Capturing the everyday moments, things like taking a long walk with your love and your fur baby, can make for the prettiest photographs. It might have a little something to do with the magic that Jose Villa creates each and every time he picks up his camera. But it also reflects the ease and love between the subjects. In this case? That love is palpable.
photographer: Jose Villa Photography
One look through these pics by Julie Paisley and there is no denying that this Bride knows chic style. She designed both her dresses as well as the fabulous frocks her beautiful bridesmaids wore, and the icing on the (literal) cake? The pattern on the sweet treat reflected her designs. It doesn’t get more fabulous than that. See all the pretty pics in our Vault right this way!
From Julie Paisley… Oh this wedding. I really have no words. Although Stephanie and Blake live in NYC, Stephanie wanted to go back to her Southern roots and have her wedding in the South. And of course she choose the most amazing venue. I have been dreaming of shooting a wedding at this venue for years and it most definitely met all my expectations. And the trees, can we just pause and show some love for those Spanish oaks?
Stephanie is a designer in NYC and she designed all of the dresses. Both of her wedding dresses and all of the bridesmaids and flower girls. She also designed her cake and it was patterned after her wedding dress! Oh how fun are her reception shoes! I love that she pulled in some details of her heritage.
Blake simply adores Stephanie and Stephanie is so delighted to be his wife. They are seriously the most perfect couple and it was a joy to be their photographer.
Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Coordination: Caroline Carter Events | Floral Design: Sea Island | Wedding Dress: Waldrip | Cake: Sea Island | Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Waldrip | Groom's Attire: Dolce & Gabbana | Wedding Venue: Sea Island
When you’re a couple who loves, and I mean LOVES brunch, a wedding featuring all your favorite breakfasty foods only makes sense. Donut tower included. A Southern Soiree helped Rachel and John bring together the design of their modern brunchtime affair and Tre Bella Florist prettied up the space with bright, colorful blooms. Brace yourself for a whole lot of fun in the gallery photographed by Carolyn Marie.
From A Southern Soiree … Meet Rachel and John, one of our adorable couples, who said “I do” this May at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina! This sweet couple’s love of brunch may just surpass our own so when they approached us to help bring their vision of day full of love, laughter and quiche to life, we knew it was a match made in heaven!
A bright and cheery yet sophisticated event designed around Rachel’s fabulous bridesmaid dresses from ASOS made for the perfect brunch time affair that was captured beautifully by the talented Carolyn Marie Photography. Colorful, lush garden style blooms paired with subtle touches of black and white stripes transformed The Umstead’s formal ballroom space into a chic gathering. Trays of delicious breakfast breads and pastries were incorporated into the table design and made for a yummy surprise for guests to enjoy at their seats! Guests indulged on bellini’s, bloody mary’s and mimosa’s throughout brunch but made sure to leave room for treats from Monuts Donuts!
With the help of their band, The Whiskey Rebellion, and a contra caller, the Bride and Groom were able to recreate their first date while allowing guests to experience something you don’t see at most weddings. Helping to organize dances by calling out steps, the contra caller, kept the dance floor packed and put big smiles on everyone’s faces! It was so fun to watch!
The afternoon ended with a colorful streamer sendoff where guests waved good wishes to the Bride and Groom! We are so thankful we were able to be a part of such a fun day for a wonderful couple and their families!
Photography: CarolynMarie Photography | Floral Design: Tre Bella Florist | Wedding Stationery: Paper Buzz | Bridesmaids' Dresses: ASOS | Catering : Umstead Hotel & Spa | Makeup: Fiquet Bailey Swain | Hair : Blown Away Blow Dry Bar Raleigh | Band : The Whiskey Rebellion | Mens Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Bridal Shoes: Ryan Seacrest Distinction | Calligraphy + Signage : A Southern Soirée | Ceremony Musicians: Arioso Strings | Contra Caller : Connie Carringer | Design + Coordination: A Southern Soirée | Donuts, Dessert: Monuts | Live Painter: Dan Nelson Art | Rentals: CE Rentals | Wedding Invitation: The Write Image
Fresh flowers do a soul good and painted florals, yep, they do too. For this Spring infused party, Bari Elexa Events and Colina Terui combined the girly goodness of all things blooms with fun details like macramé and rosé gummies for a celebration fit for all your best girlfriends. Get inspired to throw a flower filled shindig of your very own with even more imagery by Olivia Richards in the vault.
From the planner/styist Bari… Rainy season is in full effect in the Bay Area, but we just couldn’t help ourselves from daydreaming about springtime flowers. We pulled our inspiration for this birthday shoot from these ah-mazing floral napkins from Anthropologie which matched the Lynn & Lou Paper Co. Stationery perfectly!
Our colors were purple, fuchsia, light blue and navy, mixed with a metallic shade of rose gold. We wanted to keep this design very light and airy, with bold pops of floral print which reminded us of spring flowers in bloom.
Our florist, Colina, tied in the spring theme perfectly with bud vases of tulips and anemones adorning the table along a macrame runner.
Guests would be greeted with Sugarfina candy cubes of rosé roses and later on surprised with a watercolor cake to match, hand painted by Allison of Pretty Please Bakeshop. We had so much fun designing this birthday bash at Mints & Honey studios in San Carlos, which is the perfect indoor venue for all types of celebrations!
The blank space gave us the freedom to let our creative minds run wild and really play up the fun colors of this shoot for this golden birthday party!
Photography: Olivia Richards Photography | Event Design: Bari Elexa Events | Floral Design: Colina Terui | Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop | Invitations: Lynn + Lou | Venue: Mints And Honey | Flatware: Hensley Event Resources | Table number holder: esselle SF | Tabletop: Anthropologie
When the bride’s loves include lace, pearls, and Jane Austen, there’s a pretty good chance a classic wedding will follow. And thanks to her planner, Erin McLean Events, the bride was able to bring that sense of English charm to North Carolina…even amidst the chaos of Hurricane Matthew. In the gallery by Callie of Nancy Ray Photography you’ll find handwritten love notes alongside a dreamy floral wall. And the clip by Heart Stone Films below? Believe me when I say, you’ll want to grab a tissue.
