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

Enchanting French Chateau Wedding At Chateau de Bouthonvilliers

Set in a magnificent forest, The Château de Bouthonvilliers sets the scene for this utterly enchanting French wedding. Filled with charming details, Vivian Lyttle Events created a day that perfectly encompasses everything we love about the French countryside. Every inch of this inspired day wows, from the outdoor ceremony filled with florals to the reception table covered in free-flowing floral arrangements lovingly created by Janna Brown Design. The effortless beauty of the event is perfectly captured in the breathtaking images by Lisa Catherine Photography. Fall in love with all the details in the full gallery.

From Lisa Catherine Photography… This elegant European wedding is inspired by the lovers of France and how truly deep they emit their love for one another, the natural and effortless beauty adorned by French women and men, and the beauty of the French countryside.

Chateau de Bouthonvilliers was the perfect backdrop to set the Autumn outdoor ceremony against adorned with florals by Janna Brown Design and styling by Vivian Lyttle Events. The morning started with lingerie portraits in the garden and then our stunning bride, Mailys, wore a gorgeous gown from Alon Livné White from Vivienne Paris Bride. Our handsome groom, Romain, wore a classic navy suit from Chris Von Martial.

The perfect wedding day included an intimately styled table surrounded by florals, a stunning blush cake by Synies Paris and champagne toast, and a Vespa getaway to delight their guests. There is something about France that makes the food taste better, clothing more luxurious, beauty more effortless, and love speak louder.

“Wild Ones” Twin Birthday Party

Any party that has the word Wild in it, is a party where I want to be. And this little number, whipped up to celebrate the cutest twinsies on earth, is all spunk and style. Using a bright, poppy color palette and pom-poms for days, Mom – who happens to be the lead behind the incredible event design firm, A Good Affair – set the ton for a day filled with food, fun and a good ole fashioned walk on the wild side. Photography by Jessica Mangia.

Designing parties for a living is my passion so when it came time to decide on my twin’s first birthday I had so many ideas of what I wanted to do! I wanted to create something colorful and not a typical boy themed party. Having twins has truly been WILD so it was only fitting to create a “Wild to be One” theme! Rancho Las Lomas was the perfect backdrop for this epic party.

I started with wild animal figures and handmade party hats and strung wool pom pom garlands in all the bright colors! Custom invitations by my good friends at East Six were chic and playful.

The dessert table was filled with 7 birthday cakes topped with the cutest cake toppers and pendant garlands from Sugar Hippo Design (the cutest Etsy seller!). Each cake was made by my dear friend and favorite cake designer, Brooke with Simply Sweet.

I made a custom backdrop with animal print wallpaper and pom pom garlands and balloons. 24 Carrots Catering served delish childhood favorites- sliders, fries, fruit skewers, yogurt parfait bar (the boys LOVE yogurt and fruit!), and pretzels with warm cheese dip.

We caffeinated tired parents with the Conscious Bean’s gourmet lattes and cappuccinos which they sipped in a cozy, boho-inspired lounge, set under our handmade art installation.

Zebra balloons and a darling kid’s dining area were just some of the other adorable touches. All in all, it was a sunshine-filled day of fun for my two adorable Wild Ones!

An All-Star Team of Vendors Came Together to Create Pastel Magic at Greystone Mansion

A few of the industry’s very best came together to create today’s fairy tale shoot at Greystone Mansion planned by Detailed Touch Events with styling by Type A Society. The inspiration? Edgar Degas, a French impressionist artist known for his pastel drawings. Every detail you see in the full gallery was chosen with creative intent, from the lavish yet delicate stationery to the feminine blooms by Wilder Floral Co. Lucky for us, the genius that is Jose Villa was there to capture every steal-worthy moment! Prepare for your Pinterest page to get a major upgrade…

From Detailed Touch Events… “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see,” Edgar Degas. The overall design and creative vision for this shoot was inspired by artist Edgar Degas who was a French impressionist artist known for his pastel drawings. I brought on the amazing film photographer Jose Villa as well as my styling mentor Carrie Moe of Type A Society. That is when this dreamy shoot came to life. Greystone Mansion was the perfect sophisticated backdrop for this artistic shoot.

Every design element was chosen with creative intent. Degas was influenced by femininity and he was known for using ballet dancers in many of his art pieces. We infused the pastel color palette into all of the design details from the opulent stationery produced by Yonder Design to the artistic cake created by Jasmine Rae Cakes. Ballerina pointe shoes were incorporated in the flat lays as well as the ballet flats and the bridal heels that were adorned with tulle to mimic a ballerina tutu. Chalk was used in the ring detail shots as a subtle nod to Degas. One of my favorite artistic moments is when we incorporated the beautiful art piece from JRD. Degas was an innovator and we wanted to represent this in the bridal fashion choices. We started with the bridal lingerie that was overly feminine, girly and playful.

The first bridal gown has a structured see through bodice with delicate embroidery and a full tulle skirt which reminded me of a prima ballerina costume. We played to that delicateness with a very soft pink makeup look as well as a loose, undone pony. The second gown with the paper crown was a handmade art piece. It was important to incorporate true artistic touches in this shoot to show innovation and creativity. The ceremony bridal gown with the bows embellished on the shoulders played back into the lingerie piece from earlier. We switched the hairstyle to a modern version of a bun. For the table design, we layered different textures and elements for visual interest much like a painter would layer elements into a piece of art. To accomplish this look we started with a lush velvet linen in lilac from La Tavola, layered with modern yet intricate pieces from The Ark. The table was finished with off with luscious blooms from Wilder Floral Co.

