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

Old World Elegance on the Amalfi Coast at Villa Astor

We’re closing out the last few moments of summer with an epic Amalfi Coast editorial planned by Krissy Campbell dripping in old world elegance. High fashion, a fine art aesthetic, jaw-dropping blooms by Lettre a Elise Events and Mediterranean sea views at every turn. If you’re looking for Italian destination wedding inspo, look no further. You’re going to want to spend a little extra time at the full gallery by bonphotage, and don’t forget to pin your faves ;)

The winding roads through the Amalfi cliffside towns led us to the Mediterranean escape of Villa Astor right off the Marina Grande in Sorrento, Italy. The blend of this incredible area (and the view!) with a nod to Neo-Roman architecture, Dominican Monastery remnants and lush gardens made it a perfect choice for a dream couple’s intimate Amalfi Coast celebration. I couldn’t wait to create around the natural elements and beauty of the space, while also speaking to current topics of connection, thoughtful luxury, intimate post-COVID destination weddings, fashion and travel at this stunning location.

I wanted to showcase the versatility and options that a coastal Italian venue like Villa Astor could provide to couples for an entire extended and intimate experience for themselves and their guests. We decided to showcase a few vignettes throughout the property that highlighted the beautiful Pompeiian villa and gardens that could be used all year round. We designed a ceremony, two tablescapes, and a dessert table by the talented Mon Annie Cakes. These paired with portraits highlighting luxuries of the area including a speedboat ride and Fiat 500 getaway. We also included dreamy paper goods by two talented stationery artists, Olumis Calligraphy and Studio Wren.

To bring the vignettes to life, we decided on a spring or summer wedding palette and, again, played to the property and its surroundings. I chose colors that weren’t overly bright, yet felt fresh with touches of the colors seen in the indoor living spaces as well, using soft pinks, yellows, and even subtle greens and blues. It was important for us to keep in line with the fine art aesthetic while adding both personal touches and pops of coastal color. I described the couple and their ideal celebration with descriptors such as “elegant, luxury, exclusive, romantic, intimate, refined, travel, sophisticated, coastal, cultured, delicate yet bold, hopeful and lush.”

We also wanted to create a story for this couple that could be reflected in the experience and details of their time at Villa Astor. This is the story of a couple with a love for travel and culture. They want to reflect their connection to the natural and European-style architecture while inspiring their guests to discover for themselves perspectives and stories beyond their own – to embrace the experience of the coastal slowed pace and seaside escape…to celebrate places and people that may surprise, challenge and inspire. Their celebration speaks of their desire to use their travels to connect themselves and others to the innate beauty found in places and people wherever they go.

All of this gave us a wonderful foundation to work with as we designed the experience.

We began to connect with professionals worldwide that could beautifully bring these elements and values to life. We worked with the incredibly talented French floral designer, Lettre a Elise Events, to create stunning floral vignettes that flowed naturally throughout each space – from a show-stopping ceremony installation flowing over the iconic archways, peering out to the sea to two tablescapes, both overlooking the cliffside water, each lush with pops of softly toned florals and taper candles. She also created the most romantic bouquet for the bride, just perfectly sized for her and her delicate, romantic gowns along with her soft bridal hair and makeup by Samantha Pretto. The touch of florals perfectly enhanced the already stunning natural landscape and architecture.

The color palette softly played off tones of early summer and the subtle tones both outside and inside the venue. We had so much fun weaving these together in each of the table details. The backdrop of the villa with the gardens, sea and mountains in view created the perfect spots for multiple outdoor dinner fetes surrounding the wedding day. One of the villa’s checkered balconies held a glass-top oval table highlighted with matted gold touches, stunning paper details and a center brimming with almost a dozen floral arrangements, softening the palette and keeping the space timeless yet bold and luxurious. The second tablescape was set with old-world chairs and paper details, velvet linens and lush floral, nestled against the seaside backdrop along the cliff’s edge. The invitations and day of paper goods by both stationery artists were a truly personal touch as each guest received a unique menu and personal place card, each assembled together with color, texture and design details custom to each attendee. Muted palette tones, combinations of hand calligraphy and typeface along with wax seals, floral art and personalized gifts gave a nod to the inspiration found in the locations and the thoughtful luxury of the entire experience. The texture in the china and flatware pairings (thanks to G&G Party Service) brought a true nod to the simple, yet elegant look of the venue’s iconic architecture and gardens.

The experience was both intimate yet elevated as we showcased the couple’s high taste for fashion and design in the haute couture gowns of Galia Lahav and romantic, yet bold colored gown by Il Giardino Fiorito delle Spose. The groom was not spared in his regal look as well in two different tux designs by Sergio Nesci Boutique. The couple was adorned with Italian jewelry and accessories by New Milano and a bridal ring by Taya.

Lastly, we also wanted to ensure that we captured the couple taking special moments for themselves throughout the experience. This is one of my top priorities as a planner and designer – to provide our couples with not only a stunning space, but the ability to cherish the beauty of the moments together both alone and with their guests. The bride and groom were captured throughout the property and luxurious villa in its natural element with the most perfect golden light and seaside landscape. They escaped in both a quaint Italian car as they were married off and enjoyed a luxury speedboat getaway from the Marina Grande as well.

As you can see through the beautifully captured photos from the Bonphotage team, each detail of the celebration and experience at Villa Astor was thoughtful from beginning to end. The aesthetic and beauty was only heightened by the intimate moments between them and the intentional touches added for themselves and their loved ones. We hope this project inspires a timeless, yet highly personal and thoughtful approach to luxury celebrations on the Italian Amalfi Coast and beyond!

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

bonphotage

View Portfolio

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

A Stylish Summer Soirée With Filled With Real Lemon Trees

Come for the elegance, stay for the love. This Montage Palmetto Bluff wedding is filled with chic details, and most importantly fun! Christina Baxter Weddings & Events planned and designed the day covered in pops of color and lots of lemon trees. Floral design by Blossoms Events was nothing short of spectacular, and Abby Jiu Photography artfully captured every magical moment in her elegant imagery. Visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the fun.

From Christina Baxter Weddings & Events… The stylish couple, Harry and Charlotte, started their wedding weekend off with a waterfront welcome party at Moreland Landing at Palmetto Bluff. Their guests got a taste of the Lowcountry with warm, neutral tones and breathtaking views to commence the weekend festivities to come.

The celebration continued with a high fashion summer soiree – brimming with color, love, and laughter. Charlotte was the essence of elegance decked in a delicate lace, boding a gorgeous bouquet of Lily of The Valley, which is a refined choice for any bride, no matter the time of the year. The reception brought a splash of color with lemon tree centerpieces, patterned bridesmaid’s gowns, and bright, gorgeous floral arrangements.

Every detail was curated with Charlotte and Harry’s beaming personality in mind. Their guests were definitely some of the best dressed guests that we’ve seen! And they danced the summer night away for the perfect end to the evening.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/581304676 600 338]

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

When It Comes To Diamonds, Three Is Better Than One

Okay, we need to take a moment to talk about our new favorite engagement ring trend–three-stone rings! When it comes to people, you spend your life searching for the one, but…when it comes to diamonds, three is definitely better than one. And, these three-stone engagement rings from Grown Brilliance have us seeing stars. They’ve got something for everyone, no matter your style. Or you can even create your dream ring from scratch–it’s up to you!

