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

Flora Farms Los Cabos Wedding Filled With Elegance And Fun

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Soft Steel Blue, Pastel Pinks, Peach, White, and Ivory.

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Zoë & Brody dreamed of getting married in Cabo after getting engaged there. They hired Palms Weddings & Events to help them bring their destination wedding vision to life. They wanted to touch on spring in Cabo, keeping the vibe bright and colorful yet still soft and romantic for their intimate wedding. Flora Farms, tucked away in the lush fields in San Jose del Cabo, was the perfect location for their intimate wedding.

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From the Bride: We had many conversations about when to get engaged, especially nearing the end of med school for Brody and after Zoë had moved in since graduating PA school. Brody had made the not-so-mysterious decision to tell Zoë that they would be engaged in late summer to fall of 2021. Luckily, she forgot about that and actually thought Brody had said much later. When we originally planned a trip to Maui towards the end of the summer, she had no idea. The photographer was booked, dinner reservations were made, and a plan was set. However, COVID forced a change in plans just weeks before our trip. Hawaii would’ve been wonderful, but Cabo was absolutely perfect. Brody found the Marquis Los Cabos which practically did all the work for him. Zoë had seen one of her friends’ photoshoots in Cabo and wanted to do something similar if we could. Little did she know, a photoshoot ending with a proposal at the beach had already been arranged for the evening of our third day in Cabo. Zoë survived the first two days of all-day sun relaxing by the pool, and Brody appreciated the mellow atmosphere to calm his anxiety. The third evening arrived, and everything had gone perfectly. Zoë looked absolutely stunning in her “I hope it doesn’t look too wedding-like” dress, and we met the photographer after some tequila at the hotel bar. Soon, we reached the beach, and the photographer asked Zoë to turn around while Brody got on one knee. Zoë was completely surprised by the timing of the proposal. Brody forgot his speech in awe of the moment, and the ring was on her finger before the question was formally asked. We celebrated with a champagne dinner at the penthouse suite overlooking the beach and ocean. We would say it was the best food of the trip, but on our final day, we visited Flora Farms and fell in love with absolutely everything. We toured it as our first potential venue, and nothing matched it after.

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Zoë purchased her Anne Barge dress from Love Couture Bridal in Potomac, Maryland. The dress was the iconic “Dream Weaver, “a strapless, V-notched bodice with a full ballgown skirt of floral embossed jacquard.

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Zoë knew she wanted a color for her bridesmaid’s dresses that complimented her pink and peach florals, yet something that still added a flare. She opted for a steel blue chiffon dress with a fitted bodice from SHow Me Your Mumu. The pop of steel blue against the florals created the perfect hues for spring in San Jose del Cabo.

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With Zoë and Brody wanting an intimate wedding, a key factor in ensuring this experience for themselves and their guests was a family-style seasonal field-to-table dinner. Flora Farms focuses on serving handmade food with fresh ingredients, like their fresh vegetables from their fields roasted to perfection with a lemon vinaigrette, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, their coal-roasted chicken, and seared catch of the day. They created the perfect menu for an intimate al fresco evening for Zoë & Brody. Their signature drinks encapsulated spring in Cabo with a refreshing “Farms Citrus” margarita for the bride with a grapefruit and orange garnish and signature “Flora’s Old Fashioned” for the groom.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Velvet Floral created the perfect bouquets and centerpieces for Zoë’s vision of soft, feminine, and spring florals amidst the tropical oasis at Flora Farms. The pops of pink, peach, and pale yellow florals made the soft steel blue accents in the bridesmaid’s dresses stand out yet still complement effortlessly.

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Flora Farms baked a dainty white cake simply for the bride and groom – perfect for a traditional cake cutting for Zoe and Brody.

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Zoë & Brody were married by Brody’s twin’s fiancé whom he’s known almost all his life. It was the sweetest touch having someone so near and dear to them marry them.

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Here’s Exactly What You Should (And Shouldn’t!) DIY for Your Wedding

Some couples decide to DIY to save a few, some do it to create a one-of-a-kind, personalized experience; no matter why you choose to DIY, we’re here to help you do it responsibly (and stylishly, of course!). Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for getting your hands dirty and creating gorgeous additions to your wedding yourself – but let’s take a look at which DIY projects are worth your while and which ones should be left to the pros! As a general rule of thumb, we recommend DIY projects that are accents to your wedding rather than centerpieces.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Shannon Moffit Photography

DO DIY

1. ESCORT CARDS

These are a great way to safely incorporate a DIY project into your wedding planning. Whether you want to keep it simple and write everyone’s name in calligraphy on a card or etch their names on sea glass, there are so many fun low-stress options. Find an inspiration image, or (even better) a tutorial video and have fun with it!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Sally Pinera

2. TABLESCAPES

Tablescapes are a great place to put your DIY skills to good use. From spray painting chargers to sourcing raw silk runners, the possibilities are endless, and they’re pretty hard to mess up.

We recommend leaving the china, glassware, and silverware to the caterers but feel free to get creative with the decorations.

Find an inspiration photo of a tablescape that you like and look for each of the different elements at craft stores, dollar stores, and even thrift stores. Use your creative talents to refine each element until it looks just like your inspiration. A great part about investing in your own table decorations is that you can use them again when you’re hosting an event at your place. All of your guests will be impressed with your tablescape abilities!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Madeleine Collins Photography

3. GUEST FAVORS

This category is probably your best and safest bet for a well-executed DIY wedding project because, while important, they’re not a focal point for the wedding. Here are some fun DIY favor ideas:

– Snacks

Baking small favors, like cookies or cupcakes, for your guests is a great way to thank them for coming to your wedding. These are a nice send-off at the end of the evening when your guests need a midnight snack after working up an appetite on the dancefloor.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Jessica Blex Photography & Design

– Plants

Succulents and bulbs make nice favors because they are low-maintenance, travel fairly well, and are simple to assemble. It is easy to buy the plants in bulk and place them in a container that compliments your wedding theme.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Martin Wedding Photography

– Drinks

Cocktail kits make a great favor and are super easy to put together. Choose a drink that you and your fiancé(e) enjoy and package all of the ingredients up in a cute container along with a mini bottle of the corresponding spirit. Your guests can take it home with them or make it as a nightcap when they get back to their hotel.

PHOTOGRAPHER | Ether & Smith

4. INVITATIONS

Depending on how many people you plan on inviting to your wedding, deciding to DIY your invitations may be a pretty big undertaking. Thankfully there are a lot of online printing companies that take the hassle out of DIY when it comes to invitations. Sites like Minted make it easy to design and customize your wedding invitations without having to do it by hand. Most printing companies even offer calligraphy fonts to give your invitations that handmade feel.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Dyanna LaMora

STATIONARY | Minted

DON’T DIY

1. FLORALS

Floral arrangements are one of the most expensive wedding elements, it’s for this reason that some brides decide to DIY their floral arrangements. Because most brides have never ordered flowers for an event before, the initial quote can be overwhelming. This is often because brides ask for specific flowers that they’ve seen on blogs or on Pinterest without knowing what those flowers cost or if they are in season for the dates they are requesting them for. Before you decide to DIY your florals, consider being open about your budget restrictions with a few floral designers in your area. Instead of showing them a photo or asking for specific flowers, instead, describe a general aesthetic and color scheme. Most florists can recommend certain flowers and greenery that are less expensive than others and may be able to stay within your budget.

If you are determined to DIY your floral arrangements, make sure that you have the necessary equipment as well as a safe, refrigerated place to store the flowers before the wedding. We recommend taking a floral arrangement workshop with your bridesmaids so that you have a general understanding of how the arrangements are put together and some extra hands to help. This is a really fun way to bond with your girls and get a better understanding of the process. Once you see what goes into making a floral arrangement, you may decide to leave this one to the professionals. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of other DIY projects that you can take on in the meantime!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Megan Welker Photography

FLORIST | Ellamah

2. GOWN

Finding your dream gown can seem like an uphill battle and for some brides, it pushes them to say, “If I can’t find it, I guess I’ll just make it myself.” Unless you already know how to pattern and sew, we recommend leaving this one to the professionals. Not only is it difficult to master the different techniques, but it can also end up being more costly to make your own gown rather than having it made.

But fear not, that doesn’t mean you should give up on finding the gown of your dreams! If you know exactly what you want but you simply can’t find it anywhere, consider hiring a seamstress to make the gown for you. You can find a seamstress near you by doing a Yelp or Google search or stopping into your local alterations shop. If you have a general idea of what you want, you can also work with a designer to have a custom gown created for you. A great resource to find a gown designer online is Etsy. You can see where the designer is based, see examples of their work, and read reviews before committing. Both of these options offer the customized appeal of a DIY project without all of the stress.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Jada Poon Photography

3. CAKE

Baking a cake and baking a wedding cake are two very different things. If you’ve watched any of the baking reality TV shows (Great British Baking Show we’re lookin’ at you), then you know the feeling of watching a beautifully stacked cake start to slant and plop onto the floor! No matter how good of a baker you are in your everyday life, know that attempting to bake your wedding cake is a huge commitment.

