This dreamy modern design-focused wedding at The Dewberry Charleston is filled with tons of sleek details. The clean, minimalist approach was artfully executed by The Petal Report who brought the couple’s Big Day vision to life.  Blooms by Vero Designs included a touch of sunset tones to celebrate the fall season, and Anne Rhett Photography exquisitely documented every well-thought-out moment.  You’ll love every last detail inside the full gallery.

From the couple…

How did you and your husband meet?
We met in our first year of college while studying design. We remained close friends for years and began dating in 2014.

How did you select your venue?
Charleston is where Samantha grew up and has always felt like home. However, the two of us are very metropolitain and wanted a venue that had both a southern and cool vibe. We were inspired by the Dewberry Charleston’s architecture and retro-modern interior design. Good food was another top priority, and they take their dining seriously in the best way possible!

How did you pick your dress (both of them!) and accessories? 

The first dress: After postponing our wedding twice due to Covid, I saw fashion trends come and go and my personal style matured. I swapped out a bohemian sample sale dress I had purchased in 2019 for this Karen Willis Holmes. My fashion taste is quite minimal so I wanted to balance that with some old Hollywood glam. I first saw a version of this dress on the Lane’s Spring ’22 show and was obsessed with the fabric and modern bodice.

The second dress: I knew I wanted to switch into a reception dress for the drama and a chance to wear something a bit more fun and comfortable. I absolutely love how chic this dress is. I had my eye on the Galvan for a while after seeing similar high-neck styles worn by Heidi Klum, Meghan Markle, and Hailey Beiber. All I could imagine was the insane combo of white silk and the Dewberry ballroom.

Accessories – Gloves were inspired by Bridgerton. I thought they were a great statement piece. The earrings and shoes were meant to be clean and modern to go with the dress and venue.

Sentimental – The Bride’s pearl bracelet was from her dad. The Groom’s monogrammed cufflinks were his dad’s given to him by his mom on their wedding day.

What was most important to the two of you when planning your wedding?
To us, the wedding was all about having an intimate celebration with our closest family and friends. We wanted everything to flow seamlessly and all the details had to be right. Luckily we had the absolute best team to make it all happen!

You are both designers. How did this play into your planning/aesthetic?
Ah yes, we knew there were some high expectations among our friends. We approached wedding planning like a design project, from having opinions about the color palette and floral to nailing the dance to a perfect song. At the same time, we put a lot of trust in our planner and she did a phenomenal job bringing it all together. It may seem intense but we really nerd out about details! Our friends know we’re food snobs so they had to be well fed too.

Anything else you want to mention!
All the planning paid off and it was truly unforgettable.

From The Petal Report… When I started working with Sam & Sam back in the beginning of 2019, they were still living over in Switzerland, with us truly planning a destination wedding…an ocean apart! Including a vision for neutral tones, lively textures, and subtle pops of blush, this happy couple was excited to celebrate their nuptials at the regal Dewberry Charleston in downtown Charleston for a March date of 2020. Like many other brides, they, unfortunately, had to postpone their wedding (multiple times, in fact) where they officially landed on a fall date of October 3rd of 2021. With the season change, we adjusted the floral color palette to include a pop of sunset tones but kept the varying textures and neutral elements throughout. Thanks to Mother Nature cooperating for their “third times a charm” wedding date, we were able to celebrate Sam & Sam in style. Like many of our brides when their wedding officially happens, it is bittersweet to say goodbye, but wonderful to see their vision come to life.

From Anne Rhett Photography… These two met in design school at Carnegie Mellon, so I knew they would pay amazing attention to detail. I loved their clean, chic, minimalist aesthetic, especially on the printed material. They had been living abroad, and their taste definitely reflected elements of restraint and structure. The Dewberry Charleston with its Midcentury modern decor and Art Deco fixtures was a great fit. Loved seeing this vibe in Charleston! One of my favorite images ever is a detail shot of Sam watching her guests arrive in her sheer long gloves.

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Photography: Anne Rhett Photography | Videographer: Branches | Event Planning: Cayleigh Hopkins | Floral Design: Vero Designs | Reception Venue: The Dewberry Charleston | Bride's Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood | Hair and Makeup: Lashes And Lace Charleston | Lighting: IES | Band: Other Brother Entertainment | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Tent: Snyder | Bride's Earrings: Mejuri | Bride's Gown: Karen Willis Holmes | Bride's Second Dress: Galvan | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Perfume: Byredo | Rentals: EventHaus

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The soft, sweet colors of spring inspire at this Glenstone Gardens inspiration shoot. SRS Events and Jessica Ashley Events planned the dream-like day, and Stem Floral Studio created blooms that brought the elevated garden aesthetic to life.  From a ceremony aisle lined with blooms that seemed to grow from the ground to blue linen reception tables covered in lush white, every magical moment was expertly documented in imagery by Jenny Haas.  Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From Stem Floral Studio… Middleburg is set in the idyllic Virginia countryside, with rolling hills and views of the mountains in the distance, a quaint and charming historical downtown main street, and where horses and equestrian displays abound, as it is known as the horse and hunt capital.

The shoot took place at Glenstone Gardens. A meticulously manicured estate tucked away in Northern Virginia, it is a one-of-a-kind venue that features European-style gardens beautifully landscaped throughout the historical property.

The shoot featured a robin’s egg blue linen with white embroidery and white florals, to let their romantic tablescape which included sky blue Italian fienza plates, pull luxury and style throughout the space.

The bridal model wore an asymmetrical off-the-shoulder soft blush gown with her hair pulled back into a low do so as to not contrast with the gown’s neckline. A forest green bar blended into the stunning scenery with a beautiful calligraphy bar sign informing guests of the signature drinks and a cute tapestry umbrella to shade from the sun. The ceremony was set with a backdrop of the stately tree on the property with clean white florals.

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Photography: Jenny Haas Photography | Cinematography: Kirsten Beatley Films | Event Planning: Jessica Ashley Events | Event Planning: SRS Events | Floral Design: Stem Floral Studio | Wedding Dress: Stesha Ho | Cake: Miam Cake | Invitations: Anne Taylor Studio | Shoes: Bella Belle | Venue: Glenstone Gardens | Beauty: Amie Decker Beauty | Farm: Alexandra Farms | Model Agency: The Artist Agency | Rentals: White Glove Rentals | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Ribbon: The Lesser Bear | Wholesale: Mayesh Wholesale Florist | accessories: The Loved One | signage/calligraphy: Ink Well Scripted

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Sleek, stylish, and oh-so-charming  – this couple paid homage to their Southern roots with an elevated affair at Charleston’s River House. Peninsula Events mixed the classic with the unexpected for this wedding down south. Amelia’s Sareh Nouri bridal gown pops against her girls’ eclectic (yet refined) array of bridesmaids’ dresses while On a Limb’s timeless take on floral arrangements infuses an air of elegance throughout the design and details. You’ll be totally charmed by the full gallery, captured by Anne Rhett Photography, and by the swoon-worthy day for these Southern sweethearts!

How did you and your husband meet?

