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

Taylor Swift Lovers Have to See This Whimsical Summer Wedding Inspiration

We are never, ever, ever getting over this wedding inspiration. Please excuse the bad Taylor Swift pun, we just couldn’t help ourselves ;) Today’s styled shoot dreamed up by Heavenly Weddings and BearMoose&Fox is all about bright colors, butterflies, and a touch of whimsy. T-Swift was their muse for the overall design, so naturally the bride donned the most beautiful romantic side braid and minimal makeup. To see all the details, including a can’t-miss cascading butterfly cake by Lily’s Cake, don’t miss out on the full gallery!

From BearMoose&Fox… A beautiful summer bridal session inspired by all things butterflies and Taylor Swift. This creation came “to be” out the necessity to personalize a wedding based on bridal preferences – keeping in mind individuality and adding a touch of magic.

There are so many bright and fun elements in this whimsical garden wedding inspiration, but the abstract archway altar takes this inspiration shoot to a whole new level – designed and delivered by Rosetree floral designer team out of Waco.

Butterflies became a central element for this inspiration as they are a crucial part of any garden and add a touch of real and magical all in one. When the cake made its appearance, it was clear that butterfly elements don’t have to be just made out of paper but can be made out of sugar and appear of the bride as an element of style and fantasy.

Romantic Elopement At The New La Lomita Ranch in San Luis Obispo!

Let’s face it…eloping these days sounds better than ever and once you see today’s inspiration shoot, you’ll be packing your bags, quite possibly for La Lomita Ranch! This shoot had just the right amount of romance, elegance and a whole lot of adorable flower girls! Brooke Nicole Events planned the elopement shoot with pops of blue and peach from invitations by Kelsey Malie Calligraphy and florals by Flowers by Kim! Check it out below and see all of photographer, Kelley Williams perfectly captured magical moments!

From Kelley Williams Photography…This serene Spanish-inspired chic elopement was the perfect combination of elegance and romance. During this time of Covid more and more couples are choosing to elope with just their closest friends and family. The team wanted to create the inspiration couples are looking for and highlight this new venue!

La Lomita Ranch is a true hidden paradise along the central coast of California waiting to be discovered. This bed and breakfast is a work of art, and a serene escape from busy city life found just minutes away. The guest rooms were formerly horse stalls, and provide the best R&R for its guests. Designer and planner, Brooke Nicole Events, was inspired by its rich history and architecture throughout, to design a Spanish-inspired elopement for the modern and romantic couple.

Our bride wore a glamorous Badgley Mischka gown and Bella Belle wedding heels with stunning embellishments, while our groom looked sharp in an all black classic tux. Hair and makeup artist, Jennifer of The Queen’s Bees, created a Marilyn Monroe-inspired look on our beautiful bride, with the daintiest curls to highlight her statement jewelry provided by Serengeti West. The metallic makeup with pink and peach tones truly highlighted the beauty in the dress embellishments and gorgeous florals!

The blooms curated by Flowers by Kim, were tones of peach, blush, coral, and white and were the perfect contrast to blue components used throughout. Calligrapher and stationer, Kelsey Malie, created an invitation suite for guests that was the perfect preview into the day full of thoughtful Spanish-inspired design.

The intimate ceremony took place overlooking a pond in true paradise. The flower girls stole the show in their dresses provided by Epiphany Boutique in San Luis Obispo!

The reception dinner took place in the main courtyard by the fountain providing the best ambiance for guests. The curved table provided by Bright Event Rentals created the best alfresco intimate dining experience. The linen by Napa Valley Linen complemented the tabletop so well. The pops of blue in the specialty plates were provided by Embellish Vintage Rentals, and All About Events. We were gushing at the dreamy setting created, and it was all beautifully captured by Kelley Williams Photography.

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A Timeless and Elegant Destination Wedding at Villa Cetinale in Siena

For these two high school sweethearts, a destination wedding in Italy was a no brainer after both spending time there! Taking place at the Villa Cetinale, a historic villa, the couple invited their guests to their magical day inspired by the venue itself with its natural beauty – timeless, elegant and full of love. Molly Carr Photography captured it all from the delicate details like the romantic florals by Siloh Floral to the divine scenery! Take a look below and be sure to check out the full gallery to see all of the images of the couples wedding weekend!

From Molly Carr Photography…Clarissa and Daniel went to a very small high school together in Oregon. They had physics class together and used studying as an excuse to spend time with one another. A deep friendship turned into a romantic relationship and they have been together ever since.

Fast forward to June of 2018 and the couple, now living in Santa Monica, went to the beach to watch the sunset when Daniel brought out their special cooler containing glasses and a bottle of champagne. They decorated the cooler during their four-year long distance relationship in college and used to take it on trips together. One side had been left uncompleted, which Daniel had finished with a painting of them sitting on the beach at sunset with the words “The Beginning of a New Adventure”. When Daniel left for college their freshman year, he left her with a letter that promised me one day he would marry her. Each year after that he would write me a going-away love note as sort of reassurance that they could get through another year of long distance. Senior year she never received a letter, instead, Daniel choosing to keep that last letter until the day he would propose. There, watching the sunset, he pulled the letter out of his pocket and asked her to marry him. Of course, she said yes!

For their wedding, Clarissa and Daniel knew they wanted to be able to spend extended quality time with their guests, which is when they turned to the idea of having a destination wedding where they could have several days with everyone together. Daniel studied abroad in Rome and traveled through Italy with Clarissa, so it seemed like a natural choice.

The ancient Medieval town of Siena, Italy played host to Clarissa and Daniel’s elegant affair. Upon leaving the city walls, a twenty-minute drive through the rolling countryside, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, led guests to the village of Cetinale. There, perched regally on top of a hill, they found the historic Villa Cetinale – a papal villa that is now a private estate which plays host to the most exclusive and luxurious destination weddings in Italy. Charmed by the historical architecture, olive groves, and statues around the grounds, the couple booked all of the property’s four villas to accommodate their 60 guests. “We enjoyed meals out on the terrace together and most nights stayed up late, accompanied by more than a few bottles of Brunello,” said Clarissa. “The wait staff is absolutely five-stars. The food is exquisite, even compared to the already delicious cuisine found in the area. In our minds, it would be hard to beat the combination of intimacy and extravagance the venue provides.”

The goal of the wedding design was to create a timeless, classic and old world event, full of gorgeous details and personalization. The source of inspiration came the villa. The soft beige/yellow tones of the walls of the buildings, paired with the tuscan stone and the fall foliage colors, inspired a neutral color palette, founded on oyster, oatmeal, ivory, and some deeper tones of green and black to add interest and contrast. All the styling choices, from the paper goods to the decor, to the floral artistry and fashion choices, had this timeless class and old world elegance in mind. They wanted guests to feel like they had stepped into a real life fairytale, like they were transported inside a movie.

The night before the wedding Clarissa and Daniel hosted their guests for a cocktail reception and dinner inside historic Limonaria. Guests dined at one long table accented by blush florals, arranged in the Ikebana style, which ran the entire length of the table. The multi-course meal featured platters of antipasti, local cheeses, and homemade pasta. Clarissa and Daniel’s guests enjoyed the communal atmosphere, helping fill each others plates and refill each others glasses with some of the most incredible wines in Italy. The starry night sky glittered above Villa Cetinale as Clarissa, Daniel, and their guests laughed the night away. It was absolutely idyllic and the perfect prelude to their elegant wedding.

Nicole of Every Little Letter created the most beautiful invitations and day of paper designs, as the couple wanted every guest to feel special. The suite was designed with thoughtful details and elements that represented Villa Cetinale as well as the day. The invitation card was done on thick cotton in a blind letterpress with a detailed floral border, the wording was set in gold foil as well as the church illustration. The welcome invitation, printed on thick vellum also set in gold foil. Guest addresses were done in calligraphy to match headers through the suite. To keep all the pieces together in the envelope, the paper was wrapped in vellum and held with an oversized wax seal of the Villa.

