Beach weddings can be beautifully serene and are often the perfect setting for coastline loving couples to tie the knot. However, it can be easy to get sucked into to the heavy theming these iconic shorelines offer up. Just because you are saying “I Do” at the beach doesn’t mean you have to do so barefoot with seashells in tow. Here are some simple tips for bringing serious style to your beachfront nuptials.

Opt For A Beach Goddess Vibe For Your Bridal Gown
While the bohemian trend is beautiful and seemingly always trend-right, you can bring added style and class to your waterfront wedding by choosing a bridal gown that is more beach goddess than boho babe. Flowy chiffon gowns are elegant and easily play off any breeze coming in from the sea. For a super stylish twist choose an off the shoulder style, which is both of-the-moment and relaxed, while still bringing a touch of sophistication.

Keep Your Feet Fancy
If beach chic is what you are after, resist the urge to dip those toes in the sand or slip into a flip flop. Reserve bare feet for the honeymoon and opt for a greek-inspired, ankle wrap sandal in white or a metallic for a little shimmer. A flat sandal is perfect for navigating the sand, yet ups your style game for the big day. For maximum beach chicness, ensure the groom and his men also air on the side of style with their footwear. Loafers are the perfect marriage of comfort and class and can be found in a variety of materials that are just right for the beach. A perforated leather is exceptionally beach-right and refined.

Choose Warm Tones and On-Trend Silhouettes For Your Ladies
Beach weddings and florals are not mutually exclusive and neither are waterfront ceremonies and the color blue. When it comes to your bridesmaids, choosing a rose gold or soft pink hue in a flowing silhouette with interesting details is beachfront perfection. A warm tone pops off the water and well-styled dresses or perfectly placed cutouts are the key to your ladies looking like they’ve mastered the art of stylish bridal party wear at the beach.

Leave The Tuxedo Behind, But Do Suit Up
If the bride can be stylish and classy, yet relaxed, the groom absolutely can be as well. While a tuxedo isn’t required to be dapper, nor is it necessarily beach friendly, khakis and untucked dress shirts sans the jacket give off the vibe that the man of the hour is already on island time. However, there is debonair middle ground to be found with a suit in a lightweight material, like linen. Choosing a well-tailored two-piece ensemble also leaves the option to pair with a tie or leave the formality behind for an unbuttoned, yet polished look.

Forgo Tropical Florals
There will be warm sun in the sky, waves crashing against the shore and sand at your feet, providing a natural atmosphere that can not be missed, which means your florals don’t have to be vibrant or tropical. In fact, bouquets based in white with subtle pops of pink and peach play well against the beach front color palette and are in keeping with your sleek and stylish vision.

Don’t Dive Head First Into An Over The Top Theme
The beach life is a very unique one, with definite themes and iconic pieces of nature, but remember- everyone already knows you are getting married on the water! Just like with the flowers, keep your decor simple and don’t dive headfirst into using starfish and seashells for centerpieces and place cards. If you want to incorporate your locale into your day, try less obvious nods like small palm leaves for name cards or work knotted rope into the decor. Otherwise, you can never go wrong by leaving the theme behind, keeping the decor sleek and simple and letting the unique and unforgettable natural atmosphere speak for itself.

The most important thing to remember when planning a beachfront wedding is to keep it simple in order to amp up the style! Let the beach speak for itself and don’t be afraid to dress to impress.

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

Everyone has a signature scent, but having a signature scent for your wedding is a decision you won’t regret. Spritz your wedding day perfume on for special occasions, and both you and your hubs will be instantly transported back to your big day. After all, scent is is the strongest sensation associated with memory. But which perfumes are the best of the best? See what your fellow brides said below!

The vision for this tented affair? Elevated backyard elegance. And boy, did TOAST Events deliver. Along with loose, organic florals by Amy Osaba Design, they brought an enchanted feel to Georgia’s Lake Burton and the couple, Bailey and Ben, perfectly looked the part. A Bryan Photo and Brandon Rice Films documented as the wedding weekend unfolded, and we’ve got all the festivities right at your fingertips.

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From TOAST Events… What’s better than being able to combine an intimate wedding with a festive party? Bailey and Ben created a whole weekend affair which began with a small tented wedding on Friday night for 85 guests, followed by a big lake party on Saturday night for 200 of their closest friends!

We love creating wedding weekends that are full of different events because each event allows the couple to celebrate even more with their friends and family while creating varied and unique settings in which to interact. The intimate wedding celebration on Friday had an elegant and organic feel.

Elevated backyard elegance was the overall mood we were going for with this classic tented wedding on Lake Burton. Every element, from the decor to the florals, had an upscale, yet approachable and relaxed, aesthetic.

We wanted to play on, and highlight, the natural beauty of the area. A color palette of neutrals browns, creams, and greens, accented by metallics, was the perfect complement to the natural backdrop of the lake. The rest of the decor was subtle, yet elegant, from the cafe lighting to the all white cake, adorned with flowers.

One of the fun and relaxed elements we loved were the hors d’oeuvres. The waitstaff passed items for guests to enjoy in antique trays. While it was a small detail, we loved that it created more character and charm to the overall feel of the evening.

All the floral elements were very loose and organic, yet had bright pops of color to draw in your eye. Since we were having so many events over the course of the weekend, one area that we used to bring a cohesive feel to the weekend was the floral design. Amy Osaba’s team did a great job bringing their bold, but loose, floral look to the flowers at each event over the course of the weekend.

One of our favorite floral elements was the greenery canopy inside Friday’s tent. It was a beautiful and cohesive way to connect the decor with the mountain surroundings. It was also a gorgeous way to highlight the head table and keep the focus on the bride and groom!

The lake party on Saturday was meant to feel a bit more fun and laid-back so we took a bolder approach to the Saturday color scheme.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the weekend was when Ben’s sister read a letter from Ben’s late mother to him during a toast at the wedding.

It was so special to be able to have double of everything over the course of the weekend. Bailey had two dresses, one more traditional and classic for Friday and a more bohemian look for Saturday. We got to play with two venue spaces and, as the pictures show, the views all weekend were to die for!

The stationery was one area where we were able to think outside the box and get creative since we needed to include details on all the weekend elements. All the stationery items were illustrated to portray to the beautiful scenery of Lake Burton while sharing pertinent weekend information with guests.

