Glamorous French Riviera Wedding

Purple with a purpose, that’s what I’m dubbing this gorgeous Lavender And Rose Weddings fete. One seriously glamorous affair straight from the lens of Greg Finck, it’s as if a fairytale has come to life. From the lovely ombre cake to the red carpet romance (complete with bubbles!) – it’s all waiting for you in the gorgeous gallery!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Colors

Seasons

Spring

Settings

Chateau

Styles

Elegant

From Greg Finck… Diana and Jason are a sweet couple from Vancouver, who had decided to choose the warmer climate of the French Riviera to tie the knot.

Lying on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Le Château de la Napoule is a medieval castle full of French charm and elegance. Beauty is everywhere there, from the patios, to the gardens, and the amazing terrace looking down on the Bay of Cannes. This elegant venue just calls for summer laziness and easy breeze lifestyle.

For the occasion, the venue had been covered of purple and pink, thanks to the amazing job of Yeoman’s Flowers. Owned by the bride’s uncle, Yeoman’s Flowers has nailed floral design by emphasizing the beauty of the venue with sprays of amazing lilac and cherry tree branches.

The day has been perfectly planned and designed – as always – by the superstars of Lavender&Rose. Attentions and details for the newly weds were everywhere, with a special mention for the couple custom cocktail : a Champagne and Blueberry treat, perfectly matching the color palette of the day. And please don’t start me on the Ladurée gift box of macarons that I have used to shoot the bride’s amazing engagement ring.

The outdoor ceremony was held in a private garden just nearby the shores, under an amazing late afternoon light. This was such an intense moment when everyone has been overwhelmed by the couple perfect vows. The cocktail hour and dinner were led by one of the most prestigious French caterer Potel&Chabot. Canapés and courses were truly amazing both by the taste and presentation, and I still can’t believe in that smoking blue cheese and purple endives plate.

The elegant dinner was held in one of the castle’s indoor room and ended by an amazing dancing party led by DJ Thomas Dusseune. What a beautiful Spring day on the French Riviera. All my congratulations go to Diana&Jason for having us shared such an amazing moment.

Photography: Greg Finck | Floral Design: Yeoman's Flowers | Gown: Tara Keely | Wedding Cake: Debbie’s Cake Boutique | Bride's Shoes: Prada | Caterer: Potel & Chabot | Hair: Gérard Darby | DJ: Thomas Dusseune | Assistant Photography: Camille Marciano | Château: Château De La Napoule | Event Planning And Design: Lavender And Rose Weddings

© Style Me Pretty, 2015. | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Destination Wedding, Outdoor Ceremony
Post categories: Real Weddings, Romantic, The Blog

from Style Me Pretty http://ift.tt/1LAKzql

The Wedding & Gift Registry from Bed Bath & Beyond

Whether you’re starting your very first home together or adding to the abode you already share, building the perfect registry is all about finding the right products.  And when it comes to taking your house to home with fab brands and total convenience, Bed Bath & Beyond is THE place to curate that dream registry.  Think gorgeous bedding, crazy cool kitchen must-haves and awesome table settings…

Throwing that very first dinner party as newlyweds is always a fabulous experience, and with Bed Bath & Beyond, it will also be super gorgeous.  Picture a never-ending lineup of fine china, crystal and flatware that will turn your dining room into the prettiest party spot you’ve ever laid your eyes on.  Not to mention that with Bed Bath & Beyond’s team of dedicated Registry Consultants, you’ll have access to expert advice every step of the way, so you’ll never wonder just how many table settings you need… or how exactly to use all of that flatware.  And those fine china patterns from kate spade new york®, Lenox® and Waterford®?  Sure to wow each and every one of your guests.

So, what are you waiting for, m’dears?  Grab your sweetie and head on over to a Bed Bath & Beyond location to peruse the aisles and really narrow down your likes and loves.  You’ll be more than thrilled with their easy-peasy process (hello, 1,000+ stores and easy-to-navigate website), plus spectacular options for all aspects of your home and wedding, from gorgeous stationery to fun-filled bridal party gifts to stunning wedding bands for the big day.  And don’t forget about their uber-convenient mobile app, which puts thousands of products right at your fingertips with the ability to scan in-store, order online and view product availability, plus manage your registry!  It’s a lifetime of memories starting right here, right now with Bed Bath & Beyond.  Happy registering!

