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

A Chic Vogue-Inspired Wedding at The Mount in the Berkshires

New England charm meets refined elegance at this gorgeous wedding planned by the beautiful bride herself (umm, impressive!) It was the most perfect Spring day in the Berkshires for Kelsey and Nate to tie the knot. They exchanged vows in a garden setting under an arbor teeming with greenery and light pink fleurs. A bride after our own heart, she carried a bouquet lush with fluffy peonies arranged by Garden Blossoms Florist. Guests dined al fresco style at a single banquet table in between rows of manicured trees. See all the sun-soaked details of the day, perfectly captured by Amanda K Photography…

HOW WE MET

From the Bride and Groom… Nate and I met through work. I started working for a dental distributor after college and he had been there for a few years prior. Initially, we started out as just really great friends. Looking back, I think that was the best foundation for our relationship. After months went by, we began to date and the relationship evolved. Eventually, I ended up leaving my job and started my own swim and resort wear company, Lee Merritt. I got the name from Nate’s middle name Lee and mine, Merritt. Nate is now the director of business development for a dental firm. Together, we live in Austin, Texas with our two French Bulldogs, Vincent & Jules.

LOCATION

Many people know right away where they would want to get married but for us, that wasn’t the case. We had friends and family coming from all over the globe so we were up for anything. Nate is half Colombian and his family primarily lives in Bogota so we had originally considered hosting the celebration in Colombia. We visited several venues in Cartagena but ended up deciding that as much as we loved the romantic city, we wanted something one, a little more centrally located for our guests and two, a little cooler. Since neither of us were keen on a beach wedding, the search continued. I ended up coming across a historic mansion called The Mount located in the heart of The Berkshires by chance. As I scrolled through photos of the beautiful mansion that once was novelist’s Edith Wharton’s residence, I instantly fell in love. We went to visit the Berkshires in early October just in time to catch the fall foliage.

The area is filled with so much history you can just feel it. While we were there we came across another historic site called Chesterwood. This was the old summer home and studio of Daniel Chester French, the sculptor best known for the Lincoln Memorial. Behind his studio lies a garden with a blooming aisle of the most amazing hydrangea trees in late summer and gorgeous pink and white peonies in the spring. Both locations were so magical that we decided to have the ceremony at Chesterwood and the reception at The Mount. What I loved most about this location was that it was a place most guests would never have experienced otherwise. We rented out the charming Kemble Inn to host our Bridal Party for the weekend. Having us all under one roof was so much fun. Nate and his family hosted our rehearsal dinner at the incredible Wheatleigh Hotel just a few miles away in Stockbridge.

PLANNING

We visited the Berkshires once more before the big day in early spring to meet with vendors and have our tastings. We laughed about how the scenery looked completely different each time we visited and weren’t entirely sure what it would look like come June – “We’re not in Texas anymore!” Once I had the location picked out, making decisions became a lot easier. I’m proud to say I planned the wedding myself with lots of help from my mother. (Cheers to all the wedding planners out there, wow!) None of the venues were turn key so it was a lot of work but seeing it all come to fruition was the ultimate reward. I remember sitting at dinner and looking down the 130 foot dinner table at all of our friends and family enjoying themselves and just taking it all in. Nate and I know how rare and special it is to get all of our loved ones in the same place at the same time and are so grateful to have had such a magical night. With the entire weekend being planned outside, we were so happy to have gotten such beautiful weather!

DRESS

Per my usual, the attire was of highest priority. After trying on countless gowns, I had nearly lost hope when I stumbled upon Nardos, a custom couture bridal designer from Dallas, Texas. Nardos and I clicked immediately and she was able to help me achieve the perfect style for our big day by taking certain elements from a few of my favorite dresses I had tried on previously and combining them into one cohesive look. She nailed it. One of my favorite features was the detachable train. This allowed for a more dramatic look for the ceremony that turned into a slimming silhouette for the reception.

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High School Sweethearts’ Wedding at The Ivory Oak in Texas

Can you imagine having to change your wedding venue just two months before your big day?! That’s exactly what this duo had to do after finding out their original venue was to be sold—even forcing them to re-send their wedding invitations. Thankfully this wedding planning woe was a blessing in disguise, because if Caitlin Rose‘s images have anything to say about it, venue #2 (The Ivory Oak) made for the loveliest setting. Memory Lane Weddings coordinated the entire day, leaving the Bride & Groom completely free to soak in their celebration. Have a look below!

From Caitlin Rose Photography… Chelsey and Gabriel started dating in high school and have been together for 10 years. They had been waiting years for their big day of finally making it official. The couple wanted a classic southern outdoor wedding in the hill country with bright florals and romantic details.

They picked out a venue just outside of Austin, only to find out that their original venue had been sold. The couple had to pick out a new venue just two months before the wedding! Luckily the Ivory Oak, a brand new southern venue in Wimberley, was available on their wedding date. This was actually the venue’s first wedding! The couple had to re-send out all their wedding invitations with the details of the venue change.

On the day of the wedding, everything went smoothly, everyone was relaxed, and the couple could not have been happier with how it all turned out. The bride wore her mother’s jewelry and a stunning classic lace dress. It was supposed to rain all day, but the rain held off for their wedding. Chelsey and Gabriel could not stop smiling as they officially tied the knot. Congrats to the high school sweethearts!

Classic Al Fresco Wedding in San Diego at Del Mar Country Club

I can’t quite sum up how much love I have for this Bride today. She is beautiful, she is fiercely strong and I hope her sweet story will inspire every one of you out there to embrace every single part of who you are, inside and out. The same week Taylor was engaged to Ian, she underwent surgery to have skin cancer removed, leaving a visible scar on her collarbone. Rather than covering it, she made the powerful decision to don her dream dress, this Galia Lahav number. There’s so much more to this story and day planned and designed by Luxe Events and captured by Cavin Elizabeth—experience it all below.

From Cavin Elizabeth Photography… Taylor and Ian held their wedding on October 27, 2018, at the Del Mar Country Club in San Diego. Although their wedding turned out beautifully, this was not their original venue. Sadly, four months before their wedding, their original private estate venue was forced to stop hosting weddings, which forced all of their couples to find new venues. Taylor and Ian thankfully were able to find a beautiful alternative that featured French details, such as the blue shutters and ivy-covered turret, which had drawn them to their original venue. Because the Del Mar Country Club has such vibrant architectural details, the couple chose to keep their wedding colors simple with a classic pair of ivory, green, and a few pops of blue and black.

Courtney of Brightly Designed created an elegant invitation suite centered around the letterpress invitation which featured soft, torn edges. The taupe ink of the letterpress text matched the color of the envelopes. Inside the envelope, guests would find a greenery inspired envelope liner and all of the invitation suite pieces wrapped in light blue silk ribbon. A series of five vintage landscape and nature-inspired stamps were adhered to each envelope.

