If you don’t like being the center of attention, weddings can be a little tough. But these brides just came up with the perfect solution. After an intimate ceremony surrounded by immediate family and a few close friends, they invited 200 guests for dinner and an additional 50 “Wedding Crashers” to dance the night away with Toast & Jam. See every beautiful detail from Dabble Me This in The Vault!

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From Dabble Me This… Mike Ditka’s granddaughter Lauren tied the knot to the love of her life Mary Kate at an intimate ceremony and reception at Salvage One. Surrounded by their closest friends and family these two could not have asked for a better day to share their love together. Capturing Lauren and Mary at some of their favorite spots off Green Street in the West Loop you could tell LOVE ALWAYS WINS! These two were all smiles and there was so much excitement in making a commitment to each other. From the art deco dresses to the florals by Pistil + Vine to Salvage One’s vintage Chicago charm everything was simply divine. I simply love these two to pieces and know nothing but the best is in store for them!

From the Brides Lauren + Mary… Mary and I met in college (Illinois State University) her sophomore year and my freshman year (2007). We were friends for a while and started dating shortly after getting back from winter break. It’s been a lovely ride ever since. For our six-year anniversary we went skiing in Crested Butte, Colorado. Mary’s plan was to propose at this ski-in ice bar on the mountain (you have to take a blue run to get to the bar), but we soon learned that I wasn’t the biggest fan of anything steeper than a green run so the plan changed. Mary ended up proposing at the bottom of the mountain around a private fire over some drinks. I told her to STFU when she first asked; I thought she was joking for a solid minute. After the initial shock wore off I said yes and immediately started to cry. It’s what I do when I’m excited.

The vision was laid back, we wanted it to feel like a giant party and leave a lot of the stuffiness and corniness about weddings out of our day. As far as a feel, it definitely had a fall feel to it, we got married on October 24th. As for the colors, we told our bridesmaids to wear any form of gold and sprinkled that into the invitations and elsewhere. Lots of golds, and blues and white pumpkins. Mary’s mom is sort of obsessed with white pumpkins and wouldn’t hear about a fall wedding without them. We had 20 guests for the ceremony, 200 guests for the dinner and an additional 50 official “Wedding Crashers” joined us after dinner. We actually sent out official “crasher” invites and it was the best idea we had. They helped pack the dance floor, drink up the booze and celebrate into the early morning hours.

For the venue we told our planner, Lindsay Green the feel we were looking for and Salvage One was the first venue she took us to (talk about killer wedding planner instinct). After that nothing else compared, we just kept going back to Salvage One. It was gorgeous, and unique and everything about it was a conversation piece. Exactly what we wanted. The ceremony was short, sweet, small and private. Mary isn’t great with being the center of attention so the ceremony was definitely her biggest concern. We ended up only inviting immediate family and a couple of very close friends. In total I think it clocked in under 5 minutes: Our parents walked us down the aisle while Mary’s brothers played Van Morrison’s ‘Sweet Thing’, a close friend married us, our dog (it’s a lesbian thing) was the flower girl and even in front of a small group of our closest confidants Mary messed up the vows. Everything about it was lovely and down to earth.

So many special things: In lieu of speeches we had Mary’s great uncle give an old English toast. The crowd got super into it and I swear we made that venue shake. It was one of the highlights of the night. Also, instead of a traditional first dance we invited all of the guests to get up and share in our first dance together (Otis Redding’s rendition of Sam Cook’s ‘Wonderful World’). It was a great way to get everyone on the dance floor, and because our DJ, Toast & Jam, was legit the best and made it impossible for anyone to leave the dance floor after that. We mentioned the wedding crashers earlier; they brought new energy to the party as they started showing up. It allowed us to invite friends that we love and care about that we couldn’t invite for dinner because of seating capacity. It was an incredible feeling to have everyone that we love in one room to celebrate.

Photography: Dabble Me This | Event Planning: Lindsay Green | Floral Design: Pistil & Vine | Wedding Dress: J.Crew | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara | Catering: Jewell Events | Hair + Makeup: Salon Blue | Lighting: Frost Chicago | DJ: Toast and Jam | Hotel: Virgin Hotels | Venue: Salvage One | Pies: Hoosier Mama Pies

Glitter, gold and glasses of bubbly are always a welcome combo here at SMP, and when that glam package comes in the form of a stunning sailboat e-sesh from Simply Lace Photography, well… sign us up. From the beautiful bride’s crazy cool Le Chateau gown to the breathtaking cityscape that is Toronto, this is a gallery totally worth perusing. See it all in THE VAULT.

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From the Bride… They say everything happens for a reason…especially when you least expect it and that is exactly what happened when Kyle and I first met. We unexpectedly met at the gym we both attended in June 2010. The first date Kyle took me on was the best date of my life and that night I fell in love with the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with!

Our proposal… It was New Years Eve, Dec. 31, 2014. We decided to have a relaxed NYE and just stay in, cook a delicious dinner and then go for a walk along my favourite trail where Kyle decided to pop the question! He took me by complete surprise…took out the most beautiful ring and my best friend asked me to be his wife. It was the best night of my life (so far)! NYE will always hold a special place in our hearts.

We are getting married next July at The Lake House in Pickering, ON. Our theme is “Nautical Glam.” We love being out on the water, so the venue just spoke to us as soon as we went and saw it! The advice I would give all newly engaged couples would be to start the planning process early! Give yourself ample time to book all the vendors you want (like an amazing photographer!), therefore you won’t get stressed and you will actually enjoy the planning process! Be realistic… know what you can afford and spend more of your budget on things you really care about. Finally, do some things yourself if you have the time… it adds such a special touch to your big day while saving some money! Most importantly, don’t forget to love each other and cherish every moment together and always remember why you are getting married in the first place!

We wanted our engagement photos to set the tone for our Nautical Glam wedding day! Bruna from Simply Lace Photography knew exactly what we wanted and we decided to do our photos on Kyle’s dad’s sailboat. Of course, the day of our engagement shoot, the winds were howling from the North and there was not a cloud in the sky… not the ideal conditions you want for engagement photos on a sailboat! However, Bruna handled everything like a pro despite never being on sailboat before! We are so lucky to have her as our photographer… our engagement photos exceeded every single one of our high expectations! We cannot wait for our big day and have Simply Lace Photography document our love story!!!!

