A vintage inspired bridal session
Dear Juliets, today’s charming vintage-inspired wedding photo sessions is dedicated to all of you nostalgic for a more romantic by-gone era. I have to admit that vintage was never one of my big passions, until my grandmother passed away. Going through her fashion accessories and dresses, I felt as if my grandmother as a young woman was more than I perceived her to be all these years. Unfortunately, she didn’t have any photo from that period and that gave my wild imagination free reign to picture her on her wedding day.
Thanks to the unique vision of Squaresville Studios, we have this super sweet and charming photo shoot with a gorgeous vintage gown and most amazing details and I have the opportunity to imagine my grandmother as lovely as this model on her big day {ps: she was married to my grandfather for 56 years}.
Model: Chelsea Nath / Make-up + Hair: LaDonna Stein / Photography: Squaresville Studios
To see the complete photo session please visit the StylemePretty gallery.
Boho-chic fashion accessories for brides
I was very inspired by the charming boho-chic wedding of Molly and Max and their choice of accessories (and colors), so I decided to create an inspiration board for other free-spirited Juliets. The boho look, which owes much to the hippie styles that developed in the middle to late 1960s, gained popularity in the early nineties, and although appearing to wane from time to time, has repeatedly re-surfaced in varying guises. I am personally loving it!
Anthropologie necklace • Prettie boho chic blouse via Pinterest • Bracelets stack via Pinterest • Pink shoes via 4inspireddesign.com
Max + Molly : A Charming Rustic Outdoor Wedding
Oh my, dear Juliets you are absolutely going to fall in love head over heels with this next wedding and the movie-star beautiful bride and groom!
Max and Molly’s charming rustic wedding actually made me gasp with admiration for its beautiful simplicity and choice of location. Not to mention the hippie relaxed vibe and little design hints of Native American style and turquoise gems, which made for a very unique and creative choice of wedding bands. And what about that gorgeous 70′s inspired headpiece designed by Moorea Seal?!
Both Molly and Max wanted an outdoorsy feel for their wedding and since Max works for the Boy Scouts, they chose a camp tucked away in the hills of Orange County, California. Captured by the talented photographer Braedon Flynn, these incredibly gorgeous photos depict a day of effortlessly beautiful style and a love between two people that needs no words to describe.
The passion that Molly and Max share for each other shows through in their photographs and I melting away at how Molly describes fer love for Max.
Max first won me over by his looks. I mean, look at him. But very quickly I saw his humor, which is exactly like mine, and that drew me to him initially. But the thing that made me want to marry Max was the way he treated me. Never before have I been treated with such respect and love by a man. Never have I been so cherished and taken care of. I have never felt more myself and never been pushed so much to be a better person, daughter, sister, friend, lover. Max makes me a better me. I wouldn’t want to be anyone else and I wouldn’t want to be that with anyone other than Max.
PS: For those of you who have heard of Molly Jenson, you should know that she is an amazingly talented singer and songwriter.
Photography: Braedon Photography // Venue: Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center // Invitations: Wiley Valentine // Wedding Dress: Willow & Clay available at Nordstrom // Makeup by Amie E. Smith // Moccasins : Urban Outfitters // Headpiece: Moorea Seal // Groom Suit: Banana Republic (pants), J.Crew (jacket), Johnston & Murphy (shoes), Urban Outfitters (shirt), Geoffrey Beene (suspenders)
A romantic destination with an old-western flavor in Colorado
Have you ever thought about truly getting away with your sweetheart?
Sitting together in a rocking chair looking at a breathtaking mountain scenery with no other sound than the chirping of the birds around?
Breathing in fresh crisp air? Riding horses, hiking, white water rafting or just enjoying smores by the campfire?
Too good to be true? Not at Smith Fork Ranch in Crawford, Colorado!
A romantic getaway or honeymoon at the Smith Fork Ranch will be an experience the two of you will cherish for a lifetime. Straddling the Smith Fork River valley, midway between Aspen and Telluride, the Smith Fork Ranch stands as one of the most secluded mountain retreats in North America, the perfect place to celebrate and rejoice in front of a wood burning fire with that someone special.
From your porch at daybreak you can watch the wildlife in the meadows and up on the mountains. The ranch is nestled in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, amidst thousands of acres of wilderness and national forest so you will feel miles away from the worries of city life.
THE ESSENTIALS
45362 Needle Rock Rd Crawford, CO 81415
www.smithforkranch.com
After dark, you can search for your favorite constellation in the bright sky and whisper sweet words to your loved one.
Here are several other activities (inspired by Jetsetter) that are guaranteed to keep you busy and enthusiastic throughout your stay:
Wine tasting - The ranch can arrange visits to local tasting rooms and wineries. Couple of options include Alfred Eames Cellars, Stone Cottage Cellars, and Leroux Creek Vineyards.
Spark your creativity – Pottery-making never looked more sensual than in the movie Ghost, so if that scene gets your blood pumping here’s your chance to create your very own Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore moment but this time with glass-making. Smith Fork Ranch can arrange a glass-blowing lesson at the Davis Glass Studio, during which you’ll create something with your sweetheart to display in your own home. ($75).
