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

A Romantic Wedding in the South of France that Didn’t End Until 4AM!

Leave it to Oliver Fly Photography, to deliver us the most romantic, French Riviera nuptials complete with an eye-catching ceremony view and creative floral designs by Miss Rose by Perinne. The lovely couple who wanted the entertainment to be the highlight of their destination wedding weekend with multiple aspects of music, including DJ Thomas Dussseune who kept the party going until 4 am! Get your scroll on and see all that White Eden Weddings put together for the ultimate South of France Wedding!

From White Eden Weddings…Solene & Matt’s wedding was created based on a destination, the French Riviera, and an experience: a very fun week-end. Guests were coming all the way from Los Angeles, New York, London, Asia, France… and the idea was to put together and plan the warmest, meaningful & effortless chic wedding. The overall color palette was infused by the bright but so natural colors of the South of France. We wanted to create a warm styling, a bit informal but definitely not over the top and embracing every single space. In order to greet everyone, welcome baskets with local treats, a vintage postcard & a wonderful hand-drawn itinerary map by the talented Silent Word Studio were waiting for guests in hotel rooms.

The entertainment was the priority of Matt, the atmosphere was Solene’s. Music was then naturally a central focus of the celebrations. Starting with the welcome party with a strolling band who literally got the partygoers singing their hearts out and dancing on their chairs, however, the second day wasn’t left out.
A threesome of strings escorted our lovely couple during the ceremony; Lizzy & the Gentlemen, a live jazz band, played during the cocktail hour; Four Kicks, a pop-cover band accompanied Solène & Matt’s grand entrance at dinner and played several sets during dinner and set the party on fire, until Thomas Dusseune took over and DJed until 4 am.

The styling of the reception was quite a challenge, as it was hosted on a tennis court. The idea was obviously to transform the space into a modern, effortless and elegant area. With the guests coming down from the most breathtaking terrace on the French Riviera after an emotional ceremony and a musical sun-set cocktail hour, disappointed wasn’t an option. You can say it wasn’t thanks to the beautiful shots of the so talented Oliver Fly. Building and decorating a tent is always a challenge. Only a very few couples envision their wedding receptions under a tent for their South of France wedding. When it comes to it (and especially when it’s a plan A), doing 3Ds mapping & sketches really helps to envision the space and work together with the couple until we find the perfect and most adapted design. Working with the most talented floral designers such as Miss Rose by Perrine is a must, which allows a mix of creativity and boldness! After 8 months of intense planning, seeing Solene & Matthew speechless entering the reception was literally everything, and was one of these moments that remind us why we love so much our work!

A Contemporary Napa Wedding at Beaulieu Gardens with Just 20 Guests!

There’s always one thing that absolutely takes our breath away about every wedding we publish here on SMP. For today’s wedding, the answer is simple – the way they look at each other. Jeremy Scott Photography captured the overwhelming love between Rob and Jason perfectly, with emotion pouring out of every shot in the full gallery. Their love story, told below by their planner Tracie Domino Events, is even sweeter. They tied the knot in front of their closest family and friends and enjoyed a modern, candlelit 5-course meal from Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events. Keep on reading for more!

From Tracie Domino Events… Rob + Jason had met back in high school where they actually dated the same girl! They go off to college, lose touch, Rob opens an internationally renowned interior design business, Jason joins the military. Years later out of total coincidence they see each other again and reconnect, but the timing isn’t right. Fast forward a little bit and the timing gets is right.

All their friends know it is meant to be because Jason convinces Rob to attend a country music concert with him, which no one can believe! At the concert Faith Hill and Tim McGraw open up with a cover of “I Knew You Were Waiting For Me” (can you feel the goosebumps!?!?) Jason retires from the military but continues to work as a civilian employee. He also has two children in their late teens by this point. Rob and Jason commute back and forth between Rob’s home in St Pete and Jason’s in Savannah until they can make it official and Jason moves to St Pete.

They got engaged in Capri, Italy and start planning their fabulous and glamorous wedding for 250 people. Jason left his job to work on their joint passion of opening a chicken-focused restaurant (Social Roost- due to open in October). They realized they didn’t want to focus on the restaurant and a big wedding at the same time, so with 5 weeks notice, the invited 20 of their closest family and friends to Napa for an intimate wedding weekend at Beaulieu Garden with a celebratory dinner at Promontory Winery.

Paula LeDuc created a fabulous, 5-course tasting menu and of course Promontory provided the wine. Anastasia Andenmatten created a luxe floral runner that was a perfect compliment to the venue allowing all the guests to interact with the gorgeous glow of candlelight illuminating their faces. With such an intimate group, all the guests gave toasts or speeches and everyone left feeling like one big family.

[iframe https://player.vimeo.com/video/363995219 600 338]

A Magical Maui Wedding with Hanging Gardens Over Every Reception Table!

Wow. There is so much to love about this Four Seasons Maui wedding, from a non-traditional color palette for a tropical wedding, to outfit changes for both bride and groom, to the bride’s vision of hanging gardens created by Teresa Sena Designs and Rio Event Design. With “wow-moments” like a carefully choreographed first dance to unbelievable “wow-images” by Chris J. Evans, it is safe to say it was a struggle picking just a few to showcase! Take a look below and be sure to check out the full gallery to see even more…like knife throwers and every magical detail planned by Opihi Love Wedding & Event Design.

From Opihi Love Wedding & Event Design…Yuchen and Peiran’s romantic and whimsical wedding was nothing short of perfection. We focused highly on the bride’s wedding design and color palette which included tones of mustard yellow and dusty rose. With flowers being the main focus, we brought in Teresa Sena to achieve the bride’s vision of a hanging garden over guests’ dining tables. In order to achieve the hanging gardens, Rio Event Design custom-designed canopies to hang each piece and romantic crystal chandeliers hung in each canopy to highlight the hanging garden and the blush taper candles, low candlelight, and gorgeous blooms in creams, dusty rose, and yellow tones to create a romantic tabletop experience. The tables were draped in velvet linens to bring a soft design and the place settings all included gold elements by Set Collections. Each place setting included custom menus created by the bride and hexagon marble place cards with each guest’s name.

The ceremony had a touch of flowers in large compotes at the start of the steps as guests entered into the ceremony location. The bride wanted to keep the florals simple at the ceremony location since there is an incredible view of Maui and the large Plumeria trees created a beautiful setting.

The bride included many unique items throughout her wedding which included hand-drawn wedding invitations with the couple standing in front of their ceremony location with their dog Matcha. She also included a tropical photo booth set up which included a peacock chair to bring in a boho vibe with gold painted flamingos. The couple also practiced for months and performed a choreographed first dance to the song “You are the Reason”. Their first dance included lifts, spins, and steps that will be remembered by their guests forever.

