The dunes of Glamis played host to this engagement shoot captured by ART IS FOR LOVERS and the mix of romance and golden light is insane. Grab a front row seat to this desert magic (flowing dresses, sequins and all) with even more stunning imagery right here. Plus read about their super sweet engagement story below!

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On their seven-year anniversary, after three years together in San Francisco, three years of long distance from San Francisco to New York and London, and one year back together in San Diego, John proposed to Holly on top of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Nestled next to Central Park, the museum was their favorite spot in the city to escape the heat of the summer and snow in the winter when John made his monthly trips out to visit Holly in the city. On this occasion, he took her up to the museum’s rooftop; she thought he was going to take a picture of her with the city skyline in the background when he got on one knee and asked her to marry him!

Photography: ART IS FOR LOVERS | Jewelry: New York street vendors | Holly black dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Holly white dress: Forever 21 | John Suit: Banana Republic | John shirt: Bonobos | John shoes: Cole Haan | Picnic items: Ikea

Super chic at the beach? That’s my kinda combo. With the gorgeous Alys Beach as a backdrop, these two said “I do” and celebrated in style (we’re even talking a New Orleans second line!) and Sixpence Productions filmed it all. Add in Myrtie Blue’s florals and these emerald bridesmaid dresses and this is a beach wedding for the books. See pics from James & Schulze in our gallery and enjoy the whole film below!

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From Sixpence Productions… NOLA native? Second line? Destination wedding? What’s a girl to do but bring in the fabulous Angle Events for an Alys Beach Wedding?!?! Christina and Brent said “I do” on the Gulf Green at Alys Beach on April 22nd, surrounded by family and friends. I always say we have the sweetest couples, and these two were no exception. Christina is a stunning girl, but she’s so completely unassuming and laid back, you get the impression she has no idea how lovely she is. One of my all time favorite wedding moments happened when Christina was coming down the aisle. She blushes and shyly hides her head behind her bouquet. It’s absolutely precious, and a wonderful expression of her personality. And please, let’s talk about that bouquet… Alys Beach is always beautiful but Myrtie Blue’s floral design took Christina and Brent’s wedding to a whole new level of breathtaking. From the fabulous circular arch complementing the Gulf Green architecture, to the jaw dropping gorgeousness of Christina’s bouquet, the Myrtie Blue team delivered.

Photography: James and Schulze | Cinematography: Sixpence Studios | Event Planning: Angle Events | Floral Design: Myrtie Blue | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Cake: Confections On The Coast | Invitations: Scriptura | Rings: Béjé Wholesale Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Cafe Thirty-A | Band: The Atlanta Party Band | Groom's Attire: Luca Falcone | Groomsmen's Attire: Perlis | Wedding Venue: Alys Beach | Bridal Boutique: Dimitra's Bridal Couture | Flower Girl Attire Boutique: Mignon New Orleans | Flower Girls' Attire: Suzanne Lively Designs | Groom's Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue | Napkins, Cups, Tote Bags, Sunglasses, Welcome Letters: Ella Paperie | Pocket Squares: The Tie Bar | Ring Bearer's Attire: Perlis | Ring Bearer's Bow Tie: Luca Falcone | Suzanne Perron: Suzanne Perron | Tent, Rentals, Lighting: SOHO Events And Rentals

Something about crisp weather makes me want to hit the road – usually for an away football game. It’s the season for girls’ trips (wine tasting, anyone?), and I start feeling a magnetic pull back toward home for Thanksgiving. The problem that comes with this cooler season? Cozy layers are a lot bulkier in my carry-on bag. What’s a girl who needs outfit options to do? Here’s my tried-and-true strategy:

Kristina Adams Photography

Main Event Outfit
Wedding, Gameday, music festival — whatever your reason to travel — pick this outfit first. You’ll build the rest of your weekend wardrobe in whatever space you have left.

Lay out all the layers and accessories you need for this outfit. Don’t forget a clutch if you’re heading to a party!

Pick one item you’ll wear again during the weekend. For example, chic up your cocktail dress with a leather jacket; then wear that jacket over a white tee and jeans for a smooth Sunday brunch. Maximizing every piece will minimize the number of things you need to pack. How about that packing mantra?

Lisa Dolan Photography

Foundation Pieces
Pick two pieces you can wear with multiple outfits to be the “foundation” of your packing list. I recommend a pair of pants and a versatile outer layer.

Jeans are the anchor for fall dressing. They go with everything, and you can (and should) wear them multiple times before washing. Pack your favorite pair to wear with a cozy sweater during the day and a feminine silk button down for the evening. Bonus points if you can wear them to your main event!

A leather jacket is your best friend on this packing guide. It transitions with everything in your suitcase. Little black dress? Graphic tee? Velvet tank? Yes.

