Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

This Is the Perfect Palette for a Fresh Garden Wedding

Picture this: a garden wedding set in Sonoma, graced in golden sunlight. Now pair it with a citrusy and pale dusty blue color palette like the one. All the heart eyes. Designed by NT Events, it’s a fresh combo woven with elegance and we’re challenging one of you to recreate it’s loveliness for your Big Day. Experience the fully beauty captured by Jenny Soi in the gallery.

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From Jenny Soi… This romantic garden wedding is inspired by the simplicity, beauty, and the organic nature of citrus blooms set in a garden venue in gorgeous Sonoma. Guided by warm tones against the thoughtful textures of our handmade ceramic plates to our cake, our design defines understated elegance. Our florist Laura’s Floras created a beautifully playful and delicate arrangements dripping with citrus colors. The greenery, hedges and flowers blossoming at Cornerstone Sonoma was exactly what we were looking for in a soft, fun, and summery shoot. We wanted a unique table styling and showcased the beautiful table texture to give it the organic touch with a different dimension to the settings. The draped linens along with the fun and free flowing bridal gowns gave us that extra movement we have through out the shoot. We hope this motivates couples to be inspired by the changing seasons and it’s colors.

What Influences the Popularity of Honeymoon Destinations?

It seems like each year there are one or two travel destinations that every other newlywed couple chooses to go. According to a recent survey by Zola, 80% of couples honeymoon overseas, and unsurprisingly, Hawaii lands the top spot!

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

But what factors come into play when couples decide where to go? Here are a few that may strongly influence how couples choose their honeymoon destinations:

Safety and Security
It’s unfortunate, but we live in a reality where terrorist attacks are increasingly in the forefront of our minds. It has become a larger fear for travelers looking to spend time in Europe with recent attacks in France and the UK. 72% of couples stated that things like security are very influential on their travel decisions. Another cause of concern is the travel ban, which could seriously affect couples where one is not a US citizen. You should be conscious of safety while traveling, but I would strongly advise against living your life in fear of terrorist attacks.

Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Other safety factors are a bit more ambiguous such as sex and drug trafficking and theft in countries such as Thailand or Mexico. Although these countries will involve a bit more preparation and diligence on the part of tourists, the risks are far outweighed by the beauty and rich cultural experiences you’re sure to have.
So if you’ve always dreamt of getting on a plane and visiting France, Belgium, Turkey, or anywhere else, now is as good a time as any to grab your lover and go!

Health
20% of couples surveyed by Zola expressed that viruses such as Zika are a deterrent when deciding where to go. In case you’re not familiar, Zika is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes in tropical areas. As someone who recently traveled to Western Samoa, I can say that it is something to be considered but not a deal-breaker.

If you visit the World Health Organization’s website, it will lay out the places where the virus is of top concern by a color coded system. For example, Samoa was orange, so there had been some cases, but as long as you take the necessary precautions, there’s nothing to worry about! These types of viruses can affect places like Hawaii and the Caribbean, which are on the list of top 10 most popular honeymoon destinations. So do your homework and pack your bug spray!

Jose Villa Photography

Health concerns also involve food and water safety. We’ve all been advised not to drink the water in certain countries, but this includes: fruits and vegetables washed in tap water, beverages served with ice cubes, and local street food. If you have a sensitive stomach, plan your food prior to the trip by using travel guides to map out where and what you can eat. It wouldn’t hurt to bring along some probiotics and digestive aids as well! If you and your hubs are major foodies, don’t let this stop you, do your research and leave no snack un-sampled!

Weather
This may seem like a small deterrent compared to the others, but many people plan their honeymoon solely around the climate of the country. And coming from the frozen tundra that is Chicago in February, I can’t blame them! 27% of couples interviewed said they take into account seasonal weather patterns when booking their honeymoon.

There are a few things to keep in mind here, however: weather is not limited to just hot and cold. You may be traveling during your peak summer, but it may be another country’s rainy season or winter (hello, Southern Hemisphere!). Some places even have “jellyfish season”, when the water temperatures are warmer and therefore more prone to have poisonous jellyfish present. And of course, traveling anywhere in peak season will undoubtedly be more expensive and touristy. Keep that in mind when booking your flights!

As with any trip, planning and research are very important, but perhaps even more so for your honeymoon, since it could very well be the first large trip you’re taking with your partner. Have a chat about the above-mentioned factors with your new hubby and use them to plan your perfect getaway!

