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

How to Throw the Perfect Galentine’s Themed Party

Valentine’s Day can be a pretty polarizing holiday, but whether you’re a self-proclaimed romantic or not, it’s a fun excuse to celebrate all of the different types of love in your life!

So this year, why not use the theme of love for a party in honor of all the special ladies in your life? Whether you want to host a Galentine’s Day celebration, or throw a Galentine’s themed shower or bridal brunch, here are 10 party essentials that will have you feeling all the love.

Galentine's Inspiration

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Galentine's Inspiration

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.

5 Inspiring Outfit Ideas to Wear for Your Engagement Session

A few things come into play when deciding on what to wear for your e-sesh. First and foremost, you want your personal style to shine! But it’s also important to let your setting guide your style. From Paris to New York, here are five outfits inspired by the prettiest engagement session spots.

California Cozy

Who said you have to wear a dress? This pant and sweater combo is timeless and elegant—and not to mention, makes us want to book a trip to wine country.

Garden Gorgeous

Turn up the romance for a garden-set engagement session with a sweet dress like this one, featuring graceful ruffles and shoulder cutouts.

City Chic

Strolling the streets of your city? Go for something chic like this crop top and skirt pairing. The black and white combo adds a sophisticated look without feeling too formal.

Parisian Romance

Shooting in a location full of historic beauty? Step it up a notch with an elegant number like this burgundy beauty featuring lace sleeves.

Right at Home

Planning an at home session? Keep things in context and go for cozy attire that you would normally wear in the comfort of your abode.

Bold Blooms + Picturesque Mountains Are a Winning Combo

What can hold its own against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Aspen? Bold and bright blooms by Bare Root Flora, that’s what! Trust us, you’re going to be obsessed with the rich burst of color at this lovely wedding, planned by the talented Bluebird Productions and captured by Laura Murray Photography. This is a gallery filled to the brim with the colorful floral inspiration of our dreams!

From the bride… Brian and I met in Dallas in June of 2015. Brian had moved to Dallas a few years earlier from Los Angeles where he lived all his life. We went on our first date to a local wine bar and never went a day without talking after that. After dating for a little over a year, Brian proposed on the bluffs overlooking the ocean in Laguna Beach. It was an incredible day!

I grew up in Dallas but always wanted a Colorado wedding. Our family went there every summer, and it is full of special memories. The first time I brought Brian there with my family, he immediately loved it as much as I did. The Roaring Fork Club was a place we loved to go, and it was available on June 17 – the same wedding day as my grandparents. So it seemed like it was meant to be.

With only eight months until the wedding, we were off to planning the big day! We found our wedding planner, Bluebird Productions, based in Aspen, and they helped connect us with incredible vendors to make our vision come to life. We envisioned an outdoor ceremony and tented reception with a seated dinner and a great band. We wanted bright and bold flowers to showcase the incredible scenery of the Rocky Mountains and blue sky. The big bonus was the incredible sunset that seemed to last forever during dinner the night of the wedding. My favorite accents were the birch log chargers, greenery hanging from the exposed bulb chandeliers, and a long table for the wedding party full of bright coral and magenta flowers. Everything we envisioned came to life and surpassed our expectations.

A welcome party thrown by family friends at their beautiful home overlooking the mountains and the Roaring Fork Club golf course kicked off our wedding weekend. It was the perfect opportunity to see everyone who had traveled to celebrate with us. On Friday, the guys golfed, and the girls had a luncheon in Snowmass. Friday night was a small, family only rehearsal dinner. We loved that night with just our siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

The wedding day was relaxing, getting ready slowly and spending time with close family. Brian and I wrote each other a note that we read on the wedding day. Before I knew it, it was time for the first look. That was such a special time with just us (and the videographer and photographer). It allowed us to soak up the day and prepare for the ceremony and the life we were beginning together. Our ceremony was incredibly special. Our minister from our Dallas church back home traveled to be there and delivered a message that we will never forget. Following the ceremony, we were off to the cocktail hour next to the dinner tent overlooking the mountains and golf course. The night went fast with toasts from Brian’s brother, my sister, and my dad, lots (and lots!) of dancing to the band Tunisia, and eating a wonderful meal with our friends and family. It was a night of joy and love that we will never forget!

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Elysium Productions

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Wedding Dresses

Romona Keveza

Romona Keveza Luxe Bridal

Romona Keveza Luxe Bridal Fall 2016

Romona Keveza Bridal Fall 2017

Romona Keveza Collection Bridal Spring 2017

Romona Keveza Collection Bridal Fall 2019

ROMONA New York

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How To Be the Mom that ‘Does it All’

As the mama of an 11 month old baby boy, I have first hand felt the pressure to do it all, to be it all… to juggle a million things at once and make it look effortless. The reality: every time I try to keep up with my own extreme expectations, it all comes crashing down and I face disappointment. Sound familiar? Many of us are “mamachievers” (a.k.a. over-achieving, hot messes). I’m not an expert at this mom gig by any means but I’ve learned some pretty valuable lessons in the last year and when I put them into practice, I feel fulfilled and come to the realization that I AM giving it my all.

