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

Windswept Romance Set on the Irish Coast

Every pretty moment of this shoot plays off Irish lore and symbolism, and it’s that attention to detail we can’t get enough of. The amazing Sophie Kaye Photography partnered with Kate Deegan and a whole team of vendors to showcase the beauty of Irish romance, and the result is nothing short of stunning. Head right this way for so much more.

“Tri na haoiseanna, thar am, mo ghrá. Throughout the ages, beyond time, my love.”

From Sophie Kaye Photography… Inspired by a windswept, romantic Irish bride, I created this editorial shoot in stunning County Clare alongside planner Kate Deegan. We pulled in historic Irish details such as a blue wedding gown (a sign of purity in ancient times), a silk handfasting ribbon, and a perfect gold Claddagh promise ring, keeping the styling based on Irish lore and symbolism.

We began our shoot at Gregans Castle Hotel, a beautiful luxury venue tucked away in the prettiest valley and surrounded by green rolling hills. Our second location was Corcomroe Abbey (Mainistir Chorco Modhruadh), built in the 13th century. Noted for its beautiful sculptures and stunning details, we wanted to include the incredible history with the Abbey and our wandering bride, maybe taking a walk before heading to our third location – The Cliffs of Moher – to meet her groom.

Our last space was incredible, with a sea the color of her gown and gold sunlight. While we primarily focused on portraits and letting her and the spaces intermingle, it was wonderful to feel like we were standing on the edge of the earth and imagining her waiting for her husband to be. We wanted each of our spaces to feel painterly, antique, and ancient – involving emotion and beautiful images of a bride about to begin her new life with her love.

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Petit Bouquet

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How to Design a Teeny Tiny yet Crazy Stylish Nursery

This adorable nursery is the living proof that sometimes really stylish, insanely cute spaces come in small packages. Designer Meg Lonergan had two goals in mind while designing the room…not too girly and not too babyish. The result is a chic mix of designer pieces and store bought details that make for one of the most stylish nurseries in all the land.

Designer Meg Lonergan worked with a close friend on this nursery design as they were pregnant at the same time. In a historic 1920s home, they created a classic, timeless space that didn’t feel to ‘girly’ or ‘baby.’

Lonergan sourced catalogue items, like the lamp from Pottery Barn, paired with custom touches, like the Raoul Textiles drapes and added an antique dresser as the changing table and art by Lulu DK. The result is a warm and cheery room.

Interior Design: Meg Lonergan | art: lulu dk | bunny lamp: Pottery Barn Kids | drapery fabric: Raoul Textiles

As if You Needed One More Reason to Fall in Love with Cherry Blossoms

There is a reason Spring is such a popular season for weddings… the blooms! And cherry blossoms are at the top of that Love of All Things Florals list. See how this team of creatives were inspired by that pretty blushing branch with a stunning flower filled shoot including design by Type A Society, florals by Wild Green Yonder, and imagery by Angela Newton Roy. Plus, find even more of that crazy gorgeous dress right here!

This beautiful springtime editorial was inspired by the entrance of spring in the Washington DC area marked by the epic Japanese-gifted Cherry Blossoms to our city. We wanted to give our spring brides inspiration to work into their bridal portraits, invitations, tablescape, and hair + makeup. We have all seen the traditional engagement cherry blossom session, but we wanted to show brides how to do something a little different and get creative with the blossoms by bringing them indoors and utilizing them in the tablescape, styling, and even having them mirrored in the gorgeous Gossamer dress we used on our model. Springtime blooms and branches are a such a unique way to bring floral into your wedding table. Building the arrangement directly on the table giving the illusion of branches organically growing up from the center made the arrangement feel like it was part of the table. I think my favorite part about styling this editorial was the Gossamer dress that literally looked like it was pulled from a cherry blossom tree. The floral applique details were perfection mixed with our beautiful model’s perfect skin tone- made for some stunning portraits.

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Written Word Calligraphy

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Beautiful, Breezy Summer Rehearsal Dinner Outfits

Summer is nearly here, which means wedding season is full speed ahead and warmer temperatures are here to stay. Whether you are the bride, the groom, a member of the bridal party or an honored rehearsal dinner guest, you will need an ensemble that is equally cool as it is fabulous.

Look no further—here are 10 beautifully breezy outfits to inspire all of your pre-wedding summer evening festivities!

What to Wear to A Summer Rehearsal Dinner

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What to Wear to A Summer Rehearsal Dinner

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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!

A Bridal Luncheon to Inspire All Your Summer Soirées

Since Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, what better way to kick off the season of outdoor events than with a pretty, al fresco bridal luncheon? Inspired by the feminine blue and white china she observed at a coffee shop, Drewe Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Focus on the Coast Weddings, worked together with Salt Harbor Designs and Theo Milo Photography to create a beautiful feminine fête at Airlie Gardens. Between the flowing gowns, summery menu, abundant florals, and romantic blue tablescape, this gallery will surely inspire all your summer soirées.

From Drewe Smith… When I traveled to Chicago last spring for a girls’ getaway, I had just started planning the newest issue of Focus on the Coast Weddings. When I walked into The Allis one morning, I was more in search of an iced coffee than editorial inspiration. Little did I know, I would find both. One of the first things that caught my eye was the blue and white floral china my breakfast was served on; decidedly French and feminine, I knew I had to have it. Within a month, my new dishes had arrived, and with them, the beginnings of the photoshoot you see here.