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

The Island of Kauai Is the Perfect Spot for This Chic, Tropical Celebration

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more gorgeous destination than Kauai and this insanely chic celebration designed by Moana Events (yes, Moana!!) along with all white florals by Steven Boyle Designs fits right in with all that tropical beauty. Sneak a peek at the beautiful images by O’Malley Photographers where you’ll find everything from island seascapes to the perfect twirling embrace.

From Planner, Moana Events… Chase and Devon first met at the Coachella Valley Music Festival attending with mutual friends. Sparks flew immediately, but Chase was living in New York and Devon in San Francisco. Their time together at Coachella quickly came to an end but Chase had a fortuitously planned business trip in San Francisco the following week. After 15 months of spontaneous trips and late-night phone calls, Devon took a leap of faith and made the move to New York. Chase had known he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Devon from the moment he met her. So, on her 28th birthday Chase took Devon to a romantic dinner at one of their favorite restaurants One if by Land, Two if by Sea. Walking home under a city-lit sky, the couple detoured through Washington Square Park. Stopping under the Washington Square arch and inspired by Hollywood romance, Chase got down on one knee and asked Devon to spend the rest of her life with him.

The picturesque couple envisioned a tropical, romantic, and elegant wedding for their special day. Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens on the island of Kauai perfectly embodied these elements on their special day. Na Aina Kai’s unique teak tree forest and serene waterscape best captured the couple’s vision. Kauai also holds a special place in the couple’s heart, being Devon’s hometown. Devon worked closely with Moana Events to create an elegant and naturalistic atmosphere. For the ceremony, Moana Events designed a romantic garden look with an arbor decorated with an assortment of greenery such as camellia leaf, Italian ruscus, fern spears, rosemary lemon leaf, and eucalyptus. A touch of white and deep pink roses, spray roses, Juliet protea, white astilbe, anemones, and ranunculus were added to the arch to create a soft romantic feel. The reception took place under an elegant clear-top tent with hanging twinkle and bistro lights. Moana Events opted for reception tables of white wood draped with grey linen runners. The tables were adorned with centerpieces of wooden boxes filled with fresh greenery, roses, and protea, and surrounded by candles. Elements such as the photo bus and a live band were added to keep the night fun and reminiscent.

Avoid the Wedding Mama Drama With This Advice

It’s a universal truth every bride realizes at some point: everyone’s got an opinion! And there are few opinions that matter more than a mother’s, whether that be your own or your partner’s.

We know there can be a lot of emotions (your own and otherwise) to juggle as a bride, and there can be a lot of pressure to please others. Read on for some advice on how to avoid any and all potential drama in the wedding planning process!

Ruth Eileen Photography

Your Mother

Start out by keeping everything in perspective. Your mother has also been dreaming of this day since you were very small, probably even longer than you have. Yes, she already had her day but it’s important not to rob her of the experience of being the MOB completely. Ensure that she feels heard and special: let her know the verdict of key decisions first, delegate tasks you think she could really nail, and above all, let her know her careful input is appreciated.

Clayton Austin

That being said, it’s important to establish boundaries early, but not aggressively. Try not to jump into defense mode right away. Lay out clear expectations and discuss decisions you’d like her to be involved in before they happen to avoid conflict later.

For example, if you’re worried about bringing your slightly abrasive mother dress shopping, go on your own or with a trusted friend first. Then, bring your mother to a second appointment, clarifying that you’d like her opinion on the gowns you’ve already tried. This way she knows that what she’s seeing are all gowns you like. This is side-stepping any clash of style preference and still including her in the final decision!

Hudson Nichols Photography

Your Mother-In-Law

A MIL relationship can vary according to your situation; you may have already known this person for 10+ years or you may have only met them a handful of times. This is where communicating with your partner is key, as they may have some first-hand knowledge that could be really useful when navigating this new relationship! Gauge how involved your future MIL would like to be in the process, and see if you can find some moments to include them in or tasks to delegate!

If you find that you’re fielding calls at all hours and trying to find a polite way to ask her to back off, enlist the help of your fiancé. It is both of your weddings after all, and your fiancé can act as a mediator, guiding your MIL to aspects of the wedding you don’t mind her input on, and distracting her from the parts you’d rather not share.

Carrie Patterson Photography

At the end of the day, everyone involved needs to agree on one thing: let’s make this wedding fun and special for everyone. Just remember that for this one event, you have the last word. Stay in control, don’t get bogged down by strong opinions, and ask for help from your better half if you need it. Good luck!