Self Expectations

What does ‘doing it all’ mean to you? Chances are, that looks a bit (or a lot) different for each one of us. But one thing most of us mamas have in common: we usually set our self expectations too high. Many of us do this even before having a baby. The solution: we first need to accept that we simply cannot do. it. all. Something will always have to give, whether it’s passing on a dinner date with friends or skipping sending out holiday cards.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Hard to do, especially in today’s world of social media, I know! But even when you’re chatting with your closest mama friends, it’s easy to feel like you’re not keeping up with the pack. Embrace those mamas who will lift you up, rather than bring you down. Surround yourself with those who inspire you, but remember—we ALL have hard days. So, that super mom on Instagram who always looks like she has her shit together? She’s probably gone days without showering, been covered in spit up and snot and has cried her eyes out at one o’clock in the morning, too.

Set Priorities

There’s nothing like becoming a parent that forces you to slow down and live in the moment. These babies of ours grow up at lightning speed and when you look back on these years, you’ll be happy you chose to hang with your little instead of work a couple extra hours on a Saturday. This is where setting priorities comes in. Life is still happening and yes, you’ve got responsibilities—but what can you shave off of the list without feeling like you’re drowning? Finding that balance can be tough, but setting priorities is a huge help.

YOU are a Priority.

And don’t forget, YOU are a priority too. Taking time for yourself to recharge is equally as important as feeding your baby or changing diapers. You are not just a mom. This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since becoming a mama. Each time I’ve put myself on the back burner, stress creeps in. I’m 110% certain that our babies feel our stress—my son absolutely does! He’s always more fussy and more clingy when I’m not myself. Which brings me to my next point…

Ask for Help!

This can be SO hard to do—but it’s absolutely necessary. It really does take a village. It’s natural to feel like you’re burdening family and friends if you need help, but having a support group is incredibly important. Don’t have family nearby? Review your budget and see where you can hire help. When I was 8 months pregnant with our son, I was in serious nesting mode and wanted to clean every inch of my home—my mind was saying “clean, mama, clean!” but my body was saying, “girl, you cray, let’s go sit on the couch”. So, I hired a house cleaner to come and deep clean our home. Did I feel guilty about it at first? Hell yes! My parents never had house cleaners and here I was with some random lady cleaning my toilets. It took a little while to not feel embarrassed by it, but now that I look back it was the best decision I made. She now comes to clean every 2-3 weeks and that extra help gives us more time to spend with our little guy—or, for this mama to go and get a pedicure. No shame in that.

Work Smarter, Not Harder.

Ever want to go back and punch your pre-baby self in the face, because she had it SO good and didn’t know it? Now, you probably accomplish more during your baby’s 30 minute nap than you did in 3 hours as your pre-baby self. Becoming a mom has taught me to simplify and break down my tasks. A few ways to do this:

Rather than doing 4-5 loads of laundry on the weekend, toss in one load a day (and actually fold and put it away!)
Give your house a quick blitz while your baby naps—it’s amazing what you can do in 15 minutes
Prep your little one’s lunch the day before while you’re making dinner since the food is already out
Create a revolving staple grocery list on your phone (I use a list-style app to check items off we need each week)
Utilize online grocery ordering and/or pickup and delivery services
Create a meal plan and meal prep each week

One Step Ahead (or more like ten)

I consider myself a proactive, motivated and organized person… but my type A tendencies were crushed when I became a mom. My weekly to do lists would roll into the next week far too often and I started feeling as if I could never keep up. My simple (but challenging) solution is to give myself WAY more time than I think I’ll need. Give yourself realistic goals and then double that time. This goes beyond giving yourself an extra 20 minutes to get out the door—think bigger. For example, our goal was to start feeding our son solids at 6 months, so I started doing food research a good three months before that. Really want to get those holiday cards out? Start thinking about doing a family shoot at the end of summer or beginning of fall. Planning a birthday party? Start brainstorming details a few months in advance. I use this planner which allows me to write out my goals at the start of each month and then, my weekly to dos. I also write out a bare bones list of goals for the year—from mom tasks to career goals to planning out birthday gifts, trips and parties.

Even with practicing all of the above, I still have my days, I still get behind. We all do! But when I know I’m giving it MY all, I really do feel like the mama that does it all.

This Gorgeous Black Tie Affair Came Together in 72 Hours

Three days is but a blink of the eye in terms of wedding planning. But when wild fires hit California this black-tie affair had to be completely re-worked and quick. With the help of an awesome team of vendors including Tyler Speier Events and Natalie Bray Studios, that gorgeous Plan B came to life. Feast your eyes on this Downtown Los Angeles celebration so pretty and so full of heart, you would never know it came together in under 72 hours.

From the Photographer… On a beautiful day in December, Omar and Cynthia had a wedding overwhelming with love and joy. Due to the fires in Southern California their entire celebration had to be moved and replanned in 3 days. Yes 3 days! Everyone worked together to revision a chic black-tie affair in DTLA. Tyler Spier planned the entire event start to finish and did a fantastic job.

The private venue had never had a wedding hosted before, let alone for 200 of Cynthia and Omar’s family and friends. Nonetheless, with a little creativity and a lot of imagination Tyler and team create an event to remember. Their wedding story and love story is such an inspiration and really goes to show it is all about the love.

From the Bride…

What inspired your wedding style?
Above all else we really wanted our wedding to be inclusive and welcoming, really more of a celebration of our community than anything else. We decided to go with black tie because we thought it would be fun to get everyone dressed up, but the rest of the vibe was intended to be very warm and inviting. We wanted to break some of the gender stereotypes and include traditions for both our mothers and fathers, and having such a diverse group of friends we wanted to incorporate wisdom for multiple faiths into our ceremony. December is a little tricky because you can quickly get things feeling christmasy or like every other new years eve party, so we went towards more neutral colors, tones, and textures incorporating white furs, marble, mixed metals, rose gold, etc. to make it feel festive without the ho ho ho.

