Classic weddings can do no wrong in my book but add in a military influence and these elegant affairs go from good to great instantly. Need photographic proof? Look no further than this black tie Texas wedding, captured by Stephanie Brazzle. The color palette, the beaming brand new Mr. and Mrs., the saber arch; it’s all pretty perfect and I could go on and on forever but I recommend you just dive into this gallery and see it all for yourself (so good, right!?)!

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From the Bride… Although Kevin and I met in college, we just remained friends and study buddies with an unspoken attraction. After college, Kevin commissioned in the Army and I moved to Dallas. He was visiting Texas on leave and decided to finally ask me out on a date to Taco Diner. We still celebrate our “Tacoversary,” as the anniversary of our official first date! We immediately knew that this relationship would be something special despite the long distance between us. We even went through a 9-month deployment to Afghanistan before we were able to live in the same state! Kevin’s service to our country is something that has significantly influenced our relationship, so we could not imagine a wedding day that didn’t have military influence. We loved the military traditions of the uniforms, the saber arch, and the cake cutting with the sword! We also loved the formality of the military, and thought a traditional, black-tie wedding would be best suited for us – not to mention a lot of fun!

Our family and friends were the most important aspect of the day to us. While we met living in Texas, we were engaged while living in North Carolina, were married while living in Georgia, and now I am writing this from our newest duty station, Germany! To us, this wedding was the perfect opportunity to visit with everyone we loved one more time before our big move.

Photography: Stephanie Brazzle Photography | Videography: Thompson Pictures | Event Planning: Shannon Schultz Events | Floral Design: Something Pretty Floral | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Cake: The Fort Worth Club | Invitations: Bering's | Ceremony Venue: Robert Carr Chapel | Reception Venue: The Fort Worth Club | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bari Jay | Calligraphy: The Vintage Hand | Lighting: Beyond Lighting | Band: The Walton Stout Band | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Transportation: Silver West Limousines | Bridal Boutique: Ivory Bridal Atelier | Dance Floor: DFW Dance Floor | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Monogram: Shuler Studio | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar

The Art Gallery of Hamilton proved a stunning clean slate for this contemporary classic. It’s awash with a crisp color palette of white, green and gold and beautiful modern details planned and styled by Shaw Events, with florals by Bloom and Co. Fun fact, the gorgeous gold chair the couple used in their ceremony was the same one used in the Bride’s parents wedding. From gilded seats to a sea of white blooms, see the full affair captured by Kayla Yestal, plus a film by Brian Flaman below.

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From the bride… Looking back on our wedding day, it’s impossible for me to pick out a moment that stands out as my favourite part of the day. From Jordan and I’s first look, to my veil flying off from the wind in the middle of our ceremony, to my dad surprising me with a choreographed dance to The Temptations alongside about a dozen of his friends, I can’t even begin to narrow it down. I feel like that alone let’s me know how much of a success our day was!

We picked the Hamilton Art Gallery as our venue because we loved that it was a clean, crisp slate that we could really make our own. We wanted our decor to compliment how minimal and modern the space could look. We opted for only white flowers with greenery in all of our floral design, and accented everything with subtle gold elements – including the chair we signed our marriage documents on which was the same one my parents used at their own wedding! One of my favourite aspects was our dessert table, complete with a full gold and white donut wall! Even when it came to my dress, I decided on a classic look that was very structured with the hem lines and really worked hand-in-hand with all of our other decor items. Jordan and I are huge dog lovers and we wanted our dog, Chloe, to be at the wedding in some form. We created stir sticks of her silhouette along with a small gold cat or dog at every place setting to let our guests know about an SPCA donation made in lieu of guest favours. If I were to give any brides a piece of advice while planning, I would say that hiring a wedding planner is an absolute must if it is within your budget! Even if it is just for someone to be there on the day of. Having Danielle of Shaw Events there to take away all of the stress of planning and deal with the logistics was absolutely huge! For me, besides marrying Jordan, investing in her as our planner was the best decision I made. I was so at ease and I truly think that is the reason why I was able to actually enjoy my wedding!

Photographer: Kayla Yestal | Videography: Brian Flaman | Floral Design: Bloom & Company | Wedding Dress: Tulle New York | Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations | Shoes: Badgely Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Pearl Bridal House | Makeup: Makeup Worx | Hair: Studio B By Brock Stacey | Calligrapher: Isla Kuronen | DJ: DJ Donna Lovejoy | Band: Running Red Lights | Transportation: Mermaid Limo Service | Venue: Art Gallery of Hamilton | Bridal House: Pearl Bridal House | Chair Rental: Special Event Rentals | Desserts: Dessert Garden XO | Donut Wall: Sweet Celebrations Wedding Cakes | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Linen: Simply Beautiful Decor | Perfume: Chloe | Photography Venue: Dundurn Castle | Planning and Styling: Shaw Events | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Signage: Straight Laser | Table Number Holders: BHLDN | Tabletop Decor: Plate Occasions

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Petit Bouquet

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Now that you’ve completely mastered gift giving (we know you’ve been perusing gift guides like a total pro), it’s time to give yourself a little love and start working on your very own holiday wish list. This year, we’re all about the sparkly accessories, so we’re teaming up with Shane Co. for a list of Big Little Gifts that you’ll definitely want to see under your tree, and even gift to your loved ones if you can bare to part with them. See our picks below.

MODERN + EYE-CATCHING

Looking for more than one way to impress? We’ve got a combo for that. We suggest dressing up your winter look with accessories that sparkle, like this stunning aquamarine + diamond pendant, this vintage sapphire diamond ring and this gorgeous diamond bangle bracelet. You can never have too much bling, and this trio will definitely show off your glamorous self. 

Tops on our list this year? This diamond ring. It boasts pavé-set diamonds and an eye-catching design that will be the talk of any party… or that trip to the grocery store. Seriously – pair it with your finest attire for a night out with your hubby or slip it on for a pop of WOW in your fave casual outfit. It’s honestly that awesome.

CLASSIC MEETS CHIC

You know what we love? Classic with a twist, and this pink morganite and diamond pendant + matching earrings set checks both of those boxes. Shane Co.’s signature shade of rose gold is an elegant play on the more traditional yellow or white gold, while the dainty, star-like design is perfect for those holiday parties. It’s a win-win.

And speaking of classic with a twist, these diamond threader earrings def fall under that category… and they are so pretty without being over-the-top. We’re lovin’ this look for everything from your weekly office meetings to dinner out with friends. They create such a polished look.

CLASSIC

You know we love our trends here at SMP, but honestly… we’re classic ladies through and through. And nothing says tradition quite like a pair of diamond bangle bracelets.  We’re sort of obsessed with stacking these lovelies up for extra bling and love the pop of sparkle they add to any outfit.

