When wedding industry vets get married, there’s a pretty good chance it’s gonna be gorgeous. Need proof? Check out this colorful Charleston wedding of one of the floral designers of Branch Design Studio. Dana Cubbage captured the beautiful blooms that were everywhere AND every angle of this blush wedding dress from Gown Boutique of Charleston. Film Anywhere Productions got in on the live action and it’s all in our Vault gallery right this way!

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From Dana Cubbage Weddings… I have known Eliza for a few years now and have worked with her more times than I can count. She is one of the talented floral artists at Branch Design Studio here in Charleston and when she contacted me last year right after she got engaged, needless to say I was THRILLED!! It’s always such an honor when another industry colleague asks you to be a part of their wedding day. I knew Eliza’s wedding day would be incredible and I have to say… it was everything I envisioned and SO MUCH MORE!!

Naturally, the florals were breathtaking. The ladies at Branch truly outdid themselves for Eliza’s big day. So much texture and so many bright colors… I was in absolute HEAVEN! Eliza’s blush tulle ballgown was a definite showstopper and every single detail of the day was thoughtfully addressed. The Gadsden House was the PERFECT venue for this garden-inspired soiree and the weather couldn’t have been better for Eliza and Ben as they said “I do!” in front of their family and friends. Lauren and her team at ELM Events did such an outstanding job. Everything was pure perfection and I’m still on cloud nine!! I could honestly go one for days about this wedding, but I’ll just let the photos do the talking.

Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Videography: Film Anywhere Productions | Event Planning: ELM Events | Floral Design: Branch Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Essense Of Australia | Cake: Ashley Bakery | Stationery: Elli | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Mosaic Catering & Events | Hair + Makeup: Lashes And Lace Charleston | DJ: DJ Wade Of Other Brother Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Wedding Venue: Gadsden House | Bridal Boutique: Gown Boutique of Charleston | Vintage Rentals: 428 Main Vintage Rentals

While they may have crossed paths years ago in the military, it wasn’t until they had a second chance at love and life that they really were able to kick off their happily ever after. So, full of gratitude and love, these two said “I do” and celebrated with a rustic, elegant Texas affair, coordinated by Emily Leach, and captured by Julie Wilhite. It’s a fall fete sure to inspire – see every pretty pic in our Vault right this way!

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From Julie Wilhite… Jennifer and Tim met while both working at the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization dedicated to providing unique, direct programs and services to injured service members. When Jennifer moved from Florida for the job, she vowed to remain single for at least a year in her new city. Yet two months later, she found herself on a first date with Tim. Charmed, she quickly changed her mind about staying single and they have been inseparable ever since.

They realized that they shared many similarities and experiences, both personally and professionally. They were even deployed overseas at the same time and they often ponder if they ever crossed paths, as she was a flight medic and Tim was severely injured just three weeks before coming home from his seven month deployment. Tim was medically retired after losing his left leg below the knee and Jennifer separated from the military after that deployment. Now, ten years and many not-so-happy-ending relationships later – they met one another and the rest is history.

Although they voiced no doubt that their wedding would be both beautiful and fun, they were genuinely most excited for one thing: to be married. They both had nearly lost faith in the idea of settling down based on their past relationship experiences, so they truly feel beyond blessed to have found one another.

As Jennifer says: A wedding is the ultimate celebration of two people overcoming life’s many twists and turns to get to this point. Tim came very close to losing his life, so this wedding is a time for us to reflect on the blessings of each other and, in a sense, second chances.

They didn’t necessarily have a theme; but more of a focus on gratitude, love, and celebrating their union wholeheartedly. Their outdoor celebration was many things, although heartfelt, beautiful and simple are the words that come to mind. The wedding took place in the scenic Garden Grove just outside of Austin, Texas. The design was kept soft and natural with romantic, feminine touches throughout the details. Lush florals in a range of neutrals including cream, beige, and blush were accented by bold plum and hints of seasonal fall foliage. Wood accents and a feminine color palette carried through into the stationery and signage. The party was all housed under a whimsical canvas tent illuminated by string lighting that has us swooning still! Their guests were a riot, speeches and music performances shot straight to your heart and the details were not to go unnoticed. Beyond the signage, our favorites were the laser cut name cards, gold flatware + celebratory favors!

All vendors involved can attest that they are truly the sweetest couple. It was our pleasure to make their special day everything they dreamed of!

Photography: Julie Wilhite Photography | Floral Design: Clementine Botanical Art | Bakery: Walton's Fancy & Staple | Invitations: Gourmet Invitations | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Makeup: Avery Allen Makeup | Hair: Debbie Murphy | Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design | DJ: B-Boy Productions | Venue: Garden Grove | Coordination + Event Design: Bird Dog Wedding | Lawn Games: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals | Photobooth: Le Photo Booth Company | Rentals: Premiere Events | Rentals: Whim Hospitality | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals

I’m just going to say this. A really good wedding boils down to three key ingredients: the food, the booze and the music. If you can nail those three elements, no matter what your style might be, your wedding will go down in the books as being the best wedding ever. And this one – photographed to utter perfection by Corina V. Photography and planned with such attention to each gorgeous detail by Ashley Pigott – is right up there at the top. Plus it features the most gorgeous dress we’ve ever seen as a total bonus. Click here to see even more!

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From the Wedding Planner, Ashley Pigott…Absolute perfection – those words have never rung more true than on Karen & Matt’s wedding day. The heat of the summer had faded and what remained was the most picture perfect day, sun shining, clear blue skies and two of the most beautiful people I have ever had the opportunity to work with.