How you planned your wedding…
Do you mean plan a or plan b? Tyler played a HUGE role in both. The best advice I got from two of my best friends the day after I got engaged was to get a planner if we could swing it financially. That advice paid off in ways I never could have imagined when the Thomas fires in California pushed us out of our original wedding venue days before the big day. Tyler had been working with us in lock step to plan the Santa Barbara event, helping us with vendor recommendations and incorporating elements we came up with on our own. When we had to switch locations the week of the wedding he was instrumental in coordinating the entire vendor team, helping us source new vendors, finding a new venue, scouting the new location (which he had never seen!), redesigning the timeline, redesigning the layout, and modifying the design aesthetic to match the new space. It wouldn’t have been possible if he hadn’t taken so many steps along the way to get to know us as a couple to come up with a plan B that ended up being more “us” than the original plan A. I think Tyler might have slept a total of 10 hours the week of our wedding and was an absolute rockstar under some pretty insane conditions. He managed to do it all with the most unbelievable determination, grace, and humor. The whole weekend was moved by his positivity and energy and we could’t have done it without him!

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Natalie Bray Studios

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In Search of the Perf Gown? The Right Fabric Makes All the Difference

Looking beautiful on your Big Day begins and ends with the right gown, and if you dream of sailing down the aisle like a total princess, trust us on this one – it’s the fabric that can truly make all of the difference. Whether its ultra-soft Mikado, stunning tulle or romantic lace, the genius designers at Allure Bridals have you covered with gowns that will ensure you’re the center of attention. Oh, and the unique accessories? We’re jumping on the translucent capes bandwagon, like yesterday.

Every bride wants that wow-factor, so choosing a gown that is crafted with fabrics that make the grade is really important. The Spring 2018 Allure Bridals Collection happens to have stunning, high-quality fabrics down to an absolute science, so you can breathe easy with a dress that feels soft against your skin, flows with the music, doesn’t make you sweat (!) and isn’t constricting during that after party at your fave restaurant. (All good things, you guys.) Even more important, Allure Bridals is known for their insane craftsmanship (i.e., your gown will last AND look beautiful) and they merge their aforementioned high-quality fabrics with luxe detailing, so you don’t have to give up your dreams of sparkle or jeweled sequins. Some of our faves? Style 9508 with its beautiful English Net and unique geometric pattern, the vintage-inspired Style 9525 with its flowy chiffon skirt and Style 9506, because we can never, ever get enough of illusion sleeves on a lace sheath.

Allure Bridals’ classic approach to bridal gowns has always been one of our faves, and we love how you can always count on them to deliver the high-crafted goodness. Their Spring 2018 Collection is everything you’d expect with incredibly feminine silhouettes and demure designs that you’ll love. We adore the clean lines of Style 9514 (hey there, silky Mikado) and the beach-ready Style 3105 is a chiffon masterpiece. Need proof? Check out this beautiful shoot from the talents of Heather Waraksa, Gabrielle Hurwitz and Pear Tree Flowers to become next level obsessed, and then head to Allure Bridals’ website to find a retailer near you, because you’re going to want to own an Allure Bridals’ dress.

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Petit Bouquet

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Everything You Need to Know About Groom’s Cakes

When it comes to wedding desserts, you’ve probably got the cake down. But what about a groom’s cake? These nods to the groom can be a fun way to incorporate his passions, give guests tasty options, and celebrate the man you’re marrying.

What is a groom’s cake?

A groom’s cake is a fun dessert that celebrates the man you’re marrying. It’s typically a smaller, one-tier cake decorated with his favorite sports teams colors, a hobby of his, or anything else that he loves. Groom’s cakes are particularly popular in the southern US. A homage to the groom, the groom’s cake is typically seen as a special gift from the bride and is kept a surprise until the big day.

Do we need one?

Groom’s cakes are totally optional. They’re another fun–and delicious–wedding detail that certainly isn’t necessary, but is a lot of fun.

How much do they cost?

Groom’s cakes have similar costs to wedding cakes per slice. For simpler cakes, they can be as low as $2 a slice, but for more elaborate creations, they may go up to $10 or so.

When are they served?

Groom’s cakes are served right alongside the wedding cake at dessert time.

What flavor are groom’s cakes?

Groom’s cakes can be any flavor you know your guy likes, but traditionally, they’re either a rich chocolate or liquor-infused. This is because wedding cakes were once seen as too light and airy for men to enjoy! Either way, make your groom’s cake a different flavor than the official wedding cake to give your guests some options.

How can one be decorated?

If you’re considering a groom’s cake, think about what makes your groom happy! Some popular ideas include:

Colors of sports teams
Fandoms like Star Wars or Game of Thrones
Outdoorsy cakes decorated in camouflage
Homages to his dog or other pet
A tribute to his alma mater

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Claire Swinarski is a writer and podcaster based in Wisconsin. When she isn’t writing, she can be found obsessing over football, eating a burrito bowl, or hanging out with her husband and son.

Dreamy DIY-Filled Destination Wedding in Portugal

When the Bride-to-be writes a design and DIY blog (which is pretty fabulous by the way), you are almost guaranteed to have a wedding full of delightful details and plenty of personal touches. And this destination wedding delivered on all that and more. With friends and family from all over the globe, it’s a beautiful celebration that turned into one amazing dance party… and Happy Together Films got it all on camera. Get ready to get creative and kick up your feet with this film right here!

