SUBMIT WEDDING
Everything We Know So Far About Pippa Middleton’s Wedding

We are hours away from Pippa Middleton’s weddinghours — and we can hardly contain our excitement! We’ve been waiting for Pippa’s big day since she nearly stole the show at big sister Kate’s royal wedding in 2011. And according to Bridebook.co.uk, we have a lot to look forward to with the bride’s estimate $320,000 budget, almost 15 times more than the cost of the average British wedding. From the location to the dress, here’s everything we know about the wedding of the year so far!

The Groom

The Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister is engaged to hedge fund manager, James Matthews, who proposed to Pippa last summer in the Lake District area. At the time, the couple had been dating for less than a year, but rumor has it their romance dates further back than that.

The Ring

Though she’s not technically royalty, Pippa’s ring rivals that of any princesses. The 3.5 carat Asscher cut beauty from London jeweler Robinson Pelham is valued at an estimated $350,000! Set in white gold or platinum, the Asscher cut diamond features clarity of the highest quality and is virtually flawless. Who else can’t wait to see what her wedding ring looks like?!

 The Bridal Party

Although Kate won’t be maid-of-honor (for fear that the Duchess would upstage the bride — sound familiar?), Prince George and Princess Charlotte are expected to make an appearance as what we’re sure to be the most precious ring bearer and flower girl ever. 

The Location

The couple will become Mr. and Mrs. at St. Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire, where the Middleton family spent Christmas last year. Following the ceremony, guests will venture back to the Middleton’s family home, Bucklebury Manor, where a glass greenhouse has been built to accommodate guests.

The Dress

British designer Giles Deacon, who formerly worked at Gucci and Bottega Veneta, is rumored to be designing what will arguably be the wedding dress of the year. According to multiple reports from British media, he was spotted visiting Pippa and Carole before Christmas, hands full with garment bags. For his part, the designer refused to comment.

The Guest List

Chances are that by now you’ve heard the “No ring, no bring” policy that the bride and groom are reportedly enforcing. But you’ve probably also heard that Prince Harry’s American girlfriend, actress Meghan Markle, is the exception to this rule (and has reason to be expecting a ring of her own, soon).

The Dress Code

According to several reports, Pippa has asked guests to bring two outfits for the big day — one for the ceremony and one for the reception. A little demanding? Sure, but when you’re going to have royalty in attendance, you’ve got to dress to impress.

A Colorful Tulum, Mexico Lovefest

The weekend is so close I can nearly taste it, and this wedding photographed by Kyle John has me ready to kick back with a cocktail and live like I’m on island time. Set in Tulum – a meaningful location for the couple – this beach affair is everything you want in a destination wedding with Vanessa Jaimes Floral Design brining loads of color, whimsy, and style into the mix. Head this way for even more and consider this a Happy Friday, indeed!

From the bride… Have you ever met someone for the first time and had déjà vu? Jeff and I think this isn’t the first time we have fallen in love, as if we end up finding each other again and again in each life. When we first found ourselves in the same room, neither one of us could take our eyes off of each other. From that moment on Jeff would whisk us away to last minute getaways, calling and telling me to be ready in an hour, never telling me of our destination. It was, and still is, the most romantic and exciting feeling to have someone who chooses to run away with you and only you over and over again. The first time he did this was to Mexico where we spent time in Tulum. Fast forward seven years later and true to form, Jeff surprised me with a last minute getaway to Keystone, Colorado where he got down on one knee and promised to stand by my side forever.

We thought we’d celebrate our commitment to each other at the first destination he ever whisked us away to, Mexico! We wasted no time; my mother, sisters, great aunt, cousin, and myself went to work right away to make my wedding dress from scratch. In my family, it’s tradition that my great aunt, Leila, make all the brides dresses. My only requests were that my dress had ostrich feathers (each put together by my mother, Lesa) at the bottom of the dress and pearls (hand strung by my cousin, Val) draping down my back. So we went to work, hand picking every piece of material from local fabric shops in Colorado as my aunt magically put it all together. Leila had sewn her own clothing tag into my dress with her name on it that my great grandmother had gifted her years before. This dress is special in so many ways, touched by the most important women in my life.

Jeff and I design and repurpose historic homes together sharing a deep passion for vintage style, which played a huge role in our wedding theme. We searched for beach wedding venues and ideas that could incorporate some non-traditional elements to the beach that fully encompassed our love for antiques and vintage décor. Enter owner and founder, Kristee Smith with Fresa Weddings. Every beach wedding photo we loved had one thing in common, they were all designed by Kristee and her team. We felt really lucky to have her as an expert to help coordinate florals, cake, venue, photography, food, hair and makeup, transport, décor and everything else under wedding planning from a distance. The hospitality and food at Akiin Beach venue was amazing, my guests are still raving about the food and staff! Kristee and her team, our photographer Kyle John, hair and makeup from BeSo Brides with Michael and Martina all worked together to create the vision we had and really brought everything to life. We really believe that no one else could have pulled off what we wanted like this group of people did, so we are forever grateful.

Being on a white, soft, sandy beach we were able to add fun details like a shoe valet at the beginning of the ceremony where everyone could ditch their shoes! Even as the bride, I didn’t wear shoes from the moment I got to the venue (talk about happy feet). Dinner and dancing were also on the beach, toes in the sand the entire time, market lights and a full moon. It was truly romantic from start to finish. We also had a cigar bar where someone was hand rolling cigars for guests right on the beach! It was great entertainment during cocktail hour while the wedding party and family were off taking pictures, our guests loved it. The altar and furniture were our favorite design pieces as we wanted something to define the space that would incorporate our vintage flair without taking away from our pretty backdrop of the ocean. Kristee and her florist Vanessa Jaimes designed exactly what we had envisioned! A half-circle garland with driftwood accents, greenery, and white anemones framed our ceremony with every flower more gorgeous than the next. All the furniture was a rich, dark wood, really popping from the white sand with plush, pastel furniture materials and natural brown leather undertones. It was a dream.