More Bling For Your Buck

We know what you’re thinking, “Three stones? One was expensive enough.” But with Grown Brilliance, your dollar stretches a lot farther than with other traditional diamond retailers because all of their diamonds are lab-grown. So, not only are these stones ethically sourced, but because they are less expensive to create than they are to mine, Grown Brilliance is able to pass that savings on to you. Plus, lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to naturally occurring stones. So dream big babe, with Grown Brilliance, all your engagement ring dreams can come true!

Vintage Vibes

If you’ve always dreamed of getting married at a grand estate, planned on rocking a ballgown with a cathedral train, and you’re going old-school with your veil (blusher and all), then you’re a vintage girl. You’ll probably keep the color palette soft with some lovely pastels and go over the top with your florals because you’ve been dreaming of this moment for as long as you can remember. So, when it comes to choosing your engagement ring, you want to go with something ornate and something a little extra that can hold its own with the rest of your wedding look. For your center stone, pick a shape that speaks to you. Cuts with round edges, like ovals and pear shapes, speak more to the vintage feel. And, don’t be afraid to go bold with your band. We recommend keeping the band all metal instead of pavé so that the three stones are the focus, but throw in an interesting shape or embossing to give your ring that heirloom feel.

Modern Elegance

You like clean lines, but just because you like to keep things simple doesn’t mean you like to play it safe or are afraid to make a statement. Neutrals and bold contrast are the cornerstones of your color palette both in your everyday life and in your dream wedding design. You’ll probably wear a fitted crepe gown that’s all about the silhouette and exquisite tailoring and you’ll need a ring to go with it. With a modern engagement ring, you’ll want to keep the cut of your stones crisp and angular like an emerald cut. And with a cut like that, it’s all about size and clarity. Go big with your center stone, at least one carat, and then use the two side stones to bring balance to the overall design. Because the size of your stones will be the statement, go for a more minimalist band.

Put a little sparkle in your Instagram feed–give @grownbrilliance a follow.

Jewelry: Grown Brilliance

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

This Couple’s Museum of Natural History Wedding Was Complete with Ring Pops and Dinosaurs

Ready for a roaring good time? Christie and Brian got married at the Fernbank Natural History Museum amongst real dinosaur fossils! Brianne McMullan Events planned the modern romantic day, filled with centerpieces inside acrylic boxes that looked like they could’ve been an exhibit at the museum themselves! Lindsay Coletta brightened the space with bright pops of beautiful flowers, and Laura Watson artfully captured every magical moment. Fall in love with every chic second inside the full gallery.

From Laura Watson… Christie and Brian strayed from traditional southern clichés and played into the modern lines and motifs of Fernbank Natural History Museum in Atlanta throughout their wedding design – from their paper to their florals. Their design showcased the romantic colors of the season, but the pair leaned into the museum aesthetic by placing their centerpieces in delicate acrylic boxes as if on display in a gallery.

They also added sparks of their personality throughout. When Brian proposed, he initially used a ring pop, so they made sure their guests could take part in the romance at their reception with a basket full of Ring Pops at the ready.

Christie chose her brother as her “Man of Honor,” and he fashionably rocked the title in a burgundy suit. And if you’re getting married in a dinosaur museum, you must have dinosaurs at the reception, right?

Bursting With Blooms Bridgerton Inspired Pippin Hill Wedding

The Duke and Dutchess themselves would delight at this Bridgerton-inspired Pippin Hill Farm wedding. Laurel Elise Events planned a day that brought the couple’s love story to life, and Cultivate Event Co filled it with floral installations as far as the eyes could see. You’ll fall in love with every second of the special day artfully captured by Rebecca Theresa Photography. See it all unfold inside the full gallery.

From Rebecca Theresa Photography… Janie and Zach’s Bridgerton-inspired destination wedding at Pippin Hill Farm was an epic celebration with over-the-top florals and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Using the expertise of Laurel Elise Events, they chose a lavender, pink, green, and ivory design which was seen all throughout their day, from the incredible custom suite and crest by Emily Mayne Studio, to the stunning cake display by Cakes by Rachel. The pair and their family from Dallas hosted just under 150 guests for a complete wedding weekend in Charlottesville, complete with a welcome dinner and post-wedding brunch. The duo first met when Janie showed up late to a pre-orientation program prior to freshman year at Washington & Lee. Everyone else was there already, and she rolled in 10 minutes late smiling and apologizing. Zach was attracted to her immediately and the rest is history. They now have 2 dogs and a cat, all rescues, and we love working from home with them in our Dallas townhome. They had a memorable honeymoon in Paris to complete their fairytale wedding experience. From the bride: “Janie and Zach met at a small college in Virginia, where they fell in love with each other and the Blue Ridge Mountains too. Upon their graduation, they moved to Dallas together to start a new chapter. Two years and three rescue animals later, Zach designed a custom engagement ring with a local jeweler in anticipation of proposing during a family vacation to the beach. But as soon as he had it in his hands, he knew he couldn’t wait another day — he invited Janie to the rooftop deck of their newly purchased home and popped the question as the sun set behind the Dallas skyline. Janie and Zach knew they wanted to celebrate their wedding in front of a sweeping view of the mountains of Virginia.

The first and best decision they made in their wedding planning process was hiring their talented Charlottesville-based planner Elise from Laurel Elise Events. With her careful guidance, they signed with their venue Pippin Hill Farm sight-unseen due to the pandemic. When it came to planning the aesthetics of their wedding, the couple knew only one thing: they LOVED over-the-top florals and greenery! They had even cultivated their own vibrant garden on the same rooftop where Zach had proposed. As Janie was dress shopping, her father pulled a dress that felt “right” the moment she put it on. The sweetheart gown by Mira Zwillinger was covered in gorgeous hand-embroidered leaves that reminded her of Zach and his passion for gardening. It was love at first sight! The dress helped set an organic tone to their wedding theme. On the flight to meet Elise and see Pippin Hill Farm for the first time, Janie watched the first season of Bridgerton, which provided her with more fantastic inspiration. “Romantic, whimsical, overgrown, secret garden, and floral-forward” were all phrases the couple suggested to guide their planner’s creative vision. Per Janie’s request to steer clear of pink, but keep it springy, the team kept to a color scheme of dusty lavender and green. With Elise’s guiding help, the couple settled on vendors and the details of what each one would bring to the big day. At each turn in the creative process, Elise helped incorporate the romantic “secret garden” theme. Even the invitations were decked out in a custom flower print, which tied in the same variety of flowers that their florist Cultivate Event Co would incorporate on the wedding day. On the day-of, Janie wore a gold four-leafed clover tied with a blue ribbon around her ankle, a good-luck charm adorned by each bride in her family. The aisle was lined in organic, vertical arrangements that appeared to grow straight out of the ground. They swayed romantically as the crisp April air whipped through Pippin Hill Farm‘s Vineyard. The altar arrangement matched, and was kept low to preserve the beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As the couple concluded their simple ceremony, Zach stopped halfway down the aisle to dip Janie for one more kiss. Not only was it fantastic material for the photographers and videographers — it was also exhilarating and fun!