A House in the Hills

Item Options
Now pull individual items to wear with your foundation pieces. Think: sweaters, plaid button downs, and light layers you can pair with jeans. Add an easy dress to go with a leather or bomber jacket.

Picking a few mix-and-match items will give you outfit options without compromising your carry-on bag.

Pictillio

Accessories
Wear your bulkiest boot and any easy-to-smash accessory – like a fedora – on the plane. Packing a few coordinating accessories will give you even more outfits to choose from.

You should only need two (max three, if you need heels for a night out) pairs of shoes. For example, riding boots, athleisure kicks for exploring, and maybe a heeled boot or stilettos for your main event. They take the most room in your suitcase, so choose wisely.

Colorful scarves and baseball caps are easy to pack and on trend for a casual brunch with friends (or traveling home). For instance, elevate a concert tee with a blanket scarf – or edge it up with a ball cap and bomber jacket.

Torrey Fox

Pack it up and head on out!
Approaching your packing with a strategy is the best (and maybe only) way to fit your fabulous fall wardrobe into a small carry-on suitcase. I like to lay everything out on my bed first, so I can see how all the pieces fit together. Then I put my least favorite options back in the closet. Every outfit needs to be photo ready!

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

The heart-melting moments captured by Elizabeth Fogarty Photography of Lauren and Mohammed’s wedding are too many to count. From the adorable pre-wedding gift – a puppy named Gatsby, to the vows Lauren read to Mohammed’s son during the ceremony, I squealed then cried my way through this beautiful gallery. There’s so much to love about this classic D.C. affair!

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From Elizabeth Fogarty Photography… Lauren and Mohammed wanted to welcome their guests to a quintessential Washington D.C. experience for their wedding weekend. They moved from New York to D.C. in the spring of 2016 and wanted to celebrate the place where they will begin their life together.

When considering venues, they selected Meridian House because of its history, elegance, and classic style. Designed by John Russell Pope – who also designed the the Jefferson Memorial, the National Archives, and the West Building of the National Gallery of Art – Meridian House captures the feel of D.C. in a more intimate setting. They also fell in love with the Linden Grove, an Italian style garden which reminded them of their time on the Amalfi Coast.

Given the beauty of Meridian House, they wanted a simple, elegant wedding design that did not have any sense of “snootiness”, to use Lauren’s term. Beth Trenti, of Porter and Ives, worked with ivory and cream garden roses and added in local DC blackberries, grapevines, and hops for a more laid-back, seasonal feel.

The wedding menu also considered the Muslim faith of Mohammed’s family. While he is not Muslim, they wanted his family to feel welcomed and respected with sparkling juices and a pork-free menu.

Lauren and Mohammed share a love of travel. Mohammed proposed on the beach in Rio de Janeiro at the 2016 Olympics, and their honeymoon took them to Dubai (where Mohammed was born), the Maldives, and Sri Lanka where Lauren met Mohammed’s extended family.

SoulCycle is one of their favorite activities, so they invited all their wedding guests to a ride the morning of their wedding.

Zach, Mo’s son, was a big part of the wedding. Lauren even read vows to him, too!

Lauren and Mo had the sweetest first look, and Mo surprised Lauren with the gift of a puppy – Gatsby!

Photography: Elizabeth Fogarty | Floral Design: Porter & Ives | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Stationery: Emily Rose Ink | Shoes: Bella Belle | Ring: Tiffany & Co. | Catering: Susan Gage | Makeup: Erica Basha | Hair: Styled By Anna Fazio | Lighting: Pike Productions | Band: ANDY KUSHNER ENTERTAINMENT | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Officiant: Jeff Maszal | Venue: Meridian House | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Bialeks Music | Event Design + Coordination: A. Griffin Events | Flower Girls' Apparel: Jenny Yoo

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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One look at this Pronovias gown at Jinwang with its epic cape (one of the top 10 trends we saw at Fall 2018 Bridal Week!), and Larissa Cleveland Photography knew she had to create an inspiration shoot for it. Eliza Desch Makeup and Hair transformed the Bride into a Grecian goddess, and the resulting look packs a whole lot of bridal punch. Add in the grand staircase of San Francisco’s City Hall, and you’ve got all the drama a bold and beautiful Bride could ask for!

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From Larissa Cleveland Photography… On a visit to Jin Wang’s Penthouse Atelier in San Francisco, I first saw this magnificent Pronovias dress. The cape was just so epic (and on-trend for this coming year!), I knew there was only one place in the city that could hold its own against this dress – San Francisco City Hall. We created this shoot around the dress itself, and since City Hall is such a transportive space, we went with a romantic, Grecian theme for the styling of the model. The enormous dome of City Hall and the giant black doors of the War Memorial next door were the perfect, timeless backdrop. We took colors tones from the architecture as inspiration for the tablescape and San Francisco themed invites.