On the morning of the wedding day, Clarissa and her bridesmaids sipped champagne inside of the noble villa’s royal suite. Clarissa wore a bespoke Monique Lhullier gown. She knew from the very beginning she wanted a timeless silhouette without any embellishments, as that would be the best reflection of her personal style and make me feel the most like herself. To match the dress and let the beauty of the brocade fabric stand out she kept the accessories very simple. She wore a cathedral length tulle veil for the ceremony, drop earrings, and classic white leather Jimmy Choo pumps. Her bouquet was light, airy and feminine that combined lush white and cream garden rose blooms with textured accents of sweet pea, ranunculus, autumn eucalyptus, riceflower, and clematis vine.

To match the elegant tone, Daniel donned Black tuxedo with white jacket and black Ferragamo loafers. Clarissa’s bridesmaids each designed their own gown from Fame and Partner that reflected their personal style so that they would feel good in them, while Daniel’s groomsmen wore traditional black tuxedos.

They decided on doing a first look at the last minute. It took place to the side of the villa and it was the perfect moment to take it all in and calm their nerves. When Clarissa turned the corner and saw Daniel waiting there for her she immediately began to cry. “All the years of dreaming of this day, was finally here. I always like to say we grew up together, and now we get to grow old together.”

The ceremony took place in a Romanesque church, whose foundations were set in the year 1000. The building itself exudes in historical charm and precious historical memories and value. The decor was purposefully kept light, and based on floral and greenery touches and big pillar candles that meant to highlight the most iconic features of the church, the portal and the altar, in a natural and masterly “unkempt” way. Clarissa explained, “There was a ton of emotion built up by years of waiting and the days and hours leading up to the ceremony surrounded by our loved ones. The string quartet played Canon in D, which brought Daniel to tears on the spot. I started crying the second the doors to the church opened. Being side-by-side in this beautiful and ancient church, participating in a traditional Catholic ceremony which felt both timeless and spiritual, was absolutely out of this world.”

After the ceremony, guests returned to Villa Cetinale, and the tone of the decor was meant to be in line with the elegance and formality of the ambience. The cocktail hour was organized in front of the Villa’s main entrance and its facade made the perfect backdrop for the intimate lounge areas and drinks station. They had two signature cocktails – “Grow Old with Me”, a play on the old fashion, Daniel’s favorite cocktail, and “Til the End of Thyme” a gin and thyme cocktail. Clarissa also surprised Daniel with “C+D” branded orange peel garnishes for the cocktails.

For their reception, antique pieces were used to host the escort cards and guestbook station. The imperial table was placed in the center of the big cypress lane on the back of the villa, under a transparent marquee that protected guests from the late October breeze. The weather was actually fantastic and much warmer than anticipated, keeping guests nice and cozy during dinner and speeches. The table was set in a classic and iconic fashion, with crispe ivory tablecloth, white china and english style silverware. The table was made soft and romantic by elegant and overgrown floral
centerpieces composed in stemmed urns, and by the candle light provided by taupe candles on brass candlesticks. The little olive oil bottles that doubled as favors and place cards provided an extra golden touch to the table.

Their dinner began with two pasta courses (homemade mezzelune stuffed with pecorino cheese, pear veloute and toasted pine nuts, as well as paccheri fresh pasta with saffron cream, confit pachino tomatoes and asparagus tips). The main course was Pork fillet with balsamic vinegar from modena sage flavored roasted tomatoes and green beans. After dinner they moved the party from the tent to the front of the villa where they cut their Italian wedding cake. During dancing there was a surprise pizza snack passed around late at night and trays of sweets left out for people to nibble on. The couple and their guests danced until the early morning in which they hopped on a plane and headed to their honeymoon in Morocco!

These 7 Easy Steps Will Make Hosting Your First Thanksgiving Dinner Easy as Pie!

Whether it’s your first or fifth time entertaining your loved ones for Thanksgiving (or any holiday for that matter) – the amount of to-do’s can often feel overwhelming at times! From cooking and cleaning to decorating the table, it can be tough to live in the moment and really just enjoy the holiday when you’re the host – right?! Well… lucky for you (and us!), Kimberly of Sisti Co. is here to share her 7 best tips for hosting your best, most stress-free Thanksgiving yet! Keep on reading to find out what they are and don’t forget to check out the full gallery captured flawlessly by Carmen Santorelli for some major Turkey Day décor inspo!

From Sisti Co.… Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas, but this special Thursday in late November was what I waited for all year. I start with a pumpkin spice cake coffee from my Nespresso collection (I hoarded 14 sleeves of them three years ago )and then I sit myself down to watch the parade. Yes, I still watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. And I watch ALL of it, from start to finish. Every single commercial, right up until jolly old St Nick arrives at Herald Square. After that- I don my festive apron and begin the creative journey to Thanksgiving dinner. Confession: I am a wedding designer and florist, so I have a good amount of entertaining jewels spread throughout my home and studio. With that in mind, one does not need to have an arsenal of china and fine crystal to entertain-just rent it from one of your local rental companies!

DON’T GO CRAZY.

It’s always tempting to create an inspiration board of ideas and try to incorporate each one into your gathering. Instead, select a color palette that works with your environment and add a handful of ideas from your board. Tabletops already have plenty going on, so keep it simple.

THINK TRAD WITH A TWIST.

With a meal as big as Thanksgiving, guests are unlikely to remember every last dish you’ve slaved over. So make one or two truly sparkle. The easiest way to do that? Add a twist. Brussels with a rich bacon and mustard sauce, caramelized onion and gruyere mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuit stuffing, cider gravy. You get the drift! Click here for some amazing Tradition with a Twist Thanksgiving Sides!

PERSONALIZE THE EXPERIENCE.

Maybe assigned seats are too formal for you, but offering something to your guests with their name on it, whether it’s a place card, or a handwritten note to know that you’re thankful for having them at your table, goes a long way in making everyone feel included and special. After all, Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks for those family and friends.

MAKE SOMETHING TOTALLY FROM SCRATCH.

I know making items from scratch can seem like a daunting task, especially when juggling ten other dishes to serve at the same time. If making a homemade dish for dinner that day isn’t in the cards, consider making something ahead, or tackle a dessert that can easily be stored in the freezer, and then thawed and served. Chances are, you might just have a little more skip in your step knowing that you conquered a dish the old fashioned way.

TRIED AND TRUE FOR THE WIN.

A large holiday feast of 25 is not always the time to try out a new recipe that you’ve never tasted.. Instead, stick to items that you’ve successfully made in the past, or that you’ve given a hearty test drive in the days or weeks prior. If it’s a hit and is easy to execute in your list of offerings, add it!

COUNT BACKWARDS.

There is nothing wrong with dinner being presented a bit later than when you thought it would be ready. However, telling guests to arrive at 4pm and have nothing for them to eat or entertain themselves with until 7pm might be a stretch, especially is there are young children invited. Instead of the last minute panic that ensues when you realize you have THIS MUCH to do, take a step back and plan backwards. 3-5 days ahead, sit down and look over all your recipes. Figure out how much time each needs to prep, how long and at what temperature the oven or stovetop is required, and decide if items can be prepped ahead of time. From there, count backwards in time from when you hope to serve dinner. Build in a 15-20minute buffer for if each dish runs just in case you’re running behind with a last minute guest addition, or stopping a fight between the kids, and write out each into a time schedule. That way, you’ll always know what you have left to do, and nothing will be forgotten because it’s all written out on a handy list for you to check off. I promise you, this works every time. And what’s the worst that can happen, dinner is on time? Well congratulations to you!

