Massachusetts Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

This Colorful Seaside Wedding will 100% Spark Your Summer Nostalgia

Winter Schminter, this celebration embodies sunny beach days and childhood carnivals but with a beautiful, peony-filled twist. Captured by Readyluck, it’s a study in taking a theme near and dear to your heart and translating it into the most beautiful thing on the planet. See even more cake and love by the ocean planned by Cape Cod Celebrations right here.

From the Bride… I always envisioned doing something really fun and unique for my wedding. I wanted to combine those nostalgic and playful elements of our personalities with two of our favorite places to visit – the carnival and the beach! We’ve been coming to Wellfleet, a very cool and artsy beach town in Cape Cod, for years and couldn’t think of a better location than The Chequessett Yacht & Country Club. With a working rustic boathouse located right on a private beach, it seemed like the perfect spot to have our dream vintage seaside carnival wedding!

I did quite a bit of research on vintage carnivals and the color palette I was most drawn to was faded pastels, like a soft candy pink and mint with touches of red. I especially love the 1950s/early 1960s era and kept envisioning vintage ice cream soda shoppes, drive-ins with old marquee signage, pink cotton candy and red candy apples. One of my all-time favorite films is the 1988 movie “Big” with Tom Hanks, where he goes to a carnival and makes a wish on a Zoltar fortune-telling machine. I ended up renting a Zoltar Fortune-Telling Machine and had custom fortunes designed for our guests.

Other DIY elements included a kissing booth for guest photos custom built by Garth’s uncle, and our snow cone cocktail bar which consisted of a really cool cocktail menu I created just for our day! I found a company that sells organic gluten free snow cone syrup in wide variety of flavors which gave us a lot of freedom in creating custom snow cone cocktails. I was obsessed with having these vintage pink water goblets from a nearby vintage tea shoppe “Fancy That” in Walpole, Ma. I really think they were gorgeous statements pieces on the tables.

Our escort cards were designed as carnival tickets and placed on an easel with a really cool vintage-inspired carnival sign. We bought a vintage pink 1950s Royal typewriter along with some antiqued paper for the Guestbook. Next to that was a mailbox where guests folded their notes and stuck them inside. Our favorite moment had to be walking down the aisle as a married couple to our recessional song “You’re So Cool” from the movie “True Romance”. It has such a whimsical, carnival feel… Like what you would hear riding a vintage Merry-Go-Round.

Our favorite crafted detail was our custom cake topper that features Garth, myself and our dog Gypsy on a beach with carnival-themed banner. For our flowers, we wanted to have an airy, overgrown garden feel consisting of pink and watermelon colored peonies, clematis, garden roses, berries and white anemones. I am a huge fan of Monique Lhuillier wedding gowns. When I first saw my dress, it was in a magazine spread where the model was dancing around while playfully holding a piece of wedding cake. That definitely captured the style and mood of what I envisioned for the wedding – just like the song “Cake by the Ocean!”

My dress was youthful, elegant, romantic and meticulously crafted and designed. I have curves and wanted the dress to accentuate my shape. The embroidered detail on the top portion of the dress was incredible, but my favorite part was the bottom flowing layers of chantilly lace with overlays of draped tulle. For my jewelry, I just borrowed a small pair of diamond earrings from my best friend Jenny.

My glam squad was amazing as well – My old friend, who is also a phenomenal makeup artist, flew in from LA to attend and do my makeup. I was so thankful to have him there not only to make me look beautiful, but as a great calming support. I reached out to Stacey Keuhn, a local Cape Cod hairstylist who recently got Best of Boston for wedding hair, to tame and style my unruly tresses. For the cake, we had a 3-tiered naked funfetti cake with vanilla buttercream filling, adorned with our custom cake topper featuring Garth, myself and our dog Gypsy. We also had an amazing dessert cart loaded with ice cream cone cupcakes, strawberry shortcake dessert shots, apple crisp mason jars, creme brûlée soufflé cups, cotton candy, vintage boxes of popcorn and red candy apples.

For our Welcome Bags, we had buckets with jute rope handles holding 2 personalized bottles of water along with striped pink straws, Cape Cod chips, sea vegetable bath bar from LUSH and a custom designed map of Wellfleet done by Jolly Edition who did our invitations as well. For other favors, we had a photographer dedicated to taking instant polaroid photos at the vintage Kissing Booth as well the custom fortunes from the Zoltar Fortune-Telling Machine. We also had fresh bags of cotton candy, vintage striped boxes of popcorn and crates full of Raspberry Lime Ricky and Root Beer soda bottles which came from a local Cape Cod staple, Kandy Korner in Hyannis, Ma.

Advice: If your venue doesn’t come with a coordinator to help with day-of details, set-up and certain aspects of the planning process, I would definitely recommend hiring a coordinator for the day of. Our wedding consisted of so many details that we actually had to rent a U-Haul to transport everything to the venue and back. We couldn’t afford a full wedding planner so this put a lot of pressure and stress on us. Although I was intent on carrying out my vision, it slightly kept me from being in the moment on my wedding day because I was so fixated on the execution of those details. As everyone says, it all goes by in a blink of an eye so you have to be present and enjoy it!

Classic Summer Wedding in the City

I called Boston home for four years. It’s a city with an incredibly special place in my heart and when I see a wedding like this it brings my love for Boston rushing right back. Set at the Royal Sonesta Boston and featuring music by Night Shift Entertainment, it’s a summer celebration with no shortage of fun. See photos and film by THE EWINGS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO below.

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From the Bride… We wanted the wedding to be classic, not too over-the-top, and fun. The most precious memories I took away from the wedding were the church ceremony where I couldn’t stop crying from overwhelming happiness, the trolley ride back to the hotel, dancing and laughing our way through pictures, and dancing along to Soho’s amazing music with family and friends. Luckily Erica took amazing pictures throughout the entire wedding, so I’ll never forget a single moment of the day.

Hung and I were most passionate about the band and florals. We saw Soho perform at a friends wedding and knew we wanted them to play at our wedding before we were even engaged. Once we got engaged, we contacted Soho first and based the wedding date on them. They were already booked up for some dates of Summer 2016 18 months in advance, so I was VERY happy we contacted them before planning other vendors. Once we had the date, we knew we wanted to get married in a church, so we chose the Old South Church because of it’s incredible beauty and great location. The Royal Sonesta was an easy choice because one of my best friends, Julie Bourque, sold weddings at the Sonesta and told me to come in just to take a peak to get an idea of what looking at reception spaces would be like. We pretty much decided on the Sonesta that day without looking at any other places to have the reception. It was perfect.

As for florals, we were recommended to Marc Hall by Julie. After one meeting with Jimmy Guzman from Marc Hall, we knew they were who we wanted do to the flowers for the wedding. We knew this was going to be where we put most of the money into and I’m so glad we did because the floral arrangements at the wedding were absolutely stunning and were even better than what I hoped they would be.