Karen and Matt wanted to feel as though they were at their cottage, which was under construction and would not be ready in time to host their guests. They fell in love with the grounds and charm of Miller Lash House before Karen set off to work abroad for 6 months. They booked the space knowing that the tent on the grounds and garden setting would allow their guests to feel as though they had left the city.

Lots of greenery and wooden elements with varying shades of purples as accents. Each Bridesmaid wore a unique gown, and we matched each bouquets with the same colour Mokuba Ribbon. Guests were greeted by a string trio playing some of Karen and Matts favourite songs. The ceremony was intimate and beautiful under the late summer sun. Cocktails included Sangria, a nod to one of the couples favourite cottage beverage. We designed a green wall that hung each place card individually with lavender ribbons. This wall was repurposed as the backdrop to our Polaroid Photo Station after dinner where guests snapped selfies and group shots then wrote messages to the couple acting as a guestbook for them to keep.

The tent was designed with the natural elements of wood harvest tables, garlands of greenery and white blooms scattered throughout. An added mix of crystal candles, gold beaded chargers and gold cutlery elevated the rustic feel and brought through the grace and elegance of Karen, our stunning bride, a classic beauty. As the sun set, and magic hour was upon us, the light that filled the tent and warmth of their friends and family created the most magical setting. A night to remember for a life time. And lets not forget the grooms Hip Hop performance to kick off the dancing, lets just say everyone was out of their seats and on the dance floor within seconds.

From Karen (the Bride)…I know it’s cliche, but it truly was the best day. Even a few months later, we are still relishing in the love we felt surrounded by. The most important element for us was for everyone to have a good time. We wanted to throw an epic party and still be true to ourselves and what we love. We love good food and wine (and hip hop music), but we are pretty relaxed and casual people and wanted to focus on what we love most – being with our family and friends.

Working with our planner – Ashley Pigott – and all of our vendors was a breeze – we count ourselves as very lucky. Especially because we were planning from afar and most of our meetings happened over Skype or FaceTime.

Ashley was with us every step of the way and was able to translate our wishes into the dream wedding. We had a great backdrop to work with – the stunning grounds of Miller Lash House. It is so quaint and charming and makes you forget you are in the city. The natural greenery both at the ceremony site and surrounding the tent lent itself to the relaxed vibe we were going for.

For my bridesmaid squad of 8 girls I wanted each of them to feel comfortable and pick out their own dress and colour. I gave some guidance with a colour palette that was inspired by the early evening sky – greys, purples, and pinks. I have always loved sunsets and the variety of colours, subtle and bright, that come out at that time of day. We had a blast going together to try on dresses. A wonderful moment was seeing all of them dressed up on the big day – I hadn’t seen all the colours and dresses together until that moment and it just worked out so well.

We worked with a wonderful florist – Gisele from Nous Design Group who, after meeting for two hours, just understood what we wanted. The final setup literally took my breath away.

The beauty of our photographs really speak to the talent of our photographer Corina. Corina was amazing to work with – she was there to make us feel comfortable and encourage us to follow her creativity, yet we never felt like she was in the way.

We are so happy with the end result. Our most memorable moment was right after our first dance together (we danced to Common The Light). As the song was coming to a close, our bridal party joined us on the dance floor in a massive group hug slash dancing circle. Then it morphed into a surprise throwback performance of Talksic – a rap group my husband and his best friend were a part of in high school. It literally got every single person on the dance floor grooving to hip hop. #missionaccomplished.

Photographer: Corina V. Photography | Videographer: James Frodyma | Event Planning: Ashley Pigott Events | Floral Design: Nous Design Group | Gown: Carolina Herrera | Invitations: Papergrafix | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Reformation | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Catering: Marigolds And Onions | Make Up: Gregory Graveline | Hair: Sofie Sky | DJ: Colm Schlosser | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Officiant: Ceremonies To Remember | Cake & Sweet Table: Truffle Toronto | Ceremony & Reception: Miller Lash House | Day of Stationery: Papergrafix | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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As Adam Sandler would say, “Put on your Yamaka, it’s time for Hanukkah.” Well, you don’t have to put on your Yamaka, but it would probably be a good idea to get ready for Hanukkah with these festive entertaining essentials. Whether a whimsical Menorah or elegant fine china, these goods are so pretty, you’ll want to keep them out all year round!

Chic Hanukkah Decor

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Chic Hanukkah Decor

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More Ways to Deck the Halls + Make Spirits Bright

10 Essentials for the Perfect Bar

Hot Cocoa Recipes to Keep You Warm this Winter

The Best DIY Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas

We got the 411 on some gorgeous bridal beauty looks last week thanks to Mar and Nicole of TEAM Hair & Makeup but we’re just not ready to move on. Call us greedy but we want more. More details, more products, more pretty looks. So the ladies are back with a step-by-step guide on how to get this no makeup, makeup look that’s totally on trend for 2017. Matthew Ree of CLY BY MATTHEW snapped the pics and between these and the info below, we’re set and satisfied… for now :)

Skin Prep

Start with healthy skin! Apply Beautycounter’s Hydrating Face Oil Serum to clean skin, massage this into the entire face. I love this facial serum because it doesn’t leave behind a residue.

Foundation

Water based airbrush foundation was used to create this flawless skin. A light spray is all that’s needed. Did you know using airbrush foundation allows for the lightest application for foundation? We used less than half of would be needed with a bottled foundation!

