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?

Re(Marc)able Foundation

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!

Artis Brush

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!

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow

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!

GHD Curve Soft Curl Iron

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.

OUAI Dry Shampoo

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.

If you log on to Style Me Pretty with us on the daily, you get to be a virtual guest to sooo many gorgeous events (in your yoga pants). But what’s more exciting than getting an invite to an actual wedding?! Wedding season might be winding down now, but those save-the-dates for next season’s events will start to roll in soon. Take it from us and heed these five wedding guest blunders that you should never be caught doing.

Assume a Plus One

A wedding is a very personal event (and costly one, too!), making it difficult for couples to settle on a guest list without even thinking about plus ones. Keep in mind that they may have had to cut extended family or even friends from their list, so they probably don’t want 10 plus one peeps they don’t even know invited to their Big Day. Most couples will list ‘and guest’ on the invite, but if you’re unsure, simply ask!

RSVP Late

There are a LOT of to dos before a wedding (especially ones that involve the final guest list count), so don’t make the Bride and Groom chase you down for an RSVP. Simple as that.

Get Too Tipsy

We get it, those trays of pretty signature cocktails are passing you by far too often and maybe you want to take advantage of that open bar while it lasts. But the last thing you should be doing is getting tipsy—especially if you’re in the wedding party or expected to speak. If you find yourself sipping a little faster than usual, trade every other cocktail for a water!

Wear White

Kind of obvious right? But people still do it. Unless the couple requests it, just don’t do it. Steer clear of too-close-to-white colors as well, like light ivory, cream and super light beige. This is the Bride’s moment, don’t steal her thunder.

Share Pictures on Social Media

This is another one that seems obvious, but in today’s world where social media is second nature, we all need a bit of reminding! Gone are the days of disposable cameras being placed on every table—where the silly moments would be hidden until the film was developed days later. Just simply avoid sharing any pictures at all of the day and especially the couple unless you have their consent. They’re most likely hiring a professional photographer and for good reason.

The Bride lives in NYC and the Groom in LA, yet somehow the make it work – so what better place to get away from it all and really cherish the oh-so-precious time they have together than Hawaii? Wendy Laurel captured their bright and tropical wedding with bohemian flair, from the Bride’s loose waves and natural beauty look by Maui Makeup Artistry to the the bold floral crown by Dellables adorning her head.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Wendy Laurel… This bi-coastal couple decided to fly away to Hawaii to celebrate their wedding. She is a medical resident in NYC and he’s located in LA, but they make it work. They choose bright fun florals and a ocean side ceremony and reception.

Photography: Wendy Laurel | Event Planning: A White Orchid Wedding Inc. | Floral Design: Dellables | Cake: Cravings | Catering: Maui Catering Services | Hair + Makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry | Venue: White Orchid Weddings | Bar: Aloha Bars Maui | Music: kaena elaban | Photography Assistance: Jeffrey Oltman

Sun Valley is one of the Bride’s favorite places on the planet and with good reason… it’s crazy gorgeous. For this celebration, it’s all about rustic elegance and embracing the beauty of the Idaho mountains with the help of Debbie Geller Events and Tara Bella Flowers. And after poring through the images by Kendra Elise, you would never guess that the wedding dress almost didn’t make it. (Yikes!) When the dress wouldn’t fit on the plane, the planner jumped in her car and drove all the way from Los Angeles to deliver the gown. We’re officially voting her MVP of this celebration.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Photographer… In June, two Los Angeles lovers tied the knot in the idyllic setting of Sun Valley Idaho. It was a location chose by the bride as she has spent her summers since childhood exploring, hiking, and falling in love with the wood river valley. The venue, Trail Creek Cabin, has a stunning view of Bald Mountain which offers some of the finest skiing in the area. The wedding planner drove, yes drove, from LA to Sun Valley with the brides beautiful dress because it wouldn’t fit on an airplane, oh my gosh… Dedication!! The florals were romantic, lush and added a pop of fun color to this elegant event. The wedding rings were custom made by a local artisan and the entire wedding day was filled with laughter, dancing and hugs! Thank you Nic + Gavi for having one of the most romantic, heartfelt and stunning celebrations

photographer: Kendra Elise Photography | wedding planner: Geller Events | florist: Tara Bella Flowers | Wedding Dress: Watters | Invitations: Wide Eyes Paper Company | Shoes: Chloe | Catering: Trail Creek at Sun Valley Resort | DJ: Nathan Hudson | Groomsmen's Attire: Theory | Wedding Venue: Trail Creek at Sun Valley Resort | Wedding Rings: Jensen Stern | film lab: The Find Lab | mua: Danielle Anspach

In my years of closet curating, I’ve come to learn that rather than keeping up with the trends, timeless staples are way more worthy of investing in. Pieces that you can mix and match and ones that’ll take you from season to season—and what better season to mix and match than fall?! The five wardrobe must-haves below are sure to shine for years to come.

This outfit styled by Freckles on Fillmore and captured by Torrey Fox is 100% fall fashion goals! Keep scrolling to get the look and discover the five timeless fall pieces you need in your closet.

A Camel Blazer

The signature color of fall, am I right? You can’t go wrong with investing in a camel blazer. This beauty can take you from a casual coffee date to client meetings to a dinner date with your beau. Shop this one, right here.

Distressed Crops

The perfect transitional denim from summer to fall, these denim darlings pair well with sandals, sneakers, booties or heels. Shop this style, right here.

The Gingham Shirt

Layered over or under, sleeves rolled, buttoned up or down, the gingham shirt is a classic. Navy is our pick for a great go-to year round, but especially lovely for fall. Shop this one, right here.