TAP YOUR GUESTS FOR THEIR LOVES, HATES AND MUST-HAVES.

Are you a huge cocktail fan, but know your friends are all about wine? Is a child allergic to the apples in the cider served to the kids? Make sure to include another offering so everyone is included. No one wants to be greeted without anything to drink, or something they would want to drink. If you need suggestions, feel free to ask those guests who have different tastes than you. Chances are, they will suggest something, or offer to bring it themselves.

A Pastel Adorned Styled Shoot at Lairmont Manor Inspired by the Bride’s Blush Dress

If you know us, you know we love a bride who’s not afraid to ditch tradition and let her personal style shine bright on her wedding day! One of our favorite nontraditional wedding trends is colorful gowns – who said every bride has to wear white anyway?! Today’s pastel styled shoot planned by The Bubbly Soiree was inspired by the bride’s romantic pink dress. Jessica Vann-Campbell Flowers made flower magic with her cheerful arrangements in blue, pink and peach hues. To see all the details this day has to offer, head on over to the full gallery – captured beautifully by Courtney Bowlden!

From Courtney Bowlden… For this editorial shoot, we started with a couple of ideas at first: Using the Lairmont Manor as the backdrop, a century old estate in Bellingham, WA plus a gorgeous, flowy pink dress for the bride. We then decided to bring in blues, pinks and peach colors reminiscent of a beautiful sunset.

The vision was of a bride getting ready at a large manor before her intimate wedding. After she is dressed, she walks around the property to enjoy her setting and moments before becoming married. Even with a bit of fun sneaking some champagne and macarons beforehand, she marvels at all that has been completed. We wanted the blues to pop on the table next to her pink dress so put a more neutral colored table linen on. A casual, relaxed napkin, loose centerpiece and gold accents kept the table feeling flowy and romantic. The square shaped cake helped mimic the square shaped table the guests were seated at.

Long runners under the cake continued the flowy, romantic feel for the day. The bar cart was for fun after the ceremony. Cocktails, macarons and extra champagne to keep the party going. The beauty of a bar cart is that it’s portable and can go inside later on in the evening! The settee provided the bride a comfortable, beautiful place to rest after an exciting day.

Have Your [Wedding] Cake and Eat It, Too, With the Help of These Tasty Touches

By a show of hands, who has heard something along the lines of “the veil makes the bride” at some point in their wedding planning journey? Well, any of those silly little clichés, really, we’ll be as bold as to say that they’re all fake news. The only real sentiment we can get behind is that “it’s not a wedding, unless there’s cake…” (kidding, of course, these days, more than EVER before, a wedding can be anything that the couple wants it to be, we’re just particularly hungry for the ones that have cake 😉🍰). Five concentric tiers and tantalizing from top to bottom? Three square levels of luscious, buttercream-frosted perfection? Maybe it’s a croquembouche or a cheesecake, a tower of cupcakes or a creative cookie cake display, perhaps? No matter the look, if it’s a pretty confection, enjoyed in the name of love, it’s a wedding cake and we’ll take it!

Speaking of taking it, just a couple days ago, we were speaking to a vendor friend of ours who had her own microwedding last month, and she said that one of the highlights of their day was the wedding cake. It was a festive moment and one that brightened up the bitterness that could have befallen her COVID wedding, but didn’t. And we couldn’t agree more! Wedding cake lifts the mood and gives the couple and their guests a little sugar high on top of the wedding high that already accompanies the day. A slice of cake and a dollop of newlywed dust is iconic to the wedding experience, and it’s pretty universal – whether it’s a big wedding, small wedding, just with fam, just with friends, or just the two of you.

Our Style Me Pretty Collection wouldn’t be nearly as sweet without some special cake-related items. We have metallic serving sets, gold-wired toppers, the perfect stand, and the most stunning porcelain cake plate duo for the guests of honor, so there really is no reason you can’t commemorate the occasion #totalpieceofcake.

And some ideas to keep things sweet, if COVID’s done its best to make things sour.

If you’re “saving room” for later… And postponing your big day to another [hopefully safer] time, you can still celebrate your original date. Check in with your bakery to see if they can create a smaller version of the cake you would have enjoyed on your wedding day. Let them know that you have your own cake stand, and share the dimensions ahead of time, just so you can be sure the scaled-down delight fits!

All that’s left to do is to top it, and why not do it with the one word that’s been on your mind this whole time: LOVE!!!

If you’re in the mood to make your own…

Throw on some aprons, pour yourselves a glass of postponed-wedding Prosecco, and have some fun in the kitchen (especially since you might have some brand-new wedding registry items that haven’t been broken out yet #standmixersfirstmoment). Your wedding cake doesn’t have to be perfect, either, as long as it’s baked with love. For extra points, document all of the DIY-ing and the delicious final product, sliced and served on your adorable porcelain cake plates, so that you can Polaroid the proof and stick it in your topper to impress your guests next year!

If you’ll be sending guests home with a slice or two to-go…

Have your photographer capture a few pics of the two of you cutting your cake (with your special serving set), and then allow a dedicated server to cut the remainder of the cake and carefully place slices in cute, mini take-home boxes with pre-packaged, disposable utensils. This way, the cake won’t be sitting out for hours and guests won’t have to worry about any extra germs floating around.

We actually have two serving options in our shop, a white and gold cake serving set and a silver ornate cake serving set, so if you’re having a small celebration now and a larger event later, you can make use of both! Designate one for cake at your microwedding / minimony, etc. and the other for cake at your post-COVID party, and then put each set into respective date-engraved shadow boxes, along with other wedding mementos from the events. Talk about a well-confectioned time capsule!

Shop everything for your cake cutting ceremony right now – and maybe put a little “Sugar Sugar” on in the background, too, you know, to candy-coat your purchase all the more!

Danielle Halibey is a writer, editor, and publicist living in New Jersey. She has been immersed in the world of weddings since planning her own whimsical, romantic affair in 2014. And isn’t that what they always say, “those who can’t do, teach?” Well, once her nuptials were over, she still had stuff in the ‘I Do’ industry to do. She writes regularly for top wedding blogs including Style Me Pretty and Wedding Chicks, and has garnered millions of press impressions for brands in the wedding space: fashion, beauty, wedding talent+tastemakers and more.

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Erin Wilson Photography

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Diane Sotero Photography

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Introducing the Style Me Pretty Ultimate Wedding Guides: Here to Make Your Planning Journey a Piece of Cake!

Hey y’all! We have some prettyyy exciting news to share! Get ready to pop some bubbly and get down to wedding planning business because our Ultimate Wedding Guides collection is finally here! Let’s be real, after the engagement highs wear off, it can be kind of daunting to start the whole wedding planning process – we completely understand. That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of our amazing community of Little Black Book vendors to create these educational, step-by-step guides to walk you through every moment of your wedding journey.

Each guide was specifically designed to take the guesswork out for you, equipping you with the knowledge and inspiration you’ll need to truly plan your dream wedding like a pro. Just consider our guides your perfect planning companions – here to provide you with support and guidance as you navigate this unique, complicated, yet incredibly beautiful time of planning your wedding. Keep on scrolling to learn more about each individual guide we’ve created for you and to find out where to purchase! We can’t wait to hear what you think!

The Stationery Guide

Wedding stationery is the first glimpse most of your guests will have of your wedding. Not only does it relay the important details, such as the wedding date, time, and venue, it also clues them in to what the day itself will be like. A good wedding invitation will communicate the formality of the event, and through materials, embellishments, and the design itself, you’ll share SO much about you and your partner’s love story, values, and vibe.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the wedding stationery process from start to finish, providing insight on everything: from how to find the right stationer for your budget and aesthetic, to tips on how to mail those invitations. We’ll also drill down on invitation and addressing etiquette, invitation timelines, and how to incorporate it ALL on your wedding day. With information sourced directly from experienced stationers and calligraphers, including some of our coveted/beloved/esteemed Little Black Book vendors, consider this your one stop shop for all info regarding wedding stationery and calligraphy.