Photography: Larissa Cleveland Photography | Floral Design: Bud Botanical | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Hair + Makeup: Eliza Desch | Venue: City Hall | Bridal Boutique: jinwang | Hairpiece: Ossai | Model: Michelle Coldiron | Printed Materials: Yonder Design | Runner + Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Table Styling: Larissa Cleveland Photography | Tableware: CB2

As the mama of a 7 month old, I’m challenged on the daily get creative with my beauty and style routines. Most of the time, I simply don’t have the time. So, I count on little short cuts to instantly whip myself into shape, or at the very least—trick myself into feeling that way! Whether you’ve got kiddos or not, we all have those days where we need some extra help. Here are five ways to do just that.

Fancy Up with Jewelry

My #1 go-to for feeling a little extra, even when I’m wearing gym clothes and sporting a top knot is to put a simple pair of earrings on and my favorite dainty gold necklace. It really does the trick!

Put on Pretty Lingerie

Feeling a little frumpy in those granny panties? Layer a little lovely underneath your daily wear! I love pairing bralettes with casual tees and jeans. A little lace peeking out is always fun and makes me feel youthful (instead of a 30-something mama!).

Elevate Your Eyes

No time for the full makeup routine? Focus on the eyes. A little mascara goes a long way! You can also consider doing lash extensions or liner tattooing, which completely elevate your whole no-makeup look. I have several friends who do this and absolutely love it. Also, don’t forget your brows. Pop in for a quick wax and voila!

Give Yourself a Spritz

I usually save perfume for special events or date night, but sometimes I’m feeling the need for a little spritz on a random Tuesday. Keep in mind—choose fresh, clean and light scents for work settings as others might find strong scents irritating. Face mists and essential oil sprays are incredible for a quick refresher, too, and not as heavy.

Style Your Clothing

Ever wonder how the fashion bloggers look so stylish in the same shirt you just bought, but you feel so frumpy in it? Style it! Master the art of the shirt knot, the tuck, the off-shoulder look, the sleeve roll, you name it. It’s not just what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

Even if you are a die hard color lover, this inspiration is sure to make your heart skip a beat or two. It’s THAT pretty. Layered in neutrals designed by Haute Fetes with a stunning tabletop crafted by Casa de Perrin, and equally gorgeous florals by Plenty of Petals, this inspiration is out to prove that beige is anything but boring. Get inspired to ditch color for all out romance with images captured by Whiskers and Willow.

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From HauteFetes Fine Weddings and Event… Hidden Castle is Rancho Santa Fe’s newest private wedding estate, a French castle that conjures the magic and European romanticism of 18th-Century Paris. Between the natural light and beautiful architecture, this was a dream editorial to create and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to design it with Whiskers and Willow, the perfect photographer, to capture it all.

Our editorial tells the story of a beautiful affair between young lovers; a bride getting ready on her wedding day; a groom with boyishly good looks; an intimate ceremony followed by a sunset reception on a terrace high above the clouds. It is at once elegant and understated with lush, textured florals and finely crafted details.

From a design perspective, our primary goal was to ensure a cohesive feel between venue and décor. Instead of the usual blues associated with French settings, for our color story we opted for neutrals: Milky whites, tea-stained ivories, and tawny taupes that mirrored the creaminess of the stucco, stone floors and walls, leaving the slate blue roof and lush ivy as counterpoints to our color palette. We love how combining these understated hues can set just about any scene, from romantic and rustic to minimalist and sleek.

The amazingly talented Plenty of Petals brought the floral vision to life, eliminating greenery entirely, with layers of natural texture and clusters of garden roses, peonies, astilbe, snowberry and dried oak leaf branches. Hey, There Cupcake mimicked this same floral abandon beautifully, with the palest sugar flowers speckled with edible gold leaf on an elegant three-tiered, ivory wedding cake. We were deliberately subtle in our use of gold, reserving it for accents, such as the exquisite Acute Designs hair combs we used in our bride’s chignon.

For our tabletop, the ever-sophisticated pairing of La Tavola linens and Casa de Perrin tableware provided an overall antique sensibility. And no-where was this Old-World quality more evident than in the invitation suite: Shastabell’s romantic script telling a timeless love story with each flourish of ink, finished with a gold wax seal.

A European-inspired, vintage-looking lace Sachin and Babi gown, jewelry from The Diamond Boutique and a fresh dewy look for our bride by Beauty by Stacey, along with a contemporary take on the classic tuxedo with a navy blue and black-collared Canali, completed our couple’s looks.

