Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

Modern Romance and a Soft Summer Palette at Villa Quintieri

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This elegant wedding embraced a romantic, garden-inspired color story, where soft pastel hues melded seamlessly with natural elements. The foundation of crisp whites and creams was elevated by ethereal touches of sage green and delicate blush pink, creating an atmosphere of refined sophistication. Gentle touches of powder blue added a subtle contrast, while lush greenery wove throughout the design, bringing an organic freshness to the palette. The overall effect was one of timeless grace, with each shade thoughtfully chosen to complement the venue’s natural beauty and create a harmonious, sophisticated celebration.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

This wedding embodied timeless elegance with a modern romantic twist, featuring thoughtfully curated details that created an intimate, garden-inspired celebration. The design seamlessly blended classic elements with fresh, contemporary touches – from the sophisticated seating chart display using a vintage-style bookshelf adorned with delicate vines to the refined reception space where white chiavari chairs and crisp linens met organic floral arrangements. The overall aesthetic maintained an air of understated luxury while feeling warm and inviting. The attention to detail was evident in every element, from the intricate lace of the bride’s gown to the carefully styled tablescapes featuring layered place settings with sage napkins and elegant glassware. Romantic lighting and abundant white florals created an ethereal atmosphere, while architectural details of the venue provided a stunning backdrop that enhanced the sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance. The vision prioritized creating an environment that felt both elevated and intimate, where classic wedding traditions were interpreted with a fresh, contemporary perspective while maintaining the timeless elegance that never goes out of style.

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This exquisite wedding gown embodies timeless elegance with its intricate geometric lace patterns that cascade from shoulder to hem. The form-fitting silhouette gracefully follows the bride’s shape before subtly flaring at the bottom, creating a stunning visual flow. The dress features sophisticated long sleeves and a high neckline, while the all-over lace detailing showcases exceptional craftsmanship with its detailed motifs. A statement cathedral-length veil with delicate lace trim complements the gown perfectly, adding an extra layer of romance and grandeur to this classic yet contemporary bridal look. The combination of traditional elements with modern styling creates a gown that feels both timeless and fresh, photographed beautifully against the historic architectural setting.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The culinary experience celebrated the finest flavors of Italian Mediterranean cuisine, centering on exquisitely prepared fresh seafood. The menu embodied coastal elegance, featuring delicate fish preparations that highlighted the natural flavors of the Mediterranean. Drawing inspiration from Italy’s seaside traditions, each dish showcased the perfect marriage of simplicity and sophistication that defines Italian coastal dining. The freshness of the sea was complemented by seasonal ingredients and classic Mediterranean accompaniments, creating an elevated yet authentic dining experience that transported guests to the Italian Riviera.

The wedding celebration featured an exquisite wine selection highlighting Matina and Mantonico, two distinguished varieties native to Calabria, Italy. These rare and prestigious wines offered guests a genuine taste of the region’s rich viticultural heritage. The Mantonico, an ancient grape variety known for its elegant complexity and golden hue, provided a sophisticated complement to the Mediterranean seafood menu, while the Matina added another layer of local authenticity to the dining experience. This thoughtfully curated wine selection showcased the couple’s appreciation for regional Italian wine traditions and their attention to creating an elevated culinary experience.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The wedding’s floral design masterfully balanced timeless elegance with organic romance, featuring a sophisticated white and green color palette throughout. Towering gold stands adorned the church entrance, crowned with lush arrangements of white hydrangeas, roses, and cascading greenery, while classic white lanterns lined the aisle. The reception space was transformed by dramatic elevated centerpieces on golden pedestals, creating an ethereal garden atmosphere. The sweetheart table showcased an artfully crafted cascade of cream roses and silver dollar eucalyptus that draped elegantly over crisp white linens. A creative seating chart display married form and function, featuring a white lattice structure adorned with delicate bud vases, each holding a single rose tied with blush ribbon, interwoven with climbing ivy. The overall design achieved a perfect harmony between classic Italian architecture and fresh, garden-inspired elements, creating an atmosphere of refined romance that felt both grand and intimately welcoming.

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The elegant three-tiered wedding cake by Turassina perfectly embodied the wedding’s refined aesthetic. Each tier featured a romantic, textured buttercream finish with organic, wave-like patterns that created a sense of movement and artistry. Fresh white garden roses and eucalyptus were thoughtfully placed between the tiers, echoing the wedding’s overall floral design. The cake was beautifully displayed under a canopy of cascading white wisteria and twinkling lights, creating an enchanting garden atmosphere. The clean white-on-white design with touches of fresh greenery struck the perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern sophistication, while the artisanal texturing technique demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship that elevated this classic confection into a true centerpiece of the celebration.

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Petit Bouquet

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Pierpaolo Perri

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Sunshine and Delicate Pastels by the Meadow at Van Dusen Gardens

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Shades of purple and soft pink complement the greenery in the garden. Creamy yellow to bring a touch of brightness and fun.

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It is a summer afternoon in the meadow with beautiful greenery and flowers. Sunny and delicate pastel colours reflect the happiness of the summer season.

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Nicole Couture

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]3 different colours and styles from Birdy Grey [/field]
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There were canapes passed around during cocktail hour and open bar throughout the night. There were special local beers that were specially chosen by our groom. All the food and drinks were provided by Savoury City, a caterer that focuses on seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. They create beautiful, bespoke menus in a relaxed elegance style.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The bridal bouquet was done in the color palette with plenty of unique blooms and textures. A natural and relaxed design, complete with a beautiful yellow silk ribbon. Bridesmaids’ florals and boutonnieres are also designed to complete the bridal bouquet. The ceremony took place at Heron Lake, right under a large, majestic willow tree. We chose to have ground florals in a semi-curved shape to complement the surrounding beauty. The aisle was also filled with tall floral arrangements to create a dreamy and natural look to surround guests with florals. For the reception, we brought the botanical garden indoors with plenty of florals for each table. For the head table, we chose to create a simple greenery design for a natural touch and surrounded the front with plenty of tall floral arrangements.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Our couple loves food, but they especially love donuts, so they wanted to have donuts instead of their wedding cake. They had a tower of donut cake with a small special cake as the topper. The cake was made by Cake by Giraffe and looked identical to the plushy cartoon that is extra special to the groom and bride.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Our couple are avid bakers and love food. As a special touch, they hand made cookies for all their guests and also included a special hand written note for everyone. [/field]
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As part of their love for donuts, they wanted to make sure their guests had something extra sweet to bring home. We had their donut bags customized for their special day so guests could leave with some as a late night snack.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Instead of the traditional bouquet toss, it was a plushie toss instead. Not only were the guests happily surprised at this unique touch, the kids were especially enthusiastic about joining in the game. [/field]
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A Modern Summer Wedding at a Royal Palace in Portugal

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Green accents were woven seamlessly throughout the day, from the verdant room where the bride prepared to the stunning gardens of Queluz Palace, with touches of green gracing every detail—from the groom’s refined accessories and the vintage car that carried the bride to the ceremony, to the fresh green fruits that adorned the table decor Florals were designed with pastel ice cream colors with vivid accents that were in harmony with bridesmaids mismatched dresses. The dinner table decor had green and white colors as a base with a few blush-pink details and special blue place names, a nod to the iconic Portuguese tiles that adorned the palace.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Mary and Oye, a Nigerian couple living in the United Kingdom, chose the Palácio Nacional de Queluz in Portugal as the venue for their wedding. With its stunning architecture and rich history, the palace was the perfect setting for a sophisticated and elegant celebration. The planning process took a year and involved visits to Portugal as well as remote meetings. Despite the distance, the connection with local vendors was crucial to creating a unique and personalized event. Mary and Oye wanted a celebration that was both intimate and grand, blending Portuguese culture with their Nigerian heritage. The couple wanted to keep the feeling of the wedding timeless, adjusting to Palácio de Queluz as the backdrop but making it a bit more interesting and contemporary. The bride chose modern yet classy flower arrangements. Fresh fruit sculptures for the dinner table decor added a contemporary twist to the regal setting.

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Unfortunately, they did not want to share the story of the proposal. Their celebration in Portugal came after their traditional Nigerian wedding celebration that they had had before. The couple is from the UK. They have exquisite taste and are both very interested in modern art, which was felt throughout the ceremony. The wedding was a fusion of Nigerian and Portuguese elements, with music, cuisine, and cultural details carefully chosen to represent the couple’s roots while seamlessly integrating with the historic surroundings of the Palácio de Queluz

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For the ceremony, Mary chose a timeless and elegant high-neck lace gown by Emma Beaumont atelier. The high neckline exuded a regal feel, while the long sleeves contributed to the classic aesthetic. The dress, flawlessly conturing the bride’s silhouette, combined vintage-inspired details with contemporary refinement. For the party, Mary wore her second dress: a minimal and sensual Plunging Back Cowl Dress by Mirror Palais in a buttery-ivory hue. This design embodies Mirror Palais’s signature blend of vintage inspiration and contemporary sophistication which perfectly reflected the overall concept of the wedding.

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Brides were wearing mismatched dresses from various designers, each in its unique style, in pastel and vibrant colors.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom wore a white suite with subtle green details in his accessories, such as cufflinks and cravate pattern.

It was very touching to see Mary and Oye’s initials embroidered on the groom’s shirt cuffs. Such a subtle yet nice detail. [/field]
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For the food, the couple chose local catering but Italian food. Besides, they had Nigerian food for the after-party, which was enjoyed by all the guests.

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For the ceremony, Oh Maria Flores’s team put together a walking garden, an installation that felt it belonged to the place, framing the couple with big, lush blooms in ice cream tones. For the tablescape, sculptural centre pieces were a must, with the greens and whites as the color base, but adding the fruits as a fun element and a small detail of blush pink florals. Between the centerpieces, to add a touch of creativity, Oh Maria Flores built really fun fruit sculptures, playing with different sizes, shapes, and shades of green fruit. Dinner was set outdoors, with one long dinner table for all 150 guests and the couple, with chandeliers standing along the table.