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From Erin McLean Events… Alexandria was a classic beauty who was inspired by her travels to England and her love of classic pearls and lace. One of her favorite memory of her travels was visiting Jane Austen’s home and her hidden love quotes throughout the home. We used all of these elements as inspiration for the couple’s classic design.
Alexandria and Michael had been planning their wedding for 18 months when news came in that Hurricane Matthew would be making landfall on October 8th, the day of their wedding. The couple wasn’t phased by having to move the ceremony indoors. We ordered a custom aisle runner, added pearls and lighting to soften the space. Allie + Michael’s photographer, Callie, wanted them to have all the photos they dreamed of. She came back the next morning to shoot all their couple photos under the post-hurricane sunshine.
We wanted to create a magical moment down the long entrance to the Fearrington Barn. The floral team created a whole floral wall, hand written love quotes, and a tunnel of twinkle lights. Guests entered the reception space while a big band played. The bride and groom danced their first dance on a seamless duogrammed dance floor.
After dinner a DJ took over and kept the dance floor packed until the couple exited through a sea of sparklers.
Photography: Nancy Ray Photography | Videography: Heart Stone Films | Event Design: Erin McLean Events | Event Planning: Erin McLean Events | Floral Design: The Fearrington House | Cake: The Fearrington House | Hair + Makeup: Onloktion Makeup Artistry | Lighting: Get Lit Special Event Lighting | DJ: Bunn DJ Company | Officiant: Rev Barbara Lodge | Venue: The Fearrington House | Ceremony Musicians: Arioso Strings | Reception Band: Sam Hill Entertainment | Rentals: CE Rental | Specialty Rentals: Themeworks Creative | Tenting + Dance Floor: Party Reflections
When it got right down to it, Jessica and Jeffrey wanted to treat their favorite people to an amazing celebration. They opted to keep the guest list small and make sure there was never a dull moment throughout their whimsical, fairytale-inspired outdoor wedding. With CCL Weddings by their side, they accomplished just that with every watercolor kissed moment captured by The Great Romance Photo.
From the Bride… Jeff and I met through a good mutual friend of ours back in 2012 at Backstage Bar in Culver City. It was an immediate attraction at first sight – I liked to talk, and he liked to listen! We both sat at a table chatting and getting to know one another. I must have been very excited because during one of my stories I accidentally spilled my drink on him…Jeffrey got up, without one word, and walked away. I thought 1) how embarrassing and 2) how rude! After a short while, he came back with another glass of ginger vodka .. and the rest was history.
I have always dreamed of having an outdoor whimsical fairytale style wedding. I knew from the get-go that if there was one thing I wanted, it was for everyone to be comfortable and entertained at all times. Over the years, you hear so many stories about how a ceremony would drag on for hours, or guests would sit next to complete strangers, or not having the chance to even say hi to the bride and groom – we knew we wanted to avoid all of that at all costs. Having this in mind inspired us to keep the guest list relatively small. We included comfy upholstered couches in the ceremony and reception. We also wanted to make sure there was something going on throughout the whole day so there was never a dull moment.
My favorite part of the day was seeing Jeffrey cry when he read his vows to me. He is a man who doesn’t show his soft side very often, so seeing him breakdown as he recited his vows was a very touching moment.
Our best advice to other couples is to HIRE A PLANNER. Wedding planning is already a very stressful ordeal, having a planner really helps guide you through the process. They will keep you on track and help put pen to paper your dream wedding. Also remember, pick your battles – compromise is a big part of planning. You are likely spending a large amount of money on your wedding – think about what matters to you the most and what you can go without. Either way, remember it will turn out beautiful!
Photography: The Great Romance Photo | Videography: Komotion | Event Coordination: CCL Weddings & Events | Event Planning + Design: CCL Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Art With Nature | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake : M Cakes Sweets | Stationery : Mari Chang | Catering: Hungry Bear | Hair + Makeup: Studio MM&B | Venue: Saddlerock Ranch | Alcohol: Sunseri's | Hand Lettering: Skye Cho | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Rentals: A Rental Connection
Hands down, there’s nothing better than a sweet fur baby making an appearance on your Big Day. So if your best friend happens to be an adorable pooch (or cat, or bird, or pig…), we’re teaming up with The Westin Birmingham to run down a list of 5 ways to include your loves in the most important celebration of your life. Prepare for a cuteness overload below.
There’s nothing cuter than a pet in a bow tie or floral crown, so when it comes to stealing the show (they will), let your sweetie shine as your Best Man or Maid of Honor. You’ll love it, your guests will love it and it will most definitely go down in history as one of your fave wedding moments.
Photography: Jose Villa
Love your furry friend more than anything? Then be sure to pay tribute to them in every possible way. One of our faves? A cute little favor that also happens to be in the shape of their likeness. It’s taking “puppy treats” to an entirely new level and your guests will appreciate the ode to your sweet little pooch.
Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography
Want your fur baby to make a giant wedding statement? Then include them in your invitation suite, so your nearest and dearest know just where your heart is. It’s creative, unique and, let’s be honest, sooo darn cute. We’re totally on board with this.
Photography: Brumley & Wells / Invitation Design: Karen O’Bryan
And speaking of paper, why not include Fido on your escort cards? Whether you’re having a romantic soiree, a modern celebration or something else entirely, it’s a detail that will leave everyone talking. We promise.
Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography
Your nephew is definitely a cutie, but you know what’s even cuter? Having that sweet little guy walk your adorable pooch down the aisle. It’s a double dose of sweetness that will make your entire day. We promise.
