One of the best ways to narrow your focus and make the most of your wedding budget is to make a list of the things you and partner care the most about, and then a list of what your guests care the most about. Items that aren’t on either of those lists are areas where you can afford to save a little money.

To help get you started, here are some things that I pay attention to the most as a wedding guest (besides obvious logistical things that make sure people are comfortable and taken care of).

The venue
The venue truly sets the tone for the entire wedding, and as a guest, I love experiencing beautiful places that are special to the couple. I also love getting to travel to a new place for a wedding, even if it’s not that far from where I live. It doesn’t have to be super fancy, I just appreciate beautiful surroundings and a comfortable setup where everyone can see and hear throughout the ceremony!

The bride’s dress
Obviously I love seeing what a bride chooses for her wedding dress! When she first comes down the aisle I can’t wait to see what she picked out and how beautiful she looks. I always predict what I think she’s going to wear beforehand and then see how far off or spot on I am based on what I know about her style. I also LOVE seeing the groom’s reaction when he sees her in her dress for the first time.

The Vows
Cue the tears because I pretty much always cry during the vows. How can you not when you’re watching the bride and groom stare at each other promising to love and cherish each other forever? No matter whether the vows are personal or traditional, the best ones are always short, heartfelt and sweet.

Décor + Flowers
I know not everyone cares about this, but I always appreciate the décor and flowers! I definitely don’t expect the couple to do something crazy expensive or over-the-top, but nice thoughtful touches to elevate the setting and keep it romantic doesn’t go unnoticed by me!

Food + Drinks
This is an obvious one right? No one wants to go hungry or thirsty at a wedding! I appreciate small hors d’oeuvres before dinner and I’m happy with different types of dining setups, as long as there is enough food for everyone and works with most peoples’ diet requirements. I really appreciate an open bar, but totally understand cutting people off at a certain point. However, in my experience, a good rule of thumb is the better the food + drink situation, the happier the guests and the better the dance party!

Reception party + entertainment
A great band or DJ is a must for guests to have a good time at the reception party! You need someone who can read the vibe of the wedding and know exactly what song to play at the right time to keep the party going. Some of my favorite wedding memories are surrounding the couple one the dancefloor, everyone smiling, screaming the words to a song like “Sweet Caroline” or “Don’t Stop Believing”.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.

Tropical greenery and Paris might not seem like the most likely of duos but as Fete in France explains, these two are no style strangers. And they work well together… really, really well. Need some visual proof? Look no further than this styled shoot created by Fete in France, with amazing florals by MADAME Artisan Fleuriste; Parisian elegance meets tropical chic and to say I’m obsessed would be an understatement. Sandra Aberg’s pics have it all and are my new go-to source to feel inspired – see for yourself right this way!

P.S. Happy 10th birthday to our Little Black Book! We love you so and your talents? Unbelievable. Case in point: this masterpiece right here…

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Fete in France… When you think of Paris, tropical greenery doesn’t immediately spring to mind. But Paris has a fascination with all things exotic, and if you know where to look, you’ll see that the tropical theme that’s having a moment right now was also all the rage in Paris – about 100 years ago. We picked two iconic places, the Luxembourg Garden and the Hôtel d’Evreux on the famed Place Vendôme, which offered the perfect backdrop of classic Parisian elegance mixed with the Parisian take on tropical decor.

​Feathery palms, romantic lilypads, bright kumquats, combined with lace and touches of gold are a great way to incorporate the tropical theme into a more elegant setting.

Photography: Sandra Aberg Photography | Videography: BKTFILMS | Event Design + Planning: Fete in France | Floral Design: MADAME Artisan Fleuriste | Wedding Dress: Rime Arodaky | Cake: Synies | Ring: Heirloom | Hair + Make Up: Trine Juel | Venue: Potel et Chabot | Earrings: Vintage 1950's Custom Jewelry | Model: Tout Talent | Paper Goods: Studio French Blue calligraphy + design | Rentals: Vaisselle Vintage | Rentals: Options

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

Fete in France

View Portfolio

How many pup pictures in a home tour is too many? Asking for a friend. But in all honestly, from fur baby to dream kitchen, this San Francisco pad has a lot of goodies tucked inside. Masterminded by the genius designers MAS design and Simone Howell at Decorist, have a look at modern meets chic with a healthy dose of glam captured by Julia Sperling. Psst…take the full tour right here!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Online interior design service Decorist executed a gorgeous makeover on an early 1900’s home in San Francisco. Homeowner Lisa Hauswirth enlisted two Decorist Elite Designers, MAS design and Simone Howell, to guide her through a revamp that took the home from dark and heavy to bright and glam. As you can see from the before and after photos, the transformation is pretty drastic! What’s also cool about this project is that Lisa held several non-design positions at Decorist in the past. We love how she came full circle with Decorist and created the home of her dreams with them!