Photography: A Bryan Photo | Videography: Brandon Rice | Event Planning: TOAST | Florals: Amy Osaba | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Cake: Sweet Caroline's Cakes | Stationery: Lovely Paper Things | Reception Venue: Farmhouse at Persimmon Creek | Catering: Epting Events | Lighting: Magnum Lighting | Transportation: Georgia Valet Services | Transportation: Daniel's Charters | Venue: Waterfall Country Club | Beauty: Claudia Mejerle | Drapery: Event Drapery | Rentals: Royal Restrooms | Rentals: Goodwin Events | Rentals: Southern Vintage | Second Dress: Stone Fox Bride | Welcome Gifts: From Sir With Love

From the dress to the venue, we know weddings can cost a pretty penny but they are totally worth it! In fact, 2016 was the year of the most expensive weddings in the U.S. according to a recent study by The Knot. The 10th Annual Real Weddings Survey just revealed that the national average amount spent on a wedding in 2016 was just over $35k! But where exactly are brides and grooms spending their money? Read below for more findings!

The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Survey

The average number of guests attending a wedding is 141 with an average cost per guest at $245.

Trends leading to high spending include but are not limited to total personalization and unique guest experiences.

Manhattan was the most expensive city to get married in.

The average amount spent on the wedding dress was $1,564.

Custom guest entertainment has tripled in the last few years. Photo booths, musical performances, games, and fireworks are at the top of the entertainment list.

22% of couples incorporated technology in their big day. From drone aerial footage of the ceremony to fully digital invitations, couples are finding ways to advance the wedding experience with technology.

47% of couple say they ended up spending more than they budgeted.

20% of couples considered their wedding a destination wedding.

Arkansas and Utah top the list as the most affordable locations to get married. 

Getting a good night’s sleep is always super important, especially when it comes to the night before your wedding – but if those big day jitters and last-minute details are stressing you out, you won’t get the beauty rest you need.

Here are five simple ways to unwind and get the rest you need for the best day ever!

Photography & Interior Design: Courtney Davey of Tuft & Trim

MAKE YOUR HOTEL ROOM FEEL LIKE HOME

Like many brides, you might be sleeping in an unfamiliar hotel room the night before your wedding. While it might be tempting to have a big sleepover with your best girls, try to get some alone time to unwind and reflect. If you typically sleep with a noise machine and fan at home, bring it to the hotel! If you just can’t rest without your favorite pillow, bring that, too! Anything to help you feel a little more relaxed is fair game. Luckily, hotels have great blackout curtains, so you can block out any street lights or early morning sunrises.

Photography: Ruth Eileen

MAKE SURE YOUR BED IS ON POINT

If you’re staying at home the night before your wedding, restful sleep depends on a luxurious bed, and that might mean investing in a blissful night’s sleep. Just consider this permission to get yourself an early wedding gift from Mattress Firm. From hybrid mattresses with pocketed innersprings to memory foam beauties – and literally everything in between – they’ve got you covered for the nights leading up to your wedding… and beyond. Top it with those fancy new sheets and fluffy duvet you got at your wedding shower and you’re set!

Photography: Leila Brewster, Design & Styling: Abby Capalbo 

TURN OFF THOSE ELECTRONICS

Phone addiction is real – especially during the days before your wedding. If you feel tempted to text your planner or MOH the night before the Big Day, set aside your device and lay your head on that pillow instead. Trust us, playing with media will only stimulate your mind – and with all of the distractions, you’ll be losing precious sleep hours one “like” at a time.

Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck, Interior Design: Amanda Barnes Interior 

TAKE A WARM BATH OR SHOWER

When it comes to a good night’s sleep, nothing relaxes your body and mind from a fun, festive rehearsal dinner quite like a warm bath. Don’t forget what we said about media… this should be a long, relaxing bubble bath with soft music, a big glass of water and happy thoughts – no television allowed.

Photography: Jenna Kutcher

GO TO BED EARLY

This one seems fairly obvious, but we can’t stress this enough: go to bed early! Your body needs enough hours to cycle through the different stages of sleep, so if you don’t hit that pillow at the right time, you won’t wake-up well-rested. You’re in for a looong day of laughter, happy tears and dancing – so get those zzz’s.

Image Credits: Domino, Bedding: Crane & Canopy

Are you ready to turn that bedroom into a beautiful boudoir worthy of a fabulous snooze? Start your transformation to tranquility by finding your perfect bed at Mattress Firm. Don’t forget to get into your bedtime routine as soon as you can AND add that dream mattress to your registry, because receiving the gift of amazing sleep? That’s the best gift possible.

You know you’re counting down until your new last name and new monogram make their debut. And the best way to make your wedding day as unique as you is to incorporate your personal monogram into, well, just about everything. Here are a bunch of festive ways to do so on your big day.

Paper Goods and Décor
From invites to menus, to table runners and beyond, your monogram can go literally anywhere. Make sure to work with a trusted designer to create a monogram or crest that fits both the color palette and aesthetic you’re looking for. Then, incorporate it into small, intimate details, like table runners, mirrors and vases.

Bar Accessories
Naturally, wedding guests always gravitate towards the bar. Put your new initials front and center every time guests grab a drink with complimentary bar accessories guests won’t miss, like these festive cocktail napkins! Or, try drink stirrers or custom wine and beer labels for a different personalized experience. Koozies make a great favor and are perfect for more casual outdoor receptions.

Photobooths
Photobooths are a great way to let guests leave their signature mark—props included! But your monogram on the actual printed photo is just the tip of the iceberg. Stephan Bodnar, BDes – CEO of Flashworks Photobooth Inc, suggests “customized green-screen backgrounds or tailored graphics on the booth’s LCD screens.”

Looking for longevity? By including your monogram on the physical printed picture—many of which make the fridge—you’ll ensure that guests see your new initials weeks, even years after the wedding is over. And don’t forget about consistency. “Of course, the design of your entire print layout should complement your wedding theme and decor, with similar details from your wedding invitations and any other print items you’ve created,”says Stephan.

Lawn Games
If day-of games are on your agenda, treat guests to rounds of cornhole with custom boards and bean bags. We’ll toss one off to that! These monogrammed cornhole boards would look so great at a rustic outdoor barn wedding.