The trolley from the Old South Church back to the Sonesta was something I will never forget. Hung’s groomsmen brought a giant boombox with a microphone attached onto the trolley and cooler full of bud lights and we just partied all the way back to the Sonesta. We had music blasting and we were all taking turns singing into the microphone over loud dance music. Erica, our photographer, said she had never seen anything like it and was happy she was able to capture it in both photos and video. After pulling up to the Sonesta, one of the groomsmen held the boombox on his shoulder and we paraded through the Sonesta to the back outdoor area to take photos where we continued a dance session. We barely got any standing portraits on the wedding party because we all couldn’t stop dancing! It was one of the absolute best highlights of the wedding.

Hung and I were both at a mutual friends birthday party 4 years back. We didn’t speak that night, but we definitely both noticed each other. A few days later, we both happened to be at The Harp in Boston, pre-gaming for the Celtic’s game that we each had tickets for. He tapped me on the shoulder and said “I’m not sure if you know who I am but we were both at the same party the other night…” and handed my friends and me shots… Obviously his way to break the ice :) He finally asked for my number that night and after 1 low-key date during a snow blizzard the rest is history!

Swedish Style Meets New England Charm for this Seaside Wedding

What do you get when you combine your future hubby’s heritage with the natural beauty of your seaside wedding venue? One unique, uber special celebration that guests won’t forget anytime soon. Infusing a Swedish style with their New England locale and flavor, these two were surrounded by everything and everyone they love – and Allegra Anderson captured it all. More in our Vault right here!

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From the Bride… My now husband Dave is Swedish and ever since the first time I went to visit his family in his coastal hometown of Särö, Sweden, I have been in awe of all the natural and effortless beauty that Sweden has to offer and of Swedes in general. They are all so beautiful. Seriously. I can’t complain though because I grew up in a small New England coastal town called Rockport, MA which also rivals in seaside charm and beauty. Naturally with us both growing up in similar settings but thousands of miles apart we knew we wanted a seaside wedding and to really show our roots, and who we are as a couple. We wanted: 1. To get married on the beach (our favorite place to be) 2. To blend the two different cultures into our wedding, and 3. To have a non-cookie cutter wedding – we really wanted to infuse the charming New England laid back vibe with the beauty and romance of Sweden, so that our friends from both sides of the Atlantic could get a taste of each other’s culture.

This is when we found the Manchester Bath and Tennis Club in Manchester, MA which has its own private beach (turns out not easy to find in New England) to say our vows on, followed by a fantastic dinner and dancing on their porch and great hall overlooking the beach and the ocean. We decided what better way to introduce the Swedes to New England charm and style than by having a classy, fun clambake complete with bibs (lobsters are a REAL treat in Sweden). To capture the romantic Swedish beauty, I wanted my girls to be in blue floral flowy dresses since blue floral is a classic china pattern in Sweden and I found the perfect dresses for the occasion on reddressboutique.com for $90 each (did not want them spending $300+ for a dress they would wear once)! In Sweden flower crowns are very common and classic in weddings (and especially during Midsummer) so I wore a floral-like crown and to have my two Maid of Honors stand out, my mom made them these wonderful flower crowns to match their dresses. It was the perfect combination of Swedish and beachy.

To go with the effortless beauty look, our florist did a wonderful job of putting together our bouquets and table flowers. They looked like they were all cut from someone’s beautiful garden that morning and thrown together but they just so happened to be arranged perfectly. Our florist Sage Studio even added some herbs to our boutique to give it texture like rosemary and mint. They were absolutely stunning. We also put two candles on each table as part of the center pieces to add to the romance and simplicity.

A few other nods we had to the Swedish culture was that Dave’s dad read a beautiful poem about love in Swedish during our ceremony so that everyone could hear Dave’s native language. Also, our groomsmen and dads wore their nationality flag socks. Dave wore one Swedish flag sock and one American sock as a symbol of combining the two families. My dad wore one Union Jack sock and one American sock as a nod to our family’s British roots (my dad was born and grew up in England). My sister also carried the rings in a silver cigar box that my grandfather was gifted from the King of Siam during his visit to England in which my grandfather at the time was the head of his security detail at the Palace.

One of the most fun things we did was we imported Aquavit (which we could not find it in the US or at least not in MA). It is Swedish schnapps that is specifically used for celebrations in Sweden. I had my first taste of this at Midsummer in Sweden a few years back and thought we had to share it with everyone. We had a couple of our Swedish groomsmen hand out the bottles and shot glasses to the guests and told everyone to wait for our signal. As tradition goes, halfway through dinner, Dave stood up and gave a short explanation of what usually happens at a Swedish party. Then all of the Swedes stood up and started signing a popular Swedish drinking song which ends with taking the shot. This happened a few more times throughout dinner, as the tradition goes. Everyone LOVED it!

Our friends then surprised us with one more Swedish tradition that was a shocker! When the groom gets up to go to the bathroom all the men get up and kiss the bride on the cheek. This was unexpected and really fun I must say.

Lastly, we just had some small Swedish and N.E. nautical touches throughout the wedding which was really fun and we felt blended two cultures we love together really well. We also had our favorite desserts: cupcakes (my favorite) and an ice cream bar complete with Swedish fish as a topping (Dave’s favorite). It was a perfect day in every way for us and we really felt the day represented who we are as a couple and our cultures. Our amazing photographer Allegra Anderson captured it beautifully and all of our vendors were wonderful to work with and went above and beyond for us- we really were on cloud nine.

A Romantic Farm Wedding Full of Bright Blooms – And SMP Was There!

This wedding has every element that make SMP hearts beat a bit faster. Gorgeous invites and paper goods (thanks to Bella Figura and Tie Thats Binds), beautiful florals (because Hana Floral Design is ah-mazing), and it all came together thanks to True Event. So is it any surprise that SMP had to attend in person and capture the behind the scenes action?! See all our footage below and don’t miss Elysium Productions’ film – aka the pros – and all of Leila Brewster’s beautiful pics in our Vault gallery as well! Win, win, win!

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SMP Goes Behind the Scenes at the Real Wedding!

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From the Groom… Now that we live farther away from family and friends, we wanted our wedding to be a chance for us to spend time with as many of the people we love as possible. Despite being based in Los Angeles, we chose Cape Cod because most of my family lives there or close by. The distance definitely made the planning and preparation process a challenge, but we were so lucky to have our family, friends, and wedding team on the ground to help us with the details and work we couldn’t cover from LA. On the day of, we didn’t have to worry about a thing – everything went perfectly and Megan and I were able to just enjoy our time with the people we love.

From the Bride… Garrett and I met in 2009 at a dive bar in New York City on Valentine’s Day. I knew during our first conversation that he was something special, but he was in a relationship at the time and didn’t give me a second look. Despite that, I told my mom after meeting him that I wanted to date someone like Garrett, who I called “Cape Cod Boy.” Two years later, we re-met in Hoboken, New Jersey. Garrett was single and he remained the cutest, kindest, and funniest guy I had ever met. Long story short, we kissed that day and started dating – and we’ll never stop.