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Photography

Jose Villa Photography

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Detailed Touch Events

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A Modern Mediterranean Inspired Wedding at the Montecito Club

Modern elegance, bougainvillea bloom, rattan pendant lights and epiccc Pacific ocean views… umm, need we say more?! Today’s inspiration shoot planned by Array Creative Design is bringing us to the warm and sunny California coasts at the Montecito Club. Ella & Louie absolutely blew us away with their modern take on seaside ceremony decor that’s about to blow up your Pinterest feed. Dying to see the details? The full gallery is just a click away, all captured to perfection by Pinnel Photography.

From Pinnel Photography… Located in the hills of Montecito overlooking the pacific ocean, the Montecito Club brings the vibe of the Mediterranean to Southern California. This luxurious Santa Barbara property offers stunning coastal and mountain views, lush landscapes, and historical architecture.

This chic wedding photoshoot was inspired by the vibrant and colorful gardens of the Montecito Club and the American Riviera in Santa Barbara. With its lush gardens decorated with bougainvillea, olive groves, and Spanish mission style architecture, it’s the perfect setting for a couple looking for classic elegance combined with a modern mediterranean feel in Southern California, especially as destination weddings are put on pause.

Event designer and wedding planner, Erika Bellit of Array Creative Design created an elegant, contemporary tablescape with clean neutrals and crisp linens . Wicker lanterns from Elan Event Rentals hung above creating a warm, intimate ambiance. Ella & louie arranged abundant florals in a pink and fuchsia palette that decorated the table and a verdant bouganvillea ceremony space adorned the richness of the landscape. This design was made for a warm summer night of watching the sunset on the ocean horizon while enjoying an intimate celebration and dinner surrounded by your family and closest friends. To inspire those whose guest list may be smaller than expected, each detail was curated to elevate the space and impact the overall design, highlighting that an intimate gathering can be filled with stylish and meaningful details. It is the gentle reminder that though you may be reimagining your event, your design and details can be just as beautiful and impactful to express your style from start to finish. Los Angeles bridal boutique NWLA Bridal offered our bride a classic yet modern strapless gown by designer Reem Acra. Mar from TEAM Hair and Makeup created a natural and timeless look that was paired with minimal yet luxurious accessories by local atelier Sandy Moss Jewelry.

This editorial was photographed by fine art husband and wife photographers, Pinnel Photography on both medium format film and digital. The Montecito Club property, with both mountain and ocean views, offers a unique opportunity for couples for their wedding photography. In addition to both mountain and ocean backdrops, there are many small nooks with amazing gardens and architecture all over the property. The Montecito Club is also very well located right between downtown Santa Barbara and Montecito, which offers the opportunity to explore other nearby locations to capture photos on the beach, downtown, or in the foothills. Also worth noting, The Montecito Club recently underwent an extensive renovation and this is the first time that it has been photographed since. Another unique feature of a wedding at the Montecito Club is that you can currently explore having small ceremonies and intimate dinners all over the gorgeous property while the Club is closed to its members due to covid, and is only open for small events.

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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DIY Photo Bookmarks

Gone are the days of folded pages marking your spot in your bedside reading. Once you gift these photo bookmarks, you and your loved ones will never touch a page corner again. They’re the perfect gifts for Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas and moms too. So grab a camera, stick your little cuties in front of a white wall and get to crafting.

Materials
Photo of your little one
Photo paper
5 mil laminate pouches
Laminator
Black & white string
Pink yarn
Gold elastic cord
Scissors

Take a photo of your kiddo where their arms are up as if they are holding on to something, ideally in front of a blank wall- this will make it easier to see the edges when you’re cutting out the photo.

Print your photo on photo paper. You want your kiddo to be around 4-6″ tall so play around with the size you print at until you reach a size you like.

Cut out the photo of your kid along their outline, removing all background.

Laminate the photo in 5 mil laminate. Cut off the excess laminate (just be sure to leave a little extra room around the seal so that the photo stays waterproof). Use a knife or hole puncher to cut a small hole at the top, where your child’s hand is.

step-5 Make a few yarn tassels by wrapping yarn around your four fingers multiple times until you have a nice thick bunch. Cut the yarn along the bottom of your fingers.

step-6 Fold the yarn bundle in half over a length of black & white string. Tie a gold string around the yarn bundle, near the top, to make a nice tassel shape. Trim the ends of the yarn to be nice and even and you have a finished tassel. Having trouble picturing it? Check out this tutorial.

Make another tassel on the same strand of black & white string and tie the string through the bookmark hole and knot on the other side.

Edgy Meets Elegant At This Inspired Vineyard Wedding

With stunning alfresco moments and personal touches that will steal your heart, this wedding amongst the vineyards is an absolute must-see. Tim and David enlisted the help of expert experience maker Harutyunyan Events to create a day that was equal parts romantic, elegant, and masculine. Wooden farm tables, gunmetal industrial chairs, and eclectic dinnerware were made incredibly elegant with the addition of beautiful deconstructed arrangements by Forage Florals. It was important to the couple to make their guests feel like family, and you can feel the love and happiness in the pictures from Todd Danforth Photography. Check out the full gallery to fawn over every last detail.