Photography: Jose Villa
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From the cutest Best Man ever to a yummy treat your guests will love, including your fave fur baby in the celebration of the century is a definite must. Just be sure to book a pet-friendly venue like The Westin Birmingham, so that everything goes off without a hitch. Think breathtaking views of Uptown, an amazing locale close to awesome eateries and shopping and a team of talented wedding coordinators that will take your pet-centric celebration to the next level. You’re going to love every moment of your Big Day… and so will your best friend.
Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Photography: Brumley & Wells | Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography | Invitation Design: Karen O'Bryan
Cue the enamor because this inspiration is the epitome of San Francisco beauty. With the stateliness of City Hall as the backdrop and elegant details starting with those invitations by Spurle Gul Studios and continuing to the wild, organic blooms by The Bloomery Co., this Elopement shoot captured by Esmeralda Franco will give you all the reason you need to plan a wedding built for two.
I believe that an elopement can be just as elegant and classic as a traditional wedding. And when combined with the innate intimacy derived from an elopement, I think there’s something really special about getting dolled up with the one you love and devoting yourself to one another. While many people think of mountaintops or beaches when they hear the word “elopement,” I believe you can have a special and romantic elopement in your own city, filled with beautiful wedding details. As inspiration for this shoot, I wanted to show brides that even a local elopement can be done up to the nines and end up so gorgeous! I chose to play off of the idea of a black tie affair and brought in lush, overgrown garden bouquet from the Aubriana (Bloomery Co) in muted, neutral tones. Combined with the classic invitations featuring elegant and dreamlike calligraphy, and the incredible BHLDN dress, the bride reflected ethereal beauty and sophistication. The groom was done up perfectly in a sharp black tux getup—velvet bowtie and all! Some of my favorite details of the shoot include the handwritten vows in the most beautiful script (because it’s all about the vows in an elopement, right?!), the detailing and straps on the back of the gown, and the stunning Susie Saltzman ring. I love the idea of the bride and groom being able to save the pretty copy of their vows and remember their small, yet grand, affair forever!
Photography: Esmeralda Franco | Floral Design: The Bloomery Co | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Ring: Susie Saltzman | Hair and Makeup : Camille Goldston Hair & Make Up Artistry | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: San Francisco City Hall | Calligraphy + Paper Goods : Spurle Gul Studios | Ribbon : Tono Co
Adding a tropical vibe to a rustic ranch wedding, this Hawaiian celebration embraces the beauty of the Island with the feel of a laid back yet crazy elegant affair. Awash in in the palest blue hues and gussied up with greenery and blooms by Grace Flowers, planning by Vintage & Lace and all the pretty photographs your heart desires by The Vondys, carve out some time for the vault. It’s a beauty!
From the Bride, Michaela… Garrett and I met while working at an advertising agency in the Bay Area. After dating for 5 years (one of those years spent traveling around Asia!) and settling down in San Francisco, Garrett proposed one night under the Golden Gate Bridge and soon there after we started thinking about a wedding location. Because Garrett grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii, we decided to get married in Garrett’s home town as a way to honor his Hawaiian culture and heritage, something that is very important to both of us.
We both love the beach, but when starting to plan our wedding and looking for venues, we quickly realized that a beach wedding was not for us. The Big Island is so diverse in it’s landscape, we wanted to find a venue that showed off how much the island has offer. When we came across Anna Ranch, we knew it was the perfect spot. The ranch feels very Hawaiian but is far enough away from the beach and tourist areas of the island that you almost feel like you have been transported somewhere completely different. We decided to incorporate the natural beauty of the ranch in the overall design for the wedding, keeping things simple yet elegant by bringing in items that gave the ranch an upcountry garden feel. Our color palette included shades of dusty blue, ivory, garden greens, and accents of golds and silvers.
While Garrett’s family and some of his friends live in Hawaii, most of our guests were going to be traveling from all over the mainland to attend the wedding. It was really important to us that they enjoyed the most of their time on the Big Island so we planned different activities for our guests to enjoy in the days leading up to the wedding, including drinks in the sand, a hike to the green sand beach, snorkeling, watching the sunset above the clouds on Mauna Kea, a luau, and more. On the day of the wedding, our guests were taken from the beach condos where we were all staying to the ranch in the transportation we had set up before hand. Once our guests arrived at the ranch, they were greeted with the beautiful and relaxing sounds of Hawaiian music being played on the acoustic ukulele by Garrett’s cousin, who continued to play as we walked down the aisle. Even though Garrett and I did a first look prior to the ceremony, my favorite part of the entire day was walking down the aisle – seeing Garrett waiting for me with the support of my parents at my sides, surrounded by our family and friends is one of best feelings I have ever experienced and something I will never forget. We kept the ceremony short and sweet but very personal. Our good friend officiated the wedding and our wedding party consisted of our closest friends and siblings. Our sister’s read a beautiful Hawaiian poem, my sister reading it in English and Garrett’s sister reading it in Hawaiian. We incorporated the Hawaiian wedding tradition of a lei exchange into the ceremony, and I opted for a gorgeous flower garland necklace instead of a traditional lei. We read our own vows and ended the ceremony with a kiss and Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered” as we exited.
Immediately following the ceremony was cocktail hour held in the orange tree grove. The fabulous and grammy nominated Hawaiian swing band, Kahulanui, played while appetizers like ulu (Hawaiian bread fruit) croquettes and kalua pig sliders were served. The open bar consisted a few signature cocktails and plenty of mixers so guests could craft their own drinks, as well as wine from Napa Valley and beer from the local Kona Brewing Company, all detailed on the hand painted bar signs made by my mom. We provided lawn games for the kids in attendance (as well as the adults), including corn hole tables hand made by Garrett’s parents.
