Mismatched bridesmaid dresses is a trend that’s here to stay, and we love when a Maid of Honor gets a chance to stand out from the squad. Whether it’s a bold color, pretty print, statement neckline or beautiful embellishment, there are endless options to let your go-to girl step up her look and we’ve made the dress hunt completely effortless. Shop 10 gorgeous options right at your fingertips!
So you just got married…CONGRATS! As the party winds down and the wedding festivities come to a close, chances are you’ll be feeling all the emotions. Yes, it’s awesome that you have a husband or wife that you adore and, yes, you are glad that the stressful parts of wedding planning are over but you’re not necessarily ready close this exciting chapter of your life.
Here are the nine stages of the post-wedding feels every bride has.
1. Joy
You’re putting a cap on the greatest day of your life! You felt the love, said your vows, and danced your booty off. Chances are your heart feels like it’s flying while your body feels like it’s sinking in the exhaustion.
2. Relaxed
Off to the honeymoon where you will be pampered like a king and queen! Finally, the treatment you deserve! Nothing like some intense relaxation and luxury living after all of your hard work to make the wedding day a beautiful success.
3. Living the Dream
The best part of “living the dream” on your honeymoon is that you get to do it with your spouse! Cue the abuse of the words husband, wife, Mr. and Mrs. Also cue lots of corny honeymoon scenes from movies because you’re just extra obsessed with your new husband/wife. And well…lots of you-know-what.
4. Denial
Ever see a toddler throwing a tantrum? Well, that’s the emotional equivalent of having to leave your honeymoon. Why can’t “professional honeymooner” be a job?! The post-honeymoon blues are real! I mean you’re really into this new role and your new spouse but there’s no association between the words ‘happy’ and ‘honeymoon over.’
5. Hungry
Well, at least the wedding diet is over. You probably need to ‘live it up’ as newlyweds which means way too many date nights and way too much food. The newlywed fifteen is REAL.
6. Anti-Social
You already had to separate from your new husband/wife when the honeymoon ended for work and now people expect you to separate even more?! All that you really want to do is be alone in your newlywed bubble.
7. Nostalgic
A wedding takes so long to plan and then it just disappears in an instant! Sign you up for any way to make the wedding high live on! Your wedding video footage has become your favorite TV show and you stare at your photos regularly. What about your friends who still want to talk about what a blast it was…the BEST!
8. Back to Reality
If you lived with your husband/wife before you got married, a lot of the ‘day to day’ will feel the same as it did before you hit the altar. Meaning, the chores still have to get done, the bills still have to get paid, and you still get to chat endlessly about what to make for dinner.
9. True Love
But the good news is that the end of your wedding only means the start of forever as Mr. and Mrs. (or Mr. and Mr. or Mrs. and Mrs.). After all, there’s no one else you’d want to go through every phase of life with!
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Carly Robinson is a freelance writer and the gal behind The Cozy Curator, a blog that features all things life+ style. She lives in Hoboken, NJ with her husband. She considers herself a ‘modern hostess’ because she loves entertaining but doesn’t like all of the old school pressure that comes with it. Carly is a rookie wife, an ‘attainable fashion’ fan and a lover of food.
How do you make sure your wedding is one to remember for years to come? With the perfect closing tune to finish off the evening of course! The experts at Elevated Pulse Productions are here to help with their top choices for a sweet finish to your special day – the hardest part now will be choosing just one!
[dotted]
“Ignition” by R. Kelly
“Hold On, We’re Going Home” by Drake
“Just a Friend” by Biz Markie
“Without You” by David Guetta + Usher
“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
“Modern Love” by David Bowie
“Rescue Me” by Diana Ross
“Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince
“This Is What It Feels Like” by Armin Van Buuren feat. Trevor Guthrie
“All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem
Playlist: Elevated Pulse Productions | Cover Image Photography: onelove photography
Photography: onelove photography | Music Expert: Elevated Pulse Productions
If you are hiring a photographer for your wedding, you’ll want to make a good investment out of it. Here are seven questions you need to ask potential photographers before the wedding.
Do you have a reference I can talk to?
While many photographers have testimonials on their website, it’s nice to physically receive some comments from couples who have utilized that photographers services. You’ll have a good idea of this photographers business if you look at their Instagram, ask around and check reviews online. Overall, do your research so that there are no surprises later.
What date will you send me the photos by?
This is a small detail that can make a huge difference. Some photographers do sneak peaks the same night, others wait and send everything in the mail within weeks or more… it’s different for each photographer, so ask this question so you know what to expect. Since it’s so hard to wait (even a day!!!) for your wedding photos, have bridesmaids take pictures throughout the day while your photographer takes pictures so you have SOMETHING to tide you over till the whole album is delivered to you in all of its wedding glory.
Can you save the photos in multiple locations?
This may feel unnecessary to ask, but ultimately you want to find out what will happen if your photographer’s laptop, camera, or memory cards break/get stolen/explode leaving you without photos. That would be horrible…right?!? Life happens so make sure you feel comfortable with your photographers back up plan.
How many photographers will you have at my wedding?
These days, it’s rare for a photographer to go solo at a wedding. I commonly see two to three at the wedding. Ask your photographer and ensure you’re comfortable with the number. Two is ideal. It saves time, allows for more creativity, and gives everyone the space they need to relax knowing two photographers have everything under control. PLUS – who doesn’t love the first look pictures from the bride and groom as she’s walking down the aisle?
Anna Roussos
Can you take these types of photos?