From the couple… We met while attending medical school together and started dating almost instantly! For the proposal, David surprised Tim with a PowerPoint presentation in their living room one Christmas evening. The slideshow contained photos together from over the years, but it was really the end of the presentation that took Tim’s breath away. David had asked several of Tim’s friends to each make a music video of what would be Tim and David’s first dance song, Herb Alpert’s “This Guy’s In Love With You.” He then got on one knee and popped the question.

We were married at Sogno del Fiore, a family-run vineyard and wine club, in Santa Ynez, CA. Early in our relationship, we bonded over wine, and one of our first experiences together was attending a wine tasting. A few years later, we visited California Wine Country for the first time and fell in love with the natural beauty of the Central Coast. We wanted our loved ones to experience the same feelings of awe and enchantment that we had shared together.

Our relationship grew in the setting of us both struggling to come out and accept ourselves. This meant learning to embrace all of the different colors and facets of our unique personalities as well as those of the vastly different people that shaped our lives. Our love grew strong in the setting of finding and embracing courage within each other; a quality that we didn’t even know we possessed. Here was the ultimate act of courage. Proudly displaying and juxtaposing every aspect of our lives and ready to stand and accept the consequences of such action come what may.

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Peony & Plum

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Get Lost In Old World Elegance At This European Garden Inspired Micro Wedding

Ready for something utterly romantic? This micro wedding inspired by the English countryside is checking all the boxes. Soft whites and pale pinks serve as the foundation of the day to create an overall feeling that’s tranquil, charming, and something special to behold. Beckon Events thought of every last detail, from drink service at the door welcoming guests outside through the wrought iron gates to the hidden dinner celebration tucked amongst the garden. Bella Blooms brought romance to life with organic flowing arrangements. The old-world elegance is perfectly captured in the imagery by Lauren Berry Photography. Get swept away by it all in the full gallery.

From Lauren Berry Photography… With whispering hues of blush and cafe au lait that are reminiscent of a vintage European countryside, this Old World-inspired editorial made one feel as if they were transported, even in the midst of Greenville, South Carolina. The Venue at Falls Park, located in the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown provided the unexpectedly perfect setting for such an occasion––complete with an intimate garden patio, overflowing with creeping greenery along the stone walls and iron gate perimeter.

For the ceremony, pale mink and ivory-toned draping veiled the area at the front, and a lush floral installation was suspended from above. A plethora of neutral and blush-toned flowers and greenery were artfully placed along the floor at the altar, as well as at the back of the aisle to further entice the eye and guide the flow of visual focus.

The table was anchored by an organic flowing arrangement that seemed to grow from the base of the table. A blush, subtly patterned linen-draped the table and was accented with gold-rimmed tableware and opulent cut crystal glassware––tying into a traditional, Old World elegance. The resplendence paired with a relaxed, laissez-faire mood to create an intimate European garden euphoria that begged to continue late into the evening.

How to Create Kids Spaces that are Equal Parts Practical and Pretty

With three little ones running underfoot, I can tell you that in this house…kids reign King. Even their bedrooms get more TLC (albeit, most of said TLC is in cleaning and making beds) than the rest of the house. Which is why I’m so thrilled to hear that the talented design duo behind beloved Newport Beach, CA-based Pure Salt Interiors, has launched a new kids decor line – called Little Salt – that will help solve those messy problems and it’s SO stinking cute!! Photography: Vanessa Lentine + Jessica Alexander.

Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln – the genius boss ladies behind Pure Salt Interiors – have designed interiors for the likes of Lauren Conrad, Madison Bontempo, Caelynn Miller-Keyes, and MLB star Anthony Rendon and his young family, thus they are well-tuned into the art of crafting chic spaces that even the most discerning clients find instagram-worthy. And today, the duo is sharing their top 5 tips for designing kids’ rooms that are equal parts form and function – with a heavy dose of gorgeous on the side!

PUT A LID ON IT. Kids spaces don’t have to be messy and cluttered if you follow our one simple tip: choose toy storage with lids – such as trunks, baskets and bins. Clutter is the antithesis of calm and with kids comes lots of stuff…choose various sized baskets with dedicated lids to keep the clutter contained and add a touch of sophistication to the space.

USE THE 60 / 40 RULE. 40% of the pieces you buy should last 10 years. Invest in pieces that are timeless both in style and in function—furniture that can be used at multiple stages of a child’s life, baskets that are high quality and will stand the test of time, pillows and accessories that would look equally chic in another room in the home. Instead of choosing a specific diaper changing table, choose a quality dresser that you can use for a long time and just add a topper for the diaper phase. If you choose an accent table for your nursery ask yourself if you can envision it as a side table once your child moves into a larger bed.

As you choose accessories, lean towards statement artwork that explores their personality, and lighting that feels fun and fresh, that will age with the children and be stylish across the lifetime of a child’s space. By being mindful of our choices we actually save time and money in the long run and it’s better for the planet.