Now, let’s talk about that dress and veil customized by Galia Lahav. The bride wanted a low back, mermaid silhouette with a touch of sparkle. The dress is classic, romantic and a little sexy. Galia also helped the bride add in embellishments around the waist to make it unique. The bride’s second dress change was customized by ShiniUni. She wanted something flowy and easy to dance in. She also loved a halter neckline and included stars scattered all over her dress.

The groom was dressed in Ermeneglido Zegna which brought in a dark navy color into the wedding design. His dress change included an off- white jacked which was a gift for his 30th birthday!

A Modern Home Rooted in Travel, Tradition and Style

One step (actually… just go ahead and give us a giant leap) into this stunning Utah home and you know you’ve hit paradise. It’s a perfect mash-up of modern meets tradition, traveled meets right at home, and with craveable details like matte black walls and serene white bedrooms, this is one of those spaces that will forever resurface time and time again on future Pinterest boards. Designed by the talented Ames Interiors with gorgeous photographs by Kate Osborne, kick off those shoes and come on in! We’re breaking down ALL of the dirty details including a million and one sources for pretty products so that you too, can have a home styled so very pretty.

From Designer, Ames Hansen…

ENTRY. There are three things that set this entryway apart from all the rest. First, the five foot wide pivot door that smoothly swivels open, welcoming you into this light and bright home. Hand-crafted from white oak, we designed the square glass pattern to be the focal point for this front entry.

Second, the unique black brick floor tile. We had it laid in a straight set pattern, with contrasting grout, in hopes the lines would guide your eyes towards the stunningly tall windows ahead. The long hallway of windows are what brings us to our last unique focal point. Flooding this space with natural light, it’s the best way to greet guests.

Lucca Chandelier | Woven Wood Stool

MUDROOM + CRAFT ROOM + OFFICE COMBO. One of our favorite corners of the home features the mudroom and craft room. Tied together with bleached oak cabinetry and sleek slate floor tile, these rooms do not skimp on design. By doing so, they become the perfect areas for inspiring creativity.

MUDROOM. Imbrie Articulating Sconce | Classic Small Iron Hook | Slate Floor Tile

CRAFT ROOM. Lennox Office Chair | Larkin Bin Pull | Large Oval Cabinet Knob | Brass Boxes

LANDING. Curba Loveseat | Gray Linen Throw | Niran Pillow | Aom Pillow | Infinity Black Round Wall Mirror

LIVING ROOM. The heart of the home is centered around the open style living, dining, and kitchen area. With endless seating, we helped our clients create a space built for entertaining. Open both sets of sliding glass doors for more room to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Jam out to some tunes through the surround sound speaker system, or cook for your friends at the kitchen island on the incredible induction cooktop. Each and every detail was executed with a purpose in mind.

Functionality aside, we love how the materials in this space came together. The rich colors, soft textures, pops of pattern and globally inspired pieces are what bring this modern Spanish villa to life! We had so much fun sourcing elements that felt familiar to our clients who have hearts deeply rooted in Mexican culture.

GUEST BATH. Graphite Grey Zellige | Yaquina Mirror | Edmund Light | Hand Towel

MASTER BEDROOM. The serene Master Suite feels nothing short of a tranquil getaway. Its soft and calming color palette makes this a perfect place to unwind after a long day.

In the center of the master bath sits a large clawfoot tub, awaiting nightly bubble baths. And the Moroccan tiled shower? A steam shower meant for relaxing and riding your body of stress. Functional meets beautiful in every corner of this space!

KIDS’ BUNK ROOM. The home’s bunk room is the ultimate kid space. Not only were we able to create a space to sleep four, but to house all the toys and dress ups a child should ever need! From the play table, to the swinging chairs and corner for reading books, there isn’t anything you wouldn’t want to do in this cozy room!

KIDS’ BATH. Oval Metal Framed Mirror | Hand Towel | Bath Towel

HOME SALON. Because who said your passion has to extend beyond the walls of your own home? Our client has dreamed of an in-home salon her entire adult life. And we were so thrilled to take part in creating a space for her to work and her client’s to enjoy.

Globe Wall Light | Rounded Rectangle Metal Framed Mirror | Ledge Pull | Large Amber Canister | Medium Amber Canister

BASEMENT KITCHEN. Downstairs you will find that although our color palettes are the same as upstairs, the mood changes ever so slightly. From Ultra-Spanish to a little more mid-century. Hence the retro fridge in the kitchen and the Malm Fireplace in the corner. Our client’s wanted the basement to portray a whole different feel of entertaining. Think less sipping on wine and gabbing about The Bachelor, and more playing pool with the Super Bowl playing on the big screen in the background. Keeping the two levels feeling cohesive with one another, felt challenging on our end. But we love how it came together!

BASEMENT THEATER. Thesis Counter Stool

MORE ABOUT THE HOME: ‘Fort Villa’ is a modern Spanish style home was built for a couple whose hearts are tied to Mexico. We were asked to incorporate a lot of culture inspired elements, while creating a space that still felt fresh and up to date! The homes open style concept was created specifically, with entertaining in mind. With endless seating, rich colors, textures and pops of pattern, this soft and airy home feels calm and inviting. Reminding this couple of their relaxing trips under the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear ocean water.

Photographer: Kate Osborne Photography | Home Builder: Stony Brook Homes | Interior Designer: Amy Hansen | Interior Designer: Amy Hansen

An Elegant Garden Wedding at the Bride’s Family Home That Celebrates COLOR

We love a bride who kicks tradition to the curb and isn’t afraid to be BOLD with her color scheme. KirkBrides Wedding Planning & Design brought their elegant garden vision to life complete with petals galore, bright colors, three tents and 15,424 square feet of flooring… it only took 7 days of load in at the bride’s family home and a dream team of vendors to finish ;) Check out the full gallery to see all the magic unfold!

From the Bride… Chad and I met six years ago during our senior year of college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. From the first conversation I had with Chad, I knew immediately that I wanted to marry him and that he was the one for me. We were at a bar with lots of mutual friends and I remember so clearly thinking that I had never met a guy like him before. He was so clever, engaging, and charming. By the end of senior year we were “official” and I followed him to New York City after graduation.

