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

A Charming Backyard Wedding Inspired by ‘Father of the Bride’

An epic dress, a floral-adorned pup, and a setting inspired by one of our favorite movies of all time? We’re SOLD! Intertwined Events and Blush Botanicals completely transformed the backyard of the bride’s family home in Pasadena to the wedding venue of their dreams. Oh, and did we mention it’s just blocks away from the actual Father of the Bride home they used in the movie!? Yup, as if we needed another reason to love it. To top it all off, they brought in an In-N-Out truck to end out their most unforgettable night. Trust us folks, you do not want to miss the full gallery by Jana Williams Photography!

From Katie of Intertwined Events… The overall design was heavily influenced by her mom’s attention to detail. She hand picked everything with collaboration from our team and Alex from Blush Botanicals. She had exquisite taste and the bride trusted her with everything. We were inspired to create a true Father of the Bride movie wedding, as their home is in San Marino, blocks from the Father of the Bride house. The family renovated their entire yard to ensure it could fit the wedding and created a beautiful aesthetic for the event. Their monogram was a work of art incorporating so many amazing things, such as Lake Tahoe where they got engaged, their pup, the bell tower from where the groom was from and many more personal touches to truly make it a work of art! The large oak tree in the backyard served as a huge inspiration point for some of the paper goods (envelope liner) and the focal point to the party where we put a custom U Shape bar and beer cart. Abbey had her two brothers as her best men. They did an amazing job giving Abbey all of the love and admiration she deserved! The couple and family literally couldn’t have been nicer humans. They enjoyed the planning process and it showed. They were just genuinely happy to have all their friends and family at their home celebrating their love. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever witnessed. Multiple times I sat back and just thought “wow, this is exactly why we do what we do!”

How did the two of you meet?

From the couple… Chris and I met back in 2016 through mutual friends at a bar called The Tipsy Pig in San Francisco. Chris and his friends had originally planned on stopping by the bar for only one drink, but after we met he decided to stick around. From there, we started dating long distance – from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and back again. After about 6 months, Chris got a job opportunity back home in Philadelphia and asked me to join him on the East Coast – promising that the winters there aren’t really that bad. In just a few months, I got a new job that brought me out to New York City. We maintained our long distance routine – commuting by train from NYC to Philly for a few years.

Tell us about the proposal…

Chris proposed to me at my family’s home in Lake Tahoe in 2019. On the tailend of a week spent with my family, Chris took me by complete surprise when he got down on one knee. As soon as I said yes, he rocked my world even further as BOTH of our families ran out of the house to celebrate. Little did I know, Chris arranged for his family to travel in from the East Coast for the weekend. Tahoe is a very meaningful place for me and my family, and it meant the world to get to celebrate the engagement there with both of our families – and lots of toasts and tequila.

What inspired the color palette/decor choices for your wedding?

My parents were nice enough to host the wedding reception in the backyard of the house where I grew up. It was very Father of the Bride. Their garden was our inspiration – we deferred to neutral tones and decor, really allowing the garden to shine through.

How was the planning process?

As most COVID brides would probably say, it was long and hardly seamless! But overall I really look back on it fondly – mostly because I got to work on it daily with my mom, which is just something I’ll forever be grateful for. While my mom really led the design aesthetic, we also had an amazing team of vendors, especially Katie from Intertwined and Alex from Blush Botanicals, who were so fun to collaborate with and overall made the whole planning process – even over the course of 2 years and 3 different wedding dates – as painless as possible.

Please share your favorite moments/memories from the wedding day!

Walking down the aisle with my Dad. Being hand in hand with Chris during the ceremony, looking around the church seeing all of our favorite people from all over the country in the same place. Walking back down the aisle as husband and wife!! Chris surprised me by having our dog Utley waiting for us outside the church! Getting to do a first look of the backyard before the reception started – it was so stunning and amazing seeing the design and planning come to life! The toasts – by my dad and both sets of our brothers – were so thoughtful and funny – we’ll always treasure those. Last but maybe the most memorable, the dance floor! Our band was incredible and had everyone tearing up the dance floor until the very last song. I’m also really grateful we had a welcome party. It kicked off the weekend in a very festive, casual way and allowed us to get to spend quality time with all of our guests! The whole weekend – from rehearsal dinner to welcome party to wedding reception – was absolutely worth the wait.

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Found Rental Co.

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Jana Williams Photography

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The Art of Romance At A 16th Century Villa On Lake Como

History, architecture, and romance collide at this incredible editorial shoot on Lake Como. Janna Brown Design Co. designed a dream-like day, complete with a fantastic floral lined aisle that echoed the flower-bordered steps above the ceremony set-up. Every ultra-elegant minute is artfully captured in the imagery by Faith Roper Photography. You can see the best that Italy has to offer inside the full gallery.

From Faith Roper Photography… Set on the shores of Lake Como in Tremezzo, Italy, Villa Sola Cabiati is an exquisite wedding venue for the lover of romance, art, architecture, and history. The villa was built in the 16th century and later redesigned in the 18th. With walls and ceilings adorned with frescoes, rooms decorated in luxury antiques, and windows and balconies looking out at the lake, the setting is a dream at every angle.

Our wedding ceremony was set in the back garden with a bouquet-lined aisle to echo the flower-bordered stone steps above. The bride’s gown is a cloud-like creation by Demetrios Bride, and the groom wore a classic black tuxedo. With formal portraits against the frescoed walls, the couple is quite literally stepping out of a painting. Paper goods by Shasta Bell Calligraphy fit the artful, old-world style.

For the reception, a long table in the upper salon was set with blush and cream flowers and cream and gold plate ware. Antique chairs at the table faced an amazing view of the lake from the balcony and windows. No Lake Como wedding is complete without a classic wooden boat ride around the lake to enjoy views of the Italian Alps and picturesque villages. The event was all beautifully designed and styled by Janna Brown Design Co., with expert coordination by Centorose e un tulipano, and photography by Faith Roper Photography.