DESIGN A PLAY ZONE. Create zones in kids’ rooms that allow them to make it their own: a corner of pillows, a toy kitchen set up, or a reading nook that will foster imagination and creativity while instilling responsibility and a value for taking ownership of their spaces. We love our playful decor options to create these zones, tailored to each child’s interests and personality.

THE CUDDLE FACTOR. We believe in playing up the soft furnishing options when it comes to outfitting a space for kids. That means rugs, blankets, and upholstered furniture, layered to feel cozy rather than cluttered. Our soft bedding is a great way to add personality through textiles, and can be substituted easily as a child grows and/or tastes change. When we introduce textiles and toys into a nursery or kids room, we ask ourselves … Would you want to cuddle with it?

LEAN INTO THE WONDER. Despite all our best efforts, where there are kids there will be an overflow of toys. For the ones we can’t contain—the favorite dolls and prized stuffed animals—we love pieces that look as good as they play. Our decor pieces that double as playthings are ideal for styling a put-together kids space that is always ready for a round of make-believe.

PLANT SEEDS. We are big believers in the mantra that nature nurtures and we seed our love of flowers and plants in all of our designs – whether they are real or the best faux botanicals or plants available. Flowers and plants bring such a sense of life to a space, not to mention incredible health benefits, so we love working them into our designs wherever practical. But keeping them alive can be a big undertaking for kiddos. Our favorite way to foster a love for plants is to use dried flowers and stems for kids spaces. Allowing toddlers and kids the opportunity to make their own creative arrangements in their spaces is the best way to encourage and cultivate green thumbs. As kids grow we can then introduce hardy plants that they can take responsibility for watering and nurturing along with their goldfish.

Photography: Vanessa Lentine | Photography: Jessica Alexander

DIY No-Sew A-frame Tent

My little guy has been delighted with tents since he was a few months old, so when his first birthday came around, I knew a special play tent would be the perfect gift. I love that this simple a-frame tent folds flat to tuck away. Plus, with no sewing or major power tools required, this DIY project is a breeze for even a beginning crafter. And if you want to make it in under an hour, just skip the paint!

Materials
(3) wooden dowels (1/2″ x 48″ each)
1″x2″ wood board (comes in 8′ lengths, get 2 boards cut into 4′ sections at the hardware store)
1/2″ spade drill bit
Drill
Painter’s tape
Foam paint brush
Acrylic or craft paint in a variety of colors
2 1/2 yards of patterned fabric (I found my star fabric at Joann’s)
Wood glue
Iron
3 yards iron-on velcro
Measuring tape
Pencil
Sandpaper
White paint marker

Measure and mark a line 4″ from the edge of one end and 1″ from the other on each piece of molding. Mark the center of each line. Drill a hole at each marked spot.

Lightly sand the edges and holes of the wood molding pieces.

Tape off a pattern of stripes on each piece of molding. Paint each stripe on all sides, let dry 1 hour.

step-4 Draw a series of triangles in paint marker on the front of each molding piece. I did triangles for about a foot long chunk in the middle of each piece. If you like you can cut a triangle shape out of cardstock or cardboard and use it trace the triangles to make nice even shapes.

step-5 Insert a wooden dowel into the bottoms of 2 molding pieces (the bottom side has the holes that are only 1″ from the end). Use a dab of wood glue to secure the dowel on both sides. Repeat with the other set of molding pieces.

step-6 Insert the third dowel through the tops of each molding piece, so that one set of molding is slightly in front of the other. Dab wood glue to secure one set of molding on the third dowel, but leave the last set free so that you can swing the tent open and shut.

Iron the fabric and cut to a 70″ x 36″ piece. One one of the short ends of the fabric, iron on the velcro strip. One strip right at the very edge of the fabric, and one strip about 4″ from that. Repeat to add velcro strips on the other end of the fabric.

step-8 Lay the fabric over the top dowel and loop around each bottom dowel, using the velcro to secure the fabric around the dowel.

| TIP | If you want to make this in under an hour simply skip the paint part and voila!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Design & Styling: Jess Blazejewski | Invitations: Michaels | Decor: Joann Fabrics

Intimate Spring Wedding Inspiration At The Barn at Reynolda Village

Spring is in the air for this styled shoot the celebrates everything we love about the season. From a custom floral invitation suite by Inquisited to a floating escort card display ensconced by a garland of blooms, every last detail carefully curated by Eliana Nunes Events is sure to take your breath away. The pops of pink flowers, woven throughout the day, are the perfect contrast to the crisp white interior of The Barn At Reynolda Village. You’ll watch springtime magically come to life in the imagery by Megan Travis Photography. Head to the full gallery for a closer look.

From Eliana Nunes Events… I wanted to create springtime inspiration for an intimate wedding that included feminine, romantic, and timeless luxury details. I love to mix elements from different styles to create a unique, yet elegant and timeless look.

The Barn at Reynolda Village is a historic venue that has been restored into a gorgeous event space, so I felt that a mix of traditional and modern elements was a perfect fit. From whitewash wooden chargers and handmade paper goods, to a floating escort card display, to soft velvet napkins, every element was intentionally curated to delight all the senses.

This feature is the perfect fit for a couple seeking natural, luxurious inspiration with a hint of feminine details. It celebrates the beauty of springtime.

