You can’t have a fabulous wedding without a handful of amazing DIY projects. At least that’s our mantra. So today we’re teaming up with our friends at Spoonflower for not one, but two gorgeous projects for you to tackle. Up first? These easy-peasy bridesmaid robes. Put on the crafting pants and get ready for even more DIY goodness later on.

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2 yards of Poly Crepe de Chine but if you prefer a more sheer version, Spoonflower’s new Chiffon is a great option in our favorite designs
Pins
Sewing Machine
White Thread
Sewing Needle
Scissors
Fabric Chalk or Marker
Fabric Measuring Tape

Fold the fabric in half (so that the long edge is halved), with the front of the print on the inside. The fold will become the top of your robe.

Measure 12” down from the fold and mark with your fabric marker. Measure 6” in from the edge of the print on the sides. Repeat on the other side of fabric.

Cut out the rectangle of fabric outlined on both sides and set aside. (those pieces will become the robe tie).

Mark a line down the center of the robe at the halfway point. Cut along this line (on one layer of fabric only!). This will become the robe opening.

Fold a 1/4″ hem along both sleeves, the slit opening, and the bottom of the robe. Repeat this step to enclose all raw edges and pin.

Sew the robe together using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim any excess threads, then turn the robe right sides out.

Sew the four pieces of leftover rectangular fabric, right sides together, to form a long chain This will be the robe tie.

Fold the tie in half the long way (with the front of the print facing inside) and pin together. Sew along the length of the seam, leaving the two ends open, then trim any excess fabric and threads.

Scrunch up the tie to fit your fingers through the entire length of tie- grab the end and pull through itself to flip the tie inside-out. Fold the ends of the tie in on themselves, then sew them closed by hand. Iron the tie flat, and voila!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

I didn’t know I loved coral tuxes until today. Arielle Fera Events put together this fresh and stylish wedding inspiration session in warm pink hues with an incredible team of vendors, and Emily Wren Photography brought it all to life with her skill behind the lens. Trousseau Style absolutely nailed the wedding fashion with the Groom’s statement ensemble, the Bride’s elegant Erin Cole gown, and her lace Bella Belle shoes. May I suggest forwarding your Groom this stunning gallery as a subtle style hint?

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From Emily Wren Photography… For this styled shoot, we wanted to highlight Tyler Gardens – a new wedding venue in Bucks County, Pennsylvania – and its elegant charm. The historic mansion and 3-tiered gardens drip with old world charm, surrounded by wrought iron gates, elegant statues, stunning fountains, and romantic landscaping. A fairytale venue to say the least – especially when it is covered with florals by Faye and Renee Floral Design!

It was also really fun working with Olvia Caridi (you might recognize her from last season of the Bachelor). I loved how perfectly Olivia’s soft blush Erin Cole Bridal wedding gown and the Groom’s coral toned tux matched the rich warm hues of the garden’s stone walls and staircases! Every last detail of this styled wedding shoot flowed together and perfectly fit our warm summer color palette.

Visiting this historic garden is like taking a step back in time to an era of elegance. Our sweetheart table looked just right nestled into the multi-tiered landscaping at Tyler Gardens in the golden evening light! I loved the hand dyed table runner by Hello, Bird. and the wild climbing florals by Faye and Renee Floral Design, which were perfectly and organically styled by Arielle Fera Events! We were simply overwhelmed with the beauty and variety of locations to shoot, and despite the 90 degree heat, we spent hours running around capturing it all and loving every minute of it. It was such a joy working with an incredible group of wedding vendors!

Photography: Emily Wren Photography | Event Planning + Design: Arielle Fera Events | Floral Design: Faye and Renee Floral and Event Design | Wedding Dress: Erin Cole | Cake: Suga Groovy Deliciousness | Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: L Priori Jewelry | Hair and Makeup: Makup My Mind | Calligraphy: Golden Hour Paper | Hand Dyed Fabric Runners: Hello Bird | Location: Open Aire Affairs | Location: Open Aire Affairs | Model: Model Management Agency | Model: Olivia Cardi | Rentals: Faye and Renee Floral and Event Design | Ribbon: Adorn Company | Veil: Melinda Rose Design | Wardrobe Styling: Trousseau Style

Need a dose of style and serenity? Look no further. Julie Cate captured this au natural Italian wedding scene that is overflowing with beauty thanks to Flowers Living. Sit back, relax and enjoy this chic countryside “I do” inspiration!

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From Molly McKinley… While searching for the perfect intimate wedding location near Rome, we found Hotel La Badia in Orvieto. Orvieto is a charming Italian hill town, and La Badia sits far enough outside of its walls to admire them. Life is calm and slow at La Badia. It’s one of the most magical little spots to experience Italy’s countryside. When deciding on design elements, we chose to let the Hotel’s unique grounds speak for themselves. In the 12th century, they began restoring the grounds of this 6th century Abbey. Beautiful frescoes adorn the walls, and the onsite chapel is peaceful and otherworldly. Each detail was curated to be a simple extension of the beauty already there.