Modern: Max Wanger Photography + kate spade new york Charlotte Street East Dinnerware Collection + Noritake® Colorwave 5-Piece Flatware Set in Graphite + Orrefors Pulse Stemless Wine Glass (Set of 4)

Whimsical: Robert Chan for Michael + Anna Costa Photography + kate spade new york Larabee Road Black™ 9-Inch Accent Plate + Yamazaki® Lysa 20-Piece Flatware Set + kate spade new york Mercer Drive 9-Inch Accent Plate + Wedgwood® Jasper Conran Chinoiserie Dinnerware in Green + Mikasa® Cheers Stemless Wine Glasses (Set of 4)

Vintage: Oy Photography + Gourmet Settings Avalon Flatware + kate spade new york Rosa Terrace Placemat and Napkin + Noritake® Troy Crystal 14-Ounce Iced Beverage Glass + Lenox® French Perle Dinnerware in Ice Blue

Classic: Aaron And Jillian Photography + Vera Wang Wedgwood® Polished Gold Flatware Collection + kate spade new york Larabee Road Platinum Dinnerware + Lenox® Firelight® Crystal 8 oz. Wine Glass + kate spade new york Harbour Drive Placemat and Napkin

Rustic: Brett Heidebrecht Photography + Mikasa® Brewmasters 16 1/2-Ounce Beer Mugs (Set of 4) + Denby Dine 4-Piece Dinnerware Set in Cherry + Cambridge Esben Beachwood 16-Piece Flatware Set + Natural Rattan Round 15-Inch Placemat  

© Style Me Pretty, 2015. | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:
Post categories: Sponsored Posts, The Blog

from Style Me Pretty http://ift.tt/1LAtmgI

Engage Nizuc Gala

Twice a year, every year, the creme de la creme of the wedding industry comes together to talk shop, to inspire, to trade war stories and to be spoiled utterly rotten by the amazing duo at Engage Summits – the lovely Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce. It’s four days of pure wedding bliss. And while I’d love to spill every last detail, I’m focusing instead on the one event that every last one of YOU will find inspiring. Crafted and executed by the incredible team at Elena Damy, this is a Mexican fiesta worthy of Kings. And if ever you get the chance to attend one of the upcoming Summits, consider yourself one of the family. Oh and there may or may not have been an appearance by Salt-N-Pepa thanks to Elan Artists. More here!

ENGAGE! NIZUC from Julie Hill on Vimeo.

From the amazing team at Elena Damy…

After attending several engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summits, we couldn’t wait for the right opportunity to introduce our industry colleagues to our beloved Mexico! When we discovered the uber-stylish, incredibly posh Nizuc Resort in Cancun, we knew we had to share it with Rebecca and Kathryn. They, too, fell in love with the breath-taking resort and asked us to design the Gala for the conference! We were honored, to say the least, and we couldn’t wait to get started designing an event that would share the warm sophisticated spirit of Mexico!

Once you get a glimpse of Nizuc’s minimalist architecture, globally-inspired interior design, and locally-influenced landscape, you can’t NOT be inspired! Thoughtful. Purposeful. Dramatic. Yet, somehow, understated and unobtrusive. It was easy to draw our own inspiration for the gala from all the earthy scenic elegance of Nizuc. We set out to use the same palette of metallics, stone and wood to create the final engage! party. Specifically, weathered gold and vintage platinum, mixed with glossy onyx black and distressed wood. Blended with geometric lines in the square and rectangular dinner tables, to the low lush white floral arrangements that kept the site lines clean and the energy “engaging” across the table, the whole design concept echoed the modern warmth of Mexico.

We brought in hand-made or locally-sourced Mexican décor elements such as mirrored containers and votive holders custom made for this occasion by artists from Jalisco, the land of tequila, mariachi and craftsmanship, complemented with oversized succulents and different types of indigenous foliage from Southeast Mexico, and a set of 103 hanging hearts made with wooden branches by artists from the Bajío region of Mexico.