Low-Heeled Booties

Fall is all about comfort and style and these booties blend the two perfectly. For a timeless option, a neutral taupe or camel is the way to go. Shop this style, right here.

A Neutral Sweater (that you could live in)

When in doubt, make it a sweater day. There’s nothing better than a cozy, chunky I-could-live-in-this kind of sweater. Opt for a neutral to give you maximum pairing possibilities (and to make it less noticeable when you wear it 4 days out of the week! #oops). We’re loving this cable knit cutie.

Wedding day beauty is one of the most important—and most concerning—parts of the day. As brides, we want to feel our best and that has a lot to do with how we look. Which is why the team we pick to make us feel beautiful on our important day makes a big difference. Here are three things to consider before deciding on your beauty team.

Larissa Cleveland Photography

BE SURE THEY MATCH YOUR STYLE
There are so many different ways a bride will want to look on her wedding day. Are you a more traditional bride looking for classic makeup and a timeless updo? Or do you consider yourself more edgy, hoping for sultry eye makeup and a tousled do? Find an artist that matches your style. “Seek inspiration for your artist in advance that reminds you of your own hair as well as makeup that matches your personality and skin tone/type,” says Lori Nansi, makeup and hair artist. “Check out their social media to see if there are some looks and styles you might have missed on their website.”

Anna Roussos

FIND ONE THAT IS RESPONSIVE AND HELPFUL
It’s not uncommon for brides to want to change their look throughout the wedding planning. With so many images and ideas coming your way, it’s likely you may second guess your look before the big day. Because of this, it’s super important to find an artist that is there for you throughout—and maybe even goes the extra mile. “At the end of the trial, ask your hairstylist to take video of the style from front to back, and back around again so you can see how the look translates on film.” says Tanya Bures, owner of Page Beauty. “You’ll also see the hair at every angle and can pinpoint any distractions or imperfections!”

Iane Dittoe fine art wedding photographs

MAKE SURE YOUR VIBES MATCH
Your makeup artist is the first person you will see on your wedding day so it’s super important to make sure you like them. Schedule a trial well in advance to get a feel for how your personalities vibe. “[A trial] is a great opportunity to connect with the team before the big day, adding to the overall ease of the getting-ready experience,” says Tanya Bures. Lori Nansi agrees, adding “This is the perfect chance to see if you vibe—after all you will most likely spend the first half of your wedding day with your artist!”

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.

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

Page Beauty

View Portfolio

The day may have been a scorcher but you would never have known it from these pics by Rebecca Yale. With a Bride so cool and collected, seamless planning and coordination by Pryor Events, and florals that never wilted (thanks to the talented Hidden Garden), it was a success from start to finish. See every moment in our gallery and in the film by Boffo Video right this way!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/216556167 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Rebecca Yale… Megan and Peter were married on April 22nd in downtown Los Angeles at two of the most iconic and classic Los Angeles venues – St John’s Episcopal Cathedral and The Jonathan Club. The Jonathan Club holds a special place in the bride’s heart as her parents were married there 30+ years earlier in the same reception room and the bride followed many of the same traditions as her mother before her, like throwing her bouquet out of a secret second floor window at the end of the evening.

The bride chose a classic and elegant color palette with the help of her planner extraordinaire, Julie Pryor, consisting of white, green, pink and grey tones. Olive branches, a symbol connecting both the bride’s home in California and the groom’s family roots in Lebanon, were used throughout the day in everything from the invitation design to the boutonnieres and in floral arrangements adorning the church and reception room.

The bride and groom both got ready with their friends and family at the Jonathan Club and had a first look moment on the rooftop overlooking all of downtown Los Angeles. It was an unusually sweltering hot day in Los Angeles so the bride and groom headed inside the beautiful club for photographs with their wedding party and family pre-ceremony in front of the grand fireplace decorated with candles.

At the church their wedding party was joined by the sweetest little flower girls and ring bearers, who were cousins of the groom and children of close family friends of the bride. The couple said their “I do’s” in the grand church followed by a sweet moment alone in the church’s gardens. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the roof of the Jonathan Club while a string quartet played before heading into the grand ballroom for an evening of dinner and some of the most amazing dancing I’ve ever seen at a wedding! The incredible JumpStart Band from Bob Gail Events kept the crowd partying all night long!

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Videography: Boffo Video | Coordination: Pryor Events | Floral Design: The Hidden Garden | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Cake: Butter End Bakery | Invitations: Sloane Harmony Design | Ceremony Venue: St. John's Cathedral Of Los Angeles | Reception Venue: The Jonathan Club | Bride's Shoes: Harriet Wilde | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Makeup + Hair: 805 Makeup | Band: Bob Gail Special Events | Dresser: A Stitch In Time

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

Rebecca Yale Photography

View Portfolio

Paris is always a good idea…especially for honeymooners. It is the land of romance after all. But even if your next French getaway is not of the romantic variety (girls trip!), this guide is a must. Thanks to these travel tips from photographer Molly Carr, you will be staying, eating, seeing and shopping the City of Light like a pro wanderluster. Pick up tasty macarons at famous Lauderee, explore the bohemian beauty of Montmartre and instagram it up at the black and white steps of Palais Royal… or simply eat your way through the city thanks to this ultimate guide. I vote the latter.

From Molly Carr…Is there anywhere in the world more beautiful, more romantic, or more captivating than Paris? Whether it is your first time in the City of Light or your tenth, Paris is the absolute ideal destination for honeymooners. From the world-famous cuisine to the plethora of immaculate hotels to the charming streets and alleyways just begging to get lost hand-in-hand, Paris is truly the perfect place to be in love. Considering a Parisian honeymoon? Be sure to check out these tips before planning your getaway.

