full gallery.

From Vanessa Pence Events… Tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Rachel and Kevin said “I do” in front of their family and close-knit group of friends. With nothing but a color palette in mind, Vanessa Pence Events brought this wedding to life, leaving no detail unnoticed. Elizabeth Warrick Photography and Rob Goodman Photo captured the day so naturally while Golden Fields Floristry brought the punch, tying in bright and juicy pops of orange which made this wedding stand out from the crowd. Rachel and Kevin came to me with only a color palette in mind. They loved the color orange but other than that they didn’t really have much of a vision but they trusted me wholeheartedly with the design. I wanted to weave deep oranges and terracotta throughout the design but also wanted it to feel very chic and relaxed to reflect their laid-back personalities. Drawing inspiration from a crisp fall day when the leaves are changing colors, we were able to create something really beautiful and a bit different than the neutral or super bright color palettes that we saw in excess this year.

With a focus on color and textures, the team brought in beautiful woven linens from La Tavola | BBJ Linens, garden-inspired chairs, and flower-shaped chargers made of seagrass from Theoni Collection, hand-broken terracotta vases that were turned into place cards by Blushtype, mini olive trees that doubled as guest escorts and favors, and a pressed flower cake. All of these well-thought-out pieces contributed to the airy and relaxed feel of the day and really softened the Rosewood property. But it was Golden Fields Floristry’s rich bouquets and arrangements full of bright pom-pom dahlias, lush ranunculus, rudbeckia, marigolds, veronica, and incredible garden roses that brought the design to life. Wendy of Elizabeth Warrick Photography told us, “This year several of our couples opted for a very classic look for their wedding design when it came to Rachel and Kevin’s wedding it was a breather of fresh air. Their design was incredibly inspiring from the watercolor bridesmaid’s dresses to the fall-inspired scenic ceremony. As the day unfolded, you could really see all the attention to detail and dedication that was in place to give their guest an experience.”

The bride’s beautiful long-sleeved sequined dress by Australian designer Rachel Gilbert glistened under the bright orange ceremony arch as she read her heartfelt vows. Her bridesmaids were dressed in sage floral gowns from Bella Bridesmaids and the groom and his groomsmen were decked out in suits from The Black Tux, complete with pumpkin socks – an ode to Kevin’s favorite color and flavor. Following their ceremony on the lawn with a backdrop of rolling hills and the immaculate CordeValle golf course, guests enjoyed cocktails and fun bites including variations of mac n’ cheese – Rachel’s favorite food – in the courtyard, before heading to the pergola adorned with bistro lights and smilax vines for dinner. After sharing many laughs and childhood stories, everyone headed inside to continue the party. While Rachel and Kevin said they weren’t big on dancing, they surprised themselves, finding that they had danced the night away.

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Historic Willamette Valley Farmhouse Hosts Romantic Alfresco Wedding Celebration!

This summertime Oregon wedding at the Barn Kestrel will take your breath away. Set on 1o incredible acres, Beckon Events planned and designed a day most brides could only dream of. Britlyn Simone Floral created romantic arrangements that were equal parts sophisticated and sweet. Every magical moment was beautifully captured in the artful imagery by Sweetlife Photography. You can see every darling detail in the full gallery.

From Allie at Beckon Events… The Barn Kestrel was the perfect venue for this Oregon alfresco wedding in July. Heather and Dan celebrated their special day among close family and friends and exchanged their vows in an open field overlooking the mountains in the distance. The happy couple received an endearing welcome of well wishes from the gentle quarter horse that resided in the venue’s pasture.

A striking historic sequoia tree shadowed the cocktail hour, providing ample shade by the party barn. The venue in its rustic charm complimented Heather’s color palette beautifully in her mauve, blush, and soft cream tones. The barn was enveloped in the lush greenery of Pacific Northwest pine trees that allowed for a quiet, intimate ceremony. Heather’s gown featured a whimsical volume of tulle with daintily placed floral lace motifs throughout the bodice and skirt to match her delicate Bella Belle heels. This ensemble perfectly built upon the organic floral designs of the invitation suite, printed in soft taupe & accented with a satin ribbon & custom wax seal.

The best man (and brother) of the groom gave a lighthearted speech that had guests bursting with laughter and tearing up at tender moments. Dan was his brother’s best man at age 21 and his brother, just over a decade later, delightfully accepted the role in return. The outdoor dinner reception decor rang true to its bucolic essence with a linear farmhouse table layout. The head table sat the bride & groom as well as their bridal party with brown x-back chairs. Pale pink taper and pillar candles were scattered throughout the long table amongst organic smilax to provide a romantic warmth to the open-air dining experience. Guests of all ages soon after retired to the party barn for dessert and dancing. Heather’s two-tier cake was decorated with sweet roses that corresponded with the enchanting blooms of her bouquet. After cutting the petite cake bedecked with blooms and feasting on the variety of sweets at the dessert display, everyone eagerly took to the dance floor in earnest. The love was abundant between the newlyweds as they shared in celebration of this new season of their lives.

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Jenny Yoo

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Shades Of Blue And Family Ties Inspired This Coastal Vineyard Wedding In California

This couple’s love story is told in coastal tones of blue and we can’t get enough of it. From the sweetest flower girls we’ve ever seen to signature cocktails served out of a restored 1951 Boles Aero trailer from Hitched Cocktail Co. these nuptials are equal parts heartwarming and fun. Embark Event Design planned the perfect California wedding day filled with lush white blooms designed by Noonan’s Wine Country Designs. The love and joy shine in the imagery by Jen Rodriguez Photography, visit the full gallery to get lost in all the fun.