The square oversized tables (each one seating 16 people) had black linens and black ghost chairs, while the rectangular tables had ivory linens (each one seating 36 people) and distressed vineyard cross-back chairs on the sides and glossy ghost chairs on the head of the tables. A wooden round dance floor was the perfect element to use as the center of the ballroom and, above it, we created an oversized, free form “chandelier” with giant natural hearts and local foliage. Smaller versions of the chandeliers were hung above some of the dinner tables.

Nizuc’s ballroom has impressive views to the mangrove swamp (which we decided to enhance with spots of light outside the ballroom), beautiful floor to ceiling wooden shutters, and a couple of elegant white stone walls, so we avoided adding draping or trusses that would ruin the already cool space and obscure the gorgeous view. Soft ambient light from our low, weathered metallic votives and hurricanes complemented the subtle settings.

Film by: Elysium Productions | Event & Floral Design: Elena Damy | Photographs from: John Cain, Love Life Images, Tammy Swales, Carla Ten Eyke, Dave Noonan for C10 Studios, Dorian Patrick for C10 Studios, Joel Callaway for C10 Studios | Venue: NIZUC Resort & Spa | Music & Entertainment: Elan Artists | Linens: Nüage Designs | Wooden Chargers/Menues: Two Paper Dolls Design Studio | 3D Invitations: Gifts for the Good Life | Logistics Support + Stage, Dance Floor and DJ Booth: Solen Group | Production Logistics Support and Lighting: JSAV | Tables & Chairs: Grupo Gama | Foyer Furniture and Rentals: Archive Rentals

© Style Me Pretty, 2015. | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Engage '15, Engage Summits, Mexico
Post categories: The Blog

from Style Me Pretty http://ift.tt/1LFVr7i

Get Your Abs and Booty Honeymoon Ready

First comes love, then comes marriage and then, soon after, comes the honeymoon! Whether you plan on traveling to Tuscany or lounging poolside on the beach, getting those abs and booty in shape will make you feel even more special. The ladies of Tone it Up are helping you get in tip top shape for your big day. They started by showing us some killer moves to get those arms ready for your dress and now it’s on to the honeymoon!

Honeymoon Abs and Booty

View Slideshow

Honeymoon Abs and Booty

View Slideshow

© Style Me Pretty, 2015. | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:
Post categories: The Blog

from Style Me Pretty http://ift.tt/1LSHuzT

Q and A with President of GayWeddings.com Kathryn Hamm

The New York Institute of Art and Design offers an online wedding planning course, and because we do, we like to offer free tips for wedding planners. Enjoy!

Kathryn Hamm is the President and Publisher at GayWeddings.com, the leading online resource dedicated to serving same-sex couples. She also works as an Education Expert for WeddingWire, volunteers frequently, and co-authored a book- “The New Art of Capturing Love.” Kathryn is also a featured expert in NYIAD’s Complete Course in Wedding Planning.

In honor of LGBT Pride Month, we’re happy to share some insightful advice Kathryn gave us for our wedding planning students.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to work in wedding planning?

A: I’m not sure that I really decided that I wanted to work in wedding planning per se. It’s more like it found me. My wedding planning strengths come from having been a counselor and administrator in a school setting, and also from planning my own same-sex wedding.

Q: Tell us about GayWeddings.com.

A: We have supported engaged couples, their families and wedding professionals on all topics related to same-sex weddings. I’m also proud to say that we were the first site of its kind and our current LGBTQ-Friendly directory features more than 120,000 wedding professionals who are ready, willing and able to serve same-sex couples.

Q: Looking back on a time when you were first getting into the wedding planning industry, what’s something you wish you knew then that you do know now?

A: I’ve been very fortunate to have a strong network of kind and smart people who have been willing to teach me. I also love ‘on the job’ training as it serves as a kind of ‘lifelong learning’ for me, but that also means that I make lots of mistakes. So ultimately, approaching my work as a ‘work in progress’ has actually helped me to support the industry, which is also a work in progress.

Q: What would you say was the biggest struggle you’ve faced?