From the Bride… I had recently moved from Nashville to Los Angeles and had sworn off dating “Southern Men” but decided to swipe right on a guy from Atlanta, GA. We had a date scheduled, but I had the dates wrong and missed our first date. I figured he would write me off as a flake, but he rescheduled the date and we ended up talking all night about how absurd and crazy the dating scene is in LA and all the people we knew in common from back east.

I’m so glad he decided to reschedule! We moved in together a few months later. He truly was the “southern gentleman” I never knew I needed and couldn’t live without.

How did you pick your dress?

Our original wedding was supposed to be in a castle in Italy. I knew I wanted a dramatic train and a classic style to complement the architecture.

The ladies at En Blanc, in Santa Monica, CA immediately pulled the Sareh Nouri dress. It was the second dress I tried on and the rest of history!

The pandemic had other plans for our wedding. After 4 different dates in Italy, we ended up pivoting to have the wedding in my hometown, Charleston, SC. I was so in love with my dress we planned the new wedding around it.

What the most important thing to us when planning the wedding

We knew we wanted an entire weekend of events for our friends and family to really get to know each other. All our guests were invited to welcome drinks, rehearsal dinner, Welcome brunch, and wedding. By the time we got to the evening of the wedding all of our guests were old friends! It made dinner and dancing so fun for everyone.

Bridesmaid Dresses:

My friends are all so beautiful and different. I love each of their individual styles and I wanted that to be highlighted. I had a color palette and let each girl choose their own dress within that palette. I actually didn’t even see their dresses until the wedding day! My best friend and matron of honor handled the coordination of the dresses and it was such a sweet surprise seeing my best friends looking so beautiful!

Anything else you want to mention: Being a pandemic bride was trying to say the least, but it made us roll with the punches and understand that everything will eventually work out. We wouldn’t change a thing about our wedding weekend.

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Photography: Anne Rhett Photography | Photography: Anne Rhett Photography | Event Planning: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Floral Design: On a Limb | Wedding Dress: Sareh Nouri | Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Reception Venue: River House | Makeup: Dannon K. Collard | Hair: Katie Cammisa | Lighting: IES | Band: Other Brother Entertainment. Josh. | Groom's Attire: David Donahue | Bride's Jewelry: Theodosia Jewelry | Draping: Veil | Draping: Veil | Getting Ready Loaction: Hotel Emeline | Linens: Stradley Davidson Linen Collective | Printed Material: Studio R Design | Rentals: Snyder | Second Dress: Retrofete | Stylist: Cacky's Bridal Aid | Transportaion: Lowcountry Valet

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Getting ready for your big day is one of the only times in your life that you’ll have all of your favorite people in the same room. Those precious moments as you’re all waking up, sipping your coffee, and giggling over early morning mimosas with curlers in your hair, those are the moments that you’ll want to capture. And while you would cherish those photos forever, no matter what you all looked like, why not make them as stunning as the rest of your wedding photos with a little styling? Now, we know what you’re thinking–one more thing to plan…Don’t worry, we’ve got a one-stop shop that’s got everything you need to curate the perfect getting-ready looks for you and your girls–Robed With Love! Plus, these gorgeous robes are the perfect way to say thank you to your ride or dies.

Here Comes The Bride

Getting-ready looks are always a little tricky because they need to be both cute and functional. You’ll want something that opens in the front, preferably a robe or a button-up shirt, that you can lounge in right up until the moment you slip into your gown and get out of without messing up your hair and makeup. Whether you incorporate your color palette or the style, your getting-ready look should also complement the rest of your wedding design. Thankfully, Robed With Love has plenty of options to choose from. Their best-selling Hildy Robe, with its sexy lace neckline and bell sleeves, would work with everything from a romantic garden wedding to a boho desert ceremony. For a more modern minimalist look, you can’t beat the classic Alanna Robe. Finish the look with a pair of their Fuzzy Pearl Bridal Slippers and you’re golden! 

Share The Love

Finding thank-you gifts for your bridesmaids is always tricky, but look no further–investing in a quality loungewear set is the perfect answer to this age-old dilemma. Robed With Love offers each of their designs in an elegant color range, so just select the design that matches your robe and the color that complements your wedding color palette best (we love their perfect pink shade). Stressed about sizing? Don’t be! Each Robed With Love design is available in a wide range of sizes with some styles going up to 3x. Robed With Love also has matching Hildy robes for the smallest members of your bridal party, and yeah, they’re just as cute as they sound! While you’re shopping, don’t forget about your moms, aunties, and grandmas (or any other matriarch that’s helped make your wedding dreams come true), they deserve some love too! Every garment comes in a beautiful embroidered drawstring bag for the perfect presentation, plus Robed With Love donates 5% of its proceeds to charities in the USA that benefit and lift up other women!  

To The Honeymoon And Beyond

Gone are the days of old concert tees and mismatched athleisure, you’re going to be a married woman now and quality sleepwear is more than any regular purchase, it’s an investment, plus, t’s the ultimate sign that you’re truly adulting! You’ve got the robe, but you’ll need a few key pieces to bring with you on your honeymoon. Everyone needs a solid set of PJs and the best part about Robed With Love is that all of their pajama sets are interchangeable. Start with the Katelyn Pajama Blouse and Katelyn Pajama Pant as a base and then pick up a few mix-and-match pieces like the Katelyn Pajama Cami and Katelyn Pajama Short to spice things up. They also have a super cute romper that’s perfect for those days when you just want to lounge around your hotel room.

Check out @robedwithlove on Instagram for some serious wedding inspo and you might see a celeb or two like The Bachelor’s Tenley Molzahn and Bravo TV’s Lauren Wirkus to name a few ;-)

Photography: Cavin Elizabeth Photography | Photography: Real Photo SD | Photography: Stephanie Sunderland Photography | Photography: Nikki Ryan Photography | Photography: Candise Barefoot Photography | Photography: Megan Kay Photography | Photography: Courtney Leigh Photography | Photography: Laura Moll Photography | Photography: Perez Photography | Photography: The Great Romance Photo | Loungewear: Robed With Love

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This epic engagement party will transport you to Italy’s Amalfi Coast.  With a sparkling Aperol Spritz staircase and a custom save-the-date luggage tag wall, Level Events planned a day that brought a touch of Europe to California. Floral designs by  Ever Bloom pair perfectly with fresh citrus to create a garden-inspired feel, and the love and joy of the day shine in the imagery by Lorin Kelly Photography. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From Lorin Kelly Photography… This is an engagement celebration that will transport you to the Amalfi Coast with cascading greenery and citrus accents to bring your own slice of Italy to your backyard.

There was a sparkling Aperol spritz filled staircase that greeted you upon arrival and a greenery covered wall of save the date luggage tags to transport you to the Italian coast. With savory Italian dishes like Ratatouille and a pasta Bolognese made right in front you topped with a perfectly embellished lemon cake, this engagement party was a special slice of Italian heaven!

From the bride… We met at a mutual friend’s 21st birthday in Vegas (July 2017). That friend is also one of Ben’s groomsmen. After three years of officially dating, Ben and I had been living together in our first house for almost a year. On Valentine’s Day of 2021, Ben surprised me with a private chef at the house. After dinner, he told me he had another surprise for me, and when we went into our beautifully lit-up backyard, he got down on a knee. After both of our families came over and celebrated together.

