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

Romantic Fine Art Wedding in the Portuguese Douro Valley

For every wedding we publish, there’s something extra special about them that makes our eyes light up! For today’s gorgeous Duoro Valley day by Carolin Ritter Wedding Planning – it was them… this couple, their love, their pure emotion and joy! It’s jumping out of every picture captured by Diane Sotero Photography and we simply can’t get enough. The full gallery is beaming with sun-soaked floral from Brancoprata, intimate details, and breathtaking views. Prepare to fall head over heels in love…

When a wedding planner gets married, you know it’s going to be good. With an old-world charm venue, fine art aesthetics, and a lot of romantic details Carolin Ritter Toffoli Weddings designed a day worth dreaming about. The delicate florals by Branco Prata team beautifully brought the couple’s love story to life, and imagery by the very talented photographer Diane Sotero forever captured the love and magical moments in time.

Our love story started at a Brazilian barbecue on the Northern Island of New Zealand, and it was love at first sight. After Luciano proposed to me on the Island Madeira on our 9th anniversary, we knew we also like to get married in Portugal. And we knew we wanted the wedding to feel like an intimate weekend getaway for our closest family and friends from Brazil and Germany.

Immediately after arriving at Quinta de Ventozelo, we knew this is where we like to get married. We loved the intimate and natural feel of the vineyard and how the venue made us feel overwhelmed with unique and memorable sensations. It is not just the breathtaking view of the winding River Douro, or the neatly aligned terraces of vines, or the olive orchards, that charmed us. It was also the stunning silence, the close connection to nature and the unmistakable richness of scents that filled our lungs with every step. The magnitude of what we felt when visiting the Quinta de Ventozelo inspired us to design a wedding with natural and timeless aesthetics, which reflects the vineyard in its natural beauty and our love for nature and for conscious living.

The Quinta de Ventozelo is a 500-year-old wine estate, which has been transformed into a hotel by renewing the various buildings of the Quinta but maintaining their original features and respecting the existing landscape. Therefore, the whole Quinta brims with authenticity and embodiment of the history of the place. The perfect place for us and our guests staying together over our wedding weekend and celebrating love and life. We started the whole celebrations with a welcome dinner on Thursday at the Quinta’s restaurant, on Friday we did a boat trip on the river to another vineyard, where we had a delicious lunch. On Saturday was our wedding celebration in the most incredible location of the Quinta… in the garden of an old-world Portuguese stone house offering a full landscape immersion.

Our flower artist Sofia from Branco Prata really helped us highlight what was already a beautiful setting and bring our vision to life. I really wanted the wedding to feel intimate, like a family gathering. With long tables with delicate flower arrangements, we created a communal feel for our guests. If I had to describe the style, I would say fine art with understated elegance is what I was going for. Since the space was already an incredible setting, we kept décor more delicate than over the top to highlight the beautiful setting. Our soft color palette of champagne, ivory and gold is accented by the natural greenery surrounding the venue.

A very emotional moment for Luciano and me was our first look in front of the River Douro. Luciano was the whole wedding planning phase very curious about my wedding look. In his mind it would be natural and elegant, but he didn’t expect a dress totally covered in lace and figure-hugging. So, I was very happy I could surprise him, and to saw him in tears made me the happiest woman on earth… I can’t describe my feelings at this moment! We really enjoyed having some alone time together before the ceremony. We highly recommend it!

Our wedding ceremony was very romantic and love-filled with a lot of emotions… almost everybody had tears in their eyes. In order that all our guests could understand our ceremony, our lovely officiant Lara held it in German and Portuguese. Our vows we also spoke in both languages including a lot of happy tears… it was magical! Cristiana with her stunning voice enchanted our ceremony even more.

After the ceremony we had a German tradition… cutting the wedding cake… cake first, salty finger food second. Ana from BAKEWELL made my wedding cake dream come true and the taste of white champagne cake with raspberry filling was divine! Until dinner Miguel and his band played jazz music for our guests in the garden. Shortly before dinner Diane and our videographers, the lovely couple Rita and Edgar, took us for a short romantic shooting in the vineyards… some more special alone time for Luciano and me.

One of the most important things for Luciano and me was the food for our wedding, because we love food and one of our favorite things to do together is cooking. So, we were very lucky, that the outstanding Mistu Restaurant with Chef Rui Mingatos created the most amazing menu for us with a mix of South American and Portuguese gastronomic cultures. And it was very delicious, better than we ever dreamt of it!

After dinner, we danced the night away with our favorite Brazilian Samba Singer and the band of Miguel! Our first dance was “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra… we will always love this song! It was an unforgettable day, and we couldn’t be more grateful for it! We loved that our both cultures blended so well, and our Brazilian and German guests mingled! In the end for us the most important was, that we spend time with our closest family and friends to celebrate our love, eat, drink, and dance the night away. Those are the memories you and your guest take with you.

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Diane Sotero Photography

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Colorful Carmel Valley Wedding Celebrating The Beauty Of Summer

Bright summer-inspired colors and California cool vibes make this celebration an absolute must-see. Be Hitched perfectly planned a day that mixed the natural beauty of Holman Ranch with vibrant hues and fun patterns creating a wedding that pops. Floral design by Seascape Flowers is endlessly dreamy, and every incredible moment is elegantly captured in imagery by Rebecca Yale Photography. Let the good times roll inside the full gallery.

From Rebecca Yale Photography… Caroline and Sam were married on a beautiful sunny day in the Carmel Valley. The weekend was full of personalized touches, from the floral invites and cocktails in the welcome bag to the musical performances during the welcome dinner and ceremony, their guests were in for a weekend-long treat!

When it came to design, Caroline knew she wanted to play off of the natural beauty and Mission-style architecture of Holman Ranch, but also wanted to bring in fun patterns and color. So, planner and designer, Rebecca P of Be Hitched took those cues and created a concept for an elegant and sophisticated garden party wedding, but with the lush, colorful brightness of California summer woven in. Utilizing vibrant, bountiful florals courtesy of Seascape Flowers, and curated rentals featuring crisp white tones pops of gold, regal navy blue, and elevated tabletop settings courtesy of Theoni Collection and Casa de Perrin, the bride’s vision came to life beautifully.

From the bride… When looking for a venue, one of my biggest priorities was finding somewhere all of our guests could stay on-site, so that we could relax and mingle throughout the 3-day weekend. I am from the Bay Area, so even though we live on the east coast, we were excited to welcome our friends and family to California for a long weekend. It was easy to say “yes” to Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, CA after our first visit! In addition to the on-site lodging, where we were able to host our immediate family and wedding party, we loved the stunning views, A+ venue staff, and the many different beautiful spaces throughout the property.

I have so many favorite memories from the day, but if I had to pick one, it would actually be our wedding ceremony. It was amazing to look out and see all our friends and family gathered together in one place. Our officiant was a very close friend of ours, and we had invited our family and close family friends to share musical performances, readings, and speeches. We wrote our own vows, and I “smashed the glass” as a nod to my Jewish heritage. Overall, it was a very personal ceremony – and of course, the best part was emerging from the ceremony as an officially married couple. Sam’s favorite moment was cocktail hour. He says: “I loved the appetizers, the tomato bar, and getting to interact with and greet all our guests from near and far with a smile and a drink”

Another favorite moment from the wedding was putting on my dress with my Mom before the wedding. My Mom was a huge help in planning our wedding and I will cherish the personal and intimate moments that I spent with her before my first look with Sam. I adored my wedding ballgown, but loved changing into my sparkly minidress during the reception – the beaded fringe made it especially fun to dance in. I planned my outfit change to coincide with “Sweet Caroline” – and had a blast returning to the dance floor in my second look for a song that has special meaning to me.

Our wedding planner Rebecca wrote the following as part of our design board which I think really captured our goals/ vision: “The vision for this wedding is to take the concept of a sophisticated, elegant, and refined garden party wedding, and breathe some lush, colorful brightness into it. …the goal is to create an event that is warm and fosters a feeling of ease and community among guests.”