Photography: Julie Cate Photography | Event Planning: Molly McKinley Designs | Floral Design: Flowers Living | Ceremony Venue: La Badia Orvieto | Jewelry: Susie Saltzman | Hair + Makeup: Jennifer C Nieman | Venue: La Badia Orvieto | Gown + Veil: BHLDN | Hair Accessories: January Rose Bridal | Model: Carolina Burgin | Model Groom: Thalia Kelly | Napkins: Restoration Hardware | Paper Goods + Maps + Albums: Sarah Ingram | Table Runner: Silk and Willow | Vow Book: Wedding Story Writer

With rain in the forecast, this Charleston wedding braced itself for a raindrop filled celebration but alas, the weather held off and the planning by Cibi Events + florals by Branch Design Studio shined bright in this gorgeous Lowndes Grove celebration. See how they do alfresco in the Low Country with the prettiest images by Dana Cubbage Weddings. It’s a day out and about in some of Charleston’s prettiest spots and sealed with a dockside kiss.

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From the Photographer… I’m not going to lie.  The forecast leading up to Alex + Mike’s wedding day had me slightly anxious about their wedding day.  During the entire week leading up to their big day, they were calling for rain – and I was preparing myself for a wet wedding day.  To our surprise, the rain held off for most of Alex + Mike’s wedding day and my good luck streak for weather continues on!  We started their day with a sweet First Look in downtown Charleston, followed by portraits in the French Quarter district of town.  Then, we headed to Lowndes Grove for more photos of the two of them before their bridal party + family joined in for group photos.  Rain quickly moved through the area before the ceremony, but it cleared up just in time for their waterfront ceremony overlooking the Ashley River.  As thunder rumbled in the distance, Alex + Mike said “I do!” in front of their closest family + friends… It was a ceremony that I’m sure everyone will remember! Their reception space was absolutely beautiful thanks to the ladies of CiBi Events and Branch Design Studio.  Guests enjoyed various stations of Lowcountry favorites while Trotline Band kept the dance floor packed all night.  At the end of the evening, Alex + Mike exited through a tunnel of sparklers and hopped into their getaway car.  It was an amazing day, for sure.

Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Floral Design: Branch Design Studio | Gown: JLM Couture | Cake: PPHG | Invitations: The Silver Starfish | Bridesmaid Dresses: JLM Couture | Catering: PPHG | Hair + Makeup: Salon Vari | Lighting: AV Connections | Ceremony + Reception: Lowndes Grove Plantation | Planning + Coordination: Cibi Events | Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals | Rentals: Event DRS

When you hale from the mighty city of Pittsburgh, and are tying the knot in the South, a “Steel Magnolias” themed shower is the perfect solution. Decorated with insanely cool lounges, bridesmaids in Show Me Your Mumu garb and a pink rainbow of blooms by Sea Lily, this shower brings beauty and whimsy to outdoor feting. But if we’re being really honest, it had us at Custom Rosé Bar. See all the goodies that bar entails plus the full festivities with loads of pretty images by Sarah Jansson.

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Jess’s Steel Magnolias Bridal Shower is a nod to our Steel Princess of Pittsburgh and her Southern wedding. The bride and groom are both originally from Pittsburg while the wedding will be in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The bridal shower was adorned with construction hat cookies, a construction hat veil, and hats for the guests to wear. The focal point of the shower was a custom rosé bar, where guests could add candy, strawberries, raspberries and floral ice cubes to their drink. The shower was set in Malibu, in an intimate lounge setting under the trees creating a whimsical and dreamy gathering. The signs on the tree represented Jess’s favorite places and the distance each are from Los Angeles.

Photography: Sarah Jansson | Flowers: Sea Lily Malibu | Cupcakes: Sweet Lady Jane | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: Bondi Harvest | Bridal Shower Venue: Malibu House | Cookies: Sunflower Baking | Waitress' Outfits: Show Me Your Mumu

If you have any inclination that an elopement might be right for you, listen carefully to the words of this couple who exchanged vows in Paris. “You are going to spend the rest of your life with the person you love! Do not worry about anyone else. Try to live in the moment and do something for the two of you that you’ll remember for years to come.” With the help of French Grey Weddings they did exactly that and our friends at Brancoparta told the story beautifully through their lens.

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From the bride… We wanted our wedding day in Paris to be as natural and stress-free as possible. However, I still wanted the occasion to feel elegant and romantic. We decided that an elopement was the best fit for us. I am a first-grade teacher and Glenn is an IT consultant from New York City. We consider ourselves to be easygoing and planning a large wedding at home was becoming a bit overwhelming and impersonal. Neither of us had ever been to Paris and we thought an elopement would be a unique opportunity to explore the romantic city and enjoy our special day together. I also knew we would have gorgeous pictures. My advice to couples thinking about eloping is this:

You are going to spend the rest of your life with the person you love! Do not worry about anyone else. Try to live in the moment and do something for the two of you that you’ll remember for years to come.

We hired Kasia of French Grey Events as our planner/celebrant for our elopement. I felt that a combination of pink and purple hues was the perfect accent to a Parisian backdrop. I sent Kasia a few pictures of how I envisioned my wedding day and she took care of absolutely everything, from the hair and makeup to the bouquet. The bouquet was made of seasonal flowers in my preferred colors. Fragrant purple lilacs, white ranunculus, and pink roses made up the base of my bouquet, accented with tulips and poppies. Soft silk ribbons in pale pink colors gathered in this spring bouquet to perfection.