From Embark Event Design… Michelle & Brendan’s love story is equal parts heartwarming and fun. The pair met at a dive bar with friends and although they had an instant and obvious connection, they did not ride off into the sunset together right away. After Brendan joked that he was “shook” that Michelle wouldn’t share another drink with him late that night, her response was just perfect. She told him to “shake the shook” and ask her out on a real date. Like the true gentleman he is (raised by an incredibly sweet & traditional mom of four boys), Brendan immediately obliged and the two had their first official date on the books. During Michelle & Brendan’s intimate and meaningful ceremony on their wedding day, Michelle shared that as he leaned in for a goodnight kiss on her doorstep that night she whispered “took you long enough,” not referring to their first kiss but his presence in her life. She shared that she had waited a long time for her future husband to show up – and suddenly here he was and she had never felt more at home. Set in the rolling hills of Edna Valley on a perfect Summer day, Michelle & Brendan’s wedding day was a reflection of their relationship. Filled with touches of fun and unique style, many nods to their sweet (and large!) family, and an epic dance party – the couple soaked up each moment of their perfect day with all of their favorite people.

I focused this design on blending the timeless story and natural vineyard setting with playful design elements including lots of color and texture. Michelle’s love for all things blue led the design & carefully depicted the beautiful custom invitation suite from Swell Press. The pair paid homage to their sweet pups with their signature cocktails served from a fun restored airstream from Hitched Cocktail Co. My favorite moment of the night was when the pair snuck away for sunset photos and Michelle surprised Brendan with her second dress! He had no idea that she was going to change, and slipping into something that she could get down in was such a fun surprise. I was thrilled to be able to help her pull this off, especially since I had the joy of going with her to try on & select both of her wedding gowns!”

Following an incredible al fresco style meal from Trumpet Vine Catering filled with seasonal and local finds, guests were invited inside for a night of dancing and fun for the entire party – from the smallest flower girls weaving in and out of the crowd & enjoying (a few too many) slices of the ‘Funfetti’ flavored wedding cake to guests exploring the fun photo booth and late-night indoor bar. Michelle & Brendan bring love and joy to every person that they meet, and their wedding weekend was a true testament to their story and their legacy to be.

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Greengate Ranch & Vineyard

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5 Dress Styles to Make Your Maid of Honor Stand Out

An Autumn Dream Wedding At Stanford Where Our Couple First Fell In Love

We love when love comes full circle! Our couple met and wed at Stanford, and oh what a wonderful wedding it was! The celebration then continued at Thomas Fogarty Winery where a sophisticated palette of navy, bone, and burgundy led the design aesthetic for the day perfectly planned by Hilary Marie Events. Fresh figs and berries paired well with richly colored florals designed by Lauras Floras, for a relaxed California cool vibe we can’t get enough of. Elegant imagery by Cheers Babe Photo did a beautiful job of capturing the joy and happiness of the day, you can see every picture-perfect detail in the full gallery.

From Cheers Babe Photo… Samuel & Charles’ (aka Sam & Charlie) wedding was an Autumn dream! They were married at the Stanford Chapel (a special nod to where their love blossomed) and celebrated with friends and family overlooking the gorgeous vineyards at Thomas Fogarty Winery. When it came to finding the aesthetic, Hilary of Hilary Marie Events brought Sam & Charlie’s vision to life — a perfect mix of masculine & feminine in the seasonal color palette of navy, ginger, sandstone, bone, and burgundy. The Autumn harvest vibes were made abundant with the addition of fresh figs, berries, and citrus on the tables. A special surprise for the guests was when Brazilian dancers – a nod to Charlie’s Brazilian heritage – kicked off the dance floor, it was amazing!

From the couple… We met at Stanford University while I was a law student and Charlie was a psychiatry resident. During our first date, at a local pub that we still frequent, our connection was immediate—we saw each other almost every day during the initial month after that date! We have since made the Bay Area into our home together, though neither of us is a local. I’m from Georgia, and Charlie is from Brazil. Because many of our family members and friends traveled long distances to celebrate with us, we wanted to provide our guests with a Northern California experience. We welcomed our guests to the weekend at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park, California. Guests first enjoyed a cocktail hour in the venue’s gardens, followed by the rehearsal dinner on its outdoor terrace. The Allied Arts Guild’s vibrant gardens, Spanish colonial revival architecture, and breezy outdoor spaces evoked a relaxing, Californian atmosphere. It was a perfect venue for an evening of toasts and celebration. Our wedding ceremony occurred the next day at Memorial Church at Stanford University. We were ecstatic to have the opportunity to introduce our loved ones to the place where we met. After the ceremony, shuttles took our guests up mountain roads that wound through the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains before reaching our reception at Thomas Fogarty Winery.

At the winery, guests were greeted with clear, sunny skies and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay (as well as fantastic wine from the vineyard!). At the reception, we prioritized entertainment and engagement. During the cocktail hour and dinner, a string quartet played covers of our favorite pride anthems, inviting guests to identify the familiar songs that they heard. Samba dancers—a nod to Charlie’s Brazilian heritage—surprised everyone with an energetic performance at the end of dinner and led all of our guests in a conga line to the dance floor. From then on, the exuberant Salamanders band kept guests on the dance floor all night! Alongside the Northern California experience that we sought to create, we still incorporated elements from our respective backgrounds. Before our wedding, we participated in a Southern tradition of burying a bottle of bourbon (or in the case of a winery, wine) for good weather—and we can promise that it works! In addition to the samba dancers, our appetizers and dinner courses incorporated Brazilian flavors and inspirations, and guests were invited to take home brigadeiros (Brazilian chocolate truffles) packaged in our wedding colors. Integrating these Georgian, Brazilian, and Californian influences, as well as seeing family and friends from all parts of our lives, made our wedding truly feel like a celebration of our lives coming together. We are incredibly grateful for our planner (Hilary of Hilary Marie Events), photographer (Jess of Cheers Babe Photo), and all of our other vendors for building and capturing such a wonderful day.

