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

A Luxury Multicultural Wedding at Santa Marina Resort & Villas in Mykonos

When two cultures come together in celebration of true love – magic happens! And this wedding planned by Mood Effects and captured by Elias Kordelakos is proof. Aneeqa and Alex tied the knot at the most gorgeous venue of all time, the Santa Marina Resort & Villas, in Mykonos (aka wedding heaven!) The night ended with an unforgettable fire show from Defingou Events that guests will be talking about for years to come. Keep on reading to see this destination wedding weekend unfold!

From Elias Kordelakos… Mykonos is well known for luxury destination weddings. And this one is definitely the perfect example! The couple is multicultural as Aneeqa, the bride, is half-Indian and Alex is half-Greek. The rehearsal dinner was held at the 180 Sunset Bar, that got its name from the amazing 180 degree panoramic view, overlooking Mykonos island. The sunset time was like no other.

The wedding day was held at one of the most sought after wedding venues in Mykonos, the Santa Marina Hotel. The night closed in the most amazing way with a fire show second to none! Mood Effects, the wedding planners, perfectly orchestrated this wedding’s events while Elias Kordelakos captured the most inspiring photos of these gorgeous days!

From Mood Effects, the wedding planner… Being part of Aneeqa’s and Alex’s wedding was a wonderful experience. Aneeqa and Alex have traveled from London to Mykonos Island many times for their summer vacation. They loved the island, so the decision was easy. From the moment we started planning the wedding it was clear that they wanted something unique. They wanted to give to their guests and family the best. Everyone arrived three days before the wedding and we prepared a special event for every day.

The welcome party took place at one of the most picturesque places of the island having as a unique backdrop Mykonos town from above. Colors were changing every moment and during sunset everything became magical. Second day, the big day! Preparation started early for everyone, and everything was ready early afternoon. The ceremony took place at the courtyard of the old Monastery of the island in between blossomed bougainvillea.

The luxury hotel of Santa Marina welcomed the guests for the cocktail that was followed by dinner at the pool area with a magnificent view to the Aegean Sea. The atmosphere was amazing. Long white wooden tables decorated with white and light pink flowers, candles and details of gold created a warm and shouting environment. The top time though was the party time. A magnificent fire show escorted everyone to the beach and the party started only to end by the early morning hours. Elias Kordelakos with his amazing photos created memories that all of us will remember and hold dear through time. The next day it was the day that our beautiful couple had to say goodbye. Aneeqa and Alex thanked their friends and families at a lovely beach venue under the sun by the sea where they had time to relax, enjoy and share their memories.

From Elias Kordelakos, the photographer… Connecting with your wedding photographer is the most important thing. Aneeqa and Alex, loved the bright and airy photographs and as most couples, expressed they were shy in the front camera in our initial meeting. It’s where the bond with your photographer kicks in and helps you to relax and bring forth the best of you!

A Romantic Vow Renewal at Beaulieu Garden with a Classic Color Palette

When we first laid eyes on this romantic vow renewal captured by 1486 Photography at Beaulieu Gardens, we were convinced it had to be a wedding! I mean, can you blame us? It’s absolutely stunning! This sweet couple decided to renew their vows on their anniversary in the very spot they exchanged “I do’s” 10 years prior – how special is that?! Everything from her sheer Watters gown to the thoughtful details coordinated by Alison Events… it’s all right here! Keep on scrolling…

From 1486 Photography… Ten years of marriage brings along many things that inspire celebration, and this day truly encapsulates all of the joy that comes along with a decade of love. Erin and Justin currently live in New York City, but when it came time to renew their vows on their 10th anniversary, they decided that heading back to Napa Valley was the perfect choice. Their wedding day took place at Beaulieu Garden, so what could have acted as a better backdrop for expressing renewed promises to their longtime love? The main goal for both Justin and Erin was to create an ongoing celebration for their family and friends. Throughout the course of three days, they made sure to spend every second commemorating their favourite people!

They began the festivities with a welcome dinner at the renowned Charter Oaks in St. Helena and hosted a farewell brunch at farmstead where they sipped, dined alfresco and listened to Justin’s choice, a Grateful Dead cover band. The main event was their vow renewal ceremony and reception at Beaulieu Garden. They surrounded themselves with some of their absolute favourite vendors from their wedding day and adding new ones including myself, their close friend Alana from 1486 Photography, to capture the day!