Glenn and I were staying at the beautiful Pavilion de la Reine Hotel. It was the quintessential location for a romantic First Look session. We entrusted Kasia (our celebrant and planner) with the task of finding the perfect Parisian intimate venue for us. She did an excellent job of choosing a gorgeous and intimate balcony in the historic Arènes de Lutèce. It was perfect. I wore a Madeline Gardner dress from RK bridal in New York City. It was the very first dress I tried on! I fell in love with the scalloped lace and the delicate crystal beading. I assumed I loved it because it was the first time I was seeing myself in a wedding dress. After trying on many other dresses, I couldn’t stop thinking about that first dress-it was “the one”. I knew I made the right choice when I saw Glenn’s reaction upon seeing me for the first time.

I wanted my shoes to be timeless and romantic like Paris. The Badgley Mischka ‘Roxy’ shoes were absolutely gorgeous. The nude satin complemented the champagne hue of my dress.
Glenn wore a custom suit from Robbie & Co Men’s Shop. He was looking forward to seeing my reaction at our First Look. It was well worth the wait–I fell in love all over again.
The wonderful Harold James (my MUAH stylist) styled a low bun that was elegant but subtle enough to put the focus on the neckline of my beautiful dress. My makeup was soft and accentuated my features.

We were fortunate enough to have Andre Teixeira of Branco Prata as our photographer. Being that we eloped and did not have our families with us, it was very important that we had quality photography. Andre photographed us at the breathtaking Jardin des Plantes and captured the essence of our relationship and much that day meant to us. We were driven around Paris in a vintage Rolls Royce. People cheered and waved wherever we went. It was an experience we will never forget. My favorite part of the ceremony was when we recited our vows to one another. We had not rehearsed or written anything in advance! Although short, we knew our words were genuine and heartfelt.

Photography: Brancoprata | Event Planning: French Grey Events | Floral Design : French Grey Events | Wedding Dress: Madeline Gardner | Hair + Makeup: James Harold | Hotel : Pavillon de la Reine | Groom’s Attire: Robbie's Suits NYC

If you’re the kind of bride that notices the little details (come on, you know who you are!) then bring on the ultimate in personalization. Adding local flair to your wedding has never been easier, and is a sure-fire way to make even the simple wedding details completely your own!

Jose Villa Photography

Plus, working with local vendors and caterers means that you get to showcase your surroundings. Because let’s face it, creating a wedding that’s like nothing anyone else has ever seen is total #goals.

Anouschka Rokebrand

Farm-to-Table
Ever eaten food fresh right from the farm? If you have, then you know that the quality and taste is far superior to anything else—and how often are you blown away by wedding food? Caterers “are going to have the relationships and connections with the local farmers and producers to source the right ingredients for your special day,” said Kieron Hales, Owner and Executive Chef of Zingerman’s Cornman Farms. “They also understand the seasons and can be flexible when ingredients have to change due to availability or quality.” Plus, “it’s a great way to draw inspiration too,” Kieron said. “Let the farmers define the menu and serve as the inspiration for your meal.” Can you say bon apetit?

Braedon Photography

Farm-to-Bar
The local wine scene is more popular now than ever! A quick search will reveal wineries, breweries, and distilleries in your venue’s town or state. “I think couples will find that caterers and venues who are passionate about farm-to-table are equally as passionate about farm-to-bar,” Kieron said. Already hooked on serving your favorite wines or beers that aren’t local? Ask your caterer if they can craft cocktails using local herbs or ingredients. Think local citrus, lavender, basil, or flowers for garnish. Kieron’s favorite’s include rhubarb infused simple syrup with Prosecco and fire roasted heirloom pepper syrup paired with Mezcal, pineapple rum and fresh lemon juice.

Michelle Beckwith

Favors
No matter where you host your wedding, each and every destination is known for something. Include that something in your welcome bags or as your wedding favor. Think local olive oil from a producer in the area, a candle from a boutique in town that uses indigenous beeswax, lavender sachets from a local farm, or a popular snack everyone can’t get enough of. Need ideas? Ask the staff at your venue—they’ll have the scoop.

Paper Goods
I am certified Etsy-obsessed and for good reason. I love being able to work with local designers and crafters, and Etsy’s search feature makes that incredibly easy. Working with someone in your area means you can schedule an appointment in person if they’re ok with it. They also might know your venue, caterer, or florist and be able to help bring a cohesive look together in a way you didn’t think possible. Tapping into them for their creative ideas is all part of the fun.

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.

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Jose Villa Photography

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The inspiration for this Australian wedding? Think elegant, relaxed, effortless and fun. Chic and modern without any of the stuffiness. It was a day brought together by a team of talented vendors, including Kylee Yee capturing every bit behind the lens. Head to the gallery for a closer look, including a radiant bridal squad that will take your breath away.

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From the Bride… It all started at Chubb Insurance (I know, glamorous!) where the office flirting and secret looks were half the fun. Now five and a half years later, we have so many great memories. Some of our favorite being whilst traveling through Asia, the U.S., Mexico and most of Europe.

Our engagement happened on the beach at Inverloch in October 2015. An innocent walk along the beach ended with Glenn was down on one knee, fumbling with nerves to open a box which had the most stunning engagement ring I had ever seen. Inverloch is a place which has been special to Glenn’s family for many years and will now be a very special place for both of us.

When it came to wedding planning, we knew exactly what we wanted from the start. We wanted to keep everything pretty simple but elegant, relaxed, effortless and fun. The main thing for us was to make sure our guests mingled, enjoyed great food and quality wine, and most of all had a ball! The Deck at Circa was the perfect location for us. It’s a contemporary space with floor to ceiling windows and a gorgeous outdoor terrace showcasing the St Kilda skyline. We dressed it up with stunning white blooms and touches of greenery. It was a fabulous spot to take in all the celebrations.