An Intimate Garden Inspired Affair at Prospect Park Boathouse

Brooklyn goes romantic at this endlessly elegant Prospect Park Boathouse editorial shoot. You’ll find inspiration everywhere in the light and airy day artfully planned by K Bella Events. Lush blooms by Nava Floral give the feeling that a gorgeous garden has grown around the couple, surrounding them in love. You’ll love every incredible image expertly captured by Jaye Avery Photography, visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From Jaye Avery Photography… It’s incredible that this intimate garden-inspired affair took place in the heart of the bustling city. Not even a rainy morning could diminish the beauty of Prospect Park Boathouse in Brooklyn. The architecture is simply stunning with floor-to-ceiling windows that cast the perfect amount of light for a wedding ceremony. Another highlight of the architecture is the ceiling which features green tiles which complement the natural elements surrounding the venue so you almost feel like you’re outdoors.

K Bella Events pulled together soft creams and pinks to contrast with the surrounding foliage resulting in a tablescape that was pure romance, while we were surrounded by the most beautiful floral installations created by Nava Floral. Hints of Lily of the Valley were pulled in for place settings and florals to create a timeless elegance that I can see becoming a trend for the foreseeable future.

Francine and Jayvonne were nothing but smiles pulling one another close and fully embracing the New York spring weather. Surrounded by the most beautiful floral installations created by Nava Floral, this was such a dream shoot.

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BBJ La Tavola

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K BELLA EVENTS

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A Luxe Wine Country Wedding with an Epic Dance Party

You’ll love the relaxed elegance at these Napa nuptials. Downey Street Events planned a day filled with neutral hues mixed with pops of black set against the breathtaking scenery of wine country. Blooms by This Humble Abode bring the couples love story to life, and every magical moment is perfectly captured in time in artful imagery by Meg Messina. Fall in love with all the lovely in the full gallery.

Tiffany and James love entertaining and spending time with their family and friends. They love good food, traveling, and dance parties. After the many delays caused by the pandemic, they finally got to bring all these loves together in a gorgeous wedding celebration at Carneros Resort in Napa, CA.

The contemporary, luxe, slightly romantic style that Tiffany and James wanted for their celebration was perfectly executed by Downey Street Events and This Humble Abode. Part of the feel was achieved in the color palette of neutral and golden tones, blush and peach, with pops of black. Tiffany hand-picked her bridesmaid’s gowns to make sure they represented the palette nicely.

The beautiful natural backdrop of Carneros Resort in Napa gave the day a relaxed feel even with the elegant attire and decor. And the reception was a blast with guests dancing late into the night with Soulville Band creating an incredibly fun dance party.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Modern Whimsy At This Endlessly Chic Celebration With A Nod To Sherlock Holmes

How do you incorporate a love for true-crime podcasts, hound dogs, and Sherlock Holmes into a wedding while keeping it stylish? As the detective himself says, “Elementary, my dear Watson.” Earthy warm woods, houndstooth, and elements of plaid led the day expertly planned by Amorology. Floral design by Nectar And Bloom was vibrant and larger than life, with magnifying glasses and smoking pipes mixed into the decor for good measure. The photographs by Dear Lovers will sweep you off your feet, see them all in the full gallery.

From Amorology… Classic romance with touches of modern whimsy woven with earthy warm woods and elements of plaid and houndstooth, incorporating playful nods to Gwynne and Maxx’s love for true-crime podcasts and their hounds, with a nod to Sherlock Holmes and other puzzling aspects to keep things interestingly beautiful. Our color palette was soft and romantic natural tones of mustards, gold, and rose blended with wood and leather touches and a hint of mystery.

Guests were welcomed into the ceremony underneath the gorgeous oak tree at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe to celebrate Gwynne and Maxx as they said yes to forever. Florals surrounded the bride and groom as they met at the warm wood archway with climbing greenery, fruits, and florals. Both of their dearest mothers joined in spirit with the sweetest honorary chairs accompanied with their favorite florals surrounding their picture frames. Their two pups also made a special appearance, wearing their very own floral collars! The guests made their way to cocktail hour, sipping on signature cocktails inspired by Gwynne and Maxx’s hounds that were adorned with darling plaid dog bone garnishes by HEY THERE CUPCAKE. Guests strolled to the sign-in table where they had lots of fun filling out their favorite things and places to see for the bride and groom who were curiously ‘in search of not to miss things to do in their lifetime!’

As another special way to honor her mother, Gwynne made her family’s secret recipe of hot fudge sauce, placed in calligraphed jars by Four Things Paper. Guests approached the plaid ‘secret sauce’ backdrop custom built by Backup Backdrops and were favored with their very own hot fudge sauce jars, the yummiest of ways to find their seats! The reception took place underneath a white sailcloth tent with strung market lighting and a gorgeous floral installation by Nectar and Bloom with woven jute and glass grid pendants illuminating the space. Guests were seated at white modern farm tables and carved wood rounds with a mix of white cane back chairs and natural bentwood chairs. The tabletop design was inspired by a warm fall color palette with nods to Gwynne and Maxx’s love of true crime podcasts with calligraphed magnifying glasses and Sherlock Holmes-inspired pipes at the head table, houndstooth napkins, and hints of mustard and blush all throughout! Oh dear! I do eclair! Scents of warm buttery chocolate filled the air with the dessert table brimming with chocolate cakes by Susies Cakes, a specialty houndstooth cake by HEY THERE CUPCAKE, and of course eclairs for all that were inspired by the groom’s favorite sweet treat!

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Event Planning

Amorology

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Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment

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A Romantic Candlelit Wedding Hidden in the Jungle of Haiku, Maui

The couple described their dream wedding day as a modern celebration with unique, rustic touches – sans ocean views. Enter Haiku Mill, one of the most beautiful and romantic hidden gems tucked away in the jungle of Maui. In a color palette of ivory, taupe and terra cotta, Moana Belle Events brought their vision to life with every thoughtful detail. Teresa Sena Designs created organic arrangements swimming in a sea of candle light. Head on over to the full gallery of inspiration captured by Dmitri and Sandra Photography to watch the magic unfold!