The day started at their incredible villa perched high up in the hills with stunning panoramic views of the valley. With a space large enough to host their entire family, they enjoyed plenty of bocci games and swims overlooking all of Napa. Although Beaulieu Garden does not need much to make it shine, Erin’s fresh white and green colour palette brought a feeling of crispness that complimented the venue perfectly. Florist Sharla Flock Designs and the fantastic Alison Events worked together to create a design that kept this theme in mind while bringing in elements that felt soft and romantic while also modern and romantic.

Truly one of the most beautiful elements was the stunning minimalistic cake design by the incomparable Jasmine Rae Cakes. By far one of the most touching aspects of the day were the moments of pure joy shared between Erin, Justin, and their children. The couple made sure to focus on spending time as a family throughout the weekend. It’s so rare that kids are able to play a role in their parents wedding days, so being able to have them share a day celebrating the love that brought them into the world was something incredibly special for all of them!

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Chic Modern Inspiration with Wild Florals at the Top of the Rock

The second we saw this ridiculously chic, golden-toned inspiration from Kylee Yee Photography we were IN LOVE. I mean, how could we not be? With soaring Manhattan skyline views, perfectly imperfect blooms from Sarah Saunders Studio in mustard and auburn hues and not one but two stunning gowns from The Law Bridal and Dan Jones Bridal – this heavenly NYC day is everything. Hey, modern brides, prepare to be swept off your feet…

From Kylee Yee Photography… With the bride and groom coming from different countries and backgrounds, this union was a love they had to fight for.

Having met while on vacation in NYC during the Fall, they decided this is where and when they are going to marry; in an intimate rooftop ceremony with only their closest inner circle. How romantic is that?

After the wedding, NYC is to be their home where they will lay down their roots.

We wanted to mix a clean, translucent modern vibe with wild fall flowers embracing amber and mustard Fall tones. Sarah Saunders Studio did such an incredible job bringing this vision to life through her gorgeous floral arrangements.

The images are inspiration for the modern chic couple, with a focus on modern fashion-forward pieces, and a real love strong enough to overcome major challenges and transcends race, religion and borders.

So You’re Engaged! Now What?

Cheers to the New Year! From the merry moments to last night’s countdown kisses, we’re betting many of you are sporting some new left hand bling. Hooray! You’re engaged, now what?! Well, first up, let the celebrations continue. Next, join in with us for 31 days of fun to kick off your wedding planning journey, from popping the bubbly to taking your first #SMPringselfie. Read below for more details!

Every day in the month of January, we will reveal a new wedding planning challenge right here, which will link to an inspirational post to get all the sparks flying. Each reveal will stay on the calendar to inspire you throughout your entire wedding planning process. It doesn’t matter what time of year you get engaged, you can start this challenge at any time!

The fun part? We want to see how your newly engaged days are going. Use the hashtag #SMPImEngaged on Instagram so we can follow your journey and for a chance to be featured on our account. Happy planning! XO

READY, SET, PLAN!

A Modern Wedding at Trentadue Winery with an Escort Display You Have to See to Believe

This stunning wedding captured by Michele Beckwith Photography with planning from Amorology is sure to teach you a thing or two about how to get real creative with your wedding decor. The adorable bride and groom hired the best of the best, aka Back Up Backdrops, to create a super fun escort display that is every music-lovers dream. The pastel floral arrangements by Bloomwell & Co. graced the tables at a reception surrounded by California’s soaring redwoods. The entire day was a total dream – see for yourself!

From Heather at Amorology… Our travel-happy, music-loving couple Danielle & Raj were a total joy to work with and looking back on their day gives us all the warm and fuzzies! Not only were they just all-around awesome to work with, but they had such a fun and unique story that served as an endless source of inspiration when it came to designing their day! A gorgeous and colorful invitation suite by Peanut Press Collective invited guests to witness Danielle and Raj marry under floral pillars by Bloomwell & Co. Surrounded by Redwoods and rolling hills in California wine country. After the ceremony and as guests headed over to cocktail hour, they were asked to sign-in by leaving the couple an “anniversary letter” offering advice for a particular anniversary year – a nod to the sweet hand-written letters Raj would write Danielle over their 8 years of dating.

After sipping on the vineyard’s house wines, guests were led to their seats with their own pair of head phones to use later in the evening for the silent disco! The headphones hung in rows under an “It’s Electric” neon sign fixed to a backdrop by Backup Backdrops to allude to the couple’s love of electronic and dance music.

