New York Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

Want to Purchase Your Wedding Gown For Up To 90% Off? This is how.

You know there’s nothing we love more than spending our day wrapped up in some wedding pretty, so when Michelle Roth & Henry Roth told us about their upcoming sample sale, we just HAD to share. Think two of our fave designers, a whole lot of beautiful gowns and prices that are the definition of the term “blowout”. (We’re talking up to 90% off, you guys.) Mark those calendars for Saturday, March 18th, because this is one event you simply can’t miss out on.

When it comes to drop-dead gorgeous wedding gowns, it’s a well-known fact that you can’t go wrong with Michelle Roth & Henry Roth. I’m talking sophisticated fabrics, stunning (+ seriously flattering) silhouettes and wow-inducing details that will leave all of your guests talking. But you know what’s better than walking down the aisle in a Michelle Roth or Henry Roth creation? Walking down the aisle in one that you purchased for up to 90% off. Yep, that’s a stop-you-in-your-tracks design for $150-$450, plus some of the most amazing customer service you’ll ever receive from the team at Hallak, i.e., expert alterations packages, storage options, post-wedding dry cleaning AND preservation. There will even be special promotions throughout the day. You guys, this is awesome.

Ready to find that dream gown at a price that will make your wedding budget sooo happy? Visit Hallak on Saturday, March 18th from 11 am – 3 pm at their 1232 Second Avenue location (between 64th & 65th Streets). You can peruse all of the gorgeous styles (including plus sizes), plus veils, belts and hair jewelry. And don’t forget to mention Style Me Pretty and receive $25 off the price of your dress. Lovely.

See the Cute Way This Couple Relived Their First Kiss on The Big Day

What do rain, loads of candles and a vintage NYC taxi cab have in common? Only one of the most romantic weddings we’ve ever come across captured by Lindsay Madden. Not to be deterred by drizzle and over cast skies, Petals Party & Floral Design helped craft a celebration so wildly pretty, it’s as if all those rain drops were planned. But the best detail has to be the getaway car. As a nod to the couple’s first kiss in a cab, they decided to hire a vintage NYC cab for the getaway car. How’s that for adorable?

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From the bride… Alex and I were married on a chilly and drizzly day in October at my childhood church in Roslyn Harbor, New York. We both grew up in Long Island, so we opted for a local venue that was close to our families and where we had so many fond memories. We wanted a venue that was timeless and the NYIT de Seversky Mansion, with its stunning interior and exterior, was the perfect match. Just three miles from my childhood home, the mansion possessed the perfect balance of vintage and elegance. Despite having nearly 240 guests (blame our big Italian & Armenian families!), it was important to us that our wedding be intimate. We incorporated numerous candles of varying heights throughout every room. We also chose romantic hues for our centerpieces- from soft muted lavender to burgundy- to add warmth and comfort. From the very beginning of the day, Alex and I were showered with love and support from our family, friends, and vendors. Our photographer, Lindsay Madden, truly captured the emotion that each moment brought. From getting dressed with my mom, the first look with my dad, Alex’s face as I walked down the aisle, and to the hilarious and heartwarming speeches, the emotions that Lindsay captured will remain tangible even as the years go by. If I had to give advice to future brides it would be that with your mom and fiancé by your side, you can plan your perfect wedding without a planner (thanks, mom!). Always hire vendors you can trust and that are a direct reflection of your personal style. Remember that the day is yours and it should showcase who you and your fiancé are as a couple. We had our first kiss in a cab, so we hired a vintage NYC cab to be our mode of transportation. Alex is allergic to peanuts and we aren’t the biggest fans of cake, so we chose to have an assortment of pies from our favorite bakery for dessert. I was the first granddaughter to get married, so I wore a piece of jewelry from my mom, grandmas, and great grandmothers to honor them. The day goes by so quickly, so cherish every moment you can with your new husband and remember that this day marks the beginning of a much bigger adventure.

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Jenny Yoo

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Kiss The Bride Films

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The 9 Step Workout to a Hot Bridal Bod

Not only is Michelle Elaine one of New York’s most sought-after wedding planners, but she’s an avid marathoner and certified personal trainer. She loves helping brides whip into shape before the Big Day, and Michelle is sharing some of her favorite slim down moves you can do just about anywhere. Pair this nine-step circuit with a clean eating plan and you’ll see big results in no time.

Lie on your right side keeping a steady form with your shoulders, chest, hips and legs in line with one another (*If you find yourself leaning forward or backward, and/or having difficulty keeping your balance just lean down on your elbow instead of fully extending your right arm.) You’re going to hold this position for 30-60 seconds, then switch to your left side and hold for another 30-60 seconds.

Get into a full plank position, as if you are about to start a push-up. From here, bring down your right arm and then your left so you get yourself into a plank position, and then lift your arms back up, leading with your right arm into that full plank position. You will keep bringing your arms down and up for 30-60 seconds, then switch to start with your left arm & perform for another 30-60 seconds.

Similar to the Tree Plank except this time both legs are fully extended and you will now dip your side down to just touch the ground and then bring back up. Perform these dips for 30-60 seconds and then switch to your opposite side for another 30-60 seconds.

Get into a full plank position and just place your left arm behind your back. Hold your body steady, don’t dip your hips down or push your butt up. Hold this position for 30-60 secondsand then switch arms.

This one is a little tough! Get into full plank position and then raise your right arm and left leg, hold for 30-60 seconds and then switch for left arm and right leg. (*This may be difficult to keep balance, if you need to, just kneel on the balancing leg.)