For our engagement party, we wanted a romantic space with lots of white flowers, greenery, and candles. Lemons were placed in baskets to bring in the Italian Coast theme and we wanted our save-the-date luggage tag wall to create a backdrop photo moment. Also, There were market lights hung with added leaves to create a garden feel. We love to travel, so we wanted to make sure every guest left with our custom-made save-the-date luggage tag. The tag was white with a gold outline of Italy. A gold heart was also placed on the map of where Lake Como is which is where we are getting married. The top said “Andiamo!” which means “Let’s Go!” in Italian. On the back was an added card that included all our website information which could be taken out and guests could use the tag however they wanted.

Our menu was all Italian Food pizza, pasta, chicken and meat. There were stations where each person could grab a full portion but also bite-sized versions being passed around to help guests get a taste of what they wanted or grab a bite if they were waiting.

My advice is make sure you find the right planner! In our experience with prior planners they were not listening to our vision and kept putting off our concern. Once we were in Jenny’s hands she truly made everything we were thinking and wanting into reality.

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Photography: Lorin Kelly Photography | Event Planning: Level Events | Floral Design: Ever Bloom | Cake: Jordan Cakes Bakery | Catering: Crateful Catering | Makeup: Lynn Simpson | Brides Dress: Posh Mia | Linens: Nuage Designs | Location: Private Residence | Musician: Franky Perez | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Rentals: La Pinata Party Rentals | Rentals: Bright Event Rentals | Signage: Wilkdhouse Ink

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The future is bright at this picture-perfect Portugual inspiration shoot.  A sea of vibrant florals designed by Siloh Floral set the tone, from a stunning ground installation of flowers at the ceremony to reception tables covered in bold blooms.  The dreamy day was expertly designed by AMV Retreats, who perfectly mixed elegant with exotic.  Every carefully curated detail is artfully captured in the imagery by Kir2ben, visit the full gallery for a closer look.

From AMV Retreats… The majestic natural ambiance of Casa Dos Penedos, located in the heart of Sintra, was the primary source of inspiration for this vibrant and exotic editorial shoot featuring a real couple, Alannah and Victor. This stunning pink palace with its lush gardens, picturesque interior spaces, and an outdoor atrium featuring a beautiful stone fountain, was the perfect setting for this romantic affair in Portugal. 

Our ceremony, which was set in the lower gardens of the palace, featured colorful florals designed by Siloh Floral growing up from the natural landscape to complement the stunning pond and cascading greens that trail down the facade of the palace.  The bride wore a gorgeous whimsical embroidered floral gown by Marchesa as a soft touch to balance the powerful design and palette of the shoot. After the ceremony, the couple proceeded to the surrounding tropical forest for a celebratory toast amidst the exotic foliage of the location!

Our dinner table was set in front of the decorative stone foundation of the atrium, with an elongated tablescape, bright florals, and decorative bird candle sticks adorning the tables. To end the day, the couple enjoyed a beautiful moment together on the terrace which has the most picturesque views of the hills and palaces of the heart of Sintra – one of the most magical places in the world!

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Photography: Kir2ben | Cinematography: Anna Lord Studio | Event Design: AMV Retreats | Floral Design: Siloh Floral | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Cake: Edelweiss Wedding Cakes | Invitations: Laura Elizabeth Patrick | Groom's Attire: Bucco Couture | Location: Casa Dos Penedos | Planning: AMV Weddings | Rentals: Maison Christina | Weddings Rings: Victor Barbone Jewelry

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Dearest readers, the ton are abuzz with the latest gossip – today’s wedding inspiration from AMV Weddings is giving Bridgerton a run for its crown. Set in the English Countryside, The Botany House made floral magic happen at the indoor ceremony with a lush arbor filled with greenery and classic white blooms. With striking castle views, the garden reception and extravagant 6-tier cake are perfectly fit for the diamond of the season. See the full gallery to get inspired, all taken by Megan Kay Photography!

Amanda Virga of AMV Weddings described this shoot beautifully… Set on the spectacular grounds of De Vere Tortworth Court, the primary inspiration for this shoot was a regal, elegant English Countryside Wedding with a classic white and green palette.

The ceremony was hosted in the orangery of the estate which featured stunning natural lighting coming in from the glass enclosed domes of the ceiling overhead. Our statement ceremony arch was designed to compliment the stone arches of the space, with lush florals growing up from the floor on either side of the primary structure.

The reception was set in the circular gardens of the estate, where we created a round table that wrapped perfectly around the garden, and was completed by the bride and groom’s table situated directly in front of the breathtaking manor house. This statement reception set-up featured an elegant tablescape of white florals by The Botany House and a Bridgerton inspired cake fit for royalty!

Our radiant bride Lily wore a gown from the Alon Livne 2022 Collection. This line was inspired by sculptor Carmen Otero & the world of minimalist art, using waves and geometry to redefine beauty, specifically the natural shapes of the human body in abstract silhouettes. This look fit perfectly amidst the regal, yet relaxed atmosphere of the English countryside. To complete their celebration, the bride and groom were whisked away in a classic British 1958 post-production convertible through the beautiful stone entryway of the estate!

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Photography: Megan Kay Photography | Event Planning: AMV Weddings | Floral Design: The Botany House | Invitations: Pale Press London | Shoes: Harriet Wilde | Jewelry: Victor Barbone Jewelry | Groom's Attire: Bucco Couture | Venue: De Vere Tortworth Court | Beauty: Botias Hair & Make-up | Car: Morris Minor Weddings | Flat Lay Styling: Sophie Kaye Photography | Furniture Rentals: Wedhead | Linens: House Of Hough | Styling Mat: Olive And Oak | Tabletop Rentals: Bailey Events | Workshop Host: AMV Weddings

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Megan Kay Photography

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It seems like every streaming platform has its own elaborate period-piece drama and they have us dreaming of grand estate weddings. But in these crazy times, an international destination wedding can seem out of reach. And even if you can work out the logistics, you can pretty much cut your guest list in half because travel has become so complicated. But, did you know you don’t have to have a passport to be transported to the grand estates of the early 1900s? We have a few left right here in the USA, and Filoli, conveniently located between San Francisco and Silicon Valley,  is one of the finest! Situated on 654 acres, the rich red brick house looks like something straight out of Bridgerton or Downton Abbey. Whether you’re planning a BIG wedding or a more intimate affair, there are over a dozen event spaces for couples to pick from for their big day, including 16 acres of formal gardens! And it’s stunning year-round! They’ve got tulip season in the spring, summer perennials, all the fall colors your little heart could desire, and of course, holiday lights. 

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVE SPACES…

The Garden House

Perfect for a mico-wedding, the Garden House gives you the best parts of an outdoor wedding without having to worry about the weather. With floor-to-ceiling arched windows, the gorgeous natural light pours in from every angle and you can’t beat the view of the garden in the background. Perfect for an intimate ceremony or a scenic cocktail hour you can’t go wrong with this versatile space. 

The Pool

For a more modern, laid-back vibe, consider a poolside reception. Framed on either side by perfectly quaffed hedges and a breathtaking view of the gardens, the pool is an unforgettable space. Treat your guests to dinner under the stars with long farm tables and twinkle lights on the lawn or set up standing tables and floating florals for an open-air cocktail hour.

