Cheers to the New Year!
It's the season of bubbly cocktails, and we're always looking for a new cocktail to try! New Year's Eve is a night to celebrate the past and look forward to the future surrounded by your closest friends and family, so find that perfect beverage to share with those you care about most! From a Honey Sage Gin to a Champagne Margarita, we've rounded up a collection of fresh and flavorful cocktails to spice up the evening.
Celebrate right and pour yourself one of these light and fun cocktails this New Year's Eve!
Holiday Makeup Inspiration
Dress up your look for the season with makeup! Classic, timeless looks are perfect for weddings but when the holidays roll around, it's fun to change things up and to go for completely unexpected looks. What's more fun than throwing on that favorite party dress and a little {make-up} sparkle? Neutral shadow and a bold mauve or berry lip is a killer combo. Add some color to that smokey eye or go super clean with just a bit of shimmer. And, since it's a little chilly outside, it's the perfect time to rock some rosy cheeks. Complete your holiday look by playing up the brows. From neutrals to glam, makeup is the perfect way to complete your holiday style!
Check out the looks below to find your perfect look for the holidays!
Pantone Color 2018 // Ultra violet
It's official, the Pantone Color of the Year for 2018 is ultra violet! It's almost like they dedicated this year's color to Prince {lucky for us Minnesotans}! Look for this color to pop everywhere from fashion, to home decor to weddings. You might not realize it yet, but there tons of gorgeous color combinations you can do with this bold and vibrant color! From little details to a full violet palette, you'll soon be obsessed with this color.
Wedding palettes have slowly been transitioning to deeper hues and we are ready to embrace color full on! One of our favorite 2018 Pantone inspired palettes is a combination of blue gray, fuchsia, and yes, you guessed it, ULTRA VIOLET! If you're looking for a monochromatic color scheme, match the Pantone color with deep, rich berry hues. For the bolder bride who wants to flaunt their creative side, add some yellow and orange to the look. Even a neutral color palette can use some love from this pretty hue! Place cards, drinks, invitation suites and cakes are all perfect ways to include an ultra violet accent into your special day.
To inspire you, we have four of our favorite Pantone color combinations below {8 colors in each} featuring ultra violet as well as some of our favorite ways violet has been incorporated into weddings!
Image Credits {Left to Right, Top to Bottom}
via Hi Miss Puff | via Sail and Swan | via A Lowcountry Wedding | via Look Linger Love | Everlasting Moments via WedLuxe | WarmPhoto via Ruffled Blog | via Tasty Trials | via Bodas y Weddings | Jenny Fu via Brides | Jenny Fu via Brides | Carla Gates Photography via Borrowed & Blue | via Pinterest | Ivory+Bliss via Wedding Sparrow | Erin Kunkel via Martha Stewart Weddings | via Fifty Flowers | Zavion Kotze
Your Needed Thanksgiving Inspiration
Happy Thanksgiving Week!
If you haven't already, it's time to start preparing for this very special holiday we all share in with family and friends. Whether you are catching up with friends over drinks or hosting an intimate dinner, we've gathered our favorite Thanksgiving inspired ideas below.
We love warm and natural color tones during this time of year. Just because the weather is brisk doesn't mean your décor should be! The feel of your celebration should be inviting and cozy. You can achieve this feel with natural wood, textured {knit or wool} linens, gold cutlery, greenery and berries. If you're set on a color scheme with cool hues, warm up the celebration with faux fur and candles. Beyond décor, you can prepare warm cocktails and desserts. Below are just a few of our favorite festive cocktails. If you're dying to try one, click on the image for the recipe. Cakes will always be a gorgeous go-to, but a perfect alternative this time of year is pie! Whether you design a detailed pastry or serve miniature pies, your guests will appreciate a tasty treat.