The first thing that made me fall in love with Garrett is his devotion to his family and friends. We wanted the wedding weekend to reflect our appreciation and gratitude for the people we love, so we focused the entire weekend on spending as much time with friends and family as possible, starting with a Thursday night barbecue and continuing to Friday night open-house cocktails hosted by my cooler-than-cool mother-in-law and a Sunday brunch so that everyone could recover from the wedding night together.

What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

I have a few highlights (the cake and wine tasting being the standout), but I can’t say I actually loved the planning process all that much. That’s why I hired the best team of vendors in the business. My favorite part of the process was getting to the wedding day and having no stress that weekend about my guests, my wedding party, or my vows. My husband and I were able to really focus on being with our family throughout the entire weekend because we could rely on our amazing planners, Sarah and Caitlin with True Event, and their team of hand-picked vendors.

Why did you choose the location that you did?

We wanted to get married close to one of our families and in a place that would feel casual but permit us to bring in touches of elegance. The themes of our wedding were “warm and inclusive” – we wanted every guest to feel like he or she was a part of the wedding party and to feel as though we, the bride and groom, were accessible to them. Bourne Farm was the perfect setting. Garrett’s mom lives about five minutes away in North Falmouth. The property is open to the public generally and used as a dog park and a pumpkin patch seasonally, which gave it the family-friendly vibes that we wanted. We were able to bring in a gorgeous tidewater tent and take advantage of the beautiful natural scenery while bringing in colorful personal touches.

What was your favorite design element?

This is the hardest question by far! I think I have to say that my favorite design elements were those made by our family: the beautiful bittersweet vine arch that Garrett’s cousin, Lauren made for us (and our extraordinary florist, Yumiko, glammed up with peonies and greens), and the white standing doors that Garrett’s aunt, Ruthanne, made for our ceremony site. I cried when I saw the doors from the trolley with my wedding party – they had moldings and details, and Ruthanne perfectly brought to life this vision I had described at the dinner table months earlier. She, Lauren, and Garrett’s family spent so much time and energy trying to make our day perfect and those design elements will always stand out in my mind because I know the love that they put into bringing my Pinterest-inspired visions to life.

Sarah, Caitlin, and Yumiko brought many other touches to the tent and cocktail hour that I loved, too – the beautiful garland on the head table; our gold flatware; our signature cocktail brought from our favorite restaurant in our new home city, Los Angeles, and named after the bar where we met in our old hometown, New York; and our guestbook, a coffee table book about Italy, where we honeymooned after the wedding.

I was so lucky to have Sarah to advise me on my vendors, and I ended up with a dream team supporting me on the day: True Event – Sarah and Caitlin – are not only creative geniuses and organizational wizards, they’re also just very kind individuals. I came to Sarah with two themes for our wedding – warm and inclusive – which have nothing to do with colors, linens, or music, and she understood our objectives right away and created a gorgeous party that far surpassed our wildest expectations. Hana Floral made our day so beautiful and single-handedly brought my request for bright and cheery pops of color to the blank slate of our venue. Leila Brewster is an enormously talented photographer and a friend who I would want by my side for eight hours (or more!) any day. And Julie Hill, who introduced me to Sarah (for which I am eternally grateful), made our gorgeous video that we’ll cherish forever.

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Elysium Productions

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Hana Floral Design

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Anne Barge

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Macrame + Wildflowers For the Win With This Boho Chic Wedding

Built by the Groom’s great-great-grandfather in 1850, this old farmhouse was taken over by him and his high school sweetheart, and when you have a site as amazing as this, you don’t need to look far when deciding where to say your “I do’s.” It was the perfect setting for their boho chic bash, planned and designed by Always Yours Events and captured for eternity thanks to Jenny Moloney. Get ready to get inspired in our Vault gallery right this way!

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From Always Yours Events… Last Autumn I had the pleasure of meeting Laura Spetalnick and Avery Chaplin at their gorgeous private estate and restored colonial farmhouse on Love Lane in Weston, Massachusetts to chat about their upcoming wedding over a cup of tea. Laura and Avery were high school sweethearts. Avery proposed to Laura with a stunning emerald engagement ring, so perfectly fitting and sentimental since he had given Laura an emerald “promise” ring when they had first started dating years prior. When they began the planning journey, they both agreed that their home would be the perfect backdrop for this remarkable celebration. The house on Love Lane was originally built in 1850 by Avery’s great great grandfather, and Laura and Avery moved back to the home after college to restore the farmhouse together. As they shared with me their family history as we walked out out into the expansive meadow just beyond their patio, I could tell that this wedding was not only going to be a beauty, but also magical in more ways than one.

This sweet couple hosted 260 of their family and friends in their backyard under a clear top tent strewn with bistro lights and stunning foraged privet bush greenery chandeliers. The entire design of the wedding was very much inspired by the couple’s farmhouse (which we had drawn and used on all of the stationery) and Laura’s stunning, couture Inbal Dror gown. Laura’s gown was a showstopper with it’s delicate draping sleeves, an open back and plunging illusion neckline. The bride instantly fell in love with the dress at Mark Ingram Atelier during a trip to NYC, as it reminded her of a bit of 1970s glamour, which then inspired the boho chic theme of the wedding design.

The color palette for the wedding was comprised of shades of mid tone greens, whites, charcoal gray and matte gold with pops of jewel tones including navy, forest green and mustard. The bridesmaids and flower girls all wore Jenny Yoo floral gowns with delicate floral crowns made of wax flower and smilax, which complimented the design of the wedding so beautifully. Under the clear top, guests danced on a reclaimed wood dance floor and dined at handcrafted farm tables covered in custom macrame runners and curated details such Love Lane honey bottle favors filled with the honey Avery cultivated from the beehives on the property. Guests enjoyed the honey signature cocktail bar featuring his and hers cocktails made with Love Lane Honey, to lounge vignettes filled with jewel tone vintage furniture, to the photo booth wall made entirely of greenery and wax flower and complete with white balloons tethered with smilax vines.

The Chaplins were such a pleasure to plan a wedding for, and their wedding planning journey was just as incredible as the wedding day itself. Every moment of Laura and Avery’s wedding was dreamy and ethereal, and two months after we are all wishing to go back to that gorgeous day.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Jenny Yoo

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Olympic Figure Skater Sasha Cohen’s Wedding Album!

Leave it to Olympic medalist, Sasha Cohen to take on the role of “bride” with incredible grace. She wed her love, Tom May oceanside on Cape Cod and the photos by Corinna Raznikov speak for themselves. “Tom and I both love the ocean. We wanted a non-denominational ceremony, something in nature,” Sasha said. “We were overlooking the water and got married just before sunset. It was absolutely lovely.” The Pink Polka Dot brought every detail to life and there’s more to see this way!