After cocktail hour, guests were ushered to the grand lawn for the reception. Vintage and Lace did an amazing job transforming the tent into the most beautiful reception site we have ever seen. Every detail from the escort display, to the dessert table, to the stunning flowers and ivy accents was absolutely perfect and truly made our vision come to life. We dined on delicious farm to table dinner and desserts prepared with a Hawaiian twist, raised our glasses after hearing thoughtful and heart wrenching toasts, had our first dance as husband and wife, and danced the night away thanks to the great DJ Rodney who was able to get everyone out of their seats and on the dance floor for the whole night. One of my favorites memories of the night was the father / daughter dance – my dad was so nervous and concerned about not missing a step he couldn’t even talk to me while we were dancing because didn’t want to lose his concretion. Not just my dad, but everyone at the wedding was so thoughtful in making sure our day was absolutely perfect. And thanks to a true team effort from our amazing team of vendors, family, and friends, we really were able to enjoy the best day of our lives surrounded by so much love. If I can give just one piece of advice to further brides, enjoy every minute including everything leading up to the big day (even the stressful stuff!) – we still can’t believe it’s over and would give anything to do it all over again.
And an extra special thank you to our amazing photographers, Shannon and Justin of The Vondys., who were literally our lifeline on our wedding day. We entered a contest on SMP 6 months before our wedding for a free photography package and consider ourselves the luckiest people in the world to have won. Besides the beautiful work they produce, The Vondys also have a talent of making everything better by just being there and went well out of their way to help us throughout the day. We cannot thank The Vondys enough for everything they did and the lifetime of memories they created for us.
Photographer: the vondys. | Event Planning: Vintage&Lace | Floral Design: Grace Flowers Hawaii | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Aloha Mondays | Hair & Makeup: Mara McMichael | DJ: DJ Rodney (808 Hype) | Groom's Attire: Ted Baker | Groomsmen's Attire: Bar III from Macys | Venue: Anna Heritage Ranch Center | Calligraphy - Invite: Barbara Callow Calligraphy | Calligraphy - Signage: Miss B Calligraphy | Ceremony & Reception: Anna Heritage Ranch Center | Ceremony Musician: Duke Tatom | Dessert: Lloyd Leong | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Live Band: Kahulanui | Rentals: Hawaii Island Events
If you ask me, it doesn’t get more romantic than a classic city wedding. And this celebration set in downtown Vancouver completely fits the bill. Melia Lucida captured as the day unfolded, including a touch of rain that made for the sweet bride and groom portraits under an umbrella.
From the photographer… Both the ceremony and reception of this classic downtown Vancouver wedding were held in the Spanish Ballroom of the luxurious historic Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The coziness of the interior was in pleasant contrast to the June downpour outside on the streets. The event was planned and coordinated by Kasia Wardowicz of Alicia Keats Weddings and Events and bedecked with leafy greens from Garden Party Flowers, blush and white blooms which were complimented by tones of gold in the decor.
The bride and groom enjoyed a lunch break with the bridal party after the ceremony and family photos before heading out to the streets with the bridal party and their umbrellas followed by a limo trip on their own (with their photo and video teams) to the empty seawall of Stanley Park for some relaxed portraits alone. They returned to cocktail hour for a few more family photos with grandma and a candlelit reception.
Photography: Melia Lucida, Photographer | Cinematography: Love Story Media | Wedding Planning: Alicia Keats | Floral Design: Garden Party Flowers | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: Noms by Mon | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Jewelry: Elsa Corsi | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Makeup : Jasmine Hoffman | Officiant: Brent Sheppard | Venue: Rosewood Hotel Georgia | Decor: Upright Decor | Rentals: Pedersens
This is what winter in Florida looks like; a.k.a. gorgeous and I promise I’m only a tiny bit jealous. With styling and planning by Fabulous Chic Weddings, stunning film photography by The Ganeys and the perfect touch of rose gold, it all makes this rustic meets elegant celebration feel so, so luxurious.
From Courtney of Fabulously Chic Weddings… The bride described how she wanted her wedding to look as “romantic, soft, classic, clean, rustic, and natural”. Ali wanted to accent the beautiful dusty blue shade with gold, rose gold, and the natural element of wood, for the perfect combination of rustic and sophistication. For the florals, the bride wanted mostly ivory flowers with hints of soft blue. We opted for greenery to tie into garden feel of the courtyard, and Queen Anne’s lace for a little more of the rustic feel. LaTavola’s Tuscany line was the perfect linen-like texture for the rustic look. The subtle blue shade “Ocean” brought the perfect blue-gray hue that didn’t look like a baby shower. With religion being such an important part of their lives, they opted to unite in front of an 8 foot tall wooden cross, accented with beautiful blue chiffon and garden florals. Although Ali wanted a beautiful wedding, at the end of the day, what was most important to her was how fun the day was. Ali and Brock opted to do a first look and family photos before the ceremony, which allowed them to enjoy the cocktail hour under the ambiance of the cafe lights and perfect Florida “winter” temperatures to the fullest. The detail the couple cared about the most was the donut bar. Bennet’s donuts are a favorite of the bride and groom’s. They were so excited to share the tasty treat, especially their favorite flavor, maple bacon, as a late night snack and favor for the guests to take home.
From Emily of Emily Katharine Photography… My favorite part of Ali & Brock’s wedding day was the first look. They opted to do something that most couples don’t to make this time even more unique. After their first look, they exchanged their wedding vows. They loved the idea that it was more intimate, and a way to make that commitment to each other with no other distractions. They both ended their vows with the same sentence, and after that, I lost it. It was a beautiful moment.