ON-TREND

Did we mention that we love our trends? This simple + dainty curved bar necklace is perfect for wearing alone with your fave cashmere sweater, or with another necklace for a more modern take. You can even have it engraved for a totally personal look. Think your name, anniversary or wedding date, longitude and latitude of your wedding locale, etc. etc. Channeling your inner-Carrie Bradshaw has never been easier than this.

STATEMENT

So sometimes you just need to stand out in the crowd, and this head-turning diamond statement necklace is the perfect solution if you’re looking to make a fabulous entrance. It’s one part edgy and one part seriously sparkly and, let’s be honest – it doesn’t get much better than that.

SIMPLE + CHARMING

A beautiful diamond necklace that elevates your everyday style should always be on your holiday wish list and we’ve found just the right piece: this breathtaking curved diamond necklace in white gold. It’s simple and chic and adds just the right amount of bling to dinners out or ladies’ nights with your besties. We love it.

If you want to add a little something special to your wish list, head to Shane Co. to check out their Gift Guide for even more ideas and for inspiration for your loved ones. They have you covered when it comes to gifts with a side of sparkle.

The forecast looked dreary when this groom turned to an old wives’ tale as a last resort and buried a bottle of bourbon…and boy, are we glad he did, because this perfect wedding day turned out to be so darn gorgeous! Jump right in to this classic, Southern fête at The Tate House, captured by the always wonderful Sawyer Baird.

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From Sawyer Baird… The day was one that I was worried would be rainy and dreary. We had our fingers crossed for the couple of weeks leading up to the big day. The groom buried a bottle of bourbon and to say that is a wives’ tale, well we will never know, because it has certainly worked for all of my couples who have tried it! The sun came out, and it was a beautiful sunny day.

Caroline and Jared shared one of the most beautiful, heartfelt days in the North Georgia mountains close to where they grew up and now live together as one. Caroline and Jared shared such a beautiful first look together before the ceremony to have time together (which is something I always suggest), and even though they did a first look you can tell in Jared’s face as Caroline walked down the aisle that in that moment things are still so special, and it is such an amazing moment for both the bride and groom. It was in that moment that I,  as an outside party, remembered why I do what I do. It is these moments that are reminders that even in the hustle and bustle of wedding days, the little moments are the ones that will get to you.

Clean and classic is the bride’s style, and I think it shows. Classic greens, whites, and a black tux is one look that I will never be tired of as a photographer. It is something that I know in 30, 40, or even 50 years will never be old.

Photography: Sawyer Baird | Cinematography: Black Hill Films | Floral Design: The Tate House | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Hair + Makeup: Vigilante Cosmetics | Calligraphy: Carolyn Lohman | DJ: Backwood Boyz | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klien | Ceremony Music: test | Venue: The Tate House | Paper Goods: Crane & Co.

here

North America is home to cities that never sleep, sparkling landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife. Yes, wildlife. Buckle yourself in, because this intrepid safari ride is unlike any you’ve seen, as we take you from Canada to Mexico and all over the U.S.—Arctic safari, Caribou and Monarch migrations included. Interested in an experience? Head over to Black Tomato to speak to one of their travel experts now!

Wildlife Honeymoon

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Wildlife Honeymoon

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Once upon a time, Polina and Dimitri traveled to France for a destination wedding straight out of a fairytale. From the Jimmy Choo glass slippers that would make Cinderella jealous to the bride’s gorgeous ballgown to the fireworks finish, this day is worthy of a royal “I do.” And with Le Secret d’Audrey behind the lens, you’re getting the royal treatment with the most beautiful photos!

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Polina and Dimitri traveled to the beautiful grounds of the Château de Chantilly in France to celebrate their wedding with royal style together with their 60 closest families and friends! Polina wanted to experience an extraordinary celebration, so she hired Olga, from Wedding in France to dream up some ideas on how they could make her wedding fit for a King and Queen. From the venue, to the dress, Polina’s dreams started to become realty. One original idea the planner had: each dish for the reception was one served at a royal wedding ( like starter was from marie Antoinette wedding, main dish from Louis XVI,…) and to end the evening with a fireworks show. As a photographer, a chateau wedding is just the perfect setting for the most romantic and epic photos.

Photography: Le Secret d'Audrey | Cinematography: BKTFILMS | Event Planning: CTH EVENTS PARIS | Wedding Dress: Dior Bridal Salon | Venue: Château de Chantilly | Venue: Château de Chantilly

Have you ever been to Ojai Valley? No? Well then, book a trip pronto because it’s beyond fabulous. One viewing of this film by Robert Michael Films and we’re sold. The Ojai Valley Inn hosted this love and laughter filled wedding, with a beaming Bride (who wore a gown we can’t get over), her handsome Groom and all their friends and family for a celebration that they aren’t bound to forget anytime soon. I’d say this is a winner if we ever did see one – enjoy!

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From Robert Michael Films… Laura and Lauran’s wedding took place at the beautiful Ojai Valley Inn, where the city is affectionately nicknamed “Shangri-La” referencing the natural beauty of this health-and-spirituality-focused region. Laura and Lauran were married under one of the many oak trees at Ojai Valley Inn, which is great symbol of lasting marriage. The scenic venue provided a lot of great atmosphere without needing much added to it.

The bride’s style seemed to favor a timeless approach and she chose a photographer who shoots film which you don’t see often these days. I choose to grade the film with a heavy film look to match the feel getting away from the latest push for ultra high sharp looking videos and staying away from effects like slow motion and drones. I prefer to focus on the important moments of the day by being patient and letting the action unfold in front of the camera rather than chasing it or setting up fake scenarios. Natural emotion, solid composition, finding the light and great audio are to me what makes this film stand apart. The music was licensed via the Musicbed and I choose to edit this film in mostly sequential manner rather than jumping around too much so the energy would build to a climax through the ceremony and into the party. I loved the couples energy and my favorite part was when Laura asked if she could ditch her shoes and run/jump into her groom’s arms during the photo session.

From the Bride… Our wedding inspiration came from a love of natural beauty, being outdoors and elegance in simplicity. We felt the Ojai Valley Inn encompassed all of these things without needing much more support, so our intention was to enrich it but let the location speak for itself. Robert was fantastic to work with, let us be ourselves and capturing our wedding and us as a couple without any direction in his vision, execution and creativity – seemingly effortless.

Photography: Kurt Boomer | Cinematography: Robert Michael Films | Event Planning: Details Event Planning | Floral Design: TOAST Santa Barbara | Wedding Dress: Amanda Wakeley | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Hair + Makeup: 10.11 Makeup | DJ: DJ Hye FX | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Officiant: Pastor Jason Matossian | Wedding Venue: Ojai Valley Inn | Decor: Bella Vista Designs, Inc

When the couple are high school sweethearts, the bride is an artist and designer, and Rachel Solomon is behind the lens, you know it’s going to be a spectacular wedding. Ashley Gain Weddings brought the bride’s colorful, romantic vision to life using the crest she designed as inspiration for the day. The result is one of those galleries we could spend forever in, and we’re oh-so-glad Something New Media was there to capture the celebration on film because we seriously cannot get enough.