I knew I wanted to feature a bridal luncheon in our newest issue, so as soon as I set foot back in Wilmington, NC, I contacted Theo Milo of Theo Milo Photography and Jennifer Rose of Salt Harbor Designs. We sat down together and envisioned a soft palette of blues and simple, classic details with a touch of romance. Airlie Gardens pergola was the perfect place to shoot, embodying the rustic formality of gardens in the French countryside, complete with a bubbling fountain (which Southern Bee Designs incorporated into the invitations).

The bridesmaids were dressed in flowing gowns of complementary shades from Tusc Boutique. The bride-to-be, outfitted in our signature blue, wore a delicate wrap dress that highlighted the refined jewels provided by Melissa Tyson Designs. Classic wedge shoes from Soul Shoetique completed the outfits. I wanted the theme of understated sophistication to be consistent, so we kept the bridal parties hair and makeup subtle. Beauty Bar Boutique did a fantastic job of channeling the effortless, French cool-girl look by using muted pink tones and giving our bride-to-be a messy chignon.

Choosing the food wasn’t a difficult task. What could be more French than baguettes, oysters, and macarons? Pinpoint Restaurant, one of our personal local favorites, crafted elevated dishes with floral embellishments on sterling silver serving platters and simple wooden cutting boards. Salt Harbor Designs brought the table to life with their arrangement of ranunculus, garden roses, delphinium, parrot tulips, lilac, and privet berry, channeling the color palette of the afternoon.

With the table all set and the glow of flickering candles illuminating the setting, the bridesmaids sat down to celebrate the bride-to-be and their longtime friendship, surrounded by the simple, beautiful things in life. Staying true to our classic theme, Theo Milo used film to capture the essence of the day. C’était magnifique!

5 Steps to Curating a Wedding Ceremony That’s Perfectly YOU

Having a friend or family member officiate your unique wedding ceremony is personal, fun and, oh — it’s a lot more work. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Follow these steps to curating a non-traditional wedding ceremony that stays true to you.

STEP 1: LAY THE MUTUAL GROUNDWORK

Before you do any ceremony planning, sit down with your fiancé and have a discussion about what your “ceremony style” will be. Essentially, you have to go on a date to your favorite restaurant to discuss which direction you want to get the ball rolling in. Call this your prescription for wine, pasta, and ceremony planning. How traditional do you want it to be? Maybe you want to do a traditional processional but you want to play your favorite song during this moment instead of the classic one. Are you going to incorporate any religious traditions into the ceremony?

STEP 2: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Grab a cup of coffee and get cozy on your couch—it’s time to get inspired. Books on relationships can serve as useful tools. If you are incorporating religion into your ceremony, look into that religion’s common practices for wedding ceremonies. You can also draw inspiration for ideas from wedding videos online. Any parts of the ceremonies that give you “all the feels” for people that you don’t even know probably should make the cut for your own ceremony!

STEP 3: START BUILDING

There are tons of poetic and beautiful meanings behind many of the unity ceremonies. You can do a sand ceremony, hand ceremony, unity candle, time capsule—the options are endless! Have your officiant explain the symbolism behind the ritual so that your guests can really connect with what you are committing to.

STEP 4: WRITE YOUR VOWS

Now that you’ve selected what you are going to do, you need to decide what you are going to say. If you are writing your own vows, you should start a few months before the wedding. You want to take your time writing your vows so that they feel authentic to who you are, what you feel and what you envision for your marriage. You should discuss the general format of your vows with your partner. This is your chance to use your own voice to share how you feel so just be yourself and speak from your heart.

STEP 5: FINALIZE THE TIMELINE

Before the big day, you need to sit down with your officiant and plan the order of events for the ceremony. Use this time to keep your officiant in the loop about who is doing readings and who will be walking in your processional. Discuss exact wording with your officiant. Do you want him/her to say “you may now kiss the bride” at the end of the ceremony? How should he introduce you before the recessional? Get everything on paper so there are no surprises.

Once the big day arrives, you will have a ceremony that feels authentic to you, your partner and the beautiful love between the two of you.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Carly Ellentuck is a freelance writer and blogger bride. She is a gal behind the Cozy Curator, a blog that features life + style. Carly lives in Hoboken, NJ with her fiancé. This summer she is getting married on LBI, a small island off the Jersey shore.

Ceremony Music for an Unforgettable Walk Down the Aisle

Your ceremony playlist is the opening to your big day. Your music sets the tone – whether it’s sweet and romantic, fun and playful, or traditional and elegant, the song you walk down the aisle to will be engraved in your mind forever! There’s no right or wrong to ceremony music, make it your own! But if you need a little something to get inspired by, Elevated Pulse Productions is here with the ultimate ceremony playlist. Of course, no matter which songs you choose, the moment your guests and future husband see you for the first time will be unforgettable.