Sweets and Treats
Cookies, cupcakes, —the possibilities are endless. If you can think of it, a monogram can be put on it—even a large, edible version for your wedding cake! These cookies would make the cutest little favors.

Match Boxes
Hosting a cigar bar at your wedding? Make sure guests can light them with monogrammed match boxes that double as a wedding favor.

Jewelry and Accessories
Show off your new initials with a custom monogrammed necklace, signet ring, or clutch you can wear even after the big day is over. You’re married! Let your new initials shine.

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.

The “I Do’s” have been said, the rings exchanged, the cake cut and the night danced away- you are officially married! Now that the wedding day festivities have come to an end, it is time to look ahead and cash in on that one-on-one time you and your now-husband have likely been dreaming about for months.

Here’s hoping you find inspiration from these five bucket list locations and the outfit recommendations for each.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia
There is one and only one essential item when honeymooning in French Polynesia and that is fabulous swimwear. When celebrating your newlywed status in a hut over the brightest blue water you have ever seen, ultimate relaxation is the main event. Since you and your betrothed will likely split your time between sunbathing on your own personal deck and taking a dip in the ocean, you won’t even have the desire to go anywhere that requires fancy attire. As such, you should feel oh-so-fabulous in your bathing suits of choice. Go all out and choose fancy silhouettes and fun, exotic prints. Throw in a cover up that could double as a dress for those rare moments you aren’t canoodling in the sun and a regally oversized floppy hat and you have yourself the perfect wardrobe for the ultimate waterfront honeymoon.

 

Joey Kennedy Photography

Paris, France
Romance abounds in the aptly nicknamed “city of love.” When honeymooning in Paris, your first days as newlyweds are bound to be filled with endless hand-holding and strolling, lunches at tiny cafe tables, perfect for sharing baguettes and bottles of wine, ogling famous art and fashions and a general adoration for each other and your picturesque surroundings. If you want an ensemble that matches the impossibly chic attitude of the city and exudes the all-encompassing romance, opt for a sweet and simple midi skirt with a neatly tucked in striped tee or a flirty floral jumpsuit. Combined with the perfect pair of summery flats and oversized sunglasses, you’ll be well suited for afternoon rendezvous with your new hubby, while blending right in with all of the native Parisians wandering the streets of the various arrondissements and taking in the sites.

Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is truly the epitome of a far-off, magical land, with endless opportunities to island hop among crystal clear waters and seek out unbelievable adventures. Such a trip is generally a glorious mix of relaxation and exploration, so your attire should be relaxed, yet stylish for all those once-in-a-lifetime photo ops! A pair of wide leg pants with breezy slits up the side are both of-the-moment and super practical for slipping over your swimwear. Combine these pantaloons with anything from a simple tank or crop top to a lightweight, tie-front button down for visiting multiple beaches in a day or making new friends at the elephant sanctuary in effortless style and comfort. Bonus points for pulling the look together with a great pair of strappy, slip-on sandals.

Thecablookphotolab
Venice, Italy
Venice certainly doesn’t have a reputation for being understated, but the city’s flair and opulence are at the heart of its charm. Since you’ll be spending your days doing wonderfully grand things—like making your way from place to place via gondola, sipping on the original Bellini at Harry’s bar or shopping in San Marco Square—your attire should be equally magnificent. Start by choosing that one dress you absolutely adore, but may not have any other reason to wear, or a pair of chic navy shorts and a crisp white button down. Then, accessorize your heart out! Oversized hats and statement jewelry have never felt more at home than they do in Venice.

Ben Yew Photography

Santorini, Greece
There are few places in the world as effortlessly luxurious and naturally stunning as Santorini. Whether sharing a meal overlooking the Aegean Sea with your new husband or exploring the unbelievably beautiful waters by boat, you’ll want a look that says modern-day goddess. Take inspiration from your surroundings and stick with a crisp white color palette. In regards to silhouettes, long lengths and relaxed fits are the Grecian go-to; cut outs and pretty textures will keep everything interesting. A gold metallic ankle wrap sandal is the perfect update to the long-admired gladiator and is as effortlessly luxurious as your surroundings.

No matter the destination or dress code, be sure to pack only clothes that make you feel like a million bucks. Play dress up and have fun, because you can never be overdressed on your honeymoon!

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

Look no further if you needed a little inspo for your bridal portraits! Tammy’s Table and a team of excellent vendors put together this pretty, southern shoot, showing different ways you can incorporate meaningful elements from your wedding or pretty props into your session. From statement jewelry and lacey shoes to a romantic tablescape and three delightful cakes, Kaley Elaine Photography captured each beautiful vignette. The options are endless, so get more bridal session inspiration, right this way…

From Tammy’s Table… Your wedding dress is delicate, graceful, and an intimate part of your personality that will be showcased on your upcoming celebration; and if there is ever a garment that should be remembered along with your Bride-to-be smile, it’s your wedding dress!

“What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind

I couldn’t agree more, and it is one of the main reasons I encourage Brides to take traditional bridal portraits. I remember trying on my wedding dress and falling in love with the way it was going to be bustled as I strolled among all our friends and family. Quaint details such as these should be captured, but they may get lost with all the bubbly commotion of the wedding day. Having a day dedicated to you and your dress will ensure those sentiments are remembered forever. The extravagant train on this BHLDN gown is an unforgettable detail for the wedding dream books!

Bridal portraits don’t solely have to be about the dress. I encourage Brides to implement other wedding day influences such as their ring, sweet treats, invitations, and inspired décor as well! This blue topaz diamond ring from Brian Gavin is so unique and undoubtedly a highlight that expresses the individuality of a special Bride!

Another way to express your distinctive bridal persona is through a custom invitation. I absolutely love this invitation set created by In Loft Calligraphy! The details are phenomenal and very well executed, right down to the gold doors inspired by The Folmar’s one-of-a-kind rustic chapel. Capturing this detail is certainly a great way to achieve a swanky bridal portrait session.

To make your session even sweeter, incorporating consider simplistic and chic wedding cakes as a fun prop! Similar to the saccharine textures of the BHLDN gown, these textured white wedding cakes from Dolce Designs brought out the southern and sugary side of the shoot.