DIY Flamingo Croquet

Croquet is a game that everyone loves, young and old and we’re just bringing a sense of whimsy to the game but dressing up plain mallets with a pink flamingo…the kind of plastic flamingo lawn ornaments that you find gracing front yards this time of year! We think it’s a chic way to bring a smile to your guests faces. While you do need a drill to make the hole on the flamingo, it’s a one shot deal and totally easy even for the novice.

Materials
Drill
Spade drill bit (same size as the diameter of the croquet mallet handle)
Washi tape in various prints and colors
Spraypaint in coordinating colors to the tape
Croquet set
Plastic flamingos
Super glue

Wrap the colored stripes on your mallets with printed washi tape or paint. Each mallet should be a different color, one for each player.

Spraypaint your croquet balls so each ball coordinates with each mallet.

Drill a hole on each side of the center of the flamingo.

step-4 Slide the flamingo onto the mallet handle and put a touch of super glue around the hole to lock it in place.

step-5 Create a course in the yard with the white hoops by following the instructions that came with your croquet set.

step-6 Give each player a matching mallet and ball before the game begins!

Photography And Design: SMP Living

What’s Blue and White and Gorgeous All Over…

Fun fact. #blueandwhite is one of the most clicked interior design hashtags you can find. And it’s easy to see why. It’s a palette that evokes tradition, culture and style in one seamless breath that when applied thoughtfully, will forever stand the test of time. And this home, takes #blueandwhite to all new levels of lovely. Designed exquisitely by Amy Peltier, with photography by Marisa Vitale, it’s a space that you will never want to leave.

Refreshing colorful update for this family of three and their adorable dog. The house was dated and had a closed floor plan, so we removed walls and opened up the entire kitchen and family room area.

We used a blue-and-white color scheme to give the traditional-style kitchen a fresh, clean look. The master bathroom was remodeled and updated with a brighter color palette. The husband was more traditional in his style and the wife liked a more youthful approach to design.

We melded the two styles by staying traditional and classic but added fresh pops of color. They also loved accents of pattern which we used on the pillows and in artwork. Function and durability were top priority for this busy family so we thoughtfully incorporated this when picking out materials that would withstand day-to-day life with a dog.

Photography: Marisa Vitale

Apulian Charm and Italian Ease, This Idyllic Inspiration at Masseria Montenapoleone Is a Must-See!

Personally, I’ve always dreamt of getting married among the olive trees and whitewashed walls of Puglia. If you’ve never visited this insanely gorgeous region of Italy, please do yourself a favor and put it on your post-COVID destinations list! Need some more convincing? Allow today’s shoot from Joy Proctor Design to do the talking. That bright blue gown, epic bloom installations from Flower Addicted and towering floral cake! There’s just so much to fall in love with at the full gallery, all captured by Andreas K. Georgiou!

Welcome to the Masseria Montenapoleone, an idyllic Mediterranean haven in the middle of Italy’s vineyards – and the perfect place for this stylish and whimsical bridal inspiration designed by wedding designer and stylist Joy Proctor. Joy Proctor’s impeccable aesthetic paid homage to Puglia’s rich natural beauty and natural history, as well as the unpretentious charm of the area. The Apulian peninsula, surrounded by the Ionian and Adriatic seas is where ancient olive groves amble over hills stretching into crystal-clear waters. Lovingly-restored, bohemian, family-run Masserias, such as the Masseria Montenapoleone, set the stage for luxurious weddings with a hearty dose of fresh Italian food and homemade wine to wash down the feast! The Masseria Montenapoelone was indeed the perfect embodiment of this area, ensconced in the heart of century-old olive plains, with acres natural vegetation and endless vineyards of the ancient Susumaniello grape.

We photographed our captivating bride in the centennial olive orchard overlooking the sea. Our bride embodied elements of the colors and textures of the editorial. Puglia was born out of the azure waters millions of years ago, as is still visible by the abundance of fossil shells still found in the fields. Our bride’s gorgeous billowing gown by Elizabeth Dye moved in the wind like the water on the sea, a symbolism of Puglia’s aquatic history. Her earrings too, by Twigs and Honey, echoed the wildflowers that adorn the Masseria, while the bride’s bouquet was made of roses and local foliage native to Puglia, including laurel leaves. The table also brought the beauty of the Masseria to life. The entire tablescape feels alive and is a homage to the Olive orchard meadow and a celebration of the colour and beauty of wildflowers with hues of creme, light blue, blush, yellow, lavender and peach, peppered with local flora such as lavender and rosemary greens. Everything is set atop a gorgeous white linen which adds to the entire organic feel.

All these elements conjured up a heavenly light and organic dinner table. The whimsical invitations by Shhh my Darling are the perfect combination of elegance, playfulness, and Italian ease. The blue emphasises the aquatic importance in Puglia, while agricultural and floral elements emphasise the connection of the region with its rich land. The cake as well was a beautiful representation of the natural environment and the wild flowers that adorn the earth. Among other fantastic vendors, floral designer Flower Addict Angelica, was inspired by the blossoming beauty of Apulia to bring to life a gorgeous S-shaped botanical corridor in front of the ceremony area. The corridor is lined with wildflowers and local greens, thus effortlessly picking up on the natural colors of the surroundings. The corridor leads to a seating area comprised of linen-covered benches under a canopy of pine treas. The whispering melody that rolls off the pine needles in a gentle wind, combined with the scent of pine, wild rosemary and oleanders, all creating a multi-sensory experience that is so quintessentially Apulian!