The Venue Guide

Congratulations, you’re getting married! This is a time for joy, so definitely take it all in – pop some champagne, get all blissed out on your soon-to-be boo for life, and welcome everything that comes with him or her putting a ring on it, but get ready for some big decisions, too, starting first and foremost with a pretty big necessity: the venue. In addition to being one of the biggest investments you’ll make while wedding planning, the venue also sets the tone for the entire event. We see it as the glue that holds all the elements of your wedding day together, from ceremony all the way to send off. Needless to say, choosing a venue is a big decision!

While this subject may seem intimidating , our all-inclusive guide will help walk you through the entire process of choosing and securing a venue, including things you need to consider before your search, different venue types, everything you need to know for venue tours, a comprehensive list of questions to ask while you’re going on your ‘go sees,’ and what elements to consider when finally choosing “The One”.

The Dress Guide

Though it is often romanticized (on TV, in movies, and in every bridal magazine you’ll get in your ‘just-engaged’ gift basket from friends), finding the perfect wedding gown isn’t always the blissful and full-of-rainbows process it’s depicted as. It is likely the most expensive garment you will ever buy, and for a lot of women, it might even be their first gown. But fear not! In this guide, we’re pulling back the curtain and taking you through the entire process, sharing our knowledge on everything from your dress timeline, to types of fabrics and silhouettes, how to research and prepare for appointments, what to expect from different stores and price points, all about alterations process, and so much more. Consider us your wedding dress shopping entourage, your supportive style squad, and because we’re walking you through it all, any intimidation can take a back seat so that you can focus on finding the dress that gives you ALL the heart eyes 😍.

The Floral Guide

When most of us think of flowers, our memories tend to be charming and innocent—we remember picking wildflowers in nature, strolling by a sidewalk floral shop, scavenging a Sunday market to pick out a big bundle of farm fresh blooms, even just picking dandelions ((as if they were the most stunning, giftable flowers in life)) and giving them to our moms and dads. When planning florals for your wedding, though, stress often takes over, making it easy to forget the carefree, easy magic of flowers.

Since stressed is the last place we want you to be, we’ve put together this comprehensive floral guide, answering all of your flower-related questions! From how to identify your floral style and determine budget, all the way to finding the designer who will bring your vision to life, this guide will leave you free to enjoy the process and fully embrace the magic. Because that’s what flowers are, they’re living, breathing magic!

The Beauty Guide

The post engagement glow is real. You’re about to marry the love of your life, you’ve got a brand new piece of jewelry on THAT finger ((plus, perpetually manicured nails, because the bling needs to look bangin’!)), everyone is celebrating, and life is good! But once the stress of wedding planning sets in, you may be looking for a little help to get that glow back. In this guide, we’re bringing all the tips and advice from our LBB industry experts, talking about beauty timelines, spa treatments, and how to manage hair, makeup, and all the other beauty aspects of wedding planning, so you can focus on tasting all the cake instead of worrying about when to get lash extensions or stressing about when that penultimate spray tan should be scheduled!

The Planning Guide

As exciting as it can be at times, wedding planning isn’t always easy or fun. While it’s incredibly rewarding when things come together, getting there can be a stressful journey. But with this guide, we’ll try to take the confusion out of it all and walk you through the difference between planners, designers, and coordinators: really, just the overall benefits of hiring help for your most perfect day. Your wedding is a day you want to truly enjoy, and having a planner who can connect you with your ideal “I Do” dream team will make the process that much easier!

The Photography Guide

Choosing the person who will document your wedding day is an incredibly exciting decision, but it’s also pretty complicated. What you see in the perfect world of Instagram isn’t always what you get IRL. So how do you find the right photographer for you? In this guide, we’ll talk about different wedding photography styles as they relate to approach, guidance, prompting and overall aesthetic, pricing (seriously, there’s a reason that wedding photos are so stinkin’ expensive!), and suggesting a few of those “must-ask” questions for prospective wedding photographers. Once you’re through with reading, we hope that you’ll feel poised (and posed) to find this core member of your Wedding Dream Team —after all, this day is more than just a Kodak moment!

To shop our entire Ultimate Wedding Guides Collection, click here!

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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The Heritage Collection

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Crazy Creative Thanksgiving Pie Alternatives for a Covid-Safe Treat

I dare you to host a Thanksgiving without pie. Jammed together in a tiny studio apartment in NYC circa 2019 or spaced 6 feet apart on a chilly patio in #2020, pie-less (read: joyless) tables does not a Thanksgiving make. Preferably, served toasty warm with an a la mode finish. So. What’s a girl to do when digging into said pie face first is no longer socially (or medically) acceptable!? Enter: The Hand Pie. Or the Muffin Tin Pie. Or Pie on a Stick. Or a p-icecream sandwich. Join us as we take you on a little journey through the magical halls of tiny, tiny pies and take a deep, mask covered breath knowing that Thanksgivings everywhere are not totally ruined.

Photo & Recipe: By Pie-Eyed Girl

HAND PIES

Hand pies can be made ultra simple with store bought pie crust and filling or as complex and layered as you’d like, with from-scratch ingredients.

Photo & Recipe: By Judy Kim

QUICKIE HOW-TO. At a very high level, you’ll need dough, filling and an egg wash. Same ingredients you need for standard pie. The great part though, is that you can tweak just about any traditional pie recipe to suit a hand pie by simply changing up cooking times.

Recipe & Photo: By Sally’s Baking Addiction

Start by determining your shape. You can freehand or use cookie cutters. The larger they are, the more time they will need to bake and the more filling they can support. Place your cut dough on a parchment lined baking sheet and make sure your base pieces are at least an inch apart. Add your filling, leaving a border around the edge to seal them.

From here, you can have fun decorating them using fondant cutters to pinch out leaves and florals or you can create a more traditional lattice shape, a braided top or a full coverage pie topper. If you top with a full piece of pastry, you’ll want to make sure to cut steam holes in the top to let the air escape.

Photo & Recipe: By Samantha Chiu

Next, simply seal the edges, add an egg wash and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar. Most hand pies will successfully bake up in 20-25 minutes at around 375 but it’s best to keep a watchful eye on them and pull them out when they seem evenly golden brown. If you are nervous, find a great recipe online and use their sizing and baking ratio as a guide.

OUR FAVORITE HAND PIE RECIPES: Mini Apple Hand Pies | Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies | Vanilla Cardamom Pear Hand Pies | Pear & Cranberry Hand Pies

PIE BARS

A pie bar is the magical moment that happens when a pie marries a cookie. Usually with a shortbread or cookie base, the bars are layered with all of the traditional pie fixins.

Photo & Recipe: By The Recipe Critic

QUICK HOW-TO. Most recipes require a 9 x 13″ pan, fitted with parchment paper (which makes it really easy to lift out the bars so that you can get nice clean cuts). From there, you layer in your ingredients: cookie or shortbread dough, pie filling, nuts and crumbles on top. Bake like you would a blondie, let cool, then slice. For this little number, following a recipe is a must.

Photo & Recipe: By Choosing Chia

OUR FAVORITE PIE BAR RECIPES: Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars | Pecan Pie Bars | Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars | Sweet Potato Pie Bars

PIE ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

I made my first pie ice cream sandwich (or as we call them in our house…picecream sandies) a few years back during a shoot for the 4th of July. They were filled with berries and placed on either side of a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Since then, we’ve made these for nearly every holiday because well…PIE + ICECREAM. Duh.