Before your wedding, give your photographer a list of the photos you have to have. It could be you alone getting dressed, you and your brother, pictures of your rings…anything! You won’t think of all of the photos you want to take on your wedding day, and your photographer may not even think of some common photos. Don’t assume he/she will automatically think of certain photos. Give your photographer a physical list and give the exact same list to your Maid of Honor (MOH) so that in case the photographer forgets, your MOH remembers on the big day!
What happens if you’re unable to make it to my wedding to take photos?
Life happens! People get sick, cars break down, GPS sends you on the wrong turn…it’s life. Ask your photographer what the backup plan if the worst case scenario happens. You’ll want to be prepared mentally and physically in case some of his/her backup photographers need to fill in or if other arrangements need to be made. Talk about it in advance so that there are no surprises later.
How much editing will you do to the photos?
Even though your photographer commonly edits their photos in some way, that doesn’t necessarily mean your photos will be edited the exact same. Lighting can change this, and personal requests from different couples can affect the outcome of the edited photos. Discuss this in advance and tell your photographer exactly what you want so that you’re on the same page.
Having beautiful photos that last a lifetime will be an amazing thing to cherish after your wedding. Ensuring you and your photographer are on the same page before the wedding will be golden and get you through the wedding day and editing process with ease!
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.
Some of my absolute favorite photos captured on a wedding day are those of the Bride and her gals getting ready the morning of. Well today Jessica Rice Photography is turning her lens to the Groom and his pals, and I have to say, the getting ready moments captured at You and Yours Distillery are every bit as special. Chancey Charm brought in talented, local California vendors for these gents, from grooming products from Baxter of California for a fresh, sharp look to quality, leather Groomsmen gifts from Made in Mayhem.
From Chancey Charm’s San Diego wedding planner, Lauren Weidley… This editorial was all about the Groom and his guys. The Bride is often the focus (as she should be!) when it comes to accessories and products used as she gets ready. But this time, I wanted to focus on how the Groom gets pampered before the “I dos” and some of the locally made luxury products that can be involved.
We partnered with You & Yours Distillery as an alternative to the typical getting ready “room”. I wanted the space to feel bright and airy, and You & Yours easily accomplishes that – it’s an easy space for the guys to feel relaxed. The vibe was fun but masculine and sophisticated.
I love the suspender inspiration from Blade + Blue with the combination of prints in the shirts and bowties. This is a different take on the traditional white shirt with a fun bowtie. Why not add some pattern play?
Locally made products add a level of luxury. Blade + Blue, Made in Mayhem, and Baxter of California are all brands with products made in California, perfect for the gent that wants to support local makers and add that level of sophistication. Baxter of California has amazing grooming products for a clean shave and unquestionably dapper hair for the Groom and his guys as they get ready. Made in Mayhem has the luxury leather products ideal for a Bride to get her Groom for the traditional “I do” gift. Even better, the combination of these products and vendors makes it easy for the Groom to put together a fantastic gift for the men standing by him on his big day – something that the Groom can sometimes have a tough time with.
These vendors were a dream to work with. All of them more than willing to get creative with products while also giving myself and the photographer creative freedom. It was such a fun shoot, and we couldn’t have done it without these amazing partners.
Photography: Jessica Rice Photography | Event Planning: Chancey Charm | Floral Design: Bluebell Flowers | Venue: You & Yours Distillery | Flasks, Whiskey Glass, + Groomsmen's Boxes: Happily Ever Etched | Grooming Products: Baxter of CA | Leather Goods: Made in Mayhem | Shirts, Bowties, + Suspenders: Blade + Blue | Socks: The Box Sock
We all know a ring on your left hand is the universal sign of being off the market. A close-up shot of the bling is the most popular way to announce, “WE’RE ENGAGED!”
Have you ever wondered why? It’s actually an interesting – and ancient – story.
Ancient Beginnings
The history of signifying a marital bond began with the Egyptians, who decided the round shape symbolized an eternal cycle. They wore a ring on the fourth finger of their left hand because they believed that finger contained a vein that led straight to the heart (called “vena amoris”).
The Romans adopted this tradition but altered it to two rings. Roman brides-to-be received a gold ring to wear in public and an iron one to wear at home while performing household duties.
Celebrity Influence
Celebrities have been setting trends since the dawn of time. Well before social media, the first well-documented engagement ring was when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a massive diamond. Many historians say the ring swayed her heart away from another lover. Can you blame her?
Men with money followed suit, buying diamonds for their betrothed as a sign of their higher social standing.
Increased Supply
In the late 1800’s, diamonds were discovered in South Africa. The Victorian Era saw more than one million carats mined each year. That meant men with lesser means could join the engagement ring movement. And the engagement ring trend grew.
Brilliant Marketing
After World War I, diamond ring purchases declined. As the Great Depression hit, people barely had enough money for food and basic necessities, much less luxuries. That caused engagement rings to start going out of style.
Enter: the De Beer family. They began a marketing campaign as brilliant as the diamonds they were aiming to sell. Using the slogan “a diamond is forever,” they almost singlehandedly convinced couples that a diamond was the only acceptable stone for an engagement.
Since 1947, almost every groom in America who can afford it presents an engagement ring when he proposes marriage.
Brides have been sharing the news of their nuptials with a ring long before your friends started posting theirs on social media. It’s a deep-rooted sign of an eternal bond, a financial commitment, and -greatest of all – a desire for your hand in marriage.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Madeline Littrell is a corporate PR strategist and freelance writer. Born and raised in the South, she loves big hair, country music, and chicken fingers. Madeline lives in Dallas with her Sheltie puppy, Tennessee.