The week that Taylor and Ian were engaged, Taylor underwent surgery to remove skin cancer on her chest. She was left with a scar on her collarbone that she initially had a strong dislike for. Many people asked her how she was going to cover her scar with her gown. Instead, Taylor chose the sweetheart Galia Lahav gown she fell in love with and learned to embrace her scar as part of her story and body. Her strength and courage, not only in becoming a cancer survivor, but also in her confidence to bear a scar that many would cover, is incredibly inspiring. Her beauty runs deep, inside and out.

Bridesmaids wore light blue gowns with varying necklines and carried bouquets full of white roses and greenery. Taylor’s mother donned a deep blue sleeveless gown in keeping with the color tones of the wedding. Because Taylor’s Galia Lahav gown featured such intricate beading, she kept her accessories simple with pearl earrings and a pearl necklace that looked beautiful with her long strawberry blonde curls.

Ian wanted to wait to see Taylor until the ceremony, so Taylor opted for a first look with her father who absolutely adored his private moment with his daughter. Before the ceremony, Taylor and Ian both read letters they’d written each other as a way to express their love privately and connect without seeing each other before the aisle.

For the ceremony, Taya of Compass Floral made an exquisite circular arch completely covered in various types of white flowers and wild greenery. The look was organic and a little wild but also incredibly elegant and refined. On the aisle, guest seating was adorned with small arrangements of green and white flowers fastened to the wooden Chiavari chairs with white ribbon. With only around 75 guests, the ceremony took place on an intimate patio and was beautifully backlit by the sun. Taylor wanted to make use of a unique spot at the Del Mar Country Club that downplayed the golf course and featured perfect ceremony lighting.

As the bride and groom were drawn to the ivy-covered walls, blue shutters, and grand staircase of the venue, their portraits were taken in areas that highlighted these features. Ian’s black tuxedo and Taylor’s Galia Lahav gown provided a beautiful white and black contrast to the greenery of the property for an elegant and classic look.

Guests mingled over cocktails and tray passed appetizers on a patio that overlooked the reception site and the golf course. A printed sign by Brightly Designed showed guests to their seats as they made their way down to the lower lawn for the reception.

Cara of Luxe Events incorporated the beautiful white and green flowers from Compass Floral with blue glassware and black dinnerware from Hostess Haven to tie in all of the wedding colors. Place cards matching the envelope liner of the invitations rested near the menus that sat beneath ribbon and a sprig of greenery. Elegant and vintage cane-back Oak Louis chairs were placed around the white textured linens of each table. For the bride and groom, Cara had wooden laser-cut “bride” and “groom” signs with smilax on their chairs.

A custom-made white bar with the couple’s wedding logo served the Taylor and Ian’s signature drink, an Old Fashioned. Cara styled the dessert table with light blue linen and several desserts, including donuts and cookies. The cake itself was kept classic and simple with just two sets of floral adornments.

After dinner, guests made use of the multiple white lounges centered around the dance floor and by the bar. On top of each lounge table were votives and smilax that enforced the romantic mood of the evening, which was spent on heartfelt toasts and a very packed dance floor to the tune of Taylor and Ian’s favorite music.

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Wedding Dresses

Galia Lahav

Le Secret Royal 2016

GALA NO.II 2016

Ivory Tower 2016

GALA NO.I 2016

Les Reves Bohemians 2016

GALA Collection 8

Make A Scene

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Soft and Romantic Lake Como Wedding Inspiration at Villa Balbiano

When admiring this stunning wedding inspiration at Villa Balbiano from Trynh Photography, it was difficult to describe it as anything other than this: an absolute dream. From the bride’s ethereal Musat Bridal gown, to the romantic boat ride, to the soft and classic tablescape décor…. there is truly no other way to define this perfect day. Take in all the incomparable Lake Como views and dreamy moments below…

From Trynh Photography… This editorial took place in the Italian paradise of Lake Como at the elegant Villa Balbiano. The villa made for the most picture-perfect setting for this romantic day.

Our real couple, Bianca and Francesca are deeply in love, adore Italy, traveling, and classic fashion.

The extravagant natural setting offered a perfect mix of scenery without needing to bring much else in.

The clear blue water, the sloping hills of the mountains, and the blooming flowers and plants were pure perfection. The scene was straight out of a fairytale.

We kept the styling and directions classic and elegant to go along with the grand villa. Then all we had to do was capture the chemistry of the couple. It was a truly magical day!

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Petit Bouquet

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Bold and Colorful Wedding Inspiration for the Fashion Forward Bride

If you’re the type of bride who lives for all things Dolce & Gabbana, isn’t afraid to be bold with color and desires a fashion-forward look for your wedding day, then this editorial from Toast Santa Barbara is all the inspiration you’ll ever need. Every last detail of this shoot from the flowers to the cake just screams elevated elegance. We’re lovinggg the daring color scheme of hot pinks, bright yellows and rich teal. Keep on scrolling through these stunning photos from Rebecca Yale Photography to see it all (including all THREE gorgeous gowns)!

From Toast Santa Barbara… For this editorial we were inspired to create something bold and colorful, yet still bridal and elegant. We were inspired by a floral print Dolce & Gabbana dress and developed a design concept based around that piece.

The goal was grand and opulent! Gold hand-painted china, vintage crystal glassware, rich velvet linens, colorful gowns, ornate lace, and a fabulous estate. The shoot took place at an old-world, beautifully restored, private estate in Montecito. The property had unique gardens, sprawling lawns, and the estate made for the perfect backdrop. We knew we wanted to utilize the incredible spring flowers we were getting and incorporate color into the entirety of the shoot.

We also wanted to make sure we created a classic bridal look as well, so it only made sense to create three different bridal looks to encompass a range of bridal fashion. The first, a black, floral-patterned, Monique Lhuillier gown, was the perfect statement dress we were hoping for! The sweeping length of the gown, the daring slit, and the bold colors created the perfect dramatic feel. We paired the dress with a bouquet to match, filled with cascading lengths of passion vine and colorful garden roses.

The second look was our classic bridal look. Paired with a stunning Monique Lhuillier lace wedding gown, we used a golden crown from Hushed Commotion to keep the feeling of an opulent affair. We kept the bouquet neutral but added muted hues of our shoot’s color palette. Instead of the bright pinks and yellows, we opted for mauves and mustards. The third and final look was a playful, high-low after-party gown, with a bright and full, coral charm peony bouquet! What better style gown to cut your cake and dance the night away in than that! It was important that the ceremony backdrop was grand and exquisite, so what better place than the front of this incredible estate?!

We set up vintage pews from Found Vintage Rentals adorned with southern smilax garlands and hand-dyed silk ribbon. The ceremony front was framed with large, lush arrangements in bright, bold pinks and corals all set in front of a majestic fountain. The reception table brought all of these elements together; filled with lush flowers overflowing in an elongated golden urn, taper candles in gold candelabras, beeswax candle votives, vibrant table runner and napkins, and little wooden canary birds and miniature robin’s egg nests.

Combined with vintage crystal glassware, gold flatware and hand-thrown and hand-painted china from The Ark, each place setting was topped with a peacock colored napkin, a golden tassel, and a menu with the guest’s name printed. Creating our vision for the cake was one of the most fun parts of the shoot! Again, we wanted bold, colorful, and something you hadn’t seen before! With help from Lele Patisserie, this vision came to life! Lele added edible gold leafing to a three-tier peacock colored cake.