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Instead of one big wedding cake, the couple went for a more original and unique option of donuts.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

They had live music for the ceremony and cocktail hour. Quoting the bride, “Bernardo Redol” came with the guitar, loop pedal, the sax, and sensational vocals.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Mary and Oye chose Queluz National Palace as their wedding venue. Queluz Palace is a historic monument and a former royal residence, conveniently located between Sintra and Lisbon. This venue gives any wedding an exclusive and elevated feel. Mary and Oye’s wedding ceremony and reception were set amid the splendid gardens of the Queluz Palace. [/field]
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A Charming New Orleans Weddings Complete With an Iconic 1975 Bronco Getaway Car

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Whites, Creams, Blues and Greens[/field]
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Ever since the couple first toured their ceremony venue, Longue Vue House and Gardens, they knew they wanted to be married in the gardens with the beautiful architecture of the house as their backdrop. Madeline and Connor enlisted the help of Gavin Snyder Events to plan and design their wedding and to make the vision come to life. The wedding colors were inspired by the lush gardens and magnificent oak trees seen throughout the property, while contrast was created with crisp white decor and a black tie dress code. Madeline wanted it to feel like an exclusive garden party at a family estate tucked away amid the hustle and bustle of the city of New Orleans.

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The couple had plans to celebrate Connor’s birthday with friends at the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans. Madeline met him at the dock for their sunset cruise. To her surprise, when they boarded the sailboat, they were the only two on board, aside from the captain and first mate. He got on one knee on the bow of the boat and asked her to marry him.

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Madeline and her mom found her wedding dress at Carine’s Bridal Atelier in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., while visiting her little brother over Thanksgiving. She knew she wanted her dress to be timeless and romantic but still unexpected. The moment she tried on the Monique Lhullier Floral Jacquard Dres,s she knew it was the one.

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Since the wedding was outdoors, Madeline felt the aesthetic needed to be more relaxed. To accommodate that, she had each of the bridesmaids select their dress. Madeline had dreamed for their dresses to be either blue or green to fit seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and clear blue sky. The mix of silk fabrics and sequins glowed in the golden hour of the ceremony. Individually, they each looked beautiful, and as a group, it made for such stylish photos.

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Being Mississippi natives that were celebrating in New Orleans, Madeline and Connor infused both Cajun and Southern cuisine when selecting the menu. Mini Passed Beignets were the hit for wedding guests on the dance floor, and for the signature cocktails, Madeline and Connor opted for his Old Fashioned and her Aperol Spritz.

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For their ceremony, Madeline and Connor had elegant pedestals topped with all white organic florals for their altar and small arrangements as aisle markers done by local florist Leaf and Petal. We had white chivari chairs for our guests and passed out fans and parasols embellished with silk ribbons. At the reception, the bar was named after their Golden Retriever, Finn, who was a gift from Connor to Madeline for their college graduation. Signage, napkins, and more featured a drawing of Finn as a way to incorporate him into the reception.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Madeline and Connor wanted their wedding cake to be elegant and minimalist, keeping with the tone of the day. They selected a smooth texture to mimic the plaster walls of the reception venue and adorned it with flowers tucked between the tiers. The cake was cut with an heirloom silver cake knife gifted to Madeline on her first birthday to use on her wedding day.
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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The couple has Connor’s cousin and a dear friend read bible verses and Madeline’s cousin and matron of honor, sang their favorite hymn during the ceremony. All of their music during the ceremony and cocktail hour to follow was performed by a local string quartet. Madeline’s cousin’s husband sang their favorite Tyler Childer’s song, “All Your’n” for their first dance.

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Madeline’s bouquet was tied with a handkerchief belonging to her great-grandmother. A local seamstress stitched the initials of her grandmother, mother, and her new initials in each of the corners to match Madeline’s great-grandmother’s original monogram.

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The getaway car was Connor’s dream vintage car, a 1975 Bronco, which was used for local movie sets. Conveniently, the Bronco was a beautiful shade of green that seamlessly matched the color scheme. Madeline changed into a simple silk dress and scarf before the jazz band led them out to the car for their exit. It added an old Hollywood glam that was the perfect end to the night!

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The groom’s wedding band belonged to his late grandfather. Their jeweler, a friend’s father (fittingly named Friend and Co.), engraved their initials and wedding date inside the band to match his grandparents’ original engraving.

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Gavin Snyder Events

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Chapel Wedding Complete With Beautiful, Garden-Inspired Blooms and Blue Toile

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The wedding color palette featured the most stunning garden party-esque shades of dusty pinks and blues mixed with soft shades of peach, buttercup and lavender. The remainder of the wedding palette was carefully neutralized with shades of cream and champagne. Pops of gold were accented throughout the tablescapes.

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Nicole desired a modern garden party-style wedding and planner Harper Mae Events carried that through with an outdoor cocktail hour with blue toile linens, beautiful pink, peach, and blue florals throughout both the ceremony and reception, a string quartet as live entertainment, and settle candlelight during dinner. It was delivering both the outdoors and being in a lovely garden and enjoying the traditions of a classic wedding all in one.

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Nicole’s wedding gown, carefully selected at Chantilly Bridal Studio in Oklahoma City, was a beautifully beaded gown designed by Made with Love Bridal. It was a modern fit to a “modern garden party”.

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The bridesmaids each selected a style of dress representing her own personal style in the most beautiful shade of blue from Azazie. It provided by the most stunning pop of color inside the chapel as they stood by as Nicole said “I do”.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen all wore navy blue suits.[/field]
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Cocktail hour included margaritas (refreshing indeed!), crown and cokes (a perfect detail for the groom!), and espresso martinis (oh how fun and tasty!). Guests also indulged in some light culinary treats featuring sweet chili grilled shrimp with avocado-radish slaw, whipped goat cheese and prosciutto on herbed crostini, and of course, a fan favorite, fried chicken and waffles with a sriracha honey glaze. Guests then feasted on a scrumptious combo plate of king salmon and cab top sirloin. The featured sides included mac n’ cheese, roasted vegetables, and homemade rolls.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The chapel at Glass Chapel needs very little decoration to make it beautiful, it stands on its own. However, garden weddings must have their florals! We used a split arch for the alter and then reutilized it to frame the sweetheart table at the reception along with the aisle ground pieces. The venues reception space was the perfect blank canvas to incorporate both color and texture. The tables were comprised of either stunning compote arrangements from The French Bouquet (those peonies though!) or a bud vase runner. All of the place settings remained the same to ensure “modern” was carried throughout.[/field]
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The wedding cake design is a perfect blend of classic, whimsy, and modern. Adorned with pastel garden blooms and one of the bottom tiers featuring icing work. It’s flavors were strawberry, white cake, marble and chocolate. The groom himself chose red velvet for his own personal cake! Fun fact: the wedding cake sat on a lace overlay that belonged to Nicole’s grandmother (1940’s) and was display at both Nicole and her mother’s weddings!

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The bride walked down the aisle to a string version “At Last” performed by a string quartet and the couple walked right back up the aisle as husband and wife to “A Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, Tulsa String Quartet did both so beautifully!

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Completing the garden theme of the day, the couple departed in a 1952 Bentley MK VI.

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Nicole had a custom hand-painted bottle of Veuve Cliquot champagne that matched her wedding suite, it was stunning in both flatlays and on the cake table for added decoration. At the time of the cake cutting, Nicole & Jameson decided to pop it to segway into toasts. It popped AND WENT EVERYWHERE. It was such a fun memory!

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]During cocktail hour, guests got to enjoy some beautiful May weather on the patio while sipping cocktails, loving the passed appetizers available to try, and listening to a string quartet play. A variety of seating was added to ensure guests could be comfy as possible.[/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Petit Bouquet

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A Glamorous Wedding in Italy: Stylish Grooms and an Elegant Affair at Villa Pellegrini

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Ivory Light blue Dusty rose Black

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Matteo and Mattia’s wedding day spread the energy of a glamorous celebration. The day was filled with love, joy, and beauty. Every detail was designed to enhance the historical charm of Villa Pellegrini. From the grooms’ futuristic attire to the elegant table settings, the celebration embodied classic elegance, enriched with original touches.

Natasha, the brilliant mind behind Sartoria Chiodi, crafted three stunning looks for the grooms. For the ceremony, they wore striking ivory suits with original cuts, showing a futuristic glamour. For the reception, they changed into classic black tuxedos for a timelessly elegant look. As the night unfolded, a bold third outfit revealed another side of their personalities: playful, edgy, and undeniably chic!

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Matteo’s proposal to Mattia was nothing short of magical, but it wasn’t the first! One year into their relationship, Mattia proposed first! Matteo wasn’t ready yet, so they carried on the relationship. Seven years later, Matteo chose the luxury Hotel Villa Cortile in Sirmione to bring things full circle with a surprise proposal. They spent a romantic weekend there, and the unexpected moment blew away Mattia!

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The bridesmaids wear silky dusty rose dresses, each uniquely tailored to enhance their beauty.

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Groomsmen wear a sophisticated edge in light blue, one in a classic tuxedo and the other standing out with silky sleeves and a unique neckline.

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The wedding featured an authentic Italian culinary experience, from the aperitivo to the reception dinner, and each dish was paired with exquisite wines.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Anneris Flower Farm elevated the Villa’s gardens with their elegant floral arrangements. Light-colored blooms in soft pink and orange tones matched the fashion-forward vibe of the wedding, blending romantic elegance with a contemporary touch.[/field]
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La Fabrique crafted a masterpiece of a wedding cake: a creamy-white, multi-tiered cake adorned with intricate, classic designs. Its elegance was enhanced by the soft glow of surrounding candles and flowers, and the twinkling lights in the background.

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The grooms’ handwritten vows made everyone cry! Live music sets the tone of each part of the day, from the soft classical melodies during the ceremony to the lively band at the reception, to the DJ set to dance all night long!

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The groom’s outfits were glamorous, unique, and impeccably tailored. From bold modernity and classic elegance to an edgy party look, each of them perfectly matched and revealed different sides of their personality.

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The imperial table was a vision of refined elegance, adorned with lush floral arrangements and unique props. Artisanal glassware from Burano and light pink plates with space for the guest’s name. Every detail was the perfect blend of tradition, glamour, and creativity.

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Every detail was carefully curated to create a dreamlike atmosphere. Cozy lounge areas, luxurious sofas, and sitting corners invited guests to relax and immerse themselves in the Villa’s enchanting beauty. The decor harmonized with the historic setting, creating an unforgettable, magical experience.

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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Petit Bouquet

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A Summer Wedding Infused With Whimsical Charm in Lowcountry

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The ultimate summer garden party is what the couple dreamed of! While a beautiful sage green was the main anchor hue, the ceremony and reception florals boasted lavender, pinks, yellows, and peaches!