Marvel at the landscape – How does a picnic by one of the most dramatically deep and narrow canyons in the country sound? Twenty minutes from the ranch lies Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and you can have the ranch pack you a picnic basket before you head out.
Horseback riding – Whether your are as comfortable as John Wayne or as reluctant as Charlotte from Sex and the City when it comes to riding a horse , the ranch can provide you with a great horseback riding experience.
Get centered – If your saddle-sore self needs more therapy than even the ranch’s luscious outdoor hot tub can provide, book a creek-side massage or a session with Smith Fork’s on-site yoga instructor. Or both.
Geared mostly toward couples.
Rooms and cabins have no TVs, but are equipped with Ipod docking stations.
Wireless internet service.
Room rates from $375 an up.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU – STYLE INSPIRATION
Western romantic getaway outfit recommendations. I though it would be fun to include couple of chic outfit ideas for your western romantic getaway/honeymoon: a mixture of practical for the many outdoor activities available at the ranch and dressed-up for those romantic dinners with your sweetheart.
For more amazing fashion inspiration please visit one of my favorite fashion style blogs: All Things Lovely.
Dream ruffled wedding gowns by Vera Wang
The first name that comes to my mind when I think about luxurious and exquisite wedding dresses is Vera Wang! She has designed wedding gowns for pretty much everyone in the who’s who list of Hollywood, from Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Victoria Beckham, Kate Beckinsale, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, to the gowns worn by Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson in Bride Wars. If there is one thing that Vera Wang knows to do better than anyone else though, it’s a dream ruffled wedding gown.
Her Fall 2011 collection has several that I am sure many brides are dreaming off but here are my top 4 picks, each of them looking more heavenly than the next.
GHILLIAN
Take a look at this gorgeous strapless ball gown that fuses yards and yards of shadow and chantilly lace blossoming into a chrysanthemum organza blossom skirt bringing to mind spun sugar.
GISELE
A strapless soft ballgown with fusions of shadow and chantilly lace, swirling multi-tiered confection skirt and crystal bouquet embroidery, perfect for a classy affair!
GENEVIEVE
A modified mermaid strapless sweetheart gown with asymmetrically draped peplum bodice and multi-tiered back over–skirt. So elegant and feminine!
GABRIELA
A v-neck mermaid gown with illusion corset top and cut blossom skirt with tulle overlay reminiscing of a delicate rose. I already picture it for a vintage chic affair mixed with some glamorous headpieces by Jannie Baltzer!
DINAH + DIEDRE
And now here are two other gorgeous wedding dresses from Vera Wang’s Spring 2011 collection that I am still having a major swoonfest over!
Dinah is a strapless full A-line gown with lace bodice, bow at natural waist and softly tucked skirt. Diedre is a pale nude strapless full A-line tissue organza gown with asymmetrically draped bias tiered origami skirt, back bows, and nude grosgrain bow at natural waist. Both are just right for an outdoor celebration!
A romantic elopement on the sandy beaches of Costa Rica
While some people are dreaming of a barefoot beach wedding, others are making their dreams come true!
I absolutely love it when two people follow their heart and that is exactly what Dustin and Terri, the couple whose beach elopement was captured by the talented A Brit & A Blonde {such a chic name, don’t you think?} photographers in Costa Rica, have done. Their simple, yet beautiful, destination wedding stole my heart because you can really tell how much these two people love and have fun with each other in every shot.
Terri came up with the whole vision of what she wanted her big day to be and, in a role reversal that I think should become a new trend (hint to all the Romeos out there)– it was Dustin’s gift to her that he took the reigns of the planning over to make sure she got exactly what she wanted and brought her ideas to life. How inspiring!!!
As Jessica, the blonde half of A Brit & A Blonde photographers team mentioned to me, this couple may have only met less then a year ago – but to be around them you would swear that two people could not go together any better. They both hail from sunny Florida but chose Santa Teresa, Costa Rica (AKA the best beach in all of Central and South America) as the romantic backdrop for their elopement.
Although both Dustin and Terri have kids from previous marriages, and friends and family who undoubtedly wanted to be there – they were focused right from the start to make it about the two of them. Technically, they had gotten married in Florida before arriving in Costa Rica – so that they could simply read out their own vows to each other, under a lovely little canopy overlooking the ocean – without any officiant. Their vows were truly from the heart and had the photographers weeping behind their cameras the whole time. A true modern Romeo and Juliet!
One of the big items on Terri’s wish list – was a bed to be brought out onto the beach with beautiful white fabric flowing in the wind. Dustin pulled out all the stops and truly created a paradise fairytale: tiki torches, gorgeous flowing fabric on the bed posts, a bonfire, a secluded part of the beach.
Dustin created sand pails with their names on them – so they could build sand castles together and feel like kids again. How fun!!!
The fun did not stop and the evening continued on a romantic tone. I am melting just looking at these incredibility romantic photos!
I love the idea of the blazing fire by the ocean and the live guitar serenading in the background!