STAY

Ritz Paris:The legendary Ritz Paris finally reopened in June of this year, and clearly it was worth the wait. The hotel invested over €200+ million in the renovations which were led by interior designer Thierry Despont and his team of over 800 stonemasons, guilders, upholsterers, and painters who brought the hotel back to its former glory.

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal: A nearly perfect boutique hotel in the 1st Arrondissement, this lovely property offers five-star service in a dreamy location. I highly recommend booking a room with a terrace on the top floor with views of the famed Parisian rooftops and Sacre Coeur in the distance.

Saint James Paris: Designed like a family’s private home, this exquisite Relais & Chateaux hotel in the 16th Arrondissement is a favorite of the design blogging community. One look at the hotel’s imaginative decor and grand staircase, and you will understand why.

Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais: Located on one of my favorite streets in all of Paris, this pint-sized boutique hotel is utterly charming. Be sure to request a top-floor room with a view of the Parisian rooftops.

AirBnb: There are a plethora of amazing flats for rent on AirBnb in virtually all price points. My favorite neighborhoods to stay in are Saint Paul, Île Saint-Louis, Le Marais, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés – but as long as you are in Paris, you really can’t go wrong.

DINE

Laduree: The most famous patisserie in Paris. They have shops throughout the city but my favorite is their location on the Champs-Élysées. It is swarming with tourists and nearly always has a line outside—but it is so worth the wait. Not only are their pastries and teas amazing (they are known to have some of the best macaroons in the world) but the elegant interior is absolutely gorgeous and feels like you have stepped into Marie Antoinette’s jewel box. My favorite dessert is the Saint-Honoré Rose Framboise which is a luscious combination of fresh raspberries, rose-petal creme, custard, pâte feuilletée, raspberry compote, and rose fondant.

Le Comptoir du Relais: Originally recommended to me by a Parisian friend, this bistro has become the go-to for my husband and I on every trip to Paris. 

Frenchie: Unlike many buzzed-about restaurants, Frenchie completely lives up to the hype. Make reservations as far in advance as possible – the restaurant is tiny and the tables are hard to come by! 

Ralphs: A respite in the busy St. Germain neighborhood. On warm summer afternoons, a long champagne lunch in the beautiful Ralph’s courtyard is an absolute must. 

Mini Palais: The perfect place for a chic lunch al fresco, this stunning French Colonial-inspired restaurant is located inside of the Petit Palais. 

Le Grand Colbert: A gorgeous French brasserie that was featured in the film ‘Something’s Gotta Give.’  The food is traditional French cuisine but the mirrored interior is really what shines – it truly feels like you have stepped back into Paris of the 1920’s.

Mariages Freres: A beautiful tea salon in Le Marais reminiscent of Colonial India, it is a wonderful place to go for a chic lunch and to buy the most amazing loose leaf tea in the world (Casablanca and Marco Polo are my favorites).

Du Pain des Idees: Located in the trendy Canal St. Martin neighborhood, this boulangerie is thought by many (including myself) to be the best in all of Paris. 

Ritz Paris:The newly-reopened Ritz Paris is a must-see. Whether you enjoy drinks at the famous Bar Hemingway or tea in the stunning courtyard, this historic hotel truly lives up to its five-star reputation. 

Fromageries: The cheese in France is truly second to none, and three of my absolute favorite places to shop are Barthelemy, Fromagerie Jouannault, and 38 Saint Louis on Île Saint-Louis.

Picnic: In my opinion, this is by far the most romantic dining experience in Paris. Go to a fromagerie, stop at a market to buy a baguette, some fruit, and wine, then take your supplies to the Seine (I love sitting on the very tip of the Île de la Cite under the weeping willow) and do as the Parisians do and spend a few hours soaking in the magnificence of the city.

SEE

Musee D’Orsay: Although the Louvre is the most famous museum in Paris, my favorite is the Musée D’Orsay. I adore Impressionist art and it has by far the best collection I have ever seen. Plus, it is housed in a beautiful old train station, which itself is worth the price of admission just to admire.

Musee de la Orangerie: If you love Monet, this Museum absolutely cannot be missed. It has two circular rooms that are filled with 360-degree paintings of Monet’s beloved waterlilies. It truly must be seen to be believed.

Musee Rodin: This stunning former residence is filled with exquisite statues and art and is surrounded by one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.

Place des Vosges: The most beautiful square in Paris surrounded by bistros, shops, and amazing architecture. On a sunny afternoon, grab a book and while away the day laying in the grass and gazing up at the Parisian sky.

Saint Paul Neighborhood: This adorable little village in Le Marais feels like you have stepped into the Paris of yesterday. The quiet, winding streets are also home to some of the best antique shops in the city.

Ile Saint Louis: A little island in the center of the Seine. It is beautiful, quaint, the ideal place for a leisurely afternoon stroll (with a scoop of the famous Berthillon ice cream in hand, of course).

Pont Alexandre III at sunset: Go to the most beautiful bridge in Paris at sunset and watch the sky change colors behind the Eiffel Tower. Then, stay as the sky turns to an inky blue and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle over the Seine.

Montmartre: The bohemian neighborhood on the hill, artists such as Picasso used to call it home. It is quaint, romantic, and completely different from the rest of the city. Be sure to visit Sacré-Cœur, the beautiful white cathedral on top of the hill, and brave the climb to the top for an amazing view of the city!

Saint Chapelle: This stunning cathedral on Île de la Cite is a must-see. I have been to several evening orchestra performances here and they are always spectacular.

Covered Galleries: Paris is filled with beautiful covered galleries which initially designed as places for the aristocracy shop before the streets of Paris were cleaned up. They are absolutely stunning and filled with the most unique little shops, bistros, and bookstores – a perfect respite from the loud city streets. My favorites are Passage du Grand Cerf and Galerie Vivienne.