Highlighter

We used Becca Cosmetics Jaclyn Hill Face Palette in a “C” shape from cheek to brow. Apply the coral blush then apply a wash of translucent powder over the blush for a light and airy effect.

Eyes

Using a champagne colored eyeshadow – try Smashbox or MAC for a one layer application – and place from lid to crease. Use a matte vanilla shade for under the brow bone. For liner, use a brown gel liner – Inglot has a great non-transfer formula – then take a bright shadow in blue and follow the line 3/4 of the way out. Apply a natural strip of lashes to complete the look.

Lips

Using a pink lipstick – Chanel Ultra Hydrating LipColour in Vera is perfect – apply with a brush for a light application and finish off with MAC Lipglass in Angel.

Finishing Touch

Apply two sprays of MAC Charge Water for a overall luminous hydrating effect!

But let’s not forget about this amazing hair…

Curl

Using a 1.5 inch iron, wrap your hair around the barrel and curl the entire head.

Begin Braiding

Then take the the bottom part of your hair, sweeping into a side ponytail, but begin a fishtail braid. Take the top part of your hair and pull back with your fingers and place each piece with a bobby pin.

Add Texture

Use a little salt spray – we love Bumble and Bumble – for some added texture.

Spray Away!

Finish it up with a firm spray like Chi’s Helmet Head!

More hair + makeup inspiration right this way…

Beauty Secrets Just in Time for the Holiday Season
Cold Weather Beauty Essentials We All Need!
Faux Glow Tips from TEAM Hair & Makeup 

Photography: CLY BY MATTHEW | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore | Hair + Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Bridal Boutique: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon | Hair Extensions: THM hair extensions

Diamonds are forever, but jewelry trends come and go. Thankfully, these 2017 engagement ring trends are so pretty, that we think they’ll be around for a very long time. How do we know? We talked to the experts (a.k.a. a few of our favorite jewelers). From unique shapes to beautiful bands to ornate halos, this year’s engagement ring trends will have you saying, “I definitely do!”

Susie Saltzman Says…

Rose Gold

Rose Gold continues to be the new metal of choice for brides who want something unique and extra special.  It’s a beautiful choice and really makes the diamond(s) pop!

Ornate Halos

An Ornate Halo can be a really personal way to make your ring stand out from the crowd.  I’m seeing rings that have more of a designed halo, opposed to the uniform micropavé halo we were seeing several years ago.  Designers seem to be updating their halo design by using diamonds of varying shapes and sizes.  It adds a bit of interest and can also make the ring feel a bit more vintage in style.

Accent Diamonds

Accent Diamonds are coming back into style.  Think of this as an update to the traditional three stone ring.  Designers are using more subtle side stones to accent their center diamond, opposed to three stone rings where all three diamonds or gemstones are close in size.  These petite diamonds let the main diamond or gemstone remain center stage.  I think we will continue to see the three stone ring evolve in 2017.

East West

East West settings have become a fresh way to use elongated diamonds – ovals, marquise and cushions for example.  It really makes your ring stand out from others who are gravitating toward these diamonds shapes that have come back into popularity over the past several years.

Chic Bands

Band Rings can be a really practical option for someone who is active or uses their hands a lot.  Women are collecting bands over the years as well to celebrate milestones, and I think we will see more brides going for stacked bands over time.  It’s a nice way to add character and design interest.

Tiffany & Co. Says…

Beautiful Bands

We at Tiffany understand that the love between two people takes many forms;  there’s no longer just one traditional path to marriage.  It’s accurate to say that band rings have become a popular alternative to engagement rings.

Classic Solitaires

That said, The classic solitaire, epitomized by the Tiffany^® Setting, will never go out of style.  The Tiffany^® Setting features six platinum prongs that lift the diamond off the band and into the light, producing a dazzling charisma.  The ring’s captivating presence reflects our reputation for the most beautiful diamonds on earth – icons of glamour and modern love.

Trumpet & Horn Says…

Unusual Shapes

In 2017, we’re predicting a growing preference for odd shapes and a break-away from the traditional (and very popular) Round Brilliant cut diamond. Unique oddballs like Pear, Cushion, Marquise, & Emerald Cuts will take center stage, set in a variety of different settings ranging from solitaires to halos & other unexpected designs.

Breaking Up With Matching Bands

Most vintage & antique rings were never crafted with a matching wedding band in mind, and in 2017 we’re expecting the trend of “non-matching” rings + bands to gain popularity. Many vintage & other unique engagement rings are simply not meant to “match” perfectly with a band – and that’s perfectly okay! Choosing an interesting band to compliment your ring is all a part of expressing your personal style – wear your band(s) stacked with your engagement ring, on your middle finger, or on your opposite hand – there are no “rules” you have to follow. Just go for it!

Imperfect is Perfect

This year we will fully embrace the idea that engagement rings are no longer about the “pursuit of perfection.” No relationship is completely “perfect,” and diamonds don’t have to be either! An engagement ring is about a feeling & a promise to love another person for life. We predict preferences for hand-cut, odd stones that aren’t perfectly white or internally flawless are going to become the norm, as people begin to embrace the idea that “perfection” isn’t that important after all.

A Splash of Color

We saw a strong preference for colored gemstones & diamond alternatives in 2016, and we predict this trend isn’t going anywhere for 2017! A splash of color, especially blue-green opals, dark navy sapphires, vibrant emeralds, and pale pink morganite will continue to capture the hearts of women everywhere next year.