Not only is it difficult but it needs to be done close to your wedding to ensure freshness and requires a large (low traffic) refrigerator for safe storage. You will also need to be able to lift and transport the cake to your venue without it falling over. I don’t know about you, but that’s enough to talk us out of it!

If you love baking and really want to make something for your wedding day, consider baking something small and manageable for favors. You’ll get to put your baking skills to good use and your guests will have a yummy treat; win-win!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Nicole Clarey Photography

CAKE | Le Gateau Llc. Weeding Cakes B

4. HAIR AND MAKEUP

This is probably the most hotly debated wedding DIY category. It’s true–you do your hair and makeup on a daily basis, so why couldn’t you do it on your wedding day? We’re here to say, you most definitely can, however, the question is… should you!?

We say no, hire a hair and makeup artist and here’s why. Have you ever had one of those days where your hair just won’t seem to cooperate or you can’t get your right and left sides to look the same? Have you ever gotten through a whole day of work just to realize that your eyeliner has run and you have been walking around looking like the Joker all day? It’s for these reasons that we say, leave your hair and makeup to the professionals on your wedding day. While we are all capable of doing our day-to-day hair and makeup looks, it is truly an art to get it right every time and make it last all day–through outfit changes, tears of joy, and dancing your heart out. You’ve spent so much time and money perfecting every aspect of your wedding ensemble, make sure that your hair and makeup are up to par with the rest of your look. Plus, it’s borderline therapeutic having someone play with your hair and gently brush your face, enjoy the pampering on your big day, you deserve it!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Koman Photography

HAIR AND MAKEUP | Oui Novias

Exceptions to the Rules

If you are a wedding professional, (i.e. a florist, a photographer, a fashion designer) and you decide to use your talents to make your wedding dreams come true, you’re the exception to the rule. At the point where you are an expert in a field, hiring yourself is the same as hiring another professional to do the job. So if you are a florist and you want to do your own flowers, we say, go for it! The same rules apply if you have a friend or a family member who is a wedding professional and you want to ask them to help–just make sure that you work well together and share a similar style.

One thing to be careful of, even if you are a professional, is that you don’t stretch yourself too thin. It is easy to prioritize your other clients and squeeze your wedding in when you get a chance. You deserve to have a carefree wedding experience, just like any of your clients. If you think it will stress you out too much to do the job yourself, don’t be afraid to hire someone else.

PHOTOGRAPHER | Stephanie Brazzle Photography

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A Candlelit Tuscan Wedding at Castiglion Del Bosco

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We knew our color palette for the wedding would be more subdued so we decided to play with bright colors and fun design for our Welcome Dinner. The inspiration ultimately came from my dress which was bold primary colors. Our wedding color palette was built off of the color sage which is also the name of the high school where we met. We wanted a timeless color schemed that lended itself well to the surroundings.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]For the Welcome Dinner, we wanted fun design! I designed the menus and place cards. Each table had a different color menus and corresponding place cards.

The wedding vision was always simplicity and elegance. The property is so breathtaking as is so we never wanted to detract from that. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]The proposal story is SO good. :) It was our eighth anniversary and we were spending it in New Orleans, which is where I went to school. Eric and I are big letter writers. We write letters to each other a few times a year and always on our anniversary. We will typically exchange the letters in the morning and spend some moments reading them. The morning of the proposal, we had our usual letter exchange except Eric’s letter he handed to me had “Part 1” written on the envelope. The letter was all about the beginning of our relationship. It talked about high school, our friendship, and the early days of us dating.

Later in the day, he handed me another envelope that said “Part 2”. The following letter talked all about college and doing long distance all throughout undergrad and grad school.

At this point in the day we had gone back to our hotel and were getting ready for dinner. Eric didn’t tell me where we were going but he did say when to be ready. Once I was dressed and ready, he handed me the final envelope with “Part 3” written on it. The letter inside talked about our “present”. It talked about our life in LA together and living together.

He led me outside our room, down to the lobby, and into a private room. This cozy private lounge had four tables all with my favorite flowers (peonies) and pictures in frames. Each picture represented one “part” of our relationship. The first frame had a picture of us from high school, the second had a picture of us in college, the third had one of us in LA, and the last frame was empty. Eric got down on his knee and began to explain how the empty frame was our future and how he couldn’t wait to create that future together. I honestly can’t remember what else he said because I was so overwhelmed. We ended the night with dinner at our favorite restaurant where he coordinated a custom menu with all of our favorites.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]For the Welcome Dinner, I knew that I wanted to wear something bright, colorful and quintessentially Italian. After a long search, I was able to track down the Dolce & Gabbana dress that I ended up wearing.

I wore a Monique Lhullier dress which was actually the first dress I tried on. Sometimes you get it right on the first try![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]I only had a MOH and she wore a Shana Joy dress in green. It was gorgeous![/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]For the Welcome Dinner, there was pizza served fresh out of the ovens and a myriad of fresh summer salads to choose from. Peach bellinis and Aperol spritz (our favorite drinks) were flowing. For dessert we served tiramisu, fresh fruit, nutella pizza, and we of course had a gelato cart.

For the wedding, we had passed hors d’oeuvre during cocktail hour which included fresh focaccia that was made in the pizza oven right at the villa. We served three courses and then went straight to dessert. The courses were eggplant tartare with dry
tomatoes and pecorino, maltagliati pasta with tomato sauce and burrata cheese, and a choice of wild sea bass or braised veal cheek with brunello sauce and mashed
potatoes. Since dinner was long and we wanted to get the party going, we had trays of espresso martinis waiting for our guests as they were directed to the dance floor. Of course there was also late night pizza.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Our florals were whites and greens for the wedding. My bridal bouquet was made of peonies because the corsage Eric gave me for our high school prom was a peony. The dinner was probably the biggest highlight from all the events. I wanted a really dramatic long table with candles as the focal point. I learned how to embroider and spent time leading up to the wedding embroidering each guest’s names onto the napkins. Those napkins served as the seat assignments.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our guests are still talking about the cake. Millefoglie is a traditional Italian wedding cake and for good reason. Everyone loved it.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony took place at an overlook on the property. A string quartet played songs that we had long associated with each other as we walked down the aisle. I walked down to the song “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons. As I walked down the aisle with my dad, all I could see was Eric’s head down. He was crying. We read our own vows and one of our best friends beautifully officiated the ceremony. He was there the night we first met! There were many smiles and many tears. My family is Jewish and so we incorporated a bit of tradition into the ceremony, Eric stomped on the glass and everyone shouted “Mazel Tov!”. We sauntered back up the aisle to the string quartet playing “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys. With a glass of prosecco in hand, our guests were transported from the main hotel to Villa Sant’Anna where cocktail hour awaited their arrival.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Eric and I met at 15 and we’ve been together for 10 years. We were high school sweethearts. It wasn’t love at first sight, but it was like at first conversation. There was instant chemistry which helped us build a strong friendship. And as time went on, we grew closer. Our relationship grew out of a friendship and we remain friends before anything. We endured 6 years of long distance through undergrad and graduate school for Eric. Cut to now, living together in Los Angeles. I work in entertainment and Eric launches rockets for a living. I’m the creative one, he’s the level-headed one. Opposites really do attract.

When it came time to discuss our wedding, we wanted each and every decision to be meaningful since we have such a rich history. We easily decided on Italy since I studied abroad there, Eric’s family roots are Italian, and some of our favorite memories are moments from trips to Italy. It was a no-brainer. We decided on the timing of our wedding as it would be close to our 10-year anniversary. I decided to take on the wedding planning myself with the help of Eric and the events team at the venue. We wanted to host a Welcome Dinner so all of our guests could get to know each other before the big day. Each event felt intimate given there were only 55 guests and we wanted everyone to mingle. Keeping the list small was important to us because we wanted to celebrate with people who we felt knew us best.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The evening of our welcome dinner was filled with touching and funny speeches and it ended with a movie night. Our friends sauntered over to the movie night viewing area but not without stopping by the gelato cart first to enjoy while watching. Since Eric and I went from friends to more-than-friends, we thought it was perfect to watch When Harry Met Sally. We wanted the evening to be a big welcome and a warm hug. It was the perfect way to set the tone for events to come.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]We spent the night dancing under the stars. After midnight, we switched the playlist to entirely music that we had listened to in high school. Our friends loved it and tequila was flowing! The night ended with all of our friends jumping in the pool in their tuxes and dresses. We stayed so late that we even had to extend the shuttles by an hour. Our friends headed back to their hotel rooms in wet clothes and robes from our villa.[/field]
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A Sophisticated Wedding in Provence With The Prettiest Color Palette

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It comes as no surprise that Provence is a well-loved wedding destination, known for its lovely sunny weather, picturesque landscape, delicious food, and wine (most notably Provençal Rosé). This region creates an atmosphere of celebration from the start. A short 10-mile journey from Marseille takes you to the alluring Provencal venue, Bastide de Toursainte, which Jingjing and Alexandre chose to celebrate their wedding day together with their dearest ones. This venue is exactly what you’d imagine when thinking of the classic Provence wedding location. With a dreamy Provence color palette of ivory, tender lavender, and apricot, floral designer Sophie Robert created delicate and sophisticated floral designs to enhance the bastide’s beauty.