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Seasons

Spring Weddings

From Happy Together Films… Lauren is from UK and Joseph is an American boy, and they met in Mexico at a wedding. They are a super talented couple; Lauren handcrafted a lot of the wedding details like the table setting, stationary, etc. And Joseph did all the drawings for their groomsmen.

One of Joe’s family member decided to read a super special poem, by Roy Croft. The voice and the reading was so impressive that we decided to add it to their highlights film.

From the Bride… The way we met was definitely interesting! We often tell it as “the unlikely story of a girl from England who was living in Dublin, meeting a boy from Kentucky at a mutual friend’s wedding in Mexico — he did ‘the Bernie’ on the dance floor, but she knew she could do it better. She was right.”

With my family living in England and Joe’s in the US we decided to pick Portugal as the destination for our wedding as my parents have had a house there for the past 12 years. Portugal has always been special to us and this gave us an opportunity to share the beauty of the country with our extended family and friends. As for the venue, Quinta de Sant’Ana, which is a working farm and wine estate north of Lisbon, we knew it was where we wanted to get married the second we saw it. There was something so incredibly romantic and idealistic about the property, the way the light reflected off of the yellow buildings and the beauty of the surrounding vineyards, it was love at first sight!

I write a creative DIY blog called Paper Vines where I share craft projects, tips, and tutorials, so we were keen to put our personal touch on as many of the details as possible. From designing the stationery and calligraphing the envelopes, to lettering the wooden signage and hand making the photo booth backdrop, our wedding was one big DIY project which we absolutely loved! Our decor was rustic with a modern flair. We wanted the flowers to complement the venue, to be soft yet wild – roses and peonies with eucalyptus, olive leaves, and wildflowers . As the venue was so breathtaking, we wanted to keep it as simple as possible and let the surroundings speak for themselves.

The entire day was an incredible whirlwind. To have all our family and friends from all over the world in one place was indescribable. We tried to savour every moment, from soaking in the picture-perfect weather and location to spending time with our loved ones. My face has never hurt so much from laughing and smiling!

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Dessy

Bridesmaid 2014

Women's Tuxedo

Tuxedo

Fall 2014

Spring 2015

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A Wedding Editorial Crafted With Love by Italy’s Finest Artisans

Growing up as the daughter of a small business owner, it was quickly instilled in me the importance of shopping small and shopping local, so I’m totally in love with the concept behind this gorgeous Tuscan editorial designed and coordinated by Laura Bravi Events! From the couple’s attire to the stationery, many of the components of this wedding inspiration feature the work of an Italian craftsman or brand, and they’re all so exquisitely done. Take a peek at all the glorious details in this gallery by Kristine Herman Photography.

From Kristine Herman Photography… This shoot was inspired by a very soft and romantic atmosphere which called for organic decor. Fall was tinting the Tuscan hills with golden strokes, and nature was the muse that inspired the color palette of creams and golden hues we used. The venue, Tenuta di Papena, inspired us with its simple, rustic-yet-refined aesthetic and its amazing view of the countryside. The venue is also located just minutes away from the magnificent, 13th century, roofless San Galgano Abbey – the perfect place for a special ceremony and for Kristine Herman Photography to capture the newlyweds in a timeless and romantic way.

The other elements we incorporated were tied to Italian craftsmanship. Italy has a tradition of great artisanal production, and despite being a young couple, we imagined our bride and groom being old souls, appreciating a lovingly handmade detail and choosing small brands and artisans for their wedding attire and decor. The bride’s dress is an artisanal piece created by Silvia Moretta. Light as a feather, romantic and fresh, it fit our bride perfectly. She was a vision of grace. The groom’s suit is another artisanal piece, created by Linneo Archivable Clothing. A non-conventional cut and a warm light gray fabric complemented the color palette perfectly and made for a very comfortable groom. The rings were designed especially with the warm light of Tuscany in mind – the engagement ring features a pink sapphire, and the design of the mount is inspired by designs of the past with a contemporary spin. All rings were made with red gold by Luca of My Golden Age lab, chosen to complement the warm color palette.

The stationery pieces by Grigiocielo studio were a work of true love. The designers hand embroidered vellum paper and calligraphed each piece, creating something so delicate and never seen before. The flower design by Sofia of Il Profumo dei Fiori brought together the inspiration and added that botanical and romantic touch. For the ceremony setting, she created an installation that emulates nature, a frame for bride and groom that appeared as if it was already there, just waiting for them. A sweet favor was placed at each table setting – a tin of the historical sugar candies, “Pastiglie Loene,” to send guests home with a touch of Italy’s heritage, tradition, and style.

5 Fab Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day at the Office

The ladies of Be Inspired PR are here to inspire you and your work tribe to fully jump on the Galentine’s bandwagon. Flowers, watermelon mimosas and cookie decorating are all on the agenda. And who doesn’t want in on that fun? Celebrate love day with your favorite ladies and 5 cute ways to commemorate the holiday all captured by Sanaz Photography below.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we wanted to celebrate in a fun way with all of our work wives! Valentine’s Day may be all about romance, but Galentine’s Day is about celebrating the love and appreciation you have for your girlfriends. We came up with 5 ways to do just that while you’re at work!