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From The Pink Polka Dot… When Olympic silver medalist, Alexandra “Sasha” Cohen wed Thomas May, all they truly wanted was “… Something small and charming.” said Sasha Cohen. The New York-based couple chose Cape Cod because their busy schedules made the East Coast more sensible than a location near Cohen’s Southern California roots. They picked a small country club, The Wianno Club, near where May’s parents have a summer house. May’s sister also was married in Cape Cod, so she was able to give some guidance when it came to planning. The guest list totaled 140. There were five bridesmaids, including May’s two sisters, plus the maid of honor, Cohen’s sister, Natasha. Among friends from the skating world were gold medal winner, Evan Lysacek, Tiffany Stiegler Stahl (who was a bridesmaid, just as Cohen had been for her in her 2014 wedding), Jennifer Markham and Christie Baca.

Sasha’s color palette vision was steely silver, muted blues, whites and peaches. She wanted to incorporate vintage, romantic elements as well.

“Karen, our florist, did an amazing job with the arbor, candles and lanterns and rose petals along the aisle leading up to the altar. It was transformed into a vision.” The white and peach florals were absolutely beautiful and helped create a romantic feel in the ballroom. Textured cream linens, lots of candlelight and menu cards with floral accents completed the tables. Lush floral pieces lined the unique horseshoe shaped head table to create an intimate seating arrangement for the wedding party. The escort cards were tied to antique keys and displayed in beautiful boxes of moss for a vintage look. Cohen met May at a birthday party in 2014 through mutual friends in NYC. They got engaged in July 2015 in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

“We explored the beaches of the Cape during the day and then Tom proposed at sunset on a tiny private beach right before we went out to dinner,” Cohen said. They were married by a justice of the peace and said traditional vows. Natasha’s sister read a poem. Cohen’s Galia Lahav-designed dress was beaded with antique-style accents and a dramatic cutout on the back with a brass zipper. One part of the day Cohen will never forget is getting ready to walk down the aisle with her parents. “That was a moment I took for myself – I wanted to really remember how it felt before all the commotion started,” Cohen said. “Our first dance was very special, (as were) the speeches and closing the night with a line of sparklers.” The newlyweds did a traditional first dance to “Stand By Me,” a favorite of May’s.”The lyrics are inspiring and very fitting for a first dance,” Cohen said. “We both felt it was the right message. “We took dance classes before, which was a lot of fun,” she added. “It was slightly choreographed. Tom was nervous. He’s not used to performing in front of people, but it went really well. I have to say the lessons paid off.”

The newlyweds honeymooned in Sydney, Australia and Fiji.”

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Galia Lahav

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Make A Scene

Le Secret Royal 2016

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Les Reves Bohemians 2016

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This is How You Plan Your Dream Wedding

There’s nothing we love more than grabbing our besties and hitting the town for a little bridal show action. And when that show happens to be the Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show, it’s a happier day than most. Think yummy treats, live music and a cake dive (!!) all happening this Sunday, January 8th. Mark your calendars and get ready to plan that day of your dreams.

The Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show is everything you’ve ever wanted in a bridal event… and so much more. I’m talking a one-stop shop with all of the areas finest vendors, plus some seriously cool happenings and awesome giveaways, as well. From the live fashion show to the Macy’s VIP entry bags (for the first 50 guests!) to the full bar filled with tasty libations, this is definitely one event you can’t miss. And did I mention the cake dive? I mean, this is going to be sooo awesome.

Whether you’re on the lookout for the perfect photographer, want to find that venue of your dreams or simply want to be inspired, the Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show is THE place to start planning. Click here NOW to get your tickets ($15 per person at the door or $10 online) and mark those calendars for a Sunday filled with wedding planning fun.

What: The Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show is giving away matching wedding bands in their fabulous cake dive!

Who: One lucky winner will be chosen completely at random to participate in the cake dive at the upcoming Boston Bridal Show and four other lucky contestants will be chosen live from the audience. All contestants will be cloaked in rain gear and wrestle through a GIANT cake provided by Montilio’s Bakery. Inside is a small box for the victor who will claim the pair of WEDDING BANDS as their PRIZE!

How: To enter to win a spot in Boston’s ONLY cake dive, submit your proposal/engagement photo by tagging @weddingdayexpos on Facebook OR @weddingdayexpositions on Instagram! #justsayyes

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Petit Bouquet

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Mismatched Bridesmaids in Grey for a City Wedding

I can’t think of a more magical city to tie the knot than Boston. Steeped in history and bursting with charm, it’s no wonder Sam and Tim took to Copley Square with their bridal party to kick off their best day ever. See how it all unfolded through the lens of Ashley Largesse.

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Ashley Largesse Photography… Where do I even begin with these two and their Boston extravaganza-amazingness of a wedding day?! Since Sam and Tim first met in this beloved Massachusetts city, there was no question where they’d celebrate this new chapter of their lives. These two and their bridal squad practically took over Copley Square, strutting their stuff through traffic and cheering en route to the church. It was incredible, which is why half the city stopped to take pictures or join in the fun! The celebration continued nearby at Granite Links Golf Course with a view of the Boston skyline. It was everything perfect from beginning to end – a day full of love galore, happy tears, and pure joy followed by a night packed with emotional moments, beautiful speeches and some real impressive dance moves. Congratulations Sam and Tim!

Sparkly Silver Dresses + Old Mansions Are Our New Wedding Favorites

How have I lived in Massachusetts for almost a decade and not known about this gorgeous estate in my own backyard!? The Mount is what I like to refer to as the perfect wedding venue – beyond beautiful but never taking away from the blushing Bride. EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design orchestrated this special celebration and Ruth Eileen captured it all for our Vault galleries. Get ready to get ideas aplenty – and don’t miss The Harris Company’s film below!

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Classic Weddings

From EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design… One of our favorite locations is the Berkshires, which is why we were so thrilled to be part of Isabella and Marcus’s wedding in Lenox, Massachusetts. The celebration took place in the original home of American author Edith Wharton. The historic mansion, known as The Mount was personally designed by the renowned author. The romantic and sweeping grounds offer a picturesque view from the patio of the 1900’s style country home. The couple’s ceremony and cocktail reception were set within the property’s perfectly manicured gardens and their guests were treated to an exquisite dinner on the patio. Friends and family danced the night away inside the mansion. The excitement and love that was present on the couple’s wedding day was palpable. Their wedding was one of our most memorable events of the summer!

From the Bride… Marcus and I met and fell in love in Boston when he was at Harvard and I was at Wellesley. We both grew up out in the country so we knew we wanted our wedding set somewhere surrounded by nature. After hearing about The Mount, on a lark we drove out to the Berkshires to see it for ourselves. Winding through the majestic woods as the great estate came into view, we knew we had found magic! From the gorgeous house set above rolling hills to the stairs cascading down to the shaded, formal lime walk, we felt like we had entered another world. The historical significance of Edith Wharton (renowned designer and first woman awarded a Pulitzer Prize in fiction) went perfectly with the theme I had in mind: powerful and elegant.