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On the morning of the wedding, Jingjing and the bridesmaids got ready in the gorgeous bridal suite, sipping champagne as the slow wedding day started to unfold. Later, enjoying the couple’s shoots in the alley of the majestic plane trees, the couple had their ride in their getaway car. The ceremony takes place in the gorgeous tiny garden of Bastide de Toursainte, with the arch placed near the French fountain wall framed with seasonal flowers. The florist created a flower-filled outdoor wedding ceremony space using seasonal flower arrangements that were stunning in their simplicity. After tying the knot, the couple and the guests walked down to the enchanting fountain park afterward for a champagne reception, enjoying the jazz music and beautiful sunset.

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Choosing La Truffe Noire meant to have the truly authentic South France cousine experience. During the cocktail hour guests were greeted with champagne and rosé wine of the area including the most desired drink of summer- Aperol spritz. For the first entree of the dinner Salad Gourmande with fresh French Herbs and lemongrass. The second course was sliced beef atop cauliflower with sweet potatoes and seasoned vegetables. The dinner wouldn’t be complete without the cheese board including the iconic selection of Brie with Truffle, Goat cheese and flowers of Tête de Moine, paired with Provence honey. After dinner we had an open bar, but continued to serve the specialty drinks. The dinner was served in front of the breathtaking terrace with the magnificent flower arch behind the newlyweds. Candlelight added an incredible atmosphere and intimacy to the entire wedding dinner. It looked a dream to dine directly under the stars and in the warm light of the glowing bastide.

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The florals of the reception reflects a perfect harmony between garden roses, sweet peas, delphiniums, and hydrangeas, evoking the essence of floral beauty during this season. That transformed the Bastide de Toursainte into a sumptuous botanical garden, the masterpiece of this day. The wedding reception table was set in front of the terrace of bastide, adorned with a white table linen that paired beautifully with the soft flowers and natural wooden chairs.

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Jingjing and Alexandre cut into the most elegant cake created by Le Garde Manger. After feeding each other bits of their cake, coffee and tea were made available to their guests as well as small bite sized assorted desserts such as mini chocolate bonbons and cheesecakes with fresh berries on top.[/field]
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Southern Charm Meets California Style at This Carmel Valley Wedding

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Neutral colors told the story for Kristin & Tucker’s wedding day! We loved layering in cremes in junction with the all white floral design.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Love and laughter echoed through the picturesque landscapes of Carmel Valley, California, as Kristin and Tucker exchanged vows in a dreamy celebration at Bernardus Lodge. The couple’s wedding was a perfect blend of trendy and timeliness with farm-to-table delights, and a touch of Texan flair, making it a night to remember.

From Sarah – the designer:

Designing this day was an absolute dream from beginning to end! Kristin & Tucker came to us with the vision to showcase one of their favorite corners of the world to all of their favorite people. While Kristin & Tucker are Dallas residents, Kristin is a California native and we loved the idea of meshing her chic California style with Tucker’s classic Southern roots. We played with pops of black to compliment a mostly neutral palette highlighting the beautiful Carmel Valley surrounding the ceremony & reception space.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Kristin & Tucker will forever hold California (the place of their meeting!) as a special place, so it was no surprise when Tucker chose a trip to California as the place to surprise Kristin with a proposal. The couple stopped along Carmel’s beautiful coastline on a foggy day and Tucker pulled off the surprise of a lifetime![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Kristin’s Reem Acra ceremony gown fit her classic & subtly Southern style perfectly, and her Caroline Herrera party dress brought some serious fun to the late night dance floor! Kristin layered in texture with floral detail in her cathedral length veil & opted for simple, classic jewelry and Manolo Blahnik heels – nod to “something borrowed” from her aunt![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Kristin chose champagne gowns for her maids of honor, each with a design that fit their taste.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]One of the highlights of the evening was the farm-to-table inspired dinner, curated with love and attention to detail. Guests were treated to a culinary journey that showcased the best of local, seasonal ingredients. From artisanal cheeses to fresh produce harvested from nearby farms, every bite was a celebration of California’s vibrant food culture.
The menu featured delectable dishes such as grilled heirloom vegetables, organic free-range chicken, and sustainably sourced seafood. The couple’s commitment to supporting local farmers not only added a meaningful touch to the celebration but also created a feast that delighted the senses.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The floral arrangements were nothing short of enchanting, with an all-white color palette that exuded sophistication and timeless elegance. Delicate blooms such as peonies, roses, and ranunculus adorned the ceremony arch, tables, and bouquets, creating a seamless blend with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Blooming garden inspired ceremony florals created the perfect garden setting for the couple as they said I Do![/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]In keeping with the all white color palette, Kristin & Tuckers tone on tone all white cake with a single stem floral accent.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]As the sun dipped below the horizon, the celebration shifted gears into an electrifying dance party. A 12-piece band took center stage, filling the air with lively tunes that had guests of all ages on their feet. The dance floor became a pulsating sea of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]
A nod to the couple’s Texan roots, the dance party featured a unique twist—light-up cowboy hats. The shimmering hats added a playful touch to the festivities, paying homage to Kristin and Tucker’s shared history in the Lone Star State. It was a sight to behold as the dance floor sparkled with the glow of the hats, creating a magical atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the couple’s vibrant personalities.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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A Dream Wedding at Villa Vittoria Relais on Lake Como

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were blush, moss green, and ivory.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The vibe and vision of our wedding was elegant, timeless, private and far from home. Both of us love to travel and that’s how we ended up doing a destination wedding in Italy! We weren’t quite sure where in Italy until we saw pictures of Relais Villa Vittoria on Lake Como. It was the perfect combination of privacy, serenity, beautiful greenery, and timeless architecture. We choose this venue sight unseen, and it was even more stunning in person. The entire wedding weekend we felt like George and Amal Clooney in our own private villa!

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

We were headed to NYC for a long weekend. Alex told me to hurry from the airport and quickly get ready for dinner. Before dinner, Alex wanted to see the view of the city from the rooftop of his sister’s building. As soon as we got to the rooftop, I knew this was the moment! The setting was perfect: beautiful NYC lights and my future husband! The one thing I won’t ever forget was Alex telling me to stop ugly crying because there was a photographer snapping pictures!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

I wanted a dress that was simple and classic but with a modern flare! My dress was Harry from the designer Made With Love Bridal. It had the perfect deep V neckline and hugged my curves in all the right places with the crepe material. My favorite part of the dress was the train! The train was the modern flare I wanted!

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

My bridesmaids wore dresses from Mumu Weddings in moss green luxe satin. I absolutely love Show Me Your Mumu because of its inclusive sizing and many styles. I wanted my bridesmaids to wear the same moss green color and then choose a dress style that emphasized their own personal taste and body type! The satin material also gave the bridesmaid dresses the perfect touch of elegance.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Who doesn’t love a classic black tux! All the groomsman wore custom black tuxes from State and Liberty. My husband loves State and Liberty because they design comfy and athletic-fit formal attire. The groomsman could be comfortable while also looking sharp.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Since we were in Italy, our food and drinks were based on location not to mention that our favorite food type is Italian! Aperol Spritzes and charcuterie boards were served during cocktail hour. For dinner, we had pasta as the first course and filet for the second course. We added spicy margaritas to the cocktail menu to bring in some of our Texas roots!

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The florals were whimsical, romantic, and poetic. The colors were soft blush, white, and green. Our venue had built-in décor with the jasmine vine growing on the side of the building and surrounding gardens. The florals enhanced the existing beauty of the venue by tying the greenery and colors of the florals into the vines of the venue.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was a small, two-tier cake with simple floral decorations. The flavor was chocolate with raspberries![/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

As a couple, one of the first things we connected on was our mutual love of romantic comedies. We wanted to make our wedding into our own romantic comedy, and to do that, we used songs from our favorite movies throughout the wedding! I walked down the aisle to “Feels Like Home” from the movie “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

One special detail we added was naming one of the specialty cocktails after our dog, Andi. She couldn’t attend the wedding, and we wanted to include her in some way!

