You know how they say location is everything? Well, that couldn’t be truer of Attiya and Mike’s wedding. They exchanged vows on the steps of the historic D.C. War Memorial, fulfilling the bride’s lifelong dream of marrying on the National Mall. “D.C. is home, where we met, where we fell in love, and we wanted that to spill out in everything,” Attiya said. Claire Duran Weddings and Events made certain no detail was overlooked and we’ve got all the beautiful captures by Bonnie Sen.

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From Claire Duran Weddings and Events… Mike and Attiya met in D.C. on 11/11/11, and got engaged almost four years after during Attiya’s birthday. After their engagement, the only way in which they could have had the perfect celebration, was by walking the National Mall, as he knew that watching the sunset on the Mall was her favorite thing!

Since she was a little girl, Attiya tells us that she only imagined getting married on the Mall — she hadn’t a clear idea of how dress would look like, or whom the spouse would be– she just knew she wanted the Mall. Hence, when the time came, they planned everything around that long wanted dream.

Attiya’s parents hosted a large and formal Pakistani wedding, so the couple decided to do a small, simple cocktail-style wedding surrounded only by their closest ones the day after. They made sure that almost every aspect of their Big Day was local and personal. For instance, the DJ was the brother of Attiya’s best friend, the cake was from their favorite local celeb pastry chef (and ours!), Buttercream Bakeshop. Overall, they wanted something their children could look at one day and love. They didn’t want anything that followed a passing trend, that they would have regretted choosing years later. Instead, they wanted classic, elegant, simple, D.C.

Photography: Bonnie Sen | Floral Design: Sophie Felts Floral Design | Cake: Buttercream Bakeshop | Stationery: Just Ink On Paper | Ceremony: DC War Memorial | Reception Venue: Old Ebbitt Grill | Hair + Makeup: Behind The Veil | DJ: Andrew Logan | Officiant: Marriage Dc | Bridal Shop: Robinson's Bridal | Cocktail Reception: Old Ebbitt Grill | Gown Designers: Pronovias | Musicians: Erika & Curtis | Wedding Management: Claire Duran Weddings And Events

While a pregnant bridesmaid may require some additional logistics, making sure your gal pal is happy and comfortable throughout your wedding planning process should be a top priority.

Dress
Finding a dress that any old bridesmaid loves can be challenging enough. But with a growing bump, bridesmaid dresses can prove to be quite the quest. “One of the biggest changes we’ve seen is that expecting bridesmaids aren’t hiding their bump,” said Elizabeth Samet, VP of Branding at Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity. An easy way to take the ease out of dress-stress is to let your bridesmaid pick their own gowns. Just approve a color and set a few guidelines—pattern, length, fabric—and let them do the rest. This swoon-worthy strappy-back dress would certainly do the trick for any mama-to-be.

Bachelorette Party
While most bachelorette parties involve champagne and the like, make sure yours has some non-alcohol related events so your pregnant ‘maid can enjoy the party too. Think spa treatments, a beach weekend, or a scavenger hunt in a fun city. She’ll be thrilled to be included in something where she won’t feel like the odd man out. Stocking up on alcohol for the group? Make sure your MOH knows to grab some sparkling apple juice for faux toasting—this goes for the morning of the wedding too. And another major no-no, don’t ask her to be the designated driver.

Simply Lace Photography

Coordinating Dates
While this is a super exciting time for you, make sure you remember how incredible this is for her too. Take into consideration any important dates for her so you don’t overlap. For example, her gender-reveal party, bridal shower, or even due date. You won’t want any hard feelings if she has to miss one of your important events and vice-versa.

Moral Support
At the end of the day, you asked her to be a bridesmaid, which makes her one of your closest confidants and friends. “One of my bridesmaids was pregnant during our wedding festivities, and I always wanted to make sure she felt included,” said Liz Adams of Sequins & Stripes. “Whether it was planning a mocktail that matched our signature cocktail or monogramming her robe with “mama to be,” being pregnant is a journey in itself so I wanted to make sure our wedding was a fun escape!”

Other sweet ideas: check in with mani/pedis for the two of you—she’ll love the pampering and one-on-one time. Or send a sweet card letting her know you’re thinking about her and are so glad she’s a part of your day. For any mama-to-be, the little things certainly matter.

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.

It is safe to say that blush has taken the wedding world by storm. From gowns to stationery, florals and tablescapes, it is everywhere. And there is no denying its romance and beauty but this team of vendors is putting a fresh twist on that popular hue. With styling by NT Events and florals by Pineapple Petals Studio, take a peek at Jasmine Lee’s images that showcase the beauty of a mauve and gold color story. We’re thinking maybe, just maybe mauve might be the new blush.

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There is no denying that we see a lot of blush and gold in weddings and style shoots and we can all understand that the classics are never going out of style! But we wanted to do a variation of the popular color scheme and in came gold and mauve! It is definitely the next best thing if not more beautiful. This style shoot collaboration was such a dream with an amazing team of boss ladies! When Jasmine Lee Photography and Make up by Quis brought me on board to design and style this shoot I was only too excited to join!

With Jinza Bridal’s long sleeved lace gown “Bailey” we wanted to create a soft and romantic feel surrounding the movements of the gown which Jasmine caught so beautifully! Make up by Quis styled our model Amanda perfectly with gold and mauve colors and knocked our socks off with her exquisite side braid!