From Dmitri and Sandra Photography… You will never believe this venue is in Maui and was a processing factory for sugar cane in the 1800s.

Taryn and Randy knew that they wanted a lush, beautiful and romantic island location with a breathtaking backdrop but were not interested in having a wedding near the water. Their hearts led them to Maui and they fell in love with the Haiku Mill’s captivating beauty. Hidden in the jungle of Haiku, this ethereal venue stole their hearts and they immediately knew that this would be the place for their celebration. The lush, tropical beauty of this venue lined up perfectly with what they had in mind for their Maui wedding: a modern celebration with unique, rustic touches; their wedding was all of that and more.

With a color palette of ivory, taupe and terra cotta, every detail of their wedding was thoughtfully and intentionally planned out to compliment the beauty of the Haiku Mill. The talented team of Moana Belle Events curated every element to perfectly tell Taryn and Randy’s love story in a language of linens, textures, flowers and soft touches of color. The gorgeous bride was the epitome of beauty and grace as she walked down the aisle carrying a timeless bouquet in the color story of the day, complimented by a pendant on the handle that belonged to her grandmother.

Their reception was held inside the vine draped ruins of the Haiku Mill, overflowing with personalized elements and so much love. Rustic farm tables were intricately adorned with stunning floral arrangements, textured linens, beautiful calligraphy and vintage glassware. Gorgeous crystal chandeliers hung overhead with long taper candles adding to the romantic ambiance. This wedding was so unique, elegant and endlessly stylish.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Dmitri and Sandra Photography

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Tie the Knot Under the Golden Gate Bridge at This Dreamy San Fran Wedding Venue

To all our SF brides, here’s your sign to put Cavallo Point Lodge highhh up on that venue list. With view of the Golden Gate, today’s darling couple tied the knot in a floral-centric Spring wedding designed by JBD Events. Nancy Liu Chin knew just the right recipe to bring the couple’s vision to life while allowing the views and natural scenery do most of the talking. Just waittt until you see the hanging floral installation over their dance floor – we are OBSESSED. See the full gallery for more – all captured by Adriana Klas!

From The Bride… My family loves to stay-cation at Cavallo Point and we have just loved the hotel for years. Also we are both major foodies and the food at Cavallo is really top notch. Cavallo was also the perfect mix of not being too far from airports around for out of town guests and SF for local guests while still getting the amazing landscape and the ability to get married outside.

I LOVE flowers and wanted really bright spring feeling flowers but also wanted the natural beauty of the venue to come through. For example not overwhelming the ceremony space with too much and really letting the view do the talking.

Our florist, Nancy Liu Chin, also noticed all the pins I had on Pinterest all had blue linens without me even realizing, haha, so once we noticed we decided to tie in the blue which was a great contrast to the flowers and the space. I also fell in love with a flower piece over the dance floor and Nancy worked overtime to make this work despite the challenges of having something like this in the tent with the weight of the flowers.

For John the most exciting element was the band, Pop Rocks was the one of the first things we booked. We both wanted the dance floor to be packed all night and the band delivered that in spades! For me it was the design all coming together. Julie and Nancy did such a great job taking my ideas and visions and exceeding ALL my expectations!

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Adriana Klas

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A Romantic and Whimsical Wedding in the Heart of Florida

This light and airy Rustic Oaks Ranch will tug at your heartstrings. The bride set out to create a day that was perfectly imperfect with DIY wedding signs, toasting glasses, and cupcake stands giving the event a personalized touch. Trenton Florals helped bring the Big Day vision to life, filling the reception with greenery and blush blooms for a romantically whimsical feel. You can feel the love and joy of the day shining in the images by Jessica Thomas Photography, visit the full gallery for all the lovely little details.

From the bride, Mollie… Tim and I met when we were introduced by a relative of mine. He and Tim had been friends for years before he introduced us. We spent the following months hanging out and getting to know each other before making it official. We would spend the next three years constantly encouraging and pushing each other to achieve our goals. We truly blossomed in life together, with each other by our sides. Tim proposed in July 2020, at a romantic dinner in Orlando. We were set to fly to Boston the following day, so we spent the day at the Brevard Zoo, and then went for a lovely dinner that night, where we reminisced on our lives together, thus far. At the end of the night, Tim got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever. And of course, I said YES!!

When planning the wedding, I didn’t really have a specific theme or inspiration. It was a spring wedding, so I knew I wanted it light and airy, but also romantic and whimsical. I was very particular with the decorations though. I didn’t want anything too modern or anything I’ve seen redone a million times. I wanted something that was uniquely me. I wanted vintage romance— lanterns, candle sticks, light, and flowy— perfect imperfections. My mom and I DIY’ed the cupcake stands, wedding signs, and toasting glasses. When choosing our wedding day look, we wanted to look like royalty. I chose my dress for the crepe and lace combination. It gave a vintage feel, but not too old-fashioned. The design on the back of my dress was phenomenal and really gave me the drama I was looking for. I chose a cathedral-length veil to add to my look, as it made me feel beautiful and powerful— majestic if you will. Almost like Princess Diana. And what is a princess without her prince? Tim had to dress to impress in his suit, vest, and tie. This wasn’t a backyard event, we were royalty for the day. The most special moment of the day was when we had our first look. I was so nervous all day, so many emotions running through my body. When I saw him, all my nerves were calmed. I was right where I was supposed to be. And with him by my side, I could make it through anything.

My advice to other couples planning their perfect day:

Don’t sweat the small stuff, it’ll all work out either way.
Hire a professional photographer.
Hire a day-of coordinator, they are worth EVERY PENNY to not have to stress about who is where doing what, on the day of. They will make the day flow so freely and ease so many stresses that would otherwise be put on the bride.
DO THE FIRST LOOK, it may be the only time you get to spend with just each other for the entire night.
Don’t invite people you haven’t seen in the past two years or talked to in the past six months. Your wedding is not a family or high school reunion.
Don’t let others’ opinions sway decisions for your wedding day, it is YOUR wedding.
Weddings can be expensive— identify an area that means most to you and splurge on it, not the entire wedding.
Have fun! It is your only wedding day, make sure it is all you dreamed of!