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

Charleston Wedding Filled with ‘Something Blue’ Inspiration

There’s no denying that Charleston is packed full of charm. This Southern soiree from The Happy Bloom and Pure Luxe Bride represents said charm in every single way, from the ever-so-soft something blues to the scenic bridal backdrops. It’s a feel-like-your-at-home kind of celebration ready for all the cozying up to.

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From Pure Luxe Bride… Chrystal + Aaron had an intimate Charleston wedding at Legare-Waring House. Their color palette was french blue, green, and white with accents of copper. After doing a romantic first look, the skies grew dark and the thunder started to boom, but the threat of rain didn’t stop this couple from saying “I Do” under the avenue of oaks. When the skies parted, the couple tied the knot under a canopy of trees surrounded by their closest friends and families watching.The groom’s son was the ring bearer and their sweet pup accompanied him down the aisle.Each seat at dinner was set with a sprig of rosemary and a moscow mule mug for guests to take as a favor. With beautiful white and green florals, it was the perfect look to compliment the scenery of Legare-Waring House. After a lovely romantic dinner under the porch, the bride and groom departed, cheers to the happy couple!

From the Bride and Groom… First off let’s start with why we love Charleston – food, food, food, history, ocean, shopping, and the atmosphere of this historic town. This city is one of our most favorite places we have ever been and it is just a short 5 hour drive for us – we found ourselves coming down a few times a year to eat, shop and relax on the beach. Once the question was asked “will you marry me” Charleston was quickly brought into the mix as a destination for our wedding – we wanted to a small wedding with our closest friends and family and what better of a place to travel to if you were a guest!

Imagine a warm humid day in Charleston, SC. You are driving along and make a right and turn and all the sudden you are under a canopy of trees making your way down an endless driveway where at every glance you see the most amazing landscape. You are surrounded by 150 year old oak trees covered in Spanish moss – a house appears around the corner just as quaint as it was in the 1840’s – you are now in a place surrounded in history and natural beauty called Legare Waring House. If this isn’t the south then I don’t know what is!

We booked Legare Waring house sight unseen because of the sheer beauty and the majestic live oaks that surround the property. Creating our southern wedding was a blast. Once we nailed down the location our next priority was food! It doesn’t get more southern than fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese hors d’oeuvres. Yummm. We wanted a casual patio dinner vibe for the reception so we decided on a macaroni and cheese station and slider bar for our guest to enjoy. Cru catering absolutely nailed it with the food – our guests raved about it all night. Everything from the venue to the food and my lace and tulle dress evoked a southern charm that could only be created in Charleston.

Our vision was an intimate, cozy, and timeless wedding set in a beautiful outdoor atmosphere. We wanted ourselves and our guests to walk away from the wedding with memories of an warm celebration of our love – not to just be another wedding. One thing we had talked about when decided to have a small wedding was the desire to actually enjoy that day with each other and our guests without being overly rushed. We skipped out on some of the traditional wedding activities (bouquet toss, mother/father dances, photo booth, etc) in favor of spending more quality time with those who had taken time out of their lives and traveled to be there with us. Best of all we got to sit down and enjoy our wonderful food and cake with our friends and family!

The details and colors: I knew from the beginning I wanted a casual boho yet timeless design, nothing too trendy. I spent hours upon hours looking at designs on Pinterest. What spoke to me the most was white flowers with lots of greenery and texture, light blue linens and bridesmaid dress to match the summer sky, and pops of copper accents to add that little something special and different. The cake, table design, bouquets, and lounge all came together to create the wedding of my dreams.

The moment I remember most about our wedding day was as a massive thunder storm approaching and threatening to force us inside for the entirety of the ceremony and dinner. Throughout the afternoon the storm seemed to dance around a play with us for nearly 2 hours – the outcome did not look positive. We stalled and waited for what seemed like forever (but was probably 10 minutes) and the rain began to stop, the lightning and thunder slowed, and we made a push for what turned out to be the most romantic moment of our life. No matter what – we were getting married, right then. As I walked towards my groom, with my dad by my side, I was filled with so much joy. There he was standing under the avenue of oaks. The rain falling ever so slightly above us, we were covered with a natural umbrella from these enormous trees – all around us it was dark and wet. The moment we took each other’s hands and began the ceremony it was perfection, beautifully dramatic. The moment was priceless and to live the rest of my life with my love – what more could I ask for.

After the wedding we took 8 days to ourselves on the island of St. Lucia in the West Indies. We spent the week with plenty of relaxation and exploring. We love the beach so soaking up the sunshine and getting into the clear blue water was amazing. Back home in Johnson City, TN we will step back into our “adulting” and professional lives quickly with a bright vision for our future. We have plans to travel widely, improve our home, and to expand our green thumbs. We started a pumpkin patch as soon as we got back from our honeymoon. Most importantly we plan to grow our family – we love children and are looking forward to the the blessing of a child to come into our lives.

