If you are considering a destination wedding or simply a celebration with European vibes, then this Italian shoot will totally seal the deal. Held at Villa Sola Cabiati on the shores of Lake Como, it pairs 18th century opulence with wildly romantic details planned by Italian Weddings and Events, lush florals by Dario Benvenuti and images captured by Jacqui Cole. Get inspired by la dolce vita with the full gallery here!

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This editorial took place at the stunning Villa Sola Cabiati along the shores of Tremezzo, Lake Como. The Villa has recently opened its’ doors to the guests of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and now offers the opportunity for couples to wed within its’ 18th century opulence. Stepping inside of the Villa truly takes you back in time as you glance around the original fresco covered walls and endless Italian art that lines the corridors. Unsurprisingly, the Villa was the main source of inspiration for this shoot. Dusty blues and soft peach tones were pulled from the fresco wall coverings and created a romantic setting for the shoot. To be sure we maintained the quintessential Italian beauty of Villa Sola, original pieces were included in the tablescape. The stunning cream and blue upholstered chairs are original to the Villa and even the plates feature the Serbelloni family crest. Dario Benvenuti created a stunning scene with the floral design. Endless vines and florals drape over sheet music, candelabras and organic fruit. Our couple spent the day getting ready together in a suite overlooking the Como waters, standing on the incredible floral-lined steps for the ceremony and sailing away on a vintage boat as Mr&Mrs. Every image is set in breathtaking beauty but we really wanted to go beyond the scenery and capture the feeling that one gets when they’re in Lake Como. This small part of the world captures the heart of each person who is lucky enough to visit and to be able to say ‘i do’ in such a setting would simply be magic.

Photography: Jacqui Cole Photography | Wedding Planning: Italian Weddings and Events | Floral Design: Dario Benvenuti & Viviana Mioranza | Cake: Qualcosa di Dolce | Stationary: cutandpastelab | Makeup: Alessandra De Vito | Hair: NICHA | Grooms' Attire: Black Carpet by Gai Mattiolo | Venue: Grand Hotel Tremezzo | Bridal Gown: Nicole Spose | Bridal Shoes + Tiara: Nicole Spose | Grooms' Accessories: Alessandra Vallone | Tableware and Rentals: Design Solutions

It’s hard to put into words the magic, beauty and chaos that is New York Bridal Fashion Week. An intoxicating mix of gorgeous gowns, inspiring people, lots of bubbly and an excited energy buzzing about, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And this year, we partnered with Allure Bridals to give one of you lucky loves the chance to experience it for yourself! From a stay at the incredible Innside by Meliá New York NoMad to an appointment at Kleinfeld to a front-row seat at some of the hottest runway shows, read on to get the deets on Nicole’s incredible weekend!

Photography: Heather Waraksa + Greg Finck

Over the course of the six days of New York Bridal Fashion Week, we shuffled around Manhattan, going to more than 50 runway shows, presentations and appointments. In short, we saw a lot of drop-dead-gorgeous wedding dresses. It was overwhelming, but for our beautiful winner and bride-to-be, attending a couple of runway shows was “a great way to kick off my bridal weekend adventure in NYC! It was a fun way for me to see dress styles live as opposed to on paper!”

Photography: Heather Waraksa + Greg Finck

Next up on Nicole’s itinerary? A trip to Kleinfeld where she said “Yes to the Dress!” thanks to a little help from a generous $1,500 dress credit and Kleinfeld’s own consultant extraordinaire, Shay.  “Kleinfeld was simply amazing — it’s hard to put the experience into words that will do it justice,” said Nicole. “Let’s just say, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be the bride I’ve always dreamed of being if I hadn’t gotten the chance to visit Kleinfeld!”

Photography: You Look Lovely Photography

Incredible, right?! Nicole certainly thought so, saying “Words can’t describe how thankful I am to have won this sweepstakes! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and my mom and I had such an amazing time!”

Getting married is a memorable milestone full of possibility. It’s the start of a couple’s journey as they build their life together. But, it’s going to take more than a memory of a fun wedding to get to 25 years and beyond. Inspired by the Obama’s recent anniversary celebrations, here are nine real-life couples who share what it takes to build a love that lasts.

Celebrate the imperfections

“Accept that it is not always going to be perfect. It is a journey together through good and bad times. Learn how to compromise. Life throws curveballs and it’s important to work through them together. These curveballs bring you closer together as you learn to love even harder because you’re doing all of this together. Big adventures are fun (like a trip to Italy) but don’t forget, the little things (like picking flowers for your home) are too.” Grace Guerrero and Jim Zwit married 30 years.

Learn to laugh

“Humor is key! Don’t take yourself or your spouse too seriously. It’s a choice to be light or annoyed. Be silly together and laugh like little kids goofing around. Look for the humor, even in the dark times.” Carol and John Tingwall, celebrating 41 years in December

Fight fair

“There will be fights. When this happens, use all your self control to not do something life changing (like walking out). Once done, some things can never be taken back. Sometimes you need to walk away literally and figuratively.” Vicki H. Buzard married 40 years in January

Be patient.

“Patience is key. Think before speaking.” Alejandra Moran married 25 years.

Share interests

“Participate in each other interests. We make deals with each other. We say “I’ll go along with you on this, but then you have to go along with me on that.” We frequently venture outside of our comfort zone, expand our interests and have more shared experiences. We are both surprised by the joy we get out of activities we previously said we had no interest in doing. Now at 72, we are very different than the 19-year-olds that started this journey. By doing so much together, it’s helped us grow closer together.” Josie Hamilton, married 53 years.

Forgiveness is key

“We bring out the best in each other, however, we also know that there are times when we bring out the worst in each other, too. As a result, forgiveness is an important component. Love and forgiveness always prevail.” Andrea and Guy Banicki, married 43 years.

Look for a life partner

“Pick the person who is a good companion and cares about making the marriage succeed. The relationship has to be really, really important to both people and they need to devote time to building and strengthening the relationship.” Sheila Urman, married 49 years.

Accept each other as you are

“Appreciate your spouse and accept them the way they are. Neither person is perfect. Be prepared to accept your differences and make the best of.” Marisel A. Hernandez, married 32 years

Love hard

“The most important thing is love, because love never ends.” Grasilda and Paul Petkus, married 33 years.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ximena N. Larkin is a writer and publicist. She lives in Chicago with her husband and dog. For more visit: ximenalarkin.com.