Get down on all fours and just lift your right foot to a 90-degree angle/hip height so that your foot is flat to the ceiling. Press up for a few inches as you bring that foot up and then lower back down and repeat for 30-60 seconds. Switch to your left foot & repeat for another 30-60 seconds.

Balance yourself into a full plank position with either a yoga ball or medicine ball and then lift your left leg and hold for 30-60 seconds while keeping balance. Then switch to your right leg & hold for another 30-60 seconds. (*The yoga ball, and/or a medicine ball will add difficulty so you can certainly opt for just having hands flat on the ground instead.)

Exactly what you’re thinking, just a basic push-up! But push-ups can transform your upper body & muscle tone! Start in a full plank position and then bring your body down & push-up. (*If you feel your hips sinking or your butt pushing up, place both knees down for assistance & keep the body steady.) Perform 10-15 push-ups.

Stand straight, head, shoulders, hips and feet aligned. Cross left arm over right & hold at a 90-degree angle, then lunge forward with your left leg. Continue to lunge forward alternating legs for 30-60 seconds. Then hold the lunge for 30-60 seconds and switch, this time starting with the right leg.

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Pair this Workout With Clean Eating for Max Results!

Photography: Laura Barisonzi | Make Up : Zann Parker | Hair: Styles On B | Sky Gallery: Sky Gallery | Trainer: Michelle Elaine Weddings

A Wedding So Gorgeous, it Deserves a Whole Weekend of Celebrating

A wedding weekend filled with Juliette Balconies, the perfect weather and multiple celebrations that beautifully embody the couple’s culture and traditions is just the kind of wedding we dream about. Now add to that a team of amazing vendors including florals crafted by Designs by Ahn and Sawyer Baird + Mint Wedding Cinematography on the capturing front. See the whole stunning affair from floral arch to breathtaking tea ceremonies right here in the vault.

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From the Bride… David and I were blessed with warm, dreamy fall weather for our entire wedding weekend after two abnormally cold and wet weekends in the beginning of October. Our guests’ favorite part of the weekend was when I got ahead of myself during the ceremony and tried to kiss David right after his personal vows, and our pastor had to stop me because it wasn’t time for us to kiss yet. The ceremony felt lush and intimate, and the reception was filled with non-stop dancing alongside our amazing band. Our closest friends and bridal party members stayed at the mansion with us for the entire weekend, so we were able to make the most of our friends and family members gathering from afar. We could not have asked for a more perfect weekend, and we will be forever grateful.

This Bride Interned with a Celebrity Wedding Planner

We absolutely love hearing stories of inspiration from Brides, especially when they’ve spent some time in the good ol’ Style Me Pretty Vault! It warms our hearts and makes us giddy to share your soirees every day. This Bride? Definitely turned on all the good feels. Being the little girl that dreamt of her wedding, she went on to intern for a celebrity wedding planner in high school. No wonder these captures from Ryon:Lockhart Photography are layered with gorgeous. Find it all in right here!

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From the Bride… Anyone that knows me even just a little bit knows that I am the epitome of a bride that has been planning her wedding since she was a little girl. So much so that I even interned for celebrity wedding planner David Tutera during my senior year of high school, which only further primed me for my time as a bride-to-be. From the very moment that Jerry and I got engaged in breathtaking Sedona, Arizona, I could NOT wait to start planning the wedding of my—now our—dreams. And while our engagement did not take place in New York, the remainder of our love story, and wedding, is quintessentially a New York one. Jerry and I met on a cold winter night in January 2013 at La Cava Wine Bar in Manhattan, and despite it being after 1:00 AM in Midtown East of all places (the last place I would have ever thought I’d find my husband), the rest, as they say, was history.

Jerry and I sat down and brainstormed words that we hoped our spring 2016 wedding would embody: romantic, elegant, classic, sophisticated, and timeless – and while I may be biased, I must say that our wedding was all of the above. On top of that, Jerry and I really wanted to make sure that two additional themes were woven into every detail of our day: springtime and New York. After one jam-packed weekend of visiting venues, Jerry and I knew we had found THE one: Bourne Mansion in Oakdale, New York. The over-the- top historic mansion and its grounds complimented our wedding vision perfectly and set the stage for all of the other details to come.

I knew I wanted to play up neutral tones, especially since the venue served as such a timeless and elegant backdrop for our day, and I thought that bright colors would take away from that. We ended up choosing a dreamy, romantic, and spring color palette of white, cream, blush, champagne, and lots of mixed metallics. With that, I wanted to make sure we incorporated a lot of fun texture since our overall color palette was more muted. An important display of our color palette came down to our bridesmaids’ dresses, and I knew very early on that I did not want my girls in identical gowns. My eight bridesmaids ended up in stunning array of Jenny Yoo dresses representing a total of four colors (champagne, blush, gold, and pewter), three different fabrics (chiffon, tulle, and liquid charmeuse) and seven unique styles.

From there, it was easy to incorporate our color palette into every remaining aspect of the wedding: white and blush flowers, cream and champagne textured linens, gold and silver mercury candles and picture frames, and the list goes on and on. My absolute favorite part of wedding planning—albeit it was also the most stressful for me—was incorporating unique details and elements into our day. While it was really important to us that our wedding be traditional, I also wanted to make sure there were elements our guests had not seen before. For this, I relied heavily on bridal magazines and blogs (hello Style Me Pretty!) and Pinterest for inspiration and then Etsy for execution.