Jeff says his favorite part of the wedding was all the kissing we did during our photos on the beach (My poor mother was front and center for this as she helped hold props for the photographer, sorry Mom!). My favorite moment was seeing Jeff for the first time standing at the alter as the first man I ever loved held my hand and walked me down the aisle to him. Our advice for brides and grooms would be to create a wedding that is exactly what the two of you want and to stick to it. Enjoy every moment, it goes by so fast! 

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Photography: Kyle John Photography | Event Design: Fresa Weddings Mexico | Wedding Planning: Fresa Weddings Mexico | Floral Design: VANESSA JAIMES Floral Design | Ceremony Venue: Akin Beach Club | Hair + Makeup: Yukaton Hair | Decor: Archive Rentals | Decor rentals: Grupo Gama | Food & Beverage: Akin Beach Club

A Black + White Wedding in the Palm Springs Desert

This wedding is a day all about perfect contrasts. Black and white. Lush greens and a desert setting. Modern and sleek yet classic and refined. It’s exactly the vibe Vanessa and Kelly envisioned for their Palm Springs destination affair and Ashley Kelemen captured every moment just right. Peek below for so much more!

From the bride… We first met at the University of Oregon — although we had several classes and many mutual friends, we like to say it all started one fateful night over dollar beers at our favorite campus bar. After close to a decade together, we got engaged in front of our favorite spot near our home — the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco, complete with a surprise party with all our closest family and friends.

We’ve both traveled to Palm Springs extensively and love the weather, the vibe, and the design — we decided to pick a venue there so that our wedding would truly feel like a vacation for our friends and family (most traveling from New York, San Francisco and Portland). Colony 29 was the first venue we saw, and nothing else compared. We were floored by the incredible ceremony and reception venue, but most importantly we loved that we could host our entire wedding party in the amazing casitas on the property.

Choosing Rachael as our wedding planner was easy — we had never met before, but after seeing a few Palm Springs wedding she had done in the past, we knew she would immediately understand the look and feel we were going for. And wow, did she kill it. We knew we wanted it to be black-tie since we loved the contrast of the black and white with the desert background. And we wanted our florals to feel lush and green — not too many colors, not too structured.

The people around us are what makes us, us. We cherish our relationships and part of what we both love about each other is how much we value our friends and family. So it was important to us that the wedding felt intimate (just 115 guests), and we went about choosing our vendors (including the amazing Ashley Kelemen) and planning the day with that in mind. We had a really great friend officiate, two childhood friends do a reading, and made sure to incorporate a lot of time for dancing, cocktails, and conversation (our friends LOVE to dance).

Music and food were other very important things on our list. We worked closely with our DJ to come up with a list that would fit the mood and feel meaningful to us. All of the music played during the ceremony and for first dances were artists that we had seen live together. And Miho was absolutely the right catering choice. Their food is absolutely ridiculous! Our catering manager was incredible to work with and even came up to us right after the ceremony (literally right after) with a much-needed cocktail, without being asked. We can’t even count the people who told us it was the best wedding food and service they had ever had.

It’s hard to pick the single moment — the entire wedding was a beautiful, amazing whirlwind. It was perfect in every single way. Our first look was so special, and it’s impossible to forget how it felt standing up there and saying I do in front of the people we love most. Ending the night with Shout and Sweet Caroline (University of Oregon musts) was just the cherry on top. We couldn’t be more grateful for a day that we can cherish forever.

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Photography: Ashley Keleman | Floral Design: Siren Floral Co. | Hair + Makeup: Nancy Z Beauty | DJ: Red Shoe LA | Venue: colony 29 | Catering + Bar: MIHO | Dessert: Swiss Donuts | Event Planning + Coordination: Lace and Likes | Paper Goods: Emily Brunner | Rentals : Planks And Patina

Announcing Style Me Pretty’s First Ever Bridal Beauty Awards!

Not all beauty products are created equal. And on the most important day of your life, you want to look and feel your most beautiful, which means you want to use the best of the best products out there. But, how do you find those hidden gems? Style Me Pretty’s First-Ever Beauty Awards, of course! All you have to do is answer this survey, and come back next month to find out the winners! Oh, and did we mention that one lucky lady will win a goodie bag filled with some of the winners just for sharing her beauty secrets?! Go ahead…

Take the Survey Now!

And the categories for Style Me Pretty’s First-Ever Beauty Awards are…

Skincare

Face

Eyes

Lips

Hair

Fragrance

Nails

Spill Your Faves — Take the Survey Now!

 

These Eclectic Florals Are a Work of Modern Art

The florals at this Art Institute of Chicago wedding, designed and planned by LOLA Event Productions, are just WOW! Exquisite Designs truly outdid themselves with eclectic instillations, interesting arrangements, and floating garlands that look right at home in the Modern Wing where the celebrations took place. We’ll let Olivia Leigh Photographie‘s images speak for themselves – see them all in the Vault.

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Museum
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Modern

From LOLA Event ProductionsAndrea and Dih-Loan had a spectacular wedding at the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago this past July. They started their day by getting ready at Hotel Monaco – a pooch friendly property which turned out to be perfect when it came to photo time! After photos around town were complete, 400 guests enjoyed a simple, heartfelt ceremony accented by clean lines and colorful, vibrant blooms. After the “I Dos” were exchanged, a spectacular multi-course meal reflective of Dih-Loan’s Chinese culture in Griffin Court was served. Finally, dinner was followed by dessert and dancing in Terzo Piano. The lush and colorful florals were the perfect complement to the simple grandeur of the space. It was as if the space had been made as a blank canvas for such a vibrant palette. Guests were in awe of the “floating garlands” which seemed to fit like perfect puzzle pieces in the long and narrow corridor, which is the modern wing. Even the paper goods had the mix of a modern white canvas with a splash of color to tie the whole look together!