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Organic and Timeless California Summer Wedding

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Sage green, moss green, lemon yellow, ivory, and beige.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The design vibe we went for is organic, timeless and elegant with natural elements like rattan and wicker as accents. Think country cottage by the sea! We added in accents of lemons for a color pop and to help lean into that countryside chic vibe.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Nate did a surprise proposal in Ojai, CA at Meditation Mount. Alana planned the trip for his 30th birthday, so she wasn’t expecting anything. When he was fidgety at the meditation center, Alana essentially shushed him, pointed to people she thought were meditating, looked back at him, he was down on one knee and the folks Alana thought had been meditating started taking photos. It was magical.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

A strapless, structured gown by Pronovias from Panache Bridal.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Soft champagne silk dresses in varying silhouettes from SHow Me Your Mumu.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The bride and groom chose specialty cocktails of a Spicy Margarita and Mojito. Being seaside, guests enjoyed fresh seafood of jumbo prawns and oysters during cocktail hour. A plated meal was served for dinner of sea bass and filet mignon. In addition to wedding cake, a dessert bar was on display with mini eclairs, tarts, French macarons, and creme puffs.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The florals went with the romantic and timeless theme and Lily Roden Floral Studio created such beautiful texture among the all white floral color palette. Flower varieties such as garden roses, chamomile and ranunculus was used along with climbing vines of smilax to give that “naturally grown” garden vibe. The ceremony arch was anchored by filled wicker baskets and fresh lemons spilling out on the ground. Inside the ballroom, we accented all of the venue’s chandeliers with fresh greenery to bring the outdoors in. Embroidered linens accents the long tables with sage green napkins and rattan chargers. Natural wood accented flatware and botanical accents on the dinner menu added a special touch. Freshly potted plants in terracotta pots were also introduced as part of the centerpieces, along with fresh slices of lemons. The whole room was so fragrant!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake was a classic vanilla buttercream cake by Susie Cake Bakery.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Fresh lemons served as the holder for the place cards on the head table[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]All of the bud vases used were custom made from a local pottery artist. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

A Breathtaking Cathedral-Inspired Open Air Wedding Ceremony

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blush, green, beige, ivory, gold[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Inspired by the grandeur of cathedrals, Nicole and Nathan’s wedding included striking custom architectural elements for their regal and luxurious celebration in St. Petersburg. They selected the Vinoy Resort for its glamorous Mediterranean Revival style, which included a modern shade of pink on the exterior and spectacular waterfront views of Florida’s Tampa Bay.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Nicole and Nathan were engaged while on a trip to Marie Selby Gardens in Florida. The Wishing Tree, where visitors from across the globe tie colorful wishes to the branches, was the perfect spot to propose. The couple has been together since age fifteen and, with time, have cultivated a resilience in growing together in each new season of life. Nathan led Nicole beneath the tree and sealed their love with his greatest wish — to be married! [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]In alignment with Berta’s extravagant detail and couture mantra, Nicole’s wedding gown matched every luxury of her wedding day. Her look included a full ballgown of elaborate floral applique atop layers of nude mesh and tulle, regal long sleeves, and a sexy plunge neckline.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Nicole’s bridesmaids each sported a unique floor-length gown in an array of neutral hues.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Nathan was dressed in a custom tuxedo by Tom James. He wore a white jacket with black pants and accessories. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Guests had the option between gulf grouper with citrus butter sauce and grilled filet with port wine jus, cauliflower risotto, and charred broccolini.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Guests arrived at an open-air ceremony on the Esplanade waterfront lawn. Custom pointed arches were decorated in greenery and marked the aisle with an air of elegance. The couple stood at the altar set on an elevated platform decorated with candles, florals, and more touches of greenery. An outdoor cocktail hour channeled the same cathedral inspiration, with similar archways constructed behind the bar. The wedding reception moved to the Grand Ballroom, where velvet couches surrounded the custom oval dancefloor. An array of glowing candles and magnificent floral installations overhead decorated each table. Signage included the couple’s custom monogram, as well as a guest list inspired by the idea of a family crest.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The couple served a pink champagne wedding cake with raspberry coulis, raspberry buttercream, and cream cheese icing. The towering, five-tier masterpiece was decorated with sugar roses that climbed up the side.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Nicole and Nathan’s unconventional guest book, a large wooden “S,” was handmade by Nicole’s Uncle Tony and cousin Marcos, 2nd and 3rd generation craftsmen who continued a tradition started by Nicole’s grandfather. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Nicole and her mom crafted unique favors for their guests, which included an oyster shell painted gold on one side, with a decoupage watercolor photo of the Vinoy on the other.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The night ended with all of the guests on the dance floor for a festive Hora Loca.[/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Parties A' La Carte

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A Summer Wedding on the Lake With a Nod to “Keep Tahoe Blue”

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]It was important to carry out a hint of blue throughout the design, as a nod to the popular phrase in the area “Keep Tahoe Blue.” We added to the summer color palette with hints of yellow and white to reflect the time of year. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Lake Tahoe held a special place in the Bride & Groom’s hearts as it was the first vacation they took together and the first time they shared “I love you.” Their chosen wedding venue, Everline Resort, is the most idyllic mountain setting, nestled on the base of Olympic Valley in Lake Tahoe and we wanted the wedding to feel as though it is just another beautiful reflection of the surrounding landscape. We chose natural elements, like cane back chairs from Theoni Collection and allowed Golden Fields Floristry to sprinkle her floral magic using foliage and hints of yellow and blue to give it that extra pop of summer. We accented the cocktail hour space with blue linen and again, brought in that natural cain detail even down to the bar signage. The bride wore a beautiful lace detailed Monique Lhuillier Dress and we decided to carry out the lace detailing in the reception linen. As guests walked into the reception tent, they were greeted with extra long dining tables filled with rattan charger plates, lots of candles and carried on the hints of blue through the stationery. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Casey wanted to plan an engagement that would surprise Kelly. The plan was simple, make it her idea and get it on a camera. Casey moved in with Kelly in April and because they were new roommates Kelly wanted to send out Christmas cards to their friends and family that year. So Casey went to Kelly’s sister to help trick Kelly into scheduling a Christmas photoshoot.

Kelly set the whole thing up herself. She scheduled the photoshoot with Lianna Marie Photography, who also knew it was a surprise proposal shoot. Kelly did her hair and her nails, she got her makeup professionally, and even picked out the outfits.

Casey was so nervous at the photo shoot. He even made Kelly drive them there. During the photoshoot she even commented on how she could feel his heart beating. After about 20 minutes he couldn’t take it anymore, got down on one knee and popped the question! Where Kelly continued to say “What!?” and wouldn’t answer the question. She finally said yes, we think.

After the photos were done, Kelly was ready to tell her friends and family. Casey recommended that they swing by her sister’s house to show them before they let everyone else know. To Kelly’s surprise, all of her family members were there to cheers to the newly engaged couple![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a beautiful lace gown by Monique Lhuillier. After months of wedding dress shopping, she decided to make a trip to Los Angeles to visit a few bridal shops. After sitting down over a glass of champagne and mulling over a few dresses with her sister, Kelly shared that her heart was set on the Monique gown. Her sister also a Monique dress at her wedding, so they shared happy tears together before going to make the decision official! [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore various designers from Revolve and Reformation to ASOS, all in shades of dusty blue. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen rented black suits from The Suit Shop and Casey gifted each groomsmen a tie. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Keeping to the casual lake tahoe feeling, they wanted the food to also be a reflection of that. At cocktail hour, guests were able to enjoy a pretzel bar – complete with different dips and flavors… it was a hit! They also featured ahi tuna taco bites, which are a staple in the Tahoe area. A spicy twist on your traditional margarita and an old fashioned were the signature cocktails chosen by the couple. They also had tray passed “Spark Plug” shots handed out at the dance floor, which is a miniature version of an espresso martini, to keep the guests energized and the party going strong![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Staying true to the Tahoe Blue, the couple loved the idea of incorporating blue into the wedding day. We did so by utilizing blue textured linen throughout each part of the evening and also in the stationery. We didn’t want to take away from the beautiful surroundings that Tahoe has to offer, so we stuck with a natural color scheme for the ceremony with lots of green foliage and hints of wild white flowers by Golden Fields Floristry. We wanted to carry on that natural feeling into the chairs, tabletop elements & stationery by utilizing rattan & cain to accentuate the outdoors. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]In lieu of cake, the couple chose donuts as their dessert of choice. Almost every weekend, the couple starts almost every Sunday with donuts so they thought this would be a fun twist on the traditional wedding dessert. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Casey & Kelly’s brother-in-law, Will, was the officiant for the wedding. He incorporated such personal touches to their wedding day by sharing stories of each person and heartfelt words to both sets of parents who were welcoming this new family into their own.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Kelly, the bride had just lost her grandma a few months prior to the wedding. Her bridesmaid kindly gifted her a little charm for her bouquet that featured a photo of her grandma. The father-of-the-bride already had emotions running high, but when she shared the charm with him, the tears were unstoppable. What a way to commemorate such a special person to the family. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Playful Texas Wedding With Whimsical Decor & A Carousel Reception

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The colors were coral, peach, dusty blue, fuchsia, tangerine, marigold, and lilac.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Big Texas energy was in order for Kelsey and Jesse’s wedding day, which brought forth a playful spirit, a vintage carnival aesthetic, and even a charming carousel ride for their guests. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Kelsey and Jesse arranged to meet outdoors for their first date. What was supposed to be a short hike turned into a casual fourteen miles, as they were too busy enjoying conversation with each passing mile. Not only did that day begin Kelsey and Jesse’s love story, but it also began their love of hiking together. Throughout their relationship, the couple began hiking in National Parks across the country. On one of these trips, Jesse proposed at the top of Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park, making it Kelsey’s favorite and most memorable trip together to date. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Kelsey’s customPnina Tornai wedding gown also reflected the fantasy-like spirit, as it was detailed in floral lace and whimsical, three-dimensional touches.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Kelsey’s bridesmaids wore an array of mismatched dusty blue and floral gowns.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Jesse sported a custom tuxedo by Knot Standard.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple’s central Texas-inspired signature drinks included a prickly pear margarita and a Hill Country iced tea.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The ceremony was set with giant oak trees hung with chandeliers. Beneath them were arranged mix-and-match vintage chairs and couches in coordinating vibrant colors. A multi-colored floral chuppah stood in the center as the unique floral design melted one block of color into the next. This wildflower theme carried on throughout the night with an array of printed tablecloths, pressed floral signage, name cards, and floral-painted menus.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

An unforgettable wedding cake was decorated in pressed flowers that covered every inch of the five-tiered display.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

With a nod to Texas, the couple even designed custom hats for their entire wedding party from Milano Hat Company: ” I designed and customized each hat myself along with branding them myself. I wanted each hat to feel personal to each person in our wedding and wanted to put my own touch on each.”