With a palette of neutrals, grays and pastels with electric pops of citron and gold, a mix of high and low tables draped in patterned gold linens and hand-dyed pink fabric from Hostess Haven were set with simple gray chargers, glass dinner plates, and etched brass glassware to give a nod to Raj’s Indian roots. Tying back in the neon concept, each place setting was set with a neon-edged napkin for a pop of fun! To finish the night off on a high note, we encouraged guests to snack on a “Bust A Move” brownie on the way to the dance floor, where they were invited to “Leave It All Here” before wishing the happy newlyweds farewell under an arch of sparklers!

From Michele at Michele Beckwith Photography… Danielle and Raj are a super sweet and fun loving couple from San Francisco. They are know by their friends and family as the outgoing couple who loves to entertain. They are usually the ones who host an annual Friendsgiving in their SF apartment, so it was very important to them that their wedding felt like a gathering of all their closest friends and family, making sure that every one of their guests felt special and loved. Their wedding was a blend of two families coming together and the design was a reflection of that.

There was a modern mix of florals, nods to Raj’s Indian heritage in the tablescapes, and the couple’s love of music with a neon sign pointing to the silent disco headphone seating chart. Danielle and Raj genuinely adore and respect other. You could tell by the way they glanced at one another and held each other close when they were taking their portraits that it was true love. During their first look their were lots of happy smiles and laughs, and maybe even a few tears. They also stayed close by each other throughout the day when visiting guests. They are completely at ease with each other, and I can see why they make great travel companions as they continue to globe trot to far away countries and begin new adventures.

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5 Neutral Nail Colors That Are Perfect for Your Wedding Day

Everyone always talks about how your hair is going to be styled or what color lip you’re going to rock on your wedding day – but be sure you don’t overlook one of the most important bridal style decisions… your wedding nail color! There are so many colors to choose from when it comes to your perfect bridal shade… so we’re narrowing down your search to these 5 stunning colors that were practically made to don during your “I do’s”.

The Feminine Pink Nude

If you’re completely overwhelmed but the amount of pink nudes out there and can’t decide what to choose – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Machu Peach-U by OPI is the prettiest pink shade for your wedding day. It’s not too bright, not too sheer – it’s justttt right.

The Clean Everyday Nude

Topless & Barefoot by Essie will forever be a favorite in our books. It’s a subtle, soft beige with a little splash of pink – basically every bride’s dream wedding nail!

The Sparkling Nude

Essie’s gel couture collection is complete with the most perfect nude shade – it’s a shimmery rose gold that’s perfect for the vintage bride. Ironically, it’s called To Have and To Gold… how perfect is that?!

The Perfect White

If you’re looking for that classic white nail that is just the right balance of opaque and sheer and will never go out of style – Funny Bunny by OPI is your wedding nail color winner!

The Moody Nude

For the bride who’s not afraid of a little color – Royal Appointment by Butter London is a beautiful dark mauve shade that’s unique enough to stand out but subtle enough to work for your wedding day and match with any bridal style.

Photography: Anna Roussos

A Classic Wedding at the San Francisco Mint with an Organic Touch

Thanks to this stunning wedding planned by Natalie Choi Events – I think we officially have a new favorite San Fran wedding venue! The elegant, minimalist style of The San Francisco Mint was the perfect backdrop to Sarah and Josh’s dream wedding. Laura’s Floras brought the space to life with arrangements teeming with lush greens and crisp white blooms. We could go on for days about how obsessed we are with every detail of this day (and this adorable couple!!), but we’ll let these gorgeous photos by Savan Photography do the talking…

From The Bride… Being a dual military couple there have been many times where we have been separated. Each time we get to spend time together, we have a tradition of grilling and eating outside on our last night before parting ways.

Since our wedding was taking place immediately before Josh, my husband, would be sent to serve at the Demilitarized Zone in Korea, we wanted our wedding to feel like an elegant version of our outdoor dinner tradition.

The outcome on our special day was a true dream come true. Our family, friends, and pup joined us for a destination wedding in an intimate courtyard ceremony and reception at the beautiful and historic San Francisco Mint.

In keeping with our dinner traditions, the food was served family style with the most elegant place settings featuring delicate and organic components like the cut crystal glassware and sliced figs that decorated each plate.