Want to fall in love with love? Oh come on, it’s so good! These two right here are what it’s all about. Laughing, smiling and just loving every moment together, since the day they met. And when they decided to make it officially, the Bride walked down the aisle in her grandmother’s wedding dress, the same dress she use to twirl around in as a little girl. Hear that? It’s me sniffling away as happy tears roll down my face. Hoo Films captured all the action so we can have one sappy Saturday morning – enjoy!

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From Hoo Films… Here’s a fun and flirty story of two people who have mastered the “perfect balance of business and pleasure” since the day they met! Becky was on a work trip, while Jabez was hanging out at the pool with friends. He invited her to bring her laptop over to his cabana and join their party, while she could continue “working.” I love it. Becky and Jabez bring out the best in each other and can’t seem to stop laughing and smiling in each other’s presence. A unique and touching addition to this love story… the story of Becky twirling around as a little girl in her grandmother’s wedding dress. They considered cutting out a piece of it and sewing it into Becky’s wedding dress, but she says that just didn’t feel right. So low and behold, 64 years later, Becky walked down the aisle to marry her soulmate in her grandmother’s wedding dress! Our team went the extra step to find Grandma and capture this dress story directly from her… and oh my, it is so touching!!! It is clear these two cherish family, friends, and love living in the moment. And don’t miss the fun 1920’s style dancers at the end!

Photography: Gina & Ryan Photography | Cinematography: Hoo Films | Coordination: Details Details | Band: West Coast Music | Venue: St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort | Magician + Dancers: Elan Artists | Wedding Dress Designer: Jinza Couture Bridal

Hi SMP brides! Shelby here from Pretty in the Pines! With less than six months left until our wedding, we’ve started the process of registering for gifts. Before making any decisions, I decided to do some research and learn how to make a registry more meaningful and give it some purpose. I kept the following five tips in mind when creating our registry and I hope they’ll help you through the process.

Think About Future Traditions with Holidays in Mind.

When you begin your registry, really think about the family traditions you’ll want to have after you’re married. Personally, I would love to eventually be able to host family dinners around the holidays, something we’ve never had the chance to do.  We don’t have any large sets of plates for families of six or more, so we decided it would be smart to register for entertaining and dining sets for large family gatherings. One thing we use all of the time is our bar cart. Whenever we entertain we have a mobile station to keep the drinks flowing, food nearby, and spirits high. This made us consider glassware and cute bar tools like this as another good place to start when registering.

Make it About What Defines You as a Couple.

Since each couple is unique, make your registry true to who you are as a pair. If you’re more of the adventurous type, keep travel or camping items in mind. If you love to cook, focus on items that will help you in the kitchen. If you’re more casual and rarely have formal and fancy dinners, think twice before registering for crystal glassware you’ll rarely use. Thinking about TJ and me, we love spending time at home. While we love going out and meeting friends, our cozy living room is one of our favorite places. When registering we kept that in mind, adding a couple of cozy pillows, a throw blanket, and a nice cheese plate for wine nights! If you are really adventurous with the registry, try adding a couple of nice small furniture pieces, like an accent chair or ottoman.

Research Alternative Registries.

If you’re a couple who already has every item you need, consider creating a honeymoon registry. Different generations may have varied opinions on this, but some guests may really enjoy putting their money toward an experience rather than a material item. I once read that people who are truly happy spend more of their money on an experience rather than a commodity item. I definitely cherish the time I spend with TJ experiencing life together. This is something TJ and I have been debating. Besides contributing to “honeymoon funds”, some of these alternative registry websites allow friends and family to contribute towards other experiences like a date night, a cooking class, or even donations for a down payment on a house. Some websites also allow for the couple to put a portion of the funds toward a charity.

Consider Gifts That Give Back.

– While doing research on registering, I was surprised and humbled to see how more and more couples were giving guests the option to put funds toward an organization or charity that was important to the couple, as opposed to a typical registry gift. I have been to a few weddings where the couple gives a donation in lieu of party favors, but this really touched my heart. One thing that is very important to TJ and me is giving back, whether it be financially or with our time. We have seen a couple of the experience registries where you can take a percentage of the honeymoon fund and put it towards a charity or special organization. This is something that TJ and I would definitely consider doing.

Blend Your Styles Together!

Registering for gifts with your fiancé is better when both of you incorporate a little bit of your own style to make a house (or apartment) a home. When TJ and I first moved in together, there were a lot of discussions about the décor in our new home. Luckily for me, TJ and I have very similar tastes when it comes to color preferences and furniture styles. There are still a few times where I go a little crazy with art prints, soft pastel furniture like the loveseat in my office, and the blue book collection for our TV stand. But nothing made us happier than when we put up our recent engagement photos in our living room, because it is something we both adore. It is also perfectly fine to have your own space in your new home to be able to take advantage of registry gifts that may not fit your partner. There are a number of things in my office that would not completely fit with TJ’s style and vice versa with our bedroom (TJ’s lair). The important thing is to build and style your home together… and nothing helps with that more than doing a registry with your significant other!

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Photography: Blue Barn Photography | Barware: Anthropologie | Blogger Bride: Shelby Vanhoy | Desk: Amazon | Gallery Walls: Minted | Lamp: Joss & Main | Tufted Loveseat: Amazon

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Follow Shelby’s Journey Down the Aisle! 