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The couple’s home is a bright and colorful place, and they wanted to reflect that on their wedding day! They also wanted to make sure that the design choices complemented the environment they were in. To that end, Monica & Hugh found themselves drawn to colorful and diverse flowers, elegant touches, and sage-green details.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Monica and Hugh met at Yale, where he helped her with her homework in the class “Structure of Networks”. Hugh originally planned to propose on a trip to Charleston. Unfortunately, the plans that he made for that day fell through, and he scrambled to propose in their home of Birmingham, Alabama. Hugh enlisted the help of his brother and friends to set up stations to visit, and Hugh called every limo company he could to secure a luxury ride. Hugh convinced Monica to get her nails done and to wear the right dress under the pretense of a night out, but the secret was spilled when their “Uber” pulled up. The only vehicle Hugh could get on short notice was a stretch Hummer! What followed was a night starting with a proposal in Railroad Park followed by champagne in a garden, dinner, and a party with friends.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The Bride chose a stunning Monique L’Huillier gown for the ceremony. It was perfect for this elegant celebration![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids selected their own dresses based off of the Bride’s floral color palette! This resulted in selections that embody whimsy and a true southern garden celebration.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The Groom and groomsmen chose sleek and sophisticated black tuxedos by design institution Brioni! [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Charleston, SC is one of the hottest culinary destination in the United States! Monica & Hugh wanted to make sure that the menu allotted guests to experience the best that the south has to offer in this regard! The menu included buttermilk fried chicken, seared scallops, truffle gnocchi, and petite filets. The night concluded with the ultimate late night combination of milkshakes and french fries!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The floral design was executed by Festoon Charleston![/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The custom design was brought to life by Jim Smeal of Cakes by Jim Smeal.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Instead of toasts, the Bride and Groom included a book within the guest welcome gifts that was comprised of handwritten well wishes from their bridal party and family members!

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Monica and Hugh did not set out to have a destination wedding. The truth is that they have lived in 5 different cities in the past 6 years, and without firm roots set anywhere, they decided on Charleston, where Hugh had originally planned to propose. Luckily, it also served as a convenient middle ground for all of their family and friends, many of whom were scattered between Boston, New York, and Birmingham.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Bold, Vibrant Blooms at Baja Luna in Cabo San Lucas

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Bold, vibrant colors paired with neutrals.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

We wanted our wedding to feel like a party the moment you walked in. Our venue was a stunning mango orchard in Cabo, and we wanted our wedding colors to reflect the landscape. Bold, vibrant colors paired with neutrals to keep it from being overwhelming. I work as a graphic designer, so I got to design all of our wedding stationery and signage, which was fun. I used the pattern on my wedding dress as a design element on our signage and invitations, which was a unique touch.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Tom proposed at our favorite park in Seattle that overlooks the Puget and the Olympic Mountains. He then surprised me by taking me to our favorite brewery where all our friends and family from across the country were there to celebrate with us!
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

A-line gown with full floral lace detailing. From Madi Lane.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Wanted to keep the bridesmaid dresses neutral since their bouquets were going to be super colorful. I gave them multiple styles to choose from but they all ended up picking the same one! [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Tom wore a sage green linen suit that was lightweight enough to wear in the Cabo heat. The green suit paired really nicely with all the greenery of our venue.[/field]
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Some of the best food we’ve had in Mexico we had at our wedding. Baja Luna’s culinary team is INSANE. We’ve had multiple guests say all wedding food is now a disappointment in comparison. We had an open bar in addition to two specialty cocktails. One was made with mangoes grown on the venue property.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

We wanted our florals to be colorful and architectural. I made a mood board and a mockup of what I wanted them to look like, and our florist, Kamala Floral Design, absolutely exceeded anything I could have imagined. Continuing with the theme, our decor featured bright pops of color mixed with neutrals and natural elements like wood and rattan. I wanted the table decor to feel fun yet romantic. The first thing I picked was the two-toned napkin, which I was obsessed with. Everything else was designed around it. We had a cute lounge by the bar that people could sit at, although most people were on the dance floor, so it was barely used!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

We had a small wedding cake (carrot cake, our favorite) that we cut but we also had an ice cream bar with homemade ice cream and a bunch of different toppings that was a huge hit.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]An instrumental version “Sweet Disposition” by the Temper Trap was the song both the wedding party and I walked down the aisle to. I worked with our DJ to extend the instrumental beginning to be long enough for the wedding party to walk, and then I started walking down when the beat picked up. Not a super traditional wedding song but I loved it!
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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Beer Burro to welcome guests to cocktail hour. Our guests loved taking photos with him! A cardboard cutout of our dog was placed by the seating chart. At one point, the cutout made it out on the dance floor, which was a big hit. Tequila Shot Seating Chart Our wedding date was 11.11. We chose this date because ever since we started dating, Tom has texted me 11:11 almost every day at 11:11. I embroidered 11:11 in blue on the lining of my dress as my “something blue”. Tom also had it embroidered on his shirt sleeve cuff. Both of my parents walked me down the aisle, which was special. My brother was also the officiant, so it was a family affair! I woke up the morning of our wedding with the Norovirus. I was incredibly sick all day! Barf bags were hidden in the flower bouquets. It also hit Tom in the middle of taking pictures (hence the pedialyte cocktails). It was a big hiccup, but we still had the most amazing day!

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Anna Gomes Photo

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Petit Bouquet

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Baja Luna

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Colorful Destination Wedding in Greece at Cotton Club Zakynthos

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The wedding was a vibrant celebration of color, blending white, fuchsia, orange, yellow, pink, and lush greenery. The venue, a club, was transformed into a fairy-tale botanical garden, with a mix of hues creating a dreamy and magical atmosphere. It was a feast for the eyes, as the colors and natural beauty made the setting feel enchanting and otherworldly.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Two years before their engagement, Charley and Rob visited Zakynthos with their extended family. They fell in love with the island’s relaxed vibe, the perfect weather, the warmth of the locals, and, of course, the incredible Greek food. It was a memorable trip that made the island even more special when they returned to get engaged.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Rob and Charley first met abroad at the wedding of mutual friends. Rob received a last-minute invitation and ended up sitting at the same table as Charley, a moment Charley now sees as fate. Less than a year later, they got engaged on the beautiful island of Zakynthos. After the proposal, they celebrated the special moment at the Cotton Club. Charley and Rob recalls that once they’d been there, no other venue could compare.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Charley fell in love with a dress called “Paradise” by the renowned designer Eva LENDEL. Although it was hard to find in the UK due to its limited availability in only a few stores, Charley felt it was worth the journey to track it down. She explained that she chose the dress because she wanted to sparkle in the sun on her special day.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]All the bridesmaids wore matching fuchsia dresses in the same style. The little ones had dresses with added details, including bows, but still in the same vibrant color, creating a cohesive and coordinated look.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Rob was looking chic in his white Herbie Frogg suit, exuding both class and style. He complemented the look perfectly with Charley, who, in her own elegant way, made a stunning pair with him. Together, they made a fashionable duo, turning heads wherever they went.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Charley and Rob have a deep love for international cuisine, and their wedding menu reflected that. For starters, they served salmon ceviche, followed by tender beef sirloin. For dessert, they chose a delicious Pavlova. Before the ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks from an open bar, offering refreshing Greek Mythos beer, sparkling wine, and fancy cocktails. The mix of flavors and drinks added to the festive and global atmosphere of their celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The flowers for Charley and Rob’s wedding were designed by the talented Katerina from Fiorentinos Flowers and Events. The couple requested vibrant colors, opting for a mix-and-match approach that perfectly matched the lively, colorful theme of their day. The floral arrangements added to the overall magical, fairy-tale atmosphere of the celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Charley and Rob opted for a stunning champagne tower. Rob took on the role of master of ceremonies, opening the bottles of champagne with a dramatic flourish—using a huge silver sword. The unique twist added an extra touch of excitement and flair to their celebration, perfectly in line with the couple’s vibrant and adventurous spirit.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Rob and Charley had an incredible live musician, saxophonist Yorgos Lekkas from Saxvibrations. His soulful music set the perfect tone and transformed the atmosphere, turning their celebration into an unforgettable party. The melodies added a touch of sophistication while keeping the energy high, making it a night to remember.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]All the bridesmaids carried matching flower bouquets to the bride’s, just in smaller versions. This coordinated detail added a beautiful sense of unity and harmony to the bridal party, with each bouquet reflecting the same vibrant colors and style as the bride’s, tying everything together perfectly.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The groom’s men wore classic black tuxedos, while Rob stood out in a striking white suit. His choice of white added a touch of distinction and elegance, making him the center of attention while still complementing the sophisticated look of his groomsmen.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The bride’s stunning natural makeup, expertly done by the talented Olia, perfectly complemented her bridal look. The soft, elegant makeup enhanced Charley’s features, giving her a fresh, radiant appearance that looked effortlessly beautiful on her special day.[/field]
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Petit Bouquet

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Veronika Maxantova Photography

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Bringing the Romance of Tuscany to Southern California at Maison Des Oliviers

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]

The inspiration for this Editorial was to create a timeless and classic Tuscan theme. The colors, the details, and the design were chosen to be evergreen, a time capsule of a design that was so timeless, so effortless, and so elegant. Very mindful, very demure! With a Tuscan theme, Naomi Bennett Design wanted to create experiences through authentic elements. Weddings in Tuscany involve amazing food, delicious gelato, and delectable drinks, but they also revolve around family, connection, and community. Knowing this, we had a fun gelato cart, a beautiful Vespa bar, and long, connected reception tables to create that community, intimacy, and taste of Tuscany. This design started as an Editorial and unfolded in the best way possible- with our model couple getting engaged at the end of the shoot!! It was the most magical way to end this incredible day!

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The color palette was neutral and classic, consisting of white, ivory, green, gold, and black.