The very first detail I always knew I wanted to include was a custom monogram for our day. For as long as I could remember, I have always been obsessed with monograms, and for the first time in my life, I was able to put my initials side-by- side with my husband’s, which to me, was a really romantic display of our lives coming together on that day. I worked with an incredibly talented graphic designer from the non-profit I worked at to bring my vision to life. From there, we used the monogram, which had our first initials (S & J) in cursive enclosed by a laurel wreath, anywhere and everywhere: all printed materials (invitations, welcome bag tags, ceremony programs, and menus), cocktail napkins, drink stirrers, and even decorative pillows that were placed throughout the mansion in various lounge areas. This tied our wedding together beautifully and enabled us to have a cohesive brand for the day.

Another of my favorite décor elements was all of the wooden laser cut signs we incorporated. For starters, I found an amazing Etsy vendor, NarWall, that created a custom seven foot sign (yup, huge!) with our last name that was hung from the balcony in the ballroom and served as a backdrop for our photos – we were sitting directly in front of it at a King’s Table with our entire bridal party and their dates. Jerry and I decided to abandon the traditional sweetheart table and instead had a 28-person table running down the middle of the ballroom, at which we sat at the head overlooking the entire reception. To further ensure this table was a focal point in the room, our florist, Bride & Blossom, did an incredible job creating a garland filled with Italian ruscus, seeded eucalyptus, and lemon leaf with cream and blush peonies and garden and spray roses sprinkled throughout. The garland, coupled with silver mercury cylinders and votives and dozens of candles, created an incredibly romantic and regal look.

Since we were getting married at the end of April and Bourne Mansion had a stunning outdoor space in the back, we wanted to make sure we utilized this during cocktail hour. To honor a favorite pastime of Jerry’s, we created a bocce court in the back, complete with a wooden sign that read “Bocce Ball” and using our monogrammed bocce ball set that was gifted to us for our engagement. Another of my favorite projects was creating our hotel welcome bags, which we wanted to ensure screamed New York. To achieve that, we included some of our favorite New York products: Brooklyn Brewery beer (where we had our first date!), Original New York Seltzer’s naturally flavored soda, North Fork Chips, KIND bars, and New York Mets swag (where my husband works). All of these were stuffed into tote bags designed by me that had a map of New York State on it with the words “From New York, With Love”.

Last but certainly not least, my something borrowed was a gorgeous opal ring that belonged to Jerry’s late mother and that I wore on my right hand the entire day, honoring her and the incredible man that she gave me.

The most special of moments had to be when my 15-year- old niece, Kaya, sang Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” with our band during the reception. While we asked her to perform at our wedding, the song she chose and rehearsed for months was a complete surprise, and it was an incredibly emotional moment for us all.

Now for the unplanned, when Jerry and I entered the ballroom for our grand entrance, we were not only greeted by all of our loved ones, but also by ourselves: custom fathead cutouts of our faces were floating in the crowd, courtesy of our friends Abby and Sean. Jerry and I could not get over just how funny this was, and the entire night, the fatheads were being passed around the dance floor. Even nine months later, our guests still talk about just how funny and fun that was!

My advice… Whether you are engaged for over two years like we were or just a few months, try and enjoy the planning process, together. While it wasn’t always easy, my husband and I learned so much more about one another along the way, and it only strengthened our relationship and now marriage. At the end of it all, I could not have imagined a more perfect day and a more perfect man to marry, and we cannot thank the talented vendors enough that helped ensure our vision became a reality.

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Jenny Yoo

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An Engagement With Sophisticated New Yorker Style

Any engagement that ends with drinks on a city rooftop is my kind of photo session. Especially when it’s set in one of the coolest spots in New York City. Nancy Ray photographed these two loves in their DUMBO, Brooklyn neighborhood and you can see their entire session this way in the gallery.

From the Bride-to-be… We moved to the beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) shortly before getting engaged last year, and we love everything about it-from the waterfront and the downtown Manhattan views to the brick streets. When it came time to pick a spot for our engagement pictures, we knew we wanted to have our pictures taken in a place special to us a couple. We chose our neighborhood because it’s the place where we started the New York chapter of our lives together!

Our wonderful photographer Nancy Ray was able to fly up to New York from North Carolina for the weekend, and we set a date for late October, hoping that the fall leaves would be in full swing. Unfortunately, we woke up the morning of our session to a torrential downpour! Nancy and I talked about rescheduling, but decided to wait a few hours and hope that it would clear up. Right before our scheduled meeting time, the rain completely stopped and the sun came out!

We had a beautiful afternoon walking around DUMBO and braving the Brooklyn Bridge. We finished our session with a glass of champagne on our rooftop, which is one our favorite places to spend our evenings! Because we wanted to be sure we had enough time to take photos before any rain moved back in, we decided to stay in one outfit for the whole session.

I searched high and low for an outfit that reflected my style now that I consider myself a New Yorker, and my DVF dress made me feel stylish while still comfortable. Drew wore a Smathers & Branson personalized needlepoint belt that I gave him when he graduated from law school and his favorite Paul Stuart sport coat. We cannot thank Nancy enough for the beautiful photos!

A Breath of Fresh Spring Air Sure to Inspire Your Al Fresco Fetes

Don’t let spring’s crisp breeze scare you off from holding your special day al fresco style; take a cue from this shoot by Lauren Fair and let the beautiful outdoors embrace and inspire you! Held at Cedar Lakes Estate and decked out in florals by Wildflowers By Design, these pics have us wishing and hoping for spring to hurry on up – see them all in our Vault right here!

