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

A French Blue and Ivory Affair at Greystone Mansion

Today’s Greystone Mansion wedding is a Disney fairytale come true! Dressed in a French Blue, cream, ivory and blush color palette, every detail of their day planned by Milk Events was chosen with purpose and intention. From the stunning architecture of the venue to the bride’s Princess dress – there’s so much to love at the full gallery of inspiration, all captured by Ether & Smith.

From the planner… When we first met with Jill & Jeff, having “Something Blue” was the first conversation we had. During the design process, we went back and forth on the type of blue and how we would use it. We wanted the color to accent Greystone’s beautiful warm tones and lush greenery, but still be full and prevalent.

The linens in a French Blue served as the perfect backdrop to the florals which consisted of complimentary creams, ivories, and a touch of blush. Lily Roden delivered our vision of lush and romantic without distracting from Greystone Mansion’s architecture.

To continue to keep the elements soft, we decided on the Arthur Chair from Bright Event Rentals, as the lightly scalloped details complemented the venue.

The best part of this design is you’ll find “Something Blue” in every part of the wedding, with intention and purpose.

Full Service, Partial, Month-of? Here’s How To Decide Which Planning Option Is Right For You

Before you rack your brains with all the details, you’ll want to enjoy your engagement. It’s an incredible relationship milestone to reach, and one that shouldn’t be rushed. So, have the champagne, embrace all that comes with your new soon-to-be-wed status, and don’t jump in before you’ve appropriately freaked out (in all the best ways). You’ll get to the big things below, but you won’t want to overlook “the little things” that are super special and meaningful along the way. Now that we’ve settled that – let’s jump into what kind of wedding planning help is the best fit for you!

Photography by Jen Huang Photography

Difference between Wedding Planners, Designers, and Coordinators:

While often used interchangeably, the terms “designer,” “planner,” and “coordinator” mean different things in the wedding world. When you hire someone, it’s important to know exactly what roles they fill and which services they offer. Some services are more affordable than others, so even if you can’t afford a full-service planner, you still may be able to hire a coordinator that can take some weight off your shoulders.

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner organizes and manages all the logistics of your day. Normally, couples work with this individual and his or her team from the beginning (or near the beginning) of the process. Depending on the package you choose, this could include venue tours, vendor negotiation and management, timeline creation, budget management, etc. These professionals are the OG “I Do” ideators.

Wedding Designer

A wedding designer is focused on the style and aesthetic of your day. They don’t negotiate with vendors or schedule timelines, but they can help choose decor details like linens and tableware, manage rentals, create a floor plan, and bring together the look and feel of your day. These professionals are the visual visionaries.

Wedding Coordinator

A wedding coordinator takes on the logistics of the day after you’ve planned them. They can help finalize vendor contracts and schedule the day, but won’t be there to help early on in the process. Their job is to help things run as smoothly as possible on the month, week, and days leading up to the wedding. These professionals are the ones who execute and troubleshoot the day you tie the knot.

Photography by Luna de Mare Photography

Difference between Full Service, Partial and Month of:

Full Service Planning, Design and Coordination

Full service pros are just that: full-service! They’ll take the lead on essentially everything, from setting your budget to sussing out design plans, handpicking your venue and vendors, managing your guest list, reviewing and negotiating contracts, and creating manageable timelines to keep you on track with all of your to-dos. They’ll be there every step along the way and continue to be all-hands-on-deck when it comes to the actual day itself.

Partial Planning and Coordination

If you like the idea of being more hands-on with your wedding planning, but still want some help, partial planning and coordination may be the route for you! Most wedding planning companies offer partial planning and coordination.

Month of Coordination

Month of coordination services aren’t there to help you choose or secure vendors, or design the look and feel of the day. However, they do help pull all the details together and make sure things run smoothly on the day of the wedding. While everyone’s preferences and needs will be different, we strongly recommend that you hire a planner for month of coordination, if nothing else. Asking a cousin or friend to fill that role can end up with less than ideal results, and you want to make sure that they can enjoy the festivities too!

“There is a distinct difference between a wedding planner provided by a venue and a dedicated planner like myself. Wedding planners from a venue make sure their in-house services are on schedule and organized for your event. An independent planner is dedicated to executing the client’s overall vision and designing the event from start to finish. My role is to act solely on behalf of my client, every step of the way—to create an immersive experience reflective of each couple.” – Kate, Kate Siegel Fine Events

Photography by Natalie Cheng Photography

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Photography

Jen Huang Photography

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Kate Siegel Fine Events

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Groom Overcomes Cancer to Marry His Bride in Modern Chic Wedding

After our groom beat cancer, there was only one way to celebrate- by marrying the love of his life of course. The dream wedding was a beautiful celebration of the couple’s journey, done in a sophisticated caramel and white color palette, all expertly planned by Two Hearts Event Design. Blooms designed by Creative Light brought the fashion forward day to life, and every heartfelt moment is artfully captured in imagery by Amy Golding. You can see all the chic and sophisticated details inside the full gallery.

From Amy Golding… This wedding took place at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo, California, and was designed by Two Hearts Event Design. The bride, Brittany, became a personal stylist after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and dreamed of having a fashion-forward designed event.

Caramel and white florals showcasing dimensional design surrounded the chuppah which was covered with the groom’s grandfather’s tallit and the bride’s dad’s tallit. The bride wore an intricate custom cape that buttoned behind the neck.

About 6 months into their relationship, the groom, Jordan, was diagnosed with cancer. After going through chemo, they were able to beat cancer and spent the next couple of years regaining Jordan’s health so that they could have the wedding of their dreams.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Seaside Rooftop Wedding in Seattle at a Private Home

Today’s intimate rooftop wedding at the bride’s family home in Seattle is sweet as can be! The two exchanged vows in front of their nearest and dearest overlooking views of the sparkling Puget sound. Sinclair & Moore planned and designed the event to perfection – incorporating a cream, mustard, and peach color scheme and organic autumnal arrangements. O’Malley Photographers was behind the lens capturing every must-see moment from their day, see all the pretty at the full gallery!