Photography: Simply Lace Photography | Ring: Vera Wang | Makeup: Faces by Kayla | Hair: Natures Accolade Salon and Spa | Location: Toronto, Ash Bridges Bay Yacht Club | Sequin Dress: Le Chateau

You guys, this adorable couple first met when they were just four years old…I mean, how incredibly sweet is that?! Fast forward 25 years later and these toddlers are now totally in love and married in one of the prettiest ceremonies ever. With Eva Lin Photography behind the lens capturing every moment to share, we invite you to witness their new beginning in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Would you believe me if I told you that the first time I met my husband is when I was 4 years old? Neither would my 4 year old self! But, fast forward 25 years and here we are…married! RK and I grew up together hanging out at our swimming club in the summer. Between pool games like running bases, sharks and minnows and red rover, we’d see each other from time to time at the club until we were 15…then our lives took different routes. I went to public school, he went to private school. I went to PSU for college, he played lacrosse at Hobart, I lived in Austin after graduating, he moved back to Pittsburgh. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I saw a picture of him at an old friend’s wedding and decided to reach out. A few weeks later, we met at a bar (I took my sister and brother-in-law for in-case-of-emergency-backup) and we ended up having a blast! From that moment on, I realized RK was incredibly special. He’s thoughtful, smart, funny, and his dapper looks definitely don’t hurt either. I truly felt happy being around him and I realized that I never wanted to lose that feeling…or him.

A few months (yes months!) RK and I were sitting on a beach in Cape Cod. He proposed on Little Beach, my favorite spot in the entire world and that day was something I’ll never forget. The sun was out, our emotions were high and he surprised me by flying our family and closest friends to Chatham for an engagement party! We laughed, drank and celebrated the day away and decided that May 14, 2016 would be our wedding date.

I’d like to think of myself as romantic with a healthy dose of flower child so for our wedding I wanted to create a theme that felt feminine, elegant, earthy and traditional. We picked Longue Vue Country Club for the ceremony and reception. Something about the drive through the lush and windy road that led to a beautiful stone building on top of a hill spoke to me. The mossy stone, the perfectly constructed archways, the beautiful blooming dogwood trees…it felt so right for the theme that we wanted to create. For my gown, I chose a silk chiffon skirt made my Antonio Gual and a custom halter top created by Jen Rocket studio. Because the skirt was such a standout piece, I wanted to create an elegant and classic silhouette for the top and decided to go with a low back halter. Jen saw my vision perfectly and produced a beautiful piece to wear. We kept the colors of the bridal party traditional with black Aubrey Hepburn-inspired Alfred Sung dresses and black suits for the men. Then, for pops of color I included pinks and golds to create a softer look. Flowers for my bridesmaids were leafy green floral with hints of white. My bouquet was bursting with parrot tulips, Iceland poppies, coral charm peonies, anemones, hydrangeas and soft trailing greenery. My flower crown was mostly greenery with hints of baby’s breath throughout. I kept my hair half up but incorporated lots of braids for texture adding a bohemian touch. The juxtaposition of traditional, feminine and bohemian detailing was what created the look that I was going for.

The ceremony was supposed to take place on a stone patio outside but as Pittsburgh weather goes, it rained so we said “I Do” inside the ballroom. We placed giant urns (two at the beginning of the aisle and two at the altar) filled with flowers similar to my bouquet and transformed the dining area into a beautiful floral space. Gold Chiavari chairs lined either side of the aisle and a sturdy gold chandelier hung above us. Music is a big part of my family so for the ceremony, I recorded and walked down to “When The Right One Comes Along” by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio with my father. I remember feeling so nervous and excited as my bridesmaids headed towards the alter one by one. Seeing RK standing there was the best thing and reminded me how lucky I was at that very moment to be marrying such an amazing guy.

To create a more personal feel, I enlisted the help of Jessi Evans from Orchard Made to design a flag that emulated the monogram on our invitations and hung at the archway where our guests were greeted. Inside, she also created a floral photo backdrop, a banner with one of our favorite quotes and two “here comes the bride” pennants for the ring bearers. These additional pieces truly transformed the space into that soft, romantic and bohemian feel that I was going for.
RK and I decided to do the tradition of cutting our 4 tiered cake before the first dance. The cake itself was stunning! Each butternut cream layer was given a different texture to produce a unique vision for our guests to enjoy. To add something a little extra we placed mini gold and white donuts around the cake. I have a thing for donuts so really this was just a personal request for me to enjoy even more sugar on the big day. Ha!

As the night went on, toasts were given by my father, Max, RK’s best man and my amazing MOH and sister Callie. One of my favorite parts of the speeches were how heartfelt each one was. Love is an amazing feeling and to celebrate with the people you care about most is something so special! As a gift, my father, a talented singer and songwriter wrote me my very own song…it was magical!

After guests enjoyed their meals, our band Jason Kendall Productions got the dance floor moving! I loved laughing, singing and generally having a great time with my best friends, RK and family. My skirt was perfect for dancing, so most of the night I was making myself dizzy by spinning it around!

After hours of fun, it was time to go. Our guests lined up under the stone archway and lit sparklers as we walked to our getaway car, a Rolls Royce Phantom. An overwhelming sense of joy and love filled my entire body as we said goodbye to our closest family and friends. Our wedding was a fairytale and although it was one of the best days of my life, I know there will be many more with my amazing husband RK.

To all of you future brides out there. Enjoy every second of your wedding day! It’s a reminder of how lucky we are to know what it feels like to love and to be loved.

Photography: Eva Lin Photography | Cinematography: ShoFilms | Floral Design: The Farmers Daughter | Cake: Vanilla Pastry Studio | Invitations: Nota Bene | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung | Makeup: Hannah Conard Beauty | Hair: Studio Booth | Band: Jason Kendall Productions | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: Longue Vue Country Club | Bridal Boutique: Glitter & Grit | Calligraphy + Signage: Jessi Evans Orchard Made | Donuts: Bella Christie & LiL’ Z’s Sweet Boutique | Halter Top: Jen Rocket | Silk Chiffon Skirt: Glitter & Grit

One place on my dream destination list that I’m just dying to cross off? You guessed it, Santorini. Until I find myself booking a ticket there, I’ll just stare at these stunning captures from Melanie Nedelko. Escape the ordinary and see it all in The Vault!