As the couple rounded the corner back into Pippin Hill Farm, they were greeted with their first drink as husband and wife: a glass of champagne shared out of a sterling silver “Loving Cup.” The cup was engraved with their initials, which appeared beside those of other couples in Janie’s family who had shared their own first drinks from it. Meanwhile, their guests enjoyed signature cocktails named after the couples’ animals, who made special appearances in the form of watercolor portraits printed on the cocktail napkins. As Janie and Zach exited the cocktail hour on the veranda and entered the reception space, they were amazed by how Elise had transformed it. Smilax dripped from the chandeliers, across the ceilings, and down the walls. The cake was ringed with fresh florals as if it had sprung up from a garden. Above the head table hung an installment of greenery and purple flowers, reminiscent of the wisteria which adorned the Bridgerton home’s façade. The installment, illuminated from below by flickering candlelight, gave a magical and intimate feel to the head table. Beneath it, the couple enjoyed a fantastic toast by the father of the bride and a delicious dinner service as they were surrounded by their closest friends. Janie and Zach opened the dance floor with their first dance to John Denver’s “Annie’s Song,” which once again tied together the beauty of nature with their everlasting love for each other. After dancing the night away with DJ GBaby, the couple enjoyed one last private dance together. As they swayed together, they soaked in the amazing day one last time before heading out in a getaway car. While the whole wedding was a fantastic and magical experience, the couple agrees: “being married is the best part!”

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

Spectacular Spring Wedding In The Gardens Of The Meridian House

Spring has sprung in this enchanted Meridian House wedding. Filled with a bright and beautiful color palette in happy hues, A. Griffin Events planned a day we can’t stop dreaming about. Sophie Felts Floral Design created pure wedding magic with a ceremony arch bursting with beautiful blooms. From the super chic bar cart to the indoor garden-like reception, you won’t want to miss a single incredible image captured by Vicki Grafton Photography. Head to the full gallery to fall in love with all the details.

From A. Griffin Events… An early spring wedding in the gardens, groves, and halls of Meridian House, Julie and Gage’s wedding focused on giving their guests a memorable experience and creating a gorgeous, unforgettable wedding day. From the moment guests enter the drive of Meridian House, it felt as though they’ve left the busy DC streets for a place of welcoming grandeur. Floral monograms on the front doors greeted guests before they moved through the home to the garden for a flower-filled ceremony on the lawn. After Julie and Gage exchanged vows, the Linden Grove was alive with cocktails, colorful lounge furniture, and live music where guests mingled.

A colorful escort display featured handpainted acrylic tile coasters for each guest to take home. Cocktail hour concluded with a colorful champagne tower featuring handpainted bottles of Veuve Clicquot by the bride. The dining experience had guests enjoying their meals amidst trees hung with lights, and tables filled with the pastel hues of spring. Iridescent chargers and light blue goblets added a modern touch to the Old-World interiors of Meridian House. Color and whimsy reigned supreme from a flower-filled ceremony on the lawn featuring a pastel arch, to cocktail hour in the Linden Grove where their guests sipped libations from a neon and floral bar and relaxed on colorful lounge furniture, to a watercolor tile seating assignment display, the entire space was vibrant and alive like spring should feel.

The wow moments continued as the evening rolled on. An ombre champagne tower, a plated meal underneath trees adorned with floating candles, and a dramatic dessert presentation featuring two wedding cakes – one of them hanging from a chandelier, the other nestled inside a gold carriage. Their live band kept the party going for hours, with the bride changing into a feathered, sequined second dress that was perfect for dancing. Later, Julie and Gage exited Meridian House with sparklers in hand before heading off to their after party to continue their festivities!

Elegant Montenegro Wedding With Bay And Mountain Views

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Erika and Ikaikaon exchanged vows on the Bay of Kotor. The beautiful day overlooking the water was expertly planned by Blush Pink Events, who thought of everything from the scenic ceremony to the intimate private villa reception. Serafima Pavlova designed the elegant event filled with romance at every turn. Every magical moment is artfully captured in the imagery by Alexandra and Vladimir Nadtochiy, you can see it all inside the full gallery.

From Alexandra and Vladimir Nadtochiy… Erika & Ikaika exchanged their vows on a beautiful pier in the Bay of Kotor in the circle of their closest friends and family. Wedding planning had started 7 months before the wedding, so we had enough time to think through all the details. The main goal for the venue was to find a place for a small wedding of up to 30 people and make it as intimate as possible. So we chose a secluded private villa in a quiet place in the Bay of Kotor, with a cozy courtyard, where no tourist can disturb the atmosphere of the event.

The ceremony took place at another villa in the same town. The pier had a stunning view of the bay and mountains. To Erika and Ikaika there is no better place to say their vows. For the bridesmaids attire Erica chose flowy blue and gray-blue dresses. This set the main color palette for the entire wedding. Erica knew right away that she wanted to have a round arch for the ceremony – a symbol of rings and infinity. The abundance of greenery against the background of the azure color of the water created a truly unforgettable atmosphere.

A gray-blue velvet tablecloth has become the main accent of the reception decor and delicate centerpieces with peonies and tulips complementing it perfectly, making the overall picture of the celebration absolutely stunning. When the lanterns and candles were lit, the evening created the very intimate atmosphere that we were striving for – an atmosphere of sincere joy, happiness and love in the circle of the loved ones.

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

The Sweetest Vow Renewal Inspiration of All Time at Airlie Gardens

Vow renewals are always one of our favorite moments to see grace our submissions, they serve as the most beautiful reminder of how your love story all started, and how it’s grown so much over the years. Today’s romantic vow renewal planned by Lake and Lavender features the most adorable family of 4, shades of pink, soft greens and yellows, delicate blooms by Mother of Wild Flower House, and golden hour shining through the spanish moss – it just doesn’t get any sweeter than this! See all the vow renewal inspo you’ll need at the full gallery, captured by Emily March Photography!

Inspired by the romance of Spanish moss and a Needle and Thread dress from BHLDN, this vow renewal editorial designed by Lake and Lavender and Emily March Photography showcases a real-life couple as their love has grown and highlights the magic of embracing the location of your special day. Wedding planning couples and married couples alike are invited to take inspiration from this modern classic shoot in a dreamy outdoor setting.

Details:
I planned and designed this vow renewal editorial in collaboration with Emily Payne of Emily March Photography. We hope this editorial inspires married couples to renew their vows for another beautiful and unforgettable day in their lives while also inspiring wedding planning couples for their wedding day and beyond.

With a growing love at the heart of this editorial, romance took centerstage as the underlying theme of the day. It was through this romantic lens that we were particularly inspired by the Spanish moss of Airlie Gardens and a Needle and Thread dress from BHLDN. The Florentina Ruffle Dress brought the romance with colors, details, ruffles, and movement. A colorful floral dress is a current trend for today’s bride and a perfect choice for a vow renewal. With their delicate embroidery, the romantic Claudia heels from Bella Belle Shoes paired with the dress shined as brightly as the setting sun. We wove shades of pink, soft greens and yellows, champagne and gold throughout the design to highlight our dreamy setting and remarkable dress.

The Norris family told our story. Their love was radiant and their children were a delight. Their stunning family portraits are now treasured keepsakes that mark this special moment in time. We played into the couple’s refined modern style with classic elements reminiscent of their wedding day. The story of our couple told through the stationery by Longest Time Design was as inviting and romantic as everything else with the deckled edges, soft floral details, and classically modern fonts in gold foil. Other details, like black and white photographs and a Bible, showcase the couple’s roots and the many seasons their marriage has seen over the last decade.

Incorporating classic roses with other delicate and dancing blooms in the modern and whimsical style of Mother of Wild Flower House told the color story masterfully and further carried the feel of the day. Crêpe myrtles for the ceremony provided a unique moment reminiscent of the season. And repurposing the ceremony flowers elevated the lounge and added an unexpected touch.