3 Bridal Boot Camps To Get You Wedding Ready

No matter where you are in the wedding planning process, looking good on the big day is definitely at the top of most brides’ to-do list. And now, with workout packages designed specifically for brides-to-be, getting in the best shape of your life has never been easier!

Read on to see how you can get wedding-day ready with these three bridal boot camps and classes.

3 Bridal Boot Camps To Get You Wedding Ready

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3 Bridal Boot Camps To Get You Wedding Ready

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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.

You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Autumnal Ombre Celebration

Inspired the colors of fall and the dramatic landscape surrounding the Solage resort, this Bride and Groom envisioned a wedding day with the help of Sugar Rush Events that celebrated autumnal colors with bold ombre decor. To bring their vision to life, Michael Daigian Design created a lush table runner of florals to run the length of two impressively long tables (each 60 feet!), beginning with bright white flowers and gradually working into a deep burgundy hue. This look was also mirrored at the ceremony, with petals in the same ombre autumnal palette lining the aisle. Jasmine Lee Photography and Collideskope were there to capture it all, so head to the Vault for more of this bold and beautiful Calistoga celebration.

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From the Bride… The day began one year ago with the setting – we fell immediately in love with Solage, Calistoga. From the lawn, to the outdoor lounge, to the dining hall, the tour paved a clear sequence of how our initial inspirations may materialize throughout our special day. Their lovely setup confirmed one important direction for our wedding – intimacy. The size of our reception was intentionally kept below 120 guests as we wanted every invitee to be properly greeted, entertained, and taken care of. We envisioned the venue in the fall season with the landscape through out the property, the classic architecture of the building structures throughout, and the vast vineyards in a distance, which all inspired the main colors for our wedding – blush and gold on a warm gray palette in the Fall. We wanted boldness with subtlety.

We wanted to expand our experience of the night beyond the footprint of the reception space. Achieving continuity of the outdoor lounge and lawn into our reception area directed how the tables should be oriented, where the live band should be placed, how the lighting should be laid out, and where the candles should be arranged. The pair of 60 feet long king tables extended from the outdoor fire pit into the reception area, the two parallel to the walkway adjacent to the lawn, and together formed a centralized intimate space for our first dance to take place.

The band by the large sliding doors orchestrated the rhythm for the night, and lighting softly illuminated the edges of our reception. Tables of candles in various heights and dessert tables were spread out along the outdoor walkway. To achieve a higher level of intimacy for the evening, we extended the presence of the linear fire pit by designing a gradient of flowers at the center of each king table arrangement. The gradient began with bright white and faded away with dark burgundy, capturing a full spectrum of our color theme mentioned above. Clear candle holders, sparkling wine glasses in different heights, and brass finish dining sets added depth and complexity. The arrangements were intentionally kept low in height for the guests to have conversation with each other across.

The wedding cake, decoration throughout the reception area, petaled aisle, vases along the aisle, and flower arch at the alter were all carefully designed with the same boldness and palette. The aesthetic vision should be complex but not complicated, bold but not exaggerated, intimate but not artificial. My engagement ring was designed following the same philosophy. The tensioned setting softly elevated the stone to free up all facets of the stone from view, while sparkling stones cascade along both sides of the band – a bold statement for the main stone achieved with a minimalistic execution.

My dress, hair, and makeup were also selected with the same aesthetic vision. The minimalistic design by Vera Wang was elegant and delivered a bold surprise with a bow designed in the back. The top bun was inspired by Hilary Duff, which was a total coincidence that I chose the Vera Wang gown designed for her!

To further the intimacy we wanted for our special day, the the wooden signs, wedding gown sash, and the 70 pairs of salt and pepper ceramic shakers were all hand made by my mother. Even though these items can be purchased easily elsewhere, we wanted to embrace the experience of preparing the goods and maximize opportunities for us to add our own touches.

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This Minimalist Wedding Proves Less Is more

A great wedding doesn’t have to be overly complicated. This intimate, Portland wedding crafted by Vanity Affair Event Planning & Design is chock full of two of my favorite things – good food and understated beauty. The couple kept the decor minimal and romantic, letting the unique indoor outdoor space of Han Oak be the focal point. Dig into the beautiful gallery by Jenny Losee Photography and get inspired for a simple and sweet wedding of your own.