Matt + Jenni opted for an intimate celebration at the family home she grew up in overlooking the beautiful Puget sound.

They wanted the evening to be all about connections filled with love, light, and laughter and that’s exactly what it was.

The bride grew up on the water in the beautiful PNW so everything from the photos to food and overall design incorporated the natural elements of the water, mountains, trees, sunset, and beach. This chic, intimate wedding was planned to perfection by Sinclair & Moore.

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Event Design

Sinclair & Moore

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Hudson Valley Soiree In Bright Summer Hues

It’s no wonder so many couples choose the summer to tie the knot, and this Hudson Valley wedding is the perfect celebration of the season. Monica Relyea Events brought the couple’s wedding vision to life with a burst of bright colors in the great outdoors. The cheerful and romantic floral design by Athabold adds to the fun, and every artful moment is elegantly captured in time by Joanna Fisher Photography. Get a closer look at all the lovely inside the full gallery.

Joanna Fisher Photography… Glynwood was the perfect venue for Bernie and Isabelle, who wanted their wedding weekend to be an immersive experience for their close family and friends in attendance. The sprawling fields and rolling hills of the Hudson Valley were a beautiful setting for the early-summer soiree.

Planned and designed by Monica Relyea Events, not a detail was missed in bringing the couple’s vision to life. Toile linens and beautiful seasonal florals in bright colors decorated the sailcloth tent, which glowed late into the evening as the celebrations went on.

This was an elegant, timeless, and elevated garden-party wedding that will not soon be forgotten.

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Joanna Fisher Photography

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A Fresh Take On A Classic Black And White Wedding Overlooking The Golden Gate Bridge

We love a modern, classic wedding done in black and white. The style-forward day was planned by Vanessa Pence Events, and filled with crisp white blooms by Blooms by Morgan. Personal touches and carefully curated details make the celebration stand out, and all the fun is beautifully documented by Olivia Marshall Photography. Visit the full gallery for endless inspiration.

From Vanessa Pence Events… This wedding brings a fresh take on a classic, brimming with florals, lots of laughs, and a lighthearted and playful flair. What was set to be a wildly windy day (up to 30mph!) turned into blue skies and sunshine – the most perfect fall weather you could imagine here in the Bay Area. The bride and groom enlisted Vanessa Pence Events to pull off their dream celebration overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge with lush florals of soft whites and greens by Blooms by Morgan. The beauty and pure joy of the day radiates in the images captured by Olivia Marshall Photography.

From the bride… We met on Bumble. Matt’s profile said he needed someone to split a wine membership with and I just had to make the first move. Turns out we lived a block away from each other but never crossed paths! On our first date, we met in the Marina for a wine flight. We hit it off so well we didn’t want the night to end so we made a quick stop for some ice cream and then had a night cap at our soon-to-become favorite bar in the city (the bartenders used to know us by name). Three years and two cats later, Matt proposed on a weekend getaway to Mendocino, a place we’d go to often. He planned a dinner and suggested we go to a bar before but while driving there, he missed the turn to the restaurant and instead suggested we walk out to the bluffs overlooking the ocean. When we got to the bluff, he got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. It was an immediate YES! For their wedding day, Eliza and Matt knew they wanted a destination that was close to their hearts and also easy for their non-local family and friends to get to from the airport. They toured Cavallo Point Lodge and after seeing the magical view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline, it was love at first sight. The venue was the perfect mix of California coastline, San Francisco history, and modern elegance. They wanted the day to feel modern traditional, warm, and most importantly they wanted to host an epic party – tons of lush soft white blooms with meandering greenery, black tie optional attire, warm candlelight, and a ‘Club Savage’ theme (taking after their new joint last name). As Eliza laughingly said, Of course I’m taking his last name. Savage is too good to pass up! Their ultimate wedding day goal was to spend as much time with their friends and family as possible, dance a lot, laugh even more, and eat great food. Eliza wore a simple yet stunning Carolina Herrera dress from Jin Wang Bridal that, very importantly, gave her a little wiggle room to dance the night away in while Matt sported a bone white dinner jacket, classic black tuxedo pants, and black velvet loafers. The ceremony took place on the Cavallo lawn overlooking rolling hills and the bay. We pivoted the aisle on the slightest angle so that every guest had a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Eliza’s oldest brother officiated the wedding and the couple exchanged personal vows that made for a few tears and a lot of laughs.

After the ceremony, the couple surprised guests with a marching band trio who led everyone down to cocktail hour, with an even better view of the bridge. Guests sipped on spicy margaritas and old fashioneds, named after Eliza and Matt’s two cats. Dinner took place in the ballroom covered in lush blooms, dripping greenery, and black and white design elements created by Aerialist Press to make it feel classic, warm, and personal. The toasts really took the cake at this wedding – specifically Eliza’s other brother who took his title as Matron of Honor very seriously – and were filled with lots of laughs, childhood stories, and happy tears. The night progressed into an epic dance party where guests of all ages were moving and shaking along to the Sounds Elevated crew that fused dj’ing with a live band. Between dancing and taking polaroids at the ‘Club Savage’ photo booth, guests munched on Johnny Doughnuts, specially brought in as a nod to the couple’s love of donuts.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Cozy Winter Garden Wedding in the Canadian Rockies

Just one look at the backdrop of these wedding photos is enough to make you say wow! Shot in front of the snow covered Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moments by Madeleine Weddings & Events planned and designed a day as beautiful as the setting. Rich and vibrant colored flowers designed by Flowers By Janie were the perfect contrast to the stark white snow, and the love and happiness of the day radiates through the imagery captured by Corrina Walker Photography. Fall in love with all the pretty little details inside the full gallery.