Meet the Bride | Shelby’s Bridesmaids Brunch | Selecting a Venue

I’ll be honest, I was never a huge fan of winter weddings, they seemed chilly and full of Christmas cliches, but how I was wrong! They are some of the most intimate, romantic, cozy celebrations I’ve ever seen in my time with SMP and they bring a sense of love and light that’s extra special for the season. Snow and low temps call for creativity though and Royal Scout and Co. is here to share their ideas for adding that special seasonal style to your winter wedding!

Style + Fashion Details for Chilly Weather

● Hearken back to winter knits at the turn of the century with warm fair isle wrist warmers – keep them classic white and with a slim fit for today’s modern bride; you could even slip on delicate knit leggings for under-the-dress warmth and style!

● Fashion jewelry today tends to keep a minimal profile so try some whimsical winter pendants such as a simple Swarovski crystal snowflake comb, sash or necklace – the perfect hint of snow on your big day.

● If there’s ever a time to pull these beauties on, this is it! Beautiful, tall, white suede boots with a stiletto (or pump style) heel will carry you down the aisle in high winter fashion; be sure to have your photographer take a shot of your pulling them on!

● Classic fur stoles have been refreshed for today’s bride with this Royal Scout and Co. velvet-lined faux fur wrap for the entrance of your dreams; keep warm and absolutely stunning draped in soft folds of fur that will look AH-mazing against your winter dress and with the natural seasonal elements around you.

● Keep the quintessential winter lodge style prominent by pairing your full or mermaid-style skirt with a classic flannel button-down. Keep it from leaning “lumberjack” by tucking or tying the ends and be sure to find a “fitted” style for the most attractively waist-cinching silhouette.

Extend the Look to Your Full Wedding Day Design…

● Use the white and natural elements of snow and wood to your advantage – do your best to get natural sunlight and outdoor photography – especially for your white gown against open snowy spaces for an “endless dress” effect that will prove stunning in your pictures!

● Bundles of evergreens and red will pop in place of traditional full flower bouquets – and a “snow” dusted bridal pine cone bouquet would be the wintry detail guests will always remember!

● We love to see all-white winter weddings, from white velvet and lace gowns for bridesmaids, white bouquets, white linens and table-runners, to white ties and vests for the men… Break up all that white with some minimal grey detailing in place settings or table decor, and also with lots of greenery in vases and jars for a beautiful backdrop to all that sparkly white.

● Center the most beautiful winter reception details around a long main table (or tables) overloaded with pillar candles of varying sizes and shapes. The warmth and light from the table-length candle centerpieces will bring the coziest feeling to your wedding – and of course, make it an evening affair to remember!

● Wood (either stacked high or as chargers, backdrops, or as a eye-catching centerpiece or bonfire), antlers, wool plaids (as chair covers, on benches for seating, table runners or cloths, or as bunting, aisle runners, etc.), and red touches (holly, sugar dusted berries in your centerpieces or as cake decoration, roses in bouquets) will transform your wedding into the mountain-lodge wedding of your dreams. All the better if it’s snowing outside!

31 Snowy Engagement Sessions That'll Warm Your Winter

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31 Snowy Engagement Sessions That'll Warm Your Winter

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ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…  

Skillshare
Animoto
Ada Diamonds

We’re excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don’t miss out!

THIS WEEK’S DISCOUNTS…

For our California Brides… Discount from The Ranch at Laguna Beach

For our New England Brides.. Discount from Long’s Jewelers (Estate Jewelry and Wedding Bands)!

For our Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design, giveaways from NST Pictures and OLLI STUDIO

For our Southeast Brides… Discount from The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village

More trunk show news!

Don’t miss the Anna Campbell trunk shows at the following Lovely locations: Charleston Dec. 16th – 18th!

Don’t miss the Rue De Seine trunk shows at the following Lovely locations: San Francisco Dec. 16th – 18th | Washington DC Jan. 6th – 8th | Charleston Jan. 13th – 15th!

OUR WINNERS:

Congratulations to our Tulle la la winner Elizabeth!

Style Advice: Royal Scout and Co

We’re right in the thick of the holiday season, so a wedding shoot kissed in gold felt perfectly appropriate. Amazing vendors like Chloe+Mint, Tenth & Grace, and Seniman Calligraphy brought their talents to the table, and the results are a winter bride’s new best friend. Hop to the gallery for more, and you might just recognize that gold cloque ballgown from Carol Hannah’s latest bridal week debut.

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Chloe+Mint… Gold was a huge trend at the recent 2017 Bridal Fashion Week in New York, and it might be the perfect color choice for an indoor winter wedding – as evidenced by this wedding editorial at San Francisco City Hall. Our main source of inspiration was the amazing gold-woven Centaurea gown, which recently debuted in Carol Hannah’s 2017 collection. The gown was accented by a gold-flecked veil from Carol Hannah’s accessories line.

Gold was reflected in every aspect of the shoot, designed and styled by Chloe+Mint. The Bloomery Co. Crafted a stunning bouquet that featured golden dried foliage as a substitute for traditional greenery, and the invitation suite from Seniman Calligraphy was crafted with flecks of gold foil. Angela Nunnink opted to keep the makeup fresh and simple to complement the decadence of the gown and veil. We couldn’t be more thrilled with how it all came together, and we hope it will inspire brides to go with gold for their winter weddings.

