I don’t know about you, but I’m fully embracing the hefty doses of pink scattered about blog land today. Whether it’s bridesmaids dresses, perfect pink lips or fetes covered in bougainvillea like this one. Especially fetes like this one. It just goes to show that this happy hue can brighten any day, even when a bit of rain decides to make an appearance. Park & Grove added their beautiful touch, while Lacie Hansen documented every sweet moment and The Vault is glowing a little more today because of it.

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From Park & Grove… A few days after Caitlyn and Marco got engaged in Santa Barbara, we met with her over lunch to discuss her wedding. From the very start, long before she even had a wedding date, dress or venue, she knew she wanted a wedding in Southern California, the place she and Marco call home, that looked and felt like a gorgeous celebration on the Italian coast.

We needed to find a venue, in or around Los Angeles, that could accommodate Caitlyn and Marco’s “must haves,” an outdoor ceremony and a place for their dinner reception that wasn’t a ballroom. They selected the Bel-Air Bay Club, a beautiful Spanish-style private club, in the Pacific Palisades where they especially loved the ceremony location with sweeping views of the beautiful California coastline. The dinner was held in the beautiful living room, which felt straight out of Italy, complete with a stone fireplace, arched doorways and terra cotta tiled floors. Adjacent to the dinner space, was an outdoor courtyard for cocktails and late night mingling.

Caitlyn very much shared our viewpoint that a wedding should tell one cohesive story from beginning to end. She not only wanted the venue to feel Italian inspired, but she carried the theme through in the décor, printed materials, menu, cocktails, etc. She loved the beautiful bougainvillea that grows wildly throughout Europe and wanted her florals to reflect the same vibrancy. Stella Bloom created loose, garden inspired arrangements in a palette of fuchsia, red, coral, blush and ivory. Marco and Caitlyn’s invitation suite featured beautiful watercolor artwork and whimsical calligraphy all hand done by the Romance Between. The floral illustrations were created to match the look and coloration of the floral, they even painted Caitlyn & Marco’s exact floral covered ceremony structure with Stella Bloom’s guidance, and then we brought pale blue accents to represent the ocean and gold addressing for added formality.

The wedding day brought some unexpected showers to sunny Southern California. The cocktail reception was moved inside but Caitlyn and Marco wouldn’t let a little rain prevent them from having the outdoor ceremony that had been so important to them from the very start. They felt strongly that they didn’t want to bring in a structure or tent to block the sweeping coastal views, but wanted their guests to stay dry for the short ceremony, so we purchased dozens of clear plastic umbrellas to keep everyone dry. The weather wasn’t in the plan, but it created one of the most magical and romantic ceremonies we’ve ever seen. The second it was over, guests headed back into the clubhouse for cocktails and dinner and luckily enough, the skies cleared at the end of dinner and the event ended with lots and lots of dancing and late night flatbread and sweets were served in the courtyard, for guests to enjoy al fresco under the stars.

Photography: Lacie Hansen | Videography: Couture Motion Pictures | Floral Design: Stella Bloom Designs | Cake: SusieCakes | Ceremony Venue: Bel Air Bay Club | Reception Venue: Bel Air Bay Club | Brides Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Bel Air Bay Club | Hair and Makeup: Nicol Artistry | Lighting: Images By Lighting | Brides Custom Veil: A Stitch In Time | Brides dress: Reem Acra | Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Fife Dreams | Charger Rental: Classic Party Rents; | Classic Car Rental: Classy Chassis Rentals | Dinner Reception music: David Sparkman Band | Event Production & Design: Park & Grove | Furniture: Pretty Vintage Table | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Design, Custom Illustration & Calligraphy: The Romance Between | Photo Booth: Alissa Noelle Photography | Rentals: Imperial Party Rentals

Designed around the idea of “My Big Fat Indian Wedding” this celebration is a cultural beauty like you’ve never seen. Five days of festivities made up their agenda and Gurminder Banga came along for the ride behind the lens. Go see more this way in the gallery!

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Our Wedding Planning

Having our families spread across the map, the biggest question was the destination for the wedding. Most important to us, was the presence of our grandparents on our big day. With our grandparents in Gujarat and my granddad unwell to travel, India became the obvious choice. I nervously began to plan a wedding in a country I wasn’t at all familiar with. This was very challenging. Deciding on venues, trusting event planners, and communicating what I envision each of my events to be was nerve wrecking. I was excited to be able to have a BIG FAT INDIAN WEDDING in all its glory but I was also nervous to plan in a country where cultures would be different from what I have always been brought up knowing and taking for granted.