From Moments by Madeleine Weddings & Events… Gabrielle and Eric chose a beautiful snowy day in the Canadian Rocky Mountains for their wedding day. Lucky for us, Mother Nature was on our side and they were able to say “I Do” on the outdoor terrace with the Three Sisters mountain range as their backdrop.

Guests were kept cozy with cream blankets and a spiked cider station upon arrival complete with cups with their custom monogram stamped onto the coffee cup sleeves.

The colour palette was a rich palette of gold, hunter green and a gorgeous variety of berry tones, complimenting the neutral tones of the Malcolm Hotel’s Edinburgh ballroom.

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Moments by Madeleine Weddings & Events

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A Timeless And Classic Charleston Wedding Done In All White

A classic wedding is always in style, and we’re swooning over this chic Charleston celebration. Tara Guerard Soiree planned and designed a wedding overflowing with style. The modern yet timeless day was filled with dreamy details and a timeless all white color palette. Ryan Ray artfully captured the love and joy of the day in beautiful photography, see it all inside the full gallery.

From Tara Guerard Soiree… Paige and Dan married in a Catholic Cathedral in the historic district of Charleston, hosted a cocktail hour in one of the oldest hotels in the city (George Washington has stayed there), and welcomed guests for a dinner and dancing in a building dating back to the early 1840’s. Their look was classically tailored and glamorous. Since the space is so cavernous, sound can sometimes be an issue, so we carpeted the space for the first time ever adding an entirely new look. What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning? We both come from pretty big families, and we are fortunate to have a large network of friends and loved ones, so we knew it was going to be a big wedding. That, and I knew no matter what we did, I wanted it to be the most fun party. I am super indecisive as a person, so other than that, I had been all over the place with city/location venue etc. What was your color palette and your style vision? Going into it we had discussed using a lot of champagne/gold and white, which is what we ended up with. It felt so pretty and classic. We had contemplated champagne dresses for the bridesmaids but ended up doing black, which I loved the look of with the groomsmen in the black tuxes. My outfit change into the jumpsuit was a last-minute decision, but so happy with it. I had originally thought I would not do an outfit change for the after party.

We had lots of unique elements and DIY details like a custom dance floor, menu place cards, espresso martini bar, raw bar ice sculpture centerpiece incorporating flowers, late-night snacks with monogrammed pizza boxes and our first dance song name engraved on both of our wedding rings – Still The One. We did welcome boxes for all the guests with local treats and info. Honestly, everything about the whole weekend was our favorite! I will say one of my many favorite moments of the night was when Dan got up on stage with the band and played his Saxophone to Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder. Another favorite moment was after our seated dinner downstairs, the sax, horn, trumpet etc group from the band came down and did a lap around the tables playing music to lead everyone upstairs for our first dance & all the dancing thereafter. They also lead everyone out in the same fashion at the end of the night in the direction of our DJ/after-party next door. So fun! Dan and I love to dance, and our guests do as well. Definitely a dancing group! So, having the custom dance floor / super fun band, was another favorite detail that helped make our wedding so unique Also, I loved everyone’s speeches. We had the MOHs. Best Men and FOB speak during dinner of the wedding day (food was delicious also), and a crew of friends speak the night before.

The band was amazing, so the whole portion of the night dedicated to dancing was full of favorite moments – then we moved to the after-party to continue the fun with a DJ, which I was so glad we were able to continue the night with everyone. I also loved arriving at the ceremony with my dad in a car, and having a little alone time with him, then leaving the ceremony with dan in the car, and having a few minutes of alone time was really special. Also – during dinner, we had a pianist playing under these beautiful chandeliers which really set a great tone, and before that, during the cocktail hour, the string quartet was playing modern songs which was a lot of fun. Last one! Cathedral Of St. John The Baptist where we got married in is such a beautiful space, walking down the aisle there was so special. The flowers were all done by Tara Guerard Soiree, and they turned out PERFECT. They captured the look we were going for & more. Jim Smeal did the cake. Dan, my parents, the Soiree team, and I all went to meet them and talked through a vision for the cake while tasting all the delicious sample flavors. We decided to do a super light pink background color to make the white applique flowers pop. Photographer Ryan Ray is unreal. He was so much fun to work with, and all of the photos are amazing! Love reliving the day through them. Videographer Siegel Films was amazing, we just got our feature film back and I am watching it on repeat! The best! We had Cru Catering for all of the food, and it was SO good. I actually got to eat! I know sometimes brides run out of time with the craziness of the day. What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be? Use Soiree – haha, but really, they made everything so fun and easy throughout the planning process and weekend. Also, have fun with it! It was the best day ever, and the planning process was a blast too.

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Tara Guérard Soirée

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6 Enchanting Ways to Incorporate Bows into Your Wedding

Bows have been a symbol of elegance and grace for centuries, and they can add a touch of charm to any wedding. Incorporating bows into your wedding theme can create a whimsical, romantic atmosphere that you and your guests will cherish for a lifetime. Here are six ways to weave bows into your special day, from bridesmaid dresses to unique photo opportunities with your loved ones.

1. Bridesmaid Dresses with Bow Details

Adding bows to your bridesmaid dresses not only creates a cute, cohesive look but also serves as a delightful detail in photos. Bows are not commonly seen on bridesmaid dresses, making this an eye-catching and unique choice that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

2. Dramatic Bow on the Back of the Wedding Dress

A large, statement bow on the back of the bride’s dress can create a sense of drama and elegance. This timeless, classic design element adds a touch of sophistication to any gown. Whether you opt for a simple satin bow or an intricately embellished one, the result will be a stunning visual that leaves a lasting impression.