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Kelsey hand-painted wildflowers around the diameter of their twelve-foot round bar to create a whimsical look at the reception.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

“We went to Africa on our honeymoon! There are no words to describe how incredible the trip was. We started off in Zambia, staying on the Zambezi River. From there, we did five nights of safaris in Botswana. We captured some amazing photos and saw so many animals on our game drives — I think the lion cubs were our favorite. For the second half of the trip, we went to the Seychelles to have some relaxing beach days. We stayed at the Four Seasons Resort, where the beaches were stunning. We spent one day hiking the island (of course), where we got some of the best views!”

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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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BBJ La Tavola

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Remi and Gold

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Bringing the Lush Outdoors Inside at The Arlo

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blush, Mustard (marigold), White, and Greens[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Meagan & Spencer knew they wanted to bring color to their venue, while still keeping the design elegant & classy. Meagan also was loving the ghost acrylic chairs, so with the the help of Simply XO Events, we decided to incorporate lucite/acrylic accents. We brought in lucite/acrylic in with the chairs, head table “acrylic” place mats, and lucite napkin rings.

With the color that came through in the floral and tables, the bride had her bridesmaids in white to create a very modern look with wedding party and ceremony moments. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]As many of Meagan & Spencer’s friends know, they are big Kansas City Chiefs fans. They went to a playoff game for Meagan’s birthday in 2022, and that’s when the proposal happened! Spencer got down on one knee (in Meagan’s Sherpa jacket, in true Spencer fashion) at the top of the KC Hotel, and asked Meagan to marry him with the Kansas City skyline behind them!
They celebrated the weekend with a Chiefs win as newly engaged, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Pronovias

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Revelry
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Food and beverage were very important to the bride and groom. Meagan and Spencer knew the first touch point for their guests would be their arrival for the ceremony. They have a champagne cart out front for guests to have a chilled glass of champagne while walking to find their seat for the ceremony.
Cocktail hour was the next touch point for guests, so not only did they have a full open bar (with espresso martinis served down a custom ice luge) they had passed appetizers and roaming oysters.
Dinner was a plated dinner service served by SoHo Catering. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The florals were luscious, with pops of white, yellow/marigold, and blush. Lovelily Flowers over delivered in every area, but one of the top WOW moments was her head table install we all dreamed up together. The vision was to have something up and over the head table to create a unique elevated moment in the reception room.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The cake moment was something classy and timeless. The cake was simple, with a little white texture added to it. Next to the cake was a champagne tower for the couple to pour after their cake cutting. This cake moment was designed by LBV Design House who provided the backdrop and cake stands. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Ceremony & cocktail hour music was played live by Josh Klaus, to add that “live music” element that guests expected to get when coming to a wedding in Austin, TX.
The reception band was Uptown Drive, which was a highlight specifically for the bride’s dad. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Lucite Accents – We really tried to play into the modern design with lucite chairs, head table acrylic place mats (to guide those guests to find their seat), acrylic napkin rings, and ghost/acrylic chairs. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Interactive Seating Chart – We knew we wanted to have an interactive moment during cocktail hour, so we thought the seating chart was the best spot for that! When walking up to the seating chart, you would find your last name letter, then open the “mini door” to find your table assignment. LBV Design House brought our vision to life flawlessly. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Head Table Floral Install – The head table floral moment was really a jaw dropping moments for guests when walking into the reception room. It was center and close to the dance floor, so it was hard to miss. [/field]
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Capturing European Elegance on the Lake at Villa Balbianello

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[field title=”The Inspiration”]The source of inspiration for this styled shoot workshop at Villa Balbianello lies in the captivating allure of the location itself. Set amidst the stunning surroundings of Villa Balbianello, with its historic charm and breathtaking vistas, this workshop aims to encapsulate the timeless beauty and romantic ambiance unique to this venue. Led by Amanda Virga and the AMV Weddings team, the focus is to harmonize the elegance of wedding aesthetics with the splendor and character of Villa Balbianello. The workshop seeks to celebrate the essence of love in this exclusive setting[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The carefully selected palette for this workshop intertwines the rich tapestry of hues—pink, pastel pink, red, and burgundy—each chosen to evoke a spectrum of emotions and themes. The delicate pastel pink hues whisper of innocence and tenderness, creating a soft, romantic ambiance that gently envelops the scenes. Intertwined with these softer tones, the bold and passionate reds ignite a fiery energy, symbolizing love, passion, and vitality. Deeper shades of burgundy add depth and sophistication, infusing a sense of timeless elegance and refinement into every detail. Together, this curated blend of colors creates a symphony of emotions, painting a canvas that speaks eloquently of romance, fervor, and enduring grace[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]Villa Balbianello, nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Como in Italy, is a jewel of timeless beauty. With its historic architecture adorned by terraced gardens and commanding views of the azure waters, the villa exudes an air of elegant tranquility. Its rich history, dating back to the 18th century, whispers tales of bygone eras, captivating visitors with its charm. The meticulously landscaped gardens, adorned with vibrant flora and ancient statues, offer a dreamlike backdrop for any occasion. Renowned for its romantic allure and cinematic presence, Villa Balbianello stands as an enchanting haven, inviting guests to indulge in the splendor of its surroundings[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The Monique Lhuillier ceremony dress epitomizes timeless elegance with intricate lace detailing and ethereal silhouettes. Known for her romantic designs, Lhuillier’s creation exudes grace, with delicate embellishments and a silhouette that embodies sophistication and grace. On the other hand, the Berta reception dress boasts modern sensuality, featuring sleek lines, ornate beadwork, and a captivating allure. Its striking details and form-fitting design reflect contemporary glamour, complemented by a breathtaking veil that adds an extra layer of enchantment, creating a mesmerizing bridal ensemble.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Garden of Love brings forth a vibrant symphony of pink, pastel tones, reds, and deep burgundies. Their artistry weaves these hues into a tapestry of romance, blending delicate pastels with bold, passionate shades. With a meticulous fusion of these captivating colors, their floral designs and decor create an atmosphere brimming with elegance and fervor, evoking the essence of love in every petal and detail.[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]The ceremony setup at Villa Balbianello is a breathtaking marriage of florals and ancient architecture. Garden of Love’s abundant floral arrangements against the aged backdrop create a truly magical atmosphere. This captivating blend of vibrant blooms and historic charm forms an enchanting tableau, where the essence of romance and beauty intertwines seamlessly[/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]1. Color Harmony: Create a cohesive color palette by blending the hues strategically. Mix the pastel pinks with deeper shades like burgundy and red for a balanced yet vibrant ensemble.

2. Layered Textures: Experiment with different textures and fabrics to add depth to the color scheme. Consider lace overlays, velvet accents, or satin ribbons to complement the chosen colors.

3. Bouquet Brilliance: Opt for bouquets and floral arrangements that incorporate a variety of blooms in the chosen shades. Mix and match different flower shapes and sizes to create visually stunning arrangements.

4. Statement Elements: Introduce statement pieces like a bold red sash, a burgundy veil, or pastel pink shoes to add pops of color to your attire.

5. Subtle Accents: Use the colors sparingly in smaller details like table settings, invitations, or even in the groom’s boutonniere to tie the theme together without overwhelming the décor.

6. Lighting and Atmosphere: Consider warm, ambient lighting that complements the chosen palette. Candlelight or soft amber tones can enhance the richness of the colors and create a romantic ambiance.

7. Venue Selection: Choose a venue that complements the chosen color scheme. A backdrop with natural elements like a garden or an ancient building, as in Villa Balbianello, can enhance the vibrancy of the chosen colors.

8. Professional Help: Consult with a wedding planner or a designer who specializes in incorporating specific color schemes. Their expertise can help you achieve the desired look seamlessly.

9. Personal Touches: Incorporate personal elements, such as meaningful hues or family heirlooms, to infuse the wedding with sentimental value and a unique touch.[/field]
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A Modern-Luxe Wedding in the Chianti Shire, Italy

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The couple selected a palette that perfectly matched the late spring colors: blush pink shades with a touch of terracotta and white to keep the tradition.

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From the couple: “Our vision was centered around creating an unforgettable experience for our loved ones. With our parents, family, and closest friends in mind, we viewed this as an opportunity to inspire them to explore a country they might not otherwise visit. Michael and I, united by a shared love for wine, imagined Italy as the perfect place to exchange our vows. Renowned for its wines, Italy also provided breathtaking backdrops promising not only a picturesque setting but a unique experience for our guests to carry with them forever. Our vision extended beyond a single day; we envisioned a multi-day celebration. Our goal was to host events like a welcome dinner and a post-wedding pool party, providing opportunities for our guests to connect and fully enjoy the local culture and cuisine.”