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[field title=”The Venue”]

Maison des Oliviers is a private estate, a true hidden gem in San Juan Capistrano. Upon entering the gates, you truly feel transported to a different time and place. The property leaves you in awe and wonder. With a beautiful garden, a pool, stunning courtyard, patio fountains, perfectly manicured hedges, and olive tree grove, it felt like the perfect backdrop to our Timeless Tuscany design. Everything about this property feels like Europe in the best way possible! When our groom model, Noah, came to us with the idea to propose to Jasmine at the end of the editorial, I knew this property was the perfect fit for us. They always imagined getting engaged in Tuscany! Our design and setting couldn’t have been more fitting for them to get engaged, so it truly felt like all of the stars had aligned.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The 2023 and 2024 season allowed corset bodice wedding dresses to have a major comeback so it only made sense that Styled by NBD chose to feature a winged corset wedding gown for Jasmine’s bridal look. This stunning ballgown by WONA Bridal was the perfection combination of modern chic and regal grandeur, creating a simple yet elevated styling.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Our beautiful floral designs and installations were so perfectly done by Angelical Flowers. They featured a combination of modern minimalism and a high-impact design. There was a grace and elegance to the florals, as well as whimsy and an organic nature. Just like the overall editorial design, the floral design was classic, romantic, modern, and timeless. From stunning centerpieces to a ceremony arch to ground florals to a cake nest, the floral design truly feels so effortless and like a match made in heaven. The tablescape featured a more modern, minimalist design, and we brought in impactful details through the menu scrolls, opulent floral centerpieces, and dining under the olive trees! Is there anything more magical than an al fresco dinner under the olive trees?!

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[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

A favorite design element was the stunning dinner menu scrolls created by Olumis Calligraphy. This editorial was modern and romantic but with a touch of grandeur, so the scroll design allowed for a unique feature at the tablescape but also added that regality.

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[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]

When choosing to create a timeless and classic theme, it’s important to stay true to what you love. Especially when wedding trends are coming at you left and right. With this design, I wanted to stay minimal yet impactful. We had a lot of modern, chic elements and then touches of whimsy that added a unique experience. Think of 2-3 experiences that you want your guests to have during your wedding and build around that. Don’t try to do too much and “wow” your guests at every turn, but rather be impactful with the experiences that you choose. By sticking with only 2-3 experiences throughout the day, you allow the wedding to have a consistent and even flow, which helps you avoid overwhelming yourself and your guests.

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Naomi Bennett Design

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Petit Bouquet

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Elevated Elegance at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, FL

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, cream, beige, sage green[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Maggie and Cameron welcomed family and friends to Naples for their modern black-tie wedding at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. Guests were immersed in a world of timeless elegance, where the refined atmosphere, serene color palette, and elevated décor and furniture created a visually stunning display and an unforgettable celebration. The celebration was not just limited to the wedding day, however. In lieu of a traditional rehearsal dinner the evening before, the groom’s family hosted a Persian wedding ceremony and reception to honor Cameron’s family heritage. Ladan Golestani, an extremely talented Sofreh Aghd designer, traveled to Naples to create an exquisite Sofreh table, which was adorned with traditional and symbolic pieces, including mirrors, candelabras and various candles, fruits, almonds, homemade cookies and traditional Persian sweets, and a ceremonial cloth from Dubai. Tom Trovato’s vibrant florals accented the stunning and elaborate display. The reception dinner featured a delicious spread of authentic Persian dishes, masterfully orchestrated by the catering team at the Players Club and directed by Cameron’s uncle, Michael Mir, the talented chef and owner of Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro on 5th Ave S. After dinner, world-renowned belly dancer, Jennfier Ordon, performed for guests and even got Maggie & Cam up to join her for one of her numbers. It was spectacular and such a fun surprise for guests!

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Maggie’s wedding gown reflected her personal style—classic and refined with an unexpected twist of fun. The classic A-line included a large, beautiful bow in the middle of her train.

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Bridesmaids wore Amsale dresses in “mint” in varying floor-length designs.

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The couple featured two classic “his and hers” specialty cocktails – an Aperol Spritz (hers) and a Gin and Tonic (his). The cocktails were showcased on a beautifully custom-painted watercolor sign at the bar.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Lush green and white floral arrangements adorned tables, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. The talented Tom Trovato led the floral team to create a design that completely transformed the reception space while also maintaining an understated, natural, elegant feel. –BBJ LaTavola’s Sonoma Patina & Pearl Drop Snow linens beautifully accented the reception design. –For the bridal and wedding party bouquets, the inspiration was understated natural beauty. The petite, romantic bridal bouquet made with florals in white and cream tones and minimal greenery subtly enhanced Maggie’s look while allowing her natural beauty to be the focus. The bridesmaids’ bouquets acted as supporting cast to Maggie’s bouquet with similar florals, but smaller in size. –White urns filled with lush, organic white and green arrangements set on pedestals flanked each side of the ceremony altar and were later repurposed to the reception space and set behind the bride and groom’s sweetheart table.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Sweetified Cakes provided a stunning, classic 4-tier white wedding cake with delicate detailing and vintage piping. Maggie and Cameron cut their cake with a vintage Tiffany and Co. cake knife, which belongs to Cameron’s parents and was used at their wedding.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Each place setting was set with green floral-patterned plates, leaf-etched glassware, and gold flatware. SBS worked with Script Me Pretty to design a tented place card that sat perfectly in the center of the plate, allowing the floral pattern to be visible. Each card was personalized with the guests’ names written in gold calligraphy on the front, and once they opened the card, the menu was revealed on the inside.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The couple chose two custom bars to welcome their guests to both the cocktail hour and the reception. For cocktail hour, Vivant Rentals provided a custom-built square bar, painted in a soothing sage green and finished with rattan detailing. The main reception bar and arched back bar walls were set in a soft sand color to compliment the other décor in the room but also serve as a contrast against the white draping. The back bar shelves displayed white ginger jars and bud vase arrangements, and the front bar panels were accented with a beautiful sage-green floral wallpaper.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

The amazing design team at SBS Weddings created luxurious, relaxing lounge seating vignettes in both the cocktail hour and reception spaces. This design seamlessly integrated with the rest of the design concept, making guests feel utterly at ease while elevating the overall style of the day’s decor.

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BBJ La Tavola

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La Vie En Rose

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Rooted in the Timeless Beauty of Summer in the English Countryside at Euridge Manor

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]

The inspiration for this whimsical wedding is rooted in the timeless beauty of summer in the English countryside. There’s something about the season that makes it feel like the whole world is gently waking up—lush green fields, wildflowers blooming at every turn, and the soft glow of sunlight spilling through the branches of ancient trees. It’s a time when the landscape seems to hold its breath, offering a quiet, romantic atmosphere that feels far removed from the rush of everyday life.

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

In a setting as majestic as Euridge Manor, the color palette had to be equally enchanting. Soft pastel tones—blush pink, pale lavender, dusty blue, and buttery yellow—were chosen to evoke the calm, serene spirit of the countryside. These hues perfectly complement the natural beauty of the estate, allowing the architecture of the manor and the lush gardens to take center stage without overpowering them. Soft gradients of color are woven through every detail, from the ceremony to the table linens and florals. The pastels create a serene backdrop that allows the florals and textures to truly pop, providing the perfect balance between elegance and playfulness.

[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]Tucked away in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, Euridge Manor is the epitome of English charm and sophistication. Steeped in history, this stunning venue dates back to the 18th century, and its breathtaking grounds are a perfect marriage of old-world elegance and natural beauty. The manor house itself, with its ivy-clad stone walls, stands as a symbol of refined grandeur, while the surrounding gardens and sprawling grounds offer a tranquil escape into nature.

Euridge Manor’s meticulously manicured lawns, idyllic woodlands, and vibrant wildflower meadows provide the perfect canvas for a wedding inspired by the beauty of the countryside. [/field]
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The bride wore a gown by Berta for the ceremony at the boathouse and later changed in to a more fitted reception gown by House of Savin for their dinner in the gardens. For her welcome dinner she wore a look by BAE Special moments.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]When you’re surrounded by the natural beauty of a place like Euridge Manor, it only makes sense to let florals take center stage. Inspired by the wildflowers that bloom across the estate’s meadows, the florals at this wedding are abundant, lush, and untamed. For the ceremony in the Boathouse, floral arrangements in soft pastels framed the lakeside space cascading along the wooden beams, with the gentle sound of water and birdsong in the background.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the reception in the pergola of the Rose Gardens, where long tables were adorned with lush floral centerpieces and clusters of wildflowers. The florals that cascaded down the tables felt as though they had naturally spilled out of the surrounding gardens, creating an organic, yet elegant atmosphere.

The reception tables, set under the canopy of the Gardens, are a feast for the eyes. Long, rustic tables are adorned with pastel linens, vintage china, and crystal glassware, each place setting carefully arranged to reflect the soft, romantic aesthetic of the day. Gold flatware adds a touch of sophistication, while woven baskets dotted along the tables provide a charming and unexpected element.
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[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

One of the most charming elements of this whimsical summer wedding is the thoughtful inclusion of woven baskets, which bring a rustic, earthy feel to the otherwise grand and historic setting of Euridge Manor. Throughout the venue, baskets are used in unexpected ways, adding a personal and intimate touch to the day’s celebration. The combination of the grandeur of Euridge Manor and the warmth of the woven baskets creates a perfect balance between elegance and rusticity.

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Bold Color Took Center Stage at This Eaton Hall Inn Wedding

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Different shades of pinks Blue Orange Yellow

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The design and vibe of Laura and Nicole’s wedding centered around a playful use of color, which was a key part of the overall vision. Florals played an essential role, bringing the celebration to life not only through the stunning ceremony aisle but also as a feature on the invitation suite by Paper & Poste, dinnerware from Table Tales, bar vinyl by Event Graffiti, and even the cake by Artsy Baker. The thoughtful use of florals designed by Blush and Bloom tied everything together, adding a vibrant touch to each part of the day.