Place Dauphine: This beautiful little square on the western tip of Île de la Cite is one of my absolute favorite spots in Paris. Although it’s near some of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, it is somehow always quiet.

Palais Royal: Paris with a dash of Tim Burton’s whimsy is how I would describe the beautiful Palais-Royal. Come for the classic black and white striped pillars but stay for the (often forgotten) rose garden. Be sure to bring your camera, as Palais-Royal is one of my absolute favorite photography locations in the entire city.

Rue Montorguiel: A famous market street lined with restaurants, bakeries, fromageries, fish shops, wine shops, etc. Stop in E.Dehillerin for the best in French cookware – it’s the Barefoot Contessa’s favorite.

Explore: Simply pick a beautiful neighborhood (Marais, Saint Germain, Montmartre, Latin Quarter, there are so many to choose from) and get lost on the tiny little streets! Every street is gorgeous and magical, and some of my favorite memories are of the little shops, secret gardens, tiny bistros that I just stumbled upon. When you’re tired stop in a café, grab a cup of coffee, sit outside, and just watch the people go by.

SHOP

Claudie Pierlot: My go-to for fashion when I want to embrace my inner French girl (which is every day, merci beaucoup).

Repetto: For classic French ballet flats, Repetto is an absolute must.

Le Bon Marche: If you want to go to a Parisian department store, Le Bon Marché is my absolute favorite. Be sure to visit the famed food hall, and after, stop at Polaine Bakery and Cuisine de Bar for a tartine.

Merci: An incredible home goods and apparel store that many design enthusiasts refer to as the “French Anthropologie,” Merci is where I stock-up on porcelain kitchenware, gorgeous linens, and unique decorative objects. Be sure to visit the utterly charming (and seriously Instagrammable) Used Book Café on your way out.

The Kooples: An upscale French brand that is targeted towards hip, urban couples – The Kooples has a great selection of pieces that reflect the typical Parisian style.

Marais Neighborhood: The best boutiques in the city are in the 4th Arrondissement. The Marais is uber chic and the perfect place to get lost for the afternoon of window shopping and people watching.

Diptyque: Diptyque is home to my absolute favorite scents in the world. I buy their candles and perfume in bulk when I visit Paris, and their flagship shop in the Saint-Germain neighborhood is beautiful. Do Son is my perfume of choice, and Noisetier and Fleur d’Oranger are my go-to home fragrances.

Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves: This flea market is the perfect place to find buried French treasures. From ornate Louis XVI mirrors to Hermes scarves, you never will know exactly what to expect, but can always expect to find something magical.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Photography: Molly Carr Photography

From SMP blogger bride, Whitney B.… If you are anything like me, when it came to envisioning my wedding day, I knew I wanted an abundance of flowers, but I had no clue where to begin with searching for a floral designer. After researching several different designers and looking through hundreds of pictures and websites, I finally narrowed it down to my #1: Shawna, owner of The Wild Dahlia. Below are some of the reasons why and tid bits of advice for all you future wives:

Find Someone With an Aesthetic You Love

When picking a floral designer, look at their use of color, their signature style, and their featured bouquets within their portfolio and on their social media accounts. As a bride, one reason I chose The Wild Dahlia is because I loved the look and feel of Shawna’s centerpieces and bouquets that I had seen featured on Instagram feed, on wedding blogs, and in portfolio pictures. I also loved the fullness of her signature bouquet style and her use of large statement blooms – such as garden roses and peonies mixed with greenery to create a full and romantic look – which is exactly what I was looking for.

Find a Floral Designer Who Understands Your Vision

Also consider a potential floral designer’s ability to understand your vision and run with it, while also making it unique and a little bit outside of the box. While I love flowers and had very specific blooms that I wanted incorporated, I also really wanted to lean on my selected floral designer and trust her to take my tastes and preferences and create a floral plan that not only fit our personal tastes but also felt unique and different than everything we had been seeing. I also took into consideration that The Wild Dahlia was a vetted vendor on my wedding planner’s (Always Yours Events) vendor list, and that it was very evident that Shawna could be entrusted with our vision and to be an integral part of our wedding vendor team.

Find a Floral Designer Willing to be Creative

Finally, consider his or her ability to be creative with your floral AND your ideal budget. During our first consult with Shawna, we loved her can-do spirit and ability to be creative with not only our vision but also our budget. We had a specific floral budget in mind, and Shawna helped us find creative ways to make our design work within our ideal budget while never sacrificing the aesthetic or design from day one. For example, we will have gorgeous arrangements at our ceremony that we wanted to see incorporated for more than just 30 minutes of our day, so we have worked with Shawna to take those florals and repurpose them for spaces later in the evening where they will be impactful and continue our design throughout all the reception spaces.

I hope some of these tips help you find the perfect floral designer for your own wedding day! I cannot wait to share with you all the design and floral from our wedding at the Wequassett very soon!