We really wanted an aesthetic/ atmosphere that was both elegant and exuberant without being fussy. In terms of color and specific design, I love all things blue, white, and gold (see: my shoes/ engagement ring!!) so that combination was a natural starting point for our base colors, which show up in our invitation suite, linens, and many of our printed goods. We then layered in bright pinks, yellows, and oranges with our florals. We also thought carefully about creating a distinct and more laid-back design aesthetic for our welcome event on Saturday, which drew on the Spanish/ Mexican history of the venue, with bright “persimmon” linens in bold geometric patterns. Our planner (Be Hitched), florist (Seascape Flowers), and paper goods (Aerialist Press) vendors did an amazing job helping us articulate these design visions and bring them to life.

Many of our vendors were selected with guidance from our fabulous planner, Rebecca Pfiffner, who sent us curated vendor options and quotes. We then selected individual vendors by looking at vendor portfolios and, where applicable, chatting with different vendors over the phone. Given the large scale of our wedding, we tended to prioritize vendors who had worked at our venue before since we knew they’d be experts on how to navigate the space! Photography was very important to me, and I pored over photographer’s portfolios, comparing side-by-side shots from different photographers to see how they handled challenging light situations. Another notable vendor was our cake maker. My mom loves baking and wanted a cake that was both delicious and beautiful – we tried three other bakeries before finding Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes, who wowed all of us with her commitment to high-quality ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and stunning decorations.

We love hosting, and bringing people together – that focus underpinned many of our decisions and wedding day priorities. For example, we really wanted to serve our reception dinner family-style because we love the way family-style meals create interaction and conversation. Our caterers (Paradise Catering) went above and beyond to accommodate some very specific requests to serve a delicious, fresh, and local meal. We also wanted to support live musicians so we prioritized finding a great band for dancing. Finally, we prioritized being able to relax and focus on each other and our friends/ family during our wedding weekend. Having a full-service planner meant that we didn’t have to worry about set-up or vendor logistics during the wedding weekend, which was a huge gift. Be creative, flexible, and allow yourself time to come up with new ideas if your first ideas don’t work out. In a few cases, the vendors or rentals we had originally selected weren’t available, but with the help of our wedding planner, we were able to find other options that worked out just as we wanted.

One element of the wedding we loved was our wedding favor – we asked each of our immediate family members to choose a book and write a short blurb describing the book. We then purchased copies of each of the books, and let guests select a book from our family “bookstore” to take home as their wedding favor. Seeing (and tasting) our AMAZING cake by Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes! Our cake completely blew me away. Edith had piped frosting on the cake to match the jacquard design of my dress. It was even more gorgeous than I could have imagined — and delicious! — there were actually no leftovers!

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BBJ La Tavola

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Cuban Inspired Intimate Summer Soiree

Celebrating the bold colors of summer, this Cuban-inspired summer celebration brings the heat. Baylye Burnette Events & Design planned the well-thought-out details for this inspired editorial shoot, and floral design by Lemon Drops Weddings & Events fills it with a touch of the unexpected and lots of fun. Each artful image captured by Kelsey Halm Photography is more elegant than the last, see them all inside the full gallery.

From Kelsey Halm Photography… The intention and vision behind this celebratory editorial was to showcase a bold love and an intimate wedding weekend. Choosing to keep a wedding celebration intimate forces couples to be intentional, and choose people who truly love and support them. We want to share this style of wedding so more couples feel the freedom to be intentional and create a day that truly reflects them.

Trent and Jamil are an active, vibrant couple, and we were thrilled when they loved our vision and wanted to be featured. Their own wedding (in February of 2022) was intimate with less than 30 people, so this whole concept was something they already love! The story of this wedding weekend follows the grooms through their morning of relaxing together with coffee, then getting ready together prior to their intimate ceremony and reception.

After the reception they invited their guests to their “after-party” enjoying the great nightlife Tampa’s historic Ybor City has to offer, and then again explored historic Ybor during the day. Hotel Haya was the perfect backdrop for the soiree with their funky and eclectic design and historic building and great Cuban-inspired menu.

Our Favorite Celeb-Inspired Engagement Rings From Grown Brilliance

The glitz, the glamour, the guests…did we say GLITZ?! When it comes to celeb weddings, it’s hard to look away. And, for most of us, our wedding day is as close as we’ll get to our 5 minutes of fame–all eyes on you for a whole day, full glam, gorgeous gowns, and don’t forget the diamonds! So, it’s no wonder that celebs serve as a constant source of inspo as we dream of our dream day. And it all starts with the ring. When you hear about the latest celeb engagement, what’s the first thing you google? It’s not the dress, it’s not the location, it’s the ring. What shape is it? What type of stone? And, obvi, how big is the rock? Grown Brilliance, one of our fave jewelry brands for all things wedding, is always pulling inspo from the latest celeb rings. And because all of the stones from Grown Brilliance are lab-grown, you can be just as socially responsible as your favorite celebrities and can snag the same amount of carats for a fraction of the price. Here are a few of our favorite star-inspired looks…do you recognize any of them?

The Blake

When it comes to fashion Blake Lively can do no wrong, so it’s no wonder that we’re obsessed with her stunning oval engagement ring. The pave band is the perfect way to add a little sparkle while keeping the overall design timeless. As far as diamond shapes go, we love an oval! It’s a great way to add visual interest (and carats) without the diamond overpowering your finger.

The Meghan

You probably spotted this baby coming from a mile away. Of course, Grown Brilliance has a royal-inspired ring. Like Meghan’s ring, the prominent center diamond is framed beautifully by two side stones that lead to a classic band. Fun fact, the two side diamonds on Meghan’s ring came from Princess Diana’s jewelry collection. Three-stone engagement rings are definitely on our trend radar for 2023.

The Victoria

They don’t call her Posh Spice for nothing. Victoria Beckham’s stunning engagement ring continues to be a source of inspiration for bride-to-be’s across the globe. The delicate pave band and substantial pear-shaped diamond would take anyone’s breath away.

Have another celeb favorite? Grown Brilliance has an incredible selection, so we’re sure you’ll find something similar. Or, even better, you can create a custom ring and select everything from the setting down to the exact stone. Start shopping for your dream ring here. But, grab your hat and shades because when people get word of the new rock on your finger, you’ll be fending off the paparazzi left and right.

Follow @grownbrilliance on Instagram for even more star-powered inspo.

Vibrant Sicily Destination Wedding at Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina

If you’re just like us and recently binged all of White Lotus season two… you may notice a few details included throughout today’s gorgeous Sicilian wedding aside from just the stunning scenery. The Wedding Boutique Italy brought Melissa & Mat’s dream destination weekend to life – starting off with a dreamy pre-wedding shoot in the streets of Taormina! Their al fresco reception featured vibrant blooms from Sebastian Flowers and locally made Sicilian ceramics. See all the must-see details at the full gallery of inspiration, all captured by Anna Gianfrate Photography!

From Anna Gianfrate Photography… Melissa & Mat had a wonderful destination wedding weekend in Taormina, Sicily.

We did a pre-wedding shoot in the streets of Taormina the day before the wedding.

The wedding day decor was vibrant and colorful and it included some locally made ceramics.

Melissa and Matt had friends and family traveling from all over the world, it was a weekend full of love and fun!

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The Wedding Boutique Italy

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You’ll Love The French Touches At This California Wedding With A “Locks Of Love” Bridge Inspired Escort Card Display

This Parisian-inspired wedding in California is filled with charm. With touches of french blue and a “locks of love” bridge escort card display, KMK Design planned and designed a day with charming details. Golden Fields Floristry filled the celebration with romantic, garden-like blooms, and The Ganeys magically captured every moment. Visit the full gallery to fall in love.

From The Ganeys… Jackie and Michael are such a fun-loving couple! They fit together so well and always have the biggest smile on their faces when they are side by side. For their destination wedding, they invited guests to northern California to a suburb of Sacramento. The day before their wedding, they held a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony in the morning and a welcome party that evening.

For their wedding design, they worked with Kirsten from KMK Design to incorporate a little bit of Paris. Guests found their seats with the help of an escort display inspired by the “locks of love” bridge – and French blue was a consistent color throughout the event.

I love how Jackie and Michael honored their parents – their mother and father, respectively, a part of their wedding party. The choice of bridesmaids dresses was also stellar! The floral pattern was so beautiful.