Photography: Jacqueline Benét Photography | Videography: Je T'aime Media | Floral Design: Plenty Of Petals | Cake: Hey There, Cupcake! | Invitations: Shasta Bell Calligraphy | Reception Venue: Estate Wedding And Events | Bride's Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Diamond Boutique | Hair and Makeup: Beauty By Stacey | Groom: Adam Miller | Groom's Attire: Gary's Menstore | Venue: Paradise Shores - Venue Lust | Bride: scout model and talent | Candles: Creative Candles | Design, Planning, Styling: HauteFetes | Dress Boutique: M Bride Salon | Dress Designer: Sachin And Babi | Groom's Shoes: Donald J Pliner Shoes | Hair Accessories: Acute Designs | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin | Tuxedo Designer: Canali

It’s time to introduce you to another new Blogger Bride! We’re thrilled Laura from bright and beautiful blog is going to share all her wedding planning details with SMP! We know you’ll love this Chicago gal’s style and her New Orleans wedding next year is sure to be a gorgeous affair!

MEET LAURA

Hello, Style Me Pretty readers! My name is Laura and I’m the creator of bright and beautiful, a life and style blog based in Chicago. Aside from my professional background in public relations, I created my site in 2013 as a fun and creative outlet to share everyday musings — all inspired by feminine and classic sense of style. I’m thrilled to join the SMP family and share with you my wedding planning journey!

THE PROPOSAL

My fiancé, Kevin, and I became engaged last December on a snowy day in Aspen. It truly was a surprise – and completely magical. He proposed near the base of Aspen Mountain, which was totally decked out for the holidays and lit with twinkling lights all around. Those who know me, understand how much I adore Christmas – and becoming engaged to the love of my life was the best gift of all. We called our family and friends with the happy news, and celebrated all over town as a newly engaged couple.

OUR WEDDING VISION

I’m based in downtown Chicago, but have always felt a connection to the South. So much so, my fiancé and I decided to hold our wedding next fall in New Orleans! It’s a city Kevin and I both have loved visiting together, plus New Orleans holds tradition for my side of family. I’m envisioning our wedding as a celebration that feels warm, inviting, romantic and a little Old-Hollywood. Our wedding will take place in the heart of the Garden District in New Orleans, among lots of candlelight, lush florals and live jazz. We’re so excited for the year ahead, and I can’t wait to have you follow along the fun as we plan and celebrate the big day!

Designed by the ladies of Beijos Events, along with florals by Palms and Petals plus wine by Argaux, this girls’ night is heading out to sea. Welcome to wine tasting on a boat. It’s a genius way to celebrate with your gal pals and comes equipped with some really stunning scenery and expert sommeliers. Get inspired to host a party on the open water with this gem captured by Alison Bernier.

I love a change in season, although we don’t get much of it here in Southern California. The mornings and evenings may get a bit colder but it’s still pretty warm during the day. You won’t find me complaining though, it gives us the opportunity to do sunset cruises on the water like this one! I recently styled a little wine night for a few special ladies on a Duffy Boat in Newport Harbor.

We didn’t really need a reason to celebrate, but we made this one about welcoming Fall and enjoying each other’s company, which as busy working ladies we don’t get to do nearly enough. The ladies of Argaux joined us, they are Arden and Margaux and are sommeliers. They offer their expertise in wine from anything to wine clubs, help with what to serve at your dinner party or just helping you decide what wine to have on hand for yourself! They lead us on our wine adventure that night and didn’t disappoint with delicious rosé, sauvignon blanc and pinots.

Each bottle had a bit of history to it which was so fun to hear! They also brought an amazing cheese board, so they were definitely everyone’s favorite! I of course made sure the setting was beautiful for our beautiful guests!

Kristin of the Garage Collective brought along pillows and throws so the ladies were all comfortable. Palms & Petals made the festive Fall floral arrangement which everyone was talking about. And last but not least the amazing paper goods were created by Yellow Heart Art. She designed the most beautiful invitation, menu and place cards for each guest, but our favorite had to be the tasting notes! We each got to jot down what we learned and keep it on this beautiful piece she designed. As the sun set we were all in awe of where we live… It was a beautiful night and it doesn’t get much better than that!

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Photographer: Alison Bernier | Florals: Palms & Petals | Cheese Board: The Butchery | Decor: The Garage Collective | Duffy Boat: Voyagers | Event Design/Hosts: Beijos Events | Guest: A Note on Style | Guests: Art of Being Female | Paper Goods: Yellow Heart Art | Sommeliers/Wine: Argaux

Most couples collapse post wedding, finally able to relax but these two hit the ground running… literally. They said “I do” then headed up to New England to compete in the Boston Marathon and if that is any indication on the type of marriage and life they’ll have together, we predict some pretty grand adventures! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet… we have an intimate, romantic vineyard wedding to dive into, thanks to Shannon Moffit’s pics right this way!