I was adamant about having Banga Studios for my wedding photography. The one thing that mattered most to me was having all my memories captured beautifully and having seen Banga work with other friends, I knew they were perfect for us. They keep the shoots fun, adventurous, and most importantly memorable. Both our families naturally thought I was crazy when you can surely find photographers in India. They suggested I look into photographers in India and so I did, even though I had my heart set on Banga Studios. After having looked into many photographers in India, not liking many of them, and finding the ones I remotely liked way too pricey, our families agreed that we should go with whomever we loved. One thing that becomes clear while shopping around for vendors or even bridal outfits is to go with your first instinct.

Day 1 – Welcome Dinner

This was meant to be a very casual event with the purpose of getting know the close family members and friends. It was held at Hotel Surya Palace in Baroda, where we all dined, mingled, and played a few games while we got to meet each other’s families. The dress code was Indian but casual. I wore a simple suit by Anita Dongre.

My makeup on all five days was done by Farhin from Sara Makeup in Ahmedabad and she had a team to do the hairstyles. While Farin was amazing with giving me the looks I wanted each day, I struggled with the hair stylists who could not understand exactly what I wanted on most days and continuously had me delayed for most events (I had to account an extra hour or two into my getting ready time for troubleshooting hairstyle issues!)

Day 2 – Mehendi/Sangeet

On day two both families held separate Mehendi events during the day where the bridal Mehendi and Mehendi for close family was done. We had our photographers on site to capture the event.

Day 3 – Vidhi & Raunak’s Varghodo

My vidhi was held at Sangath Party Plot in the morning. We hired an Indian band in all its glory to play at the venue while guests entered and also during the ceremony. The vidhi is a religious ceremony and the bride and the outfit worn by the bride gets trashed with haldi by the end of the ceremony. For this event, I wore a simple yellow saree which I bought from a small shop in Nadiad (I don’t remember the name). The event décor was done by the venue owners. I wanted to have the traditional marigold decors for this event as it’s a very traditional/religious ceremony. In the entrance, I wanted to have birdcages decorated with marigolds, and an entranceway built with marigolds incorporated into it. For the mandap area, I wanted big bells hanging scattered across the top of the stage area.

Raunak’s vidhi was held in the lawn area of the Grand Nakshatra Hotel the same morning. They also hired a band to play during the ceremony. Raunak wore a white kurta pajama set for the religious event when they apply haldi to him. He then changed into a second raw silk kurta pajama outfit which he purchased in Surat at Kora by Nilesh Mitesh. His décor was simplistic and they had a red drape tent for the mandap section with chairs placed around the mandap for guest seating.

Day 4 – Wedding Day

Our wedding theme was very regal. Our outfits were inspired by the Maharaja’s and Maharani’s of Rajasthan. I wanted to have an outfit that was very tradition yet also comfortable to carry on my body for the day. I went with a red Anita Dongre outfit with gotapatti work which I shopped for in Mumbai (it was exactly what I imagined, and once I saw the outfit, I knew was done shopping for my wedding outfit). Raunak on the other hand knew he wanted a dhoti sherwani, which we searched for tirelessly. This is until we went to D-Mode Tailors in Bandra (Mumbai), where they were able to brilliantly customize the outfit we had in mind for him.

Our wedding event and décor planner was Velvet Events. Anuj from Velvet events was very thorough and accommodating to my wishes. He was very flexible with his meeting times and would also come home to meet with us in the evenings and after hours if we were swamped with other wedding duties. I wanted to have a very romantic ambiance with chandeliers in the entryway and lots of floral and drapery to the venue. I merely showed him a picture of a hexagon shaped mandap and he went out of his way to design the entire mandap. The guest seating was theater style and went around the mandap. He was great and managed to pull together 3-D images of what the venue will look like on the wedding day. He handled everything from décor to perfuming the venue to background music and more.

Day 5 – Reception

Our reception was meant to be the grand finale as the wedding festivities came to an end. We held our reception party at Umang Party Plot. Bhagwati décor took the lead with décor here. Our inspiration for the reception décor was Palais du Versailles. We decided on lots of layered chandeliers and chandelier cut outs for the stage, a huge revolving stage for our entrance. We had a huge set up for the bar and food on one side. There were various dishes and desserts offered, as well as a live paanwala, who sat on a pedestal and made fresh paans for all the guests.