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Joy Proctor Design

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The One Wedding Category That Couples Can Forget About, but Really Shouldn’t

Last month, we dove into the real details of budget planning for a wedding, because as much as celebrations come without rules these days (and really, they don’t, you have creative license to make your day whatever you want it to be!), it is useful to have a guide for your expenses when you’re the bride – when you’re the groom, for that matter, too!! Whether you have $5K or $50K, $10K or $100K tucked away for tying the knot, you can spend the money however you wish, just don’t forget to keep these categories and percentages of the total cost in mind:

(Again, this is just our Style Me Pretty take on a balanced budget, you and your planner may work out something nuanced and different, based on your own event priorities – and that’s great! Just remember that your allocations should have a rhyme and a reason to them, you won’t want to overspend too much on a certain consideration and have it take away from the funds left for other things)

Photo by Lace and Luce

Venue / Food & Catering – 40% of your total budget
Photography – 12-15% of your total budget
Entertainment – 10% of your total budget
Florals, Decor & Details – 15% of your total budget
Fashion (for you both), Hair & Makeup – 7-10% of your total budget
Stationery – 3% of your total budget
Favors & Gifts – 2% of your total budget
Transportation – 2% of your total budget
Rainy Day Funds + Creative Help – 3-9% of your total budget

Looking at the above, though, we want to caveat florals, decor and details, because that 15% of the budget is hardly marginal. These elements essentially make up the non-venue-related aesthetic of your day, they drive your vibe, and they influence another one of your major wedding investments: photography. If you’ll be bringing on a photographer who is known for their attention to detail, their ability to capture meaningful moments in time and make you feel like you’re right back there, their uncanny talent for making the little things stand out and get noticed, then you’ll absolutely want to ensure that you’re budgeting for ALL of these things, not just the flowers. All that being said, we adore flowers, we couldn’t imagine wedding days without them and the genius artists behind them, we just want to acknowledge their creative counterparts and how so easily they can be glossed over. They definitely shouldn’t be, though, because details and decor bring sparkle to your day – they’re unsung heroes.

So what kinds of decor are there?

From wooden welcome signs and creative cake toppers to beautiful items that transform your tablescapes and props to make your photos pop, this assortment of oh-so-lovely ‘I Do’ details will truly deck out your day. And even if they aren’t focal points for your guests (which won’t be a thing, we assure you), they’ll still make a big difference for you!

Wedding Signs

Just the thing to make your nuptials stand out in a crowd. Welcome your guests with whimsy, keep them cheersing through cocktail hour, and encourage their heartfelt inscriptions in your guest book – because the event might just last a weekend, but the impact of these inviting touches will last forever.

Banners & Garland

These special strands bring an extra dose of delight to your big day, because the milestones are major (seeing Mr. & Mrs. strung up for the first time is magic) but so are the subtle reminders to ‘Cheers to Love!’

Cake Toppers

Even if it’s dressed in buttercream, your cake shouldn’t go naked, right?! These tasty toppers do the trick!

Table Decor

Successful tablescaping is not for the faint of heart! Whether you’re embracing the beauty of long banquet tables or styling your own sweetheart setup, these curated tabletop choices will bring your skills up a whole notch for your nuptials.

Backdrops

Insta-worthy and then some with these adorable drop cloths. If you want to give your guests a wedding photo glow up or would rather plus-up your own photos with a stunning altar-installation, this is the way to do it!

Hanging Decor

Iron chandeliers dangling effortlessly from above are globally-respected bits of gorgeous. Collaborate with your florist and add some jaw-dropping blooms for a look that keeps drawing everyone’s eyes up to the sky.

Shop the full Style Me Pretty decor shop now. There are kinds that hang, kinds that top, kinds that drape, and kinds that [back]drop, but everything was made to style out your most special of occasions (and make the most of your budget)!

A Sweet Summer Wedding Filled With Cornflower Blue Details

Are to trying to figure out your something blue? Just take one look at this summer wedding and you’ll feel inspired. Filled with cornflower blue accents, this special day proves that love is really in the details. Grandeur House offered up the perfect mix of luxury and romance for a special day that we can’t get enough of. Every well thought out moment was lovingly documented by Erin Wilson Photography And Films. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the special touches.

From Erin Wilson Photography And Films… Peyton and Zach have been together for many, many years. They planned their beautiful, intimate wedding with all the details they’ve always dreamed of.

The focus was on their vows and words to each other, and on creating a space for their closest friends and family to enjoy the day with them. They wanted to fill the space with flowers and beautiful tables with romantic soft organic flowers and candles for cozy details.