A classic and elegant pink wedding along the cliffs of Newport Beach – we’ll never tire of them. And this beauty with its impressive blooms and adorable (seriously!) Flower Girls captured by Rebecca Yale Photography and Andrew Abajian is so good! Sunny California Weddings added even more drama to the already breathtaking dome at Pelican Hill Resort with the help of Irises Designs. We don’t know about you, but we’ll be dreaming about this ceremony all weekend long.
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/239061102 600 338]
From Rebecca Yale Photography… Portia and Ting were married in a beautiful, intimate ceremony at the luxurious Pelican Hill Resort on the cliffs of Newport Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Bride and Groom started the day with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony with their parents before changing into a a wedding gown and tux for their ceremony under the famous Pelican Hill cupola. The couple were joined by three Bridesmaids and three Groomsmen along with two adorable Flower Girls for portraits around the gorgeous property.
They draped the cupola in beautiful pink silks and used blue and purple flowers with touches of greenery throughout the day for their ceremony and reception decor. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the veranda followed by dinner in the ballroom, where each table was named after a national park the Bride and Groom have visited together. The beautiful purple and blue cake was hung on a swing of greenery behind the head table making for a very memorable cake cutting! After dinner, the Bride and Groom took a moment alone to celebrate outside under the cupola just the two of them before the Bride changed into a short party dress for the first dance.
Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Cinematography: Andrew Abajian | Event Planning: Sunny California Weddings | Floral Design: Irises Designs | Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Hair + Makeup: Grace Lin | Lighting: TMMPRO | Venue: Pelican Hill Resort | Bride's Jewelry: Van Cleef Arpels | Draping: The Finishing Touch Wedding & Event Planning | Flower Girl Dresses: Janie and Jack | Officiant + MC: VeryChic Wedding | Paper Goods: Minted | Watches: Cartier
From stunning floral applique to a plunging neckline and a capelet too, this Marchesa gown is the ultimate showstopper. And it fits perfectly with the grandeur of this Santa Ynez elopement inspiration hand-crafted by Tristan Needham, Moon Canyon and Luna de Mare Photography. Get lost in the beauty of an intimate garden wedding nestled in the Santa Ynez mountains. And seriously, that dress!
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand wedding, setting the scene for your nuptials is naturally an important part of the experience. Kestrel Park is nestled in the Santa Ynez mountains, and has one of the most stunning landscapes in Central California and capturing Christine & Kenny’s portraits there was a dream. The Marchesa gown Christine donned was a jaw dropper, topped with a chic and elegant updo, which was perfectly suited to the grandeur of the estate. Every magnificent turn offered a different reveal, greeting you with a warm embrace. As Summer was coming to a close, tones were chosen in soft shades mixed with some darker Fall florals for the al fresco intimate dinner set in the Grove just as the sun was setting. It was a Summer meets Fall affair to remember.
Photography: Luna de Mare Photography | Event Design: Tristan Needham Design | Floral Design: Moon Canyon | Flowers: Mayesh Wholesale Florist | Gown : Marchesa | Stationery : Julie Ha | Bridal Salon: Kinsley James Couture Bridal | Candles: Creative Candles | Estate : Kestrel Park | HMUA: Chiali Meng | Linen : BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Marnie Schnabel - Sweet Salvage Rentals | Silk Ribbon: Illume Silks | Styling Surface: OneStone West | Table Top : borrowed BLU
Whether you’re an interior designer try to grow your biz or simply looking for home inspo for your next renovation or decor update, hashtags are a great way to stay in the design scene! We’re sharing 10 of our favorites today, along with gorgeous scenes captured by Tessa Neustadt from a designer we adore, Amber Interiors.
Oh how we love thee, Studio McGee. Known for their clean, fresh designs, this hashtag is full of the bright and beautiful, and totally on trend designs.
With almost 300k posts in this hashtag, there’s no shortage of design inspiration. From thrifted and vintage finds to modern details, get your dose of interior styling here.
Want to get featured on Domino? This is your ticket. For everyone who brings their style home.
Created by designer Justina Blakeney, this is the hippest hashtag around. From boho scenes to a whole lotta green, you’ll love this eclectic mix of design inspo.
Founded in 2010 as a bimonthly digital interior design magazine, Rue is a dreamy daily source for all things inspiring—especially the home. We adore founder Crystal Palecek and her sweet fam!
Patterned tile, herringbone wood, rugs, oh my! Anything pretty that you can stand on lives here.
The One Room Challenge™ is a widely anticipated biannual event every April and October. Each round, twenty design bloggers take the challenge and transform a space. Every Wednesday, the designers document their process while sharing their sources and professional advice over the six weekly posts. In addition to following along, everyone with a blog, is welcome to join the fun as a guest participant by linking their own room transformations up during the six weeks. Each Thursday, the internet and social media are flooded with interior design inspiration, ideas, and encouragement.
This design hashtag gives more of an in-the-moment look inside homes. Real life infused with beautiful style.
Launched in 2001 by interior designer Maxwell Ryan (nicknamed “the apartment therapist”) as a weekly newsletter for clients, Apartment Therapy has since grown to become a leading source of design inspiration and tips for real people looking for real-life decor solutions through a fascinating look into how people from around the country live at home.
It’s like a Pinterest page of alll the things you want in your home. Find what other designers, home owners and stylist are coveting right here.
Hi! I’m Mackenzie from Design Darling and I’m so excited to share all of our wedding events with you as a blogger bride for Style Me Pretty! I’ve previously shared our engagement pictures, my first makeup trial, little white dresses for all your wedding events, and where I found my bridesmaids’ dresses, and today I’m sharing the first event from our wedding weekend, the rehearsal dinner!