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THE PLAYLIST

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Matt Alber

“Nothing Really Matters” by Mr. Probz

“Quieter Is Louder” by Above and Beyond

“Say You Won’t Let Go” by Pia Toscano

“Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish

“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Hannah Trigwell

“Bloom” by The Paper Kites

“Theme from ‘The Search for Everything'” by John Mayer

“I Get to Love You” by Ruelle

“Inside Out” by Madilyn Paige feat. John Allred

“Gold” by Matt Hartke feat.Maggie Peake

“Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by Sleeping at Last

Playlist: Elevated Pulse Productions | Cover Image Photography: Vasia Han Photography

Music Expert: Elevated Pulse Productions

Bachelor Star, AshLee Frazier, Finds Her Happily Ever After

First came the Bachelor and then the Bachelor in Paradise for AshLee Frazier, but it wasn’t until she returned home to Houston that she found her happily ever after. Set on the Groom’s family estate, this day is a gorgeous version of a classic, tented affair planned by Two Be Wed, with florals by Gallery Flowers and imagery by Ashley Streff. Click through the gallery of images for even more of this glamorous day.

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From the Photographer… This brides love journey was in the public eye for the last few years through her time on the Bachelor and The Bachelor in Paradise. It wasn’t until AshLee returned to her hometown city of Houston, TX that a friendship blossomed into her true love. Aaron, quickly became her dream man. The love and respect was felt all day. The wedding took place at Aaron’s family’s private estate in the Woodlands overlooking a beautiful lake. This wedding showcased AshLee’s upscale style. Beautiful white flowers highlighted the estate, leading you down the isle and to the reception. A lounge placed in a garden overlooking the dance floor was an elegant touch for those who were looking to relax while still not missing a step. The heart felt speeches were made with sentimental gifts passed between the two and love, laughter, and happiness seeped into the night air. AshLee and Aaron dance was dreamy over a black and white checker floor. As he spun her around, you could see the joy on AshLee’s dace, she truly found her Prince Charming.

Part Modern, Part Classic This Inspo Session Has Something for Every Bride

Between its historic, neoclassical Water Works venue and the bridesmaids in light blue attire of different styles (including a jumpsuit!), this Philadelphia wedding inspiration shoot reimagines traditional elements by giving them an unexpected twist. A team of local vendors – including Rachel Pearlman Photography, Trousseau Style, Cottage Flowers, and Laurel and Elm – created this masterpiece, which is one part modern and one part classic. So whether you’re a modern or a traditional bride, visit this stunning gallery for endless inspiration!

When the opportunity presented itself to shoot at Philadelphia’s Water Works, our vision of reimagining traditional elements with a fresh, modern twist using a local team of talented vendors became possible.

The Fairmount Water Works, historically and architecturally speaking, is a classic and unique venue, famed for its neoclassical style and its location with views of the city and the water. Our aim was to create something that was one part classic and one part modern, appealing to both the traditional and modern bride. By changing either the color or the design of an element, we demonstrated multiple ways that brides can easily recreate this look on their own. We also wanted to highlight in the design the blues seen in the skyline and river, and our bridesmaids’ gowns by John Paul Ataker were the perfect way to do this.

Clear details like vellum pieces for the invitation suite and handwritten calligraphy by Lewes Lettering Co. on acrylic slabs brought a freshness to the overall vision. For the jewelry, L. Priori mixed timeless jewels with contemporary pieces. The bride’s classic, six-prong solitaire was made new with a v-shaped wedding band and mixed metals. Her right hand sparkled with estate pearls worn with an edgier pinky ring. The bridesmaids wore a mix of heirloom quality estate pieces and modern jewels – we think that family jewels look coolest when styled with fresh diamonds!

We concentrated on having all of our metallics match perfectly, so the flatware, napkins, and centerpiece vessels were all the exact same shade of gold, as if they were all from someone’s personal collection. As a rule of thumb for real weddings, according to Laurel and Elm, never have the linen color match the bridesmaids’ dresses to allow your special guests to truly stand out when seated for dinner! Since all of the bridesmaids were in different dress styles of the same color, we planned to make blue an accent on the table. The color looks like it belongs there, but it doesn’t overwhelm. Pops of soft blue in the floral design also help to tie in the color of the skyline, the water, and the bridesmaids’ attire.

Incorporating soft and natural elements is something that will always be timeless, and we continue to see these elements in lots of modern designs today. The natural leaf place card and the watercolor plates were a great way to join those two worlds – modern and timeless! The traditional layout of the table and shape of the centerpieces mixed with the faceted vases (a nod to the geometric bridesmaid’s dress), modern flatware, and unique salad plate also worked to balance our theme well while keeping everything looking cohesive.

For the florals, Cottage Flowers focused on bright colors and fresh designs that blended traditional elements – think classic gold urns filled with punchy pinks and standard whites and greens. To go with the acrylic chivari chairs, a sweet collection of cascading greenery (mixed with pinks and blues), tied everything together. To add a modern look to the tabletop, geometric pieces accented with floral elements were used as decor. We complemented the classic jewelry created by L. Priori by adding some gorgeous florals to the gold cuffs, mirroring the bridesmaids’ bouquets!

Hair and makeup for our bride was classic, but a poppy pink lip elevated the look and blended with our bouquet perfectly. Each bridesmaid showcased a different, yet tailored beauty style – from the bridesmaid wearing the geometric gown to the bridesmaid wearing the pantsuit.

We hope couples will continue to incorporate a mixture of styles – from classic to modern – to make their day as truly unique as they are!