We’re true believers that honeymoons are an absolute necessity – whether that means taking a weekend excursion to your fave city or jetting off for a 14-day stay in paradise, that post-wedding relaxation basically needs to happen. But if you’ve found yourself at a loss on just where to celebrate, we’re making it easy. Check out seven of our favorite locales for the best kind of newlywed vacationing.

SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA

Why we love it: Other than the fact that it’s totally convenient (read: no passport or foreign currency required), the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is the perfect combo of laid-back, post-wedding relaxation and fun activities that will keep you and your love basking in the sun. Take a scuba lesson or two, attend the nightly cliff dive ceremonies at sunset or spend your days golfing the Ka’anapali’s Royal and Kai courses.

What you can’t miss: SPG Weddings’ Honeymoon Wishes. It’s a honeymoon registry service that allows your family and friends to gift amazing entertainment and activities for you and yours, like beachside luaus, snorkel cruises and sunset cocktails on a sailboat. You’ll love the awesome itinerary, and your guests will love knowing they contributed to all of the fun.

W PUNTA DE MITA  

Why we love it: Located right on the beach in Mexico’s IT city, W Punta de Mita will blow you away with their gorgeous decor that is one part modern chic and one part cultural artistry. Trust us: the design alone makes for one amazing stay with vibrant colors and unique decor dotting literally every inch of space. Oh, and the rooms? The views will have you never wanting to leave.

What you can’t miss: The world-famous restaurants. Think Southeast Asian cuisine at Spice Market, live cooking stations at Venazu, adult ice cream (!) at WET Deck’s poolside restaurant and signature ceviche at Chevicheria, a converted 1950’s Chevy truck. And if you want to keep thing ultra-private, make reservations at the exclusive MESA1 with your very own personal chef that will design a seven-course tasting menu just for you.

THE ST. REGIS BORA BORA RESORT

Why we love it: Honeymoons are for relaxing and escaping it all, and if you’re looking for the perfect spot to lay back on the beach and do just that, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is IT. This French Polynesian hot spot is all about soaking in the sun… AND partaking in some of the most unique activities on the planet. We’re all for renting an Aquabike Underwater Scooter, visiting a Pearl Farm or checking out the resort’s private Lagoonarium when you’re not lazying it up in paradise.

What you can’t miss: Their overwater villas. You can literally sleep, eat and relax in luxurious amenities perched right above the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. It’s awesome.

LE MERIDIEN TAMPA 

Why we love it: This boutique hotel used to be a federal courthouse, so you know the architecture is awesome. On top of that, the Le Meridien Tampa’s Unlock Art™ program gives guests FREE access to some of Tampa’s best galleries and museums by just showing your room card. Which means you can spend your day soaking in the creativity and culture, then head back to the hotel for an amazing meal at one of their yummy restaurants.

What you can’t miss: Their Bicycle Programme. With an entire city to explore (and a list of amazing museums to visit), you can rent a bike, helmet and lock for just $8/hour.

THE WESTIN NEW ORLEANS CANAL PLACE

Why we love it: The French Quarter is just steps away, but that isn’t the only reason we adore this gorgeous hotel in the heart of New Orleans. From the stunning architecture to the awesome Mississippi River locale to their Make a Green Choice program, you’ll love all of the fab amenities of The Westin New Orleans Canal Place, plus their proximity to Bourbon Street. Not to mention all of the amazing restaurants New Orleans has to offer… there’s a reason it was named the top food and wine destination in the United States.

What you can’t miss: If you love to get your fitness on, you honestly couldn’t pick a better location. With a  WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio located right on property and state-of-the-art equipment, you don’t have to miss your daily sessions. Plus, their RunWESTIN™ program allows you to soak in all of the sights New Orleans has to offer with custom running maps of the area, plus a towel and bottle of water for cool down.

SLS LAS VEGAS, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO RESORT 

Why we love it: Anyone who has ever been to Vegas knows that it’s a city that literally never stops, so the list of fun-filled activities? Basically endless. The SLS Las Vegas, A Tribute Porfolio Resort puts you smack-dab in the center of it all with an amazing locale on The Strip and access to all of the gourmet restaurants, theaters and sightseeing you’ll want to take it. Get ready to go, go, go, then head back to your seriously stylish room for some rest and relaxation.

What you can’t miss: The Foundry. Vegas’ most talked about venue, this unique space hosts some of the greatest entertainers in the world – from comedians to bands you can’t wait to see. Plan your honeymoon around their awesome lineup and you’ll be SO happy.

THE WESTIN GOLF RESORT & SPA, PLAYA CONCHAL

Why we love it: If your dream honeymoon description includes the words seclusion and tranquility, then The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal is right up your alley. We never turn down a chance to spend a romantic evening seaside with a glass of bubbly in hand, and this resort takes it to an entirely new level with all-inclusive benefits.  Plus, with a plethora of water sports, the championship Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and the easy access to Costa Rican National Parks, you can mix in some much-needed adventure.

What you can’t miss: The Royal Beach Club. Newly renovated and for adults only, the Royal Beach Club is all about above and beyond service with everything from premium cocktails to exclusive breakfast + lunch service to access to a private pool and super luxe accommodations. You’ll even get preferential reservations to all of the resort’s fabulous restaurants, spa, tennis and golf.

Contact SPG Weddings (@SPGWeddings) to start planning your dream getaway with your loved one… and don’t forget to ask about how you can earn FREE honeymoon nights when you host your wedding at one of their fab locations.

I can’t stop staring; I’m downright obsessed with this stationery. The colors, the florals, it’s all just so, so good – major props to Alex Leigh Franklin! This suite set the stage for a colorful, beautiful bloom-filled Texas wedding captured in completion by Allen Tsai that is one delightful detail after another. See all the perfect pics in our gallery right this way (and get ready to get pinning pic after pic to those Pinterest boards)!

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From the Bride… Mauricio and I wanted our wedding to have a casual vibe that incorporated elements of nature and natural light. The moment we visited the Laurel, we knew it would be the perfect place for our wedding. Having the venue in Grapevine, Texas gave a sense of both destination and home. Our favorite part of the Laurel was the chapel, with its large windows and wood ceiling beams, that gave our wedding the touch of traditional we were looking for.