We used mock orange blooms, blueberry vine, coral charm peonies, and garden roses to create a playful design that would mirror the playfulness of the third dress! We even added a wooden canary to tie in the canaries in the reception arrangement. We topped the table with a lush velvet linen from La Tavola, more hot pink and coral blooms, and natural beeswax candles.

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Tropical Wedding Inspiration at The Historic Walton House

Bright, tropical colors mixed with darker and muted tones against a lush green background created a picture perfect shoot, produced by Masi Events and captured by Alisa Ferris Photography. The natural beauty of the venue paired with oli Flor’s stunning centerpieces made for what looked like a dream of a reception table! From flamingos to flourishing greens and even gold palm trees, it is safe to say that there was no shortage on photo opp’s at The Historic Walton House. Take a peek below and don’t forget to check out the full gallery….and the array of animals that made appearances throughout the day!

From Masi Events…The Historic Walton House is a beautiful tropical lush setting. When designing we wanted to incorporate colors that all worked well together but also popped with the all greenery. The bright reds, rich burgundy and lighter pinks and taupes all worked harmoniously together.

The ceremony backdrop was designed with two art deco gold palm trees with a lush floral installation. Danielle Curry of oli Flor has a natural instinct when it comes to designing and creating beautiful environments. She had foraged some dried leaves that morning that added interest and texture to the centerpieces.

The tablescape was a wooden farm table paired with these beautiful rose velvet chairs. The runner had the couple’s favorite song hand-lettered down the table. Sea grape leaves were used as the place cards and gold trim on the serve ware and flatware added the perfect touch.

Instead of your traditional bridal bouquet the bride wore a floral garland, draped beautifully over her dress. Such a gorgeous and different way of carrying flowers to not cover your gown! The three tier watercolor inspired cake created by Earth & Sugar looked perfect with the venues bright and vibrant colors.

The natural surrounding of the venue enhanced all the beauty that was designed for the ceremony and reception. An absolutely perfect place to say ‘I Do’ and celebrate the day away with colors and backgrounds that won’t disappoint!

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Event Planning

Masi Events

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Petit Bouquet

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Cozy Candlelit Wedding at Taylor River Lodge in Colorado

2020 winter lovebirds, I see you. Today’s wedding is for you. The word ‘cozy’ was made for this celebration at Taylor River Lodge, covered in a blanket of the whitest snow and a candlelit reception that glows like no other. Belleview Weddings & Events crafted a day that did the rustic Rocky Mountain vibe justice, while From the Ground Up Floral layered on their pretty touch. From the getting ready moments to the striking portraits to the sparkler-ski exit, you can be sure to find every moment documented below thanks to This Modern Romance.

From Belleview Weddings & Events… Justin and Kate’s history as a couple spanned a decade before being married – they were together and apart for over 10 years until, finally, a recognition that their deep connection had never faded pushed their lives together permanently. Kate was living overseas, in a committed relationship with someone else when Justin, owner of a popular dating app, realized that after years apart from her, he was still in love with Kate. While doing an interview with the New York Times regarding his app Justin realized that he needed to take a leap of faith and reach out to Kate. He flew to London, showed up on her doorstep, and spoke his truth. Let’s just say it worked.

Justin and Kate decided to get married in February in Crested Butte, Colorado with the snowy Rocky Mountains as their backdrop. A special family destination for Justin, the town’s authenticity and charm appealed to Kate as a perfectly romantic destination. The couple truly showcased all that Crested Butte had to offer- from farm-to-table dinners, to cat skiing on untouched powder, to an intimate ceremony at a quintessential mountain lodge. The stand out gathering of the 3 event-weekend was a gambling-inspired cocktail party set at a mountain yurt, nestled in an evergreen grove on the Crested Butte Nordic trail system. Guests donned nordic skis and skied, in the dark with guides, to a sumptuous cocktail party complete with a gypsy jazz band, 2 poker games, a custom bar menu and heavy passed and stationary appetizers.

Kate and Justin’s ceremony and reception took place at the Taylor River Lodge. In front of a roaring fire Kate and Justin said their vows. A beautiful plated dinner followed, served with live bluegrass-infused acoustic music in the background and amidst candlelight. Homemade marshmallow s’mores rounded out the evening. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind weekend of celebration for family and friends was the goal for Kate and Justin; one that was achieved!

Classic Chic Palm Springs Wedding with Modern Touches at Avalon Hotel

Is there anything quite as chic as a Palm Springs fete? I think not. With the help of Good Times Event Planning, Kirk and Ryan celebrated their Big Day, complete with sky-stretching palms, black and white details and lush tropical elements. Justin Gilbert followed their every move for captures that will warm your soul, desert style.

What was your aesthetic vision for your wedding day?

We wanted our wedding to look traditional and classic but with chic and modern accents.

How did you want your wedding to FEEL for you and your guests?

We wanted our guest to feel just as special as we did and enjoy themselves. Everyone who attended had a special place in our heart.

How did you choose your venue?

As Angelenos, we love Palm Springs and knew right away that would be our wedding city of choice. We love the old Hollywood vibe that the Avalon has to offer. It was also important that the venue be small and intimate, it felt like our wedding party had the run of the hotel all weekend. While small and boutique, the hotel property is situated in a way that creates separate spaces for each portion of the day.

What were some of the personal details that you infused to make your day feel uniquely you?

As the hotel is dog friendly, our dog Wilma was able to be a part of our day. She walked down the aisle with our officiant and sat next to us during dinner. We also had custom cocktail napkins created with fun facts about our relationship. We also brought in desserts from our favorite bakeries and ended the evening with In-N-Out burgers and fries.

Tell us about your attire!

Calvin Klein tuxedos with Christian Louboutin shoes.

Tell us about your reception decor…

We went with lush tropical foliage, emerald greens with accents of marble and gold.

Any steal-worthy details that readers should know about?

Custom cocktail napkins were super affordable and a hit with our guests. Letterbox signs are inexpensive and the perfect spot for a hashtag.

What were your wedding planning challenges?

Letting go of the reigns. As a creative director, and a bit of a perfectionist, I had a vision that I wanted to execute on my own. When it comes to the actual day, you have no capacity for that, you need to let go and allow those around you to execute.

Any advice for couples who are planning their wedding now?

No matter the outcome you will feel an enormous amount of love on your special day. So don’t stress and have fun with it.

Most vivid or best memory from the day?

Our ceremony and vows, makes me teary eyed thinking about it.

A few more details…

First Dance Song: Never Enough by Loren Allred

Signature Cocktails: Watermelon Smash (vodka, watermelon, mint) Whiskey Proper (whiskey, orange, pineapple, ginger beer, bitters)

Dinner Menu: Family style – heirloom tomato salad, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, salmon, new york strip

Cake Flavors: Red velvet and carrot

From the planner Erin James… The day I met Kirk & Ryan, I adored their vision and knew I would absolutely love coordinating their wedding! They were both SO sweet and straight to the point. They knew what they were looking for and weren’t afraid to say it! Which is sometimes the hardest and most important aspect in planning a wedding.