An alternate focal point to add to your bridal session is a stunning table setting! This setting was inspired by the classic countryside ambiance that radiates as you arrive at The Folmar. The entire event space brings on a beautiful stillness that makes you stop and take in the natural splendor around you. I wanted to keep that same sense of calmness with this tablescape, applying soft creams, pastel blues, and supple pinks. E-Johnston Designs did a wonderful job executing the vision with angelic blooms. The white chiffon table runner mirrored the train on this wedding gown to perfection and brought this bridal portrait session full circle.

Overall, bridal portraits are about capturing the monumental moment in time before you take the first steps into your new forever. However you decide to do them, make these photos uniquely geared towards the things that you never want to forget about your upcoming big day!

Photography: Kaley Elaine Photo | Event Planning: Tammy's Table | Event Styling: Tammy's Table | Floral Design: E Johnston Designs | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Dolce Designs | Invitations: Inloftcalligraphy | Ring: Brian Gavin Diamonds | Makeup: Stephanie Rivera | Venue: The Folmar | Model: De'Ana Fierce

If you’re looking to make the most out of your wedding day (i.e. not miss your own cocktail hour!), just take a cue from this gorgeous duo—do your bridal session before the Big Day! And if you’re in California, maybe take a cue from them on location, too. The Redwoods might be the dreamiest spot I’ve seen yet for bridal portraits. Plus, when you’ve got Aria Photography behind the lens, the results are bound to be magical.

From Aria Photography… I was able to photograph my sweet brother and sister-in-law in the majestic redwoods in Davis, California before their wedding day. We knew their wedding day wouldn’t allow for a lot of time for pictures, so doing this session ahead of time allowed us to have a relaxed afternoon together without the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, and gave us the opportunity to photograph in an amazing location for variety of photos. Ann’s elegant Maggie Sottero dress and Alex’s Giovanni Testi suit stood out against the stunning backdrop. An enchanting floral bouquet and boutonniere by Honeysuckle House Living was the icing on the cake. Shot all on film, it was a dreamy afternoon under the canopy of the redwood grove.

Photography: Aria Photography | Floral Design: Danyelle Knight Woodley | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Groom's Attire: Giovanni Testi | Davis Arboretum Redwood Grove: Davis Arboretum Redwood Grove | Film Lab: The Find Lab

Kelsie and Tyler have a love story fit for a movie. From a just-missed encounter in London and a melt-you-heart kiss the day they first saw each other in person to Kelsie’s sudden, devastating loss of hearing and a life-changing surgery, they’ve encountered it all hand-in-hand and are more in love than ever. Kirill Bordon Photography captured the sweet couple near their home on the water in British Columbia as they celebrate their upcoming nuptials. After melting over the gallery, be sure to read their full love story below, told by the Bride-to-be.

From the Bride-to-Be… You could say that our love story began at the doors of The Maple Leaf Pub in London, England. I was nineteen, traveling alone, and had heard that a cute blonde guy was working there with his buddies – fellow Canadians from my own hometown in Ladner, BC. I remember resting my hand on the oversized brass knob of the pub’s front door, pausing to debate going in, then quickly abandoning the idea and walking on to explore Covent Garden. Our love story truly began five years later when he asked to buy one of my paintings for his apartment as a cover to get to know me better. We talked back and forth for a month before meeting in person. When we finally met in May, he swept me off my feet with a first kiss that was straight out of a 1940s movie. We were inseparable that summer. I instinctively knew I had met a man who was my soul mate: funny, considerate, intelligent, and – not to mention – handsome. My soul felt at home with him. The pieces were falling into place.

In the bliss of a new relationship, I was not prepared for a huge life event that would devastate me that fall: I lost all my hearing. Over the next four years, I would learn Tyler’s empathy, patience, and devotion. His strong calm presence persisted through highs and lows, including communication challenges and life changing surgery with an opportunity to hear again. Our relationship was tested, yet strengthened, as we navigated this new territory together as a couple.

On the twenty sixth of December, 2016, he surprised me in the best way possible when he proposed in a place that is very special to us: our home together on the water. I am so grateful to continue to journey through life with my best friend; I can’t imagine my life without him, and thankfully, I won’t ever have to.

Photography: Kirill Bordon Photography | Floral Design: OLFC | Hair and Makeup: Faye Smith Makeup And Hair | Calligraphy: Maurelle Calligraphy | Bride-to-Be: Kelsie Grazier | Film Processing: The Find Lab

Returning to the city where their love story began, this Bride and Groom threw an insanely romantic Chicago wedding….rain included. Captured by Kate Weinstein, the gloomy day set the scene for a chic celebration planned by Estera Events, including blush colored blooms by Stems, watercolor stationery by EVR Paper and the prettiest portraits under the umbrella.

From the Photographer… Susan & Peter met while in college in Chicago and their first date was to a dog park. After a few years of dating, they moved to NYC so Susan could pursue her dream to work in fashion, and Peter in tech. Since they are both from Chicago and it is where their love story began, they decided to get married in Chicago and chose Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park for its natural but still urban setting. Chicago weather in March can be quite unpredictable and it ended up being a foggy day with intermittent rain, but the bride was not the least bit concerned with the weather. Susan said she loved that it was raining because it made the usually busy city feel “so still, and peaceful.”

Estera Events planned the day to perfection, and Stems created the florals. Peter and Susan got ready at the Public Hotel and had their first look on the Ava Terrace at the hotel. Susan chose an embroidered dress by Lee Petra Grebenau, and accented it with a white fur stole for extra warmth. Joanna B Artistry designed Susan’s makeup, and Gia Tovar designed her hair. The Groom wore a suit by Double RL – Ralph Lauren. At Cafe Brauer, Tiger Lily Weddings provided the catering, Alliance Bakery created the cake, Toast and Jam DJ’d, String Theory provided the ceremony music, and Nimble Well provided rentals. The paper and invitations were designed by EVR Paper, who created a custom watercolor of Cafe Brauer to fit Susan’s vision and colors. For their first dance, Susan and Peter danced a piece choreographed to a musical medley from one of their favorite movies, La La Land!