Finding my dress at first seemed impossible – nothing was quite right. At a madhouse trunk show of a favorite designer, Sottero-Midgley, I was ready to give up in despair when one of the designers offered to help. Instead of telling her what I wanted the dress to look like, I did my best to describe how I wanted to feel in it – and that I didn’t want it to overwhelm or be overly feminine. She went away and came back a few minutes later with what turned out to be the perfect dress. A priority for the bridesmaid dresses was that we wanted the bridesmaids to love them. The silver-sequined Sorella Vita dresses were a huge hit that matched the elegance and glamour of the estate and were the perfect counterpoint to my crystal-covered gown.

The overall palette ended up being a lot like my wardrobe: charcoal gray, silver, white, and blue. The blue was added through beautiful woven tablecloth linens, candle tapers, cocktail hour flowers, and ribbons. The flowers and flower girl dress added a touch of peach and warmth. Food tasting was by far the best experience of all the planning, and Mezze was amazing. They put on a phenomenal spread for us and even agreed to do mini tomato soup and grilled cheese appetizers. My biggest regret on the wedding day was that Marcus and I were too busy to eat much of the food, but the guests raved about it!

I worked closely with my mom on design decisions, trusting her to help turn my vision into reality. We had the good fortune to work with great vendors every step of the way. We found photographer Ruth Eileen on Style Me Pretty! We love her luminous, humble style. She was a joy to work with and we treasure the photos she captured. Singer Veronika Jokel was another favorite with her gorgeous voice and genuine friendliness – everyone loved her! Edna Dratch-Parker of EFD Creative, Crocus Hale Flowers, Julie Seitel Lighting, and Linda Stripp with Mezze Catering were consummate professionals. Videographers Harris and Company – a husband and wife team – were fantastic. And our hero among the vendors was Kasie Blanchette of EFD Creative. We could not have survived the process without her and we credit her for making sure that everything was in place for the day to unfold smoothly.

One of my favorite moments was right after the ceremony when Marcus and I went up to the house to have a moment alone before heading to the cocktail hour. What I wanted most from this day was for it to be powerfully full of meaning, and it was when we were alone for the first time as a married couple that I was able to let go of all the “doing” and experience the “being.” All the details and planning had been done to create an experience, and we were able to take a deep breath and take in the meaning of the day. The feedback from guests was that in spite of the glamour of the location, the wedding had a simplicity and seamlessness that allowed people to totally enjoy themselves. And we did too – it was a great day to be married and one I will never forget.

A Garden Wedding That Celebrates Spring

Everything about this wedding planned by Elegant Aura is a celebration of spring. From the color palette to the garden setting to the florals – including blue hydrangea, pink peonies, and baby’s breath, just to name a few. Meghann Gregory photographed and there’s even more to see this way.

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Spring Weddings

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Ballroom Weddings Religious Institution

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Classic Weddings

From Elegant Aura…Melanie and Matt met in college and were together for 11 years before they got engaged. A year and a half later, they were married. They wanted a casual but elegant wedding. Though they wanted to keep things simple, their wedding did not lack creativity or style. Melanie and Matt had a traditional Catholic ceremony, followed by a cocktail hour and reception held at the Garden’s of Elm Bank.

For Melanie and Matt, the most important element of their wedding day was that the music should be great and for everyone to have fun. They wanted their guests to say they enjoyed the dancing the most. The menu consisted of lots of New England summer-style items, and a few Puerto Rican dishes to honor the bride’s mother’s heritage. In addition to the wedding cake, there was a mini’s dessert bar that highlighted spring/summer fruit.

The bride wore an Essense of Australia wedding dress of soft organza over a moscato-tulle ball gown with a detachable grosgrain ribbon sash in blossom. Custom white lace straps were added to the bodice’s sweetheart neckline. Her shoes were Badgley Mischka peep toes with a kitten heel. The groom wore a traditional Jos. A Bank fitted blue-gray suit with navy tie and pocket square. The groomsmen wore similar blue-gray suits, which complimented the bridesmaid’s navy blue chiffon dresses.

The wedding day was not short on personal details. The earrings the bride wore belonged to her maternal grandmother, who had passed away the summer before the wedding; “she wanted all of her granddaughters to wear them for their weddings”, says Melanie. The prayer book Melanie carried belonged to her paternal grandmother, which was given to her on her wedding day. Since then, all females in the family have carried it down the aisle on their wedding day. The cake knife and server were from the bride’s parent’s wedding.

The color palette incorporated navy, gray and hints of coral and peach. The bride’s neighbors designed the centerpieces using blue hydrangea, pink peonies, and baby’s breath among greenery, berries and other dainty white flowers. These popped beautifully against the dove gray linen tablecloth and silver painted table numbers. The carriage house ceiling was enhanced with white voile fabric drapery and bee light strings. Perimeter up lighting in amber warmed the walls. The dance area under the attached three-season tent was decorated with white mini-lantern strings that were draped throughout, adding a soft, sweet tough to the tent ceiling. Amber up lighting completed the tent’s transformation and brought cohesiveness between the two spaces.

Although the May day was an unseasonably 90 degrees, everyone had a great time and the bride and groom got what they’d hoped for, all of their guests danced the night away.

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

Wedding Dresses

Badgley Mischka

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

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Essense of Australia

Spring 2017

Fall 2017

EveryBody/EveryBride Fall 2017

Spring 2017

Fall 2017

EveryBody/EveryBride Fall 2017

Spring 2017

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Picnics + Proposals For One Sweet Couple

With the help of Wayfair, we have an engagement scene straight out of a dream, with sips, snacks and a picnic setup that’s near perfect. Ruth Eileen captured all the cute details and the adorable couple celebrating the start of their happily ever after. With a proposal reenactment for the camera’s sake and lots of sweet kisses, this shoot is sure to make your Sunday! See every moment in our Vault right here!

From the Couple… Our story began on a chilly day in January 2009 at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. We were both juniors in college and had several mutual friends – though unaware of the fact at that time. Kim, a fearless soul in a petite frame thought it would be funny to show up to the “guys house” in a youth size onesie – where Kevin happened to be. While Kim thought little of the exchanged hello and short amount of time they spent talking, she made a lasting first impression on Kevin. A few weeks later we ran into each other again at a Valentine’s Day party at another mutual friend’s house where we discovered our special connection and mutual interests in hockey, wine… and onesies.

After graduation, we moved in together and began life in the real world. Living in a big city, we loved planning weekend getaways to clear their minds, drink wine and enjoy the outdoors uninterrupted. Over the course of six years, our families became just as tight-knit as our bond and the conversation of getting married was always brought up. Although Kim would routinely dismiss the uncertainty in a laughing matter, Kevin was always poised – having it all planned out.

One weekend, Kevin organized a trip to spend the weekend at an unoccupied relative’s home with the plan to finally pop the question. Kevin had always envisioned a private, laid back and unexpected proposal so he knew this getaway would be the perfect opportunity to bring this vision to life. The weekend was peaceful and uneventful – just how they liked it – until Sunday arrived. After breakfast, Kevin asked Kim if she would like to take a walk around the pond nearby. Kevin began talking about their relationship and his excitement for their future as he turned around and got down on one knee. Kim thought Kevin was joking around and started laughing until he pulled the ring from his pocket. The laughs turned to tears as Kim realized what was actually happening.