3. Matching Bows with the Mother of the Bride

Incorporating bows into the attire of both the bride and her mother is a charming way to connect on the big day. This creates a heartwarming photo opportunity and adds a personal touch to the celebration. The matching bows can be incorporated into the dresses, hair accessories, or even corsages, creating a subtle yet memorable connection.

4. Dainty Lace Bow Detailing

For a more delicate and romantic touch, consider adding dainty lace bow detailing to various elements of your wedding. This could include the bride’s gown, the bridesmaids’ dresses, table linens, or even the wedding cake. The subtle elegance of lace bows can elevate the overall design and create a cohesive, enchanting theme.

5. Bows on a Second or Short Dress

If you’re planning to change into a second dress or a shorter dress for the reception or after-party, incorporating bows can make a statement while still maintaining a cohesive theme with the rest of your wedding. A playful, short dress adorned with bows can add a touch of whimsy and fun, making it a memorable and fashionable choice for the bride.

6. Bow-Inspired Wedding Decor

Don’t limit bows to just clothing – use them as a design element throughout your wedding decor. From chair sashes to napkin rings, bows can be a versatile and lovely addition to your wedding theme. Incorporating bows into your ceremony backdrop, centerpieces, or even the bouquet can tie together the entire event and leave your guests in awe of your creative and charming taste.

Classic And Timeless Meets Incredibly Personal At This Vineyard Affair

This California wedding is a celebration of love and summer. Filled with sunny hues and incredibly romantic details, Sarah Landon Design planned and designed a swoon-worthy day. Floral design by Golden Fields Floristry is incredibly chic, and every meaningful moment is elegantly captured in imagery by Kelsea Holder Photography. You’re sure to love every every minute inside the full gallery.

From Sarah Landon Design… “Cammie and AJ’s early Summer wedding filled with bright color, classic fashion and nods to the couple’s (many) homes is a forever favorite of mine. I focused their design on all things summer inspired, while keeping many of the details crisp and classic – the perfect marriage of their fun yet timeless style. I absolutely adored Cammie’s bridal look – her Monique Lhuillier long sleeved gown & traditional cathedral length veil paired perfectly with a pop of color in her Jimmy Choo heels. We opted for a simple & understated low bun, how Cammie shared she felt most “herself,” and a glowing natural beauty look.

Once Cammie selected her gown, it was clear that the design would be filled with fresh blooms and classic textures to compliment, all while keeping an organic & natural aesthetic as a nod to their California vineyard setting. I loved layering textures with the linens & place setting and creating a unique seating chart featuring each of their favorite places. Fun fact – when COVID-19 began & Cammie and AJ were forced to work 100% remotely, they bounced between their lakeside, San Fransisco & Napa homes – adding to their long list of favorite places and unforgettable memories.”

Following a sweet ceremony, Cammie & AJ treated their guests to an evening filled with fresh and locally sourced bites inspired by their favorite travel destinations and shared love of all things food and craft cocktails with a nod to their college mascots: “The Golden Bear” and “The Fight On”. Cammie and AJ met at a USC vs. Cal Berkley football game – so tying in the mascots & the distinct rivalry was a must! The sun began to set as Cammie and AJ’s siblings both shared incredibly meaningful words about the couple. AJ’s brother paid homage to their late father with a surprise sing a long style performance of “Back Home Again In Indiana,” a song the family knows well after countless memories of family trips to the Indy 500.  Cammie & AJ soaked in all of the newlywed bliss with an incredible dance party surrounded by their favorite people all & shared that the live band was one of their favorite elements that kept the energy of the celebration high all night long!

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Greengate Ranch & Vineyard

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Petit Bouquet

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The Best Places to Find Inspiration for Your Dream Wedding Dress

Collecting inspiration for your wedding gown is the very first step in the process, because shopping for a wedding gown is completely different than shopping retail or heading to the mall for a hot sec to pick something up to wear for the weekend. Much to our dismay, you can’t just walk into a bridal boutique and peruse the racks for hours on end. The more information you have going in, the more likely you are to be happy with your selection.

Where to Look

BLOGS

Wedding blogs (like us!), are super helpful, because they do a lot of the pre-hunt hard work for you. They collect images from real weddings and wedding vendors to give you an up-to-date, curated look at wedding trends and what dresses are making their rounds in the market right now. Blogs should provide links to the vendors, such as the bridal boutique and/or designer of the gown; that way, if you see your dream dress in a photo, you’ll immediately know where to find it IRL.

PINTEREST

Pinterest is another extremely helpful tool, not just for finding inspiration, but for organizing as well. Save all your ideas to a board dedicated to wedding gowns! You can even set it to “secret” if you’re not ready for opinions or if you’ve been considering something that you just know your family and friends will be shocked over (guess what? That’s totally OK!)

Whether you know specifics or are just looking for a certain look or feel, playing around on Pinterest is a great way to get some preliminary ideas. Keep in mind that some photos may not be recent—not every gown you see will still be available, so try your best not to fall in love until you’re actually shopping. It can be a huge downer to start crushing on a design that either isn’t in production anymore or too far out of reach (i.e. if it’s from an international designer, etc.). So, keep your gown guard up just for a little while!

INSTAGRAM

Much like Pinterest, Instagram is a great place to find and save inspiration. Designers’ social media profiles will not only show finished pieces -on the runway and on real brides – but often some of their process too, which can help you get an idea of the story behind their work.

MAGAZINES

Along with online resources, print magazines can be an excellent source of inspiration—especially local ones. If there’s a magazine based in your city or region, with fashion editorials, grab a copy! These publications will not only have images for inspiration, they’ll also likely spotlight local vendors, so you can see where to shop and what is available near you. That’s huge, too, if you and your partner are particularly pumped about involving local talent or hometown magic in your special day.