Photography: Julia Sperling | Location: Lisa Hauswirth's Home

We’re celebrating today at SMP – it’s the 10 year anniversary of our Little Black Book! And to kick off the festivities, we’ve got this amazing autumnal-hued shoot captured by one of our talented LBB members, Savan Photography. Surrounded by eucalyptus tress and bathed in the dreamiest lighting, this Bride and Groom will take your breath away, they look so beautiful. Add in the romantic dinner table draped in gauzy Wildflower Linens, yummy centerpieces by Floral by Isabelle, rich fall fruit, and expert styling by Debby Boh Events, and you’ve got everything needed for a gorgeous fall wedding.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Savan Photography… There is a stunning park, dense with tall eucalyptus trees as far as the eye can and nestled in the middle of a quiet city. I knew this was perfect for an autumn wedding inspirational shoot, because eucalyptus trees love to show off their bark in the fall months while maintaining their greens leaves.

This was my first time working with Debby from Debby Boh Events, and it was like magic as we bounced ideas off of each outher about the color direction and mood of the shoot. I’ve worked with Isabelle a couple times before, and knew I needed her floral magic to bring this whole vision from good to great!

The trees surrounding the entire area made the shoot what is, and we didn’t want to take away from that, so we decided on a combination of muted and rich colors for the bouquet and centerpieces, and we incorporated fall fruit. The fall tones complemented the golden California light and added a bit of punch to this romantic woodland autumn wedding inspiration.

Photography: Savan Photography | Floral Design: Florals by Isabelle | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Hair + Makeup: Beauty And The Beach | Calligraphy: Bijou Creative | Groom's Attire: Friar Tux | Accessories: Petal And Stones Accesories | Bridal Boutique: Mary Me Bridal | Event Coordination + Styling: Debby Boh Events | Furniture Rentals: Marnie Schnabel - Sweet Salvage Rentals | Linens: Wildflower Linen | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon | Tableware Rentals: Via La Roche

One majorly important part of wedding planning is picking out your wedding stationery and invitations and there is nothing better than a gorgeously designed invitation suite to set the tone for your big day! And since you spend so much time deciding on the perfect wedding stationery, we are firm believers in having your photographer capture your invitation suite in a creative way! We’ve rounded up some of your favorite ways to do so below!

With the Rings

With the Boutonnieres

On a Tray

On the Veil

On a Patterned Backdrop

Held By the Bride or Groom

With Pretty Florals

With Ribbon

Just because your engagement shoot is outside doesn’t mean you have to go uber casual and rustic with your wear. We prefer a little juxtaposition; mountain views and dreamy dress… just like this one here. Tamara Gruner captured these cuties all dressed up for this e-shoot in Vail and it doesn’t get much sweeter – or chicer – than this. Even their second outfits, while a bit more relaxed, have a bit of flare to them (those earrings!). See both looks – and all the views – right this way!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Tamara Gruner Photography… Sahar and Tyler both had the pleasure of attending The University of Houston, where they met working on the Delta Gamma/Pike Homecoming float in 2011. They quickly became friends, spending long nights studying at the Delta Gamma house. It didn’t take long for sparks to fly and they haven’t been apart since. Fast forward almost 5.5 years later, Tyler finally popped the question at The University of Houston, where their love story began. The rest is history, and the two are tying the knot on July 14, 2018 in Vail, Colorado – a special and beautiful destination that Sahar’s family has been visiting every summer for the last 15 years. These college sweethearts are truly soulmates and could not imagine going on life’s journey with anyone other then each other. Cheers to the future Mr & Mrs!

Photography: Tamara Gruner Photography | Event Planning: White Birch Weddings & Events | Dress: Lulu's | Hair + Makeup: Amy DaCosta | Blazer: Jos. A. Bank | Female Casual Outfit: Banana Republic | Female Watch: Burberry | Jeans, Shirts, Sweater: Ralph Lauren | Pearls: Tiffany & Co. | Scans: Richard Photo Lab