Photography: The Ganeys | Florist: Libby's Flowers | Invitations: Minted | Bride's shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN | Makeup artist: Kellie Heckler | Hair stylist: Darla DaLucca | Calligraphy: Swirls & Sunshine | DJ: Wiley Entertainment | Favors: Bennett's Donuts | Officiant: Jason Justice | Hotel: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point | Chargers and chairs: Party Time Rentals | Dress designer: Pronovias | Dress shop: Laura Jacobs Bridal | Film processing: Richard Photo Lab | Lighting, cross, and dance floor: Island Events | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Papergoods (menu and table numbers): Foiled Merriments | Planner and Stylist: Fabulously Chic Weddings | Signage: Sweet Carolina Collective
Venue hunting was by far, the most stressful, overwhelming part of my personal wedding planning journey – and I imagine I’m not alone. Contracts, confusing terms and all the back and forth left me exhausted and confused. I needed tips and tricks for navigating this uncharted territory and that’s why we have our friends at Easton Events here today to give us the scoop. From what to keep in mind when searching for your special spot to say “I do” to getting the most of your venue, here’s what you need to know!
Getting the most competitive pricing: Venues tend to not be very flexible with their pricing but there are a few factors that may influence their willingness to negotiate. The time of year for your wedding can definitely motivate them to negotiate. Pick off-season months and be flexible with your date. For example, venues on the East Coast are highly unlikely to negotiate for a Saturday in October, but selecting a Sunday in August gives you much more leverage.
Let the salesperson know that their venue is your first choice and that your budget is restricted. Your ability to connect with that salesperson is critical. Finding the right balance of being persistent, persuasive and respectful is key. If you can “engage” with them, they are more likely to make concessions and be flexible.
The time between booking your wedding and the actual wedding date is important as well. If you are trying to book 18 months out, pricing normally will be very firm. But if you are looking at dates six months out, which is shorter than the typical booking cycle (for dates that probably wouldn’t book otherwise), you have a great deal of leverage. Your headcount can also affect your ability to negotiate. If the venue is also handling the food and beverage, a large guest count will give you more influence.
The Booking Basics
Before you fall in love (with your venue) and sign the contract, read the fine print!
How many guests can the space accommodate?
What time can you start setup on property?
When can your guests arrive?
What time must your wedding conclude?
Can you have music outside?
Can the wedding party get ready on site?
What is the rain plan for ceremony and/or cocktails?
What size vehicles can be used for guest transportation?
Will the venue assist in any elements of planning or ceremony assistance?
Are there additional services offered and what are the associated fees?
Are we required to select our wedding vendors from an “Exclusive Vendor List”?
Will I need to provide, lighting, additional restrooms, AV or stage?
** Ask to be referred to a couple of brides who have married in the last year to get their feedback on their experience. The more you know and understand what your venue is able and willing to do for you the happier your planning experience will be!
Know the Difference Between “Will vs. Won’t” and “Can vs. Cannot”
Different venues provide different services, and it’s important to understand exactly what support the venue offers. Using the terms “will vs. won’t” often refers to service – your venue may offer to set out the place cards, for example, but won’t be responsible for babysitting your young guests.
Verbiage around “can vs. can’t” usually comes down to the fine print and non-negotiable terms.
For example, the capacity, noise ordinances, types of vehicles permitted on site, event end time, may be set in stone – no matter how good your relationship is with the event venue, you can’t change these.
Preferred vs. Exclusive Vendors
Find out if your venue has a preferred or exclusive vendor list. A preferred vendor list will consist of selected vendors who have been vetted by the venue, but you will still be permitted to consider vendors not on their list.
An exclusive vendor list means you can only use these vendors, which can drive up costs as clearly only a few vendors have a “lock” on the venue.
Alexis and Murphy decided to tie the knot in Punta Cana and with one look at the photos by Melissa Jill it’s easy to see why. Think white sand, crystal blue water, and true paradise in every sense of the word. They brought on seasoned wedding pros like The Eventeur to bring their “classic, lux” vision to life, and in our opinion? They nailed it.
From The Eventeur… Alexis and Murphy were married in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic with the Caribbean palm trees and lapping ocean water as a backdrop. Alexis has family on the island – in fact, her mother was born and raised there –which made the Dominican Republic as meaningful a destination as it was scenic. Punta Cana boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and Alexis & Murphy’s wedding there was an absolute fairy tale from start to finish. But even the glories of nature couldn’t outshine how stunning and joyous the bride & groom looked as they were wed!
The design of the wedding was lux and classic, with white flowers and elegant details, like the pierced wood fans for the guests to use and the perfectly mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses. Tradition and family are important to the couple, and Alexis was moved to tears when Murphy surprised her with his grandmother’s ring as she prepared for the day.
The wedding was also seasoned with vibrant and unique touches, which accented the refined style and made it a perfect fit for the fun, adventurous couple. The groom, who plays minor league baseball, presented his groomsmen with custom bobbleheads, and cocktail hour was energized by the music of a Dominican trio band. The newlyweds and their guests danced the night away beneath the stars.
Photography: Melissa Jill Photography | Cinematography: The Love Studio | Event Planning: The Eventeur | Floral Design: Verderana Always Green | Wedding Dress: Watters Wtoo | Cake: Cake Studios Bavaro | Stationery: Idieh Design | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Puntacana Resort & Club | Hair + Makeup: Anna Nuet | DJ: APC Entertainment | Suits: Suitsupply | Venue: Puntacana Resort & Club | Dress Boutique: Mariée | Rentals: Punta Cana Party Events
Meet the Pink Star diamond, a whopping 59.60-carat Flawless Fancy Vivid Pink diamond that just sold in Hong Kong for $71.2 million, breaking records for the most expensive diamond or gemstone ever sold at auction. But that’s not the only record this gem holds — it’s also the largest internally Flawless, Fancy Vivid Pink diamond the GIA has ever graded.