These Napa Nuptials Are Nothing Short Of Epic

Wine country has a way of hosting the most epic weddings, and these Beaulieu Garden nuptials do not disappoint. From the personalized champagne escort card display to the reception dinner under hanging greenery and floating candles, we love every element perfectly planned by Cole Drake Events. Lush, romantic flowers at each turn by Amy Burke Designs are the exclamation point on an incredible day. It was all artfully captured in the imagery by The Ganeys, don’t miss a single moment in the full gallery.

From The Ganeys… Olivia and Nick got married on a beautiful fall day in Napa and had the most romantic Beaulieu Garden wedding. Everyone got ready for the celebration at Carneros Resort. Olivia slipped into her Monique Lhuillier gown (a custom design that was only available at the flagship store!) that was the perfect amount romantic and classic with just enough lace. Inside the bottom of her dress, The Wedding DeTailor had sewn a custom monogram featuring the couple’s doodle – Franklin! Dusty blue accents flowed throughout the wedding day design – from the watercolor wedding invitations and blue embroidery on the family handkerchief to the bridesmaids dresses – it was a subtle non to “something blue.”

Nick and Olivia shared a first look at Carneros Resort before hopping into a vintage car and making their way to the wedding ceremony at Mont La Salle. Olivia walked down the petal-filled aisle, escorted by her dad, as family members wiped back tears. Throughout the ceremony, Olivia and Nick exchanged glances, soaking up the fact that this day was finally here. Guests drove down the iconic entrance of Beaulieu Garden and made their way to the cocktail hour around the fountain. Signature cocktails were served along with passed h’ordeuvres. As they made their way to the sycamore-covered reception space, they found their mini bottle of champagne indicating which table they could find their seat.

The reception space for this Beaulieu Garden wedding was remarkable. In the sycamore trees twinkling with lights hung hundreds of glass orbs with candles floating above the centerpieces. Long tables were mixed between smaller round ones that had fun rattan lighting fixtures. The newlyweds shared their first dance surrounded by friends and family. Toasts were exchanged, meals were enjoyed, and the sunset over Napa Valley. Olivia, Nick, and their friends danced the night away with the help of Hip Service band. It was a phenomenal celebration honoring a beautiful, fun-loving couple!

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Elysium Productions

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The Wedding Detailor

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To Tie the Knot at Masseria Spina in Puglia, Italy is #Goals

If you’re anything like me and dreamed of saying your I-Do’s against the stunning backdrop of Puglia, Italy, you might as well grab a cocktail and get comfy. Designed by Daniela Vecchio Design, produced by Itinera – with a talented couple who own creative agencies in Italy and London behind the vows – let’s just say if I could re-do my own wedding day, this would be my perfect blueprint. The darling two exchanged vows under sprawling olive trees, hopped in a vintage red convertible and danced the night away under twinkle lights at Masseria Spina Resort. My favorite part? Their adorable “morning after” photos at a local café in Monopoli. Check out the full gallery of images captured by Linda Nari Photography to get inspired!

From Linda Nari Photography…Karolina (@outsideboxx) and Marco (@gypseetravel) contacted me from London for their dream wedding in Italy. They were determined to go ahead despite all the difficulties and the uncertainty of the possibility to organize the wedding with all the restrictions going on during the spring. The very first day of reopening was just their original date 15th of June 2021. It was a sign for all of us.

From the Bride… Marco and I met while working together, we became very good friends, we liked to joke around, meet for coffee and have dinners with mutual friends. The friendship eventually evolved into a romantic feeling and we started to date. We left after a few months for a backpacking trip in SE Asia for a year and that was the first challenge for us a couple. But after the trip, we became even closer to each other!

In the past 6 years, we went through the most important life years, we grew up to adults together and created a life for ourselves from nothing. We work together and spend 99% of time together, we feel more ourselves when we’re together than when we’re apart.

Travel took a big part in our relationship, we got to know each other, the real us. In times we were lost and scared or happy and relaxed, we got to discover each other’s values and learn new things about ourselves.

It brought us closer than any other relationship we ever had, if something I know, is that we were meant for each other.

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Petit Bouquet

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Wildly Romantic Fall Inspiration Shoot In Italy

The charm of Italy shines in this inspired editorial shoot. While most people think of a summer destination wedding, this talented team of vendors wanted to showcase how special autumn in Italy can be. Overflowing with romance, Eventoile produced a day overflowing with elegant touches. From a garden ceremony to the luxurious reception, richly colored florals designed by Siloh made this love story come to life. All of the elegance was artfully captured in the imagery by Le Secret d’Audrey, you can see it all unfold in the full gallery.

From Le Secret d’Audrey… We all have the image of Italy in summer, by the Mediterranean sea with warm weather, bright sun, and boat excursions. However, Italy is such a rich country, with many landscapes and each season has stunning colors. The fall in Tuscany is such a special time of the year: it gets foggy in the morning, the leaves are turning red but the weather still feels amazing through the afternoon.

The floral by Siloh reflected these rich and warm colors and having a couture gown for the bride was the perfect touch of sophistication for this wedding shoot. La Foce has recently been seen in the TV show Succession and it is not surprising: it is a spectacular venue with a manicured garden and a historic mansion from the 17th century.

As a destination photographer, it was important to show the charm of Italy through an unusual season. The talented team at Eventoile produced the designs of the table and the ceremony in the garden which gave a very unique approach. Traveling for your wedding is the ultimate luxury, especially after over a year of restrictions: 2022 is going to be the busiest for destination weddings. Couples miss their annual trips and want to show their guests countries that are important to them. It is part of their legacy to bring the people they love together and experience this journey with them.

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Eventoile

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Petit Bouquet

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The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Every Loved One in Your Life!