From Lauren Fair… Cedar Lakes Estate is a stunning rustic elegant wedding venue set on top of the most beautiful hills, overlooking the NY mountains. For this shoot, we wanted to incorporate a light, springtime feel juxtaposed against the sweet little garden where they typically host rehearsal dinners. With a gorgeous gown from Claire Pettibone’s new line, Romantique, a stunner of a Susie Saltzman ring, and beautiful florals by Wildflowers by Design, all tied together by the expert creative eye of All Who Wander Events, this shoot was a dream from start to finish! Our incredibly sweet real couple, Nataly and Dan, braved the most freezing temperatures and winds and were so in love and cuddly in spite of the weather!

Our hope is to encourage couples to take it slow, craft a wedding day that feels genuine and right to you, soak in every moment, and consider having an outdoor reception!

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Lauren Fair Photography

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Claire Pettibone

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Modern + Chic Al Fresco Hamptons Wedding

Just because you say “I do” seaside, doesn’t mean you need to fill your celebration with that classic nautical decor. With a love for all Montauk has to offer, this couple decided to amp up their oceanside wedding; with black and white stripes, gorgeous florals and a soft, stylish color palette, it’s beach chic perfection. James A. of Judy Pak Photography captured it all – see more in our Vault right this way!

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From Judy Pak Photography… What happens when two quasi-New Yorkers meet on a hot summer afternoon at The Surf Lodge, fall in love over delicious food and touring SoHo shops, and aspire for a ceremony that captures past, present, and future and pays homage to a shared love for the Hamptons? A summer wedding in Montauk.

Bride and groom, Risa and Doug, chose Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa for their wedding celebration. Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Atlantic and dramatic views of the dunes, Gurney’s pays homage to the classic style of old Montauk while infusing chic modern elements into every part of the hotel. Their love for the beach, for simplicity and elegance, made no concessions here.

Risa has a love for design and brought together all of the detailed elements to make her dream wedding come true: romantic bistro lights, black and white stripe napkins, glass beaded charger plates, a sprawling outdoor tent, flower arrangements with texture and depth, green moss, mercury glass, farm tables covered with candles, an overall feeling of “perfection.” Every last detail was captured by the talented James A. from Judy Pak Photography. James has an eye for detail and knows how to capture real moments authentically. They could not have achieved their wedding day aspirations without him.

Risa and Doug were married on the Forward Deck, overlooking the ocean underneath the most beautiful and chic lush green chuppah designed by Pola Rebisz from Rosehip Social, on a foggy yet romantic September afternoon. Their officiant, Cantor David S. Wisnia, has a remarkable life story: he was a holocaust survivor, a composer and also married Doug’s parents over 45 years ago. They were so honored to have him marry them given his history with Doug’s family. Their bridal party was large, 25 to be exact, but they couldn’t have imaged it any other way. Risa and Doug had their best friends and family walk down the aisle along with eight rowdy, but adorable children. From the laughs under the chuppah to the smiling faces of their guests, it was a moment they will never forget.

The cocktail hour was held outside the tent on the Spa’s rooftop deck overlooking the ocean. The cocktail hour was quite a spread and featured many of Risa and Doug’s favorite food: lobster tails, shrimp cocktail, oysters, sushi, pigs in a blanket and some of Risa’s favorite rose. A dinner of filet mignon with red wine and shallot butter sauce followed, lit by table candles and lanterns overflowing with flowers created by Pola and her team.

The reception was held under a canopy of bistro lights and featured one of New York’s most talented bands, Radio Underground, from Element Music. The dance floor was never empty and the band left everyone wanting more.

It was important that the day felt personal to them. They wanted to capture themselves, where they found each other, and where they hope they’re heading.

Risa and Doug’s wedding celebration ended up capturing them, expressing the pure joy of their love for one another and for their guests so effortlessly that the only thing they could do and wanted to do was get on the dance floor and enjoy each and every minute of it.

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Joanna August

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Sweet + Sultry Chocolate Smokey Eye Tutorial for Valentine’s Day

We learned some pretty hair tricks to get into the Valentine spirit on Friday, and now we’re ready for the finishing touches, just in time for our romantic dinner date this evening. In the spirt of all things sweet, this “Chocolate Smokey Eye” tutorial by Face Time Beauty Concierge is the perfect little piece to amp up your look for a special celebration. You Look Lovely Photography captured it all step-by-step, making it as easy as can be… now, if only your chocolate souffle plans were as simple…

Some people opt to do a smokey eye before any other makeup is completed but we actually prefer to begin with a completed face before starting a smokey eye. It is much easier for us to envision how heavy the smokey eye should be if we are able to consider the perfected complexion. In this tutorial, we started with a “completed” face and have swept a soft layer of translucent powder over the eyelid for blending purposes.

Sweep a tan/beige over the entire lid and a bit above the crease. Be sure to choose a color that is not too dark. A beige hue with a hint of pink can brighten up the eye and be a great base.

Pick a darker brown (this is where the “chocolate brown” hue comes in handy) and focus on the sideways “v” of the eye in the outer corners. For example, sparingly sweep the chocolate brown from the outer corner inward and a touch above the crease line and then brush back to the outer point of the “v” and down towards the lash line. This gives the eye definition and depth.

If needed, grab the soft beige or tan color used in step #2 to soften the chocolate brown (this is helpful if you want to soften the look). Also, use a gold or silver tone (the brighter you go, the more contrast) right in the center of the lid to reflect light for illumination.

