Massachusetts Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

Nautical Westport, Massachusetts Wedding Part I

We featured their darling engagement on SMP New England, and not-so-secretly stalked their hashtag #joshandlusayido through the entire wedding weekend, and today we finally got our hands on the photos you’ve all been waiting for. Straight from the lens of Brumley & Wells, we’re diving into part one of their Westport nuptials, with mStarr Event Design, Petal Floral Design and Mayflour Confections behind every pin-worthy moment. Don’t miss the film by Blue Kite Cinema below, and sit tight for part two up next!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/143062278 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Estate Weddings Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Classic Weddings

From Emily of mStarr Event Design… This incredible wedding was a year in the making…and what a year {and subsequent celebration} it was! Lindsey was one of our most favorite brides to work with: she had a vision in mind and never wavered from it. It was our job to conceptualize + weave everything together. With the most stunning of backdrops {two private residences!}, this wasn’t exactly difficult to do and the end result was a jaw-dropping design chock full of personal details that reflected this beautiful couple perfectly.

From the reception bar Josh built himself, oyster shell salt + pepper cellars at every place setting and calligraphy from Lauren at A Fabulous Fete, to the outdoor dance floor and multi-dimensional escort display, it was a creative field day for this gal! Getting to work with Jacob of Brumley & Wells is always a treat and knowing he was there to capture everything made the day even more special.

[dotted]

From The Bride… The one thing that I knew for sure years before getting engaged was that I wanted to get married in the quiet coastal town of Westport, MA. My grandparents built a house there when I was very young, so it’s a place where I have fond summer memories and after meeting Josh in college, it became a place where we both spent many summer weekends making memories together. So although we had the reception location set (my grandparents’ Westport Point home), the hunt began for a ceremony venue. And after striking out for several months at all the local wedding venues for various reasons, we finally got really lucky one Saturday last fall.

We actually went to visit what would be our ceremony venue just to scope out the house on the property as a potential place to rent for our family. But after seeing the beautiful stone house, the sweeping lawn overlooking the ocean, and the beautiful vine-covered pergola in the front yard, Josh and I both looked at each other and knew that it was the place we wanted to get married. We were so lucky to have stumbled upon such a stunning little property above Westport’s Elephant Rock Beach just by chance, and even luckier that the homeowner happily agreed to let this completely random but completely smitten couple have a wedding there. When the big day finally came this August and I locked eyes with Josh when walking down the aisle towards that beautiful pergola, it was like something out of a dream. We tearily made it through our own vows, and then spent about an hour at that venue with just the two of us and our photographer and videographers (the amazing Jacob, Nick & Colin) to take the majority of our wedding photos. The light was perfect, and the views were spectacular. I’ll never forget those first few moments as husband and wife in that beautiful spot – and the photos speak for themselves!

As our getaway car, Josh surprised me with the cutest green 1952 GMC truck. He knows I have an obsession with vintage trucks, and I nearly cried when I saw it parked there waiting for us! He had seen a local neighbor in Westport driving it around town, and he and my Mom pretty much stalked the owner until he was kind enough to lend it to us for the day. That drive back to the reception was actually one of the most memorable parts of our wedding day – the ride was the only real quiet few minutes that Josh and I got to spend alone together the entire day, and in that it was also terrifying and hilarious that we were alone, with no cell phones, driving this old truck that sounded like it could break down at any minute. But thankfully we did make it back, pulled right up onto my grandparent’s lawn, and were so overwhelmed with love as we saw all of our friends and family standing there cheering and welcoming us.

And then the party began! Our jaws literally dropped when we walked into our tent for the first time. All the details from the tablescapes to the florals to the food were perfect thanks to an amazing team of vendors led by the incredible mStarr event design and 42 North. It was everything I had envisioned and more, and most importantly, it really felt like us. The night was spent the best way I could imagine – dancing under the stars, drinking rose wine, snacking on local fried clams, and looking out across our candlelit tent seeing all of our smiling guests.

At the end of the night just before the band finished, we set off a firework show that Josh had put together and in that same moment, it began to lightly rain. That two minute rain shower was so perfectly timed that it was almost like it was planned, and was so welcomed to relieve everyone from the 90 degree heat. Spending the band’s last song dancing outdoors under string lights, rain, and fireworks was a pretty magical ending to what was without a doubt, the best day of our lives.

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

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

View All Collections

Amsale

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2014

Amsale Bridesmaids Spring 2014

Additional Styles by Amsale

Amsale Bridal Fall 2014

Amsale Bridal Spring 2015

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Amsale Bridal Blue Label

Amsale Bridal Spring 2016

Amsale Bridal Fall 2016

Amsale Bridal Spring 2018

Amsale Bridal Fall 2018

Amsale Bridesmaids

View All Collections

Guide to the Longest Lasting Flowers

You know the saying, all good things must come to an end? Well, sadly this statement is true when it comes to our fav florals, but that doesn’t mean can’t try to keep those petals from plummeting! We’ve asked the experts of Winston Flowers for a refresher course on how to make arrangements last longer – so, get ready for flowers with staying power with the long-lasting botanics below!

MAKING CUT FLOWERS LAST

Tips by Winston Flowers

Basic Tips for Longevity

To arrange loose flowers, fill a clean container with water and flower preservative. Remove foliage that will be below water level. Cut each stem at an angle with a sharp knife and place flowers in water right away.
If flowers are already arranged, immediately check the water level and add water to fill the container to the top. Display your arrangement in a cool location, out of direct sunlight.
In general, for all flowers, avoid extreme temperatures and keep the water clean. Fewer stems in the vase means less bacteria—and therefore, a longer lifespan.

[dotted]

Protea | Enchanting, tropical blooms perched on tall, sturdy stems. Many varieties of protea are quite large and look gorgeous en masse in a ceramic vase. They have a prolonged life in a vase due to their woodsy nature and don’t require a lot of water to live. Even as they dry out, they continue looking beautiful and lively.

Calla Lilies | Traditionally long-lasting—and their sculptural, architectural design look best when displayed singularly or as a cluster. Check the water every other day to keep it clear. Remove individual calla lilies as they begin to fade or droop, and the rest should remain fresh.

Foliages | Tropical plants such as palms or monstera, traditionally last longer than flowers, especially if the water is kept clear. They add to a beautiful tablescape when displayed in assorted vases. For larger leaves, display as one per vase; and for smaller leaves, display in a collection or group of mixed leaves.

[dotted]

Berries | (such as hypericum berries) can be displayed in a collection of interesting vases or mixed with other woodland textures for a fuller bouquet. Be sure to check the water every other day to make sure it doesn’t get cloudy.

Amaryllis | Large trumpet-shaped flowers that are beloved throughout the holiday and winter months. The stems have multiple blossoms that bloom in succession, which adds to its longevity of its display. Amaryllis have beautiful, thick stems that should be shown off in a clear, tall glass vase.