We relived our proposal – this time with family nearby – in Boston, Massachusetts for our engagement photos. True to form, we’re planning their wedding at a local winery in Leesburg, Virginia with close friends and family.

The Coziest Winter Wedding in New England

If you’re going to throw a wedding during the cozy winter months, I can’t think of a better spot than the Willowdale Estate. Especially when said wedding day includes seasonal florals by Luna Moss and sweet treats from Mayflour Confections. With pretty fur wraps and romantic snow scenes, this gallery by Cuppa Photography will make you crave winter in a serious way.

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Winter Weddings

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Estate Weddings Luxury Venue

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Classic Weddings

From Willowdale Estate…Winter weddings are instantly romantic; but this particular occasion stands out for incorporating a few details that we cannot get enough of: vintage fur, cascading greenery, candle-light and warm fireplaces. Melissa and Ryan made a great impression on everyone who worked with them for their generous care for the guests, the authentic connection with each other, and their effortless style that was both formal and relaxed at the same time. The weather outside was blustery and cold but the guests were welcomed with a warm drink and escorted into the ceremony which was filled with candle romantic candle light. We kept the atmosphere cozy with our savory appetizers, warm fireplaces, and a soup course during dinner!

From The Bride…The inspiration was a secret garden in winter type of theme. We wanted it to look whimsical and romantic! It was the weekend of the polar vortex in New England so it was FREEZING. We were taking photos outside in negative thirty degree temperatures.

I love winter weddings because there are not many so everyone is looking forward to it. There is also something so wonderful about being together with all your loved ones by the fireplace while it’s negative degrees outside. Also, during our ceremony, the wind was howling and it made it really beautiful when we were saying our vows. We did a burning of sage during our wedding ceremony to clear the space for us as well as our guests. The smoke looked beautiful against the moonlight winter sky at Willowdale!

I wore my Grandma Mae’s fur shawl and all the women in the bridal party wore their grandmother’s fur. The Blue Vintage Ring and Gold Bracelet were both my grandmothers! My husband’s mom made beautiful welcome boxes for the hotel rooms, but unfortunately we don’t have a picture of them. We have some really nice memories of going to dance lessons to practice our first dance. My favorite memories are of practicing our dance in our tiny living room in Boston. We donated the flowers to the Kaplan House which is a hospice house that my mother volunteers at. It is a beautiful place.

12 Fabulous Ways to Thank Your Bridesmaids

Your bridesmaids? They’ve been with you through thick and thin. The dress fittings, the cake tastings, the 5 am meltdowns over color choices (it’s okay, we’ve all been there)… there’s a reason you call them your best friends. Which is why we’ve asked our faves at Long’s Jewelers to help you say “thank you” for everything in the best way possible. Think 12 awesome wedding day gifts that are perfect for showing that bestie gratitude. Scroll below for every pretty pick.

Bridesmaids Gifts from Long's Jewelers

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Bridesmaids Gifts from Long's Jewelers

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Ready to get your gift giving on? Visit one of Long’s Jewelers four locations in Massachusetts or their newest location (now open!) in sales tax free Nashua, NH! Their amazing staff will use their years of experience (they’ve been open since 1878, y’all) to help you find those bridesmaids gifts that will really, really wow. We promise.

Bridal Beauty 101: Finding That Perfect Style for Your Gown

You’ve found that dress of your dreams and now it’s time to focus on putting the entire look together with hair and makeup. Need help? Well, we’ve got you covered, because today we’re joining forces with Jennie Kay for a quick run-down on all things beauty with tips + tricks on achieving that glam wedding day look, no matter the gown or style you’re dreaming of. Let’s get started.

LOOK 1: CASUAL GLAMOUR

Your style? Laid-back with a big ol’ side of sophistication. Which means rocking a stunning gown that shows some skin and hair + make-up that is just as sleek and glamorous. Jennie Kay suggests pairing your dream dress with a rope braid pony or soft low bun that is dressy enough for a wedding, but is also completely effortless.

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LOOK 2: VINTAGE ELEGANCE

You’re a vintage-inspired lady looking to rock that elegant lace number, but still maintain a modern, yet sexy edge. Jennie Kay’s tip? A bright red lip for that much-needed side of sophistication and a stunning updo that frames one side of the face, plus sweeps across the back in a beautiful style that is reminiscent of the past.

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“Look at the way you wore your hair at your initial dress fitting. It usually mimics your initial idea on how your hair should be.” – Jennie Kay Beauty

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LOOK 3: BOHO BEAUTY

Crave a look that is soft, romantic and free, just like you and your wedding? Then this fab boho look from Jennie Kay Beauty is sooo for you. Simply keep your hair natural in wave and texture and add three gorgeous braids for a little pop of WOW. Want to add a little glamour to the look? Really make those eyes stand out with just the right shade of shadow and mascara.

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LOOK 4: SWEETLY CLASSIC

For those of you who want to keep it sweet + classic on the Big Day, Jennie Kay suggests a low twisted ponytail that is equal parts show-stopping and wholesome. Pair it with subtle makeup (like a light pink lip) and a gown that has just a pop of sass and the results are absolutely timeless.

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LOOK 5: TOUSLED SOPHISTICATION

Waves are a girl’s best friend and when it comes to a wedding day look that is equal parts laid-back and sophisticated, Jennie Kay keeps those tousled waves down with just a few sweet strands pulled back for a look that is all sorts of romantic. Add some soft pink lips and some barely-there makeup to complete the look.

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Contact Jennie Kay Beauty to create a seamless, stunning look from head to toe… you won’t regret it.

Wedding Jewelry 101: Perfectly Matched Rings for the New England Bride

Calling all fabulous New England brides – this one’s for you. Because today we’re teaming up with one of our fave jewelry stores, Long’s Jewelers, to break down that age old question: which wedding band + ring combo should I choose? From classic solitaires to eternity bands to yellow gold beauties, we’ve got your answers. Scroll below to find the one perfect for you and yours.

The Classic Pairing

New England brides are known for their classic meets rustic chic style; we all know that. And when it comes to wedding jewelry, there’s nothing that falls within that category more than a single solitaire engagement ring paired with a breathtaking eternity band. Perfect for the bride who dreams of a Grace Kelly-esque wedding (read: all of us), it’s a look that will never go out of style. Sooo incredibly timeless.

Featured: Four Prong Diamond Solitaire (LMT2591) and Diamond Eternity Band (DETP1663)

Modern Yellow Gold Pairing

If you thought that yellow gold was reserved for your mother, grandma or friend who said “I do” in the 80’s, think again, loves… yellow gold is back with a seriously stunning vengeance. We promise. Long’s Jewelers suggests pairing this sweet metal with a modern halo and then adding a unique (+ drop-dead gorgeous) infinity swirl band for a perfectly awesome update to the traditional. We are so on board with that.