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From Melanie Nedelko…For me there is no other location for an engagement shoot that´s more beautiful and more unique than Santorini! This wonderful, quaint Greek island with its blue church domes definitely is one of the most gorgeous locations I’ve ever seen in real life. Pictorial wind mills, cute kittens and the most amazing sunsets await you.

It’s been a dream of mine for a long time now to explore this volcanic island by myself. So when I got an email from Selena and Jacob from L.A. this April where they told me about how they are going to travel Europe including Santorini for some weeks my heart just skipped a beat.

Shortly before their departure Jacob surprisingly proposed to Selena and it became clear pretty quick that they wanted to have an engagement shooting on Santorini. After traveling through Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro they arrived full of unforgettable impressions on the Greek island to meet me there.

I was more than just excited and ever since I met them in person I couldn’t wait for this day to come.

Jacob and Selena rented an amazing Airbnb Apartment and from its rooftop terrace we had this breathtaking view over the city Oia. We met early in the morning to start shooting. In the mornings this city is enjoyably quiet, only some fisher boats and straying cats cross your path through the charming alleys of Oia.

What else can I tell you…This engagement shooting was just incredible. Jacob and Selena interacted so lovingly and easily in front of my camera, it was a pleasure taking their pictures. I could have continued photographing them all day long if the sun hadn’t become to hot and tourists hadn’t spread out into the city. Within an hour Oia awakes and its bustle takes its usual course. 

I really hope that I may return to Santorini some day. Because if you have been there once, it is all over with you…This island won’t let you go again. But enough said – enjoy my pictures of an adorable couple and a stunning backdrop!

Photography: Melanie Nedelko | Film Processing: Carmencita Film Lab | Location: Greece: Crete & Santorini

I would write a mile-long intro about the chic warehouse setting or the styled hanging greenery but these sweet Brides said it best. “One day I imagine no one will remember the way our program looked, which pictures were hanging on the walls, or the taste of that brown butter sage sauce. But they (and we) will remember that we were together and oh so happy.” Dive into their joyful celebration from the lens of MORNINGWILD Photography.

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From The Brides…Our story spans the country, starting with Breanne on the beautiful Oregon coast where she grew up and Lauren in Massachusetts with her family. We were both finishing college in 2008 and unbeknownst to each other had each decided to answer our internal call to run away from home. We each knew we were looking to find ourselves, we just didn’t know we were also meant to find each other on that journey. We first met in Denver in October of 2008 and proceeded to spend our first year together the way all couples do – living, traveling, and working together while doing community service around the country. Our first kiss was in New Orleans and we measure our years together from that place and day, June 9th 2009 (just don’t ask who kissed who first). Seven years later, almost to the day, we vowed to be together for all the years to come.

I have always loved the look of botanicals and greenhouses and since living on my own become slightly obsessed with house plants. Lauren jokes that when she’s an old woman she’ll be surrounded by my years of collected house plants. We booked the warehouse because the venue told us that we could do whatever we wanted with the space. As a creative, I was sold! When planning our wedding Lauren and I cared the most about making the wedding feel like us and having the words and visual space truly mean something. We have been to weddings in the past that have it all, beautiful decor, delicious food, great music, but in the end felt like they were missing what truly made the event special. So we worked especially hard at creating a meaningful ceremony and a space that truly reflected who we are as a couple. In each home Lauren and I have lived in we have created a large gallery wall. Incorporating this into our wedding space felt so natural and true to us. For the past year we collected and curated what would be on our wedding gallery wall and we were so pleased with how it turned out. It really felt like home to us with nods to my Oregon Coast roots, our first home together in Maine, and all of our grandparents and parents who set the tone for our lives before us, and of course our favorite kitty, Hobbes!

I really wanted our programs to be unique so I decided to design them with space to copper leaf them at the top. I also made the confetti sticks and created the label for them. Lauren and I were thinking of quotes for the banner for so long leading up to the wedding and two weeks before the wedding, I saw the perfect quote. “We were together. I forget the rest.” by Walt Whitman. I loved that it would be hanging above our tables, with all our closest people gathered under it. One day I imagine no one will remember the way our program looked, which pictures were hanging on the walls, or the taste of that brown butter sage sauce. But they (and we) will remember that we were together and oh so happy.

Photography: MorningWild Photography | Floral Design: Luna Moss | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Jewelry: Marc Jacobs | Jewelry: Shashi | Jewelry: Kate Spade | Rings: Bario Neal | Catering: Forklift Catering | Makeup: Blush & Tryst | Hair: G20 Spa + Salon | Venue: Warehouse XI | Venue: Warehouse XI | Cake + Desserts: Oakleaf Cake Bake Shop | Confetti: Oh Happy Day! Shop | DJ + Band: Queue DJ | Donuts: Union Square Donuts | Invitations, Place Cards + Stationery: The Bride

Not only is this darling duo too cute for words, but their whole engagement shoot is pure effortless joy. Sailing through Santa Barbara, they filled Sally Pinera’s lens with smiles, kisses and laughter, making our Vault our one-stop shop for feel good vibes. Get in on all this goodness right here!

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From Sally Pinera… Grace and David’s engagement was in the beautiful Santa Barbara coast. We set sail on a beautiful sailboat for an engagement adventure! Grace wore a beautiful Free People grey dress that complemented the neutral tones of the sailboat. David wore colors that complemented Grace and the beautiful coast of Santa Barbara. This session was filled with joy, love and so much fun! We cannot wait for their wedding coming this fall!

Photography: Sally Pinera | Dress: Free People | Hair + Makeup: Studio MM&B

This wedding breaks every “rule” in the book, and you know what? That’s exactly why we love it. Although their wedding was set in the English countryside, incorporating Brazilian tradition was important so the couple worked with Something Blue Weddings to create “a day which had lots of English elements but the party atmosphere of Brazil.” Read on to hear how they pulled it off and more from Julie Michaelsen in The Vault!