The white, asymmetrical floral and greenery arrangements, created beautifully by Laura’s Floras, complemented the elegant summer family dinner and Josh’s white dress mess formal uniform perfectly.

The beautiful honey pistachio flavored cake by Pretty Please Bakeshop tied in the gold foiling from our invitations and the detailing on the back of my wedding shoes that I plan to wear for special anniversary dates to come (if I’m not wearing combat boots instead.)

Ultimately, our goal was to have a timeless and classic wedding with a relaxed and organic feel that would embody who we are as a couple, and it could not have been executed more perfectly. We only wish that we could replay the entire day again.

5 Tips for Decluttering Your Home in the New Year

I’m convinced that decluttering is an innate form of therapy. Sure, cleaning isn’t usually a first choice of activity on a day off, but you have to admit it feels sooo good to clear out start fresh. How does the saying go—outer order, inner calm? Sounds about right! The talented team at Hibou Design & Co. seem to agree, naturally, and they’re sharing 5 tips on how to do just that in your own home for the new year—along with this goooorgeous (and totally uncluttered) home they designed. That blue island? SO. good. Peruse the full gallery here, captured by Guillermo Castro.

From Hibou Design & Co.… There’s something so refreshing about starting a new year. It feels like a clean slate; a fresh opportunity to set new goals and create new opportunities. Making small changes in the way you live can start in the comfort of your residence. Here are our best tips for decluttering your sanctuary for the new year.

Look at your home from a fresh point of view.

Over time, we become very comfortable in our surroundings and it becomes hard for us to envision our interiors any other way. Try to think outside of the box, or get a friend or family member to help you. Is the placement of your furniture optimized? Is there another way to move around your large pieces to create a better flow or just give you a sense of change? Apply this to the smaller furniture like nightstands, hallways pieces, dressers, accent chairs. Moving your furniture to a new room in your home will make them feel new again while possibly proving more useful. Maybe your nightstands would make great end tables. Or perhaps that dresser works best in the entrance or hall. When we open our minds to the possibilities, our homes can forever evolve with our personal aesthetics, lifestyles and needs.

Maximize your closed storage.

One of the best investments in your home that will have a huge impact in its overall aesthetic is something that guests will never see; your closets. We often work closely with storage specialists, California Closets, and our clients to maximize their storage according to their needs. We realize that although a chunk of their budget will go to something that we won’t see, it means that our clients will be able to maintain their space as we’ve designed it. If everything has its place, there’s no excuse for visible clutter.

Make it less personal.

We collect and collect until we step back and realize that our home has become a storage unit for everything that we have a hard time throwing out. Holiday cards, photos, gifts. As William Morris once stated; “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Look at everything you own and ask yourself if you love it or if you use it. If the answer isn’t yes to one of these questions, then it has to go!

Clear out all surfaces and start from scratch.

When we stage a home for a photoshoot we start by clearing out everything, and we really do mean everything. We put away all small appliances, remove all throw pillows, picture frames, even if we know they may return to their exact same placement. Once all surfaces are bare, we go through our pile of accessories and start placing the items we love most where it really feels naked. This doesn’t mean filling every bare surface. Sometimes an empty coffee table, dining table or island is just what the space needs to feel clean.

Baskets, boxes and bowls.

The last step to creating a clean and functional space is looking at the everyday household items that you cannot avoid being exposed. Items that we use on a daily basis like our remote controls, phone chargers, extra throws, keys, sunglasses realistically need to remain accessible. This is where baskets, boxes and bowls come in to play. It’s so much nicer to hide your gadgets in a pretty box on your coffee table than lying around on the couch, plus it gives you a reason to always put it back in the same place, so you don’t lose it in your cushions! A decorative bowl or dish on your entrance console for your keys and glasses. A deep basket in the living room for your extra cozy throws. These are all great solutions that provide accessible storage while adding to the overall aesthetic.

About this home… Our Bellays Street Project is so dear to my heart because the client happens to be one of my very best friends. From the day Monica and Shawn mandated us for the renovation, we knew this was going to be a good one. We took their home completely down to the studs and started from scratch on both the main floor and the upper level.

Our conceptual work started with reconfiguring the layout of the first floor. We flipped the kitchen and the dining room and after playing with so many layout options, we concluded that two islands would best suit the kitchen and how our clients would use their home. This allowed us to accommodate a larger kitchen with tons of work space and created an open flow to the dining room and the living room. The kitchen truly became the heart of the home, so fitting for an Italian who likes to cook.