Use the chocolate brown shadow to create a soft, smokey line on the bottom lash line. Be sure to blend this so the powder disperses and the line does not read too harsh. Draw a thin line of black or deep brown kohl liner on top lash line and use a brush to blend (we love the eyeliner by the new Estee Lauder line, Estee Edit). The idea is to get the darkest hue closest to the lash line and then for the depth of color to disperse as it gets closer to the brow.

Photography: You Look Lovely Photography | Hair + Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Venue: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Flower Crowns: Crowns By Christy | Robes: Girl and A Serious Dream

A Castle Played Backdrop to their Fairytale Wedding

This wedding day…where do we even start? The castle setting, the gorgeous bride (who’s also a professional model) and the Pronovias gown made for a modern princess. Of course, our girl Julie Paisley brought her A-game behind the camera lens and the wedding gallery truly speaks for itself.

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From Julie Paisley… When the inquiry came in from Stephanie, all I saw was Oheka Castle and I immediately jumped up and down. This place is AMAZING. Hands down one of the most beautiful venues ever. Add in Stephanie and Chris who are drop dead gorgeous (Stephanie is a professional model in NYC and Chris is a Jimmy Fallon look-a-like – don’t you agree?) along with a beautiful day and I just couldn’t stop smiling.

I love Stephanie’s classic style, it was the perfect fit for such an impressive venue. Some of my favorite parts was the ceremony – I loved all the expressions and emotions, the family formals in the library – so incredibly classy and gorgeous and that Stephanie had her brothers as her “bridesmen”. It was definitely one for the books.

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Pronovias

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PRONOVIAS

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Crazy Romantic Valentine’s Day Hair Tutorials

Today may be Friday (reason enough to celebrate) but with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re feeling extra special. But why limit the excitement – and the hearts, sweet treats and romance to just one day? Why not celebrate all weekend long? That’s just what we plan on doing – specifically, with these festive hair tutorials thanks to Face Time Beauty Concierge, captured by You Look Lovely Photography!

Half Back Heart Hairstyle

Begin with hair brushed out. Take two sections from either side of head and bring back into a pony. Secure with elastic.

Grab a small section of hair from left side (above ear) and pull towards elastic. Take the end of the section and fold into the center of secured hair and pull thru. Let end hang.

Repeat Step #2 on the right side of the head. This time, use a bobby pin to pin hair over elastic neatly. Place the bobby pin underside of hair so it is hidden.

Pump some hairspray into these hanging strands near the “heart” for texture and use a second elastic to secure new ponytail (the other elastic is hidden above).

Embellish and adorn with flowers or a pretty flower crown!

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Tousled French Twist

Start with beachy, textured waves for this look.

Take a section of hair aligning from the middle of the ear down to neck and firmly grasp. Twist the section from roots twice around and secure with bobby pins on underside of twists so the pins are hidden.

Take a larger section on the left hand side starting from above ear and twist three times and secure with elastic where both sections meet. Secure twists with bobby pins on this side as well.

Pump texturizing spray into air and use fingers to rub ends so the hair gains body and appears full.

Secure a flower comb into the twist or adorn with a pretty flower crown!

Photography: You Look Lovely Photography | Hair + Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Venue: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Flower Crowns: Crowns By Christy | Robes: Girl and A Serious Dream

Why Central Park is the Sweetest Place for a Vow Renewal

These two are major marriage goals. They were graced with THE most pristine day for their vow renewal in Central Park—can you even handle the dreamy sun-soaked images? This one has me all heart eyes. Sheradee Hurst Photography nailed every single image and The Vault is shinier today because of it.

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From Sheradee Hurst Photography… Michael and Amy enlisted Talia Morgan from Inspire Events to design and plan their vow renewal in the heart of NYC’s iconic Central Park. Amy wanted to have the experience of selecting her bouquet from the Floral District on the streets of NYC. So the day before the ceremony, Amy and her group of creatives that traveled with her walked the floral district selecting the freshest flowers NYC had to offer in shades of warm fall colors with subtle hints of citrus inspired shades. All floral was chosen the day prior to the ceremony from the Floral District. The bride hosted a “rehearsal dinner” at Tavern on the Green for family, friends, and creatives. The couple’s first look was a romantic vision in the middle of Central Park when a violinist started impromptu playing the wedding march right after their first look. The ceremony was a perfect reflection of their love for each other and how it’s grown over the years. Michael and Amy’s two sons were there to watch their parents big day. As a surprise to Amy, her original Maid of Honor from nineteen years ago even showed in Central Park wearing her original bridesmaid dress from Amy’s wedding. She had walked through the park and sat during the ceremony right by her side in the dress Amy selected at her first wedding. The couple’s first dance was overlooking the water and a small picnic Guests then enjoyed a lovely reception dinner at Lexington Brass.

From the Bride… It has been said that love finds you when you least expect it. I can’t think of a truer statement. Mike and I dated for 2 weeks before he said ” I’m going to marry you.” You just know when you know. Our love story started fast, but has stood the test of time. Being married for 19 years to your best friend makes life so much sweeter. Working in the wedding industry I meet young couples everyday. My advice to them would be, always choose to love each other. Life can be rough and always choosing love makes things easier. Be each others cheerleader and biggest encourager. I feel I am who I am today because of the strong man that stands by my side saying “You got this!” Keep dating each other and ALWAYS make time to spend together. I could go on forever but most important advice would be to forgive and be patient. I have learned all these things along our journey, so when we decided to renew our vows it was very emotional and meant so much more the second time. Standing up after doing life together as people who have grown together takes on a whole new wonderful feeling. I’m grateful for the love we have found together and our two beautiful boys. Having our sons witness our renewal was my favorite part of the day. I hope they will one day find their special someone and ALWAYS choose love.