Fingers crossed for San Francisco weather, we tracked up to explore Sutro Baths and set up our dessert table with amazing long flowing linens from Party Crush Studio, a gorgeous hand-painted cake by Ma Petite Maison Cake Design with adorable pale pink stands provided by Julia’s Cake stand Rentals, we also enjoyed yummy macarons from Mommy Macarons, and what style shoot would be complete without an incredible floral designer like Pineapple Petals Studio who showed up with glorious asymmetrical bouquets and centerpiece design brimming with koko’s garden roses and café au lait dahlias! With wedding season overflowing we all only had a week to put together the shoot but can we say everyone pulled through beautifully!

We also cannot stop swooning over details such as the gorgeous stationary and calligraphy from Made by Miller and the delicate jewelry from Atheria Jewelry; perfect for any classic bride! NT Events is so honored to have been a part of this wonderfully feminine shoot and we are so excited to share it with everyone who appreciates beauty and we hope to inspire even more romantics and lovers of yummy lighting and mauve! We hope you enjoy this amazing shoot with Jasmine Lee Photography as much as we loved creating it!

From Jasmine Lee Photography… Our styled shoot was a collaboration of talented artists – When photographing in San Francisco, we tend to get cold and overcast skies. However, the weather worked out perfectly with the sun setting behind the trees casting a beautiful glow of light around our model, Amanda. Amanda was so easy to work with and kept all of us inspired during the entire shoot. We all had a lot of fun creating beauty in San Francisco!

Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography | Florist: Pineapple Petals Studio | Dress: Jinza Couture Bridal | Cake: Ma Petite Maison Cake Design | Stationary: Made by Miller Design | Jewelry: Atheria Fine Jewelry | Cake Stand: Julia's Cake Stand Rentals | Film Lab: The Find Lab | Linens: Party Crush Studio | Macarons: Mommy Macarons | Makeup & Hair Stylist: Makeup By Quis | Planner & Stylist: NT Events

Your bridal party might be full of the best friends you could ever wish for, but don’t forget that weddings are about families, too. There are tons of ways you can honor your families by incorporating them into your wedding day. Here are five meaningful ideas.

Kate Ignatowski Photography

Have your mom hold your bouquet during the ceremony

You know, dads do get a lot of recognition, whether they’re walking you down the aisle or twirling you for your father-daughter dance. Let your mom in on the fun and have her hold your bouquet during the ceremony. Your maid of honor will have her own flowers to clutch, so instead of handing your bouquet to her, surprise your mom and hand it to her instead! Just make sure she has some tissues ready! Another fun alternative is to surprise both your mom and mother in law with their own bouquets. 

Let your siblings hold the rings.

If your siblings didn’t make the cut for best man or maid of honor duties, why not have them hold each of your rings? Maybe your brother isn’t a groomsman—have him hang onto your new hubby’s wedding band. Or, if your soon-to-be sister in law isn’t part of your bride tribe, let her in on the wedding ceremony responsibilities by having her hold your wedding band. When the officiant asks for the rings, your siblings can bring them up from the front row.

Jana Williams Photography

Have your grandparents be your marriage certificate witnesses

Many marriage licenses have space for one or two witnesses for each of you, so ask your grandparents to do the honor! What a beautiful gesture to remember your past and honor your grandparents! Have a special pen engraved for them to keep as a sweet keepsake.

Larissa Cleveland Photography

Give your in-laws a special moment to shine

The parents of the groom don’t often get recognized so make sure they are taken care of, too! Whether you give them a special gift thanking them for raising their son right (so sweet) or even let them do the honor of walking their son down the aisle, make sure they’re part of the magic, too.

Honor loved ones who have passed

Many times your favorite loved ones are no longer with you to celebrate your big day. You can still honor their memory in subtle ways. Tie your grandmother’s wedding ring around your bouquet with a ribbon. Have your husband wear his father’s favorite tie. Incorporate a special flower in your bouquet or boutonniere to remember a favorite aunt or uncle.

Jose Villa Photography

Weddings are all about two families coming together. Take the time to appropriately thank and recognize your families for how much they mean to you on your big day!

From start to finish, this New Orleans wedding planned by Blue Gardenia Events along with florals by Poppy and Mint is layered in classic elegance. It has the signature Southern style mixed with cozy details that give Il Mercato the feel of home… just with a lot more champagne and the sound of New Orleans jazz in the air. In other words, it’s perfection captured by Greer Gattuso. See every last gorgeous image right here.