A: The days that have been the hardest are the days when I realize I am stuck and need to do something differently to get a result. Nothing is harder than breaking old habits and playing to strengths to find a solution that lives in something outside of experience and comfort. Nonetheless, the moments that I’ve had these insights and seen them to fruition have resulted in some of the accomplishments of which I’m the most proud.

Q: Why is your work rewarding?

A: Each day I learn myself, but I also have the opportunity to contribute in whatever small way to making this world a better place. I love solving problems and advocating for change that matters.

Q: What is the most important piece of advice you could give to our students, and to all aspiring wedding planners?

A: Remember that working hard for someone else and learning the ropes first can go a long way toward greater effectiveness down the road. Finding a good mentor is key. And finally, strong organizational skills (especially if you’ll be a planner) and developing healthy relationships are important to building trust with coworkers/ clients and being effective in the work you do.

Want to learn more? The New York Institute of Art and Design can teach you how to become a wedding planner. Request your free course catalog today!

from New York Institute of Art and Design RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1Ipd8Gl

Q and A with President of GayWeddings.com Kathryn Hamm

The New York Institute of Art and Design offers an online wedding planning course, and because we do, we like to offer free tips for wedding planners. Enjoy!

Kathryn Hamm is the President and Publisher at GayWeddings.com, the leading online resource dedicated to serving same-sex couples. She also works as an Education Expert for WeddingWire, volunteers frequently, and co-authored a book- “The New Art of Capturing Love.” Kathryn is also a featured expert in NYIAD’s Complete Course in Wedding Planning.

In honor of LGBT Pride Month, we’re happy to share some insightful advice Kathryn gave us for our wedding planning students.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to work in wedding planning?

A: I’m not sure that I really decided that I wanted to work in wedding planning per se. It’s more like it found me. My wedding planning strengths come from having been a counselor and administrator in a school setting, and also from planning my own same-sex wedding.

Q: Tell us about GayWeddings.com.

A: We have supported engaged couples, their families and wedding professionals on all topics related to same-sex weddings. I’m also proud to say that we were the first site of its kind and our current LGBTQ-Friendly directory features more than 120,000 wedding professionals who are ready, willing and able to serve same-sex couples.

Q: Looking back on a time when you were first getting into the wedding planning industry, what’s something you wish you knew then that you do know now?

A: I’ve been very fortunate to have a strong network of kind and smart people who have been willing to teach me. I also love ‘on the job’ training as it serves as a kind of ‘lifelong learning’ for me, but that also means that I make lots of mistakes. So ultimately, approaching my work as a ‘work in progress’ has actually helped me to support the industry, which is also a work in progress.

Q: What would you say was the biggest struggle you’ve faced?

A: The days that have been the hardest are the days when I realize I am stuck and need to do something differently to get a result. Nothing is harder than breaking old habits and playing to strengths to find a solution that lives in something outside of experience and comfort. Nonetheless, the moments that I’ve had these insights and seen them to fruition have resulted in some of the accomplishments of which I’m the most proud.

Q: Why is your work rewarding?

A: Each day I learn myself, but I also have the opportunity to contribute in whatever small way to making this world a better place. I love solving problems and advocating for change that matters.

Q: What is the most important piece of advice you could give to our students, and to all aspiring wedding planners?

A: Remember that working hard for someone else and learning the ropes first can go a long way toward greater effectiveness down the road. Finding a good mentor is key. And finally, strong organizational skills (especially if you’ll be a planner) and developing healthy relationships are important to building trust with coworkers/ clients and being effective in the work you do.

Want to learn more? The New York Institute of Art and Design can teach you how to become a wedding planner. Request your free course catalog today!

from New York Institute of Art and Design RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1Ipd8Gl

Romantic San Ysidro Ranch Summer Wedding

For these longtime loves, their idea of the ultimate lovefest meant one major outdoor celebration. Planning a stunning affair complete with ocean views and a mountain backdrop, this whimsical hometown fete from Jill and Co. Events will leave dreaming of the Golden state. It’s the ultimate sunny celebration from the lens of from Diana McGregor and it’s blooming with perfectly pink details that have us redefining romance.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Colors

Seasons

Summer

Settings

GardenRanch

Styles

Romantic

From Jill and Co Events… The Bride and Groom both reside in Santa Barbara, and knew they wanted to share the specialness of their hometown with all of their guests on their big day. After touring multiple venues with her sister, Jenn knew after visiting the San Ysidro Ranch that nothing else could quite compare with the history of the love stories there, as well as the location being nestled between lush gardens with the majestic mountains in the background.