Will and I got married on Nantucket the Saturday of Labor Day weekend in September and had our rehearsal dinner on Thursday night followed by a welcome party on Friday night. My mother-in-law put together the most gorgeous event just across the street from the chapel where we got married two days later.
My parents had actually had their rehearsal dinner at the same restaurant 31 years ago! After our rehearsal in the chapel, we led our bridesmaids and groomsmen to the spot where our reception would be two nights later so everyone would know the route to take on the wedding day. Then we walked back to The Chanticleer, a charming little French restaurant in ‘Sconset with a carousel horse in the front garden and roses blooming all over the property.
The weather cooperated beautifully and we were able to enjoy an outdoor cocktail hour followed by dinner in the main dining room with all our nearest and dearest family and friends.
My mother-in-law Reggie worked with Annie of the Dallas-based 5 By 7 Designs on all the paper goods and I was so in love with how they turned out! A few favorite details were the personalized menus for our signature cocktails, the cocktail napkins and drink stirrers featuring the watercolor crest from our wedding invitations, designed by Kearsley Lloyd, and the menus that doubled as place cards with our guests’ names printed at the top.
She and her friends also ordered a variety of beautiful monogrammed napkins that we now get to use at home! And Reggie also owns a baking company called Highland Park Pie Lady and made custom cookies for guests to take home as party favors. I might have left with two or three in my Nantucket lightship basket.
I fell in love with this MDS Stripes gown just after we got engaged and knew I had to have it for one of the wedding festivities. I kept my accessories simple and classic: pearl studs and my go-to nude sandals. As much as I love an excuse to wear a little white dress, this gown felt so “me” that I just had to make an exception!
It was a fun-filled evening with lots of hilarious and heartwarming toasts and the perfect start to our wedding weekend. Stay tuned for more pictures from our welcome party, wedding day, and honeymoon!
Photographer: Cameron Clark Photography | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Chanticleer
They may be subtle, but the stripes on this Hayley Paige gown are stunning. They give the classic silhouette a fun punch of pizazz and add in the pup, and this wedding is just fabulous, no doubt about it. Caroline Lima snapped up the style and the sweet fur baby – and every other pretty detail of this rustic celebration – and they’re all in our gallery, ready to be enjoyed, right this way!
From Caroline Lima… Meeting clients who dote on their animals as much as I dote on my golden retriever Ronon is always a pleasure. And that pleasure is easily doubled when the couples’ pup is included in their wedding!
I had the great good fortune to be Cara and Trey’s wedding photographer, and their black lab Luna (whom they call their “puppy-daughter”) was a huge part of the festivities on their day! What a treat for me and everyone else too! Luna is one of the sweetest, most well-behaved pups I have ever met! She walked down the aisle with Cara’s maid of honor Brittney, and got a huge dose of love from everyone present! The happy grin on Luna’s face showed all day long how full of love and life she is… but I think that’s to be expected, considering how kind and generous her parents are.
Cara is one of the most genuinely sweet brides I have ever worked with; she and Trey took the time to talk to each and every one of their guests and make them feel special. Cara’s emotion during the ceremony was so beautiful to see. And her Hayley Paige striped dress was completely unique! I am such a sucker for stripes, and this flowing gown was a great combination of elegance and fun!
The ceremony and reception took place at the Deep Run Hunt Club in Virginia, and we had the most beautiful weather for an outdoor wedding! This location was new to me, and it had some serious rustic charm. It was perfect for Cara and Trey and their puppy-daughter, just about half an hour away from where the bride and groom first met at Randolph-Macon College. I love it when couples keep their celebration in their community; it can mean so much to them and their family and friends.
Photography: Caroline Lima Photography | Coordination: Make it Posh Events | Floral Design: Petals & Twigs | Wedding Dress: Annalise Bridal Boutique | Cake: Sweet Fix RVA | Stationery: English Tea Paperie | Shoes: J.Crew | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung | Catering: A Sharper Palate Catering & Events | Lighting: Lighting Professors | Band: East Coast Entertainment | Ceremony Music: Belle Arte String Quartet | Wedding Venue: Deep Run Hunt Club | Furniture: Paisley & Jade | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Calvin Klein
Not all garages are created equal. Some house cars and tools and decades of knick knacks and others are beautifully transformed into the dreamiest of work spaces. If you are in the market for a garage rehab, take a page from Makin’It Lovely’s book. With a little elbow grease and a penchant for wildly pretty decor, she revamped her old garage into a bright white showroom for her decor rental biz. And you know what? We’d totally live in that garage. Take the full tour captured by Laura Kelly below!
Melissa Lafleche from Makin’It Lovely is the premiere decor rental girl boss in all of Ottawa, Canada. She recently renovated an old garage into a jaw dropping showroom for her clients to visit and discuss their events over coffee!
Photography: Laura Kelly Photography | Decor Rentals: Makin'It Lovely
If you’re looking for multicultural wedding inspiration, or if you and your other half are curious about how to blend to seemingly opposing styles, look no further. Today’s wedding captured by Birds of a Feather Photo and Russell John Films proves both can be done – and beautifully. This Hindu Bride and Jewish Groom worked with the talented Danielle of Leilani Weddings to pull off a Tulum-inspired celebration. With help from vendors like Flower Allie and Honeycrisp Designs, they were able to not only intertwine the two cultures, but also “tropical boho” and “classic modern” style for a wedding that uniquely represented the two of them as individuals and their new life as one.
