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!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

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.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

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.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

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!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

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

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

Bows and Arrows

View Portfolio

If you are reading this, it is likely that your greatest love has recently popped the question and congratulations are in order! Now, you get to start asking a few very exciting questions of your own.

Garrett Richardson

Rather than sending a bridesmaid box or inviting them to a traditional brunch, why not let the celebrations begin early and throw a themed party to remember? When it comes to your special day and the most special women in your life, there is no such thing as over the top!

Bridesmaids and Beaches
Once the weather has warmed, there are few things better than a beach day with your best babes. Gather up your girls and head down to the shore for a party in their honor, a day spent sipping and snacking with toes in the sand. If you’re feeling adventurous, get some sea time, floating on rafts fit for each personality, from a sprinkled donut to your very own engagement ring float! Set up a large umbrella over some beach blankets and pillows for your own personal piece of bride tribe paradise.

Sips and Snacks: A beach day should be both easy breezy and fun and festive, so pack your cooler full of wine juice boxes and mini champagne bottles and you’ve got both fun and function covered! If possible, opt for lunch at a great seaside restaurant for a nice break from the beach, but pack up some delicious treats that can be shared while lounging, like fresh fruits or frozen mini chocolate dipped banana and peanut butter sandwiches. Nobody ever turned down chips, salsa and guac during a beach party either.

Bridesmaid Swag: Besides the Instagram-worthy floats you’ve got in tow, spoil your maids with individualized beach hats or bathing suits for the most epic bridesmaid beach uniform.

Sisterhood Sleepover
We all know life is busy and while Friday nights used to mean pizza and best friend snuggles, sleepovers with your girls seem to be few and far between these days. So, what better excuse to get all your girls piled into one place for a sisterhood sleepover than asking them to be in your bridal party?! Plus, cozy couch time is perfect for late night chats about your upcoming nuptials.

Sips and Snacks: Order up pizzas from your favorite spot or have fun making your own with the crew! Stock up with supplies for an easy to make and share s’mores dip and keep the wine flowing for a simple menu that puts your childhood sleepovers to shame.

Bridesmaid Swag: Gift your girls personalized sweatshirts for lounging in all evening. Whether you go for a uniformly emblazoned “Bride Tribe” or individual nicknames, your squad will be comfy and super stoked to get into the wedding planning spirit.

onelove photography

Pancakes and Pajamas
If you are of the belief that there are few things in life better than deliciously sweet breakfast foods and a morning spent cozied up with your favorite ladies, then asking your girls to be part of your special day with a Pancakes and Pajamas party is definitely your style. Time to prepare the griddle and the matching sleepwear for the sweetest, comfiest of mornings.

Sips and Snacks: We have all heard of and likely been privy to the ever-popular mimosa bar, but what about a pancake bar? Hire a little help or recruit your mom to man the spatula so the flapjacks are continuously flowing hot off the griddle. Then, set up a toppings bar filled with fabulous fruits, chocolate chips, jams and syrups for a make-your-own pancake experience! Also, bubbles pair perfectly with pancakes, so go ahead and add in that mimosa bar you were inspired by. Pop, Fizz, Pancake!

Bridesmaid Swag: You’ve got the pancakes covered, now for the pajamas. Upon arrival, shower your squad with matching PJs, embroidered with their initials for that special touch. They can slip into them and get comfy before enjoying the breakfast spread and also wear them on the morning of the big day.

Serendipitous Ice Cream Social
Ice cream socials aren’t just for kids and can be a whimsical way to get your best girls together and ask them to be in your wedding. Truth be told, we all scream for ice cream and nothing says celebration like sprinkles! Plan an afternoon of indulging in a variety of delicious desserts and, if you’re feeling boozy, opt for a few spiked concoctions as well.

Sips and Snacks: Clearly, the theme is centered on ice cream, but there are so many whimsical treats that can be made with everyone’s favorite frozen dessert. Think trays of homemade chocolate chip cookies for creating ice cream sandwiches, old school glass bottles of coke and root beer for float-making, toppings as far as the eye can see for ultimate sundae building and a blender at the ready for milkshake making. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box in terms of flavors- traditional chocolate and vanilla are a must, but after that go out on a limb with unique combinations from a local creamery! Lastly, roll in a little bar cart with nips, like vanilla bourbon or vodka, if you want to turn those milkshakes and floats boozy.

Bridesmaid Swag: Make your ice cream social extra special by gifting your newly minted bridal party with personalized spoons! A set of two is super cute when stamped with your bridesmaid’s name and the date of your upcoming wedding and are expertly themed to your ask party.

Rustic White Photography

Cupcakes and Coffee
Some things just go together, like you and your bridal party and coffee and cupcakes. Whether morning or afternoon, prepare a cupcake table and coffee station like no one has ever seen before in honor of the women you love as much as a good cup of joe and a mini cake.

Sips and Snacks: Coffee and cupcakes can be simple or they can be indulgent and fabulous. For your girls, go all out and set up a coffee station, complete with a never-ending pot of fresh brew, French press, cold brew and an espresso machine. They can choose their cup of joe while also opting in or out of the various add-ins, like specialty creamers or sprinkles of cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla. As for the cupcakes- make everyone forget that donuts used to be coffee’s perfect partner. Continue the theme with coffee flavored mini cakes, while also offering fruit-filled varieties, all expertly decorated so they are almost too beautiful to eat.