Kirk was so thrilled to share his ideas of greenery, romance and a clean polished look, especially with someone who admired his creativity and organization as much as I did! It was so easy to get on the same page with these two, as we all agreed on making this day as personable and unique to their characters as best seen fit. From getting ready and walking down the aisle together, to incorporating their puppy Wilma Jean into their cake topper and playing Dolly during their Mother-Son Dances. I don’t think there was a dry eye in that ballroom. The venue, Avalon Palm Springs, Justin Gilbert Photography and Artisan Floral Design were key components, that helped tie their beautiful day together!

The venue had a very unique, yet organic flow. Moving from one lush, green space to the next! All very intimate and very accommodating to the overall feel, allowing guests to have a more interactive experience. Which many guests mentioned, they really enjoyed!

I knew Justin and the guys connected right away as well! He had shot their portraits once before and now was here shooting one of the most important moments of their life together! Justin was truly the sweetest photographer that I’ve had the pleasure of working with and he knew how to capture the guest’s attention, in order to get the photos he desired. He was genuine and was just as enthusiastic about Kirk and Ryan’s wedding as the rest of us!

The Artisan Team was also such a joy to work! They executed the floral design that spoke to Kirk’s vision! The grand arrangements framing the ceremony in the Regency Courtyard were absolutely breathtaking and they took such pride in laying out every piece of emerald garland and placing different dimensioned white candles every so artistically down the four grand tables, that were set across the Presidio Lawn. More details that the guests raved about throughout the evening! Kirk and Ryan’s day was everything and more!

Glamorous Hawaii Wedding at Haiku Mill in Maui

Say hello to magic in Maui my friends. Haiku Mill is just the spot if you’re on the hunt for a fairytale destination wedding. To achieve the level of gorgeous in today’s fete, look no further than the vendor team that is Maui’s Angels, Teresa Sena, Sugar Beach Events, Sanaz Photography and the full list below! Ready for more? Let’s go!

From Maui’s Angels… Sabrina and Angus both live in Sydney, Australia but Sabrina is originally from Brazil having moved to Australia not speaking a word of English. It was important to her to incorporate cultural elements into the wedding along with nods to Angus’ family and cheeky personality.

The bride walked down the aisle with her father through a tunnel of lush white draping to say their I do’s under hanging greenery and glowing candles. The ceremony began with the officiant sharing a funny anecdote on each bridal party member keeping the tone light and setting the stage for a celebration! Cocktail hour was enjoyed under the vast shade of the Haiku Mill mango tree complete with hand crafted Mai Tai’s and refreshing Aperol Spritzes. The dinner menu started with Pao De Quejo (Brazilian cheese bread) and ended with a glamorous dessert display featuring a traditional Brazilian favorite, Brigaderios.

As the guests entered the dining space, the white draped tunnel was removed to reveal gorgeous chandeliers, lush florals and ample candles throughout the space. Sabrina requested the first dance be dedicated to the groom’s father who sadly has passed away, all guests joined them on the dance floor for an emotional moment, followed by reminiscing and celebrating as Samba music blared and guests danced the night away in Havaiana flip flops, a favor from the bride and groom.

Step into Spring with Jenny Yoo’s Flirty and Floral Spring 2019 Collection

The snow is melting, the birds are singing and it’s finally starting to feel like Spring is upon us! To get in the spirit of the season, we’re giving you the inside scoop on Jenny Yoo’s Spring 2019 Collection that’s blooming with heavenly floral prints and eye-catchingly unexpected details. This collection not only offers gorgeous gowns for brides, it also offers a variety of stunning dresses for bridesmaids too! Expect to see styles featuring sunset chiffon hues, rich French Blue velvet, sultry slits and one of our personal favorites – wrap dresses! While designing this collection, Jenny kept today’s bride in mind. She focuses on refined elegance, clean lines and romantic trains with surprising V backs. Keep on reading to swoon over these beautiful designs and hopefully find your dream dress for both you and your girls!

BRIDAL

VALENTINA

A ball gown that’s so magical it will have you feeling like a Disney Princess all night long. A personal favorite of Jenny’s, the ethereal Valentina Gown features a semi-sheer bodice, long sleeves, a plunging V neck and elegant structural tucks on the skirt for an effortless transition into the long, wow-worthy train.

BERKLEY

The Berkley gown is perfect for the classic bride who love a subtle dose of romance. The sultry semi-sheer sleeveless bodice is defined by a dramatic plunging V neck that accentuates the waist line. It’s made entirely of airy Silk Organza and stunning French Lace.

ANDERSON

Sophisticated modern brides are going to fall in love with the Anderson gown. We’re living for this regal A line silhouette and dramatic V neck design. It’s complete with an eye-catching center pleat on the full ball skirt creating the ultimate hourglass shape. You truly can’t go wrong with a gown this good.

SIMONE

French lace, fit and flare… and fabulous – the Simone gown is quite the head turner. It’s the epitome romance, sultry and everything in between. It’s complete with a baring plunging V neckline, flattering waist seam and a beautiful court train. We love!

WESLEY

Have you EVER seen a wedding dress quite like this before? We sure haven’t! The Wesley gown is delicate, elegant and features flowing Chiffon panels at the shoulders creating a statement-making cape effect. What a modern beauty!

BRIDESMAIDS

From left: Drew, Brie, Tatum, Dina

Garden wedding dreams start here… Choose from a variety of gowns for your gals from simple and clean to romantic and ethereal with floral embellishments. Love them all? Feel free to mix and match your favorite styles!

The Cara Gown

Simple, sleek and sophisticated – the Cara Gown has us head over heels. It features a modern plunging V neck, delicate cap sleeves and a dramatic center front slit.

From left: Ryan, Faye Ditsy Floral, James Ditsy Floral

How charming are these airy, flowy gowns? They compliment each other perfectly while still allowing your girls’ personal styles to shine through.

From left: Logan, Ellis

It’s official, “English Rose” might be one of our new favorite bridesmaid hues. We’re swooning over these luxurious stretch velvet bridesmaid dresses. Trust us, your girls are going to love these flattering styles.

The Helena Dress

This chic and romantic gown comes in 27 different colors (major win!) It’s complete with an A line silhouette with a modern halter neckline, soft tulle and a two-band detail at the waist. The gown is finished with delicate rouching and a long, flowy skirt!

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Classic St. Louis Wedding at Graham Chapel with Private Home Reception

Every wedding starts with a good proposal story, whether a casual at-home nestled-in-bed kind of proposal or flash mob-style. Today’s is surprisingly sweet and made possible thanks to the Bride’s brother. Have a read below while you peruse the resulting at-home fete, planned by Absolutely IN! Events. Dressed in the loveliest classic black and white details, Brett Heidebrecht and Pen Weddings captured the full day!

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On a serendipitous sailing adventure with friends in Croatia, Nicole met the man who would become her future husband Dan. “We had several mutual friends but had never met each other prior to the trip,” Nicole says. “It was definitely ‘interest’ at first sight!”