Happy Flower Picking-

Whit B.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Photography: Carly Michelle Photography | Cinematography: Brighter Lights Media | Event Planning + Design: Always Yours Events | Floral Design: The Wild Dahlia | Stationery: Amanda Day Rose | Makeup: Natalie Lelless | Hair: Jennifer Tawa | Wedding Venue: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club | Bride: Whitney Bischoff

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

Carly Michelle Photography

View Portfolio

The Wild Dahlia

View Portfolio

I moved to the Pacific Northwest a few months ago and to say I’ve been struck by how stunning the scenery is would be an understatement. Sophie Epton captured it in full force with this engagement shoot and the only thing more eye catching are these two cuties. See all their smiles, splashes – and the beautiful views – right this way!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Sophie Epton Photography… Sarah and Aaron could not be a cuter couple, or more in love! After dating for over seven years, Aaron popped the question on a romantic trip to Stockholm, Sweden. Although their wedding will be in St. Louis next summer, this beautiful couple resides in Seattle, and so we decided there couldn’t be a better place to photograph their engagement! On the morning of the shoot this past August, the forecast was showing sunny skies all throughout the Seattle area, but as we drove closer to Rattlesnake Lake, the weather changed – it was windy, cold, foggy, and there was even a little rain! But Sarah and Aaron took it in stride and braved the chilly weather, even climbing up on tree stumps and wading through water. To me, the shoot turned out even more special and completely dreamy because the weather is so representative of the Pacific Northwest. It was such a magical experience that I won’t forget with this amazing couple, and I can’t wait to return to the PNW to photograph even more beauty in the future!

Photography: Sophie Epton Photography | Styling: Sophie Epton Photography | Floral Design: Gather Design Company | Engagement Ring: Green Lake Jewelry | Hair + Makeup: Sunnie Style Studio | Blush Dress: Lulu's | Blush Styling Runner: Silk and Willow | Gray Suit: Men's Wearhouse | Velvet Ring Box: The Mrs Box | White Dress: Lilly Pulitzer

Greg Finck has a way with gorgeous imagery. Now couple that with the tropical beauty of Bali and the result is picture perfect. For this wanderlusting couple, the Istana Villa proved a dream backdrop for their romantic, garden style wedding designed by Bali Exclusive Wedding + Gloriosa Flowers. It’s all blushing hues, chandelier draped dining and the most stunning cliffside views. Take a peek at the full celebration right here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Rachael, the bride… Darren and I are from Scotland originally and currently reside in Den Haag, The Netherlands. Before moving to The Netherlands we spent several years living and working in Singapore. Our love for Asia, and ultimately Bali, lead us to choosing Uluwatu as our picture perfect destination for our wedding day. After visiting Bali in 2013 we fell in love with this beautiful island instantly. Bali is named “The Island of the Gods” and it is easy to see why; a tropical oasis, filled with culture and beauty. However, beauty is not only skin deep with Bali – it in engrained within; the Balinese people mirror the external beauty with their kindness and generosity. Preparation is key when planning a destination wedding! We started our search for Bali wedding venues in the Spring of 2015. The Istana Villa caught our attention straight away with it’s impressive cliff top setting and breathtaking ocean views. After hours of reading online reviews and stalking Instagram, we were sold! Once we had settled on our venue we made contact with different wedding planners in Bali so see which would be the right fit for us. Bali Exclusive Weddings offered what we were looking for; a dynamic wedding coordinating service, specialising in private villa weddings. Organising a destination wedding was much easier than I could have ever expected! I put this largely down to having excellent vendors and also Darren and I being naturally organised individuals. We created spreadsheets to keep us on track with our budget, and also to keep us up to date with our “to-do” lists. Once we booked The Istana in May, we set up a Wedding planning trip to Bali later on in the year to meet with our Wedding planners and potential vendors. Before our visit, we created several mood boards using Pintrest on what we dreamt our wedding day to look and feel like. I created a document containing every little detail we envisaged for our day and brought this along on our trip. Being prepared with our mood boards before meeting with our Wedding Planner and vendors lead to a very successful trip to Bali; on returning to The Netherlands we had everything booked! When I envisaged my wedding day I knew exactly what I wanted to create; a soft, whimsical, romantic, garden wedding. I wanted to keep the decoration classy & elegant which lead me to select my colour scheme; white, cream, pale champagne, pale blush & pale grey. I wanted our decoration colour scheme to mirror that worn by our bridal party which ultimately created a very well put together look & theme for our day. Pinterest was great to gather ideas and categorise each design element in different folders. I spent a lot of my free time looking through bridal magazines, blogs & Instagram for decoration ideas. When I met with my decorator in Bali I discussed what I was looking to create and, for her ease, I had created a mood board for each decoration area (entrance set up, ceremony set up, cocktail arrangement, dinner reception etc)

It was important to me to use locally sourced flowers from Bali. Bali has a wealth of locally grown flowers and I wished to use them all in abundance! With the help of my decorator, Gloriosa Flower House, we selected a large mixture of different local flowers to create our elegant romantic garden theme. Other design elements which were incorporated in our decor were chandeliers. Chandeliers ooze elegance, sophistication and romance and when combined with floral installation they are out of this world glamorous! For our dinner reception I wished to have these lighting our tables outside to create and intimate and elegant atmosphere. Additionally to the chandeliers we asked to have white draping over the bridal table to emphasise the romance. We also wanted to include touches of Scotland & Bali within our decoration. We included a traditional whisky bar for the men to “take a wee dram” and also for those with a sweet tooth, a few Scottish treats to indulge on! For our Balinese elements we selected traditional Balinese umbrellas and wooden fans to shade our guests from the sun and keep them cool. Selecting vendors can be quite daunting as you are ultimately trusting them with one of the most important days of your life! I spent a lot of time researching each vendor and reading reviews where available. I found this very helpful as it provided me with a good idea on what I could expect from each vendor. It is important to listen to your wedding planner for advice as this is their field of expertise but it is also equally important to research their suggestions and source your own vendors to find someone you love. For our wedding we used a mixture of local and international vendors. I knew from the very beginning that photography was very important to our wedding so we could capture the day for years to come. I love soft, fine art photography which looks like it has fallen straight out the pages of a fashion editorial. I found my fabulous photographer, Greg Finck, through Instagram. Greg was the perfect fit for our wedding, he creates the most beautiful photographs which are timeless, elegant and romantic. Luckily for us Greg is a destination photographer and we were delighted when he agreed to join us in

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Floral Design: Gloriosa Flower House | Bride's Shoes: Sophia Webster | Bride's Dress: Bespoke | Planning&Design: Bali Exclusive | Private Villa: The Istana Bali

When it comes to Bridal Week, we’re always on the lookout for the latest wedding fashion trends – and this season, we were struck by the gorgeous and varied necklines we saw on the runways. The one collection we could. not. stop. thinking about? The stunning lineup from Morilee by Madeline Gardner. She’s the queen of creating timeless gowns for the modern bride, so we turned to her to get the 4-11 on the updated styles.