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A Dreamy Charleston Engagement With the Cutest Ever Pup

Feast your eyes on the cutest ever couple, second only to their adorable puppy. I’m sorry but the minute someone pops a floral collar on a fur baby, I’m a goner. With the beauty of Charleston as a backdrop and Julie Livingston behind the lens, this shoot is a vision of light, airy romance. See even more right here!

Photography: Julie Livingston Photography | Floral Design: Wildflowers Inc. | Engagement Ring: Croghans

Midwestern Vineyard Wedding with Rustic Chic Style

Amanda and Craig’s wedding might look straight out of California wine country, but this special day actually took place at a charming Wisconsin vineyard. Photographed by Kate Weinstein, the celebration included a handmade pergola for the ceremony plus an evening of dinner, dancing and food truck fun. Take a peek at all the pretty waiting below!

From Kate Weinstein Photo... Who says you need to head to California to get married in a vineyard? Amanda and Craig’s wedding day took place at Over the Vines, a Wisconsin vineyard situated between Milwaukee and Madison. Guests were seated for the ceremony overlooking a beautiful and serene field and Amanda and Craig were married under a pergola garnished with flowers. The groom, Craig, and his father hand built the pergola. Amanda wore a unique peach dress that was custom designed just for her by Monirose Bespoke Designs.

Midwestern Bride styled the day to perfection and pulled together a dream team of Wisconsin vendors. Milwaukee Flower Co. designed the bouquets and floral decor and greenery. The desserts were created by Yield Bakehouse and A La Crate and Event Essential provided the rented decor. The invitation suite and signage was designed by Coqui Paperie.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails on the lawn before heading to the barn for dinner served by Carrotbomb Catering. After dinner, they all danced beneath the stars to the Michael Walters Orchestra and enjoyed late night creative dumplings from SoHo Gourmet Cuisine’s food truck.

Weekending Like a Palm Beach Local with this Mini City Guide

If I am being really honest, I never ever go on a trip without first reading each and every city guide I can get my hands on. Because the only thing better than being a local is getting recs from the natives. And that is just what Liz Martin of The Charleston Weekender did. On a recent trip to Palm Beach she went right to the source, a.k.a. this little map of gems from the ladies of Palm Beach Lately. Follow along on her adventures captured by Rachel Red and grab tips for what to see, eat and sip on should you find yourself in the land of palms.

From Liz Martin of Charleston Weekender… Finding great city guides through blogs is usually my version of using a travel agent. I find the best Instagram-worthy coffee shops and discover stores I wouldn’t otherwise have heard of. While in Palm Beach for a work trip, I figured who better to turn to for the best of the best of this fun Florida City than Palm Beach Lately.

Beth of PBL met me at The Colony Palm Beach and dropped off one of her adorable maps from her online shop. After that, I was off to explore the city, which was really walkable/bike-able from the Colony to Royal Palm Way and back. I love exploring a city on foot, because it always leads you to other hidden gems you might not have otherwise discovered. Here are a few of my favorites!

Shop Til You Drop

You definitely have to see Palm Beach’s version of 5th Avenue, Worth Avenue. Even if you’re just going to window shop, it is quite a street. One of my favorite stores is The Island Company, a little more casual than the other kids on the block (i.e. Tiffany and Hermes). This place is all about living that Island lifestyle, and it even has a bar inside. The best part, though, is the back of the store leads out into the most adorable outdoor area. You’ll find more shops, sculptures, and a cute cafe enclosed in a European-style courtyard.

Cocktails With a Side of Ambiance

The Brazilian Court has the most lush oasis feel about it. The clean white furniture really complements the gorgeous greenery in the courtyard, making this the perfect place to have a serene happy hour. I haven’t tried the food, but the drinks were pretty darn delightful! I would have been pleased with just about anything in a gilded pineapple, and my friend really enjoyed her cocktail presented with a frozen orchid.

Delightful Dinner Spots

I have to admit, I ate more than one meal at Imoto while I was in town for the weekend. They have sushi staples and some great dishes like a cauliflower and cashew appetizer. If you don’t want to try just one place, Buccan is right next door. I think it’s really fun to do a little progressive dinner between the two places. Go early to get a good spot, or sit at the bar to chat up the locals.

I saw so many gorgeous sites and foliage along the way. Beth & Danielle’s Palm Beach Lately city guide was so spot on, it even inspired me to create my own city guide for Charleston vacationers! I hope it will inspire you on your next visit to the Holy City.

Photography: Rachel Red Photography | hotel: Colony Hotel | map: Palm Beach Lately | travel blogger: Charleston Weekender

14 Wedding Planning Apps Every Bride Needs on Her Cell Phone

Technology exists to make our lives easier, and let us tell you, these apps will definitely make wedding planning easier. From planning timelines and checklists to budget trackers to endless inspiration, these apps will take you from the proposal to the honeymoon and all the way into happily ever after!

Pinterest

If you don’t already have the Pinterest app on your phone, now is the time to download it. Though it can be a little overwhelming, there’s no better place to find big day inspiration (besides Style Me Pretty, of course). From dresses to flowers to DIY ideas and more, Pinterest is about to become your best, and most addictive, friend.

Veri

Don’t spend the day after your wedding stalking social media for photos of the big day. Instead, try Veri, the first service that makes sharing photos and videos from weddings completely automatic using the built-in camera on your guests’ phones. After accepting the invite to participate, all your guests’ photos and videos will be auto-shared into a folder that you and your beloved can scroll through without getting lost in hashtags.