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/221504121 600 338]
From the Bride… When Logan and I met, we were working together, and he was my boss at our startup. It was the absolute whirlwind of a romance that neither of us expected, at all – whatsoever. However, from the moment we were together, truly together, we knew it was going to be for forever. Within a year, Logan had proposed twice, and I gave in to what I thought was “too soon!” per my 5, 10, and 20 year plans. Logan on the other hand, said that he couldn’t wait to show the world that he was mine, and I was his. We were engaged shortly after and continued our relationship long-distance, finally planning our dream wedding when I moved back to LA from San Francisco.
Because we were long-distance, mini trips were everything to us! Our wedding day was inspired by our latest vacation to Tulum, Mexico. Logan’s must haves for the wedding included a ceremony at the Hindu temple my father helped architect (the jewel and pride of our family). My must haves were a little more fluffy, in having a live sitar player, a unique aesthetic, and of course a fresh coconut bar! Together, we deemed guest experience and feeling our number one, as we were intertwining two different cultures and families (Hindu + Jewish) into one weekend, a symbol of one (new!) life together. Overall, it was important our guests felt included, comfortable, a little glam, in the know, and HAPPY!
Once we met our planner, Danielle of Leilani Weddings, we finally felt like the vision we had in mind was going to be a breeze. Someone finally understood our “Can this be done?” ideas and even elevated them to the next level! The three of us became a “we” pretty quickly.
We decided to have our wedding party, family, and even vendors in shades of ivory and cream to keep things neutral and clean. The Bridesmaids’ outfits were my absolute favorite and were the bohemian vibe I was looking for. Each sari was custom made in India, with hand-picked silk fabrics by myself and my up-and-coming designer cousin Shivani, where each was unique but complementary to mirror my diverse gal pals.
The big day began in sunny Claremont with my Bridesmaids, sisters, and both moms. I gifted my mom and mom-to-be custom handkerchiefs I KNEW they would be using that day. Logan gifted me a vintage Cartier watch I’ve had my eyes on for years. I went another route and decided to give Logan a box of muffins as my wedding gift, reminiscent of when we had #MuffinMondays together at work. I also had a muffin artfully drawn into my henna the day before! The ceremony was gorgeous, had all the feels, and Logan’s glory moment in life will always be riding into his baraat on a white horse with his best friends, family, and even my family and friends who joined in.
At the end of it all, I’m confident about the decisions we made to stay authentic to ourselves and to take some risks on making deep-rooted traditions our very own. Going with vendors (like Danielle, who made us feel special) was our best choice by far. Mixing cultures and traditions is not always easy, but if it were easy, then it wouldn’t be worth the breadth of feeling we all experienced. We are grateful to our friends and family who showed up, suited up, and were ready to party – and of course, to the incredible vendors who inspired us and made our big days absolute magic.
From Leilani Weddings… It was extremely important to Payal and Logan to have a clean, modern, relaxed but classic summer wedding celebration. Inspired by their recent trip to Tulum, Mexico, Payal and Logan knew the exact direction they wanted to go in for their Hindu-Jewish fusion wedding from the very first time we sat down to talk together about their wedding plans. Tropical Boho Meets Classic Modern was the name of the game, and as we designed together, it was apparent that those two themes would be married together perfectly.
A white seamless dancefloor with custom monogram was a must-have for the couple, along with peacock chairs for their sweetheart table, rattan furniture pieces, and a basket chandelier for the mandap, inspired by the baskets of fruit they saw everywhere in Tulum. They wanted minimal florals and TONS of tropical greens, so we opted for pops of tropical blooms like banana leaves, white phalaenopsis orchids, and delicate ranunculus, accented with few, but powerful king protea stems. We wanted to keep things neutral, so we stayed in tones of beige, white, black, grey and the natural green seen in the tropical foliage, which really complimented the vibrancy of the Hindu temple where their ceremony was held and the beautiful wood of the Padua Hills Theater where the reception was held.
Payal started the day at Casa 425 with her bridesmaids, where she gave them each a gift decorated with greenery from her own backyard that she planted herself. Inside the gift boxes were colorful robes, a mini bottle of champagne, and a Voluspa candle, along with a monogrammed makeup bag – a preview of the other monogrammed details seen in signage and the couple’s dance floor later that day.
It was important to Payal and Logan that their guests felt “in-the-know” and informed the entire weekend, so we designed detailed wedding programs with Honeycrisp Designs listing the order of events of the traditional hour-and-a-half Hindu ceremony, and we explained to guests what the baraat signified as they arrived to dance with Logan as he entered the ceremony site on a white horse. To play into the couple’s fun nature, we made the fonts of all the signage a bit whimsical but still sophisticated. Finally, a Mezcal Mule was served as the couple’s signature cocktail, a nod to their love for Mexican tequila.
Photography: Birds of a Feather | Cinematography: Russell John Films | Event Planning + Design: Leilani Weddings | Floral Design: Flower Allie | Invitations: A Fabulous Fete | Stationery: Honeycrisp Designs | Ceremony Venue: BAPS Mandir | Reception Venue: Padua Hills Theater | Catering: Mantra | Hair + Makeup: Design Visage | DJ: Entertainment Express | Limousine: American Limo | Accommodations: Casa 425 | Baraat Music: Special Occasions | Henna: Beauty by Rachana | Horse: Enchanted Carriage | Peacock Chairs: 6th and Detroit | Photobooth: Orange Box Photo Booth | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Rentals: Stephanie's Linens | Sitar Player: Ronobir Lahiri Music | Specialty Rentals: Jake Duke Studios
According to surveys conducted by Fortune.com, the national average cost of a wedding in 2016 is $35, 329. We’ve probably all read post after post on ways to save money in your budget when planning a wedding, and a lot of them involve copious amounts of research, and heavily time and talent dependent DIY’s. I’m here to help you navigate where to spend your money and conquer your wedding budget.