Having a sister as an event photographer, photography was of the utmost importance, and we were thrilled to have Diana McGregor Photography on board with her team to capture all of the moments and details. Anna LePley Taylor created magic with her florals, adding to the ambiance of the San Ysidro Ranch and creating a romantic atmosphere in the Hydrangea Cottage where the intimate group of 60 dined by candlelight. The guests danced the night away under the stars and the beautiful chandeliers provided by Bella Vista Lighting to tunes spun by Gavin Roy of Gavin Roy Productions. It was a perfect day in May with a dream team assembled, and personally so special to be entrusted on executing a beautiful day for a colleague and good friend’s sister.

From the beautiful Bride… Steve and I met in 2003 in the Bay Area when we were 16 years old. We were friends and dated throughout high school, and then moved to Santa Barbara together to attend college and start our careers. The vision for our wedding was soft and romantic, and inspired by the beautiful gardens of San Ysidro Ranch. Since we’ve lived in Santa Barbara for 10 years now, we knew we wanted our wedding to reflect Santa Barbara and what it means to us, and San Ysidro Ranch was it. With a rich history, beautiful backdrop, it’s close relationship to nature, and awesome antiques throughout the location, we knew this was the perfect spot for us and all things we love.

We added soft blues, golds and blushes into our color scheme, and allowed our small wedding party to choose the clothes that were right for them! Our guest list was just right at 60 guests. We initially started out at over 200 guests and decided we wanted to have our wedding for us, and not for everybody else. So, we invited our closest friends and family and had the time of our lives! It was the best decision we could have made!

We wanted to be surrounded by nature, and beautiful gardens are definitely my weakness, so getting married outside among San Ysidro’s beautiful flowers, draping vines, large magnolia and citrus trees, rose bushes, and the Santa Ynez mountains to one side of us, and the Pacific Ocean to the other, was more than enough for us. The minute we stepped onto the property, smelled the floral and citrus scents, heard the birds chirping and the butterflies floating by, we knew it was right for us.

Also, the rich history, beautiful architecture and antiques that surround the property were all reasons why we couldn’t step away from San Ysidro Ranch! The stories that surround the 123 year old property make it all that much more special and closer to Santa Barbara and why we love it here so much. Additionally, the staff, food and wine list at San Ysidro were all added bonuses to what we call our perfect venue.

The flowers were soft and romantic with touches of white, blush and greenery throughout. We used garland on our banquet tables and large arrangements on our round tables during dinner. We also included olive branches on each table setting inside with a matching large olive branch garland along the fireplace inside the Hydrangea Room for dinner, along with large olive branch arrangements during cocktail hour and outside on the patio for dancing. We also included touches of soft draped flowers on our wedding cake with cut green figs and textured frosting.

Photography: Diana McGregor | Coordination: Jill And Co. Events | Floral Design: Anna Le Pley Taylor | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Cake: San Ysidro Ranch | Stationery: Lazaro Press And Designs | Necklace: Zoe Chicco | Catering: San Ysidro Ranch | Makeup Artist: Luna Bella Make Up | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs | DJ: GRP | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Groom's Shoes: Cole Haan | Officiant: Jon Ireland | Transportation: SB Trolley | Bridal Boutique: M Bride Salon | Bride's Shoes And Clutch: Jimmy Choo | Ceremony & Reception Venue: San Ysidro Ranch | Earrings : J. Crew | Guitarist: Ybarra Music | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Photography - Assistance: Michelle Boyd | Rentals: Town And Country

© Style Me Pretty, 2015. | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:
Post categories: Real Weddings, Romantic, The Blog

from Style Me Pretty http://ift.tt/1CF4ygt