Galentine’s Day Is the Perfect Occasion to Give Your Crew a Preview of Your Wedding Morning

Galentine’s Day might just be our favorite holiday of the year, what with the beautiful bites (we love all things petite and pink), the sweet sips, and all of the festive fringe and finesse that goes into a BFF-focused fete. And to be honest, a Galentine’s Day gathering is not all that different than the vibe that’s created on your wedding morning. You and your best friends and fam all together, reminiscing about all the amazing times you’ve all shared over the years, eating delicious finger foods and petit fours, blasting ‘GIRLS RULE’ bangers from beginning to end, and toasting to the happiest day ever.

So, this year, if you’re the bride and you’ll be bringing your BFFs together for an epic wedding morning (however far away that may be), why not use Galentine’s Day to give them a sneak peek at all that’s to come on the big day? We’re talking silky robes, comfy slippers, luxe eye masks, and tasteful sippers (i.e. the prettiest #bridesmaid glasses to hold all that bubbly champagne), all wrapped up in a gorgeous, styled setting of pinks, whites, reds, and golds.

Thankfully, our Style Me Pretty Shop is jam-packed with pretty things to enhance your girls day and provide the greatest glimpse of your wedding day bridal suite: from neon signage that nods to all the LOVE in the room to on-point place card holders to plant in your rose-filled escort card display, there’s no shortage of sweet and sassy looks to give your Galentines all of the 😍😍😍.

Photo by Ash Baumgartner Photography

Read on for some tips on how to glam the bridal party up for the goddesses in your life and what pieces of decor will take the day from crushable to full on XOXO.

Photo by Ash Baumgartner Photography

Set up a rack with brunch-worthy ‘fits.

That means silk or cotton robes and elegant eye masks that make everyone feel gorgeous. Artful hangers to display everything can’t hurt either!

Photo by Courtney Leigh

Serve drinks the way they do at a spa.

So, coffee or tea can only be poured into ‘sipping pretty’ mugs and strawberry mimosas, Moscato margaritas, and French Kiss 75s can only be sipped out of Lovely Bridesmaid flutes.

Photo by Courtney Leigh

Photo by Ash Baumgartner Photography

Style the soiree with ALL the flowers.

On your wedding morning, you’ll await the arrival of your perfect wedding flowers. So, how about giving your squad a snapshot of the blooms they’ll be clutching on your best day ever? Roses, peonies, tulips, snapdragons… Everything is straight out of Cupid’s Galentine’s playbook, but just as suitable for your bridal suite.

Photo by Courtney Leigh

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Courtney Leigh Photography

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The Perfect Balance Between Tradition and Glamour at Chateau Martinay in Provence

If you ask us, it’s pretty tough to beat the old-world romance of a French Chateau in Provence. And for these two Londoners, Chateau Martinay was the perfect place to say their “I do’s!” Flower by céline decorated their day with lush, summer blooms in a delicate palette of blush, dusty rose, soft peach, ivory white and eucalyptus green. WEP in Provence had the entire weekend’s worth of festivities going off without a hitch, while the talented Oliver Fly was there to capture every last detail. Keep on reading to hear about the couple’s steal-worthy wedding tradition and don’t forget to check out the full gallery to pin your fave photos from their day!

What was your color palette and your style vision ?

From the Bride… Our colour palette were soft summer pastels in blush, dusty rose, soft peach, ivory white and eucalyptus green. I wanted to have colours which reflected the warm, natural, and rich landscape of Provence. I loved that my bridesmaids all had complementary shades of the colour palette in flowy, romantic dresses with different cuts that were uniquely flattering. The groomsmen wore navy suits to match my husband who wore a bespoke midnight blue tuxedo. They all wore boutonnières which matched the flowers of the bouquets.

The overall vision was to have an elegant, dreamy wedding in a romantic French Chateau tucked away in acres of rolling hills, flowers and trees. As we were having a destination wedding and all our guests were traveling in, we wanted to create a 3 day escape so that everyone could truly enjoy the best of Provence. Our wedding started off with a Welcome Party at Chateau Pesquie where guests were treated to a private wine tour & tasting and enjoyed cocktails against the beautiful Mont Venoux as the backdrop on one side, and the vineyards and Chateau surrounding the other . We then had a very special and traditional Wedding Tea Ceremony to honour my Chinese heritage. Afterwards, we enjoyed a gorgeous Provencal-style dinner with an accordionist playing beautiful melodies, later with dessert from an old-fashioned ice cream trolly and finally danced under the beautiful star lit sky. The Welcome Party definitely set the scene for the days to come!

The next day was the Wedding Day at the beautiful Chateau Martinay! Our ceremony was held in a forested area of the estate where there was a long alley lined with tall cypress trees, creating the perfect aisle. We ran a white carpet down the aisle and had lots of natural grass and flowers decorating the entire ceremony leading up to a lush floral arch with a gorgeous crystal chandelier hanging from the center. For music we had a violinist and cello and one of our best friends officiated our ceremony. This made it very special as it was personal and bespoke to our journey as a couple.

Our cocktail reception was held in the South Facade of the Chateau in the late afternoon sun with everyone enjoying signature cocktails and canapes. Our dinner was definitely a highlight of the wedding. It was hosted in the courtyard of the Chateau with long tables framing the idyllic fountain pond in the center. Each table had generous crystal chandeliers hanging over them creating this “luxurious indoor dining but outdoors” effect. The table settings were adored with lush foliage and flowers over a draping pink chiffon, beautiful dinnerware of white and gold, and lots and lots of candles. Dinner started with a golden sunset against the warm colours of the Chateau and carried on into the night where we ate in candlelight and glowing chandeliers under the stars. It was magical!

After cake and a champagne tower, we started the party off with a big sparkler entrance into the Chateau ballroom where music, the DJ, a saxophonist and the dance floor waited. It was a party of all parties!