After five more years together, we became engaged in my hometown of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Chad planned an amazing surprise proposal for me. We were on a hike with our puppy in a beautiful area when Chad got down on one knee. As we neared the end of the hike I saw a tent across a field and lots of people cheering and waving. I couldn’t believe it, but Chad had organized for all of our family and dear friends to come in town to celebrate our engagement with us! It was truly incredible to have family and friends from Michigan, NYC, Boston, Florida, and Columbus all there for us. Chad and my parents had planned a beautiful picnic lunch, complete with champagne toasts!

It was a truly gorgeous, natural setting with our closest family and friends – exactly how we would have wanted it. When it came to wedding planning, we knew that we wanted to carry over these themes of intimacy and nature. Since I was a little girl I had always wanted to get married in my parent’s backyard. It is a grassy, open meadow that really lends itself to a tent and I could picture the wedding coming to life there.

The best decision we made was working with wedding planner Stephanie Anter at Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design who truly made our vision of an “elegant garden wedding” a reality in every way. It was important to me to be very involved in the planning process with my mom, and to also include Chad and my dad as much as possible. Our planner, Stephanie, helped us select an amazing florist – Arne Klein at Plantscaping & Blooms – who really understood our vision from the start and helped us develop everything from our color palette to the finest details of the event. It was also really special to include Chad’s family and the bridal party in the planning process, as they are some of the most special people in the world to us.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/358887628 600 338]

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

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

This Is the Sweetest Idea to Commemorate Loved Ones Who Have Passed on at Your Wedding

This gorgeous day at Holman Ranch planned by engaged + inspired is the perfect recipe for a classic California wedding. It’s just the right balance between fresh style and timeless design, featuring the creamiest blooms from Gavita Flora that complimented the fairytale vibes of their venue. Don’t miss the full gallery captured by Jordan Galindo Photography and keep on reading for a few sweet words from the bride – including the special way they decided to honor the groom’s mother on their wedding day.

From Jordan Galindo Photography… “From the beginning, I felt so at ease around him, like I could let my guard down, and he immediately became my best friend. Falling for him wasn’t falling at all – it was like walking into a house and suddenly knowing you are home.” This joyful and romantic wedding day at Holman Ranch overflowed with a dreamy color palette with muted tones of blush, cream, and powder blue.

The couple chose this particular venue because of the fairytale-like trees surrounding the property. The charm and serenity of the venue was everything they could have hoped for. Gavita Flora made sure the florals highlighted the natural beauty of Carmel Valley with a romantic elegant twist incorporating ranunculus, sweet peas, peonies, and queen anne’s lace. Melissa’s dear bridesmaids were her “something blue” who wore a gorgeous shade of powder blue by Morilee.

The couple’s favorite moment of the day was during their First Look. Melissa said, “For a brief moment, all of the nervousness and anticipation disappeared, and we were able to enjoy an emotional connection that was a once in a lifetime experience. All of the nerves and butterflies leading up to seeing each other were definitely calmed. This moment allowed us to slow down and soak up the love we share before the frenzy of all the wedding events to follow. The rest of our day was filled with family and friends so this was also the perfect moment to get some alone time together.

It was truly special to be able to see each other for the first time without 130 sets of eyes staring at us. Our first look was a private, personal, and true emotion moment that I will cherish forever.” Melissa + Chris said, “I do” overlooking the sun drenched rolling hills of Carmel Valley. A special detail that truly made their wedding special was honoring Christopher’s mother and keeping her memory alive during their big day.

Pirouette Paper created a candle with her name that was lit the entire day to symbolize her presence. In addition, a beautiful sign that sat in the front row of the Ceremony next to Christopher’s grandmother. After the Ceremony guests sat in the Rose Patio to enjoy their dinner al fresco as the sun set. Entertaining music, the warm glow of fire pits, and the smell of cigars filled the air surrounding the Carriage House continuing their union.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/360191944 600 338]

A Wedding Photographer’s Colorful Smoothie Themed Wedding!

When one of the best of the best wedding photographers gets married – you know it’s going to be extra special. Cavin Elizabeth’s smoothie-themed wedding is just what our Sunday needed! The story of how their planner, Amorology, came up with their delicious wedding theme truly couldn’t be cuter. After a few messages back and forth on Ok Cupid, Cavin subtly asked for smoothie recommendations… and the rest was history. Amorology wow’d us (yet again) with their fruity creations, from a “Smooth Moves” escort display to colorful, edible table decor. Top it all off with the coolest most fashion-forward wedding dress we’ve ever seen, plus cheerful arrangements from Compass Floral and there you have it – it was truly a day to remember! Trust us, you’re going to want to check out the full gallery captured by Tenth & Grace… it’s an absolute MUST.

From the bride.. I, Cavin, am a wedding photographer and the owner of Cavin Elizabeth Photography, as well as the author of A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding. David is a software engineer and the founder of Aventrix – a website that helps people discover fun events and activities throughout the US. We met online through OkCupid in 2012. For our first date, we met in Dupont Circle for beer and pizza and the location served as one of our signature cocktail names at the wedding. David and I spent every weekend together afterwards and the rest is history.

I love miniatures so much! David knew this and would often gift me miniature packages with handwritten addressing filled with tiny goodies for my birthdays. For the proposal, he suggested we visit Catalina Island as a 5 year anniversary trip. The first night, we were getting ready to have a picnic on our hotel balcony when someone knocked at the door to deliver three miniature packages. The first contained a miniature cat, the second a miniature kitten, and the third my engagement ring. It was a very meaningful and adorable way to propose and gave us the name for our second wedding signature cocktail!

We chose the Fairmont Grand Del Mar as our wedding venue as it was the closest thing we could get to Europe in San Diego. The Fairmont has gorgeous Mediterranean pink walls, Cyprus trees, and exquisite architecture. As a photographer, a variety of portrait opportunities was hugely important to me in choosing our venue. We also wanted to pick a location that would truly wow our guests.

Lastly, being entirely al-fresco topped our venue priorities list, as we wanted guests to experience the sunset and evening under the open skies. We booked Heather of Amorology to plan and design our wedding because she is excellent with color. She’s also skilled at creating a theme that honors the couple’s personalities and history.

Heather was drawn to the following story of our relationship and created a theme based on smoothies and fruit for our wedding: Since we met online, David and I messaged back and forth before meeting. A few messages in, David didn’t return one of mine. I decided to message him again (double message, so risky) under the premise of asking for smoothie recipe recommendations. He had mentioned smoothies on his profile and I figured that was a good excuse. I told him I would be making some that weekend and needed some ideas… He wrote back something about blueberries and once again we were talking back and forth. Just to be clear, I had zero intention of making those smoothies. Those were my smooth moves.