Bridesmaid Swag: Initial mugs are the name of the bridesmaid swag game for this bridal party soiree. You can go clean and simple with just your girlfriend’s first initial or you can amp up the personalization with the wedding date or a declaration that they are officially part of the “Bride Tribe.”

Mint Photography

However you choose to ask your ladies to be part of your special day, just have fun with it! The most important thing is that you get to spend time together, make them feel appreciated and kick off a long line of celebrations right, with those who mean the most.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Katie Patton is a merchant and freelance writer from Ohio, currently residing in Celebration, Florida with her fiancé. When she isn’t working you can find her sipping and snacking on a patio, traveling to see her friends and family, endlessly scrolling Instagram or Pinterest and, of course, planning her own upcoming wedding!

For this guest bedroom turned nursery, the design expertise of Laurel & Wolf came into play to transform a narrow space into a whimsical oasis. Tranquil was at the top of the list for mama and blogger, Jessie, of How You Glow along with crafting a room that felt both spacious and cozy. The result is so sweet and happy. Tour the full transformation right here.

By now, it should come as no surprise that the state of our minds is directly related to the state of our spaces. Feeling scattered and stressed out? Well, your home is probably right there with you! Feeling like you’re on top of the world? Chances are your home is in tip-top shape too. If anyone knows this principle be true, it’s art therapist and yoga instructor Jessie De Lowe of the popular lifestyle blog, How You Glow.

Jessie recently enlisted the expertise of Laurel & Wolf Designer Ryen Conley to turn a blank space into a beautiful, glowing nursery for her new baby. When she found out she was pregnant, one of Jessie’s first orders of business was to create a tranquil place to bring her baby girl home to. Starting with the layout, Ryen suggested changing the placement of the bed, which provided “so much more space, completely opening up the room,” says Jessie.

Next, Ryen and Jessie moved on to the “star item” of the nursery — the crib. With its clean lines, slim profile, and position in front of the blue plane-widows, the crib is definitely the focal point of the room and is the first thing you see when walking through the French doors. They kept the furniture clean and classic and brought a boho vibe in via textiles and decor, like a shibori throw on the bed and a Moroccan-inspired rug on the floor.

Before discovering that she was pregnant, Jessie admits that the space served as a guest room, but due to the focus being on other spaces in the home, the nursery hadn’t yet reached its design potential. “We really never put much time or energy into making it special for some reason. Now the room has finally found its purpose and it makes us really excited,” says Jessie.

Photography: Laurel & Wolf | Design: Laurel & Wolf

Let me just start by saying this is not your typical Cinco de Mayo wedding. Instead, it’s a glamorous ballroom affair with subtle fiesta touches for an elegant yet festive vibe. Erika Delgado photographed as the day unfolded and we’ve got the full gallery waiting for you here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Erika Delgado Photography… Photographed at West Palm Beaches Historic Flagler Museum on Cinco de Mayo, Melissa and David’s wedding day was an elegant affair with light touches of fiesta like their signature margarita drink that guests enjoyed throughout the night, their piñata guest sign in, mini patron tequila favors and festive sombreros!

It was not only a gorgeous ceremony and reception dinner but a fun wedding with a Cinco de Mayo flavor for guests to enjoy and remember.

Photography: Erika Delgado Photography | Cinematography: Black Label Films | Wedding Planning: Lauren Daversa Events | Floral Design: Xquisite Events | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Wedding Cake: Dominique Couture Cake | Catering: Chez Gourmet | Hair + Makeup: Team Beauti | Entertainment: Rock With U | Groom's Attire: The Tux Shop | Officiant: Pastor Brad Schmidt | Transportation: Molly's Trolleys | Venue: Flagler Museum | Decor: Xquisite Events | Hotel Accommodations: Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa | Lighting Design: Xquisite Events

It’s been a few days since Julianne Hough said “I do” to Brooks Laich, but we’re still not over her two gorgeous custom Marchesa wedding gowns (and truth be told, we probably never will be). So we asked the designers behind her big day fashion, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, co-founders of Marchesa, to spill all the details on the star’s stunning bridal style!

What was it like to work with Julianne? Did she have a clear vision as to what she wanted for herself and her bridesmaids?

Julianne was very involved throughout the entire process! She had a vision for her wedding and the different dresses she wanted for the ceremony and reception. Before we started the design process, she sent through her ideas and inspiration and from there we were able to begin sketching and draping the dresses for both the ceremony and reception. We also worked closely with her to create two custom Marchesa Notte bridesmaid silhouettes and a custom Marchesa gown for her mother.

How can brides replicate her two very different ceremony and reception looks?