From Something Blue Wedding…When I first drove into the grounds to meet with Eduardo and Clareana for the first time I knew this wedding was going to be special. This hidden gem of a country home oozed English charm and was surrounded by the most spectacular manicured grounds I’ve seen at a private home. The house belongs to Eduardo’s grandfather and holds many special memories for them as a family, so to them was the perfect place to hold their celebration.

The houses’ grounds provided unrestricted views across the South Downs and their own herd of deer and sheep, it was breathtaking and the perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony. All the guests were sat bellow a flower draped stone walled pond with the blessing ceremony taking place at the top of the steps by their pastor. From here the guests were greeted on the formal lawns with a champagne reception and stunning canapés.

When it came to the marquee they didn’t want ordinary and they didn’t want drapes, I knew the perfect match would be PapaKata and as soon as I showed them their Sperrys it was decided. Clareana wanted all the tables to connect to symbolize all the families coming together which not only looked stunning but also was a beautiful sentimental element in the wedding. We kept the English theme by using traditional English flowers in the central garlands. Roses, hydrangea and peonies filled the wooden tables and spilled down the ends as if they were growing, to soften the light we also used 350 pillar candles on brass stands to highlight the flowers and gold bead charger plates.

To tie in with the Brazilian heritage of the guests some traditions were also adhered to. The first was the stunning way Eduardo and Clareana displayed their favurs to their guests, a mass of confectionary and cake flown over from Brazil adorned a table for guests to sample throughout the day.

As with all Brazilian weddings dancing plays a huge part and entertainment was certainly high on Eduardo’s list for the wedding, the Philosophy Band had the dance floor full from the start and they didn’t stop dancing until 1am when it was time to end. 

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From Julie Michaelsen Photography…This couple were an absolute joy to photograph, their natural and passionate love for one another was so beautiful and is so clear in their photographs. Their 8-month-old son was the star of the show, charming all with his gorgeous smile, so clearly the apple of the family’s eyes as the first grandson. The typical Brazilian charm, love and affection between family members at this wedding was visible through numerous cheek-kisses, tears of joy and of course enthusiastic dancing late into the night!

Photography: Julie Michaelsen Photography | Cinematography: Gorgeous Film | Event Planning: Something Blue Weddings | Floral Design: Sweet Pea Flowers | Wedding Dress: Self Portrait Studio - Azaelea Red Dress | Bride's Shoes: Schutz | Catering: Caper & Berry | Hair + Makeup: Sanni Sorma Makeup & Hair | Calligraphy: Judy Broad Calligraphy | Lighting: creative spark | DJ: Mal Williams | Band: Philosophy Band | String Quartet: Mal Williams | Venue: At Home | Chair Rentals: Co-ordination Catering Hire | Guest's Makeup: Lilian Komor | Invitations + Stationery: Papier | Marquee: Papakata | Photography - Assistance: Marni from Bai and Elle. | Tables + Outdoor Heaters: Stress Free Hire

Guys, you probably already know by now that we are big, big fans of Gabriella New York, because, well… we shout it from the rooftops whenever we can.  And on August 25th – 28th, we’re celebrating even more than usual with a Kelly Faetanini Trunk Show that will blow your mind with one stunning gown after another. Seriously.  Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store.

Known for her feminine details and elegant silhouettes that are the epitome of classic with a modern twist, Kelly Faetanini’s 2017 Spring Collection is everything you’ve ever wanted… and so much more. Think intricate customizable beading, detachable necklines and special corsetry technology that will guarantee the PERFECT fit.  From gowns featuring golden details to fairytale-esque ombre hues to sassy fit and flares, Kelly Faetanini knows just how to make you stand out on your Big Day.  We love that.

Found exclusively at Gabriella New York, Kelly Faetanini’s Spring 2017 Collection will most definitely have the gown of your dreams.  Contact Gabriella New York to book your Trunk Show appointment and don’t forget that you’ll receive a 10% Trunk Show Discount, plus see the new collection in its entirety. It’s going to be awesome.

Wedding Dress: Kelly Faetanini

Ladies, beware of the bridesmaidzilla. Like Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrnes’ characters in “Bridesmaids,” bridesmaidzillas are pretty much every bride’s worst nightmare, taking the stress of planning a wedding and multiplying it times infinity.  Whether you’re a first-time ‘maid, or a total pro, the trick to being the perfect bridesmaid is remembering these 15 rules!

1. Don’t Make it about you

Remember, this isn’t your day, it’s hers. That means that if she picks out a less-than-pretty bridesmaid’s dress, you put on a smile and zip it up. This is her chance to be in the spotlight, and one day, know that she’ll be returning the favor.

2. Don’t tell the bride you hate her wedding dress

You know on “Say Yes to the Dress” when the bride is having her moment and the entourage says no, ruining her bridal dreams? Don’t be that person. Personal style is subjective. If she asks for your opinion, give it gently, but keep in mind that just because you hate lace, doesn’t mean that she does.

3. Don’t disrespect the bride’s wishes

If she says she wants a low-key bachelorette party, don’t plan a boozy weekend in Las Vegas. Ask the bride what she has in mind for her shower and bachelorette party and let that guide the planning, but keep the details secret for an element of surprise!

4. Don’t let the bride get too drunk at her Bachelorette Party

Part of your duties as a bridesmaid includes making sure the bride has a great time at her bachelorette party, but the goal of the night shouldn’t be “how drunk can the bride get.” Make sure part of the festivities include getting food in everyone’s stomachs and pay attention to how much she’s had to drink. Want extra brownie points? Give her lots of water — she’ll thank you in the morning.

5. Don’t drink to excess at wedding events

Weddings are a celebration, so inevitably the Champagne will be flowing from the time the bride says “yes” to the time she says “I do.” And while we’d never discourage you from sipping on some bubbly, keep in mind that it’s your friend’s big day and you want to be there and present for every moment of it.

6. Don’t ignore the bride

Hopefully when you agreed to be a bridesmaid, you knew what you were signing up for. Respond to the bride’s emails, phone calls and texts within a timely manner, and make sure she knows that you’re there for her when she needs you.