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Laura and Nicole both chose stunning gowns for their ceremony, featuring elegant lace and beaded details that added a timeless feel to their day. As a fun surprise, they treated each other to a second “first look” after changing into all-white suits. Paired with matching sneakers, this outfit change brought a playful, personal touch to the celebration. It was a moment that perfectly reflected their unique style and connection.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Laura and Nicole treated guests to a dining experience that was nothing short of exceptional. The festivities kicked off with a vibrant cocktail hour, where signature drinks and tasty hors d’oeuvres set the tone for the evening. Eaton Hall then delivered a thoughtfully curated three-course meal that impressed me with its blend of flavors and attention to detail.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The stunning florals designed by Blush and Bloom were undoubtedly the focal point throughout Laura and Nicole’s wedding day. The vibrant color palette, featuring shades of pink, blue, orange, and yellow, created an unexpected yet harmonious blend that took everyone’s breath away. A highlight was the winding, whimsical ceremony aisle, seamlessly lined with florals, which served as a captivating introduction for guests. Overall, the florals transformed the venue and beautifully reflected the couple’s style, making it truly unforgettable.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The three-tiered wedding cake by Artsy Baker was a true showstopper! The hand-painted floral detailing, inspired by the invitation suite by Paper and Poste, paired with the stunning floral arrangement surrounding the base, made the cake a standout feature and a highlight of the day. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Laura and Nicole made a grand exit from their ceremony not only as a married couple but also led by a talented bagpipe player, who played them down the aisle and into their cocktail hour. Guests were warmly welcomed into the space by the traditional and stirring sounds of the bagpipes, setting a lively and celebratory tone for the festivities to come.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Drag queen superstar Lucy Flawless was not only the most entertaining MC but also delivered a spectacular performance that set the tone for Laura and Nicole’s celebration. As she took the stage, the dance floor transformed right before guests’ eyes into a chic lounge adorned with cozy couches, creating an entirely new atmosphere for the evening. Performing to classic ABBA hits, Lucy effortlessly got everyone in the dancing mood. Before long, guests joined her on the dance floor, making for a lively and unforgettable kickoff to the night’s festivities.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Nicole and Laura opted for a stunning candy wall by Decor & Fiesta instead of a traditional dessert table, creating a candy lover’s dream. Bursting with colorful sweets and treats, the wall was not only a visual delight but also a fun interactive experience for their guests. Takeout boxes were provided, allowing everyone to curate their own selection of goodies to enjoy throughout the evening. This sweet addition was a fantastic hit and added an extra layer of fun to their day!

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

MUSE Event Co.

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515 Photo Co

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A Floral Infused Wedding at Pippin Hill Farm Complete With a Romantic Rainfall

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]soft floral pastels (blue/green/pinks)[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

When we were selecting our venue, we knew we wanted to choose a destination that was meaningful to us and our story, and a place that had natural beauty and romantic charm. Charlottesville, Virginia had become a favorite weekend getaway destination for us when we were dating, so when we first discovered Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, we loved the inherent beauty of its Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop, picturesque vineyards, and the combination of rustic charm, modern elegance, and garden-to-table cuisine. In terms of inspiration for design and decor, I knew I wanted to play off the venue’s elevated farmhouse decor and natural charm and have our ceremony outside so we could enjoy the views. I also envisioned a lush yet airy “garden-party chic” vibe with whimsical pops of florals and pastel colors sprinkled throughout the design vision.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Mike and I met in September of 2020 – a pandemic love story! We were set up by mutual friends and finally met when I moved back to Maryland after living in NYC for nine years. Having both grown up in the Maryland/DC area, we had tons of mutual connections and had been to so many of the same places, but somehow had never met before. Despite meeting in the middle of COVID and navigating a comedic list of pandemic dating adventures, we hit it off on our first dates and the rest is history. While we never expected a pandemic would bring us together, we found each other at the perfect time (I like to think it’s the ‘invisible string theory’ in action😉, as Taylor Swift fans might agree). Mike proposed on July 4th, 2023 while the two of us were vacationing at The Inn at Perry Cabin, in St. Michael’s, Maryland. Somehow, Mike manifested a rainbow to appear over our happy hour just before he proposed, and we were able to enjoy our engagement together at one of our favorite places before celebrating with our family and friends shortly thereafter. Ten months later, we got married on May 4, 2024, at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

– wedding gowns: ..plural! As I was dress shopping, I ended up loving two very different looks (one more romantic/airy/, and the other a bit more sleek) so ultimately I decided to build in a quick outfit change to our timeline so that I could wear both! The first dress I found at @anthropologieweddings and worked with my incredible local seamstress (Anytime Alterations in Kensington, MD) to customize this a bit more and bring my vision to life. My second dress was a beautifully designed gown by @katherintash, thanks to @carinesbridal. Note: for both looks, I ended up wearing my grandmother’s earrings, which ended up being my “something borrowed”.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

I knew that I wanted my bridesmaids’ dresses to play off of our “garden-party” design vibe, and I loved the idea of having everyone wear a coordinated mix of soft, pastel-colored floral dresses that they could enjoy for years to come. I envisioned petite floral bridesmaid bouquets to complement the styled mix of green, pink, and blue floral pastel dresses, that would also tie back to my bridal bouquet and the décor accents sprinkled throughout the day.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

We loved the idea of having the groomsmen wear navy blue suits with coordinating light blue ties.

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Another perk of having Pippin Hill as our venue was the fact that the vineyard, garden, farm, and kitchen were all interwoven into the menu. Looking back, our “tasting” experience a few months before the wedding was definitely a highlight of the wedding planning process—the venue made it such a fun and special experience for us, and it was such a treat getting to enjoy the different local wines, cocktail options, and menu selections ahead of time with our parents two months out from the big day. Our Signature drinks included the “Marry Me Mule” and “Mrs. Marg” (a nod to our favorites), and the cocktail hour passed canapes and our seated dinner was delicious. Our only regret is not getting to enjoy the late-night snacks (freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and sliders) we had selected–only because we didn’t want to leave the dance floor.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Through beautifully crafted floral arrangements (e.g., garden roses, sweet pea, ranunculus, hellebore, Lilly of the Valley, peonies, and other local/seasonal blooms), a garden-style ceremony meadow, greenery-covered chandeliers, and complementary decor touches (e.g., pairings of classic crystal and cut glass elements paired with ceramic compotes, bud vases, and candlelight accents), our incredible florist Tupelo Floral Company and vendor team helped bring our vision to life. My bridal bouquet was also a personal favorite thanks to Shelby (@tupelo)—a lush yet airy garden-style arrangement comprised of the happiest mix of peony, sweet pea, lily of the valley, garden roses, ranunculus, and subtle greenery accents. Our fantastic photographer @Audrawrisley’ captured all of these details against during our impromptu bridesmaids’ garden party photo shoot in the greenhouse—a beautiful backdrop that, although we didn’t originally intend to use, became the most charming rain plan alternative to being outside.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

We knew that we wanted a more petite wedding cake for cutting and discovered @cakebloom, the most perfect local bakery in Charlottesville, who made us a beautiful “garden party” celebration cake (think: fresh pressed florals against buttercream frosting over delicious floral confetti and rainbow carrot cakes).

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Having grown up in a family of musicians, music was an important part of my vision for our wedding day and our amazing vendor team (@thebloomtrio @tapeent) helped bring this to life beautifully. We partnered with The Bloom Trio to add a beautiful musical strings element to our outdoor wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. We worked with Sam Hill Entertainment to help us find our wedding band, T.A.P.E. “The After Party Experience”, an amazing DJ + band combination that truly was an experience that did not disappoint—super engaging, tons of energy, and a nonstop set list that kept people (bride and groom included!) on the dance floor all night (understood the assignment!). They knocked it out of the park when they surprised me at the end of the night by bringing my dad (a drummer!) up on stage for a guest appearance to perform–my dad crushed it, and it was such a special moment that I’ll never forget!

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Getting ready: – Bridal beauty/HMU: I couldn’t have asked for a better hair and makeup duo than @hairbyjean and @predamebeauty, and I’m so grateful that they were able to make the trip to Charlottesville to help me get ready. Having worked in the beauty industry in NYC for much of my career, I had the opportunity to work with Stefanie Syat (founder of @predamebeauty) for 5+ years and knew for years that I wanted her to do my makeup on my wedding day. Similarly, I met @hairbyjean back in 2018 and she has been cutting/styling my hair ever since I moved back to the Washington, D.C. area. Both women are incredibly talented, and calming, and I can’t recommend them enough to other brides!

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

Photography

Audra Wrisley Photography

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Summer Wedding at Santorini’s Most Luxurious Cliffside Venue, Cavo Ventus Villa

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

In the heart of Santorini, where the Aegean Sea meets the sky, an enchanting celebration unfolded at the luxurious Cavo Ventus Villa. It was a day that redefined romance and sophistication, meticulously designed to reflect timeless elegance.

As the wedding planner, I had the honor of crafting an unforgettable experience for a couple whose love story deserved nothing less than a fairytale setting. Perched on the edge of the caldera, Cavo Ventus Villa offered a panoramic view of Santorini’s breathtaking volcanic landscape. Guests were greeted by an aisle lined with lush white blooms and soft pink roses, arranged in cascading perfection. The altar—a minimal yet impactful structure adorned with floral arrangements—seemed to float against the azure backdrop of the sea and sky.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

The groom surprised the bride on a Saturday with a fun day planned—a brunch at 2 PM and a rooftop bar that evening. Emily had a feeling it was coming but didn’t know when. On the stunning rooftop overlooking Manhattan, Brandon led her to admire the view. Then, with a hidden photographer capturing the moment, he got down on one knee. The entire bar erupted in cheers! It was magical, and the photos turned out amazing.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The bride was the epitome of grace and sophistication, radiating timeless beauty in her elegant lace slim-fit wedding gown. The delicate fabric hugged her impeccable figure with precision, accentuating her natural curves in a way that was both alluring and refined.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids looked like they had stepped straight off the pages of a high-fashion magazine, each one exuding elegance and modern glamour in their soft pink dresses. The gowns were impeccably tailored, designed to flatter each bridesmaid while maintaining a cohesive, runway-worthy aesthetic.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groom was the definition of ultimate chic black-tie sophistication, commanding attention with his modern yet timeless ensemble. His sleek black tuxedo, perfectly tailored to fit his athletic frame, exuded confidence and understated luxury.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The wedding at Cavo Ventus Villa was a feast not only for the eyes but also for the palate. The couple curated a seven-course menu designed to take their guests on a culinary journey, combining Greek flavors with international sophistication. Each dish was crafted to perfection, ensuring the meal was as unforgettable as the event itself and a full open bar serving all day long.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The floral design at this Cavo Ventus Villa wedding was a breathtaking celebration of elegance and romance. From the moment guests arrived, they were enveloped in a world of white and soft pink blooms, meticulously arranged to transform the venue into a floral wonderland. Every corner was infused with beauty, ensuring the couple’s vision of lavish luxury came to life.The ceremony design at Cavo Ventus Villa was a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. Minimal transparent bases filled with lush white and soft pink blooms created a delicate yet impactful floral presence, allowing the natural beauty of Santorini to shine through. The aisle was lined with mirror panels, reflecting the stunning landscape and amplifying the beauty of the surrounding flowers.The dinner setup was the epitome of luxury, with sleek mirror tables reflecting the stunning caldera view, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Elegant flower stems in gold bases added a touch of refined beauty, while dozens of candles cast a soft, romantic glow throughout the space. Above, chandeliers adorned with flowers hung gracefully over the tables like umbrellas, elevating the intimate ambiance. The breathtaking views of the caldera provided the perfect backdrop, making the entire dining experience feel like a dream come true. Every detail exuded sophistication and understated elegance.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]In a bold move to break tradition, the couple chose to forgo the usual wedding cake, opting instead to skip this classic element in favor of a more personalized celebration. Their decision was a reflection of their desire to create a wedding experience that felt uniquely their own, free from conventional expectations. Instead of a towering cake, guests were treated to an array of indulgent desserts, each one crafted to delight the senses. This modern twist allowed the couple to focus on the aspects of the day that truly reflected their personalities, making the celebration feel even more authentic and memorable.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The party reached a fever pitch as **sky fireworks** lit up the night, filling the air with color and excitement. **Fire dancers** took the energy to another level, mesmerizing guests with their thrilling performances. Meanwhile, a **DJ from New York** kept the crowd on their feet, spinning tracks that had everyone dancing until the early hours of the morning. The celebration was electric, with an unstoppable energy that made it a night to remember.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The first kiss as a married couple was marked by colored smoke bombs, creating a dramatic and vibrant photo moment that captured their joy and passion. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