The Bowling Green

If you’re going for that royal wedding feel, you need to check out the Bowling Green! Flanked by beautiful topiaries and an original red brick wall (complete with crawling vines), this space is serving palatial garden vibes á la Versailles. Plus, it can fit up to 300 seated guests, so go ahead and invite those distant cousins and work friends–you’ve got plenty of room!  

The Sunken Garden

With a reflecting pool as the centerpiece and the garden house in the background, it doesn’t get more scenic than the Sunken Garden at Filoli. Imagine making your entrance down the brick stairs and into this perfectly manicured work of art. Pro Tip: Book this space in springtime and you can save on florals thanks to Filoli’s annual tulip display!

The Ballroom

For a classic wedding, look no further than Filoli’s Ballroom. The original frescoes and crystal chandeliers completely transport you to another place and time. Picture this–a dreamy garden ceremony, with cocktails in the Garden House, dinner and dancing in the Ballroom, and a starlit nightcap by the pool before you make your grand exit.  

Check out @_filoli on Instagram to see how other couples have used this gorgeous estate for their big day!

Photography: Janine Licare Photography | Photography: Vivi Lu | Photography: Yana B | Intimate Weddings & Adventure Elopements | Photography: Sarahi Hadden | Photography: Alice Che Photography | Venue: Filoli Garden

This early summer-inspired editorial shines brighter than the sun.  Hawthorne & Poppy planned a day that combines the incredible colors of dawn’s first light with modern elements for endlessly romantic imagery.  Like the stairs covered in multi-level sitting florals, by Blumen Floral, that perfectly compliment the bride’s magical Monique Lhuillier gowns.  Every moment captured in time by The Editorial Series is lovelier than the last, see them all in the full gallery.

From Jenna McElroy & Amy of Hawthorne & Poppy… The inspiration for the editorial series workshop at The Arlo was early summer. An ode to green trees and garden flowers basking in the morning dawn’s golden sunlight. We wanted to create a design that felt modern and was also inspired by a layered nature, so we paired contemporary tableware with lush florals and fruit by Blumen Floral, modern candles, and multiple textures of wood, velvet, handmade paper, silk, and plaster. 

The Arlo’s grand staircase was the perfect location for our ceremony so that Monique Lhuillier‘s Buttercup gown from Julian Gold Bridal San Antonio could have its moment cascading towards the guests. We surrounded the couple with airy garden-style florals sitting on multi-levels of stairs. 

The paper designs by Owl and Envelope brought in several natural and romantic textures with handmade paper invitations in taupe and deep chocolate tones, a handmade paper liner with pressed greenery, and a dinner menu featuring a wooden slab holding a handmade paper menu with a velvet paper name card. For the cake, we wanted it to be unique and textural brimming with romance, and Morgan Pearl Cakes create the perfect masterpiece. We were able to use Petal, Monique Lhuillier’s amazing pink dress with a detachable skirt for an amazing addition as the second dress. Every wedding artist came together to create the perfect vision for our editorial inspired by golden morning light.

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Photography: Jenna McElroy | Event Planning: Hawthorne & Poppy Events | Floral Design: Blumen Floral | Cake: Morgan Peral Cakes | Jewelry: Nicole Mera | Venue: The Arlo | Chairs & Cake Columns: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals | Cookies: Olivia + Aries | Dress Boutique: Julian Gold Bridal | Dress Designers: Monique Lhuillier | Film Scans: PhotoVision Prints | Invitations & Paper: Owl and Envelope | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Location: The Arlo | MUAH: Makenzi Laine | Napkins: Tono + Co | Sponsor & Styling Mats: Madison Popkess | Suit Designer: The Black Tux | Tabletop Rentals: Table Manners | Video: Alyssa Nikole Photography | Workshop: The Editorial Series

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Having a solid brand is key to running a successful business. Your branding is the first thing your clients will think of when they assess  your offering. It determines how you message your products, how customers will perceive your and how likely they will be to purchase. How and why this happens is based on a theory called brand association.

So, what does brand association even mean?

Brand association is the psychology of how a consumer thinks about a brand, based on tangible and intangible things alike. When discovering a new brand, customers subconsciously categorize them based on things like the emotion they feel, the images they see, and what connections that brand has to others they may more closely recognize. Even at the very early stages of discovery, when thinking of a brand they are aware of, they immediately and subconsciously recall these categorizations and predetermine their opinion of said brand.

Did you know it takes consumers, on average, .05 seconds to determine if they like a website enough to stay, according to Bright Local Study? In addition, consumers spend nearly 6 seconds looking at a website’s main image, in contrast to spending almost equal time reading a website’s written content. We were not surprised to read these, as collated by Tonic Site Shop, as it confirms that visuals are so important to your brand. 

What you want for your wedding business: Potential customers to associate positive feelings towards your company and offering, have a clear understanding of what to expect when hiring you, and recognize value that justifies the prices for your services/products.

Pillars of brand association

Visuals/design

• “Unlike sound or tactile cues, visual elements can be applied across a multitude of platforms and formats, allowing them to be present at every brand touchpoint.” — Latana
• The look of your brand. This includes your logo, website design, email interface, business cards, sales materials, and yes for sure the actual aesthetic of your work.
• Visual representation is one of the first, and most impactful ways that a customer makes immediate assumptions about a brand.

Language

• “Brand language is the body of terms, phrases, and words that a company uses to describe both themselves and their products. It is a marketing strategy used to help consumers identify and strike connections between specific words and a given product. “ — OnDemandCMO
• The examples that this article use are specific coined terms like “Magic Kingdom”, “15%”, and “Just do it.” — can you think of the respective brands immediately? Yep. Disney, Geico, and Nike.
• The language you use helps gives life to the visuals you put out there. Language also starts to paint the story of a brand, giving it longevity, and personality. When tweaking your wedding business language, perhaps you can consider phrases and words that a) are natural to you and b) convey feelings of happiness, luxury, celebration, and timelessness. All emotions/values that are crucial on a wedding day.

Once you’ve built your brand, and succeeded in positive brand association – it’s time to think about brand equity. Brand equity is the value of being a well-known, recognized or respected brand and, in having high brand equity, being able to generate more revenue than your competitors because of this status.

Cashing in on Your Brand Equity

As a wedding vendor, there’s a number of ways you can increase your brand equity – by working with other well-known and respected vendors or venues, by producing wow-worthy content that is naturally viral and by partnering with publications who have large followings that closely match the type of client you aspire to reach.

Here at Style Me Pretty, we call this – being in good company and here are a few ways partnering with Style Me Pretty amps up your brand equity.

Venues

Regularly show off your work that took place at your ideal venues  (hot tip: or create work at these ideal venues!). Constantly put your business in the same lens as your ideal locations – this subconsciously reinforces the idea that you can create work that aligns with this venue. 

Fellow vendors

Regularly show off work that you’ve done alongside other vendors that fall within your ideal range and share images/events with the aesthetic you’re aiming for.

Memberships

Part of the LBB’s job is to reach out and give your brand a hug as your potential client is walking by (or cruising the internet or the ‘gram). This reinforces credibility (there is an application process), aesthestic (you’re connected with SMP who has a strong brand identity as well in romantic, classic, and elevated weddings). The other vendors in the LBB also elevate your brand’s credibility.