7. Don’t complain about the money

Being a bridesmaid is expensive.  From the bridesmaids dresses to the travel to the parties to the gifts — it adds up quickly. If you simply can’t afford to, that’s OK! Explain the situation to your friend and that you’ll still be there for her throughout the wedding planning process. But if you’ve already agreed to be a bridesmaid, don’t complain about the expenses.

8. Don’t Buy a size-too-small bridesmaid dress because you’re sure you’ll lose weight

This should be a no-brainer, but order the dress in the size you are, not the size you want to be. You can always take a dress in, but you can only let a dress out so much.

9. Don’t question why you aren’t Maid-of-Honor

Yes, you and the bride are BFFs and she was the maid-of-honor in your wedding, but that doesn’t mean she has to name you as hers. Respect the bride’s decision and let her know how happy you are to be included in the big day. And hey, think of it this way, less work for you!

10. Don’t fight with the other bridesmaids

No one expects you to be besties with every woman in the bridal party, and if you and one of the other bridesmaids don’t want to hang out one-on-one, that’s fine. But don’t let your feelings towards one of them affect the bride. It’s one day — put on a smile and play nice.

11. Don’t skip pre-wedding events (unless you live out of town)

We’re all busy, but if you signed up to be a bridesmaid, you signed up for all the fun of wedding planning. If you live out of town, no one expects you to fly in to help out with a DIY project, however, if you live nearby, try to be there for your friend every step of the way.

12. Don’t have an opinion on everything

Remember when you were a child and your parents told you, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all?” Well, that applies to weddings. Obviously, if your friend asks for your opinion, you should give it to her, but some things are better left unsaid.

13. Don’t compare her wedding to yours

Maybe it starts with comparing her ring to yours, or her choice of venue to your own, but comparing weddings is a slippery slope that will never end well. Your day was or will be perfect for you, just as hers is perfect for her.

14. Don’t bring up her exes

A wedding is about the future, not the past, so this should go without saying, but don’t bring up any ex-boyfriends, no matter how long it’s been.

15. Don’t Lose Sight of Your Friendship

Wedding planning has a tendency to bring out the best and the worst of people. No one likes a bridezilla, but you have to remember that your friendship is infinitely more important than an ugly bridesmaid’s dress. Deep breaths and a little perspective will help you get through even the most trying moments.

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More Tips + Tricks to Be the Perfect Bridesmaid

It Costs How Much to Be a Bridesmaid?! | Give the Perfect Wedding Speech | Be the Best Maid-of-Honor

You know how I feel about intimate weddings (disclaimer: they’re my absolute favorite), so it’s really no surprise that Samantha and Stuart’s celebration has stolen my heart completely. With the talented Elisa Bricker behind the lens, these two jet set off to their favorite vacation spot to say ‘I Do’, and you can see it all firsthand in The Vault!

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From Elisa Bricker…This intimate wedding by a New York couple took place in Old Town San Juan, Puerto Rico. Samantha and Stuart chose this spot because it was a favorite vacation destination and had very personal memories for the two of them. They wanted their wedding to be very intimate and meaningful.

Their private ceremony overlooked the sea, in the shadow of the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro (also known as Fuerte San Felipe del Morro or Morro Castle) – a 16th-century citadel located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Their classic style included a fitted-with-flare gown by Carol Hannah and a classic tux by J. Crew for the groom. Post ceremony, The couple celebrated with a few friends and family at the Condado Vanderbilt.

Photography: Elisa Bricker | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Invitations: Design House Of Moira | Ceremony Venue: Castillo San Felipe del Morro | Reception Venue: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Hair + Makeup: Cakes To Di For | Groom's Attire: J.Crew

Old world glamour is the name of the game for this Sonoma affair and the images by Meghan Mehan Photography? Quite frankly, they’re the stuff wedding dreams are made of. The Hayley Paige dress. The staircase ceremony. The ivory bouquets tied up with satin ribbon. It all adds up to a standing ovation for ROQUE Events and you better not miss the gallery or film by Josh Harney below.

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The wedding of Camelia and Mark was majestic and sweet as the rain clouds hovered throughout the afternoon. A ray of sunshine was destined to peek through as guests patiently awaited the wedding party to enter the ceremony at Sonoma Golf Club. The wind blew the soft ivory drapery and crystal chandelier every so lightly where the romantic bride and groom would say ‘I Do’ and exchange their vows. Garlands of bay and pink roses adorned the staircase railing creating an enchanting look and feel that added a special touch of sweetness to the wedding festivities. As in wine country, 2 barrels lined either side of the aisle with tall gold floral arrangements making the centerpiece of the ceremony pop with a dreamy flare. Gorgeous bridesmaids wore soft pink gowns and the groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos, making this an elegant cocktail affair. The beautiful bride wore the ultimate flowy gown by Hayley Paige that paired perfectly with her loose hand tied bouquet of ivory garden roses, ranunculus, olive, majolica and spray roses tied in ivory satin.

The decor was filled with a romantic color palette of white, ivory, blush, gold and black. La Tavola Linen draped the dining tables and sweetheart table with mixed metal votives, stunning centerpieces and custom table names with the places the bride and groom have traveled to around the world. Greenery strung on the 4 chandeliers hanging over the dance floor was the perfect addition to make the design come together.

The 4-tier ivory wedding cake was absolutely stunning with embellished gold and silver accents and textures. The Mr. and Mrs. and their guests enjoyed the sweet flavors of s’mores by the open fire after dinner. Everyone snuggled up with white fleece throws and embraced the love for Camelia and Mark. It was the perfect day to celebrate such a romantic couple. We wish them so much love and happiness!

Photography: Meghan Mehan | Cinematography: Josh Harney | Event Design: ROQUE Events | Event Planning: ROQUE Events | Floral Design: Valley Flora | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Invitations: Laura Lambrix Designs | Makeup: Miss Marissa Artistry | Hair: Mirage Salon | DJ: Sir Edgar | Officiant: Larry Wilkerson | Ceremony Music: Laurent Fourgo | Venue: Sonoma Golf Club | Lighting + Production: Five Star Productions | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Public Relations: Rayce PR | Rentals: Encore Events Rentals | Signage: Laura Lambrix Designs

If you have yet to discover Israeli designer, Alon Livne you better do your homework STAT because his gowns are completely next level. Exhibit A – this Texas bride who stole the show, alongside her gorgeous bridal crew dressed in twobirds Bridesmaid. Keely Thorne Events designed a day worthy of such a glamorous gown and Nancy Aidee Photography
 and Sculpting With Time didn’t miss a single moment. See it all here!