Originally a 132.5 carat rough diamond, the Pink Star took two years to cut and polish after being mined in Botswana by De Beers in 1999. In 2013, it made an appearance on the auction scene when it sold for $83 million to diamond cutter Isaac Wolf, but the transaction fell through when he couldn’t come up with the money, leaving Sotheby’s with the stone.
Renowned jeweler Chow Fai Fook is the proud new owner of this oval mixed-cut beauty, originally mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999. The previous record holder for most expensive jewel was the 14.6 carat Oppenheimer Blue, which sold for $58 million at Christie’s last May.
Photography: Sotheby's
Your besties? The most awesome group of ladies you know. So when the time comes to pop that all-too-important question (“Will you be my bridesmaid?”), simply calling or texting is not an option. You need to get creative, y’all. So today we’re teaming up with our friends at Luxy Theory for some show-stopping ways to show your loves this is an important moment, along with a fabulous giveaway!! Scroll for our five faves.
Okay, ladies. Who doesn’t love a shiny new pair of pearl earrings? The answer is no one, so it makes more than perfect sense to gift your besties with a set of White South Sea pearls that are as rare and difficult to find as they are beautiful. Think 100% genuine, completely untreated pearls from Luxy Theory that are literally the highest grade you can find with a high luster and almost flawless surface. In other words? Your fave ladies will love you.
Engagements are filled with bubbly popping moments, and asking your besties to stand beside you through every.single.one of them is the first. We love the idea of getting creative with cute little bottles of your favorite sparkling beverage, because honestly? It’s the perfect way to start off this journey together. I mean, there will be many moments of clinking glasses in your future. Make this one the best.
Love notes aren’t just for your special someone – writing out your feelings for those ladies who’ve been with you through thick and thin is just as touching… and awesome. So when the time comes to ask your faves to cry with you over dresses, taste test cake and help you choose the perfect florals, remind them why you’re friendship has stood the test of time… and why you simply can’t get married without them.
Have a favorite lotion you know your besties will love? Or want to give them a gift card to that special restaurant they are always talking about? Then putting it all together in a sweet little gift is the perfect option. From little token of your affection to that special something you know they’ll love, wrap it all up in a little box and let them know you need their support throughout this entire process. And that includes late night decisions on dress colors.
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than a surprise cupcake (or two). So springing a tasty treat on your future maids? Brilliant. From cookies to donuts to that crazy cool mini cake, shipping them each a little something from the yummy department is one way to guarantee they’ll jump at the chance to be your bridesmaid.
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From drop-dead gorgeous jewelry to tasty beverages to yummy treats, making sure your maids know just how much you care is priority number one. That’s why teaming up with a place like Luxy Theory is key. With AAA to AAAA Grade South Sea Pearls (the highest grade that represents just 2% of the pearl harvest!), you can WOW your besties in the best way possible. Find out how to win a pair below.
What: Luxy Theory is giving away a pair of 11-12mm South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings featuring two lustrous AAA-grade South Sea pearls mounted on solid 18-karat gold posts. (Value $6000)
To Enter: CLICK HERE
For Terms & Conditions: CLICK HERE
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Photography: Jodee Debes Phtography (Champagne) + Katie Stoops Photography (Sweet Notes) + Ruth Eileen Photography (Fabuous Gift) + Simply Lace Photography (Tasty Treats)
Calling all shoe lovers… this one’s for you. Because if you have a sweet spot in your heart for breathtaking heels, romantic flats and everything in between, we’re counting down ten of our faves from one of the best in the biz – Bella Belle. Created by two besties that know a thing or two about luxurious leather, hand-sewn beadwork and total comfort, they’ve got this shoe thing down to an absolute science. Plus, they’re amazingly gorgeous. Fall in love below.
It’s not everyday you slip your foot into a gem like the beauties that Bella Belle crafts, but if any day absolutely calls for it, it’s your wedding day. Think a fresh + feminine approach to design with a collection of shoes that will truly wow (seriously). From the intricate beading to the stylish embroideries and textures to the padded soles that are perfect for dancing down the aisle, showing off your fab personality has never been easier… or more awesome. Plus, each stunning pair is packaged in Bella Belle’s signature blue box. Which means that chic style starts the moment it arrives at your doorstep. Who needs a pair?
Visit Bella Belle today to check out everything from their beaded flats to sandals that are everything you’ve ever wanted to the perfect pair of bow-tied heels. Trust us, you guys… you are going to look awesome.
First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes the ultimate honeymoon. And if you want a honeymoon as perfect as your wedding, there’s only one place to look: Black Tomato. We teamed up with the luxury travel planners to dream up the 12 most romantic, relaxing and OMG-worthy honeymoons so all you have to do is enjoy that newlywed bliss. Check out the trip highlights below (any can be tailored to fit your wish list!) and then head to Black Tomato to book the honeymoon of a lifetime! P.S. Don’t forget to mention Style Me Pretty when you check out!
From an island tour in Indonesia to a stop in California before relaxing like a star in Bora Bora, take a peek at the twelve unreal SMP + Black Tomato itineraries below!
Spend twelve nights traveling around the Indonesian islands, seeing the temples of Java, the beaches of Lombok and the rice paddies of Bali. After indulging in some adventure, you’ll get to relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches soaking in the sun and that newlywed bliss!
La dolce vita awaits in the rolling hills of Italy for this divine 10-night honeymoon! Kiss your wedding diet goodbye (and bring on the wine and carbs) with delectable meals in Tuscany before heading south to the pristine beaches of Sorrento and Amalfi for a little R&R — Italian style!
The perfect marriage of cultural adventure and seaside relaxation, this 10-night trip through Spain gives you the best of the best. From the idyllic islands of Mallorca, Formentera and Ibiza to buzzing Barcelona, experience luxury at its finest.