Wait Until You See The Living Ceiling At This Old Edwards Inn And Spa Wedding

Look up! This couple’s reception had a garden-inspired floral installation, designed by Floressence Flowers, hanging from the ceiling of their reception! The Gathering Co. planned the dreamlike day with love in the details, like the bell jar seating chart display that glowed with candlelight. Every meaningful moment was artfully captured in the imagery by Madeline Trent, take a look at the full gallery for a closer look at all the fun.

From The Gathering Co… The design plan for Abby and Colton’s wedding day was inspired by contemporary simplicity, neutral undertones, and pops of fresh, spring colors. With a rustic yet naturally beautiful and elegant venue as Old Edwards Inn And Spa for this event, we were able to add several intentional, modern and sophisticated design elements into the vision of the day. From black tabletop accents to a lush garden-inspired floral installation – glamorous party sleeves to sleek stationery and thank you notes for each guest – Abby and Colton’s day was overflowing with friends, family, ice cream, and some sick dance moves from the groom himself!

From Madeline Trent… From the moment I first met Abby and Colton for their destination engagement session in Austin, Texas, I knew that would be a very special couple to work with. They did not disappoint on their wedding day! Abby wanted each of her guests to have a wonderful, relaxing experience at their destination wedding- and she carefully considered every detail of her wedding to make it an unforgettable day for every person who was in attendance. I think they invented the term “sweet bride” just for Abby because she was not only beaming the entire day, but every person who was there could not stop gushing about what an incredibly kind, sweet, and wonderful person she is.

The “dream team” of The Gathering Co., Floressence Flowers, and Latia Curtis really brought the color palette and modern design to life- from the hanging floral installation over the head table, to the growing seating chart which felt like you were standing in a garden of lenten roses- every touch felt considerate and meant for guests to experience and get to know the couple better. I will never forget working with these two incredible families and their incredible team of vendors!

Quintessential Palm Beach Chic at The Breakers

Looking for the ultimate Palm Beach wedding weekend itinerary? You’re in luck – Masi Events has got you covered! We’re officially on vacay mode thanks to today’s quintessential Breakers Palm Beach affair. Every detail was curated to perfection. Renny and Reed took inspiration from the existing color palette of the venue and refined style of their couple to create organic arrangements compete with loose greenery, white blooms, hints of blue and touches of lilac. See the full gallery of inspiration by Shea Christine Photography to pin your faves!

From Masi Events… When Molly and Evan first reached out to us they were looking to have a destination wedding in South Florida. One of their main criteria for their venue was to be by the ocean and to find a space with a view. The Circle Room at The Breakers checked that box and so much more.

We immediately started creating the Perfect Palm Beach destination weekend beginning with a kick of welcome reception at the Colony Hotel. The design for this event was quintessential Palm Beach chic. We played off the existing color palette of the hotel also known as the Pink paradise. Guests sipped on Spicy Margaritas and enjoyed hors d’ouevres under the starry sky and strung market lights. To pay homage to their alma mater, we utilized the hotels cornhole boards and created custom Northwestern Purple cornhole bags.

The invitations really set the tone for the weekend’s events to come, with an artful design by Linden Illustration. Each card had botanical and floral elements with details for each event. The script was modern and playful that gave the invitation suite a more intimate feeling.

The wedding day arrived and we wanted to be sure the day was reflective of both Molly and Evan. They wanted to make sure their wedding felt approachable and relaxed, yet refined. We created a design that would complimented the Circle Room and the existing color palette of the room. We brought in wood elements to bring a natural feel and to make the design feel grounded. For the florals by Renny and Reed, we used loose greenery with white, pale blue and touches of lilac.

The ceremony chuppah was beautifully created by Renny and Reed to feel lush yet not overly manicured so it felt like it was an existing structure growing in a garden. We intentionally used natural wooden chairs and kept the aisle clean to really make the ceremony and backdrop the focal point.

Guests were then invited to walk over to the cocktail space where we had an all white arrangement with capiz shells for the escort cards calligraphed by Tinta y Tierra. It is important to be thoughtful for the space where your escort cards will be and with high probability of a sea breeze, we wanted to make sure we had something with more weight then paper that could have easily flown around. It was also a fitting element that was also a keepsake for guests to take back with them.

The signature cocktails Gimlets (Gus-lets) were a tribute to their pup Gowanus also known as Gus. An edible photo of Gus was set on top of the drink.

In the dinner reception guests dined and danced through the evening. We set a round dance floor to go with the shape of the room and wrapped it with subtle touches of the artwork from the invitations from Linden Illustrations. The ballroom was also filled with candles really adding to the glow of the evening. The party then continued with an after party in the gold room.

The next morning everyone was able to unwind with a plentiful brunch full of bloody mary’s and breakfast stations. Then trolley’s picked everyone up from the hotel for a relaxing poolside event with a casual menu by Curbside Gourmet food truck. It was the perfect way to conclude the weekend in Palm Beach and celebrate Molly and Evan.

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Event Planning

Masi Events

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A Wedding So Nice That This Sweet Couple Got Married Twice

Margi and Andrew decided to celebrate their love not once but twice! After Covid change their wedding plans, the couple had an intimate ceremony under a giant oak tree at The Houstonian Hotel. Then when the time came to have a larger celebration, they had a second ceremony under the same historic tree! Belle Events formerly Belle of the Ball brought the couple’s Big Day vision to life, and Maxit Flower Design created not-to-be-missed floral installations that make the reception space feel like a secret garden. Every heartfelt moment was elegantly captured in the imagery by Ashlen Sydney Photography, visit the full gallery to see it all unfold.