Specialty rentals from Martha My Dear Rentals helped communicate many of the modern classic designs. And we love how their steeple arch framed the couple as the Spanish moss did. A patterned linen carefully chosen from Nuage Designs complemented the dress and echoed the sun setting against the Spanish moss. And the linen for the cake display highlighted the cakes and the surrounding Spanish moss, too. Plates from Party Suppliers mimicked the movement of the ruffles in the dress. Tying two tones of ribbon around the napkins added texture and layers and was another way to connect the dress to the tabletop design.

In the same way the setting sun is painterly as it sets behind the Spanish moss, the painterly cakes by Sugar Euphoria stood alone and reflected the flowers from the dress in a striking way. A toast to the happy couple with gold-rimmed coupes from Anthropologie at sunset was the perfect ending to this unforgettable day!

A Coastal Grandmother Inspired Editorial Overflowing with High Fashion and Natural Elements

The coastal grandmother aesthetic has arrived and we are here for it! The trend revolves around relaxed elegance and oceanside minimalism. This inspired editorial shoot planned by Belle Amour Wedding is all that and more. Flowers by Hummingbird Floral Studio are equally timelessly chic. You’ll love the mix of high fashion and natural elements all artfully captured in imagery by Dee Olmstead. Say hello to all the lovely in the full gallery.

From Dee Olmstead… One of the female models, Kaitlyn, was a real bride of mine. During her engagement she realized that to be true to herself, she had to call off her engagement to her then fiancé. I was devastated because she was so sweet and beautiful and I had been really looking forward to shooting her wedding. Kaitlyn felt empowered after this to embrace her true identity and began dating women. Since she had already purchased nearly everything required for a wedding and was still so excited about putting on a wedding dress; we decided to create an editorial where she could really play out those wedding day dreams. But in a safe and fun space. We also included a second couple, Timesha and Nyoki, who were just dying to dress up and relive their wedding day all over again.

From Kaitlyn… Last September, my best friend and partner of almost 6 years proposed to me and I said yes. He was and still is one of the most incredible people that I have ever known, so saying “yes” was very easy. We began dating when we were 19 and 20 so we truly watched and helped each other grow into the people we are today. Most importantly, we taught each other what genuine and wholesome love is. Our relationship was beautiful from beginning to end and I wouldn’t change my time spent with him for anything. Although I was engaged to the most wonderful man, the struggle with my sexuality didn’t go away. I have been both curious and confused with my sexuality my entire life, but growing up in a religious household, I was not presented the option of being gay. I eventually had to make the hardest decision I have ever made—to end my engagement. It was easily the most difficult thing that I have ever done. Regardless of the pain that would follow my decision, I knew that I had to be true to myself for not only my own happiness, but for his. Him and I both deserved to find a love that felt effortless and right in every way. We are both so genuinely happy now and I am so grateful for every moment that led us here. I was so excited when Dee asked me to be a part of this shoot. It was so fun modeling with my friend Allison and I love what Dee captured. This shoot gives queer love the platform and representation that it needs and deserves.

From Nyoki and Timesha… Our story began in 2019, with a blind date that was arranged by a good friend of Nyoki’s and Timesha’s sister. While a blind date may be awkward for some, there was an instant connection. Shortly thereafter Nyoki moved to Houston, Texas for work. While long distance relationships are challenging and demanding, we were committed to each other despite the barriers. We viewed Nyoki’s relocation as an opportunity rather to grow together in faith and live rather than a obstacle. After 2 years of dating, Nyoki proposed in June of 2021. We have been married for four months and we are looking forward to creating a rich and fulfilling life together.

Our vision for this editorial gathered some of the most talented vendors from the New Orleans wedding market to create a high fashion scene of citrus and blue amongst an Italian, coastal inspired, rustic venue. We were striving for a coastal grandmother aesthetic infused with sunny yellows, natural textures, and just a touch of old-world romance.

From Blakeley at Belle Amour Wedding… My vision for those shoot was to present a coastal, Italian vibe inspired by the concept of a shared celebration, with long tables over great conversations, food, and wine which is something I personally love! Everything turned out so beautiful. From the fabulous tablescapes to the overall design of the flowers, gowns, furniture- this styled shoot showcased a romantic escapade with an Italian vibe and our vision came to life right before our eyes.

From Annmarie from Hummingbird Floral Studio … We were inspired by the European stylings of Il Mercato, the timeless wood floors and stucco façade. Feels like you are being transported to the Amalfi coast, in the middle of New Orleans. We chose soft toned blooms for an effortless feel, enough color to feel fun but muted enough to be timeless. Delicate textures and whimsical shapes evoke a garden feeling.

[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/3RsjpEg53K4 600 338]

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

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

European-Inspired Garden Wedding in the Berkshires

Today’s gorgeous couple found their dream wedding venue in the Berkshires at The Mount, a turn-of-the-century home, designed and built by Edith Wharton in 1902. Taking inspiration from the Italian garden on the property, their day was centered around a romantic European theme. From the bride’s knockout Berta dress to the emotional reaction of the groom as his bride walked down the aisle, the full gallery is chock full of beauty at every turn – all taken by Lindsey Nicole Photography!

Jordyn & Jack’s wedding in the Berkshires transported guests out of New England and into a European-inspired fairytale. The beautiful gardens at Edith Wharton’s estate, the Mount, fit their vision perfectly. Upon visiting the estate amidst their tours of wedding venues, the two had a magical feeling in the Italian Garden. The Mount was an especially intriguing venue for Jordyn who as a journalist, found Edith Wharton’s success as a female writer in the 1800’s inspiring. The two became teary eyed picturing their ceremony. It was Jack’s idea for Jordyn to walk through the garden’s vintage stone pergola. It was reminiscent of the ancient stones in England. The first country the two traveled to together. It added to the european theme they wanted for their wedding. The two had their rehearsal dinner at Wheatleigh. An estate that was actually a wedding gift from a Spanish count to his daughter. Jordyn and her bridesmaids stayed the night and got ready in the historic mansion and hotel just 5 minutes from The Mount. Jordyn had to shift her original vision of wearing a long-sleeve lace ballgown due to the venue. All the walking around the property would require something much lighter. She fell in love with a beautiful Berta privee wedding dress that was perfect for their 90 degree day in May.

The soft tulle bows on the straps of the dress added a young but romantic element, and the lace applique still fit what she always dreamed of wearing on her big day. Jack’s custom Tom James tux was filled with black and white photos from the pair’s engagement shoot. It was all a surprise to Jordyn who noticed his handkerchief during their ceremony with their photo. The two chose not to have a first look so it was her first time seeing the special touch her husband added to their wedding day. The wedding was made to feel intimate and personalized for Jordyn and Jack. Since the two are of different faiths, a non-denominational priest acted as their officiant to still have a mostly traditional ceremony. The two exchanged hand-written vows and there wasn’t a dry eye in the garden! Signature drinks featured the bride and grooms favorites when they go out with family and friends. Also included on the big day, their new pup Sterling. He had recently flown from Missouri to join their family so an “aviation” only made sense for his drink! Sterling also dressed up for the occasion with a Style Me Pretty doggie bow tie. (Look closely so you don’t miss it amid his black spots!)