Photography: Kate Weinstein Photo | Florals: Stems, inc. | Cake: Alliance Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Cafe Brauer | Reception Venue: Cafe Brauer | Shoes: Charlotte Olympia | Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Catering: Tigerlily Events | Makeup: Joanna B Artistry | Hair Stylist: Gia Tovar | DJ: Toast and Jam | Ties: The Tie Bar | Groom's Suit: Ralph Lauren | Groomsmen Suits: Jos A. Bank Rentals | Transportation: Echo Limousine | Ceremony Musicians: Style Matters DJs | Getting Ready Hotel: Public Hotel | Paper / Invitations: EVR Paper Co., Christine Bellagamba | Planning: Estera Events | Rentals: Nimble Well | Ring box: The Mrs Box | Sweets: Snow Dragon Shavery | Veil : Cassandra Silvestro | Wedding Dress Designer: Lee Grebenau | Wedding Dress Shop: SPINA

This stunning wedding was at a super unique venue in Lancaster PA. The venue is a one-of-a-kind historic building with multiple levels, each having its own unique look. There are catacombs in the basement, a terrace and garden courtyard draped with string lights, and an awesome “top secret” floor with chippy, peeling paint, raw cement, and red bricks with tons of natural light pouring in! The bridal party was in navy, dusty blue, and mint and the florals were gorgeous! From The Bride:

1. What is your color scheme and why did you pick those colors? Our colors are navy blue, mint green, pewter grey, and gold. I had always dreamed of a navy and mint wedding (and had a pinterest board before John and I were even together titled “my impending navy and mint wedding”… Haha). We loved that combination with the gold and pewter added in because it’s subtle, vintage-inspired, and elegant. It complimented the rustic-vintage theme of Excelsior, and especially the mint green paint around some of the windows and on the walls. The gold sparkle touches were just too much fun to pass up! 2. Why did you choose your wedding venue? We fell in love with Excelsior the moment we walked in. We had visited a few other venues in Hershey (where I grew up) and had driven to Lancaster that day to see another site that ended up not working out, but they recommended that we take a look at Excelsior, which wasn’t yet open. We knocked on the front door and almost walked away, but one of the owners answered (in the midst of sanding and painting in preparation for opening before their first wedding in 3 weeks!!) and showed us around. It had everything we wanted in a wedding venue – beautiful, spacious, and unique, even completely unfinished and covered in dust. We especially loved that the entire venue and all its spaces were ours for the night, so we could use it all however we wanted. Kelly and John, Excelsior’s owners, were so warm and kind. We loved them instantly and their vision for Excelsior was so clear, even still in the works. The decision was easy! 3. What flavor is your cake? Vanilla with buttercream frosting.. John and I are purists when it comes to cake! 4. Description of your gown? Why was this “the one?”

My dress is an ivory lace sweetheart-neck mermaid gown with a mauve-colored ribbon sash around the waist that ties into a bow and falls down the back of the dress. The dress has almost a pink glow in the light! It was the perfect combination of vintage and sparkle, and elegant but fitted all the right places. From the few times I made John watch “Say Yes to the Dress”, I knew that he couldn’t stand shapeless wedding dresses (or “bags” as he called them) so I wanted something that accentuated my body a little! 5. Advice for other brides planning their wedding? Don’t procrastinate – take care of everything you can take care of early in your engagement so that you can have some down-time before all the details kick in during the last few months. There’s no way to avoid some stress near the end, so don’t make it worse than it has to be! ! Also – don’t forget the point of the wedding and why you’re doing it all. In the last few weeks I’ve reminded myself over and over that I have a dress, we have food and alcohol, everyone we love will be there, and at the end of the day I get to marry John, so everything else is really extra. 6. Where are you going on your honeymoon? We’re going on a Mediterranean cruise! Flying to Venice the Saturday after our wedding and stopping in Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia, Olympus and Athens, Greece, and Ravenna, Italy, and spending a few days in Venice after the cruise before we come back to the US. We’re so excited!!!! 7. What are some of the unique items that you will be incorporating in to your wedding? I love chalkboards – you will see calligraphy-d chalkboards all over the place! I had fun learning calligraphy for those! The Ketubah that we’re signing before the ceremony was created for us by a designer that I worked closely with through my job who lives in Chicago. We wrote most of the text ourselves and are so excited for that special moment with our grandparents before the ceremony begins. The glass that we will share wine out of during the ceremony was given to and engraved for John’s great-grandparents for their 25th wedding anniversary, so it’s over 100 years old. A piece of lace from my mom’s wedding dress will be wrapped around the stems of my bouquet. 8. Describe your florals/bouquet

Our flowers are lush and vintage-inspired with lots of green leafing (eucalyptus and olive branch) and cream, ivory, and light pink flowers, with hints of mint green and light blue. The bridesmaids will have long mint green ribbons hanging from their bouquets. My bouquet is relaxed and unstructured, with lots of peonies and roses to offset the dark green leaves beneath them. In addition to the bouquets, you’ll see this style across the top of our chuppah, on our cake, and in a variety of centerpieces during dinner – 8 tables will have high arrangements on a 4-post gold stands, and the other 12 tables will compliment that with lower arrangements to give the room some depth. 9. What part of the wedding are you most looking forward to? Having everyone we love together in one room – and other than that, we’re so excited for the moment we see each other for the first time!

For a good part of my childhood, I grew up right next door to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Since, I’ve visited my sister there on several occasions. What I love most about this locale? It’s historic charm. It truly does boast some of the loveliest restaurants and venues. Case in point? Today’s fete captured by Something Blue by Susan Elizabeth at the Excelsior Lancaster. Layers upon layers of blush and mint coziness. See it all here in the full gallery!

From Something Blue by Susan Elizabeth… This stunning wedding was at a super unique venue in Lancaster PA. The venue is a one-of-a-kind historic building with multiple levels, each having its own unique look. There are catacombs in the basement, a terrace and garden courtyard draped with string lights, and an awesome “top secret” floor with chippy, peeling paint, raw cement, and red bricks with tons of natural light pouring in! The bridal party was in navy, dusty blue, and mint and the florals were gorgeous!

From The Bride… Our colors are navy blue, mint green, pewter grey, and gold. I had always dreamed of a navy and mint wedding (and had a pinterest board before John and I were even together titled “my impending navy and mint wedding”…haha). We loved that combination with the gold and pewter added in because it’s subtle, vintage-inspired, and elegant. It complimented the rustic-vintage theme of Excelsior, and especially the mint green paint around some of the windows and on the walls. The gold sparkle touches were just too much fun to pass up!

