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This Super Mom is Dishing on Everything You Need For Baby

Ashley Cooper Design is not only an uber talented Artist and Designer but she is also a Super Mom to 4 beautiful babes. For her newest addition to the Cooper clan, she designed the most gorgeous space. The bold contrast of light and dark gives this nursery a sophisticated feel while still bringing in moments of whimsy. And if you’re currently in the baby registry phase of being pregnant or simply looking to add a few Allstars to your must haves, check out Ashley’s short list of baby gear faves.

When I was designing my son’s nursery I wanted to kept the aesthetic modern and sophisticated. I knew I wanted a bold focal wall, so we added wood grid detailing for interest before painting the wall a deep, rich blue. 

For contrast I choose a white 3-in-1 crib that is simplistic in style while being able to transition into a toddler bed as our son grows. 

For storage I added a pair of white campaign dressers with a portable changing pad on top. In the top dresser drawer is where I store all my baby care products, baby bottles, nursing covers, diapers and wipes for easy access.

A rug always adds warmth to any room, so I added not one but two full rugs for a layered look. The rug on top is machine washable and natural, which is amazing for any kids’ space. I choose a glider chair that is neutral in color and most importantly, so comfortable for me to sit in while nursing and spending time with my baby. 

A moroccan inspired pouf is a fun footrest and also adds extra seating when you have other little ones. I added wire baskets on the wall near the glider to store books, stuffed animals and swaddle blankets.

The faux fiddle leaf fig tree adds a pop of interest to the room with dimension and height. Wood elements from the framed mirror, side table, and picture frames mixed with the storage baskets add earth textures and tones. Gold and brass accents in the ceiling light, floor lamp, and accessories make a subtle statement with a pop of glam.

I love my diaper bag, car seat and stroller. The stroller set easily unfolds to seamlessly attach in the car seat, multiple different seat options, as well as the standing attachment off the back. It can tote around 3 of my 4 kids and is durable, stylish, and lightweight, which is a total game changer!

For the first 6 months or so we use the SNOO bed to help our son (and us) sleep through the night and for longer stretches during the day. It’s smaller than a normal crib, so it fits conveniently in our room.

The bed gently rocks while playing white noise that soothes him to sleep. I use the Owlet smart sock to monitor his heart rate and oxygen levels while he’s sleeping and track it all through an app or from the portable base station. It’s a wonderful peace of mind! The whole nursery design came together even better than I had hoped and will easily be able to transition with him as he grows.

4Moms: MamaRoo | Ashley Cooper Design : Ashley Cooper | Ave Home : One Kings Lane | Babies4Babies: Swaddle Blanket | Babyletto: Babyletto | Bed Bath & Beyond: Bed Bath & Beyond | Bed Bath & Beyond: Bed Bath & Beyond | Bellacor's House Brand: Mill & Mason: Ceiling Light | Benjamin Moore: Benjamin Moore's Robbins Egg, High Gloss | Buy Buy Baby: Little Castle from Buy Buy Baby | Buy Buy Baby: Little Castle from Buy Buy Baby | Buy Buy Baby : Little Castle from Buy Buy Baby | Comotomo: Baby Bottle | Covered Goods: Nursing Cover | Dock-A-Tot: Deluxe+ Dock | Finn + Emma: Finn and Emma | Happiest Baby : SNOO | Lamps Plus: Lamps Plus | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Little Unicorn: Little Unicorn | Lorena Canals: Bereber Beige Rug | Mustela: Baby Skin Products | Oilo: Oilo Studio | Oilo : Oilo Studio | Oilo : Oilo Studio | Oilo : Oilo Studio | Owlet: Smart Sock 2 | Select Blinds : Select Blinds | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | UPPAbaby: Vista Stroller | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market | World Market: World Market

When You Search “Romance” You’ll Find This Wedding Shoot

Happy Friday, loves! We’re sending you into the weekend with a wedding inspiration session at Florence’s Castello di Bibbione that is 100% romance. Featuring a real-life, insanely gorgeous engaged couple, the love is so apparent in each and every one of Simply Sarah‘s photographs. Add to that the autumnal styling inspired by the Tuscan landscape by Weddings in Tuscany, and we can’t imagine anything better.

From Chiara of Weddings in TuscanyThe austerity of the Castello di Bibbione inspired and nourished my imagination for this session with our sweet couple, Sara and Andrea. The discreet colours of the landscape were the base from which I started to create the colour palette for the shoot. The silver green of the olive oils and the gentle hills where the vineyards were starting to fade into fall were my companions during the creation of the setting for this shoot.

From the Bride… From the first time Andrea and I met, we knew there was something special there. Andrea owns a restaurant on the beach in Italy, and we were first introduced when I started working at the restaurant. After working together for a few months, we couldn’t deny the chemistry we shared, and Andrea finally asked me on a date. After only three months of dating, he proposed, and we are so excited to spend forever together!

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Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Design + Planning: Weddings in Tuscany by Chiara Sernesi | Floral Design: Floral Events | Floral Design: Chiara Sperti | Wedding Dress: Mywony | Cake: Sugarcups | Ceremony Venue: Castello Di Bibbione | Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair + Makeup: Consuelo Cardella | Invitations + Calligraphy: Lazywood Lane | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Rentals: Roland's

5 Ways To Be a Next-Level Bride

When it comes to wedding fashion, many brides play it safe with a classic white wedding dress—which can be absoluely stunning, don’t get me wrong. But, if you want to take your style to the next level, consider making a statement with one of these next-level bridal fashion choices.

Rock a Pant Suit

Say hello to the sexy pant suit—edgy, daring and equally as stunning as a twirl-worthy dress. We’re hoping to see more Brides rock pants in 2018. Let that aisle be your runway, ladies.

Bridal Capes

We love the idea of trading a veil for a bridal cape! Short or long, a cape adds a bit of drama without hiding your hair ‘do.

Puffed and Ruffled

Gone are the days of the puffed sleeves and ruffled details of the 80’s… but we’re loving the more toned down, elegant version of today. For a bit of added romance, go for sleeves with attitude and ruffles to match.

Abstract + Alluring

Bring your wedding fashion to the next level with a dress that mimics abstract art. This beauty would suit a modern, city fete perfectly.

Wear What You Want!

This is your wedding day, wear what (color) you want! Throw tradition out the door and opt for a non-white dress. This gorgeous gray stunner made us do a double take.

Modern + Elegance Meet to Create Wedding Magic

Modern meets elegance, greenery meets white florals, and we get to meet a gorgeous Ontario summer wedding, all thanks to RDT Events + Beauty planning and design. It hits every note oh so well and Mango Studios’ pics are pretty much perfect. What more could we even ask for!?

Colors

From Mango Studios… Romantic, modern and elegant is how I would describe Erica and Michael’s Arlington Estate wedding. Erica and Michael met each other in high school. They wanted their big day to be a celebration of their love, where they could share their joy with their extensive group of friends and big loving family.