The layout was unique enough for us to be excited about working on this project, and then Monica told us she was open to a navy kitchen! And Shawn agreed!! We couldn’t be more thrilled. During the presentation, we confirmed most of the details that were carried through the main floor. We kept it contemporary and threw in elements that incorporate a touch of country like the shaker cabinets and farmhouse sink. Oversized pendants hang above the island and floating shelves above the bar.

We went back and forth quite a bit about the fireplace. Monica and Shawn’s first choice was to condemn it since they didn’t think they would ever use it and we finally opted to keep the fireplace and make it a focal point of the room. We designed a clean and modern mantle that repeated the same oak wood on the hood detail and the floating shelves over the bar, stained to match the flooring.

The decor is simple and comfortable since the living room was to be used as the main living space and TV room. It also had to be accommodating for several guests as it would also be used for entertaining. Between the sofa, armchairs, ottomans and three stools at the counter, Monica and Shawn can comfortably entertain a party of 10.

With the blue islands as a starting point, they, of course, had an influence on the decor. We brought in different shades of blue and softened the palette with pink accents and accessories.

Upstairs, their master suite was decorated in the same hues of the living room and leftover flooring was used as an accent wall. This column in the room was there to stay so we could have either ignored it or accentuated it, and in this case, it made more sense to give it some character and make it pop. The wood accent is followed by a white textured wallpaper on the headboard wall that brings depth to the room.

The biggest transformation had to be in the main bathroom where we removed a giant step-up tub, enlarged the shower, and created a crisp, clean white palette. We worked with a great team on this project which made the experience quite enjoyable. We had close to no hiccups along the way and the project was completed exactly on schedule. Overall, we couldn’t be happier with the results and we totally look forward to working with Monica and Shawn again on future projects!

A Romantic Hilltop Wedding at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu

We’re so excited to share today’s dreamy wedding at Saddlerock Ranch captured by the always wonderful Brooke Boroughs Photography with planning from Orange Blossom Special Events. It only took one quick look at this romantic outdoor affair for us to be completely head over heels in love. The bride looked so effortlessly beautiful in her strapless Monique Lhuillier gown. Floral runners of fresh eucalyptus and lush blooms dressed the banquet tables of the al fresco reception. Head over to the full gallery to see all the Pinterest-worthy perfection of this happy day!

We are so saddened to hear that Saddlerock Ranch, one of our most loved venues, has sustained damage from the recent fires in Malibu along with so many other homes and properties. We love our friends at Saddlerock and look forward to seeing many more beautiful weddings here in 2019!

From the wedding planner, Brooke Avishay of Orange Blossom Special Events… Working with Shahed and David was an absolute dream, and we were so sad to say goodbye to them once their beautiful wedding was over! They were wonderful to work with, refreshingly in love with each other, and incredibly kind.

From the bride, Shahed… David and I first met at work, in the hospital, in San Francisco. However he didn’t ask me out (claims he “didn’t want to appear unprofessional”). It wasn’t until months later that we serendipitously matched on an online dating app, and I asked him to grab a drink that same night! It was an amazing last first date for the both of us.

We wanted an outdoor venue and we love wine, so we were looking for a venue with vineyard views. David didn’t have strong opinions during wedding planning, but he absolutely fell in love with the log cabin at Saddlerock Ranch, so I worked with my planner to create an elegant vibe in the outdoor space. We worked hard to blend both of our tastes to ensure the decor represented both of us well.

I absolutely loved my Monique Lhuillier wedding dress. When I took a couple of my best girlfriends, my mom, and my aunt with me to try on dresses, they liked a few… but when I walked out in the gown I ultimately chose, every single one of them had tears in their eyes. It was exactly what I always imagined for myself… Something classic, romantic, and timeless.

First and foremost, we wanted our wedding to be intimate – it was the most important thing to us during the planning process. The other things we prioritized were photography, videography, as well as exceptional food.

The most memorable part of our wedding day was without a doubt our first look… and walking down the aisle towards David… and the first dance… and clearly I can’t pick just ONE most memorable part, haha. It was truly the most memorable DAY of our entire lives.

My advice to other brides would be to definitely hire a wedding planner, one that you connect with and trust (mine most definitely made my experience so much less stressful, and truly fun!). By having a full planner, David and I were able to enjoy the wedding planning process, instead of being stressed about all the details (since there are many!!). The wedding day truly does fly by so quickly. David and I made a point to stop and appreciate all the magical moments. Throughout the day we would stop, hold hands, and take mental snapshots together.