Our Couture and Notte Bridal collections offer a variety of silhouettes that allow brides to re-create Julianne’s stunning ceremony and reception looks. Julianne went with a very classic silhouette for her ceremony, perfect for an outdoor wedding – a drop waist gown with a full skirt and a strapless sweet heart neckline. For the bride that wants to keep her look simple we recommend our Celeste (Couture) and Dixie (Notte Bridal) gowns – while for the bride that wants a little something extra we recommend our Miranda (Couture) gown that has a dramatic taffeta skirt and ornate pearl embroidery on the bodice.

It was so important that Julianne’s reception dress was perfect for dancing the night away! While her look was quite daring – an embroidered bodysuit and sheer detachable tulle skirt, it was so romantic! Our Mila and Lana dresses from our couture SS18 collection are so fun and perfect for a long night of dancing, while our Sydney and Avery dresses from Notte Bridal SS18 are incredibly romantic and ethereal.

Julianne’s bridesmaids wore two different, but complimentary custom Marchesa Notte styles – how do you pull this off correctly? Any tips for mixing and matching?

When mixing and matching bridesmaids dresses it is important to make sure that the gowns complement each other. Whether that be sticking to the same color scheme, or dressing everyone in a similar silhouette, it can be achieved seamlessly and appear effortless. Julianne chose to unify the color scheme through romantic Honeysuckle Blush and Rose Quartz gowns. We worked with her to create two custom Marchesa Notte silhouettes and her bridesmaids had the freedom to choose whichever they felt the most comfortable in. Confidence is essential!

Saddlerock Ranch is a crowd favorite in terms of venues and yes, the grounds are gorgeous and the views are breathtaking but also, giraffes! And zebras! What other venue can offer up such fun wedding guests? Peek inside this Malibu affair that combines rustic elegance planned by So Happi Together with pastel florals a plenty by Heavenly Blooms and all that beauty, plus some fun animal infused moments, captured by Esther Sun.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the bride… Surrounded by vineyards and lush greenery, having our wedding at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu was a fairy tale come true. Being from Thousand Oaks, I had always known about Saddlerock Ranch and loved how it embodied everything that California is to me, so it was only fitting that we both ended up falling in love with the venue when we visited! Our wedding day was everything we envisioned – and more. More as in, rain was in the night’s forecast! With our amazing wedding planner, we put our backup plan into action just 48 hours prior to our wedding day. We ended up having our reception in a clear top tent surrounded by the willow trees adorned with string lights. Our reception turned out to be the best celebration we could have ever imagined – ending with everyone on the dance floor with foam glow sticks in hand lighting up the night! Having our friends and family there to celebrate with us made it a day we will never forget, and having these photos will keep these memories alive forever.

Photography: Esther Sun Photography | Videography: Pat Kim | Event Planning: So Happi Together | Floral Design: Heavenly Blooms | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Cake: M Cakes Sweets | Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas | Ceremony Venue: Saddlerock Ranch | Reception Venue: Saddlerock Ranch | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Hungry Bear | Groom's Attire: Ted Baker | Bridesmaids' Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | MUAH: Kohnur | Rentals: A Rental Connection | linen: BBJ La Tavola

When you love the beach as much as Dennis and Mallary, a destination wedding in Mexico is sort of a no-brainer. So these two cuties grabbed their friends and family and left the chilly PA weather for a sun-filled getaway at the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa. It was an elegant celebration captured by Del Sol Photography with their fave spot as the backdrop. We can’t get enough.

Dennis and I met, got engaged, and spend every free moment we have on a beach. Whether its spending our summers at the Jersey shore or traveling to an island, we are always chasing the warm weather and the closest body of water! For that reason, it only made sense to us to have our wedding on a beach. We couldn’t wait to get away from Pennsylvania in January and celebrate with our family and friends who are so very important to us.

Our wedding was pretty simple. We want to focus on the natural surroundings, colors, and cultures of Mexico. Our colors are cobalt blue and ivory. We had a Mariachi band perform during the cocktail hour and also surprised out guests with fire dancers after dinner!

We chose Del Sol Photography, because we fell in love with the colors and creativity of your photography. Dennis and I hate weird cheesy poses, and appreciate how they captured our candid moments. We understand that its important to have shots that are planned, but we want to look like ourselves and be comfortable! It was extremely important to us to spend as much time at our wedding and with our guests as possible so we had most of the bride and groom, bridal party and family shots taken before our ceremony.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Photography: del Sol Photography | Wedding Dress: Terani Couture | Venue: Dreams Riviera Cancun | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Macy's

The beach has long been my special place but this one right here takes the cake. Subtle yet striking style and plenty of romance – with just a dash of coastal charm for good measure – this scene is the epitome of summer love if we do say so ourselves. Posh, Petals & Pearls orchestrated the looks and Amanda Watson captured it all for our hungry eyes to enjoy – see every pic right this way!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Amanda Watson… I am the host behind this inspiration shoot. I’ve always loved the historical side of Jekyll Island but there are so many other beautiful areas of the island including Driftwood Beach where I have wanted to shoot for some time. I wanted this shoot to bring out the natural textures and tones of the beach and surrounding sights.

I enlisted the help of Posh, Petals & Pearls to perfectly execute this vision. Tara & her team did an impeccable job bringing the beach tablescape to life with custom driftwood place cards, an oyster garland and sea glass votives – perfect for any coastal bride!