Dan, a St. Louis native, and Nicole, from Dallas, kept in touch and began dating shortly after the Croatian vacation. The couple eventually moved together to Chicago in 2016. And soon, Dan was conspiring with Nicole’s brother, Aaron Wilkinson, to plan a surprise proposal. “Dan was out of town at a bachelor party in Nashville,” Nicole says. “It was my birthday weekend, so my brother flew up from Houston to stay with me while Dan was gone.”

Little did Nicole know, the proposal plan was in motion. “My brother was in on the whole thing,” Nicole says. “Dan was supposed to fly back Sunday night from Nashville, so Sunday morning my brother and I went out for a walk, and my brother suggested we go to Washington Square Park to take some pictures.”

As the siblings arrived at the park, there was Dan, sitting on a bench with all of his luggage. “He had flown in early that morning to surprise me,” Nicole says. “As soon as I saw him, I knew what was going to happen. He had a very nice speech, and my brother was there to take lots of pictures throughout the proposal. To add to the surprise, when we got back to our place, Dan had flown in all of our parents to celebrate with us!”

When it was time to put together their big day, it was only natural for the pair to coordinate the nuptials around their beloved family. “We wanted the overall vibe to be relaxed and fun and very family-centric,” Nicole says. To ensure they were surrounded by family during the wedding, Nicole’s brother, Aaron, who had played such a pivotal part in the proposal, officiated the ceremony, and the reception was hosted at Dan’s parents’ home in Glendale. “We also made sure we had time to enjoy the full cocktail hour, so we had the chance to visit with family and friends,” Nicole adds. Nicole’s most cherished moment of the big day was her time on the dance floor with her dad, Barry Wilkinson. “We started off with a very traditional dance to Frank Sinatra’s ‘The Way You Look Tonight,’ then busted out the dance moves with upbeat music to surprise the guests!” Nicole says. “We practiced the dance for months and kept it a secret from everyone.”

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Wedding Dresses

Lazaro

Spring 2016

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Spring 2017

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Alfred Sung

2014

Fall 2014

Spring 2015

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An Epic Mountaintop Affair at Vail Wedding Deck

Scenic mountaintop weddings with endless views of mother nature’s beauty never cease to amaze us. But why we fell for this gorgeous day had nothing to do with the scenery – it was the sheer happiness and undeniable love between this stunning bride and her handsome groom. Take one look at these beautiful photos from Cassie Rosch and you’ll see it too! Liz and Sammy’s day was planned and styled to perfection thanks to Calluna Events, with floral design by The Perfect Petal. Keep on reading to see their special day unfold!

From Calluna Events… It was a lovely August day and Liz + Sammy said “I Do” at the top of Vail on the wedding deck (views for days!) The guests were treated to a ride up the gondola to witness the beautiful couple get married. The reception took place at the Sonnenalp Hotel and the staff opened the dinning room ceiling during dinner so it was an open air reception which was amazing.

They both love coffee and Liz wanted to be sure their happy hour included a coffee cart! The Sonnenalp Hotel worked to source Liz & Sammy’s favorite Philz coffee from San Francisco. Their design was very neutral, clean, and masculine. We worked to incorporate natural elements with wooden farm tables, wood & metal table numbers, and sharp, geometric paper goods.

Every detail was simple, yet could stand alone. The rounded ceremony arch with simple greenery was one of our favorite statements! As a part of their first dance, Liz and Sammy had all their guests join them and their families as they danced to a traditional Sudanese song (where Sammy’s family is from). It was a great way to get everyone out on the dance floor!

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Calluna Events

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A Fall Wedding at Rancho Las Lomas with the Prettiest Blue Color Palette

The happiest bride and her handsome hub tied the knot on a sunny Fall day at one of our fave Cali venues – Rancho Las Lomas! The feminine color palette of soft blues, pinks, purple and yellow is filling our soul with the essence of Spring. Finding Flora created the most beautiful organic arrangements teeming with roses, transforming the scene into a real-life fairytale. See all the magic of this delightful wedding day planned by So Happi Together unfold at the full gallery, all captured by Tenth and Grace.

From Tenth and Grace Photography… Franchesca and Arthur’s beautiful Fall wedding was full of joyful emotion (wait until you see the Father-Daughter first look!) and featured a unique blue color palette. The couple wed at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo. They chose not to do a first look before the ceremony, so Arthur saw his bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle and his reaction was priceless. Their traditional Catholic ceremony featured readings from close friends and communion.

Afterwards, the couple and their guests returned to Rancho Las Lomas for a beautiful outdoor reception. So Happi Together and Finding Flora created a stunning scene with muted shades of blue, purple and yellow. There was a mixture of long and round tables, including a sweetheart table adorned with florals for Franchesca and Arthur.

The fresh fruit displayed along the tables brought some vibrancy to the design, and the wedding cake was beautifully adorned with florals! Instead of traditional wedding favors, the bride and groom displayed mini potted succulents that the guests could leave with at the end of the night.

The entire wedding party enjoyed dining under string lights and dancing the night away. Franchesca and Arthur did a money dance (where guests give money in exchange for a dance with the bride and groom), which was one of the highlights of the reception!

The couple and guests loved it, and there were many laughs to be had. And of course, Porty the VW photo booth bus was a huge hit!

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Our Favorite Hotel Interiors Just In Time For Spring Break

Every year, when March rolls around, it seems like everyone is itching to get away. After a long winter, you deserve that vacation! It seems like every week there’s a new hotel popping up decked out in fabulous decor. With Instagram giving everyone #travelgoals, these spots might be doing it for the ‘gram, but us interior lovers are reaping the benefits! And who doesn’t love an awesome hotel? Whether you’re planning a future getaway, or just in need of a virtual vacation, design savy hotels should definitely make your list. We’ve rounded out some of our favorite hotel interiors, just in time for Spring break!

Caldera House , Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If the mountains are calling, this is the place to stay. Located in the heart of Jackson Hole, the area’s newest hotel is nothing short of show-stopping. Pack your ski gear (or don’t) and head to Caldera House ASAP!

Germantown Inn, Nashville, Tennessee

Chic and fun hotels are popping up all over Nashville – the Germantown Inn being one of them. Mixing old southern charm with the funk of Music City, we love the bright pops of color!

Henry Howard Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana

Spring is the perfect time to visit New Orleans. The Henry Howard Hotel checks all the boxes. Plus, who doesn’t want to drift off to sleep in this bed?

Holiday House, Palm Springs, California

There is no shortage of enviable hotel interiors in Palm Springs. But the bright blue hues and rattan accents at the Holiday House, are the perfect mix of east coast meets west coast decor. We’re ready to move in!

Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington, Connecticut

If watching the first signs of spring through floor to ceiling windows, while cozied up in a white washed sitting room sounds like your cup of tea, the Mayflower Inn & Spa is for you. The Inn is filled with nooks that look perfect for a nap, and the warm, muted colors give us all the relaxing feels.

Shutters On The Beach, Santa Monica, California

There is something about the rooms at Shutters On The Beach that just feel like home – even if your home is not perfectly situated on the Pacific Ocean. But after a few nights here, you may decide to move in.