Jackie wore a custom wedding dress. While shopping, she came across a similar dress online, but couldn’t find it anywhere in stores. After hunting through a few options, she kept returning to her initial inspiration, and finally decided to work with a dress designer to create a similar version just for her. The boatneck, long sleeves, and buttons were the perfect touch for Jackie.

After cocktail hour under a beautiful sailcloth tent (complete with signature cocktails), guest made their way to Bear Flag Farm’s sunken garden for dinner. As the sun set, the couple was toasted by family and friends. Under the stars, they shared their first dance as husband and wife – and the celebration didn’t stop! It was a spectacular celebration for the sweetest couple.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Domestic Or Destination? How To Determine Which Wedding Venue Locale Is Right For You

More and more couples are choosing destination weddings, and with breathtaking locations like Paris or Provence, Lake Como, Tulum, and Santorini increasing in popularity, it’s not hard to imagine why. When deciding between destination or domestic, think about what makes the most sense for you based on your style, budget, and schedule. Today we’re breaking down the list of things to consider when determining your wedding day locale!

Oliver Fly Photography

Tourism Seasons

High tourist traffic can affect everything from transportation to accommodations. Keep in mind the time of year that would be considered “peak season” for that area and do your best to plan around it. Trust us, it will make your planning experience and your guests’ experience much more enjoyable.

Jessa Schifilliti Photographer

Guests

If you ask us, the comfort of your guests should be at the top of your priority list. It’s best to be thoughtful when choosing the location of your wedding, as it should be realistic for must-have loved ones to attend, financially, physically and otherwise. This may not be a deal-breaker for you, but it’s definitely a factor to keep in mind!

Anna Jones

Budget

A destination wedding is more costly than a domestic one, especially considering transportation to and around the location. Given all the nuances of planning nuptials abroad makes things even harder to navigate if you’re doing it sans expert counsel (in a wedding planner), so you might also want to consider enlisting the help of a destination planner. These professionals know all the ins and outs of curating celebrations in your coveted locale(s), so they can handle a lot of the heavy lifting for you. Again, this requires extra spending against, but it’s a completely worthwhile endeavor (if you have the means!)

KT Merry Photography

Culture and Language

Planning a wedding remotely necessitates a different approach than planning domestically, so think about potential language barriers, laws and cultural differences.

O’Malley Photographers

Safety, Health, and Politics

Dive deeply into research (and we mean deep!) to make sure guests have easy access to information regarding safety, health, and political issues. The extra thought and consideration given to your guests might take more time and planning, but it will pay off in spades when navigating any potential sticky situations. TSA reports, friends who’ve visited, planners, and other couples who’ve gotten married at the location are great resources for this research.

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KT Merry Photography

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English Countryside Wedding with Brazilian Soul & Spirit

A traditional English manor meets a modern aesthetic for the most swoon-worthy of wedding days. What Peggy Did Next brought the couple’s romantic vision to life, starting with a muted, soft palette and ending on a bolder, brighter note to celebrate the bride’s Brazilian roots. Jenni Bloom helped tell the love story perfectly through florals, and the love and joy of the day shine through imagery captured by Kristin Sautter. You’ll love every minute inside the full gallery.

From Kristin Sautter… While studying at the University of Nottingham, Daniela and Beaufort met during a night out with friends—a night Beaufort had to be persuaded to go on. Mutual friends introduced them, and as Daniela says, “If love at first sight exists, that was definitely it.” They spent much of the evening outside getting to know each other. When they came back in the club, 80s disco music was playing and their infatuation only deepened as they danced the night away to Earth, Wind & Fire and KC & the Sunshine band. Nine years later, Beaufort proposed on a quiet Greek Island overlooking the sea.

As an architect at Foster + Partners in London, Daniela has an impeccable eye for design and detail. They knew they wanted a wedding celebration to be an immersive, sensory experience—one that paid homage to both their upbringings. The day began romantically with a muted palette and lush English garden roses designed by Jenni Bloom Flowers, all in various shades of pink (the bride’s obsession!). Reminiscent of Beaufort’s childhood in the English countryside, the spirit was soft with atmospheric sounds and scents of an English garden. As the day progressed, passion and soul began to bloom. Influenced by Daniela’s Brazilian roots, bolder colors were introduced. The spirit evolved to a more emotional, soulful sentiment. By evening, the festivity had turned fully vivacious and playful.

This sort of evolving day required the perfect setting. When the couple discovered St Giles House in Dorset, it seemed to be fate. The house blends elements of a traditional English manor home with an edgier, modern aesthetic. Its diversity in spaces allowed for a varied experience for each moment of the day. Guests were able to seamlessly move throughout the day, immersed in the gentle evolution of the day’s design. To pull it all off, they enlisted Helen of What Peggy Did Next to execute the design and handle month-of planning.

After choosing St Giles House as their venue, Daniela and Beaufort seized the opportunity to host a full weekend countryside escape. Festivities began with an intimate rehearsal dinner on the estate, with champagne, canapés, and sunset photos for the couple. The bride wore a Zimmermann bow dress and her great-grandmother’s diamond ring.

On the big day, Daniela arrived with her mother and bridesmaids to get wedding-ready. While looking fabulous in two different Sleeper morning looks, Natalie-Danielle ensured her makeup and hair looked flawless. Her and her bridesmaids sipped champagne before she slipped into her bespoke J Andreatta gown. After trying on over 120 dresses in boutiques all over England, she fell in love with Jessica’s designs at a trunk show at Amare Bride. In collaboration with Jessica and Lyndsey of Amare Bride, they created a custom gown that combined all of Daniela’s favorite elements—including an extra-long train, veil, and bespoke detachable sleeves to complete the look.

Elsewhere on the estate, the gentlemen played billiards and got ready, the groom wearing classic black tie by Favourbrook. Guests arrived to the sounds of live acoustic music by Mae Bradbury and found their seats in the great hall brimming with romantic florals and candles. After a tearful walk down the aisle, Daniela and Beaufort both say they felt “encompassed by love” during their ceremony. It ended up being their favorite part of the whole celebration.

When the ceremony ended, guests celebrated the newlyweds with confetti before making their way to the drawing room for the champagne tower. Here the guests were introduced to hints of what was to come: subtle additions of red, fuchsia, and bolder floral choices. With champagne coupes in-hand, guests walked through the estate gardens to the outdoor reception area. Large murals and floral urns created a distinct space, bringing the artistry outside. The hydrangea wallpaper—matching the invitation suite by Emma Bradstreet—continued the English garden aesthetic.

All the food and wine was carefully curated by the groom and the bride’s father and brought to life by Red Herring. Everything was inspired by their shared experiences—from a holiday in Mexico to traditional family recipes. Upon entering the dinner space, guests were greeted with a distinct aroma of English garden roses. But in a departure from the previous portions of the day, the library was playful and flirtatious with pops of deeper pink, red, and orange. The room glowed in candle light as guests enjoyed tearful, emotional speeches from those closest to the bride and groom, all carefully documented on video by Zach & Grace.

After dinner, the photographer, Kristin Sautter, ventured out into the estate grounds with the couple for golden hour portraits. Meanwhile, the guests sipped signature cocktails—the groom’s gin & tonic and the bride’s margarita—as a bossa nova band, Sambossa, began to play. The couple returned to cut the elaborate cake by MonAnnie Cakes and launch the evening festivities.

Guest made their way to the underground club for dancing. Daniela surprised everyone with a second look that revolted against the traditional bridal uniform for something authentically her. She debuted a fiery red and fuchsia Staud Clothing mini dress as her and Beau shared their first dance to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire—an ode to the night they met. With Daniela’s new look and the bossa nova band playing, the essence of the evening was clear: departing from the romance of an English garden, the guests danced the night away to the spicy and spirited soul of Brazil. In every sense, sensation, and emotion, it was an unforgettable day.

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A Dreamy Dusty Rose Day With Ocean Views In Maui

For Erika and Mark, dreams do come true. Dmitri & Sandra Photography artfully captured their picture-perfect Maui wedding filled with ocean views and a darling dusty rose palette. Moana Belle Events carefully curated all the chic details, and the floral design by Bella Bloom Floral Design is absolutely exquisite. You can take a closer look at all the lovely inside the full gallery.