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From the Bride… Kurt and I are true high school sweethearts from Nebraska. Not only did we grow up in the same town and go to the same high school, but we also continued our relationship into college and endured two years of long distance! After those hard couple of years, Kurt finally made the move and joined me on the East Coast. Since we had literally been together forever and seen each-other grow up, I knew a wedding was in our future.

On December 11th my parents were out visiting us in NYC to take in the holiday season. I was convinced that he was going to propose…I mean, it was the prime opportunity with all the Christmas spirit in the air. As the day passed, and no proposal, I was starting to think this just wasn’t the time. Then, after an evening broadway show, we took a stroll to see the tree at Rockefeller Center all lit up. In front of hundreds of people, he got down on his knee and popped the question! The entire moment was overwhelming but so magical!

We decided to get married in Scottsdale, Arizona, since we had both grown up traveling there to visit family, so it just felt completely right! With the desert hues being so naturally breathtaking, I knew I wanted to stick with a soft, romantic, and neutral palette. I fell in love with The Country Club at D. C. Ranch because it felt Tuscan, remote, and overlooked the city of Scottsdale. After choosing our venue, we found an absolutely incredible wedding planner, Courtney with Ashley Gain Weddings, who helped us with every aspect of planning and of our day.

Being an artist and designer myself, I had a very strong vision of how I wanted our day to look. I started with creating a custom crest for the invitations that we then incorporated into all elements throughout the day such as the cake, cocktail napkins, pillows, and escort card display. Every single detail and special moment of our day was captured perfectly by our photographer Rachel Solomon. For both our flowers and furniture rentals, we used the Flower Studio, which had beautiful pieces that accented the venue perfectly. Their team went above and beyond executing every vision that I had. Another one of my favorite highlights of the day was our wedding cake! Haley with Heartsweet cakes is a true artist and was able to incorporate our crest, linens, and sugar flowers onto the cake.It was truly a spectacular piece of art!

All of the amazing details aside, the most important part of our day was the Christ-centered ceremony. We flew in our pastor, Dave, from Nashville who had been our mentor growing up and was able to see us evolve as a couple. Dave made the entire day so much more meaningful, and it would not have been anything without him. We feel truly blessed to have had such wonderful family and friends who traveled long distances just to celebrate with us, along with our incredible team of vendors who executed my entire wedding vision! We felt so much love on that day and would do anything to repeat it again! Cheers!

From the Ashley Gain Weddings… Planning Libby and Kurt’s wedding was a true dream. Libby already had a great vision for her day and was so easy going. The entire planning process was so joyful and fun! Libby is an amazingly talented artist and was able to incorporate her ideas into all of the stationery and print work for her big day. She created a custom logo that included a crest and monogram, and it matched her florals and linens perfectly! All of her details really stood out and complemented the entire day so beautifully! As much as I loved the design work, the venue, and the amazing 10 piece band, the one thing that stood out the most was the love that Libby and Kurt have for each other. It is so effortless, and I know it’s a love that will be everlasting.

Photography: Rachel Solomon Photography | Cinematography: Something New Media | Event Planning + Design: Ashley Gain Weddings and Events | Floral Design: The Flower Studio | Wedding Dress: Sareh Nouri | Cake: Heartsweet Cakes | Stationery: Libby Rae Studio | Reception Venue: The Country Club At Dc Ranch | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Makeup: Ashley Nicole Makeup | Hair: Emily Hughes | Band: The JJ's Band | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Bridesmaids's Dresses: Amsale | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Music: Sweetwater Strings | Photo Booth: The Foto Booth Bus | Veil: Oscar De La Renta

We don’t need to tell you that the Outer Banks in North Carolina is a gorgeous place to tie the knot – the beauty in this seaside paradise truly speaks for itself. But if you’re on the lookout for a resort that can host your Big Day sans any stress on your part, we can help. The Sanderling Resort sits right on the Atlantic and has some amazing venue + package options that will bring your entire vision full-circle. Check it out.

The key to any amazing wedding? Finding the right locale. And with Sanderling Resort, you can pretty much sit back and relax while their planners take care of it all for you, starting with helping you land on the right package option. Sanderling Resort offers five elopement packages for 15 – 60 guests that include everything from wedding cakes to s’mores around the fire pit. Their full-service package works for those larger celebrations for up to 180 guests and their winter package waives the facility fee and the food and beverage minimum, which is awesome. And if you want to talk venues – you can tie the knot seaside on their beautiful beach or Observation Deck, host a grander event at their House + Deck or Pavilion, or celebrate in an intimate soiree at their Kimball’s Kitchen or Keeper’s Loft.

From their fresh southern coastal cuisine to their team of pros that know everything there is to know about planning a seaside wedding, we love Sanderling Resort and their breathtaking Outer Banks locale. To find out more about planning your Big Day, call their fab team of wedding planners at 877.300.0624 or visit their website here.

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Incorporating a pop of color into your wedding design can be intimidating, let alone choosing a palette consisting of primarily rich, bold hues. However, it can be done…and done well, as The Graceful Host and Allison Kuhn Photography prove right here in this dramatic and beautiful editorial. Stunning floral arrangements by Amy Lynne Originals set against teal velvet linens by Nuage Designs create an alluring tablescape, and the pièce de résistance is a cake by Wow Factor that can only be described as a work of art.

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From The Graceful Host… This styled shoot was a collaboration with Allison Kuhn Photography. We started talking about producing a shoot in order to create content that we don’t see a lot of, like the use of rich, bold colors. And it morphed into something we are both really proud of! The idea is a modern charm, which I describe as old world elements meets luxurious, high fashion style. I always want my designs feel fresh and new, so I took ideas that are classic in nature and gave them a little twist to modernize.

The colors were teal, lavender, blush, yellow, marsala, and ivory with gold accents. Since we were incorporating a wide variety of colors, I wanted to make sure the colors felt sophisticated and elegant rather than child-like. It should come together like a painting, which was the inspiration behind the cake and was repeated in the vellum envelope of our invitation suite. The floral design mimicked the artistic inspiration, as well, by playing up texture through the blooms and greenery.

Throughout our tablescape design, we layered texture upon texture – from the linen to the place setting to the paper goods. Our place settings incorporated contemporary designs through the dinner plates and flatware mixed with etched crystal goblets and gold rim glasses that are vintage in nature. Each place setting also had a vellum menu with a handwritten script-style design, and the table was draped in a bold teal, velvet linen.