Fresh flowers – Nothing brightens an office like fresh blooms! We went with a festive (but subdued) palette of pastel pink garden roses and carnations, soft white ranunculus, and peach tulips.

Mimosa brunch – It’s no secret that we love to brunch, so we decided to celebrate Galentine’s Day with pretty watermelon mimosas. No need for fancy cocktail recipes here – Just pop your favorite bottle of champagne, add a splash of juice, and enjoy.

Valentine cubbies – We turned an office bookshelf into Valentine cubbies for each team member, where we could write and leave personal cards for everyone. Plus, how cute are these Valentines?! Talk about an upgrade from elementary school.

Cookie decorating – We took a break from work in the afternoon to decorate heart-shaped cookies with festive sprinkles (and a lot of icing.)

Girlfriend gift exchange – We finished off the day with a small “secret Galentine” gift exchange with pretty BFF jewelry!

Photography: Sanaz Riggio Photography | Flowers: Fifty Flowers | Stationery: Darla Marie Designs | Jewelry: Bare and Me | Production: Be Inspired PR

The Wedding Trends Every 2018 Bride Is Going to Want Included in Her Big Day

In a world of social media overload, it’s easy to become a victim of the latest wedding trend everyone is obsessing about (um, hi, burlap and mason jars). And, no bride wants to look back on her wedding photos and wonder, “What was I thinking?!” But, thankfully, 2018’s biggest wedding trends aren’t only beautiful, but they’re totally timeless. We consulted some of the biggest and best event planners and designers in the industry, and let’s just say, we have a lot to look forward to this year. See all their predictions below!

The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2018

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The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2018

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Expert Tips For Selecting Your Wedding Music

Let’s be real, there are a lot of wedding planning tasks that are less than fun. The good news is that song selection does not have to be one of those daunting tasks.

In fact, you can make the process into some really fun dates! Set aside a day to listen to wedding playlists, research perfect songs for certain moments, and listen to all of “your songs” with your fiancé. Is there anything more romantic than cuddling and listening to songs about love for the big moments in your wedding?! The only thing that could make it more romantic is if you also danced to some of the songs, which we highly recommend (after all, you have to test if the songs work well)!

We asked some of our favorite music vendors their advice for selecting your wedding music.

Tips For Selecting Your First Dance Song:
“Not every couple has a definitive signature song when they start planning their wedding – but don’t get discouraged. Try taking a mental journey through the highlight moments of your relationship – from exciting travel adventures or a memorable date night to a simple quiet morning cooking breakfast. If you can remember any music playing in the background that holds some significance, it may be the perfect song for your first dance.

Otherwise, think about what you both enjoy listening to together in the present. It could be an artist you discovered together or someone you or your fiancé have loved for years. Enjoy a night of browsing their albums to find a song that reflects the two of you in the best possible way – maybe it’s a popular classic or a modern rendition of a favorite artist you both grew up listening to.” —Brian Lee, Elevated Pulse Productions

Tips For Selecting Parent Dance Songs:
“Take some time to remember the most poignant moments of your childhood and whether there was a song or musical artist that you associate with those memories. Perhaps your family took a road trip across the country and heard a song in the car that was tied to a vivid memory of your adventure together. Or, it could be an album that was always playing in the background when your mother or father was preparing dinner or working outside in the garden.

It can sometimes be difficult to find that perfect tune – one that also complements your wedding day, so don’t be afraid to get inspired by what you love and create a new favorite song. Perhaps there’s an artist that your mother/father took you to see in concert that you still love to this day. Browse their albums together to find the type of song that resonates with you a that you can envision fitting perfectly on your wedding day. If it sounds too fast or too slow, your DJ should be able to make adjustments for you. We’ve made custom edits for our clients so that their song would have the ideal tempo and timing needed to create a magic moment on the dance floor. ” –Brian Lee, Elevated Pulse Productions

Tips For Selecting a Band/DJ:
“Getting married is a really awesome time! And we find that music is usually near the top of that “the only thing we care about is” list. There’s really only one question to keep in mind when looking for a DJ. “Does this person have our best interests at heart?” This might sound obvious, but it’s your wedding and it should be about what you want. You’ve taken ridiculous pains to dig way deep into Etsy and Pinterest to make the big day look like you. You can totally make it sound like you, too!

Find someone who is going to appreciate your guilty pleasures, someone who will throw in the genres that you won’t hear in your typical ballroom. See if you connect with a DJ who embraces your emo or old-school hip-hop throwbacks and will mouth along to the words with you and your friends! Make sure you are working with a person who is responsive and actively taking in your feedback and adjusting their notes. We affectionately call this the “Human Spotify” process — soaking up your likes and tossing back recommendations that feel special to you. A lot of DJs can play the standards. M.J. and Timberlake are amazing, sure. But it should feel different, and non-cheesy, and about all you, your friends, and your family.”-Tom & Jon, Love Sick Inc.

Our biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the process! We also recommend selecting songs that speak to you as a couple. Use songs of significance to the two of you for your procession, recession, first dance and entrance.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Carly Robinson is a freelance writer and the gal behind The Cozy Curator, a blog that features all things life+ style. She lives in Hoboken, NJ with her husband. She considers herself a ‘modern hostess’ because she loves entertaining but doesn’t like all of the old school pressure that comes with it. Carly is a rookie wife, an ‘attainable fashion’ fan and a lover of food.