The contributions from family and friends played a major role in helping our wedding be extra special. My sister, Alex Leigh Franklin, created all our paper goods including the save-the-dates, wedding invitations, ceremony programs and menus. She incorporated hand painted Laurel leaves and flowers, like peonies, in all the designs. Another good friend and talented artist (@nrfcalligraphy) addressed all our wedding invitations in beautiful calligraphy script. We made sure to incorporate personal touches into the wedding, too, including my grandmother’s earrings that I wore, and a cameo pendant pinned on my bouquet which belonged to my grandfather. Mauricio’s grandmother even serenaded us with a Spanish love song at the reception.

Our florist, from Everly Alaine Florals, brought to life my sister’s designs by creating stunning displays full of greenery and an array of pink, white, dark red and orange flowers. It was also important for us to find a fine art photographer to capture our wedding style and help the day progress in a timely manner. Allen Tsai did an amazing job using natural light and real film to capture all the big and small moments of our wedding! An amazing team of vendors (and supportive family and friends!) was key to bringing the aesthetics of our wedding to life!

Photography: Allen Tsai Photography | Floral Design: Everly Alaine Florals | Wedding Dress: Eddy K | Stationery: Alex Leigh Franklin | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Calligraphy: Natalie Fleming | DJ: Le Force Entertainment | Wedding Venue: The Laurel | Bridal Boutique: BHLDN

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Petit Bouquet

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When I visited the Daughters of the American Revolution headquarters in D.C. for the first time, I was in awe by the grandeur of the architecture and the view of the Washington Monument, yet the space somehow still felt intimate. I couldn’t stop imagining the beautiful weddings that I knew must take place beneath the portico. Now I no longer have to imagine them, because Annalyse and Sam’s timeless affair blew away even my sweetest daydreams. Luckily for me, Joey Kennedy photographed every detail of their elegant wedding, from the Jenny Yoo clad bridesmaids to the tables topped with Mallory Joyce‘s floral creations.

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After graduating from Auburn University, Annalyse moved to Washington, D. C. to pursue a career on Capitol Hill. Sam was a year ahead and already working in politics following his time at the University of Virginia. In 2012, both Sam and Annalyse hit the campaign trail and traveled to Ohio. It was in Cuyahoga County where they met and struck up a friendship that would soon turn into something more. When they returned to the city, Sam asked Annalyse to dinner. That was the beginning of an adventure highlighted with farm trips, Florida visits, graduate school study, promotions, and Auburn games. Sam proposed at his family farm in Pennsylvania early one morning in October of 2015.

As a member of the Capitol Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and after visiting the venue, Annalyse and Sam fell in love with the architectural impact and elegance of the one of a kind space. Despite the proximity to the White House and National Mall, the portico feels intimate.

The wedding day began with an outdoor bridal shoot in Georgetown full of garden greenery, captured in perfect light and detail by Joey Kennedy. The bridal party made their way to Christ Church Georgetown, the church where both the groom’s parents and grandparents were wed, before heading to the DAR. The vision for the elegant and romantic DAR building was brought to life with stunning design and florals arranged to complement the light, airy space by Mallory Joyce Designs. The bride and groom surprised guests with caricature artists during cocktail hour and dined at tables adorned with garden-fresh floral arrangements in greens, whites, and soft pinks. Guests danced the night away overlooking the Washington Monument!

Photography: Joey Kennedy Photography | Coordination: Etc. Coordinators | Floral Design: Mallory Joyce | Ceremony Venue: Christ Church Georgetown | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Spilled Milk Catering | Hair + Makeup: StyleMeBar | Band: Sam Hill Music | Transportation: Limousines, Inc. | Wedding Venue: DAR Continental Memorial Hall

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Glen and Kailey knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding – a southern-style celebration with lots of time to enjoy family and friends. Simply You Weddings helped them plan a full week of activities for their Key West destination wedding, from a welcome reception to a beach volleyball tournament to a sunset cruise. But the event to remember was, of course, the wedding ceremony and reception, captured by Finch Photography. From the special musical performance by friends to the late night dancing courtesy of Bay Kings Band, we know this celebration is one their guests will never forget.

From the Bride… Glen and I have been to over 30 weddings together in our five years of dating, so we had a pretty good idea of what we liked and didn’t like already. Some of the weddings we enjoyed the most were the ones where we were able to spend more than just a day with the wedding party and really got to know their family and friends.

We wanted to choose a city that would entice guests to stay more than a day and was a place that offered activities that would appeal to a variety of people. Our hope was that our wedding would allow for everyone to get to know each other, make new friends, and ultimately become one cohesive group as we became one in marriage. We wanted a place that provided ample opportunities to be able to get quality time with everyone. After one visit to Key West, we knew this was just the place to make this happen, with its history, beautiful sunsets, ocean activities, and fun vibes on Duval Street.

Once we chose Key West, we started planning all the events for the week. The women in Glen’s family always host a welcome party at the family weddings, and they wanted the same for us. We wanted this to be a casual meet and greet for our families and friends. Our hotel accommodations had a great back yard courtyard and patio, so it was the perfect place for people to “come as they were,” enjoy a few drinks and appetizers, and make some new friends.

Glen loves volleyball, and his mom was a collegiate volleyball player, so he wanted to have a beach day that included a volleyball tournament with customized tank tops, koozies, and tumblers. Higgs Beach was the perfect spot because it had volleyball courts, beach rentals, and a cute restaurant that let us reserve the patio. We decided to have this event on Saturday after the wedding so it was a day we could really relax and everyone could let loose. For Saturday night, we decided a sunset cruise would be a great last hurrah to wind down the wedding activities. The Fury Commotion on the Ocean cruise was a perfect fit for our group with its live music, drinks, food, and beautiful views.

Our hotel accommodations were one of our favorite choices. The Light House Court was the place we stumbled upon and stayed at on our first visit to Key West. It’s in the perfect location, across from the Hemmingway House, a block from Duval Street, and down the road from the beaches (and it ended up being close to our ceremony and reception sites). This is a renovated estate, which makes each room unique. It’s a quaint place with a small pool, great mojito bar (Kailey’s favorite), a courtyard with cornhole, and a daily breakfast served outside accompanied by the local hens and roosters. We envisioned our friends and family having breakfast together and sitting by the pool.