The wedding dress was a classic, delicate a-line ballgown with on-trend and contemporary design elements including beading, an illusion neckline, and layers upon layers of tulle. The look was luxurious and fashion forward. Hair and makeup was understated elegance and fresh, paired with a bold plum lip.

Photography: Allison Kuhn Photography | Event Design + Styling: The Graceful Host | Floral Design: Amy Lynne Originals LLC | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Cake: Wow Factor Cakes | Hair + Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne | Wedding Venue: The Barn at Reynolda Village | Bridal Boutique: Hayden Olivia Bridal | Linen Rentals: Nuage Designs | Paper Goods: Elisabeth Rose | Rentals: Party Reflections | Rentals: Evermore Classic and Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Carolina's Luxury Event Rentals

Stop whatever it is you are doing at the moment and point your peepers in the direction of this Villa Cimbrone wedding crafted by Exclusive Italy Weddings. I promise you it is beyond all wildest dreams. From a show-stopping Marchesa gown to museum worthy portraits by Simply Sarah, the backdrop of the Amalfi Coast (also reflected in the painterly stationery by Momental Deigns) and the move-you-to-tears video by Lovely Valentine, there’s so much to love about this celebration. Pore through every last detail and if you’re still yearning for gorgeous Italian style imagery, check out this couple’s engagement session right here!

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The Proposal…

After just over a year of datinh Theo and I went on a vacation with my family to Iceland. On the third day of our vacation, March 27th, we went on a tour to look at waterfalls that culminated in snowmobiling up a glacier. It was a magical day. We migrated up the glacier to a cave which we toured with a guide. It was a very romantic place, and there was even a wedding chapel inside with benches. As we were gearing up to leave, we stood in front of a radiant wall with color changing lights. He said, “Let’s take a selfie!” Those words were music to my ears since I never turn down a good selfie. We took two pictures but the lighting was terrible so we gave up. But as I was putting my phone away, he grabbed my hand, turned me to face him, and got on one knee. He asked me to marry him, and I just nodded my head because I was I was so in shock I couldn’t speak. It was so unexpected, especially inside a glacier!We celebrated on the mountain. He had apparently been lugging a champagne bottle all day in a backpack with the help of my family, and he kept the ring hidden in his snow pants so I couldn’t find it. The day was such a fairytale and got even better with a surprise solar storm that night that allowed us to see the Northern Lights in all their splendor. We couldn’t have asked for a better day!

Wedding Planning…

We always talked about wanting a small wedding surrounded by the people we love the most in a magical place. We are both foodies and love wine, so we said, why not Italy? I scoured the Internet looking for the perfect place that we would both fall in love with and the perfect planner to help us put together the most perfect weekend wedding. We chose to work with Laura Frappa from Exclusive Weddings Italy, and we absolutely loved her work ethic, attention to detail, creativity, and positive energy. With her help, we looked at many great options but ultimately chose Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Italy. Neither of us had visited, but we decided it was our ideal location. It had history and romance and just as importantly a Michelin star restaurant with an incredible wine cellar.

Pretty quickly the pieces started falling into place, and all of our 5 AM Skype calls to Italy proved fruitful. A few months into the planning process, we still hadn’t found a photographer to capture our special day. We had interviewed countless photographers, but we never really clicked with any of them. However, one day on Instagram while shoe shopping of all things, I happened upon another photographer named Sarah. I immediately fell in love with her work and sent some of her photos to Theo to get his opinion. As a photography junkie himself, he was in charge of one thing and one thing only – choosing the photographer. Theo is one of the busiest people I know, so it took him awhile to review what I’d sent. But when he did, he knew immediately she would be our top choice. I will never forget when he finally had an opportunity to speak with Sarah by phone for the first time while we were shopping in New York City. She asked him to describe me, and he ran through my height, weight, ethnicity, and all of the physical features. I nearly died laughing. She laughed very hard as well, then followed up, “No, who is she on the inside?” I could tell she would be a great fit just based on that conversation.

The Wedding Weekend…

Our wedding weekend was an absolute fairy tale. In creating the decor, we drew inspiration from Italian tiles. Our favorite color is blue so we incorporated that into the theme of our wedding.

The weekend started out with a Welcome Dinner, and the theme was a classic Italian pizza party. We had pizzas to order and ate family style with our guests while enjoying some amazing music from a lively Italian quartet. We danced and sang along and even listened to some touching speeches. We just took in the warmth and cozy feeling of what a special moment we had created not only for us, but for all our loved ones. It seemed like it would be hard to top the Friday event at the wedding on Saturday!The next day was the big day, the day we had planned for the past few months. The morning seemed to breeze by, and by the time I knew it I was walking down the aisle into the hand of my dream man. My favorite memory of the wedding day was walking out of that church hand in hand with my newly official husband being showered by flower petals. It seemed like a clip out of a movie, but it was our movie. We met with all our guests in the town center for a toast and then proceeded the march to the villa with some Italian music playing for us until we arrived at Terrazza Dell’infinito, the infinity terrace where we hosted our cocktail hour. The view was breathtaking. We were stunned with how much more magical our day had become watching a sunset full of oranges, pinks, and blues. Walking into our reception space before our big entrance was another of my favorite moments. I could not believe how our vision for the reception had become reality. We danced our first dance under the dreamiest display of a chandelier and hundreds of candles hanging above us. We also had looked forwards to our wedding meal so much, and it did not disappoint. The wines I had so carefully picked out to pair with the dishes went perfectly. We couldn’t believe that we had pulled it off the wedding of our dreams.

Everything from our wedding was our favorite moment! The festivities did not end there because after two perfect days we had another on Sunday. We sailed to Capri with all our friends and family to relax, live in the moment, and take it all the priceless memories we had created together. We are truly so blessed to have been surrounded with so many people that love us, who wanted to share the start of our journey with us.

Recommendation to other brides…

We would absolutely, unconditionally recommend Simply Sarah to everyone that we know, and already have! She is one of the most professional, talented, and fun to work with people we have ever met. She immediately made us feel at ease as she shot photos of us throughout the city and went for shots that felt very natural. She’s efficient, too, and moved so quickly and effectively so that we had plenty of time to really enjoy the events throughout our wedding weekend. We LOVE Simply Sarah, and we couldn’t imagine anyone else capturing our magical wedding so magically!!! We can’t wait to invite her to our next big event!!!

Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Cinematography: Lovely Valentine | Event Planning: Exclusive Italy Weddings | Floral Design: Flower Addicted | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Bride's Shoes: Dolce And Gabbana | Wedding Bands: Cartier | Hair & Makeup: Lara Navarrini | Wedding Venue: Villa Cimbrone | Bridal Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Invitation Suite: Momental Designs

Been obsessing over Allure Bridals’ newest collection, Wilderly Bride, since the moment we featured their stunning debut? Same. Which is why we’re so excited to announce five new ethereal looks being added to their already stunning lineup. We’re thinking of it as an early holiday present with everything from deep necklines to soft tulle and romantic lace.