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Cozy and warm and effortlessly chic, Alice & Mike’s wedding day evoked a relaxed sophistication with layers of texture and elegance woven throughout. Surrounded by her sisters & her closest friends, Alice started her day at the beautiful & historic Windsor Court hotel. However, Alice had one little secret… Her very high heels from the night before combined with a traditional New Orleans second line led to some unfortunate blisters! But, Alice did not let it ruin her day for one second – she opted for her comfy tennis shoes and on she went! Alice is a classic Southern beauty & looked completely timeless in her Rivini gown & cathedral length veil. When Mike saw his bride for the first time outside of where they would saw their vows, everything fell into place & the day truly began. Alice and Mike had a beautiful and traditional service at Rayne Methodist church. Following the service, everyone gathered at Il Mercato for cocktail, dinner, & dancing. Guests were greeted with champagne and sounds of New Orleans Jazz wafting through the air. The night continued with traditional creole faire from Joel Catering and thoughtful touches around every corner. Alice wanted to combine organic elements such as wood, muted gold, aged silver, and lavish greenery against a backdrop of pale blues, grays, & creams. Lush velvet, oxford, & silk linens from Nuage Designs complemented these elements bringing in layers of texture. Twinkling candlelight and abundant florals from Poppy & Mint topped off the overall aesthetic giving everything an intimate, “your home,” feel… A relaxed sophistication. Timeless and elegant, Alice & Mike’s wedding day was pure perfection from start to finish.

Photography: Greer Gattuso | videographer: Dyle Films | Event Planning: Blue Gardenia Events | florist: Poppy and Mint | Wedding Dress: Rivini | Cake: Bittersweet Confections | church: Rayne United Methodist Church | Reception Venue: Il Mercato | shoes: Badgley Mishka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | lighting: Luminous Events | Lines: Nuage Designs | Pedi Cab: Bike Taxi Unlimited | Signage: Small Chalk | painter: Alex Harvie | paper: The Little Blue Chair | wedding dress store: I Do Bridal Couture

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Jenny Yoo

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The coast of Tainan, Taiwan is truly a unique landscape – it is one of the few places where the desert meets the sea. Inspired by the sandy expanse and the ocean view, Allen Tsai Photography and Jill Loves Lace along with a team of amazing vendors created a tablescape and bridal style that complemented both settings, and the result is truly breathtaking. Head over to the gallery, because this extraordinary wedding inspiration session cannot be missed.

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From Allen Tsai Photography… Situated on the coast of Tainan, Taiwan, we were inspired by this unique landscape that featured desert sand dunes with an ocean view. Our amazing stylist and florist, Jill Loves Lace, decided to utilize bright yellow hues and dusty coral to bring in life and contrast to the desert scene. Black and gold tones accentuated the design, and with touches of different shades of blush from the stationery and cake, we created this beautiful desert inspiration.

Since we were actually seaside, In Loft Calligraphy decided to add a touch of inspiration from the sea by creating escort cards from white oyster shells, which made the design truly unique since it’s an element one would never think to include in a desert setting! For the Bride’s makeup, Chico Makeup Artistry went with a soft and light look, and for the hair, a loose updo that was elegant yet casual enough for a desert or seaside wedding. Adding a Maggie Wu Studio hair piece added an extra touch of elegance to the Bride’s hairdo. To complete this inspiration, Watters had the perfect wedding dress that was flowy yet lightweight and would be perfect for any desert or seaside Bride!

Photography: Allen Tsai Photography | Styling: Jill Loves Lace | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: L.I.A. Sweets | Stationery: Inloftcalligraphy | Hair + Makeup: Chico Makeup Artistry | Bridal Accessories: Maggie Wu Studio | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab

Classic Brides, this one’s for you! These cuties said “I do” in a St. Paul, Minnesota wedding that we simply cannot get enough of. Between their timeless style and the elegant St. Paul College Club venue, this summer celebration was sheer perfection. Summer Street Photography and Harvest Film Co. were there to capture the day, so head on over to the Vault for more.

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From Summer Street Photography… Elizabeth and Colin just work together. They are approachable, kind, loving, generous, and talented. It’s clear that they didn’t fall too far from their roots, as all of their family and friends were equally gracious and hospitable.

Elizabeth and Colin chose the timeless Saint Paul College Club for their wedding. From the Bridal Suite to the lush backyard ceremony and reception rooms, it was an absolutely perfect location for their wedding celebration. Elizabeth and her ladies got ready in the suite right next to Colin and his Groomsmen. The house was buzzing with calm excitement as champagne bottles popped and laughter spilled down the stairs. Elizabeth was an absolute vision, clearly radiating the joy that surrounded her, which out-shined even her perfect bridal look. Colin and his guys waited patiently as the ladies finished their preparations, and the entire party was ready to roll and looking fantastic before guests started arriving. We were able to capture some beautiful portraits of the bridal party on the grounds of the mansion before and after the ceremony.

As guests arrived and took their seats, the weather cooperated to give them a beautiful, sunny afternoon ceremony with puffy white clouds and a slight breeze. It was clear that Elizabeth and Colin were grounded and overflowing with love. They were so happy. The reception was a fantastic celebration to cap off the day. Touching and humorous toasts entertained the crowd and delicious food (and cake from Saint Paul favorite, Cafe Latte) kept the party going well into the night, the dance floor crowded. It was a great day, and one we were honored to photograph. Congratulations, Elizabeth and Colin!

Photography: Summer Street Photography | Cinematography: Harvest Film Co | Floral Design: Hy-Vee | Ceremony Venue: St. Paul College Club | Catering: St. Paul College Club | Makeup: Lindsay Hanson Dukes | Hair: Baroque Artistry | Musician + DJ: Michael Shynes

We’ve long admired Ruth of Seniman Calligraphy for her mad skills with ink and a pen, but today? We’re getting a peek inside her cozy loft and soaking up the beautiful love between her and hubs, Alex, captured by Lara Lam. There’s nothing more heartwarming than an at-home anniversary session to store away in the memory bank forever.