Photography: Tanya Menoni | Design and Styling: Chloe+Mint | Florals: The Bloomery Co | Gown: Carol Hannah | Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Susie Saltzman | Hair and Makeup: Angela Nunnink | Calligraphy: Seniman Calligraphy | Venue: City Hall | Groom Attire: Friar Tux | Ring Box: Amonie

You know what’s better than a destination wedding at Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa? Nothing. But add in a gorgeous couple who like to celebrate with breakfast for dinner and it becomes an entirely new level of awesome. From the breathtaking seaside ceremony to that amazing lace gown to the sweetest family ever frolicking on the beach, see it all captured by Dani Leigh Photography in THE VAULT.

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Krystle and Greg’s wedding in the Dominican was such a dream. To escape the cold Maryland east coast temps in January was such a thrill for all 80 of her wedding guests who traveled to Punta Cana. It was really important to Krystle and Greg that it felt like a vacation for all their guests with just a little side of wedding thrown into the middle. And that is exactly what they got. The day of their wedding the kids played in the pool in the morning, ate room service in wet bathing suits and then Krystle and her daughter casually walked down to the spa to get their hair and makeup done, and then came back to the room to get ready. Krystle got ready in a dress she found unintentionally in Vegas when she wasn’t even looking for a wedding dress. It was literally perfect for the occasion.

Krystle, Greg and their kids love breakfast food so they convinced the chef to do breakfast for dinner! Which is such an American classic for parents. It was delicious! The Dominicans don’t exactly understand breakfast for dinner so it was quite a concept to explain and make happen. It all worked out, and then why not end the amazing night with some fireworks? A full fireworks display, a surprise from the groom, happened just over palms on the beach for all of their guests. It was such a magical event all beautifully planned by Katina Dawson of A Sweet Affair stateside and Carolina Guzman at Dreams!

Photography: Dani Leigh Photography | Coordination: A Sweet Affair Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Dreams, Punta Cana | Cake: Dreams, Punta Cana | Invitations: Jenifer Sirkis Designs | Hair and Makeup: Dreams, Punta Cana | Wedding Venue: Dreams, Punta Cana | On-Site Coordinator: Dreams, Punta Cana | Travel Agent: Cindy McCabe

Whether you are expecting or not, there is no denying the magic of a beautiful nursery. They’re usually boasting crazy good wallpaper, perfect whimsical details and the tiniest and cutest mini clothes + shoes we’ve ever seen. What’s not to love? Have a look at 11 of the most magical and inspiring nurseries of the year plus even more right here!

A Neutral Dreamland Complete with Lace TeePee

Amanda Barnes Interiors knows a thing or two about dreamy spaces and this nursery? Straight bananas. Take the full tour captured by Alyssa Rosenheck Photography right here.

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Pink Flamingo Paradise

Blending vintage finds and family heirlooms with modern accessories and whimsical pink flamingos, it’s a dream space perfect for little Poppy James. Tour every cute nook and cranny captured by Shanni Weilert right here.

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A Blushing Baby Girl Nursery as Pretty as They Come

Bows and blooms, blush and the cutest little babe too; it’s everything you’d expect from Team Sugar and Spice. Tour the pink HQ for baby Lily crafted by mom and wedding planner, Pamela of Post Scripted Studios plus photographs by Audra Wrisley right here.

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The Wallpaper that Had us at Hello

An extensive handmade doll collection and a room wrapped in whimsical wallpaper are the stuff that little girl’s dreams are made of (and maybe big girls too). How could you not love such a magical space crafted by Raewyn Fahlenbock + Margie Doyle? See even more snapped by Elza Photographie right here.

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A Gender Neutral Flamingo Nursery

This dreamy nursery designed by Lark & Linen for Sarah Lane, complete with a kitty hamper, plush buddies and seriously stunning wallpaper. See more captured by Heidi Lau with the full tour!

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A Nursery that Fairytales are Made of

Dreamy and whimsical are good adjectives to have in your corner if you’re a nursery and this pretty, pretty gem is totally killing it in both categories. Using a soft, pastel palette and loads of charming details, Alyssa Fantin outfitted her daughter’s space in a sea of goodies and it all starts with a swan princess. Take the full tour captured by Meg Perotti  right here.

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The Nursery Design that Us Big Girls Want to Steal

This insanely gorgeous wallpapered nursery spread like wildfire through the SMP offices. The oohs the awws could probably be heard through our computer screens. Do you really blame us? It’s a floral glam masterpiece designed by Emily Henderson for Lulu & Georgia founder, Sara Sugarman. See even more captured by Monica Wang right here.

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A Sweet Blue Nursery with a View

As sweet as it is stylish, Homepolish designer Courtney Lake kept this nursery modern with a few bold, graphic prints and a sleek navy crib. The piece de la resistance? A pelican patterned ceiling that’s a win for babies and design aficionados alike. Take the full tour right here.

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Mid-Century Modern Charmer

The details of this mid-century mod room are what really give it that nursery magic; especially that alphabet card installation. Tour this cool little spot designed by Rehabitat and captured by Carolina Rodriguez for sweet baby Owen right here.

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A Nursery that is Off the Charts

Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys fame + his gorgeous wife Lauren just welcomed baby boy Odin into the world and his nursery? Platinum record status. They worked with interior designer Stephanie Avila of Rockabye Mommy to craft a classic meets adventure themed room with some seriously killer bedding by Tori S. Swaim of New Arrivals Inc. See the full tour captured by Julie Cate Photography right here.