Photo & Recipe: By The Delicious Life

QUICK HOW-TO. Making picecream sandies is very simple. Just whip up a batch of tiny hand pies and let them cool completely. You can freeze them if you have particularly delicate designs. Get your ice cream reaaaaaallly soft because the pie is fragile and you don’t want to ruin your sweet little pie when you are adding the ice cream. Now, there are two ways to construct the sandwich:

Spread the ice cream out in a 9 x 12 dish and re-freeze it. You want it to be about 1-1.5″ high. Use a round cookie cutter, the same size as the one used on your pie, to cut out little ice cream rounds. Place in between your pies and freeze for an hour or so. While this yields the prettiest result, it’s also kind of a pain in the arse.
Alternatively, let the ice cream soften for 10-15 minutes on the counter. Scoop the ice cream straight out of the bucket, in a nice round scoop, then flatten it a bit on a piece of parchment paper. Place the flattened disk between your pie and freeze.

We wrap ours with a piece of parchment paper to keep them nice and fresh!

Photo & Recipe: By Hot For Food

OUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM + PIE COMBOS.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie with Vanilla Bean || Bourbon Pecan Pie with Jeni’s Darkest Chocolate Ice Cream || Caramelized Pear Pie with Three Twins Land of Milk & Honey Ice Cream || Pumpkin Pie with Ben & Jerry’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream || Sweet Potato Pie with Ben & Jerry’s Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream || Spiced Cranberry Pie with Ben & Jerry’s Urban Bourbon Ice Cream || Pecan Pie with Häagen-Dazs Butter Pecan Ice Cream || Blueberry Pie with Ben & Jerry’s Sweet Mascarpone Ice Cream || Apple Pie with McConnell’s Burnt Caramel Ice Cream || Custard Pie with Earl Gray & Butter Biscuit Ice Cream

PUSH-UP POP PIES!

Your guests will be charmed for days if you whip out a bowl filled with Push-Up Pop Pies!

Photo & Recipes: By What Should I Make For

QUICK HOW TO: All you need are the plastic push up pop containers, a pre-made pie and some whipped cream (or ice cream). Layer in scoops of pie with the cream and finish with a wooden fork + a ribbon tied around OR a pretty personalized label.

PIE ON A STICK

We are pretty sure that everything tastes better when eaten from a stick. Even pie. The bonus factor is that there are so many different ways to serve pie on a stick which means lots of “testing” that needs to happen in your mouth before you commit to a final recipe.

Photo & Recipe: By Montacometa

QUICK HOW TO: Using a silicone mold, layer pie crumble or pie crust, ice cream, filling and more crumble/crust. Repeat until you reach the top then insert a popsicle stick in and let set up in the freezer. Remove and devour.

Photo & Recipe: By Sarcastic Baker

QUICK HOW TO: Pie pops are actually really easy. You are just making tiny hand pies and tucking in a lollipop stick. The key is in putting the lollipop stick down first, before you add your filling (so pie dough, lollipop stick, filling, pie dough), then sealing the dough really tightly around the stick.

Photo & Recipe: By What Molly Made

For filling, choose anything from traditional pie flavors to more fun and whimsical versions like S’More or Chess Pie, just make sure that whatever is inside has already been cooked and softened (like fruits) as these won’t spend very long in the oven! Quick tip. Make sure to cook them well so that they aren’t flimsy when removed from the oven. Let them sit for a good hour before you attempt to transfer them.

Photo & Recipe: By Salt and Lavender

You can even make great use of your leftover pie (hahahaha, like there is ever leftover pie) by transforming them into breakfast pops layered with yogurt!?

SKILLET PIE

Perhaps my very favorite pick for a personal pie is…the miniature skillet tart. So simple, so gorgeous, so perfect with a scoop of ice cream melting into every nook and cranny.

Photo & Recipe: by Sprinkle Bakes

We found these great 3.5″ (TINY!) skillets that you can buy in a pack of four which would make for absolutely darling mini pies. But if you want a little bit bigger, look for something in a 5-6″ range. To measure out your dough, you can flip the skillet over and trace the outline of the skillet. A little larger than you think is always a good bet. Once you have your rounds, just fit them inside the skillets, letting the excess dough hang over the side. Then fill ‘er up! Fold the excess dough over the top, add small pads of butter to the filling, brush the dough with an egg wash, then sprinkle with big, beautiful turbinado sugar. Depending on the size, you’ll bake for around half an hour. If you are worried about baking time, use one of the recipes below!

Photo & Recipe: by Lauren Conrad

OUR FAVORITE SKILLET PIE RECIPES: Easiest Ever Rustic Apple Tart | Individual Skillet Pecan Pie | Mini Pumpkin Pie Skillets

PIES & JARS … JAR PIES.

The mason jar just might be the best thing that has ever happened to desserts. Whether you bake them inside the jar and hand them out with a pretty spoon and a dollop of vanilla ice cream OR you use the lids as miniature pie tins, you can really let your pie-magination run wild with these babies.

Photo & Recipe: By Giggles Galore

Pies in a Mason Jar Lid. That is actually a thing. And we are here for it. Use your mason jar lid just as you would a larger pie, but cut the dough just larger than the lid and tuck inside so that the sides of the dough have a bit of a lip around the inside of the lid. Add your fillings, topper (more pie crust, egg wash + a sprinkle of sugar OR a crumble of some kind) and bake. Usually around 12-15 minutes at 375. You can serve these with ice cream or whipped cream on top, in the lid or popped out of the lid or just wrap them in 4 x 6″ clear bags and let the guests open themselves!

Photo by: Ethan Calabrese as seen on Delish.com

Pies in a Mason Jar. A pie in a mason jar can take on many forms. It can be cooked ahead of time, then layered in the jar. It can be built with dough and fillings and baked just as you would a pie. It can be tiny with just a pie topper and no dough inside or it can be large and overflowing with baked goodness.

For a slam dunk every time, we suggest either the layering of finished pie ingredients OR miniature pie topped jars. To make the minis, fill your jars nearly to the top with filling. Add a bit of egg wash to the rim of the jar and place your topper on – cut to just slightly larger than the jar, making sure there are steam holes. Cover with egg wash and a sprinkle of sugar and bake for 12-15 minutes.

MINIATURE PIES

Mini pies are essentially hand pies but they are formed in a small pie or muffin tin to retain their shape. What I love most about doing a series of mini pies is that you can vary the fillings and guests can get a taste of everything. Plus, the smaller they are, the more you can eat!

Photo & Recipe: By The Kitchen McCabe

FAVORITE MINI PIES + SUPPLIES. To create beautiful miniature pies, all you need are the right tools and supplies + a stellar recipe. Muffin Tins, Miniature Tart Pan, Mini Pie Tins all work beautifully. But so do brownie pans, popover pans, and mini loaf pans. There are SO many options for making tiny pies, just open your cabinet and see what you have!

Photo & Recipe: By Julie Jones

QUICK HOW-TO. Making mini pies is fairly straight forward if you set yourself up right from the beginning. Make sure to prepare your pan, treating every cavity like you would its own individual pie dish. Butter or grease them, line them with parchment paper, whatever your go-to method for prepping muffins is will work here.

Photo & Recipe: By Julie Jones

Because you are working with tiny bits of dough and likely warm hands, your dough might get soft quickly. Thus, you may need to refrigerate as you go. As the dough starts to soften, pop it back in the fridge to firm back up.

Photo & Recipe: By Inspired Chick

These little pies cook quickly, so make sure your fillings are pre-cooked or softened. Once you have your cups filled, and your tops topped, pop them into the fridge for an hour or the freezer for 10-15 minutes. They will hold their shape much better if they go into the oven cold. Most mini pies – depending on size – will cook in 20-30 minutes. When you take them out, let them sit in the pan for 10 minutes to set up a bit more

Photo & Recipe: By Lauren Conrad

PACKAGING

While you can certainly just have these little mini delights out for your guests to see, if you really want to button up those Covid practices, consider packaging them before you serve!