Incredible florals from Marble & Pine brought out the colors of the sunset and were such a stunning addition to the table. And the bride’s bouquet was to die for and such perfect florals for any bride of almost any season!

The cake reflected the tones and textures of the waves. Cathy Huber brought it to life with ruffled layers topped with a beautiful silver sea fan and oyster shell.

Our real bride wore a beautiful Carol Hannah gown that flowed in the wind and waves along the shore and if the dress didn’t evoke enough romance, it was just oozing from our real couple Karli and Will having it been just over their one year anniversary – what a perfect way for these still newlyweds to celebrate!

Photography: Amanda Watson Photography | Event Planning: Posh Petals and Pearls | Floral Design: Marble + Pine | Gown: Carol Hannah | Cake: Cathy Huber Cakes | Hair + Makeup: Emma Collins Beauty | Venue: Driftwood Beach | Film Lab: Indie Film Lab | Ribbons: Tono Co | Workshop: Amanda Watson Workshops | Workshop Host: Amanda Watson Photography

Seeing just a few photos of Jardin de Buis, Claire Duran knew she had to create an elegant editorial in this space. With its unique greenhouse and orangerie, the European-feeling architecture of the home, and the impressive grounds, Claire’s goal was to complement and enhance the venue with the help of Belovely’s floral design expertise, incorporating the ample greenery and gorgeous natural surroundings in an elegant way. The result is effortless romance, photographed to perfection by Erika Brown, so check out the gallery for more inspiration.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Claire Duran Weddings and Events… The moment I saw images from Jardin de Buis in New Jersey was the moment I fell in love with it. I know I had to design for that space, no matter the four hour drive from Washington DC. And then I saw it in person, and my jaw simply dropped at the amazing beauty of the space, and the gorgeous private collection of its owner. This editorial intends to inspire the Bride who is excited to make a statement with her venue choice and who wants to incorporate nature into her wedding in a very elegant and sophisticated way.

The greenhouse, the house’s architecture, and the gardens gave us the perfect backdrops for such a combination of aesthetics. All we had to do was bring in the little touches that would complement all that was already going on, keeping a neutral color palette for the most part, and adding some strong pops of color to catch the eye, as seen with the cake and the shoes. Softness, simplicity, and delicate details were all in mind when thinking of the stationery, gown, hair, makeup, and accessories, and the bit of adventure and wildness would come across through the floral design.

When doing editorials, there’s nothing better than having a real couple as models, so we were delighted to have Erin and Vito model for us, as we get to see their genuine and deep love for each other in front of the camera, which at the end of the day, is what weddings are all about! Once it all came to life, it is thanks to the uber talented Erika Brown that we have these incredible images for us to always remember how much wedding beauty was collectively created that day!

Photography: Erika Brown Photography | Event Planning + Design: Claire Duran Weddings And Events | Event Styling: Claire Duran Weddings And Events | Floral Design: Belovely | Wedding Dress: Flora | Cake: Sugar Lane Cake Shop | Stationery: CHATHAM & CARON | Ring: Melissa Tysons Designs | Makeup: Makeup by Sara Boyd | Hair: Lauren Clift for Alchemy of Hair | Accessories: Mint Lola | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Wedding Reception: Jardin De Buis

We often think decorating with a theme is gaudy and sometimes a bit contrived; however, finding inspiration from your favorite places like an East Coast beach, your grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen, or the swanky modern art museum can add personality and chic style to your home when executed with subtlety.

Check out these tips for decorating your home around three different themes, coastal, minimalism, and farmhouse, without the tackiness and clutter.

Taryn Kent

Coastal: Keep it cool and clean
If you love seaside style, keep it crisp and clean without taking the nautical theme, well, overboard. Avoid decorating with too many cliche items, like seashells, oars, and model sailboats, and stick to a classier coastal style with light and bright items mixed with nautical blue. Dress up a comfy white sofa with embroidered pillows like this coral pillow or this cheeky and fun octopus pillow from Pier 1.

Complement beachy, neutral tones with bold, navy striped curtain panels to frame your room’s windows.

Tessa Neustadt

Minimalism: Add more texture
If clean lines and absolutely no clutter is your thing, decorating your home around a minimalist theme is for you. But decorator beware, it’s easy to make your home feel cold and uninviting. Keep things minimal, but still homey, but combining different textures in the same neutral tones. A fringed blanket in a beautiful ivory keeps clean, white bedding from looking stark and uncomfortable. A stack of your favorite antique books adds a slight rustic touch to a modern dresser from Wayfair.

Be sure to incorporate rich wood tones, a cool potted succulent, and a cozy area rug to add warmth and texture to your minimalistic look.

Tessa Neustadt

Farmhouse: Choose heirloom-quality
Thanks to the popularity of Waco-based TV show “Fixer Upper,” farmhouse style is all the rage. From farm signage about farmers markets, fresh baked pies, rustic metal details and shiplap, it’s easy to make your suburban home feel like a little,white farmhouse on a ranch in the country by taking a shopping trip to any big box store.