To elevate the energy even further, fire performers stole the spotlight with their jaw-dropping routines, igniting a rhythm that had everyone moving until the early hours of the morning.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

The reception space was a masterpiece of design, blending opulence with modern romance. Mirror-top tables, reflective of the Santorini sunset, were paired with transparent chairs for a touch of understated luxury and minimalism. Towering floral arrangements of white orchids, hydrangeas, and blush peonies adorned the tables, while chandeliers shaped like umbrellas hovered above, casting a soft, ambient glow.

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

Petit Bouquet

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A Hawaiian Take on the Bridgerton Aesthetic Done Perfectly at Loulu Palm Estate

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Our vision was something that felt classic, timeless, elegant, and romantic, while still feeling “fun” and like “us.” We pictured a colorful, beautiful meadow that looked like something out of a fairy tale. I loved Joey King’s Mallorca wedding, and I love Bridgerton party scenes and decor. I had a few key pictures of inspiration that really came together perfectly in the end. Michael and I really hand-picked our vendors described our vision with those few words, showed them some of our favorite inspiration photos, and put our full trust in them! I loved their work and asked them to work on our wedding because I had full confidence in their vision pairing well with ours.

Our wedding colors were plentiful! We wanted a fairytale meadow feel paired with the bright colors that come to mind when you think of a beautiful Hawaiian sunset. We had coral, peach, pink, white, light yellow, light blue, and lilac purple. Our guests’ outfits and our florals were pops of color; while our linens, table settings, and hardware were neutral shades of tan and gold. For the dress code, we wanted people to wear bright, cheerful colors. We called it “beach formal elegance” on our invitations. We really wanted people to feel free to show up and show out. I also included a Pinterest link with inspo for our guests to be confident in choosing what to wear. For my bridesmaids, I wanted an effortlessly cute look and allowed my girls complete freedom to pick their dresses. They knew the vibe I was going for and our colors, and I loved what they picked!

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Last June, Michael and I took our dream vacation to Italy. We started with 5 days in Rome, then did 5 days in Florence, and then 5 days in Cinque Terre. Michael and I met in college in 2015 and officially started dating in 2016. Since we had been together for so long, I knew we were going to get engaged soon, but I did not know how or exactly when. I didn’t think it would be on this Italy trip because I was the one who did most of the itinerary planning! On our 3rd day in Florence, we planned to get up early to beat the crowds. Michael and I had done this for a few of our days because we’re natural early birds anyway. We wanted to go to San Miniato al Monte before the crowds got there. It was a beautiful morning and when we got there, it was completely empty except for one guy who was drawing and had a big camera. I actually felt kind of bad because I thought we were ruining this artist’s moment. Michael and I were enjoying the view, and he set up our camera so we could take a self-timer picture. Then, the next thing I knew he was down on one knee asking me to marry him! I was completely blown away. It was absolutely beautiful. It was so quiet and peaceful except for the church bells ringing. Then the man with the camera came over and congratulated Michael by name! It was only then that I realized he was there to take pictures of our proposal! After taking some pictures we walked down to Piazza Michaelangelo. The streets were nice and empty because it was so early in the morning, and I was so giddy and excited that it felt like the most romantic walk in the world. We sat on a bench and I sent selfies to my family and best friends. Because of the time difference between Florence and Texas, I knew they wouldn’t see it until later. Then we were able to FaceTime Michael’s family, who were all gathered together at a family event. It was then that I got the most emotional because it finally felt “real!” After soaking that moment in, we walked back to our hotel and got breakfast. Next, we rented a car and drove to a winery in Tuscany for a tasting. The rest of the day was less “romantic”, but that was exactly what made it so special. Our day was exactly Gianni and Michael coded. We drove back to Florence and stopped to try some McDonald’s because it’s slightly different in every country. Then, since we had a car, we decided to drive to a laundromat do some mid-vacation laundry, and eat some chip flavors that we don’t have in the US. It was so fun and so perfect! We joked that people would think we were so weird for doing laundry as one of our first activities post-engagement, but that’s life! The best thing about Michael and I’s relationship is that we genuinely have fun doing literally anything together. We ended the night by freshening up and going out to a fancy dinner.

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I had two wedding dresses and they were both my dream dresses. Both my dresses had a little bit of sparkle and lots of smaller details. I wanted them to give princess vibes, with the first one being more dramatic, big, and classic, and the second being party princess. My first dress was the Eclipse by Eva Lendel. I had such a fun time dress shopping in my hometown of El Paso with my mom, my best friend, and Maid of Honor, Jackie, and Jackie’s mom. I knew it was “the one” before I had even finished zipping it up! It was the 4th dress I tried on, and the first one I pulled from the rack. I walked out, and everyone started crying. I didn’t want to take it off. I kept the dress almost exactly as it came, but I changed the straps to fall off the shoulder. In complete honesty, when I tried it on, I accidentally had the straps down off my shoulder because I thought that’s how it went until I looked at the dress on the model online after buying it. We loved the sleeves after the shoulder, and it was giving me Taylor Swift’s Love Story music video vibes, so I decided to have the dress altered to be that way. I knew I wanted a second dress because I LOVE wedding gowns, so I would’ve had as many as I could in the time allotted. I knew I wanted the second dress to still feel princessy, but have a more fun flair. I wanted something form fitting and something in me was saying… FEATHERS. I looked up a few dresses and then found the Jean by Liz Martinez at Idina Bride in Seattle. I saw it on the rack and said, “This is the one!” For this dress, I added an ivory lining underneath the full dress and added a corset in the back.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Michael wore a Hugo Boss tuxedo, custom cuff links, and a day date Rolex.
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Our food and drink choices were a true act of trust and faith! Because of our busy schedules, we had to book our bar service and caterers before a taste test! I know. That is so scary, but spoiler alert: everything was delicious! We asked our incredible coordinator who she fully recommended, and she helped pick vendors who she had worked with previously who had stellar reviews: Memoirs for food, and Stir Beverage for drinks. Looking at the food menu and picking was so hard because I love to eat, so everything sounded so good! For our passed appetizers we had avocado toast, fried chicken sliders, crispy pork belly skewers, and loaded Okinawan potato cups. We got so many compliments on our cocktail hour food, and my friends were going crazy for the loaded potato cups! So many have told me that they are still thinking about them months later. For dinner, we had a choice of braised beef short rib, coconut-mac crusted catch, or kabocha pumpkin gnocchi. For the table, we had cornbread with honey whipped butter, and sea salt. Literally, my only wedding regret is that I didn’t order myself one of every plate for during the wedding, and one of every plate to-go for after our wedding. Dessert was a burnt apple tart with mascarpone and local honey, an Oreo cookie tart with vanilla ice cream, and strawberry shortcake madness with lilikoi and white chocolate. I am a sweets girl, so I loved that everyone got every single dessert. We had 3 signature drinks: one chosen by me, one chosen by Michael, and one “chosen” by our little dog, Winnie. My signature drink was a mango mezcal, which I picked because we love a margarita moment, so this was my elevated take. Michael chose a strawberry and basil mojito. We thought this would be nice and refreshing for a summer wedding Winnie’s signature drink was a “Baby Colada,” which was a coconut colada. Our Winnie girl is a super sweet and tiny white/tan chihuahua-malti-poo, and this drink was totally her! People LOVED it!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Once Michael and I nailed down the ambiance we wanted to create with our florals, we picked our florist with that in mind. We wanted to go with someone who fully understood what we were envisioning, and whose creativity and design we trusted. We went with La Flor because Vanessa has such a knack for her use of color. The way she designs her florals make them stunning and jaw-dropping from afar, and even more impressive when you notice close up details. After I had my call with her, I told Michael, “she gets it!” We showed her a few key inspiration photos and she took it from there. The only challenge we faced was my own apprehension that our color palette was too many colors. Michael assured me that it was going to come together perfectly, and he was totally right. I remember looking out from my bridal suite as they were setting up and getting emotional because I couldn’t believe that they somehow exceeded what I was envisioning in my mind. Another major piece of decor was our mirror welcome sign. I love a selfie moment, so we thought it would be the perfect photo opportunity for our guests as they waited for the ceremony to begin and during cocktail hour. Ashley, our coordinator, and Maddie, our signage creator worked together to position it perfectly so the background of the selfies was lucious beautiful palm trees. Our final bit of special decor was our DJ’s booth. DJ Troy’s booth front had an LED screen. We designed an image on Canva ourselves. It said “Michael & Gianni” in the middle in coral pink letters, then at the bottom it said “…and me too” with a little picture of our dog Winnie. This was our little way of getting to include her since she didn’t make the trip out to Hawaii with us.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

I know this sounds really simple, but I said I wanted a PINK cake, and that was that! Michael and I both agreed we wanted strawberries and cream butter cake as our flavor, with a light pink cake, and simple white vintage piping designs. We adored our cake. We stayed in Oahu for 3 days after our wedding, and I ate cake every single day and night until we left for our honeymoon. When Michael and I were picking anything for the wedding, we followed our gut and always went with what we genuinely liked. If we liked it and stayed true to ourselves, then everything would feel natural and come together. I think our cake looked perfect next to our whimsical florals. It added another dash of tasteful princess fairy tale ending vibes!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