Nothing says fall quite like a slew of pumpkins and this classic celebration is giving that standard fall fare a romantic twist. Awash with white gourds and the prettiest shades of blue, Simply Sera Events and Flower Allie crafted a day to remember; even with a little rain. Take a peek at Carmen Santorelli’s stunning images that showcase autumnal beauty at its best.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… I feel so honored to have our wedding published on Style Me Pretty! Once again, I was able to look back and reminisce about our wedding day and how perfect it was. Edward and I chose the Summit House Fullerton because it’s fairly local to us, reasonably priced, and has both an outdoor space for the ceremony and an indoor reception space. We originally planned for our ceremony to be outdoors, but on the day-of and at the very last minute we moved it indoors because it rained! Though it was plan B, everything still turned out perfect, and surprisingly, the rain didn’t really faze us. If anything, our ceremony was more intimate and memorable because we moved it indoors. From this experience, I can’t stress the important of hiring the right wedding planner and photographer. Unless you look at the indoor ceremony photos, you won’t be able to tell that it was a cold, windy, and rainy day because Carmen Santorelli, our wedding photographer, is so amazing and talented! And I’d like to give a shout out to my wedding planner, Sera Kang of Simply Sera Events, who helped us plan our dream wedding. There are hundreds of talented wedding planners out there, but I think it is key to find someone who matches with you and shares your vision. Within 10 minutes of my first phone call with Sera, she completely understood what I was envisioning and took my thoughts and inspiration of wanting a rustic, elegant, and ethereal wedding and brought it to life!

There are so many things to consider in determining where you go on your honeymoon. Where are the best beaches, the best hiking trails, the most unusual and intriguing culture that you’ve never explored before? But there’s also the food. After all, a honeymoon is nothing without a glass of something delicious to toast your new life together over or a candlelit set up to gaze into each other’s eyes.

So, that begs the question, where do you go for the world’s best foodie experiences on your honeymoon? We asked travel experts Black Tomato for their secrets: 

Emily Millay Fine Art Wedding Photography

Gourmet winemaking in Argentina
Nothing says romance like watching the sunset together over a chilled glass of wine, but to raise a toast with a difference, why not head to Argentina? Mendoza is home to some of the world’s best vines — but don’t just take our word for it! After a private tasting with expert family vintners, you’ll develop a real sense for a top-notch Malbec. For the ultimate memento, they’ll also teach you how to blend your very own variety before bottling it up with a personalized label and shipping it home to drink on anniversaries to come.

From one Argentinian delicacy to another, venture further into the Uco Valley and cook up a storm at Bodega Andeluna, learning to make your own empanadas. Enjoy the fruits of your labors in true gaucho style with a relaxed lunch of empanadas paired with your own personal Malbec and some stunning views.

Melanie Gabrielle

Private candlelit dinner in a Balinese temple
For a romantic dinner with some serious wow-factor, Bali steals the show. As if it wasn’t beautiful enough during the day, with its tranquil beaches and enchanting culture, it gets all the more magical by night. A true spiritual spectacle, enjoy a private dinner at the holy Dalem Segara Temple. Closed-off to the public, you can guarantee a stunning meal with zero interruptions.

Arriving to a traditional Balinese welcome, you’ll then sit down to the most gorgeous setting with only the candles around you and the stars overhead for light. Enjoy a sumptuous meal of local delicacies laid on by a renowned chef, before experiencing a time-honored purification ritual performed by the Holy Mangku and releasing a spirit lantern into the night sky. It’s the perfect way to start your new life together.

Eat local in an Icelandic cave
In Iceland, swap flickering candlelight for a roaring fire as you tuck into an exclusive dinner in one of the country’s most secluded spots – a cave. Hosted by a local chef, you and your spouse can cozy up together beneath thick blankets as the stars twinkle outside. Just when you think it couldn’t get any more romantic, local musicians will arrive to add to the already spellbinding atmosphere.

Savor a spectacular feast of local gourmet cuisine so delicious, you won’t even feel the cold. Sure, it may be a little wild but it’s a memory you’ll cherish forever.

Black Tomato

Style Me Pretty Contributor

The dunes of Glamis played host to this engagement shoot captured by ART IS FOR LOVERS and the mix of romance and golden light is insane. Grab a front row seat to this desert magic (flowing dresses, sequins and all) with even more stunning imagery right here. Plus read about their super sweet engagement story below!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

On their seven-year anniversary, after three years together in San Francisco, three years of long distance from San Francisco to New York and London, and one year back together in San Diego, John proposed to Holly on top of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Nestled next to Central Park, the museum was their favorite spot in the city to escape the heat of the summer and snow in the winter when John made his monthly trips out to visit Holly in the city. On this occasion, he took her up to the museum’s rooftop; she thought he was going to take a picture of her with the city skyline in the background when he got on one knee and asked her to marry him!