Erica envisioned a beautiful day filled with a fun and romantic atmosphere. That’s why I took a candid approach when it came to their bridal party and couples portraits. I shared Erica’s vision and wanted their wedding photographs to feel active, organic and naturally elegant. It was so easy to capture the candid moments of laughter and I love how these two were so expressive with their love of each other. They just knew how to have a great time with their wedding party! What works best for me is taking a step back and giving my couples their space, I won’t direct them to a certain spot but would guide them to a general area that photographs beautifully. This way they can choose to move freely and do what feels natural to them such as, throwing arms around each other, planting kisses and waltzing. My aim is to try to weave my way around and simply let them enjoy their wedding day and their bond with each other while taking photos along the way.

Erica and Michael described their reception decor as full of white flowers and greenery. I fell in love with their space the moment I stepped in! All of their vendors worked their magic to bring Erica and Michael’s vision of a simple yet elegant celebration to life. RDT Events + Beauty transformed the beautiful Arlington Estate into a modern-day oasis filled with organic and artful floral arrangements by the talented Fleurisma Events. There were many heartfelt speeches shared and the sounds of happy laughter filled the halls throughout the night. I’d like to thank Erica and Michael for giving us an opportunity to document their gorgeous wedding and I wish them many years of happy marriage!

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Photography: Mango Studios | Event Planning + Design: RDT Events + Beauty | Stationery: PK SENTIMENTS | Makeup Artist: RDT Events + Beauty | Calligraphy: The Lettering Studio | Chargers + Cutlery: Chairman Mills | Day-of Stationery: RDT Events + Beauty | Invitation: PK Sentiments

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We’re Betting You’ve Never Seen a Dance Party This Gorgeous

Picking a favorite detail is hard when you have a bridesmaid in a jumpsuit (yes!!), a mother of the bride decked out in florals and a dance party worthy of its own post. Not to mention the stunning combo of Carolina Herrera gown and Cartier choker worn by the Bride. This Rose Garden wedding designed by Amber Events, with florals by Inessa Nichols Design, combines beauty, romance and killer dance moves all captured by Feather and Stone. Get your groove on in the gallery and be sure to hit play on the film by Joel Vanz below.

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Nathalie, a brilliant attorney practicing in Silicon Valley, was in Law School when she met Clifford, a physique competitor pursuing a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. The power couple was destined to meet at the gym and fall for each other’s brains, brawn, and beauty. Clifford’s daughter, Scarlett, adores Nathalie as the three of them rooted, grew, and lead a beautiful life together. It was clear their wedding goals were to represent no less than the classic elegance, charm, beauty, and fun-loving nature they radiantly exude. Amber Events was brought on as their planner six months before the big day to take place at the remarkable Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.

With half of their guests (including themselves) traveling from The Bay and the other half local to Southern California, we set out to create a memorable wedding weekend for all, kicking off with a stellar Welcome Party the night before at Mondrian Hotel’s restaurant, Ivory On Sunset. The big day came all too soon, filled with love and excitement. Guests arrived at Greystone Mansion’s Upper Formal Garden, enjoying the well manicured garden filled with white roses and lined with boxed hedges, of course with a flute of bubbles in hand! With Nathalie’s brother officiating their union, the couple wed with the garden’s historic fountain and marvelous circular floral arch as their epic backdrop. The newlyweds partied down the isle as Mr. & Mrs. to the sight of their loved ones waving ribbon wands and the sound mini bells festively ringing in celebration. Guests meander through the venue’s impressive forecourt, famous Cypress Walk, overlooking the majestic mansion, to find themselves guided to the Terrace. Nathalie and Cliff surprised their guests with a magician, Frankie Foti, who strolled through cocktail hour performing mind boggling up close magic as folks enjoyed cocktails and conversation with a breathtaking view of downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean.

To invite everyone to the reception, grand mansion doors elegantly swing open as the sun set, welcoming guests to pass through the interior of the historic mansion, and into a romantic candle lit courtyard. The couple represented Nathalie’s Lebanese heritage with a festive Arabic folk dance, Dabke, performance integrated into their grand entrance. With celebratory energies high, they invited their guests to the dance floor for a couple beats before sitting down to dine surrounding a grand fountain. Traditional Filipino desserts were featured to represent Clifford’s heritage alongside an impressive Parisian dessert spread. As yet another delightful surprise, if guests weren’t on the dance floor, they would stumble into a silhouette artist who would hand cut your silhouette on the spot! Nathalie, Clifford, their wedding party, friends and family, departed with radiant smiles and full hearts, ready to keep glowing at their after party at Skybar.

Photography: Feather and Stone Photography | Event Design & Planning: Amber Events | Floral Design: Inessa Nichols | Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera | Reception Venue: Greystone Mansion | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Catering: Primal Alchemy | Hair & Makeup: Fiore Beauty | Hair & Makeup: The Halcyon Agency | Calligraphy: Leafy Luxe | DJ: Luxury Entertainment Group | Groom's Attire: Armani | Transportation: Riz Transportation | Bar: Indépendent Beverage | Bride's Choker: Fallon Jewelry | Bride's bracelet: Cartier | Dance Co: Sa'id Dance Company | Lighting & Sound: Stage Labs | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Magician: Frank Foti | Parisian Dessert: Moulin Bistro | Rentals: A Rental Connection | Silhouette Artist: Sylhouettes by Sylvia | Specialty Rentals: Archive Rentals | Video: Joel VanZ

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Your Blueprint for Tasteful Red + Pink February Wedding Details

Valentine’s Day may be synonymous with love and commitment, but Valentine’s decor motifs can sometimes feel trite and forced. From the oversized plush teddy bears to the boxes of sub-par chocolates, we sometimes feel like the holiday of love could take a page from Marie Kondo and learn about refined elegance.

Today we’re sharing seven unique and tasteful ways you can incorporate red, pink, and everything in-between, as a nod to Valentine’s Day, into your February wedding without going overboard.

Flowers

One of the most obvious and simple ways to incorporate red and pink into your wedding is through the floral design. However, it is also easy to go over the top in this area and err on the side of trite or overwrought. Less is often more when it comes to strong design and a few bold pops of color against an otherwise neutral palette will be both beautiful and eye-catching.

Tabletop

Reception tabletop design is one of the central elements of wedding decor design and a place you can have some fun creatively! From pale pink chargers to pops of red foliage and produce in the centerpieces, guests will love the stunning tabletop design as they enjoy dinner gather together. Rose gold flatware or bright red taper candles are some other fun and on-trend ways to incorporate a little February cheer into your tabletop design!

Paper Goods

From eye-catching cranberry red escort card displays to dainty hand-calligraphed place cards, stationery is a wonderful way to bring in pops of color in a refined and elegant way.