Zola Weddings

Everyone’s favorite one-stop shop for all things registry just got even better with the new Zola Weddings, a free wedding website, registry, checklist and guest list all in one place. From designing a gorgeous wedsite to managing your registry wish list, Zola’s all-in-one service helps take some of the stress out of planning your big day.

WeddingHappy

Brides everywhere swear by the WeddingHappy Wedding Planner. As soon as you enter your wedding date, the countdown begins, setting deadlines for every task on your to-do list. Not only that, but this app helps you stay on budget and stores all your vendors’ contact info in one place. Whether you’re totally type A, or, well, totally not, this app is for you!

Mint

To state the obvious, weddings are expensive, and that budget you thought was totally reasonable will be gone quicker than you think. That is, unless you use Mint. The free money manager and financial tracker app brings together all your bank accounts, credit cards, bills and investments so you can keep track of your spending and stick to your budget.

Etsy

Much like Pinterest, Etsy is pretty much a no brainer when it comes to planning your wedding. Looking for the perfect cake topper? Done. Gifts your bridesmaids will love? Check. No matter what you’re looking for, chances are, you can find it on Etsy.

Pantone Studio

One of the more fun parts of planning your wedding? Deciding on the perfect color palette! And with Pantone’s Studio app, that’s never been easier. Not only can you build custom color palettes and take a picture based on which their color picker will build a custom palette, but you can also extract colors directly from images in your social media accounts.

LadyMarry

With LadyMarry’s Wedding Planner, you can plan the wedding of your dreams all from your phone. From a monthly checklist and hands-on tips to the ability to book trustworthy wedding vendors through the app, LadyMarry’s Wedding Planner is about to be your new BFF.

Joy

This fun, free and easy-to-use app helps you manage guests, RSVPs and more — all in one place. With Joy, not only do you get your own beautiful website and app, but you also get to share everything important about your wedding with your loved ones for years to come.

Evernote

Meet your new personal assistant — in an app. Take notes, create to-do lists and save the things you find online all in one easy-to-use place. Plus, you can search for keywords and sync up across devices so what you saved on your laptop, you can pull up on your phone while running around at various appointments. The best part? Evernote can keep you organized way past “I do!”

Slack

If you thought Slack was just what you use to ping your coworkers random GIFs throughout the day, think again. Not only can you use slack to communicate with your wedding party and guests, but you can also track hashtags through its Facebook and Instagram integrations, sync with Google calendars, keep contracts in one place and so much more.

Holy Matrimoji Wedding Stickers by Hayley Paige

Whether you’re the beaming bride, always a bridesmaid, or perpetually single, you’ll love designer Hayley Paige’s wedding-related stickers and GIFs. With more than 120 emojis, you can express all of you wedding planning feels — from bridezilla crises to squad goals and everything in between. Texting your bridesmaids just became so much more fun!

Appy Couple

In one little, but powerful app, Appy Couple takes all of your wedding planning needs, across friends, family and vendors, and consolidates them in one place. Keep track of everything from accommodations to RSVPs to the guest list and more in an interactive website and mobile app both you and your guests will love.

Headspace

No, this isn’t technically a wedding planning app, but we all know weddings are super stressful, so an app that helps you relax and recuperate is a must-have in our book. The simple, guided meditations will not only relieve anxiety and reduce stress, but can also help you improve your focus and exercise mindful awareness.

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The Bridesmaids Carried Wreaths for this Spanish Garden Wedding

Palm Springs is such a good spot for a wedding. With its year-round sunshine and cool, colorful vibes it never disappoints. Now add to that a stunning Spanish estate and an alfresco wedding with fresh twists on tradition and you get this gorgeous day. Planned by The Walk Down the Aisle along with florals by Vaso Bello, those twists include bridesmaids carrying wreaths and guests dining on a delicious taco bar. Pore through all the pretty captured by Amanda K Photography for even more!

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From the maid of honor, Lacey Aschbrenner… Love can happen at any time. It was lucky for Christy and Josh Kisseberth that she needed to have her home appraised when she did in 2012. Christy had just returned from teaching abroad in Thailand and had landed her first teaching job in the United States. It was a terrible time to fit in a home appraisal, but she made the appointment anyway. Josh entered her home dressed nicely in business casual as Christy donned sweatpants and was without a trace of makeup. After the business of the appraisal was out of the way, Josh made sure to get Christy’s phone number. Their relationship developed quickly as they shared a love for great food and exotic travel destinations, and they traveled to more than ten countries before he popped the question.

Christy and Josh decided to get married in beautiful Palm Springs because they had not only spent their one year anniversary there, but Josh had also proposed nearby in Joshua Tree National Park.

The wedding venue, Casa de Monte Vista, is a beautiful Spanish style hacienda house in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs that features beautifully curated grounds, furniture, and artwork in the style of the 1920s when the home was built. Christy and Josh immediately fell in love with not only the house, but the owner of the home, Joe Luisi, who shared their love of travel, people, and life experiences. They instantly dreamed of their wedding taking place at Casa with its breathtaking desert mountain views, lush gardens, and dreamy historical architecture.