We’d love to really dive into this topic with all of you so please feel free to reach out either in our DMs (via @smplittleblackbook on IG) or at lbb@stylemepretty.com!

Cover image by LBB member Rebecca Yale

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A bride who radiates happiness, a timeless ivory and green palette, and an elegant tented reception – this full gallery by Feather & Twine is an immediate mood booster! Wild Sky Events pulled off the couple’s dream backyard wedding and made it look easy, all while overcoming a myriad of challenges that naturally come with hosting a private home affair. Clementine Botanical Art created classic arrangements lush with white blooms and touches of soft greenery. Keep on reading to find out more details on this inspiring Fall fête.

Classic romantic garden private home wedding full of personal touches and delicate details. This wedding was a labor of love. Our bride Sophia very much wanted to be married at her in her backyard and have an elegant garden party wedding with Tuscany details as a nod to the architecture of the house.

For the color palette Sophia and her mother Mary chose a classic palette of ivory, white and green. Eggshell table linens, delicate and natural floral design, botanical inspired day of stationery with classic hand calligraphy, stoneware accents for the chargers and vases, classic silver flatware all came together to create a romantic and natural garden design.

From the Bride and Groom… We really enjoyed creating the ceremony ourselves, from choosing all of the songs to writing the officiants message.

Sophia loved working with her mom (and Kate from Wild Sky Events!) to choose all of the details was very special. While making the decor decisions together was so much fun, the stories of her parents’ own wedding and marriage advice that came out of these conversations was one of the best parts of wedding planning for Sophia.

Keeping family at the center of the weekend was very important to the couple. Sophia’s engagement ring belonged to Andy’s great grandmother, her veil belonged to her own great grandmother, and they were married by Andy’s aunt.

All of our vendors were absolutely incredible, and made our dream of a classic backyard wedding come true. The food was delicious, the photographs capture our joy beautifully, we had the best live band we’ve ever heard, and Kate and the Wild Sky Events team brought everything together in the most gorgeous way.

Private home weddings always have their share of challenges as these spaces are not necessarily meant to host large parties. For this wedding the main challenge was the backyard as it was steeply terraced. Which meant we had to build a platform across multiple levels to accommodate the tent, a large staircase to get to the lower lawn for the ceremony, and build a floor over the pool to create a dance floor and stage area.

Our goals was to give guests that wow factor when they first enter the backyard space and make it feel like the space had always looked this way. We wanted the design of the wedding to blend seamlessly into the garden and home so that it truly felt like spending a lovely day in the garden. When working with private properties the goal is always to enhance the the existing space to make it seem like it took no time at all to make this transformation happen. The reality is it takes an incredible team of dedicated vendors to ensure that every detail turns out perfectly.

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Photography: Ruét Photo | Event Planning: Wild Sky Events | Floral Design: Clementine Botanical Art | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Cake: Michelle’s Patiserie | Invitations: Emily Baird Design | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Catering: Mindy's Bakeshop | Band: The Drywater Band | Beauty: Crown of Glory Beauty | Day of Stationery: Michaela McBride Calligraphy | Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals | Rentals: Perch Event Decor Rental | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Whim Hospitality | Rentals: Unique Design & Events

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Luxury pairs with unexpected elements for a twist of intrigue at this Swan House editorial shoot. Whitewood Events designed the endlessly romantic wedding day, with a champagne tower for a touch of fun, while autumn-inspired florals by Lindsay Coletta enhanced the elegance.  Imagery by Tanya Menoni will have you feeling as if you’ve walked into the prettiest of fairytales.  See every single photo in the full gallery.

From Tanya Menoni… This editorial showcases one of Atlanta’s most beautiful wedding venues –Swan House at the Atlanta History Center.

Designed by Whitewood Events, this shoot paired luxurious touches including the cascading tulle Millia London gown with unexpected elements like striped linens and autumn-inspired florals.

Soft and romantic, the gown was the perfect complement to the architectural details of Swan House. The shoot ended with a champagne tower, which serves as inspiration for couples to include fun elements such as this one at their weddings!

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Photography: Tanya Menoni | Event Design: Whitewood Events | Floral Design: Lindsay Coletta | Gown: Millia London | Invitations: Seniman Calligraphy | Hair and makeup: Margaret Snider | Wedding Venue: http://www.aAtlanta History Center: Swan House & Grand Overlook Ballroomtlantahistorycenter.com/ | Candles: MJ Tablescapes | Groom Attire: The Black Tux | Linens: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Party Bound | Tabletop: Table Made Co.

This mountain vineyard wedding at Pippin Hill Farm is sure to melt your heart.  Our brides both embraced their own unique style in their wedding fashion but the feeling of love and joy captured in the photos by Kylie Martin Photography was all-encompassing.  Donovan-Groves Events planned the day in calming shades of green, white, and blue, and the floral design by Nature Composed was equal parts whimsical and romantic.  You’ll love every magical moment inside the full gallery.

From Kylie Martin Photography… Reilly and Lauren were joined by their closest loved ones at their mountain vineyard wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia. Reilly recently shared where her inspiration came from and what experience she and Lauren were hoping to create for their guests on their special day.

“We wanted it to be a classic elegance that still felt warm and inviting for our loved ones. We kept the wedding at about 105 people which really helped with the intimacy of the event, and we truly felt surrounded by loved ones – rather than a crowd of people. This also allowed us to include little details for our guests, like toiletry items in the bathroom with monogrammed hand towels, our custom matchbooks and welcome boxes, and the custom linen napkins on the head table. We also wanted to make sure our sweet ragdoll cat Penelope was incorporated – as we featured her on all the table cards and my specialty cocktail was named after her “the Pink Penelope”. The live music was another element that I found particularly important and felt like it pulled the night together with a bow – this ranged from our harpist during the ceremony Eve Watters to the Trademark Band that kept the party going all night.” Lauren added that she wanted a nod to late 16th/18th century English style with the wax seals, harpist and the Shakespearean Sonnet because of her love for the romanticism of British literature.”

“For our looks, Lauren went for a clean, sophisticated, elegant look which was mirrored in her sleek bun, tighter bouquet and classic dress. She also wore her mother’s necklace and gold bangle, as well as incorporating her mother’s favorite flowers into her bouquet – alstroemeria. My look – I went for something more romantic and whimsical, which was reflected in my lace Monique Lhuillier dress and the looser, larger bouquet. My shoes were my “something blue” and I wore my mother’s pearl earrings that were actually a gift from my father on their wedding day. My own wedding gift from Lauren was her mother’s wedding ring redesigned, which I wore that day, and again the sapphires in the beautiful custom ring were a nod to our overall blue and white theme. I also REALLY wanted a veil – it’s what made the whole thing feel bridal to me. And then swapped out the veil for a fun flower headband for the reception.”

Reilly and Lauren chose to exchange personalized vows during their first look, Lauren stated “I wanted to have a special moment with just us two, because we anticipated a day full of love from everyone else (which is great) but at the end of the day, it was OUR day and I wanted to be sure we had that special moment together! I am so glad we went that route because it was something I’ll never forget.”