When thinking about the theme, we really didn’t want your typical destination wedding with flashy details. We wanted both the destination and the traditions we were raised with  – a southern wedding, just in a beach city. We chose neutral colors, with taupe bridesmaids’ dresses and black tuxes, white florals with greenery, and accents of gold. The head table was made of four farm tables pushed together with a eucalyptus garland runner and mercury glass votives scattered down the center. The guest and cocktail tables were simple with white linens and hand made arrangements by the groom’s mother and friends featuring greenery halos, mercury glass votives, and ivy tie backs.

My dress was a custom design by Anna Maier. I had found two dresses that I loved, and they were both by Maier, so I was able to combine what I liked about the two and then add some other details. From the color to the lace and the actual fit, I was able to pick everything out. I liked the look of an off the shoulder dress but also wanted an open back; many stores told me I couldn’t have both. However, the girls at White Dresses Boutique helped me see how I could make my vision come to life. Once we got the dress in, White Dresses connected me with Altered Heart Alterations who helped me design the back and create the soft shoulder look that I loved.

Family and tradition are important to us and were incorporated throughout the wedding. Glen’s wedding band had belonged to my great grandfather and was accompanied by the original box. My mom surprised me with a second wedding band, solid gold and created from a variety of family jewelry. I was also presented with a necklace, repurposed from a ring that my father had given my mother.

Glen’s grandfather had fought in WWII and always said that Psalm 23 helped him make it through. Since then, the Bible verse has remained special to Glen’s family. We had a hand painted welcome sign made with a portion of Psalm 23 on it to honor him.

It was important for both of us to be married in a Methodist church, and we were lucky to find a beautiful Methodist church that allowed us to be there. The reception location was not at the beach, but at the Historic Truman Little White House (Glen’s family has ties to President Truman, so that made it even more special). The lawns are beautiful with green grass and overhanging trees, and the neighborhood provided the privacy we wanted (we didn’t want random people watching our wedding from a restaurant or patio or walking through in their swimsuits).

Our first dance was sung and played by two of our best friends, Ken and Cheyenne. They not only sang the first dance song, but they also sang and played the mother/son and father/daughter songs. The father/daughter song was an original that was written by Cheyenne.

We knew it would be pretty steamy for the reception, but we wanted guests to be as comfortable as possible, so we served a mojito during cocktail hour to help cool everyone down as well as provided hand cut wooden fans that guests could use throughout the night. Our friends love to dance, so we had to have a good band. We decided against the typical beach band and instead went with a 6-piece Motown band. In college, we loved Motown bands best, and Bay Kings did not disappoint. It was the perfect mix of Motown favorites along with today’s catchy hits. We may have all been a little sweaty, but that didn’t stop anyone from being on the dance floor all night.

Photography: Finch Photo | Cinematography: Wild Story Wedding Films | Event Planning: Simply You Weddings | Floral Design: Love In Bloom | Invitations: The Happy Envelope | Ceremony Venue: Key West United Methodist | Reception Venue: Truman Little White House | Catering: Great Events Catering | Band: Bay Kings Band | Bridal Boutique: White Dresses Boutique

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Bay Kings Band

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It’s no secret that New York Bridal Fashion Week is completely exhausting. But despite the physical and mental exhaustion, you get through it because the dresses are SO worth it — just look at these Berta beauties! One look at Heather Waraksa‘s beautiful photos and we’re confident you’ll be as obsessed as we are.

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Photography: Heather Waraksa

Few things in life are certain, but once thing we can always count on is that Inbal Dror will always wow us with her breathtaking wedding dresses. And this season was no exception. From short and sassy after-party dresses to decadent ballgowns dripping in beading, each dress is pretty as can be — just like Heather Waraksa‘s gorgeous images of them!

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Photography: Heather Waraksa | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror

Inspired by the beauty of Darlington House’s Rose Garden, this celebration incorporates alfresco dining, romantic pastels, hand-crafted details (made by the groom!) and, of course, garden roses. It’s a true beauty crafted at the hands of Before I Do Events, the Modern Bouquet and Carmen Santorelli. See the full open air affair right here.

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From the Bride…Cory and I met in college eight years ago. We both felt a spark the first night we met, and we soon found ourselves spending most of our time together.

Six years later, after deciding to attend law school, Cory and I moved from San Diego to San Francisco. We got engaged in the middle of my second year. Cory proposed on Pier 7, a charming pier along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Lined with traditional streetlights and with a breathtaking view of the cityscape, Cory chose Pier 7 because it overlooked the very city that we both took a chance on.

Despite our excitement, school made picking a wedding date a bit tricky. We knew that we wanted to get married in San Diego, Cory’s hometown and a destination favorite for my family in Arizona. I wanted to get married sometime after graduating, so we embraced the idea of a longer engagement. However, despite having 16 months to plan, our wedding date was only two weeks after taking the California bar exam! Despite the crazy timeline, with the right wedding vendors, Cory and I believed that we could pull it off.

With all of this in mind, wedding planning began! First, we booked our venue, The Darlington House. The Darlington House was a perfect fit. Not only do we enjoy La Jolla, but we also quickly fell in love with the venue’s historical charm, beautiful outside courtyards, and proximity to the ocean. I particularly loved their rose garden. It was the perfect blank canvas to plan a soft and romantic garden wedding.

With our venue selected, we focused on another big priority: photography. When gathering inspiration, I found myself gravitating towards photos emitting soft light and a natural, ethereal glow. When I came across Carmen Santorelli’s work, I grew obsessed with her photography and swooned at her ability to capture light on film. Further, Carmen’s attention to detail is unmatched! We were thrilled to hear that she was available to capture our special day.

Detail by detail, Cory and I pieced together our dream wedding. We wanted the ceremony and reception to feel light, airy, and effortless. Keeping the natural beauty of the venue in mind, I knew that incorporating garden roses was a must. I envisioned lush, sprawling, and organic floral arrangements. Focusing on a neutral color palette, we incorporated touches of gold, such as using antique, brass candlesticks at the family tables. We consulted our wonderful coordinator, Before I Do Events, on our design ideas, while Hannah from Modern Bouquet worked her magic to create jaw-dropping arrangements. Hannah’s florals brought our vision to life.

My favorite elements of the wedding comprise of personal touches handcrafted by my then husband-to-be. Cory enjoys woodworking as a hobby, so to contribute, he built our sweetheart table! It was so meaningful to use the table for the first time, eating our first meal together as husband and wife. We are also excited to be able to take it home with us, and to have it as a constant reminder of our special day.