But rather than sticking tacky roosters on your kitchen counter and covering every inch of your walls in reproduced farm signage, keep the theme simple by choosing just a couple of distinctly farmhouse decorative items, like a DIY feature wall of white-painted shiplap and an old-timey scale topped with freshly dried garden herbs for your kitchen counter. Because farmhouse style is nearly timeless, choose an heirloom-quality dining table fit for anyone’s country cottage, like this extendable farmhouse table from Wayfair.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ali Struhs is a freelance writer, blogger, and boy mama in Denver, Colorado. When not typing away on the computer, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, rocking out at Red Rocks, and chasing around her toddler.

Since your engagement ring something you’ll wear for the rest of your life, you want to make sure it’s absolutely you!

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to narrow down your ring choices — and, later on, the style you’ll rock on your wedding day. Here are four examples of how your personality can quite literally shine on your wedding day and beyond, thanks to the perfect piece of bling.

Ether & Smith

Classic or Practical: Traditional Ring

If you consider your style to be classic, you’re the perfect fit for a traditional ring. Simple bands with sparkling diamonds at their center would go with just about any outfit in your wardrobe.

You might also consider a traditional ring if you appreciate the practical things in life. Rather than face the possibility of wasting money on an ephemeral accessory, you should consider a simple, traditional ring: one diamond, a clean band, and few frills.

French Grey Events

Whimsy or Earthy: Bohemian Ring

On the opposite side of the spectrum is the earth-loving and whimsical bride. Your style is much more deliberate, but it doesn’t feel that way at all: everything from your home’s interior design to the outfits you wear have that breezy, effortless look.

Your ring can’t be anything traditional — it simply wouldn’t represent you or who you are. Instead, go for something far from the ordinary. Boho bridal gowns look amazing with rings that have opals or moonstones at their centers, for example. You might also consider bling with a more intricate band inspired by nature. Intertwined branches or delicate flowers holding a jewel is just about as boho as it gets.

Jose Villa Photography

Artistic, Sleek or Structured: Modern Ring

Art lovers, listen up: your ring can be just as thought-provoking as a piece at the local gallery. A bespoke design might feature a geometrically cut diamond, whether it’s a square or a perfectly round circle. That plus a simple band would create an incredibly modern and sophisticated engagement ring, an accessory that’s a work of art in and of itself.

A ring like this would not only be perfect for modern art aficionados but those whose wardrobes are crisp, simple and chic.

Center of Attention or Girly: Glamorous Ring

If you feel your wedding is your one excuse to go full-on princess, then a glamorous ring is your only option. An extra-large rock with a diamond-encrusted band would go perfectly with the eye-catching wardrobe you already have. You can further stack your sparkler with an equally as shiny wedding band to bring the bling factor to a whole new level.

Every bride is different. If you’re still unsure of where you fall, the best thing to do is start shopping. Try on rings at your local jewelry shop and figure out what feels right and what fits you beyond a ring size: you’ll be wearing it for decades to come, so it should reflect a little piece of who you are.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine.

If you spend any amount of time on her blog you’ll know that this bride, Danielle knows a thing or two about style. And that great fashion taste translated to the dreamiest cliffside wedding set in San Diego as she tied the knot with Peter. From her getting ready look a la Plum Pretty Sugar to a boho bridal gown by Grace Loves Lace, Danielle brought her style A-game on the big day and the amazing Tenth & Grace captured it all behind the camera. Pssst: don’t miss SJ Videography’s film below!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/222084125 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Danielle, the bride…

About Danielle & Peter

Peter and I met through my brother-in-law. Peter kind of tricked me into going on a date with him (he said it was more of a “business lunch meeting”). I didn’t know what to think when I arrived realizing it was a very real date! But as we sat down for lunch the conversation just started to flow, I was completely myself with him and we had everything in common. It was the easiest date I had ever been on. Before I knew it we had been to five different restaurants and had a nine hour first date! Two days later Peter asked me to meet him for a quick cup of coffee where he told me he was going to marry me. Yes, on our second date he told me very matter of factly that he was going to marry me! We’ve been inseparable ever since.

Wedding Day

Fast forward three years, 2 different states and lots of traveling came our wedding day! I can still perfectly remember getting in the car with Tanya from Tenth & Grace driving to the Sunset Cliffs headed to see my future husband for our “First Look”. I had procrastinated and was transferring my scribbled vows that I had written on a hotel notepad to my vow book on the drive over (come to find out, Peter was doing the exact same thing on his drive too!). I will never forget seeing Peter standing out on the cliff waiting for me. I was more nervous than I expected to be but the very moment I embraced Peter was my happiest moment ever. I felt complete stillness, like that moment had been waiting for me for my whole life. It was the most love I have ever felt.

Inspiration

The Sunset Cliffs couldn’t have been a more perfect setting for us. Peter and I are both beach lovers – there is no place we feel more peaceful at than near the waves. The inspiration for the wedding was to create a whimsical yet bohemian vibe. Both of those styles really reflect who we are as a couple, carefree and laid-back yet playful. But more than anything I wanted to keep it very intimate. My dream was to have our wedding feel like everyone’s best day ever, not a huge fancy production but truly a day of beauty and love. With 38 of our closest family and friends, my Dad marrying us wearing my Grandmother’s vintage turquoise ring, I truly have never felt so much pure joy around me. I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling!