The next morning, with A Brit & A Blonde photographers in tow, the couple woke up bright and early and did a trash the dress shoot.
Terri’s beautiful wedding dress was made by Galina and was a soft white Sweetheart organza down. It was the perfect style choice and material for the beach. Casual but classy – since she was guaranteed to end up in the ocean at some point with it!
Dustin – who was in the military and is a graphic designer opted for American classic designers – his shirt was from Calvin Klein and pants from Perry Ellis.
A summer beach outfit inspiration board
Dear Juliets, I’ve got a MAJOR thing for living close to the ocean and SUMMER always takes my thoughts to sandy beaches, seashells and seagulls. If I had nine lives, or nine marriages (although that would become confusing after a while) one of my wedding ceremonies would take place barefoot on the beach. Doesn’t this inspiration board make you want to dream of that?
Milly Jute Trim Cover-up Dress at Bloomingdales • Mystique sandals at Polyvor • Golden necklace at Anthropologie • La dolce vita on the beach {photo by: Ozzy Garcia} via StylemePretty
A sweet feminine inspiration board
I fell in love with Sammi’s gorgeous bridal session photographed by the talented Jessica Janae the moment I first saw it on her website couple of months ago. Inspired by the beautiful bride and her gorgeous wedding dress, I decided to start working on this inspiration board, looking to mix feminine ruffled elements with a touch of vintage. I’ve always dreamed of having a wedding reception under an old oak tree with lots of candles hanging from the branches. So fairy-tale like!
Gorgeous bride {by Jessica Janae Photography} • Shoes: Ann Taylor {by Adam Barnes Photography} • Wedding reception decor by Victoria Canada Weddings and Events {photo: Phyllis Lane} • Beautiful bouquet designed by JMFlora Design {photo by Stephanie Williams} • Stunning wedding ceremony location {photo by Millie Holloman}
5 great ideas to add a personal touch to your wedding
Whether you dream of saying I DO barefoot on the beach, in cowboy boots in a country barn or in a Vera Wang dress at a glamorous estate, it’s the personal touches that will make your wedding memorable. There’s no shortage of creativity these days so here are 5 easy ways to make your wedding day special by adding a personal touch.
1. Your favorite words as ceremony decor
What better way to express how you feel than by having some of your favorite words as decoration hanging over the ceremony. After the wedding you can take the sign home as a wonderful keepsake.
True love is a big deal photos by {Jonas Peterson}.
2. Create a signature wedding cocktail
Create a signature drink to be served as the guests enter cocktail hour or even share his and her’s favorite drinks. Make sure the drinks have a fun and flirty name, and consider making a festive sign announcing them at the bar.
His & hers signature cocktails stand by {onelove photography} • Lemon drop cocktail via Martha Stewart weddings • Pink cocktail drink via Hostess blog • Mango mojitos by {kateheadleyphotography.com}
3. Get creative with the food menu
If both of you are big foodies, create a menu that incorporates some of your favorite foods, from the hors d’oeuvres served at the ceremony to fruit-cups and root-beer floats served after the cake.
Custom menu designed by Casadeperrin {W. Scott Chester Photography} via Greenweddingshoes.com
Fruit cups + quiche + maple bacon by Lauren Blair Photography via the Hostess blog
4. Offer to your guests unique wedding favors
Personalized wedding favors are all the rage these days and for good reason. We’ve all gotten (and promptly discarded) those wedding favors that have become a cliche so choose something that will show your personality and also tie-in to the location of your wedding.
A Vermont wedding might warrant miniature jars of maple syrup, a beach wedding might call for a personalized beach ball, and a great New York wedding favor could be a Not for Tourists guide. How about this great honey jar idea ?
Honey favors by Ashley Maxwell via Greenweddingshoes.com
5. Share your soundtrack of love
A customized CD of your favorite songs has become a popular favor with many couples. Your guests will surely appreciate your gift, and remember what a great time they had at your wedding just by playing your soundtrack.
Erin + Richard soundtrack by Hobson Design via Stylemepretty.com • Noah + Courtney love songs CD photo by {Sloan Photographers} via greenweddingshoes.com
Sexy boudoir photography for brides-to-be
Ever since Samantha bared it all in front of the camera for a sexy self-portrait on Sex and the City, brides everywhere have been dreaming of taking their own steamy shots. I think a boudoir photography session would make a great treat for you ladies and a sexy wedding gift for your Romeo.
I love the idea of capturing the natural, alluring beauty of a woman’s body and I know for a fact that the special man in your life will appreciate those intimate photos as well. And believe me, nobody is completely confident with their own body but I think the key to a successful boudoir session is to focus on those aspects of ourselves that our men find attractive.
Starting soon I’ll be featuring some incredible boudoir photography sessions to inspire you in letting your body take center stage for a change!
to JulietmarriesRomeo.com, a brand new stylish wedding blog featuring gorgeous wedding photography, fabulous accessories, and sweet details to inspire modern Juliets plan their dream wedding.
Add a personal touch
Jannie Baltzer headpieces
Super cute handmade favors