Photo by Heather Waraksa

Mini Pie Boxes. There are so many cute ones out there to choose from. We are partial to the ones with a peek-a-boo window at the top like these or these (tied with a pretty butcher’s twine + a disposable spork) but there are a million options out there. Just make sure you check your the size of your finished pie before buying! Oh and if you aren’t doing mini pies…how cute are THESE little individual pie boxes that we made a while back!?

Photo & Design: By Jenny Cookies

While Clear Bags and Boxes. A simple and inexpensive way to package up your pies. You can add a piece of scrapbooking card stock as well so that the pies have a pretty backdrop OR add a handwritten note of thanks that peeks through. If using a box, you can fill with sprinkles or paper shred to give your pie a little nest to sit upon.

Photo: By Rachel May as seen on Martha Stewart

A Finishing Touch... Include a gilded disposable fork or a bamboo spoon. Print your own labels or use a pretty stamp directly on the label paper to seal up your bag or box. Tie a chic ribbon around them that matches your color palette. You can really go all out with these and make them something so special, your guests hardly realize that it’s all in the name of safety.

The Secret Weapon to Effortless Thanksgiving Entertaining

The secret weapon to effortless entertaining is keeping guests hydrated. Go above and beyond with a welcome cocktail waiting at the front door and you will win all things hosting. Promise. This Spiced Pear Cider courtesy of Daly Digs and Jacqui Cole is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving festivities. Make a big batch before and set out as guests arrive, then watch them marvel.

Spiced Pear Cocktail

prep time
5 Minute/s

cook time

total time
5 Minute/s

Ingredients

24 oz Pear Nectar
12 oz Vodka
Seeds of 1 vanilla bean
Dash Cinnamon
Pear for garnish

Instructions

Mix all Ingredients
Pour over ice
Garnish with slice of Pear

Photography: Jacqui Cole Photography | Styling: Becky of Daly Digs

Bourbon Apple Cider for the Thanksgiving Day Win

Let’s just say if someone were to greet me at the door on Thanksgiving with one of these signature cocktails, I might never leave. It’s the best way to welcome your holiday guests and promises you get Most Amazing Hostess Ever Award. Or at least a happy camper. Save these three cocktail recipes dreamed up by Daly Digs and captured by Jacqui Cole for the yummiest Thanksgiving sips.

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Apple Rosemary Bourbon

Ingredients

3oz apple cider
1. 5 oz bourbon
1 teaspoon sugar
rosemary springs

Directions

1. Pour apple cider and bourbon over glass filled with ice and stir.
2. Garnish with rosemary sprig.

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Ginger Beet Cocktail

Ingredients

1. 5 oz vodka
2 oz beet juice 1/2 ounce vodka
. 5 oz lime juice
splash of ginger beer

Directions

1. Shake in shaker full of ice.
2. Strain into a coupe or martini glass.
3. Garnish with beet and sugared ginger.

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Pear Pomegranate Bellini

Ingredients

1 oz pear brandy
1. 5 oz pomegranate juice
Sparkling wine or champagne
1 pear, sliced

Directions

1. Pour brandy and pomegranate juice in champagne glass and top off with champagne.
2. Garnish with pear slice.

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Major Golden Hour Lover? This California Wedding Inspiration Is Right up Your Alley.

Who doesn’t love those dreamy golden hour hues… are we right?! Today’s inspiration from Charmed Events Group was inspired by the sheer romance of California sunsets. Flowergirl Em brought the overall vision to life with her organic arrangements in a happy palette of pale yellows paired with fresh cremes. The results couldn’t have been more breathtaking! To see all the details, including one of the most stunning barn venues ever – head on over to the full gallery captured to perfection by Jasmine Lee Photography for an extra dose of vitamin D.

From Charmed Events Group… We all need a little bit of sunshine in our lives during this season. We set out to create an intimate wedding inspired by the the golden hues of California and the romance of Golden Hour.

We had a playful, light, and happy palette of pale yellows paired with fresh cremes, made complete with modern touches in style and detailing. One of our favorite aspects of this design were the overhead hanging lamps that we hung over the table. It gave this table such a modern, yet tailored take on what a romantic table could be.

We also loved playing with different patterns and textures within our palette of soft yellows and cremes, by using a fun, patterned napkin, wicker chargers and mustard yellow tumblers for glassware. The setting was all made complete by the little cosmo that sat at each guest’s place setting.

Cheers to love and a little sunshine in our lives as exemplified by this sweet couple!

Why a Friendsgiving is the new Thanksgiving

Alongside Thanksgiving – and the chance to break the yummiest of breads with those you love – sometimes comes a wee bit of stress. Because family isn’t always a walk in the park, amirite!? Thus, “Friendsgiving” was born. A day to relax entirely into the no-stress vibe of your friend-family and recharge your souls to gear up for the holiday season. Friendsgiving doesn’t have to be on Thanksgiving. It doesn’t even have to be in November. It just has to be about fun and food and laughing with the people that “get you” the best – and if we haven’t officially talked you into it? This Friendsgiving shoot from Taylor Bradford, Sugar Creek Event Rentals with photos by Rachel Elaine, will most certainly do the persuading.

From Taylor Bradford, Sugar Creek Event Rentals… Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, set aside time for your second family – your amazing collection of friends – and celebrate the treasured relationships you all share with a festive Friendsgiving!

Along with my beautiful collection of friends, we set out to craft a Friendsgiving that would allow us to appreciate and honor the importance of community…in all out style. Set at the ever-gorgeous Firefly Gardens, this cozy feast catered by Oliver’s Fine Foods features traditional Thanksgiving dishes with a modern twist.

Events by Jade collaborated with Taylor by refining the Fall setting with glowing, gorgeous florals from Vella Nest Floral Design, perfectly placed pumpkins, and fresh-from-the-farmhouse décor from Sugar Creek Event Rentals.

Details will always make the difference in your friendly gathering, like the stunning menus, invites and event signage by LaneLove Paper Co. And Taylor’s own signature cocktail – pumpkin pie moonshine!

A fun Friendsgiving would never be complete without the sweets! The London Baker’s eye-catching and superbly delicious sweets featured a mouth-watering Caramel Apple Pie, that brought to a close an amazing food experience.

The true spirit of the evening was flawlessly captured by Rachel Elaine Photography perfectly highlighting the true meaning of friendship. Take time to break bread with your besties this holiday and organize your very own Friendsgiving ASAP!

5 Ways to Support Your Local Vendors Right Now, From a Wedding Planner!

The wedding industry, among others, has been hit pretty hard this year. Vendors such as florists, DJs, caterers and planners have been forced to pivot their businesses in new ways to support clients as well as generate income. In support of the industry, I’ve come up with 5 ways you can patronize your local wedding industry favs. We’re all in this together, right?

Photography by Cagdas Yoldas

1. Purchase gift cards for family and friends

Although you may only know a small percentage of people getting married, most services wedding vendors offer can be used by anyone. Know a family who just had a baby? A family looking to update their photo albums? Purchase a gift card from a local photographer to have their photos taken! Know a couple in need of a date night? Purchase them a gift card to your local wedding venue’s restaurant for a romantic night out on the town.

Photography by Cagdas Yoldas | Catering by Traiteur Brera

2. Order your weekend dinners from your local caterer

Saturday is usually take-out night for a lot of households. Support your local caterer by ordering a meal for the family or just for yourself once a week. Even though restaurants in your area may be closed for seating, you can always create “restaurant style” ambiance by adding small details to your table. It could be anything from napkins to candles or a nice floral arrangement.