From Dmitri & Sandra Photography… Erika and Mark came to Maui together for their first long vacation, so it was only fitting for them to have their destination wedding there . They hosted 50 of their closest family and friends to enjoy the most lovely island wedding weekend.

The wedding took place at Merriman’s Kapalua; an epic venue boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the most incredible sunsets. Erika and Mark wanted their wedding to have a laid back feel with tropical elements woven throughout.

Their color palette consisted of dusty rose, ivories and a light hint of fuchsia, giving a sense of island elegance.

You’ll Feel Like You’re Walking On Clouds At This Light And Airy California Wedding

With a groom who is a pilot, is it any surprise that this wedding has us feeling as if our head is in the clouds? To honor the groom’s love of flying the stunning ceremony was held atop a helipad overlooking the Santa Susana mountains. Mad Love Events planned a day that reaches new heights, and the floral design by City Flower LA is wildly romantic. Anya Kernes artfully captures the light and airy aesthetic of the day in elegant imagery, you can see it all inside the full gallery.

From Anya Kernes… Jessica and Stefan’s dreamy and romantic wedding at the Hummingbird Nest Ranch was something out of a modern fairytale. With a predominantly international presence, the couple wanted to provide a shared “American” wedding experience that resonates across both Asian and European cultures – all the while highlighting the natural beauty of Southern California.

Overlooking the luscious Q Vineyards, the ceremony began with a live pianist as the bride later walked down the aisle…a nod to her hobby as a pianist for over a decade. To incorporate the groom’s passion for flying as a pilot, the couple recapped their touching love story and exchanged sweet vows atop a helipad – with the Santa Susana mountain views spanning the backdrop.

The bride had swept down the aisle in a mermaid silhouette dress – adorned with embroidered lace, intricate beading, and a scalloped trim. She selected this unique dress in support of young and talented, but not yet famous designers from Europe.

Since the couple both work in the tech industry supporting cloud products, and given how much the groom loves to fly through the clouds – the entire aesthetic was intended to be “cloud-like.” The dusty blue and blush color palette was a fusion of the couple’s favorite colors, with subtle hints of gold accents throughout the wedding for a dreamy and modern vibe – from “light & airy” florals, to the rosé welcome drinks, handmade gold-leaf foiled acrylic signs, surprise smoke bombs, personalized champagne bottles, gold-sealed bubble candles, custom wedding portrait doodle, and so many more details!

The highlight of the night came at the grand entrance, as the signature cocktails and adrenaline were flowing – when the bride and groom organized a surprise “dance-off” between guys vs. girls (a tradition in some Asian cultures). The 3-tiered semi-naked cake with matching florals was also a classic Asian-inspired cake, layered with berry fruits inside. We made sure to pay tribute to the groom’s German side as well, with fresh pretzels and an assortment of mustards/sauces – beautifully set next to a LED light-up cotton candy booth, and hand-picked artisan ice cream/gelato push-pop station. Guests waved their glow sticks in the open air, as they danced the night away to the live band under the stringed lights and stars. It was the perfect evening, and if there is one piece of advice to give to other brides – it is to be intentional with designing your wedding such that both you and your other half get to show off your personal tastes and experiences!

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Lucky Devils Band

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The Perfect Blueprint for a Tropical Wedding With Elevated Style

From the bride’s epic cape to the eco-friendly potted plant centerpieces… today’s La Jolla wedding is the blueprint for a tropical affair with an elevated twist. Lucky for us, our girl Natalie Bray Studios was behind the lense capturing every must-see moment of the day, including the most dapper corgi pup we’ve ever seen! Bask in the sunshine, salty air and fresh designs at the full gallery of inspiration.

From Natalie Bray Studios… On a beautiful late Summer afternoon, Tian and Michael wed on the rooftop overlooking the picturesque La Jolla shoreline.

With an elevated tropical feeling as their goal, they wanted guests to enjoy one of their favorite locations with architectural florals of cream and green stealing the show. Tian wore an effortless cape gown and look stunning.

They had the ceremony and reception on the rooftop with two table designs. One with a matte black and one with a dark wood design. Both with ferns and tropical potted plants lining the tables to add a lived-in and comfortable aesthetic. It was a truly wonderful way to celebrate such a thoughtful couple. The live band was so fun and really set the tone for a fun party.

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Natalie Bray Studios

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Viral Bridesmaid Dresses and Baby’s Breath Done Right in Charleston!

Jessica & Michael’s summertime wedding planned by Sarah Lillie Designs, is the definition of ‘classic’ with a twist! Adorned by Loluma’s cascading floral runners lush with baby’s breath and blue hydrangeas, the tablescapes brought new life to a trend of season’s past. The bridesmaid’s dresses, in buttercup yellow and blue floral motifs, complement the cheerful summer palette – while the bride shines in a sleek and chic Lela Rose number! Soak in the sunshine and pin-worthy details of the day at the full gallery by Anne Rhett! Trust us folks, this is a good one…

How did you meet?

Michael and I met through good fortune. My older sister was living with Michael’s college roommate’s sister at the time and Michael’s roommate (Gordon) needed a date to the Naval Academy’s ring dance. I agreed to meet Gordon in Charleston over spring break at Michael’s sister’s home, where they were all enjoying a week off in the sunshine. Although I went to the ring dance with Gordon, it was Michael that I wanted to spend more time with. I love that both of our sisters played a role in our meeting. From our time in Charleston until the beginning of our relationship almost a year later, we talked everyday (sometimes for hours). We considered each other a best friend. Eventually, in classic 2006 fashion, Michael and I decided to officially date over AOL instant messenger on Easter Sunday. From there, we grew as individuals and as a couple while we navigated long distance – I was in my final year at Duke while he was completing TBS and OIC at Quantico, and then I went off to Miami for law school while he based out of Camp LeJeune and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Safe to say it was a challenging time but our love only grew. Although we separated for a few years, we never stopped thinking about each other and we finally got our happy ending.

Tell us about the proposal!

Michael chose the Old Town Alexandria waterfront for the proposal, which took place on January 14, 2022. On our way to “meet his sister for dinner,” he suggested taking the scenic route along the Potomac River path and asked me to marry him on a beautiful lamplit arrangement. After the proposal and champagne toast, we went to our favorite Old Town restaurant where he had our families waiting to surprise me. There were lots of happy tears!

How did you choose your wedding venue and aesthetic?

Michael and I walked by the William Aiken House during a visit to Charleston in 2009. I looked through the gate onto the beautiful property and told him that I was going to marry him there one day. We both laughed, but 13 years later it finally became reality. We loved the classic architecture of the home, the gorgeous verandas, and the stunning outdoor spaces. We were so lucky to secure a date during one of the busiest wedding seasons on record! When it came to our wedding aesthetic, we wanted it to look and feel elegant and classic while being fun and unfussy. Our “north star” when we made design decisions was “will we still love this 50 years from now?” Lillie (our wedding planner) was the best – the final product exceeded all expectations!

What was the date of your wedding?

June 3, 2022

Can you walk us through your thought process for the wedding weekend attire?!

Wedding Day: Like the design of the wedding, I wanted to make timeless selections. I’d always admired Carolyn Bessette’s wedding dress and wanted something similar, but with more structure. The Brighton by Lela Rose fit the bill. I chose to pair the gown with a pearled cathedral length veil, which added an element of whimsy, and the Jennifer Behr Tunis earrings (which brought together the pearl from my veil and the rhinestones from my Phillip Lim shoes). As to hair, I was torn between a sleek low bun or old Hollywood curls, but ultimately decided on the curls because it felt more like “me.” For makeup, I wanted to look dewy and fresh, with great lashes!

Wedding Exit: I wanted a fun party dress to make our exit! I fell in love with the Rebecca Vallance Sylvie Mini with its sequins and feathers (and it was so comfortable, to boot).