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Photography: Olivia Leigh Photographie | Cinematography: Jet Kaiser Films | Event Planning and Design: LOLA Event Productions | Stationery: Steracle Press | Catering: The Art Institute of Chicago | Hair and Makeup: Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists | Venue: The Art Institute of Chicago | Floral Design, Lighting and Drapery: Exquisite Designs, Inc. | Music: Mary Monica Music | Photobooth: Magnolia Photo Booth Co.

A Brooklyn Couple Brought Style to Their Virginia Engagement

I’ve seen a LOT of engagement sessions, but this one? It’s something special. Angela Newton Roy captured two Brooklynites who traveled back to the bride’s home state of Virginia for a photo session full of style and heart, including a family heirloom quilt used for this stunning shot. Take a closer look at our favorite moments below!

From Angela Newton Roy… These two super stylish Brooklynites who traveled down to Virginia for their engagement session. The bride always loved the quaint town of Waterford, having grown up close by, and chose this as the perfect low-key and beautiful setting for their session. I adored how much these two laughed and genuinely enjoyed their time together. Not only are they funny and down-to-earth, they are both super stylish.

The bride styled their session and seemed to select the perfect attire for their cozy surroundings. The best part was including a 100- year-old quilt that her great-grandmother crafted! The pictures in the field that included this were some of my favorite for this reason. We were also lucky enough to be greeted by sweet horses at one of our stops.

Nothing about these two, or their engagement session, was cookie cutter and I loved that they felt comfortable enough to really let their personalities shine. From her super cool engagement ring (a gemstone from a woman-owned mine) to the laughter they shared the entire time, they brought a unique and playful vibe to the day that was just perfect!

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Photography: Angela Newton Roy Photography

This Mexican Destination Wedding Is a Foodie’s Dream

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m seriously wishing I had been invited to this intimate celebration by Marweddings in Punta Mita, Mexico. Guests were greeted with a welcome basket containing local sweets when arriving at the oceanfront home, and that was just the beginning. On the day of the wedding, decadent appetizers were passed around during cocktail hour followed by a four course dinner, a decked out dessert table, and a late night treat – tacos and churros! Elizabeth Lloyd Photography captured the delicious day, and you can see it right here.

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Al Fresco

From MarweddingsTaylor and Daniel knew from the beginning of the planning process that they wanted an elegant wedding at a beautiful oceanfront home in the privacy of Punta Mita. They loved Casa Majani instantly, and the planning started while visiting this Villa. Food, drinks, and entertainment were a must for the couple, and they offered the best available in the area.

Upon arrival, guests had a beautiful welcome bag including a bottle of tequila, blown glass tequila shot glasses, salty snacks, a variety of Mexican local sweets, and a comfortable beach blanket in their rooms to enjoy their vacation. The wedding itinerary included welcome drinks with a bonfire at St. Regis and a rehearsal dinner at a Kupuri private beach cub. Men played golf while women enjoyed the variety of treatments at the spa.

On the wedding day, a quintet of strings welcomed guests with traditional instrumental, romantic Latin music. Guests were greeted with aperol spritz and margaritas. A Spanish duet of guitars invited people to take their seats for the intimate oceanfront wedding ceremony. Daniel’s tears and Taylor’s laugh during the ceremony were the sweetest moments of the night.

Going into the reception, a tequila and mezcal sommelier entertained guests during cocktail hour while waiters passed marinated octopus carpaccio tostadas with arugula and suckling pig tacos with smoked tomatoes and pork rind sauce. At twilight, guest sat at beautifully decorated tables with silk runners, black calla lilies, and black tulips – an uncommon combination for Mexico. Daniel gave the most romantic and respectful thank you speech to Taylor while bursting into tears.

Soft Mexican music was played during the dinner courses. The Bride and Groom offered an exquisite four course Mexican gourmet dinner with wines from Valle de Guadalupe and some exclusive Magnun wine bottles they brought from their own collection. Some of the most selected tequila brands were offered throughout the night including Don Julio 1942, Clase Azul plata, and José Cuervo Reserva de la familia. A romantic first dance was followed by everyone joining on the dance floor, and the sweet dessert table offered a personal recipe from the bride and the traditional tres leches from Mexico. Later in the night, guests enjoyed tacos and churros… after unbuttoning their shirt collars.

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Photography: Elizabeth Lloyd Photography | Event Design: Nicoella | Event Planning: Marweddings | Floral Design: Marweddings | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Shoes: Aquazzura | Catering: Cafe De Artistes | Venue: Casa Majani | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Music: Real De America

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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A Step-by-Step Guide to The Prettiest Spring Centerpiece

Lori and Mike of AvaFlora know a thing or two about crafting a stunning centerpiece. Their work never ceases to amaze. And now all of that beauty is about to be right at your fingertips because these floral masterminds are giving us insider tips for the prettiest ever Spring centerpiece and it’s as easy as 4 little steps. Grab the how-to below and have a look at all the lovely imagery captured by Dear Stacey while you’re at it.

Materials:
Floral Clippers
Floral Tape
Oasis Foam
Footed Vessel

Flowers:
Ranunculus, Parrot Tulips, Sweet Pea, Hellebore, Poppies, Scabiosa, Hyacinth, Freesia, Spirea

Foliage:
Eucalyptus, Variegated Pitt


Prep Your Vessel. For a more shallow vessel, that doesn’t hold a lot of water, we recommend using oasis foam. The foam will help keep your flowers properly hydrated and also help them stay secure inside the vessel. Cut a piece of foam to fit the shape of the inside of your vessel so that is is snug. Leave about 1/4 of an inch of foam above the rim of the vessel. Criss cross the tape across the top of the foam and slightly down the sides of the vessel. Make sure the tape is tight. The last step is to add extra water.