Photography: ART IS FOR LOVERS | Jewelry: New York street vendors | Holly black dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Holly white dress: Forever 21 | John Suit: Banana Republic | John shirt: Bonobos | John shoes: Cole Haan | Picnic items: Ikea

Super chic at the beach? That’s my kinda combo. With the gorgeous Alys Beach as a backdrop, these two said “I do” and celebrated in style (we’re even talking a New Orleans second line!) and Sixpence Productions filmed it all. Add in Myrtie Blue’s florals and these emerald bridesmaid dresses and this is a beach wedding for the books. See pics from James & Schulze in our gallery and enjoy the whole film below!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/220138895 600 338]

From Sixpence Productions… NOLA native? Second line? Destination wedding? What’s a girl to do but bring in the fabulous Angle Events for an Alys Beach Wedding?!?! Christina and Brent said “I do” on the Gulf Green at Alys Beach on April 22nd, surrounded by family and friends. I always say we have the sweetest couples, and these two were no exception. Christina is a stunning girl, but she’s so completely unassuming and laid back, you get the impression she has no idea how lovely she is. One of my all time favorite wedding moments happened when Christina was coming down the aisle. She blushes and shyly hides her head behind her bouquet. It’s absolutely precious, and a wonderful expression of her personality. And please, let’s talk about that bouquet… Alys Beach is always beautiful but Myrtie Blue’s floral design took Christina and Brent’s wedding to a whole new level of breathtaking. From the fabulous circular arch complementing the Gulf Green architecture, to the jaw dropping gorgeousness of Christina’s bouquet, the Myrtie Blue team delivered.

Photography: James and Schulze | Cinematography: Sixpence Studios | Event Planning: Angle Events | Floral Design: Myrtie Blue | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Cake: Confections On The Coast | Invitations: Scriptura | Rings: Béjé Wholesale Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Cafe Thirty-A | Band: The Atlanta Party Band | Groom's Attire: Luca Falcone | Groomsmen's Attire: Perlis | Wedding Venue: Alys Beach | Bridal Boutique: Dimitra's Bridal Couture | Flower Girl Attire Boutique: Mignon New Orleans | Flower Girls' Attire: Suzanne Lively Designs | Groom's Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue | Napkins, Cups, Tote Bags, Sunglasses, Welcome Letters: Ella Paperie | Pocket Squares: The Tie Bar | Ring Bearer's Attire: Perlis | Ring Bearer's Bow Tie: Luca Falcone | Suzanne Perron: Suzanne Perron | Tent, Rentals, Lighting: SOHO Events And Rentals

Something about crisp weather makes me want to hit the road – usually for an away football game. It’s the season for girls’ trips (wine tasting, anyone?), and I start feeling a magnetic pull back toward home for Thanksgiving. The problem that comes with this cooler season? Cozy layers are a lot bulkier in my carry-on bag. What’s a girl who needs outfit options to do? Here’s my tried-and-true strategy:

Kristina Adams Photography

Main Event Outfit
Wedding, Gameday, music festival — whatever your reason to travel — pick this outfit first. You’ll build the rest of your weekend wardrobe in whatever space you have left.

Lay out all the layers and accessories you need for this outfit. Don’t forget a clutch if you’re heading to a party!

Pick one item you’ll wear again during the weekend. For example, chic up your cocktail dress with a leather jacket; then wear that jacket over a white tee and jeans for a smooth Sunday brunch. Maximizing every piece will minimize the number of things you need to pack. How about that packing mantra?

Lisa Dolan Photography

Foundation Pieces
Pick two pieces you can wear with multiple outfits to be the “foundation” of your packing list. I recommend a pair of pants and a versatile outer layer.

Jeans are the anchor for fall dressing. They go with everything, and you can (and should) wear them multiple times before washing. Pack your favorite pair to wear with a cozy sweater during the day and a feminine silk button down for the evening. Bonus points if you can wear them to your main event!

A leather jacket is your best friend on this packing guide. It transitions with everything in your suitcase. Little black dress? Graphic tee? Velvet tank? Yes.

A House in the Hills

Item Options
Now pull individual items to wear with your foundation pieces. Think: sweaters, plaid button downs, and light layers you can pair with jeans. Add an easy dress to go with a leather or bomber jacket.

Picking a few mix-and-match items will give you outfit options without compromising your carry-on bag.

Pictillio

Accessories
Wear your bulkiest boot and any easy-to-smash accessory – like a fedora – on the plane. Packing a few coordinating accessories will give you even more outfits to choose from.

You should only need two (max three, if you need heels for a night out) pairs of shoes. For example, riding boots, athleisure kicks for exploring, and maybe a heeled boot or stilettos for your main event. They take the most room in your suitcase, so choose wisely.

Colorful scarves and baseball caps are easy to pack and on trend for a casual brunch with friends (or traveling home). For instance, elevate a concert tee with a blanket scarf – or edge it up with a ball cap and bomber jacket.

Torrey Fox

Pack it up and head on out!
Approaching your packing with a strategy is the best (and maybe only) way to fit your fabulous fall wardrobe into a small carry-on suitcase. I like to lay everything out on my bed first, so I can see how all the pieces fit together. Then I put my least favorite options back in the closet. Every outfit needs to be photo ready!

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.