Cocktails

Your signature cocktail is a wonderful place to bring in some color by incorporating Rosé or fun ingredients like pomegranates. With raspberries or hibiscus flowers, there are endless garnish details that will bring your pink cocktail together cohesively.

Attire

Bridal party attire is a fun way to bring in a variety of stunning shades of pink, red, and burgundy. Accompanied by festive red bowties on your groomsmen, the entire wedding party will look stunning dressed to the lines in deep red!

Lounge Seating

Consider using your lounge grouping as a decor statement with a pop of rich red or deep pink. The neutral grey throw pillow mellows out this crushed velvet armchair and the result is utter perfection.

Details

One of the best ways to tastefully incorporate a certain motif in your wedding celebration is to add small touches throughout the day. From a bold red lip to a red velvet ring box, there are many small touches you can include to pay homage to the holiday of love.

Remember, a little goes a long way. Consider implementing one or two of these ideas and making space for neutral colors to fill in the rest. Refined moderation will bring a beautiful elegance to your day!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Hannah Nowack is a freelance writer, calligrapher, and event designer living in the Midwest. When she isn’t working, you will find her decorating her Danish Modern-inspired apartment, frequenting the gourmet cheese counter, or enjoying a glass of Cabernet with friends.

Want the Most Romantic Wedding Color Ever? Look No Further…

I was never a fan of mauve, I’ll put it out there… that is, until now. One look through Jasmine Lee’s gallery right here has me convinced that mauve is my new favorite. Romantic and oh so soft, this color took center stage when Charmed Events Group, LLC planned and designed this California villa celebration (that I just can’t stop staring at). From the florals to the tabletops, it’s a glorious feast for the eyes. Our gallery has it all – and don’t miss Owl and Tree Films’ clip at the end as well!

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From Charmed Events Group, LLC… Our bride and groom met in New York and instantly fell in love on their first date. While the groom was born and raised on Long Island, the bride is from California and they decided to throw the wedding of their dreams at the bride’s childhood dream wedding venue, which is Villa Montalvo! We wanted to bring color into their wedding day so we chose a palette of dusty rose and mauve and built around it by adding golds and lots of natural elements.

There were so many heirloom pieces to the wedding, from the handkerchiefs that were sewn into the bride’s dress, the heirloom brush set that belonged to the bride’s grandmother to the heirloom lace that was draped over the couple’s chuppah for their ceremony. To bring a little bit of east coast flair to their California wedding, they chose to do a champagne tower as the grand entrance to their cocktail hour which was a lot of fun. Guests found their seats to escort cards that were lovingly tied with gold string and sealed with the couple’s custom monogram.

The reception was a dusty rose, mauve and gold dream! We created lots of hand crafted elements such as hand painting all the acrylics and cloche bell jars with mauve and calligraphing their table numbers onto it. Each guest setting had different elements of eucalyptus on them and place cards were also scribed and sealed with the couple’s custom monogram.

At the end of the night, they couple had a grand exit with a vintage car that whisked them away after their guests congratulated them with glow sticks.

From the Bride.. Together, Evan and I dreamed of celebrating our marriage with our family and closest friends. We fell in love spending time outdoors running, exploring and
traveling, so we searched for the perfect venue to hold our wedding outside. Villa Montalvo, nestled in the private hills of Saratoga, my hometown, provided the perfect scenery. A private one-way road leads to the Mediterranean style mansion showcasing manicured lawns with stunning gardens, courtyards and verandas. Our aim was to create an intimate feel and to honor our guests who showered us with unconditional love and support. As many of our guests traveled from afar, we planned a summer wedding to guarantee our guests would enjoy the California sun.

We enjoyed designing personal touches to make our wedding day unique to us. We shared personalized vows to each other under a chuppah draped in a tablecloth my Great Grandmother crocheted. Evan gifted his groomsmen custom-made cuff links with a map of their hometown, Huntington, New York. I honored my passed Grandmothers by sewing their blue handkerchiefs into my Lazaro Couture bridal gown as my “something blue”.

Some of our fondest memories include being welcomed into cocktail hour with a champagne tower, having our first dance on the veranda and driving off to our after party in a vintage Rolls Royce.

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Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography | Videography: Owl & Tree Films | Event Planning + Design: Charmed Events Group, LLC | Floral Design: Poppy's Petalworks | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture | Cake: Icing On The Cake | Stationery: CHATHAM & CARON | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Le Papillon | Calligraphy: Blush Type | DJ: Big Fun DJs | Officiant: Rabbi Jerry Levy | Venue: Villa Montalvo | Ceremony Musician: Jay Alvarez | Dessert: C.R.E.A.M. | Film Lab: The Find Lab | Hair + Makeup Artist: Aimee Makeup & Hair Design | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photobooth: Tom Foolery Photobooth | Rentals: Standard Party Rentals | Ribbons: Silk and Willow

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How to Have the Best Morning on Your Wedding Day

You’ve been planning your wedding for months, and now the big day is almost here! You deserve to be able to be present in each moment and for your special day to run smoothly from start to finish. However, getting ready is one of those things that often gets overlooked in the planning process, but we’re here to help you change that! We sat down with Blue Rose Wedding Photography, Simply by Tamara Nicole, and Yessie Libby Makeup + Styling to get their tips and tricks on planning a smooth, enjoyable morning. From what bites and nibbles to keep on hand to how to capture the best getting-ready images, these proffessionals have all the advice you need. Read on, because you are just a short ways away from sitting back and relaxing with a mimosa in your hand and your besties by your side!

Just when you think you’re ready for your wedding day, after all the planning with the help of your soon-to-be mother-in-law, your friends, and your planner, you find yourself confirming with all your vendors the morning of because you fear deep down that you will forget something! Something small – not the ring – but something that you never thought you would. Or you find yourself rushing around, trying to fit everything in to not enough time. Our first piece of advice is simple, and you’ve probably heard it from everyone, including your bank teller: MAKE LISTS! Creating lists in advance for what you need to bring, who is responsible for what, and where to be when will help your day go smoothly from the very beginning! A few minutes thinking through all of this ahead of the wedding weekend will make all the difference, so here are each of our quick and easy tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable morning that will set the tone for the BIG day:

Tips From Your Photographer

  1. Turn off your phone, and let your planner handle the last minute details.
  2. Have a great brunch or breakfast, and enjoy it with your bridesmaids.
  3. Get ready in a great vacation rental or awesome place that gives you enough space (and good natural light) to spread out, get ready, and relax. Check sites like Airbnb or VRBO for unique spaces.
  4. Plan for extra time. The last thing you need is any extra stress, so allot more than enough time in the schedule for each part of the day so that you don’t have to worry about being late for anything or rushing through any important photos.