Raunak’s suit was tailor made at Indochino in Toronto and my gown was from Shyamal & Bhumika. Shyamal & Bhumika were great, in that they customized the gown I selected in-store to the color of my choice, with the right amount of tulle to give me just the right amount of ‘poof’.

Having the wedding in India was one of the most daring decision I have ever made, but definitely one I wouldn’t change for anything else in the world. I highly recommend India for a wedding destination, if what you want is the big fat Indian wedding in all its glory. India makes every possibility a reality, from horse carriages and fireworks on the street to revolving stages, and grand outdoor weddings. Nothing is impossible.

Lastly, we are very grateful for our wonderful team of photographers who despite being in an unknown city, jet lagged, and feeling a bit under the weather managed to scout out some of the most fitting and perfect locations for our photo shoots. They captured every detail of every moment so beautifully and have left us with memories to last a lifetime. Through their pictures we can forever live those moments over and over again.

Photography: Gurminder Banga | Cinematography: Red Studio | Ceremony Venue: Boulevard 9 | Reception Venue: Umang Party Plot | Bride's Ceremony Outfit: AnitaDongre | Bride's Reception Outfit: Shyamal & Bhumika | Location (Mendhi): Tulsi Banquet Hall | Location (Sangeet): Party Plot

I dare you not to fall head over heals for this sweet, sweet couple. It’s downright impossible when you take one look at their 31st anniversary images shot by their daughter, Michelle Boyd Photography. And the setting makes it all the more sweet. With their hill country land as the backdrop, these two read heart-felt love letters to each other and kissed their way through one of the most heartfelt photoshoots we’ve come across. If that’s not a perfect Valentine’s combo, then we don’t know what is.

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From the Photographer… While it’s incredibly special to photograph my clients everyday, this session has a dear and very tender place in my heart. Throughout my life I’ve told my parents that I hope I can love my husband just half as well as they love each other – because then I know we’ll have a beautiful marriage. My parents, Marcel and Missy, have been married for 31 years, and been together for even longer than that. My mom worked in a country western clothing store, and my dad walked in one day and, as they say, the rest is history. They lived overseas for many years, and were married at the registrar’s office in Norwich, England, and had a small party afterwards with a few close friends. Thirty-one years later, my parents are building their forever home in the quaint and charming town of Bandera, TX. The best way I can describe the area is that it’s a photographer’s hill-country heaven! Rolling hills, golden sunsets, and beautiful trees that my parents planted themselves. I thought it would be so fun to celebrate my parents’ marriage on the land they’ll live on forever, and so I chatted with my mom about doing a little “vow-renewel session,” or simply an anniversary session. We found a dress (two, actually!), and they both wrote letters to each other that were beautifully transcribed by Samantha of Wondrous Whimsy. Here’s what my mom had to share about the experience…

“We didn’t really have plans to actually re-new our vows, just to celebrate a milestone anniversary. When Michelle suggested we re-new our vows and commemorate the occasion with her beautiful photographs, we knew it was something that would mean so much to both of us. I don’t like to get dressed up. I’m more comfortable in flip flops and shorts out working in the yard. So when Michelle suggested we do this all out, I wasn’t really convinced right at first. Then we went dress shopping. In 1985, we got married in a registrars office while living overseas in England, it was a very small affair with a few friends, and I didn’t have a wedding dress for the occasion. So when we initially went to shop for a dress, I wasn’t planning on a long fancy anything. Then I put on the dress and immediately it brought tears to my eyes… And to Michelle’s. You can say you never had those dreams of a beautiful dress, that you’re not into that kind of girly thing, BUT…. I felt so special in that dress. Then there is hair and makeup. I had never had my hair and make up ‘done’ before, but I allowed myself the indulgence, and it was truly magical. Not that the makeup made me look different, it was so natural it looked like me, but the difference was it lasted all day, my hair stayed in place forever, and in pictures it looked so flawless… God has blessed my husband and I with two beautiful children and a wonderful son in law. But even before that, He blessed us with each other. Over the past 30+ years, He has kept us strong in each other. Life is too busy. It was so amazing to be still for a moment in time and celebrate God’s blessings in our marriage and in our family, and to have all of them there with us meant so much to us. I am very blessed to have a daughter whose heart is bigger than the sky and who is so passionate about what she does. I am also blessed to have a daughter who also happens to be a photographer. You never know where this life will take you, but through her photographs, we will remember the love and commitment my husband and I have for each other and the beautiful blessings of family.” –Missy

Photographing this session reminded me, yet again, of how important it is to celebrate your family. It was an absolute joy to spend time with my parents, and to allow them to just celebrate what an accomplishment 31 years is! This is a day I will never forget.