I am a major Swiftie! I have been a fan since I was in 8th grade and the only album she had out was her debut. I knew I wanted to include Taylor Swift in my wedding without it being too much. I walked down the aisle to the string quartet playing “Enchanted.” This has always been a special song to me because Michael and I both agree that when we met, it was basically love at first sight even though I would have said I didn’t believe in that prior to meeting him. I think often about how we are from opposite sides of the world and still perfectly meant for each other. When I think about the odds of that happening, there is something so magical and enchanted about the way we fell in love. The music really set the tone throughout our day. The string quartet playing before the ceremony complimented our fairy tale, Bridgerton vision. After the ceremony we walked down the aisle to our DJ playing This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole, which I have dreamed of literally since I was a little girl obsessed with movies, particularly The Parent Trap. It was playing during one of my favorite parts of the day that Emily Choy, our photographer captured beautifully! We were at the end of our aisle, post-ceremony, and we literally were like “Oh my gosh! We’re MARRIED!” We both shed a few of the happiest tears of my life. After that, DJ Troy absolutely killed our cocktail hour music. He kept the energy up so much that some of my family started dancing already! Our first dance was Tears in Your Eyes by Majid Jordan. Michael picked it, and I loved it at first listen! During the reception, DJ Troy played music that kept people on the dance floor. I saw some of our guests dancing who I had never seen dancing before. I explained to him that we had quite a diverse crowd (my dad is from Trinidad, my mom is from El Salvador, Michael is from Australia, and our US friends are sprinkled all over!), and he somehow found a mix that made everyone happy. In true Swiftie fashion, our last song with all of our guests was none other than Love Story!

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

One of our favorite parts of our wedding day was when we did our anniversary dance and honored Michael’s grandparents and their marriage. Michael and I were both a little nervous about being the center of attention all day, especially during emotional dances. We decided to opt out of the traditional mother-son and father-daughter dances and do an anniversary dance after our first dance instead. The DJ invited all the married couples to get on the dance floor where we all danced to Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Vallie. Then people who had only been married a few hours got to sit down, A.K.A. US! Then people who had been married for 1 year, then 5, then 10, and so on and so forth until only Michael’s grandparents were on the dance floor. Everyone applauded their 62 years of marriage, and it was the cutest thing in the world.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

One of our favorite moments of the day was actually unplanned. We entered our reception area to the song Me & U by Tems. We walked in with a little pep in our step because the song had us moving, and it turned into a whole moment where everyone got up out of their seats and surrounded us! Everyone was clapping and getting hyped together. I think it set the tone for the rest of the night.

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Emily Choy Photography

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Budget-Friendly Tips for the Best Bachelorette EVER

Planning a bachelorette party can be one of the most overwhelming events you will ever organize. There is so much pressure to impress, not to mention the mixing of friend groups, and on top of all that–it can get super pricey! In fact, the movie Bridesmaids sometimes hits a little too close to home. Here are some tips and tricks to reduce the stress and the expense of hosting a Bachelorette party without sacrificing any of the fun!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Everyday Pursuits

1. Staycation or Affordable Destination

Travel and lodging are the number one expense when it comes to planning a bachelorette party; the more you can reduce those two factors, the better your budget will be. If possible, suggest a staycation in the city where the bride or the majority of the bridal party live.

Now, we know planning a staycation sounds a lot easier than it is. Most bridal parties are scattered all over the country, if not the world, so sometimes a staycation just isn’t an option. If that’s the case for your bridal party, consider an affordable destination, like a spa weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico or a beachy getaway to Daytona Beach, Florida. Believe it or not, Las Vegas can actually be affordable too if you do it right (we cover this a little more in the Ladies’ Night section of this article).

Save money on lodging by booking a suite (or two) and splitting the cost. Suites not only add value by sleeping more people to a room, but they also provide a fun/safe space for all of your bachelorette festivities.

One more way to help you and everyone else in the wedding party save big is by hosting the bridal shower and the bachelorette party, on the same weekend. We recommend hosting a bridal shower brunch on Saturday morning/afternoon and then transitioning into bachelorette mode for Saturday evening. This leaves Sunday for everyone to wake up slow and collect themselves before they hop on a plane and head off to work on Monday morning.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Esther Sun Photography

2. E-vite

Pricey invitations can make a big dent in the budget for any event and a bachelorette party is no exception. Consider sending an e-vite instead of a paper invitation–you’ll not only be helping your budget but the planet as well! Websites like Paperless Post make it super easy and affordable to send cute invitations and organize your guest list.

INVITE | Unmeasured Event

3. Pregame

If you and your party plan on partaking in alcoholic beverages, it’s a good idea to pregame (can we come up with a new word for this already?) This means stock your suite with affordable bottles of champagne (Trader Joes has a great selection) and maybe a mixed punch bowl style drink. This will give everyone a little liquid courage for the risque games and lingerie parade that precedes your night on the town. Make sure everyone enjoys themselves, but in moderation–you don’t want to lose anyone before the party actually starts.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Esther Sun Photography

4. A Gift in a Game

Bachelorette parties are for letting loose with your girls but also stocking the bride’s lingerie drawer for her honeymoon. There are a few fun games that revolve around the gifted lingerie, like lingerie bingo or the lingerie guessing game (which is one of our faves). These games are a fun way to shower your bride and include all of your guests in the fun and festivities! These games don’t cost anything extra and are a lot more palatable than some of the other, more X-rated games on the market.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Katie Grant Photography

5. Ladies’ Night Deals

Look into Ladies’ night deals in the city where you’re hosting the bachelorette party. A lot of clubs and bars offer discounts, free admission, and sometimes free drinks to ladies on certain days of the week. You may not want to post up there, but it can be a fun stop on your way to your final destination.

Not all ladies? Not a problem – consider casinos! Las Vegas is the most popular casino studded destination in the USA, and while it can be expensive, there are also a lot of deals to be had–if you know where to look. Most of the hotels in Las Vegas have casinos inside and offer discounted room rates to get guests in the door. Casinos usually have top-of-the-line amenities like spas, pools, etc., for the bridal party to enjoy during the day and then you can test your luck at the casinos in the evening before heading to the nightclubs. A perk about pregaming in a casino is that drinks are usually free, at least on the casino floor.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Aaron And Jillian Photography

6. Simplify the Dress Code

It is expected that your group will have some sort of dress code that identifies you as the bridal party and highlights the bride. Some groups opt for T-shirts with cute sayings, but these can add up fast and you’ll likely never wear them again. Instead of custom T-shirts, opt for color coordination. A classic bachelorette party look is bridesmaids in black or pink and the bride in white (with some sort of tiara or veil to really hit it home – if you’d like!).

PHOTOGRAPHY | Cavin Elizabeth

7. Have Everyone Pitch In

Traditionally the Maid of Honor (MOH) hosts the bachelorette party, but this doesn’t mean that the MOH should shoulder the entire financial burden. The best way to distribute the costs is to split them evenly across the bridal party. If any of the bridesmaids are unable to contribute the full amount, maybe ask them to pick up a few of the expenses that they are comfortable helping with. While the bride should not be asked to contribute to the bachelorette party itself, it is reasonable to ask the bride to purchase her transportation to and from the party (flight, train ticket, rental car, etc.). Just be sure to discuss the finances before booking the festivities – that way everyone is comfortable with and aware of how much all the fun will cost!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Tenth & Grace

AL Fresco Garden Party Celebration at Middleburg’s Famous Salamander Resort

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Cream, Pale Yellow, Glam Black[/field]
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Emilee & Connor wanted their wedding day to be a relaxing oasis and summer vacation experience for their guests, which is the exact vibe they achieved! Choosing the Salamander Resort set the initial tone for the style and design, with the couple electing to have the dinner portion of their celebration under the stars in the resort’s stunning garden. From there, the design of the day highlighted the outdoors and stuck to minimal color and lots of creams and whites, ensuring that the beauty of the garden could shine.

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Connor and Emilee’s first date took place at Ampersand, a quaint cocktail bar tucked away in the quiet Gramercy neighborhood of New York City. The dim lights and cozy atmosphere sparked an instant connection filled with laughter, easy conversation, and the beginning of their love story. Just days later, Connor asked Emilee to an early Sunday morning brunch where they soon discovered in a city as vast as New York, their lives had been intertwined for years. From having shared houses in the Hamptons only three doors apart for multiple summers, to living just two blocks away from each other on 18th Street, all while frequenting the same NYC haunts every weekend for years; it seemed almost unfair that it took so long for their paths to cross in person. Shout out to dating apps (The League)! Their relationship deepened over the years following, and only grew stronger as they navigated an empty NYC together during the global pandemic. The challenges of those times brought them closer together than ever, and they soon after settled into their new chapter of life, living together in Gramercy. On August, 3rd 2023, what Emilee thought would be a simple dinner out in the neighborhood the night before they would drive to Maine for a family vacation, turned out to be anything but. With zero groceries in the house, it was a reasonable ask and nothing out of the norm. However, little did she know Connor had much bigger plans. He brought her back to the same restaurant where they had shared that first brunch together years prior, having reserved the exact sun-drenched table where they first fell in love. Following dinner, Connor suggested a walk around their neighborhood and Emilee agreed with the caveat of getting the ice cream she’d been craving from Cafe Panna. But as they walked toward Irving Place, she quickly realized what was happening when he stopped and took out a key to Gramercy Park. And in that moment, just steps from where they call home, Connor knelt down on one knee and asked Emilee to be his forever. She said “YES!” without hesitation, so excited in the moment that she gave him the wrong hand to put the ring on (..a memory that was luckily captured on film by a friend hiding in the bushes outside of the park gates). A surprise celebration followed with friends and family at the bar where they ended their second date, rounding out what was the most perfect night of their lives and the beginning of a beautiful new chapter together.

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Emilee’s stunning mermaid wedding gown matched the garden party style perfectly, with floral embroidery covering the entire dress.

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The bridesmaids wore long black gowns to give the celebration a sophisticated edge. The style was refined and glamorous, while the differing dress designs added a fun, original touch.

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Cocktail hour was served in the garden, with a focus on red and white wine and champagne. During dinner, each guest was served wine at the table.

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The whimsical and wild floral design enhanced the day’s celebration and underlined its carefree, free-flowing nature. The florals were minimally colorful, mostly creams and whites, with a few pale yellow blooms scattered throughout. The design intentionally matched the garden party atmosphere, and the neutral colors allowed the beauty of the garden to shine through.