From 718 Creative… To meet Margi and Andrew is to instantly fall in love with them! For months they planned the wedding of their dreams, but like many couples, when COVID hit, their dreams of celebrating with their family and friends had to be put on hold. Margi and Andrew had such great attitudes throughout the planning process, they were just happy to have each other. It was an incredibly smooth planning process despite having two dates because they were optimistic and reasonable all along the way.

Instead of completely giving up, they decided to celebrate their love with an intimate ceremony under the famous oak tree at The Houstonian Hotel. Surrounded by their dearest loved ones and thousands of twinkle lights, they said “I Do” and began their life as husband and wife. It was incredibly special and allowed them to begin their married life surrounded by their closest loved ones. But, Margi is always looking for a dance party, so as soon as it was safe, the party was back on! The custom floral print that adorned the dancefloor and band backdrop brought a new life to the historic ballroom.

The pops of color continued into the floral arrangements and brought the bride’s peppy personality to life! Manhattan kept the dance floor full all night, and as they say, “It was a Margi Party!!” And a dance party isn’t complete without a confetti cannon to end the night. Their second ceremony was filled with family and friends, complete with 12 ring bearers and flower girls, under the same historic oak tree they were officially wed under months before. No detail was overlooked, and The Essential Market completed the colorful palette with floral details on cocktail napkins to match their House Of Hough linens. Manhattan Band ended the night by leading the newlyweds out to “When the Saints Go Marching In”, as they walked under a flurry of rose petals into married life.

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Event Planning

Belle Events

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718 Creative

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Sophisticated Vineyard Wedding in Virginia’s Wine Country

Elegant yet masculine design, rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country, locally sourced favorites, and enough love to last a lifetime – today’s Early Mountain Vineyards wedding designed by Miranda Bricker is everything we could ask for and more. Katie Ranger Design Studio created organic arrangements to compliment the already stunning setting, while Natalie Jayne Photography was behind the lens capturing every last detail. Make sure you don’t miss out on the full gallery of inspiration!

From Miranda Bricker… Steven & Brandon fell in love among the bucolic, rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country, so it was a no brainer for the California residents to choose the viticulture of central Virginia to host their nuptials. With guests traveling from all over the country to enjoy the everlasting charm of the Monticello Wine Trail, Early Mountain Vineyards became the perfect location for their early Summer celebration.

With every detail intentionally planned and each vendor thoughtfully selected, this soirée became the ultimate reflection of Steven & Brandon’s long-lasting relationship – solidified by their love of each other, their love of Virginia, and their love of fabulous wine.

The couple hosted an intimate gathering with 60 of their closest loved ones gathering from near and far. Guests arrived at an outdoor ceremony surrounded by idyllic views of the vines and agrarian scenery. Complementary organic greenery arrangements by Katie Ranger Design Studio allowed the couple to be forefront of the occasion, and the ceremony was officiated by a family friend with ties to both grooms.

Their elegant yet masculine aesthetic provided an anchor throughout every piece of the event. Designed by dear friend of the couple Miranda Bricker, the organic and celebratory environment was palpable around every corner. From the neutral al-fresco cocktail hour, to the clean tabletop design inviting guests to the reception, to the timeless champagne tower, the wedding was wrought with the simplest of loving touches.

The couple sourced local favorites – like Virginia Diner Peanuts and C-Ville Candy Company treats – to create custom gift boxes to welcome each guest to their reception. They even made sure to include confetti nonpareils in celebration of their wedding occurring during Pride month!

Brandon is a self-acclaimed foodie (not to mention a fabulous cook!), so the culinary experience was number one on their list of must-haves. Early Mountain’s cuisine did not disappoint, as Executive Chef Tim Moore hails from Michelin-star rated The Inn at Little Washington. When paired with a variety of Early Mountain’s award-winning and estate grown wine, the comprehensive meal will stand the test of time in the memory of their attendees.

Expertly captured by the easy-going Natalie Jayne Photography, Steven & Brandon’s overwhelming love shines through every image. Cheers to the happy couple!

MILK Books Has Everything You’re Looking For In A Wedding Album And More

Weeks (sometimes months) after your wedding has come and gone, you finally see that e-mail pop up in your inbox that you’ve been anxiously awaiting–your wedding photos are ready! You excitedly scroll through and heart your faves, click download…but then what? You’ll obviously want a few prints to hang on the wall and of course, you’ll need a wedding album, but where do you even begin? If you’re like most of us, before your wedding the only experience you have with printing photos is at your local drug store, but these photos are an investment, they deserve more…way more. A quick google search of wedding albums and photo books will bring up a plethora of options but with only photos to go on, it’s hard to know which company is the right one to trust with your precious pics. Well, let us help you with that. With their unique selection of wedding albums, MILK Books has found the perfect blend between modern graphic design and quality craftsmanship. With their super user-friendly online design studio, couples can create a stunning wedding album and customize nearly every detail from the photo layouts and cover to the paper type. Just upload and you’re ready to start designing, it’s that easy!

Keep It Classic

If you’re going for that timeless wedding album with a coffee table book feel, then look no further than MILK’s best-selling Premium Wedding Photo Album. With over 30 cover layouts to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you, then customize it to fit with your interior design by choosing from a selection of natural linen and buckram covers or something from their Milano leather range. They also have a vegan leather alternative that is super chic and animal-friendly! The best part about the Premium Wedding Photo Album (in our opinion) are the thick lay-flat board pages that allow you to really take in each photo without any distortion. It’s like looking at it on a flat-screen…but way better because it’s real!

A Modern Take On Your Modern Love Story

If you’re one of the lucky ones that can’t decide which photos to put in your album because they’re all just that good, then you need to check out MILK’s newest addition to their album options, the MILK Wedding Magazine. It comes with 100-200 pages so no need to spend days agonizing over which photos to include…throw them all in! With their stunning cover templates, elegant typeface, and designer image layouts, your magazine will look and feel like a professionally designed editorial. These babies also make great thank you gifts for parents and bridal party members, so make sure you take advantage of MILK’s bundle pricing!