Photography: Kylee Yee | Videography: Burgess Video | Event Design: Wedding Planner | Floral Design: Flawless Flowers | Wedding Dress: Amaline Vitale | Cake: Laneway Cakes | Invitations: The Print Fairy | Shoes: Wittner Shoes | Hair + Make Up: Laura Gilham | Groom's Attire: Briggins | Venue: Circa The Prince

Meeting the love of your life on vacation doesn’t just happen in the movies and this celebration is the living proof. What started in Bermuda ended in a fashion-filled wedding in New Jersey complete with two gorgeous gowns and a myriad of steal-worthy accessories. Sequined jacket, we’re looking at you. Pore through the gorgeous details captured by Michelle Lang Photography right here.

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A few years ago, In the month of July, two families set out for a week long beach holiday in Bermuda. Little did anyone know, what that week would mean for the rest of their lives. Determined to meet her mystery man seen from afar, Hillary spent her time looking for Kevin, (soon after, becoming a firm believer in love at first sight.) Even by first meeting, it was clear that it was the start of something really important happening in each others lives. Long story short, girl meets boy, fell in love, finally moved to NYC by way of hometown Kansas City, never looked back, and the rest became history. Kevin proposed to Hillary while takin in a beautifully storm sky over lower Manhattan, from an observation deck at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Following an unforgettable engagement, a whirlwind called wedding planning began. Their inspiration was to create an awe-inspiring, ethereal getaway from the city. They wanted to take their guests away from the normal stresses of life and have it be filled with laughter and merriment. Hillary added in her personal love of fashion by incorporating two unique wedding gowns and a number of accent pieces. An extended bridal portrait session showcased her fashion filled bridal style.

Photography: Michelle Lange Photography | Cinematography: Generic Brand Human | Wedding Planner: Details made Simple | Floral Design: Jardiniere Fine Flowers | Cake: The Bernards Inn | Invitations: Smitten on Paper | Ceremony Venue: Historic St. Peter's Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: The Bernards Inn | Engagement Ring: Greenwich Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup: April Caruso | Hair: Sarah Greiner | Band: The York Street Hustle | Groom's Attire: Bonobos | Bridal Shop (Ceremony Dress): L'Fay Bridal | Bridal Shop (Reception Dress): Lovely Bridal Shop | Bride's Wedding Band: CVB Inspired Design | Earrings: Maria Elena | Groom's Wedding Band: Averie Art, Tel Aviv, Israel | Hair Piece: Twigs & Honey | Portrait Location : Frelinghuysen Arboretum | Wedding Dress - Ceremony : Alon Livne | Wedding Dress - Reception: Rue De Seine | Wedding Shoe: Jimmy Choo | Wedding Veil - Reception : Camilla Christine

An intimate wedding on a gorgeous beach with attentive staff, fun activities, and delicious food… it sounds like something out of a dream. But at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa with its spectacular sunsets on Ka’anapali Beach, this dream becomes a reality! Just take one look at the wedding of these two cuties, who said “I do” beneath the palm trees in a tropical ceremony with the ocean as their backdrop followed by a dinner on one of the Hyatt’s perfectly manicured green lawns.

Because this couple’s romance crossed continents – Pip is from the United Kingdom and Shannon is from Australia – when these two decided to tie the knot on their 12th anniversary, they knew the location of their wedding was the most important factor. They wanted a neutral ground for both families to travel to, and Hawaii seemed like an ideal central spot that would also be vacation-worthy for their guests.

Once they landed on the location, selecting the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa was easy with all of the beautiful locations to choose from to hold the ceremony and reception. From their brand new venue, the expansive Halona Kai Lawn located above the resort pool and waterfalls with panoramic ocean views, to the Oriental Gardens surrounded by a lagoon filled with beautiful swans and flamingoes, to the Makai and Napili Pool Lawns which are both situated on manicured grounds between palm trees and just steps from the sand – can you imagine a more gorgeous option for their wedding? The couple chose one of the lawns for the ceremony, and the green grass simply pops against the striking blue ocean on the horizon!

With the help of their dedicated wedding specialist at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Pip and Shannon were able to plan and coordinate the wedding weekend they envisioned from the other side of the globe. Despite not being able to come to Maui in person during the planning process, every detail of their wedding ended up perfect because of this expert assistance, from the elegant guest rooms featuring private lanais with panoramic ocean views that their friends and family were able to enjoy, to the ceremony and reception locations, to all of the wedding vendors, to the attentive team of resort staff assisting throughout the weekend.

As if the incredible location and amazing team at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa weren’t enticing enough, our favorite perk of getting married at this gorgeous resort might be enjoying all of the amenities! Pip and Shannon’s guests were able to enjoy a variety of activities to suit any interest, including a championship golf course, an abundance of water sports, a massive pool, and Maui’s only oceanfront spa. Plus, Pip and Shannon were treated to complimentary honeymoon nights because they got married at the idyllic resort, and you can too! Learn more about Hyatt Regency Maui’s wedding offer!