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From the Groom… Surrounded by our family and close friends, Kristina and I were married at Veritas Vineyard in Afton, Virginia. April 15, 2017 provided clear skies, lush landscapes, and a truly gorgeous bride – all of which were captured by our amazing photographer. We truly could not have been more pleased with the venue, meal, and band we enjoyed with the love and support of our guests.

After a delicious Easter brunch, the next morning we traveled to Boston, Massachusetts for our first success as husband and wife – completion of the Boston Marathon. The memorable weekend proved to set the pace for our marriage, and we are off and running!!

From Shannon Moffit Photography… From the moment I met Kristina and Bryan, I knew they were a fun-loving couple with a fondness for adventure. They said their vows on a beautiful day in April, against the scenic mountain views at Veritas Winery. They danced the night away with friends and family– all before jumping on a plane and heading to Massachusetts to run the Boston Marathon together two days later!

Photography: Shannon Moffit Photography | Floral Design: Blue Ridge Floral | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Makeup + Hair: Anna Breeding | Band: Bachelor Boys Band | Wedding Venue: Veritas Vineyards

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As these two cuties exchanged their vows during their sweet, Southern wedding, a rainbow – yes, a RAINBOW! – lit up the sky above them. Clearly this is an exceptional couple, and Heather Benge Events planned an equally special outdoor ceremony bedecked with stunning arrangements by Everly Alaine Florals to celebrate their love and commitment. Candlelight Films and Nicole Berrett Photography were there to capture the magic of the day, rainbow and all – there’s more waiting for you in the Vault.

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From the Bride… Blake and I met in one of the most spectacular ways! I had just graduated college and had moved to the big city of Houston as a marketing manager. I wasn’t sure it was going to work out in Houston, but after making friends and getting more plugged in, I finally started warming up (figuratively and literally!) to the idea of Houston. Then, one night, I accepted an invitation to go to an Astros game with a group of friends from church. Unbeknownst to me, mid-way through the game, Blake somehow managed to maneuver his way into sitting next to me. We talked and talked, and I was immediately interested by how unguarded, funny, and effortless it was to talk to him. Out of the blue, just as we were soaking it all in, fireworks started going off in the stadium above us! It was so magical!

Two years later, he proposed on the beach, and we got to plan the wedding of our dreams together. Picking a favorite moment from the entire day is near impossible. If I had two chose just one, it would be the beautiful rainbow (yes, rainbow!) that appeared in the sky when Blake and I started saying our vows to each other. To us, it was one of the most remarkable signs of Jesus’s love for us and the commitment we were making to each other in marriage. Having both grown up with parents who divorced and then remarried, we were very skeptical and hesitant about having a big wedding. Eight parents can be a lot to handle! We were nervous it would surface some difficult memories, but instead Jesus chose to use it for His glory and showed us a beautiful sign of His love and support for us. The night was filled with laughter, silly dance moves, reconciliation, and love, and we wouldn’t change it for the world!

My biggest advice to any Bride is to be present in every moment! Planning a wedding can be time consuming and stressful, budgets can go off course, and things don’t always go as planned. Just embrace it all and find joy in every step of the process! Your marriage is the most important part at the end of the day, and the memories you make with your vendors, friends, family, and your fiancé will be the ones you remember and laugh about for a lifetime. Stress and worry are just not worth it!

Photography: Nicole Berrett Photography | Cinematography: Candlelight Films | Event Planning: Heather Benge Events | Floral Design: Everly Alaine Florals | Cake: Whisk Bakery | Catering: All Star Catering | Hair + Makeup: Lola Beauty | Calligraphy: Lauren Brod | DJ: J&A entertainment | Band: BRW Billy kennedy | Wedding Venue: The Farmhouse | China + Glassware Rentals: Swift + Company | Furniture Rentals: Love Birds Vintage Rental | Linen Rentals: Elegant Beginnings | Photo Booth: Monkey Booth

Akin to the feeling of the day after Christmas, after your wedding, you may be feeling a little sad or down. You’re thrilled to be married to your soulmate, but after spending months of all-consuming planning and anticipation leading up to the best day of your lives, it’s understandable that when it’s all over you might feel at a loss.

Here are 5 things you and your husband can do to fill the wedding-planning void and cheer you up for months to come!

Plan date nights

Make date night plans at least a couple of nights a month for the 6-month period following your wedding. This will give you something to look forward to during the long workweeks and can be a fun project to research different types of date activities. Make reservations at the restaurants you’ve been dying to try, take a cooking class, or go see a play, live music, comedy show or sporting event. There are so many potential ideas out there, so take turns planning and have fun and romantic nights together!