If you’re going to do a safari, you need to do it right, and loves, this is how you do it right. This 13-night adventure starts with a tour of Cape Town before heading up the coast for spectacular sunsets and delicious wine. Then, get up close and personal with exotic wildlife at an exclusive game resort before jetting off to Mozambique to relax and unwind.
Get your fix of Wanderlust and embark on cultural discovery with this 11-night adventure in Argentina and Uruguay. Tango in Buenos Aires, master the art of wine blending in Malbec country before hopping the border to Uruguay, where you’ll soak up the sun on the glamorous beaches of Jose Ignacio!
White sand beaches, crystal clear water, private islands and 12 uninterrupted nights with your new hubs — what could be better?! Feel the sand between your toes on the exclusive island of Mustique before setting sail aboard a private yacht to Tobago Cays and Petit St Vincent. Finish your honeymoon in paradise on the pristine beaches of Barbados. Trust us, you’ll never want to leave!
Cozy up to marriage in magical Iceland, where you’ll have a honeymoon like no other. Whether you’re exploring the rugged landscape on an ATV, watching the Northern Lights or scuba diving between tectonic plates, you’ll love this unconventional 5-night mini moon in one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
The plane ride to New Zealand is long, but once you get there, you’ll see why it’s so worth it! Feast your eyes on the jaw-dropping landscapes while partaking in the country’s most unique adventures (helicoptering over volcanoes, boating around Queenstown or climbing skyscrapers in Auckland to name a few). Then, switch into relaxation mode on the gorgeous islands of Fiji. Among the lush forests and stunning beaches, discover what newlywed bliss really means!
Experience South East Asia the way you were meant to with this 14-night adventure through the urban centers of Vietnam and the ancient temples of Cambodia. From exclusive guided tours through some of history’s greatest architectural treasures to exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi to sunset dinners on the water, there’s not a moment of this trip you won’t love!
Loves, we’re calling this the Ultimate Beach Honeymoon, and with 14 nights spent in paradise, it’s just that. Combing the idyllic island lagoon in the Maldives with the rich culture, colonial history and jaw-dropping beaches of Sri Lanka, this is so much more than just a beach honeymoon — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss. Bonus: a safari in Yala National Park where you just may find some elephants, leopards and monkeys!
Home to cherry blossoms and one of the world’s most affluent cities, Japan is the perfect honeymoon for the couple who wants something a little out-of-the-box. Experience ancient traditions and contemporary culture as you travel from cutting-edge Tokyo to picturesque Kyoto to the sacred island of Miyajima before heading home with memories that will last you a lifetime!
If you’re marrying the love of your life, it’s safe to say you’re living the dream, but take it one step further with this truly incredible honeymoon through the best of California and magical French Polynesia. From San Francisco to Napa Valley to Yosemite to Big Sur, experience all that California has to offer before jetting off to heaven (a.k.a. Bora Bora). Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches await you in this idyllic island paradise. Before you head back to reality, live it up in La La Land — the perfect end to the perfect honeymoon!
A great photographer like LR Photography will do just about anything for a good picture. Including follow their bride and groom-to-be 6,000 feet up in the California mountains for an engagement session they’ll always remember. Trust us – one peek at the images and you’ll agree those views were so worth the trek.
From LR Photography… I had to pleasure of capturing Kristin and Kevin’s engagement session in this unique location in nestled 6000 feet up in the Southern California mountains. We hiked back into the mountains capturing the sweet love that Kristine and Kevin have between one another.
Kristine has such a softness about her that made photographing her a dream, and Kevin’s smile was infectious. I was so lucky to have Brier Rose created a gorgeous bouquet made from garden roses and pampas grass. The end of the session was topped off overlooking inspiration point and the most gorgeous afternoon glow.
Photography: Lr Photography | Floral Design: Brier Rose Design
Relationships aren’t always rainbows and butterflies; they take work, compromise and patience – and these two right here are proof that it’s all 110% worth it. From long distances to ER visits and now a deployment, they’ve weathered storms and come out stronger. Duffy Photo & Film captured their love in person with this gorgeous shoot in the Garden of the Gods – just in time for their upcoming June nuptials. See more in our Vault right this way!
From the Bride-to-be, Katie… Ryan and I met in college at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where we were introduced by a mutual friend. We didn’t immediately begin dating, however, as our lives took us in different directions. A few years after graduating, we reconnected through none other than the social media app Snapchat! Ryan had been stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky and I was living in St. Louis. Although a couple states away, four hours was all that stood between us. We began communicating and planned on going to a St. Louis Cardinal game for the Fourth of July.
The date went very well (perhaps with the help of some alcohol to ease the nerves), and Ryan and I bravely (or stupidly) decided to begin a long distance relationship. Being a school based Speech-Language Pathologist, I have summers off. I was able to go visit Ryan a couple weeks later in Kentucky. Again, we were both nervous because this would be the second weekend that we spent together during our new relationship. Somehow, we survived July and made it to August.
Unfortunately the Army took Ryan to California for the entire month of August. Not only was he not the usual four hours away, he was now across the country! We stayed in touch through texting and calling and finally made it to September.
September was a critical month in our relationship. During a visit to Kentucky, I slipped and hit my head/face (pretty darn hard) and ended up with a black eye. If that wasn’t enough, Ryan developed appendicitis and ended up in the ER. There I was, swollen face and black eye sitting next to a stubborn, try-to-be-tough-thru-the-pain Ryan in a hospital all weekend. That was a sight to see! It was September that we began to realize how deep our feelings truly were for one another.