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From Jenny Losee Photography… Jisu and Sal are world travelers, and it is amazing they crossed paths one fine day to find each other. Jisu grew up in South Korea, and Sal grew up in New York. They met during graduate school in Los Angeles in 2010. Jisu moved to New Jersey for a year and a half, but they stayed together and did the long distance thing. Now they reside in a happy little cottage home in Portland both creating and designing for their careers. It is obvious they are creatives – just look at the style and elegance of this wedding! PS. Yes, the food was amazing.

This Is How You Do a Garden-Inspired Wedding, Without the Garden

Although this Bride had envisioned a garden wedding with overflowing greenery, her winter nuptials in the Windy City meant it was going to be cold. Very cold. With a little creative planning and the help of Avant Gardenia, she pulled off a classic indoor affair that still felt garden-inspired, with the Bridesmaids in floral Plum Pretty Sugar getting-ready robes and then flowing blush Jenny Yoo dresses, the light and organic bouquets, and the table runners made from ample greenery interspersed with romantic candlelight at the reception. After perusing the gallery by Tim Tab Studios, we declare this Chicago wedding as pretty as any English garden we’ve ever seen.

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From the Bride… Chris and I got engaged in Chicago in April. We were so excited to start wedding planning, but we didn’t get very far before we realized the timing was going to be tricky. We knew we didn’t have time to rush into a wedding that summer, but we didn’t want to wait over a year until it was wedding season (and decent weather) again. After hours and hours of research on destination weddings and exploring different options for locations, we ultimately decided to keep it local and set out to plan a winter wedding in Chicago!

One good thing about planning a February wedding in Chicago is that you know it’s going to be cold, so it takes all the guesswork around weather off the table entirely. I had visions of a garden wedding, and even though that’s virtually impossible in the city in winter, we found The Ivy Room and knew it was the perfect venue for us as soon as we walked in. It’s a fantastic space with a simple elegance and rich wood floors, which was the perfect backdrop for the garden-style floral and greens I had been imagining. And on our wedding day, when surrounded by romantic vintage-inspired candlelight, it was truly a dream.

The courtyard just behind the venue is an oasis in the middle of the city and was the perfect spot for the two of us to escape to be alone for just a few minutes during our reception and reflect upon the amazing day we’d had. (And to take a few pictures before returning to the dance floor!)

We planned our wedding in about 10 months, and there were some stressful moments, but my advice to any Bride is to try to have fun with it. Time just flies when you’re planning a wedding, so find time to pause throughout the process to appreciate your fiancé and all your family and friends surrounding you along the way. Oh, and if at all possible, budget for a day-of wedding planner to help ease the stress of the wedding weekend and the days leading up to it. It’s seriously money well spent!

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Do You Have Your Something Blue?

Still haven’t found your something blue? Look no further lovelies. This styled goodness from Couture Events and Wendy Laurel is sure to spark an idea, from the happy-hued dress to the cutie dessert stand. Let us know your favorite detail in the comments!

From Couture Events… We wanted something natural and a little opulent. Once the color was chosen everything else fell into place. We chose a location in Upcountry Maui, close to the bright blue Maui sky. Designer, Lindee Daniel, instantly came to mind with the amazing construction of her organic, cruelty free silk wedding gowns. Her indigo blue silk gown was a perfect match for this styled shoot. It was as if it was made for it! The color indigo was named after the indigo dye derived from a plant so it seemed appropriate to incorporate hand dyed silk ribbon and hand dyed muslin in various shades of blue from Adorn. A rustic farm table, organic artichokes, figs, and crystal stemware was the perfect balance of organic and dramatic. Other organic elements that helped tied it all together were the delicious puff pastry style cakes created by Maui Sweet Cakes and the organic wood invitation styled by Miss B Calligraphy.

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A Wedding Color Palette that Works for Every Season

We are over the halfway hump of summer my darlings. That statement gives me a twinge of sadness, but every year I take solace in the fact that I can visit our warm weather soirees whenever I want to. What I love most about this slice of inspiration from Jessica Kay is that it transcends the seasons. It’s burgundy, red and blush palette could layer a summer with romance or cozy up a fall fete with warmth. Take your pick, it’s right here for alll the pinning.

From Jessica Kay… For this shoot, we were inspired by the transition of seasons from spring to fall. We got to use the best of both seasons for the floral design. Featuring beautiful spring peonies and foxglove, as well as lush summer garden roses and stone fruits. The color palette was inspired by the peaches, plums, and cherries we used in the design. We wanted to make a colorful, yet classic and elegant color palette. The venue at Chateau St. Jean has all tons of lush greenery and walls covered with ivy, so we used touches of variegated ivy in the bouquet and centerpiece.