On the final day, we hosted a Brunch & Pool Party at Chateau Martinay under giant shady trees in the Orangerie and an inviting in-ground pool where we basked in the Provencal sun and partied until the sun came down, one more time. A perfect way to end what was a magical and unforgettable 3 day wedding!

What unique elements or DIY details did you include ?

My husband and I actually met at the airport! We are both passionate about travelling and so far have even been to 34 countries together. Instead of a guestbook, we asked our loved ones to write and “send us a postcard” instead which they dropped into an UK inspired postbox we made ourselves. We live in London and thought this was a cute idea and a nice nod to our shared passion of travel.

We love wine and we absolutely adore Provence and wanted a special way to remember and celebrate our wedding day years down the road so we decided on a winebox ceremony. We curated a special vintage of wine from Chateau Pesquie where we had our Welcome Party and wrote each other a love letter to be locked in this wine box. We wrote about how we felt on this day and all the hopes and dreams we had for the years to come. We also asked our guests to write us a message, a piece of advice, or a wish for us, in which all of these notes would be sealed for 5 years. On our 5th wedding anniversary, we would return to Provence and Chateau Martinay, open the wine and read our letters, where we could reflect on the wedding day and the last 5 years of our marriage. We would then choose another bottle and seal this for another 5 years with our new letters to each other, to be opened on our 10th anniversary, and so on. Hopefully this will be a beautiful tradition we can carry on which will always bring us back to our special day.

Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors for your guests, your cake, etc…

For me, I always knew I wanted a bespoke wedding dress that was dramatic, romantic, ethereal and that would complement the venue perfectly. I love Berta as her dresses are stunning! They are silhouette framing, intricately detailed, definitely dramatic but also very comfortable to wear all day and night. I bought a gorgeous Berta gown in London and then had bespoke details added to it to make it flattering and unique to me. I also had a bespoke 5 meter overskirt custom-made, which had 3 layers of tulle and hand-stitched lace flowers floating down from the waist which matched the same lace flowers on my dress. This enormous overskirt train looked absolutely magical as it floated down the narrow cypress lined aisle of our ceremony. I wore this dramatic overskirt look for the ceremony and at the reception, removed it for a more sexy, figure hugging Berta for my second look! This was a dream dress for a dream wedding!

I love a semi-naked cake as it tends to look a little more natural and you can see all the lovely layers. We had a 3 layer cake with different layers of vanilla sponge with red berries and a chocolate layer with hazelnut cream. The cake was adorned with fresh olive leaves and fruit which suited the setting beautifully! I loved my cake so much that even before the wedding, I asked my planner to ensure 2 pieces would be saved for us to enjoy at our breakfast the following morning!

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

It is a bit cliche and the same advice given to me when I was engaged, but I am sharing the same wisdom with all the future brides – because it is true! You spend so much time, months, maybe even years, planning your dream wedding and when the day finally comes, it all happens in a blur and in a blink of an eye. Really try to take some moments during your wedding together with your husband, to just take it all in, watch the crowd, smell the flowers, savour a bite of cake, and “be in the moment”.

Another piece of advice I have for brides-to-be is, if you are questioning at all hiring a photographer and videographer – do not hesitate for another second! Personally, together with my Wedding Planner and the venue, these were the most important and influential people throughout the entire planning process. Ensure you do all your research first and also make sure you meet them beforehand so you know not only your photography styles align but so you can also develop chemistry and a rapport. If you can, do an engagement shoot or pre-wedding portraits before as this will help relax you (or your groom rather!) on the actual wedding day. A high quality photographer is understandably a big investment, but for me, this was an absolute must. After the wedding is all said and done, all you leave with is your husband and your memories. Make sure they are captured perfectly so they take you back to that day for all of time.

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A Chic French Inspiration Shoot At Chateau de Villette

This French fairytale come to life will have you falling in love with the idea of a destination wedding. Krissy Campbell planned a day inspired by the rich history of Europe telling a tale of travel, culture, and the beauty of exploring new places. The color palette is filled with late summer and early fall tones that beautifully compliment the stunning grounds of Chateau de Villette. Exquisite floral vignettes by Veronique Lorre seamlessly connect each space and weave the story together. Each elegant image by bonphotage is a true work of art, you take a closer look at all the lovely in the full gallery.

From Krissy Campbell… We’d been dying to showcase the intimacy and timelessness of a Paris wedding for a dream couple “Lauren and James” for months before COVID, and we finally were able to get the chance to make this lovely celebration come true as destination celebrations and travel begin to return in full swing. I couldn’t wait to create around the natural elements and history of the Chateau, while also speaking to current topics of connection, thoughtful celebration, intimate post-COVID weddings, fashion, and travel at this stunning location. Destination celebrations often encompass an entire week or more of events and connections with loved ones surrounding the wedding day. I wanted to showcase the versatility and options that a venue like Chateau de Villette provided to a couple like Lauren and James, who could not only marry at the Chateau but also utilize it’s amenities all week long for activities, meals, relaxation, and more with their nearest and dearest friends and family. For this, we decided to showcase a few vignettes throughout the property both inside and outside – primarily a ceremony and two tablescapes showcasing different locations on the premises, yet cohesive designs for the couple’s aesthetic. To bring the vignettes to life, we decided on an autumn wedding date and, again, played to the chateau and its surroundings. I chose a color palette with late summer and early fall tones and a touch of metallic and neutrals, keeping in line with the fine art aesthetic while adding both personal touches and pops of color. I described the couple and their ideal celebration with descriptors such as “European-inspired, authentic, historic, refined, romantic, intimate, sophisticated, delicate yet bold, simply textured, hopeful, artistic, organic, timeless, and cultured.”