Peyton chose a fun blue marbled cake and blue accents all throughout their wedding.
The two are now proud parents of their first baby and are the happiest family.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/467426178 600 338]

Florals: Magnolia Belle Floral | Cake: PattiCakes Bakery | DJ: DJ Jelly Bean | Photography and Videography: Erin Wilson Photography | Reception and Ceremony: The Grandeur House

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Erin Wilson Photography

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“What Can You Grow to Be” First Birthday

When a stationery designer is tasked with throwing her own little girl’s first birthday party, you just know that the details will be on point. But when said stationery designer is Kristy Rice, a long time friend of Style Me Pretty and one of the most talented artists we know, well, on point doesn’t even scratch the surface. With a #girlpower theme and the most darling child you’ve ever seen, we’ll just let the photos do the talking. And make sure to check out the complete party detail list at the bottom! Photography by Danielle Coons.

From Kristy…My daughter was born into trauma and spent 2 weeks in the NICU. She was a fighter from day one and so I wanted to honor her brazen little spirit with a celebration that she could look back on and feel empowered by.

Our theme was “what can you grow to be”, a question any of us could ask of ourselves, especially during these perilous times where we’re learning so much about what it means to be better humans.

We honored a myriad of powerful women – from queens of science, to those of political and artistic history – by creating cutouts with their most inspiring quotes or accomplishments. Due to COVID, we had a lot of empty seats to fill so our two dimensional guests felt right at home. Our “real” guests dined side by side with life-size illustrations of Kamala Harris, Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, Stacey Abrams and too many more to mention.

Aside from celebrating my strong little girl, this was also a tale of how to continue to celebrate in dark times, albeit safely. I relied on countless advice from industry friends to ensure everyone would leave happy, healthy and full of a bit of the spark so many of us are lacking right now.

DETAIL BREAKDOWN
Here’s a look at some of the darling details that Kristi and team included.

Robust gifting style invitation sent to each of our 12 guests including a hand sewn tea towel, invite scroll and detailed covid safety plan card.
Fashion illustration style portraits of famous historical women were printed life size and seated at tables that would have otherwise been empty. Each portrait featured a “hello my name is sticker” and a quotation conversation bubble.
Diorama inspired by-household seating chart.
Phoenix silhouette menu cards to honor our daughters middle name which was chosen by her first Mama Reghan.
Custom dress for the birthday girl featuring her name alongside those she’ll one day be inspired by.
A Frida inspired smash cake
Vintage glitter strawberry Christmas ornaments as place card favors.

OUR SAFETY MEASURES
A guide on celebrating safely in times of Covid.

We partnered with a venue suited for 150 but severely limited our guest list. So with space and high ceilings for better air circulation, we felt better about being indoors.

Guests were asked to take a fresh mask at the door and sanitize hands before entering.

Our tiny guest list arrived in two shifts so no more than 12 people were in the building collectively at any given time.

Individual desserts served per household with a cake only for the birthday girl.

Guests were asked to wear masks at all times including at their tables.

Meals were served family style per table to limit contact.

Guests were encouraged to dress warmly as select venue windows were opened for ideal ventilation.

DIY Frisbee Golf

Sometimes, all it takes is a little party branding to turn a basic game into something fabulous. We used bright laundry baskets to set the tone for our frisbee golf then spray painted frisbees our frisbees to match our color scheme and voila…entertainment and decor all wrapped in one!

Materials

3 frisbees
Gold spraypaint
Laundry baskets
Wood dowels
Paper
Scissors
Large number stickers
Mini pencils
Printable scorecard templates
Cardstock
Fabric flags
Hot glue gun & glue sticks
White duct tape

Stick number stickers onto the fabric flags, one for each hole on your golf course.

Glue the fabric flags onto the wooden dowels, then duct tape a dowel inside each basket. Lay the baskets out in the yard to form a course.

Spraypaint both sides of your frisbees to coordinate with your color scheme (optional). Let dry ½ hour.

step-4 Print out the scorecards onto cardstock and cut out. Hand out scorecards, mini pencils, and frisbees to each player and let the fun begin!

Photography And Design: SMP Living

An Intimate and Immersive Coastal Wedding Design Inspired by Coastal Textures

With couples becoming more and more exclusive when it comes to guest count due to COVID-19 event restrictions, they’ve taken every opportunity to tie the knot at off-the-beaten-path locales that never would have been a possibility should they have stuck with their original plan. Today’s styled shoot by Always Yours Events is proof of the possibilities that come with thinking outside the typical wedding venue box – and let us just say, we are obsessed. To pin all your favorite inspiration, including swoon-worthy floral arrangements from Kerianne Nelson – head on over to the full gallery taken by Lauren Fair Photography!

From Always Yours Events… Over the last year we have seen couples take intimate weddings to incredible locales throughout the country, especially along the coasts. With a more exclusive guest count, some couples have experienced newly opened doors to locations otherwise too small for a larger sized affair — such as this charming beachfront pathway for the ceremony location and this rooftop patio for an intimate dinner reception and al fresco dancing on the ocean.