Start with your greens. We recommend mixing up your foliage by using a variety of shapes, colors and textures. The greens are to be designed loosely, creating the foundation of our organic design.


Add Your Flowers. Start with larger focal flowers such as ranunculus and poppies. Then add your medium sized flowers. Smaller flowers and textural accents are to be added towards the end to fill any empty spaces within the design.

*Design Tip – Arranging your flowers in various layers helps create an organic aesthetic. Be sure to keep some flowers shorter, closer to the foam, and others taller. Let the stems show!


And there you have it. A beautiful Spring Centerpiece with plenty of movement and texture. Be sure to add fresh water to your vessel daily to help your flowers last as long as possible.

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Photography: Dear Stacey | Floral Design: AvaFlora

A Miami Wedding Planner’s Romantic Nuptials

As an event planner herself, this bride knew exactly what she wanted and who she wanted to work with when it came to planning her own wedding. She assembled a team of incredible vendors – Unearthed VintageSo-Min Justine Kang Photography, Bill Hansen Catering, and many more! – to realize her vision, and they did not disappoint. Dig into the gallery for endless “pinspiration,” from her lacy, long sleeve gown to the long, farmhouse tables.

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Villa
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Al Fresco

From Unearthed VintageWhen Taylor first reached out to us for the rentals and decor for her wedding, I knew that she also worked in the event industry here in South Florida, but this was the first time that I would actually meet her in person. She was planning to be married at Villa Woodbine, one of my favorite venues in Miami, and her vision was timeless – wanting beautiful, white washed pieces with touches of blush and green throughout. As a vendor, there is always something so exciting about a client who knows exactly what they want and who also gives you just enough creative freedom to have fun with it. This wedding was the very first time a bride wanted to use our Hampton Farmhouse Tables at Villa Woodbine, and I am so glad she did. The look was classic and elegant, especially with the gorgeous florals from Julia Rohde Designs throughout. Every single detail of the wedding was stunning, from the glowing bride and her handsome groom, to their beautiful bridal party, to all of the florals and decor throughout. My personal favorite part of this wedding though, is the friendship that developed between Taylor and me, and discovering our mutual love for donuts and cocktails.

From the Bride… I got to marry my best friend after eight years in the most beautiful location in Miami, surrounded by all of our friends and family. As a Miami Event Planner, I set the bar pretty high for my wedding. The pros? I know exactly what I love because I’ve seen it all. The cons? Living up to my own expectations seemed daunting! Fortunately, as soon as Tucker and I visited Villa Woodbine, we knew that was where we would get married. After the venue was picked, the details came easy. The lush garden of Villa Woodbine and the Mediterranean-Renaissance style of the Estate made everyone forget where we were for the evening. We got married under a massive oak tree, which had a four foot crystal chandelier from Unearthed Vintage hanging from the branches. The venue so easily allows for soft, subtle details because it holds such natural beauty. With the help of Julia Rohde Designs and Unearthed Vintage, we created a natural glamour motif of pinks, whites, and green. My bridesmaid’s dresses followed the same color palette in a variety of textures and styles. All the details came together beautifully, and the day flew by! Planning my wedding was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done. With the unbelievably hard work of all of my amazing vendors, I was fortunate enough to have every single detail I could have ever wanted, and I genuinely got my dream wedding.

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Photography: So-Min Kang Photography | Cinematography: Brennan Pierson | Event Planning: Chef David Cuisine and Event Design | Floral Design: Julia Rohde Designs | Catering: Bill Hansen Luxury Catering and Event Production | Makeup: Selena Aguilera | Hair: Gigi DaRocha | DJ: The Event Factor | Favors: The Salty Donut | Groom's Attire: Suit Supply | Venue: Villa Woodbine | Bridal Boutique: Opera D'Arte | Desserts: The Cake Box | Rentals: Atlas Party Rentals | Rentals, Furniture and Lighting: Unearthed Vintage

Meet the Sequined Beach Boho CLOFFICE of Your Dreams

If it’s wrong to be in love with this closet + office, then we don’t want to be right because every single square inch is pure magic. And I’m pretty sure that fashion and lifestyle blogger, McKenna Bleu, should also add Insanely Good Cloffice to her credentials. From sequins to the perfect shade of ocean blue, palm trees and California bohemian vibes too, this space designed by Bobette Carpenter is just the kind of spot we could stare at all day. Take the full tour captured by Reality and Retrospect right here.

Working from home certainly has it perks, especially when your home office is this colorful bohomiem sanctuary! I wanted a space filled with all of the things I love and that also inspire me. Color is a huge part of my life and there was no hesitation when it came to incorporating that into my space. 

I was so excited to partner with design and friend Bobette Carpenter, she was able to help me bring this room to life. One of my favorite pieces is the peach dresser. Believe it or not, this was a Goodwill find that I refinished. We chose a soft peach color to compliant my most treasured item in the room, my blue love seat. This love seat was from my late (every so stylish) grandmother, she was full of life and loved all things blue! 

Mixing textures and natural fibers was a great way to bring in the bohemian elements I was looking for. After searching for the perfect accent tables I stumbled across these large wicker baskets at HomeGoods and thought, Hmm…what if I just flipped them over and used them as a table?! Cheap, cheap tables, let me tell you and genius if I don’t say so myself!

This authentic Moroccan rug was by far my favorite addition to complete this design, there was nothing but major heart eyes when stumbled across this gem. I think it ties everything in perfectly and really becomes the focal point of the room. 