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From Ruth of Seniman Calligraphy… Alex and I moved into our very first apartment a couple years before we tied the knot. Although we wouldn’t have it any other way, the fact that we were already so comfortable with each other’s company meant our big day felt more like a formality than a physical bookmark for the new chapter in our lives. We continued going to the same job after our wedding, falling into the same routine that we established prior to our wedding. We came home to our already comfortable apartment. It wasn’t perfect, but that apartment will always have a special corner in my heart. It’s the first place we called “our home” and where we first learned to compromise our different styles.

This year is our third anniversary and it feels different because for the very first time since our marriage, we’ve moved into a new apartment! Alex got a new job in a different part of Los Angeles and I could no longer run my calligraphy business from our former dining table. Since we moved from a beach-apartment to a city-loft, most of our old furniture no longer worked. It gave us an excuse to pick new furniture that better suited our current style. It allowed us to embrace how far we’ve grown thus far. Once all the new furniture arrived and the last accent pillow was in place, our new loft is the embodiment of all the changes we’ve made since our wedding day. We no longer work for the same companies. We have a new places to eat and shop. We’re coming home to a place that looks completely different than what used to greet us for the previous five years!

In a way, our move reminded me of the most important thing we have; each other. In many years to come, there’s going to be many life events to come. We might not live in the same area anymore, working the same job, or being a family of two forever. But as long as we wake up next to each other every morning, everything will be just fine. So we asked Lara from Lara Lam Photography to capture this fleeting moment. Also, with help the help from Grace from Grace Lin Make Up to do my hair and make up. Lara created something beautiful we can look back on fondly for years to come.

Photographer: Lara Lam | Styling: Seniman Calligraphy | Hair and Make Up: Grace Lin | Furniture: West Elm | Furniture: CB2 | Furniture: Miadora | Private Studio: Seniman Calligraphy

Savannah Soutas and Cole LaBrant happen to be one of the cutest couples on the Internet and now these two are officially husband and wife. They tied the knot in beautiful Temecula, California with a faith-centered ceremony and lots of meaningful details designed by the ladies at CAKE Events. Come along for the ride and don’t miss the couple’s wedding album captured by Valorie Darling.

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From Leila Lewis of Be Inspired PR… When our client and friend Valorie Darling contacted me to refer Savannah to enlist our team’s help with their wedding I was so thrilled. We got along with Savannah and her mom Deborah right away and I knew the wedding was going to be so special. I asked Colleen Kaufman of CAKE Events to handle the planning and design and it was an absolutely perfect fit, she is one of the best wedding planners in Orange County. Minted provided all of the stunning invitations, which told a story in itself by incorporating pictures and the couple’s favorite bible verses.

P.S. Read more about the event production of Savannah + Cole’s wedding over on Inspired By This!

From Colleen Kaufman at CAKE Events… More than anything, though, they wanted their ceremony to be rooted and grounded in their faith. We used this notion as a design opportunity and incorporated rings throughout the design to serve as symbols of the union that would take place when their two families became one with God. Gorgeous floral rings served as the backdrop to the altar and sweetheart table and wove in light-hearted elements like lace dream catchers, flower crowns, and even delicious doughnuts to subtly carry on that circular trend.

Photography: Valorie Darling | Cinematography: D.P. Weddings | Event Design: Cake Event Co | Floral Design: Tre Fiori Floral Studio | Wedding Dress: Grace Loves Lace | Cake: Laure Marie's Cakes | Stationery: Minted | Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Makeup: Emma Wellis | Hair: Chrissy Rasmussen of Habit Salon | DJ: Crowd Control Entertainment | Venue: Long Shadow Ranch Winery | Ceremony Signage: All My Goodness | Ceremony Wagon: Mini Wagons | Chairs, Lighting & Draping: LM Event Productions | Doughnuts: Crumbs Doughnuts | Mother of Bride + Mother of Groom Dresses: Grace Loves Lace | Photobooth: Photogenix Events | Producer: Be Inspired PR | Rentals: Rustic Events | Signage & Bible Guest Book: Rheanna Meador | Tabletop Rentals, Linens: Soiree8

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Petit Bouquet

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I have to admit, the best part about having a baby girl was designing the nursery. It was basically my interior design dream come to life and this new mama Rebecca certainly felt the same. She brought Laurel & Wolf on board to help create a pretty space for her little one to grow and I think it’s safe to say, mission accomplished. Think happy colors, bold patterns, and a statement floral wallpaper that ties it all together.

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From Laurel & Wolf... After Rebecca & Jared Raskind moved into their Los Angeles fixer-upper, the creative couple immediately got to work transforming it to match their quirky glam style. Fast forward a few years, and the home has become a medley of Hollywood Regency and California-boho style. The happy home was nearly complete, but it was still missing one thing – a tiny addition to the family. Then, nearly nine months ago, the pair got the exciting news that they were pregnant and couldn’t be more excited to have their new baby girl Zoe.

Not a pair to shy away from a bold statement, the couple had a fairly strong vision for the nursery from the start. Drawing influence from the rest of their boldly patterned home, they began with an Art Deco-style rug, a whimsical floral wallpaper, and a large stuffed giraffe named Chloe. But like anyone inspired by multiple styles, they needed help unifying the room and making it baby-friendly.