The heart-melting moments captured by Elizabeth Fogarty Photography of Lauren and Mohammed’s wedding are too many to count. From the adorable pre-wedding gift – a puppy named Gatsby, to the vows Lauren read to Mohammed’s son during the ceremony, I squealed then cried my way through this beautiful gallery. There’s so much to love about this classic D.C. affair!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Elizabeth Fogarty Photography… Lauren and Mohammed wanted to welcome their guests to a quintessential Washington D.C. experience for their wedding weekend. They moved from New York to D.C. in the spring of 2016 and wanted to celebrate the place where they will begin their life together.

When considering venues, they selected Meridian House because of its history, elegance, and classic style. Designed by John Russell Pope – who also designed the the Jefferson Memorial, the National Archives, and the West Building of the National Gallery of Art – Meridian House captures the feel of D.C. in a more intimate setting. They also fell in love with the Linden Grove, an Italian style garden which reminded them of their time on the Amalfi Coast.

Given the beauty of Meridian House, they wanted a simple, elegant wedding design that did not have any sense of “snootiness”, to use Lauren’s term. Beth Trenti, of Porter and Ives, worked with ivory and cream garden roses and added in local DC blackberries, grapevines, and hops for a more laid-back, seasonal feel.

The wedding menu also considered the Muslim faith of Mohammed’s family. While he is not Muslim, they wanted his family to feel welcomed and respected with sparkling juices and a pork-free menu.

Lauren and Mohammed share a love of travel. Mohammed proposed on the beach in Rio de Janeiro at the 2016 Olympics, and their honeymoon took them to Dubai (where Mohammed was born), the Maldives, and Sri Lanka where Lauren met Mohammed’s extended family.

SoulCycle is one of their favorite activities, so they invited all their wedding guests to a ride the morning of their wedding.

Zach, Mo’s son, was a big part of the wedding. Lauren even read vows to him, too!

Lauren and Mo had the sweetest first look, and Mo surprised Lauren with the gift of a puppy – Gatsby!

Photography: Elizabeth Fogarty | Floral Design: Porter & Ives | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Stationery: Emily Rose Ink | Shoes: Bella Belle | Ring: Tiffany & Co. | Catering: Susan Gage | Makeup: Erica Basha | Hair: Styled By Anna Fazio | Lighting: Pike Productions | Band: ANDY KUSHNER ENTERTAINMENT | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Officiant: Jeff Maszal | Venue: Meridian House | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Bialeks Music | Event Design + Coordination: A. Griffin Events | Flower Girls' Apparel: Jenny Yoo

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

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

One look at this Pronovias gown at Jinwang with its epic cape (one of the top 10 trends we saw at Fall 2018 Bridal Week!), and Larissa Cleveland Photography knew she had to create an inspiration shoot for it. Eliza Desch Makeup and Hair transformed the Bride into a Grecian goddess, and the resulting look packs a whole lot of bridal punch. Add in the grand staircase of San Francisco’s City Hall, and you’ve got all the drama a bold and beautiful Bride could ask for!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Larissa Cleveland Photography… On a visit to Jin Wang’s Penthouse Atelier in San Francisco, I first saw this magnificent Pronovias dress. The cape was just so epic (and on-trend for this coming year!), I knew there was only one place in the city that could hold its own against this dress – San Francisco City Hall. We created this shoot around the dress itself, and since City Hall is such a transportive space, we went with a romantic, Grecian theme for the styling of the model. The enormous dome of City Hall and the giant black doors of the War Memorial next door were the perfect, timeless backdrop. We took colors tones from the architecture as inspiration for the tablescape and San Francisco themed invites.

Photography: Larissa Cleveland Photography | Floral Design: Bud Botanical | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Hair + Makeup: Eliza Desch | Venue: City Hall | Bridal Boutique: jinwang | Hairpiece: Ossai | Model: Michelle Coldiron | Printed Materials: Yonder Design | Runner + Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Table Styling: Larissa Cleveland Photography | Tableware: CB2

As the mama of a 7 month old, I’m challenged on the daily get creative with my beauty and style routines. Most of the time, I simply don’t have the time. So, I count on little short cuts to instantly whip myself into shape, or at the very least—trick myself into feeling that way! Whether you’ve got kiddos or not, we all have those days where we need some extra help. Here are five ways to do just that.

Fancy Up with Jewelry

My #1 go-to for feeling a little extra, even when I’m wearing gym clothes and sporting a top knot is to put a simple pair of earrings on and my favorite dainty gold necklace. It really does the trick!

Put on Pretty Lingerie

Feeling a little frumpy in those granny panties? Layer a little lovely underneath your daily wear! I love pairing bralettes with casual tees and jeans. A little lace peeking out is always fun and makes me feel youthful (instead of a 30-something mama!).

Elevate Your Eyes

No time for the full makeup routine? Focus on the eyes. A little mascara goes a long way! You can also consider doing lash extensions or liner tattooing, which completely elevate your whole no-makeup look. I have several friends who do this and absolutely love it. Also, don’t forget your brows. Pop in for a quick wax and voila!