V-NECK

Why We Love This Look: Among the sexiest of trends from Bridal Week, this alluring neckline is making a comeback, and we’re loving the more elegant vibe designs are boasting for this typically sultry style.

Best For: Petite and full-busted brides as this neckline lengthens and streamlines the torso.

OFF THE SHOULDER

Why We Love This Look: This neckline is effortlessly romantic and pairs perfectly with the all-down, beachy wave hairstyles that are so on trend right now.

Best For: Pear-shaped brides, because this neckline draws the eye toward the torso.

HALTER

Why We Love This Look: The halter top receives an update with its sporty, high neckline – perfect for showing off your Michelle Obama arms.

Best For: Athletic brides with broad shoulders as the silhouette draws eyes in and up, creating balance.

STRAPLESS

Why We Love This Look: Equal parts demure and alluring, the sweetheart strapless neckline subtly accentuates the bust and enhances curves. This is one neckline that will never go out of style.

Best For: Full-busted brides who want a strapless look because the peaks of the heart shape provide ample coverage, and petite brides as the heart shapes creates an hourglass effect.

Inspired by YOU, the Morilee by Madeline Gardner Muse Collection is all about weaving in new laces, different textures and sooo much sparkle. To find your nearest retailer, visit their website, because there’s definitely a beautiful + flattering dress for every woman’s body type and style.

Ever find yourself relaxing on a secluded beach with a good book, your significant other, and calm waters drifting away into the bliss, but still reaching for your phone? We’re in a constant stream of noise now more than ever and it’s getting increasingly harder to get off the grid and escape everyday check-ins with your social profiles and inbox.

It’s okay, it happens to all of us and as technology progresses the few quiet moments that we have seem to be slipping away, which is why we’ve tasked our friends over at Black Tomato to come up with the top destinations for couples looking to switch off and take a digital detox. Looking for the perfect way to spend the rest of the year in (almost) total silence? Keep on scrolling.

Black Tomato

Namibia
Sand surfing, high flying, shipwrecks, and the family-run lodge nestled in the heart of the Omboroko Mountains—Namibia is rugged and eerily isolated. It’s one of the best places for a digital detox that will leave you little pressures of checking your social feeds and overflowing inboxes on your time off. You’ll find the best way to explore the Skeleton Coast is hiring a jeep and just driving.

Where to stay: Okonjima Lodge

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
A bolthole of exquisite furnishings, torturing hikes, heart-stopping adventures, and all the peace and quiet you need for a short and close-to-home digital detox. This remote town is located in southwest Colorado burrowed deep into the San Juan Mountains. From the library to helping the chef prepare the locally sourced meals, to horseback riding or a photography or fine art workshop, you’ll be fast exploring what Dunton has to offer. The whole town is mobile phone free, but no need to worry if it’s truly urgent, high-speed internet is outfitted in all of the rooms for those “I just need to check one thing” moments.

Madagascar
Beach and animal lover? This one is for you. Madagascar is a location that is wild and untamed and virtually unexplored. You can find 5% of the world’s wildlife here, landing this the perfect setting for an intrepid and natural adventure. Waking up to fresh air and an array of wildlife, what could be more relaxing?

Where to stay: Miavana Lodge

Mongolia
It’ll be hard to keep your phone turned off with rolling mountains, dramatic valleys, forested plains and vast areas of barren tundra in the background, but we promise it’s worth it. This is the ultimate digital detox and a trip of a lifetime (a term that we don’t casually throw around). Think the magnificent Saradig mountain range and aerial views of the second-largest lake in central Asia. All complete with speed-skating, horse-drawn sleigh races and ice sumo activities. For the skiers, Mongolia is best from January to April, but don’t forget about the ice festival in early March!

Destination: Unknown
Calling all adventurous couples! Get Lost with our latest service, where you’ll do just that. You pick the environment of your choice (polar, jungle, desert, mountain, or coastal) and we will determine which destination you will be whisked away to. Set out to find your inner steel, beliefs and passion through the unknown, uncharted destinations with your other half. You’ll arrive at your first destination with the kit and all of the equipment necessary to get you to your final destination.

As for directions? We’ll send you off with a GPS navigation system that requires no wifi and cell service. Talk about a total disconnect and digital detox.

To see more honeymoon inspiration visit our SMP x BT trips here.

Style Me Pretty Contributor

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Wedding Dress: Marchesa

How do we love this Bride? Let us count the ways. We love that she wore a romantic, 3-D floral masterpiece of a dress by the incredible Mira Zwillinger. We love that she chose glittery aqua kicks for her adorable flower girls. We love her vision for a balloon escort card display, brought to life by Balloons by Tommy. We love the industrial garden vibe of her wedding, orchestrated by LK Events. But most of all, we love the love between her and her Groom, apparent in every single moment captured by Tim Tab Studios.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Clay and I met and fell in love in Chicago, so it felt right to be married in the city that brought us together. Nicole Zenner of LK Events made the planning process collaborative, fun, and seamless, as did the entire team that took our romantic, whimsical garden vision and made it a reality.