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Emilee & Connor’s wedding cake had a crisp, understated design with sleek lines and minimal color. A feminine fondant bow added a little extra touch of something pretty.

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Guests dined al fresco in the stunning gardens behind the Salamander Resort. The dinner party was the essence of summer and the weather was absolutely perfect for such an occasion, with blue sunny skies and low humidity. After dinner, the party moved into a tent for dancing.

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When guests moved to the tented dance floor, Emilee changed into a second look which was perfect for dancing. A pleated mini-skirt dress, covered in white sequins with a strappy backless design, was a surprise to guests and so fun to dance in!

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La Vie En Rose

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A Sun-Soaked Summer Wedding at Banff Springs in Canada

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Jenna came to me wanting a very neutral & classic aesthetic that fit perfectly within the stone ballroom of Mt Stephen Hall. The florals were shades of white & cream with accents of greenery. Ivory linens adorned the tables with light-washed wood cane back chairs and accents of taupe in their name cards. They opted for silver accents in their flatware and cake knife set.

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I think many engaged couples go into wedding planning with a vision of exactly how they want their wedding to be, even down to the details. That was not us! Ultimately, we came to think of our wedding as a version of us on our best day and that became our grounding vision. From there, we knew we wanted to get married in a place with a lot of natural beauty an intimate group of people we care about, AND a really killer band. The rest fell into place.

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every so often, Tim and I will plan a full date day/night that is filled with all of our favorite activities and (most importantly!!) each other. We’ve come to refer to these date days as Jenna/Tim days and they are our absolute favorite days. For our proposal, Tim planned the ultimate Jenna/Tim day! It started with a New York Times crossword in bed and ended with dinner at our favorite restaurant and had a whole lot in between

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The dress was from Sareh Nouri. It is their “Narcissus” gown with some customization to soften the sweetheart neckline and add buttons down the back. Some might argue too simple – but that has always been my style. I also loved my veil; it had a very delicate beaded border that was subtle but caught the light in a beautiful way! It was from Toni Federici

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Tim’s tux is the shawl collar tux from Hugo Boss. It doesn’t have a style name that I know of. We got it about two weeks before the wedding 😂 he was originally planning to wear a tux he had already, but then we saw this one and both liked it

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A champagne pass following the ceremony kicked off the wedding, with passed canapes and a full bar offering on the lawn overlooking the mountain views. Dinner was a three-course plated dinner served in the iconic Mt Stephen Hall. Signature cocktails included the Wildflower (the hotel’s signature cocktail) for the groom, which is a purple gin-based martini. The bride opted for a fresh passion fruit Aperol spritz.

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The overall feel of the florals is romantic and chic. A heavy focus on white and cream blooms with accents of greenery. The shape of the arrangements is organic yet classic. The two chandeliers in Mt Stephen Hall were covered in greenery still allowing the glow of the lights to shine through as the sun went down. Fall For Florals utilized classic wedding blooms like ranunculus, garden roses, sweet peas, and delphiniums. Pillar candles

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The wedding cake was a simple and classic two-tier cake by Pretty Sweet Bakeshop in Calgary. Jenna and Tim opted for a maple-flavored cake as a nod to their Canadian wedding!

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Songs – Tim is a huge music lover; he is constantly listening to music and loves to play guitar and record his own music in his free time. So, needless to say, he ran point on selecting the band for the wedding and all of the songs. Our first dance was “Quitting You” by the Arkells, who were a fitting choice as a very popular Canadian band and the first concert Tim and I ever went to together. But the highlight of our whole wedding weekend was Tim getting on stage with the band during our reception and performing “Sweet Child O’ Mine” on his guitar! The moment we started wedding planning (and probably even before that), he knew he wanted to play something for me. So I got to watch him practice it to perfection in the months leading up and then absolutely crush it on stage. It will always be an incredible highlight in our relationship and was quite the fun surprise for our guests!

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Tim and I are so thrilled with how everything about our wedding turned out and so I need to mention that none of it (and I mean NONE!) would have been possible without our incredible wedding planner. Shout out to Moments by Madeleine! Only by having a wedding did I learn that wedding planning is probably one of the harder jobs out there – it requires huge levels of production (from strokes decision-making down to minute detail), but also involves incredibly heightened emotions of couples and their families. Madeleine made it all happen excellently and with the most positive attitude – I really can’t say enough great things about her work.

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Justine Milton Photography

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Moments by Madeleine Weddings & Events

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An Elegant Black Tie Affair at Ashford Estate

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Naz chose a black and white color palette. A timeless color story that she can share through the years. One that will never fade of style and elegance. She wanted the fashion of this day to live on without ever aging. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]When Naz and Matt entered the effortlessly enchanting Ashford Estate she says that she immediately was left breathless. As she gathered her thoughts she and Matt both knew that they would be married at this adoring venue. She imagined a wedding that was the epitome of timeless, classic, and elegant. She wanted her details to match the grand nature of this estate and transport her guests into an evening of luxury and elegance. They dressed the venue with a mix of white and cream florals. Consisting of fresh roses, hydrangeas, peonies, and babies breath with a. tasteful touch of greenery.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]In 2021, Matt and I moved from Philly to Los Angeles for our new jobs. In July of 2022, Matt suggested we take a day trip to Malibu since it has been on our bucket list for some time! I noticed that Matt was being a bit frantic in the morning as we were getting ready for our trip and it did cross my mind that maybe a proposal was going to happen today. But that feeling went away as the day went on and it seemed like business as usual! As the day was coming to an end, Matt suggested we make a pit stop at El Matador Beach since it was one of the most iconic beaches in Malibu. We quickly parked on the side of the road, took Niko with us (even though dogs are not permitted) and started walking down the sandy path towards the beach. We were walking through a bend in the path where I saw someone on the side taking pictures of what I thought was Niko (people have taken many pictures of him before!). I didn’t think anything of it until we turned the corner and I saw rose petals scattered across the cliff with the words “Marry Me” placed along the edge. I close my eyes in disbelief with tears welling up! Matt grabs my hand and leads me over to the edge of the cliff. He begins to tell me how meeting me has revolutionized his world and then continues to recite his speech, but I am filled with so much happiness and shock that I couldn’t even focus! He then begins to go down on one knee and asks if I would marry him (with my dog Niko also kneeling!) and I immediately say “Yes!”. The photographer in the bush comes out of nowhere and ends up capturing the entire moment. We also look behind us and notice that there is a crowd of people cheering! I look to the side and surprisingly see my sister (who flew all the way from Philly and was hiding up in the lifeguard tower spearheading this entire event)! After the proposal, we had a surprise engagement shoot session with the photographer, followed by a romantic dinner at the Nobu in Malibu. The day was more than I could have ever asked for. It’s an amazing feeling to know that we grew up together and now we can grow old together too.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Since Timeless and Chic was the vibe Naz fell in love with an incredible fitted satin gown with a mermaid finish at the bottom. It complimented her perfectly! She fell in love with this gown while searching with her mother and sister at the lovely Lovella Bridal![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]This black tie affair wouldn’t have been the same without the classic and sleek black dresses worn by Naz’s Bridesmaids. They were able to fall in love with their own unique style through show me your mumu![/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The men were dressed in an ageless black tux completed with a black bowtie! [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Naz and Matt shared signature drinks that were both sophisticated and flirtatious. “His” was a classic Old Fashioned. While “hers” being the refreshing and summer inspired crowd favorite of the Malibu Bay Breeze. If their many stationed H’orderves weren’t enough they also had trays of appetizers passed around and one of the many standouts were the incredible lobster bisque shooters, seared ahi tuna, and lastly a warmed hummus and goat cheese on pita. On the menu for the evening was a classic caesar wedge salad to start, followed by your choice of a phenomenal New York Strip steak slow roasted dressed with a pinot noir Demi glaze, followed by Salmon completed with a rich horseradish and chive crust prepared with dijon glaze and roasted garlic cucumber and yogurt sauce. They wanted a meal that could fit everyones needs so they also offered a vegetarian and vegan delight of Roasted Cauliflower that was served over fire roasted red pepper hummus topped with sun gold tomatoes, pickled red onion and mixed greens.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The florals were a prominent detail from the guests immediate arrival. Their welcome sign was dressed with white florals including hydrangeas, roses, and eucalyptus greens. Their guests would then find a grand escort display to find their tables. The display was also dressed with breathtaking florals and a single rose accompanied by babies breath in vases decorated throughout. The ceremony was set at the enchanting floating gazebo just behind the mansion. It was decorated with a high arch covered with all of the florals Naz chose to dress this elegant and memorable occasion. In this arch there was white and cream florals, consisting of fresh roses, hydrangeas, peonies, baby’s breath and a touch of light greenery. Later the grand ballroom reception space was decorated with floral arrangements on tall gold Harlow stands and their sweetheart table was accompanied by gorgeous florals on the ground surrounding the table and dj booth.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Their wedding cake was more than just a sweet ending to an incredibly romantic evening. It encompassed every enchanting and memorable detail of their wedding day. It was a traditional three teired buttercream cake. Inside guests would be delighted with an almond flavor and buttercream filling. The outside was dressed with the sensational white roses and babies breath that covered the reception space. It had accents that almost looked like pearls on the cake.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Naz and Matt ended the reception with a private last dance to a song that will live on forever by Aerosmith, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” Afterwards they joined their guests to party the evening away![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]I could not have lived without is my pups not being at our wedding! It was so special to have our 4-year old goldendoodle, Niko, and our 10-month old bernedoodle, Maze, make a grand appearance during the ceremony. Being able to share this special day with them meant the absolute world! We were able to share the celebration all the while snagging the cutest pictures! They were kindly transported to the venue by Purr n’ Pooch Pet Resort, located in Manasquan, NJ.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Most couples will say that the ceremony was their favorite moment of the wedding, and while we agree that it was an extremely emotional and special moment, the private last dance was the moment of a lifetime for us. It was 3 minutes, after all the getting ready, bridal portraits, first looks, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, where Matt and I had a moment, just the two of us, to take it all in and to close out the most magical day of our entire lives. The room was empty, with nothing but the music playing. We held each other close as we danced our final dance of the night, We laughed, we cried, and we did some of our best dips! It was incredibly special and I wouldn’t have traded that moment for the world.[/field]
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