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2018 + 2019 Master Wedding Trend Report

This is it, you guys! 2018 is officially coming to a close and 2019 is just days away. To celebrate the start of a new wedding season, we asked a few experts in each of their respective fields to help us build this year’s annual trend report! We’re wrapping up 2018’s hottest trends, predicting what’s to come in 2019 and dishing on the trends that we kinda-sorta hope will disappear in the new year. Here’s everything you need to know.

Photo: Rebecca Arthurs Photography, Floral: Hana Floral Design

TREND #1. FLORAL AISLES

The 2018 floral aisle trend was one of our faves. And it sounds like we’re not the only ones! Yumiko from Hana Floral Design is here to weigh in…

“We love the floral aisle trend! We do this quite often for weddings that have a staging area to camouflage and make pretty! The floral aisle can be moved post ceremony and placed along the length of the stage. It softens the staging/scaffolding area and dresses up the dance floor!“

Photo: AXIOO Bali

TREND #2. SHEER WEDDING GOWNS

From the runway to the aisle, sheer wedding dresses ruled 2018 – and it’s not hard to see why! Sheer dresses make for the most romantic, delicate gowns. They are effortlessly beautiful with a side of daring. Sheer dresses are truly perfect for the fearlessly feminine bride-to-be.

Photo: Ashley Caroline Photography, Floral: Hana Floral Design

TREND #3. LIVING WALLS

Couples are getting creative with tented receptions by adding living elements like lush greenery to the entryways.

“We love the use of greens as entries to tented receptions or above along with lighting fixtures! Smilax greens are such a naturally beautiful and drapey green. It goes a long way softening up an entry space or above the dance floor with specialty lighting” says Yumiko from Hana Floral Design.

TREND #4: LONG & LOOSE WAVES

“For hair, beach waves and braids have been popular for a while, however, this year we were being asked to create fuller braids with added hair, longer hair and looser waves” says Mar from TEAM Hair & Makeup. “More and more brides are wearing hair extensions and now with so many options, there is something for every one! Half up styles or all down make for a soft and romantic look, especially in a strapless dress. Many of our brides wanted their hair down to give them a little more coverage around the neckline.”

Photo: Vicki Grafton Photography, Floral: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD

TREND #5: LUSH FLORALS & HARLOW STANDS

Modern Classic was the new “must” when it came to overall wedding style in 2018.

“We saw contemporary vibes, mixed with romantic classic touches. Think industrial structures, with classic garden roses and old world blooms. The Harlow stand which is a gold square contemporary lift was used wildly throughout the industry both as a lift for a single design or as a structure to create elevated hanging installations” says Holly from Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD.

TREND #6: HANDMADE PAPER & ARTISANAL CALLIGRAPHY

Romantic handmade paper stationery has bewitched us, body and soul and we love, we love, we love it.

“One of my favourite trends from 2018 has been the combination of typography paired with organic handmade papers. The contrast creates a beautiful, fresh aesthetic” says Aileen from Plume Calligraphy — we wholeheartedly agree!

Photo: Vicki Grafton Photography, Floral: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD

TREND #7: WHITE & GREEN COLOR PALETTES

2018 brides kept to a classic, clean and sleek color scheme of all green and white that allowed for the most beautiful, minimalistic designs. How gorgeous is this bouquet showcasing the all white and green trend arranged by Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD? We’re absolutely living for this look!

TREND 8: PAMPAS GRASS

Let’s just say it – pampas grass made a HUGE splash in 2018 and we’re not complaining. Some of our favorite weddings from this year have elements of pampas grass in the ceremony arch, bouquets or centerpieces. It always allows for a major statement and guaranteed wow-factor. Here’s a picture of one of our favorite pampas grass arches of 2018 by Amorology Weddings!

TREND #9: GLOWY, NATURAL SKIN

Brides have ditched the matte look and have opted for a more glowy, luminous look in 2018.

“This year was all about skin, skin, skin. We loved the switchover from matte skin to a more luminous finish, giving the face a super fresh and healthy allover glow. We also saw some extra enhancement on the cheeks with long-lasting cream blush and soft highlight just above the cheekbone” says beauty queens Linsey and Katherine of Face Time Beauty.