Cymbidium Orchids | Known for their longevity, these large, exotic flowers are best displayed as a single stem in a vase. The key is to keep the display pure and simple, allowing the flower to radiate its natural beauty.

[dotted]

Thistle | A unique, spiny bloom with a cone center. It comes in a variety of bold colors—like the in striking blue ‘Super Nova’ variety, as well as green and purple. Its sculptural form adds distinctive texture to bouquets, and also looks sophisticated and beautiful when singularly displayed in a vase.

Ornithogalum | Also known as Star-of-Bethlehem based on its star-shaped flowers, ornithogalum are beautiful when clustered together. The stems are skinny, so they fit perfectly in a vase with a smaller neck. With its multiple blooms along the stem, simply remove the blossoms that have wilted and the others will continue to bloom—giving it a longer life.

Chrysanthemums | A longer-lasting flower. Larger varieties, like DecoNova and Fuji, are best displayed on their own to appreciate the enormous blossom. Smaller varieties look lovely when displayed en masse.

[dotted]

Ivy | Represents eternity—and is known to last quite a long time. It adds romance and movement when crowning a single variety floral design, and also looks lovely as an accompaniment to a single stem in a bud vase.

Hybrid Tea Roses | A cross between hybrid perpetuals and old fashioned tea roses. These hybrid roses were created with all the virtues you look for in a flower: beauty, fragrance, easy care and a tendency to last longer than traditional garden roses. Roses are best displayed as a compact bouquet and will live longer when the stems are cut shorter.

Casablanca Lilies | Notoriously long lasting, as they take about a week to even begin opening. The dramatic white blossoms give off an irresistible scent. To keep fresh, change the water ever few days and recut ½ inch off the stem. Keep away from direct sunlight.

Behind the Scenes with Winston Flowers

You know them as some of the most renowned wedding pros on the East Coast, but today we’re going behind the scenes with the wildly talented designers of Winston Flowers. Our girl Ruth Eileen captured as each designer showcased their signature style, and sat down to talk career, trends, and advice for all you soon-to-bes. Scroll on for the full Q&As, and head to The Vault for each and every inspiring image.

Tori Samuel

Special Events Designer – Winston Flowers

Tell us a little about your background and how you got into floral design.

TS: Creativity runs in my family. My mother was an avid gardener, floral arranger and sewer. My father worked in advertising and had a knack for illustration and an eye for interior design. Our homes in Bronxville, NY and Nantucket were beautifully decorated with interesting wallpapers and curated collections. I was destined to do something creative with my life! I began taking floral design classes in elementary school—and as I grew up, I found my own talents in illustrating and designing perennial gardens. When I moved to Nantucket, I met an event and floral designer named Robin Bergland. She was amazingly creative, and her events and home reflected a very beautiful and personal style. This is where I found my niche. To this day, I see Robin’s influence in my work and in my home. I walked through the door of Winston Flowers almost 13 years ago and have never looked back.

Describe your signature style in 3 words.

TS: Soulful. Curated. Cohesive.

What floral trend will stand the test of time?

TS: Classic design. Over the years the look has changed, but the definition has stayed the same.

Your favorite quote that describes your creative process?

TS: “Designing is no longer just about putting stems in a vase anymore, but rather a contemplative, sincere and purposeful approach which is as much about the people you are creating for as the space in which the arrangement will go.” – Emily Thompson

What is a small design change that can make a big impact?

TS: Simple Change #1- Use seasonal flowers. They are the most beautiful and impactful. In the fall, use foliage, branch and dahlias; in the winter, amaryllis and tulips; in the spring, ranunculus, flowering branch and peonies; and in the summer, grasses and colorful Dutch hydrangea. Simple Change #2- Hire a vendor who offers unique options for floral containers and candlelight.

#1 piece of advice for brides when deciding their wedding florals.

TS: Choose a floral and event designer you connect with—someone who understands your vision and can help bring it to the next level. Trust the professionals and take a few chances. This should be fun!

Tell us about your design for the photo shoot.

TS: I wanted to create a colorful autumn palette – using vibrant reds, oranges and yellows – with seasonal fruits, pops of citrus and crabapple branch. I loved taking a different spin on fall, moving away from dark colors and rustic textures. Then I selected materials that were textural, lush and unexpected: garden roses, crabapple branch, ranunculus, viburnum foliage, berries, jasmine vine, parrot tulips, cryptanthus and Meyer lemons. While these materials are always beautiful and would look good in any vessel, I really wanted them to pop. I thought the green jadeite vases were perfect for this, as they have an unexpected and eye-catching color with traditional lines.

In terms of design, I wanted the composition to be simple and let the flowers tell the story. I chose a collection of vase shapes and laid them out on the long white table. I started with the crabapple branch to create strong lines. Then, it was important each flower and each texture had their moment—making sure nothing was overcrowded or lost. The composition was loose and looked somewhat effortless. I finished by adding loose crabapples and vibrant orange Meyer lemons around the vase of the collection.

[dotted]

Benjamin Newbold

Creative Director of Events & Floral Design – Winston Flowers

Tell us a little about your background and how you got into floral design.

BN: Having grown up on a farm in Illinois, I gained an appreciation for hard work and the beauty of nature. I loved art from an early age and eventually left the farm for an education in fine arts at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). This led me to many collaborations, including backstage work in theater—which was also when I stumbled into a part-time job in flower design. After moving to Boston, I started working with studio and event florists in the area and found my way to Winston Flowers. My evolution into a floral event designer makes it possible for me to combine my interest in art with my love for nature and what it produces.

Describe your signature style in 3 words.

BN: Natural. Modern. Romantic.

What floral trend will stand the test of time?

BN: Simple, pretty flowers.

Your favorite quote that describes your creative process?

BN: “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” -Salvador Dali

What is a small design change that can make a big impact when it comes to wedding florals?

BN: Edit everything to what you love—don’t add elements just because you are “supposed to.”

#1 piece of advice for brides when deciding their wedding florals.

BN: Trust your decisions.

Provide an overview of what you created for the photo shoot.

BN: I was inspired by and focused on the best of the early autumn season in a simple green and white color scheme. The centerpiece features abundant mixed varieties of white dahlias with variegated English ivy, pokeweed, stemona japonica rikyuso vine, snowberry and fern in white resin vessels by Tina Frey. I gathered the dahlias in a linear mound and allowed the green elements to peek through and the vines to spill out of the smooth white vessel, which contrasts the unfinished wood surface of the table. Opalescent vessels with green gold interiors hold candles to add another level to the table design. For the bouquet, I flipped the color ratio and concentrated on green with hellebores, ranunculus, fern and then featured white Japanese anemones bundled and entwined in stemona japonica rikyuso vine.