Welcome Party: Because my choices for the wedding day were so simple, I wanted to incorporate more texture and interest into my welcome party look. I loved the fun sleeves, high neck, and lace on my Self Portrait White Abstract Guipure Dress! I paired it with a playful party pony, Lele Sadoughi pearl heart stud earrings, and Stuart Weitzman block heels. Michael wore a mid-blue suit from Suit Supply. My sisters wore the Alexis Nolana embroidered cotton-blend midi. The embroidery was beautiful!

Ceremony details, please!

My brother in-law, Kevin, officiated our wedding, which made it personal and intimate. He’d been around since Day 1 of our relationship and rooted for us along the way. We exchanged traditional vows but left the rest to Kevin – he had our guests laughing when he welcomed Michael as the newest “draft” to Team Granson, a nod to how we’ve always described my family, our athletic background and his job as a college lacrosse coach! Michael and I felt very present and peaceful during our ceremony, and honestly forgot that guests were watching.

And the reception…

The reception was magical – it was so fun to see friends and family from all walks of life laugh and enjoy each other. There was a buzz in the air and the energy was palpable. We circulated passed h’ordeorves during cocktail hour: mojo pork tacos, burrata crostini, spicy tuna poke, and fried green tomatoes. For dinner, we had vertical roots greens, filet with chimichurri, crab cake with mustard seed tartar, mushroom ravioli, herb fingerling potatoes, and garlic + white wine haricot verts. And for late night bites, we had tater tots, smashburgers, and chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches, all of which were a big hit.

Michael and I spent a lot of time considering the music for each portion of the night and worked with the DJ to make that a reality. During dinner, we asked for an old school, happy, classic vibe with songs from The Temptations, Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Ray LaMontagne, The Temptations, etc. And for the dancing portion, we kicked it up. Our specific request was no slow songs and a fun mix of music that represented everyone: oldies, pop, rock, hip-hop. We wanted energy on the dance floor and for each song to be so fun that no one wanted to leave! Mission accomplished; Bruno Mars, N’Sync, the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Drake, Billy Joel and others kept our guests on the dance floor all night.

My father, Michael’s best man (Chris), and my sister Katie (with a speech written by all 3 of my sisters, all of whom were my maid/matrons of honor) all gave speeches. They made us laugh and cry.

After the reception, we walked through the sparkler farewell line and exited the reception in a pedi-cab, which took us two blocks to Vintage Lounge where we asked guests to keep the celebration going! Safe to say we shut down the bar and it was a night we’ll never forget.

What song did you dance your first dance to?

Growing Old With You by Restless Road

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Jumby Bay!

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BBJ La Tavola

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Anne Rhett Photography

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Look Up! This Modern White and Blush Wedding Is Under A Canopy Of Lights

This springtime California wedding is overflowing the style and charm. Charmed Events Group, LLC planned and designed a day filled with thoughtful details, like a canopy of string lights surrounding guests as they dined at the outdoor reception. Floral design by Thistle and Blooms is utterly romantic, and the imagery captured by STELLA YANG PHOTOGRAPHY will take your breath away. Prepare to fall madly in love with every magical moment inside the full gallery.

From Charmed Events Group, LLC… This fashionista couple of ours! Their wedding was style and sophistication to a T. J+T wanted their wedding to be modern, stylish, neutrals inspired, and filled with lots and lots of blooms! Their ceremony took place at the Love Temple and upon arrival, guests were immediately drawn to the gorgeous, ombre display of blooms that graced the archways of the space.

The couple opted to have a vintage Rolls Royce displayed in front of the villa for guests to take photos in front of for that stylish Gatsby experience. Guests found their seats to a myriad of mirrored columns that had their names etched in. The couple kicked off the reception with a champagne tower and toast. Guests then found themselves ushered underneath a canopy of string lights for dinner and dancing. Beautiful modern blooms filled the tables with so many detailed notes on the table.

The couple had the best sweetheart table with a neon sign and a table filled with blooms. As the sun set, the canopy of lights came to life, giving the reception and vibe a definite buzz in the air. Our bride had a fashionista moment when she changed into her second dress and Chloe kicks. The evening was complete with a send-off down the stairs of the villa, where guests embarked on their next journey of after-party fun and libations.

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BBJ La Tavola

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A Timeless Virginia Wedding Celebrating Bold Autumn Colors

Celebrate the beauty of the autumn season with this simply inspired Virginia wedding. The celebration was artfully planned by White Birch Events, who thoughtfully crafted every dreamy detail of the day. The blooms designed by Mallory Joyce exquisitely tell the story of true love, with free-flowing arrangements in the festive tones of fall. Romantic and timeless imagery by Katie Trauffer Photography is a sight to behold, enjoy it all inside the full gallery.

From Katie Trauffer Photography… Classic details give a modern twist with a bold autumn-inspired reception design. On an idyllic Fall day at the historic Clifton Inn in Charlottesville, VA, timeless romance and bold seasonal color came together in an abundance of Autumn beauty. Thoughtfully planned by White Birch Events, this day was brought to life with florals by Mallory Joyce who expertly weaved together a locally sourced palette of impactful Autumnal colors. Katie Trauffer Photography thoughtfully captured every sublime detail in a full gallery alive with the colors of Fall! Florist Mallory Joyce says “Celia loved classic, white flowers but she also was drawn to the bright and varied tones of early autumn. We decided to marry the two visions by keeping her ceremony and personal flowers all neutral tones and then pumping up the color for the reception.”

For their invitation suite, the couple chose to incorporate a stunning custom portrait of their venue by artist Line In the Sam. They worked with local stationer Carly Reed Designs to choose a neutral color palette with an earthy green envelope. Choosing their venue was a natural fit, it was the first venue they toured and the couple explains that with “the historical significance of The Clifton and after we tried the food, it was a no-brainer. We booked their next available date.”

For the bride, colorful flowers have always been a way to spread joy thanks to her father who is “famous for his dahlia gardens.” She explains “Instead of bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party, my dad will bring a huge, beautiful bouquet of fresh-picked dahlias from his garden – in his signature vase – a recycled tennis ball can. The flowers are always vibrant colors, a mix of dahlias and any other local blooms or greenery he has at the time.”

Embracing this joyful inspiration, florist Mallory Joyce created a statement reception palette by using “a lot of local flowers including dahlias, cosmos, and celosia in pinky-peach hues and ground(ing) the punchy colors with touches of honey-toned roses to keep the palette autumnal.”

The bride’s Jane Hill dress paired a classic sleek silhouette with romantic and distinctly bridal detailing. The bride explains “It was a silhouette and neckline that I find myself wearing in everyday life – but the bridal details really elevated a silhouette and neckline I love. For me, the pearl buttons were the deciding factor.”

Photographer Katie Trauffer Photography embraced the Autumnal inspiration, capturing enduring, romantic portraits with an eye for the turn of the season. From streaming golden light through trees at the peek of their Fall transition to the leaf-blanketed secret garden courtyard, she used the emergence of Autumn to craft portraits that would embrace and honor the vibrancy of the couple’s color palette while feeling authentic to their love and eternally stylish.

“Newlywed portraits are always one of my favorite parts of a wedding day as I have the opportunity to translate my couple’s love and vision for their day into heirlooms they will hold onto decades after the last champagne is poured. Especially here, I wanted their portraits to retain the timeless yet colorful inspiration for their event. Beyond portraits, though, I cherish capturing those little moments in between- the way the bride smiled at her new husband during toasts over a table laden with bountiful blooms, the way the groom kissed her hand as they walked with their wedding party to line up for the ceremony- those are some of my favorite images in a gallery that is truly overflowing with favorites!”

Planner White Birch Events seamlessly organized an event that was flawlessly executed and immensely personal. From the couple’s gift table, complete with their prized tennis trophy as a cardholder, to the bathroom champagne bar- a highlight for the couple who loved how it “made the bathroom a fun place to gather and hang out (at) before heading back to the dance floor”- Cinda ensured every detail was beautifully honored and that the entire event had ample time for each carefully chosen vendor to craft their best work. A highlight of the night was the couple’s choreographed first dance “Derek and I spent months (half seriously) practicing the Dirty Dancing lift. After a disastrous and hilarious practice routine fall, we settled for a death drop instead” for a moment that had the entire tent cheering. At the end of the night, “After the guests were led out in a second line to “When the Saints Go Marching In”, Derek and I stayed behind for a private dance to “Lover” by Taylor Swift.” The bride says “whenever I hear this song, I think of Derek and after our wedding, it brings even more special memories of our Last Dance.”