Cook with all your new registry items

Chances are your kitchen is now stocked with some amazing new cookware, electrics, cutlery, bakeware, and entertaining essentials. So stop getting takeout and start saving and cooking recipes you previously would have been too intimidated to try. Besides having fun spending time together in the kitchen, now you and your hubby can also entertain and host the dinner party of your dreams for friends and family!

Re-decorate your home

Whether or not you lived together before the wedding, after you’re married is the perfect time to look at your home with a fresh set of eyes. You want your home to reflect your style as a couple and re-decorating is a project you can both get behind. While there will inevitably be compromises, find design inspiration you both agree upon and then tackle the projects together. Go to flea markets or antique fairs on the weekend for unique finds, hang up art or pictures from the wedding, and style your space with all your new registry items!

Join a team or club

Most cities have multiple rec leagues offering fun team sports like softball, volleyball, dodgeball and kickball! This is a great way to be active, meet new friends and have something social to look forward to each week. If sports aren’t your thing, try joining a trivia team at a local bar or pub. For a little more culture, start or join a club with your other coupled friends, like a monthly book, documentary or cookbook club.

Volunteer together
Giving back to your communities or to an organization you care about is incredibly rewarding and a great use of freed up time and energy. There are so many ways to volunteer now through a combination of giving time, money and skills! Help raise money for a charity, staff a local animal shelter or event or use some of your skills! Many couples today can work with non-profits on pro-bono business activities, or mentor underprivileged youth by helping with school work or college applications.

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.

You know how sometimes you find something so good, so incredible, so exquisite that you just can’t help but get goosebumps? That’s exactly what happens when you come across a Naeem Khan wedding dress. Each gown is crafted with such immaculate attention to detail — from the intricate beading to the luxurious fabrics — that it wouldn’t be fair to call them anything less than masterpieces. And Heather Waraksa’s stunning captures of the making of the Fall 2018 Collection deserve the title “masterpiece,” too. Cue the goosebumps!

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Photography: Heather Waraksa | Wedding Dress: Naeem Khan

We know that Pronovias is always a can’t-miss event during New York Bridal Fashion Week, and this year they most certainly did NOT disappoint. All stunning gowns and celebrity spottings, their 2018 Atelier Pronovias Collection took NYC by storm with designs that were equal parts sophisticated AND totally luxe. Hervé Moreau is a design genius, you guys. See the gorgeous below.

Take it from us… the 2018 Atelier Pronovias Collection fashion show wasn’t just any old fashion show – it started with gorgeous designs on the red carpet and ended with some of the most breathtaking bridal gowns you will ever see gracing the runway. From the sophisticated lace + crepe jumpsuit worn by Katie Cassidy to Andy Adler’s glam cold-shoulder frock to the lineup of beautiful bridal gowns that boasted everything from soft, silky fabrics to glitzy embellishments, this was a runway show that was basically bridal heaven on earth.

It’s safe to say that when it comes to bridal fashion (and fashion in general), Pronovias nails it. Every. single. time. And their stunning 2018 Atelier Pronovias Collection is everything we can’t stop talking about with figure-flattering silhouettes, amazing fabrics (hey there, organza, crepe, satin and lace) and designs that are all you’ll be talking about in 2018. Oh, and did we mention the white gemstone embroidery? We love the way it adds such a delicate touch.

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To find your statement-making dream gown, visit Pronovias to find a retailer near you. And for even more inspiration, get a peek at all of the backstage happenings from the big event here.

Photography: Danica Mrozinsky | Makeup: Marina Christine for Artis Brushes

If your house is dinner party central, then you know that every holiday deserves a get-together of its own. But if the ghouls and ghosts of Halloween have you avoiding one of the most fun holidays of the year: don’t. Today we’re running through a list of 11 registry picks that will guarantee a dinner party that is more elegant than spooky. Scroll for the glam Halloween of your dreams below.

11 Must-Have Registry Picks For A Glam Halloween Party

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11 Must-Have Registry Picks For A Glam Halloween Party

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Checking the mailbox after we got engaged all of a sudden became reminiscent of Christmas morning. For a few weeks, there was always a card or package with our name on it. Combine that with almost nightly drink plans or phone calls, and we were in full-on-celebration mode (no complaints here)!

Read on for a few of our favorite ways our friends and family celebrated us when we were newly-engaged.

Michael and Carina Photography

Throw A Small Get Together
Since we got engaged with just family away in Maine, our friends planned a small get together when we returned. There’s no gift that can compare to real human interaction, and this gesture was by far a favorite. Toasting with our friends in person will certainly go down in our books as one of the best evenings.