Leading up to the wedding, it was hard to believe that the year-and- a-half of planning and build-up would soon come to an end. Neither of us could sleep the night before our wedding day. Clay awoke before the sun, took a walk along the lake and received words of advice from a man resting on a lakeshore bench: “Marriage is a blessing.” Meanwhile, I woke up to sunrise city views and “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” thanks to my sister and MOH, Elizabeth. Needless to say, our wedding day started off perfectly and only got better.

The entire day was a dream. The weather was beautiful. We were surrounded by the people who mean the most to us, and we had the best crew, Tim and Bethany Tabailloux of TimTab Studios and the team from One Fine Day Productions, capturing every moment.

Some of our favorite memories from our big day: getting ready with our best friends and family, exchanging cards and gifts (a watch for Clay and a book of Atticus poems bookmarked with a light-blue ribbon tied to a diamond and aquamarine ring for me); putting on my wedding dress, seeing my dad for the first time, our first look at Milton Olive Park, having our puppy join us for photos on the lakefront, walking down the aisle with my dad, having my uncle as our wedding officiant, the wedding speeches, our mid-reception excursion up to the rooftop with our photographers for a late night photoshoot in the rain, Clay’s epic rendition of “Regulate”, singing “Man in the Mirror” with my sister and brother, and having a nightcap at the Four Seasons hotel bar in my wedding dress with my new husband.

Looking back through our photos, we are overcome by joy and gratitude for our parents, family, friends, and everyone at LK Events, TimTab Studios, One Fine Day Productions, Revel Décor, Entertaining Company, Morgan Manufacturing, Elysia Root Cakes, the Chicago Players, Tommy Balloons, Mira Zwillinger, Vanessa Valliant Beauty, Pin Me Up, Balani, Black Tux, and the Four Seasons hotel who conspired to make September 2, 2017 the best day of our lives.

Photography: Tim Tab Studios | Event Planning: LK Events | Wedding Dress: Mira Zwillinger | Cake: Elysia Root | Reception Venue: Morgan Manufacturing | Catering: Entertaining Company | Makeup: Valliant Beauty | Hair: Pin Me Up Chicago | Band: Gold Coast All Stars | Groom's Suit: Balani | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Transportation: Signature Transportation Group | Hotel: The Four Seasons Chicago | Balloon Sculpture: Balloons By Tommy | Bridal Boutique: Ultimate Bride Boutique | Decor: Revel Decor | Invitation Suite: Allie Hasson

We’ve seen our fair share of fresh ideas around these parts so it’s safe to say that when something brand new makes it’s way across our desks, we get pretty excited. Case in point: this wedding’s approach to bridesmaids. Instead of following tradition, our bride let her girlfriends wear whatever they desired and gifted them each with a beautiful bouquet for one gorgeous group photo in the gardens. It’s unique, ultra chic and oh so sweet and we’re 100% on board. See this pic – and all the rest by Rebecca Yale – right this way!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Rebecca Yale… Emma and Izzet were married on a beautiful summer afternoon in an intimate gathering of friends and family at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York. The couple threw a large fete for friends and family in Turkey, where they both have family, but decided to have a small luncheon gathering to celebrate in their new home, New York.

The bride got ready with the help of a friend and her aunt as they nibbled on delicious pastries and fresh fruit, all from the farm. The bride opted for loose and natural curls, perfect for the farm setting, pinned back with fresh flowers that complimented her beautiful white and green bouquet. After sharing a first look in the garden, the bride and groom were joined by their family for portraits and the ketubah signing before their ceremony. They said their “I do’s” under a beautiful lush chuppah of greenery followed by a private moment to themselves walking the gardens for a few portraits before joining their guests for cocktail hour. Instead of having traditional bridesmaids, the bride opted to honor her friends by letting them wear whatever they wanted and gifting them each a bouquet for a group photo of them all together in the gardens.

Guests enjoyed a three course gourmet meal from the farm followed by cake decorated with white and green flowers. The bride and groom paid homage to their British roots by gifting their guests truffles and Wedding Breakfast Tea from Fortnum & Mason as a wedding favor.

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Videography: Kiss The Bride Films | Floral Design: Bride & Blossom | Wedding Dress: Christos | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Makeup: Stacie Ford Weddings | Hair: Ryan Cotton | Band: Bianchi Musica | Venue: Blue Hill At Stone Barns | Bridal Boutique: Wedding Atelier

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

Rebecca Yale Photography

View Portfolio

Bride & Blossom

View Portfolio

One of the biggest beauty features that we as women worry about on the daily is our hair—but it’s also one of things we strain the most. From coloring and heat styling to teasing and product overuse, our locks take a beating. Take our advice and stop doing these five damaging habits below!

Using a brush after you shower (or roughly towel drying!).

Hair is at it’s highest elasticity (and weakest) when wet and the last thing you want to do is brush it or towel dry. Instead, use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to work out any tangles.

Washing your hair every day.

Guilty as charged over here! Some of us just don’t have fab second-day hair. But even for us fine haired girls, washing every day can strip away natural oils (a.k.a. that not so hot greasiness) and actually make our hair look even more limp. If you’re feeling a bit greasy too, you’re probably using too much conditioner. Try stretching your washings to every 2-3 days and using dry shampoo in between. I swear by this one.

Neglecting to use a clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner.

Clarifying sha-what? This article from The Everygirl will tell you everything you need to know about clarifying your hair. And unless you’re completely avoiding any coloring or heat styling, it’s a good idea to use a deep conditioner (or hair oil) on a regular basis.

Forgetting to use heat protectant.