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A Wanderlust Filled Nursery for the Smallest Jetsetter

Travel runs a plenty in this adorable space designed by Wouldn’t It Be Lovely. The cityscapes from far off locales mixed with planes, maps and animals galore really sets the scene for an adventurous space perfect for little Charlie. Get the full tour captured by Aubrey Greene Photography right here.

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For as many perfectly rustic or stunning and modern weddings that we fall in love with…my heart will always be with the classics. The white flowers. The gold rimmed china.  The Audrey Hepburns of the bunch.  And this wedding is so Audrey. Timeless and yet chic. Rooted in elegance with a sweet dust of whimsy. With photographs from the lovely Julia Wade, florals by Zest Floral and Event Planning by Exquisite Events, I could stare at this looker forever. Click here for even more.

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From Julia Wade Photography…Ken and Christine were married on the most beautiful summer day at the base of Mount Hood in Oregon. It was a joy to come all the way from my home state of North Carolina to capture these two and watch a community surround them with celebration and love. This is my second time photographing this beautiful family of four sisters (!!) and I’ve grown to adore them even more, if that was possible. Thank you so much for having me Ken and Christine. We truly loved every minute.

Photography: Julia Wade Photography | Cinematography: Evan Roth & David Iliyn | Event Planning: Exquisite Events | Floral Design: Zest Floral | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Windflower Cakes | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Watters | Catering: Vibrant Table Catering & Events | Hair + Makeup: Portland Makeup Hair | Band: A New Groove | Officiant: Steve Sharp | Venue: Bethany Roberts | Photography - Assistance: Vanessa L Photography, LLC

We’re down to the wire, friends. With ten days (yes, only TEN!) until Christmas, it’s time to get serious about that gift list that’s been staring you down. Oh, and that decorating you’ve been meaning to do. At this point, two-day shipping might save you but if it doesn’t, it’s time to put on your DIY hat. Below are 24 festive ideas to try!

Favorite Holiday DIYs

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Favorite Holiday DIYs

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Find all of our gift guides here!

Blue and yellow has stolen my heart! How can you look at these pics by Allen Tsai and not agree 110%!? These pretty pastel hues make everything sweeter and brighter and more beautiful – though this wedding is awfully stunning on its own! See every bit in our Vault gallery right this way and get ready to get loving on this delightful duo!

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From the Bride… Our inspiration came from our venue The Laurel, which has a hill country elegance and charm. I have always loved the hill country look and it was amazing to have it available in the heart of Dallas! We were inspired by the limestone, hearty plants (rosemary, succulents, etc.) from that area; so many of those elements were tied into different aspects of the ceremony and reception.

My mom, grandmother, and I did quite a bit of DIY work. I made the hangers for my bridesmaids, while grandma and mom made the robes! Our favors are also very personal because they are very Italian, where I studied abroad recently. Will and I have been making limoncello for the last few months. We bottled those in the traditional (but smaller) swing top bottles exactly like you see in Italy. We also made little biscotti to give out, one the traditional almond cantuccini, and one more modern version which was a chocolate flavor!

From Allen Tsai Photography… Emily and Will were the dream couple to work with their on wedding day! Some of you might feel that Emily looks familiar and that’s because I was fortunate enough to photograph her in Tuscany recently, which was featured on Style Me Pretty’s Destination Blog! Her beautiful invitation suite was designed by her father, who is a graphic designer, and was perfectly paired with gold calligraphy from Scribbles and Swirls. I really loved her floral design by The Backyard Bouquet which was bright, colorful, organic, and free flowing.

Photography: Allen Tsai Photography | Floral Design: The Backyard Bouquet | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering: Gil's Elegant Catering | Hair + Makeup: Tease to Please | Calligraphy: Scribbles And Swirls | DJ: Complete Music | Ceremony Music: Serenata Strings | Venue: The Laurel | Bridal Boutique: Lulu's Bridal Boutique | Film Processing: Goodman Film Lab | Ribbons: Frou Frou Chic

Imagine a city wedding set out of New York’s beautiful Chelsea Piers. A wedding built on equal parts classic and modern design, with a palette of cool blues, grey, and metallic accents throughout. That was exactly the vision behind Dennis and Sophia’s big day, and with vendors like Jeremy Chou Photography and Stacie Ford Weddings a part of the lineup, it’s no wonder we can’t get enough.

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From Jeremy Chou Photography… Dennis and Sophia tied the knot in New York City with a summer wedding! They wanted classic & modern celebration and the waterfront venue they selected couldn’t be more perfect. It offered a breathtaking view of the Hudson River and the modern decor offered Dennis and Sophia exactly what they are looking for. The bridal party went with a cool blue and gray color palette that was modern and sophisticated, with blush and white accents throughout!

Photography: Jeremy Chou Photography | Floral Design: Atlas Floral Decorators | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Makeup: Stacie Ford Weddings | Hair: Tinika Sadiku | DJ: DJ Marvl | Tuxedo: Black Lapel | Venue: Abigail Kirsch

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, but it’s all about the dress. Lace, beading, off-the-shoulder, sweetheart, ballgown, fit-and-flare — there are millions of gorgeous wedding dresses out there, but this past year, 50 stood out above the rest. These gowns aren’t just pretty wedding dresses. They’re bridal masterpieces that will take your breath away and make you weak at the knees. Take a peek at the beauties below, and you’ll know exactly what I mean!