Priorities
First things first, outline your big-ticket, must-have items. Not all weddings are created equal, and yours does not have to follow trends or traditions. If you prefer to have your wedding in your parent’s backyard or in a public park, you should do so. That will free up money for a more expensive dress or amazing food, if that’s your priority. A great way to manage your budget is to allocate your priorities with your partner and determine where you want the majority of your resources to go.
Photography
Photography is an area where most wedding experts would agree: spend your money. You’ll want to look at these photos for the rest of your life. You have to love them as much as you love your dress, venue. Find someone you trust and have a great rapport with, and spend the right amount of money to ensure you get the photos you like.
If you’re looking to save money on photography, consider ending the photographer’s time once the dancing music comes on. Why not set up a photobooth with a proper DSLR (these can be rented)? This can be a really fun way to engage your guests and make memorable images.
Food and Drink
For some, this is an area of high priority. But it is also somewhere with a lot of cost variety. Instead of having an open bar, consider creating your own 1-2 cocktails that your guests can choose from, which could be a fun and interesting way to reflect your personal taste.
As far as food, you can still have just as much deliciousness at your wedding if you have a brunch wedding. I have yet to meet anyone who does not love brunch, and this way you can get creative with what you serve, for example, an omelet bar! Without expensive meats and fish, this can bring down your tab significantly.
Decor
Florists can create some amazing spaces for a wedding, and we’ve got some pretty spectacular florists here on SMP. But ways to cut costs include in the decor. For example, your venue choice can inform a lot of what you need to get in the way of flowers, altar decor, table settings and vessels. Choosing a venue that includes a lot of greenery and natural elements already cuts down on what you need your florist to provide. That way, you can have a florist do up your bouquets, boutonnieres, and smaller pieces.
As far as vessels and table settings, consider buying them or renting them secondhand. So many brides purchase these pieces only have nowhere to store them, and so one bride’s vessels can become your treasures.
Stationery
This one’s pretty easy! Nowadays, there are so many DIY hacks for save-the-dates and invitations, but something to add to your skill set and still save cash is to learn to do the calligraphy yourself. There are tons of free tutorials and classes online, and this way, you’ll just have to get some nice envelopes and stationery. This is another cost-effective way to get creative and infuse some of your personality into the wedding.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.
Every beautiful detail from this Santa Monica wedding was deliberate… and beyond delightful. From the bouquet’s brooch to the canned pepper favors, everything had a meaning and a purpose, and with Marisa Nicole Events managing it all, it’s no surprise it was orchestrated to perfection. Anya Kernes captured all these special touches and more, – get ready to get pinning right this way! And don’t miss Esthetics in Motion’s film below!
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/235032094 600 338]
From the Bride… The overall inspiration for the wedding was charming elegance and classic vintage romance with a curated variety of lighter and darker colors. I fell in love when I saw the deeper reds and pinks with the lighter colors and it just felt so romantic and moody. The color palette was ivory, blush, mauve, marsala and dusty rose and gold/champagne.
My flowers! They were to die for! I knew from the beginning that flowers were super important to me. There’s just nothing more beautiful. I was blessed to find Felisa, who has an artistic, creative and whimsical feel to her work. No two arrangements were the same. It was loose and flowy and ethereal. There was texture and depth and each element was unique.
My dress! As a plus size bride, I was super lucky to have a few plus size bridal salons in the LA area. Strut (where I ended up buying my dress) had so many plus size gowns to choose from. I knew it immediately when I tried mine on (after having tried on probably upwards of 20). I felt beautiful, confident and like myself. On my wedding day, I knew I would be nervous. I needed that confidence in my gown to set me at ease to know that I really felt beautiful, which is what this dress did. I’ve never felt comfortable in a strapless gown, so when I found mine with an illusion lace neckline, it was just perfect. It also had vintage metallic lace, which coincidentally tied in with the vintage theme of the wedding day. The A-line style flattered me the most and ultimately, it was a no brainer.
I had a brooch attached to my bouquet, which was my paternal grandmothers. She died many years ago, it was one of two that she would wear whenever she went somewhere she had to dress up. It was my way of paying homage to her and having her there with me on my wedding day.
My husband is a chef, so food and drink were really important to us and we tried to incorporate it throughout the day. First, we designed specialty cocktails – Il Pompelmo for me, and ‘Oh, the Guzmanity’ for him. Il Pompelmo means ‘grapefruit’ in Italian, which was a nod to my family heritage. Dominic’s instagram handle is ‘guzmanity,’ and everyone has kind of fallen in love with referring to him like that- especially people who only knew him thru social media before we met. So it was fun play on that. Dominic and I spent a lot of time canning peppers as our favors. We knew we wanted to do something food related, and I loved the idea of canning something for our guests. Dominic also loves very spicy food, so it was an easy choice. It took a few weeks to can everything in batches, but it was certainly a gift of love for our guests (and so far I’m hearing that they are loving it). I’m Italian and wanted cannolis for dessert! As mentioned – we are really into food and drink and this is one dessert we can both agree on that’s fabulous! We hunted high and low in LA to find some that were authentic, and settled on a bakery in Hollywood whose owner is from Italy.
Dominic’s birthday was three days after the wedding, and we’d already be on our honeymoon, so we didn’t plan anything (and planning the wedding stole his sunshine). He has always planned something fun with friends and family for his birthday and it was important to me that we still celebrate. I decided to surprise him with a special cake, so we could sing, and show how much he meant to me with my surprise. The sparklers were just super fun! He was totally surprised, so it was a huge win for me! I love seeing the photos of his reaction! He surprised me with fireworks at the end of the night and made one of my biggest wedding dreams come true!