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5 Ways to Totally Personalize Your Bathroom Oasis

Kendall Simmons is not only the Queen of Fab Kids’ Rooms or the Purveyor of Perfect Wallpaper Moments but she also knows how to turn out a gorgeous bathroom. Read up on her 5 simple tips for infusing your personality into your bathroom design. And also how to elevate your bath soaking. That and so much more can be found captured by Catherine Truman right here.

This bright and airy Master Bathroom was created as an addition onto a classic 1950s ranch home in Nashville, TN. The house’s existing bathrooms were exactly what you would expect from that era – cramped and dark, with pink and black tile! The homeowners were thrilled to not only add square footage, but also to start with a blank slate to create the exact oasis that they were dreaming of. As a young couple with a toddler, creating a Master Bath retreat was critical. We prioritized a beautiful soaking tub, as well as a generous shower. Special material splurges went a long way to make this room feel truly custom! The following are five great ways to personalize your bathroom design!

Choose your priorities. Make a list of the most important things you want in your bathroom. Do you love taking long, luxurious bubble baths? Great! Then you should make a beautiful soaking tub the centerpiece of your room. Or, maybe you’re like me and would rather have an extra large shower with a nice seat and extra shower heads? Then make that the priority! Don’t design your bathroom based on other people’s wants or needs. These days you often see Master Bathroom designs with no tub at all for exactly this reason! I find that 2-3 priorities is the perfect number. You can also think of these items as your ‘splurges.’ For example, if you love marble tile more than anything in the world, carve out space in the budget for it, and downgrade something else that’s less important to you to make up the difference!

Carve out space for a water closet. Try as hard as possible to create a separate space for a dedicated water closet (AKA toilet room). This one doesn’t need much explanation! If you have 2 people sharing your bathroom, it goes without saying that the room functions 100 times better when the toilet is closed off from the rest of the bathroom.

Be realistic about how much storage you need. Really think through all of the items you’ll want/need to store in your bathroom. Do you keep tons and tons of beauty products on hand, or are you a minimalist when it comes to bathroom supplies? If you’re a product addict, make sure you’re incorporating extra closed storage so that you don’t have to look at it all on your countertop! Also, be specific about your storage needs. If you like to buy items that come in extra tall containers, make sure your vanity drawers are deep enough to hold them upright for easy access.

Add some details purely for personality. If you have an incredible collection of costume jewelry, put it on display! Hang a piece of sentimental artwork on the wall where you get to enjoy it. You start and end each day in your bathroom, so fill it with at least a few things that make you feel like you.

Bring in some bling. Whether it’s over-the-top lighting, cabinet knobs, or a piece of accent furniture in a fun color, incorporate a detail that is eye-catching and beautiful in it’s own right. The goal here is to make you stop, smile, and appreciate that special detail each and every time you see it!

This At-Home Wedding Will Never Go Out Of Style

If you ask me, Charlie and Jon had just the right approach when it came to planning their dream Southern wedding. They chose the bride’s family home as their setting and kept the design purely classic for a look that will stand the test of time. Of course, they opted for equally timeless photography by Ashley Seawell and these images are ones they’ll treasure for years and years to come.

From Ashley Seawell… Charlie and Jon invited guests to celebrate at the bride’s family home in Beaufort, South Carolina. WED Events used a neutral color palette of green and white to blend with the surroundings. The ceremony took place under majestic oaks overlooking the river.

After a cocktail hour, guests were invited to dine and dance under a tent. The couple chose several of their favorite cakes in lieu of a traditional wedding cake.

Photography: Ashley Seawell Photography | Event Design + Planning: WED | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza Legends | Catering: Salthouse Catering

Inspiration For The Bride Who Loves Florals

Behind every great wedding is a great floral designer. And when said floral designer just so happens to be Putnam & Putnam? Get ready for styled blooms unlike any other. Along with Judy Pak behind the lens, they hosted a spring workshop for budding talent in the biz and the result is image after image of inspiration for a wildly romantic wedding day.

For our spring intensive workshop, we wanted to immerse students into a full day of abundant spring flowers and beautiful, old world surroundings. Each student focused on lush centerpieces then collectively on a large floral arch of flowering branches and garden roses. The venue for the workshop, Jardin De Buis in Pottersville New Jersey, is a playground of exquisite European antiques, lush gardens, greenhouses and enchanting architecture, transporting guests to the French countryside. Every detail made for a perfect day of flowers and creativity.