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the couple:

“In the rush to catch our Uber to the airport, I was halfway out the door when Michael called me back. Admittedly, I was annoyed, but I hurried upstairs, only to be greeted by a heart-stopping scene. There, in our home, Michael was down on one knee.

Michael, endearingly nervous, not only shared his heartfelt intentions, but also surprised me with the very same bottle of Napa wine – the Faust Cabernet that symbolized the start of our relationship six years prior – along with first-class tickets to Yountville, California, strategically timed to coincide with the harvest season in Napa Valley.

The thoughtful details of the proposal, coupled with the sentimental choice of wine and the allure of Napa Valley, made the moment not just cute but truly special. It was a celebration of our love, wrapped in the warmth of our home and the promise of a romantic getaway, marking the beginning of our engagement and a new chapter together.”[/field]
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The centerpiece of this enchanting day was the bride herself. Her dress was a masterpiece, fitting her like a glove and cascading into a long trail that spoke of luxury. It was intricately embroidered with lace and sparkles, capturing the essence of fairy tales. Her hair, brown as honey in the Tuscan sun, was styled in loose, flowing curls. Her make-up, expertly done by Cherie Spisso, enhanced her natural beauty, giving her a radiant and glowing look that perfectly complemented the romantic Tuscan setting.

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The bridesmaids, dressed in chic pink nude gowns, were the perfect complement to the bride’s elegance. Their attire radiated grace, and they carried bouquets that mirrored the bride’s in style and color, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom was striking in a black suit. But what set him apart were the classic watch and French cuffs, a touch of sophistication that added flair to his attire.
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]After the ceremony, the celebration continued in the Frutteto, a scene straight out of a fairytale. Guests were welcomed to an opulent array of beige velvet sofas and low, stable tables, complemented by tall tables with fitting high chairs, all adorned in gold. The cocktail selection was nothing short of premium, with choices ranging from gin and vodka to rum, whisky, and tequila-based concoctions. Bubbles from Vignamaggio and the finest Italian beers, Peroni or Moretti, were on offer.

An Extravagant Dinner

As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests made their way to the front of the villa. Here, an extraordinary dinner awaited, orchestrated by the acclaimed food vendor, Galateo. The dinner was a four-course delight, including two pasta courses, a main course with sides, and a wedding cake. Dishes like giant ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and lemon, dressed with asparagus cream and candied lemon zest, were followed by paccheri fresh pasta with saffron cream, confit Pachino tomatoes, and asparagus tips. The main course was a succulent beef fillet with Chianti Classico wine sauce, served with sage-flavored roasted potatoes and steamed asparagus dressed with extra virgin olive oil. A veggie option, Eggplant Parmigiana, catered to all palates.
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The flowers selection included roses of different shades, carnations, dahlias, white ruscus and rice flower. Grounded florals lined the two sides of the aisle at the ceremony. The iron arch was decorated with greenery and flowers growing up asymmetrically. The reception tables were adorned with low and unstructured florals along the middle, where candle holders of varying heights and tealights in votives created a romantic atmosphere. A mirrored runner down the center of the tables added a touch of elegance.

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The crowning moment of the evening was the wedding cake, a Millefoglie that was prepared through a show cooking at Giardino delle Rose by the pastry chef from the catering GALATEO RICEVIMENTI FIRENZE – MILANO. The traditional Italian cake was filled with a delicious chantylly cream and decorated with crunchy almond brittles and a cascade of mixed berries on top. It was a work of culinary art and a fitting conclusion to an extravagant dinner. As the evening waned, guests gathered for a champagne toast, which was followed by a breathtaking display of fireworks. The sky became a canvas, painted with brilliant and vibrant colors, mirroring the emotions of the day.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The setting for the ceremony was the Giardino delle Rose. Here, amidst an abundance of living flowers perfectly arranged by the florist Flowers Living, the couple declared their love and commitment. The ambiance was further elevated by the soulful melodies of the Soul Duo from Musica Evento. Greenery and flowers grew up asymmetrically to decorate the existing structure, creating a magical backdrop for the vows.

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From the couple: “Wedding Planner The Tuscan Wedding – an exceptional team that transformed our vision into a reality and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Our wedding exceeded all expectations, creating an unforgettable experience for us and our guests, all thanks to The Tuscan Wedding team.”

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Roman Inspired Wedding Inspiration With a Modern Twist at Hotel Villa Sermolli

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]Our inspiration to create this fine art wedding editorial, was the ancient buildings of old The old tuscan villa, nestled in the middle of tuscany hills and the history of the old romans where our main inspiration for this shoot! We wanted to give it a modern twist with the use of pleated silk fabrics, modern wedding cake and timeless marble pieces. Especially the weathered facade of the Villa Sermolli where the main inspiration for pur color palette and the “feel” for our shooting! [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The color palette was inspired by the ancient villa Sermolli itself, where the shooting take place. The warm blush and rose tones and dusty blue accents. The old weathered facade has a amazing color palette of natural blush, red and vintage rose tones which we wanted to take up for our shooting.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]The ancient Villa Sermolli was build in 1602 in the middle of mellow Tuscan hills in a small village called Buggiano Castello. The Villa was restored carefully and turned into a amazing boutique hotel. The enchated garden os truly the heart of the villa – where we also did the ceremony setting and cake cutting.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Also with the look of the bride we where inspired of the flowing silk tulle fabric, soft drapey around her body. The pleated features is giving the dress again the modern touch. [/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We choosed the old Limonaia for the long table setting, long velvet table cloths as a base together with wooden chairs. Marble busts where our main decor theme for the table but also for the escort card table. Bigger Marble busts for the table and small ones as guest give aways with the escort cards. The table setting was created amazingly lush, with fruits and flowers – like at the a old roman festivities. Marble candle holders and velvet tablecloths where again the contrast of old and modern. [/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]Our absolute highlight of course was the jaw-dropping “spilling vintage car” our florist created! With hundreds and hundreds of flowers floating out of the car to the ground. The vintage car – we decide for a vintage fiat 500 in a light blue color as a contrast to our blush flower color palette. [/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]Marble pieces of all kinds – marble candle holders, mixed with soft flowing fabrics. Lush table setting look created with lots of fruits beside flowers and food on the table.[/field]
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A Celebration of Love in the Cycladic Island of Paros in Greece

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They based their color palette on mostly whites with some terracotta accents, gold accents, neutral-colored stationery, and an overall modern aesthetic.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Once they started planning their wedding, their vision was of an intimate wedding which was to be witnessed by their closest family and friends.
They therefore decided to hold a destination wedding in Paros, as Shannon’s family has roots in Greece and they were in love with the island.
The wedding took place at a private villa overlooking the cliffs and the Aegean sea with an olive grove at the back yard where they hosted a modern and romantic dinner under a canopy of fairy lights and stars. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Michelle and Shannon met at their first job, working in accounting in California. They hit it off immediately, and after spending time together, they found out that they had so much in common. They loved spending at the beach, cooking, and being with friends and family. It did not take long for them to realize they were soul mates, so Shannon decided to propose in one of their favorite locations, on the beach in a small coastal town in California.

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The bride’s gowns were both classic and elegant by Ritual Unions & Lihi Hod. Shannon’s featured thinly striped and a sheer overall top, while Michelle was a stunning satin strapless gown.

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Since Michelle is vegan, they wanted their menu to incorporate a lot of vegan dishes but at the same time be inspired by the Greek cuisine, which is known for its use of lots of organic vegetables. Therefore they offered their guests lots of traditional Greek dishes, an authentic local culinary experience. For their signature cocktails, they chose to pay tribute to their adorable dog Kobe, who unfortunately could not travel all the way to Greece for their celebrations.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Shannon’s vision was very modern and loving whites while Michelle wanted a more romantic spin to the decor. Therefore we mixed soft terracottas and light ochre florals with white in their wedding decor.
For the ceremony the priority was to keep the focus on the magnificent Aegean sea background, so the couple decided to exchange vows in a low circular arrangement surrounded by blooms.
We designed their seating chart, using local ceramic pottery from Paros, in handwritten calligraphy which added a very special local touch of Greek authenticity in their wedding aesthetic.
Their dinner reception was set at the backyard of the villa under a canopy filled with twinkling fairy lights and hundreds of candles for a romantic ambience.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]In line with the modern decor theme of their wedding the couple choose a three tiered white wedding cake with a thin strand of white flowers for a little romance and a minimalistic style. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony was officiated by Shannon’s father, who has been officiating weddings for many years. However, having the honour to do this for his beloved daughter and her other half, was truly emotional and one of the most touching and unforgetable moments of that day. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]As part of their decor the couple wanted a more modern guestbook for their wedding. Therefore they decided to have an audio guestbook instead, as a keepsake of their family and friends voices, from their special day, for years to come. [/field]
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Budget-Friendly Tips for the Best Bachelorette EVER

Planning a bachelorette party can be one of the most overwhelming events you will ever organize. There is so much pressure to impress, not to mention the mixing of friend groups, and on top of all that–it can get super pricey! In fact, the movie Bridesmaids sometimes hits a little too close to home. Here are some tips and tricks to reduce the stress and the expense of hosting a Bachelorette party without sacrificing any of the fun!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Everyday Pursuits

1. Staycation or Affordable Destination

Travel and lodging are the number one expense when it comes to planning a bachelorette party; the more you can reduce those two factors, the better your budget will be. If possible, suggest a staycation in the city where the bride or the majority of the bridal party live.