Further, in addition to the sweetheart table, Cory built our wooden escort card holder and our wedding signs. As a joint effort, Cory cut, sanded, and stained each sign, while I hand-painted the lettering. Taken together, Cory’s overall work was, literally, a labor of love.

The ceremony was perfect, the speeches heart-filled, and the dance floor constantly overflowing with family and friends. There was so much love, laughter, and happy tears. Our vendors were unparalleled, and each one was an absolute joy to work with! I could have not asked for a more magical day.

Photography: Carmen Santorelli Photography | Floral Design: Modern Bouquet | Cake: Hey There, Cupcake! | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Catering: Personal Touch Dining | Lighting: Abbey Party Rents | DJ: Sage Productions | Officiant: Ceremonies By Bethel | Bridal Dress: Willow by Watters | Bridesmaids' Hair + Makeup: Jackie Blum | Groom + Groomsmen: Al Weiss | HMUA: Thorne Artistry | Print Work: Minted | Rentals: Platinum Party Rentals | Wedding: Darlington House | Wedding Coordination & Design: Before I Do Events

Peek inside this bright and sunny California abode that has just the right amount of blue and enough cozy nooks to satisfy a small army. Designed by Tammy Price of Fragments Identity, it pairs classic with serene neutrals and lets the sun shine in. Take the full tour captured by Jenna Peffley right here!

This open and bright California home is full of classic details, texture, and a serene layout. Tammy Price of Fragments Identity used a tonal palette, incorporating various layers and over-scaled furniture pieces to create a comfortable and casual, yet stylish interior that functions well for the client’s family and lifestyle.

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Photography: Jenna Peffley | Console Table: Noir Furniture | Dining Accessories & Table Linens: Fragments Identity | Dining Room Three-Piece Art: Michelle Hilliard Art | Dining Table & Chairs: Fremarc Designs | French Linen Chair : Fragments Identity | Hallway Shandong Bench & Accessories: Fragments Identity | Indigo Shandong Bench & Towels: Fragments Identity | Indigo Textile Wall Art: Fragments Identity | Interior Design: Fragments Identity | Leather Chair: Ralph Lauren Home | Living Room Lamps: Bradburn Home | Living Room White Linen Sofa: Fragments Identity | Natural Mudcloth Round Ottoman: Fragments Identity | Pillows: Fragments Identity | Round Mirror: Arteriors Home | Seagrass Living Room Table: Ralph Lauren Home | Textiles, Throws & Vintner Bottle: Fragments Identity | Upholstered White Linen Bench: Fragments Identity

I, like many people, learned everything I know about makeup from YouTube makeup tutorials when I was 16. Once I mastered the basics, I was done. As a makeup novice, the concept of having your face professionally done up for your wedding or a big event can seem daunting. I’ve rounded up some great beauty professionals who will collectively calm your nerves, offer some great info and tips, and leave you looking flawless!

1. How do I communicate the look I want with my makeup artist?

Elizabeth Chang, of Skyla Arts Makeup and Hair, recommends clients to do some visual research before taking to their artist, utilizing tools like SMP and Pinterest to allow someone to really get a sense of what you’re going for. Then, include photos of your dress, accessories and even venue if applicable. She explains that “communicating visually through inspiration images, and then extensively through verbal feedback is essential for a successful appointment. It’s a collaboration, and so the artist relies heavily on your input to help you execute your vision.” If you need some time to process what you’ve discussed, definitely let them know! Their priority is to leave you feeling confident and excited about the work that is to come!

Alyssa, of Bridezilla Beauty, finds that the best way to uncover what her clients want is by asking a lot of questions. Things like: “What do you wear for makeup (if any) on a day-to-day basis? What would you put on for makeup if you were going out to a party or event? On a scale from 1 to 10 how natural or dramatic are you wanting your look to be? What feature would you like me to play up, if any? Do you prefer your skin to be matte, or have somewhat of a glow?” And one helpful hint: when searching for photos, try searching for people who have similar coloring (hair, skin) to yours! This keeps your expectations realistic and allows you to better visualize the final look.

“Not everyone knows the “lingo” of a professional makeup artist,” explains Gina of True Beauty Marks,”but you can start by making a list of what you do and do not want for your makeup or hair style”. It could also be helpful to describe features you typically wear on your nights out, such as shimmery eyeshadow or a matte, bold lip.

2. How do I prep in the days leading up to my event?

If you are going to start some sort of new regimen, ideally start it 6 months before the event, explains Liz. Don’t begin anything new within a month of the wedding, as your skin may not have the reaction you’re hoping for. She stresses to “stick to the skincare routine that work best, and keep your skin and lips hydrated with regular exfoliation and masks, and internally, stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet”. If you do want to appear tanned, avoid direct sunlight as makeup will struggle to adhere smoothly to dry, flaking skin. Instead, try using airbrush tanning! As for the night before the event, make sure to drink lots of water, avoid salty foods, alcohol and get plenty of sleep. All of these will ensure your face is not bloated or red and your eyes are not puffy.

If you do want to go for a nice facial treatment, Alyssa recommends going at least 4-7 days before your wedding, in case you have any breakouts from the treatment. This is only if you often get facials and know how your skin will react. Otherwise, test out any new treatments in the six months leading up to the wedding.”It is never a good idea to try something new so close to an important event in case your skin reacts negatively,” Alyssa explains.

Gina recommends doing a hair or a makeup trial a few months leading up to the event in preparation. That way, your professional can recommend any other prep such as skin care or regimens that could enhance your particular look!

3. How is event make up different than my usual routine?

“Event makeup is geared towards helping you look great in the media you will appear in, ” says Elizabeth, and needs to look good not only in person, but also in photos, videos and from a distance. Therefore, the products selected are a bit different from one’s day-to-day repertoire. And the time spent on the look can vary, as event make up is very detail oriented!

Some products Alyssa likes to integrate into flawless event makeup are primers, good setting sprays and individual false eyelashes. The individual lashes are a great way to make a more natural look a bit more dramatic and way less-risk than the full strip, because if one or two fall off, you can hardly notice! She uses a setting spray on all of her bridal clients (like a hairspray for the face) and helps your makeup stay fresh for the entire day!

Gina agrees that the key to event makeup is the longevity: “when you need flawless makeup for a longer event, especially including photos, you will need to start and finish with the correct products. and so primers and sealant sprays are crucial”.

As long as you find a professional you like and trust, and communicate your vision with them to the best of your ability, you’re sure to have a look you love!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.