Nothing says romantic meets modern quite like a bohemian-inspired gown, and these looks from Wilderly Bride? Absolutely breathtaking. From the soft silhouettes to the intricate details to the gorgeous fabrics, they have that laid-back, yet totally elegant look down to an absolute science. We love the sexy, but sophisticated designs and the unexpected detailing, like the fringe lining. We basically dare you not to fall in love with every. last. gown. in this collection.

The only thing better than our first meeting with Wilderly Bride? This mini-release. And if you consider yourself a free-spirited bride who wants to show off your sexy side, while still being cozy, you’ve found your golden ticket. Oh, and did we mention that Wilderly Bride is giving away one Wilderly gown per month?!? Check out the deets below, because you do NOT want to miss out.

What: Wilderly Bride will be giving away one gorgeous gown each month, for an entire year!

For Official Rules & To Enter: Click Here

While the groom should never try and upstage the bride, he’s definitely entitled to look his best as it’s his wedding day too! While a classic tux or suit will never go out of style, many grooms are incorporating new trends in menswear like fun and unexpected colors, accessories, and textures into their looks. Here are 5 trends we’re seeing on the most dashing grooms.

Unexpected jacket colors
For those who are willing to break the mold of the traditional black, grey or navy suit, there are a slew of new colors and textures to outfit the most stylish of grooms. Stick to seasonal hues like burgundy and hunter green in the fall/winter and paler colors in the spring/summer . Don’t be afraid to mix in texture with fabrics like velvet, brocade, linen, or even seersucker for a preppier groom.

Bold Ties
A tie can completely transform a groom’s look, so many grooms these days are foregoing simple ties and incorporating fun prints and patterns into their ties, or wearing a stylish bowtie.

Non-traditional Boutonnieres
Instead of flowers, stylish grooms are taking cues from their wedding settings and wearing boutonnieres made of berries, wildflowers, foliage, succulents, and herbs like olives or rosemary.

Subtle differences between the groom and his groomsmen
Just like a bride will stand out from her bridesmaids, grooms might also want to have subtle differences from his groomsmen. This could mean wearing a different colored suit, wearing a different type or color of tie, or even having a fun and unique pocket square.

Fancy footwear
Patterned socks, cool sneakers, cowboy boots, funky wingtips, the options are endless for grooms to pick their shoes and socks that best represents their style on their wedding day!

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.

I’ll be thinking about this beautiful ceremony idea for days; a circle of blooms symbolizing unity and eternity for the duo to say “I do” within. But details packed with deeper meaning doesn’t stop there. From the magical location to the poetry behind it all, Ideias de Veludo created an elopement inspiration that’s much more than meets the eye. Momento Cativo captured it all on camera and 24 Frames Cinematography even got in on the action live, and we’re pretty pumped to be starting our week in such a wondrous way – enjoy!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/231846901 600 338]

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From Ideias de Veludo… This elopement session brings a little bit of the Portuguese history to life.

The venue was suggested by Vanessa from Momento Cativo when I was also looking for a unique place. I felt like this was a magical spot, like a secret well kept, so it was love at first sight. Obras do Fidalgo is an unfinished façade from the 18th century. Its baroque architecture is beyond beautiful.

The place inspired the rest of the planning. The idea was to transport the beauty and simplicity of the Portuguese history into this elopement wedding.

I could talk about the simple and flowy dress, the color palette, the romantic bouquet, the exquisite cake or the perfect accessories… because all of those elements were particularly chosen for a reason. But when I plan a session, I create a story in my mind, and I truly believe in that story.

So I really want to refer something more deeper and meaningful, that links all the elements, as it links all of us. The vows of this elopement wedding are two poems from two of the most important Portuguese poets: Fernando Pessoa and Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.
These poems are about love between two people… They describe love in the most deepest and raw ways possible.

The couple of the session just need each other to celebrate their feelings. So they decide to celebrate their love together in this magical place surrounded by Portuguese history and nature. The place is as raw as the love they feel for each other.

Also, the flower circle on the floor during the ceremony symbolizes unity, wholeness, timelessness, eternity. It means they are complete, they are one. That´s what they believe in and that´s the only thing that matters.

“Love that finally breaks the raw bonds of Being
Such a simple love that increases in happiness
A love so loyal that increases in suffering”
Fernando Pessoa

“To cross the desert of the world with you
To face together the terror of death
To see the truth to lose the fear
Beside your steps I walked”
Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen

Photography: Momento Cativo | Videography: 24 Frames Cinematography | Floral Design: Velvet From Vera Costa | Dress: Gio Rodrigues | Cake: Maria Carrossel-Doces | Stationery: Levadoaletra | Jewelry: soprojewellery | Makeup + Hair: Jennymakeupland | Creative Direction + Styling: Velvet From Vera Costa | Models: Nokas Castelo Lanhoso + Gonçalo Cardoso

Today is a good day, friends. Why? Because we’re starting it off with this ridiculously stunning engagement session by Simply Sarah Photography. And the couple’s love and proposal story? Just as good as the pictures, so be sure to read the bride’s words below! We guarantee this gallery will leave you wanting more…and you’re in luck. We’ve got their wedding day at at Villa Cimbrone, planned by Exclusive Italy Weddings, coming up later this afternoon. Stay tuned!

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From the Bride… We met on a dating app called Bumble. A friend had been bugging me to try online dating, and I kept refusing until one day she showed up on my doorstep and created a profile for me. She chose the pictures, selected the features that would help me find the perfect guy I was looking for, and asked me to trust her that it would be fun. She was right! After a week of swiping left and right and two failed dates, I matched with a guy named “Thad.” We started chatting right away. I remember asking him what his full name was since I hadn’t ever met a “Thad.” To my surprise, he said “Thad” was an alias for “Theodore” and most people called him “Ted” or “Teddy,” but that I could call him whatever I preferred. I preferred neither and told him that if his name was Theodore, he could only be “Theo” or “Dore.” Ultimately, I went with “Theo.” This is why my entire family now calls him “Theo” and his entire family calls him “Ted.”