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Katie Trauffer Photography

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Tickled Pink in Sonoma With a Puppy Surprise!

Get swept away by the romance of these gorgeous nuptials at Trentadue Winery in Sonoma County! LBB Planner, Charmed Events Group, evokes an ethereal mood with a sweet palette of blush, cream, dusty rose and mauve. Our favorite detail? Has to be the votive candle escort display (bonus points for the post-wedding usability)! The bride’s surprise gift for her groom – a brand new puppy – made the day’s memories just that much more precious! See all the sweetness their day has to offer at the full gallery captured by Jasmine Lee.

Is there anything more magical than celebrating love under the beautiful, Sonoma vines?! J+D were married at a Catholic Church and celebrated their nuptials with family and friends in the most romantic setting. They had a palette of soft blushes, cremes, mauve and dusty rose to create a dreamy tone to their day.

Guests found their seats by way of a personalized lit candle that they were able to take home. They were then ushered into a romantic grove setting filled with lush, blush and mauve flowers, candlelight galore and table setting decadence. One of my favorite details of their setting was their precious menus that had the most delicate velvet embellishment. There were so many special moments throughout the day, but one that stood out and stole the evening was when the bride surprised the groom with his dream dog, a darling vizsla puppy. She had purchased the pup and kept it as a secret with the help of family and friends who helped to house the puppy until this very special moment.

From the Bride… Being a California native, it was always a dream of mine to get married in beautiful wine country. We actually got engaged at a winery in Napa so when we found Trentadue winery in Sonoma county, I knew that’s where I wanted to celebrate the most special day of our lives. Our wedding day was perfection and my vision came to life thanks to our wedding planner and all our amazing vendors. It was full of mauve, my favorite color, and lots of magic. Dining underneath the lush vines and twinkly lights and candlelight felt like a fairytale. During dinner, I was able to surprise my groom with his dream puppy, a vizsla that he has always wanted. A little backstory-he actually surprised me with my puppy when we first started dating, almost 10 years prior, so it was extra special that I got to do that for him on our most special day in front of all our guests to witness. We ended the night in the most perfect way dancing with all our family and friends. It was truly the best day of our lives.

A Modern Foliage Inspired Wedding Overflowing With Greenery

A color palette of green and charcoal gives this whimsical wedding a modern twist. Charmed Events Group, LLC planned and designed a celebration that brought the couple’s Big Day vision to life, filled with canopies draped in foliage and fabric. The floral design by Hawthorne Floral Studio was utterly romantic, and Kristine Herman Photography artfully captures the love and joy of the day in elegant imagery. You’ll want to see it all inside the full gallery.

From Charmed Events Group, LLC… E+J knew exactly what they wanted when it came to their day. They wanted to have a modern affair with lots and lots of greenery and wanted to create a reception that incorporated wooden canopies for guests to dine and dance under. The other thing that they wanted to have? Their sweet pup Yogi by their side! With a greenery-inspired palette, we added notes of grey and charcoals to give the popular color palette a modern twist. We loved that every detail was considered, even making sure the wedding party matched the palette in a whimsical and modern way. One of our favorite details was adding floral patterned dresses to the mix!

As guests were welcomed to the ceremony, they were greeted by gorgeous and wild greenery that Hawthorne Floral Studio designed for us. During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed the view of the villa lawn while finding their seats with bottles filled with assorted ferns and foliage pieces. The reception was a stunner! We created a modern wonderland using wooden canopies draped in foliage and fabrics. String lighting and lanterns were hung throughout the canopies and on the dance floor to create a magical glow. Guests sat down to tablescapes that were modern and crisp with whimsical florals to match.

Guests added to the florals with the bottles they grabbed from finding their seats. Both E + J are avid dancers and beloved members of their college dance troupe. One of the best moments was their first dance which started out like any other, that evolved into a personally choreographed hip-hop dance that got all their guests on their feet. As one could imagine, the dance floor was full and happening all night long. The lovely couple is now expecting a baby – and it all started from this modern, sweet day!

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Sage Green and Southern Charm in the Heart of Lowcountry

Want to include non-traditional elements on your wedding day, in a curated way? This charming Charleston wedding is your perfect blueprint! WED balanced playfulness with the simple sophistication of the venue’s waterfront view to bring this gorgeous day to life. The bride and her maids’ made bold fashion statements from head to toe – even donning gingham, feather accented pajamas while getting ready! The bride changed into an embroidered, mock-neck Elizabeth Fillmore gown while her girls donned dresses to match their distinct personalities. The full gallery is filled with all the whimsical details that Anne Rhett captured with perfection!

How did you meet?

From the Bride… We met freshman year of college at a NYE party in Charleston through mutual friends. We both went to different colleges so figured it would never work. Summer going into Senior year of college we ran into each other at a bar in Atlanta and the rest was history.

Tell us about the proposal!

My parents have a house in 30A and we made plans to go for NYE. Unfortunately, it was the end of 2020 and Thomas got covid that Christmas. I told him it may be best for us to stay home, but he said after his 10 day quarantine he was “ready to get out of the house”. Once we got to the beach, we took the dog on a walk during sunset. Halfway through our walk, he got down on one knee and proposed. Once we got back towards the house, both of our families were there to celebrate. The next day, our families went to dinner and when we got back to the house all of my best friends were there to celebrate our engagement and ring in the New Year! It was all a surprise and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

How did you choose your wedding venue and aesthetic?

We chose Lowndes Grove for the reception because I wanted to get married somewhere that portrayed the beauty of Charleston and was close to where I grew up. I wanted the aesthetic to be simple and fun, nothing too fancy or floral. I didn’t want anything to take away from the waterfront view and beautiful oak trees. We went with a green and white color scheme to compliment the surrounding greenery. We brought in custom Schumacher and Thibaut pillows for the seating areas to bring in some fun prints and even had a few pillows with our dog Otis on them! WED brought my vision to life and made all my wedding dreams come true!

What was the date of your wedding?

January, 8, 2022

Talk to us a little bit about the wedding attire!

Wedding – I had a sample of an Elizabeth Fillmore wedding dress shipped from her showroom in NYC to Mandi Jackson in Atlanta, GA. I went by myself to try it on and immediately knew it was the one. It was the first and only dress I ever tried on. For my shoes, I wanted something simple and classic so they didn’t compete with the dress and wore nude Christian Louboutin pumps. For jewelry, I wore my mother in laws pearl drop earrings for my something borrowed and my mom’s art deco sapphire and diamond ring for my something blue. Thomas wore a custom navy Sid Mashburn suit with Crockett and Jones loafers and Rolex GMT Master II

Rehearsal – I wanted to wear something unique that I could wear again. I wore a floral Lee Matthews dress with Amina Muaddi pumps. Right before the rehearsal, Thomas sent me on a scavenger hunt in my hotel room and a few clues led me to the most beautiful diamond studs that I wore that night. He wore a Kiton jacket with a custom Zenya shirt, Miller Brothers tie, Cobbler Union loafers, and a Rolex Hulk Submariner

Bridal Party – I wanted my wedding party to feel comfortable and confident in what they wore, so I let them choose whatever they wanted!

Ceremony details, please!

The ceremony was held at my childhood church, Saint Mary of the Annunnciation, in downtown Charleston. Having all of our best friends and family under one roof is a feeling I can never describe. Thomas and I didn’t do a first look, so I was most excited to see his reaction when he saw me for the first time walking down the aisle.

And the reception…

We had a cocktail hour throughout the home with an open bar and passed Hors d’oeuvres (Spicy tuna poke, lamb lollipop, tomato pie, chicken and waffle and burrata w/ fig jam) and then everyone moved out to the reception tent for first dances. After first dances, there were different food stations for people to choose from -Carbonaro, Braised Short Rib, Ricotta Gnocci, and Petite chicken breast. We did a cake cutting with family inside the house, where there was also a coffee bar set up for guests. Our cake was a vanilla cake with salty caramel buttercream. After dinner, our band, Atlanta Rhythm and Groove, had the people dancing all night! Thomas and I left in a white Rolls Royce that took us straight to the bar.