Photography: Michelle Boyd Photography | Florals: Bristol Lane Florals | Hair & Makeup: Crown of Glory | Calligraphy: Wondrous Whimsy | Wedding & Evening Gowns: BHLDN

Someone recently asked me if I would have done anything different on my wedding day. The only thing? I would have hired a cinematographer. I love, love, love my wedding photos, don’t get me wrong—but there’s something so wonderful about having the laughter and happy tears in motion too, and this film from Reel Eyes Media hits it home. High School sweethearts surround by their friends and family (and bridal party of 16!)—what more could you ask for?

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From the Bride… Robbie and I went to the same high school in Fresno and had a few classes together. We engaged in playful banter, but outside of math class, we didn’t really hang out. Robbie was a year older (and cooler) and graduated before I did. We didn’t see each other for 12 years.

We “remet” in 2012 at a mutual friend’s party in San Francisco. We happened to both be with dates, but we basically just fell in love with each other and ended up leaving together! We had a long distance relationship for a year and half, before Robbie made the big move out of his hometown that he’d never left so we could be together.

Robbie and I fell for each other because of our adventurous personalities and zest for life, we think we’re a team of explorers. Holly Farm is beautifully overgrown with a jungle/garden feel with many nooks to get lost and wander in. It’s truly a magical experience. You step into another world. We chose Carmel as a location because that was our first weekend away and where Robbie first said I love you to me (we’d been dating three weeks!).

We’re both amazed by space exploration so we used table names such as “Rocket Man” and “Cosmic Rays”. We had a draw your own constellation chart as a “guest book”, a telescope, and globe. We used antique candelabras to go along the long tables with long garlands for a midnight summer’s dream feel.

On the bar we had a sign that read “What’s Your Spirit Animal?” to inspire conversation. And an Alice and Wonderland Quote on display that read “Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.” Colors were all over the place actually. Just all bright and uplifting (mainly blues, greens and yellows), which is what we were going for. The ceremony musicians played the theme song from Pride and Prejudice when I walked down the aisle. Overall, we were going for wild and beautiful!

We had our closest friends from childhood, high school, college and beyond. I had a bridal party of 10 with my little sister as my maid of honor. Robbie had six groomsmen with his little brother as the best man. They both gave hilarious killer speeches! My grandfather and I danced together, one of my favorite moments. Everyone had blast, drank and ate a lot, (the churro bar was out of this world!)

Photography: Michelle Warren Photography | Videography: Reel Eyes Media | Coordination: Swoon California | Florist: Laughing Gal Floral | Wedding Dress: Katie May | Cake: Layers Sensational Cakes | Catering: La Creme | Hair and Makeup: Julissa Garcia & The Refinery | DJ: DJ Antonio | Grooms Attire: Calvin Klein | Officiant: Brian Lyke | Wedding Venue: Holly Farm | Hair/Makeup: Kim Larson | Paper Products : Lucky To Be In Love | Wedding Veil: Untamed Petals

This celebration is the epitome of dreamy garden wedding with the prettiest color scheme to boot. It evokes all the beauty of Fall with lush, layered blooms by Amanda Burnette, garland infused everything, cozy, family-style tablescapes and loads of gorgeous imagery by Ashley Cox Photography. See why Fall weddings are some of our absolute favorites with even more in the vault.