Tips From Your Wedding Planner

  1. Plan for food while you’re getting ready or delegate someone to provide/order/bring! These days you can even Amazon or Uber Eats this. You want to avoid getting hangry – or anyone in the wedding party passing out! Make it something fun, easy to eat, and not too messy (ie. food that can stain or get seeds stuck in your teeth, etc). Small bites are cute for photos, too!
  2. Plan for fun details. Get glasses with the names of your wedding party (and anyone else who will be there) written in calligraphy. Purchase cute straws to drink from. Bring a champagne bottle to pop open for a photo. There are so many fun options for detail photos while you’re getting ready.
  3. Assign someone the task of coffee run or plan ahead to have coffee delivered or available on site. Coffee is always a good idea!
  4. I always recommend waiting to open gifts for the ‘maids these until the photographer is present to capture it!
  5. Specify in advance what everyone should wear while getting ready so that it is cohesive in photos. You can dual purpose this as a gift! Ideas include robes, rompers, pajama sets, etc.
  6. Why not have your favorite dessert just for getting ready? Mini cakes for the win! Who doesn’t love some sweet treats?
  7. If you don’t have a planner to do this for you, make sure to coordinate the timeline for your wedding day with your hair and makeup artists, photographer, etc. in advance for the getting ready portion. Don’t forge time for the fun photos! Keeping in mind what each vendor recommends and building in extra time just in case will allow a smooth, stress free morning.
  8. You hired your dream team for your wedding, so let go of ALL of the details and just sit back, turn your phone off, and enjoy your morning. Be present in the moment and trust your amazing hired vendors to rock your big day!

Tips From Your Makeup Artist

  1. Make sure you talk to your artist about the look for your bridal party in advance. Trust me, your team will thank you for this! The hair and makeup artists can then plan to have the right supplies on hand and can give you any instructions in advance, and you will be so glad to not have to make any sudden changes on your wedding day.
  2. When planning your timeline, take into consideration those who can’t wake up early, those with babies, and those who might or might not get on your nerves!
  3. Everyone will tell you, “You need to eat something!” and yeah, it’s so true, but remember that you can reward yourself with a delicious mimosa right after eating…or two!
  4. Make sure you can count on at least two if not all of your bridesmaids to keep the room clean and tell everyone where things need to be placed. I have seen too many times where the ring or undies have gone missing.
  5. After all those stressful yet fun months of planning, it’s time to sit and savor every moment. Be present! You don’t want to look back in the future thinking of the horrible morning you had because of a small mishap. It’s your wedding day, so enjoy it!
  6. Okay, okay, fine. One more tip. Pamper yourself! Put on a mask the night before, drink a glass of cucumber water first thing that morning, and don’t forget to moisturize those hands!


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Photography: Blue Rose Photography | Event Planning: Simply By Tamara Nicole | Floral Design: Simply By Tamara Nicole | Cake: Honey Crumb Cake Studio | Rings: Green Lake Jewelry | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering: Ravishing Radish Catering | Hair and Makeup: Yessie Libby | Calligraphy: Bespoke Strokes | Favors: Fran's Chocolates | Accessories, Jewelry: Lindsay Marie Design | Bridal Boutique: a&be bridal shop | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Models: Jenna, Olivia and Bianca | Paper Goods: Grey and Cake | Spray Tanning: Simply Sunkissed | Vacation Rental: Seattle

5 Easy Ways to Practice Self-Care During the Month of Love

During the month of love, it’s easy to just focus on showering the relationships in your life with love and affection, but it can be hard to turn those efforts inward and also give yourself that level of care too! Self-care is so important these days when we are all stretched thin by work, life and even relationships that can leave us feeling stressed, drained and stuck in a rut.

Self-care doesn’t have to be big life-changing things that require a lot of time, effort or money. Instead, prioritize simple tasks that help you find inspiration, recharge energy, relieve stress and nurture your mind, body and soul.


Nourish Yourself
What you eat plays such a huge role in how you feel, but eating healthy isn’t always the easiest proposition. If you start small by limiting your indulgences to only a few times a week, or moderating portions of those, you’ll start noticing the change in how you feel. Another way to improve your eating habits is start meal prepping on the weekends and make sure you always have healthy and nutritious snacks on hand whenever hunger strikes.


Drink more water
Staying hydrated is good for your skin, your health, and your general well-being, and so many women still don’t drink enough water! Buy yourself a pretty new water bottle, and make sure you’re constantly refilling throughout the day! If you crave a little more flavor, steer clear of drinks with a ton of added sugars and instead try an infuser bottles where you can add things like lemons, cucumbers or limes.


Get your beauty sleep
Prioritize getting enough sleep! Create a nighttime ritual and an ideal sleeping environment that include any number of things like investing in a sleep mask, limiting screen time at least 30 minutes before bed, making to-do lists for the next day before sleep, and testing out ambient noise.


Schedule “Me” Time
Don’t feel guilty about deciding to take some time and dedicating it to yourself! Do whatever helps you relax, recharge and find inspiration—and that means staying away from social media! Go for a long walk while listening to an audiobook or podcast, take a bath surrounded by scented candles, read a book, put on a face mask, drink a glass of wine, or even treat yourself to an afternoon at a museum! Do something small that gives you that much-needed break.


Exercise
Get your butt to class! To help get you motivated, maybe buy some cute new workout clothes, a pretty yoga mat, or new headphones. Even if you don’t have time or money to go to a fancy studio, you can find so many free at-home workouts online to squeeze in when you have a spare half hour. You will feel both amazing and energized!

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.

How to Throw a Memorable Wedding After-Party

For many couples, hosting a wedding after-party is an afterthought. But what better way to celebrate your new titles as Mr. and Mrs. than with your closest friends at a late-night, intimate gathering? Here, I answer some of the questions you may have if you’re considering hosting an after-party of your own.

Why host an after-party?
You’ve orchestrated a tearjerking ceremony, planned the most beautiful reception your friends and family have ever seen, and even arranged a farewell brunch complete with Belgian waffles and seafood frittatas—do you and your fiancé really need to add an after-party on your list of to-do’s?

The answer is yes. According to wedding planner Elizabeth Bailey of Elizabeth Bailey Weddings, an after-party isn’t just an opportunity to keep the celebration going. “During the reception itself, the couple is so busy with all the things that they’re required to do that the after-party gives them a chance for some great one-on-one conversations with friends they may or may not have seen on the dance floor or during dinner,” she says. Think of your after-party as a chance to eat, drink, and be merry with the friends who have been by your side from your first date to your first dance.

Does our after-party have to be a formal affair?
Absolutely not! An after-party is defined as some kind of gathering that occurs after the wedding reception is over—and your after-party should feel authentic to you and your new spouse. Just like the rest of your wedding weekend, your after-party is meant to reflect who you are as a couple. If that means inviting your four best friends to share leftover food and a couple beers on your front porch, then do that! Casual after-party options are less expensive in terms of food, drink, and décor.