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/BaTihIm5vY4 600 338]

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

Event Planning

Amorology

View Portfolio

Little Postage House

View Portfolio

You’re Going To Want To Add Napa Valley To Your Possible Venue List After Seeing This!

Saying I Do among a grove of oak trees…yes please! Ashley and Ryan tied the knot at The Silverado Resort in Napa Valley surrounded by their closest friends and family and some pretty amazing views! I Do Details Weddings & Events brought the day together as the couple lived across the coast and assisted with everything from blooming bouquets by LC Floral Design to a gold-topped wedding cake crafted by Sweetie Pies. One of our faves Tenth & Grace captured it all, even the most stunning sunset photos of the new Mr. and Mrs. Take a look below and be sure to check out their video by Shutter & Sound!

From Tenth & Grace…When Ashley and Ryan saw the oak grove at Silverado Resort, they knew it would be the perfect spot to host their destination wedding. They wanted a picturesque ceremony location and the venue definitely delivered.

Living in Washington DC, the bride and groom relied on their wedding planner, I Do Details, to help bring the wedding day together. Their main goal for the entire wedding was for their guests to have a good time and enjoy themselves during their classic and elegant reception.

After the stunning ceremony set among the oak trees, guests enjoyed cocktail hour before the completely outdoor reception which included stunning details like a mix of beautiful centerpieces and a gold-topped wedding cake!

Ashley and Ryan snuck away during the reception for sunset photos – this is always such a perfect time for the newly married couple to enjoy a moment to themselves and capture portraits during the prettiest light of the day!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/359464878 600 338]

When Ashley and Ryan saw the oak grove at Silverado Resort, they knew it would be the perfect spot to host their destination wedding. They wanted a picturesque ceremony location and the venue definitely delivered. Living in Washington DC, the bride and groom relied on their wedding planner, I Do Details, to help bring the wedding day together. Their main goal for the entire wedding was for their guests to have a good time and enjoy themselves during their classic and elegant reception. After the stunning ceremony set among the oak trees, guests enjoyed cocktail hour before the outdoor reception. Ashley and Ryan snuck away during the reception for sunset photos – this is always such a perfect time for the newly married couple to enjoy a moment to themselves and capture portraits during the prettiest light of the day!

Hot New Wedding Dress Trends For The 2020 Bride By Maggie Sottero

You want a perfect dress for your perfect day. But with so many styles to choose from (A-line? ballgown? lace?) the pool of options can feel overwhelming. So, like a good BFF, we’re giving you scoop on the hot new wedding dress trends for the 2020 bride, all by Maggie Sottero. From styles for the curvy gal to budget-friendly selections, you’ll be ready to find your dream dress once you click and scroll below.

For the Curvy Bride

Not all dresses are created equal. And Maggie Sottero gets that. This is why she offers chic bridal gown options to cater to the plus-size brides made with high-quality fabrics and flattering silhouettes. (We’re having *heart-eyes* over their charming details!) Even better, each dress caters to a variety of budgets across all three of their labels ⁠— Maggie Sottero, Sottero and Midgley and Rebecca Ingram ⁠— so you don’t have to break your bank account to find something special.

—

Thaddeus by Sottero and Midgley

Valerie Lynette by Rebecca Ingram

Devon by Sottero and Midgley

Corrine by Rebecca Ingram

Taylor Lynette by Maggie Sottero

Wedding Dress Styles Under $1,000

Small budget? No problem. We love how Maggie Sottero offers jaw-dropping options under $1,000 across a wide range of fashions (think short wedding dresses, beach wedding dresses, off-the-shoulder wedding dresses, even sparkly wedding dresses!). Not sure which route to go? Head in-store for a fun try-on sesh after previewing this gorgeous pool of cost-savvy styles.

—

Reggie Jane by Rebecca Ingram

Nia by Rebecca Ingram

Greta by Rebecca Ingram

Meadow by Rebecca Ingram

Simple Wedding Dresses (But Definitely Not Boring Wedding Dresses)

Minimalism is IN in 2020. And if you’re afraid of a monotonous vibe, the selections below may just have you rethinking that. The beauty lies in the details with their deep v-necks, cascading skirts, or off-the-shoulder necklines, proving that simplistic frocks can sometimes be the most beautiful of all. Take our word for it by checking out these choices…

—

Fatima by Maggie Sottero

Aberdeen by Maggie Sottero

Cindy by Rebecca Ingram

Admina by Sottero and Midgley

Fernanda by Maggie Sottero

Unique Lace Wedding Dresses

How romantic are these lace gowns? Made with new to you prints— as seen in the geometric lace wedding dress or the palm print wedding dress ⁠— their ethereal details will have you feeling extra special when it’s time to walk down the aisle. Check these five styles below that have all the makings to turn your day into a real-life fairytale.

—

Elsie by Rebecca Ingram

Roxanne by Sottero and Midgley

Daxton by Sottero and Midgley

Demi by Maggie Sottero

—

Love what you see? Check out more hot new wedding dress trends for the 2020 bride at Maggie Sottero.

Trick or Treat! 16 Best Ever DIY Costumes

The countdown is on for procuring Halloween costumes and if you prefer decking your kids out in customized attire then this post is for YOU. Look inside this collection of 16 costumes that are sure to take home first prize this year. From a sushi roll to puff of cotton candy and a circus trio perfect for siblings, this is the only costume roundup you need. Psstt.. we have a whole hub page dedicated to spooky decor, treats and outfits. Check it out!

DIY Halloween Costumes

View Slideshow

DIY Halloween Costumes

View Slideshow

Her Grandfather Made Her a Collection of Wedding Day Jewelry Before He Passed When She Was Only 17

Don’t get us wrong, this wedding is incredibly beautiful from start to finish, but it’s the personal stories from the bride that have us trying (and failing) to hold back the happy tears. From the groom getting choked up as he recites his handwritten vows to the collection of bridal jewelry her grandfather made for her before he passed away when she was only 17 and far from her wedding day – we’re getting emotional just talking about it! Head on over to the full gallery from Shannon Moffit Photography to see all the pretty from the day, planned by Simply Chic Events.

From the Bride.. My maternal grandfather, who was a well-known jeweler in France, became really sick when I was about 17-years-old. He realized he was nearing the end of his life and that he would never attend my wedding. Before he passed, he made a collection of jewelry including a handmade pearl bracelet, diamond earrings, and a diamond necklace, specifically for me to wear on my wedding day. I had no idea about these gifts until the Thursday before my wedding, when my aunt gifted them to me in the original boxes with my grandfather’s company emblem. This was the first wildly emotional moment surrounding our wedding day, and there were plenty more of these types of moments over the course of the weekend!