We also wanted to create a story for Lauren and James that could be reflected in the experience and details of their time at the Chateau. This is the story of a couple with a love for travel and culture. They want to reflect their connection to the natural and European architecture while inspiring their guests to discover for themselves perspectives and stories beyond their own – to see from someone else’s “window”. To celebrate places and people that may surprise, challenge and inspire. Their celebration speaks of their desire to use their travels and privilege to connect themselves and others to the innate beauty found in places and people wherever they go. All of this gave us a wonderful foundation to work with as we designed the experience. We began to connect with professionals that could beautifully bring these elements and values to life. We worked with the incredibly talented floral designer, Veronique Lorre, to create stunning floral vignettes that flowed naturally throughout each space – from a show-stopping ceremony arch outside in the back Chateau courtyard to the tablescapes flowing with pops of softly toned florals and candles. She also created the most romantic bouquet for Lauren, just perfectly sized for her and her delicate yet bold statement gowns by IlGiardino Fiorito delle Spose and Metal Flaque along with her soft bridal hair, makeup, and jewelry. The touch of florals and these lovely delicate details perfectly enhanced the already stunning natural landscape and architecture. The color palette softly played off tones of autumn and the subtle tones both outside and inside the Chateau. We had so much fun weaving these together. From the antiqued chairs perfectly fit to the era of the Chateau to the subtly textured linens, the most natural pieces held the guest tables together while the pops of deeper color came through in the florals, place settings, warm-toned candles, and blue paper details.

The invitations, day-of stationery by Ciarra Claire was a truly personal touch as each guest received a velvet deep blue menu on the indoor tablescape in addition to a personal hand-calligraphed place card. Subtle natural and crest designs and a sketching of the Chateau in the invites and paper goods gave a nod to the inspiration found in the location and its surroundings as well. The pops of gold in the flatware and blue in the china brought a true nod to the clean, yet elegant look of the Orangerie. The outdoor tablescape followed suit with the floral yet kept to an even more neutral base while building toward the pops of color found at its center, as a whole acting as a natural ornament to the already captivating property. The backdrop of the Chateau with the lake, trees, and garden in view was the perfect spot for an outdoor reception or soiree surrounding the wedding day. We also wanted to ensure that we captured the couple taking special moments for themselves throughout the experience. This is one of my top priorities as a planner and designer – to provide our couples with not only a stunning space but the ability to cherish the beauty of the moments together both alone and with their guests. The bride and groom were captured throughout the Chateau both in their private room but also in the sitting and dining rooms as they awaited their guests and celebrations to begin. We were also able to capture the iconic outdoor locations of the property as Lauren and James showcased both their love and their fun-loving personalities. As you can see through the beautifully captured photos and video from the bonphotage team, each detail of the celebration and experience at Chateau de Villette was thoughtful from beginning to end. The aesthetic and beauty was only heightened by the intimate moments between them and the intentional touches added for themselves and their loved ones. We hope this project inspires a timeless, yet highly personal and intentional approach to the celebration at a destination that fits a couple’s love, values, and journey together!

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bonphotage

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The Heritage Collection

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The Design For This Wedding Was Inspired By The Groom’s Proposal In A Sea Of Rose Petals

We’re convinced the phrase “love in full bloom” was based on this California wedding. From the stunning ceremony arch to the sweetheart table, and everywhere in between, incredible installations of white roses by Organic Flora fill this fabulous day with romance. Events by Talissa created the classic and dreamy design with inspiration deriving from Adam’s proposal to Lauren in a sea of rose petals. All of the heartwarming details are beautifully captured in the imagery by Dear Lovers, you can see every magical moment in the full gallery.

From the bride… On June 22, 2019, 4 days after Lauren’s birthday, Adam planned the ultimate spa day for his future bride at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, CA. Thinking her belated birthday massage and facial was the most thoughtful part of the day, Adam surprised Lauren when later that night he asked her to marry him surrounded by hundreds of rose petals and candles. The romantic, intimate proposal served as inspiration for the pair’s special day, which was brought to life by Talissa Arcangeli from Events by Talissa. Wanting to keep their day classic, timeless, and intimate, Talissa designed the most dreamy and romantic ceremony and reception space for Lauren and Adam’s 80 friends and family.

The bride walked down the all-white rose-lined aisle accompanied by both her mother and father, while guests watched the two exchange their vows from one of the bride’s favorite details of the day- bisque, French linen-backed chairs. Roses, roses, and more roses! A symbol of love for Lauren and Adam, Lauren worked closely with Leela from Organic Flora to source hundreds of white roses for a romantic and dreamy aisle installation and arch. Lauren and Adam were drawn to the Rancho Bernardo Inn because of its Mediterranean-inspired architecture and charm and all the beautiful rose bushes. It was the first and only venue they toured! On the search for a sleek and simple modern gown, the bride surprised her mom, matron of honors, and even herself when she said “yes to the dress” to a tulle, Badgley Mischka ballgown with lace rose appliques. The rose appliques caught Lauren’s eye right away as they reminded her of her groom-to-be. Adam always told Lauren he would plant rose bushes in their first home together to honor his dad who passed in 2002, as one of Adam’s favorite memories of his father growing up was watching him tend to his roses. Lauren loved the idea of honoring Adam’s dad on their wedding day, and she couldn’t get over how romantic and flowy the dress was. Lauren’s bridesmaids wore various styles of Birdy Grey dresses in the color taupe and held blooms full of white and mauve roses and ranunculus with lots of texture. The bride’s one junior bridesmaid, who was promoted from flower girl to junior bridesmaid after the pair’s wedding was postponed a year because of covid, wore a darker mauve color. Sugared Fig Paperie designed a neutral invitation suite for the bride and groom that included ivory paper, gold ink and magnolia-lined taupe-hued envelopes. Each guest received an invitation and details card wrapped in hand-dyed silk ribbon and a gold wax deal. The taupe-hue was an almost near-exact match to Lauren’s bridesmaid dresses and was the guest’s first glimpse into the pair’s romantic and personalized day. The Bride’s own “Gleaming Primrose Mirror”, a gold, vintage-inspired mirror fit with jeweled adornments, doubled as the seating chart with calligraphy by Betlem Calligraphy.