If you’re not using a heat protectant before blow drying or using hot tools, start asap! Heat can wreak so much havoc on our hair. This one is great and I also love this oil for keeping frizziness at bay.

Using (very, very) hot tools.

Not only does the temperature of your hot tools matter (never go above 400 degrees!) but the length of time matters too. This article from Marie Claire nails it. The comparison of microwaving vs. baking is so true. Give yourself a bit more time to curl or straighten (or dry!) at a lower temperature for longer lasting, healthier results.

Flowers galore AND a bespoke bridal gown? This celebration planned by Asheville Event Co., lovelies, is what wedding dreams are made of. Floressence Flowers bedecked every available inch of this North Carolina wedding with fluffy pink and white blooms – from climbing arrangements on the side of the bridal hut to a grand hanging display at the reception. As if our hearts could take any more beauty, the Bride wore a custom lace creation by Kate McDonald Bridal which included a removable lace skirt overlay for a slightly different look at the reception – so on trend right now! You must see it all, captured by Perry Vaile Photography and Hart to Heart Media, so scroll on and then hit play!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/234733705 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… I envisioned everything just as it was planned! Missie Porter, our Asheville Event Co. wedding planner, went above and beyond to make all my visions for our wedding happen. It was such a fun process, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Our color palette was a lot of neutrals, with a touch of soft pink in the flowers. We went for a more timeless look while playing with the classy rustic feel of The Farm.

My favorite element that we included was having our parents and grandparents wedding pictures displayed as people walked into the reception area. Family is so important to both of us, and we thought it would be fun to incorporate the memories of their wedding days into ours! There were so many great moments. If I had to pick one, it would probably be walking out of the bridal hut with my dad. This was my favorite moment because it really hit me that I was getting ready to marry the love of my life. Also, while making that walk down the aisle, I was not only looking at my husband, but I was looking around at all the faces of our unbelievable friends and family that were there to witness our marriage and help hold us to the covenant that we made before the Lord.

My dress was made by the VERY talented Katherine McDonald of Kate McDonald Bridal. My dress was actually one of the easiest decisions I made during the process. We went to see Katherine in Charleston a year before the wedding, and she was so welcoming and kind. She was super easy to work with and helped me create the dress of my dreams. My favorite part of my dress was the beautiful laced skirt overlay that I was able to remove after the ceremony for a little different look for the reception.

My advice  for Brides-to-be would be don’t stress about the small things! That is one thing that really let me enjoy all the celebrations through out the weekend. What may seem like a big deal to you, your guests most likely won’t even notice. Another piece of advice is something that Eric and I will cherish forever. We snuck away just the two of us to the outside area and took a second to ourselves to really take in what was going on at that moment. It brought us so much joy seeing everyone having such a wonderful time!

Photography: Perry Vaile Photography | Cinematography: Hart to Heart Media | Event Planning: Asheville Event Co. | Floral Design: Floressence Flowers | Wedding Dress: Kate McDonald Bridal | Wedding Cake: Lush Cakery | Hair + Makeup: Brushworx | Transportation: Elite Limousine | Venue: The Old Edwards Inn And Spa | Music: Simply Irresistible | Photo Booth: ShutterBooth | Rentals + Lighting: Classic Event Rental

Do you dream of baguettes and croquembouche? Yeah, us too. But all french deliciousness aside, this elopement inspiration crafted by Et Cetera Event Company and Clayton Floral gives a fresh, modern twist to Old Montreal. Bringing together the classics along with a stunning, sculptural gown and elegant, minimalist details, the beauty of this charming city comes alive through Gabe Aceves’s stunning images.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

An amazing team of vendors and I recently collaborated on a beautiful shoot in Old Montreal inspired by French themes and colors with a mix of old and new. Jerica of Et Cetera Event Company designed and planned a beautiful french elopement with modern touches set in Old Montreal. We paired simple, minimal elements with a modern dress and details against the backdrop of a beautiful old world French city. We wanted to inspire a mix of old and new with a simple French blue and white color palette and details inspired by French tradition with our own simple, modern twists.

Photography: Gabe Aceves Photography | Event Planning: Etcetera Event Co. | Floral Design: Clayton Floral | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Cake: Eleventh Hour Bakery | Invitations: Christa Alexandra Designs | Rings: Studio 1040 | Makeup: Jennifer Perellie Make Up | Hair: Formal Hair Design By Kerry | Bridal Boutique: Everthine Bridal Boutique | Bridal Robe: Melinda Rose Design | Rentals: Vermont Tent Company | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Styling Surface: Emma Natter

If you dream of a wedding filled with cherry blossoms, daffodils, forsythia and hydrangea, you’re definitely not alone. The question is – where exactly to host this bloom-filled wedding, and when? We’ll let you in on a little secret. Before the Montauk summer crowd gets crazy, May and June are the perfect months for that garden party you’ve always wanted. And Solé East Resort is the perfect locale to host.

If we’re being honest, outdoor weddings are some of our favorite ways to say “I do.” We’re always down for a ceremony smack dab in the middle of a garden paradise, followed by a tented reception… or an al fresco celebration under the starry night sky. Which is just one of the many reasons we love Solé East Resort – not to mention their gorgeous manicured lawns, amazing Backyard Restaurant and fabulous pool, complete with St. Tropez lounge beds. And when you book your Big Day during those breathtaking spring months, you’ll even get pre-season room rates for your guests. That’s a win-win in our book.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and say “I do” amongst the beautiful gardens at Solé East Resort, call 631.668.2105 or email info@soleeast now to start planning your dream day. And don’t forget to ask about the Spring 2018 Wedding Discounts for available May and June dates.

Venue : Sole East Resort | Mark Kopko Photography: Mark Kopko Photography