Christy’s dress, Princia by Pronovius, is a dress that is as classic as it is romantic and perfectly suited the Spanish style of Casa de Monte Vista. She chose a champagne undertone that brought an extra layer of warmth and earthiness beneath the classic white lace of the dress, and perfectly complemented the environs on the day of her wedding. Josh impressed their guests in his light grey J. Crew suit, shined brown leather shoes, and light green socks with palm trees on them—a subtle nod to the town they were married in.

To suit the comfortable, intimate environment that Christy and Josh hoped to create, they chose SoHo Taco to cater the event. Waiters circulated during the post-wedding cocktail hour with Espadas de Camarones, Albondigas, and traditional Quesadillas as guests mingled. During the reception, guests were invited to the taco grill where they could choose the meat and toppings to pile atop their fresh, homemade flour tortillas. To honor Christy’s Taiwanese heritage, Jasmine Green Milk Tea and Mango Green Tea with boba were served to greet guests as they entered the courtyard before the ceremony.

A huge part of the success of their wedding was how personal and customized every element was. The guest book was a 4’x5’ wooden map that Christy made by hand with the help of her brother in law. He cut beautiful wooden boards and secured them to each other, and they stained the wood in a rich, dark color that matched the furniture and décor of the wedding venue. Christy then free-hand painted a map of the world in off-white paint to represent the couple’s love of traveling the world. On the day of the wedding, guests were directed to write their well-wishes and sign their names around the world. Tiffany Rowe of Trowe Art helped to complement the natural and whimsical vibe with her contributions of the wooden hand painted “Cigar Bar” and “Mr and Mrs” signs, among many other featured signs that decorated the venue on the day of the wedding. Christy hand calligraphed menus for the tables and place cards for every guest, as she had also done for each and every wedding invitation envelope.

With the help of the florists at Vaso Bello Celebrations, the bride designed beautiful wooden wreaths with lush green plants and flowers that the bridesmaids carried down the aisle, rather than traditional bouquets of flowers. All of these features were beautifully captured by professional photographer, Amanda K. Her eye for detail and her artful way of capturing every moment from a modern, yet instantly nostalgic perspective make all of her photos so special.

The bridesmaids’ gowns were a variety of blush, champagne, or beige tones that were hand selected by the bridesmaids themselves. This allowed each of us the freedom to find a dress that flattered our figures as well as our budgets. The result was a lovely array of styles that featured lace, chiffon, or both, while tying together the theme of Christy’s dress and the wedding style. The groomsmen wore light grey J. Crew suits that matched the groom, which added a chic, masculine component against the femininity of the bridesmaid dresses.

Christy and Josh put so much thought, effort, and love into this celebration of themselves and it was a wonderful party to introduce them as husband and wife, and also to celebrate their gathering of friends and family. What I would recommend to any bride or groom regardless of location, budget, or skill at DIY projects, is to incorporate as much of yourself into your wedding as possible. As long as it comes from the heart, your wedding will be as beautiful as this one and will be a talking point for years to come.

4 Steps to the Perfect At-Home Bar

The moment my hubs and I moved into our new abode, we set about tackling our at-home bar. I mean, as entertainers at heart, we knew we couldn’t throw all of those amazing dinner parties we planned on hosting without one. But crafting the perfect bar? It’s easier said than done. Enter Total Wine & More. Their awesome lineup of, well, everything will help you pull it all together like the talented mixologist you know you are. Scroll for four steps to absolute greatness. (Cocktail background music totally optional.)

STOCK THE ESSENTIALS

This one seems fairly obvious, but trust me… missing the main ingredient to a yummy libation is a common side effect of at-home bars. Well… ones that aren’t well-stocked, that is. So when that next guest requests the perfect Paloma, make sure you have a tasty silver tequila on hand to really show off your hostessing skills. And don’t forget the vodka, gin, whiskey and rum, either. It’s almost Mojito season, you guys. Be prepared.

Photography: Style Me Pretty

DON’T FORGET THE MIXERS

And speaking of tasty Mojitos, unless your dad (and his love of whiskey on the rocks) is the only one attending your dinner parties, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have all of the mixers you need for those other yummy drink requests you’ll get throughout the night. (We love you, dads!) Think Gin & Tonics (with the perfect tonic water), Vodka Lemonades and Whiskey Sours for those that appreciate that dash of simple syrup. Your guests will be really impressed.

Photography: Erin McGinn

INVEST IN THE PERFECT GLASSWARE

You can’t serve up beautiful drinks without a set of equally beautiful glassware to match, and when it comes to finding everything you’ll ever need for those fun-filled get-togethers, I always turn to Total Wine & More for all of the necessities. From awesome Moscow Mule mugs to stemless red wine glasses to sweet Mint Julep cups (those Derby parties are the best), you’ll never be without the perfect serveware. We promise.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

GRAB THOSE MUST-HAVE BAR TOOLS

If you’re anything like me (and I know you are), it’s easy to forget all of the little pieces that go into crafting the perfect drink. So, if you plan on spending your summer channeling your inner Martha Stewart (#hostessgoals2017), then you’ll want to fill that bar with bar tool after bar tool. I’m talking everything from gorgeous decanters to copper bar sets (LOVE) to pretty, pretty corkscrews for all of your besties that prefer wine over liquor. Yum.