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Are you ready to go gaga with some gorgeousness right here? We’re talking over the top florals folks. These blooms are bursting in beautiful shades of pink and lavender and we’re going pic by pic, soaking up every single pretty petal. Twisted Willow Flowers is the force behind these flowers and with Love & Light Photographs’ images, we’re able to look at them as long as we please. Add in between sleep and awake’s film and it’s safe to say we’ll be hanging out with this wedding for the foreseeable future…

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From the Bride… We knew we wanted a blend of tradition with a pop of fun for our wedding. When we visited The Ryland Inn, we knew immediately that was where we would be married. It offered elegance and class while incorporating a fun rustic twist. We approached the style of the wedding in the same way with one must-have – a setting which enabled our friends and family to celebrate our love and union, while at the same time celebrating the love and appreciation we have for them by hosting a celebration that would thank them for the support they provided us with throughout the years. Fantastic food and good music were high on our priority list. The Ryland Inn and our Hank Lane band did not disappoint. Our dinners (which we actually ate!) were just delicious and our guests danced the night away to our band, Spotlight.

There were personal memories sprinkled throughout the day such as Matt surprising me with my grandmothers engagement ring reset into a necklace (which I wore), photos on my bouquet of my grandmother and my parents each on their wedding days, and a walk down the aisle with my father to a string quartet version of the song he danced to with my mother at their wedding over 40 years ago – Here, There, and Everywhere by the Beatles. It was just perfect.

Our ceremony was a story of us. It detailed the story of how we met and Michael, our officiant, kept it light hearted and it’s exactly what we wanted. It was important to us to share our story with our loved ones. We opted to write our own vows and I’m so glad we did. It allowed us to use our own words and make our own promises, which is what the entire day was all about.

Amanda, from Twisted Willow Flowers executed my floral vision perfectly and fully embraced the idea of adding kumquats to the arbor and centerpieces for a little fun surprise! All of the details were captured flawlessly by Love & Light Photographs and documented perfectly by Between Sleep & Awake. They helped to bring our vision to life and the day was more than I ever could have dreamed it would be. We both feel very blessed and so thankful to have been able to truly have the best day, ever.

My advice to brides would be to embrace any glitches while wedding planning as an opportunity. My original dress order had to be canceled two months prior to the wedding and while it wasn’t ideal – I looked at it as another chance to go dress shopping! I went to a new bridal salon, Gabriella Bridal, and they were just amazing. They directed me towards dresses that could be ordered in time and worked effortlessly to follow up and make sure everything was perfect. The dress I ended up choosing was a Bliss Monique Lhuillier dress and it was classic and timeless, and my colorful bouquet added the pop of fun that I wanted and it was just the right amount. At the end of the day, the bump in the road ended up working out for the best and yours will too, xxoo!

Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Cinematography: Between Sleep and Awake | Event Planning: EVJ Wedding Co. | Floral Design: Twisted Willow Flowers | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Palermo's Bakery | Invitations: Holland Designs | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Jeanine Mangan Makeup Designs | Hair: Pink Comb Studio | Band: Hank Lane Music | String Quartet: Highline String Quartet | Wedding Venue: Ryland Inn | Ribbon on Bouquet: Frou Frou Chic

This bridal inspiration shoot is all about the old world, European feel, and we’re kind of obsessed with it. The intricate gowns, Sardinia lace veil, Trumpet & Horn vintage ring, and delicate florals by Designs by Hemingway all pay homage to the past yet are still fresh for today’s Bride wanting for a romantic, nostalgic look. Christine Clark captured this gorgeous session, and there’s more waiting for you in the Vault.

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From Christine Clark… “They just don’t make them like they used to.” Nothing can be more true of antique lace and diamonds. For this shoot, we wanted to pull together some old world charm and combine it with delicate florals. Nothing can match the exquisite beauty of vintage lace, and our two gowns were beautiful showcases for it. Our first gown was Edwardian and mesmerizing in its imaginative intricacy, while our second gown of romantic tambour lace was a beautiful pairing with a veil of Sardinia lace. The florals created by Debbie Hemingway featured the riotous textures of dahlias with soft blushes of dusty lavender roses. Their delicate colors and textures were a perfect complement to our gowns. The loveliest vintage ring from Trumpet & Horn was the crowning detail to pull everything together.

Photography: Christine Clark | Floral Design: Designs by Hemingway | Cake: A Cake Life | Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Hair + Makeup: Nalei Jane | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Linens + Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Model: Eva Blacker At Premier Models And Talent | Model Agency: Eva Blacker At Premier Models And Talent

I think my favorite way to unwind after a long day is with a face mask — bath and glass of wine optional. They make even the dullest of days feel luxurious. And as a busy girl myself, taking care of my skin (and finding time to actually relax) is high on my to-do list.

Thankfully, face masks are available in every budget and for every skin type. Now is the time to take your skin, and zen, to the next level.

7 Face Masks To Try Out ASAP

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7 Face Masks To Try Out ASAP

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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Briana Charlotte is a freelance writer residing in Brooklyn, New York. When she isn’t writing about all things bridal, she can be found on the dance floor at a wedding or bachelorette party or finally learning how to dance for her own upcoming nuptials.

I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. My mom was a high school English teacher while I was growing up, so reading was her approach to literally everything in life.

Want to learn more about your favorite animal? Here’s a book called Meerkat Kingdom! True story; I was 5. And I probably read that book 200 times. You’re dying to go to Italy? First, you need to read Dante’s Divine Comedy. Also true, I was 14, and Inferno changed my life.

So naturally, when I met “The One,” my first instinct was to find the best books to make this relationship work. We’re long distance, so we needed all the help we could get!

After a lot of internet research, social media polls, and expert recommendations, here’s a condensed list of the 7 books you need to read with the love of your life:

Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus
If you’re living on planet Earth, you’ve heard of this book. Trust me – it’s worth the read. I couldn’t believe how many “facepalm” moments I had reading this guide to communicating and understanding the opposite sex.

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts
This book is the O.G. It’s been a bestseller for more than 25 years. Do yourself a favor and take the quiz with your significant other. Realizing, for instance, he feels more loved when you unload the dishwasher than when you write him a love letter will change your life.

For Men Only / For Women Only
These books pack a lot of punch. Based on surveys and scientific research, they break down in simple language: For men, what she wants you to know. For women, what he wants you to know. The best part? They have cheat sheets in the front of the book for those people (ahem, my boyfriend and brothers) with short attention spans.