I couldn’t be more happy with the outcome of this home office, it’s one that I look forward to working in everyday and also reflects my personal style as well as my brand! 

Sources

Outfits: Anthropologie Dress | Free People Pink Cardigan | Topshop White Tank | Urban Outfitters Distressed Denim | Free People White Sweater | Urban Outfitters Distressed Denim

Office: Bow Chair: PB Teen | Couch: Was my grandmother’s, loving this option from Wayfair | Dresser: Goodwill (DIY project, Paint color is Glidden Peach Daiquiri + Chalk Powder mix from BB Frosch | Clothing Rack: Urban Outfitters | Palm Leaf Pillow Covers: Etsy | Mint Bow Throw Pillow: PB Teen |  Curtains: Anthropologie | Beaded Chandelier: Shop Candelabra | Moroccan Rug: Pink Rug Co. | Makeup Cat Mirror: PB Teen | Planter: Urban Outfitters | Table Lamp: HomeGoods, similar option from Wayfair | Chanel Book Set: Amazon | Take The Scenic Route Macrame: PB Teen | Water Color Mural:  Anewall Etsy |  Custom Art Frame: Framebridge | Mixed Media Print: Ashley Cooper Designs | Wicker Tables: HomeGoods (Large baskets flipped upside down!) | Gold Shelf: PB Teen | Blush Gold Dipped Feathers: Jade & Jo Studio  | Macrame Garland : BoHomosapien  | Clear & Gold Vase: West Elm | Wooden Plant Stand: Target | Gold Desk Lamp: Target | Darling Decor Item: West Elm | Pink & Red Vase: Shop Candelabra/ Jill Rosenewald | White Floor Mirror: Home Home Goods, similar here | Acrylic Side Table: World Market

Photography: Reality And Retrospect | Design: Reality And Retrospect | Office: McKenna Bleu

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Embracing Natural Beauty for the Most Romantic Bohemian Wedding

The soft, pastel hues and elegant bohemian touches give a layer of undeniable romance to this wedding inspiration. And all of that beauty has a little something to do with the genius vendors behind the scenes. Crafted by TOAST Santa Barbara with 3 totally gorgeous bridal beauty looks by Mar for TEAM Hair and Makeup and all captured by Sawyer Baird, get ready to embrace organic details and a color palette that fits right in with that stunning mountaintop.

From the Photographer… When I think of planning a wedding personally I like to think of colors that would work with all seasons! When TOAST Santa Barbara and I got together we decided early on that we were striving to show brides an earthy feel with a hint of boho goodness that would be acceptable for any season. The warm earthy tones accented by brass, pinks, purples, and touches of blue bring out any season on an effortless level. Simple organic beauty found within nature is key when it comes to a multi season look if I do say so myself. The shoot took place at a private estate over looking Santa Barbara – it was the perfect escape for the shoot, bringing it full circle, embracing the soft sounds of nature and breeze. And personally, if I could have dinner on this mountain top everyday, I would.

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Photography: Sawyer Baird | Event Design: TOAST Santa Barbara | Florals: TOAST Santa Barbara | Rings: Trumpet & Horn | Hair & Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Bridal Accessories: Gossamer | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Model: Christianne Taylor | Paper Goods: In Loft Calligraphy | Rentals: Barn Relic

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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A Stylist + Football Player Wed With a Glam Black Tie Affair

What happens when a stylist and a football player tie the knot at the Bel-Air Bay Club? Crazy beautiful things, let me tell you. With the pros of Rock Paper Details by their side, Noelle and Jermaine treated their guest to a luxury oceanside bash with timeless elegance woven into every detail. Treat yourself to a look through the gallery artfully captured by Sposto Photography.

Stylist Noelle Molezion-Smith and former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jermaine Jamison had a dream wedding to remember! This gorgeous black tie event took place at the iconic 1927 estate Bel Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades, California.

Leaving all the details to their planners Rock Paper Details, Noelle and Jermaine got to enjoy their luxury bash in style. Their custom tablescape included everything from the wax sealed escort cards to a personalized signature scented candles for each guest to enjoy at their table. Noelle wore an amazing custom Paolo Sebastian gown while Jermaine chose a custom shawl lapel tuxedo.

The stylish couple said “I do” under a gorgeous floral arch and enjoyed cocktails overlooking the ocean with their guests shortly after. Everyone made their way inside the candlelit room for dinner and dancing courtesy of the L. A. Clippers’ in-house DJ, DJ Dense. It was an amazing night filled with classic elegance, laughter and love.

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Photography : Sposto Photography | Cinematography: Images By Inda | Event Planning + Design: Rock Paper Details | Florals: Rebelle Fleurs | Cake: The French Confection Co. | Invitations: Woo Paperie & Press | Bride's Shoes: Louboutin | Jewelry: Shay Fine Jewelry | Rings: Jason of Beverly Hills | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alvina Valenta | Makeup: Felicia La Tour | Hair: Maisha Oliver | Calligraphy: Truly Madly Inkly | Calligraphy: Truly Madly Inkly | Lighting: J Fox Lighting | DJ: DJ Dense | Grooms' Attire: Michael Ferrera | Venue: Bel Air Bay Club | Bride's Gown: Paolo Sebastian | Guest Book + Favors: Cole Craig Organic Candles | Rentals: Frolic & Sage | Rentals: Dish Wish | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Ring Box: The Mrs Box

Feast Your Eyes on Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week’s Most Beautiful Wedding Dresses

With a name like Style Me Pretty, our days are filled with all things pretty, but the word “pretty” doesn’t do justice to the wedding dresses at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week. From the romantic sophistication at Pronovias and the whimsical charm at Marco & Maria to the modern edge at Angel Sanchez and the sexy femininity at Galia Lahav, each collection took our breath away. While we highly recommend getting lost in all the galleries of gowns, we rounded up a few of our favorites that stood out among the rest — take a look below!

Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week's Most Beautiful Wedding Dresses
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Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week's Most Beautiful Wedding Dresses
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A Mermaid Gown Is the Perfect Fit for This Nautical Wedding

For her nautical inspired nuptials photographed by Sheryll Lynne Weddings, this gorgeous bride wore an intricate, mermaid-silhouette wedding gown by Sottero and Midgley. “It wasn’t at all the dress I had in mind when I started looking. But as soon as I put it on, I just felt different. It was special,” she said. With its beaded bodice, perfect fit, and the layers of organza and lace, we most certainly agree – it looks as if this dress was made for her! But the dress is just the beginning…there’s so much more goodness in this intimate celebration. See it all right here.

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Country Club
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Nautical

Josh and Avonlea first met online. After a few weeks of sending messages back and forth, Josh asked Avonlea to meet for coffee. When Avonlea arrived at Starbucks on an icy Sunday morning, Josh was standing outside waiting for her. “That surprised me,” says Av. “It was so cold outside. I wasn’t sure if he was crazy or extremely chivalrous.” Right away, he struck Av as different from any other man she had met. The day after they met, Josh removed his profile from the dating site. “I finally found someone I wanted to focus on,” says Josh. Avonlea had been single and dating for nearly seven years, and had never met someone like Josh. His willingness to invest in one person and see where it would lead tipped her over the edge. “I was already in love,” she admits. “I knew right then he was a keeper.”

Josh proposed on the beach in his hometown of San Diego when Avonlea flew out to visit him during a weekend of training with the Navy. “I told him I wanted the center stone to be his birthstone, a sapphire. He surprised me with the ring. It was a dream come true. The man of my dreams asked me to marry him!”

The couple had two children each from previous marriages. Although they considered eloping, they decided that an intimate ceremony involving their children was the best thing to do. “We wanted our kids to know that this was about them, too. Our wedding needed to emphasize that we were coming together as a new family, and we wanted them to feel like a part of that.” They focused on designing an experience that placed more emphasis on celebration and less on tradition. From the beginning, the couple included their children in the wedding plans and let them help make small decisions. The kids selected their wedding day attire and were insistent that Josh wear his Navy uniform for the occasion. Avonlea says, “It was always a secret fantasy I had to marry a man in uniform. We used his background as a Chief Navy Diver to inspire most of the wedding theme.”

Avonlea wore a mermaid-silhouette wedding gown by Sottero and Midgley with layers of organza and lace. “It wasn’t at all the dress I had in mind when I started looking! But as soon as I put it on, I just felt different. It was special. The beading upon lace in the bodice was absolutely stunning, and the mermaid gown was perfect for our wedding theme! Every last detail was of the highest quality. The dress fit so well, and I felt that it really flattered my figure.”

The couple wrote their own wedding ceremony, borrowing examples from their pastor and doing research online for ideas on how to include the children in their ceremony. They decided to recite stepparent vows during the ceremony, promising to love, teach, and nurture their new stepchildren. Josh and Avonlea became tearful while reciting their vows, prompting the four children to cry, and moving all the witnesses to tears as well. A sand ceremony including the children followed, which shifted the mood back to smiles and laughter and set the tone for a solemn but joyful exchange of vows between the couple.

Following the wedding ceremony, the evening grew increasingly playful. The bride and groom’s parents and siblings delivered toasts that were touching, hilarious, and filled with love. Josh and Avonlea had taken ballroom dancing lessons and wowed their families with a choreographed first dance as husband and wife. The bride’s siblings flash-mobbed the wedding in gold parachute pants with a choreographed number of their own, and a wild dance party ensued. The bride and groom chose a sparkler send-off to coincide with a local state holiday, and as they made their getaway, the city sky was filled with fireworks.

“We couldn’t stop talking about what a perfect day we had as we drove off. Every detail was perfect, and most importantly, our guests had really enjoyed themselves. They’ll never remember what color the napkins were, but they’ll always remember how they felt at our wedding, and that’s the part that really matters.”

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Photography: Sheryll Lynne Photographers | Floral Design: Hillside Floral | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Shoes: Jessica Simpson | Venue: Willow Creek Country Club

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The Groom Wrote a Love Song For This Oceanside Engagement

When you’re dating a professional musician, you can expect an amazing proposal complete with a romantic serenade. But this groom-to-be, Scott took it one step further and wrote a song just for his love, Sherri. These two recreated the romance for their engagement shoot with Natalie Bray and we can’t get enough.

From a professional musician, you can expect an amazing proposal complete with a romantic serenade. But this groom-to-be, Scott took it one step further and wrote a song just for his love, Sherri. These two recreated the romance for their engagement shoot with Natalie Bray and we can’t get enough.

“Scott and Sherri are some of the kindest, most driven souls I know. Scott is an accomplished musician for the band Jet West and Sherri is the creative visionary behind Belle Sirene Salon in La Jolla. Their engagement reflected their love of the beach, music, and most of all their undeniable love for one another. We spent the afternoon frolicking in the gorgeous La Jolla waves, dancing at sunset, and Scott completed it with a heartfelt song written just for Sherri. This song was sung as a surprise during their proposal, so it was so sweet to see the moment relived again.

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Photography : Natalie Bray Studios | Floral Design: Native Poppy | Hair & Makeup: Belle Sirène Salon

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This Fall Wedding Is the Cat’s Meow

This endearing couple met when Kristina was doing a silly “cat dance” on the dance floor one girls’ night out. Josh thought it was adorable, one thing lead to another, and the two fell in love. With a love story as fun as theirs, it’s no surprise their Linwood Estate wedding showcased the bride and groom’s joyful personalities through a vibrant color palette and bright florals by Weddings by JDK. See the delightful day captured by Brianna Wilbur Photography right here!