Cocktail hour featured some of their favorite things – lobster rolls as an homage to their family from Rhode Island and local Berkshire cheeses along with vegan options for their family and friends. The al-fresco reception took place in the lime walk leading to the French garden. It featured one long table for 100+ guests. This added to the European theme featuring a more family-style seating arrangement more common abroad. Lit up with string lights through the trees, guests enjoyed short-rib, coq au vin, and orecchiette pasta from Mezze Catering. The table design Jordyn changed multiple times. Originally Jack and Jordyn had picked a tan damask cloth with traditional white plates and elements. When Jordyn and her bridesmaids went shopping and collectively chose their draped-back blush dresses she wanted to include a pop of color to make the pink elements stand out. The textured lace pink overlay on top of an ivory table cloth did just that. Ramble Floral incorporated shades of pink in the table arrangements and the bridesmaids bouquets while keeping the bride’s arrangement white. It was tied together with a diamond and sapphire family heirloom pin for the bride’s “something blue.”

After a great night of dancing with their loved ones, the day ended with Jay-Z’s version of “Forever Young” the couple’s wedding hashtag and last name. Guests saluted the newlywed’s with a sparkler send off to cap off the night as the bride and groom left together in a vintage rolls royce before embarking on their honeymoon the following morning.

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

Jewel Toned Cliffside Newport Wedding With Waterfront Views

Classic New England charm has our hearts going pitter patter for this Newport wedding. Nicole Simeral planned a day done in jewel tones with special touches at every turn. Organic, free-flowing blooms by Fig & Squill added to the allure of the elegant day all artfully captured in imagery by The Willetts | Wedding Photography. From a sailboats in the background to twinkling lights overhead, you’ll fall in love with ever scenic second in the full gallery.

From The Willetts | Wedding Photography… Can you imagine meeting your spouse in an airport in Israel? Sounds like a romantic comedy, but Alexa & George met while in the Israeli airport attempting to change their flights. Both being American, they quickly connected and decided to take their love state side.

Once engaged, Alexa & George had to weather the Covid-wedding-reschedule storm and settled on Newport, Rhode Island as their wedding location. The cliffs of Castle Hill Inn set a perfect scene for their jewel toned nuptials and the sailboats in the background only added to the romantic mood of the day.

After a wonderful ceremony, the tented reception went off without a hitch and included a wild Hora and outfit change from Alexa. It was the perfect New England soiree!

Relaxed Elegance All The Way At This Ojai Valley Inn Winter Wedding

This Ojai Valley Inn wedding is relaxed elegance at its finest. Filled with a dark green accents, unexpected floral touches, and personalized details All You Need Is Love Events planned a day that brought our couple’s vision for their special day to life. From a floral line aisle to a reception space filled with blooms hanging from overhead, flowers by Jennifer Cole Florals were nothing short of spectacular. Each moment was exquisitely captured in artful imagery by Jenny Quicksall Photography, visit the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From Jenny Quicksall Photography… Payton and Michael’s romance started in college at their beloved TCU and they formally got engaged in a winter wonderland in Park City so it was only fitting that there were nods to the couples love story throughout their wedding day. As a January wedding, Payton wanted to lean into rich colors with shades of deeper greens being her accent color.

With the backdrop of the beautiful Ojai Valley Inn Farmhouse, the couple alongside their planning team All You Need Is Love Events created a space that was elegant and welcoming. Last minute the couple had to change their ceremony location due to Covid restrictions. Within days, their planning team put together a “chapel” outdoors that even included a gospel choir!

The custom cocktail bar from The Ark Event Rentals greeted guests into what they knew would be an amazing event. Lush florals filled the room by Jennifer Cole Florals and a statement bar with nods from home as well as the bride’s sister’s whiskey, Happenstance, donned the shelves. Beautifully documented by Jenny Quicksall Photography, this special day is one to fall in love with over and over again.

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

Photography

Jenny Quicksall Photography

View Portfolio

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

This Bright And Sunny Veuve Clicquot Bridal Shower Is A Must-See

The bright and cheery color palette of this Veuve Clicquot inspired bridal shower is sure to put a smile on your face. For this incredible celebration, Detailed Touch Events pulled out all the stops creating a day our bride won’t soon forget. From a personalized monogram used throughout the event to a fabulous speciality cocktail bar, it was elevated elegance all the way. Floral installations by Garden District Flowers showed up in the most magical of ways, including hanging from the chandelier! You’ll get lost in the beautiful imagery artfully captured by Lauren Westra see the entire day unfold in the full gallery.

From Detailed Touch Events… When one of my clients came to me with the idea of a Veuve Clicquot bridal shower for her best friend Jackie, I knew it was going to be spectacular! Since Veuve themed parties have been done before, it was important that we really infused the personal elements of the bride-to-be in to the details. We started by personalizing the Veuve monogram with Jackie’s initials, using it all throughout the event – from decor and napkins, to stir sticks and cookies. To give guests a special take-home piece of the event, we incorporated each guest’s name into the Veuve monogram, creating memorable and unique place cards. And of course we love a good specialty cocktail at a bridal shower, but it’s even more fun when the cocktails have cute names!

Jackie’s nickname with her friends is Janis, we named the main cocktail “The Janis”. “Bosco’s Aperol Sprtiz” was named after her beloved dog, and “The Muldoon” drew inspiration from her future last name! We also incorporated Bosco again, this time in an adorable acrylic cut-out. To include more personalized details, we used the Veuve Clicquot arrow to highlight all the important locations for Jackie and her husband to be. The location where they met, where they went to school, their wedding location, and where they purchased their first home were all included in this personalized statement piece. We infused the essence of Veuve Clicquot by bringing in rentals from Revelry Event Design in the iconic Veuve Clicquot yellow and utilizing fun Veuve accent items like acrylic drink ware and platters for appetizers and desserts.

Lastly,all of the guests got to take away a half bottle of Yellow Label Veuve Clicquot! And of course we couldn’t forget a little something for our bride-to-be Jackie. The host gifted her a personalized bottle of the same champagne, complete with hand painted pictures of their wedding location (Lake Tahoe), their dog Bosco, and their initials and wedding date. This was surely a bridal shower to remember, but most importantly the bride and her guests had so much fun!

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

Detailed Touch Events

View Portfolio

A Spring Wedding at River Oaks Teeming With Southern Charm

For this couple, Charleston is where the magic happens, from where they met, to where he proposed, to their wedding day at RiverOaks, this Lowcountry celebration planned by Marilyn Mahaley Events is one for the books! From poppies and peonies by August Design to a stunning (two-piece) wedding gown, the gallery captured by The Happy Bloom was full of all of the southern charm. Check it out below and get your Pinterest board ready!

What was the inspiration behind your wedding style?

From the Bride… I wanted it to feel fresh, crisp, and seasonally appropriate.

Why did you choose this location?

We wanted our guests to get a true sense of the LowCountry landscape. Many guests had never been to or experienced the LowCountry.

How did you two meet?

At work at the Montage Palmetto Bluff!

Tell us about your proposal story!

Edgar packed a bag and took us up to Charleston one Friday evening (2/5/21) for what I thought was a date night. He proposed at one of our favorite places – Hotel Bennett.

Tell us about finding your wedding dress!

I came across my dress on Instagram – fell absolutely in love site unseen and knew it was the one. The dress designer is based in Hawaii so it was either go there or see if the designer could ship to their only retailer on the East Coast. Mom and I flew to Brooklyn June 2021 where I tried on the dress for the first time! Fun fact: it’s actually two pieces- a top & skirt! I can’t wait to wear the top with high waisted pants for our first anniversary!