Both Dominic and I have lost a parent/close caregiver, which is something that was important to us to include in the day. I struggled with this because I didn’t want to make it somber or take away from the happiness of the day. We ended up putting out two small photos of each of us with our family member, and some candles at a small table during cocktail hour. I think it was a really nice tribute, but done in a way that didn’t take away from any of the other elements of the day.
My favorite moment was when we were officially man and wife during the ceremony. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and I could really feel the love in the room with all our family and friends present. Having them there to witness this sacred commitment we made was something I will never forget.
My advice for other brides would be to do some preparation around your marriage, not just plan a party. Because we were having a Catholic marriage, we needed to do a lot of marital preparation. At first, it seemed like just a bunch of additional stuff we needed to ‘get out of the way’ in order to be married. But as we completed each element one by one (we have to do a one-day workshop on communication, a weekend retreat for couples and two therapy sessions with a psychologist), they proved to be a very valuable part of our engagement and planning process. When things got crazy with planning, I could focus on all the wonderful elements of our relationship, and be excited that all this hard work was to celebrate the commitment we were about to make – for better or for worse. Focusing on our relationship during our engagement left me feeling very full of gratitude for what we had, and all the more excited for the marriage and what that would bring.
Photography: Anya Kernes | Videography: Esthetics In Motion | Event Planning: Marisa Nicole Events | Floral Design: Of The Flowers | Wedding Dress: Callista | Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop | Invitations: Meg Morrow Fine Paper | Ceremony Venue: St. Monica's Catholic Church | Reception Venue: The Victorian | Shoes: Badgley Mishka | Engagement Ring: Sarah Leonard Jewelry | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair + Makeup: Nicol Artistry | Groom's Attire: Joseph A. Bank | Transportation: One World Limo | Bridal Boutique: Strut Bridal Salon | Bride's Robe: Flora Nikrooz | Bridesmaids' Robes: Pretty Plum Sugar | Cannolis: Panini di Ambra | Church Musician: Helena Buscema | Church Musician: Helena Buscema | Linens: Luxe Linen | Maid of Honor Robe: Oscar De La Renta | Music + Lighting: Vox DJs | Ribbons: Tono Co | Vintage Rentals: Otis & Pearl
Do you prefer crashing waves or sweeping vineyards? How about a venue that boasts both? The appropriately named Catalina View Gardens set the stage for this insanely pretty alfresco wedding surrounded by the sea and the grapes. Planned by Esoteric Events, with blooms upon blooms by Plenty of Petals, imagery by Sally Pinera and a film by Elysium Productions, have a peek at a celebration with one of the most stunning ceremony spots we’ve come across.
From Esoteric Events… Haran and Jerry were determined to create a wedding that was not only impeccably planned but a visual treat for their guests. Knowing that the majority of their guest were traveling in from China, Chicago and New York with only a few local guests they wanted a venue that would give them all the California feels. After quite the hunt Catalina View Gardens ended up being the perfect fit in regards to convenience for all the guests as well as the jaw dropping ocean and vineyard views. When it came to design they wanted it to feel similar to their home which they had recently remodeled. Clean and refreshing but not cold, which we achieved by selecting nude linens and stone dish ware along with clean gold cutlery and glassware that had modern lines to it. Those selections plus bountiful flowers and lush greenery gave this couple the look and feel they had always dreamt of and was the epitome of fresh and springy.
Photography: Sally Pinera | Videography: Elysium Productions | Event Planner: Esoteric Events | Florals: Plenty Of Petals | Catering: Urban Palate | Hair and Makeup: Chiali Meng | DJ: Dash Entertainment | Ceremony Music: VeeRonna Ragone | Venue: Catalina View Gardens | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
It seems that more and more couples are opting to wait before jetting off into honeymoon bliss. Although the tradition is still leaving the next morning, there are a ton of reasons why delaying the honeymoon can be beneficial.
IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MORE
Whether you are paying for the wedding on your own, planning to buy a home, or simply want to add more to your savings account, delaying the honeymoon can be a big help to your finances. Plus, the more you save, the less you’ll have to worry about money while away or feel guilty about an indulgent dinner or couples massage. Or, perhaps you did a honeymoon registry and want to wait until you can budget out those generous gifts!
IF YOU WANT TO GO TO A SPECIFIC DESTINATION
You may have your heart set on Mexico, but traveling there in the rainy season will ruin your dreams of sun-soaked days on the beach. If you aren’t willing to budge on your destination, make sure you are traveling when the weather is at its best—it will be worth the wait.
IF YOU CAN’T TAKE OFF WORK
Work is a big reason many couples choose to wait. You may have already taken most of your time off days for the wedding, or your wedding may fall on your busy season, making it impossible to leave right after. If that’s the case, don’t fret—going on vacation when your mind is still on work could ruin the romance, so waiting until you are stress-free will make for a much better trip.
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons
IF YOU’RE FEELING OVERWHELMED BY THE WEDDING
Planning a wedding is a ton of work! And planning a big vacation isn’t a walk in the park, either. If the wedding planning has you super overwhelmed, you may not have the energy to plan something else—and that’s ok! Let yourself bask in the after-wedding glow from the comfort of your couch and wait to plan the next big thing until you’re fully ready.
IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF OUT OF TOWN GUESTS
If you are having a destination wedding or getting married somewhere far from the majority of your guests, you may want to put off the honeymoon to spend more time with them. They traveled far to be with you, so it may seem wrong to leave them right away. Plus, it can be super fun to show your family and friends your favorite place. The honeymoon can wait.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Jessica Tzikas is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager from South Florida, who recently moved back to the sunshine state after living in Philadelphia for the past few years. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading by the beach, practicing yoga, and exploring nearby towns with her new husband.
Lush florals, gorgeous views and a beautiful bride twirling amongst it all. If you need an escape from your daily to do list, look no further than this gallery right here. Captured by Callie Manion, with flowers courtesy of Bare Root Flora, this styled shoot is simply stunning, to say the least. But you don’t need my words to convince you – see all the perfect pics in our gallery right this way!
From Callie Manion… This dreamy and feminine editorial took place at one of Vail’s most prestigious and beautiful resorts, Beaver Creek. We were excited to be able to see the beauty of Beaver Creek Wedding Deck in person and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. Any bride would be lucky to get married here! The gondola ride up to the wedding deck is enough to make me want to redo my wedding!
The natural beauty all around is what really inspired us for this shoot. We wanted to keep the editorial feeling effortless and natural, yet still very feminine. Bare Root Flora created some gorgeous arrangements that really made our vision come to life while Karli with Ivory & Vine Co styled an intimate sunset dinner for two. The bouquet also beautifully complimented the romantic gown that our model wore. And I love that when she wasn’t wearing the gorgeous Bella Belle heels, she was running barefoot through the grass.
I loved being able to work with the team at Beaver Creek. They were so accommodating and even allowed us to incorporate one of their beautiful horses into our shoot. As the sun was setting behind the mountains, it was the perfect opportunity to “send off” the bride on horseback and show just how romantic it can be to incorporate horses into your wedding day!
Photography: Callie Manion | Event Planning + Design: Ivory & Vine Event Co. | Floral Design: Bare Root Flora | Wedding Dress: Willowby | Stationery: Pink Champagne Paper | Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Susie Saltzman | Makeup: Nicole Toledo Makeup Artistry | Hair: Preslee Hairstyle | Venue: Beaver Creek Wedding Deck | Bridal Boutique: a&be bridal shop | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Model: Radha Kotliarsky | Rentals: Yours For Your Day
Now this, ladies and gents, is how to pull off a Gatsby theme. This beautiful pair held their special day at the always gorgeous Cromlix in Scotland – with its grand facade covered in ivy and perfectly appointed rooms, it was worthy of the glamorous fete. Add in the Bride’s Maggie Sottero gown with a ’20s inspired silhouette and beading and a gold flecked creation by Rosewood Wedding Cakes all captured beautifully by Orange Photographie, and you have a wedding better than what even F. Scott Fitzgerald could imagine. The best part? This version of The Great Gatsby has a happy ending.
From Orange Photographie… Louise and David married on a gorgeous, sunny October day at the luxurious Cromlix Hotel in Scotland. Cromlix, owned by tennis star Andy Murray, provided impeccable service all day long to the couple and their family and made sure their every need was met and expectations exceeded.
The grounds of the hotel were bursting with autumnal color, including the vibrant red vines climbing up the castle-like stone walls. The Bride and Groom based the feel of their day loosely on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” and their wedding definitely reminded one of a glamorous 1920s fete – however this story had a happy ending. The Bride’s beaded Maggie Sottero gown had hints of vintage flapper style as did her Ralph Lauren heels.
The couple wed in the hotel’s intimate chapel with only their closest family members in attendance. As is tradition in the UK, the rest of their friends joined them for cocktails and dinner.
From the Bride… It was magical. We based it loosely on a Gatsby theme, and it definitely had that feel. We had exclusive use of the venue, so it felt like our home for the day. Cromlix staff were amazing – as were photographers, florist, reverend, band, and cake maker. Everything went to plan, and the sun shone!
Photography: Orange Photographie | Event Planning: Cromlix | Floral Design: Coach House Flowers | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Cake: Rosewood Cakes | Catering: Cromlix | Hair + Makeup: AMM Hair & Makeup Team | Band: Kick Back | Groom's Attire: MacGregor And MacDuff | Officiant: Reverend Nick Green | Venue: Cromlix | Bridal Boutique: Opus Couture | Bridesmaid's Dress: Ghost
We’ve dished our fave drugstore beauty finds in the past, but there are always the splurges we absolutely cannot live without! It’s all about balance, right? Today, I’m diving into five beauty buys I’ve personally used for years and swear by—worth every penny, promise. What are your tried and true beauty splurges?
This stuff is incredible ladies. A little bit goes such a long way and it creates such a flawless, natural look. Best part? It stays on all day long. I mix in a bit of this gel highlighter for added glow!
I bought this brush when I started used the Re(Marc)able Foundation above and I’ve never turned back. Sure, fingers work fine, but if you want next level flawless, this amazing tool will give you THE smoothest all-over finish. There are various sizes you can buy for different applications, but this one is great for foundation or blush!
This bronzer instantly transforms my look to a summery glow and it smells SO, so good. I love it’s warmer quality, which allows me to skip blush if I want. Also worth mentioning, it lasts quite a while and I’ve dropped it several times without the powder shattering!
I pulled the plug on this curling iron shortly before my wedding and have used it almost every day since! It heats up in 20 seconds and goes to 365°F, the optimum healthy temperature for styling hair. I’ve found less breakage with this iron and bouncier, longer-lasting curls.
Becoming a mom has changed my weekday beauty routine entirely. This dry shampoo is LIFE when you just don’t have the time to wash. It’s the only one I’ve found that doesn’t leave a residue that you have to blend in. Not to mention, it smells divine.