These Bridal Portraits will Have You Craving a Garden Wedding

Having a location for beautiful bridal portraits was a must on my wedding list and today’s fete from Brklyn View Photography proves exactly why. The Untermyer Garden Conservatory was THE perfect spot for Alice and Mike’s snaps and you can find them all right here in The Vault!

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From Brklyn View Photography… In a bustling office in New York City, Alice and Mike worked indirectly together on the same financial team. She liked him, he liked her and after a few months of getting to know each other, Mike handed her a pink envelope and discreetly asked her out. They’ve been together ever since – so romantic! Along with their families, they put together an elegant and stylish wedding at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club. Alice got ready at her childhood home along side her sister and best friends. The Bride wore a stunning lace gown by BHLDN and a pair of blue satin, crystal encrusted Manolo Blahnik shoes (LOVE!). Inside St. Joseph’s Church, Mike waited patiently for his beautiful Bride to walk down the aisle and finally become his wife. Overwhelmed with emotion, both the Bride and the Groom shed tears exchanging their sacred wedding vows. After their ceremony, we visited the breathtaking Untermyer Garden Conservatory for their portraits and bridal party photos. Alice’s bridesmaids wore floral printed dresses from Plum Pretty Sugar with bouquets filled with shades of white and pink june roses by Violet and Verde. At the reception, guests were treated to cocktail hour overlooking the Long Island Sound before dancing the night away under the twinkle lights inside the ballroom. It was only fitting to send off this amazing couple in style with a super fun sparkler exit. Alice and Mike are two of the sweetest, most kind, thoughtful, and wonderful couples I’ve had the honor of documenting. Their wedding was filled with so much love and laughter that it was hard to leave at the end of the night. Wishing the Bride and Groom a lifetime of love and happiness!

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BHLDN

Bridal 2016

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Plum Pretty Sugar

Castelbel & Trumpet

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Lilli Tru

PomPon

Plum Pretty Sugar for BHLDN

PPS Couture

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Two Ceremonies. Two Sites. One Wedding Day!

Can I just say that Kathleen and Justin deserve some kind of wedding planning medal for pulling off a day in two parts? Beginning with a traditional tea ceremony in midtown Manhattan followed by a Brooklyn celebration beneath the cherry blossom trees, they made a multicultural wedding look effortless as can be. DESIGNS BY AHN worked her floral magic and Sawyer Baird photographed the entire affair, and there’s much more waiting this way.

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Spring Weddings

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Garden Weddings

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Classic Weddings Romantic

When planning a spring wedding under the cherry blossom trees in the city your heart skips a beat, in all of the right directions. Right? Kathleen and Justin shared a beautiful day at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. From all the small details to the big ones, Kathleen spent hours working on her wedding to make sure it was absolutely perfect.

On the wedding day we woke up to the coldest and stormy weather that was completely not ideal for the outdoor ceremony that was planned, our fingers remained crossed for the best and we made what we had work, as you do. The bride and groom had a traditional tea ceremony in midtown Manhattan that was surrounded by their closest family and friends. Later we all rode together to Brooklyn – making the ride with their the cutest thing. Justin had not seen Kathleen yet, as they did a first look when we got to the gardens. So the entire ride, he was blindfolded with Kathleen not even five feet away. It was one of the cutest wedding day experiences that I have had the honor of being a part of. Can you even imagine being less than five feet away from your future spouse and not even peeking to see them? Easy to say – I think the rest of us would have failed that task!

As we arrived at the garden the weather began to clear, it was amazing. Though it was still cold, Kathleen’s dream of being married under the cherry blossoms was underway. Proving that even when things aren’t perfect, they actually really area. As their closest family and friends gathered around at the ceremony you could tell how much these two were loved. The outpouring support to keep the ceremony outside, regardless of the cold weather, was just the icing on the cake. Besides, the arch by Designs By Ahn was beyond stunning under the cherry blossoms and I truly think it had no other place, expect to be where it was! It was so fitting, elegant, and simple.

Later on that evening Kathleen and Justin celebrated by laughing, dancing, and even bringing the band out to the dance floor. Proving that weddings are honestly just about a good time, love, and laughter.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Silver Arrow Band

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A Wedding That Embraces Greenery in a Big Way

Finding her point of inspiration in summer botanicals, this art director turned bride brought her vision to life for a garden wedding in the city. Adorned head-to-toe in natural, lush greens, the setting felt like an urban oasis and the ladies of Face Time Beauty Concierge made sure the bride, Yasmine completely stole the show. Judy Pak is to thank for every image, and there’s more to see this way.

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Fall Weddings

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From the Bride… My family is Egyptian and my husband’s family is Iranian. We met in New York and wanted our wedding to reflect not just our past but also our present. To do this we brought people together in a space that embodies what we love about our city. The Foundry has history, modernity, character, elegance and warmth all in one beautiful space. It was exactly what we were looking for.

As an art director, I designed the stationery myself which helped me set the overall look and feel early on. To influence my palette of colors, textures, and flavors I found inspiration in summer botanicals, particularly olive, rosemary and eucalyptus.