Describe your wedding flowers

Fabulous… Kim with August Floral nailed it. All my favorite flowers meshed into one. Poppies, Peonies, Hyacinth, & Ranunculus

What advice would you give to a couple planning their wedding?

A shorter engagement- too much time to debate decisions! We had about a year & two months. Also, details are fabulous for pictures- but don’t stress *too* much about them along the way.

Most memorable moment?

Our first dance as husband & wife. Surprisingly I was so stiff and nervous! I didn’t expect this feeling, I typically would never be described as shy and in that moment I was. It was such an honor to dance with my husband in front of all of our friends and family.

What aspect of the wedding was the most important to you?

That our families felt comfortable and loved.

What’s next for you two?

We are living happily in Bluffton SC- love the idea of starting a family in the coming few years!

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

A Magical Wedding In Monaco Filled With Hanging Florals

Elegance awaits at this south of France Wedding. Wanderlust Wedding planned a fairytale day filled with a green and white color palette and flowers as far as the eye can see. From the ceremony that seemed as if you’d stumbled upon a secret garden to the reception covered in hanging booms, Sisters & Blush Floral Design brought the couple’s wedding vision to life in the most enchanting of ways. All the Monaco magic was artfully captured in the imagery by David Bastianoni, head to the full gallery for a closer look at all the lovely.

From Wanderlust Wedding… Gabrielle & Rex contacted us in May 2021, they were looking for a planner to plan their wedding in the South of France, especially in Monaco. Having been brought up in Monaco, I know the are quite well. They were looking to have a wedding incorporating the glitz and glam of Monaco, but did not want anything too ostentatious. When they were able to come over and we met in person, we immediately clicked, we knew our relationship client / planner was meant to be! The wedding ended up being a 5 day event, with an intimate welcome cocktail on Gabrielle’s grandmother’s terrace, which is an important place dear to her heart, a welcome party at the Monaco Yacht club overlooking the harbor, a civil wedding in Monaco followed by a rehearsal dinner at Yannick Alleno’s restaurant in the Hotel Hermitage Monaco, the wedding ceremony and reception the next day at the Bastide du Roy in Antibes, and a farewell brunch on a beach club in Monaco. Guests got to experience the real Monaco / French Riviera life! Being already in a glamorous environment, Gabrielle and Rex wanted their wedding day to feel more organic and natural, a lot of work was put into the decor but we wanted it to look as it was part of the Bastide. The ceremony took place in the circular musical garden of the Bastide which used to welcome classical music concerts for Jeanne Lanvin when she used to own the property. The lush gardens of the Bastide were the scenery of the cocktail hour. Dinner was made of Mediterranean dishes, which was something very important for Gabrielle and Rex, they wanted to represent the Mediterranean gastronomy at it’s fullest that we all experience daily in Monaco and on the Riviera! Florals were meant to look elegant, timeless yet very natural and nothing too other the top.

From the bride… Rex and I have grown up together since we were 7 or 8 years old. His older sister is one of my oldest best friends and because of this I had always known him as the nerdy little brother. It wasn’t until one Thanksgiving at a local bar some 15 years after we first met, a little older and a little taller, that we realized there was a spark. Rex and I dated for about 6 1/2 years before he finally popped the question. It was December 2020 and it was still the peak of the pandemic. Rex’s entire family, along with my 93 year old grandmother, my mom, my sister, and my dad had driven from every corner of the country to spend the holidays with us in Connecticut. It was a snowy white December day, and it was a complete surprise in front of the Christmas Tree. We were so happy to be able to celebrate with those closest to us. Rex and I knew that we wanted a summer wedding in a location that was meaningful to the both of us. We’ve traveled all over the world from Japan to Guatemala and everywhere in between, but the one place we always returned to was Monaco. I am Monegasque and American so we would visit my family every summer to spend a few weeks in Monaco. It became a place that we as a couple associated with so many amazing memories, and we knew we wanted to be able to share the same experience with all our loved ones. So off we went to plan a wedding in Monaco!

We knew the South of France wasn’t necessarily the easiest destination for guests to reach from the U. S. So we wanted to make the wedding weekend worth the trip for all our guests. Four days of activities were planned in Monaco, including the Welcome Party, Civil Ceremony and Rehearsal Dinner, with the actual Wedding Day taking place at the Bastide du Roy in Antibes, France. We wanted to offer guests a taste of the glitz and glam of Monaco with the views of the Casino and the Mediterranean Sea, while also introduce them to the warm, provencal countryside of the South of France. That’s why it was a no-brainer when we went to our site visit at the Bastide du Roy. It was the perfect balance to the rest of the weekend in the more-urban setting of Monaco. It embodied the beauty that is the Provence region and the South of France with four beautiful gardens, a view of the Alps and the medieval town of Biot. Not to mention it is completely surrounded by 365 olive trees (one for every day of the year) and offers views of the Mediterranean as well.

For our invitations, we wanted to get guests excited to visit Monaco, and we were inspired by vintage travel posters to the South of France and the vintage Monaco Grand Prix posters. My grandmother (my Mom’s mother) has a spectacular terrace in Monaco with sweeping views of the Place du Casino. We wanted to make sure this was captured in our invitations as well. We worked with Christelle from Creme de papier to bring our designs to reality. The invitations looked like a vintage postcard and featured the exact view from the terrace. Guests kept the invites on their fridges even after the wedding! For the Wedding itself, Rex and I loved the idea of a dreamy, organic vibe that still had notes of clean luxury and understated glamour throughout. For the ceremony, we wanted to lean into the beauty of the lush green gardens at the Bastide, and enhance the setting with delicate lighting, accented flowers and organic modern decor. Our Planners at Wanderlust Wedding and the floral team at Sisters & Blush Floral Design truly understood our vision. For the Reception, we wanted to create a fairytale environment with leafy pergolas, hanging cherry blossoms and string lights simulating a roof above the dance floor. Rex and I always connected over music, and for this reason it was so important that we kept guests entertained throughout the wedding. Our band, Sounds of Riviera, kicked off the wedding by playing every special request we had for the Ceremony and kept guests dancing throughout dinner. We loved them so much, they came back for the Beach Brunch the next day! Our DJ Ben Spencer understood our music tastes ranged from Led Zeppelin to Daft Punk, and he played the hits all night long. We also wanted to add a live music element to the DJ after the band left, which is why we hired saxophonist Peter Baran to play alongside the DJ. He amplified the dance floor. Guests were so surprised and couldn’t stop dancing with him. For Food we knew we wanted guests to enjoy all the flavors of the Mediterranean. Growing up in Monaco, you always ate a blend of French and Italian food. We loved that our caterers Lovisolo Ricevimenti embodied that culture in everything they created. Petits Farcis (stuffed vegetables), tuna crudo, stuffed anchovies, and Prosciutto and Burrata bar. Everything they made they got everything right. Not to mention, DNA Bartending made delicious cocktails with ingredients like hibiscus, bergamot, and thyme.