Fun exercise: After reading your gender, swap with your significant other and read theirs. Chat about what you learned and where you thought the book was spot on!

I Do, Now What?: Secrets, Stories, and Advice from a Madly-in-Love Couple
TV stars Giuliana and Bill Rancic give an upbeat reality check on what it’s like to be newlyweds. It’s nice to see a glamorous couple have totally relatable issues – and work through them! Stars: they’re just like us.

The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
Money guru Dave Ramsey tackles everything from college debt, to marriage conflicts, when it comes to financial planning. Now’s a good time to have an honest conversation around budgets and spending – and what that will look like in your relationship.

The Meaning of Marriage
This is a bestseller and favorite among church-affiliated pre-marital counselors. Timothy Keller gives an honest and insightful breakdown of the whole point of this thing called marriage. Keep reading for the wedding china story – I wanted to high five to his wife for that one.

Whether or not you’re a self-proclaimed bookworm, you should take some time to read up before you walk down the aisle.

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.

If there was one thing I wish I would have known after I got engaged, it would be that decision making would be the most important skill I would need for the next two years. What I realized after spending endless hours on Pinterest, there are three major to-do’s that every bride should consider crossing off the list first:

1. Find a wedding planner

2. Find a venue

3. Set the date.

Once these three tasks are complete, step four would be to work on your invitations!

With the endless choices in the early stages of wedding planning, I found that The Wedding Shop by Shutterfly was a great resource and one-stop shop for all paper goods. The range of products, personalization and great value makes The Wedding Shop a no-brainer when searching for your complete wedding stationery suite. Here are four things you should keep in mind when thinking about your suite:

SAVE THE DATE SETS THE TONE
Your save the date sets the tone for your wedding. If you are thinking of having a black tie wedding, create a save the date that fits the theme. The Wedding Shop has endless options to fit any budget and style, like these with gold foil, which immediately jazzes up your wedding announcement. Another favorite style is the magnet. Our fridge is full of our beautiful friends and it is a constant reminder of the upcoming events! Plus, everyone can always use another magnet. My favorite thing about The Wedding Shop’s selection of save the dates is the photo option. You can upload your favorite picture and view all of the cards with your favorite image. It makes the process so fun and easy!

CUSTOM IS KEY
Once you send out your save the dates, the next step is thinking about the rest of your invitation suite. The Wedding Shop by Shutterfly is your best resource for invitations, RSVP cards, enclosure cards, place cards and more. The pre-designed suites allow you to customize your colors to match your wedding theme without adding any additional cost. One of my favorite collections within The Wedding Shop is Wedding Paper Divas — the designs are beautiful and modern. My favorite part about the Sophisticated Glamour Wedding Suite was the custom watercolor design and my ability to customize the color and fonts. Also, the gold foil accent added an extra special touch. Another pro tip while customizing your invitations, change the fonts to match your aesthetic. Being able to choose from the endless list of fonts allows for one-of-a-kind invites, RSVP cards, and more.

STICK TO YOUR STYLE
The other design I found and fell in love with was the Tropical Herald. With greenery being such a hit this season, this invitation suite creates a streamlined wedding theme. Think: palm leaves, white peonies and modern fonts. This wedding suite is also a great option for a tropical destination wedding. Another bonus, you can customize the floral color to match your wedding flowers without any additional cost.

DON’T FORGET THE EXTRAS
A little piece of advice from a former bride-to-be, once you’ve created your invites, use Shutterfly’s addressing system. When I ordered my save the dates, I decided I wanted to hand letter all 300 invites. After endless hand cramps and a few mistakes, let’s just say, I cannot recommend this simple service enough! Trust me, you can have your fairytale wedding and the invitations of your dream without going over your budget. The options in the The Wedding Shop by Shutterfly allow you to create your wedding suite without sacrificing style or quality.

This post was written in partnership by Ali Shilling for Shutterfly on Style Me Pretty.

When I dreamed about my wedding, it was inside a huge venue filled with people I loved. But two small families joining together and the choice to host it in our adopted hometown, far from loved ones, meant that huge venue would have to be downsized and our guest list would shrink to 70.

At first, I was disheartened by the idea of having a small wedding. After all, dream weddings all over the world always feature a huge party and endless amounts of guests. But looking back, the size of our wedding is exactly what made it so special. Here are a few reasons why.

It was Intimate
As I stood at the end of the aisle before my big entrance, I couldn’t help but appreciate that everyone in the crowd was not only a familiar face, but the face of people I loved and admired. While I was waiting in the wings with my parents, I was shaking and unable to control my nerves, but as soon as I saw that the people who would witness me pledge my love to my best friend were my favorite people in the world, my nerves disappeared. Everyone there had their own special story of our relationship and it made the entire event feel like home.

It helped our budget
My now husband and I paid for our wedding on our own, and the smaller guest list allowed us to get other things we otherwise would of had to forgo. Knowing we wouldn’t have to spend too much on invitations and meals let us a splurge on things that ended up being the best parts of our wedding: We got our favorite photographers, were able to add in a videographer, and even planned a day-after sightseeing bus around the city for all our guests. All of these things would have been nixed had our guest list been bigger.

It lowered our stress levels
We had our wedding in Philadelphia, but the majority of our loved ones were coming from Florida. It just so happens that the week of our wedding, a major hurricane hit the Sunshine State and I spent the days leading up to the day rebooking flights and hotel rooms. While the situation was stressful, having less people to worry about helped our stress levels immensely. Plus, since our entire guest list was made up of close family and friends, no one had a problem with the added costs and worries that came with the last minute changes.

We were able to enjoy everyone
Many couples often note that the entire wedding was a blur and they don’t even remember seeing half the people who were there. While I can agree that our whole day definitely felt like a blur, I can wholeheartedly say that I spent time with each and every one of my guests. Being able to show my friends and family how much they mean to me on my wedding day is something I will always remember.

We look back at our pictures with adoration
When looking back on the wedding albums of my family members, I am constantly asking “who is that?” I know that with our wedding photos, we will be able to look back and remember every single person who was there. I look forward to the day our kids watch our wedding video and recognize every person in the crowd.

If you’re like me and your small guest list has you concerned, remember all the amazing things that come out of having a small, intimate wedding. For my husband and I, it was the best “mishap” that could have ever happened to us.

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.