Like many other brides, I’ve dreamed of my wedding day since before I can remember–formal dress code, live string music, and over-the-top floral arrangements. When it was time to plan my wedding, I wanted to bring this fairytale vision to life. We chose our venue, Airlie, because of its natural beauty–it has perfectly maintained gardens and lots of natural stone walls everywhere. We wanted our event to feel timeless, yet colorful at the same time, so our color scheme was mainly blush and a few hot oranges, peaches, and pinks to compliment the dark greenery of the garden.

My favorite part of our wedding day was watching Alex get emotional in front of all of our guests as he began reading his handwritten vows to me. Alex does not like to show his emotions publicly (even his sister noted that it was the first time she saw him cry since they were kids), but watching him choke back tears, then eventually let himself cry, made his heartfelt promises that much sweeter. There was not a dry eye in the crowd as we exchanged words during the ceremony and I feel so grateful that we were able to share that intimate side of our relationship with our guests. It was truly magical, and the outpouring of love Alex and I felt from everyone made it all so surreal. Alex and I have two amazing fur babies that were the center of attention when it came to planning the final details. Drawings of our two Samoyeds, Oliver and Oshie, were displayed on the escort banner, guest book sign, and our wedding menus. Almost all of our guests have met our dogs, so we knew those details would capture everyone’s hearts. We were laughing all night because people kept asking, “Why aren’t the dogs here?!”

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/361875176 600 338]

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Ines Di Santo

Fall/Winter 2015

Spring/Summer 2016

Fall/Winter 2016

Spring/Summer 2017

View All Collections

You’re Going to Love This Bride’s Attention to Detail and Her Bridesmaids Gifts!

When it came to time for this bride-to-be to plan her wedding with her wedding planner, Timeless Event Planning, the two made quite the dynamic duo! The bride who loves details and design was fully involved in planning her big day and made sure every detail had a special meaning! What started out as inspiration boards, slowly turned into the wedding of her dreams with details like a gorgeous colorful bouquet by Organic Flora mixing shades of pink and golden yellow to denim jackets for her maids which made for the perfect photo opp for Natalie Bray Photography. Scroll away and see how it all came to life!

From Sandy of Timeless Event Planning…I met Jamie in October of 2018 and knew we were going to create something amazing together. Her love for design and attention to detail was everything a planner could dream of in a client and more. We couldn’t wait to create a magical day with this couple!

We started off making an inspiration board and picking the top vendors in San Diego to help execute her dream wedding. We came up with an amazing vision and a fabulous team of vendors to bring it all to life.

Every day we would send each other photos of escort cards, linens, shoes, dresses, you name it! Every detail had to have a meaning behind it, and if we couldn’t find it anywhere, she would make it. The escort cards were handmade along with the bridesmaid’s jewelry and jean jackets (which anyone bridesmaid would love as a gift!)

We made design boards for the photographer to ensure we captured every angle and had every shot imaginable. It took over a year to design but it was honestly one of my favorite weddings to plan.

[iframe https://player.vimeo.com/video/367110635 600 338]

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

Natalie Bray Studios

View Portfolio

Elegant Wedding Inspiration at the Historic Ritz Paris – Previous Home of Coco Chanel!

The historic Ritz Paris is already the textbook definition of timeless… sprinkle in the incomparable talents of Joy Proctor Design and prepare for some serious destination wedding magic. Classic brides who love a little dose of modern style – this one’s for you. See the full gallery of this stunning workshop, hosted and captured by Greg Finck, for breathtaking architecture, two-piece gowns and the most elegant reception decor featuring arrangements from Floraison Paris.

From Greg Finck Photography… Greg Finck Workshop is a 3 days / 3 nights immersive experience of learning, sharing and getting inspired. The workshop is held once a year and limited to 20 attendees.

On top of connecting you with industry leaders, the Workshop will give you specific technical and business insights to bring your photography business to the next level. These are the photos from the editorial that we photographed during Greg Finck’s 5th Workshop, which was held last year in Paris.

Joy Proctor was in charge of the design and styling as she has been for 2 years now. We wanted to display Parisian essence and aesthetic during that Editorial that we photographed at the Iconic Ritz, being located Place Vendôme in Paris. Parisian elegance is brought by the finesse of details, and the refinery of textures that we used. Our models wore Rime Arodaky designs, that perfectly embody the empowered and strong Parisian woman.

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

Joy Proctor Design

View Portfolio

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Rime Arodaky

The Runways 2018

View All Collections

A Boston Harbor Elopement That Will Have You Ditching Your Guest List

Today we set sail on THE most romantic and modern nautical seaside elopement shoot planned and perfected by Kate Murtaugh Events & Design. With New England Summer nights as her inspiration, Kate combined the color palette of our dreams including poppy red and ocean blue which was incorporated into everything from the floral adorned sailboat and bridal bouquet by Beach Plum Floral Design to the groom’s crisp blue suit by The Groomsmen Suit. With just the right mix of elegance and quintessential N.E, Stephanie Vegliante Photography captured all of the romance and all of the stunning, well thought out details. Take a peek below and see why the stormy blue seas may be your perfect place to say I Do!

From Kate Murtaugh Events & Design…Brooklyn and Dean eloped as they set sail on Boston Harbor one late summer afternoon in August filled with dreamy light, a warm breeze and beautifully curated details. Inspired by rich summer tones of color and the stormy blue waters of Boston Harbor, our creative team came together to create a sophisticated yet colorful elopement against one of Boston’s most splendid backdrops that both locals and tourists rarely have the opportunity to experience.

For this elopement editorial, wedding planner and designer Kate Murtaugh imagined a design and aesthetic that infused color, fashionable yet timeless details, and elegant simplicity all while ringing true to quintessential New England summer nights. The shoot’s design featured a saturated color palette including colors like poppy red, hot pink, orange sherbet, summer peach, canary yellow, light pink and stormy blue set amidst old rigging and lines with the beautiful skyline as a backdrop.

Our imagined bride and groom, Brooklyn and Dean were a fashionable couple looking to infuse their chic style and love for their hometown of Boston into a modern-day elopement. While our couple was eloping, it was important that their bridal sunset sail feature all of the details and luxuries a bride and groom would ever desire for their wedding day.

Brooklyn and Dean set sail aboard The Captiva, a private charter Sea Captained by Dave Puett, owner of Classic Sail Boston. Captain Dave also served as their marriage officiant- (did you know Sea Captains in some US states can perform marriage ceremonies?) The Captiva, is a 45-foot Classic Chesapeake Skipjack known for its spacious decks and stability- making for the perfect setting to host Brooklyn and Dean’s harbor elopement. The boat was custom-built using mahogany, teak, obeche and other exotic woods that popped with such perfection with the addition of the gorgeous florals and greenery.