When asked what moment from the day left an impression, Lauren shared “My highlight is probably when Reilly and I snuck away from everyone later in the night and just had a moment alone on the veranda looking into the mountains while everyone was partying.” Reilly shared her favorite memory of “running through the vineyard together for our couples photos – it’s always been a dream to run through a vineyard in my gown with my wife by my side. So that was so dreamy. And then I also loved dancing with Lauren in front of everyone at the end of the night to “King of my Heart” by Taylor Swift because Lauren is truly the Queen of my heart, and we were able to just be our hammy selves in front of everyone.”

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Photography: Kylie Martin Photography | Event Planning: Donovan-Groves Events | Floral Design: Nature Composed | Cake: Cakes By Rachel | Invitations: Marguerite Peele Fine Stationary | Stationery: Design Inklings | Ceremony Venue: Pippin Hill Farm | Hair and Makeup: Lipstick and Chiffon | Band: Trademark Band | Harpist: Eve Watters | Headpiece: Chantal Eveleen | Lauren's Dress: Lovely Bridal Shop | Reilly's Dress: Mandi Jackson Bridal | Reilly's Dress Boutique: Mandi Jackson Bridal | Reilly's Shoes: Loeffler Randall

Who says contemporary weddings are strictly black and white? Today’s Virginia nuptials coupled a vibrant, bold palette with modern style and design – it’s safe to say the result speaks for itself! Lane Stewart Events curated every last detail to perfection, enlisting Olivera Floral Design to make a vibrant statement with blooms. Don’t walk, run to the full gallery to see all the pretty – taken by Allison Dash Photography!

From Allison Dash Photography…Alex and Max envisioned having an urban wedding in the heart of downtown Richmond, where they are both from. With the ceremony and reception held at separate locations, Alex and Max wanted to play into the vibe of each venue for their details.   They started with their custom invitations designed by Alex’s best friend and MOH, Cate with Cate By Design.  The invitations set the tone for their modern, eclectic summer wedding for their guests.  When styling these pieces, photographer Allison Dash (the groom’s sister!), incorporated a key from the reception venue that members receive to access the house as well as a fan that guests were able to use during the ceremony to keep cool. 

The ceremony was held at the historic Virginia House, which gave the perfect whimsical garden feel for their intimate ceremony. Without taking away from the beauty of the architecture and gardens at Virginia House, the asymmetrical florals designed by Olivera Floral Design added the perfect pop of color to their ceremony. The vibrant touches of color, with lots of pinks, oranges and warm citrus tones and greenery popped against their more classic black and white ensembles.

Common House No. 2 set the tone for guests for a modern, yet eclectic reception. Guests were able to feel relaxed and embrace the true meaning of a social club while mingling with a station style dinner. Here they were surrounded by varying styles of centerpiece compotes, bud vases, and candle votives to bring texture and dimension to the long farmhouse style tables. They featured signature ‘His and Her’ cocktails, with a Whiskey Sour for Max and a Cape Cod for Alex, which is a personal touch as they live in New England! The Cape Cod was also the most vibrant and beautiful shade of fuchsia, matching the florals by Olivera.

The photo booth backdrop provided by Paisley & Jade with dripping orchids from Olivera provided guests an interactive experience that still reflected the overall vision for the day.

No wedding is complete without a specialty send off and we knew there was no better way to send this couple off than with a rose petal exit!

From the bride… Traditional aspects like the stone architecture and lush greenery at Virginia House, mixed with modern elements like a social club reception and poolside portraits offered different yet complementary layers to our wedding. They provided us the perfect balance of a whimsical, modern, and eclectic feel on our special day. With our July date, we wanted to play into the vibrant color palette of summer throughout our invitation suite and florals. We exchanged traditional vows during our ceremony, but shared personal vows privately in the garden during our first look. It was so special to add a private, personal touch to our day.”

“Max and I have actually known each other since pre-school! We started dating in college and for three and a half years, we dated long-distance. Max worked and lived in Atlanta and then Connecticut, while I completed grad school and began teaching in the Richmond area. These years were filled with hours in a car, on planes, and on trains, each goodbye getting harder than before. Almost a year after he moved to Connecticut for his dream job at ESPN, we got engaged on Labor Day 2020 and it was the most special day! My school year had just begun, so we wouldn’t get married until I had completed the school year in Virginia and could then move to Connecticut. Since I have summers off, we knew a summer wedding would be perfect for us! We envisioned a summer soiree for all of our guests to enjoy and have the best night celebrating with us. After years of many miles apart, we were so excited to become husband and wife and celebrate the official end of long distance! We recessed from the ceremony to one of our favorite songs, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys“, where the lyrics are the perfect nod to no more long distance while also fitting the summer vibe!”

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Photography: Allison Dash Photography | Event Planning: Alana Futcher | Floral Design: Olivera Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Urban Set Bride | Cake: Frostings Bake Shop | Invitations: Cate by Design | Ceremony Venue: Virginia House | Reception Venue: Common House | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Birdy Grey | Catering: Common House | DJ: KJ Julian | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Beauty: Lou Stevens Glam Squad | Photography - Assistance: Ica Images | Rentals: Paisley & Jade | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals Of Virginia | Weddings Rings: Diamonds Direct

From cake tastings to venue scouting, wedding planning will have you running all over town and collecting your fair share of paperwork. Staying organized is the only way to stay sane during this fun yet crazy time. There are a few must-haves that you should bring with you to every meeting like a pen (or two), your wedding planning binder, your calendar or schedule, your laptop or tablet (and matching chargers)  if you live on the cloud, and a thermos with your bev of choice to stay hydrated and/or caffeinated. That’s a lot of stuff, and instead of trying to shove it in your purse or let roll around in the backseat of your car, may we recommend a dedicated wedding tote like these adorable ones from anantucketsummer? 

anantucketsummer is a women-owned lifestyle brand known for their signature totes. Not only are these totes adorable, they’re ethically made in the USA. The sturdy canvas and reinforced leather straps make these babies durable enough to withstand anything wedding planning can throw at them. Linen swatches, invite samples, contracts–keep everything you need for wedding planning in one place. Choose from the go-to “Wedding Planning Tote Bag” or let everyone know you’re officially taken with the “Off The Market Bag”. These totes also make great gifts! Throw in a bottle of champagne and a planner for an engagement party gift or load it with self-care goodies and a robe for a bridal shower.

In addition to their Bridal Shop, anantucketsummer also has everyday totes, tees, and water bottles that make great gifts for everyone in your bridal party. Gather up your favorite snacks from your wedding destination, some local wine or beer(don’t forget the bottle openers), a few bottles of water, some other hangover preventatives/late-night munchies, and a map of the city highlighting some of your favorite spots and you’ve got the perfect welcome bag for your crew. 

Give  @anantucketsummer a follow on Instagram for some snaps of Nantucket to brighten your feed.

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Photography: Stear Photography Co. | Styling: Lacy Geary | Flowers: Laura Clare Design | Wedding Totes: anantucketsummer

This 14th-century monastery made the perfect backdrop for an inspirational shoot filled with modern romance.  Buttery yellow florals and blue frescoed walls play together perfectly in this utterly elegant day planned by AMV Weddings. Floral design by Siloh Floral is a feast for the eyes, and every magical moment is artfully captured in the imagery by Sophie Kaye Photography.  Get a closer look at all the lovely in the full gallery.