Weathered wood guest tables filled the intimate, outdoor reception space, which had guests in awe when they saw an outdoor fireplace adorned with greenery, flowers, and candles. Lauren and Adam danced their first dance as husband and wife during golden hour and once the sunset, the patio’s twinkle lights came to life and the reception space glistened. Guest tables were lined with white taper candles and centerpieces of white and mauve roses and ranunculus in ivory vases. Classic, romantic, and timeless! Jenny Wenny Cakes delivered the most delicious and timeless, 3-tiered wedding cake. Adorned with mauve florals from Organic Flora, the pair cut their cake to “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You” by James Taylor. Lauren and Adam also treated their guests to some of their favorite treats-cheesecake, tiramisu, lemon bars, brownies, and cookies.

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Sugared Fig Paperie

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Petit Bouquet

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Wedding Day Jewelry Pieces That Will Stand the Test of Time

Modern Romance Meets Garden Chic At The Arlo

What happens when you mix a real-life couple, a hot new wedding venue, and a team of talented vendors? Wedding magic, of course! 787 Event Design & Production dreamed up a beyond romantic day mixed with modern design elements that all pairs perfectly with the beautiful backdrop of Texas Hill Country. Floral installations by Gypsy Floral are almost too good to be true, featuring beautiful blooms in shades of mauve, rust, honey, and blush. The incredible inspiration and carefully curated details are all exquisitely captured in the imagery by Julie Wilhite Photography, you can see it all in the full gallery.

From Julie Wilhite Photography… When a new venue opens up in Austin, and it is as incredible as The Arlo, you get so inspired to do a shoot there! The Arlo fills a much-needed space for couples in the Hill Country. Its understated elegance, with modern design, provides a luxury backdrop for events and weddings of all sizes. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, between downtown Austin and Dripping Springs, it was built with every detail in mind and thoughtfully planned out to utilize the incredible landscape. Our real-life couple, Katie and Micah, were such a joy to photograph. They are so in love and were excited to be part of this shoot. To design the event, Lexie with 787 Event Design & Production came in with incredible creativity to create a romantic affair, complete with a perfectly modern color palette. A palette of mauve, rust, honey, and blush contrasted with a dusty pacific blue accent. This shoot was a burst of inspiration and fresh design while still being luxurious and romantic.

Peach Paper Design created custom stationery to match our vision: modern romance. Each product in the suite was printed on different colored paper, so guests got a glimpse into the color story of the wedding day. To style this fashionable couple, we worked with Caleigh from CHILLANN Styling. She is an incredibly talented wardrobe stylist in Austin, who often works with couples to style engagement shoots, weddings, and events! For Katie, she chose a beautifully tailored white tuxedo by The Suit Shop with a blush button-down. Micah stunned in the Elora gown by Madi Lane Bridal. It was such a dream to photograph with a soft off-the-shoulder sleeve and romantic lace motif throughout! The layers of tulle danced around as she walked, and the sunlight glowed around the couple as the sunset. For her shoes, Micah wore The Esther kitten heel from Bella Belle. The soft tulle bow tied into the tulle skirt, while the beaded lace details complimented the lace embroidery on the gown. After an intimate ceremony on the venue’s lawn, which featured a large floral installation by Gypsy Floral, we headed to the styled cocktail hour in The Courtyard. The soft blush couch tied in the pink hues in the flowers and the armless mid-century inspired chairs highlighted the clean lines of the venue floor-to-ceiling windows.

When it came to the reception, we created an intimate al-fresco atmosphere where the Texas Hill Country could take center stage. A velvet tablecloth in dusty pacific blue was styled with modern plates and silverware and tied together with the round menus. Organic floral compotes were placed along the table, while the candles added a soft glimmer throughout the evening. It was the perfect marriage of modern and romance! For dessert, Iced Cakes ATX created an incredible work of art. The five-tier cake tied in the ribbed texture of the candles, while the round sugar detail tied into the unique stationery.

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Petit Bouquet

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Effortless Maui Wedding With A Touch Of Earthy Boho Elegance

Filled with all things earthy and exquisite, this effortless Maui wedding has easily found a place in our hearts. When Tehra and Keith decided to have a destination Hawaii wedding, they turned to Makena Weddings to make all their dreams come true and then some. Shades of dusty pink, ivory, and tan wield together to tell the story of their love. The color story took life through the gorgeous blooms created by Dellables, putting an exclamation point on the picture-perfect day. Every incredible detail was elegantly captured by Dmitri and Sandra, you can see it all in the full gallery.

From Dmitri and Sandra… Tehra and Keith knew that they would have a destination wedding, with their requirements being that they wanted a tropical setting and absolutely love being near the ocean, the breathtaking island of Maui was an easy choice! After their venue was secured, the couple decided on a light, effortless, boho wedding theme in shades of dusty pink, tan, ivory, and elements of amber. The couple said their “I Do’s” under a stunning wooden arch dripping in gorgeous floral decor in the color story of the day.

Tehra absolutely stunned in her Essence of Australia wedding gown, Louboutin wedding shoes, and luscious, asymmetrical bouquet. Keith looked amazing as well in his Calvin Klein tuxedo, adorned with a traditional Hawaiian Maile lei. Guests enjoyed an Instagram moment with a wooden backdrop adorned in floral decor complete with a custom neon sign and hand-crafted cocktails as the bride and groom were off taking romantic photos as husband and wife.

Tables were set with ivory dinnerware and vintage glassware in varying shades of amber. Stunning floral decor and taper candles in complementing shades were placed atop macrame runners lining the tables, with boho-inspired pendant lighting hanging from above. Thank you cards made by the bride were placed at each setting, glued to pages from a vintage poetry book that the bride loves. This wedding was straight out of a boho-inspired fairytale and we are so excited to share the images from this incredible day!