Organizing Inspiration

After you find all this inspiration, find a way to organize it that works for you! Pinterest, Instagram, and even a simple folder on your computer are great ways to store things digitally, but a physical scrapbook or binder can help too ((it feels even craftier and can be an amazing keepsake from your planning days when you want to look back on it all)). If you store things offline, remember to note information that you find with the image like designer, style name, price, and season (or year it was released), so you can go back and find them if you need to.

Research Potential Vendors

When you have some ideas in mind, use that inspiration to narrow down styles and designers that you’re interested in. And from there, locate stores or boutiques that carry the dresses you’re dreaming about. While you can definitely do a quick web search to find options, word of mouth, social media, and individual designers’ websites are also great for recommendations.

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Lauren Fair Photography

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This Garden Party Soiree Is Filled With Family Ties And Classic Details

This gorgeous garden party is absolutely overflowing with inspiration. Sarah Landon Design took a spring day in California and turned it into a real-life fairytale, and The Flora Club made sure to fill every inch of the celebration with incredible floral installations. You can feel the love and joy of the day shine through the imagery captured by Sposto Photography, see it all inside the full gallery.

From Sarah Landon Design… Lush blooms, timeless details and family heirlooms brought this chic springtime soiree to life. A blend of soft neutral tones and delicate textures fit perfectly in Elizabeth and Alex’s venue, a European inspired garden set in the heart of Santa Ynez, California.

From Sarah Landon Design… “Elizabeth & Alex’s planning process began with us searching for the perfect venue to host their destination wedding weekend. As soon as we showed them Kestrel Park I knew we had found the one! As a farmer, Alex was immediately drawn to the expansive gardens adorning the grounds at Kestrel Park – it was so much fun to watch Elizabeth and Alex explore and identify the different blooms and produce growing onsite and fall in love the with space. We designed the wedding day In keeping with Elizabeth’s classic style, playing with soft pops of mauve to compliment the gardens surrounding guests in each space. Watching Elizabeth and Alex share special moments with their loved ones was such a highlight for me. Elizabeth’s grandmother gifted her a necklace that has lived in her family for generations, and Elizabeth was so glad to sport this as her “something old” throughout the evening. Another especially meaningful aspect was the vintage red convertible that Elizabeth’s dad brought for the couple to cruise the grounds in. Alex loved the car so much he decided to surprise guests & arrive in the corvette with his mom before walking up the aisle – talk about an entrance!”

Elizabeth and Alex’s guests enjoyed an incredible family style meal (featuring brussels sprouts and strawberries grown at Alex’s family farm!) and bluegrass inspired music before dancing long into the night surrounded by each and every one of their favorite people.

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Petit Bouquet

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Spring Meets Summer at This Mountain Wedding in Colorado

A whimsical Spring palette, the bride’s besties all in mismatched dresses, a viral escort display, and soaring mountaintop views – the inspiration from today’s Colorado affair is truly endless! Leave it to Little Black Book Member Calluna Events to bring the bride and groom’s dream vision board to life, while Alli J Creative wowed us with her organic Spring-meets-Summer arrangements. See all the pretty and jump into the season at the full gallery, all captured by Jess Leigh Photography!

It all started with a meet cute on St. Patrick’s Day! Morgan + David met at a block party that very day and as they say, the rest was history! After dating for four years, David surprised Morgan with a trip to New York City on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, guised as a food tour in their beloved city when he really had other plans in mind. Just as they enjoyed breakfast and took a stroll in Central Park, he got on one knee to ask her to marry him and she said YES!

When we started working with Morgan and David to design their dream wedding at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, we knew we were in for a treat as soon as Morgan described her vision of being “a mountain wildflower, mom’s garden, spring meets summer, whimsical colorful dream come true!” Their vision also included incorporating their darling nickname for each other “B,” as they worked with their wedding stationery designer Longest Time Design to create a custom wedding monogram that featured a bumble bee, which could be seen throughout many different parts of their special day! Beaver Creek is a second home for Morgan and David as her family has a home there and they’ve spent a lot of time there making heartwarming memories with family and friends. After he popped the question, Beaver Creek felt like the perfect place to look to celebrating their wedding and it was a family hike up to Beano’s Cabin that sealed the deal as their wedding venue, offering that true summer in the mountains experience and an intimate environment for their special day!

We kicked off the weekend with an intimate rehearsal dinner at Mirabelle Beaver Creek. Nestled in a vintage house right inside the main gates of the resort, guests gathered for dinner al fresco with florals all around! Red pom pom dahlias, pops of blue larkspur, and all shades pink lilies fluttered table to table, making for a magical evening for all!

Finally it was the wedding day! As we tracked another pesky Colorado storm, we were determined to execute as much of this wedding outside as possible and we’re sure glad we did as it turned out to be the most picturesque Colorado day! The ceremony was filled with love in the air with Morgan + David’s beautifully written personal vows and florals by Alli J Floral that grew from the ground up as the mountain wildflower, springs meets summer all came to life – all captured stunningly by Jess Leigh Photography. Morgan was absolutely glowing in her floral jacquard A-line gown featuring a prominent bow on the back and pearl detailing throughout designed by Allison Webb with pearl drop bumble bee earrings by Julie Vos. David looked dapper in his custom navy tuxedo from State and Liberty and Tiffany & Co cufflinks gifted by his father from 10 years ago.