[dotted]

Michael Ciano

Special Events Designer – Winston Flowers

Tell us a little about your background and how you got into floral design.

MC: My career really started when I moved to New York in the early 1990’s. I answered an ad at the New York Botanical Garden, where I was taking floral design classes in my spare time. The ad was posted by an event designer looking for extra help with event design and floral work. I didn’t have much experience, but I reached out anyway. We met at a coffee shop in the West Village, we clicked and she hired me. After she “taught me the ropes” for a few months in New York, we were off to Paris to design lavish parties and events for some of her wealthy clientele that were based there. It was surreal!

Upon my return from Paris and another year working for her, I set out on my own seeking work in the high end floral shops of New York City. It wasn’t easy—no one would hire me! After persistently pounding the pavement and being almost totally broke, I finally found a job at a very chic Manhattan floral shop. I spent the next three years fine-tuning my floral design skills, buying at the flower market on W 28th Street and eventually managing the shop. I was then able to take that experience on paths which lead me to opportunities at several premier event design companies throughout New York and eventually to Boston and Winston Flowers.

Describe your signature style in 3 words.

MC: Clean. Modern. Sophisticated.

What floral trend will stand the test of time?

MC: Single variety design that lets the flowers speak for themselves. I think some of the most impactful designs feature one type of flower, arranged in a simple and abundant way. Whether this means lots of similar flowers arranged in a vase or a composite of single variety vases grouped together for a bold, cohesive look, the result is always amazing and will stand the test of time.

Your favorite quote that describes your creative process?

MC: A friend who is an interior designer once told me: “Let the materials you’re working with be what they are.” These days everyone is looking for the next ground breaking design idea—when sometimes a simple bowl of tulips is just right! I try to let the flowers stand on their own without manipulating them into something they’re not.

What is a small design change that can make a big impact when it comes to wedding florals?

MC: Great lighting, whether it be achieved through a lighting company or something as simple as votive candlelight. It really enhances the flowers and the entire look of the space.

#1 piece of advice for brides when deciding their wedding florals.

MC: Stay true to your style, be yourself and don’t let anyone talk you into something you don’t want or like! After all, it’s most important that you’re happy.

Provide an overview of what you created for the photo shoot.

MC: This color palette is a favorite of mine. I felt comfortable working with deep, rich colors and lots of texture—to me, it portrays a warm, inviting and comforting display.Inspired by the autumnal surroundings, I created a tablescape reminiscent of a harvest feast. I primarily used lots of small textures instead of big flowers, as I wanted the design to be distinctive. Introducing fruit, vegetables, nuts and berries into a design really brings forth a feeling of bounty. Specifically, I used anemones, kale, figs, persimmon, grasses and berries. The elements were natural and rustic yet sophisticated in balanced earth tones of plum, burgundy, gold and green.

The two long rustic vessels worked well for this tablescape because they mirrored the shape of the rectangular zinc and wood table and added drama to the design. Using many small, interesting textures allowed me to show lots of different elements that worked well together. The wood brought a more casual vibe to the presentation and I dressed up the table a bit with the place settings. The muted colors with pops of brighter tones play off of each other, creating harmony.

What I love about this display is how it can work in many different wedding venues. It makes perfect sense in the country—in a rustic setting like a barn, under a tent on a farm or in a woodland garden. In a modern setting such as a warehouse, raw space or hotel ballroom, it would be unexpected but still work beautifully. Lastly, I designed a bouquet to complement the overall aesthetic in warm, earth and wood tones using garden roses and again, lots of textures. The colors are raspberry, burgundy, merlot, rose, chocolate brown and a hint of ivory.
[dotted]

Martha’s Vineyard Summer Engagement Session

While we may be enjoying the glories of fall at the moment, winter isn’t far off and jumping into feet of snow is just not as fun as jumping into a pile of leaves. So in this state of denial that I’m fully embracing, I’m quite happy to go back to the sweetness of summer with this seaside e-shoot from Jocelyn Filley and soak up every last second of sunshine and saltwater kisses in our VAULT right this way!

From the Bride-to-be… Claire and Alex met on an otolaryngology (ENT) residency interview at Tulane University School of Medicine during their fourth year of medical school. Claire was a student at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and Alex was a student at UCONN School of Medicine in Farmington, CT. They had a lot in common, including UCONN – Alex had rotated on Claire’s father’s psychiatry service (Claire’s dad is a psychiatrist at UCONN) as a medical student! Days after the interview, Alex got Claire’s phone number from a mutual friend and sent her a text.

Not only were Claire and Alex smitten, but Tulane was too! They both matched at Tulane for their residency. Alex was thrilled when he found out Claire had also matched at Tulane, texting a friend, “Stop it! I love her!” when he discovered they matched together. They were a support system for each other by phone, email, and text over the coming weeks as they each prepared for a big move to New Orleans.

Sparks flew instantly once the two arrived to New Orleans. They shared their first kiss seven days after residency started and have been inseparable ever since.

While Claire and Alex were on vacation at Lucy Vincent Beach in Chilmark, MA during the spring of their intern year, surrounded by views of the Atlantic and the Allen Farm, Alex told Claire he knew where and how he was going to propose to her.

Two years and much teasing from their residency attendings later, while on a Vineyard vacation with friends Thérèse and Grayson Gremillion, Alex planned to propose. He wanted to surprise Claire and so he picked the only rainy day of the trip, when she would least suspect it. Claire, Alex, Thérèse, and Grayson went on a drive to the Menemsha fishing village. On the way, Alex suggested going for a walk on Lucy Vincent Beach – to which Claire responded, “No! It’s raining!” He had originally planned on proposing at the beach that inspired him two years before. But Claire drove them up to the Gay Head Lighthouse and cliffs. Though Alex had never been there before, as soon as he saw the beautiful brick red lighthouse and clay cliffs, he knew this was the perfect place. With Thérèse and Grayson snapping pictures, Alex told Claire he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. After he asked her to marry him, Claire was so excited that she jumped up to hug him. Alex had to ask if that meant yes! Which it did, of course.

Alex and Claire will be getting married 6/11/16 at the Allen Farm in Chilmark, MA on Martha’s Vineyard – right by Lucy Vincent Beach. After they selected their wedding photographer, Jocelyn Filley, they took more traditional engagement pictures in Edgartown, MA on Martha’s Vineyard. Claire wanted just a few shots where she wasn’t crying or looking completely shocked!

Peruse more engagements here!

High School Sweethearts Summer Garden Wedding at Elm Bank

Straight from the lens of Suzanna March Photography, this Elm Bank Reservation wedding is like fiction has come to life (secret garden anyone?). With floral elements such as Plum Pretty Sugar robes and Winston Flowers adding to the magic, this summer celebration is undeniable, but add in the artistic work of Paper Moss and we’re in heaven. Peek the pretty and pin it all from THE VAULT!