If you’re feeling inspired by these photos of Pip and Shannon, captured by Anna Kim Photography, you absolutely must press play below to see even more of the incredible sunset and stunning beach setting in the heartwarming film by All Time Media. Then contact the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa today to begin planning your own dream-worthy wedding!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/227700404 600 338]

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Photography: Anna Kim Photography | Cinematography: All Time Media | Floral Design: Country Bouquets Maui | Venue: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa | Location: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

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Petit Bouquet

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We know the honeymoon clichés too well; the rose-petal trails, the chilled champagne waiting at the hotel. We’ve all come to expect certain little extras while honeymooning, but why rely on the usual and expected when you can plan a few surprises and delights of your own that are completely unique?

Wendy Laurel

The never-ending honeymoon
Honeymoons are a trip of a lifetime that nobody wants to end. It’s hard to let go of your honeymoon, so why not call up your spouse’s boss and secretly extend your honeymoon by a couple of days? There’s simply no better way to beat that I don’t want to go home, back-to-reality feeling than not having to just yet. Remember, sometimes the simplest surprises are the most effective.

Get the inside scoop
Dreaming of ‘La Dolce Vita’? Get the inside scoop on your chosen city through local experts and book you and your beau on a private tour of the Sistine Chapel in Rome or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. If they’re more of a wine buff, learn how to blend your very own variety of Malbec in Argentina (and then ship a case home for you to enjoy long after your honeymoon). Think of this as the gift that keeps on giving. No matter how niche the passion, Black Tomato can help you tailor experiences that will not only surprise and delight your spouse, but earn you some major brownie points too.

Megan Robinson Photography

Make an entrance
You only honeymoon once, so do it in style. Imagine the look on your new spouse’s face when, after arriving at the airport, instead of jumping in a car, you board a helicopter for a sunset flight over the Grand Canyon to the stunning Amangiri hotel, or hop on the back of a chauffeured moped in Rome and zip through the streets to your hotel – stopping only for a gelato or glass of prosecco. If you want to take it to the next level though, we can even arrange for a honeymoon by private jet. How does taking in five African countries in a flying safari sound? Amazing, we know.

Daring Wanderer

Rise, shine and surprise
Ordinarily, we’d agree that your honeymoon is a time to ditch the alarm clock and sleep in, some of the best surprises lie at the other end of an early wakeup call. Don’t worry though, arm them with a cup of coffee and your partner will be undoubtedly thanking you at the end of the surprise. Though, if you or your partner really do not like early wake up calls, the Hotel Ranga does the best! Leave staking out the Northern Lights to their eagle-eyed concierge and simply await their call when they appear. All that’s left for you to do is jump on a snowmobile – and surprise your spouse with an unforgettable light show.

Go beyond the upgrade
First-class upgrades, champagne on arrival, the honeymoon suite – any tour operator can swing these, but Black Tomato goes a bit further. After all, who wants the honeymoon suite when you can spend the night on a private island in the Indonesian archipelago? Or beneath the stars in the Argentinian vineyards of Mendoza? Or in splendid isolation in the heart of the Kalahari desert? None of these taking your fancy? Venture on the road less traveled with Blink to create your own honeymoon haven, anywhere in the world, to your exact requirements. Design your own luxury temporary accommodation in locations that are so private, pristine and untouched that no one will have stayed there before in the same way, or ever again. It’s far from just another hotel room and a pretty unbeatable way to surprise your loved one.

Birgit Hart Photografie

Au revoir! We’ll be here day dreaming about blending Malbec in Argentina and basking under the Northern Lights. Until next time…

Style Me Pretty Contributor

Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay is officially off the market! Congrats, girl! It’s safe to say we are drooling over her stunning pear cut engagement ring. She’s not the first celeb whose pear cut ring we have obsessed over.

A post shared by The Jewel Diary (@thejeweldiary) on Aug 7, 2017 at 11:50pm PDT

Just look at that sparkler! The three carat, pear shaped diamond is surrounded by halo diamonds and set in platinum. Designed by Neil Lane (of course!), Rachel accepted the ring not once, but twice, from Bryan Abasolo. He proposed on the show and at the live finale event on ABC.

A post shared by The Bachelorette (@bacheloretteabc) on Aug 7, 2017 at 11:07pm PDT

Congratulations to the happy couple!

A post shared by The Bachelorette ABC (@thebacheloretteabc) on Aug 7, 2017 at 10:36pm PDT

Want to get a similar look? Check out these sparklers:

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Getting married at this lakefront estate owned by the Bride’s parents was a no brainer for these two. With the help of Two Roads Event Co., they transformed the property into a romantic, rustic retreat beneath a grand sailcloth tent from Zephyr Tents accented with winding green garlands by Botanica Events. Margaret Austin Photography and Mabble Media captured the day, a celebration including friends, family, and of course, the Bride’s beloved horses.

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Tory and Sam’s love spans oceans. They met in Northern California on their college ski team while Sam, a UK resident, was studying abroad. They kissed that night, and later, for their first date, Sam invited Tory over for risotto that he made for her by hand. Over the course of Sam’s stay in the USA, he and Tory fell in love. Before he left to go back to the UK, he gave Tory a locket and a letter. He told her that he loved her and that he wanted to be with her despite the distance. Later, Sam would propose with Tory’s mother’s antique diamond, and they would get married at Tory’s parent’s beautiful, lakefront private estate in the country. Their wedding was filled with friends, family, Tory’s beloved horses, and lots and lots of love, with thoughtful details that made the entire event something truly special and unique. It was truly an honor designing this beauty around Tory and Sam’s story.