What song did you dance your first dance to?

Love & Happiness by Al Green

What was your favorite part of the reception?

How do I even choose! I loved incorporating our dog, Otis, into some of the details. But even more so I loved dancing with my friends and family all night long. I didn’t leave the dance floor once!

Any after party plans!?

One of the shuttles dropped people off at the Blind Tiger downtown. Thomas and I didn’t want to miss out on the fun, so we went out and I never changed out of my wedding dress. You only wear it once!

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We ate and drank our way through Paris and Reims France!

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A Citrus Inspired Garden Wedding Celebration In California

This lush and beautiful garden-inspired wedding is filled with sunny pops of citrus. K. Saw Weddings planned a day that delights, with inspired elements like a modern arch welcome sign and tables adorned with fresh fruit. Floral design by Le Bloomerie will make you feel as if you’re wandering through the most magical sunlit garden in Italy, and every exquisite moment is artfully captured in imagery by Jen Huang Photography. Endless inspiration awaits you inside the full gallery.

From K. Saw Weddings… It was the fall of 2021 when I was approached by Sarah & Bobby to plan and design their wedding. From the moment we had our first zoom meeting, I knew it will be a lot of fun not only for me as their Wedding Planner but for the whole vendor team. A typical question I ask my couples was “What’s your wedding vision?” They first replied, “Anything that you think would be beautiful, were flexible and we trust you!” I knew from there that sky was the limit when couples trust our expertise in design. “We love orange and green and we would love to prioritize our grandmothers in their 80s & 90s who will be present at our wedding”, they added. I knew from there, Beaulieu Garden in Napa Valley will be a perfect fit for their Spring-Summer wedding. From there, I’ve gathered the A-team perfect to create the best quality and service for the best couple! Jen Huang Photography being their photographer was already on board prior to meeting our couple which already set the tone as I knew everything will be captured perfectly without a doubt. The couple wanted their wedding to be filmed and I knew Robert Schwieger of Robert Michael Films will be the perfect videographer to capture every moment for our couples to look back on. Our bride started her day by being pampered by Raven Reed Luxury Beauty, a luxury makeup artist based in San Francisco. She stayed in the whole entire event to make sure our bride look her best complementing her two very chic bridal dresses-The NeWhite for her ceremony and Before by Sarah Seven for her reception dress paired with sleeves with a written embroidery that says, “To have and to hold”. Starting with Beaulieu Garden partnered with Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events was a one-of-a-kind experience. The beautiful venue itself was perfect for the whole aesthetic and vibe my lovely couple was envisioning. They opted for a late morning ceremony at the Sunken Garden where their altar was surrounded by the most beautiful blooms designed and created by Melissa of Le Bloomerie. Peaches and creams with hints of lavender & blues were the stars of their color palette.

From Le Bloomerie… Sarah and Bobby’s Garden like install was created using David Austin garden roses, delphinium, allium and foxglove. Edith a citrusy, peach orange garden rose contrasted with the lavender delphinium and tall foxglove, just like walking into a luxurious garden. Lavender and white allium added a uniqueness to the ceremony install and making for unforgettable florals for Sarah and Bobby’s wedding day. The couple went straight away to their cocktail hour where custom citrus drinks were served to welcome their guests as they stroll around the Italian Garden. Aperol Spritz, Margarita Rosa being their signature cocktails were just perfect for their whole vision! Their reception table was meticulously curated in a long table filled with beautiful details that ties in perfectly together with our couple’s vision infused with fresh citrus. For a chic & sophisticated yet edgy vibe, we opted for black Solvang chairs from Theoni Collection. Our tabletop pieces were carefully selected to align with the whole wedding aesthetic and our couple’s story. Florals in ikebana combined with fresh citrus fruits were scattered sweeping through their reception table as their guests’ toasts for their union as newlyweds! Custom Menu by Daylight Letters paired with color coded acrylic place cards made by Boovara Designs were part of the tablescape which also served as entree indicators to guide our catering team. To end their reception lunch with a sweet note, their citrus inspired cake designed by Trizia of Trizia Cake Artistry stole the show!

From the couple… We met ~7 years ago through mutual friends on a Wednesday night, at the Dave n Buster’s (so romantic lol). From the moment we met, we hit it off immediately. There’s not much that won’t make me laugh, but that night, my cheeks hurt from smiling. Albeit, the smiling also could have been from the sweet satisfaction of kicking Bobby’s butt in Mario Kart! We had so much fun the night we met and are still enjoying the joy of each other’s company to this day. Bobby would say that he knew from the beginning. That night at DnB’s after meeting for the first time, he turned to his cousin and said, “I’m going to make her my girlfriend.” I got to give it to the guy, he manifested it! In all seriousness, our love story is rather ordinary, but Bobby and I agree that the way we make each other feel is extraordinary. Truthfully, falling in love was the easy part! It was & is the effort and desire we share for each other that makes us fall in love day after day. We began as friends and our relationship matured into a deeper bond. Mix this with a lot of laughs, the type where it makes your tummy hurt, and you’ve got our love. Whatever life has thrown at us, individually or as a couple, my confidence in our ability to move through it together has never wavered. He popped the question on Christmas day, 2020. We had recently moved to Seattle, Washington from California and it was my first white Christmas ever! Since we were new to the area, we had been exploring different neighborhoods and hiking trails. As the holidays approached, we planned a Christmas morning hike & picnic with our dog Luna, around a park Bobby had found and was excited about – Gold Creek Pond. The park was beautiful – walking through the area and seeing all the trees covered in fresh white snow, I felt like I was in Dr. Seuss’s Whoville! When we reached the lake, he wanted to take a photo by the beautiful frozen pond. As the photo was being taken, I noticed a small bottle tied to our dog’s collar and immediately took the hint! He asked me if I could untie the bottle and read the message inside, so I did. As soon as I had finished and looked up, he was on one knee & popped the question. It was incredibly intimate and we were so excited to share the big news with our families over Zoom, because, you know, the pandemic!

The overall vision came to fruition from a couple of things. First, my favorite color is orange and Bobby loves green. Before we, fortunately, met Katrina, we had run into some hiccups in our wedding plans. We originally planned on eloping in another country, but due to the pandemic, we had to change plans twice! We took some losses from deposits that we couldn’t get back but knew we still wanted to have a small celebration for our family. So, when life gives you lemons, you plan a micro-wedding! The largest influence in our overall wedding vision was from a poem, titled “The Orange” by Wendy Cope. The poem was also read during our ceremony and has earned a spot in our hearts as one of our favorite poems. Life can truly feel chaotic! It’s especially felt that way since the pandemic began. The poem, “The Orange” by Wendy Cope fit perfectly for the times and set the overall tone of our day. Without reciting the entire poem, it’s a beautiful meditation on life. Many of our guests were reuniting for the first time since the pandemic at our wedding. We could feel the anticipation and excitement from our families and knew we wanted to make the day special because it was! It’s hard not to get so caught up in the chaos around us, so we wanted to celebrate the banal- being together, sharing a meal, hugging – things we took for granted and missed sorely from before the pandemic.TRUST YOUR PLANNER, VENDORS, AND THE PROCESS! Cherish the journey, be flexible, because, at the end of it all, you deserve to have good memories regarding your wedding. The most important factor for us two, on the big day, was us. We wanted to make sure that as we looked back, our memories would be of the conversations we held with our loved ones and the vows we made to each other. Not everything will go absolutely right on your big day, but for me, the bloopers that happened on our day are some of my most favorite and hilarious memories to date! Hit me up for pictures, I won’t gatekeep. To our planner, designers, florist, beauty artist, photographer, videographers, caterers, and vendors – THANK YOU!