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Modern

From The Bride…John and I met when we were 17; I was attending an all-girls high school and needed a date to my junior prom. Two of our mutual friends actually set us up and the rest is history! When I started planning our wedding, I kept two important details in mind. We’d been together for over 7 years and I wanted a wedding that would include a lot of personal details that represented our journey together. I also wanted to make sure the day reflected some of John’s personality as well.

For the overall style and impression of the wedding, we envisioned a hybrid between modern and rustic elements. We were drawn to the elegance of modern weddings, but also wanted ours to feel warm, welcoming, and intimate. We struck this balance in our design through farm tables, cream ikat linens, glass votives, candles, chalk and slate accents, wrought iron chandeliers, and lots of succulents, bright roses, and texture. Elm Bank Reservation in Wellesley beautifully enhanced these qualities. The venue was a special place for us, as we had attended prom there together many years ago. Our love for succulents and texture was a jumping off point for the aesthetic, but I also grew up in a household with a lot of color—my childhood bedroom was bright orange, pink, and teal—so I wanted to incorporate a lot of color into the details. Eventually, we settled on taupe, coral, orange, yellow, and teal green.

The floral details at the wedding definitely stole the show. Tori at Winston Flowers really took our “secret garden” vision and ran with it. As guests entered the cocktail hour space, they were presented with a magnificent slate escort card wall, covered in succulents and moss. This piece doubled as a beautiful backdrop for cocktail hour (and a few photos!), and juxtaposed cool and modern colors with warm wooden cards. The hanging floral installation above the dance floor was my favorite floral element of the night. I remember walking into the tent before the reception started and this piece took my breath away. The bright roses and succulents added a lush weight, while the green vines, hanging glass teardrops, rose-petals, and tea candles gave the dance floor a romantic and intimate feeling.

The chalkboards that we created with the help of the incredibly talented Niki Weinberg at Paper Tangent were some our favorite personal touches. Because Elm Bank is a large property, we knew guests would need directional signs. Niki created a large, tented chalkboard map of Elm Bank that seems part of a storybook illustration. My favorite piece of Niki’s was the compass, inspired by the large painted compass rose in Nantucket town center. John and I spent many of our summers in Nantucket, and Niki helped us create our own compass illustration that included mile-markers from our relationship. I love that we will be able to use these pieces after the wedding in our house—they’re beautiful as stand-alone artwork.

Although we didn’t have too many DIY details, we did make the colorful ribbon that we used at the ceremony to “tie the knot.” John and I both come from Irish backgrounds, so we wanted to honor our heritage by bringing this tradition into our ceremony. We chose several textured and color lengths of ribbon, and I think it brought a fun pop of color to the ceremony!

I’m one of those people that when I know what I want, I know what I want. This was certainly true for my dress! When I thought about my ideal dress, I’d always imagined something that I felt sexy in, that had a dramatic bottom, and that didn’t swallow my 5’2” frame! I instantly fell in love with this dress when I saw it in a magazine a few years ago. I love the fluidity of the rose-shaped ruching at the end, and I wanted to use a taupe sash to tie the dress into our color scheme. For the bridesmaid dresses, I prioritized finding a dress that would make each girl feel comfortable and beautiful; I think these dresses fit that to a T. I fell in love with the romantic vibe of the off the shoulders draping, and chose a teal/green color that would contrast nicely with the colorful bouquets. John wanted the guys’ attire to uniquely reflect his and his groomsmen’s personalities. Cohesion with the ladies’ dresses was important, especially because the grooms’ party had a “groomsmaid.”

Exchanging vows was my favorite moment of the evening, especially hearing John’s vows in particular. In his vows he spoke about a “time-capsule” letter he wrote in high school that he recently received. At the end of this letter he wrote, “turn around and give Michela a kiss for me because I know she’s standing right behind you while you read this.” It was truly a gift and really reflected the joy and gratitude we felt the entire day.

If I were to give advice to a future bride, in terms of practicality, I’d start off with planning as far ahead as you can! Right after we got engaged, we moved from Boston to Miami, and I started my doctoral program. We definitely had a lot to juggle. Before we left, we selected our major vendors (around the 7 month mark) and made a timeline for completing the remaining tasks. While planning this early definitely helped, I can’t thank our incredible vendors enough. I like to think of our planner (Eliza Cowan), our florist (Winston Flowers) and our caterers (The Catered Affair) as the “dream team” because they took our inspiration and created an incredible and cohesive event. We never could have pulled this off without them.

Lastly, the future therapist in me would want to tell brides to not worry about sweating the small stuff. I think it’s easy to get caught up in the details and worry about everything turning out perfectly, but if you approach the day knowing that things may go wrong (they will, and it’s okay!), you’ll enjoy the day a lot more! Focus on what you’ll remember about the day 20 years from now—your friends, family, emotion and the love from that day. During the ceremony our minister thoughtfully asked us to stop, take a breath, look around and take a moment to let everything sink in—I highly recommend this!

[dotted]

See even more Elm Bank weddings in THE VAULT!

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

Amsale

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2014

Amsale Bridesmaids Spring 2014

Additional Styles by Amsale

Amsale Bridal Fall 2014

Amsale Bridal Spring 2015

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Amsale Bridal Blue Label

Amsale Bridal Spring 2016

Amsale Bridal Fall 2016

Amsale Bridal Spring 2018

Amsale Bridal Fall 2018

Amsale Bridesmaids

View All Collections

Plum Pretty Sugar

Castelbel & Trumpet

Signature

Lilli Tru

PomPon

Plum Pretty Sugar for BHLDN

PPS Couture

View All Collections

Rustic Martha’s Vineyard Summer Wedding

As a Massachusetts resident, I may be a little biased but New England weddings, especially those that embrace the oh so special style of the region, have such an incredible charm to them, that it’s impossible to not fall head over heels. With pretty details at every turn and views off the Vineyard coast that grab ahold of your heart and don’t let go, this season celebration captured by Adachi Pimentel has me pretty darn happy. See it all in our VAULT right this way!

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Rustic

From Adachi Pimentel… From childhood art and memorabilia to the hand drawn and painted details made by the bride herself, Tom and Ashley’s wedding was beautifully nostalgic and perfectly intimate. They aimed to create a weekend wedding-vacay for their closest friends and family. The night before the wedding day included a locally sourced clambake, with cocktails for their guests and lawn games for them to enjoy. The wedding ceremony and reception was hosted at a private residence overlooking the ocean. The tables and details were lavished with summer flowers, with a delicious variety of local pies and comforts. Ashley incorporated her knack for design by hand-drawing and painting the weekend agendas, and creating a beautiful paper cone background for their DIY photobooth.