Solage, Calistoga, California

Farmhouse fancy is what comes to mind when visiting the Solage hotel in Calistoga. Stroll through this stunning property while sipping on some California red. You’ll thank us later!

The Betsy, Miami, Florida

South Beach provides an endless source of design inspiration. But The Betsy is one of a kind. In addition to being a luxury hotel, they focus on hosting cultural experiences. And the design and decor of the space speaks to that in the perfect way.

The Moornings Village, Islamorada, Florida

If you’ve ever dreamed of living on a tropical island now is your chance to make your dreams a reality, for a little while at least. But scrolling through photos of The Moornings Village make us think that island life might be the life for us!

The Spectator Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina

Bye-bye boring hotel beds! This ultra-chic decor is reason enough to book a flight to Charleston right now!

The Surfrider Malibu, Malibu, California

As it’s name suggests, The Surfrider Malibu is the epitome of California cool. Each room is even better than the next with decor that is so effortlessly stylish.

Zero George, Charleston, South Carolina

If you are looking for classic southern charm then look no further than Zero George. Old brick, crisp white decor, and lush greenery, is calling our name!

East Coast Style in the Dallas Suburbs

Color, cheer, and function, were the key elements to this interior designer’s new family abode! When Janelle, of Lark Interiors, moved her family from New York City to Dallas for a taste of suburban life, her focus was location, location, location. After finding a mid-90’s home that was less than exciting, Janelle got to work on bringing the home to life – without a total renovation. “I often find that people think the answer to every ailment is to renovate. The power of paint, new light fixtures, and good furniture is totally under-appreciated.” And after touring this house, we agree that the power of paint is real! See for yourself in this home tour photographed by Matti Gresham.

FRONT ROOM

I chose to put our TV in our front room because the New Yorker in me hates to waste space and I knew we’d never use a “formal” living room. I tell people that the gallery wall around the tv is intended to help the TV blend in, but really it’s just an excuse for me to freely hoard art. The pieces are from all over—a couple were my grandmother’s, some are from flea markets, some from artist friends, and some are from Homegoods. I just can’t seem to stop myself from buying a pretty piece of art. The credenza is a vintage piece I bought from my friend Angeline’s shop Purveyor. She always finds the best stuff—and I love to swing by and see what’s new.

FAMILY ROOM

This is my favorite room in the house. It is cozy enough for a Sunday afternoon nap, but has enough seating to host friends. I knew I wanted a Windsor bench behind the sofa from the moment we moved in — but it proved nearly impossible to find one! When I stumbled on this one at Round Top, I had to have it. I’m pretty sure I got it to fit in my car by willpower alone.

The light fixture was another lucky find. The fixture I wanted was out of stock and I needed something immediately for a photo shoot. I found this one at the Arteriors outlet. It was a one-off Arteriors made as a sample, but never ended up manufacturing. When I say good lighting can change a room, this is what I mean. It became the focal point of the space!

DINING ROOM

The one small renovation we’ve made to the home so far is adding the wainscoting in the dining room. It instantly elevated the space. But what really pulled this spot together is that incredible Robert Abbey chandelier. That middle section is solid stone, so more than a few swear words were said when it was being hung, but it was totally worth it!

BREAKFAST NOOK

This is the heart of the home. This is where we eat our meals, do homework, and play play-doh. I love a round table because they are so functional — we can fit up to 8 people around this one by Community Mfg. The chairs are knock-off Marcel Breuer and are so family friendly because you can buy replacement backs or seats for only $30! And that Arteriors chandelier makes me happy on a daily basis!

MASTER BEDROOM

I read somewhere that the more saturated the color, the more joy it will bring you. I believe that. I love color. It makes my heart happy. So I just went for it in here. Because the walls are so saturated, I decided to let them be the star and stick with neutral textile choices. My other favorite thing in my bedroom is the marble topped dresser which I found at Round Top. The lamp used to belong to my husband’s grandfather.

THE GIRLS BEDROOM

My two daughters (8 and 5) share this room. When I talked to them about color, they immediately settled on hot pink. I was initially a little hesitant, but after finding that Kravet wallpaper for the ceiling, I was totally on board. Now we all love it and not even the neighbor boy’s shouts that “it’s burning my eyes!” can dissuade us. Probably my favorite element in this room is the vintage dresser I found at Scout Design Studio. I had it lacquered in Benjamin Moore Simply White, which is the same white that is on the walls. The dresser hardware makes a statement in the best possible way — and it’s Henredon so it’s super high quality. Nothing makes a mom smile like dividers built into the sock drawer!

Bunk beds were a purely practical choice — I wanted the floor space for play. Whenever I need bunk beds for a design, Oeuf is my go-to. Their bunk bed doesn’t feel visually heavy or clunky like a lot of others. And the swing chair is pure fun. It makes a surprisingly comfy bedtime story spot. I will say that the one thing no one tells you when you install one of those is that it is nearly impossible to get it to settle facing the exact direction you want. The OCD part of me has wasted many a moment adjusting it.

THE BOY BEDROOM

The jumping off point for my 12-year-old son’s room was the Kate Roebuck art above his bed. Every teenager needs to be reminded to laugh, right? The desk I found in Canton, a great flea market just outside of Dallas. It was the perfect scale for the spot. My favorite thing we did in this room was carrying the two-toned paint treatment all the way around the room—through the doors, trim, everywhere. It adds great visual interest to our builder basic doors.

THE GUEST ROOM

This is a small room, but we get a lot of visitors, so it has to be practical. I used Rejuvenation sconces instead of lamps to free up space on the nightstands. On one side of the bed I replaced the nightstand with a small desk from West Elm. It provides a perch for your glass of water at night and a place to respond to emails during the day.

THE PLAYROOM

When we moved in, the built-ins in this space were yellowed, scratched, and dated. A fresh coat of paint totally transformed them. I used Benjamin Moore Moonshine, and added Benjamin Moore Gilbralter Cliffs on the back of the built-ins for contrast. The hex knobs from CB2 were a fun addition too. I found the old sign letters at the Round Top Antiques Show. It took me quite a while to put this phrase together—but as soon as I thought of “be nice” I had to have it. Last year we got a piano and I had to move the sign to make room for it. I’m now waiting for the perfect client project to use it in!

Wedding on the Picturesque Slopes of Extinct Volcano Mt. Canobolas at Borrodell Vineyard

Not many couples get to say that they said their vows on the slopes of an extinct volcano, making today’s wedding destination a statement scene to remember. Mt. Canobolas served as the setting for Tuyen and Francis’ celebration and with the help of Bespoke Country Weddings, it was a marriage of volcano meets vineyard. Sounds dreamy right? According to We Are Origami‘s images, it absolutely is.

From We Are Origami Photography… Tuyen and Francis are originally Sydney siders but have moved to London for work and are currently globe trotting around the world from Egypt to South Africa whilst living in London. They decided to take it back to where their relationship all started, in Orange, NSW.

Their wedding ceremony was held at Mayfield Vineyard which is a premier winery in the Orange region, with their reception at the beautiful Borrodell Vineyard, one of Australia’s highest vineyards, situated on the picturesque slopes of extinct volcano – Mt Canobolas.