Photography: Judy Pak Studio | Floral Design: Putnam And Putnam | Catering: add 1 tbsp | Venue: Jardin De Buis

P.S. How to try a little basic floral design at home…

New England Wedding Inspired by Pride & Prejudice

Can we just take a sec to bow down for this dress (designed by the bride herself)? Talk about twirl-worthy! It was the perfect number for this fete inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, fitting for Aisha and Wes who are fond of history and literature. From the charming venue to the striking bridal captures by Sophie Kaye, the entire day is the definition of timeless.

From Sophie Kaye… Set against a stunning historical backdrop, Aisha and Wes wed surrounded by family and friends at The Mount in The Berkshires. The former home of American author Edith Wharton was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971 and features splendid architecture, picturesque views, beautiful grounds and enchanting gardens. Wes and Aisha both knew that they wanted to get married in the tranquility of the country, not in the bustling city, and thus began their search for venues in New England. They both love the beautiful scenery, open landscapes, crisp weather and elegance New England has to offer. Wes spent his childhood creating family memories throughout New England. Passing many a weekend sailing the Cape with his late grandfather.

The ceremony took place outdoors in the French garden, while the reception and dinner was held in the house and the veranda. The couple danced the night away in an intimate soiree with their closest family and friends.

Aisha and Wes knew they wanted a beautiful, timeless, romantic wedding and were inspired by the Pride and Prejudice Film starring Keira Knightly. Aisha created a vision board with neo classical/Edwardian architectural elements, soft pastels, golden light, frosty greens, a stunning long sleeve wedding dress, and soft and ethereal bridesmaid ensembles.

Wes and Aisha fell in love with The Mount upon their initial visit to the historic estate. They are both fond of history and literature [Wes minored in history at Washington & Lee] and felt it was the perfect venue to celebrate their marriage. The newlywed couple resides in Gramercy Park neighborhood, NYC, with their senior Chihuahua, Jonah. Wes grew up in Chappaqua, NY, and attended college at Washington & Lee, and works in the energy sector as the chief financial officer for a NH based firm, specializing in renewable energy. Aisha grew up in The Netherlands, and moved to the states with her family, where she attended high school, and afterwards went to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She currently works as a woman’s wear designer.

Art Enthusiast Couple Weds With Whimsical Style

Emily and French aren’t the kind of couple to plan a cookie cutter wedding. Instead, they let their love of the arts guide their big day design, exchanging vows at the Headlands Center for the Arts in romantic and whimsy-driven style. With talented vendors like Ruby & Rose and Erica Rose Design by their side, they achieved a celebration that felt uniquely them and Jeremy Chou told the love story behind his lens. See even more right this way!

From Ruby & Rose... As lovers and supporters of the arts, Emily and French chose to let the unique setting of the Headlands shine through by using neutral green and white florals in soft, romantic textures. Erica from Erica Rose Design created a beautiful floral wreath that served as the focal point of the ceremony and then later, dancing.

We set the escort cards on ornate vintage silver trays that Emily had borrowed from her mom for a sweet personal touch. I also loved the contrast created by the rustic, mismatched chairs in the Headland’s mess hall and the tailored look of the dinner tables, draped with pale gray linen, white china, and gold and silver accents.

10 LWDs For All Your Pre-Wedding Festivities

Your big day isn’t the only time you’ll be donning a white dress! Traditionally, brides-to-be rock white dresses at their bridal shower, bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner as well. Some women even like to wear them in their engagement photos. That’s a lot of white!
Here are a few of our favorite white dresses for any and every bridal occasion.

10 LWDs for All Your Pre-Wedding Festivities

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10 LWDs for All Your Pre-Wedding Festivities

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Claire Swinarski is a writer and podcaster based in Wisconsin. When she isn’t writing, she can be found obsessing over football, eating a burrito bowl, or hanging out with her husband and son.

A Classic Black & White Color Palette With a Bright Pop of Peony

Black and white are as classic as can be but when paired with bright pops of color and unexpected details, that color palette turns all together modern. Soulflower Design Studio infused this ballroom wedding planned by Morgan Events with a pop of coral peony that dazzles next to the modern backdrop of the Fairmont Hotel. See everything from a balloon infused portrait session to the most chic naked cakes with the full celebration captured by Jasmine Lee.