“We liked the idea of keeping traditional elements like the chaise lounge and wallpaper, but incorporating animals, pops of pink, and a lot of pattern. We wanted the space to feel bright and fun,” Rebecca explains.

Laurel & Wolf Designer, Christina Di Vito helped the couple infuse their various design styles while balancing the blend of colors and patterns in the room. In order to bring the blush and gold elements together, Christina chose pale pink curtains with brass feather tie backs. However, the biggest challenge was working with the small floor plan and finding a solution for the lack of closet space. Christina solved it by adding wall shelving with a brass rod attached for hanging clothes.

“We love that the clothes became part of the décor,” Rebecca said.

Though we’re sure Zoe will be enamored with her new pet giraffe, we have to hand it to the bold, botanical-printed accent wall. We can just imagine little Zoe looking up at all that beautifully hued flora and fauna. Fun, fashionable, and cohesive to the rest of the home’s design, the nursery turned out perfectly.

Photography: Laurel & Wolf | Interior Design: Laurel & Wolf

From home decor to fashion, minimalism is all the rage and the wedding industry is certainly no exception. Modern brides are adopting the “less is more” mentality and the result is endless clean lines and simple tablescapes that we hope are here to stay. Take a peek at a few of our favorite minimalist wedding details for that perfectly curated look.

Minimalist Wedding Ideas

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Minimalist Wedding Ideas

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Every bride wants to feel her best—inside and out—during wedding season. But with parties, luncheons, showers and other festivities, all the celebrating can make anyone feel off track from her healthy lifestyle. Instead of planning another carb-filled brunch or luncheon for your bestie’s bridal shower, consider a wellness theme for something fresh and fun.

Steve Steinhardt Photography

I’ve outlined a few tips below for healthy, dietitian-approved food and drink, along with wellness-inspired gifts and DIY activities.
Keep Food Fun and Fit
Planning a healthier fete doesn’t have to mean boring celery sticks and plain old water for refreshments. Instead, try elevating nutrient-rich foods by pairing them with flavorful add-ons. Consider a crudite platter with Greek yogurt dips featuring fresh herbs and spices, or a fruit and cheese platter with dairy-free alternatives for vegan options, like almond-milk based cheeses. Include current food trends too by creating a build-your-own toast station. Provide varieties of 100% whole grain bread, gluten-free and sprouted grain options for guests to top with anything from avocado slices and chia seeds, to whipped ricotta and honey.

Krista A. Jones Photography
Make Beverages Nutritious and Cocktails Healthy-ish
For alcohol-free drinks, set out several pitchers of infused water for a spa-like atmosphere. Infuse with fragrant fruit like melon, berries or citrus, along with fresh herbs like mint or basil, to encourage guests to stay hydrated.

As another option, have a selection of mini pre-made smoothies to sip on as a welcome drink. Include a variety of options and try to include a veggie in each. Stick with mild flavors to keep guests interested like spinach, kale or even cauliflower. Bonus with the cauliflower—guests won’t detect any color changes like in green smoothies.

To properly toast the bride, create a healthy-ish cocktail spritzer with sparkling wine, fresh fruit and herbs, plus a fragrant liqueur, topped off with sparkling water. The lighter, more refreshing cocktail still feels celebratory without a strong after effect.

Send Guests Home with Wellness Inspiration
Inspire guests to try at home wellness by providing self-care gifts like dry brushes, face masks or bath salts. As a DIY activity, create a body scrub station to create sugar scrubs for in-shower exfoliation. Provide small mason jars and a variety of essential oils for guests to choose their own signature scents.

As an added treat for the bride, ask each guest to send you her favorite healthy recipe before the shower. Combine all recipes into a cookbook for the bride to create healthy habits for years to come.

D’Arcy Benincosa

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. Follow her for nutrition tips @amandalemein_rd.

You recycle every can and bottle, love to shop local and maybe even have a compost bin in your backyard. Why not extend your eco-friendly lifestyle to your wedding planning process? As a wedding photographer in beautiful Colorado, I get to see the many ways brides and grooms are adding sustainability to their weddings.

M & J Photography

Here are seven simple ways you can, too!

Create a save-the-date video or email invite 

I won’t lie: getting a letter in the old fashioned post is hella romantic. But in a day and age where conservation is key, it is prudent to explore alternative options for save-the-dates and invites. Consider a video save-the-date that you can email out to your guest list, or a beautifully-designed email invitation with all the necessary info. This will not only save you cash, but will also eliminate unnecessary paper waste. However, if you’re dead-set on mailing your info to your guests, use recycled paper stock.

Ashley Kidder 

Go vintage

If you’re a hugely sentimental and nostalgic person (like I am), you could skip purchasing your bling and wedding threads new altogether. Perhaps there’s an heirloom ring or necklace in your family that could be passed down? I’ve also seen a few brides of mine wear their mother’s dress (after they’ve made a few updates with a tailor) and the end result is just stunning. Lastly, you can also check out consignment stores that specialize in secondhand options for attire and accessories. Why not save a little cash on an outfit you’re only going to wear once?