The ceremony took place in the venue’s main space and had three parts to it. For our processional, we did a modern take on the traditional Egyptian Zaffa. This was followed by an Iranian sugar rubbing ritual. We then asked all of our guests to collectively marry us. In unison, they read out loud nine questions we’d written on the back of the programs to which we answered “we do”. It was important for us to feel like each guest was part of the wedding.

Following the ceremony, guests were invited into the Greenhouse room to enjoy specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. We had a candlelit outdoor dinner under a tent in the courtyard. Adorning our long communal tables were low lush floral centerpiece arrangements that we interspersed with a collection of hurricanes and brass vases filled with more florals and herbs.

Food was a priority for us. We created a modern menu that we infused with some of our favorite Mediterranean flavors and aromas. We even gave the cake a Mediterranean flair by decorating it with olive branches.

After dinner, a roaring dance party took place in the main space where we partied the night away with our loved ones.

Rainy Day Romance in New York City

While rain might not be something you would hope for on your wedding, it is guaranteed to make for the most romantic pictures and Rowa L for Judy Pak Photography’s images are proof. Stormy skies, kisses under the umbrella and a reception a glow with candlelight are just a few of the details tucked inside this city celebration crafted by 5th Avenue Weddings. Head to the vault for even more.

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Fall Weddings

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Hotels + Resorts Weddings

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From the Bride… Our journey began our sophomore year of college. Even though we started off as just friends, from the moment we met we knew what we had was something special. With graduation brought years of long distance, myself a California native and Bennett from Colorado, but finally the stars aligned and we ended up together in our dream city, New York. We immediately knew this city filled with so much love and meaning for us both would be the perfect setting for our wedding. We chose our venue, The High Line Hotel, for its breathtaking Refectory Room, rich history, ornate details and renaissance charm. As a bride you’re always told to prepare for a chance of rain, but we never expected a constant downpour in the middle of Fall! Even though the showers never let up, it created a gorgeous backdrop for our first look and gave the entire candlelit evening a very special and intimate feel. We have the absolute best friends and family who flew from all over to celebrate our love, and we are forever grateful to everyone who took this journey with us.

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The Classic NYC Engagement Session

When these two Southerners began dreaming up their engagement session, they called on their love of travel to inspire photos set in NYC. From Washington Square Park to the pretty streets of Soho, they let the city set the scene and James A. of Judy Pak Photography did the rest. Head this way for every last bit of the fun.

From the bride-to-be… Our engagement photo session in New York City was a fun and joyful experience that I will cherish for years to come. Both born and raised in Mississippi, Brian and I are Southerners through and through, but we love traveling and we LOVE New York City. When it came time to decide on a location for our engagement photos, we wanted to go somewhere unique and memorable. It just had to be New York.

Brian is a photographer himself, and I had tagged along with him a little over year prior when he was shooting an engagement session in New York. I carried the bags, suggested some shots, and just took in the enchanting experience of walking around the city. It was so special to go back to this wonderful city for our own engagement session. We had a blast being on the other side of the camera!

We took the photos early on a Sunday morning so there were very few people around. We started off in Washington Square Park getting some lovely photos around the fountain, then we changed into more casual outfits and headed to SoHo. Our engagement photos are special, a testament to our love for each other and “the greatest city in the world”! We can’t wait to go back!

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Photography: James A. of Judy Pak Photography

Glam Manhattan Wedding Planned in 3 Months

I have to give MAJOR props to this gorgeous duo for planning their wedding in three months. Yes, you read correctly: three months. I planned mine in 16 and can’t imagine crafting a day as beautiful as this one in less than 20% of that time. But they sure did and the results captured by Julie Bulanov are incredible. Thanks to Rachel Cho Floral Design, the day was sprinkled with the dreamiest blooms and city backdrops like this elevate the whole scene. There’s more right this way in The Vault!

From the Bride (Pinsi Lei)… Our backgrounds couldn’t be more different, yet we knew from the first time we met that we could not complement each other more perfectly. I was born in China and raised in Guam. Richard (Lorenzen) was born and raised in Long Island, New York. When we met online in 2014, we were both living in NYC and things just clicked. We talked about books we’ve read like “Outliers” and “Tuesdays with Morrie,” and what it meant to be an entrepreneur.

On December 22, 2015, Richard made reservations for us at the Pool Room in the Four Seasons. As our food was about to be served, he asked the waiters to move the table so he could stand up. I was so confused, but as I looked up, I saw a photographer standing in the doorway and knew what was about to happen. The entire restaurant went silent as he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. The night ended with a huge champagne toast between us and the one hundred other diners in the Pool Room.

Since we were both running our own businesses, his in public relations and mine in digital marketing, I told him that the wedding had to be in 2018 so we would have enough time to plan. Well, things didn’t quite fall into that timeline.

In the summer of 2016, as I started brainstorming wedding venues, I remembered seeing a gorgeously manicured rooftop garden in the middle of New York City in a White Collar TV episode. It overlooked St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Fifth Avenue and even had a huge indoor space with large windows that overlooked Rockefeller Center. NYC perfection! After some serious online digging, I found 620 Loft and Garden! We toured the venue in July 2016 and loved it so much that we booked it on the spot… for October 2016… two years ahead of schedule.

Ladies, it is definitely possible to plan a wedding in three months, so don’t fret if you’re in a similar position. It was helpful for me to confirm the three major pieces first: venue, caterer and florist. The next was the: photographer, cake artist and wedding planner. These were difficult decisions, but I ultimately chose my vendors because I loved them as individuals and knew they understood my vision for the wedding.