3. Leave your vendors reviews and share their work

A short review can go a long way. On top of managing current clients, your wedding vendors would likely love to generate new business. How can you help? By spreading word of mouth and leaving a nice review. If you haven’t yet tied the knot but have been working with your planner on details – you can leave a review based on your current experience in planning your big day. Reviews are a great way to get your favorite vendors recognized and help them drum up new business.

Photo by The Pink Dream

4. Sign up for floral subscriptions

Signing up for weekly deliveries is a great way to brighten your space as well as support your local florist. Not a fan of flowers in your home? You can also purchase subscriptions for friends and family members too!

5. Order holiday and/or birthday cards from your local stationer

We’re taking it back to 2005 but who doesn’t love a personalized card? Ordering holiday or birthday cards with your own special flare is a good way to personalize gifts for your friends and loved ones. As well, these projects will help keep your stationer creative and may even help them generate new clients. It’s really a win-win!

Photography by Carlie Statsky

The effects of COVID may last a while for the industry we all love. A concerted effort at supporting local businesses can really shift things for many business owners. Hopefully these tips can provide you with fun and cost effective ways to support your favourite local vendors.

Best Ever Pecan Pie

We live out in the New England country, in a little town just outside of Boston. Where cars slow to let turkeys pass by (I actually did this today) and horses regularly trot down the side of the road with their owners. We are close enough to a city to experience all of the culinary goodness, but far enough to enjoy all of the farms and land and general loveliness. And around Thanksgiving that very combination gets oh so good.

I should preface this recipe to say that I’m not so much of a pie girl. Fruit + Dessert = not my thing. There is only one pie that ever temps me into sneaking down in the middle of the night and stealing the last slice. Verrill Farm‘s pecan pie. Verrill Farm is this amazing little grocer + farm where fresh eggs and cheeses, produce and gorgeous meats are either harvested on property or sourced from like-minded nearby farms. And around Thanksgiving, people literally claim their pies months in advance.

So when I discovered that Verrill Farm actually shares my favorite of their pie recipes online, well, I was making it within the hour. The best part? It’s one of the easiest recipes on the face of the earth. So you can whip it up lickity split and your guests will think that you are a slave to the kitchen. And the best pie maker around.

Best Ever Pecan Pie

prep time
15 Minute/s

cook time
55 Minute/s

total time
1 Hour/s 10 Minute/s

Ingredients

2 1/2 oz. melted butter
4 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup plus 2 Tbls dark corn syrup
1 heaping cup pecan halves

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425. Place pie dough into pie dish, poking holes in it to allow for ventilation. We used a pre-made pie dough but if you're making your own, go with this one (X). Place a piece of parchment paper over your pie crust and fill the bottom with un-cooked beans. Any variety will work. Par-bake your crust for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.
Reduce oven heat to 350.
Once your pie crust has cooled, put pecans in the bottom of the pie shell.
Melt butter and set aside to cool.
Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl until well combined and add the cooled melted butter. If your butter is too hot, it will scramble the eggs.
Pour over the pecans in the pie shell and bake at 350°F until puffy around the edges and set, about 45-60 minutes until your filling is set. If your top becomes too dark, cover with aluminum foil.

A Colorful Seaside Destination Wedding at the Boca Bay Pass Club!

For a couple who just couldn’t wait to marry each other, the details fell into place and their day was absolute magic! Molly Carr Photography snapped shot after shot of the couple in a bright yellow golf cart and against the classic Floridian cotton candy sky! From non-stop smiles to a stunning sunset, everything about their seaside day at the Boca Bay Pass Club was perfection, from colorful florals by Kaleidoscope Floral to ice cream for dessert by A Better Scoop Ice Cream. Take a scroll below and soak it all in!

From Molly Carr Photography…The charming Old-World Floridian island of Boca Grande, where Brian’s family has vacationed for the past half-century, played host to Paige and Brian’s beautiful destination wedding on the Gulf of Mexico. Over one-hundred of their closest friends and family traveled from as far as Australia to celebrate this incredible couple in-style, and from beginning to end it could not have been a more incredible weekend.

Paige and Brian have been together for years, and their love and chemistry is apparent within minutes of meeting the couple. Their relationship has such a relaxed, joyous quality that you can’t help but feel happier in their presence. Throughout the entire wedding planning process, Paige reiterated, over and over, how excited she was to finally be marrying Brian and really, that fact in itself was by far what was most important to her.

On their warm and sunny wedding day, Paige and Brian remained calm and happy, and when they finally saw each other for the first time as Paige walked down the aisle of Boca Grande’s charming and historic Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, not a dry eye remained amongst the entire congregation. After their ceremony, we headed off to Banyan Street (the couple on the most adorable yellow golf cart) to spend a few minutes taking their bride and groom portraits beneath the majestic Banyan trees. Realizing for the first time that they were finally husband and wife, Paige and Brian could not stop smiling, laughing, and kissing which made for the most beautiful photos. I simply stepped back and documented their love and connection unfold before my eyes.

From there, it was off to Boca Bay Pass Club for their oceanfront reception. The incredible Kaleidoscope Floral created a dreamscape under the billowing white tent, with stunningly-vibrant spring florals inspired by the muted shades of the famous Floridian sunsets. The couple and their guests enjoyed delicious seasonal meals, and as the sun began to wane we headed out onto the beach for photos. As the last bit of color lingered in the sky, Paige and Brian took a moment to gaze at their beautiful tent, filled with all of the people in the world who loved them most. Finally, it was back to the tent for an enchanted evening of cocktails and dancing.

You’d Never Believe This Tuscan Inspired Venue That Recently Opened to the Public Is Actually in LA

Looking for a Tuscan escape a little closer to home? Leave it to the talented team at Milk Events to bring all the romance of the Italian countryside to Shakespeare’s Club – a stunning Pasadena venue that recently opened up to the public for events! Wild Muse Florals created idyllic, pastel arrangements that perfectly complimented the Italianate Renaissance architecture of the venue and surrounding gardens. If you’re dreaming of a European destination wedding in COVID times, head on over to the full gallery from Ether and Smith to get inspired on how to bring those Euro feels to your very own backyard.

From Milk Events… What started as the excitement to honeymoon in the rolling hills of Tuscany quickly changed as plans were canceled due to the on-growing pandemic. With the trip postponed, I was constantly thinking about the olive orchards and vineyard tours and decided to channel that energy into something positive.

Something colorful, cheerful, and romantic. The first step was finding the perfect venue. As a Pasadena native, The Villa at Shakespeare Club has always been close, but only recently did they open up to the public for events. It was perfect.

The villa terrace and courtyard are stunning in its own right, but the wisteria arbor completely transports you. With the sunset shining from behind, Los Angeles couldn’t feel further away. When designing this shoot, there was a team I already had in mind. Bringing on Emma from Ether and Smith was key in making sure the beauty of the space was captured perfectly.

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Morgan from Wild Muse Florals created the most beautiful arrangements, the perfect balance in colors. And Jinza Couture’s flowing gown paired seamlessly with our accessories from Sash & Veil and Vivi Embellish. I hope this shoot brings you a little bit of joy as it did to all of us.”

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/455986169 600 338]

A Major Cottage Makeover

Jenna Sue doesn’t shy away from a tough project! Case in point: The Cottage. The blogger, turned print maker, turned designer, DIYer, and real estate investor (wow!) purchased the fixer upper and did a major overhaul on the California home. We caught up with Jenna Sue Design Co. to chat about the project and busy life!

Tell us a little about yourself and your business?

I started blogging in 2011 to document the renovation of my second home. A few months later I launched an Etsy shop selling custom art prints, which became a full time job later that year. I still have my Etsy shops (and sell prints directly on my website) but my focus is now mostly on design, DIY, investing in real estate and blogging about the process.

What’s a typical work day for you like?