Buy from local brides

Instead of buying 150 brand-new mason jars, sift through your local Craigslist ads to see if there are any couples selling their used wedding novelties and décor. Or, do a quick Google search for rental companies that may already have these items (e.g. silverware, vases, decorations) amassed for you. No need to reinvent the wheel!

Ask your vendors for online contracts

As a vendor myself, I keep my contracts online so that I don’t have to print out important paperwork to put in the mail. If you’re a vendor and don’t have this set up just yet, look into resources such as Honeybook or MachForm, both of which allow you to store and sign proposals online. Once my clients sign, I simply email them a PDF copy and voilà! No need to drop anything in the mail! Ask your photographer for an online gallery where you can download the images instead of getting a disc or USB in the mail.

Connie Whitlock

Book a sustainable venue

One of my favorite wedding venues in all of Colorado is the Lyons Farmette. In addition to being obviously adorable, the site features an organic farm where produce and flowers are grown locally to be included in the weddings hosted onsite. How cool would it be to have a true farm-to-table wedding? They also provide recycling and compost bins around the property to help reduce waste, something all venues should have. (Related: think about donating your leftover wedding grub to local food bank or shelter.)

Try out a non-traditional registry

People are getting married much later in life nowadays, which means that by the time they tie the knot, they probably already have all the fun kitchen gadgets and trinkets for their house. Instead of doing a traditional registry through a department store, try Zola, which allows guests to donate online to less-traditional registry items like a down payment for a house or honeymoon activities. This helps eliminate gift wrap and unnecessary “stuff.”

Donate to your favorite charity

Let’s be honest: do you really need another beer koozie from a wedding? In lieu of gifts for guests, consider donating the cash you would have spent on favors to your preferred charitable cause. I snagged this idea from a couple who decided to donate to a local foundation after severe flooding had devastated the groom’s hometown of Lyons, Colorado, in 2013.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ashley Kidder is a Denver-based wedding photographer who loves weddings of all shapes and sizes. When she’s not photographing rad couples, you can find her slinging kettlebells around at the gym or going on long romantic walks with her corgi, Sherman.

Truth be told, if I could plan my wedding day all over again I’d plan it just like this one. An incredible location, a handful of my favorite people, and the love of my life right by my side. It’s exactly what Cassie and John chose for their intimate nuptials at San Ysidro Ranch and their special day was filled with heart, soul, and so much love. Cozy up with the images by Joel Serrato and get inspired for a small but sweet wedding of your own.

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Cassie and John chose to celebrate their marriage in a very intimate setting on the terrace of the Wine Cellar at San Ysidro Ranch. This cozy and elegant retreat is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.

They were surrounded by their family and closest friends along with their very cute and dapper dog Louie sporting an adorable bow tie. Cassie’s brother presided over their ceremony filled with moments of laughter and love.

After they were married guests enjoyed the beauty of the gardens at San Ysidro Ranch and the evening culminated with a sumptuous dinner in the Wine Cellar decorated with Spring flowers and candlelight creating a romantic and magical experience.

Photography : Joel Serrato Film Photographer | Event Planning: imagine…Weddings & Special Events, LLC | Floral Design: Cody Floral Design | Hair + Makeup: Tomiko Taft | Venue: San Ysidro Ranch | Music: Chris Fossek

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Joel Serrato Film Photographer

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The night before your wedding feels like that moment when your roller coaster car reaches the top of the hill and you’re just waiting there with thrill, excitement, and a dash of anxiety. The most important thing you can do for yourself on the eve of your wedding is take care of your body physically, mentally and emotionally. Follow these do’s and don’ts and you’ll be ready for the BIG DAY!

Jose Villa

DO Follow Your Skin Routine
One of the worst feelings is waking up in the morning with greasy and puffy skin after you fell asleep with your makeup on. Be consistent with your nightly beauty routine and refresh your skin before bed. Remove all makeup, cleanse your skin, exfoliate, and moisturize. Your skin will thank you the next morning when you wake up with that fresh bridal glow.

DO Go To Bed Early
The quickest way to wake up cranky and with dark circles around your eyes is to stay up too late. Beauty sleep is a real thing, folks! Of course you want to mingle with family and friends as late as possible, but the more important thing is to be refreshed for the big day. Set a time that you plan to go to bed, turn your lights off, relax and do some deep breathing exercises. You will wake up refreshed and present as you interact with all your loved ones the next day.

DO Write Yourself a Note
This is the one time in your life that you will be a bride. The sweet and exciting bridal jitters you experience the night before the big day cannot be matched. Write a note to your soon to be husband, or to yourself to read in the future. Years down the road you will be able to look back on those sweet memories and remember what it felt like to be a bride the night before her wedding. It is such a special time that it should be documented.

Melissa Lambert Photography

DON’T Drink a Lot of Alcohol
While a couple drinks at the rehearsal dinner are perfectly fine, you don’t want to overdo it the night before the biggest day of your life. Unfortunately, I’ve heard of many brides drinking so much at the rehearsal dinner that they are hung over on their wedding day. Ugh, sounds terrible, doesn’t it! Celebrate and enjoy your rehearsal dinner but remember that that doesn’t require you to get trashed. Avoiding that third drink will most likely keep you from being dehydrated and bloated the next day.