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From the Bride… Ross and I met at a mutual friend’s going away party here in DC, in early August 2014. He had sauntered over to our group to chat with our friend about her upcoming trip to Zimbabwe and pretty soon it was just the two of us talking and flirting for the rest of the evening. Right away I was charmed by his wit, intelligence, and adorable accent (he’s South African). Not much has changed! A year and a half later, as 2015 started to come to a close, we began talking more earnestly about what kind of wedding we’d like and both felt that an intimate garden wedding seemed to fit our style best – someplace home-like, where guests could stay the night and chat into the wee hours of the morning. We wanted it to feel like a retreat, with some fun activities planned (hello wine tour!) as well as free time to relax. When we visited The Clifton Inn, outside of Charlottesville, we knew it was the perfect fit for us – an easy distance from DC, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, with an understated elegance and romantic charm. We wanted everything to feel natural but not overdone, and kept that theme in mind when deciding on the other details – from our simple and classic wedding attire, the lush and loose floral design, and a family-style meal served on long king tables. Like any modern bride, I definitely referenced Pinterest for ideas, but once the overall look was established, left many of the details in the capable hands of our amazing vendors. Early on I knew that I wanted to teach myself calligraphy and create all of the wedding paper products, from envelope addressing to the seating chart. The invitation design was a family affair – Ross and I collaborated on the invitation design and his talented mother created the custom watercolor for us, which we used throughout the wedding. However, what I didn’t expect in learning calligraphy was a love for the craft that has grown and developed into a new business for us! One of the more special and bittersweet moments of the day was walking down the aisle with my mom. My father passed away when I was in college, and having my mom next to me was both a moment that reflected our strong relationship, as well as kept him in my thoughts as I went to marry the love of my life. We honored my father in the ceremony by talking about his kind spirit and love of horticulture, which seemed duly appropriate as we said our ‘I do’s’ in the garden. The result was an unforgettable day that perfectly reflected us and our loving community of friends and family.

Photography: Ashley Cox Photography | Floral Design: Amanda Burnette | Wedding Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Hair + Makeup: Daphne Latham | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Wedding Venue: The Clifton Inn | Bridesmaids Dress: Reformation | Bridesmaids' Dress: Asos | Calligraphy + Design: Lacquer | Month of Coordination: Rachael McKenzie Events

There’s saying “I do” in paradise, and then there’s saying “I do” at Morada Bay in the Florida Keys. The former is always awesome, but the latter? It will rock your wedding world. From the crystal blue ocean backdrop to the uber-talented staff to the laid-back charm that bursts from every moment, this is a place where celebrating your nuptials is the epitome of dreamy. Scroll to learn more.

Located in the heart of Islamorada, Florida, Morada Bay is the sort of casually elegant resort you and your special someone have been looking for. From their amazing restaurant options (hello, Morada Bay Beach Cafe and Pierre’s Restaurant & Lounge) to their talented staff to their luxurious accommodations you’ll never want to leave, Morada Bay is that sweet locale where everything you’ve ever wanted really and truly becomes reality. I’m talking “I do’s” with your toes in the sand followed up by a seaside reception with the salty breeze in your hair. It’s absolute magic.

Whether you dream of a small, intimate celebration or something much larger, Morada Bay can accommodate you AND your guests with their stunning venue options and talented staff that happens to know everything about hosting the world’s most fabulous wedding. They’ll even refer you to the perfect vendors to make your day come together, plus walk with you step by step on the day-of to guarantee a celebration that goes off without a hitch. Oh, and did I mention the amazing weather and activities you can find in the Florida Keys? Sooo fun.

Contact Morada Bay TODAY at 305-664-8414 or events-catering@moradabay.com to start planning that wedding meets vacay of your dreams.

We learned some pretty hair tricks to get into the Valentine spirit on Friday, and now we’re ready for the finishing touches, just in time for our romantic dinner date this evening. In the spirt of all things sweet, this “Chocolate Smokey Eye” tutorial by Face Time Beauty Concierge is the perfect little piece to amp up your look for a special celebration. You Look Lovely Photography captured it all step-by-step, making it as easy as can be… now, if only your chocolate souffle plans were as simple…

Some people opt to do a smokey eye before any other makeup is completed but we actually prefer to begin with a completed face before starting a smokey eye. It is much easier for us to envision how heavy the smokey eye should be if we are able to consider the perfected complexion. In this tutorial, we started with a “completed” face and have swept a soft layer of translucent powder over the eyelid for blending purposes.

Sweep a tan/beige over the entire lid and a bit above the crease. Be sure to choose a color that is not too dark. A beige hue with a hint of pink can brighten up the eye and be a great base.

Pick a darker brown (this is where the “chocolate brown” hue comes in handy) and focus on the sideways “v” of the eye in the outer corners. For example, sparingly sweep the chocolate brown from the outer corner inward and a touch above the crease line and then brush back to the outer point of the “v” and down towards the lash line. This gives the eye definition and depth.