Some other laid-back after-party ideas:
• a bonfire on your wedding venue’s property
• pints and pizza at your favorite local pub
• wine and leftover wedding cake at your parent’s Airbnb
• drinks and snacks at the hotel lounge or bar

Do we have to provide food and alcohol?
Although offering drinks and snacks to your intoxicated friends is no doubt an appreciated gesture, it isn’t required, by any means. That being said, the average after-party is at least 90 minutes long, so you should certainly consider providing food, at the very least. Some bars even require hosts to pay a food-and-beverage minimum, which Becky Navarro of Pearl Events highly recommends couples do. “It’s well worth [the price], because they usually already have music going and an ambience,” she says. “In reality, you’re going to spend that minimum anyway, and everything is already in place.”

Realistically, your guests are going to be hungry—and what better way to herd all of your drunk friends to your after-party than with the promise of food? If you’re trying to keep cost down, something as simple as ordering a few pizzas or catering Chick-fil-A is a guaranteed huge hit.

How do I ensure that only our younger friends are invited without hurting everyone’s feelings?
Inviting your entire guest list is, of course, the polite thing to do. However, your after-party guest list should consist of people you want to be there, and if that means your childhood best friends and college roommates only, don’t feel like you have to spread the word! Consider sending private after-party invitations electronically or in the mail, and be sure to specify that this gathering is not to be talked about during the reception. And don’t stress too much—at the end of the day, you’ll be so elated with post-wedding joy that chances are it won’t really matter if a family friend’s daughter and her boyfriend somehow heard about the after-party and showed up.

How do we make our after-party memorable?
Your after-party should be authentic to you as newlyweds—think of it as your first chance to throw a party for you and your friends without all the formalities of a reception. If you and your partner can be found at a bowling tournament on an average Sunday afternoon, reserve a couple bowling lanes downtown. If you love jazz and well-crafted cocktails, rent out a room at this month’s trendiest speakeasy. Your after-party is an opportunity to enjoy your closest friends and family members’ company, so do it in a way that you (and your guests!) won’t ever forget and you can’t go wrong.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Morgan Chamberlain is a freelance writer and social media consultant for wedding vendors in New England. She believes weddings are all about sentimental details, cohesive décor, and a well-chosen playlist to keep the party going!

Why “Minimalist” + “Santorini” Should Always Go Together

One doesn’t immediately think “minimalist” when you say the words “Santorini destination wedding,” but after seeing this lovely celebration photographed by Les Anagnou and planned by Santorini Glam Weddings, we think those words ought to go together forever more! We adore the paired down romance of the ceremony, the chic arrangements of bud vases and simple floral clusters by Betty Flowers Santorini, and the sleek all white reception set up by Spicy Bites Catering, so scroll on and be convinced minimalist Santorini is the next big thing.

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From Les AnagnouSummer was here. The sky was blue, the sound of crashing waves echoed in the distance, the breeze of the Aegean Sea rolled softly through the air and streamed into the open doors. The bridesmaids moved gently around the room, while Ji transformed into the beautiful bride she was ready to become. Jonathan, handsome in his black tuxedo, waited patiently for Ji to descend the cobblestone steps, glowing from happiness in her flowing white gown and her elegant high heels. What makes us come back over and over again to this wedding is that from the very beginning to the end, we were in love with the elegant and minimalist details of the invitations, the special yet intimate and beautiful adornment, the calm flow of the ceremony, the warmth of the couple, and their dedication to each other, all set against the backdrop of the magnificent Caldera and the endless Aegean Sea.

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Photography: Les Anagnou photographers | Cinematography: Mont Videography | Event Planning: Santorini Glam Weddings | Floral Design: Betty Flowers Santorini | Cake: Alexandra's Cake | Hair + Makeup: Christine Panagopoulou | DJ + Lighting: Multimedia Events | Furniture: Spicy Bites

Think Mountain Weddings Are Too Rustic? Think Again!

Mountain weddings are gorgeous but often land firmly in the rustic category…until now. This stunner captured by Brett Heidebrecht is blowing that notion right out of the water. An elegant mix of structured Vera Wang gown, a ballroom draped in white, and lush florals + candlelight designed by Alexan Events makes this Colorado celebration like no other.

From the Bride and Groom . . . Even before we officially began planning our wedding, we knew one thing. We wanted to get married in the mountains in Colorado. We visited several locations but eventually decided on the first place we had been: The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon. We couldn’t pick one reason for our decision; everything just felt right there. With Beaver Creek Mountain and the Eagle River providing the background for our ceremony, everything was perfect on our wedding day. The decor was beautiful, reflecting the blend of elegant and rustic that we wanted. The speeches at the reception brought on the laughs and fun, which kept going as our guests took the dance floor and remained well into the night. Our wedding planner Alexan Events made sure that we had no day-of worries. They coordinated vendors and with the venue, and made sure the guests were in the right places at the right times. Brett, our photographer, beautifully captured both the big and quiet moments of the day.

Photography: Brett Heidebrecht Photography | Videographer: Elysium Productions | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Invitations: Rabbit Design House | Shoes: Gianvito Rossi | Hair & Makeup: Megan Cary | Band: Diamond Empire Band | Linens: Wildflower Linen | Planning, Decor Rentals & Floral Design: Alexan Events | Venue & Catering: The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa Avon, Vail Valley

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5 Reasons Skipping a Wedding Website is NOT an Option

We know that planning your big day celebration can be a little, umm, stressful – and it’s so, so tempting to start minimizing your list of to do’s to make things easier. We totally get that, but when it comes to checking items off your list, a wedding website is most definitely not one of them. Trust us on this one – if there is anything that will make your planning life simpler, it’s a gorgeous website. Here’s why.

ONE

THEY ARE THE PERFECT WAY TO COLLECT ADDRESSES

Ahh… the wedding address scavenger hunt – one of the most time-consuming aspects of your Big Day. Sure, those Google spreadsheets may come in handy, but tracking down all of your nearest and dearest is harder than it looks. Enter a stunning wedding website from Basic Invite. Not only is it a totally gorgeous component of your celebration, it allows you to collect your guests’ addresses and then utilize their free addressing service to create beautiful envelopes without lifting a finger. (Totally genius.)

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THEY OFFER AN EASY WAY TO RSVP

RSVPing is definitely a necessity, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could make it easier on your guests to do so? With Basic Invite, you can use their FREE digital RSVP service and all of your loved ones can simply log online and RSVP in a matter of seconds. They can even do it all from their phone or tablet. Even better? After you’ve collected all of the names, meal choices, etc. etc., simply export the info and tackle those seating charts, place cards and escort cards. You and your guests will both be happy – it’s a win-win.

THREE

THEY MAKE TRAVEL + EVENTS SIMPLE

Your wedding weekend isn’t just a simple set of nuptials, it’s an event – and letting your guests know all of the little details is key. From the welcome dinner to the going away brunch, having those dates and times handy will keep everything flowing smoothly – and your website from Basic Invite is the way to do it. (We mentioned it looks fab on a tablet or phone, right?) Not to mention that you can also keep everyone up-to-date on all of the Big Day details – like time, place, transportation and room rates.