Featured: Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in Yellow Gold (LDM7293) and Diamond Infinity Swirl Band (LDB1877)

The “Boston” Ring

Fun fact of the day? The classic three-stone ring was created in the great, great city of Boston (we’re sort of partial), which makes it THE quintessential engagement ring for all of New England. Even better? This awesome setting allows you to mix and match with stones… use your mother’s, your grandmother’s, your mother-in-law’s… or your own. And when it comes to pairing this Beantown Beauty with a wedding band, Long’s Jewelers suggest a bead set diamond eternity band for an amazing look.

Featured: Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring (FRTH0170) and Bead Set Diamond Eternity Band (LDB1665)

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A Feminine Touch

We love, love, love a rose gold setting, especially one that has been paired with a white gold metal. It’s a mix and match we’re totally on board with and when it comes to romance, well… it doesn’t get any better. Try one of Long’s Jewelers awesome halo engagement rings with a stunning oval diamond (sooo pretty) and adding a rose gold halfway diamond band. The results are flawless.

Featured: Oval Diamond Halo Engagement Ring (LDMS0066) and Halfway Diamond Band in Rose Gold (LDB3157)

Vintage Details

Speaking of romance, Long’s Jewelers‘ lineup of drop-dead gorgeous vintage-inspired pieces basically owns the term. From halo engagement rings with intricate detailing to bezel set diamond eternity bands, finding that perfect pairing that evokes the beauty of yesterday is as simple as saying “YES!” to the one you love. And also soooo unique… and awesome.

Featured: Vintage Inspired Diamond Halo Engagement Ring (LDM7321) and Bezel Set Diamond Eternity Band (LDB1858)

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Can’t wait to find that perfect pairing for your bridal jewelry? Contact Long’s Jewelers TODAY or stop by one of their four locations throughout Massachusetts or their new location opening this fall in Nashua, NH. Their years upon years of experience (seriously… they’ve been open since 1878) and talented staff (family owned and operated) will help you locate that wedding band + engagement ring of your dreams.

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A Special Offer!

Use this coupon for 10% off your wedding band purchase.

Photography: Newbury Photographs | Jewelry: Longs Jewelers

Whimsical Spring Shoot Filled with Flowers!

It may be fall but that doesn’t mean that spring’s colors have been forgotten. Far from it. And how can they be lost when they’re as lovely as these stunning shades right here. Stephanie Vegliante captured all the colorful, beautiful blooms created by Grace Kim for a scene straight out of our dreams – head to our Vault for them all!

From Stephanie Vegliante Photography… This shoot was a mix of whimsy and classic beauty. We focused on spring colors and accents while keeping the traditional lace and timeless pieces in tact. We went for a unique gown, showcasing current styles paired with texture to give movement throughout the shoot. We shot in a wide open field offering light, overhanding trees and a perfect amount of sunlight to give us the evening glow.

Our tablescape was kept clean and fresh, small details to pull color with pops of brighter colors surrounding the details. We absolutely love how this shoot came out and feel that it will appeal to brides with unique as well as classic style. We incorporated vendors from all over! Meshing styles and color, focusing on all details included. We hope you love it as much as we do!

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

Written Word Calligraphy

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An Anthropologie Shopping Bag Inspired This Entire Shoot!

I have the unique pleasure of living a stones throw away from Willowdale Estate and let me tell you, that place is seriously special. So much so that a talented team of vendors decided to get together and make said venue all the more enchanting. Because when you add in oil paintings from SMP alumni Jess Blazejewski, the ideas of Esme Isolde, and the lens of Annmarie Swift Photography, you’ve got yourself a wedding inspiration to save. See it all in The Vault!

From the designer, Ghislaine Ruiz of Esme Isolde…Little did I know, what began as a sweet treat at Anthropologie would soon transform into a source of inspiration for a fine art wedding design. The beautiful combination of colors on the Anthropologie shopping bag simulated a painting of perfectly imperfect brushstrokes, blended just so to formulate what quickly became a design that I could not forget. Deep golden yellow, woven with pale blue, and the softest whisper of translucent grey.

This bag gave way to the idea that a fine hand painted work of art should be the statement piece of the tablescape design, providing an exquisite and inimitable backdrop to a beautifully simple place setting with clean fine lines. The stunning works of art by Jess Blazejewski with their darker hues provided a moody edge to the jovial celebration scene. Set atop with Pottery Barn’s ‘Joshua’ dinnerware, West Elm’s brushed gold flatware, and Crate and Barrel’s ‘Camille’ glassware and textured linen napkins. The Silk and Willow dove runner blowing elegantly in the breeze, anchored with brass candlesticks and the most humble of floral centerpieces nestled in a hand-etched brass vessel. Olive branches chosen for their natural beauty and ability to make a statement all on their own, a symbol of peace centered within a celebration of joy. Sprinkled with all-white blooms, and few pops of golden yellow, allowing the paintings to be the true heart of the spotlight. The Heritage at Home cake with its minimalistic, artistic, and textured design provided a playful ambience for the vivacious wedding party, along with the handcrafted blueberry lemon cocktails. Hidden away within the treasure that is the Willowdale Estate, surrounded by elegant stone walls and ivy covered trellises, the wooden table and cross-back chairs all delivered the intimate cottage-like experience I imagined for such a wedding, where you would savor this special moment and create memories with only the very closest family and friends. The door to the secret garden, a custom invitation suite by Becca Joas, with her willowy hand-lettered calligraphy providing the key to this heavenly bliss. Wrapped up in a translucent vellum envelope, giving you just a taste of the exquisite experience that is to come.

Our bride in the Alexandra Grecco ‘Aurelia’ gown, looking ever so graceful in fine layers of ivory silk and delicate hand-beaded neckline, giving way to the unexpected open back of the gown. Selected for its understated elegance, then made complete with the hair and makeup design of Jenny Luu. My very favorite touch is the pop of red on her lips, as it is unanticipated, fresh, and bold. Complimented by our maid of honor, effortless in a Katherine Bignon two-piece gown, weaving in the pale blue into this bespoke fine art wedding inspiration. Our handsome gentlemen donned in The Black Tux’s ‘The Redding Outfit,’ purposefully chosen for its lighter hue, adding an element of fresh air to the occasion.

This ethereal setting, captured by Annmarie Swift Photography, is near and dear to my heart and by far my all-time favorite wedding design to date. Filled with ingenuity, simplicity, and raw artistic elements, each and every detail was intentional to the very core. A testament that true inspiration can come from anywhere, transform into something magical, and create the most charming of weddings.

The Perfect Way to Add a Touch of Vintage Glam to Your Wedding Day

Adding a little touch of vintage glamour to your wedding day is always a good idea, but adding it in the form of some serious bling? Even better. So today we’re teaming up with our friends over at Long’s Jewelers to bring you a list of stunning vintage gems that will definitely bring a little something extra special to your Big Day. Scroll below to fall in love with every last one.