Let’s jump to the proposal. Ryan was stationed at Fort Lee, Virgina for his Captain’s Career Course Training for his promotion to Captain in the Army. We were prepared to spend three months apart until I could visit during my spring break at the end of March. I share a birthday weekend with his sister, so I wasn’t at all surprised that their dad and step-mom invited us over for dinner to celebrate our birthdays. The whole family (my mom, Ryan’s mom, etc) was invited, which also didn’t raise any red flags because we have all celebrated Thanksgiving together. I arrived at Ryan’s dad’s around 6 p.m. and put my purse and coat in a spare bedroom. He asked me to go into the garage to grab a beer and walking back into the kitchen I was extremely surprised to find Ryan standing there smiling. Thinking that was my surprise, I immediately went to him and hugged him. Ryan gave me a card (his family is big on cards… I think he gets it from his mom ;) ) so I opened it and began reading. As I was reading I realized everyone was recording me on their phones. When I got to the en, Ryan was down on one knee. He pulled out a beautiful ring and asked me to marry him. It was the best night of my life. Reluctantly, we spent another couple of months apart until Ryan completed his career course training.
Fast forward to now: the military has brought us to Fort Carson in Colorado. After a couple years of being apart, we are finally together… in the same state! We are excited to continue our journey in beautiful Colorado Springs. That excitement was short lived as Ryan is now proudly serving our wonderful country overseas in Afghanistan instead of acclimating to our new life in Colorado.
Soon after our engagement, Ryan and I set a wedding date for June 3, 2017. I was extremely excited to begin wedding planning. It was a piece of cake to find a venue. Once that was booked, our amazing wedding coordinator gave us a list of vendors. From that list of referrals, Ryan and I chose to reach out to Duffy Photo & Film and were immediately impressed with Ali’s style and professionalism. Since we found out Ryan was deploying, we did not think we would have the time for an engagement session since we were stationed in Colorado and wouldn’t have time for a trip back to St. Louis, MO. Our amazing, incredibly talented photographer offered to travel to Colorado Springs with her business partner and husband, Beau. Ryan was set to leave August 5, 2016. With proper communication and a little fate, Ali and Beau arrived to complete our photo shoot on August 1, 2016…perfect timing and perfect weather to shoot our engagement session at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, CO. We were thrilled! Ali and Beau did an amazing job and our pictures turned out beautifully. I cannot wait for Ryan to see the portraits hanging on our wall when he gets home from his deployment.
Throughout our relationship, Ryan and I have been tested. Our entire relationship revolved around ‘the next long weekend,’ or ‘a holiday break,’ or ‘summer time.’ We thought we were finally catching a break when I decided to move to Colorado with Ryan. Soon after we arrived, Ryan got the orders to “cross the pond” and take command of a unit stationed in Afghanistan. As a soon-to-be military wife, I was faced with several changes and heartache. The distance was nothing new, however, the time difference, the length of time apart, and the acclimation to a new environment was new to both of us. This is Ryan’s first deployment and my first time being exposed to the military lifestyle. This has been our ultimate test. Fortunately, I met new friends while Ryan has been gone. I’ve also kept myself busy with my job as well as wedding planning. There is no easy way to get through a deployment.
The biggest take-aways I have learned from Ryan’s and my challenges are to #1 Communicate your feelings as soon as you can – don’t hold them in; it’ll cause bigger issues. #2 Don’t blame one another for the timing, scheduling conflicts, and Uncle Sam when duty calls. #3 Trust in God and believe that one another is in good hands. #4 Trust one another! #5 No matter how often (or little) you’re able to talk, you have to know and believe you are each other’s number one and always in each others’ hearts.
Thank you for listening to our story. It’s only just beginning. :)
Photography: Duffy Photo Film | Floral Design: Flora By Nora | Bride-to-be's Boots: Kohl's | Bride-to-be's Jeans: Express | Bride-to-be's Jewelry: Macy's | Bride-to-be's Top: Charming Charlie | Cheese Knives: Restoration Hardware | Cutting Board: Etsy - Bungalow Boo | Film Processing + Scanning: Indie Film Lab | Groom-to-be's Jeans: American Eagle | Groom-to-be's Shirt: American Eagle | Groom-to-be's Shoes: Rockport
This nursery designed by mama and blogger, Lauren Foster of Love Lola, is as bright and happy as the adorable leading lady that it was crafted for. And who doesn’t love a tassel trim curtain moment? No one that’s who. Peek inside this magical space photographed by Jessie Nichols that embraces color in the best of ways.
I had so much fun designing my little girl, Piper’s, nursery. She has a head full of red hair and a fiery personality to match it. I wanted the room to capture her personality, so I went with a white, bright backdrop and added pops of color. When planning her nursery I originally thought I would stick to a neutral palette. But when I found the pink rug from Babasouk, I completely turned my design plan around. The rug was the first item for the room I purchased and I designed the rest of the room around it, bringing in pops of blue, pink, and yellow. I decorated the floating hexagon shelves with a few mementos for a personal touch, including her ultrasound picture and sterling mug from her great grandmother. I didn’t finish the room until a few months after she was born, but it was well worth the wait. It serves as her nursery and our playroom, and we have clocked many special hours reading books and singing songs in here. I know it will transition well into a toddler room, and is the perfect backdrop to watching her grow.
Photography: Jessi Nichols Photography | Design: Lauren Foster Of Love Lola | Changing Pad: Land Of Nod | Cloud Pillow: Land Of Nod | Cotton Candy Pillow: Land Of Nod | Crib: Ikea | Curtains: Wayfair | Diaper Cart: Ikea | Elephant Rocker: Pottery Barn Kids | Flamingo: Anthropologie | Floor Lamp: Ikea | For Like Ever Print: Super Rural | Hexagon Shelves: Etsy | Leather Pouf: Hayneedle | Neon Dash Blanket: Land Of Nod | Neon Nightstand: Land Of Nod | Rocking Chair: Nursery Works | Rug: Babasouk | The World is Your Oyster Print: Lulu & Georgia | Unicorn: Target | Yellow Dress: June and January