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Petit Bouquet

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A Classic and Romantic Wedding at The Ritz Carlton Marina Del Ray

Elegant, timeless and romantic are three words that come to mind for this beautiful Marina del Ray wedding, perfectly planned by Mad Love Events. The nuptials were photographed by Anya Kernes Photography and not a moment was missed, from the brides delicate details to their adorable flower girls! Mark’s Garden set the tone for the day with soft, whimsical flowers and classic centerpieces. With a first look that certainly won’t disappoint, we can feel the emotions from here!

From Lindy, the bride… It was a digital love story. We met online and decided to take a chance at meeting in person. It didn’t take us too long to realize that we had something special and after spending more time together, our connection grew into a deep and caring love.

Fast forward two years later, we got engaged during a sunset boat excursion in Marina del Rey, where we eventually decided to have our wedding reception. We envisioned our wedding to be an elegant event that was timeless in style and slightly updated for a more modern feel. Our color palette consisted of light blush and neutral colors like nudes, creams and white.

Most of our design choices were clean and simple, which made flowers an important aspect of our decor. We wanted the flowers to be full and pretty and our florist, Mark’s Garden, did not disappoint! Mark met with us to understand our vision and transformed it into an ambiance that was breathtaking and more beautiful than we could have ever imagined or asked for.

We had so many memorable moments on our wedding day, one of our favorites being our first look. It was such an emotional and joyful moment — seeing each other for the first time that day after reading our sweet heart cards for each other, knowing we were with the person we were meant to be with. Having that special moment with each other allowed us to take it all in and put us at ease for the big celebration.

Our photographer, Anya Kernes did an exceptional job of capturing each moment and making us feel comfortable in front of her camera. The quality of her work was exquisite and so moving that we are still able to re-live each snapshot.

Our day was filled with so much love and it meant the world to have all of our close family and friends from near and far with us. We enjoyed every single moment and are so grateful to everyone who helped make it possible. Our advice to couples planning their wedding is to enjoy your big day and don’t be afraid to ask for help. As cliché as it sounds, the day really does go by so fast when you’re having fun!

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A Wedding Planner’s Tented Wedding Inspired by Flowers at ShoreWay Acres Inn

When a planner ties the knot at a wedding inspired by blooms – you know the result is going to be drop.dead.gorgeous. Keri from Always Yours Events and her hubby chose to celebrate their big day at the bride’s family inn on Cape Cod, the ShoreWay Acres Inn – how special is that?! The Wild Dahlia filled this warm late-Summer day with lush fleurs in blush, burgundy, ivory, dusty rose and cappuccino hues (umm, dream color scheme anyone?) Prepare for a major dose of pretty with every detail from beginning to end, starting with the gorgeous floral-inspired stationary by Amanda Day Rose. Every moment was perfectly captured by Elizabeth LaDuca. We’re seriously so in love…

From the Bride… As a professional wedding planner who plans and designs weddings and celebrations for couples everyday, it was such an incredible and joyful experience to be on the other side as a bride planning my very own wedding with my now husband, Sean, and our families. When Sean and I first got engaged, we knew immediately that we wanted to host our celebration at my parents’ charming inn on Cape Cod. This resort style inn sits on a beautiful hydrangea filled residential street that leads to the ocean in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Comprised of refurbished colonial style sea captains’ homes, my grandparents bought this property in the 1960s with a vision to turn it into a little escape for guests visiting the Cape. They named it ShoreWay and then passed down to my parents and our family. Growing up, I lived in the house next door to the property and so hosting at ShoreWay truly felt like hosting in my backyard — the place where I grew up. And my parents had been married at ShoreWay 35 years earlier, which only made it feel even more special.

When it came to planning my own wedding, we wanted to create a private estate wedding that was not only gorgeous, but also filled with meaning and sentimental details that told our story and felt like “us.” With my couples, I strive to create and achieve a design that is so cohesive and ethereal that the guests feel enveloped by the design and if time just stood still, you could live in the celebration forever — and that’s exactly what we wanted for our own wedding as well. Within all of the fine details and formalities, we wanted to make every detail intentional and thoughtful so that everything together was remarkable, but also spoke to our story and who we are together. To ensure we captured all of the magic, we chose my favorite film photographer Elizabeth Laduca, as well as the wonderful Haley Harrington of OTD Collective for cinematography. Our wedding was inspired by flowers. Flowers are a love of mine and within both of our families flowers have always been something we share with one another as an expression of love. For our color palette, we chose shades inspired by blooms and greens including dusty rose, sahara rose blush, koko loko antique rose, cappuccino, ivory cottage rose, white and burgundy ranunculus, chocolate cosmo, quicksand rose taupe, jasmine vine green and bay leaf green. With florals as our primary source of inspiration, I turned to the most talented floral designer I know. I am forever grateful to Shawna of the Wild Dahlia as she and her team went above and beyond to bring our vision to life and to leave our guests in awe.

To further incorporate florals and meaningful details, I worked with an incredible boutique stationer Amanda Day Rose to create a wedding brand for our celebration including a custom crest of hand drawn flowers and interlocking monogram, a watercolor pattern comprised of meaningful icons from Sean’s and my journey together, a custom map of Falmouth, cocktail napkins, and everything in between. On a gorgeous and warm late Summer day in September 2018 we were married in St. Thomas Chapel, a little church with blue doors on the water of Falmouth Harbor. In the morning the bridesmaids and I got ready in my parents’ home with an incredible beauty team of hair and makeup artists including Jennifer Tawa and Amanda McCarthy. My father and I arrived in a classic white Rolls Royce to the chapel. I wore a custom beaded Badgley Mischka gown with an ethereal detachable train and a cathedral veil attached to an heirloom gold diamond comb worn by my mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I carried a romantic and lush bouquet tied with dusty rose ribbons and filled with varieties of garden roses, cottage roses, clematis, cosmos, jasmine vine and a few tiny stems of edelweiss in honor of my sweet grandmother who had just passed away. For our bridal party, we chose navy tuxedos for Sean and the groomsmen, and a mixture of beaded, crepe and chiffon gowns in dusty rose shades for a dreamy, textural effect. And our flower girl wore an ivory gown with a floral crown while the ring bearers wore navy tuxes, with the youngest in sweetest little navy suspenders and knee socks.