Jose Villa Photography

DON’T Start to Stress about Wedding Details
I fell fast asleep the night before my wedding, and I credit that to the fact that I didn’t allow myself to stress about the next day. I could have lied awake and worried that the photographer would get lost on her long drive across the state, it could be rainy, or the groom could forget his shirt (and he did) BUT I did not allow myself to think of those details. I just relaxed and focused on getting by beauty rest. By the time I woke up, it was the wedding day and I didn’t even feel the need to stress because I was just so excited.

DON’T Over-eat
Wedding celebrations are often paired with delicious food but tread carefully at the rehearsal dinner. If you overeat you may feel bloated, uncomfortable, or sick the next day. Stress eating can accidentally happen so if you’re worried about it, ask a bridesmaid or friend to keep you in check so that you’re being healthy. Of course, you don’t want to starve, but pace yourself and give your body the nutrients it needs for the days ahead.

Nancy Ray Photography

There is nothing more exciting than being a bride the night before her wedding. It’s so special being surrounded by all your loved ones and thinking about marrying your best friend the next day. With so many emotions and thoughts, it’s important that a bride feels physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the wedding day…after all, you are the bride!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.

Let me set the scene — the rolling hills of Northern California, a beautifully designed wedding with the softest shades of blue, and one couple pledging their love beneath the old oak tree. Pair that romance with thoughtful planning by Jenn Robirds Events and Samantha Kirk behind the lens, and you’ve got a day made for the pages of SMP. See even more pretty this way in the gallery.

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From Jenn Robirds Events… As a Northern California native going to veterinary school in Los Angeles, Emily knew she wanted to return home to get married. She also knew she wanted a barn wedding but the surroundings had to be perfect. Eventually, we stumbled upon a historic barn with picturesque rolling hills, tall grasses, and giant oak trees. Emily was sold the second she saw it.

We chose a soft blue color palette for Emily’s wedding with white florals – the perfect juxtaposition against the rustic barn setting. Instead of a traditional arbor, we opted to use an oak tree as the ceremony backdrop and brought in mid century walnut church pews for guests to sit in. While we loved the tree; we still felt the ceremony space should have floral, so we tied lush greens and white flowers into the arm of the tree. As a finishing touch, we hung a vintage chandelier over the couple.

Taking nods from our rustic setting, we brought in wooden farm tables and cross back chairs for the reception. The guest’s place settings featured scroll detail chargers that matched the dinner plates, gold flatware, the most gorgeous indigo goblets and handwritten calligraphy menus and place cards tied together with twine and adorned with a sprig of olive branch. The tables boasted sprawling olive and silver dollar eucalyptus garlands with gold footed bowls spilling over with flowers. Draping the barn’s entrance made for the perfect backdrop as the guests danced late into the night.

Photography: Samantha Kirk Photography | Event Planning: Jenn Robirds Events | Floral Design: Jenn Robirds Events | Cake: Freeport Bakery | Catering: Randy Peters Catering | Makeup: Shana Beals | Hair: Tina Romo Hairstylist | Calligraphy: Ashley Baumgartner | DJ: Elegant Events Media | Transportation: Baja Limo | Venue: Lehman Barn At Varozza Ranch | Lab: Photo Impact Imaging | Photobooth: Giggle and Riot | Rentals: Celebrations Party Rentals | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Rentals: Getting Hitched Wedding Rentals | Rentals and Decor: El Dorado Hills Party Rentals | Rentals and Decor: Forever Vintage Rentals | Rentals and Decor: Its all in the Details | Silk Ribbon: Tan Weddings & Events

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Tan Weddings & Events

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Whenever a bride has great personal style I know a really good wedding is about to follow. And no surprise that was exactly the case with this bride, Erika. She rocked a stunning illusion neckline gown with statement glitter flats and it all set the scene for a wildly romantic day in the Pacific Northwest. Blue Rose Photography came along to capture the love and let’s just say their images are ones for the books.

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Erika and Arjay’s Woodmark Hotel Wedding was a fairytale! Her gown was the first thing that really knocked my socks off. I saw it laying on the bed as I walked in and I knew this was going to be one of my favorite weddings. I am so inspired by fashion and design and romantic elements that this dress just hit all of those for me. The rest of the day I photographed everything with her gown in mind, trying to mimic the romantic feeling and the softness it exuded. The romantic boat ride on a vintage wooden boat is such a cool part of getting married at this venue. Erika and Arjay are both so sweet and their wedding day just went really smooth and it was easy and relaxed. I’m sure a lot of this has to do with their great wedding planner Emily from Sweet Pea Events.

If a stunning view is a must-have on your wedding wish list, Santorini is a mighty fine contender my friends. You can’t beat those Aegean Sea blues and whitewashed houses that reflect and radiate pure romance. This darling day planned by Santorini Glam Weddings is our proof. Immerse yourself in the pretty captured by Cassandra Ladru and Moon & Back below!

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From Santorini Glam Weddings… Just like the guests of this wedding, we too would’ve traveled across the globe to attend this wedding at Rocabella Santorini. Because when you’ve got a couple so sweet, kind, and cool like Victoria and Tim are, we’d say thats more than worth it. We started the planning process a year prior to the wedding, and I have to admit that when our journey reached this spectacular day, all I wanted was for this day to last as long as possible. Groom’s sister wanted to make as a surprise to the couple fireworks during their first dance but unfortunately the venue doesn’t allow them. The highlight of the wedding was those last few seconds of their first dance, when suddenly fireworks emerged from the hotel next door. And just like that, we had fireworks. Magic!