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Dmitri and Sandra Photography

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This Super Stylish California Wedding Is Giving Us Secret Garden Vibes

This bride turned her wedding into a secret garden and we can’t get enough of every swoon-worthy moment. Magnolia Event Design created a day guests won’t soon forget filled with romantic pastel details which popped alongside bursts of lemon and yellow. Knot Just Flowers filled the day with blooms as far as the eye can see, from a sensational ceremony arch to reception tables that seemed to have popped up in a garden of flowers. It was style all the way at these California nuptials, from fashion-forward bridesmaid dresses to the bride’s own Romona Keveza stunner. Lucas Rossi Photography captured every magical moment exquisitely in their elegant imagery, you can see it all in the full gallery.

From Magnolia Event Design… We worked with Hallie and Tim to create a wedding that embraced the overall scenery of San Ysidro Ranch– think, chic garden dinner party. We designed with pastel tones in mind embracing the best that Spring had to offer and included pops of lemons and yellow throughout the design, along with apricot-toned tulips and pale blues. The linens were La Tavola’s Tuscany white linens which popped off of the rich green grass that surrounded the dinner space. Their guests enjoyed an evening of delicious food by San Ysidro Ranch.

From the bride… I wanted something simple and elegant for my dress, and this Romona Keveza was exactly what I had envisioned myself wearing on my wedding day. There is so much natural beauty surrounding San Ysidro Ranch that I thought my dress mirrored it perfectly. An Alencon heirloom veil has been passed down on my mother’s side since the early 1900s. My grandmother passed away before I was born, so it was such a heartfelt and special moment for my mom to see me wearing her mother’s veil. There were lots of tears! I can’t wait for my younger sister to wear it someday. I wore my mom’s pearl earrings with 3 diamond clusters. Every since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to wear those exact earrings on my wedding day. I asked my girlfriends to be my bridesmaids by gifting them botanical embroidered linen cocktail napkins with their initials from Lettermade alongside a handwritten note on Dear Annabelle notecards. The botanical design reminded me of the gardens at San Ysidro Ranch. My bridesmaids wore dresses from their favorite designers. It was really important to me that they loved their dress and would be able to wear it again. All the girls looked seamlessly put together while still maintaining their individual styles. My sister wore a yellow Zimmermann dress from their 2021 Spring Collection made from airy linen-silk with a floral wattle print and cascading petals around the neckline and back. We both knew a yellow dress would look best, and she found the most perfect one! I worked with my bridesmaids to help them select a dress they would love walking down the aisle and well after that. Their dresses fit my wedding color theme perfectly.

Despite the challenges of planning during a pandemic, we wouldn’t have changed anything about our engagement and wedding. Our wedding guests consisted of our loving families and closest best friends, and that’s all that we ever wanted. It was truly the most magical weekend! We can’t thank our wedding vendor team, family, and friends enough for all their love and support.

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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Petit Bouquet

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Coastal Cool California Wedding Giving Us All The Feels

Surf’s up at this coastal cool California wedding. For Lindsay and Todd’s wedding, Callista & Co. created a day where modern meets tropical filled with carefully curated details we can’t get enough of. Just wait until you see the surfboards turned seating chart! Toast added to the chicness of the day with mono-bloom arrangements mixed with fresh, organic greenery. Leave it to Jodee Debes Photography to capture each and every special moment and turn it into a memory that will last a lifetime. You can see every swoon-worthy image in the full gallery.

From Jodee Debes Photography… Lindsey and Todd’s dreamy California wedding was all about intentional details and contemporary styling, which were framed by the beautiful Santa Barbara garden surroundings. Lindsey, an ESPN reporter covering the LA Rams, and Todd, a pilot, were married while surrounded by their closest friends and family, and a few turtles, at the lily pond at El Encanto.

The design by Callista & Co. Featured a palette of mixed neutrals accented with black and tropical greens. Debossed palm trees, subtle turtles, white and natural linen fabrics, and handmade ceramics were featured throughout the day, along with an elegant mix of potted plants, palms, and mono-bloom arrangements from Toast.

The beautiful day was the perfect celebration of a love that is sure to stand the test of time. Everything was captured elegantly by Jodee Debes Photography.

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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A Multicultural Affair Overlooking The Cliffs Of Malibu

Friends and family from around the world gathered in Malibu to celebrate Meghna and Emeka’s love. With the help of Elegante Weddings And Events, the couple created a day that blended their cultural backgrounds and traditions into a unique celebration set against stunning scenery. Everything from the wedding stationery including traditional Nigerian textiles to the ceremony with a customary Indian Pundit was a fabulous fusion. Honeycomb Affair filled the day with lush, vibrant colored blooms, and it was all artfully captured in the elegant imagery by bonphotage. Visit the full gallery to fall in love with every last detail.

From bonphotage… Meghna and Emeka’s Malibu destination wedding brought together people from all over the world of different cultural backgrounds as they blended their families and traditions in a colorful and one-of-a-kind celebration. Meghna is Pujabi and Emeka is from Nigeria. The most important thing is planning was honoring both of their cultures while introducing one another’s families to the others traditions and cuisines.

Guests were first introduced to the Indian, Nigerian fusion upon receipt of the save the date and invitations. Studio M Creations blended a traditional Nigerian textile pattern with the colors of the wedding and created a custom monogram that embraced the shape of Nigeria and India becoming one.

The reception space was completely open to the views and featured a mixture of floral bridge tables with gold accents and low and lush arrangements. The reception began with a cocktail hour around the pool and transitioned into a unique, multi-course dinner. The first two courses were small plates that were Nigerian, Indian fusion dishes, and the guests’ palettes were cleansed with a saffron, cardamom sorbet that led to a family-style service of all types of traditional curries from both Nigeria and India.