Pick Up the Phone
One of the best parts of getting engaged is sharing the fantastic news with friends and family. And what we loved the most about the process was connecting with our loved ones after the fact. It was so nice to hear their voices, as opposed to the typical text, and catch up—with our news and theirs! So many people reached out to talk on the phone (a rarity these days) and we couldn’t have loved that more.

Kate Holstein

Commemorate the Place
Maine wasn’t a special place to us before getting engaged, but now it’s near and dear to our hearts. One friend sent us a commemorative map, with our names and the date, framed for our wall. Every time we look at it, it brings us right back to the moment and the weekend. This necklace, with the coordinates for the spot where he popped the question, would also be a sweet way to memorialize the day.

Send a Card
Yes, it’s that simple. Sending a card with a thoughtful message is an easy and classic way to show a couple you’re thinking of them. And being able to save and cherish those sweet notes for years to come is icing on the wedding cake.

Dana Fernandez Photography

Plus, a place to organize it all!
“When we spoke with brides, we heard time and again that they had tons of items to help them get organized for the big day, but nothing to help them organize their wedding keepsakes after,” said Jennifer McAllister-Nevins, Co-founder of Savor it All—handmade, book cloth-covered boxes that keep your wedding-day memories safe and secure. “We wanted to make it easier for brides, while also giving these most precious keepsakes the home they deserve, said McAllister-Nevins. Gifting a bride-to-be one of these boxes might more than a lifesaver—because no one wants to lose track of all of the special mementos gathered along the way.

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

Dreaming of a Napa-style wedding but needing to hold your special day out East? Well then, friend, today’s lovely shoot by Shannon Moffit Photography is for you! The warm, earthy color palette, casually elegant bridal style with thanks to Emily Artistry, and desert flower infused florals by Wild Green Yonder all enhance the romantic West Coast vibe of Early Mountain – a vineyard with breathtaking views, rustic charm for days, and those quintessential Spanish-influenced details located in Virginia.

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From Shannon Moffit Photography… The West Coast is home to some of the most beautiful vineyards in the United States, but for an East Coast Bride planning her wedding, the dream of a Napa Valley soirée may be completely unrealistic. For this editorial, our team of vendors made it a point to bring that “West Coast vibe” to the East. Early Mountain Vineyards, a humble 55-acre vineyard on the outskirts of Charlottesville, Virginia, is the perfect East Coast venue for a West-Coast-style wedding. A gorgeous building sits on the estate, complete with a number of Mediterranean and Spanish-style elements, including medieval chandeliers and sconces, exposed wooden beams, and floor-to-ceiling black-framed windows. One is immediately transported to the West Coast upon entering the space!

For the tablescape, a selection of warm earth-toned colors, desert flowers, wooden chargers, black cutlery, pops of suede, and dark cast iron candlesticks were used to complement the charm of the estate. In the great hall, the mantle was draped in cascading greenery, and the aisle of x-back chairs was lined with pillar candles, creating the perfect setting for a romantic ceremony. The Bride’s dress from Annalise Bridal featured a modern update to a classic silhouette, and she wore custom jewelry from Susie Saltzman.

Photography: Shannon Moffit Photography | Event Design: Luxe and Luna Couture Events | Floral Design: Wild Green Yonder | Jewelry: Susie Saltzman | Hair + Makeup: Emily Artistry | Calligraphy: Lazywood Lane | Wedding Venue: Early Mountain Vineyards | Bridal Boutique: Annalise Bridal Boutique | Candles: Creative Candles | Models: The Artist Agency

It all started in Lake Tahoe, where this sweet couple was engaged and later drew inspiration when designing their wedding. From the blue linens meant to mirror the skies, to the ghost chairs representing the crystal clear waters and the vibrant blooms by Laura’s Floras as a nod to the wild flowers of the area, every detail coordinated by Sydney Camille Events holds a special meaning. Pore through the images captured by Jeanni Dunagan to get a true sense of the beauty of this Los Altos History Museum affair.

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From the photographer…What really stood out to me about Lindsey and Bill’s wedding was the infusion of sentimentality throughout the day. Every detail was intentionally selected because of its meaning. From the choice of locations to the color palette and decor, Lindsey and Bill created an experience that truly told the story of their relationship. One of my favorite examples of this relates to the calligraphy: knowing about Lindsey’s interest in calligraphy, Bill signed Lindsey up for a calligraphy class as a gift. Inspired by the thoughtfulness of her groom-to-be, Lindsey decided to incorporate her own custom calligraphy into the wedding as a personalized touch to the guest envelopes and place cards.