Peruse more New England weddings here!

Elegant + Traditional Boston Harbor Hotel Wedding

When you think of a New England wedding, you think of classic elegance and timeless touches—and this gorgeous duo’s big day is the perfect example. With a team of all-star vendors including Sweet Monday Photography, Brighter Lights Media, Linnea Tangorra, Winston Flowers and SOHO, this wedding came together exactly how the couple envisioned: classic with a twist. See all the pretty details in THE VAULT!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/137873457 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Ballroom Weddings

Styles

Classic Weddings

From The Bride… Jay and I met in Boston and serendipitously lived down the street from each other when we began dating. We have been inseparable from the moment we met and dated for two years before our engagement on my hometown beach. We experienced New York City together and eventually landed back in Boston to be near our family and friends.

We knew that we wanted to have our wedding by the water but also loved the idea of a city wedding – in came the Boston Harbor Hotel. The Wharf Room’s expansive glass windows brought the harbor, boats, and abundant sunlight into our ceremony and reception. We were so fortunate to have a beautiful, sunny day and were able to spend cocktail hour outdoors on the rotunda overlooking the harbor.

I consider my style classic with a twist. I spent a lot of time carefully curating and coordinating each component of our wedding from the floral arrangements to the signature cocktails to the day of elements; a lot of thought and consideration went into every detail. I used the pale blue from the bridesmaids’ dresses as my inspiration and carried it throughout several aspects of the day.

I always envisioned myself in an elegant, lace wedding dress, and I was so excited to wear the stunning design from Amsale Aberra’s Kenneth Pool collection. The simple, romantic front combined with the dramatic, illusion back and long train was exactly what I had imagined.

Our first look has to be one of my favorite moments of the day. To have a few private minutes to ourselves to take in all that we were about to experience was so special. We were so grateful to have Brighter Lights Media and Sweet Monday Photography to capture the excitement and emotion of our day so beautifully.

Most importantly, we wanted to have fun and enjoy every second. We could not have imagined a more perfect day surrounded by our family and friends and are so appreciative of everyone who made it a truly incredible and memorable celebration!

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

KENNETH POOL

Fall 2014

Spring 2015

Fall 2015

Spring 2016

Fall 2016

View All Collections

Dessy

Bridesmaid 2014

Women's Tuxedo

Tuxedo

Fall 2014

Spring 2015

View All Collections

Elegant Crane Estate Wedding

There are sooo many reasons my smile grows when I hear the words Crane Estate. My husband’s parents said their I do’s there years ago, we had our own engagement session right down the street and most recently, our stunning editor, Michelle married her handsome hubs there as well. And today, we get to experience yet another elegant beauté at this stunning location captured by Emily Delamater, no less. It’s a doozy and you can dive into it all here in THE VAULT.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/131501799 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Estate Weddings Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Classic Weddings

From Emily Delamater… I am completely in love with the gorgeous Crane Estate in Ipswich, the grounds, the gardens, and the palatial house with it’s paintings and history, and then you add one of the sweetest couples and their perfect Summer wedding into the mix. Swoon. Elise and Barry’s wedding was perfectly classic and and elegant but also so sweet and fun. I loved the pale pink, cream and gold and the classic black tuxes, they complimented the architecture and the space so well. From the sweet bar to the Fenway sausage cart at the end of the night, we loved being a part of their day.

[dotted]

Peruse more elegant style weddings here!

Classic + Charming Coastal New England Wedding

What do you get when you combine colorful bowties with white hydrangea bouquets, a lovely Alvina Valenta by JLM Couture wedding dress and a chapel straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting? This charming Massachusetts affair captured by Nicole Baas Photography. This sweet Bride and Groom let the natural beauty of the harbor charm their guests. And all the pictures in The Vault will charm you, too.

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Eatery Religious Institution

Styles

Classic Weddings

From The Bride… My husband and I grew up in the Midwest but have lived in the Boston area for over 8 years. We met living in Boston and our relationship grew in this part of the country. The New England area has become our new home and we felt that getting married elsewhere wouldn’t have been right for us. When we decided to have our wedding in Massachusetts, we decided that we wanted to show our guests a classic New England summer weekend. The classic theme was carried throughout the wedding. The color pallette was soft and decorations were minimal, letting the nautical New England backdrop speak for itself.

Our ceremony was held at First Parish in Cohasset, MA. The church was built in the mid-1700’s and carries many classic details like real candle lanterns and doors on the pews, things that are rare to come by in newer construction. The church with it’s clock tower steeple is located right in the center of town on the green space, and it makes you feel like you are part of a Norman Rockwell painting.

The reception was held at Atlantica in Cohasset. Built out over the harbor with floor to ceiling windows, you can’t get any closer to the water. The sun set on the water at the reception, and gave off the perfect romantic feel.

I wish I could relive this day a million times. I got to marry my best friend, we were surrounded by friends and family and near and far, AND everything turned out just as I would have hoped. I am one lucky girl!

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

Alvina Valenta

Fall 2015

Spring 2016

Fall 2016

Spring 2017

View All Collections

Getaway Guide: Massachusetts Mini-Moon

It’s no secret that New England is filled with history, and we’re inviting you to head out and make some of your own! From hidden gems to seaside escapes, it’s time for you to plan a weekend getaway with your love. Whether you’re looking to celebrate your newlywed status or aiming for some R&R, we’ve compiled a few places to explore. Scroll for more!

Newburyport | A waterfront town awash with local charm, unpack and stroll the downtown shops for some sweet treats and enjoy your lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Marblehead | An adorable seaside town bursting with New England beauty, be sure to take a stroll on the rocky beach that overlooks the Boston skyline.

Rockport | Grab a donut and coffee and walk out to the end of Bearskin Neck and take in the ocean views. Be sure to take an excursion to Halibut Point State Park and see the quarry!

Boston | Explore one of the oldest cities in the United States, walk the freedom trail to learn more about the story of the nation’s founding. Be sure to check out the former meeting house Faneiul Hall (which is not a popular market place). Wear your walking shoes as you’ll want to adventure to the South End for local eats and get your shopping on at Newbury Street.

Nantucket | Well known for its adorable B&Bs, show-stopping views, and small island charm, everything about this floating haven is perfection. Also considered to be a shopper’s heaven, walk the scenic streets and be sure to grab a souvenir “on island”.

Chatham | From sea breezes to seal watching, this cape retreat is an attraction you won’t want to miss. Stroll the quaint downtown, stop at the candy store, and sample fresh seafood.

Martha’s Vineyard | An island oasis, this floating mecca is a destination in and of itself. From the jaw-dropping scenery to the relaxing atmosphere, you’ll love everything about this island escape.