Knowing we were having a completely outdoor wedding in the South of France, we wanted our outfits to connect with the venue, the luxury of Monaco and the beauty of the region. Guests were dressed to the nines in black tie. I asked my bridesmaids to wear silk dresses similar to shades of the sunset. Their dresses ranged from rose to bronzes, and the ladies (along with the dresses) looked incredible against the forest-green backdrop. For my bridal look, I wanted a classically elegant dress with a dramatic veil. I chose the Pronovias gown because I loved the silhouette, and the attention to detail with the buttons in the back leading down to the end of the train. For the veil, I loved the idea of a long flowing veil, similar to a Spanish Mantilla. I selected the veil from Christie Lauren because it was the perfect dramatic accompaniment to the delicate dress. For my shoes, I wanted something comfortable, yet classy. I loved the vintage-style look of the Jimmy Choo Sacaria Block Heel Sandals, and the pearl at the tip of the shoe. For my after party dress, I wanted a fun, flared alternative to the dress. I decided on a Bronx and Banco One-Shoulder Mini Dress with feathers on the sleeve. It was great to dance in and I loved the 70s style design of the dress. For Jewelry, I wore two Robert Coin bracelets. One given to me by my Dad and the other by Rex. My mom gave her mother “Mamilous” vintage diamond earrings to wear with my dress so I could keep a piece of her with me throughout the whole wedding. Unfortunately, my “Mamilou” was unable to attend as she was in the hospital. This component was so special to me as she ended up passing away two days after our wedding. For the Groom, Rex wore a White Ludlow Slim Fit Tuxedo from J. Crew and black Ostrich leather belgian loafers from Belgian Shoes in NYC. His Groomsmen looked dapper as ever in black tuxedos with peak lapels.

Family is invaluable to the both of us and we wanted to make sure there were moments to highlight them throughout the wedding. My grandma, my dad’s mom, at 95 years old made the trip to Monaco all the way from Indianapolis, Indiana for our wedding. She’s in incredible shape, looks not a day over 70, and has the sass of a 17 year old. We knew we wanted to incorporate her in the wedding somehow, and we decided to surprise guests with having her be our flower girl. She got ready with all the bridesmaids on the day, and looked as glamorous as ever! She had practiced doing leg-strengthening exercises for weeks in preparation for being a flower girl, and she walked down the aisle with my mom. It was so powerful to have the two most important matriarchs in my family together down the aisle. It was also important for Rex and I to find ways to include our father figures. We decided to have Rex’s Step-Dad as our officiant, and have a first-look with my Dad prior to the wedding, in addition to him walking me down the aisle. My Dadis truly one of my best friends and as the youngest daughter in our family, I know he has been looking forward to this moment since the engagement. When he saw me in my dress for the first time, he started to cry, and actually quoted a line from our father daughter dance song by James Taylor “Whenever I see your smiling face, I have to smile right back because I love you.” We both teared up. It was one of my favorite moments from the wedding. We were so happy as our photographer, Alessia from David Bastianoni, and our videographer, Gione Silva, were incredible at remaining subtly behind the scenes, and still being around to capture these most special, intimate moments.

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

Event Planning

Wanderlust Wedding

View Portfolio

This Classic Garden Wedding Will Leave You Feeling Green With Envy

This timeless wedding at The Club at Mediterra will have you feeling “green with envy” (in the best way possible)! With a green and white color palette, Jet Wed Set created a picturesque wedding day for Katie & Colin, inspired by the lush villas of Italy. The overall feel of the celebration drew upon earthy tones and textures (think rich, velvety linens) that accentuated classic romance. Kaleidoscope Floral created attention-grabbing floral arrangements, featuring bright white blooms while touches of greenery elevated the ambiance with an air of organic luxury. Dare to be a little jealous of the full gallery, captured by Hunter Ryan, and the video by iheART Films.

From the photographer… Drawing inspiration from lush Italian villas and their own personal home style, this wedding design will have you “green with envy” – in the absolute best way! Shades of green went with the earthy, natural feel of the day from the rich velvety linens to the satin Revelry bridesmaid gowns.

From the Bride… We picked our venue and did a destination to Naples, Florida because it is a spot my family has gone our whole lives – it is like a second home. Colin and I have been visiting since early on in our 8year relationship and it’s a place we come to decompress and relax.

We wanted the day to have a classic, natural, and romantic feel. Originally, we were describing it like going through Italy, and we picked a lot of the decor in a way to transform a standard ballroom so you didn’t feel like you were in a ballroom. Kehrin of JetSetWed was huge in helping bring it to life so it still matched our style by pulling in inspiration from our styles and our home.

One of my favorite moments of the wedding was after the ceremony and before the reception started- we invited bridal party, their dates and families into the ballroom for a pre party! As they walked in Colin and I were dancing on an empty dance floor in a beautifully converted ballroom that took me back to Italy, dancing to the band where then all of our favorite people danced. It was such a special moment to have that mini dance party where we could hug and laugh after such an emotional moment! Then the rest of the guests were invited in as we danced and they joined us on the dance floor immediate before dinner. Really set the tone for the day.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/686543752 600 338]

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

Hunter Ryan Photo

View Portfolio

Here’s Why We’re Obsessed With the Oversized Bow Fashion Trend!

If you ask us, the bigger the bow, the better! Bows in general continue to make their appearance in the wedding world from fashion to place settings and today’s editorial captured by Olivia Marshall Photography is full of them and we couldn’t be more in love. Montalvo Arts Center was the backdrop for the day, planned by Meag Breanne Events which showcased a color palette of soft blues, apricots, and creams and fun florals by Muse Floral Co. The model bride wore not one, but two Luciana Emilia dresses each with a statement bow, which inspired the entire shoot! So, there is only one statement left to be said…add some bow details to your special day – you won’t regret it!

The inspiration for this wedding editorial came from the beautiful oversized bows on Luciana Emilia’s custom designed gowns and the stunning exterior of Villa Montalvo. We wanted to carry bow details throughout the entire shoot so we included them on the cake, the bride’s shoes, one at each place setting, and a bowtie for our groom.

The velvet blue table linen, symbolizing “something blue”, and the florals, especially the luscious cafe au lait dahlias, really brought the color palette of peaches, apricots, and creams to life! Our bride wore two custom gowns by Luciana Emilia, one of her classic one shoulder long gowns, complete with an oversized bow on the back.

And for a fun second look, we chose one of her brand new short cocktail dresses and a fun pair of Bella Bella Shoes! We love a good champagne tower and wanted to put a new twist on ours which featured a pink rosé.

Our mission with the overall design was to inspire newly engaged couples and show them that they can have fun with color and still have a classic and timeless wedding!

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

This Classic Chicago Wedding Is Filled With Elegance and Sophistication

Chic, cool, and totally timeless- this classic Chicago wedding is a must see. Coordinated by K & K Celebrates and designed by Frost Chicago, this dreamy day at The Old Post Office is filled with wow moments. From a lush bridal bouquet to hanging flowers that dazzled as guests entered the reception space, blooms by Vale Of Enna were the exclamation point of the affair. Each moment was elegantly captured in time in the imagery by Bonphotage, visit the full gallery for a closer look.

