Over the last few weeks, we've been slowly introducing a few fabulous new voices to our blog with the hopes that each blogger will bring you a new and excited perspective in wedding design. Well, I'm thrilled to tell you that our latest stylista is none other than Alison of The Knotty Bride!

* * *

Hello, everyone! My name is Alison, and I'm beyond excited - beyond - to start bringing you the pretty here on SMP. Quick note about me: I'm a sucker for weddings in general. Truly, I don't discriminate - I'm an equal opportunity enjoyer. Why, you ask? Because, while palettes, design, styling and setting can and do vary immensely, there seem to be a few things present at nearly all nuptials - there's the chance to devote an entire day in our lives to celebrating true love, the excuse to bask in our deepest happiness, and the rare opportunity to revel in family togetherness.

Board 1 Gia Canali

Board 4: Gia Canali

Board 12: Gia Canali

Board 5: Gia Canali - table setting

Board 15: Gia Canali - FAMILY

Board 6: Gia Canali

Couple + Card tree + moss chairs

{To see the entire wedding, click here}

However... if I was forced to cherry pick, I'd say my favorite kind of wedding marries the chic with the unique, is classic with a healthy dose of whimsy and, above all... is an expression of who you are as individuals and as a couple. And I do believe I have one such celebration in store for you, today! I'm seriously swooning over this wedding, sent to me by one of my absolute favorite photographers, Gia Canali. By employing an extremely simple palette of neutrals and naturals - plus a few perfectly placed touches of gold, to really make things pop - Nada proves that you really don't need a whole lot of color to make your celebration shine bright, not to mention photograph PHENOMENALLY.

Here are some words from our gorgeous bride, Nada:

My parent's home in Modesto, CA, was the perfect backdrop for our intimate, mid-September wedding. The house is on a hill and the backyard has a pool and an acre of lush green grass bordered by a winding creek and century-old pecan trees. With that in mind, my mother and I set out to create a feeling of drama, whimsy, and magic. We wanted some unique design touches. So, we "upholstered" French chairs in moss. Guests could be photographed on these chairs as they arrived. The florals for the reception tables were predominately green in color with pops of white. We had mist colored table linens and mercury glass decorations to add some sparkle.

Ok, I've got so much more to show you from this wedding, it's not even funny. Just wait until you see Part II! Here's a hint: huge, inflatable swans are involved...

xoxo, Alison of The Knotty Bride

Photography: Gia Canali / Venue: Bride’s parents’ home in Modesto, CA / Dress & Necklace: Vera Wang / Bride’s shoes: Kate Spade / Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss / Groom’s shoes: Bally / Hair: Joseph from Joseph’s Salon / Makeup: Intimo Skincare Spa / Florals: Michael from Simple Flowers / Tables & Chairs: Classic Party Rentals / Linen Rentals: La Tavola Linens / Band: Hot Pocket / Chinese lanterns – Cultural Intrigue / Belly Dancers: Jodette’s Belly Dancing Acadamy, Sacramento, CA / Cake: Suzie Grover – 209-543-6777 / Overall Decor, Event Planning & Table Decor (Vases, chandelier, votives, mercury glass birds) – Lino Bella (Leila & Nada Bibi) / Day of Coordinator: Jennifer Pitts