After chatting for a few days, he asked for my number. He said he was in New York visiting family but hoped to take me out on a date when he returned. Admittedly, I was skeptical. I had already been on two failed dates, and since he didn’t have social media, I couldn’t stalk this “Theo” character. But we kept talking, and talking, and talking. Nonstop. And the conversation was so good that I eventually said yes to the date. I just had to meet him! Theo and I met at a local bar called Wine Belly. We arrived at the same time, and to my immediate relief, I saw that he really was the very handsome guy in the pictures. It was a beautiful winter evening in Texas, so we sat on the back patio. He let me pick the wine because he said he only knew of two kinds, red and white, which I found amusing as an aspiring sommelier. We then moved onto the food menu. We decided to order a few items to share, but I was shocked to learn that he was lactose intolerant. At first, I thought that might be a deal breaker, since I am such a dairy lover. But when he suggested I get the cheese plate all for myself, it hit me – this might be true love if I never had to share a morsel of cheese! We had a blast laughing and telling stories for over three hours, and the evening passed in the blink of an eye. He drove me home. But when we opened the front door and stepped inside, my Siberian husky walked right in between us and stared up at him as if to say, it’s time to go. Not wanting to cross my rather intimidating dog, Theo said goodnight and left.

We went on two more dates the following week, and I was falling for him pretty quickly. But then came Valentine’s Day, my least favorite holiday. I told him not to plan anything. However, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He bought me the most beautiful flowers and card, which he tried to get in Spanish because I’m Mexican, but it turned out saying, “Hope you get better soon,” because he asked a store clerk to translate the cards. I thought it was so funny and adorable.

A few wonderful months went by, and I still had not introduced him to family. I wanted to make sure that the next guy I brought home was the real deal and hopefully my future husband. Finally, I introduced him to my mom when she came to Austin to visit. He was so nervous, but it could not have gone better. Not too long afterwards, I met his mom on her next visit from New York. I was very nervous to meet her, but we had a wonderful weekend together and even took an excursion to the wineries. After that I knew I could introduce him to my family, and when they met him, they loved him.

As the months went by, he won me over more and more with his thoughtfulness and affection. For example, he always showed up at my house at the same time on Wednesdays for our date night. Every week he would surprise me by orchestrating elaborate dates and keep me in the dark until we arrived at our destination. It was so much fun! Fast forward to five months of dating. One night I had a dream that I was going to marry this man, and I woke up in the middle of the night and wrote down the vows that I had said to him during the wedding in my dream. I read them the next morning, and they were pretty silly. Nonetheless, I realized that I had fallen deeply in love and wanted to marry him one day. That is when the waiting game began. In what felt like a few moments, our one-year dating anniversary arrived, and we had already talked about wanting to get married. However, the anniversary came and went, and no proposal was in sight!

A month later, Theo and I went on a vacation to Iceland with my family. On the third day of our vacation, March 27th, we went on a tour to look at waterfalls that culminated in snowmobiling up a glacier. It was a magical day. We migrated up the glacier to a cave which we toured with a guide. It was a very romantic place, and there was even a wedding chapel inside with benches. As we were gearing up to leave, we stood in front of a radiant wall with color changing lights. He said, “Let’s take a selfie!” Those words were music to my ears since I never turn down a good selfie. We took two pictures but the lighting was terrible so we gave up. But as I was putting my phone away, he grabbed my hand, turned me to face him, and got on one knee. He asked me to marry him, and I just nodded my head because I was so in shock I couldn’t speak. It was so unexpected, especially inside a glacier! We celebrated on the mountain. He had apparently been lugging a champagne bottle all day in a backpack with the help of my family, and he kept the ring hidden in his snow pants so I couldn’t find it. The day was such a fairytale and got even better when a surprise solar storm that night that allowed us to see the Northern Lights in all their splendor. We couldn’t have asked for a better day!

Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Dress: Milly | Hair + Makeup: Lara Navarrini | Venue: Villa Cimbrone | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Planning: Exclusive Italy Weddings

From the champagne, to the fireworks, and the midnight kisses and celebratory confetti — New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion for a wedding! For engaged couples this means you get to start out the 1^st of the year as a newly married couple, and for guests this means they don’t have to go through the trouble of planning something and instead get a guaranteed party!

When planning, be careful not to go too overboard and veer off into theme party territory and instead check out these 10 fun and festive ways to incorporate the holiday and throw the best NYE wedding bash ever.

10 Ways to Throw the Best NYE Wedding Bash Ever

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10 Ways to Throw the Best NYE Wedding Bash Ever

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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.

Congratulations to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on their recent engagement! If an American “civilian” can get engaged to a prince, we’re thinking that other American gals can pull off her classy, timeless engagement outfit.

People will be using those words to describe your style when you snag some of these pieces. We aren’t all working with the royal budget so these items are more affordable versions Meghan’s stunning attire.

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Get Meghan Markle's Engagement Look

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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.

Let’s be honest here, 2017 was a little rough. But through the many ups and downs of the past year, we could always count on your real weddings to prove there’s still love, beauty and goodness in the world. From the most magical, intimate affairs to big celebrations overflowing with love, these 25 gorgeous days (in no particular order) filled our days with endless joy!

A Wedding Filled with Whimsy and a Stunning Butterfly Release

Every single moment of this Southern California wedding is literal perfection, which should come as no surprise seeing as the bride is the founder of Flutter Magazine. From the flirty wedding dress to the whimsical florals to the sweet butterfly release, this big day couldn’t be any more gorgeous!

Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Event Planning + Design: Joy Proctor Design

A Lush Floral Aisle Adds Beautiful Whimsy to this Coastal Wedding

Jaw-dropping. Show-stopping. Breathtaking. No matter which adjective you choose to describe this colorful wedding, words simply can’t do this beauty justice. The colors, the setting, the florals — it’s enough to make you believe in magic!

Photography: Michael Radford Photography | Event Planning + Design: Twine Events

Intimate Amalfi Coast Wedding with a Fireworks Finish

Our love affair with this destination wedding all started with a dress. This beautiful Paolo Sebastian gown, to be exact. Then came the stunning florals, whimsical color palette and a fireworks finish, and we were totally and completely smitten!

Photography: Jemma Keech | Event Planning + Design: Joy Proctor Design

Romantic Wedding Built for Two in Paso Robles

At first glance, this romantic day looked too good to be true. The flowers were too pretty. The setting was too stunning. And the couple was too beautiful. But, upon closer examination, we realized that this day is 100 percent real and more incredible than we can even begin to put into words.

Photography: Lacie Hansen | Event Planning + Design: Bash Please

Magical Elegance is a Pool Filled with Coral Peonies

“Magical elegance” was this couple’s inspiration for their wedding and they most certainly hit the nail on the head. Combining the classic beauty of the Bedford Post Inn with moments of brilliance like a pool dotted with coral peonies and bright blooms, this celebration planned toes the line between cozy, relaxed and wildly gorgeous.

Photography: Simply Sarah Photography | Event Planning: Eventavli

These Globetrotters Picked the Most Magical Spot to Say “I Do”

With hues of white, cream, Champagne, blush and gray, this tropical island paradise (complete with the most stunning views) transformed into a soft, whimsical and romantic garden wedding. Chandeliers, flowing fabric and lots of candlelight complete the enchanting illusion!