Photography: Margaret Austin Photography | Cinematography: Bobby Stiehler | Coordination: Two Roads Event Co. | Event Design + Styling: Two Roads Event Co. | Floral Design: Botanica Specialty Rentals | Cake: Way Back Bakery | Catering: Table Nectar | Makeup: Olga Pirmatova | Hair: Hair by Jerusha | Transportation: Baja Limo | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Music: Capellen Entertainment | Rentals: Botanica Specialty Rentals | Rentals: Celebrations Party Rentals | Sailcloth Tent: Zephyr Tents | Signage: Sweet Carolina Collective

For this Bride, her main wedding goal was to create a celebration that was timeless in its beauty. So anything trendy or that would seem out of place in her grandmother’s or mother’s wedding was out and with the help of Events by Sarah, the result is the most beautiful of ballroom affairs held at the Houston Country Club. From the Carolina Herrera princess gown to the beautifully draped reception, this wedding is all about elegant details and they shine through in the images by Amalie Orrange. See the full celebration right here.

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My goal was to create a wedding ceremony and reception that felt timeless, elegant, and graceful. I had a tendency to chose traditional over trendy and classic over contemporary, but all the while ensuring that pops of our personality shown through to make our decor unique. The trick I used to make a decision if I was unsure about a decor item was “Would this have been out of place at my mother’s wedding? How about at my grandmother’s wedding?”. Perhaps that seems to simplistic, but if I didn’t think it stood the test of time, I didn’t want to incorporate it into our special day!

When you walked in you first saw a beautiful willow arch with orchids draping from it as though they were growing. It was a WOW piece that felt classic and beautiful, but was also unique. Our family fell in love with orchids when we lived in Singapore, and it was fun to incorporate the flower into the wedding in a way that made the florals more personal.

Our wedding crest was another important aspect of our design. We had a crest custom water colored for us and we are so glad that we did. It was a beautiful yet simple way to customize items like menus, place cards, and cocktail napkins and tied our decor items together well.

I also adored the fact that I tried to utilize my talented friends and family members in ways that I could. My bridesmaid Bess Garison put together a stunning water color map of Houston for our out of town guests, and my new sister-in-law and bridesmaid Laurel made our caligraphied escort cards and place cards.

I should also note that one of my favorite aspects of planning the wedding was seating all of my guests to the place (I do admit that this can be the most frustrating!). When you do this, you are committing to spending a lot of time really thinking about the guests that you have coming and considering who they may enjoy meeting and spending time with at your wedding. I found that my guests appreciated this attention to detail more than I thought they would, and I keep getting notes about how many new friendships were formed at our wedding. As an added bonus, I really felt like I knew who was in the room and knew generally where I could find our guests so that I could greet them.

We spent time putting together a memory table with photos of our parents’ and grandparents’ weddings on both Jordan and my side. This was a very sweet touch and brought back many happy memories for everyone.

I wish I could say the entire day. But I think my favorite moment was saying our vows to each other. Jordan and I spent a long time writing our own vows. We used the traditional vows as our template, and line by line we wrote down exactly what these traditional christian vows meant to us in our own words. The results were vows that were extremely personal, but also reverent and meaningful. Looking into Jordan’s eyes as he said his vows, and as I returned mine, is a sight I am sure I will never forget.

Photography: Amalie Orrange Photography | Videography : Nate Puhr | Florist: Susie Miller | Cake : Peter Hobi- Alphorn Bakery | Ceremony : River Oaks Baptist Church | Reception Venue: Houston Country Club | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids dresses: Bloomingdales | Band : Memphis Train Revue | Ceremony Music: Divisi Strings | Dance Floor: Mikes Dance Floors | Escort Cards and Place Cards: Laurel Smiley | Grooms White Dinner Jacket: Ermenegildo Zegna | Brides Dress: Carolina Herrera | Draping and Specialty linens: Blooming Gallery | Get away car: Monarch British Limousines | Hair/Make-Up: Hey Lovely Makeup | Paper goods: Katie & Co. | Planning and design : Events By Sarah | Rentals: Elegant Chairs | Wedding Crest : Jennifer Ashley Design | Wedding Map: Bess Garison

This wedding may just have won the award for best invitations! After finding out the Bride harbored a lifelong love of writing, 2 Apelsina encouraged Daria to write out her love story as a fairytale. They paired the novella with beautiful illustrations bound in velvet, then sent these charming books to all of the wedding guests. The rest of the wedding is just as swoon-worthy, so scroll on to see it all captured by Julia Kaptelova Photography.

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From the Bride… In my childhood, I dreamt about becoming a writer, so our wedding planner encouraged me to write a short novel based on our love story. I did it, then we added some illustrations, and this book covered with velvet became a unique invitation! The venue reminded us of a real Middle Age castle, so we got a sense of the theme for our wedding – a modern fairytale. We were inspired by nature, forest landscapes, and fairytale pictures featuring beautiful royal receptions with their special atmosphere and precise details. The decoration team used lots of greenery, ivy, and roses to create and organic connection between our venue and nature.

The wedding day was absolutely stunning! During the preparation, it seemed to be so far off, but the time passed so quickly! Our ceremony is the best memory of this day – it was so emotional, touching, and beautiful. The florists embellished the stone arch with ivy and greenery, which looked like it was always there, it was so natural! Unique vintage chairs and crystal glasses gave a nod to the Middle Ages at the reception. We decided to share the same table with family to feel even more close. My grandma made presents for the guests – homemade jam, which was beautifully decorated with garden roses.