From AMV Weddings… The monastery at Penha Longa which dates back to the 14th century, features classical Portuguese style architecture, offering the most romantic setting for a destination wedding. When designing this shoot the Salao Nobre space inspired us with its beautifully adorned ceilings in a soft yellow and white palette. 

The elongated tablescape filled this space, adorned with florals designed by Siloh Floral in shades of creamy yellow and subtle pops of white. To tie in the stunning outdoor grounds, the monastery ruins in the heart of the tropical forest served as our ceremony space, where lush florals surrounded the ruins pond, creating the most alluring setting for our couple’s nuptials! 

After the ceremony, our real couple Dani & Cynthia enjoyed a peaceful moment in the open-air courtyard of the monastery where we set up a lounge amidst the colorful blue frescoed walls of the space. Our bride Cynthia wore a gown by Naeem Khan, which featured a more relaxed lace embellished look to fit the calming understated elegance of the venue.

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Photography: Sophie Kaye Photography | Cinematography: Anna Lord Studio | Design: AMV Weddings | Event Planning: AMV Weddings | Floral Design: Siloh Floral | Wedding Dress: Naeem Khan | Cake: Edelweiss Wedding Cakes | Invitations: Laura Elizabeth Patrick | Reception Venue: Penha Longa | Groom's Attire: Bucco Couture | Planning: AMV Retreats | Rentals: Maison Christina | Weddings Rings: Victor Barbone Jewelry

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If you’re a gal who fancies old world elegance and European flair – consider Villa Sola Cabiata in Como your dream wedding destination. Just imagine tying the knot on the same grounds where Milanese nobility sipped bubbly and roamed the gardens in lavish gowns at extravagant summer soirées. Janna Brown Design Co designed one of our favorite styled shoots to date, inspired by the grandeur of Villa Sola Cabiata. Check out the full gallery of details by Lauren Berry Photography to see all the pretty!

From Lauren Berry Photography… This wedding styled shoot was inspired by Villa Sola Cabiata in Lake Como Italy.

With its neoclassical symmetry, ornate marble balconies, ice blue shutters, & fern-flecked Italian garden, Cabiati instantly conjures scenes of long-forgotten parties attended by the elegant but eccentric class of Milanese nobility who made the area their summer playground in the early 1700s.

Janna sought to portray a sense of powerfulness in the couple & a nod to the history & beauty of Lake Como.

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Photography: Lauren Berry Photography | coordination: Daniela And Paola, Centorose E Un Tulipano | gown: Demetrios Bride | makeup: the studio como | hair: merita hair | tuxedo: Domenico Caraceni | Wedding Venue: Grand Hotel Tremezzo | Paper goods: Sugared Fig Paperie | boats:: Como Classic Boats | creative direction, design, styling and florals: Janna Brown Design Co. | paper goods: Shasta Bell Calligraphy

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One look at our bride’s floral and butterfly print Monique Lhuillier wedding dress, and you’ll agree that it’s just as beautiful a work of art as anything hanging in the Milwaukee Art Museum – the couple’s venue! B Signature planned the spring garden-inspired day, filled with flowers by Nancy Chase Arrangements.  She even used the exact flowers pictured on the bride’s dress in different setups throughout the day! You’ll fawn over every fabulous image perfectly captured by Clary Pfeiffer Photography, see them all in the full gallery.

From the bride… Eddie and I knew each other in grade school, he was just a year older than me. My older brother and Eddie would play cards in high school and in college when we were home on break, we’d run into each other since we had many mutual friends. It wasn’t until we both moved back from our respective schools, that we ran into each other yet again and upon being reintroduced by a mutual friend, we serendipitously said the exact same thing at the exact same time, “Oh, we know each other”. Eddie later asked for my number and in the months and years following we ate and drank our way through Milwaukee. On April 4, 2020, after six years of dating, Eddie decided to pop the question. He had tried to plan a party with our immediate family and closest friends to celebrate but the world had different plans. Throughout 2020 and into 2021, our wedding was something to look forward to when everything felt heavy and isolating like the first spring day after a long winter.

Over the past six years, Eddie and my summers consisted of a string of weddings. By the time we finally said our “I do’s” we had attended over 30 weddings together, so I knew I wanted our wedding to be in “off-season”. Eddie was the one to pick our date, March 12, 2022. I later found out he chose this because 312 is Chicago’s area code where we were both born and where some of our most memorable memories were made together. An early spring wedding is risky in Milwaukee because it could be 60 degrees and sunny or -18 with a snowstorm. We got a little bit of both with a beautiful, cold sunny day.

The date was set now it was time to dress shop. I tried on beautiful traditional gowns that could’ve fit the bill, but nothing felt like me, so the hunt continued. Constance, at Gigi MKE Boutique, put me in this gorgeous Monique Lhuillier gown and I knew this was it. The train, the print, the sleeves. It was perfect. Eddie and I took a road trip around Colorado in a 95 Volkswagen euro camper van named Mariposa (meaning ‘butterfly’ in Spanish) back in 2018. It was our favorite trip together and the trip where we knew each other was the one so having butterflies covering my dress made it that much more special. No one would expect it and that’s exactly what I was looking for. This gown is a piece of art so I found it fitting to get married at the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum. The hardest part was keeping the dress a secret for two years! This dress didn’t call for a veil, so I opted for a beautiful custom hair piece and custom earrings to match that Constance handpicked and sourced for me from the designer, Paris by Debra Moreland. I found the most gorgeous shoes from Christian Louboutin that resembled ballet slippers; a nostalgic piece for me since I danced as a little girl. I was gifted a beautiful ring at my bridal shower from my mom to wear as my “something blue”. It was a sapphire ring adorned with diamonds from the earrings my dad had given her on the day I was born. The look wasn’t complete without my mom’s diamond bracelet that every woman in our immediate and extended family has worn on their wedding day. I felt like an absolute princess.

We worked with Eddie’s aunt Nancy of Nancy Chase Arrangements and truly this day wouldn’t have been possible without her. She was instrumental in making our day what it was: a masterpiece. I wanted people to enter the Art Museum and feel like it was an exhibit that teleported them to a different time and place no matter what the weather would be like outside. With the help of her, her team, and her network of colleagues, Bridget Monihan of B Signature planning, and Dave Kelly from Frost Chicago, they created a spring garden experience when it was only 10 degrees outside. From the trellis pillars that set the stage for the ceremony to the gorgeous grand bar at the reception, everything was done with intention. Nancy took the details from my dress and incorporated the exact flowers in different areas of the day. We wanted our reception to feel intimate and cozy even though there were 250 guests. The Milwaukee Art Museum is an architectural art piece in of itself, but the stark white and high ceiling can be tricky to make feel warm. It was no small feat, but our team pulled it off. I personally loved our table settings where we used a white opaque wine glass for water and vintage-inspired glassware for the wine. Bayview Printing Company, a women-owned, 100-year-old printing press company, beautifully executed our paper needs with pure elegance.