Guests enjoyed their post-ceremony cocktails outdoors with beautiful views of the mountains, adorable green and white gingham check cocktail tables, and comfy chic lounges. They soon found their seats at the custom designed escort board by Knapp Design Co. with darling watercolor paintings of all the special places near and dear to Morgan + David’s hearts! As guests made their way to the reception, they were taken to a room that had been transformed with wildflowers, a showstopping cake by Katy Pierson Cakes, and a five-star meal by the amazing chefs at Beano’s Cabin. One of our favorite moments was the charger that doubled as a placemat, a menu, and a place card! It was such a fun way to add a pop of color to the table! After heartfelt speeches, guests made their way to the dance floor for a night of dancing under the stars to music by The Get Down and were able to stay close to the action if they wanted to take a break but beautiful lounges by Hazel Grove Rentals. It was truly one of those that you’ll remember forever – we wish Morgan & David a lifetime of happiness!

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The Mismatched Bridesmaid Dress Trend: A Timeless and Trendy Love Affair

The mismatched bridesmaid dress trend has been making waves in the wedding industry for quite some time now, and it’s easy to see why we can’t get enough of it. From elegant ceremonies to fun and creative photoshoots, this trend has managed to find a sweet spot between being trendy and timeless. Today, we’ll dive into why the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend is so beloved and how it can make your special day even more unforgettable.

Liz Andolina Photography

Expression of Individuality

One of the main reasons we love the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend is that it allows each bridesmaid to express their individuality. Gone are the days when everyone had to wear the same dress, which might not flatter or suit their personal style. With the mismatched trend, your bridesmaids can select a dress that makes them feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful, while still adhering to your wedding’s color palette and overall aesthetic.

Kimberly Rensburg

A Visual Feast for Photos

Another compelling reason for embracing this trend is the stunning visual impact it creates in photos. The mix of different dress styles, textures, and hues adds depth and dimension to your wedding pictures. The resulting images are not only eye-catching but also allow each bridesmaid’s personality to shine through. Your photographer will have a field day capturing these unique and playful moments, giving you a collection of memories that will last a lifetime.

Photography: @danielvertiz

Cohesive Yet Eclectic

The key to pulling off the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend is to find the perfect balance between cohesion and eclecticism. By choosing a unifying element, such as a color palette, fabric, or design detail, you can create a harmonious look that still showcases each bridesmaid’s individuality. This can be achieved through complementary colors, similar dress lengths, or even accessories that tie the ensemble together. The result is a chic and stylish bridal party that feels both modern and timeless.

Julie Livingston Photography

Budget-Friendly and Sustainable

The mismatched trend can also be a budget-friendly option for your bridesmaids, as they can select dresses within their preferred price range or even repurpose a dress they already own. This not only saves money but also promotes sustainability in the wedding industry. Your bridesmaids are more likely to re-wear a dress they genuinely love, giving it a new lease on life beyond your big day.

The mismatched bridesmaid dress trend has won our hearts for good reason. It allows each bridesmaid to express their unique style while creating visually stunning and memorable photos. By carefully balancing cohesion and individuality, you can achieve a trendy and timeless look that will leave a lasting impression. Embrace this beautiful trend for a wedding day filled with personality, style, and unforgettable memories.

Anne Rhett Photography ⁠

A Superbloom of Spring Hues at This Malibu Hills Wedding

Today’s Malibu wedding is the perfect way to celebrate the second day of Spring! Pastel hues and parasols, a sun-soaked ceremony in the fresh air, and an indoor reception abundant with lush blooms by Third and Park! Unveiled by Grace brought their romantic Spring vision to life leaving no detail unturned. To see all the beauty their day has to offer, head on over to the full gallery of inspiration – all captured by Natalie Bray Studios!

From Natalie Bray Studios… Kate and Adam chose the beautiful Malibu Hills to share their celebration with their family and friends. They wanted something romantic, yet inviting and the lodge at Malibou Lake was perfect with it’s greenery and lush surroundings. They picked Spring to ensure a wonderful selection blooms with bright colors for floral design.

Kate wanted lots of color and blooms to bring out the romantic Spring vibe. They chose pink and blue with pops of yellow to center the design. The ceremony donned a gorgeous arch and parasols for shade for guests that added a thoughtful detail. Kate and Adam were beaming as they said “I do.”

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Guests were greeted with lemonade and delicious refreshments for cocktail hour as they sat on the patio and enjoyed the Malibu hills scenery. The reception space was transformed with greenery and lush blooms to again amplify the romance and bring the outdoors in for this gorgeous Spring celebration with such a wonderful couple.

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Natalie Bray Studios

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Ethereal Fall Garden Wedding In Carmel Valley

It’s whimsical romance all the way at this chic California wedding. From the luggage card escort card display to the bright and colorful reception, Something Blue Productions beautifully brought our couple’s wedding vision to life. Free-flowing floral arrangements by Tumbleweed Floral Design are a feast for the eyes, and Kelsey Cowley elegantly captures the love and the joy of the day in her imagery. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From the bride… We met on a November day, and it felt right to celebrate our wedding on a dreamy November day. Little did we know that the weather would more than cooperate, and provide the perfect setting for our big day. We wanted to create a celebration that reflected us – with vibrancy, joy, and fun. Whilst the Carmel Valley offered a picturesque backdrop and a nestled getaway for our guests, we were excited to incorporate pieces that reflected our own love for the bright and colorful. As a visual designer, I was excited to design (with Something Blue Productions) our own wedding suite that told the story of us. This included papers and artifacts that were simple and thoughtful, like custom luggage tags for our guests as they traveled from near and far, and signage that welcomed guests in our native languages. We thought of our wedding as an experience for our friends and family as much as for ourselves, from their entry with the venue’s olive trees and fragrant lavender bushes to refreshing welcome drinks, a vintage typewriter for them to type sweet notes, and lawn games set up for guests to enjoy and relax! Our ceremony and reception were filled with colorful florals (Tumbleweed Floral Design) that captured the bride’s love for fresh, bright, and wild California flowers accented with a dreamy blue ribbon in her favorite shade.