15 Ways to Add a Touch of Valentine’s Day to Your Newlywed Home

Wondering how to fill your home with Cupid’s touch without going over the top? We’ve done all of the shopping for you and the results are 15 seriously chic + romantic picks that belong on your registry, like now. From the cutest of tea towels to a pink stand mixer (!), these beauties will add a touch of amour to your Valentine’s Day… and every day beyond.

15 Ways to Add a Touch of Valentine's Day to Your Newlywed Home

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15 Ways to Add a Touch of Valentine's Day to Your Newlywed Home

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Cute + Cozy Getting Ready Outfits For Winter Brides

When you’ve put so much effort into every detail of your wedding day (hello, personalized cocktail napkins) it would make sense that somewhere along the way, one tiny detail might be forgotten.

Don’t let your morning-of-wedding-attire for your winter wedding be one of them. Start the day off right, in getting-ready-clothes that are as celebratory (and cozy) as the day itself.

Cute + Cozy Getting Ready Outfits For Winter Brides

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Cute + Cozy Getting Ready Outfits For Winter Brides

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Briana Charlotte is a freelance writer residing in Brooklyn, New York. When she isn’t writing about all things bridal, she can be found on the dance floor at a wedding or bachelorette party or finally learning how to dance for her own upcoming nuptials.

Quirky Wedding Vendors You Didn’t Know You Needed

When you’re planning a wedding, there are a few obvious vendors that come to mind: a caterer, photographer, florist and venue. But then there’s the indie, under the radar vendors you hear about as you begin to plan your nuptials.

Some off-the-beaten-path vendors include bagpipers, tarot card readers, modern dancers and perhaps even a Wiccan coven (to bless the outdoor ceremony space of course).

Heck, you might even hire one before you’re engaged. Consider the “proposal planners” who help plan and coordinate the logistics of a wedding proposal. From there, things can only get more exciting, or strange (in a good way).

There’s a booming business around niche interests and here’s the best of them.

Doggy planner
If you own a pet, the love for them is real and so is the desire to have them included in your big day. But, it’s not as easy, or as simple as just having them show up.

Fairy Tail Pets, a Florida based vendor ensures your pet’s needs are taken care of. They dress, transport and babysit your four-legged best friend on your big day. The company also assists with ceremony needs and even provides a GoPro mount to capture the celebration from their point of view.

Fashion assistant
A whole service is springing up, out of the need for the bridal party to be picture perfect. The Wedding Dresser, a bridal stylist, is one of them. The team ensures everyone is pressed, confident and ready to go. If a seam rips or a button pops off, they’re there to get everything back into place. That’s something I could have used when my maid of honor’s zipper split before the ceremony, and a bridesmaid’s dressed ripped during the reception!

Bridesmaid for hire
After being asked to be a wedding party one too many times, Jen Glantz decided to turn it into a business. Bridesmaids for Hire offers various tiers of pricing in which the premium package gets you a friend for the day who ensures all your needs are met. Duties extend beyond corralling guests and taking photos for Instagram, they can even be a shoulder to cry on.

Colorful fun
When thinking of gift bags or fun wedding favors (particularly if your party includes families and children), consider getting your love story told through a coloring book. Curious Custom offers hand-drawn images made using photographs you provide. But let’s be serious, coloring isn’t just for kids and this is one unique and clever way for couples to wow guests.

Miniature bride
Weddings are a fun way for a couple to show off their personality, and there’s various ways they choose to preserve those memories. One of the off-the-beaten path options is by having a miniature replica of the bride made. Therez Fleetwood offers custom made dolls, complete with the exact dress, hair, veil, jewelry and bouquet the bride carried.

Ximena N. Larkin is a writer and publicist. She lives in Chicago with her husband and dog.

We’re Crushing on the Bridal Style of This Editorial

We’re seriously crushing on this bride’s wedding day style. Think Grecian goddess meets Italian beauty, with a romantic half-up do by Frank Giacone using Nea Bridal hair pins, a natural yet still sultry beauty look by Sara Onori, Italian-made accessories by DelBrenna Jewelry, and a sexy, flowing gown featuring a dramatic back and neck by Musat. Who do we have to thank for putting together and capturing all of this inspiration? The talented Weddings by Silke and Korman Photography.

From Weddings by Silke… La Badia di Orvieto with its unique Benedictine Abbey from 1100 stole our hearts! Imagine your wedding at this stunning venue! Inspired by the amazing surroundings, we pieced together modern and traditional elements for the romantic set in our mind. We chose warm blush-toned florals to go along with this romantic theme. The table design we kept simple with a focus on the pretty flowers, the natural texture of the soft linen, and the calligraphed menus on handcrafted paper. The stationery of Nicnillas Ink was just dreamy, and we love the sketch of the venue.

The traditional jewelry DelBrenna from Cortona created was simple and delicate. We loved the amazing Musat dress, and the bride was looking like a goddess on the way to her wedding with her hair in a effortless yet sophisticated half up style with pretty hair pins from the talented Nea Bridal.

We really hope you will also fall in love with this beautiful inspiration. We like to show couples how a venue could be styled for an intimate wedding, and that the table will not be lost in this huge spot.

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14 Ways to Treat Yourself This Valentine’s Day

Who needs a Valentine when you have you? Treat yo’self to one of these 14 small luxuries this February 14!

1. Take an Instagram-worthy bath.
I’m talking about those baths with candles, mood music, bubbles, and a glass of wine. Leave your phone on silent in another room and refill the hot water until you’re so relaxed you might fall asleep submerged. Use lavender-scented bath products to wash all your stress away.