Berkshires | Boasting over 100 world-renowned cultural attractions, the Berkshires is sure to delight every adventurer. From some of the most beautiful foliage ,to discovering what is sure to be your new favorite getaway, this western destination is not to be missed.

The South End Wedding Showcase + Giveaways!

Mark your calendars, loves. The second annual South End Wedding Showcase is happening this September 23rd – 24th from 4 to 8 pm, and let me tell you… this is one pretty party you can’t afford to miss. Think yummy treats, fabulous vendors and unique products + services, all set against the historical architecture and Victorian charm that is one of our favorite neighborhoods. Sooo fun.

Picture the coolest bridal showcase you’ve ever attended meets one seriously awesome holiday stroll and you’ll land squarely on the South End Wedding showcase, two evenings of meeting and greeting some of the most talented vendors in all of Boston. You’ll visit open studios and shops, munch on some goodies, see fabulous demonstrations and talk all things wedding with a group of owners and artists that are sure to take your wedding to the next level. Not to mention that each business you’ll enter is independently owned and operated, so you can plan the day of your dreams AND support your local community. We love that.

So what are you waiting for, SMPers? Start making plans to attend the South End Wedding Showcase on September 23rd or 24th from 4 – 8 pm. You will be treated to an array of special (+ seriously awesome) services and promotions during the event, including free Boston Pedicab rides as transportation, discounted parking and a free glass of bubbly at any Aquitaine Group restaurant. And don’t forget that shops and studios will be offering up specialty cocktails, champagne toasts and little bites along the way! To register (and we suggest you do), click here!

The South End Wedding Showcase vendors are giving away free raffle prizes to participants who visit all (or the most) of the map locations and tag #SEWS2015 in their Instagram photo of that place! You can see these raffle prizes on display at one of the map locations (to be announced) and prizes will be given away after the event is over and all the hashtags are counted up.

Plus, expect to see some wonderful discounts on merchandise or services at each studio and store. Check back often on our “Participating Studios & Stores” page to see what each map location is offering the evenings of the event!

See Michelle’s Pinterest Board!

Follow Style Me Pretty’s board Engagement Rings on Pinterest.

From The Bride… Plain and simple, weddings make my heart extraordinarily happy. So, you can imagine my overwhelming gratitude that not only do I have the unique privilege to do what I love for a living, but I basically have the best job ever. My favorite part on the daily? Reading your love stories. Because it’s a given that every great love comes with a great story, and I have the immense pleasure of sharing mine with you all today.

A month before graduating Parsons NYC my girlfriends and I decided that it was time to give internet dating a try. After two weeks of what I considered “online shopping for a soulmate” I expanded my search beyond NY, and that was how I found Paul from Boston. Upon reading his profile I instantly turned to my friend (and bridesmaid) exclaiming that I had just found my perfect person. I decided to be uncharacteristically bold and send him a message, praying he would reply. Thankfully he did and our connection was instantaneous with phone calls and Skype sessions lasting into the early mornings thereafter. Since he lived in New England and I was in New York, we didn’t meet in person for an entire month. The day we finally met he was waiting for me underneath a clock tower and like a rom-com brought to life – time literally stood still. Fast forward six months and I had left my beloved Big Apple for lovely New England, and after a four year whirlwind romance Paul proposed.

We planned our wedding close to home with the beautiful Crane Estate as our venue. I’d always envisioned an outdoor ceremony with a reception that felt more like a dinner party with endless amounts of champagne and of course a few flower crowns. I’m not terribly big on following the norm and our first unconventional choice was choosing a Monday. It gave my West coast guests the weekend to arrive and also the intimate celebration we truly wanted. Our ultimate goal was to have everyone we loved sharing in our joy, and I have to say we got just that and more thanks to everyone involved.

Every second of our wedding stands out as a favorite, but a few special moments that bring a smile to my face are: seeing my bridesmaids’ reactions after helping me put on my veil. When my best friend from pre-school snuck up to the bridal suite and we both instantly started to cry. Anxiously walking towards Paul for our First Look and seeing the excitement in his eyes. The monarch butterflies that floated around us as we took our portraits. My dad handing me a napkin before we walked down the aisle because I was already crying. Paul’s handwritten vows that he wrote in an journal as an ode to my roots. The handmade decor my Bridesmaid surprised me with. Sharing a dance with my father to our favorite song. Watching the little ones play croquet. When our cake knife broke mid-cut and we almost died laughing. Finally, seeing a shooting star as the evening came to a close.

Our photographers, Scott and Ashlee flew all the way from Seattle to captured our Big Day. They are truly the kindest couple and their talent speaks volumes. Everyone was instantly at ease in-front of the camera as they snapped every candid kiss and meaningful moment with such care. I felt as if my heart was going to burst with joy when they sent over the memories they captured and I can’t wait to cross paths with them for every future life event.

As we lined up to walk down the aisle, I felt the wave of emotions from the day wash over me. It was all so surreal, it was a day that I’d been dreaming of and it was happening! As my Bridesmaids’ (all crying I might add) walked down the aisle to Coldplay – Sky full of Stars I could feel a million happy tears streamed down my face. I was completely overwhelmed with gratitude that not only was I marrying my best friend, but also that I had six more to lead the way and share in our joy. Holding my Dad’s arm (who also officiated) we followed down the grassy lawn towards Paul to the tune of The Beatles – In My Life . Through tears and streams of sunlight, we exchanged personal vows in a short but sweet ceremony and shared our first kiss as newlyweds.

The ceremony was followed by a relaxed cocktail hour as Vogue Entertainment provided the ambiance with an array of modern music played on a selection of strings. Guests were greeted by signature cocktails and my dream “cheese cake“. While everyone was nibbling on passed hors d’oeuvres and mingling, Danielle of the Trustees flawlessly coordinated our day with elegance and ease. Transitioning from cocktails to dinner inside the Great House everyone found their seat amongst long linen covered tables complete with cascading centerpieces by Les Fleurs.

Sita and the team at Timothy S. Hopkins Catering crafted our dream menu – from lobster served on homemade potato chip to the fried goat cheese salad- every bite was to die for. After dinner guests were lead outside for a casual game of croquet, lots of wedding cake from Flour Bakery, and even more champagne. We shared our first dance to a string quartet version of George Ezra – Budapest and I remember thinking just how lucky we are. It was with huge smiles, sweet kisses, and grateful hearts that we shared an evening we’ll never forget.

Now for some advice. Think about the advantages of a weekday wedding. We wanted a small celebration and our Monday nuptials gave us just that (plus a lot of vendors have availability on weekdays). Also, consider a first look! It relieved us of any nerves, and we got all of our formal portraits done before the reception. Plus for the sake of vanity my hair + makeup didn’t run the risk of falling flat! A great piece of advice we were given was try to stop seven times during the day to take a deep breath, do your best to take in that moment. Because like everyone says it goes by in a blur, but a beautiful on that you’ll try your hardest to remember every detail of. All in all, just remember that your wedding day is the most wonderful and meaningful beginning that is about your love together – so have a glass of champagne and enjoy every minute!