Eddie is a fourth-generation chocolatier, so we knew we wanted Burke Candy as dessert on our special day since we aren’t big cake people. However, we wanted a “cake cutting” moment so in lieu of cake we had a champagne tower; what’s better than chocolate and champagne?!
We had a short and sweet ceremony where we exchanged our own vows followed by a lovely cocktail hour and the night commenced with an electric dance floor thanks to our band Ron Bedal Orchestra who had everyone moving and grooving from the start. He convinced us to do a dance set in between the salad and main dinner course and it is one of my favorite memories. Eddie and I took that time as our moment to stop, stand back and enjoy watching everyone have a great time. We concluded the night with Kopp’s Frozen Custard burgers and fries. It was just by chance that the custard flavor of the day was “Wedding Cake”, so one of Bridget’s team members decided to surprise us with a pint to share! Eddie and I shared a few decadent bites before heading back to the dance floor.

Our day was a dream. And after a long two-year engagement and “social winter” of sorts, we were overjoyed to be able to celebrate with our large families and our friends who are family to us. We are honored to have Clary Pfeiffer Photography and Hunter Floydfilms document our day and all its details.

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Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography | Videographer: Hunter Floyd Films | Event Design: Nancy Chase Arrangements | Event Planning: B Signature | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Reception Venue: Milwaukee Art Museum | Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Jewelry: Paris by Debra Moreland | Makeup: Melody Sopa Artistry | Hair: Trendy Wendi | Bridal Boutique: Gigi MKE Boutique | Dessert: Burke Candy | Event Production: Frost Chicago | Late Night Food: Copps Custard | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Bay View Printing Co.

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You may think that us mere commoners have one too many rules and traditions to follow (or buck) when it comes to tying the knot. But in reality, when it comes to strict traditions – the royals take the cake! Sure, we might have our crazy Aunt Karen or our overbearing Grandmother to please on your big day, but try accommodating not only the monarchy, but the entire population of England while you’re at it. From fashion to flowers – today we’re dishing on the top 10 royal wedding traditions that may come as a surprise to you fellow Crown-obsessed brides!

1. Permission to Propose

This tradition might seem familiar to most, as its customary in many cultures to ask the bride’s parents for her hand in marriage. Royals up to the sixth in line to the throne must ask the reigning monarch for permission to marry their future spouse before proposing.

2. Myrtle Sprig

From Her Majesty The Queen to The Duchess of Cambridge and The Duchess of Sussex – a traditional sprig of Myrtle has been present in royal wedding bridal bouquets. Myrtle represents love, fertility and innocence. This special bloom can be found at Queen Victoria’s 170-year old garden at her holiday home on the Isle of Wight.

3. Tiny Bridal Party

And by tiny, we don’t mean in numbers. Traditionally, the royal wedding party is made up of children of the royal family. We can thank this little tradition for providing all the adorable pageboy and bridesmaid content throughout the years – I mean who can forget young Prince George and Princess Charlotte stealing hearts of every onlooker at Pippa Middleton’s 2017 nuptials.

4. Meaningful Headwear

Our fondest, most sparkly, tradition on the list has to be the tiara of course! Its royal tradition that the first time a woman dons a tiara is on her wedding day, as they represent betrothal and unavailability. Typically, the diadem comes from their own family vault – just how Princess Diana famously donned The Spencer Tiara for her unforgettable 1981 wedding day. Other times, the statement piece is acquired by the groom’s family – Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge chose to wear the dazzling Cariter ‘halo’ tiara as her “something borrowed”, lent to her by her majesty the Queen!

5. Let Them Eat Fruitcake

Can’t decide what type of cake to serve at your reception? For royalty, the decision is pretty much a given – in the form of a traditional tiered fruitcake! It may be that the sheer sturdiness and shelf life of the cake factored into this traditional choice, as it is customary for one slice of royal wedding cake be mailed to guests in a commemorative tin post-wedding… I mean, as if we needed any more reason to envy royal wedding guests!

6. You May Now… Not Kiss The Bride!

It may come as a surprise to many that the Church of England actually forbids the traditional kiss at the end of a wedding ceremony in many places, including Windsor Castle, where Meghan Markle and Prince Harry wed, as well as Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot – as the Church deems these significant places “sacred.” So, the traditional kiss outside the chapel for all the public to see was born!

7. A Royal Portrait

All members of the royal family gather in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace, children and babies included, to stand together and pose for the traditional royal family portrait.

8. The Queen Gets Final Say

The one is short and sweet – when it comes to the guest list, The Queen gets final say. Her royal highness is actually the only person who can send out wedding invitations to perspective guests, as the event is hosted by the Queen herself.

9. Military attire

For formal events, and their weddings of course, it is customary for men to wear full military dress uniforms. The reason behind the tradition comes from the period of military service that senior royal men undergo in order to hold military ranks throughout their public royal careers. Prince William handsomely wore the Irish Guards Mounted Officers uniform while Prince Harry opted for the Blues and Royals.

10. Welsh Gold Rings

The custom of using Welsh gold for royal wedding rings began in 1923 by the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother’s wedding ring, Queen Elizabeth’s, Princess Margaret, The Princess Royal’s in 1973 and Princess Diana’s were all made of the same nugget.

There are times for minimalist style to shine and honey, this ain’t it. All the color, all the patterns, all the things. My dream maximalist wedding fete is characterized by the dichotomy of high fashion moments next to casual lived-in vibes. A floral-adorned DJ booth paired with an heirloom needlepoint ring pillow. And the list goes on.

Photo credits: Hannah Kong, Julia Berolzheimer, Peter Lyden, ZIMMERMANN, Tuscany Flowers Florence, Franklyn K, Jen Huang Bogan, Hatch Cove Designs, Stetten Wilson Photography, Gabrielle Hurwitz

First, tell us a little bit about the locale, season and setting of your inspo!

My favorite region in the US is the Southeast so that served as the foundation for this daydream of a celebration. Due to the humid weather in the summer, my personal ideal season for a low country fete is late spring. Aside from the region, the most important consideration would be guest comfort and spoiling so I would set my dream maximalist wedding at a former private estate so my day felt casual and liveable versus overly formal and fussy. I love the rise of long weekend wedding events – my dream venue would have rooms for the wedding party to stay there too!

Tell us about your color palette!

In true maximalist fashion, I’d go for a bold color palette of punchy pinks and purples, greens as a nod to nature, and have hints of pastel tones to neutralize and soften the look. And color palette would only be part of the design aspect — we are talking all the patterns. Floral trellis patterns mixed with rattan textures, we love it all.

Which wedding dress style fits your bridal aesthetic best?

The dichotomy of my ‘bridal style’ could be described as full on timeless classic vs totally non-traditional. For this particular (dream) wedding, I’d go non-traditional with a blush gown by Hannah Kong. The embellishments feel eccentric and the color is so sweet and special. 

In a few words, describe the overall look and vibe of your inspiration. How do you want your guests to feel?

Guest enjoyment would be my primary focus. Lowcountry bites and treats, casual yet couture vibes, everything optimized for *fun* (hi floral DJ booth), and for a lack of better terms: HAPPY. I dream of an event where intricate floral installations give the small guest count a sense of wonder. An explosion of bright colors and lots of moments to spoil my guests would be my dream wedding legacy.

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Photography

Jen Huang Photography

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