Vintage Glamour with Long's Jewelers

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Vintage Glamour with Long's Jewelers

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With four locations throughout Massachusetts and one more opening in Nashua, NH later this fall, plus years upon years of experience (they’ve been in business since 1878, y’all), Long’s Jewelers is your go-to for all things vintage with a never-ending list of gorgeous finds. From dazzling earrings to stunning necklaces to fab rings that really make a statement, their experienced staff of jewelry experts (they are family owned and operated) will make sure you shine on your Big Day. Visit one of their awesome locations NOW to find that special something.

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A Special Offer!

Use the code STYLEMEPRETTY online for 20% off estate jewelry. (Offer expires December 31, 2016.)

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Two Brides. One Modern Wedding. Major Pretty.

I would write a mile-long intro about the chic warehouse setting or the styled hanging greenery but these sweet Brides said it best. “One day I imagine no one will remember the way our program looked, which pictures were hanging on the walls, or the taste of that brown butter sage sauce. But they (and we) will remember that we were together and oh so happy.” Dive into their joyful celebration from the lens of MORNINGWILD Photography.

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Summer Weddings

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Industrial

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DIY Inspired Modern

From The Brides…Our story spans the country, starting with Breanne on the beautiful Oregon coast where she grew up and Lauren in Massachusetts with her family. We were both finishing college in 2008 and unbeknownst to each other had each decided to answer our internal call to run away from home. We each knew we were looking to find ourselves, we just didn’t know we were also meant to find each other on that journey. We first met in Denver in October of 2008 and proceeded to spend our first year together the way all couples do – living, traveling, and working together while doing community service around the country. Our first kiss was in New Orleans and we measure our years together from that place and day, June 9th 2009 (just don’t ask who kissed who first). Seven years later, almost to the day, we vowed to be together for all the years to come.

I have always loved the look of botanicals and greenhouses and since living on my own become slightly obsessed with house plants. Lauren jokes that when she’s an old woman she’ll be surrounded by my years of collected house plants. We booked the warehouse because the venue told us that we could do whatever we wanted with the space. As a creative, I was sold! When planning our wedding Lauren and I cared the most about making the wedding feel like us and having the words and visual space truly mean something. We have been to weddings in the past that have it all, beautiful decor, delicious food, great music, but in the end felt like they were missing what truly made the event special. So we worked especially hard at creating a meaningful ceremony and a space that truly reflected who we are as a couple. In each home Lauren and I have lived in we have created a large gallery wall. Incorporating this into our wedding space felt so natural and true to us. For the past year we collected and curated what would be on our wedding gallery wall and we were so pleased with how it turned out. It really felt like home to us with nods to my Oregon Coast roots, our first home together in Maine, and all of our grandparents and parents who set the tone for our lives before us, and of course our favorite kitty, Hobbes!

I am a DIY-er at heart, in that if i see something I like, or that inspires me, I will learn how to do it in order to create it myself. A couple of years ago when hand lettering became trendy, I just started doing it because I thought I could. When I saw subway tiles as place cards, I picked some up at Home Depot, backed them with sticky cork board, and lettered them myself. I learned how to scan in artwork and edit it using Photoshop and Illustrator in order to create the invites I wanted, and then I kept it going with our programs and game cards.

I really wanted our programs to be unique so I decided to design them with space to copper leaf them at the top. I also made the confetti sticks and created the label for them. Lauren and I were thinking of quotes for the banner for so long leading up to the wedding and two weeks before the wedding, I saw the perfect quote. “We were together. I forget the rest.” by Walt Whitman. I loved that it would be hanging above our tables, with all our closest people gathered under it. One day I imagine no one will remember the way our program looked, which pictures were hanging on the walls, or the taste of that brown butter sage sauce. But they (and we) will remember that we were together and oh so happy.

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

Wedding Dresses

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

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Classic Cape Cod Wedding with Touches of Southern Charm

Despite all the months of planning, sometimes the best part of your wedding day happens organically. For Ali and Mike, it was when they snuck off to the shoreline for a few moments alone and to recharge and regroup amidst the excitement. This candid moment was a reminder of their promise, “I will settle you,” and also led to their favorite photo of the day. See it, and so many more pretty moments, caught through the lens of Sarah Der Photography, in The Vault!

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Spring Weddings

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Ballroom Weddings Religious Institution

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Classic Weddings

From The Bride & Groom…We wanted our wedding to be both effortlessly elegant and shout “Ali and Mike!” down to the last detail. Our wedding incorporated some of our favorite things: love, Richmond, and Cape Cod. When we both arrived as freshmen on the Richmond campus, we spent a year falling in love with the school and the city, and the next three years falling in love with each other. Our jobs pulled us away from Richmond after we graduated college, but something told us that our love story with Richmond wasn’t over yet. We moved back two years after graduation, and the rest is history. Richmond played a big part in our love story, and we wanted to make sure that our wedding captured not only the easy-breeze vibe of springtime at the Cape but also the city that started it all.

Ali’s family started the wedding weekend by hosting a southern cuisine-inspired brunch. At the wedding, Mike and his groomsmen wore socks with spiders on them–a nod to the University of Richmond’s mascot, the spider. At the reception, the tables were named after some of our favorite Richmond and University of Richmond locations, and the ceremony cake toppers featured a bride spider and groom spider sitting in beach chairs surrounded by edible sea shells. We captured the lightness of the Cape with a relaxed brunch wedding, complete with champagne cocktails named “The Gazebo,” after one of our favorite places on the U of R campus. We created the effortlessly elegant vibe with an outdoor cocktail hour overlooking the bay, yummy and light brunch foods, and cool blue, green, and white local blooms (our florist even used sea glass in our flower arrangements!). We used handmade ombre calligraphy for the table names and escort cards, which brought the ocean indoors. We completed the brunch-y, relaxed feel by having newspapers with crossword puzzles (all about us and our friends + family!), pencils, and mimosas + coffee for guests when they arrived at our reception.

Our favorite memories from the day are when we were able to sneak away and share a few moments alone, as husband and wife (!). One moment that stands out in particular happened immediately after the chaos of the receiving line (great to do because we got to greet our guests, but it was overwhelming!). Ali is a bit introverted, so Mike walked Ali away from the receiving line and towards the shoreline so that they could have a few moments alone. Within minutes, Ali was feeling recharged and ready to enjoy the rest of the day. It was there that the words engraved in our wedding bands, “I will settle you” became reality. This moment was captured perfectly by Sarah (our favorite picture of the day!).

We were so excited to share Cape Cod with our friends and family! Ali and her family grew up sailing, swimming, and sandcastle-ing on the Cape, and she and Mike have so many fond memories of runs on the beach and evenings spent watching the sunset over the water. We really can’t imagine a more serene and beautiful place to start our lives as Mr. and Mrs.! We also recommend getting married in either the bride or the groom’s hometown–it was so nice to be home with Ali’s family before the big day!

We must admit, planning a wedding is a BIG job, and not one that comes without complications! Our best advice to engaged couples is to constantly remember the most important part of the weekend: becoming husband and wife, which is pretty much the happiest thing in the world. We were able to channel that happiness towards some of the trickier, more emotional aspects of the reception planning, and we ended up with a wedding that was overflowing with joy, love, and light.

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