FOUR

THEY ARE THE PERFECT WAY TO SHARE YOUR REGISTRY DETAILS

Your guests definitely don’t want to arrive to your party empty-handed, so setting up a wedding registry is super important. Getting that info to them, however, can be a little tricky. Our tip? Find a wedding website that allows you to list as many registries as you want (hey there, Basic Invite) and gives your guests all of the info they need without breaking tradition. It’s an easy way to let all of your loved ones know the deets without having to spread the word the old-fashioned way, i.e., word of mouth.

FIVE

YOU CAN SHARE YOUR STORY

This is your time to shine and your guests definitely want to be a big part of it. With a wedding website from Basic Invite, they can get to know you even better with entire pages dedicated to sharing your love story and gorgeous photos. We love how it personalizes your site and gives your guests a chance to truly be a part of everything. Plus, those e-pics you and yours captured? They’re awesome, and they need to be shared.

Tackling your wedding website doesn’t have to be daunting, but finding the right partner is important. We’re big fans of Basic Invite, because they make things so, so simple and all of their designs are out-of-this-world gorgeous – not to mention customizable in 180+ colors. Which means you can really make it your own and we absolutely adore their easy-to-use platform. Plus, when it comes to getting all of your pertinent info to your guests, there’s just no better way. Oh, and did we mention that they have beautiful invites + paper goods to match your website design?!? We couldn’t love them more, you guys.

Things You Should Never Say While You’re Wedding Planning

Let’s be honest, there is such a thing as too honest. Or too blunt, or aggressive, and the last thing you want to be called is a bridezilla. While wedding planning, dealing with others can get overwhelming and stressful, but it definitely pays to keep your cool. If you’re not quite sure how to do that, read on for some possible scenarios and how to handle them with grace!

“But this vendor is cheaper…”
There may potentially be vendors who price outside of your ideal budget. There is a way to go about negotiating with them, and it does not include comparing their prices to other vendors or complaining that they are not worth the price. Instead, explain the budget you have set (and plan to stick to) and ask if there is anyway you can adjust the package to accommodate. Make sure you let them know that you would really like to have them as part of your wedding, and why!


“Are you going to give us cash or pay the bill directly?’
Your family is a big part of your wedding planning process, and may even be the monetary source paying for the wedding. Don’t take them for granted, and definitely don’t assume that they’re going to offer help. Communicate clearly and effectively; don’t ask whether they prefer to pay cash or card. Additionally, make sure their help is appreciated, and say thank you early and often to show you see their value.


“This is our wedding, not yours.”
Your in-laws will want to play a role in your big day just as much as your parents will! Your mother-in-law may also want to be included in important moments, such as deciding on a venue or a wedding gown. You may feel stifled by all of the opinions whirling around you, and that’s okay, just stay calm before it becomes overwhelming. Instead of sending a passive-aggressive text, set boundaries early and explain in detail the level of involvement you would appreciate.


“I don’t want you in my wedding!”
Ideally, you’ll want those standing up next to you in your ceremony to be integral people in your life. However, sometimes these friends and family members can butt heads and begin to cause tension and you may want someone out of your wedding party. Although your feelings may be hurt and there may already be a lot going on in your life that you feel out of control, try not to just out-right fire your friend from the wedding party. This can end friendships, which ideally, we’re trying to avoid. Enlist someone to mediate, and find a way to ease the tension.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.

Gold, Maroon + Bourbon: A Winning Wedding Trio

Sometimes I fall in love with a wedding because of the big things: the colors, the overall design, the love story. And believe me, this wedding here has it all (this maroon is making me melt). But other times it’s the little details that win me over – and the gold foil and little bits of bourbon throughout this Midwest wedding did just that. See what I’m talking about in this golden gallery from Megan Noll right this way!

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From the Bride… We met at Virginia Tech when we were sophomores and were really good friends throughout college. I stayed at Virginia Tech an extra year so he graduated and moved to Cincinnati the year before me. When I moved out to Cincinnati, it was really exciting to have a friend in an unfamiliar place and the rest is history!

From Five Dot Design… The venue was key inspiration for the paper design. The invitations were letterpressed with charcoal gray ink on cotton paper and each invitation was detailed with hand-applied gold leaf – no two were the same. This allowed for a very sophisticated look while adding a bit of texture and shine. We paired these with burgundy envelopes with gold foil addressing and gold calligraphy. The table numbers, programs, seating chart and place cards were all adorned with the hand-applied gold leaf to incorporate that old world charm into all the paper goods.

The venue has a warm, European feel with chipped plaster and textured walls that have been so beautifully restored. The bride knew a deep burgundy paired with gold accents would not only complement the venue, but provide lots of opportunities with the decor. Susan Foy was able to work with this palette beautifully, incorporating deep reds, burnt oranges and soft pinks for contrast.

With Kentucky just a five minute trip over the river from Cincinnati, the couple has a love for bourbon. They were able to sneak in a few details without the wedding feeling overly rustic; Andrew’s cuff links were cut from old bourbon barrels, they named each table after a favorite distillery, Woodford Reserve bourbon balls and copper mule mugs were given as favors and barrel stave candle holders that Andrew made for the tables. The perfect complement to both the venue and the couple.

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Photography: Megan Noll Photography | Coordination: Cincy Weddings by Maura | Floral Design: Susan Foy, The Wedding Designer | Cake: Tres Belle Cakes | Invitations: Five Dot Design | Reception Venue: Monastery Event Center | Hair + Makeup: Moxxie Makeup | Calligraphy: Marcardin Calligraphy | Band: Bluewater Kings Band | Transportation: Executive Transportation | Tent: All Occasions Event Rental | Rentals: Camargo

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The Personal Touches at This Wedding Are Giving Us the Chills!

The personal touches in this wedding are enough to give us the chills, they’re so darn cute and thoughtful. Let’s start with the invitation suite, which featured a penguin and an elephant designed by the bride (an illustrator!). Next up, the bride’s bouquet designed by Life in Bloom featured a fern clipping from the plant they bought together when they first started dating. And if you can handle any more cuteness, the table numbers were displayed in artichokes because the groom always requests artichokes are included in the floral arrangements he presents to his love. All of this and more was captured by Clary Pfeiffer Photography, and if you’re craving more like we are, head over to their sweet engagement session.

From Clary Pfeiffer PhotographyThe couple’s kindness and gift to make the people around them feel valued and loved made this wedding day a joy to photograph. Plus!! They have the impeccable style and vision for an authentic and dramatic celebration. Torie, an illustrator, designed the invitation which highlights a penguin (the bride) and elephant (the groom) throughout their paper goods. The couple along with their florist worked on turning The Ivy Room into a dramatic space with hanging greenery lit by tons of candles. 