Photography: Julia Kaptelova Photography | Event Design: Decorate Your Life | Event Planning: 2 Apelsina | Wedding Dress: Tanya Kochnova | Cake: Markus pastry | Stationery: Renne-studio | Reception Venue: Nemchinovka Park

How do you find a venue to host 500+ guests and make sure it still looks chic and sophisticated? You call upon the experts, that’s how. With Jubilee Lau Events leading the charge and Gloria Wong Design working her magic, we have a stylish success. Kevin Chin captured it all from start to finish so we have the pretty proof right before us that lots of guests leads to lots of love!

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From Jubilee Lau Events… Cindy and Andrew came to us with an over-the-top, extravagant vision for the wedding of their dreams. We had such a fun time at the first meeting just throwing out fun, unique ideas to wow their guests. The only problem was, with a preliminary guest list of over 500 guests, where could we find the perfect venue for this extraordinary celebration?

We toured a handful of venues in the heart of San Francisco, mainly large hotel ballrooms that could accommodate such a high guest count. However, Cindy and Andrew just weren’t the ballroom type of people so none of the ballrooms felt quite right to them. When we took them to City View on the top floor of the Metreon, they immediately fell in love with the rooftop that offered a panoramic view of downtown San Francisco. The entire space was 18,000 square feet, so it was definitely large enough to hold 500+ guests. The challenge was how to transform this massive industrial looking space into the sophisticated and chic wedding that they want. Though it was hard for Cindy and Andrew to imagine and visualize the transformation in their heads at the time, they booked the venue with full trust in our team to make it happen for them.

It definitely took a village to produce this wedding, and together with an amazing team of vendor partners that we called upon, we successfully transformed City View into the dreamy and dramatic space for Cindy and Andrew’s black tie swanky soiree!

Here’s just a bit of the magic in numbers: 1,290LF of white and grey chiffon drapery, 24 custom hung crystal chandeliers, 164 clusters of centerpiece arrangements, thousands of candles, a jaw dropping gorgeous 20LF custom hydrangea garland runner for the head table, a 4-course formal seated dinner, 4 dessert stations including 2 live chef flambé stations, 8 furniture vignettes for the post dinner lounge, 3 life sized board games, and a scalloped chiffon draped ceiling over a custom white vinyl dance floor.

Cindy and Andrew incorporated their Chinese/Vietnamese and Italian cultures into their memorable day in various ways. They started their day with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and served tea to honor their parents, grandmother and family elders. Cultural dishes, such as the Vietnamese banh mi, were infused into their overall wedding menu by Paula Le Duc Fine Catering. They ended their night with a packed dance floor, where guests wished the newlyweds good luck with “The Tarantella” (or “the tarantula”) dance, an Italian tradition in which guests circle around the couple to an increasing upbeat tempo of lively music. Though it was a bit disappointing that rain came upon us on the wedding day, forcing us to move the ceremony and cocktail hour indoors, everyone still had the best time since Cindy and Andrew spared no expense in ensuring that their guests would be pampered with a fun, memorable experience from the minute they arrived to City View until they happily danced through the very last song.

Photography: Kevin Chin | Cinematography: Luke Goodman | Event Design: Gloria Wong Design | Event Planning: Jubilee Lau Events | Floral Design: Cherries Flowers | Wedding Dress: Mark Zunino | Cake: Jasmine Rae Bakery | Catering: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events | Makeup Artist: Bianca Valencia | Hair: Heidi Marie Garrett | Wedding Venue: Cityview At Metreon | Lighting + Drape: Enhanced Lighting and Design | Linens: Wildflower Linen | Paper Goods: Aerialist Press | Photo Booth: Giggle and Riot | Rentals: Blueprint Studios | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Brielle and Gregory have the kind of love story books are written about. These two met back in the 2nd grade, attended prom together, grew apart during college but eventually reconnected at a mutual friend’s wedding. They knew their big day had to be truly unforgettable so they enlisted the help of Minneapolis pros like Amanda Nippoldt, Woven and Wed, and Kindred Blooms for classic-yet-modern celebration with 175 of their favorite people. Our verdict? Mission totally accomplished.

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From the Bride… Gregory and I met in our 2nd-grade classroom when we were 6 or 7 years old. We grew up with each other; attending middle school, high school, and later college together. Depending who you ask, we may have even briefly dated during our junior year of high school. When we were 16 years old Gregory was the first boy to ever take me on a real date, we even went to Prom together that year.

Time moved on and we went to college, occasionally crossing paths on campus or during the holidays at home. It wasn’t until 2013 when we bumped into each other at a mutual friends wedding that the sparks started flying. Gregory may have been waiting for this moment since we first met, but I was finally seeing him in a new, more grown up light and I couldn’t resist his charm. The rest is history!

From the Groom… I proposed to Brielle February 2016, after three years of dating. Getting all the details right was no short order. We were doing long distance at the time, so picking out a ring, asking for her parents’ blessing and then actually planning the special moment was demanding, but well worth it. When I began thinking of proposing to Brielle I was living in Calgary, AB Canada. Brielle and I would fly back and forth to see each other once a month. I wanted to propose to Brielle at Lake Minnewanka in Banff national park, as this place had a lot of sentimental value to us. We loved how big and scenic Minnewanka was, without having the foot traffic of some of the more well-known lakes in Banff, like Lake Moraine and Lake Louise.