One of my favorite parts of the planning process was designing our wedding cake with Madison Lee. We spent over two hours sketching, painting and coloring my dream cake. The four-tiered cake was painted in a blush and silver metallic ombre with a large sugar flower tiara in the center. The flavor was as unique as the design, and I can still taste the spiced fig filling and vanilla buttercream frosting.

The wedding dress was a little difficult to find, but I finally found it in Ohio of all places! I was there for a business trip and happened to reconnect with an old friend from study abroad. An impromptu decision to go wedding dress shopping led to us finding THE dress at the first store! It came back to NYC in the carry-on compartment of the airplane. Everyone in the airport was wishing me congratulations because the garment bag was so massive and very obviously a wedding dress.

Our wedding was on October 22, 2016. Guests arrived at 5PM to 620 Loft and Garden, and they sipped hibiscus guava iced tea while a string quartet played familiar classical and contemporary music, from Mozart to Taylor Swift. After the wedding party was seated on the rooftop, Perry, our King Charles Cavalier puppy, made his grand entrance in a tuxedo led by Kaitlyn, Richard’s sister. Richard’s hometown pastor officiated the ceremony. He had the crowd laughing, crying and pondering life’s greatest questions in the 30 minute ceremony. We exited to the quartet playing I’m Yours by Jason Mraz while bubbles flew all around us.

I was surprised at how calm I was on my wedding day despite Murphy’s Law manifesting at every turn. Instead of a 70°F Saturday like it had been the weekend before, it was 38°F and rainy. I’m so glad I had my wedding planner Sophia there by my side because we had to move the ceremony off the lawn and into the tented area, which meant the cocktails setup had to change which meant… you know where this leads. I had been warned that things might not go as planned, but having someone you trust to handle surprises was key to keeping the CEO in me from not turning into bridezilla.

The moments right after the ceremony were so special. After Richard and I signed our wedding license, we had a chance to enjoy each other’s company and process what had just happened.
We sat down for the first time in what seemed like days and actually got to taste the amazing appetizers and cocktails we designed. This little bit of precious time was possible because we took all the group and family photos before the ceremony, another decision I highly recommend to brides. While we had our alone time, guests were entertained by an amazingly talented singer and guitarist. The live music created such a dynamic and energetic atmosphere and we couldn’t help but peep from behind the curtains to watch the show.

Our food was one of the most unique parts about our wedding. We incorporated our favorite cuisines: Asian, Island, and American comfort food. We had eight uniquely different bite-sized appetizers ranging from bbq short ribs on grit cakes to ceviche tuna tacos and duck banh-mi rolls. We designed signature cocktails too: the Guamanian Kiss (prosecco, elderflower liqueur, club soda and a strawberry slice) and the Fifth Avenue, a classic Manhattan. For the reception, I wanted guests to feel like they were at a large, overly-glamorous dinner party with two impeccably dressed hosts. Seated in two long tables, each guest had a place cards with a quirky fact about them like “modern art genius”, “island girl”, and “secret contortionist”. These were great conversation starters!

Our gift bags were quite spectacular because all the items were flown in internationally! My parents brought with them luggage full of gifts from Guam: hibiscus shaped candles in seashells; bojobo dolls made from coconut husk; Guam coconut chips; Hawaiian coffee; and Chinese red envelopes with brand new $2 bills for luck. We also included mini bottles of Schlumberger Sparkling Wine, which we discovered on a recent trip to Austria.

Our wedding was elegant and intimate. Guests described it as visually stunning and very Manhattan. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing! (Except, maybe the weather!)

Dream of Saying I Do at the Central Park Boathouse? Don’t Miss This One.

There’s no denying that Central Park‘s scenery is magical in and of itself. But when you set a wedding in the Loeb Boathouse? That magic turns into the perfect backdrop for I do’s. Case in point—this soiree snapped up by Joshua Zuckerman Photography. Dream of your Big Day at this charmer venue? Peruse more in The Vault!

From Joshua Zuckerman Photography… Kristen and Paul’s dreamy wedding was at the Central Park Boat House, one of my favorite venues to photograph at because of the surrounding beauty of the park. The couple were very relaxed and I knew the bride’s family from having photographed her sister’s wedding at the Oheka Castle a couple of years earlier. I always love working with families as warm and friendly as both Kristen and Paul’s families. They had a few special details at their wedding that I hadn’t previously seen, which was the charming little wagon that the little flower girl came down in. I also loved the vintage trolley, which added a nice back drop for the bridal portraits. I really loved photographing in Central Park, which can be a little difficult with all the crowds, but we found a little area that was perfect. The bridal party and bride and groom were also great sports to climb up onto the large rock for the group shots—but it was worth it. Those are some of my favorite ‘formal’ portraits of that wedding season.

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Wedding Dresses

KENNETH POOL

Fall 2014

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This Hudson Valley Wedding Had Us at Engagement Ring

Elena Wolfe snapped sooo many beautiful scenes during this Hudson Valley wedding day, but I just HAD to open with this beauty. Can you even handle it’s heirloom goodness? And this stunning Bride rocked it beautifully, along with her Katie May dress. Oh, and then there are captures like this that make me love logging on to Style Me Pretty every day. Thank you, Elena. There’s more right this way in The Vault and it’s all equally as dreamy.

From Elena Wolfe… Jillian and Jordan picked a wedding venue nestled between the trees and valleys in Hudon Valley. With abundant and lush greens and dusty pinks, the day was surrounded by delicate blooms. The Groom and Groomsmen wore rich navy suits and the Bridesmaid’s mismatched pink dresses.