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

Dessy

Bridesmaid 2014

Women's Tuxedo

Tuxedo

Fall 2014

Spring 2015

View All Collections

Adrianna Papell

Spring 2015

View All Collections

Joanna August

Babes of the Nile

Ceremony

View All Collections

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

View All Collections

Sarah Janks

Glasshouse Collection

Canto Paradiso

Elan

All the Stars

View All Collections

Blush + Metallic Wedding Inspiration Shoot at Willowdale Estate

Rustic, romantic and filled with lush florals and breathtaking details, this inspiration shoot is seriously my everything. From the stunning locale known as Willowdale Estate to the beauty stylings of Swoone Beauty to the fabulous blooms from One Sweet Day In May. (I mentioned they were lush, right?) Head to The Vault for every blush meets metallic moment captured brilliantly by Annmarie Swift Photography.

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Event Venue

Styles

Rustic

From Annmarie Swift Photography… Lush flowers, delicate lace, pops of matte gold, romantic calligraphy, and just a hint of rustic were all inspiration for this shoot! With beautiful floral details like scrawling letters to hang on the back of the bride and groom’s chair to our open air floral escort card frame to the natural garland spilling over the farm table, we knew that romance would be abundant!

The bride was dressed in a simple lace gown, hair pulled back in an effortlessly intricate braid. The invitation suite was subtle and beautiful with sweet calligraphy and touches of watercolor to match the cake display. Combined with a variety of stunning centerpieces and classic ivory place settings, the satin gold finish of the flatware and ombre glassware brought the perfect balance of sophistication to life in the lush courtyard!

With a focus on stunning florals and the natural beauty of the venue, our shoot served as inspiration for couples with a love of natural elegance and understated details.

Head to The Vault for even more wedding inspiration!

Timeless + Elegant Spring Massachusetts Wedding

For this expat couple living in Saõ Paulo, The Mount, Edith Wharton’s former home in the Lenox, Massachusetts, was the ideal location for their wedding—halfway between family in New York and Massachusetts and an intimate feel. And, with classic touches infused with Portuguese and Brazilian traditions and vendors like ReadyLuck and Mezze, it was a perfect wedding. See it all here.

Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Settings

Estate Weddings

Styles

Classic Weddings

From The Bride…At the time of our wedding my husband (Justin) and I were living as expats in São Paulo, Brazil. Our families, however, are from New York and Massachusetts.

One of the many connections we share are memories of growing up in New England, going to the beach and mountains, and enjoying the four seasons. We also share a love of Spanish and Portuguese language and culture, and of travel. Justin and his family are of Portuguese heritage, and both of us have spent time in Iberia and South America for work and study.

For our wedding venue we wanted a location that would be a feasible meeting point for our families in New England, and for our friends traveling from afar. Our ideal was to find somewhere that would showcase the natural beauty of New England in the Springtime, as well as provide an elegant atmosphere and comfortable accommodations for all our guests.

We chose The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts as our venue for many reasons. Firstly, it is located in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains exactly on the border of New York and Massachusetts. The estate, which was designed and owned by author Edith Wharton, takes inspiration in European and American architecture and offers a unique mix of untamed natural beauty and old-world elegance. And to seal our decision, my family spent many summers and holidays in the area, making it familiar and special for me to return for our wedding.

Readyluck Photography was recommended to me by a family friend. When I reviewed their artists and the work, I was enchanted by their romantic and almost magical style of photography. The way they capture lighting and play with compositions is really beautiful. Lindsay Hite is an accomplished member of the Readyluck team and we were so lucky to work with her. Beyond her talent as a photographer, she is a very organized professional and a lovely person with a gentle manner. Everyone in my family enjoyed working with her on our wedding day.

Mezze Catering serves delicious locally farmed foods, and creates amazing wedding catering experiences by offering full-service wedding coordination. Dawn Van Ness was my hero for the wedding. She led me through every choice and option, every deadline and timeline, and she stayed on top of each delivery item, special need, etc. which helped make the day a success. She also asked her baker to custom design our cake which was made with Dulce de Leche, my husband’s favorite sweet.

Lisa Brown – Dreamy Floral independently runs her own flower business from her home in Lenox, Massachusetts, and creates beautiful works. I chose Lisa because she can do everything a high-end florist can do and more, and is very approachable and flexible. Unlike some high-end wedding florists, Lisa was willing to work within a fixed budget, and did not pressure us to do more than we wanted. She was very creative with our wishes to add some latin accents and Palm trees to the decor, and we loved our bouquets, table garlands.

I loved the intimacy of the wedding, the way that the wedding venue became our “home” for the evening and a place we could entertain our closest friends and family in comfort. The Mount is definitely beautiful and grand but not intimidatingly proportioned. The many little rooms and dining terrace held our party of 120 people well, and brought a feeling of closeness and community. I also loved how the home is open to guests, and everyone could roam inside and outside at their pleasure. Although it was an exciting day with lots of activity, there were many relaxed moments as well where time slowed down just a little and we could breathe in the moment.

I also loved how we were able to merge some Portuguese and Brazilian traditions into the wedding day, such as a spread of colorfully wrapped Brazilian desserts called Brigadeiros, palm trees and vintage cigar box accents, diverse music and musicians, and our special dulce de leche cake.

Photography: Readyluck | Floral Design: Lisa Brown - Dreamy Flower | Wedding Dress: Marisa Bridals | Catering: Mezze Catering + Events | Venue: The Mount

Coral-Inspired Country Club Wedding

You can always count on coral. It’ll make you – and your bridesmaids – smile and in June, it’s absolute perfection. Cambria Grace’s pics sparkle extra special with this picture perfect hue and Oxford Media Film’s clip is the definition of eye candy. Put a smile on your face with these pretty pics right this way!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/132474967 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Settings

Country Club Religious Institution

Styles

Classic Weddings

From the Bride… After spending lots of time on Pinterest and Etsy, I realized there would be nothing prettier than lots of coral on a beautiful June day. The bright coral J. Crew bridesmaids’ dresses became the swatch for all wedding plans. All of our vendors were from word of mouth. There’s nothing better than a great referral! Cambria Grace Photography was a given after seeing the wedding photo she had done for my friend. She obviously continued to do an amazing job with our photos and captured our day in such great detail. We picked DJ Carlos Russin after dancing the night away at another friend’s wedding. Great choice because our dance floor was never empty! The coral flowers from Charlotte Design were the definition of spring. The bouquets and centerpieces were beyond gorgeous. Spring Valley Country Club, with it’s cathedral ceilings, rustic chandeliers and whole wall of windows, created the best setting for this event. When I put on my Allure wedding dress everything became so real at that point. All the girls hopped on the trolley (totally recommend!), blasted “Going to the Chapel,” and headed to the church to see my handsome man! Our families and friends made for the greatest audience as Jay and I exchanged our vows and became Mr. and Mrs. Lamoureux. Everyone had such great energy the whole day and night as they enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and dancing. We took our favorite margarita and transformed it into a Lamoureux signature drink. “The Lamourita” was of course a big hit! The day was flawless from start to finish. It was the wedding we had always dreamed about and more. The best part at this point is that we can relive our big day, over and over, with our video from Oxford Media Films. Always a reminder that June 6th was beautiful.