Design Highlights

When I first told Peter I wanted a pink couch he thought I was crazy! But he totally let me run with my design ideas and paired with the natural elements of the other lounge pieces and the cliff itself, the pink couch ended up being one of my favorite details! Our ceremony arch + flowers were an absolutely dream. My brother-in-law made the arch stand and my florist outdid herself with adding lots of greenery and boho goodness!

The macrame hanging we used has been in every home Peter and I have lived in together, it’s a piece that will go everywhere with us. I wanted to work with the windy cliff instead of fighting it so I kept everything very flowy, which complemented the natural look I was going for. Everyone looked stunning! My bridesmaids in mixed dresses and the men in killer blue suits – all the little details came together so perfectly (I could cry at how amazing my planner + vendors were). Although it was a very calm and intimate day, it was still a major party – just like we wanted! It was truly the wedding of our dreams.

Photography: Tanya Menoni | Videography: SJ Videography | Event Design: Danille Wittig | Event Design: Seventh Bixel | Florals: Kimberly Anderson, The Dainty Lion | Wedding Dress: Grace Loves Lace | Bakery: Hey There, Cupcake! | Ceremony Venue: Sunset Cliffs | Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Makeup: Alicia Wheeler Makeup & Hair Artistry | Calligraphy: Dixie on Dallas | Hotel: Kimpton Hotel Palomar | Bridesmaid Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Event Planning + Coordination: Details Darling | Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

While their specialty is photography, most photographers have been to countless weddings, and they’ve picked up a few tips along the way. So, we got into their brains a bit and asked them what they want you to know before your big day in order to get the best photos.

a guy + a girl photography

Research
With so many talented wedding photographers, it can be hard to settle on a final decision for your big day. “On your wedding day, you’ll want a photographer who can create cool pictures in bad weather, dark rooms, and unflattering lighting,” says Lauren Saldutti and Michael Kelley of a guy + a girl photography. “[You want] someone who can make pretty pictures whether things go according to plan or you wind up having to go with plan B.”

To find that right person, it’s all about research. “I always tell my potential couples to be sure to choose someone whose work they have completely fallen in love with,” says Michele Beckwith of Michele Beckwith Photography. “At the end of the day, the investment you make in your chosen artist will continue to grow and be passed down through your family for generations.”

Michele Beckwith Photography

Pick a Photographer you Like to Be Around
All of the photographers we spoke with had the same sentiment: it’s important to like each other. “Unlike other vendors, your photographer will be by your side on the wedding day from early morning when you’re sipping coffee in your floral robe and slippers until late that night when the bottoms of your bare feet are dirty from the dance floor and your makeup is runny,” says Lauren Saldutti and Michael Kelley. “A photographer who ‘gets you’ and who can be a friend and a calm presence will be an asset while riding the emotional waves of your wedding day.”

To ensure you’ll have this type of connection with your photographer, try to meet up with them ahead of time to see how your personalities fit. “I always (always) meet with our clients either in person, on Skype, or on the phone before any formal booking takes place to ensure we’re all on the same page and generally get along,” says Sarah Lockhart of Ryon:Lockhart Photography. “Make sure you feel comfortable with them—when you are comfortable, it will show in your photos!”

Scout Locations Ahead of Time
If you’re doing a first look or want your family photos away from the venue, work with your photographer to nail down a few ideal spots for photos. “I suggest to have one or two locations that are walking distance in mind for portraits,” says Sarah Lockhart. “But always leave time for lots of flexibility—we’re constantly looking for really beautiful pockets of light or natural reflectors and those can be found in really odd spots (hello, random alleyways!!).”

Ryon:Lockhart Photography

Involve Your Photographer in the Scheduling
Whether you are working with a planner, or you and your fiancé are handling the scheduling yourselves, be sure to involve your photographer. “[It’s] very helpful for the flow of the day, and for best photo results, to have your photographer involved with the timing and scheduling of photography throughout the different parts of the day,” says Lauren Saldutti and Michael Kelley.
In addition to the flow, your photographer can also help point out possible mishaps that could occur with locations or timing of portraits. “It is so important to have an open dialogue with your photographer and coordinator (if you have one) early on in the planning process to talk about logistics,” says Michele Beckwith. “You’ll figure out if there’s going to be any major influences that will impact the way your day flows and come up with a game plan that allows for buffers (in case things run behind).”

Slow Down and Have Fun
You spend your entire engagement planning and thinking and working out problems, but on the day of, it’s important to remember just one thing: enjoy yourself. “I know how stressful the process of planning a wedding can be, but don’t forget the why of all of it,” says Sarah Lockhart. “Give lots of hugs, belly laugh, ugly cry, and dance your booty off—it will make for really great photos.”