TREND #10: INTIMATE WEDDINGS

We love the fact that 2018 couples decided to keep their guest lists short and sweet.

Elizabeth from East Made Event Company explains, “We were so fortunate to plan a number of intimate weddings in 2017 and 2018, where the guest list included only 30-50 people. Really focusing in on the guest experience allowed our couples to elaborate more on their details and upgrade on their menu and tabletop items, which always creates a gorgeous reception look and ambiance.”

. . . . . . . . . .

1. COLOR, COLOR, COLOR (ESPECIALLY CORAL)

Yumiko from Hana Floral Design is sure we’ll see a major color comeback for 2019 weddings!

“Pantone’s color of the year (living coral) is so vibrant and optimistic. I think this will speak to many brides in the Spring/Summer months. Neutral flowers will always be here and a white and green floral palette is always classic, but I think brides will dare to use more color” says Yumiko. Heather & Mackenzie from Amorology agree, “We predict that couples will opt for more color in 2019 as we have found that more and more are moving away from the blush and neutral palette that has been popular in the last few seasons, and we are more than happy to let that go!”

2. PETITE BOUQUETS

Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton will be inspiring brides more than ever in 2019 – particularly in the bouquet department.

Yumiko from Hana Floral Design adds, “Smaller bouquets will overshadow the large, wispy, organic bouquets of seasons past. Thanks to both Royal weddings, brides may opt for a more petite bouquet or go for something a bit more tailored than in the past few seasons.”

3. HANGING INSTALLATIONS, CLIMBING FLORALS & SELF STANDING ARBORS

Floral is getting a major upgrade in 2019. We’re talking floral hanging from ceilings, self standing arbors and climbing floral arrangements that truly take your breath away. For example, check out this amazing hanging centerpiece from Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD! Can you say stunning?

4. INTERACTIVE ESCORT DISPLAYS

In 2019, couples will be focusing on ways to enhance guest experiences — particularly when it comes to escort cards! More and more couples are adding an interactive element to their escort displays that make for a fun, unexpected moment for their guests! How awesome is this “it’s electric” escort display created by Amorology Weddings that features a musical surprise (the headphone were used later in the evening for a silent disco!)

5. NATURAL BEAUTY & HAIR

Our girls Linsey and Katherine of Face Time Beauty are predicting natural makeup & hair styles among 2019 brides.

“In 2019 we are hoping to see a lot more of the flush cheeks and bitten, rosy lips to match. We love how bright and beautiful this looks, without feeling too overdone or unnatural.We’re also noticing the use of natural elements, specifically pearls and quartz, in hairstyles and we cannot get enough! Whether a bride is wearing her hair up or down, natural pieces like this are a fun alternative to add a little interest to the hair without being too showy.”

6. DRAWING INSPO FROM INTERIOR DESIGN

“With lounge furniture and rental options increasing each year, brides are having more and more inventory to choose from when designing their weddings. We love creating spaces (both lounges and reception tables) that feel inviting yet elegant, and reflect a couple’s ideal interior style in their wedding design” says Elizabeth from East Made Event Company.

We’re so on board with this exciting new concept!

7. PERSONALIZED GIFT GIVING

“Impersonal favors are a thing of the past” says Callista of Callista & Company… “I see intentional gift giving as a big trend for 2019. Brides and grooms want to give back to their guests before, during, and after the wedding with personalized favors and gifts, so we’re finding unique ways to thoughtfully customize the guest experience. Consider sharing a special wedding weekend playlist along with local, artisanal treats in your guest welcome bag or box. We love to personalize wedding day components whenever possible, such as adding calligraphy guest names to each menu at the dinner table or sending guests back to their hotels with a mini-cake with their name on it. After the wedding, mailing each guest a curated set of printed photos can be a beautiful way to share images from your big day.”

All such amazing and thoughtful ideas! We’ve always felt that the more personalized the wedding, the better!

. . . . . . . . . .

1. WASHED OUT COLORS

This is without a doubt the number one most mentioned trend that wedding pro’s wish would go away in 2019. Don’t get us wrong – the muted tones we’ve seen in so many beautiful weddings are GORG… we’re just exciting to see brides have a little fun with colors in 2019 and dare to be bold! But if that’s just not your style, consider us your most devoted blush fans

2. OVERUSE OF MARBLE

Let’s be real, marble is amazing… but sometimes it can be a bit overpowering when used too heavily in the overall decor. We love the idea of keeping marble around for the long run, but maybe just used in small elements that can still make a big statement.