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Whimsical

From Weddings by JDKKristina and Josh’s love for cats is not just a similar interest they share, it is what brought these two together! It’s true – they met through an endearing story involving a cat dance. Their sunshine and sunflower-filled September wedding celebration at Linwood Estate was the perfect showcase of their bright, fun-loving, and simply jovial personalities. They were surrounded by their nearest and dearest, and it was a day overflowing with pure joy, unconditional love, and, of course, hints of their favorite furry feline friends. Every time we think about these two, we can’t stop smiling from ear to ear!

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Photography: Brianna Wilbur Photography | Floral Design: JDK Catering | Cake: Carlisle Bakery | Catering: Weddings by JDK | Hair and Makeup: The Bonafide Ginger | DJ: Mixed Up Productions | Ceremony Music: Cherrywood String Ensembles | Venue: Linwood Estate

Guests Went Glamping at This UK Wedding

Between the bride’s modern Calvin Klein dress, her fabulous L.K. Bennett shoes, and the fern filled sperry tent reception, we are obsessed with this insanely stylish, Northumberland wedding by Albion Parties. After the celebrations, guests were provided with overnight accommodations in bell tents and were treated to a delicious farewell brunch the following morning. Every detail of this fashionable affair photographed by Lucy Davenport is a can’t miss, so be sure to check out the full gallery, right here.

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From Albion PartiesWhen the wedding planning began, Anna’s father offered her a choice of getting married at his house in the Bahamas or at his house in Northumberland. Keen to make sure all her guests would be able to travel easily to their wedding, Anna shunned the sunshine of Harbour Island and instead chose Northumberland.

Anna has a strong sense of style, choosing a Calvin Klein wedding dress and colorful shoes, the latter of which were cast off immediately after the ceremony and photographs in favor of a pair of white trainers (all the better to dance in). Her bridesmaids wore dresses from Monsoon that tied in with the fern theme.

The brief Anna gave her wedding planner, Katie Crichton-Stuart from Albion Parties, was to create a beautiful and stylish wedding, balancing being conventional in some aspects with being entirely relaxed in other aspects. With a keen eye for detail, Katie worked with Anna to develop a theme incorporating pink tones with dark green ferns and a touch of gold. Anna’s mood board for the look of the wedding, which Katie helped her put together, focused on beautiful fabrics of fern motifs, which was a year before this trend became mainstream when it was seen at House of Hackney and Graham and Green. The highly stylized tent interior focused on clean lines, with pink flowers in the center of the tables surrounded by more whimsical ferns pouring out from underneath. High and low arrangements gave texture to the overall look of the dinner set up, and intermittent plants positioned up the tent poles created a sense of scale inside. Katie recommended Anna and Jamie use sperry tents for their wedding, which was a nod to both Anna’s love of being slightly different and ensured the tents themselves looked good in their surroundings. Sperry tents have the fortunate appeal of looking good from the outside as well as inside, unlike their frame tent counterparts.

A strong family feel came through the wedding, with Anna’s younger sisters and brothers being her bridesmaids and pageboys, Anna’s friend playing the piano, and her uncle officiating at the ceremony. The estate team was invaluable to Albion Parties, helping with every aspect of the set up onsite. A further touch was Anna’s father’s chef, James Davie, who catered for the entire wedding. Anna chose canapés that included favorite dishes from her childhood like steak frites and warm chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream.

Having a great band was really important to Anna and Jamie, and they chose The Faithettes, the backing band of Paloma Faith, followed by friends who DJ’ed late into the night. Guests were given the choice of staying in bell tents pitched in the next door field, where Katie had put “Hangover Packs” filled with essentials for guests. The morning after, guests who had stayed the night were treated to James Davie’s brunch of bacon rolls, eggs to order, mini pastries, suckling pig with apple sauce, and large bloody marys.

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Photography: Lucy Davenport | Event Planning: Albion Parties | Floral Design: WILD | Wedding Dress: Calvin Klein | Cake: Liggy Cakes | Shoes: LK Bennett | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monsoon | Catering: James Davie (private chef) and Splendid | Makeup: Jodie Hazlewood | Hair: Charlie Miller | DJ: DJ Babysoul (Elinor Fahrman) | Band: Faithettes | Venue: Harehope Hall | Lighting and Sound Design: Tower Productions | Tent Rentals: Bell Tent Hire Scotland | Tent Rentals: Papakata

The Prettiest Table Top Trends for this Season’s Celebrations

Tabletop trends are ever changing but this season is bringing a whole slew of new details that are guaranteed to dazzle at your upcoming celebrations. From vibrant color to awash in candlelight and all the eclectic yet classic details in-between, read up as The Theoni Collection shares trends that just might pay a pretty visit to a tabletop near you.

From Meghan Marsh King of The Theoni CollectionWith the arrival of each season, a new guard brings new ideas and fresh trends. As we set the tables for this season of weddings, parties and events, we have our eye on a few new trends that we’re pretty keen on.

Color Me Pretty

After a few seasons of classic whites and minimalist color palettes, color is back and in a big way. We love the use of bold accent colors and dramatic tablescapes that aren’t afraid to use bright, rich colors when selecting chairs, linen, glassware, and flowers. We still love a clean and crisp white china pattern, but why not have fun a little fun with it? Introduce a confident accent color by adding a salad plate, bread plate, or multi-colored Murano water glass to the table. Or consider complimenting a classic pattern or table setting with a bold chair in canary yellow, mossy green—the Pantone color of the year—or freshly blooming fuchsia.