Photography: Greg Finck | Event Planning + Design: Bali Exclusive

From the Fashion to the Ceremony Spot, this Wedding is Pure Magic

The phrase “enchanted forest” was created to describe this ceremony spot nestled between the trees. And it’s just part of what lands this Australian wedding on our best of list. The bride’s two custom wedding dresses and a classic, tented reception complete this magical day.

Photography: Katie Grant Photography | Event Design: The Romance Crew

This Wedding is the Prettiest Ode to All Things Blue

The beauty of this Virginia day is all in the details. Case in point? The charming bowtie bar, French lavender sachets, vintage blue glassware, the calligraphy macarons — it’s enough to make your heart swell!

Photography: Ryan Ray Photography | Event Planning + Design: Jacin Fitzgerald Events

In Terms of Gorgeous, This Napa Valley Wedding Takes the Cake

Our jaws literally dropped when we first saw this Napa Valley wedding — just look at that ceiling! The most stunning combination of modern and romantic, this day instantly became a favorite as soon as we saw it.

Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Event Planning: Laurie Arons Special Events

A Wedding in the Woods with Nods to the Bride’s Equestrian Roots

With an all-star team of vendors (Joel Serrato, Elysium Productions, Laurie Arons, Mindy Rice and more), it’s no surprise that this gorgeous day made our list. From a grand, magnolia tree lined entrance to the most delicious culinary delights, and special nods to the Bride’s equestrian roots, this wedding is one for the books.

Photography: Joel Serrato Films + Photographs | Event Planning + Design: Laurie Arons Special Events

This Happily Ever After Started at the Gym

Get ready to pin each and every gorgeous detail from this winery wedding! The luxe velvet ribbon wrapped around the beautiful bride’s bouquet, the reception under the the oak trees, the Irish traditions, and so much more, we can’t help but wish this wedding was our own!

Photography: Lacie Hansen | Event Planning + Design: Jill & Co. Events

A Glamorous Destination Affair with Stunning Views of the Amalfi Coast

Surrounded by just 24 of their closest friends and family, this bride and groom chose to marry in one of the most picturesque spots on earth: the historic Villa Cimbrone, an 11th Century Manor on the Amalfi Coast, in Ravello, Italy. Playing up the venue’s gorgeous architecture, the bride designed a day overflowing with sophistication, elegance and romance!

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Event Planning: Honey & Cinnamon | Event Design: Ebb & Flow Events

Elegant Santa Ynez Celebration Infused with the Prettiest French Blue

Trust us, this Sunstone Villa wedding is understated elegance at its very finest. In a color palette of French blue, creme, gold and taupe, the details of this day — the bride’s Samuelle Couture wedding dress, the organic florals, the clean design — shine unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

Photography: Kurt Boomer | Event Planning + Design: Joy Proctor Design

Kicking Off an Elegant Backyard Style Wedding With a Welcome Bubbly Bar

Give us two dashingly handsome (and oh-so-in-love) grooms and a gorgeous golden retriever pup, and we’re happy campers. Add in a welcome bubbly bar, a simple but stunning ceremony and a clean al fresco reception, and you’ve got the makings of one gorgeous day!

Photography: Kristina Adams Photography | Event Planning + Design: Alfred House Productions

Putting a Gorgeous Twist on Classic Red, White and Blue

Chances are when you think of “red, white and blue,” you’re greeted by mental images of American flags and the Fourth of July. This South Carolina affair is about to change all of that. The perfect mix of classic charm and modern whimsy, this colorful day’s spot on the Best Real Weddings of 2017 list was an absolute no-brainer.

Photography: Tec Petaja | Event Design: Calder Clark Designs

Modern Indian Wedding Inspired by a European Garden

We called it last February — this Rhode Island wedding is one of this year’s best. It’s a day that combines two distinct Indian cultures paired with the bride’s personal taste for European charm…and does it all with elegance and grace.

Photography: Twah Dougherty | Event Design: Erin Braun Design

This Just Might Be the Prettiest Ceremony Spot You’ll Ever Lay Eyes On

Go ahead, pinch yourself, because we promise this Phuket wedding is real, even if it looks straight out of a dream. Held on a rooftop with views of the water and surrounding beauty, the ceremony feels as if it’s taking place above the clouds. And it just gets better from there!

Photography: Vasia Photography | Event Planning: The Bridal Planner Thailand

Sage Advice From This Insanely Artistic Bride

One look at this Santa Barbara wedding, and you’ll instantly understand why it’s one of the year’s best. The whimsical color palette, the insanely gorgeous florals and all those Southern California vibes, it’s enough to make your heart skip a beat!

Photography: Michael Radford Photography | Event Planning: Twine Events

A Fall Wedding in Texas With Secret Garden Style

If you’re planning a fall wedding and on the hunt for inspiration, look no further than this stunning Texas fête! From the seriously gorgeous ceremony arch to the enchanting garden reception, we’ll be forever swooning over this day!

Photography: Charla Storey Photography | Event Planning + Styling: Birds Of A Feather Events

Peek Into a Football Player + Model’s Mountaintop Wedding

Set atop a gorgeous mountain overlooking Washington, this wedding not only has views for days but also details that highlight natural, unabashed beauty. From a neutral, elegant color palette to greenery infused florals and a couple that’s equal parts former NFL star and Entrepreneur/ model, there’s not an inch of this celebration that isn’t absolutely breathtaking.

Photography: Sally Pinera | Event Planning, Coordination, Design + Floral Design: Kaleb Norman James

An English Estate Wedding Anchored In Minimalist Design

With a blog dedicated to all things simple living and Scandinavian-inspired design, this bride definitely had a vision for her wedding day: elegant but also relaxed and informal. With a design rooted in minimalism, muted colors such as white and gray, and ultra-romantic blooms designed by Ruby & The Wolf, she achieved just that, and it was breathtaking!

Photography: Taylor & Porter

The Cutest French Café Wedding Ever

This bride and groom met at a restaurant, so it was only fitting that their big day take place at one, too. That’s where the gorgeous Colette Grand Café came in. With a sunny outdoor pavilion and interior decorated in classic French style, it was the perfect backdrop for a day filled with stunning details — from the bride’s beautiful dress to the sweet florals.

Photography: ARTIESE Studios | Event Planning: Lexington And Co Events

This Whitewashed Barn Guarantees a Picture Perfect Wedding

The original plan for this gorgeous Texas wedding included an outdoor ceremony, but rain forced them into Plan B: an indoor ceremony and reception at The White Sparrow. And selfishly, we’re so glad it did, because against the blank slate of the white barn, every gorgeous detail popped.

Photography: Tenth + Grace

A Bali Wedding for Surf Lovers

If every beach wedding looked this gorgeous, the world would be a better, if not prettier, place. In love with sunshine and surf, this Australian couple chose to host an intimate Bali destination wedding full of stunning florals, golden sunlight and panoramic views that will take your breath away.