3. HEAVY MAKEUP CONTOURING

Listen up, ladies! You are all so naturally beautiful and don’t need all that Krazy Kardashian contour on your wedding day.

Take it from the experts at Face Time Beauty, “A trend we couldn’t quite get on board with this year was the heavy contouring. We love to elevate the amazing features that brides already have to keep them looking like themselves. A little contour on the nose and on the cheeks is perfect, but we like to keep it light and natural.”

4. FOLLOWING PINTEREST TOO CLOSELY

Pinterest is one of our all time favorite ways to get inspired and see what’s trending in the wedding world. But in 2019, Elizabeth from East Made Event Company would love to see brides take that inspiration and make it their own entirely!

Here’s what she had to say, “We LOVE Pinterest for its mood board sourcing and inspiration capabilities, but it’s so easy for brides to ask their vendors to exactly replicate a photo they’ve seen before. By allowing your creative team a bit of flexibility in their design process, they’ll be able to create something even more personalized and unique to your day.”

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

Hana Floral Design

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Photography

Jose Villa Photography

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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Event Planning

Amorology

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Inside Sharleen Joynt And Andy Levine’s Romantic Wedding Anniversary

If you’re in need of a few romantic ways to celebrate your wedding anniversary – leave it to Bachelor alum Sharleen Joynt and husband Andy Levine to give you all the inspiration you’ve been looking for. These two adorable NYC residents knew exactly how to take advantage of all the city has to offer for their one-year anniversary, from an intimate lunch date in Brooklyn to an exciting night on the town, all captured by Judy Pak Studio. But our favorite part of their special day… it has to be the incredibly thoughtful anniversary gift Andy gave to Sharleen.

The romantic date. Sharleen looked so effortlessly gorg (per usual) in an elegant little black sweater dress from Sezane paired with Zara booties to meet her husband for their anniversary lunch date. The handsome couple met at The Osprey at 1 Hotel in Brooklyn, it was the perfect place for an intimate evening where they could reminisce for hours about their amazing first year as a married couple. Andy, being the perfect gentleman that he is, greeted Sharleen with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers from B Floral and a gift wrapped in shimmering gold ribbon.

The gift exchange. Throughout the entire date, Andy couldn’t help but be anxious for Sharleen to finally open his anniversary gift – a brand new bottle of perfume that she absolutely adores, Beautiful Belle by Estée Lauder. Sharleen just can’t get enough of it and wears it practically every single day… how could she not when it smells as lovely as it does! Beautiful Belle is an irreverent blend of Lychee, Mimosa, Rose Petals, Orange Flower, Gardenia and Marzipan Musk. Of course Sharleen absolutely loved it… there may have even been a happy tear or two.

The night out on the town. After their lunch date and tear-filled gift exchange, Sharleen changed into the most stunning all-white Alexandra Grecco jumpsuit that made her feel like a bride all over again – complete with a fresh spritz of Beautiful Belle of course! The two roamed the charming cobble-stone streets of Dumbo hand-in-hand, caught some breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and danced the night away on cloud nine. We couldn’t dream up a more magical way to celebrate the happiest of endings.

The 7 Trends Wedding Experts Predict Will Be Huge in 2019

2018 brought us sheer wedding dresses, lush floral aisles and the most intimate weddings of all time — and we loved every minute of it! But now that we’re officially wrapping up this year and entering a new one, we’re so excited for all the swoon-worthy wedding trends we’re about to see in 2019! We asked some of the best of the best in the wedding industry to share the trends they predict will be HUGE in the new year. And trust us when we say… this is about to be one gorgeousss year ahead. See for yourself, and let us know in the comments below which trend you’re most excited for!

1. COLOR, COLOR, COLOR (ESPECIALLY CORAL)

Yumiko from Hana Floral Design is sure we’ll see a major color comeback for 2019 weddings!

“Pantone’s color of the year (living coral) is so vibrant and optimistic. I think this will speak to many brides in the Spring/Summer months. Neutral flowers will always be here and a white and green floral palette is always classic, but I think brides will dare to use more color” says Yumiko. Heather & Mackenzie from Amorology agree, “We predict that couples will opt for more color in 2019 as we have found that more and more are moving away from the blush and neutral palette that has been popular in the last few seasons, and we are more than happy to let that go!”