Why We Love MILK

The Design & Quality

If you’ve ever seen a photobook go too far, then you know how important a good layout is. With MILK’s designer templates, they give you enough freedom to customize your book and enough guidance that you really can’t go wrong. Simply upload your photos into the MILK Design Studio and either place each image yourself or let their smart Autofill function do all the work for you! In addition to great design, you seriously can’t beat MILK’s quality. They aren’t your run-of-the-mill printing company, MILK exclusively uses archival, acid-free papers that won’t discolor over time, traditional bookmaking techniques, and the latest print technology to elegantly preserve your special day. You’re not just getting a gorgeous wedding album, you’re getting a priceless heirloom that you and your family can cherish for years to come. We are also obsessed with the luxe textile range available for the album covers. If you really want to get extra, they offer beautiful presentation boxes that make the album even more of an experience. Plus, they’re environmentally conscious and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, so each MILK album is a purchase you can feel good about.

They’re More Than Books

While we are currently crushing over their world-renowned wedding albums, they have so much more to offer! You obviously need to hang some of your favorite photos and you owe it to yourself and your photographer to have them printed properly. MILK offers everything from Art Prints and Canvas Prints to Gallery Quality Frames. We always recommend a few prints of your ceremony or first look for your bedroom, and a canvas print of your first dance for your mantle or entryway.

A Cohesive Look For All Of Your Most Precious Memories

You’re here, so you’re likely as obsessed with the idea of a well-curated home as we are. If you dream of a perfectly color-coordinated bookshelf or a tasteful stack of photo books for your coffee table, the key is cohesion. You want a consistent look for all of your albums and that starts with a plan. Your wedding is just the first of many milestones that you’ll want to have and to hold forever. MILK Books can be your go-to when you need a new album for all of those other big moments on the horizon, from your honeymoon and first home to kids, let them do all the work, you just bring on the photos. We recommend keeping the color palette and fonts the same and just switching up the layout for a little variety.

Save Big With This Special Offer For SMP Readers

MILK Books is offering SMP readers up to 40% off of MILK Photo Books & Albums. All you need to do is follow this link and place your order. Don’t have your photos back yet? Don’t sweat, MILK will let you pre-purchase your wedding album so you can take advantage of this sweet deal!

For even more reasons to put print over pixels, make sure to give @milkbooks a follow on Instagram.

Wedding Album: Milk Books

A Yellow Spring Sonoma Wedding Celebrating Love

This couple’s son got to join in on the fun at their Cornerstone Sonoma wedding! After the pandemic changed their plans for a 2020 wedding Emma and Scott decided on a courthouse wedding and then welcomed their son into the world in 2021. When it was finally time to celebrate, 2 years after their initial wedding date, Lovely Time Weddings designed a dreamy day in bright and happy shades of yellow and white. Modern, romantic blooms by Le Petals bring the couple’s story of true love to life, and The Ganeys perfectly capture the feeling of joy that radiated throughout the day in beautiful imagery. Fall in love with all the lovely in the full gallery.

From The Ganeys… Emma and Scott waited more than two years to finally celebrate their marriage with friends. Initially planning to get married in April 2020 – the pandemic had other plans. While they waited patiently for their celebration, they also knew that they wanted to move forward with life in the meantime. They decided to make it official via Zoom with the local courthouse and welcomed a baby boy in 2021. It was so special that their son was able to be there as they celebrated their marriage with a Cornerstone Sonoma wedding. The bride explained that leading up to the wedding she wasn’t sure if they needed a wedding, especially after two postponements. Still, after it was all over, she said that the memories created on that day were priceless and so meaningful. It was worth the wait!

The invitation suite for this wedding was so beautiful and intricate. Complete with a venue sketch, custom crest, and watercolor detailing, In Loft Calligraphy made sure that the first impression of this event was an impressive one! And Le Petals took it from there – ensuring that every aspect of the day was covered in lush florals that made a sophisticated statement. The unique color palette, chosen by Lovely Time Weddings, truly brought a fresh spring vision to Emma and Scott’s wedding day.

The couple’s son was the ring bearer and was escorted down the aisle by the groom’s mother. Emma walked down the aisle on her mother’s arm. There was so much emotion as this moment finally happened after years of anticipation. The couple exchanged personal vows that had them laughing. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails and delicious appetizers during cocktail hour – finding their seats with the help of a wine bottle escort display that also acted as a fun favor.

The reception tent was beautifully put together with lush blooms and bistro chairs. Every guest found their place with the help of the watercolor place card. At the end of the meal, everyone transitioned to the barn where Emma and Scott dazzled their guests with a choreographed first dance. It was such a special day and I’m so glad these two were finally able to celebrate!

European Inspired Spring Wedding at the Commodore Perry Estate

Rich hues of burgundy play beautifully with pink at this European-inspired Commodore Perry Estate wedding. Kailee Roberts Design helped dream up the dazzling day letting the beauty of the location shine throughout each vignette. Playfully romantic flowers by Truth & Blooms brought the vision to life beautifully, and workshop host and photographer Jenna McElroy elegantly captured all of the beauty in her artful imagery. Fall in love with every darling detail in the full gallery.

From Photographer & Workshop Hostess Jenna McElroy… For this workshop, I worked with Kailee with Kailee Roberts Design at the inimitable Commodore Perry Estate in central Austin. It’s important for Kailee to feel like each workshop set up was a part of the venue. Kailee wanted to make sure that we enhanced the natural beauty of Commodore Perry Estate, and let this gem of a venue shine!

The Commodore Perry Estate is quite stunning, so we knew the rich, romantic tones of floral by Truth & Blooms and details would be the perfect complement for this European-inspired venue. We knew a patterned yet flowyMonique Lhullier gown from Julian Gold San Antonio would be the perfect bridal gown. It would tie in the freshly blooming roses in the Gardens with the romantic European-inspired architecture. For the invitation suite, we had Megan with Peach Paper Design use the wedding gown floral design to create the invitation suite, menu & detail cards!