The Best Wedding Dresses of 2016

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The Best Wedding Dresses of 2016

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More of the Best from 2016

The Best Real Weddings of 2016

The Best Bouquets of 2016

Watching any bride walk down the aisle is a big deal, but watching my favorite stars tie the knot (via their social media accounts, of course) is always an even bigger deal. From Gold Medalist Olympian, Michael Phelps to The Bachelorette star, Nikki Farrell, several celebrities made their trek down the aisle. Needless to say, in 2016, love was definitely in the air!

2016 Celebrity Weddings

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2016 Celebrity Weddings

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Big Engagements of 2016

See Pippa Middleton’s Huge Engagement Ring

Supermodel Miranda Kerr Is Engaged! See Her Massive Rock!

Three Olympic Athletes Got Engaged At The Rio 2016 Olympics! 

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

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Whitney and Julian’s wedding wish list went a something like this – a beautiful venue, great food, and a killer party. They didn’t want their classic Santa Barbara wedding to feel stuffy in the least, so they enlisted the help of Sitting in a Tree to make each and every one of their 160 guests feel a part of the day. Michelle Beller worked her usual magic behind the camera and the whole day is waiting right here.

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From the Bride…. When Julian and I first sat down to plan our wedding, we went over what we each wanted and luckily agreed on the same things. We also knew we wanted to marry in Santa Barbara, a location that had become incredibly special to us over the years.

Julian’s family has a home in Montecito, and within the first few months of dating, we were going up almost once a month to get away. It was in Santa Barbara that we created a foundation with one another.

When it came time to picking a venue, the choice was easy. Over the years, we both had fallen in love with the feel and character of The Four Seasons Biltmore. Everything from the beautiful Spanish décor, the California laid-back feel, to the impeccable service blew us away. We knew that our hopes of an elegant and rustic affair were going to be easy to achieve.

One of the most important aspects of the day was having a room that felt hospitable and welcoming before you even entered. The ceremony venue achieved it effortlessly, with views of the ocean and an almost secluded private area surrounded by tall palm trees.

We will never forget the feeling of walking into the room for the first time as a married couple. Having just come from the ceremony and our photos, taken as the sun set across the ocean, we were met with a feeling of love, heightened only by the stunning architecture and gardens that surrounded us.

The room, as somewhat of a blank slate, required a bit more thought. The gold accents on the vases caught the light perfectly and created a glowing atmosphere. It was classy and elegant without being stuffy or too over the top. The table arrangements, a mixture of rectangular for the wedding party and circles for the guests, allowed everyone to feel included and a part of the events (tough to do with 160 people).

Luckily, we found a team that shared our exact sentiments. It’s a strange but amazing, feeling when the people you work with don’t seem like people you’ve hired, but, instead, are people you’ve known all along and who think the same the way you do. For us, that was our A+ wedding team who created a day filled with so much love, happiness, relaxation, and cocktails!

Photography: Michelle Beller | Videography: Sharkpig | Event Design: Sitting In A Tree Events | Floral Design: Honey and Poppies | Wedding Dress: J. Mendel | Bridesmaids' Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Reception Catering: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara | Makeup: Carley Ansell | DJ: Dart DJ | Bridal Boutique: Saks Fifth Avenue | Hotel Accommodations: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Vintage Rentals: Found Rental Co.

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end to another year, but here we are… just a few weeks from ringing in 2017. Crazy. Here to help you celebrate? Our friends at Macy’s Registry and our very own curated list of 17 must-haves for the best ever NYE. Think of it as the ultimate in party essentials + cozy faves for those of you staying at home and relaxing. Here’s to a fabulous new year, lovelies!

One. Two. Three. – Liz

1. Martha Stewart Collection Faux-Fur Throw and Decorative Pillow Collection
2. Cuisinart Ice-45 Ice Cream Maker
3. Holiday Lane 3′ White Christmas Tree with Clear Lights

Four. Five. Six. – Gabrielle

4. kate spade new york Two of a Kind Pop and Fizz Stemless Champagne Glasses
5. Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Set
6. JLA Home Madison Park Signature 100% Cashmere Throw

Seven. Eight. Nine. – Steph

7. kate spade new york Gold-Tone Crystal Collar Necklace
8. Tahari ASL Illusion Fit & Flare Dress
9. Laura Mercier Luster Eye Colour

Ten. Eleven. Twelve. – Melissa

10. Holiday Lane 18×18 Snowflake Pillow
11. Belgique Copper Translucent 7.5 Quart Dutch Oven
12. A Pea in the Pod Maternity Ruched Cowl-Neck Sweater

Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. – Erin

13. Lauren Ralph Lauren Sequined Skinny Pants
14. kate spade new york Gold Dots Acrylic Ice Bucket
15. Thirstystone Old Hollywood Marble Serving Tray with Gold Handles

Sixteen. Seventeen. – Dawn

16. Jessica Howard Glitter Blouson Dress
17. kate spade new york Berry “Cake for Breakfast” Slippers

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Whether you’re planning on hitting the town with your love, cozying up at home next to a blazing fire or simply want a refresh for 2017, Macy’s Registry is here to help with a fab list of products that will have you singing Auld Lang Syne in complete and total style. We’re talking essential home goods, kitchen must-haves and entertaining staples. All YOU have to do is let Macy’s walk with you step by step throughout the process and fill you in on their amazing benefits, like the Macy’s Newlywed Discount, The Registry Guide, The Registry Checklist, Perks & Privileges (ahem, fabulous deals) and their awesome Star Rewards program. You can even meet with a personal shopper with Macy’s My Stylist… perfect for getting all of your party attire in order. Contact them now to really celebrate, loves.