The bridesmaids were outfitted in their own selection of dresses in blush shades, reflecting each of their own styles. The grooms wore navy suits and brown ties (Suit Supply), a nod to the fact that this indeed was still a California autumn wedding after all. Our backgrounds are important to us, and we wanted to honor that by traditional wedding attire and through music choices. The music surrounding the day ranged from our first dance ‘May I have this Dance’ by Frances and the Lights to a night that included nods to K-pop and Afro-pop in addition to the bride and groom’s varied taste in music. Our outfits also transformed throughout the day, from our classic bridal wedding dress and tuxedo (Unveiled Bridal San Francisco – Chosen by Kyha and Suit Supply)) during the ceremony that depicted our love for the classic and modern, to our dinner reception in custom-made Korean hanboks in jewel tone shades of royal blue, pink, turquoise, and purple. The bride’s mother, grandfather, and grandmother wore corresponding hanboks. We celebrated the groom’s Nigerian heritage in traditional custom-made attire in royal blue. The traditional aso oke attire included the bride’s ornate gable headpiece, orange and gold beaded jewelry, and the groom’s outer layer agbada. The groom’s family and friends also wore matching traditional attire in royal blue and we kicked off the dancing with an entry and thanksgiving celebration from the groom’s side which led into our grand entrance! The bride’s last dress of the evening was a custom dress (Calle Evans), with details the two collaborated on, like a baroque pearl strap with an asymmetrical drape in an off-white shade. This dress moved as the bride and groom danced with their favorite dance moves and songs surrounded by their friends and family, and late-night French fries. Our wedding was the ultimate occasion of brightness and joy and a reflection of our journey together thus far, and for the years to come.

From AnneMarie at Something Blue Productions… Working with Candice and Tayo to create a day that represented them as a couple and their cultures was incredible! It’s so fun for us when a couple fully trusts our vendor suggestions with things like florals and rentals. We were able to mix in all the best colors, textures, and designs to bring their vision to life!

This Florence Celebration Is A Destination Wedding Dream Come True

Pack your bags for the dreamiest of destination weddings. The Tuscan Wedding planned a celebration that started with invitation RSVPs in the style of boarding passes and ended with dancing the night away. Floral design by Flowers Living is wildly romantic, and every magical moment is artfully captured in time by Purewhite Photography. You’ll love all the elegance in Italy inside the full gallery.

From The Tuscan Wedding… Why choose ordinary when you can do the extraordinary? It’s the sort of philosophy that always inspired Callie and Matthew, and after a spectacular engagement in Florence, a city they both loved almost as much as each other, there was no doubt in the couple’s mind that they just couldn’t celebrate their special day without making it truly—well, special! Already, both knew that Florence just had to play a part, because the city and Italy itself had truly robbed their hearts, with the unforgettable green hills of Tuscany, the unparalleled quality of the food and wine, or the friendliness and endless joy of the Florentines who truly live a ‘Bella vita’, or beautiful life. A destination wedding in Florence simply had to happen – but how to make it be truly outstanding? That’s where The Tuscan Wedding came in. With an exceptional list of vendors, providers, and collaborators, they could offer Callie and Matthew not only an event, but an experience catered to them and their wedding guests while using the years of experience and impeccable professionalism to make sure their wedding was pitch perfect. Securing the incredible Villa Le Fontanelle for the couple was just one step towards an unequivocally distinctive celebration the couple was hoping to have, and its proximity to Florence (Only a few minutes’ drive from the center!) meant the luxury, 4-star hotel was primed to let Callie, Matthew, and their wedding dresses both admire the city from afar and be close enough to enjoy it during their stay. But as with all good things, preparation is needed for such a special event, and Callie and her bridesmaids and family could enjoy some real pampering before the ceremony, while Matthew snuck in a morning swim in the villa’s gorgeous pool overlooking the hills.

After a celebratory prosecco, Callie stepped into the knowing arms of renowned Hair and Makeup artist Cherie Spisso, who needed little help to accentuate the bride’s natural beauty; an elegant bun with loose waves to frame Callie’s face and a natural yet radiant makeup look was more than enough, while a pair of gold earrings with a large, hanging baroque pearl made a lovely, unique statement. It paired beautifully with the bride’s strapless satin sheath gown, featuring a sweetheart neckline, gently ruched bodice, and a simple button back, her chapel length train allowing her cathedral-length veil of tulle and delicately embroidered floral lace trim do the talking. In fact, as Callie walked down the flower-petal ladened aisle, white floral arrangements artfully designed by Flowers Living framing her path and matching her own all-white roses, peonies, and mini carnations bouquet, her and Matthew’s guests could simply not stop watching. Matthew himself, smartly dressed in black suit pants, black suede shoes, a white dress shirt and white jacket with a statement black-and-white polka dot and blue feather pattern bow tie, was left speechless, tears in his eyes as he watched his to-be-wife approach. The couple said their vows on a pebble-stone terrace overlooking the Tuscan hills and the city they loved so much, and after sharing a passionate kiss were met with a flurry of white petals thrown by their guests in celebration as they walked back down the aisle together, finally husband and wife. The talented videographers of Vertigo Wedding and amazing photographers of Purewhite Photography documented the spectacular evening that followed, paying attention to the awed faces of the guests as they moved to a reception hosted in a beautiful courtyard with gardens and ancient stone architecture, taking their cocktails and plenty of pictures to celebrate.