On the day we hosted the workshop, the onsite restaurant was closed so we were able to place the cake by Feathers & Frosting and the cocktails and desserts by Bonjour Brigadeiro in the magical Luties. The restaurant has overflowing plants in pots over every table. It truly feels like an old-world Greenhouse. Every design detail came together perfectly to create a perfect Editorial Series workshop, leaving every attendee and wedding artist inspired.

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Julian Gold Bridal

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A Picturesque Peach Toned Wedding In The Olive Groves Of Greece

The dreamiest of summer inspiration has officially arrived. This peach-hued wedding, set in gorgeous Greece, has officially stolen our hearts. Mosaïque – Event Design brought this couple’s Big Day vision to life creating a feeling of relaxed elegance that we can’t get enough of. From the overflowing food stations to the enchanting blooms designed by Comme Ça – Fleurs & Décor, this celebration is everything you could hope for in a destination wedding. The natural beauty of the location mixed with the darling details of the day is all artfully captured in the imagery by Adrian Wood. You’ll love every magical moment in the full gallery.

From Mosaïque – Event Design… Alison and Tom’s wedding took place at Gentilini Retreat in Mitakata, a traditional Kefalonian estate with six intimate, low-key luxe, stone-paved dwellings nestled in the heart of weaving olive groves. 500-year-old gnarled trees grow within its impossibly beautiful grounds, while lavender hedges, cypress-studded arcadian views, olive harvesting, and farm-to-table native cookery add to the mix. The couple’s reverence for agritourism and the ever-present dash of Kefalonia’s old-world charm meant their alfresco vows would gravitate around an immersive guest experience. It was essential for us to follow the cascade of Kephalonia’s gloriously milky light and pace the entire event around its movement. The couple’s peachy palette topped with blush, coral, tangelo orange, sunset, and persimmon infused the botanicals, garden and bombastic roses, peonies, hydrangeas, sweet peas, carnations, and lisianthus. Since Alison’s favorite hue fitly nodded to her something blue, we came up with a custom-fit mold for the stationery, marrying the motif to her beloved kumquat, which also happens to thrive in the Ionian islands.

The color scheme came complete with a wink on the art de la table and the bridesmaids and groomsmen’s attire. There’s something so innately comforting about cozy weddings, and working with a design that would tie in the natural surroundings felt the most authentic. To capture the intimate aesthetic and keep the plan harmoniously aligned to the olive grove’s sculpted organic scape, we sourced natural wood furniture and understated natural textures, such as wood, stone, and metal. First came the floral topped arbor with rustic-style seating for the ceremony. Then there were small garden tables, five food and libation stations for cocktail hour (soft drinks, bubbly, cheese & fruit, olive bar, and Kefalonian desserts), and two guest-gift cabinets. And finally a convent dining table for the reception. To maintain a bit of formality for the rustic-themed soirée, we created custom calligraphy escort cards with wax seals exuding the chic casualness that went hand in hand with the wedding style. The lighting scheme involved cueing the mood with strings of delicate, globe-shaped bulbs strewn across the trees. The wedding favors included Gentilini Retreat‘s signature olive oil and oregano-filled glass tubes. It was iconically Greek!

From Alison and Tom… We met in Myanmar (Burma) of all places, where we were both working – Tom as a teacher and me as a global health researcher. More specifically, we both bonded over our shared love of field hockey, and first met at training in downtown Yangon. Tom invited me to a dinner with some friends, which ended with a night of wild Scottish dancing in the gardens, and the rest is history. During a trip at the Norfolk Coast, Tom proposed on a very early morning walk on the moors (after I had spent about an hour photographing wild ponies while Tom patiently/anxiously waited before getting down on one knee!) Embracing our love of the sea/coast, we went crabbing afterward (how romantic!) We wanted a rustic, outdoor wedding in a beautiful natural setting and importantly one where people would feel relaxed, happy, and in holiday mode! We knew Kefalonia would be a great place for a 3-day celebration, and with my family’s links to the island, it made planning pretty straightforward. When we saw Gentilini Retreat, even though it wasn’t on a part of the island we knew so well, we had no doubt it would be the perfect place to say I do. We were very lucky in that this stunning venue existed, but it was Nicole from Mosaïque – Event Design that elevated it to the next level through her design and concept. Nicole helped us to see its potential and how it could be transformed from a blank canvas into a flowing space with different areas and rooms, and in doing this she made a huge olive grove feel cozy and intimate. As for our wedding wear, I wanted something minimalist and chic, but still personalized in some way – which I did through my bespoke capelet designed by Halfpenny London. I liked the idea of having two looks – one for the ceremony, and one for the evening/banquet dinner. Tom wanted something fairly classic looking while also being suitable for a hot climate. The three-piece enabled him to take off layers while still maintaining the formal look. The part of our wedding that will forever be etched in our hearts, is walking together through the olive grove on our way to dinner, having a private moment to ourselves before seeing all of our friends and family seated at the long table in front of us, chatting away and having a great time in the most stunningly beautiful setting.

This Citrus-Forward Rehoboth Beach Affair Will Have You Crushin’ on Colorful Summer Weddings!

Bennett & Kirk’s affair at King’s Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach was colored with sweet and sentimental touches! A. Dominick Events elevated a ‘meet me at the beach’ feel with a citrus-forward palette while Sophie Felts’ florals added a vibrant burst of fun and color! Before guests danced the night away, they sipped on the beach town’s iconic ‘orange crushes’ – the cocktail that brought the two lovebirds together on the night they met! See why we’re ‘crushing’ hard on this special day in the full gallery by Bonnie Sen Photography!

From Bonnie Sen Photography… Bennett and Kirk first met during a weekend in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware celebrating July 4th with friends and orange crushes, a popular cocktail at the Delaware beaches. After two years of dating in New York City, Kirk popped the question on the beach in Rehoboth in September 2019 and the wedding planning commenced! There was never a doubt that they wanted to bring their friends and family to Rehoboth and Dewey Beach to celebrate their marriage. However, the world had different plans and, like many other couples, they had to change their original 2020 wedding plans.