Give Yourself a Spritz

I usually save perfume for special events or date night, but sometimes I’m feeling the need for a little spritz on a random Tuesday. Keep in mind—choose fresh, clean and light scents for work settings as others might find strong scents irritating. Face mists and essential oil sprays are incredible for a quick refresher, too, and not as heavy.

Style Your Clothing

Ever wonder how the fashion bloggers look so stylish in the same shirt you just bought, but you feel so frumpy in it? Style it! Master the art of the shirt knot, the tuck, the off-shoulder look, the sleeve roll, you name it. It’s not just what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

Even if you are a die hard color lover, this inspiration is sure to make your heart skip a beat or two. It’s THAT pretty. Layered in neutrals designed by Haute Fetes with a stunning tabletop crafted by Casa de Perrin, and equally gorgeous florals by Plenty of Petals, this inspiration is out to prove that beige is anything but boring. Get inspired to ditch color for all out romance with images captured by Whiskers and Willow.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/236856566 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From HauteFetes Fine Weddings and Event… Hidden Castle is Rancho Santa Fe’s newest private wedding estate, a French castle that conjures the magic and European romanticism of 18th-Century Paris. Between the natural light and beautiful architecture, this was a dream editorial to create and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to design it with Whiskers and Willow, the perfect photographer, to capture it all.

Our editorial tells the story of a beautiful affair between young lovers; a bride getting ready on her wedding day; a groom with boyishly good looks; an intimate ceremony followed by a sunset reception on a terrace high above the clouds. It is at once elegant and understated with lush, textured florals and finely crafted details.

From a design perspective, our primary goal was to ensure a cohesive feel between venue and décor. Instead of the usual blues associated with French settings, for our color story we opted for neutrals: Milky whites, tea-stained ivories, and tawny taupes that mirrored the creaminess of the stucco, stone floors and walls, leaving the slate blue roof and lush ivy as counterpoints to our color palette. We love how combining these understated hues can set just about any scene, from romantic and rustic to minimalist and sleek.

The amazingly talented Plenty of Petals brought the floral vision to life, eliminating greenery entirely, with layers of natural texture and clusters of garden roses, peonies, astilbe, snowberry and dried oak leaf branches. Hey, There Cupcake mimicked this same floral abandon beautifully, with the palest sugar flowers speckled with edible gold leaf on an elegant three-tiered, ivory wedding cake. We were deliberately subtle in our use of gold, reserving it for accents, such as the exquisite Acute Designs hair combs we used in our bride’s chignon.

For our tabletop, the ever-sophisticated pairing of La Tavola linens and Casa de Perrin tableware provided an overall antique sensibility. And no-where was this Old-World quality more evident than in the invitation suite: Shastabell’s romantic script telling a timeless love story with each flourish of ink, finished with a gold wax seal.

A European-inspired, vintage-looking lace Sachin and Babi gown, jewelry from The Diamond Boutique and a fresh dewy look for our bride by Beauty by Stacey, along with a contemporary take on the classic tuxedo with a navy blue and black-collared Canali, completed our couple’s looks.

Photography: Jacqueline Benét Photography | Videography: Je T'aime Media | Floral Design: Plenty Of Petals | Cake: Hey There, Cupcake! | Invitations: Shasta Bell Calligraphy | Reception Venue: Estate Wedding And Events | Bride's Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Diamond Boutique | Hair and Makeup: Beauty By Stacey | Groom: Adam Miller | Groom's Attire: Gary's Menstore | Venue: Paradise Shores - Venue Lust | Bride: scout model and talent | Candles: Creative Candles | Design, Planning, Styling: HauteFetes | Dress Boutique: M Bride Salon | Dress Designer: Sachin And Babi | Groom's Shoes: Donald J Pliner Shoes | Hair Accessories: Acute Designs | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin | Tuxedo Designer: Canali

It’s time to introduce you to another new Blogger Bride! We’re thrilled Laura from bright and beautiful blog is going to share all her wedding planning details with SMP! We know you’ll love this Chicago gal’s style and her New Orleans wedding next year is sure to be a gorgeous affair!

MEET LAURA

Hello, Style Me Pretty readers! My name is Laura and I’m the creator of bright and beautiful, a life and style blog based in Chicago. Aside from my professional background in public relations, I created my site in 2013 as a fun and creative outlet to share everyday musings — all inspired by feminine and classic sense of style. I’m thrilled to join the SMP family and share with you my wedding planning journey!

THE PROPOSAL

My fiancé, Kevin, and I became engaged last December on a snowy day in Aspen. It truly was a surprise – and completely magical. He proposed near the base of Aspen Mountain, which was totally decked out for the holidays and lit with twinkling lights all around. Those who know me, understand how much I adore Christmas – and becoming engaged to the love of my life was the best gift of all. We called our family and friends with the happy news, and celebrated all over town as a newly engaged couple.