From Life in BloomWhen we first met Torie and Amarit, there was no better word to describe their wedding vision than “authentic”. The two of them had a vision that was unique to their own style, and each decision that they made along the way throughout the entire design process reflected that fun and unique flair.

When Torie and Amarit first started dating, they got a plant together, and after years, it was still alive. They called it their “love fern”. The week of their wedding, Torie brought us a clipping for their plant to use in her bouquet. The floral palette for the personal flowers consisted of many of our spring favorites: anemone, dusty miller, silver-dollar eucalyptus, olive, peonies, sweet pea, and ranunculus.

The indoor ceremony consisted of a large boxwood wall as a backdrop. We added in white roses, spray roses, and hydrangea that all faded from heavy to light as it descended down the wall. At the start of the aisle, to create the feeling of a grand entrance, atop two dark wood pedestals, we placed tall concrete urns with large focal arrangements. The arrangements were super simple, containing just olive and spirea branches. But the added texture from the spirea was the perfect touch that took the arrangements from “been there, done that” to “fresh and unique!” Throughout the space, we strategically suspended iron orbs with italian ruscus and spirea that not only helped create a dramatic impact during the ceremony but also made sense once the room was flipped for the reception.

During cocktail hour, guests found their table assignments pinned amongst another wall of fresh boxwood. Golden wax seals displayed each guests’ table numbers prominently on their escort card. For the reception, we moved the ceremony’s boxwood wall behind the head table, which created the perfect backdrop for Torie, Amarit, and all of their closest friends. The centerpieces all consisted of gray concrete vessels overflowing with gorgeous spring blooms (peonies, spirea anemone, stock, hydrangea, and gunny eucalyptus) and surrounded by pillar candles and crystal-cut votives. Throughout Torie and Amarit’s relationship, Amarit always requested artichokes in any floral arrangements that he surprised Torie with. So naturally, every table number was placed into an artichoke, which sat on the tables.

When looking back at an event, it is always interesting to see how a vision might have evolved from initial meeting to final product. With Torie and Amarit, while some elements might have changed along the way, the high emphasis on lots of textures and a dramatic feel was key from start to finish. The spirea was the game changer when it came to adding in that extra texture that Torie kept mentioning in the initial meeting, and the floating orbs helped create that dramatic effect that was so important to Amarit. In the end, the final product was a testament to a couple fully trusting their designers, and the designers keeping the couple’s overall vision at the forefront of any design changes.

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Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography | Coordination: Estera Events | Floral Design: Life In Bloom | Wedding Dress: Anna Maier | Cake: Sweet Mandy B's | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Jewelry: Chicago Diamond Consultants | Makeup: Makeup By Jaycie | Hair: Rosemary Monica | Band: Gold Coast All Stars | Groom's Attire: Frederick Lynn Chicago | Venue: The Ivy Room at Tree Studios | Getting Ready Location: The Langham Hotel | Groom's Shoes: Gucci | Letterpress: Designers Fine Press | Paper Goods: Torie Conn | Veil: Jenny Yoo

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A Bedroom Refresh That Works With Even the Smallest of Budgets

Looking to give your bedroom a pretty little revamp without completely breaking the bank? If a complete overhaul is not in the cards, look no further than these easy tricks from Becky at Daly Digs. Using the power of paint, a floorplan rearrange and new accessories among other things, that sweet space where you lay your head can feel good as new. Take the full tour of Becky’s farmhouse master bedroom captured by Roohi Photography plus grab her tips for a refresh on the cheap all below.

After moving into our fixer-upper farmhouse over a year ago, the master bedroom was first on the to-do list but after living in the space I was already craving a new look. Although we were in a new home, the master bedroom did not feel fresh – the furniture was carried over and we even painted the walls a similar color as our last house.

As the style identity of our home began to manifest, I just felt the master bedroom did not fit. However, with an endless project to-do list, we couldn’t afford to purchase a whole new bedroom so I’d have to get creative.

By painting the walls, repainting our vintage nightstands, changing the floor plan, purchasing new bedding, reupholstering our bed and swapping out the rug, we have a completely new look in our master bedroom that didn’t break the bank. Along the way, I learned a few things about using what you have and putting your dollars where you can get the biggest bang for your buck.

How to refresh a bedroom without breaking the bank…

Change the floorplan. The first thing we did was re-arrange the layout of the furniture and moved the bed to a different wall. Even small changes to layout can make a difference. If you’re not using a piece of furniture in your space, try moving it to a new location in the room – or move it out altogether.

Paint. Paint is the most affordable way to make the biggest change to any space. Change the wall color. Get creative with trim. Paint existing furniture. Whatever it is, if you’re looking to freshen up a space, paint should be the first thing you consider. The black nightsands in our bedroom use to be bright aqua believe it or not. I repainted them black and changed the hardware and they look completely different.

Give the bed some attention. The bed is the largest piece in any bedroom. You don’t have to get a new bed to refresh a room. Get new bedding. Add a throw blanket or new pillows. If you have an upholstered bed, have it reupholstered in a new fabric. All of the above is much more affordable than purchasing a new bed. In our space we changed out the gray upholstery for a khaki linen, changed the bedding and added new accent pillows.

Consider a new rug. A rug is a great way to set the tone for a space. Rugs take up a lot of visual space in a room so by adding or swapping your rug, you immediately change the look of a space.

Accessorize. Don’t forget the details. Changing or adding new accessories to a space can make a huge impact. Incorporate some artwork. Change up your nightstand styling with new lamps and accessories. Lastly, add greenery to your room! Nothing makes a room feel more alive then adding a plant (or two).

Photography: Roohi Photography | Design & Styling : Becky of Daly Digs | Bed: Pottery Barn | Bed - Upholstery : Crypton | Bedding : West Elm | Media Stand: West Elm | Mudcloth Pillows: Spilled Paint Design | Rug: Pottery Barn | Terra Cotta Planter: The Jungalow | Woven Malawi Chairs: CB2

6 Tips for A Tech-Filled Wedding

You always have the latest iPhone, wear a smartwatch on your wrist, and know everything about the latest app to hit the app store. Does this sound like you? If so, and your love for technology knows no bounds, incorporate that love into your wedding day! Here are a few ways to do it.



CREATE A DIGITAL APP
You probably already know all about the great wedding planning apps out there (have you downloaded the Style Me Pretty mobile app yet?!), but did you know that you can also create an app for your wedding day. For my own wedding, we used a site called Appy Couple, which created a digital app along with the website. Our guests could download it and instantly find information on all the events leading up to the wedding, the attire for the big day, fun pictures, an easy spot to RSVP, and even had games and a comment section! It was fun to check in on the app each day and see who was interacting with it, and it served as a great place to send our guests for information.