On September 26, 2020, Bennett and Kirk married in Baltimore, Maryland in front of their immediate family on the farm where Bennett was raised. But the following September they were able to celebrate in the way they originally envisioned with close friends and family in Rehoboth! The couple hosted cocktail hour and a reception at Kings Creek Country Club.

Despite the two year planning process, Aimee Dominick of A. Dominick Events helped seamlessly pivot the wedding plans and Bonnie Sen, an extraordinary photographer, captured all the big moments of the wedding ceremony and party. The combination of an intimate wedding and delayed party with friends and family resulted in a perfect series of events that they wouldn’t change for anything!

Aimee helped bring Bennett’s “beachy but not nautical” vision to life with a colorful palette and little touches of the beach. Sophie Felts and her brilliant team produced colorful floral masterpieces throughout the day. Sophie created a colorful floral and citrus ‘crush bar’ for cocktail hour to honor the drink of the town, an orange crush, and pay homage to the weekend Bennett and Kirk first met. Sophie’s brilliant floral work did not stop there. Green vines cascaded down the tent poles and above the dance floor with more colorful florals. The table arrangements of multicolored florals popped against the white floors and tables. Guests danced the night away to the incredible band, Hero, on a printed Delaware shoreline map matching the wedding invitation design. The whole weekend was a perfect “meet me at the beach” celebration!

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BBJ La Tavola

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You Can Feel The Love Flowing At This Elegant California Winery Wedding

Ready for some romance? This California wedding at Sunstone Winery & Villa is overflowing with love. The dreamy day was planned by Sisti & Co., who created a design with an old-world European feel set against the natural beauty of wine country. Lush blooms in soft hues of blush, white, and pink added to the fairytale-like feeling. You can feel the love and happiness of the day shining through in the imagery by Carmen Santorelli Photography. Take a closer look at all the lovely in the full gallery.

From the Bride and Groom… Our wedding was impacted by COVID, although we were very fortunate it wasn’t a re-plan (hearts go out to the brides and grooms who were more impacted than we were). Our first test as a couple was patiently waiting until we could anticipate a more safe time to celebrate with all of our special guests – it was unbearable. We contemplated every option from eloping to pushing out until 2022; all while searching for venues and hoping for a vaccine. We were very lucky when we learned that Sunstone Winery & Villa – one of our very first choices – resumed weddings at their Villa as we were about to go with another venue. All of our guests were vaccinated of their own volition, so everybody felt safe, which made us very happy.

We both love France and Italy and everything about old-world European architecture and history (we even contemplated having our wedding there).Sunstone Winery & Villa had everything we wanted: California’s wine country backdrop with an imported European-stone-built Villa, we were sold the minute we stepped foot in the foyer.

We wanted to have a whole wedding weekend where we could spend time with friends and family, the Villa gave us the most incredible location to host everyone. Also, Sunstone Winery & Villa has some amazing wine (try the Viognier or Eros if you ever get the chance).

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BBJ La Tavola

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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Elevate the Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic With This Feminine Jekyll Island Wedding!

Inspired by the hues of a salt marsh just steps away from the Jekyll Island Club Resort, this native-Georgian bride planned her dream wedding day in pale blues, greens, and neutrals – a feminine take on the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic! Take notes because we can’t stop obsessing over the stand-out details of the day – the black and white dance floor and the oyster shell escort display, handmade by the bride’s father, to name a few. Kati Mallory Photo Design captured this elevated classic to perfection, ‘sea’ for yourself in the full gallery!

Jacqueline and Ryan’s wedding took place in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Just a short drive away from Jacqueline’s hometown of Saint Simon Island, Jekyll Island was the perfect place to have their friends and family gather to celebrate the beginning of their marriage. Miraculously, the couple did not use an official wedding planner and instead designed this stunning affair with Jacqueline’s impeccable taste.

The wedding color palette was inspired by the colors of the salt marsh – pale blues, greens, tans and golds – which is located only steps away from Crane Cottage where the ceremony and reception were held. Guests got to experience sunshine and the breeze coming in from the marsh as Jacqueline & Ryan exchanged vows under the Spanish moss blowing in the trees above.

Their reception, held in the gardens of the cottage, featured a classic black and white dance floor and greenery, along with an escort card wall, designed and built by the bride’s father and showcasing oyster shells, that helped guests find their seats before the plated dinner service began.

Overall it was a beautiful spring day on the Georgia coast!

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Emerald Empire Band

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Kati Mallory Fine Art Photography

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You’ll Love The Elevated Elegance At This Holman Ranch Editorial Shoot

Be still our beating hearts, this Holman Ranch editorial is everything we love about weddings. From the free-flowing organic floral arrangements by Seascape Flowers to the impossibly chic, curated details planned by Downey Street Events, every inch of this inspiration feels like we are walking through our favorite dream. Carlie Statsky artfully captured the relaxed elegance of the day in her artful imagery. You can take a closer look in the full gallery.

From Kelsey at Downey Street Events… When creating the design for our shoot, we envisioned a romantic escape into the countryside for a Spring wedding celebrated amidst serenity and natural beauty. Holman Ranch, situated atop rolling hills overlooking the Carmel Valley and breathtaking views of sun-drenched mountains, was the perfect location to bring this vision to life.

Although the venue provides such charm and comfort with its secluded stone hacienda, roaming horses, and grassy fields, we hoped to stray from the traditional rustic setting and introduce a fresher, more vibrant feel. By adding leather and wood accents as seen in the lounge furniture, tabletop, and ceremony design, and enhanced by colorful linens and Spring florals, we created an elevated ranch-style setting that is equal parts elegant and modern.

In continuing with our unique design, we selected fun textures and colors for our bride and groom’s attire. We dressed our bride in an ivory jacquard dress with waist cutouts, removable sleeves, and a corsetted bustier, followed by a playful jumpsuit. Both outfits were complemented with bold pearls, cascading diamonds, and other statement jewelry pieces for a fierce, feminine touch. Our groom wore a marigold shawl-collared tuxedo jacket for a unique reception look.