2. Go see that movie you’ve been wanting to see.
You know, that movie that’s been on your list since the previews first came out? That one you’ve told everyone in the office you want to see, but you never make time to see it? Buy a ticket and go! Escape for a few hours into a tear-inducing drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a cultured documentary. You deserve it.

3. Or host your own movie marathon.
Maybe you a have a whole list of movies to meant to see. (All the Oscar-nominated best pictures, anyone?) Park yourself on the couch in your favorite pajamas and watch them all, guilt-free!

4. Drink a nice bottle of wine.
No two buck Chuck for this holiday. Whether it’s wine, or champagne, or sparkling water, treat yourself to your favorite bottle and enjoy the whole darn thing.

5. Buy a fancy workout package.
Whether it’s Soul Cycle or Barry’s Boot Camp, invest in some classes that will empower you. Loving your body is one of the best ways to love yourself. And that’s probably the best kind of love on Valentine’s Day.

6. Get the shoes – or the bag – or the earrings.
Don’t forget to buy a gift! Take the money you would’ve spent on someone else, and treat yourself to something on your wish list. You can always treasure it as a gift from someone special – you.

7. Cuddle with your dog.
Studies show petting or cuddling a dog for 30 minutes is good for your heart. Your heart rate will actually slow to match your pet’s, which will leave you more relaxed. If you’re feeling anxious about Feb. 14, grab your pup (or a friend’s) and give her a long hug!

8. Hit the spa.
Schedule a date night with your favorite masseuse, manicurist, or esthetician. Then take extra time to enjoy the amenities with a glass of bubbly.

9. Read a book.
Unplug for the evening and savor a good story. This is your chance to escape into another world – no email, phone, or passport required. No doubt, your Valentine’s Day will have a happy ending.

10. Buy your favorite desserts – and eat them all.
Valentine’s Day = an excuse to eat as much chocolate (or cake, or ice cream, or candy, or whatever) as you want! Find a cute little bakery and stock up on everything that catches your eye – or your sweet tooth.

11. Call your Grandmother.
You know that warm feeling you get when you reconnect with someone you love? Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to remember someone special in your life. A phone call is the best Valentine your Grandmother will get.

12. Do something you love.
Carve out the evening for your favorite hobby. Light candles and play the guitar. Paint an abstract piece for your living room. Cook a three-course meal for yourself. You get to do whatever you want on your night, so spend it doing the thing you love most.

13. Make a reservation.
Somewhere you’ve always wanted to try. Go alone or ask a few friends to splurge on a memorable meal at a chic restaurant. Who says dinner dates are only for couples? Enjoy the Valentine-themed centerpieces and complimentary champagne!

14. Tell yourself how amazing you are.
For the record, you are beautiful, talented, intelligent, and loved. Take a minute this Valentine’s Day to remind yourself just how special you are.

No matter how you plan to spend your holiday, it’s going to be amazing – because it’s with you.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Madeline Littrell is a corporate PR strategist and freelance writer. Born and raised in the South, she loves big hair, country music, and chicken fingers. Madeline plans to spend Valentine’s Day in Dallas with her Sheltie puppy, Tennessee.

This Fete is Exactly Why You Need to Embrace Jewel Tones

Pastels are certainly a mainstay in the wedding world, but jewel tones are quickly becoming a new favorite palette. Rich, bold hues are woven throughout this ranch wedding designed by A Good Affair, with lush blooms by Little Hill Floral Designs. It starts with another new trend… the circular arch and only gets better from there. Dive into this colorful celebration so perfectly captured by Adrian Jon Photography.

Piper and Adam tied the knot at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. They came to us wanting a wedding that really popped with color. A Good Affair Owner, Natalie, designed up the wedding of their dreams with rich jewel tones to stand out from the lush green backdrop of The Ranch. She played with lots of textures, fun geometrics, and glitzy geodes to bring color and movement to this fun, modern and moody affair.

The ceremony was held overlooking gorgeous greens in the canyons of Laguna Beach. The aisles were lined with ferns and snapdragons that seemed to grow organically alongside the chairs. A lush circular arched stood as the focal point behind our amazing couple as they made promises to each other just before sunset.

Guests enjoyed cocktails on the patio overlooking beautiful trees. In the distance, deer crept out for
their evening stroll to the delight of the guests. A beautiful lounge allowed guests to gather and relax. This lovely focal point comprised of beautiful vintage pieces, fun ikat patterns, and touches of gold accessories to reflect the bride’s personal style. Following cocktails, guests were escorted into the ballroom for a night of fine dining and dancing. Individual agate pieces, hand calligraphed with each guest’s name and table number told guests where they would be seated for the evening.

The reception was filled with a mixture of long tables and round tables with low centerpieces and tall centerpieces to give the room an eclectic feel. Textures of velvet and silk adorned the tables with each table having a unique design of beautiful colored glassware and votives. Little sparkles from the gold charger under a stone-grey plate and the purple geodes added just a hint of glam. Blush florals with pops of fuchsia and burgundy warmed up the cool tones to create a colorful balance.

10 Things that Annoy Wedding Guests the Most

While your wedding day is most importantly about the union between you and your partner, it’s also about celebrating your love with your closest family and friends! And while there are so many different things to consider when planning a wedding, your guests’ experience should not be an afterthought!

Here are 10 things that annoy wedding guests the most and advice on how to solve them– so that your wedding is the best day ever, for everyone.