Photography: Megan Welker

Ready to build the perfect at-home bar just in time for all of those summer get-togethers? Head to Total Wine & More today for an amazing Build Your Bar tool that will help you every step of the way. Because whether you’re hosting just a few of your nearest + dearest, crave the perfect after-dinner drink or plan on throwing the bash of the summer, Total Wine & More is THE place to make it all happen. You’ve got this.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

Photography: Erin McGinn | Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Photography: Megan Welker Photography

A Little Midwest Charm at This Northwest Wedding

When this Chicago couple returned to the Bride’s Seattle hometown for their wedding, they knew they wanted to incorporate both of these special cities into their classic celebration. During late night dancing at the reception, guests were offered Chicago style hot dogs and Dick’s cheeseburgers, a Seattle staple. The rest of the wedding looks as delicious as we’re sure those treats tasted! So get scrolling, because there’s so much goodness to be had in this gallery by O’Malley Photographers and the beautiful wedding film by First and Foremost Productions.

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From the Bride… Josh and I knew the second that we got engaged that we wanted to get married in my hometown of Seattle. Having lived in Chicago for 10+ years, it was a reason as good as any to get all of our Midwest friends and family to the Northwest. After attending our fair share of warm weathered, barn weddings, we craved something more classic and cozy. We landed on November and knowing that yielded more days of rain than not, indoors was an obvious choice. We were greeted with a warm welcome by Plymouth Church and felt right at home with the insanely talented team at the Fairmont Olympic. Because the majority of our guests would be traveling in for the festivities, we wanted everything to be super easy and walkable.

Natasha, with The Invisible Hostess, was instrumental in putting together what we deemed the A-Team. McKenzie Powell was one of the first people we reached out to (after I came across her work on Instagram) and helped us evolve our vision to be both complementary to the classic ballroom and fresh and fun at the same time (I literally gasped. There’s a photo for proof). We knew our memories were in the best of hands with the O’Malleys as well as First and Foremost Productions. Most importantly though was the band, and we knew our guests would all need new shoes after the dance party the Michael Benson Band was going to deliver.

The color palette we settled on was black, gold, ivory, lots of greenery, and at the last minute, we introduced some ballet pink (a nod to my background) and merlots. Even though we wanted a more classic event, we still wanted it to feel fresh and new, so the combinations of tables and high/low centerpieces all surrounded by a warm, candlelit glow really helped elevate the room and made it visually interesting.

It was really important to us to acknowledge, incorporate, and celebrate our friends and family throughout our day. My dad and brother made gorgeous walnut welcome boxes for all of our guests that were stocked with family favorites like Garrett’s Popcorn and chocolate chip cookies. My mom gave me my great grandmother’s fur stole (that I used to wear while playing dress up!) to wear over my dress. My grandparents (who have been married for 65 years) loaned us their cake topper for good luck. My dad and brother drove me to the church in our family’s 1942 Chevy Suburban – they so kindly removed one of the rows of seats so my dress wouldn’t get wrinkly (thanks, Mom).

We surprised all of our guests with a Sister Act II-like performance of “Joyful, Joyful” just after we were announced man and wife! My sister and I watched that movie so many times as kids that we broke the VHS. Just after our guests sang us through our first dance, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” the Maids of Honor “released the hound” – our beloved dog, Walter, who was hiding out under the head table.

After the most delicious dinner, a confetti cannon signaled the polka party to begin. In one of the most epic dance parties I’ve been a part of, Dick’s cheeseburgers sustained the late night crew in classic Seattle fashion. We also toasted the Chicago Cubs WINNING THE WORLD SERIES (mere days before) with late night Chicago style hot dogs that the Fairmont perfected, with a little direction from Josh. It was the perfect combination of our two worlds, Chicago and Seattle, coming together.

As guests ushered up to bed or, let’s be real, the hotel bar, they took along a Top Pot Donut, which is where Josh told me we were going when he detoured for the proposal instead. In true Seattle fashion, it rained the entire day, which really brought it full circle for us. There were so many little quips and details baked into the larger story, we are surely forgetting to share something in the above. Our love story isn’t particularly unique, but it is oh so special. The whole day just felt sweet, warm, and the perfect celebration not only of our union, but also all the people that got us here!

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Wedding Dresses

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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An Adorable Engagement in Sunny Sacramento

This right here is one seriously adorable engagement session! Aria Photography captured the love between Katie and Chad, who traveled to the bride’s Sacramento hometown for a bright and sunny shoot outside the California State Capitol. See some of our favorite photos below, then head to the gallery where more sweet moments await.

From Katie… It’s no secret that I am absolutely obsessed with 4th of July. Each year, my family hosts a 4th of July party at the home I grew up in for all of our closest friends and family. Six months into my relationship with Chad, he came home with me to meet my parents for the first time and to attend this party. He’s been coming every year since – I think we’ve racked up five 4th of July parties now, but this last one will always have an extra special place in our hearts.