We fell in love with Excelsior the moment we walked in. We had visited a few other venues in Hershey (where I grew up) and had driven to Lancaster that day to see another site that ended up not working out, but they recommended that we take a look at Excelsior, which wasn’t yet open. We knocked on the front door and almost walked away, but one of the owners answered (in the midst of sanding and painting in preparation for opening before their first wedding in 3 weeks!!) and showed us around. It had everything we wanted in a wedding venue – beautiful, spacious, and unique, even completely unfinished and covered in dust. We especially loved that the entire venue and all its spaces were ours for the night, so we could use it all however we wanted. Kelly and John, Excelsior’s owners, were so warm and kind. We loved them instantly and their vision for Excelsior was so clear, even still in the works. The decision was easy!

My dress is an ivory lace sweetheart-neck mermaid gown with a mauve-colored ribbon sash around the waist that ties into a bow and falls down the back of the dress. The dress has almost a pink glow in the light! It was the perfect combination of vintage and sparkle, and elegant but fitted all the right places. From the few times I made John watch “Say Yes to the Dress”, I knew that he couldn’t stand shapeless wedding dresses (or “bags” as he called them) so I wanted something that accentuated my body a little!

We’re going on a Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon! Flying to Venice the Saturday after our wedding and stopping in Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia, Olympus and Athens, Greece, and Ravenna, Italy, and spending a few days in Venice after the cruise before we come back to the US. We’re so excited!!!!

Some of our wedding details… I love chalkboards – you will see calligraphy-d chalkboards all over the place! I had fun learning calligraphy for those! The Ketubah that we’re signing before the ceremony was created for us by a designer that I worked closely with through my job who lives in Chicago. We wrote most of the text ourselves and are so excited for that special moment with our grandparents before the ceremony begins. The glass that we will share wine out of during the ceremony was given to and engraved for John’s great-grandparents for their 25th wedding anniversary, so it’s over 100 years old. Our cake was vanilla with buttercream frosting… John and I are purists when it comes to cake! A piece of lace from my mom’s wedding dress will be wrapped around the stems of my bouquet.

Our flowers are lush and vintage-inspired with lots of green leafing (eucalyptus and olive branch) and cream, ivory, and light pink flowers, with hints of mint green and light blue. The bridesmaids will have long mint green ribbons hanging from their bouquets. My bouquet is relaxed and unstructured, with lots of peonies and roses to offset the dark green leaves beneath them. In addition to the bouquets, you’ll see this style across the top of our chuppah, on our cake, and in a variety of centerpieces during dinner – 8 tables will have high arrangements on a 4-post gold stands, and the other 12 tables will compliment that with lower arrangements to give the room some depth.

Having everyone we love together in one room was amazing – and we loved seeing each other for the first time!

Some advice for other Brides: Don’t procrastinate – take care of everything you can take care of early in your engagement so that you can have some down-time before all the details kick in during the last few months. There’s no way to avoid some stress near the end, so don’t make it worse than it has to be! ! Also – don’t forget the point of the wedding and why you’re doing it all. In the last few weeks I’ve reminded myself over and over that I have a dress, we have food and alcohol, everyone we love will be there, and at the end of the day I get to marry John, so everything else is really extra.

Photography: Susan Elizabeth Photography | Event Planning: Planned Perfection | Floral Design: Petals with Style | Wedding Dress: Alfred Angelo | Bakery: Schat's Bakery | Invitations: Little Spark Creations | Reception Venue: Excelsior Lancaster | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Rings: David Yurman | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: Jimmy Duffy's | Hair and Makeup: downstreet salon | DJ: Klock Entertainment | Mens Attire: Tommy Hilfiger | Brides Robe: Plum Pretty Sugar | Bridesmaids Robes: Love Meets Craft | Jeweler: Jared | Lighting + Furniture: Shumaker PDT

There’s nothing sweeter than a Southern backyard wedding. Except maybe a Southern backyard in which the beautiful Bride wore her late Mother’s debutante dress (complete with a red wine stain!). And oh, did she glow in it. Thanks to Eliza Morrill, we’re soaking up just how lovely a backyard fete can really be.

From Eliza Morrill Photography… If ever a wedding was a labor of love, Julie + Michael’s backyard wedding is it. The couple, who met in New Orleans, knew that they wanted to keep their celebration simple and meaningful – so what better place to celebrate than in Julie’s family’s backyard? The renovated tudor home nestled in Columbus, Georgia was the perfect atmosphere for both the ceremony and reception. When asked about her vision for her wedding day, Julie said, “I just wanted something casual and inviting. I wanted people to feel like they were coming over for dinner at my family’s home.”

What’s more, though, is every detail had sentimental value. Rather than dress shop for a couture gown, Julie opted to remake and wear her late mother’s debutante dress – complete with a red wine stain – that meant more to her than any ordinary dress could have. Another personal touch? The very plates that her guests ate from. “I absolutely LOVED that all the china, silver flatware, and silver serving dishes were all from my family. It made the tables so interesting and it was just another detail that made it feel like dinner at my Dad’s house.”

The couple forewent the typical bridal party, and instead asked their brothers to stand next to them during the ceremony, which took place in the front yard. Guests gathered nearby to watch as the two exchanged vows, while Julie’s grandparents watched, holding hands, from the patio above. Julie and Michael both love good food and the outdoors (Julie has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail by herself!), so a farm-to-table meal was perfect for them. Small round tables were sprinkled throughout the house and yard, while a beautiful farm table with stringed lights above sat the bridal party and their families. Though Julie isn’t traditionally a cake eater, she made sure to have one as an homage to her sweet mother, who loved wedding cake. Julie opted to eat a pecan pie, baked by the groom! Guests danced to music spun on vinyl before the couple made their exit – down the hill, on their bikes, through a barrage of lavender. In true down-to-earth fashion, Julie offered this advice for brides-to-be: “It’s one day that you will want to remember forever. Don’t let stress cloud your experience. We decided from the beginning that if we hit a bump and disagreements come up, we would just abandon that idea. Planning a party shouldn’t take the spotlight over such a big life event.”

Photography: Eliza Morrill Photography | Event Planning: P. Hasting Design | Floral Design: Bloomwoods By Kim Nelson | Invitations: Macon York | Catering: Tara van Etten | Hair and Makeup: Bright Salon | DJ: Nick Trotta | Transportation: Groome Transportation | Rentals: Outdoor Events

With the 4th of July holiday just around the corner, we’re getting inspired to throw the perfect red, white and blue backyard bbq like this cute number crafted by Finding Lovely. It’s a fun twist on tradition, incorporating pattern and texture in that signature Independence Day color palette. Ditch the stars and stripes and go for polka dot and ikat instead. The pretty images snapped by Ruth Eileen are all the motivation you need.