The couples’ RSVP invitations had been done in the style of a “boarding pass” containing an illustrated map of Florence and her best-known landmarks, and surely no guest could argue that they didn’t feel as if they hadn’t entered a whole new, dreamlike world! The tables were lavishly decorated and lighted with the help of Wedding Music And Lights; they had the same white floral arrangements in white and blue ceramic vases, blue glasses and crystal goblets, silver candles and candlesticks with white candles, silver utensils, and the plates were white porcelain with blue floral design, with a sprig of rosemary on top, all under a wooden canopy with twinkling fairy lights and hanging lanterns. After the culinary delights offered by GALATEO RICEVIMENTI FIRENZE – MILANO, the guests were treated to a giant tower of champagne glasses filled by Callie and Matthew themselves, then a non-traditional but utterly delicious wedding cake in the form of freshly made, spectacular Millefoglie dessert, full of sweet chantilly cream, puff pastry, and fresh fruits and berries. Speeches were made under twinkling lights where the bride and groom later danced, joined by their whole wedding party eagerly with cocktails in hand and music pounding thanks to the musicians of Glem Duo, Matthew DJ and a Sax Player when they finally passed to a ballroom illuminated with a sparkling disco ball. Callie, of course, could not end the night in her traditional wear and changed into a scene-stealing green satin and brightly embroidered short dress and sparkling sneakers, stealing Matthew’s heart all over again as they danced and celebrated into the night. A one-of-a-kind wedding – for a one-of-a-kind couple!

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The Tuscan Wedding

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Traditional Elegance With Modern Details in Wine Country

Wine country weddings have a special place in our hearts, especially when they’re at the beautiful Stanly Ranch! Today’s wedding designed by Kaleb Norman James Design was the perfect marriage of traditional elegance and modern details. The two exchanged vows under a blooming floral arbor before dancing the night away at an indoor reception complete with delicate drapery and wishbone chairs. To see all the pretty, don’t forget to head on over to the full gallery captured by O’Malley Photographers!

Gorgeous and thoughtfully designed by Kaleb Norman James, this bride and groom spared no detail when it came to their big day!

Guests got to not only enjoy the surrounding Napa wineries all weekend but the newly opened and equally stunning Stanly Ranch.

From the paper, to the delicious food and drink, cake and epic dance party, both the couple and their friends and family enjoyed an unforgettable weekend!

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BBJ La Tavola

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An Al Fresco Santorini Wedding Thats Giving All the ‘Mamma Mia’ Vibes!

There are less than 100 days until summer (but who’s counting…) and today’s Santorini wedding is giving us allll the Euro summer feels. SAND + LACE planned Ty and Andrew’s intimate affair of just 35 guests at the beautiful Venetsanos Winery. Betty Flowers Santorini adorned their day in delicate, organic arrangments in a classic white and green color scheme. Lucky for us, Little Black Book member George Liopetas Fine Art Photographs was behind the lens capturing every last detail – prepare for a major dose of destination inspiration at the full gallery!

How did you and Andrew meet?

From the bride… Like all of today’s modern love stories, we met on an online dating site 7 years ago. Our first date was at a wine bar on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. We arrived at the wine bar and quickly realized neither one of us had made a reservation. So, we ended up going to an Irish pub down the street instead and had a blast. We like a wine bar from time to time, but we are pub people at heart. I think because of this unexpected shift, we were both able to be ourselves. We spoke for hours and drank beer.

Why did you choose Santorini island for your wedding celebration?

We are both world travelers. Ty has traveled to 50+ countries, 7 of which have been with Andrew. Because of our passion to travel, we always knew we’d have a destination wedding.

From Ty: I’ve never been the type of girl that planned my wedding, but for some weird reason I’ve always yearned for a Greek Wedding.

When we got engaged in Santorini, we knew we had to introduce our friends and family to this beautiful place. Coming back for a wedding was the perfect way to do so.

What was your vision for the wedding day? Share with us some parts of the styling + the mood you wanted.

We wanted our wedding to be timeliness, be minimalist, and elegant and a bit modern at the same time. We wanted everyone to have a good time and enjoy the beautiful Santorini sunset on the caldera. Santorini is a once in a lifetime destination and we wanted our guests to experience its beauty.

How many guests were in attendance?

We had a small, intimate wedding of 35 guests. They were our closest family and friends.

What was the most important part of your wedding day?

We wanted to ensure our guests were able to have a fantastic time at our wedding, but also have a great trip to Greece overall. We opted not to have a bridal party so to not add stress to some of our guests. We wanted everyone to come, drink wine, relax, and enjoy the beautiful view.

Share with us some details that were important to you.

We couldn’t bring our dog, Maggie, to Greece so we wanted a small way to honor her during the day. We hired someone to create a wedding cake topper that represented Maggie and everyone loved it.

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George Liopetas Fine Art Photographs

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Petit Bouquet

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This Santa Barbara Stunner Is A Beautiful Celebration Of Love

Beautiful Santa Barbara sets the scene for this incredibly stylish celebration. So Happi Together planned a day that starts with a stunning traditional Indian ceremony and ends with a ridiculously romantic reception. Floral design by Heavenly Blooms brings the couple’s love story to life, and every magical moment is artfully captured in imagery by Esther Sun Photography. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From Esther Sun Photography… C&C got married on a beautiful fall day at the Kestrel Park. It was an epic Indian-American wedding that was a touch of classic and timeless Indian traditions.

The couple dressed in traditional Indian attire for the ceremony at the Kestrel Park and changed into western attire for the reception.

It was a beautiful celebration of love. The memories are sure to live on inside their hearts.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Difference between Wedding Planners, Designers, and Coordinators:

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1. Bridesmaid Dresses with Bow Details

2. Dramatic Bow on the Back of the Wedding Dress

3. Matching Bows with the Mother of the Bride

4. Dainty Lace Bow Detailing

5. Bows on a Second or Short Dress

6. Bow-Inspired Wedding Decor

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BLOGS

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

MAGAZINES

Organizing Inspiration

Research Potential Vendors

Join The Conversation

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Expression of Individuality

A Visual Feast for Photos

Cohesive Yet Eclectic

Budget-Friendly and Sustainable

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From Our Partners

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