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From The Bride…Brandon and I met while attending University of Houston. Our first date was with a group of friends on a limo ride to the Texans football game, we’ve been inseparable ever since. Brandon was an Art Major and I was attending the Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. I grew up in the restaurant business; my family owns Amerigo’s Grille, an Italian inspired restaurant that has been in The Woodlands, TX for 27 years. I have worked in the business since I was 16 and I continue to work as the PR & Events Manager. My family has been members of The Club at Carlton Woods since I was a little girl and I always dreamed of having my wedding there.

The inspiration for the wedding came when Brandon’s business brought him to Santa Barbara. We were inspired by our visits to Santa Barbara’s wineries and the beautiful scenery and romantic vibe. Our amazing photographer, Nancy Aidée, flew there to take our Engagement photos among the cliffs on the beach. Upon returning to The Woodlands, I connected with my wedding planner to begin the creative process. What started as imaginative ideas turned into incredible realities that were brought to life by the tireless effort of Keely Throne Event’s, Ashley Appling.

The day began with severe thunderstorms in the morning and by the ceremony the clouds had cleared to reveal a beautiful blue sky to welcome the 200 guests in attendance. The ceremony was on the outside terrace overlooking the world famous Jack Nicklaus golf course. The guests were seated on the manicured lawn. The wedding party walked down the center brick pathway to the sounds of a live four string quartet, Divisi Strings. Giant stunning floral arrangements in garden urns on wooden pillars surrounded the space where Brandon & I said our vows.

Upon completion of the ceremony the guests walked up the stairs and into the Bears’ Den lounge for the cocktail reception. Events in Bloom provided white Victorian furnishings including a white tufted ottoman and French divans. Hors d’oeuvres and champagne were passed with silver embossed monogrammed napkins.

The spacious elegant reception area was graced with tall ceilings, wooden beams, and French style bronze chandeliers draped in greenery. The floral arch ways and wooden farm tables with cross back chairs added to Romantic winery feel. White wooden box planters framed the front of stage and flowed with flowers. Pale pinks, peach, and organic greenery were common colors of the floral centerpieces and long cascading table runners. The white dance floor was personalized with a large gold embossed custom wedding monogram, designed by Kara Anne Paper, who also designed the exquisite invitations and stationery. In lieu of a guest book we had an impressive three liter 1997 Silver Oak wine bottle for the guests to sign with gold pens.

To kick off the reception, our Jewish family friend Dr. Gottleib gave a toast and had Brandon “Break a Glass” on the dance floor. Dr. G stated, “That will be the last time you ever put your foot down!” The crowd went wild and the party went into full swing. The groom loves bourbon so we created “Brandon’s Bourbon Bar” on the veranda as a specialty bar featuring different types of bourbons for the guest to enjoy. Action stations including a Beef Tenderloin carving station, Scallops station, and Pasta station added to the enjoyment of the evening. A live Sketch Artist created personal sketches of each guest and their date to take home as a wedding souvenir. Live Event Paintings, Susan Moss Cooper, came in from Dallas and set up her canvas next to the dance floor to sketch a portrait of our first dance. We danced to Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones performed by The Argyles, a famous wedding band from Austin, TX. The highlight of the evening was when all the guests gathered on the dance floor with confetti sticks filled with “Flutter Fetti.” Confetti fell from the sky as Brandon & I cheered and danced with our closest family and friends. Mini pepperoni pizzas, the groom’s favorite, were butler passed on silver platters as the midnight snack. We left with a sparklers send off in a 1965 white Rolls Royce. This special weekend of friends and family reflected our personalities perfectly and will forever be engrained in our memories.

A live Sketch Artist created personal sketches of each guest and their date to take home as a wedding souvenir. Live Event Paintings, Susan Moss Cooper, came in from Dallas and set up her canvas next to the dance floor to sketch a portrait of our first dance. We danced to Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones performed by The Argyles, a famous wedding band from Austin, TX. The highlight of the evening was when all the guests gathered on the dance floor with confetti sticks filled with “Flutter Fetti.” Confetti fell from the sky as Brandon & I cheered and danced with our closest family and friends. Mini pepperoni pizzas, the groom’s favorite, were butler passed on silver platters as the midnight snack. We left with a sparklers send off in a 1965 white Rolls Royce. This special weekend of friends and family reflected our personalities perfectly and will forever be engrained in our memories.

The wedding gown was designed by Alon Livne. He is recognized today as one of Israel’s most prestigious designers for his “Alon Livne White” Bridal Couture Collection. The “Coco” dress is feminine and elegant with a gorgeous hand beaded bodice and breathtaking silhouette.

Photography: Nancy Aidee Photography
 | Cinematography: Sculpting With Time Productions | Event Planning: Keely Thorne Events | Floral Design: A Memorable Event | Wedding Dress: Alon Livne | Stationery: Kara Anne Paper | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: Shannon Fine Jewelry | Bridesmaids' Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid | Makeup: Sheila Ybarra | Hair: Emily Hogan | Band: The Argyles | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | String Quartet: Divisi Strings | Venue: The Club at Carlton Woods | Bridal Boutique: Mia Bridal Couture | Furniture Rentals: Events In Bloom | Signage: Papellerie

It’s been one hot summer, and thanks to the handsome men in our SMP Hottest Grooms vote, it’s been a real scorcher. It hasn’t been easy, but after narrowing the field from 16 to eight to four grooms, the votes are in. Today, we’re crowning one man the hottest groom to ever grace Style Me Pretty — cue the bragging rights (and hopefully a few laughs). Drumroll please…

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Style Inspiration for Him

Stylish Grooms of SMP

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Stylish Grooms of SMP

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A Groom’s Guide to Wedding Planning

Get Him Excited About Wedding Planning

What Every Bride Wants Her Groom to Know

20 Ways You’re Secretly Driving Your Groom Crazy

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Winning Groom Photography: Heidi-O-Photo

This is it y’all. Hot off the presses we have the last ladies standing in our first ever Style Me Pretty Living Home Awards. We started out with 16 gorgeous spaces in 4 different style categories (check out the original nominees here!) and have slowly shaved that down to two homes that are beyond stunning. We’re dying to see who you crown Dream Home. Hop to it and cast your vote right here!