OUR WEDDING VISION

I’m based in downtown Chicago, but have always felt a connection to the South. So much so, my fiancé and I decided to hold our wedding next fall in New Orleans! It’s a city Kevin and I both have loved visiting together, plus New Orleans holds tradition for my side of family. I’m envisioning our wedding as a celebration that feels warm, inviting, romantic and a little Old-Hollywood. Our wedding will take place in the heart of the Garden District in New Orleans, among lots of candlelight, lush florals and live jazz. We’re so excited for the year ahead, and I can’t wait to have you follow along the fun as we plan and celebrate the big day!

Designed by the ladies of Beijos Events, along with florals by Palms and Petals plus wine by Argaux, this girls’ night is heading out to sea. Welcome to wine tasting on a boat. It’s a genius way to celebrate with your gal pals and comes equipped with some really stunning scenery and expert sommeliers. Get inspired to host a party on the open water with this gem captured by Alison Bernier.

I love a change in season, although we don’t get much of it here in Southern California. The mornings and evenings may get a bit colder but it’s still pretty warm during the day. You won’t find me complaining though, it gives us the opportunity to do sunset cruises on the water like this one! I recently styled a little wine night for a few special ladies on a Duffy Boat in Newport Harbor.

We didn’t really need a reason to celebrate, but we made this one about welcoming Fall and enjoying each other’s company, which as busy working ladies we don’t get to do nearly enough. The ladies of Argaux joined us, they are Arden and Margaux and are sommeliers. They offer their expertise in wine from anything to wine clubs, help with what to serve at your dinner party or just helping you decide what wine to have on hand for yourself! They lead us on our wine adventure that night and didn’t disappoint with delicious rosé, sauvignon blanc and pinots.

Each bottle had a bit of history to it which was so fun to hear! They also brought an amazing cheese board, so they were definitely everyone’s favorite! I of course made sure the setting was beautiful for our beautiful guests!

Kristin of the Garage Collective brought along pillows and throws so the ladies were all comfortable. Palms & Petals made the festive Fall floral arrangement which everyone was talking about. And last but not least the amazing paper goods were created by Yellow Heart Art. She designed the most beautiful invitation, menu and place cards for each guest, but our favorite had to be the tasting notes! We each got to jot down what we learned and keep it on this beautiful piece she designed. As the sun set we were all in awe of where we live… It was a beautiful night and it doesn’t get much better than that!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Photographer: Alison Bernier | Florals: Palms & Petals | Cheese Board: The Butchery | Decor: The Garage Collective | Duffy Boat: Voyagers | Event Design/Hosts: Beijos Events | Guest: A Note on Style | Guests: Art of Being Female | Paper Goods: Yellow Heart Art | Sommeliers/Wine: Argaux

Most couples collapse post wedding, finally able to relax but these two hit the ground running… literally. They said “I do” then headed up to New England to compete in the Boston Marathon and if that is any indication on the type of marriage and life they’ll have together, we predict some pretty grand adventures! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet… we have an intimate, romantic vineyard wedding to dive into, thanks to Shannon Moffit’s pics right this way!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Groom… Surrounded by our family and close friends, Kristina and I were married at Veritas Vineyard in Afton, Virginia. April 15, 2017 provided clear skies, lush landscapes, and a truly gorgeous bride – all of which were captured by our amazing photographer. We truly could not have been more pleased with the venue, meal, and band we enjoyed with the love and support of our guests.

After a delicious Easter brunch, the next morning we traveled to Boston, Massachusetts for our first success as husband and wife – completion of the Boston Marathon. The memorable weekend proved to set the pace for our marriage, and we are off and running!!

From Shannon Moffit Photography… From the moment I met Kristina and Bryan, I knew they were a fun-loving couple with a fondness for adventure. They said their vows on a beautiful day in April, against the scenic mountain views at Veritas Winery. They danced the night away with friends and family– all before jumping on a plane and heading to Massachusetts to run the Boston Marathon together two days later!