From the Photographer… Nancy and Dustins’ wedding took place at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, California. They were inspired by incorporating a mixture of rich spring colors and black. Nancy wore a fitted Maggie Sottero gown that came with a removable tulle skirt. While Nancy has dreamed of her wedding for many years, she had begun creating her dream shoes by applying each individual crystal by hand. Nancy and Dustin had one of the most memorable first looks by inviting their bridal party to witness the big reveal. As Nancy approached Dustin, their wedding party had the first look of the groom’s reaction. Once they saw each other, hugs and tears of happiness were shedding. During Nancy and Dustin’s engagement session, they had incorporated many weather balloons. They wanted to do the same for their wedding by giving each bridal party member their own weather ballon. It luckily stopped raining before we could go outside and capture the fun photos of everyone with their colorful balloons. Morgan Events did a beautiful job styling their reception by infusing modern elements of rectangular and circle tables with high and low centerpieces. Nancy and Dustin’s naked wedding cakes made by the Fairmont Hotel catering was one of the big highlights of the details. Friends and family gathered from all around the world to celebrate Nancy and Dustin’s wedding. It was one special event not to be missed!

Foods To Skip The Night Before A Wedding—And What To Eat Instead!

After months (or more!) of planning and preparation, the wedding day details have been perfected and the night before the big day has arrived. Many brides and bridesmaids ask which last-minute foods are best to choose, and those to avoid, in order to sleep well the night before and wake up feeling her best.

onelove photography

Consider these tips while prepping for any big event; the wedding day and beyond.

Avoid Added Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners
This may seem like a no-brainer for many health conscious brides, but avoiding added sugars or artificial sweeteners the day or hours before slipping into the dress can make all the difference. Added sugars provide little more than empty calories, and therefore, a quick surge of energy followed by a crash due to sugar’s impact on the body’s blood glucose levels. Additionally, artificial sweeteners, cause GI distress for many, including gas or bloating — not something any bride wants to manage!

Love by Serena

Instead, look for no-sugar added foods to satisfy a sweet tooth, like whole fruit sorbet, or stick with only a few bites of dessert at the rehearsal dinner and move on to a post-dinner tea instead.

Rustic White Photography

Skip the High-Fat Foods
Fat is a complex nutrient. We need it to feel full and absorb fat-soluble nutrients, plus it gives food extra flavor. While fat in foods may not be the enemy once believed, it is still important to watch portions of high-fat foods. Certain indulgences, like steaks, burgers or fried food, may lead to stomach issues and feelings of discomfort later in the night or even the next morning.

Avoid greasier foods the night before and morning of the big day and opt for leaner choices instead, like eggs, fish or poultry. Or, simply request your entree be prepared either grilled, baked, broiled or roasted. Fill in the rest of the meal with plenty of non-starchy vegetables to fill you up with fiber, water and micronutrients, too.

Mademoiselle Fiona

Limit Adult Beverages
Toasting with bubbly or a cocktail (or two) won’t impact you much the day before the main event, but be sure to keep count and skip any unsolicited refills by well-meaning friends or caterers. Not only can too much alcohol mean a less than blissful wake up call the next morning, but can also lower inhibitions to avoid certain foods that can leave you feeling uncomfortable and sluggish.

Instead, stick with two alcoholic beverages throughout the night and drink plenty of water, too. Avoid sugary mixers like juice or soda, or ask for a spritzer — wine or liqueur mixed with sparkling water — for something extra light and refreshing. Keep the nightly total in check, but enjoy a drink or two.

After all, this is a celebration!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Amanda Baker Lemein, MS, RD, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian and freelance writer from Chicago. She works in private practice, helping both pediatric and adult clients find healthy lifestyles that work for a variety of nutrition needs.

Peonies and the Beautiful Beach Setting of Kona

Bright coral peonies and tropical florals by Bliss in Bloom and gorgeous moments captured by Aria Studios are just a few of the things you’ll find tucked inside this Hawaiian wedding. It’s an outdoor celebration that epitomizes why Hawaii is the perfect spot for destination “I Do’s”. Sun, sand, sweeping water views and happy vacation vibes. See all that plus a whole lot of romance right here.

From the Photographer… Joy + Roy have roots in China but lived all of the world before finally meeting one another in North Carolina. They were married in Hawaii at the Kona Beach Bungalows on a bright, sunny afternoon. The colors and style of this wedding were summed up nicely in the bride’s Needle and Thread reception dress. I loved the bright pinks and blues in the flowers/decor that matched the embroidery in the dress. The bridesmaids wore a blush hue to match and the groomsmen complemented in bright blue. My favorite part of this wedding was during the ceremony when Roy and his groomsmen danced down the aisle! Everyone was laughing and it set a fun celebratory mood that carried throughout the night!

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