Click to cast your vote!

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The Final Contestants

Classic

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Modern

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OFFICIAL RULES

Voters must follow Style Me Pretty on Facebook to cast a winning vote. The first round of voting, ending on August 6, voters will select the two homes from each style category that they’d like to move on in the bracket. These two homes from each style category with the most votes will advance in the SMP Living Home Awards bracket. Voters will then pick one home from each style category, until August 13. Then, voters will pick two homes from the final four until March 20. Finally, voters will vote for the ultimate home from the final two until August 27. The final home will be revealed on August 31. Followers are allowed one vote per IP address. Facebook voters determine the ultimate home winner, votes will only qualify if submitted daily through Facebook polls on the Style Me Pretty page. The home winner will be announced on August 31st.

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Click to cast your vote!

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When it comes to the late summer—early fall transition? There’s nothing more versatile than the crop jean. From a beach or BBQ style with flip flops to booties and sweaters for those chilly days, they are a must in every girl’s closet in my opinion. And when they’re under $100, even better. Find a handful of budget-friendly cutie crops right here!

Under $100 Crop Jeans

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Under $100 Crop Jeans

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One thing I know for sure? Is that Andrew Mark Photography has a way with the lens that can totally transport you. Take Louci & Sarkis’s vow renewal as example. Because after one look in The Vault you’ll feel as if you were front row for their sweet vow renewal underneath the prettiest floral arbor ever. See it all here!

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From Andrew Mark Photography…Louci & Sarkis renewed their vows under a stunning floral arbour with just a few of their friends their to watch. A small dinner reception took place under their favourite willow tree.

From Spunky Sapphire Events…Weddings are the beginning of new legacies and a celebration of a love story supported by generations culminating in a strong marriage. Inspired by the deep hues of summer and the heritage of a strong family, we focused on the classic style of a plantation and the unwavering love of the couple and their family. Under the arch her grandfather built and on land that has been in the family for generations, the couple renewed the vows that began their legacy: to love and care for each other and to work daily on building a marriage more beautiful than their wedding day. Heirloom china pieces lined long harvest tables for the anniversary dinner and were accented with the family’s glassware collection, modern gold flatware, and richly-hued florals dripping with greenery. Beautiful treasures of furniture dotted the landscape and provided guests places to reconnect and savor the celebration. Under a strong willow tree, husband and wife stole a moment to themselves to soak in the sight of their loved ones gathered together and to reflect on a day that will hold a place in their hearts forever.

Photography: Andrew Mark Photography | Event Planning + Design: Spunky Sapphire Events | Floral Design: Fleurish Design Studio | Cake: The Dessert Room | Stationery: Simply Sealed | Makeup: Love Me Makeup | Hair: Kaitlin Otten | Venue: Flamborough Hills | Rentals: Warehouse 84 | Rentals: Simply Beautiful Decor | Tabletop Rentals: Plate Occasions

Here’s a girl after my own heart. Her two wedding day essentials? Donuts and ghost chairs. From the sweet treats to the chic decor (thanks to the guidance of The Eventeur), this destination celebration was a hit – and a family-filled affair to boot. With the couple’s two sons in attendance – and dressed oh so dapper – smiles never faded and 5ive15ifteen captured it all. Head to our Vault for more!

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From the Bride… Our relationship started with us being in different places in our lives. It was a test of genuine love, patience and determination that lead us to our fairytale. We had two very special guests at our wedding, our sons, and we were thrilled they were there to witness our vows. When we decided to get married, a destination wedding was a must for us but we weren’t quite sure of the destination itself. We wanted a location that was convenient for our Canadian guests to travel to but also offered a unique experience for them. Costa Rica was the perfect choice with its stunning landscapes and wide scope of adventurous activities offered. The beautiful scenery and sounds of the ocean along with the presence of 61 of our closest family and friends made it the wedding of our dreams and none of it would have been possible without The Eventeur’s help, vision and guidance.

The two elements I knew I wanted as soon as we started planning was the donuts and ghost chairs. Beyond that, I wanted the reception to feel fancy but not stuffy and still stay true to its surroundings. For Srdan, musts were good food and good music. Local Costa Rican fare, served family style were a huge hit and a conversation starter for our guests. Our family and friends had the time of their life and we were glad we asked them to take on this adventure with us.

Photography: Style Me Pretty | Event Planning + Design: The Eventeur | Floral Design: Artflower | Wedding Dress: Mori Lee | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: ASOS | Catering: Pacifico Costa Rica | DJ: Show Dreams | DJ: Baby Yu | Venue: Pacifico Costa Rica | Rentals: Costa Mesa

If there was one wedding that embodies the perfect beachside ceremony, this would be it. Captured by Shining Light Photography, it’s the ultimate beach beauty and we’ve got every bit of it waiting for you to favorite and fall in love with (I mean, just look at that two-piece gown!) via The Vault!

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From The Bride…When Patrick and I were planning our wedding, we were on the same page with what we wanted. Something small, simple, family only, and definitely a destination wedding. The Omni Amelia Island Plantation has been a favorite vacation spot of mine for the last 8 years, and Patrick had grown to love it as well. So our destination was an easy choice!

Shopping for a dress was a pretty easy experience for me. I knew I wanted something non-traditional that didn’t overpower my petite frame. I went to BHLDN and paired the Anika Tulle skirt and the Celeste topper with an ivory crop top underneath. It was beyond perfect for the beach! Patrick went to Brooks Brothers for his wedding attire, going with a bold, navy custom-made suit that fit him perfectly.