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Photography

Jen Huang Photography

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BBJ La Tavola

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Getting Married In Winter? Here Are A Few Options To Keep Warm While Still Feeling Like A Bride

To all our beautiful snow bunny brides – this one’s for you! If it’s going to be room temperature or colder and your wedding is indoors, you can probably get away with wearing a gown with sleeves. This will provide a little added warmth during the limited time that you will spend outside. Buttt… if it’s going to be below freezing or your gown does not have sleeves, there are a few options that can add extra warmth and coverage without sacrificing style! Lucky for you, we’re dishing all the must-know details below!

For more wedding fashion inspo, tips, and advice from the pros… check out our Ultimate Wedding Dress Guide!

Capes

A flowing garment that goes over your gown. They follow the line of the shoulder and usually cover the arm up to the elbow. Capes come in a variety of fabrics, so there’s bound to be one that fits your vision perfectly.

Toppers

A piece that resembles a bodice that goes over the existing bodice on your gown. These come in a wide array of styles and fabrics, the most popular being lace and other sheer materials so as not to completely hide the existing bodice underneath. They can be permanently attached to the gown or fashioned to be removable.

Jackets

Don’t be afraid to have fun with outerwear! A jacket can be a great statement piece that expresses your personality. Leather, denim, and faux fur are all great options to explore. Make sure to bring an actual winter jacket if it is going to be below freezing on your wedding day. These accessories only help a little when it comes to providing warmth, but you will need legit winter wear if you are going to be exposed to the elements for a prolonged period of time.

BEST FABRICS FOR EACH SEASON

Certain fabrics work better for different seasons based on comfort and style. Spring and summer events call for lighter, more flowy fabrics like English net, tulle, chiffon, organza, charmeuse, taffeta, Chantilly lace, and shantung. On the flip side, fall and winter weddings may be more comfortable with heavier, more ornate fabrics like duchess satin, crepe, gazar, Guipure lace, Alencon lace, velvet, and faille.

Jessa Schifilliti Photohrapher

Autumnal Elegance at Annadel Estate Winery

Fall in love with this autumnal affair at the Annadel Estate Winery. It’s no secret the Fall season and weddings make a perfect pairing! For this adoring couple’s special day, Quintana Events has given us a Fall wedding at its finest with a color palette that pops – sweet blush and soft cream mixed with rich burgundy and deep yet dusty blue! This distinctive blend of hues translates beautifully to the vibrant bridal bouquet and lush ceremony arch by Aimee Lomeli Designs that exude contemporary elegance with a romantic feel. Take in the crisp style at the full gallery, captured by SMP-favorite, The Ganeys!

From the Bride… Brian and I grew up within 15 minutes of one another in the Seattle area, but it wasn’t until after college when Brian was living in San Francisco that we met in 2015. At the wedding of his good friend from childhood and one of my dearest friends from college, I teased him for not dancing when everyone else was on the dance floor (he’s still not big on dancing). We both felt an instant connection, but at 24 and just starting my career, a 1.5 hour flight to San Francisco felt like an insurmountable distance for a relationship and he was therefore deemed “geographically undesirable.” We met again on a ski trip in Jackson Hole with those same friends in 2017, a trip I was convinced to join having never been on skis in my life. Brian texted my old phone number offering to pick me up from the airport which I just happened to turn on for the first time in a year, and from airport pickup onward we spent the trip getting to know each other over apres ski and movie nights with friends. He even joined in on a country swing dancing lesson despite his aforementioned dislike of dancing. On the last day there, Brian skipped a day on the slopes to go snowshoeing with me; he forgot the snowshoes, but we spent the afternoon laughing and tromping through the snow and decided we would give long distance a go, starting a regular cadence of flights up and down the west coast to see each other.

After long distance adventures and a year and a half creating memories together in San Francisco when the distance became too much, Brian proposed on the Sonoma Coast in early March 2020. It was just the two of us quietly on the beach, which felt like the perfect special moment for us. We spent the rest of the weekend calling friends and family to celebrate, wine tasting, and eating a lot of homemade s’mores at the hotel we stayed at for the weekend. And… then everything shut down. Like everyone, we thought it would be a couple of weeks of enjoying being engaged, and then we would get going with wedding planning; we all know the rest of the story. After a lot of discussion around how to move forward (Do we get married legally and have the wedding we envisioned on our first anniversary? Do we move forward with planning something and amend as we need to depending on the situation at the time?) we decided to enjoy that stage of our relationship and hold off on planning until we could plan the celebration we had envisioned with all the people we care about there to celebrate with us.

Having put planning on hold for so long waiting for everything to return to “normal,” we struggled a little bit with kickstarting our planning process. Did we want to start the rest of our lives together closer to our childhood homes, celebrating the backdrop of our formative years through 18 and making it easier for friends and family in the area to join the celebration? Or did we want to bring everyone to the Bay Area where we have chosen to create our life together and encourage them to enjoy a weekend in some of our favorite places? The answer to that question came incredibly easily after we found Annadel. After an afternoon spent wandering the property with Dan, Bubs the goldendoodle, and a bottle of their bubbly, we fell in love with how we felt there. The mix of the rustic touches of the barn and stone ruins with the natural beauty of the vineyards, oak trees, and giant magnolia over the lawn instantly felt like it fit with us. We called our families and told them we had found the perfect venue for us while we were still sitting in the driveway.

The team that came together to bring all the pieces to life is unparalleled, in my very biased opinion! Brian and I are not particularly artistic people, working in finance and biotech; we definitely know what we like and could point to very specific components we wanted included, but when faced with how to pull all these individual pieces together into a cohesive event we were left a little starry-eyed and overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions to make. My biggest piece of advice to fellow brides is to trust the people you’ve surrounded yourself with when those feelings set in. Brian never would have chosen the flower that made the centerpiece of his boutonniere on his own, but after our mock up with Aimee he packed it back to Seattle to show his dad because he was so enamored with it; similarly I knew the colors we loved and that I wanted dahlias in my bouquet, but I teared up when seeing the florals because I didn’t know they could come together like that. When Alex suggested a black salad plate on our rental visit I maybe looked at him like he had grown a second head, but the minute it was on the table it tied the settings together perfectly with the mix of soft blushes and moody burgundys that made up our florals. My favorite design element of the day was the decision to have guests walk through our floral arch from the ceremony to cocktail hour and dinner; it enabled us send our guests through a portal into another dimension of the venue they hadn’t seen yet which contrasted with the setting for the ceremony and set a new tone for the cocktail hour and dinner portion of the day.

Reflecting on the day, it feels impossible to pick one element or memory that stands above the rest. We weren’t crazy about sharing personal vows in front of 100 people, but I love how we customized them to speak to a continuation of the commitments we had already made to each other through our relationship, and they rang even truer that day, after a tough personal loss two weeks prior, than they did when we sat down to edit them. As difficult as it was, the decision we made to wait until we could gather all our loved ones together to celebrate was the perfect one for us, and dancing and singing with everyone under the sky that night will be something I remember forever. One moment that maybe became my favorite is one that surprises me, as at one point we were thinking about not doing it. Our first look became a beautiful moment for Brian and I to reflect on everything that got us to this point in our lives together as well as marvel at how lucky we are to be surrounded by such loving people in such a beautiful location. It also reaffirmed for us yet again that we are really each other’s person, as we were both shaking like leaves before, but were perfectly fine in that moment. It’s no coincidence that the photos that capture those moments are some of our favorites.

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How did you meet?

Tell us about the proposal!

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What was the date of your wedding?

Can you walk us through your thought process for the wedding weekend attire?!

Ceremony details, please!

And the reception…

What song did you dance your first dance to?

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

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BEST FABRICS FOR EACH SEASON

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The Blake

The Meghan

The Victoria

Join The Conversation

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Join The Conversation

Tourism Seasons

Guests

Budget

Culture and Language

Safety, Health, and Politics

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

How did you meet?

Tell us about the proposal!

How did you choose your wedding venue and aesthetic?

What was the date of your wedding?

Can you walk us through your thought process for the wedding weekend attire?!

Ceremony details, please!

And the reception…

What song did you dance your first dance to?

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Capes

Toppers

Jackets

BEST FABRICS FOR EACH SEASON

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

From Our Partners

Little Black Book

Lookbook

International Weddings

US Weddings

Real Weddings

Inspiration Galleries

Explore

Archive

Magazine

Style Me Pretty