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

Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

View All Collections

The Tie Bar

Spring 2015

Spring/Summer 2015

View All Collections

Allure

Allure Bridals Fall 2014

Allure Couture Fall 2014

Allure Romance Fall 2014

Allure Bridals Spring 2015

Allure Romance Spring 2015

Allure Couture Spring 2015

Allure Bridals Fall 2015

Allure Couture Fall 2015

Allure Romance Fall 2015

Allure Bridals Spring 2016

Allure Couture Spring 2016

Allure Romance Spring 2016

Allure Bridals Fall 2016

Allure Couture Fall 2016

Allure Romance Fall 2016

Allure Romance Spring 2017

Allure Couture Spring 2017

Allure Bridals Spring 2017

Allure Couture Fall 2017

Allure Fall 2017

Allure Romance Fall 2017

Wilderly Collection

Allure Bridals Spring 2018

Allure Romance Spring 2018

Wilderly Collection

Allure Couture Spring 2018

Wilderly Collection 2019

Allure Couture Spring 2019

Allure Bridals Spring 2019

Allure Romance Spring 2019

View All Collections

SMP Blogger Bride: Finding the Perfect Bridal Accessories

Hi Brides! It’s Jessye from City Tonic again here to chat all about bridal accessories. So far, my experience with bridal fashion has been such a departure from how I handle fashion day-to-day. I chose the second dress I tried on – which is shocking to anyone who knows me, since I’m almost clinically indecisive. After making the big decision, I realized it was time to consider my bridal accessories as well – and, admittedly, this wasn’t an area in which I’d spent much time thinking.

I was lucky enough to meet Shannon Faretra at BHLDN in Chestnut Hill, MA – and she got me super excited about the fun, unexpected ways I could add accessories to my wedding day look. Since my dress hasn’t arrived yet, we thought it would make things interesting if I tried on gowns in a few different styles (really, who can say no to that?!) and play around with sundry hair pieces, veils and jewelry. It’s no surprise that BHLDN scores big across a huge range of styles, tastes and budgets – so I would definitely recommend a visit (either online, or to a store nearby) when you begin your search. Once my dress is finished, I’m planning a return to BHLDN so I can finalize what I’ll be wearing when I walk down the aisle. Of course, it’s always a good idea to buy your accessories and jewelry when you can see the big picture (i.e. how everything works in tandem with your gown).

In the meantime, my visit to BHLDN left me feeling inspired, and the gorgeous images from Jenny Moloney (see all my looks this way!) made me feel like a real bride. So… if you’re on the hunt for accessories, I hope this will offer some inspiration, too – whether you’re a vintage-loving bride, an enthusiast of all things clean and modern, or if you simply want to feel extra glam on your wedding day.

My biggest tip for all of you SMP brides-to-be? Keep an open mind. Even if your Pinterest boards are filled exclusively with structured birdcage veils, it never hurts to try something completely different – like a cathedral veil in weightless tulle. Either you’ll be able to rule it out confidently, or you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised. Case in point: I had never considered wearing a crystal halo, but I ended up falling in love with that delicate hint of sparkle in my hair. It adds just enough glamour and romance without distracting from the rest of your look (even if you’re wearing an embellished gown).

It also really helps to work with a knowledgeable bridal stylist. I’m pretty confident when it comes to my personal style, but bridal fashion is an entirely new realm for me – so I was more than happy to defer to an expert. If you’re wearing a lace gown with lots of texture and detail (like the Gigi gown I tried on), your impulse might be to shy away from any intricate jewelry or additional texture. But in this case, Shannon suggested a vintage-inspired trapeze necklace and lace-edged veil which helped tie the whole look together without feeling too contrived or matchy-matchy. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, shapes and textures – sometimes the most unexpected combinations are the best.

Overall, your bridal accessories are an area where you can infuse some personality into your look. As cheesy as it sounds, you’ll most likely be glowing with happiness on the big day – so those extra special touches will only help enhance how pretty you feel. See every look I tried on right this way!

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

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

View All Collections

Jessye Aibel

Blogger Bride

City Tonic

Rustic Summer Wedding at The Barn at Gibbet Hill

There is just something about barn weddings that I don’t think I’ll ever tire of. The combination of rustic and romantic, the relaxed elegance of it all – and the photos always come out beautifully! Case in point, this summer celebration captured by Deborah Zoe, where the Bride and Groom beamed and the whole day was a pure dream. See every second right this way!

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Rustic Weddings

Styles

Rustic

From Deborah Zoe Photography… RJ and Meredith are high school sweethearts who met in Spanish class over eight years ago. As Meredith describes it, RJ was the class clown who she wanted nothing to do with. But as soon as they started talking flirting, it was all over. They’ve been inseparable ever since!

When it came time to pick a venue for their wedding day, they knew the perfect spot, Gibbet Hill. Located in the town where they grew up and fell in love, it also had the approachable and rustic feel they were looking for. Meredith picked a delicate palette of creams to accent the day, including her amazingly beautiful ombre laced dress.

From the Bride… We searched near and far for the perfect elegant yet rustic venue. After months of looking without any luck, we realized nothing compared to Gibbet Hill in Groton, Massachusetts. Gibbet Hill is a restored barn that is located in our home town, where our love story began 10 years ago. While the venue is breathtaking, we especially loved that this venue was so close to home and our hearts.

The most special part of the day was being surrounded by our family and friends that have supported and loved us unconditionally. Having been together since high school, this wedding was a long time coming. The energy and excitement of our guests was palpable and we are so grateful for their love.

My goal was to incorporate details from my family members’ wedding days into my own wedding. I wore a family veil that my aunt first wore on her wedding day in 1978 and all my cousins have worn since. I also wore the pearls that my father gave to my mother on their wedding day. My most favorite decoration was a display I created with a picture of our grandparents and our parents on each of their wedding days.

My advice to brides planning their wedding day is “don’t sweat the small stuff.” At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is you are marrying your best friend and beginning your life together.” Enjoy every minute and take the time to soak it all in, it will be the best day of your life!