My uncle (my grandmother’s brother) performed a heartfelt ceremony, as he has done for all of the couples in our family. Once Sean and I said “I do” and became Mr. And Mrs. Walter, we processed out of the chapel for a ribbon wand recessional surrounded by our loved ones. After the ceremony we headed to Surf Drive with the bridal party for photos while our 190 guests headed back to ShoreWay to freshen up and join us for cocktail hour. During cocktail hour guests mingled al fresco on the grounds while enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres including a custom fried chicken, pimento cheese and bacon and onion jam slider created from the recipe of a dish at one of Sean’s and my favorite restaurants in Charleston, SC called High Cotton. We served his (the Cactus Flower) and hers (The Hummingbird) cocktails, as well as a Salty Dog cocktail in honor of our bulldog named Poogan, who was also attending the wedding in his own navy tux! For the reception guests joined us under our Sperry sailcloth tent filled with crystal empire chandeliers and floral chandeliers. At the entry our guests found their seats at a taupe shiplap wall covered in floral and escort cards beautifully calligraphed in dusty rose ink by the talented Laney of Design by Laney. On the left side of the tent was a statement wooden bar overgrown with blooms and greenery. In the center of the tent was our 30′ head table covered in dozens and dozens of bloom filled compotes and sandstone taper candles for a romantic and dreamy look. Guests dined at tables covered in beaded gold linens and place settings of gold rimmed chargers, fine crystal, dusty rose menu booklets and a plethora of candlelight. And for dinner all enjoyed Russell Morins’ beef shortrib toscana (Sean’s favorite) and Lavender Statler Chicken, which was the very first dish I ever made Sean when we first started dating in college.

For dessert Montilio’s Bakery designed a stunning four tiered blush cake adorned with roses and made of delicious vanilla cake with fresh strawberries, Grand Marnier and white chocolate ricotta cream with buttercream frosting. Towards the end of the evening I surprised Sean with a groom’s cake made to look like his drum set (since Sean is a drummer), which we enjoyed at the afterparty. One of my favorite details from our design were the favors at each place setting. On every bread plate was a favor box tied with an ivory silk ribbon, and inside were “Marry Me Cookies,” which are delicious soft Italian ricotta sugar cookies with buttercream frosting. These cookies are so loved by everyone who has ever tried them. This recipe was passed down to me by my aunt, and to make a long story short I made these cookies for Sean almost 9 years ago after we first met in college as a Christmas treat. Sean loved them so much that after he ate them he sent me text message and asked me to marry him. Little did he know that we actually would get married years later. And so we let everyone in on that part of our story by sharing these as sweet little takeaway from the celebration. For the rest of the evening we listened to our beautiful toasts and danced the night away to the sounds of our eight piece band called the Silver Arrow Band. Sean and I danced to Someone Like You by Van Morrison. Sean and his mother danced to That’s Life, a song they used to sing together driving Sean to school everyday. My father and I danced to The Way You Look Tonight, which he promised me would be the song we would dance to together ever since I was five years old. Our wedding day will forever be the best and happiest day of our lives, and I feel so fortunate that we were able to celebrate with our closest loved ones in a place we love so much. A dream team of vendors and my two amazing event producers Susan and Kate (who I am forever grateful for) truly made our day come to life, and without them our vision could not have been made possible. The day was such a dream, and Sean and I have already grown nostalgic for it with a constant wish to return back and relive the day over and over again.

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Destination Anniversary Session at Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa in Mexico

Wedding day hiccups are bound to happen, as this designer & planner-turned Bride can attest. Janie of Idyll Stories experienced a few of them on her very own Big Day, as she shares below. To make up for it, she and her husband teamed up with Esther Sun for round two—and oh my friends, is it an anniversary session for the books. See it all here!

From the Bride… We celebrated our one year anniversary by returning to our destination wedding location in Mexico to re-live our special day. On April 14, 2018, 62 of our closest family and friends traveled to Riviera Maya, Mexico for a weekend full of wedding festivities at Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa. As the saying goes, wedding guests rarely know what went wrong at a wedding—and something always happens. On the morning of our wedding, everything went off without a hitch. I know because I was the designer and planner of our own wedding and even though I was the bride that day, I knew when everyone from my florists to our rental vendors had arrived at the hotel. Things went smooth until that moment hit.

We couldn’t find the special earrings that I had purchased from a Paris boutique for my maid of honor/sister. My bridesmaids enlisted the help of my husband to search for the lost earrings while my sister in law was communicating with the hotel staff. Another of my bridesmaids even called a boutique in Cancun to see if they would have the specific Hermes earrings to purchase again and have it delivered to us. This was going on while my hair and makeup artist was finishing me up all while trying to keep this quiet from my sister. While sitting in the makeup chair, it started to drizzle a little outside. Staying calm as possible, I knew a little rain would happen in the morning as forecasted.. And I knew that rain was a sign of luck on your wedding day. That exact moment, that’s when my husband came rushing into the room (luckily I didn’t have my complete look done or dress on) and announced he had found the earrings! I was so relieved that it wasn’t lost forever.

Once I was able to relax, the rush of adrenaline left my body, and I felt nauseated. I was able to pull through some portraits with my bridesmaid and the first look but then with the nausea hitting me so fast, I remember leaning on my husband and feeling sick. I was given some medicine and then completely fell asleep in one my family member’s room. No one had realized that the side effect of the medicine was drowsiness. All my aunts pulled out all their Korean remedies to help. I was back on my feet to make my wedding day. The moment I stepped out with my dad down the aisle, I just remember seeing all the faces in front of me that had helped pull off the wedding day with a wedding planner and bride down.

That day was a day to remember… one full of ups and downs and when things went wrong, the stories my family and friends told me about what went on while I was asleep were much more memorable than a day going perfect without any hiccups. It’s all those moments that reminded me how it really took a village to get me down the aisle to my husband. The only thing we did miss on our day was all the photos my husband and I did not get on the beach by the water. So to make up for that, my husband, on the last day of August, had told me to start doing what I love and plan our re-visit to celebrate our one year anniversary of the legal wedding to retake our photos and celebrate at our wedding venue. He tried to plan it alone but realized he had to hire a professional planner in the end. This gave me about 3 months to plan an itinerary packed with adventures.

We went back to re-live our day but this time without any mishaps and we finally got our photos along the Caribbean Sea while also getting to eat one of our wedding cake flavors and seeing a cenote after not being able to visit one even though we visited Mexico 3 times before our wedding. It was the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary and incorporate little mementos and details from our wedding into this shoot. Also, we were able to make up for those two hours we lost on our wedding day when I was asleep!

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Wedding Dresses

Galia Lahav

Le Secret Royal 2016

GALA NO.II 2016

Ivory Tower 2016

GALA NO.I 2016

Les Reves Bohemians 2016

GALA Collection 8

Make A Scene

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Neutral Wedding Inspiration at Folly Beach in Charleston

If braids, beaches and all things beautiful fit right into your wedding vision, feast your eyes on this creation dreamt up by Ava Moore. Set at Folly Beach in Charleston, the natural elements inspire a lovely design that would make for a truly stunning fete. See more right this way.

From Ava Moore… My soul wanted to create something organic and free for this bridal inspiration, I wanted a very calming color palette. I just love the grays and blues of the sand and sky, the neutral tones of the gold marsh grasses, and the contrasting black of the shore boulders. So for the gown, I went with a very dusty blue/gray. In the bouquet, I used wheat grass as a natural gold tone. Wild Ivory Beauty did a very loose braid to create that organic and free look along with very natural makeup. The calligraphy invitation suite was very organic and neutral. For the table setting, I also used gray linens, white plates, gold candle holders. I incorporated that contrasting black of the shore boulders into the flatware. All in all, this editorial shoot surpassed my vision! It’s calming and free.