On July 2nd, Chad and I caught a flight from Chicago to Sacramento to head home for the 4th of July weekend. My mom had mentioned that we were going to brunch with my nana when we landed, so without thinking twice, we both changed from our “travel clothes” into brunch appropriate attire at the airport. When heading down the escalator towards baggage, the airport seemed unusually empty, and I noticed a woman holding a sign reading “Mr. and Mrs. Wardlaw”. We approached this woman, Chad thanked her, and he got down on one knee. I don’t totally remember what he said, but I remember feeling like we were the only ones in the entire airport and so overwhelmed with happiness. Before I could process what was happening, I turned around to see my best friends and both of our families approaching us to celebrate. Chad had flown everyone in to be part of this special moment! The fun was not over then. We went outside to a waiting limo filled with champagne that took us back to my family’s home where we were joined by 60 more family members and friends. We celebrated all day and ended the night watching fireworks. This day was everything I had ever dreamed of, with so much love, excitement, and joy surrounding us.

Photography: Aria Photography | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Location: State Capitol Of California

Proof Gray Days Make for the Dreamiest Settings

When Momento Cativo Photography planned this Switzerland bridal inspiration session, they originally imagined a sunny, cloudless morning, but when the day of the shoot arrived, rain was in the forecast. Instead of abandoning their shoot, they reimagined it to capture beauty in the unexpected and in the imperfect – and with cloud covered mountains and the foggy forest, the end result is pretty dreamy. Get some serious gray day, bridal inspiration right this way…

From Momento Cativo Photography… When we imagine the perfect wedding, we think of a beautiful bride and groom over the moon, a landscape that takes our breath away, the blue sky with the sun shine kissing our skin, and toasting to love!

When we first planned this styled shoot on our trip to Switzerland, we envisioned a cloudless day, but we must confess that although a few times we thought of giving up on our vision before we realized that no matter if rain appears and persists, we can’t change that, and it will still be a truly special day. So we changed our plan and decided to capture the moment in a unique way, accepting what the gods had give us. We created something unexpected and imperfect but so beautiful and so improbable.

Although the rain didn’t stop for a moment during our shoot, we believe that even in a storm, with the motivation and support of those we love, we can be happy and complete! We hope we can inspire and motivate all brides and grooms to see in their grayest day in a different perspective.

The true inspiration was the blue of Lake Blausee, the magic of the snow-capped mountains hidden in the fog, and the beauty of a peaceful country surrounded by nature. All vendors who worked on this project are Swiss.

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Wedding Dresses

Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

Spring 2016

Blush by Hayley Paige

Hayley Paige Occasions

Fall 2016

Spring 2017

Blush by Haley Paige

Spring 2018

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An Intimate Elopement You Have to See!

Imagine this – a small, intimate wedding off the Pacific Ocean with just your officiant and parents to bear witness as you become husband and wife. That’s exactly the type of celebration Julia and Bryan chose for their special day, with Focused Bliss Productions there to capture the film they’ll treasure for a lifetime. Watch the day unfold through their beautiful cinematography below!

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From Focused Bliss Productions… Julia and Bryan met through mutual friends, running into each other briefly at different gatherings. However, one night at a party of their friends, they found time alone together where they were able to talk for hours. At that point in time, they both say that they felt a strong spark – a feeling so deep and intense that they had never felt before.

Unfortunately for Bryan, Julia had to leave for a week of travels for work the following day, leaving Bryan hopeful at a chance that they would reconnect when she returned. It’s said that she played a little hard to get when she got back, but Bryan knew he had fallen in love that night and just had to meet with her again.

A few dates later, their relationship quickly grew and it was only a matter of time before they decided to hold a small and secluded wedding by the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara California. They rented out the San Ysidro cottage to use to get ready for the day, surrounded by rolling mountains, a garden of flowers, and an orange grove.

Bryan could be found nervously re-reading his vows as Julia got ready in her dress. When both were ready, they moved over to the Casa Del Herrero, an estate constructed in Spanish colonial style architecture, for the wedding itself to exchange their personal vows – witnessed by just their officiant and parents for that special moment.

Afterward, they celebrated with some champagne and cake with their parents before using the remainder of the day to explore the estate and the nearby coastline to capture some beautiful imagery of their day for them to look back on for the years to come.

Our Latest Wedding Color Crush: Mauve

It might not be Pantone’s beloved color of the year, but around these parts, mauve is having a pretty major moment. A close cousin of blush pink and plum, this subtle hue is making its way into more and more wedding palettes, and Swoon Floral Design is showing us how it’s done. Dive right into the image captured by Jamie Rae Photo below!

From Swoon Floral Design…. Lately, I have been crushing hard on the color Mauve. Can it please be the new blush?! I love how it elevates many different color palettes and I wanted to create a shoot that showcased this gorgeous hue. I chose to combine it with deep plum, lavender, pops of nude and peach, with gold accents. It is such an unexpected, moody palette for spring. It was important to me that the overall feel was soft, elegant and refined, nothing overdone or gaudy. Fine Art Film Photographer, Jamie Rae Photo, captured the essence of this shoot perfectly.

The velvet linen from La Tavola is such a showstopper. It laid a beautiful foundation for the brass candlesticks, gold rimmed china, and lush, feminine florals. Much of my floral selection was directed by the season. I love how delicate spring blooms are and knew I wanted to include some of my favorites such as sweet pea, fritillaria, hellebores, and ranunculus. Another favorite element of this shoot was the gorgeous cake by Sainte G. It was the perfect mauve color with hand painted gold accents. It really only needed simple floral adornment. Each creative involved did such a wonderful job capturing the refined, elegance of this shoot and we’re thrilled with the result.