Now, we know planning a staycation sounds a lot easier than it is. Most bridal parties are scattered all over the country, if not the world, so sometimes a staycation just isn’t an option. If that’s the case for your bridal party, consider an affordable destination, like a spa weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico or a beachy getaway to Daytona Beach, Florida. Believe it or not, Las Vegas can actually be affordable too if you do it right (we cover this a little more in the Ladies’ Night section of this article).

Save money on lodging by booking a suite (or two) and splitting the cost. Suites not only add value by sleeping more people to a room, but they also provide a fun/safe space for all of your bachelorette festivities.

One more way to help you and everyone else in the wedding party save big is by hosting the bridal shower and the bachelorette party, on the same weekend. We recommend hosting a bridal shower brunch on Saturday morning/afternoon and then transitioning into bachelorette mode for Saturday evening. This leaves Sunday for everyone to wake up slow and collect themselves before they hop on a plane and head off to work on Monday morning.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Esther Sun Photography

2. E-vite

Pricey invitations can make a big dent in the budget for any event and a bachelorette party is no exception. Consider sending an e-vite instead of a paper invitation–you’ll not only be helping your budget but the planet as well! Websites like Paperless Post make it super easy and affordable to send cute invitations and organize your guest list.

INVITE | Unmeasured Event

3. Pregame

If you and your party plan on partaking in alcoholic beverages, it’s a good idea to pregame (can we come up with a new word for this already?) This means stock your suite with affordable bottles of champagne (Trader Joes has a great selection) and maybe a mixed punch bowl style drink. This will give everyone a little liquid courage for the risque games and lingerie parade that precedes your night on the town. Make sure everyone enjoys themselves, but in moderation–you don’t want to lose anyone before the party actually starts.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Esther Sun Photography

4. A Gift in a Game

Bachelorette parties are for letting loose with your girls but also stocking the bride’s lingerie drawer for her honeymoon. There are a few fun games that revolve around the gifted lingerie, like lingerie bingo or the lingerie guessing game (which is one of our faves). These games are a fun way to shower your bride and include all of your guests in the fun and festivities! These games don’t cost anything extra and are a lot more palatable than some of the other, more X-rated games on the market.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Katie Grant Photography

5. Ladies’ Night Deals

Look into Ladies’ night deals in the city where you’re hosting the bachelorette party. A lot of clubs and bars offer discounts, free admission, and sometimes free drinks to ladies on certain days of the week. You may not want to post up there, but it can be a fun stop on your way to your final destination.

Not all ladies? Not a problem – consider casinos! Las Vegas is the most popular casino studded destination in the USA, and while it can be expensive, there are also a lot of deals to be had–if you know where to look. Most of the hotels in Las Vegas have casinos inside and offer discounted room rates to get guests in the door. Casinos usually have top-of-the-line amenities like spas, pools, etc., for the bridal party to enjoy during the day and then you can test your luck at the casinos in the evening before heading to the nightclubs. A perk about pregaming in a casino is that drinks are usually free, at least on the casino floor.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Aaron And Jillian Photography

6. Simplify the Dress Code

It is expected that your group will have some sort of dress code that identifies you as the bridal party and highlights the bride. Some groups opt for T-shirts with cute sayings, but these can add up fast and you’ll likely never wear them again. Instead of custom T-shirts, opt for color coordination. A classic bachelorette party look is bridesmaids in black or pink and the bride in white (with some sort of tiara or veil to really hit it home – if you’d like!).

PHOTOGRAPHY | Cavin Elizabeth

7. Have Everyone Pitch In

Traditionally the Maid of Honor (MOH) hosts the bachelorette party, but this doesn’t mean that the MOH should shoulder the entire financial burden. The best way to distribute the costs is to split them evenly across the bridal party. If any of the bridesmaids are unable to contribute the full amount, maybe ask them to pick up a few of the expenses that they are comfortable helping with. While the bride should not be asked to contribute to the bachelorette party itself, it is reasonable to ask the bride to purchase her transportation to and from the party (flight, train ticket, rental car, etc.). Just be sure to discuss the finances before booking the festivities – that way everyone is comfortable with and aware of how much all the fun will cost!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Tenth & Grace

French Garden-Inspired Celebrations With An Intimate Guest List

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The wedding colors were lavender, baby blue, and peach.

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We never dreamed of having a big wedding. Instead, we were drawn to the intimacy of a small elopement, where we could celebrate our love and friendship with our closest friends over the course of a few days. With a guest list of just twelve of our best friends, we wanted our wedding to be as much about them as it was about us, and needed to find a fabulous venue to match. What we found in our Provencal Villa was more than we could have hoped for. The house was a beautiful treasure box set amongst the most vibrant and lush gardens. It was a perfect mix of cozy and opulence, and frankly, we didn’t need to do much to make this place look and feel special. The design, then, became about allowing its natural beauty to shine. We kept the florals and tablescape simple, opting for lavender and peach hues that mimicked the surrounding gardens of Provence.

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We got engaged within six months of dating; as cliché as it sounds when you know, you know. A month into dating, Stephen tore his Achilles, and our whirlwind romantic courtship abruptly came to an end, but what came out of it was even better. With a torn Achilles and limited mobility, I decided to move in with Stephen to help him heal. We became very close, and our bond grew very deep very quickly. A few weeks later, he contacted Material Good to start designing my engagement ring. Six months after that, he proposed in our home in Rhinebeck, NY, and while I wasn’t shocked, I was completely surprised!

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I wanted the dress to be elegant and timeless. I had been looking for a while, and nothing felt quite right. A bit dejected, I wondered if I would ever find what I was looking for. My best friend, however, was convinced she had found the one for me. She booked an appointment for me at Sarah Seven, and with an admitted bit of skepticism, I agreed to go. But I guess best friends really do know best because I fell in love with the Agatha gown the moment I laid eyes on her. She was feminine without being frilly, structured yet flowy, sexy yet classic. She was perfect!

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]I gave my bridesmaids very little direction. Any color and style was fine with me, I just wanted them to be in sequins! I loved the juxtaposition of this very small intimate affair, with these over the top party dresses![/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The men were asked to wear black tie. I believe nothing looks as sharp and debonair as a man in a tuxedo. It also just felt appropriate for the venue. [/field]
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Dinner was provided by the talented Chef Djellab Youcef, who prepared a masterful 3-course meal consisting of a seasonal avocado tartare starter, followed by a line-caught sea bass appetizer, and then a cooked filet of beef for the main. The sweet finale was our red velvet cake, of course!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We wanted to pay homage to the surroundings, so we kept all the details very Provencal. Opting for heavy white linens, and lavender florals. We wanted it to feel as if the florals could have been plucked from the gardens themselves. I also love the romance of a burning tapered candle in the moonlight, so our table was filled with these. [/field]
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I had a heart-shaped cake saved on my Pinterest board for YEARS, and Les délices de Gladys was able to bring this dream into a reality, complete with fresh cherries (red velvet flavor, of course!).

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Jeremie Hkb

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A Cheery Cabo San Lucas Wedding With Playful Pops Of Pink

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A beautiful pop of pinks and greenery.

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The bride wanted a farm-to -able feel but with lots of bright colors. She wanted it to feel very organic – wanting to honor the property and everything it stood for. The bride had a vision in her head – she wanted it to feel old-world. She was originally looking at venues in Italy and fell in love with Flora Farms for the centerpiece “mission-style barn”. That created a lot of her color inspiration, wanting to bring in lots of bright-colored flowers for the surrounding flower farms and fresh fruit for the adjacent vegetable gardens.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Their engagement unfolded almost a year after their initial online “match,” as Brett orchestrated a heartwarming surprise for Jessica. Flying home unexpectedly on Christmas Day, he knelt down and proposed. The couple swiftly delved into wedding planning, opting for a destination wedding to curate an intimate affair.