The majority of it consists of either working on DIY projects or documenting/photographing/taking video/editing and blog writing. Both my husband and I work from home and our current renovations are within walking distance, so that has been super convenient. He’s able to DIY with me on evenings and weekends, and during the weekday is when I can focus on the content. Lately it has been non-stop as we’re trying to settle into a new house and prepare for the arrival of our first child next month.

How do you blend your love of interiors with photography?

I’ve slowly eased into photography since buying my first DSLR over a decade ago, and quickly learned how important it was for blogging (and communicating in general). Online, your design work is only as good as your photo, so you have to take the time to learn how to capture it properly. I still have a long way to go, but I enjoy the process and satisfaction of being able to evoke the right feeling through my lens.

Take us through the home, what was your vision when designing the space?

The cottage was very dark and outdated when I purchased it. I envisioned a clean, bright and open space that still retained the original character and highlighted its unique features and location in the woods. White walls, wood trim and black accents made it feel fresh and interesting, while natural textures, a soft palette and cozy layers kept it warm and inviting.

What is your favorite room in the house?

So much love went into all of them, but the upstairs bathroom has a special place in my heart. The brick floors, vintage clawfoot tub, the DIY vanity we built out of a desk and coffee table… to me, it’s pure heaven.

What, if any, were some of the challenges with bringing your vision to life?

I had a lot working against me. A tight budget and timeline, to start (the entire project was finished in around 5 months) but the biggest challenge was distance. I was living 3 ½ hours away in San Francisco at the time, commuting back and forth half the week and DIYing as much as I could in the few days I was there. I ran into issues with contractors, unexpected expenses, snowstorms and power outages that lasted for days. It was worth it in the end, but I vowed to never do a long-distance flip again.

For someone looking to revamp their home one room at a time, where would you start?

That’s a personal question that will be different for everyone, but I like to start somewhere that I spend the most time in, or on somewhere functional that would make life easier. Organization is very important to me, so having our bathroom vanity set up before moving in was crucial, as was having our kitchen cabinet storage systems in place. Apart from the basic needs and rooms that get the most use, it can be anywhere! I’ve always jumped around depending on what happened to be inspiring me lately.

What are a few design staples people should invest in?

This will also depend on individual needs and preferences. When it comes to quality, functional pieces are the most important (ie furniture—specifically couches, tables, chairs and beds) and you can usually take more risks with décor and other items.

What are your favorite places to shop for pieces?

I always look secondhand online first (Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, LetGo, Craigslist), and have been able to find almost all of my antique pieces at great prices. If I can’t find what I need there, Amazon has actually been my #1 go-to lately, followed by Wayfair, Target, Overstock, Lowe’s, IKEA—the more budget-friendly sources.

What’s on your home ‘wish list’ right now?

We’re still settling into a mostly empty house and there’s a lot to buy! I’m currently trying to hunt down the perfect sofa, chairs, living room rug, coffee table, armoire, dining chairs, canopy bed, master bedroom rug, living room curtains… the list goes on!

Interior Design: Jenna Sue Design

Think Bright Colors and Traditional Elegance Don’t Mix? Think Again.

French elegance, peonies aplenty, and a color scheme that will instantly brighten your day – these are just a few things you can expect to see from today’s gorgeous destination inspiration from Celebrate Weddings & Events. From the romantic “unfinished” arbor by Fleurs de Fée to the bride’s fashion-forward style, don’t miss out on the full gallery to watch the magic unfold – all taken by Mailys Fortune!

From Celebrate Weddings & Events… She is half-French half-Italian, he is French. Their names are Gabriela & Valentin. They met at a friend’s birthday party. They both value time spent with their loved ones and love to gather everyone very often for dinners and parties.

They have a lot of friends in common, and go on holidays with them regularly. They are epicurean and aesthete, and enjoy all the little things in life. They love gastronomy and never say no to an al fresco cocktail night!

They are bright personalities and wouldn’t have imagined their wedding without a pop of brightful colors, lively music, cocktails and an al fresco dinner.

All of that in a beautiful place of charm and character, under the sun of the South of France.

An Elegant European Inspired Shoot Featuring Real Couples at Peterloon Estate!

Who knew there was a touch of European elegance right in the heart of Cincinnati?! Peterloon Estate is a hidden gem, that only hosts a few weddings a year, making it quite exclusive and KMC Weddings and Events and Odessa James put together the most beautiful inspiration shoot featuring real couples! Shot by Chelsey & Jordan Photography, the shoot was done all over the property, showcasing their stunning grounds! The Budding Florist and Floral V came together to create (dare I say,) epic floral arches, bouquets and centerpieces and the real couples love shone through. Check it all out below…and fingers crossed (for us) one of you readers has this venue booked!

From Chelsey & Jordan Photography…Karen, owner of KMC Weddings and Events wanted to plan and execute a wedding inspiration shoot at one of the most “hidden gems” in Cincinnati at Peterloon Estate. Peterloon is full of European elegance and well-manicured grounds. They host only a handful of weddings each year, making it one of the most exclusive spots for upcoming brides and grooms to host their nuptials at.

The most amazing team of vendors came together to create a display of European elegance, classic design, and garden romance to showcase a beautiful wedding inspiration editorial. Real couples were hand-picked to show their chemistry, and display true love. The garden vibes and lush florals all incorporate a soft summer palette and provide inspiration for brides who wish to have a destination wedding closer to home.

The property is on several acres of rolling hills, mature trees, and hidden gardens. Peterloon Estate is a European-inspired estate that hosts a handful of wedding celebrations each year and charity functions. It’s a stunning display of architecture, design, and luxury. The florists, Floral V and The Budding Florist came together to create stunning arches, flowing bouquets, and overflowing centerpieces that truly embody the floral-loving bride.

From the delicate garden-inspired tablescape overlooking the property, to the Rolls Royce adorned with a floral installation, to the french-blue cake with hand-created sugar flowers, each detail was perfectly curated for this editorial.

A Charming, Sun-Drenched Elopement at River Oaks in Charleston

When COVID came knocking – today’s darling couple decided their marriage was more important than the big party they had planned. They decided to bring their ceremony closer to home at River Oaks in charming Charleston, with just their immediate family in attendance. And judging by the stunning, sun-soaked snaps from Amy Mulder Photography, the day couldn’t have been more special. Don’t miss out on the full gallery to get some major elopement inspiration!

From Amy Mulder Photography… When the coronavirus threatened all of the 2020 weddings this year, Jamie and Morgan made the decision that their marriage was more important than the party they had planned. Instead of cancelling, they relocated their wedding near their home in Charleston, SC and had immediate family only ceremony and reception. The day was full of laughter, love and celebration. For that day, the virus had not won.

The family gathered together and spent time talking and relaxing along side the river at the picturesque location of River Oaks. Morgan and her father shared a first look, which was amazing to see. What a proud father he is. And what a delighted daughter he has. Their father/daughter relationship was so clearly a deep one. During their first look time together, Morgan gave her father a handkerchief with an embroidered note from her on it. Following their first look, Jamie anxiously awaited seeing his bride for the first time for their first look.

As soon as they saw each other, their bodies were relaxed, they eyes were full of excitement and love for each other. It was such a beautiful ceremony. I tend to get teary eyed during weddings, but this was so different. With only a small group of people there, it was so intimate and so so so meaningful. It was clear everyone there was only attending to show their love and support for this beautiful couple. The guests were so excited and happy to be drinking in every moment of the wedding, and they could take in every moment since it was just them!

A cocktail hour followed the ceremony. It was complete with fruit, veggie and meat charcuterie boards, champagne, and caviar. Toasts were given, memories shared of the bride and groom growing up, as well as hopes, dreams and prayers of what the families have for the newly wed couple. After cocktail hour they joined together in prayer and sat down for a seven course dinner. There was no rush to the dinner, just enjoyment the rest of the night.