The 4th of July is a special holiday, wrapped in the warmth of summer and celebrating our nation’s independence with those you love. This backyard BBQ was inspired by the classic colors of the American flag while playing with whimsical patterns and layering textures to create an interesting tablescape with a vintage Americana feel.

Set in our backyard, a few simple touches, like a beautiful tablecloth and handmade navy blue paper pinwheels on each setting, easily elevated an ordinary patio table and set the mood for a festive party atmosphere. The table is set with a white flowing arrangement in the middle and red flowers on either side which add a lovely pop of color.

Each setting also had a single bloom in a candle votive. Easy menu prep makes enjoying your guests top priority. A simple BBQ menu can be extraordinary when you add little details, like watermelon stars to a fruit salad. 

Don’t forget about the littlest guests. Since our kiddos are little celebrating with age appropriate and whimsical Pom poms are safer than sparklers and an easy DIY with tissue paper and skewers. A few lovely details can make you 4th of July gathering extra special.

Happy 4th of July!   

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Design: Finding Lovely | Blue serving bowls: Home Goods | Chargers: Target | Floral Dessert Plates: Churchill Imari pattern | Gold Silverware: Target | Napkins: Serena & Lily | Red Plaid and floral pitchers: Wonkiware | Red striped plates: Crate & Barrel | Table Cloth: Serena & Lily | Wicker end chairs: Pier 1

Wendy and Robbie first met as colleagues in investment banking, and when it came time to plan their wedding, they knew it had to be special. They chose Robbie’s home state of Hawaii as the setting and brought on Flowergirls, Absolutely Loved, and an entire crew of vendors to bring their dream day to life. Consider this gallery your virtual escape and venture to Oahu right this way.

From the Bride… Robbie was born and raised in Honolulu, so we wanted to get married there. We looked at all the venues in Oahu, and just fell in love with Lanikuhonua the moment we set foot onto the place. It’s SO INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! Breathtakingly beautiful, with its lush green lawns and untarnished ocean view. We had a lot of guests coming from the Mainland, so we wanted a venue that showed off the extreme beauty of Hawaii. We also needed a venue large enough to hold up to 300 people. Lanikuhonua was perfect.

Bride’s Style

Robbie was born and raised in Honolulu, so we wanted to get married there. It’s funny because the Katie May dress is called the Poipu Dress, and I knew I found the perfect dress the moment I tried it on. It was just so me. I like that it’s simple and sexy (with the plunging back), but still very elegant. It’s perfect for an outdoor wedding in Hawaii. I had a pair of cheap Calvin Klein black strappy heels that were the most comfortable heels ever. I searched everywhere for the same pair in white and eventually found them on eBay.

Groom’s Style

I wanted the groomsmen in light gray and Robbie in navy blue so he would stand out. We used to work in finance (that’s how we met), and he used to always wear a navy blue suit. So I felt like that was his color.

Color Palette + Style

We chose romantic and boho with a touch of vintage as our wedding theme. This has always been my personal fashion style. I’m very feminine with a hint of boho chic. We wanted to be in a tropical beach setting because Robbie grew up in Hawaii and I wanted to show all my family/friends on the mainland what his beautiful home was like.

Floral Design + Decor

I just wanted to minimize costs while achieving the look we wanted. I picked lanterns I saw on Pinterest as centerpiece options and absolutely loved that idea. We got the handpainted “Welcome” sign from Etsy. We wanted to add that vintage touch to our wedding. For table cards, we used inside jokes and movies / TV shows that we loved. For instance, one of the tables was named “Westeros” because Robbie and I are huge Game of Thrones fans. Another table was named “The Compound, Part 2,” because Robbie’s passdown house in business school was called The Compound, and he shared a lot of amazing memories with me and his friends there.

Food + Beverage

We wanted our menu to reflect things we personally love! I am absolutely obsessed with Hawaiian shave ice. The first time I’d visited Hawaii with Robbie when I was dating, I made him take me to every single shave ice place on the island. I also love poke in Hawaii–it’s so delicious, so needed to serve Poke at the wedding. We picked our favorite drinks as our signature cocktails–we wanted drinks that were yummy but also refreshing. Our food menu was Hawaiian + Chinese. We wanted to share our cultures with our guests. For instance, tuna poke is Hawaiian, and the roasted pig buns were Chinese.

Key Moments of the Day

There were too many favorite moments. We were adamant about ensuring our siblings all had a role to play in the wedding: Michael (my brother) was my Man of Honor, Mikey (Robbie’s brother) was his Best Man, and Kristin (Robbie’s sister) was our officiant. We also wanted our MC to be someone we knew, so we asked Robbie’s grad school roommate, Dorian Bertsch, who does radio broadcasting in his spare time, to be our MC. I had no idea Robbie was going to sing and dance at our wedding! Those were complete surprises. He totally surprised and touched me beyond words. He made me feel incredibly loved and lucky!

Photography: Absolutely Loved Photography | Videography: Logan Laveti | Event Planning: Finishing Touch | Floral Design: Flowergirls | Cake: Cake Works | Catering: Big G's Catering | Hair + Makeup: Face Art Beauty | DJ: Spectrum Entertainment | Ceremony Music: Jason Alan | Venue: Lanikuhonua | Photo Booth: FlashLab | Pre-Ceremony Photos: Four Seasons Resort Oahu | Rentals: Island Event Rentals | Shave Ice: Tats Shave Ice

With two of the best in the business by their side, Kathleen and Tuck were destined for an incredible engagement session. TEAM Hair & Makeup worked their beauty magic while Jose Villa captured their love in the incredible way only he can. Cheers to these two loves and all life’s adventures ahead!

Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Hair + Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup

Early in their relationship, this couple identified a shared passion of theirs – music! Despite having different taste, many songs became important markers in their relationship, and they wanted their story told through song on their wedding day. The Devonshire Players and Around Town Live Music and Entertainment delivered on the couple’s wish, creating an unforgettable night captured by Elena Wolfe Photography.