The splendor of the elopement day and love of our couple was captured by photographer, Stephanie Vegliante on both film and digital. Her work beautifully and evocatively captured the romance and emotion of the day.

Brooklyn wore a stunningly feminine gown by Alexandra Grecco, poppy red Loeffler Randall iconic Knot Sandals in poppy red, a stunning mixed metal bridal set including a custom fancy cut platinum engagement ring from James Allen and a uniquely set wedding band with oval diamonds set in yellow gold by MRT Jewelers. She also wore earrings and a bracelet from Zaxie by Stefanie Taylor to complete her look. Brooklyn’s flawless hair and makeup was done by Colby, owner of Pretty Wife Beauty.

Rather than going with tradition, our debonair groom, Dean wore a sharp light steel blue suit from The Groomsman Suit with a crisp white shirt and a white linen pocket square from Bonobos. For a pop of color, he wore a one-of-a-kind pair of Kilim Loafers from Artemis Design Co. made from vintage Turkish rugs.

Jill from Beach Plum Floral Design took our bright and saturated color palette and designed a floral scheme filled with pops of red and shades of pinks to emphasize the marvelous beauty of our sailboat and backdrop. Florals and curly smilax adorned the port side of the sailboat curling it’s way down the side of the boat and perfectly situated to blow in the breeze for their sunset cruise. The bridal bouquet was tied with blush silk ribbon and was filled with an array of pink, coral and red flowers including locally-grown dahlias, zinnias and garden roses.

Taylor at Mulberry & Elm created an elopement announcement to send to our couple’s family and friends and to invite them to a post-elopement celebration. The announcement suite included a custom hand-painted watercolor monogram with additional watercolor elements like a classic nautical striped envelope liner and hand calligraphed envelopes.

Our cozy tablescape situated under the boat’s mainsail included a beautiful grazing board and picturesque cocktails from Wanderlush Boston, a petite tasting cake from Lizzie’s Bakery and a collection of linens and pillows from Serena & Lily and John Robshaw Textiles.

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

Kate Murtaugh Events & Design

View Portfolio

The Answers to All Your Must-Know Wedding Ceremony Etiquette Questions

When planning a wedding, you’ll have many decisions to make specifically surrounding your ceremony. For a tradition with so many logistical elements up in the air, you might be wondering what you should plan for. Below I’ve answered common questions to give you a better understanding of wedding ceremony etiquette.

How long is a typical ceremony?

Most American wedding ceremonies last between 15-30 minutes, with the exception of Catholic ceremonies (1 hour) and other cultural and religious ceremonies that require extra timing to include all of the necessary traditions. Some couples place less importance on the ceremony and will schedule it to be no longer than 10 minutes, so feel free to shorten the ceremony depending on your priorities.

If your ceremony will take place outdoors in hot or cold weather, do be extra mindful to keep your ceremony under 30 minutes. Nothing’s more miserable than sweating in formalwear from the blinding sun in the middle of summer having to fan yourself with your clutch!

What’s the proper processional order? What about the recessional?

Typically for American weddings, the grandparents and parents of the couple will walk down the aisle to take their seats first. Sometimes the groom will walk his parents down the aisle and other times he walks in after the parents to take his place at the ceremony site.

From this point, either the groomsmen will accompany the bridesmaids in pairs to walk toward the altar together before splitting to either side or the groomsmen will enter from the side and the bridesmaids will walk one by one down the aisle.

For the recessional, the couple walks down the aisle first. After, the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk back down the aisle in pairs, followed by the family members and then the rest of the guests.

Is it okay if I don’t have a flower girl or ring bearer? What do I do if I don’t have one?

Absolutely! Many weddings are childfree and thus have no child attendants. Normally the ring bearer and/or flower girl would walk down the aisle after the bridesmaids and before the bride. If you’re skipping them, then just have the rings given to the best man prior to the ceremony to hold in his pocket until the ring exchange.

Can I walk down the aisle to any song I want or should it be more traditional?

You do you!! I’ve heard everything from the classical wedding songs you hear in movies to songs by the Lumineers to other popular Top 40 tunes. Choose anything that has special importance to you. Infusing personal meaning into your wedding is far more memorable than being traditional for the sake of being traditional.

Where should immediate family sit?

It’s best to place immediate family members in the front row so that they have the best view of your vows and ring exchange. You can opt for reserved seating signs to mark their places.

Do I have to have my bridal party stand with me?

Nope! Although it’s more common to have the bridal party stand, some couples will have seating available in the front two rows for the bridal party to sit during the ceremony, whether for the entire thing or just for the middle. This is especially common in Catholic weddings that are lengthy and don’t even require the couple to stand the whole time.

Can my dog be included in the ceremony?

Yes, please!! Have someone your dog trusts to walk him or her down the aisle and then be their handler for the ceremony. I’ve also seen a bride walk her dog down the aisle before handing her off to a friend. Just make sure that your dog will be well behaved enough to sit through the length of your festivities!

Should we write our own vows?

There’s really no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not you should write your own vows. That said, speaking from experience I have noticed that guests react more enthusiastically to vows that the couple have written and reads aloud. From happy tears to tons of laughter, these emotions are usually more heightened when the couple adds that personal touch to their ceremony.

Are unplugged ceremonies a good idea?

Yes times 1000. I cannot strongly recommend enough that you have a sign AND have the officiant make an announcement that guests should refrain from using cameras and phones during the ceremony. Not only are phones in the air/aisle extremely distracting in your professional photos that you heavily invested in, they also cause guests to be less present. Rather than seeing their smiling faces, you see a plethora of phones and sometimes tablets as you’re walking down the aisle. Sometimes, guests will even take a moment to Instagram their photos during the actual ceremony, which is absolutely not okay.

Trust me when I say you don’t want any of those things to happen. Especially since the guests will have access to the professional photos, there’s really no good reason why you shouldn’t have an unplugged ceremony!

If you want a “happy medium,” have an unplugged ceremony but with a short 30 second moment where the officiant welcomes guests to take a photo.

Cavin Elizabeth is a wedding film photographer based in San Diego, California. Her wedding work has taken her all over the United States and abroad. In addition to being a photographer, Cavin is an educator and an avid blogger of wedding planning tips for brides and grooms. She authored the book A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding, which teaches couples how to make wedding plans that are best for photography.