Photography: Cassandra Ladru | Videography: Moon & Back | Event planning: Santorini Glam Weddings | Florist: Betty Flowers Santorini | Wedding Dress: Jane Hill | Wedding cake: PetranArt Santorini | Ceremony Venue: Anastasis Church | Reception Venue: Rocabella Santorini Hotel & Spa | Bridal preparation: Aenaon Villas | DJ & Lighting: Multimedia Events | Furniture rentals: Spicy Bites | Hair Stylist: Bella Damigou | Linens: White Lilac | MUA: Mal Bobotis | groom suit: Oscar Hunt

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Petit Bouquet

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Do you know what pairs perfectly with a sleek modern backdrop like that of Belle Mer? The brightest pop of coral peony. That gorgeous bloom is woven throughout this seaside affair with stunning floral installations crafted by Stoneblossom Florals and some of the best views Newport has to offer. Peek inside the gorgeous details of this sweet couple’s wedding day with image after pretty image captured by Twah Dougherty.

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Rachel And Francis got married in the beautiful seaside town of Newport Rhode Island, filled with old world charm and nautical elegance. They incorporated their favorite Light House by Castle Hill into their wedding invitations and the silhouette of Newport Bridge into their paper details. Stoneblossom Florals used driftwood as a seaside detail to incorporate beautiful florals for their table arrangements. Rachel and Francis kept their vision classic with a clean white palette. They incorporated an Indian fusion menu to pay respect to Francis Indian heritage.

From the Bride… As soon as we got engaged, we immediately knew that we wanted to get married in Newport, Rhode Island. We spend a lot of time there during the summer months and few places compare. Newport’s yacht-filled harbors and Gilded Age Mansions make it easy to fall in love with the small town. Newport has many options when looking for a wedding venue. We visited at least fifteen venues before we selected our favorite, Belle Mer. We fell in love with the views, and the all-white decor that allowed us to customize everything! Belle Mer is a beautiful sea-side venue sitting along the coastline of Narragansett Bay, overlooking the Newport Bridge. We wanted to pick a day of the month that would be special so we decided to get married on my grandparent’s 57th wedding anniversary. The vision for our wedding was classic with a subtle nod to Newport’s seaside location. We had our invitations designed by Robinson Press. We used views of our favorite lighthouse in Newport as the backdrop for our invitations. We knew we wanted our flowers to be the focal point of the reception. Stone blossom florals helped our vision become a reality. We chose bright flowers that were hand woven through driftwood centerpieces, accented by warm candlelight. When choosing the food we selected an Indian-fusion menu to incorporate both of our cultures and to allow our guests to try something new! It was the perfect day in every way. Our amazing photographer Twah Dougherty and her team captured it beautifully and all of our vendors were wonderful to work with. With an incredible team and wonderful coordinator, we were able to relax and enjoy every moment.

Photography: Twah Dougherty | Coordination: Stephanie from Belle Mer | Floral Design: Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design | Wedding Dress: Karen Willis Holmes | Cake: Belle Mer A Longwoods Event | Invitations: Robinson Press | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Essense of Australia | Catering: Belle Mer A Longwoods Event | Calligraphy: Little Flower Calligraphy | Groom's Suit: Hugo Boss | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Wedding Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Garter: The Garter Girl | Music Entertainment: Luke Renchan Entertainment | Trolly: Newport Limousine Service | Veil: Sara Gabriel

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Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design

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There’s no doubt that a black and white palette or neutrals are timeless all the way, but that doesn’t mean a whopping dose of color can’t be timeless, too. That’s exactly what Events Held Dear and Evergreen Flower Co. set out to while dreaming up this slice of inspo. Hue happy and forever pretty? Definitely. There’s no doubt in my mind this pretty collection of images by Nicole Clarey will be turning heads for years to come.

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From Nicole Clarey Photography… The early winters in Ohio are very grey, so we wanted to bring the outdoors, indoors for our Get It Girl Workshop in Columbus, Oh. For a minute you forget about the cold weather and feel those California, boho vibes we pulled so much inspiration from for this shoot. Terra-cotta was our main color inspiration and wanted to accent it with complementing colors of pinks and yellows, with just a touch of blue to make a statement. These days it seems like brides are afraid of color, but Events Held Dear and Evergreen Flower Co. prove that you can make a bold palette, timeless.

One of my favorite touches was the map Inkwell + Co. included in the invitation suite. It’s an adorable touch to an otherwise simple suite, but gives so much interest. It really brought the story together. The number one thing we taught at the workshop was to always have intent when creating and doing business. Everything you use for a shoot should have purpose and circles back to your main idea and that map was a great example of that.

Photography: Nicole Clarey Photography | Floral Design: Evergreen Flower Co. | Gown: B.Loved Bridal | Shoes: BHLDN | Rings: Trumpet & Horn | Invitations + Calligraphy: Inkwell & Co. | Event Stylist + Coordinator: Leda Anderson Events | Hair + Makeup Artist: Blushed By Victoria | Plates: Anthropologie | Ribbon: The Lesser Bear | Wine Glasses: Anthropologie