Michele Beckwith Photography

Remember: Post-Production is a Process

After the wedding, brides and grooms are often anxious to get their images back—it’s an exciting moment that we yearn for, but shouldn’t rush. As Lauren Saldutti and Michael Kelley of a guy + a girl photography explain, the majority of a photographer’s time is spent after the wedding. “Having images that are properly adjusted, color corrected, and photo-shopped is essential in the quality of the final product and doing this correctly takes more time, so be patient for your final images,” they said. “Having the fastest turnaround after the wedding does not always lead to the best results.

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 new husband.

Photography: a guy + a girl photography | Photography: Michele Beckwith Photography | Photography: Ryon:Lockhart Photography

There’s a new trend in the wedding industry and it’s all about incorporating technology into your wedding day. If you’re not ready to use a robot officiant or test out a driverless car for your exit, that’s okay! There are easier, tech-savvy ways to make your wedding day memorable for you and your guests.

1. Snapchat Filter
Go beyond the wedding hashtag. Who doesn’t love a good Snapchat filter? With their new on-demand geofilter feature, it’s easier than ever to create your own custom filter for your big day. Simply visit their website, upload your own design or use one of the preset backgrounds, pick where and when you want the filter to be available, and pay a small fee before submitting it for approval. They usually approve it within a day, and in my experience, it’s been under $50 for most wedding day filters.

2. Weddington Way Virtual Showroom
Chances are your entire bridal party doesn’t live in the same city. And even if they do, it can be hard to coordinate everyone’s schedules. That’s where the Weddington Way virtual showroom comes in! As the bride, you can create a showroom, save your favorite styles and invite your bridesmaids to view the showroom. They can also add their own styles and you can like and comment on anything they save. Don’t you dare forget about the Style Me Pretty bridesmaid dress collection exclusively at Weddington Way!

3. Drones
I always encourage my clients to hire a wedding videographer. It’s the perfect way to relive your special day and something you’ll cherish forever. I love the idea of using a drone to get one-of-a-kind aerial shots of your ceremony and reception, especially if you’re getting married at a venue with breathtaking views.

4. Paperless Wedding Invitations
Whether you’re looking to save some money or you have a very short engagement, online wedding invitations are becoming more and more popular. Paperless Post has a wide variety of invitations that you can customize and send to your guests via email. If you have any guests without an email, not a problem! Many designs come in both online and paper versions. I recommend ordering at least one paper version so your photographer can get some great detail shots on the wedding day.

5. Digital RSVPs
Another trend I’m seeing: asking guests to RSVP online. If you send out a digital invitation from sites like Paperless Post, you can incorporate the digital RSVP feature into your design and track your responses from their website. If you send out a paper invitation but don’t want to deal with the hassle of checking the mail for RSVPs, include an insert card that directs guest to your website to RSVP.

6. GIF Photo Booths
Photo booths have always been popular at weddings but the newest trend is GIF photo booths and they are a hit with guests of all ages! Guests can immediately post these GIFs to social media, and much like a Snapchat filter, you can add your own names, wedding date and location to the images.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kristen Lauck Gillock is the owner and lead planner at Marie Rose Events based in Oklahoma City. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her spending time outside or enjoying a glass of wine and cooking dinner at home with her husband.

Picking a favorite gown moment is going to be hard with this beauty. Wrapped inside this rustic olive grove inspiration is not one but two crazy beautiful embroidered Gossamer gowns that pair perfectly with the Italian countryside infused design and styling of Kaleb Norman James. Think romantic stationery by Seniman Calligraphy, rolling fields of lavender and the prettiest of imagery by Maria Lamb.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Kaleb Norman James… If you’ve ever been to Highland Springs Ranch, you’ll understand the draw of the olive groves on site. You become immediately transported to the Italian countryside, while simultaneously being just outside the Californian dessert. With this in mind, we went for an aesthetic that felt authentically Italian, rustic ceramic pottery in the place settings, to floral accented with Tuscan pears and grapes. Ultimately, we wanted the details to really be what carried the theme. The cathedral veil was one of the first items we looked for, knowing the juxtaposition of this veil in an olive grove would create a beautiful contrast. The tablescape was created with beautiful gold calligraphy, vintage flatware and custom embroidered napkins. The beautiful lavender fields created the perfect setting as the sun began setting, which were just adjacent to the olive tree grove, paired perfectly with the vintage green embroidered gown from Gossamer. 

Photography: Maria Lamb | Coordination: Vanity Affair Events | Event Design: Kaleb Norman James Design | Floral Design: Kaleb Norman James Design | Cake: Sainte G. Cake Company | Stationary: Seniman Calligraphy | Makeup: Bridget Mahoney | Hair: Swept Away Wedding Hair Design | Bride Model: Sara Spain | Bride Veil and Hair Pieces: Brides And Hairpins | Dresses: Gossamer | Embroidered Napkins: Linens and Letters | Groom Model: Michael Shogren | Rentals: Etablir Shop | Shoot Location: Highland Springs Resort

Eloping has its benefits. It can save you a lot of time, money, and stress. The best part: your big day can be all about YOU! Here’s how to add some extra meaningful touches to your magical moment.

Michele Beckwith Photography

Pick a Sentimental Location
One of the biggest benefits of eloping is that it’s all about YOU – and your fiancé, of course. Start by selecting a location that feels personal for you both. Another benefit? You don’t have to stick to wedding venues. Getting married somewhere that feels special for the two of you – whether it’s a tropical destination or your high school football field – sets the tone for a special elopement.