Photography: Shannon Moffit Photography | Floral Design: Blue Ridge Floral | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Makeup + Hair: Anna Breeding | Band: Bachelor Boys Band | Wedding Venue: Veritas Vineyards

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

Bachelor Boys Band

View Portfolio

As these two cuties exchanged their vows during their sweet, Southern wedding, a rainbow – yes, a RAINBOW! – lit up the sky above them. Clearly this is an exceptional couple, and Heather Benge Events planned an equally special outdoor ceremony bedecked with stunning arrangements by Everly Alaine Florals to celebrate their love and commitment. Candlelight Films and Nicole Berrett Photography were there to capture the magic of the day, rainbow and all – there’s more waiting for you in the Vault.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/213733354 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Blake and I met in one of the most spectacular ways! I had just graduated college and had moved to the big city of Houston as a marketing manager. I wasn’t sure it was going to work out in Houston, but after making friends and getting more plugged in, I finally started warming up (figuratively and literally!) to the idea of Houston. Then, one night, I accepted an invitation to go to an Astros game with a group of friends from church. Unbeknownst to me, mid-way through the game, Blake somehow managed to maneuver his way into sitting next to me. We talked and talked, and I was immediately interested by how unguarded, funny, and effortless it was to talk to him. Out of the blue, just as we were soaking it all in, fireworks started going off in the stadium above us! It was so magical!

Two years later, he proposed on the beach, and we got to plan the wedding of our dreams together. Picking a favorite moment from the entire day is near impossible. If I had two chose just one, it would be the beautiful rainbow (yes, rainbow!) that appeared in the sky when Blake and I started saying our vows to each other. To us, it was one of the most remarkable signs of Jesus’s love for us and the commitment we were making to each other in marriage. Having both grown up with parents who divorced and then remarried, we were very skeptical and hesitant about having a big wedding. Eight parents can be a lot to handle! We were nervous it would surface some difficult memories, but instead Jesus chose to use it for His glory and showed us a beautiful sign of His love and support for us. The night was filled with laughter, silly dance moves, reconciliation, and love, and we wouldn’t change it for the world!

My biggest advice to any Bride is to be present in every moment! Planning a wedding can be time consuming and stressful, budgets can go off course, and things don’t always go as planned. Just embrace it all and find joy in every step of the process! Your marriage is the most important part at the end of the day, and the memories you make with your vendors, friends, family, and your fiancé will be the ones you remember and laugh about for a lifetime. Stress and worry are just not worth it!

Photography: Nicole Berrett Photography | Cinematography: Candlelight Films | Event Planning: Heather Benge Events | Floral Design: Everly Alaine Florals | Cake: Whisk Bakery | Catering: All Star Catering | Hair + Makeup: Lola Beauty | Calligraphy: Lauren Brod | DJ: J&A entertainment | Band: BRW Billy kennedy | Wedding Venue: The Farmhouse | China + Glassware Rentals: Swift + Company | Furniture Rentals: Love Birds Vintage Rental | Linen Rentals: Elegant Beginnings | Photo Booth: Monkey Booth

Akin to the feeling of the day after Christmas, after your wedding, you may be feeling a little sad or down. You’re thrilled to be married to your soulmate, but after spending months of all-consuming planning and anticipation leading up to the best day of your lives, it’s understandable that when it’s all over you might feel at a loss.

Here are 5 things you and your husband can do to fill the wedding-planning void and cheer you up for months to come!

Plan date nights

Make date night plans at least a couple of nights a month for the 6-month period following your wedding. This will give you something to look forward to during the long workweeks and can be a fun project to research different types of date activities. Make reservations at the restaurants you’ve been dying to try, take a cooking class, or go see a play, live music, comedy show or sporting event. There are so many potential ideas out there, so take turns planning and have fun and romantic nights together!

Cook with all your new registry items

Chances are your kitchen is now stocked with some amazing new cookware, electrics, cutlery, bakeware, and entertaining essentials. So stop getting takeout and start saving and cooking recipes you previously would have been too intimidated to try. Besides having fun spending time together in the kitchen, now you and your hubby can also entertain and host the dinner party of your dreams for friends and family!

Re-decorate your home

Whether or not you lived together before the wedding, after you’re married is the perfect time to look at your home with a fresh set of eyes. You want your home to reflect your style as a couple and re-decorating is a project you can both get behind. While there will inevitably be compromises, find design inspiration you both agree upon and then tackle the projects together. Go to flea markets or antique fairs on the weekend for unique finds, hang up art or pictures from the wedding, and style your space with all your new registry items!

Join a team or club

Most cities have multiple rec leagues offering fun team sports like softball, volleyball, dodgeball and kickball! This is a great way to be active, meet new friends and have something social to look forward to each week. If sports aren’t your thing, try joining a trivia team at a local bar or pub. For a little more culture, start or join a club with your other coupled friends, like a monthly book, documentary or cookbook club.

Volunteer together
Giving back to your communities or to an organization you care about is incredibly rewarding and a great use of freed up time and energy. There are so many ways to volunteer now through a combination of giving time, money and skills! Help raise money for a charity, staff a local animal shelter or event or use some of your skills! Many couples today can work with non-profits on pro-bono business activities, or mentor underprivileged youth by helping with school work or college applications.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Julia Hurwitz is a freelance writer and Marketing Manager based in New York City. Her interests include travel, global craft, healthy baking, entertaining and exploring the outdoors.