For this editorial design, we focused on the stunning coasts of Newport, Rhode Island pulling inspiration from the textures of sea grasses, weathered woods, waves, sea foam, rattan and woven baskets. Lauren Fair captured this exceptionally gorgeous day, which began with a tucked away ceremony on the sand filled with Serena and Lily furniture from Kadeema Rentals. The unique ceremony design featured flora lined aisles and a low and textural ceremony installation by Kerianne Nelson Flora so as not to takeaway from the backdrop of the ocean. The bride wore a stunning Jesus Peiro gown from Your Dream Bridal complete with billowing sleeves and an applique design that emulated the movement and texture of sea foam and waves, which glimmered all throughout the celebration. The bouquet was meant to be an additional accessory while still making a statement, and so our floral designer hand selected all white florals and textures with minimal greens to tie into the overall aesthetic. Custom statement earrings to match the gown were selected from Verstolo. Her bridal look struck a balance between effortless and polished, with Garineh from Glamour Cosmetics creating her coveted ethereal makeup look, and the Maricruz of Maricruz Hairstyles creating her updo featuring perfectly relaxed waves. The groom wore a distinctive soft blue tuxedo with black bowtie from the Black Tux to work seamlessly with the color palette while taking a turn from the traditional black or navy look.

For the reception design, we focused on creating a tablescape filled with textures and exquisite details that would leave guests feeling immersed within the backdrop of the Newport coasts. The table was set with a pale blue linen with wishbone chairs on all sides. The table was filled with an undulating arrangement of white florals and seagrasses from the talented Kerianne Nelson Flora, with wooden taper candles and glass votives mixed in between. The place settings were set with simple china, gold and white modern flatware, and fine crystal stemware. At each place setting was a vellum menu card, channeling the timeless yet modern invitation suite featuring a dapper monogram and calligraphy by the incredible Ciarra Claire. And to make the place settings even sweeter, petite pale blue and white striped mini cakes with florals created by extraordinary baker Andrea Reno were set at each place for guests to enjoy or take home.

And to bring the celebration to a romantic close, we chose a Little Blue, a vintage convertible VW pale blue bug covered in florals as the getaway car. With the dreamy light of the day, the color palette, the textures, florals, the fashion and hospitable details, this design showcases how to have an intimate coastal wedding that immerses guests in every way.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Lauren Fair Photography

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A Sentimental & Sweet Al Fresco Micro Wedding at Fearrington Village

After two date changes due to the pandemic, a switch in season and plenty design elements that required re-thinking… today’s gorgeous couple was finally able to tie the knot in a dreamy outdoor ceremony at Fearrington Village surrounded by their closest family and friends. Kast Event Co. supported the pair in every way, shape and form as COVID through all the curveballs their way throughout the planning process. They originally hoped for an indoor Spring wedding in a beautiful barn, but as it turns out… their outdoor celebration under endless string lights on a crisp Fall night was so much more than they could have ever imagined. Check out the full gallery of details to get majorly inspired, all taken by Nikki Santerre!

From Nikki Santerre… Cabell and Dave’s biggest priority, despite plan pivots and changes, was that they wanted their guests to have a joy-filled experience at their wedding at Fearrington Village, whether they could have twenty guests or just two. They prioritized their family and best friends and dined al fresco while music from a jazz band fluttered in through the bay doors. It was the perfect October night.

From Cheryl Ann, Kast Events... Cabell and Dave handled every curveball that came their way due to Covid with kindness, understanding and grace. After two reschedules they decided move forward with their big day as ultimately all they wanted to be was married! The guest list was adjusted, and we made a few design tweaks here and there; like adding some fall hues to florals and tabletop. By the time their wedding day arrived, I truly felt like I have gained some new friends. Their day could not have been more perfect; from the weather down the florals, food and just all over vibe of the day. It was a joy to work with this family and I wish them only the best!

From the bride… Our planning experience (besides having to postpone multiple times) was so much fun. I am really into details, which is why I loved working with Cheryl-Anne with Kast Events because her style and mine are very similar and she loves details too! When it came to a totally different plan of action for the wedding (moving it all outdoors and not going with a lot of our original design plans) Cheryl-Anne made the experience flawless! As much as I wish we could have had our beautiful spring wedding outside and reception to follow in the barn with a big band, the intimate outdoor wedding we had was just as special if not more. We even got lucky as our fall wedding felt like a spring day, it was a beautiful and warm day! Meaningful moments : Our rings are all passed down in the family, which is pretty special! My dad passed away 5 years ago and my mom gave me her diamond that my dad gave her for Dave to then reset and give to me. My wedding band is Dave’s grandmothers that we reset and Dave’s ring is his grandfathers.

An Intimate At Home Wedding That Brings The Fun

Want to take your at-home wedding up a notch? This intimate affair at the bride’s family home will have you booking a custom food truck ASAP. A personalized serving station from The Sip Social that doubles as the perfect place for pictures? Yes, please! Thanks to the ever-talented Audra Wrisley Photography, you can feel the fun in these photos. With beautiful blooms by Petals by The Shore, and must-see sweets served up from Signature Sweets By Amanda, this wedding is not to be missed! Check out the full gallery for a closer look at all of the special touches.

From Audra Wrisley Photography… Victoria and Jonathan held an absolutely gorgeous, intimate backyard wedding this fall. 2020 was certainly a challenging year for all brides and grooms, but for these two dedicated medical professionals planning their intimate wedding was such a bright spot amidst all the chaos.

Full of heartfelt touches from the bride’s mom officiating the ceremony, to a custom food truck and pizza station, the day was a special one not to soon be forgotten. Every detail was intentional, meaningful, and memorable.

The couple danced under the stars and toasted their marriage with just their immediate families. It was the perfect way to celebrate the joining of two families and revel in love.