Admittedly, I haven’t invested much time into my own style after having my first baby, and my closet is suffering from that neglect. In my search to revamp my style haven, I happened upon lifestyle guru and closet stylist, Shira Gill and her Closet Makeover Planner. Thank goodness, because bikinis and sweaters were finding themselves unhappily stacked together. Sound like you? Implement Shira’s four fab tips below and grab the full guide here!

Prep

Start by removing everything from your closet. It helps to organize clothing in stacks by specific categories, so you can take inventory. This will make it easier to see how much of each type you have and will also expedite the editing stage. This is your opportunity to start fresh, so make sure to wipe down any shelving, give the space a vacuum and relocate stray items that don’t belong in your closet.

Edit

A good edit is by far the most important step! Before you begin, think about what’s required for your typical week as well as what you need for workouts, hobbies, and travel or events. Since the contents of your closet will determine your style, this is also a great opportunity to become more intentional about how you present yourself each day. Just because something cost a lot of money or looks good on somebody else doesn’t mean that it is the right fit for you. Think about how you want to look and feel in your clothing and do your best to keep only what you actually use, wear, and love.

Stock Up

Favorite closet essentials include:

1. Uniform hangers. Use the same style and color for a streamlined look.

2. Open bins and baskets for storing scarves, seasonal items, and accessories.

3. Shelf dividers to keep stacks of folded jeans or sweaters from toppling over.

4. Sturdy hooks for handbags, necklaces, and handbags.

5. Wall mounted shelves to maximize your vertical space. Make sure to make a list before you shop and only invest in what you actually need for your closet makeover project.

Style

Now, for the fun part! In setting up your closet, take care to store items by frequency of use. Set up everyday essentials in prime real estate areas for visibility and easy access, with formal, seasonal, and occasional items in the back of the closet or in bins on a high shelf. Once you’re all set up, it’s nice to add some personal touches and décor to complete the transformation. You might try accessorizing with an accent rug, pretty lighting, framed pictures or a style inspiration board. Remember: You start and end each day in your closet. It’s worth it to invest a little added effort to ensure it feels inviting and lovely.

Shira is the founder of Shira Gill Home a boutique lifestyle brand with a “less is more” philosophy that offers full service home organization and styling as well as online resources and inspiration to help you design a clutter-free life. Head here to grab your free Closet Makeover Planner and follow along with @shiragill for more inspiration!

Photography: Vivian Johnson Photography | Styling + Tips: Shira Gill

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Petit Bouquet

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Have you been following along with blogger bride Ali Barshop of Love You, Mean It’s wedding plans.? From engagement session fashion to a monogrammed bridesmaid brunch, we just knew her celebration was going to be a good one. And this classic Southern wedding with a very fashionable twist does not disappoint. With a custom gown by Nardos Design, planning and florals by Lauren Chitwood Events, the most gorgeous imagery by Leslee Mitchell, and a film by When It Clicks, get lost in this romantic and charming Kentucky affair.

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Peek Back at Ali’s Wedding Journey

Meet Ali | Engagement Session | Bridesmaid Brunch

From the Bride… Oh my! It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am as I look back at these photos. I’m so happy that I finally get to share a glimpse into our wedding day with you all. When trying to describe this special day, I can’t seem to find a better word than “perfect,” because y’all, it was absolutely PERFECT! A day I’ve pictured forever became a reality and I married the man of my dreams!

The inspiration for our wedding day was to create a romantic and comfortable oasis with a touch of Kentucky charm. For many of our guests, it was their first time to visit the bluegrass state, so we wanted to showcase the beautiful landscape of my hometown. Besides the elements of green from the scenery and rustic accents from the barn, I wanted everything else to be white. Everything from the stunning Jenny Yoo bridesmaid dresses to the flowers falling from the ceiling fit perfectly into my vision. I wanted it to feel like you walked into a little slice of heaven.

For me, I had a clear vision for what I wanted our day to be. That being said, wedding planning still had its ups and downs. Planning an event for hundreds of people is no joke and there are a lot of moving parts. I’m so grateful I had the support of my amazing family, especially my mom, who was on the ground and acted as our eyes and ears as we planned the wedding from Texas. For those of you who are currently planning, my biggest piece of advice would be to continually remind yourself what this day is truly about. When you start to feel stressed or frustrated, remember the most important part of the day is that your surrounded by the people you love. Anything you hoped to do but can’t for one reason or another will not be noticed and everything that you can do is truly just icing on the cake!

It should come as no surprise that one of my favorite parts of wedding planning was designing and creating my dream dress alongside Nardos Design. After two full days of dress shopping I had found a few dresses I liked, but still didn’t have the feeling that I’d found the one. After just minutes of talking to Nardos, she sketched up my vision, combining my favorite aspects of the other dresses into one amazing dress that just felt right. The reason I loved my dress so much was that it was truly three dresses in one. With the detachable skirt, it could go from having the most stunning train to a bustled ball gown to the perfect little column dress to dance the night away. From sketching up the design to picking out the perfect fabric to match my bridesmaids’ dresses, the process was so fun and truly a once in a lifetime experience.

I remember waking up the morning of the wedding and feeling a calmness I can’t explain. The impending thunderstorms on the forecast couldn’t even break my mood. By noon, it was our final opportunity to decide if we’d move the ceremony inside the Keeneland clubhouse or take a chance with the weather and do the ceremony outside like I’d always imagined. We had to take our chances! Getting ready with all my girls at the home I grew up in was exactly what I had wanted for the morning of. We were relaxed and comfortable as we all got dolled up.

Mother Nature had our back because the morning rain cleared and it turned into the most beautiful sunny afternoon. The ceremony and reception were beautiful, fun, and all that we had imagined. But boy did it go by fast! That being said, Ben and I made a point during the reception to take a step back to take it all in and remember that while this night may have flown by, our love will last for the rest of our lives!

Photography: Leslee Mitchell | Videography: When It Clicks | Event Planning: Lauren Chitwood Events | Floral Design: Lauren Chitwood Events | Wedding Dress: Nardos Design, Dallas Texas | Cake: Martine's Pastries | Invitations: August Blume | Ceremony Venue: Keeneland Library | Reception Venue: Keeneland Library | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair & Makeup: Ana Crane | Band: Burning Las Vegas | Blogger: Ali Barshop | Bridesmaids' Robes: Piyama | Welcome Bags: To & From Gifts

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Petit Bouquet

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