A Softer Modern: Mixing and Matching

There’s no question that modern design is in and we love how it’s been introduced to the table. From minimalist décor to midcentury inspired furniture designs, your mother was right (isn’t she always?) when she said that everything that goes around comes around. But this season we’re noticing a softer modern look that blends mod elements with a more refined, old-world style. Give it a try by combining a modern ceramic dinner plate with a rustic European charger, or mix and match flatware colors to integrate both gold and silver. Set a Lucite table with a rustic wooden chair, or dress up a casual farm table by adding a tufted, upholstered chair inspired by courtly Europe—the beauty is in the variety.


Turn the Lights Down Low

When it comes to candlelight, we’re from the school of, “more, more, more!” From dramatic entrances and ceremony aisles lined with wooden lanterns to tabletops dripping with votives and candelabra, candlelight brings an incomparable romance to tabletops this season and we can’t get enough of it. Lanterns and votives are also a budget-friendly way to introduce height, dimension, and further elaborate on your theme. When you can’t spring for more flowers, use a collection of votives or a stately lantern to fill and brighten the space.


Go Boldly: Make a Statement

Mostly notably, this season is about making a serious statement. The tabletops we’re designing in the showroom are more formal, more dramatic, and notably more elegant than last year’s tabletops. High-polish rentals—like over-the-top napkins rings, china from Limoges, Waterford Crystal, and lush upholstered chairs—are creating unique looks that are bold, memorable, and stand out from the pack. We loved the DIY trend for all the opportunities it gave us to get crafty, but we’re noticing a visible return to artisans for china, glassware, and furniture. Even splurging one memorable, but small accent like a woven jute charger, or a unique and colorful water glass creates a distinct look that’s all your own. It’s about the details, and it’s the details that come together to create opulent settings that are both a nod to the romance of the past and the luxury of the future.

Psst…Explore our collection at www.theonicollection.com and follow along on social media for even more design inspiration!

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Photography: Justin Lee Photography | Floral Design: Mindy Rice | Venue: Carneros Resort and Spa | Event Decor and Styling: Theoni Collection

Utterly Romantic Spring Bridal Shoot

When you pair bright spring florals and a romantic illusion neckline gown, you get the makings of a perfect bridal shoot. The kind of shoot where you want to pin Every. Last. Image. No surprise, an entire crew of amazing vendors were behind all this pretty, including captures straight from Danielle Coons’ camera lens. Dive right in and enjoy!

Inspired by the long wait for winters end, this minimalistic bridal shoot was anchored by it’s soft, yet romantic spring florals and beautiful illusion gown. By pairing the nude slip from the gown with a stunning cap veil from Untamed Petals, we captured the feminine and intimate feeling of a bride waiting for her groom. The custom designed ring by Susie Saltzman perfectly complimented the location of the shoot which was chosen for its ornate woodworking details and beautiful natural light.


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Photography: Danielle Coons Photography | Floral Design: Florosophy | Wedding Dress: Watters | Shoes: Bella Belle | Ring: Susie Saltzman | Makeup: Kelly Barrett (Hez Studio) | Hair: Kelly Barrett (Hez Studio) | Wedding Venue: Tripp House | Accessories: Untamed Petals | Bridal Shop: The Darling Dress | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab | Invitation: Kelsey Malie Calligraphy | Jewelry Box : The Mrs Box | Ribbon: Silk and Willow

5 Brides Describe The Moment They Found The One—And We Don’t Mean The Groom

Few moments in life are as special as when a bride finally finds The One. And no, we’re not talking about the groom—although that’s pretty great, too! Surrounded by family, champagne ready to be popped, these brides prove that finding The Onethe dress—is one of the happiest moments of all time.

Alexandra Wilson

“My mom suggested going to try on dresses to get a better idea of what I loved and wanted in a dress, rather than what I didn’t want. We picked out a total of seven dresses to try on during our first shopping trip, and with each dress, I had a better idea of what I was looking for: something with lace, a little sparkle, and a beautiful back. I remember trying on the sixth dress, and the moment I saw it on, I knew it was “the one.” We were so excited, but also couldn’t believe the first day of dress shopping we found it!”

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Kerri Polanski

“The dress was not at all what I had in mind for my wedding day. I had been letting stylists, my mom, and my sister pick everything out for me, but I went for one last look myself. This one caught my eye because of the red grosgrain ribbon detail on the inside of the dress. Since I was getting married February 13th, I thought it was such a special piece of Valentine’s Day, and our love story, that no one would see but us.”

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Elizabeth Black DuCharme

“I went dress shopping with my family at a boutique near Baltimore, Maryland, where my husband and I met and still live. It was my first time trying on gowns, and my sister picked out a particular one that she thought I would love. It was only the second dress I tried on, and I just knew it was the one. I tried on a few dresses after to be safe, but nothing compared. I was in love with it and the blush-colored belt we picked out to complete the look.”

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Alexandra Dalton

“I found my dress on a trip to New York City. At the time I was living in Washington State, and I flew in so that I could look for the perfect dress with the people I love. When I arrived at Saks, my maid of honor surprised me—I had no idea she would be there, and I knew it was going to be the day I would find my dress. As soon as I put it on, I could picture myself walking down the aisle with my Dad, and I knew I had found the one.”

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Ashley Pepe

“I had been in love with Sareh Nouri’s designs from the moment I got engaged, and I found out she was hosting a trunk show at a boutique that was somewhat local. When I saw the date was the one-year anniversary of my dad’s passing, I knew it was fate. I went with my entire family—there were 11 of us. “The dress” was the first dress I tried on. I knew it was the one, and once the veil was on my head, it was immediate tears and champagne!”

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Briana Charlotte is a freelance writer residing in Brooklyn, New York. When she isn’t writing about all things bridal, she can be found on the dance floor at a wedding or bachelorette party.