Hire a Photographer
Beautiful pictures can help you relive special moments over and over for years to come. Your wedding is a big deal! You deserve fabulous photos. Plus, you’re going to look amazing! It’s also a way for your friends and family (and your social media followers) who weren’t at the ceremony to share in the experience.

Brumley & Wells

Do Something Luxurious
Odds are you’re saving some money by eloping, so treat yourself to a little luxury on your wedding day! Splurge on whatever makes you feel special – opulent accommodations for your destination ceremony, your dream dress, or a delicious meal. If you’re planning to elope because you love to travel, spend a little extra on a scenic view or another day abroad. Take advantage of your cost savings!

Add Traditional Elements
You don’t have to say “goodbye” to all wedding traditions. In fact, picking a few meaningful elements will add a little something special to your big day. If you’ve always wanted a wedding cake, go all out with a fancy two-tier creation. Save the top tier for your first wedding anniversary! Pick a “first dance” song. There’s something extra romantic about the idea of the two of you, swaying along to your song, in a moment that’s just meant for you.

There’s also the tradition not to see each other on your wedding day before the ceremony. Make the time special by exchanging love letters to read while you’re getting ready. Even if it’s only a few hours, the time apart will make you that much more excited to come together again. Few things compare to the groom’s first look at the bride on her wedding day!

Send Custom Announcements
Say “We Did!” with a personal announcement to all your friends and family. It’s a great way to help them feel connected, even though you didn’t throw a large event. Introduce the new Mr. & Mrs. with a custom photo elopement announcement from Skipt Paper Co. They have plenty of design options, and you can upload and edit your card directly on the site. You’ll be thankful you hired that photographer!

Ether and Smith

No wonder eloping is becoming more popular! When it’s just you and your fiancé, you can spend all your time and energy focusing on what YOU want. And, at the end of the day, that’s what makes any wedding extra special.

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.

This couple wanted their wedding to be an oasis for their guests, allowing their loved ones to connect with others and relax for several days rather than stay for just a few hours and rush back to their busy lives. Rancho Pescadero, which the couple stumbled upon while on vacation in Mexico, was the ideal location for the getaway they envisioned. With the help of the resort staff, their wedding weekend captured by Dev Khalsa Photography was one to remember filled with bonfires, yoga, relaxing by the pool, and celebrating!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Evan and I are two professionals living in San Francisco. We met the old-fashioned way, through a mutual friend who thought we would have a lot to share with each other. She was right! We love being outdoors and traveling the world together.​

We discovered Rancho Pescadero at the end of a dusty dirt road by accident while on a vacation in Mexico a few years ago. I knew it was where I wanted to get married. I really wanted to create a space where people could take some time away from their daily lives, meet or reconnect with other good people, and make new lifelong memories. Having our wedding at this remote oasis allowed people to stay for days and relax rather than a local wedding where people would stay for a few hours and then​ rush back to their busy lives. With the help of the great staff at the resort, we put together a wonderful weekend of bonfires, yoga, volleyball, laying by the pool, eating, drinking, and celebrating!

Evan comes from the Jewish tradition, and I come from a yoga tradition, and we created our own ceremony that honored both our cultures with two friends officiating and representing each. During the weekend I taught yoga class, and we had y​ogic chanting during the ceremony, but we also broke the ​challah bread to start dinner and, my favorite, danced the hora​. We also did the lavaan rounds, blessing of the wine, breaking of the glass, and flower petal shower as we exited the ceremony. It was certainly a unique event and a perfect blend of our traditions. My favorite moment was standing under the canopy during the ceremony looking at each other, the whole world seemed to disappear and there was nothing but the two of us in that moment. After the ceremony I felt such a high walking back down the aisle while our friends cheered and showered us with flower petals.​

​A couple of my favorite details were our place cards and our table numbers. Our place cards each had a yoga posture or meditation and the explanation of its benefits​. Instead of table numbers, each table was named with one of the qualities we want to bring to our marriage – Love, Kindness, Humor, Passion, Trust, etc.

I didn’t have a color palette or a style vision; my goal was to let the natural beauty of our location be our backdrop. The color palette that came out of nature was perfect – the fuchsia bougainvillea flowers growing on the property, the driftwood and billowy white cotton canopy for our ceremony, and the soft beige sand and blue water of the ocean. Instead of cut flowers for our​ centerpieces, we bought potted plants at t​he local nursery that the owners of Rancho Pescadero planted on the property afterward.

​​My gown was Ulla-Maija, purchased second hand from another Bride​. It was classic, and the soft cream lace with sand colored lining was perfect in the setting. After the wedding, I passed the gown on to another Bride. I really liked this sharing and continuity. If I could give a Bride any advice, it would be to relax and just be present during this special time. It’s not the details that matter, but ​the experiences you’ll have with friends and family and the memories you’ll keep for a lifetime.

Photography: Dev Khalsa Photography | Wedding Dress: Anna Maier | Venue: Sandra Scandiber