Recognizing the significance of the occasion, Jessica and Brett sought to create more than just an event—they aimed for a transformative week-long experience. The allure of a destination wedding was not only in its scenic backdrop but also in the opportunity to gather all their cherished guests for a collective vacation.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The wedding dress was designed by Galia Lahav.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]I would say the most special and intimate moment was at our first look where I was able to surprise Brett with his gift. I knew I wanted to honor Brett’s mom on the day of our wedding, she passed when Brett was 12 years old from breast cancer. With the help of Brett’s sister, I was able to get an excerpt from her journal, where she wrote “Please remember how much I love you. – Mom” I was able to find someone who hand stitched the writing onto a patch, where his sister then took pieces of lace from the mom’s wedding dress and stitched them on the patch. I was able to then give that to Brett at our first look – where it had an adhesive to place on the inside of his jacket, so he could have a piece of his mom on his wedding day. This is a moment that whenever I think back to it I can’t help but cry. I never got to meet Brett’s mom but I do know the son she raised and how tender his heart is. This is a moment that Brett and I will never forget.[/field]
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Signature Drink:

His – Flora Old Fashioned

Hers – Flora Standard

Ours – El Viejo Mocktail – Farm Julep

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

I fell in love with Pina Cate Design‘s work when I started doing some research for florists in the Los Cabos area. I think she went above and beyond to execute my vision – I found a candle vendor out of Oaxaca, Mexico, and knew I needed them for my special day. They were like an art piece on each table, and I really think I tied everything together. The vendor was so amazing in helping me achieve the exact “vintage blue” I had in mind. They sent me over four samples of blue until we landed on the right one! The vendor Bells And Whistles Designs did custom maracas for each of my guests that I was able to have at each place setting as their “name tag.” It was such a fun addition, bringing in some local culture.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Nothing about the cake[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Full gallery weekend gallery
– https://jaciemarguerite.pic-time.com/-jessicabrettflorafarmscabo
( Some images are to large to upload below** )

Thank you!! :)[/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Photography

Jacie Marguerite Fine Art Photographer

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A Vibrant Burst of Citrus Hues in Sunny Florida

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The wedding colors were citrus tones – of oranges, peaches, and yellows – with bursts of magenta – offset by classic white as the backdrop.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The bride’s vision was a classic white wedding with bursts of citrus tones and pinks to punctuate the design. This allowed the bright citrus toned florals and colorful bridesmaids dresses to really stand out.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride chose a Mira Zwillinger bridal gown with a sweetheart neckline and embroidered with small white leaves. [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaid dresses wore all different styles in shades of bright pink and orange. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen were dressed traditionally in classic black tuxedos and bowties, while the groom opted for a white dinner jacket to compliment.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Guests had a plated meal during their tented reception. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The large pink and orange floral arrangements hung from the ceilings in addition to matching centerpieces on the tables in varying heights and surrounded by flickering candles. The bridal bouquet was classic white, while the bridesmaids bouquets featured soft pinks and white which complemented their bright gowns perfectly.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The cake was a five tier light blue masterpiece. It featured colorful flowers cascading down the sides in shades of pink and orange.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]After running through a festive tunnel of light up wands, the couple chose a mint green classic Thunderbird convertible to whisk them away at the end of their wedding reception.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The bride and groom had 3 signature cocktails for guests to enjoy.

“The Okie” – tequila, lime, simple syrup and soda
“The Gumbo”” – vodka, lime juice, ginger beer
“The Dahollis Mocktail” – club soda, muddled cucumber, lime juice, simple syrup[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Hunter Ryan Photo

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An Utterly Romantic Hawaii Destination Wedding

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were creams, white, light blue, and an accent of soft peach.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

From the bride Zoe: essentially we sprinkled in a lot of details from our favorite video games and movies. We both loved Pokémon, Nintendo games (Legend of Zelda, Mario games, etc.) when we were growing up and that was a big part of our bonding when we first became friends in high school, and certain games, movies, and shows continue to be a big part of our shared life now, so we wanted to weave this in fun ways. So we hid plastic Pokémon and Totoro figurines throughout the flower arrangements (which of course the kids at the wedding found within moments and took, hahaha, and guests took some home too, which was so fun). Then we included a bunch of songs at cocktail hour that were references to our favorite games and animated films. For the seating chart, we chose locations from animated films and games, and then placed people at the tables who we thought would be most likely to guess the location or reminded us of that film or game in some way. The couple was from Texas and they hired their planner Stefanie from there as well. Zoe wants to make sure Stefanie gets a shout out because she was the reason it all happened the way it did, and she really went above and beyond to make the event so fantastic. Stef worked with Hawaii’s top wedding/floral designer Debbie on the overall design. She made a trip to the island about 6 months before the wedding to visit with the rental company and attend tastings. Stefanie said: At the end of the day Zoe and Dan just wanted a day to spend with their family. The entire trip was all about family (and the friends that might as well be family) and spending time with the people who meant the most to them. He wanted mountains, she wanted the beach, and we landed on Hawaii as the destination and Kualoa Ranch on a mountain, overlooking the beach. But beyond that, the most important thing to them was making sure it felt like a gathering of family. Hence the family-style tables, family-style food, etc. Design-wise, she was inspired by alot of photos from Debbie’s company, and so we pieced those together to make it reflect the color scheme we picked for her and the vibe of the day.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride Zoe: Way back in 2007, I went on a family vacation with Dan’s family to the island of Kauai. We hiked the Alakai Swamp Trail, which I really loved at the time. The hike ends in a beautiful lookout over Hanalei Bay, which is a place Dan has spent a lot of time over the years. A little over ten years later, in 2018, Dan took me back to that hike on a surprise trip to Hawaii in December, just the two of us. When we reached the lookout, the clouds cleared, and we happened to have the place entirety to ourselves; and that’s when he proposed![/field]
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Zoe loves flowers and nature. Her Calla Blanche LA21115 Rosa gown could not have been more perfect!

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Zoe + Dan wanted food that was not only Hawai’i inspired, but also made from local ingredients where possible. It was important to them that they felt like their wedding was benefiting the local growers in the area. And that’s exactly what we found for them in Ke Nui Kitchen. Ke Nui took their desires seriously and not only made sure that the flavors were locally inspired, but that they sourced the items from the local community. The menu detailed which farms they gathered ingredients from.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The following details are provided by their florist Designs by Hemingway: Inspirations: Lush/ Romantic/ Botanical Theme : European/ Tropical Flowers: roses, hydrangeas, larkspur, lisianthus, phalaenopsis & dendrobium orchids Ceremony: we designed a lush blooming aisle of carnations appearing to grow from the ground, The lush garden aisle created a grand entrance for the bride leading up the a beautiful ceremony arch overlooking Chinaman’s hat in the Pacific ocean on the windward side of the island of Oahu . The aisle was designed ombre style with colors blending from a soft peachy blush fancy carnations at the aisle entry to feathered fancy white carnations at the altar. Bridal bouquet white garden roses, peonies , tweedia , stock and delphinium Reception – Dining Cabanas the head table dining cabanas were designed with a lush overhead floral installation of white orchids & botanical foliages and vines dripping over the tables. Reception – Centerpieces all the centerpieces were designed in ceramic white compote vases with lush blooms of white garden roses, lisianthus, stock, tulips, ranunculus , light blue hydrangeas and delphinium.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

from their planner Stefanie: While I was attending tastings for catering, I also tasted at many different bakers. The bakery we settled on was Cake Works and they were the perfect balance of a moist cake without it being too sweet. Just like with dinner, they wanted the flavors to be familiar, but still new for their guests. We settled on layers of Strawberry Guava, Lilikoi Butter and Pistachio. Additionally, they had Ke Nui Kitchen provide small bites from their onsite bakery. Those consisted of Cream Cheese Brownie Squares, Poi Doughnut Holes, Butter Mochi Bites, Pineapple Upside-down Shooters, and Lilikoi Cheesecake Squares. Guests were sure to find something that they loved from this spread!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Ceremony music: “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys

Groom & family walking down the aisle; “Only Time” on cello by Enya

Bride walking down the aisle: and “Itsumo Nando Demo” ( いつも何度でも) from Spirited Away

Reception music: For our dances, the bride and groom’s first dance was “Digital Love” by Daft Punk; I then danced to “And She Was” by the Talking Heads with my parents; and Dan danced to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole with his mom. For the cocktail hour music, we did various string quartet adaptations of music from our favorite video games and certain movies — songs from Miyazaki films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Kiki’s Delivery Service; the Pokémon theme song; “Dire Dire Docks” from Mario 64; and “Outset Island” from Legend of Zelda Windwaker.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Zoe had a dream of having a Contra Dance Lesson during their wedding reception. By definition, a contra dance event is a social dance that one can attend without a partner. Think circles of people weaving in and out of each other, potentially pairing up with partners, etc. They were hesitant because they weren’t sure guests would be into it. But it was a dream and we were going to make it happen! We partnered with Christian from Honolulu Studio and he came out for a dance lesson like none of us had EVER seen at a wedding before. While we used traditional-style music for the lesson itself, when it was time to perform, we switched over to modern familiar songs, so guests could see how the beats were the same, even if the instruments were different. There was so much laughing. So much merriment. I think for many it was among the highlights of the evening. It got guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor in a structured way that was new to everyone! So everyone started at square one and learned together. It truly was one of the best things I’ve ever seen at a wedding in my 15 years as a planner.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

We arrived in Hawai’i a few days before guests. This gave us time to meet with vendors one last time, but also to build out their Welcome Bags. We had tote bags printed with the silhouette of the Hawaiian islands on them and filled them with the following goodies: 1- Letter from the Couple 2- Sunblock Sticks 3- Turkish Beach Towels 4- Hawaiian Postcards 5- Assorted Hawaiian Snacks (drinks, snacks, etc.) 6- Honolulu Cookie Company Treat 7- Local Hawaiian Coffee

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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