If needed, grab the soft beige or tan color used in step #2 to soften the chocolate brown (this is helpful if you want to soften the look). Also, use a gold or silver tone (the brighter you go, the more contrast) right in the center of the lid to reflect light for illumination.

Use the chocolate brown shadow to create a soft, smokey line on the bottom lash line. Be sure to blend this so the powder disperses and the line does not read too harsh. Draw a thin line of black or deep brown kohl liner on top lash line and use a brush to blend (we love the eyeliner by the new Estee Lauder line, Estee Edit). The idea is to get the darkest hue closest to the lash line and then for the depth of color to disperse as it gets closer to the brow.

Photography: You Look Lovely Photography | Hair + Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Venue: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Flower Crowns: Crowns By Christy | Robes: Girl and A Serious Dream

Valentine’s Day is kind of a big deal around this corner of the Internet, and there’s no better way to kick off this day o’ love than a wildly romantic bridal session. With Paris playing backdrop, Kristin Sweeting’s images prove you don’t have to wear a white dress to look (and feel) every bit the bride. Hop to the gallery for more glimpses of this red hot bridal session done right.

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P.S. How to Celebrate Valentine’s This Year!

Valentine's Date Ideas

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Valentine's Date Ideas

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Photography: Kristin Sweeting Photography | Dress/Jacket: Leanne Marshall | Invites: Olive Juice Press

A french inspired fête in the middle of Texas? Yes, please! This beauty blends two cultures in the prettiest of ways with a stunning color palette and details that have the feel of an alfresco affair in France. Planned and designed by Lindsey Zamora, along with gorgeous florals by Pollen Events and all that beauty captured by Becca Lea, hop on over to the vault for so much more.

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From the Event Designer… It is always my goal to create and plan an event that is uniquely personal to my clients as a couple. Catherine and Vishal hired me about nine months prior to their wedding because Catherine was feeling overwhelmed, as most brides do, about the wedding planning process. This multi cultural Indian/American wedding was more American in style but it was still important to my clients to bring in some traditional Indian elements. Nature and the outdoors were very important and we found a private residence to host their event. The Wedding took place during the Fall season in Texas. When Catherine and I had our creative meeting, she told me about her dream of an outdoor fete that was “very French”. She gravitated towards dusty blue and blush colors, which seemed a bit spring, in my opinion. After some deliberation we decided that pops of cranberry would accent the color palette well and fit in with the Fall season. Deep red also a symbolizes love in Indian weddings which was a great way to infuse the two cultures together a bit more. After months of designing, planning and much anticipation Catherine and Vishal were married under the most beautiful floral chandelier in front of 120 friends and family. They later dinned, laughed and danced the night away under festoon lights. Both, Catherine and Vishal are such beautiful people both inside and out and I so loved working with them to plan and design their wedding day!

Photography: Becca Lea Photography | Event Planning + Design: Lindsey Zamora | Floral Design: Pollen Events | Wedding Dress: Truvelle | Cake: The Cake Guys | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaid dresses: Donna Morgan | Catering: Urban Crust | Hair and Makeup : Q Makeup & Hair Artistry | DJ: Le Force Entertainment | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Officiant: Alternative Wedding Services | Bridal Boutique : a&be bridal shop | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Ring Dishes: Luca & James

It’s no secret that we fully embrace all things pink at Style Me Pretty year round. But when Valentine’s Day comes around? We like to take it up a notch. From the prettiest blush wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses to bouquets and cakes. And today, we’re adding shoes to the list. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

Pretty in Pink Shoes

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Pretty in Pink Shoes

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When all is said and done, your wedding day is going to be one of the best days of your life — you’ve got the man (or woman), you’ve got the dress, and you’ve got every little detail planned to perfection. And because you don’t want to look back on the big day with any regrets, we’re sharing the advice of real brides and grooms who took to Reddit to keep others from making the same mistakes.