 


USE A HIGH-TECH PHOTO BOOTH
Photo booths have been popular for quite a while, but as tech gets more detailed, so have the booths. Now, you can have a photo booth at your reception that instantly links to social media, includes a border or logo you create for your wedding, and even GIF booths that create a live, boomerang style video for your guests to enjoy.


RENT THE TUX AND DESIGN THE DRESS ONLINE
You’ve heard of sites like Rent the Runway for renting party dresses online—but now, the bride and groom are also getting in on the trend. Tux rental sites, like The Black Tux, have stepped up their game, creating a streamlined service that offers modern styles tailored for todays grooms and their groomsmen. Similarly, sites have started to pop up where brides can design their dream dress from the comfort of your own home! Suddenly, wedding planning just got a whole lot easier.

GET A 360 CAMERA
A 360 camera will allow you to capture the entire day in one swift shot. Ask your photographers if they incorporate this type of camera into their packages, and if not, spring for one yourself. The cameras are small and pretty affordable (you can find them for under $100 if you do your research), and are simple to use: just place them at the back of your ceremony or on a table during your reception and let the camera do the work. You’ll get awesome photos of the entire space that you’ll treasure forever.

HAVE A CHARGING STATION
If you are encouraging your guests to use their phones and take snaps or Instagram shots all night, you may want to give them a place to charge their phones. Create a cute charging station during your cocktail hour so your guests can enjoy themselves while their phones charge in style. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort and you’ll appreciate the photos they get from the night.


STREAM IMAGES DURING THE RECEPTION
Set up a live stream that instantly publishes all the snaps being sent out using your wedding hashtag. Put a projector up on an empty wall and encourage your guests to get involved—they will love seeing their shots up on a big screen and it will get everyone to use the hashtag, giving you fun pictures to look at the next morning!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Jessica Tzikas is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager from South Florida, who recently moved back to the sunshine state after living in Philadelphia for the past few years. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading by the beach, spoiling her black lab, and exploring nearby towns with her new husband.

The “Skinny” on a Lauryn Evart’s Stunning Cabo Wedding

If you are obsessed with The Skinny Confidential as much as we are, then you know that Lauryn Evarts is not your typical bride. Together with Del Cabo Weddings, this fashion influencer and blogger tackled her wedding in the same way she tackles her awesome blog posts – with a totally authentic and zen vibe. The results? A goth meets romantic affair that will definitely go down in history as one of our faves here at SMP. We love this lady.

If you’re one of the million people that follow Lauryn Evarts, you’ve been waiting on pins and needles to see her Cabo San Lucas wedding. Well, we’ve got the goods – and it’s a stunning affair with everything from a gorgeous gown (hey there, illusion cut-out) to a sophisticated black and gold color palette to an intimate locale on the beach that provided views for days. Lauryn’s vision for a luxurious goth affair was definitely one for the ages, and Del Cabo Weddings was there for every fabulous second… even those pink margaritas she had waiting for each of her lucky guests. (They’re good at all of those little details.)

We love Lauryn for a lot of reasons (her site is chock-full of examples), but we have to say that we fell even more in love with her when we followed along with her big day. Because, you guys? She did it HER way… and with the help of Del Cabo Weddings, it was really a party that stands out in all of the best ways. But that’s what Del Cabo Weddings is so well known for – taking your vision and really making it a reality. We’re obsessed with the long table for her intimate guest list and, of course, those black and gold stylings are everything. But what we really adore is her ability to kick aside traditions and do what felt right for her and her man. Tequila and champagne? No cake? A medley of fab cuisine? Check. Check. Check.

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Goth with a side of softness isn’t always an easy vision to make happen, but Lauryn and Del Cabo Weddings most definitely succeeded. Get inspired by perusing every gorgeous moment in the gallery, then head to Del Cabo Weddings to start planning your very own amazing set of nuptials – their team of talented pros will make that dream day happen with a list of awesome vendors, hotel + resort connections and you.

Photography: Katherine Rose and Luke Griffin | Cinematography: Arielle Levy | Event Design: Esoteric Events | Event Design: Areté Florals | Bride's Shoes: Jason Ascher | Hair & Makeup : Kelsey Long & Shawn Knudsen | Venue: Cloisters | Bridal Robe: Cloud Hunter | Head Piece & Veil: EDEN LUXE Bridal | Invitations & Paper Goods: Bliss & Bone | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Wedding Planning & Decor: Del Cabo Weddings

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Mix + Match Metallics With This Styled Shoot As Inspiration!

Choose a single metallic and stick with it throughout your wedding. That’s the deal, right? Wrong! Say goodbye to previous held notions and say hello to chic, modern metallics. We’re talking mixing and matching to your heart’s desire. Gold goes with brass, copper is the next up-and-coming color star (we’re calling it now) and to bring it all together, add in fabulous florals from Lovely Leaves. Need some visual reinforcements? Look no further than this gallery from Dani Cowan. Pretty amazing, right?

From Lovely Leaves… The Phoenix Ballroom is one of our favorite Waco venues located downtown near the Magnolia Silos and minutes from the Brazos River and historic Waco Suspension Bridge. This area of the city offers a rich culture and thriving atmosphere. We never miss the opportunity to style something wonderful in this space.

Taylor Bible Weddings choose the beautiful clean canvas for her indoor ceremony site and we framed our Andrew and Eden with thick, lush greenery. Romantic taper candles in brass candlesticks and copper pedestals were added finishing the look with wooden vineyard chairs. Our reception inspiration was set outdoors for a relaxed feel. Tabletop decor was composed of pale silver dupioni silk linens paired with creamy ivory napkins, gold rimmed chargers and gold flatware. Details included copper mercury glass votives, brass candlesticks and river rocks hand-written in calligraphy by K. Dunks Creative, a Waco native. Ranunculus have a sweet, romantic feel because of their high petal count and perfect round shape. We choose a larger variety for added impact and could not have been more pleased. Greenery included a mix of maiden hair fern, fresh mint and English ivy. Stationery was hand-written in gold accented with pale silver silk tying in with the table decor. Moscow Mules are perfect for any mixed metal affair because of the copper mugs. The cake featured stone marbling with a light cascade of ranunculus.

Eden’s hair was pulled back, and styled with beautiful, romantic curls and the most delicate brass hair pins. The mermaid gown she wore was detailed in a criss-crossed pattern with lace and a sweetheart neckline. Andrew wore a classic, black tuxedo for a timeless, elegant feel. We loved his unshaven face adding a bit of a rustic tone perfect for downtown. Dani Cowan never ceases to amaze with her gorgeous film images capturing the sweet emotions between couples.

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Photography: Dani Cowan Photography | Event Design: Taylor Bible Weddings | Floral Design: Lovely Leaves | Wedding Dress: Georgio's Bridal | Cake: Lily's Cakes | Ceremony Venue: The Phoenix Ballroom | Calligraphy: test | Beauty: Be You Tiful Salon | Rentals: Confetti Rentals

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