3 Floral Arches, 3 Designer Gowns and a Sea of Pastel Hues

Thailand is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking wedding venues and some of the world’s most talented wedding vendors. Today’s gorgeous wedding on Samui Island was created by the dream team of Thailand vendors – the Wedding Bliss Thailand and IAMFLOWER, so it’s no surprise the details in this day are nothing short of spectacular. Head on over to the full gallery captured by one of the best of the best, Erich McVey Photography, to see all the dreamy floral arches, designer gowns and the sweetest four-legged wedding guest.

From the Bride… As a bride, I had always wanted an intimate destination wedding, surrounded by close family and friends. After seeing the beautiful ocean backdrop and the transparent stage at Conrad Koh Samui, I was never able to set my eyes on another venue. I soon contacted the Wedding Bliss Thailand, who showcased many creative and gorgeous weddings in Thailand and around the world on their instagram page. I was more than satisfied to have them as my wedding planner. They not only helped ensuring every detail of my wedding day was perfect, but also made sure our trip and our guests’ trip (including our dog Mengmeng traveling from USA to Thailand) ran smoothly.

From The Wedding Bliss Thailand… Maggie and Yueyang met many moons ago back in 2014, when they both studied at the University of Pennsylvania. They loved traveling together and the most romantic trip was in Puerto Rico where they celebrated the anniversary of meeting each other in the restaurant with the stunning natural beauty of Caribbean Sea.

On the Valentine’s day of 2018, Yueyang proposed Maggie with the best romantic on the rooftop balcony of Renaissance hotel in Allentown. He surprised her by pretending he was having a fight with the hotel restaurant concierge, and told Maggie to follow him to the rooftop of the restaurant where the floor was covered with the roses their pictures leading to the balcony. He was there waiting and proposed by thanking accompany in the past two years and of course Maggie said “Yes” and the rest is a history.

Knowing how important Maggie and Yueyang’s guests were to them, they chose to only have the closest friends and families around and instead focus on creating the day full of amazing personal memories for themselves and everyone invited, they want the guest to remember the day/night as a happy and memorable day.

While working on the wedding design we wanted to make sure every detail and the décor on the wedding day was well intended and reflected the beautiful personality of our bride as well as the deep connection between herself and Yueyang. During the ceremony we chose a sweet pastel colour palette to be included in the in floral compositions: periwinkle, ballet slipper, plumeria, azalea, berries and baby blue with a three-windowed wedding arch was set on a transparent glass stage over the pool. The bride loved the idea of adding fruits to to the decorations. Grapes and berries were added as a component to both the floral arch, bouquets and reception table setups.

A wall of pastel colored donuts also replaced the traditional wedding cake during reception, as the bride was looking for something more fun and less traditional.
The reception was in front of the ocean with beautiful tropical setting around, hanging flower in pastel metallics tone under the canopy of fairy lights with chandeliers adding more light and a classy touch – The overall result turned out classy and romantic fairytale.

A Coral and Grapefruit Color Palette Will Have You Jumping to Add A Pop of Color to Your Wedding Day!

Slices of grapefruit and actual pieces of coral aren’t your typical wedding day inspiration, but it’s what inspired Elite Planning Firm and we have to say…we are here for it! Taking place at the ever so romantic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami, Elite Planning along with photographer, Elizabeth Fogarty wanted to showcase to brides how pops of color are just as dreamy as a neutral color palette! From an overflowing bouquet by Ever After Floral Design to a colorful invitation suite by Fig. 2 Design, they nailed it! Take a peek below and don’t stop until you get to the grapefruit cocktails!!

From Elizabeth Fogarty Photography…May from Elite Planning Firm and Liz from Liz Fogarty wanted to put together an editorial celebrating bright colors with lots of energy. They wanted to encourage brides planning their wedding to not be scared of using a colorful color palette. Yes, neutrals photograph beautifully but using a pop of color will set your wedding apart.

They used the color of the grapefruit and the texture of the coral as their inspirations, which led to beautiful details from the invitations to the cocktails. Claudia from Fig 2 Design made custom acrylic table numbers, which are super fun!

Vizcaya Musuem & Gardens is probably the most gorgeous venue in Miami with lots of history, being a museum with beautiful gardens. It is the perfect backdrop for any sophisticated and romantic wedding and can be turned into quite the fairytale. Of course, they had to wrap this editorial up with grapefruit cocktails!

Soft & Romantic Photography Mixed With the City of Brooklyn Make For A Modern Urban Fairytale

This morning’s inspiration shoot will have you booking your next trip to Brooklyn…we promise you! Planned by Wildflower Events + Design, they combined the perfect amount of urban, city life with a soft, romantic vibe with blooms of baby’s breath as the ceremony backdrop by Buds of Brooklyn against the industrial setting at The Wythe Hotel. Take a look below and check out the full gallery here, to see how Joanna Fisher Photography captured the real-life happy couple, as they made their way through the Brooklyn streets!

From Wildflower Events + Design…The inspiration for this wedding styled shoot all started with this special, authentic, diverse borough, everything this team of vendors wanted to represent for this wedding styled shoot. Joanna Fisher, the talented photographer, based out of Fairfield, CT wanted to bring her soft and romantic edit to the hard streets of Brooklyn. With a simple Instastory shout out, she connected with Lindsey and Dara, the team behind Wildflower Events + Design to rally a rad and creative team, down for an adventure, up for major collaboration and lastly, teamwork!

Brooklyn has experienced its own metamorphosis from gritty to glam. Once seen as one of the nation’s preeminent industrial cities, characterized by factories and working-class families, it has now undergone this cultural shift defined by hipsters mixed with local Brooklynites who’ve clung to the remaining pieces of ungentrified blocks, young families and creative types, who all live peacefully amongst one another. The Wythe Hotel, situated in the heart of Williamsburg, the epicenter of hipsterness, embodies the perfect combination of the old and new Brooklyn. Once the home to a sugar factory, the Wythe leans into those cool industrial vibes by showcasing its original exposed brick walls, old wood beams and cast-iron columns, yet still radiates cool and trendy with its beautiful rooms and its numerous event and restaurant spaces.