“I regret being so stressed out during the planning process… at the end of the day the whole thing turned out perfect. I also regret never wanting a wedding in the first place. My husband was the one who wanted the ceremony and reception and I just wanted a city hall ceremony and dinner after. So glad we went when my husbands choice because I loved every minute of that day.” —baby_blue_bird

“I wish I had asked the officiant to tell people to put their cellphones away. We have so many lovely shots of the ceremony but in every one there are people in the background holding up cellphones so you can’t see their faces.” — alexgodden

“I think I would have rather taken our $1,000 that we put into it and gone on a mini vacation.” —RealHipsterGlasses

“I regret letting my stress show during the wedding. No one would… listen and I was really bad at hiding how frustrated I was. And I regret trying SO HARD to stay exactly on schedule and fix things myself that I missed time with guests.” —awfulatmakingnames

“Getting so worked up right before the ceremony. I hardly remember a thing about it because I was so close to fainting through half of it. Take a breath, take another. Don’t rush around trying to get everyone in the right place because something will mess up. It’s going to happen, and the sooner you accept that, the less of a big deal it seems.” —Majikone

“I regret not asking for help during the planning process. If people want to help, let them and trust them to get it done. I can be a bit controlling with this stuff so no one wanted to get in my way so I needed to let people in more instead of feeling alone and stressed.” —mickeyfartpants

“The stress, the fights, the silliness but also not standing up more for myself. But when it came down to it everything was perfect looked great and those stupid things didn’t matter, just caused issues for the future. But thankfully I married the right man and he stands by me.” —atibabykt

“Not a bride but a recent groom. I regret not having the priest not announcing ‘No photography’ at the beginning of the service. We have some awesome shots ruined by people sticking their heads out in the isle while she was walking down.” —incubus512

“I wish I would have broken in my shoes. They were flats, so I didn’t think they needed breaking in, but by 10pm (after wearing them for 7 hours) they started forming a blister on my heel.” —Use_the_Loofah

“Shit went to hell at my wedding… My regret? That I didn’t say fuck it and get super drunk like the rest of them and just enjoyed it. All I look back on is what went wrong, all the guests look back on is what a party it was. And my dress. Dang thing was too poofy.” —Kcolby

They say find the venue first and the rest will fall into place. So now that you’ve signed on the dotted line for the world’s coolest spot to throw a wedding, it’s time to focus on the most important piece of clothing you’ll ever wear: your dress. But how do you narrow down the look that will work best with your locale? Well, Madison James is here to help. Think rich new fabrics + unique designs that are perfect for you, no matter your venue style. Scroll for tips on choosing the right one.

GLAM HOTEL IN THE CITY

We’re never ones to turn down an invitation to a fabulous city wedding and when it comes to the detail we love the most, hands down, it’s the gown. Go for something seriously striking from The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James, like a mermaid style with contrasting beadwork, a ruffled tapered skirt with an illusion lace neckline or a feminine number (hello, keyhole back) that really shows off your curves.

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SEASIDE AFFAIR

We’re all for saying “I do” with our toes in the sand, but just because the waves are crashing nearby doesn’t mean you can’t get your fancy on.  For destination soirees, try a style from The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James that is equal parts chic AND minimalistic, so that the true beauty of the landscape – and YOU! – can really stand out.

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GLITZY BALLROOM

You may be one part boho chic lady and one part traditional enthusiast, but now that you’ve chosen a luxe ballroom to celebrate your nuptials, really focusing on a look that embodies all of that glitzy glamour is key. The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James are chock-full of fabulous options, but we suggest a mermaid silhouette with ruffles galore to really make a statement.

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VINTAGE MANSION

Vintage-inspired nuptials are all about the pretty details, so now that you’ve found that Jane Austen-esque mansion perfect for your “I do’s”, we’re all about finding a gown that is covered in soft french lace and boasts subtle, yet drop-dead gorgeous touches. Think crystal beading and delicate straps and you are sooo on the right track. (Hint: The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James have all of that.)

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GARDEN PARTY

Tying the knot surrounded by beautiful flowers is the equivalent of a modern day fairy tale, but the awe-inspiring surroundings shouldn’t be the only thing that leaves your guests talking. With the new Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James, you’ll find a whole host of amazing gowns that will work perfectly, but we’re totally on board with a haute couture design dripping in beautiful flowers with a stunning architectural train.

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PREPPY COUNTRY CLUB

Preppy country club weddings? Sort of our jam here at SMP. And when it comes to choosing a gown for those traditional meets stripe-filled celebrations, we say stick with the classics. Think anything from A-line beauties to sweet flowy numbers to fab fit and flares. Our fave? A silky smooth Mikado gown with a breathtaking trumpet skirt from The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James… it’s awesome.

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Whether you plan on celebrating in grand style on a rooftop in the city or simply want to say “I do” to the one you love while feeling the warm ocean breeze in your hair, The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James have a venue-perfect gown that will make your hearts sooo happy. Head to Madison James today to find your dream gown… you’re going to love them all.