Cash bars

Having an open bar can quickly blow up budgets, but when you’re hosting a formal party, it’s majorly frowned upon to make your guests pay for their own drinks! If you need to keep costs down, consider only serving beer and wine, or just having signature cocktails, which cuts down on the amount of liquor and ingredients you have to buy. Your guests will understand and still have a great time!

Having a long time between ceremony and reception

If the logistics of your ceremony and reception locations necessitate a longer break, find a way to fill the time for your guests! You don’t want them skipping the ceremony or showing up to the reception late and irritated, or having them already start the party on their own. Suggestions could be taking them on a tour of the city or having an open tab at a bar nearby for people to congregate.

Destination weddings when attendees live in the same city

If you and your fiancé are both from the same area, and most of your friends and family are also located there, then having a big destination wedding can seem a bit indulgent. So while you should be able to have the destination wedding of your dreams, you also need to be considerate of guests who can’t afford to make the trip. Expect to have a smaller wedding, but then as a nice gesture, throw a low-key local party for friends and family to celebrate when you get back!

Conflict with a big event

Long lines for bathrooms and bars

No one likes spending their time waiting in line when they could be celebrating! Make sure your venue has enough bathroom facilities to accommodate your guests. To avoid bar crowds, set up a couple of bars dispersed throughout the venue, or if that’s not possible, ensure that there are at least enough bartenders to keep the line moving. Experts typically recommend about one bartender per 50 to 60 guests.

Too long or too many speeches

Speeches at weddings can be incredibly sentimental, funny and touching, but there is such thing as too much of a good thing. Keep wedding speeches or toasts to 3-4 people max, and try and give everyone a time limit. More people want to speak? Amazing—just slot them in at the rehearsal dinner the night before when it’s a more intimate group.

Not enough food

You can’t expect people to spend their entire afternoon AND evening with you and NOT feed them! Passed apps and hors d’oeuvres will keep guests satisfied until dinner is served and then there are different options for different budgets for dinner. If you can’t do a seated dinner, then a full buffet is a totally fine option! And always make sure you give your caterer an accurate headcount, and then budget for a little extra.

Forcing an outdoor ceremony

Mother Nature can rear her ugly head in the worst of times, especially during weddings, but unfortunately that’s the risk you take when you book an outdoor venue, especially in the offseason. Work with your planner to have a backup plan you would be happy with in case of rain or extreme temperatures. Sometimes you have to let go of your perfect vision in order to ensure that your ceremony is both comfortable for your guests, and something you can give your undivided attention without stressing about the weather!

Unclear table assignments

Free-for-all seating sounds nice in theory, but in practice it can be hectic, confusing and potentially stressful for guests. Your wedding guests should clearly be able to tell where they’re supposed to sit, aided either by escort cards or a clearly displayed seating chart. The best and easiest route is assigning tables but not necessarily individual seats.

Very specific dress codes

While requesting that guests adhere to general formality dress codes is totally acceptable and even helpful, asking them to wear a certain color or style can be a bit too restrictive. Especially if a guest doesn’t already own something like this, because then it’s just another expense they have to worry about! If you really care what people wear, suggest something with a little more flexibility, like neutrals or solids.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.

This Ceremony Aisle Runner Is One of the Most Romantic Details We’ve Ever Seen

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something comes across your desk that makes you stop and stare. And then you send it along to all the other editors because it is just so fresh, so unique. And this calligraphed aisle runner is just that. Not only gorgeous, but it has the lyrics to a song written by the Groom. Crazy good, right? Koman Photography captured this stunning statement piece and all the other blue and white wonders of this Malibu wedding. See every beautiful bit right this way!

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Colors

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Summer Weddings

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Al Fresco

From the Bride… Austin and I met three years ago in Miami, Florida, but from the moment we met it seemed like we were destined to be together.

Even though our families live in different states on the east coast, we decided to host our wedding in Malibu since we now live in Los Angeles. We joke that it was a destination wedding for everyone except for us. The most important thing for our wedding was that everything have meaning. For us that meant having a small wedding and incorporating details that celebrated our love and heritage.

We started by choosing a location that we felt encompassed the magic and romance of our relationship. We were looking for an outdoor venue that overlooked the ocean – one of our favorite things. In fact, much of our first date was spent on the beach right by the ocean and we also got engaged on the water. Rancho del Cielo was the first venue we looked at and we instantly fell in love. Not only was it owned by two of the nicest people we have ever met, but it also felt like a magical garden filled with lush blooms that overlooked the ocean. Once that was in place we worked hard to surround ourselves with an amazing group of vendors. Our goal was to find genuinely good people who loved their job and were in love with love! Then it was on to finding ways to incorporate meaning into our wedding through planning the details.

For our first dance we danced to a song written and performed by Austin and his band, The Colonized, about our relationship. We also made sure to provide just a few copies of the lyrics at each table in case our guests wanted to read them. We also incorporated the song into the ceremony by having Millie’s mom and grandmother sew together a runner and having Jessa at Flax and Wool Designs calligraphy the lyrics of the song onto the runner.

Other details included having a table with wedding pictures and portraits of our grandparents and parents, some of whom are no longer with us. Finally, we incorporated our heritage (Cuban, Ecuadorian, and American) by having favors that represented each country: balsa wood pens made in Ecuador, dominos, which are a favorite Cuban pastime, and popcorn representing the cornhusker state of Nebraska.