From the Bride… Greg and I wanted our wedding to be a fun, exciting, and memorable event for not only us but for our friends and family as well. Each aspect of our wedding was carefully picked by the two of us, with our amazing team of vendors by our side helping along the way.

We began searching and touring almost every venue in Minneapolis when we first got engaged. We liked certain aspects of each place but had a hard time finding a venue that fit us perfectly. I remember telling Greg that I felt like I was searching for a place that didn’t exist. With the help of our photographer Amanda Nippoldt we discovered the Machine Shop.

When we first laid eyes on the Machine Shop it was under major reconstruction, but Greg and I knew immediately it was the place we wanted to have our wedding reception. The windows that lined the entire building provided this beautiful light and airy ambiance that could not be found at any other venue. It was perfect for us and our vision. We wanted to bring a soft organic romantic element to the industrial, masculine, Machine Shop.

The style we went with was organic, fresh, elegant, and urban chic. We selected spring colors such as light pinks, peach, light blue, ivory and tons of greenery. We had 175 of our closest friends and family surrounding us on our special day. Good food, great drinks, amazing band, and sharing our love for one another with our guests made the most amazing wedding.

Photography: Amanda Nippoldt Photography | Wedding Coordination: Woven & Wed | Floral Design: Whimsy Events & Design | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Ceremony Venue: Central Luthern Church | Reception Venue: Machine Shop | Makeup Artist : Heather Trachsel | Hair Stylist : Sola Salon Studios | Bridal Boutique : Posh Bridal Couture | Rentals: Apres Party And Tent Rental | Rentals: Linen Effects | Wedding Band: The R Factor | Wedding Rings : JB Hudson

My very favorite moments of this Virginia garden wedding are the simple ones. The pre-ceremony exchange of vows with only their parents in attendance, the private dinner made just for two, and the madly-in-love way these high school sweethearts still look at one another. It’s a celebration filled so much heart, and with some of our favorite vendors like Kristin Sweeting, Holly Chapple and JKW Beauty on the lineup, you better believe this is one gallery you can’t afford to miss.

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From Kristin Sweeting… A secret garden, a private ceremony, and a floral veil are just a few of the magical details that took place at this April wedding on the plantation of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens.

Choosing a venue is one of the most important pieces of planning a wedding. When you find the perfect venue, it speaks to you – and all of the carefully planned details just fall into place. This is exactly what happened for an April bride touring Oatlands Historic House and Gardens. Its grand nature and historical past that sits on 415 acres, along with hidden details such as secret gardens, a tucked-away cottage, and the oldest standing greenhouse in the South. These little spots would provide the perfect setting for the couple’s planned private moments among the day’s celebration.

The bride and groom were high school sweethearts, attending senior prom together and dating for ten years, so a big celebration of their love was a long time coming. The couple wanted not only to include a large group of friends and family but also to share special moments with only each other to reflect upon and celebrate their love. A first look, then a pre-ceremony exchange of vows surrounded by only their parents, followed by a private dinner for two in the lush gardens by the pond.

The vintage feel of the estate and its surroundings matched the overall theme of tradition with a twist. Vintage silhouettes of the bride and groom, inspired by a family heirloom, were present on the invitations, stationery, signs, and seating chart. The bride’s big entrance came in the form of an elegant vintage car. Neutral colors in the bridesmaid dresses let the beauty of the florals, including fresh flowers in the bride’s veil, truly shine. Tables were lined with a garland of colorful flowers with fresh greenery and delicate twinkle lights sprinkled in. Shades of beige, pink, navy, and silver showed up in small but impactful details, like the groomsmen’s blue suits matching the blue anemone flowers in the bridesmaids’ bouquets and the blueberries on the wedding cake.

Longstanding tradition combined with personal touches and memories created with the couple’s closest friends and family against the magical backdrop of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens made the day feel like a timeless fairy tale.

Photography: Kristin Sweeting Photography | Event Planning: Tricia Christine Events | Floral Design: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD | Cake: Cindy Michaels and Peggy Fletcher | Hair + Makeup: JKW Beauty | Band: Affirmative Groove | Venue: Oatlands Historic House and Gardens | Caterering: Tuscarora Mills | Rentals: Capital Party Rentals

Since summer is my favorite season, I was delighted to see this Caribbean Bridal portrait inspiration session by Shannon Leahy land on my desk. With its palm frond motif, refreshing green palette, hibiscus bouquet by Bows + Arrows, and stunning Jamaican beach location, it celebrates all the best things summer has to offer. I’m ready to pack my bathing suit and jump right into the enviable gallery of images by Sylvie Gil Photography!

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From Sylvie Gil Photography… This beachy styled shoot is the perfect inspiration for a tropical destination wedding. Shot near Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, we went for a relaxed, dreamy vibe with just a Bride in a flowy white gown and a single reception table set on the sand. The palm tree motif shows up in the gorgeous landscape as well as the lining of our understated mustard invitation suite. A loose, hibiscus-studded bouquet and centerpiece complement the dark wood accents of the paper goods and reception table.

Photography: Sylvie Gil Photography | Event Planning + Design: Shannon Leahy Events | Floral Design: Bows and Arrows | Stationery: Bourne Paper Co. | Bridal Boutique: LOHO Bride | Location: Half Moon Resort | Model: Ariel McFarlane

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