The cool industrial feel of The Wythe Hotel was the perfect juxtaposition against the soft, romantic and ethereal vibes designed by Wildflower Events + Design. Highlighting the hotel’s Garden Terrace, the ceremony set up, which was effortlessly created by Buds of Brooklyn was an effervescent cloud explosion of soft pink baby’s breath climbing up the exposed brick walls. Incorporating Borrowed Blu’s modern, yet soft ceramic tableware perfectly complemented Wildflower and Bud’s collaborative design. Truly emulating Brookyln’s no-nonsense attitude, Cat Wilcox, the boss lady behind Cat Wilcox Designs created the most fitting invitation suite for this occasion (check that invitation liner)! Adding a much-needed pop of forest green to the tablescape, Cat tied all the table decor together perfectly with her beautifully designed place cards and menus! Everthine Bridal, located in the quaint town of Madison, CT, styled the two beautiful brides. Continuing the hard and soft theme, Brit wore a romantic bohemian-inspired dress, from dress designer, Flora Bridal, while her wife Bethany wore a cool, sleek and trendy Alexandra Grecco pant set that highlighted her amazingly sculpted arms and back. Michelle and Chelsey from Willow House Beauty completed the elegant, yet romantic bridal look, nailing those 1920s inspired romantic soft curls and gorgeous dewy makeup.

Just like Brooklyn’s authentic vibes, the shoot required a real-life, open, no BS couple to emulate those similar feelings. Brit, a social media influencer and writer behind Lively Co. Blog and wife of 2 years, Bethany, founder of Outlay Apparel Co. absolutely radiated on and off-screen! Their love is described as honest and open is totally evident. Every single vendor was swooning over their cute and flirty energy and stunning beauty! These ladies were game for anything! Despite their long drive into Brooklyn (they live in CT), these gals didn’t hesitate to jump on a ferry to Dumbo, take over an ice cream truck or run through the streets to get the shot! Their game time attitude kept the team inspired and moving despite the hot humid August weather! It’s days like these that keep wedding vendors inspired! With none of the vendors working together prior to this shoot, an instant community was created. It showed the power of creativity and love! We all came together to show how all love is beautiful and worth celebrating. As Brit eloquently said, “My passion is sharing my story and I’ll never stray away from doing that, as long as there are people out there who need to hear it.” It can be confidently said that the entire team of vendors truly feels that way about their own passions. We love to help couples celebrate and share their stories and love!

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

Joanna Fisher Photography

View Portfolio

An Unfinished Arbor, Endless Rolling Hills and the Sweetest Couple Ever – YES Please!

Today’s wedding is filled with boho charm, endless romance and the cutest four-legged wedding guest ever. Courtney of LVL Weddings and Events brought the bride and groom’s wedding dreams to life adorned with whimsical details at every turn. With rolling hills as their backdrop, the couple officially tied the knot in front of their closest family and friends on a sun-soaked day in Carmel. Britt Rene Photography captured every must-see moment and we’re just lucky to be living vicariously through the full gallery. Major heart eyes ahead!

From the Bride… Carmel holds a special place in our hearts. We both grew up spending family vacations in Monterey and Carmel, and it is where we first fell in love while on a trip with our dog.

We are romantic bohemians at heart, and so it was a natural choice when it came to choosing a wedding venue. Carmel is so quaint, and the rolling green hills exude a natural romance.

We wove those elements throughout our celebration with whimsical wildflowers, boho prints, and a venue loaded with historic charm. Stepping onto the green at Holman Ranch took my breath away.

I will never forget the spectacular lush view, my handsome husband-to-be at the end of the aisle, and all our family and friends smiling at my dad and me as we walked down the aisle. Matt and I were so googly-eyed for each other up there, I think he even stole a kiss mid ceremony. He’s a rebel and that’s why I love him.

A Black Tie Backyard Wedding with 18 Bridesmaids and 6 Adorable Flower Girls

A luxurious garden wedding with a hometown feel – to sum it up, this day is overflowing with backyard wedding beauty. From the bride’s sparkling gown complete with a subtle blush hue sweeping across the fields of green grass, to her sweet flower girls all done up in matching white dresses and baby’s breath flower crowns, every inch of this wedding planned and designed by Rachael Ellen Events will warm your heart. The backyard space was transformed into a romantic garden thanks to Moonlight Lighting’s dreamy draped structures and vintage chandeliers. Head on over to the full gallery captured by Kenzie Victory for some major inspo!

From Rachael Ellen Events… In her home state of Utah, Alexa and Tyler planned a gorgeous outdoor wedding complete with a romantic first look with Utah’s signature mountains as the backdrop. The entire event was casual yet elevated, romantic yet relatable, and beautifully curated from start to finish. Alexa and Tyler wanted to create an event that felt both elevated and special while also having some casual, hometown roots. Because of this, they chose to host their garden party wedding celebration in the bride’s parents gorgeous back yard.

This was the perfect setting for an event that felt quite literally, close to home, while giving us the perfect blank canvas to work with. In order to elevate the backyard space, we worked with Moonlight lighting to create the draping structures that were the focal point of the yard. With various vintage chandeliers strung, sheer chiffon fabric, and draped greens – this elevated the space to a romantic garden. We adorned the tables with neutral linens, blush taper candles, and a long, lush garland to allow guests ample space to see each other and chat. The rest of the tables were adorned with a variety of luxe linens from velvet to linen to shantung, bringing in a very luxurious feel.

All tables were topped with garden inspired floral arrangements in shades of blush, rose and mauve – this color palette was paired with gold and carried throughout the entire event. The couple decided to serve an al fresco themed dinner with wood fired pizza, artisan salads, and a serious of unique passed hors d’oeuvres. On top of the oil painting inspired wedding cake – complete with sugar flowers to match the wedding blooms, the couple served their favorite dessert – lemon, sea salt, honey gelato. This special recipe was borrowed from their favorite local chef and perfectly recreated by the catering team. Ink and Press Co. Created a romantic suite inspired by texture and feminine details. Complete with a gold flower design, vellum overlay, silk ribbon, vintage stamps, and calligraphy addressing, the paper details were nothing short of romantic!

Mikyla of Ink and Press Co. Also created a series of linen signs to go around the catering stations for an organic, romantic touch. Alexa wore a gorgeous Galia Lahav gown and Tyler dressed in a sharp black tux. Alexa’s 18 bridesmaids wore gorgeous rose silk gowns that were the perfect fit for their back yard celebration. Her sister and maid of honor wore a special Needle and Thread gown – the perfect mix between the bridesmaids and the bride. With so many bridesmaids, we opted for Alexa’s ladies to hold bouquets of single type blooms rather than fully mixed bouquets. We used stock to accomplish this look which was the perfect fit for one of the hottest days of the summer! This sturdy bloom was able to withstand the heat and look gorgeous in white all while serving as a smart budget move to accommodate for this total girl gang! Guests were serenaded by The Voice singer Tyke James throughout the night with his romantic, acoustic tunes. The couple opted for no dancing as they wanted everyone to spend the night talking, enjoying the gorgeous space, and eating all of the yummy food.