Photography: Angga Permana | Event Planning: CHER ANGE Weddings & Events

All That Glitters is Gold with This Ballroom Wedding

From the stunning architecture of the Mission Inn to the gorgeous gold and gray color palette that touches everything (including the Brides golden Marchesa gown), this wedding is a feast for the eyes. Add in a bride who works as a floral designer, and you’re truly in for a treat.

Photography: Sposto Photography

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE REAL WEDDING OF THE YEAR?

Introducing the first annual Style Me Pretty Reader’s Choice! This year, we want to know which of these gorgeous days made your heart skip a beat! To vote, simply click on the title of your favorite real wedding and click on the heart icon. We’ll crown the winning day on January 2nd!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Joel Serrato Film Photographer

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Laurie Arons Special Events

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Joy Proctor Design

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Petit Bouquet

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We’re poppin bottles and celebrating the best of 2017. This year has been a gorgeous one for sure and the proof is in this roundup of 15 of the most inspiring photo shoots to grace the pages of Style Me Pretty. Packed inside this shortlist of favorites is everything from minimalism, to modern and all the insanely romantic styles in-between. Get ready to be awestruck because if these aren’t inspiring, we don’t know what is.

The Prettiest Color Combo on the Planet

Photography: Sally Pinera | Floral Design: Lavenders Flowers

Proof That Neutral is Anything But Basic

Photography: Whiskers and Willow | Design and Styling: Haute Fetes | Floral Design: Plenty of Petals

The Perfect Palette for a Fresh Garden Wedding

Photography: Jenny Soi | Design and Styling: NT Events | Floral Design: Laura’s Floras

Escape to Morocco With This Wedding Built for Two

Photography, Design and Styling: Sophie Epton | Floral Design: Remi + Gold

One More Reason to Fall in Love With Cherry Blossoms

Photography: Angela Newton Roy | Design and Styling: Type A Society | Floral Design: Wild Green Yonder

Citrus Wedding Inspiration Gone Totally Chic

Photography: Koman Photography | Design and Styling: Kelly Oshiro | Floral Design: Coco Rose Design

Putting a Fresh Twist on a Classic Garden Affair

Photography: Natalie Bray | Floral Design: Best Day Ever

Sophisticated Southern Charm

Photography: Julie Paisley | Design and Styling: RO & Co. Events | Floral Design: Petal and Pine 

All That Glitters is This Italian Countryside Inspiration

Photography: Maria Lamb | Design, Styling and Florals: Kaleb Norman James

Modern Meets All Out Glamour

Photography: Kenzie Victory | Design and Styling: Rachael Ellen Events 

Romantic Inspiration for the Modern, Minimalist

Photography: Lora Grady Photography | Design and Styling: Bright & Co. Events | Floral Design: Bleedfoot Florals

Bohemian Garden Inspiration + A Real Proposal

Photography: Ellen Ashton | Design and Styling: Ivory & Vine Event Co. | Floral Design: Kate Foley Designs

An Elevated Take on the Cozy Winter Wedding

Photography: Jen Huang | Floral Design: Camellia Floral Design

Bold and Bright Meets Santa Ynez Elegance

Photography: Greg Finck | Design and Styling: Brooke Keegan Special Events | Floral Design: Oak & The Owl 

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

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Jen Huang Photography

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Natalie Bray Studios

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Remi and Gold

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“We got married on the hottest day on record. Not kidding.” When your wedding day unexpectedly presents you with 113°F+ temps, most couples would panic. This bride and groom, however, stayed calm, cool, and collected with the help of Alluring Events + Design. Cool down towels, Bliss Pops, fans, and some creative timeline adjustment kept guests comfortable and allowed everyone to enjoy the incredibly beautiful day, photographed by Arnau Dubois Photography.

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From the Bride… Sawyer and I had been dating for 5 years when he proposed. We were living in New York City at the time, and Sawyer planned a trip to Newfoundland where we would road trip around the island. We started our trip in Gros Morne National Park. On the second day, we ventured on a long hike to a beach. When we finally made it to the beach, it had started to drizzle, causing everyone else to head home. I had packed some pb&j sandwiches, so I sat on a rock to have a snack. Meanwhile, Sawyer had disappeared to explore the surroundings. He eventually returned and abruptly told me we should walk down the beach. Once we got near the end of the beach, Sawyer suddenly got on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was such a special moment, just the two of us on a random beach in Newfoundland. I then realized we had a long hike back. At least this time I had a shiny piece of jewelry to distract me.

A year after getting engaged, we moved back to the city where we met – San Francisco. I knew I wanted my wedding to feel like an intimate dinner party in someone’s backyard. However, we did not know what kind of venue. We stumbled across Beltane Ranch while looking at other venues in wine country and instantly fell in love with its charm, views of the valley, and old oak trees.

We got married on the hottest day on record. Not kidding. The week before, the forecast said mid-80s. I had even rented heaters because I was told it would get cold at night. An unexpected heatwave caused us to scramble only a few days before the wedding. With a high of 113 degrees, I googled all hot weather remedies. I booked Bliss Pops to hand out popsicles to guests as they arrived. We provided cool down towels to put around your neck and fans for guests. The morning of the wedding, the venue agreed to allow us to push our wedding back an hour to get some relief from the heat. I am so thankful for my coordinator and vendors who had no problem with the timeline changed. Everything was executed flawlessly, making the heat a distant worry.

There were so many special moments throughout the day. Before all the guests arrived, we did a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony with close family members. I wore my grandmother’s kua, which was very special. One of my most favorite moments was when Sawyer recited his vows. I have only ever see Sawyer cry once in our 8 years together. To see him break down was truly touching and unexpected. There was not a dry eye in the place. Other moments that stand out are when my dear friends and uncle performed during the ceremony, all the amazing heartfelt speeches, and the first dances. I use to not understand when couples would say that their wedding was the best day of their lives. Now I do.

My advice for couples planning a wedding is to prioritize what elements you really care about. For me, it was the flowers, photographer, music, and ambiance. Don’t worry too much about everything else. You will drive yourself crazy if you try to get everything perfect. I am also very glad we had a welcome dinner the night before. This gave us the opportunity to spend more time with our guests and not feel rushed on our wedding day. And of course, stay present. I took the advice to take mental pictures throughout the night. It really reminded me to pause and enjoy each moment.

Photography: Arnau Dubois Photography | Event Planning: Curated by Grace + White | Floral Design: Vanda Floral Design | Cake: Krumbs Cakes | Catering: Park Avenue Catering | Calligraphy: Shimmer & Stain | DJ: Atoms trio | Venue: Beltane Ranch | Decor: Bright Event Rentals | Dessert: Bliss Pops

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Shimmer & Stain

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