From K & K Celebrates… Tess and Eric met in New York. It took moving to New York to find each other even though they are both from the suburbs of Chicago! Tess dreamed of having their ceremony at ST. MICHAEL’S OLD TOWN in Chicago, IL as it’s the same church her parents and grandparents got married at as well! Tess and Eric’s wedding date is very close to the the anniversary of the brides parents which is why they chose their wedding date of June 25th! To celebrate, the reception had a special moment for the parents of the bride on the dance floor! The bride also wore her grandmother’s necklace during the ceremony making it truly special and sentimental. The reception took place at The Old Post Office, a historical landmark in Chicago! Tess and Eric were very thoughtful about the experience their guests would have and knew The Old Post Office would be a treat for everyone! Guests headed upstairs for cocktail hour and were able to enjoy the modern lounge with great conversations along the wrap around bar. They could also enjoy the couple’s signature His and Her drinks: Eric-Bud Light, Tess-Espresso Martini. The reception took place in the Historic Lobby which stuns in it’s Art Deco design. Continuing with the gold leaf ceiling and brass throughout the Historic Lobby, the decor continued to include brass and gold throughout the design. With the grand ceiling height, tall center pieces and candles were definitely able to make a wow factor. The decor was complete with breathtaking hanging florals that left everyone in awe as they walked into the reception room. Tess and Eric opted for a champagne tower but Tess made it more special for Eric by making it a “beer” tower! After the beer was poured, the wedding party came up to join them and grabbed a glass! The bride included a second look for reception that perfectly coordinated with her ceremony gown by Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal. The dance floor was fantastic all night long, Tess and Eric were at the center of it all! Everyone’s hearts were tugged when Tess’s grandpa grabbed the microphone and sang “My Way” by Frank Sinatra and surrounded him as he took center stage. Dancing ending with Tess and Eric on guests shoulders during their last song “Time of my Life” but the party continued back upstairs for an after party for more espresso martinis and pizza!

From the bride… While Eric and I grew up about 20 minutes from each other in the suburbs of Chicago, we weren’t introduced until he moved to New York in 2016. I had been living there for two years when my cousin — who went to high school with Eric — reached out to ask if I could show his friend around. Six months of fun, friendly meet-ups passed, and in the fall of 2016, the Cubs were in the World Series. We’re both from big baseball families, and we watched the playoffs together in bars across New York City. November 2016 saw a historic Cubs win… And our first date at Brooklyn Brewery. He had apparently asked my cousin for his blessing back in August, and I had no idea! Five years later we made the decision to move back to Chicago, where Eric proposed. When we began planning our wedding, we knew we wanted it to be both a nod to our New York relationship roots, and our family history in Chicago.

Being the youngest of four siblings, with a huge Italian family of many cousins, aunts, and uncles, it was important to me to honor our family traditions while still finding ways to make the wedding feel special to Eric and me. Our ceremony took place at ST. MICHAEL’S OLD TOWN, the same church where my parents, brothers, and grandparents married, as well as where my grandfather was an altar server when he was growing up. To make it our own, we opted to write our own vows in addition to the church vows, which became my favorite moment of the day (Eric had the whole room in tears). We host friends quite a bit, so we wanted our cocktail hour and dinner service to reflect that. I worked closely with our (incredible!) DJ, OKYNE MEDIA, to come up with a playlist and timeline that made guests feel like they were at a restaurant rather than a wedding, and the energy really reflected that all night. While our venue was stunning and elegant, we are a social, more casual couple, so having lounge seating, pool tables, and bocce ball at the cocktail party was very much our speed. Similarly, we made sure to honor the beauty of the Old Post Office’s Historic Lobby by keeping decor to a minimum, but added candles and statement florals to warm up the room. The highlight was our Bud Light champagne tower, which was a nod to Eric’s favorite drink of choice, in lieu of a wedding cake. Thanks to Al, our caterers, and our coordinators, the timeline ran smoothly so we could get to our favorite part of every wedding: the dance floor. We have many family traditions on the dance floor, from my grandpa’s serenade of “My Way” to our crazy, chaotic dance to “That’s Amore,” and it was so special to not only share with Eric’s family, but our friends across NYC and Chicago. When “Empire State of Mind” came on, our whole NYC crew joined in, and I don’t think we left the dance floor once. Our family and friends really showed up for us and we felt all the love in the room on our wedding day!

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

bonphotage

View Portfolio

Pops Of Pink And Blue Make This The Dreamiest Summer Wedding

With both mountain and water views, Lake George was the perfect place for Alexandra and Arran to tie the knot. Jillian with Elle Ellinghaus perfectly planned the day with a punchy color palette of bright pink and blue. You’ll love all the exciting ways Samantha Nass Floral Design used flowers to create artful moments throughout the event. Get ready to fall in love with every incredible image elegantly shot by Audra Wrisley Photography in the full gallery. Trust us you won’t want to miss it.

From the bride… Alexandra and Arran met in their first year of medical school at Dartmouth. They were in the same “on doctoring” group and met during a team building exercise during their orientation week. They bonded over their love of tennis and competitive spirits. Three years later, Arran proposed at beautiful Storr’s Pond where they met for the first time.

For their wedding venue, Arran wanted a view of the water, while Alexandra wanted a view of the mountains, so Lake George was the perfect spot! They graduated from medical school two weeks before their wedding and are now doctors in NYC. For Alexandra & Arran’s beautiful destination wedding on Lake George, they wanted to keep things summery and joyful, keeping the emphasis on the beautiful waterfront views.

Opting for blues tones in the design, planner Jillian with Elle Ellinghaus together with the bride’s mom Madeleine chose beautiful blue silk bridesmaid dresses, blue & white toile linens and ginger jars with accents of pink for a pop of summer color in the mix. The result was perfection- classic, preppy and fun, the perfect background for Alexandra & Arran’s beautiful day to celebrate!

[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/sSVQ933m6WM 600 338]

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

Photography

Audra Wrisley Photography

View Portfolio

Intimate Santa Barbara Oceanfront Elopement

What’s dreamier then a wedding overlooking the Santa Barbara ocean? For this couple it was having their family, including their adorable baby daughter, there to celebrate with them. The flower forward day featured the most incredible arrangements by Camellia Floral Design, and was all elegantly planned by the expert team at Santa Barbara Elopement. Sposto Photography artfully captured the joy and love of the day in timeless imagery, you can see it all inside the full gallery.

From Sposto Photography… Together with their families, Meg and Aaron committed their love overlooking the beautiful ocean in Santa Barbara.

This intimate ceremony included celebrating their young daughter, and was a lovely joining of family.

The floral rich design included beautiful pinks and creams and wood tones that echoed the washed neutral beachy tones of driftwood.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/557283848 600 338]

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

BBJ La Tavola

View Portfolio

categories

tags

Categories

Posts By

More Bling For Your Buck

Vintage Vibes

Modern Elegance

Put a little sparkle in your Instagram feed–give @grownbrilliance a follow.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding style?

Why did you choose this location?

How did you two meet?

Tell us about your proposal story!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress!

Describe your wedding flowers

What advice would you give to a couple planning their wedding?

Most memorable moment?

What aspect of the wedding was the most important to you?

What’s next for you two?

From Our Partners

Little Black Book

Lookbook

International Weddings

US Weddings

Real Weddings

Inspiration Galleries

Explore

Archive

Magazine

Style Me Pretty

categories

tags

Categories

Posts By

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

More Bling For Your Buck

Vintage Vibes

Modern Elegance

Put a little sparkle in your Instagram feed–give @grownbrilliance a follow.

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

What was the inspiration behind your wedding style?

Why did you choose this location?

How did you two meet?

Tell us about your proposal story!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress!

Describe your wedding flowers

What advice would you give to a couple planning their wedding?

Most memorable moment?

What aspect of the wedding was the most important to you?

What’s next for you two?

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

Join The Conversation

From Our Partners

Little Black Book

Lookbook

International Weddings

US Weddings

Real Weddings

Inspiration Galleries

Explore

Archive

Magazine

Style Me Pretty