From the Bride… Joe proposed on a hiking trail that runs past our new home in Ridgefield, Connecticut, just as it began to snow. He said that this was the place where we would begin our new life as a family together, and so began the year and a half of planning that led to our incredible wedding day.

Joe grew up in the Bronx, and I am from southwestern Connecticut. We wanted to have a traditional ceremony at my parent’s church in Bedford, New York, and to choose a venue where both our families could easily be present. By selecting Boscobel, we were able to marry my desire for a garden wedding with my husband’s desire for a water view – one of his few wedding requests!

The natural beauty of the house and surrounding gardens inspired us to focus on organic, unstructured floral arrangements and seasonal colors. I am an art teacher, so color and design are incredibly important to me. We stole our color scheme from the apple trees, roses, and grape vines on the property, incorporating greenery, neutrals, and blushes with rich merlot and fig hues. Our florist, Jeanette Kleitz of True Florette, immediately saw our vision, and we worked together to build upon this concept that she brought to life so beautifully.

Capturing this amazing day was also incredibly important to us, and we were so lucky to work with Elena Wolfe, who captured all of these gorgeous moments and details in digital and film photographs.

Early in our relationship, Joe and I found that music was a shared passion of ours, despite us having wildly different taste. What we listened to in the car on long drives became the soundtrack of our relationship, and we wanted to incorporate these important songs into our day. Between walking down the aisle to “that Mandy Moore song from A Walk To Remember” (“Only Hope”), dancing our first dance to Brad Paisley’s “Then,” and making sure that we heard everything from new country to classic rock, we wanted to tell our story through song. We had the pleasure of having the Devonshire Players and Around Town Entertainment provide live music during our cocktail hour and reception, and they knocked it out of the park. We barely left the dance floor once the reception began!

One recommendation I have for all couples on their big day is to take a few minutes to step away from the reception with your new spouse. One of the fondest memories I have from my wedding day was a quiet walk my husband and I took through the apple orchard at Boscobel. We were able to watch the party going on under the tent from afar and absorb all of the love and excitement that had been poured out to us all day long.

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. The weather was absolute perfection, and we could not have been more excited to share this day with our family and friends. Watching the sun set on the water from our cocktail hour and tented reception was a dream realized. Hearing the heartfelt toasts from our siblings and seeing every person we love all together in the same room really made our day special.

Photography: Elena Wolfe Photography | Floral Design: True Florette | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Cardinal And Straw Fine Paper Goods | Ceremony Venue: St. Patricks Catholic Church In Bedford, NY | Reception Venue: Boscobel | Bride's Shoes: Emmy London | Rings: Sidney Thomas | Bridesmaids' Dresses: The Fitting Solution | Catering: Jean Jacques Culinary Creations | Catering: Cannoli Truck | Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Kinford | Calligraphy: Overdressed Paperie | Band: Around Town Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Ted Baker | Groom's Attire: Salvatore Ferragamo | Bridal Boutique: The Plumed Serpent Bridal Salon | Film Processing: ProPhoto Irvine | Music: Devonshire Players | Photography Assistance: Colleen MacMillan

Did you know that “hairstyle” is most searched for wedding-related term on Google? But once you’ve found your perfect ‘do (here’s 100 stunning ideas), it’s time to get your hair in tip-top shape for whatever chignon, braid or curl lies ahead. From the best shampoos and conditioners to the curling wand you need to put in your shopping cart ASAP, these are the goodies you’ll want and need for voluminous, luscious locks!

The best floral designs are inspired by the season, embrace your personal aesthetic, and are complementary to your venue. Here the experts at Laura Jean Floral share ideas to discuss with your floral designer to create a composition for your wedding that’s unique to you while still embracing your chosen venue and the season. From foraging fresh greens to coordinating venue visits and from drawing inspiration from the linens to working with your venue’s gardener on choosing blooms, here’s the insider scoop on designing the best florals for all seasons and venues.

Photography: Meg Haley Photographs

Spring

If your wedding venue has a garden, consider connecting your floral designer with your venue’s coordinator and gardener. Your floral designer will then be able to determine the colors and flowers that are just starting to bloom in the gardens surrounding the venue property. Incorporating similar blossoms and colors into their compositions will carry that spring garden indoors.

Spring season brings new growth. Everything is so fresh, flowering, and green – there are plenty of options for foraging. Have your floral designer forage flowering branches, wild greens, or bulbs to utilize in their designs whenever possible. Here at Laura Jean Floral, we specifically look in areas close to the venue to find fields and forests to forage to create a more specific composition for the event. You can check out our Instagram (@laurajean_floral) for examples of incorporating foraged materials in arrangements!

Spring is also the perfect season to add a pop of accent color to your palette. Ask your floral designer to add a touch of color, drawing inspiration from a focal aspect of your venue’s design or logo.

Photography: Cambria Grace

Summer

Summer season and warm weather bring a lot of beautiful options to floral design. Everything is so lush and popping open this time of year. Most summer weddings take place outdoors, so the floral design should be an extension of that outdoor space. Incorporating locally foraged summer grasses, vines, and greenery can all help achieve that.

Consider infusing your floral arrangements with fruit from local farms or your caterer – peaches and citrus are always a favorite next to plush blossoms.

Tents are commonly utilized for summer weddings, and these areas are a perfect landscape for large scale floral installations and garlands. We love to drape tents in bright greens with pops of big, gorgeous focal flowers.

Photography: Nicole Baas

Fall

The Fall is a time of soft, natural lighting and rich, deep colors. During this season, many venues offer richer textures in their decor and linens. Show your chosen linens to your floral designer, as these colors and textures can influence your floral designer’s choice of vessels and vases.

Foraging during this season will reward you with the most amazing foliage, berries, and branches! Added elements from your venue site – including moss, ferns, and greenery – can be included in your tablescapes and other aspects of your floral design.

Photography: Fat Orange Cat Studio

Winter

Winter season brings everything indoors. This is the perfect season for sculptural florals, whether it’s taller arrangements in a space with vaulted ceilings or plush, elaborate garlands to accentuate a staircase, purposeful compositions that highlight the space are key. As floral designers, we are always considering the space and highly recommend visiting your venue with your floral designer prior to your wedding.

Also have your floral designer source specific vessels and vases that complement the architectural details of your venue. By considering the fixtures and framing within your venue when making this choice, you can bring a sense of intimacy to the event.

Expert Advice: Laura Jean Floral & Event Design