Next obstacle: the guest list! Turns out, our families are a bit bigger than we had realized. And with a guest list quickly growing to 100 people with just our two families, talks of wedding planners, and trying to please everyone, my fiancé had to talk me off the ledge. It had so quickly turned into something that wasn’t us. Without telling our parents, Patrick and I booked my aunt’s condo on the Plantation for an entire week in April. We were going to have a family vacation, and during this vacation, Patrick and I would have a simple ceremony and a dinner with those who mean the most to us. A week long celebration of two families coming together. We started the wedding planning by booking the Property Owners Club at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. The ceremony was perfect and intimate…exactly what we had envisioned. Patrick and I also had our younger sisters stand beside us as we said our vows. Even though our wedding was super small, it was important to us to have them up there. Since there would only be about 12 of us, we decided to have the ceremony and dinner on the patio. The patio overlooked the marsh and a large oak tree, making the view for the evening both calming and compelling.

We ate dinner after the sun had set, at a large table with bulb lights strung above, serving as our only source of light. The ambiance of the dinner was indescribable, but the relationships, laughter and love being shared was beautiful and extra special. We all just relaxed, played games like both of our families love to do, and just enjoyed each other’s company. It honestly was magical. We even saw a shooting star at the end of the night!

With the work of our amazing vendors (and my sweet aunt and mother) our ideal, intimate wedding came together better than we could have imagined!

Photography: Shining Light Photography | Floral Design: Dottie B Florist | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Invitations: Melody Joy | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Lulu's | Catering: Horizons | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Venue: Walkers Landing At Amelia Island Plantation | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints

We may be approaching fall but my mind is stuck in spring. And cherry blossoms in particular! Their beauty is just not easily forgotten. Case in point, this classic spring wedding captured by Alea Lovely. From the light blue Jenny Yoo bridesmaids’ dresses to the insanely sweet video clip from Creative Films, cherry blossoms bedeck the background with pink petals – and I can’t get enough! All in our Vault here!

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From Creative Films… Jillian and Brent wanted nothing more than to spoil their guests with comfort food, great music and cocktails as they celebrated their beginning to marriage. Their event design was inspired by the architectural elements found in their ceremony and reception venue, the importance of Southern hospitality and the soft colors of spring. The Brass on Baltimore is a historic Kansas City building that has been renovated and is now a highly sought-after event space. The reading of love letters to one another during their traditional ceremony invited guests into their story. The day was filled with intention and personal touches such as a Groom’s Cake donning the Chicago skyline (the Groom’s hometown) and a special visit by their pup, Sadie during portraits. Even the couple’s wedding date held special meaning as it was the Bride’s parent’s 28th wedding anniversary.

Photography: Alea Lovely | Cinematography: Creative Films | Event Planning: Madison Sanders Events | Floral Design: Beco Flowers | Cake: Classic Cakes | Invitations: Announce This Design | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Olive Events | Makeup: Mary Shalee - Mary Morrison | Hair: White Carpet Bride | Lighting: Platinum Productions | Band: The Patrick Lentz Band | Favors: Andre's Confiserie Suisse | String Quartet: Juniper String Ensemble | Venue: The Brass on Baltimore | Photo Booth: The Photo Bus KC | Rentals: All Season's Event Rental | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Ultrapom

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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For those of you that think offices romances are a tad bit taboo, then I invite you to witness this incredible celebration. Because the love? Totally undeniable, and the celebration? Crazy chic. With the incomparable Erich McVey Photography behind the lens snapping up every detail (like this Found Vintage Rentals), we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

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From the Bride…Matt and I met 7 years ago at work. We still work together! I am from the Palm Springs area and the older I get the more I love the desert. I knew I wanted to get married in my hometown. I am originally from Bosnia, and have a ton of Bosnian family/friends in the desert. This was a great way to include everyone. I also had some family fly all the way from Bosnia to be there so it felt that much more special to us to share this day with all of our loved ones in such a beautiful place with great weather. We live in San Francisco and Matt is from the Bay Area, so it was close enough for his family/friends as well. We fell in love with the Polo Grounds and didn’t see any other venues after that.

Our wedding felt special because Matt’s birthday was the very next day and it was also Easter weekend. Spring was in the air and this is by far my favorite time of the year. The weather is perfect and the sunsets and backdrops of the desert are really majestic. I wanted to make sure that it felt like Spring (My name also means Spring) so I felt like I needed to pay tribute to the season! I wanted to make sure that this was reflected in our décor. I wanted the colors to be bright and blush pinks mixed with white and very lush greens. I love this look. The floral arrangements were everything I wanted. I also wanted to add pops of color and little orange kumquats on everyone’s place setting were perfect for this. I wanted it to be romantic but not overly feminine. Ceremony and reception were both bright and outdoors. We also included some of our own décor with hung lanterns. Adding little touches like signature cocktails and a seating area for guests just made it more personal and a reflection of our style. Both Matt and I love to eat well, and we really feel like the caterer knocked it out of the park!

We used some handmade crochet table cloths that my grandma made (Both of my grandmas passed away and we wanted it to feel like they were a part of this special day.) My aunt also brought back a ton of Rakija (a local Bosnian fruit brandy) and we used that as guest favors for everyone. The music was a blend of Bosnian traditional and pop music along with the American dance music everyone loves. Our DJ did an incredible job blending all of that! It’s not easy with such a diverse group, but we feel like the dance floor was packed the whole night. Music was really important to us. Matt is Jewish so we also had a breaking of the glass ceremony and a chuppah. What I love most about us is that we come from very different backgrounds, cultures and upbringings and I think it’s very special that we all respect one another and come together especially this day in age, when everyone seems to feel so separated from other religions and beliefs.

We just wanted the guests to have a blast and relax. Our ceremony was non-traditional and we wrote our own vows. This was the best part of the day. I still read them sometime and can’t help but feel so grateful. The whole day just felt perfect, it was filled with emotion and tears of joy. The moon came out for our last dance, I really felt like it was a real life dream.

Photography: Erich McVey Photography | Cinematography: Black Shutter Media | Event Planning: Nicole Alexandra Designs | Floral Designer: My Little Flower Shop | Wedding Dress: Michal Medina | Bride's Shoes: Aquazzura | Rings: Rebecca Overmann | Catering: Le Vallauris | Makeup: Maja Makeup | Hair: Chelsea Nicole Makeup | DJ: DJ Chris Paul | Hotel: La Quinta Resort & Club | Venue: Empire Polo Club | Invitations + Stationery: Sloane Harmony Design | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals | Specialty Rentals: Found Rental Co.