From the bride…At every point in our wedding, we tried to share something that is important to us with the closest of our family members and friends. We were married at Mission Santa Clara de Asís, because we met just a short distance away from the front doors of the church. We fell in love spending time outdoors, traveling, and enjoying nature, so we knew our reception had to be somewhere outside. Accordingly, we planned a summer wedding to guarantee our guests would enjoy the California sun. The Los Altos History Museum provided the perfect outdoor backdrop for the intimate dinner party we shared with our guests. Our family is the most important part of our life together, and we kept them close to heart throughout our big day. I loved that Billy did not choose a best man but instead had his three younger brothers stand by his side. Honoring the strong women who have guided my life, I wore my great grandmother’s wedding band on my right hand. We carved out a special time during the ceremony to surprise our parents with hugs and words of thanks. To complete the day, both Billy and I got to spend a few special one-on-one moments with his daughter–my stepdaughter!–and remind her of our love for her. Over the years, Billy and I have enjoyed many trips to our favorite place, Lake Tahoe, which was eventually where he proposed! Our reception details were all inspired by the lake: warm blue linens to reflect the mountain sky, ghost chairs as a nod to the clear, calm waters, mixed metallics to remind us of sunsets over the lake, and vibrant florals resembling the wildflowers of the Tahoe mountains. We took stones from the shores of the spot where we got engaged, and I turned them into place cards to set at every guest’s seat. Every detail of our wedding represented a person, place, or memory significant to our relationship. It was an unforgettable joy to share it all with those nearest to us.

Photography: Jeanni Dunagan Photography | Videographer: United Media Collective | Wedding Coordinator: Sydney Camille Events | Floral Design: Laura's Floras | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Cake: Icing On The Cake | Invitations: Minted | Ceremony: Mission Santa Clara De Asis | Reception: Los Altos History Museum | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Engagement Ring: James Allen | Jewelry: Kendra Scott Jewelry | Wedding Bands: Zameer Kassam | Catering: Continental Caterers | Makeup Artist: Nadia Haber | Hair Stylist: Emma Woods Beauty | Hair Stylist: Jen Villareal | Favors: AP Sugar Co | Tuxedo: Tailors' Keep | Barber: Top Shelf Barbershop | Music: All Ears DJ | Rentals: Unica Party Rentals | Rentals: The Chiavari Guys

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I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman who didn’t have one complaint about her own hair. You always want what you don’t have, right? Well, we should all embrace those tresses a little more, because there’s beauty in every hair type. The best way to show your locks some love is by following these 10 hair commandments. Click play below!

No matter your bridal style, we all want to look our best on our wedding day. Whether you are looking for a subtle, natural look or a more defined style, these beauty trends will enhance your beauty and keep you feeling your best on your wedding day.

Kelly Sweet Photography

Eyelash Extensions
False lashes have been a beauty trend for decades, but the hassle of putting them on and keeping them on has always been a concern for brides. Luckily, the trend of getting eyelash extensions has gained popularity in recent years. The idea is simple: a professional places individual semi-permanent lashes to your existing lashes, with the length and amount totally up to you, and voila! You won’t even need to wear mascara! These would be perfect to have from your pre-bridal parties through your honeymoon.

Jon Cu

Airbrush Makeup
When my wedding makeup artist suggested I try airbrush makeup on my big day, I was hesitant. I was very much on the side of looking more natural and although I wear makeup regularly, the idea of airbrushing scared me. But, I trusted her and I am so happy I did! The airbrushed look kept my skin looking flawless all night and it never smeared or disappeared like my normal foundation does. It was also extremely lightweight, so I felt like I was wearing no makeup at all.

Eyebrow Extensions
Full eyebrows are in and if you’re a 90’s kid like me, you probably succumbed to the relentless plucking we did to keep them thin and minimal, making your eyebrows not so full. That’s where eyebrow extensions come in. Similar to eyelash extensions, a professional will place brow hairs to your existing hairs. You can choose how full you’d like them and the result is a natural looking, eye-enhancing look that’s perfect for your wedding day. Just be careful: you may get addicted!

Lip Plumpers and Masks
Lip masks have become a bridal go-to for many brides. These 15-minutes masks keep your lips smooth and lush and are especially great for brides who suffer from cracked or dry lips. Plumpers have a bit more depth to them. Some brides opt for lip fillers, which keep your lips plump for months, while other brides decide to go a bit simpler, using lip plumpers instead. These look and feel like lipstick, but give your lips that sought-after plump-ness brides hope for.

Lane Dittoe

Balayage
Balayage is a hair highlighting process that allows for a more natural look. Instead of foils, your stylist simply paints on color to your hair. The result is a sun-kissed look that lightens without feeling fake. Plus, balayage is so natural looking that when your hair begins to grow, it still looks great, meaning less maintenance and time in the salon chair and more time for planning that wedding!

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, practicing yoga, and exploring nearby towns with her husband.