No matter how you celebrate this week, we hope you take a minute to give thanks and we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Winter Wedding Warmth
Winter offers a romantic and dreamy setting for weddings. Bare trees and fluffy snow make for clean and elegant images on your special day, especially if the sun decides to peek out. And, if you're lucky, a light snow fall will create a magical backdrop. But we know what you're thinking, winter days can be quite chilly! Well, we don't think you should let that stop you from tying the knot in the midst of this beautiful season.
You can host an amazing celebration {and even have an outdoor ceremony} as long as you properly prepare for the weather conditions. If you're dreaming of an outdoor celebration, be sure to provide blankets and hand warmers to make sure your guests are comfortable. You can also keep them toasty with a coffee or hot cocoa bar. You should shop for the perfect shawl or wrap to stay cozy and chic on your special day {and don't forget your bridesmaids need something too!}. From faux fur to a knitted cape, it's easy to find a way to stay warm AND stylish. Some might call us crazy, but we think there's no more romantic season to marry than winter.
Fall 2018 New York Bridal Fashion Week
Well ladies, it's time to recap on all the gorgeous gowns that were featured during New York Bridal Fashion Week. The week was filled with details every bride dreams about, including sexy silhouettes, low necklines, chic capes {in place of veils and trains}, soft shades of nude and blush and loads of lace and appliques. While many of last season's trends are sticking around, you will still want to check out some of our favorites below to get inspired before you head out on your search for your perfect gown. Every bride has her own style she wants to flaunt on her special day, and we guarantee Bridal Fashion Week unveiled a gown for every type of bride.
From modern simplicity to laced bodysuits, we are loving all the looks for 2018.
Dress Designers:
Rosa Clará || Zuhair Murad || Mark Zunino || Francesca Miranda || Randi Rahm || Pronovias || Lihi Hod || Alexandra Grecco || Julie Vino || Lihi Hod || Isabelle Armstrong || MUSE by Berta || Ivy & Aster || Hayley Paige
Fall Beauty Looks
Fall is here and full of all the edgy, moody wedding trends we love! And yes, that includes bridal make-up.
Bridal make-up is as important as your gown in setting the mood for your big day so make a major statement. Bring a little edge to your autumn bridal style by flaunting a moody lip and smokey eye on your wedding day. Another fall favorite of ours is a nude pout with a subtle eye that uses warm copper and brown tones to create a natural yet dramatic look {and add more dimension with a soft blush}. These small details will compliment your deep-colored décor and complete your autumnal celebration. Not only will you look flawless, but your groom won't be able to take his eyes off of you!
1 via Build Your Beautiful || 2 via White Mag || 3 via Rock My Wedding || 4 via Ruffled Blog || 5 via Junebug Weddings || 6 Eriin Browne via Blue Bell and Ivy || 7 via Blush Events || 8 via Junebug Weddings
Rings for the Modern Bride
Attention ladies! This time of year is filled with romantic and loving moments and, as you probably already know, engagement season is right around the corner! So, do you need some inspo to give to your guy? Check out the images below from modern and unique to vintage and timeless. Colored stones are also a hot trend! Whatever your style, be sure to find the perfect ring that fits your style so you'll have no problem flaunting it forever.
1 markbroumand || 2 Emilie Anne Photography || 3 Highland Ring Stack Photography via Mon Cheri Bridals || 4 Etsy || 5 Wedding Forward || 6 Ring || 7 Gabriella engagement ring || 8 || 9 Mae Halo || 10 verragio || 11 jeandousset || 12 LaMoreDesign || 13 nataliemariejewellery || 14 Style Me Pretty || 15 Pop Sugar
The Chic Groom
There is no argument that the bride "takes the cake" for being most beautiful individual on the wedding day. But that doesn't mean your groom can't grab your guests' attention and flaunt high fashion. With the right details, you will walk down the aisle to the most handsome and stylish soon-to-be husband.
Don't be afraid to mix and match ANYTHING, because it'll lead you to the perfect combination of details. Especially during this fall season, we love the deep, romantic tones that are combined with a variety of color and textures. If you love what you see below, head over to our {g r o o m s m e n a t t i r e} Pinterest board.
Autumn Wedding Inspiration
Fall is coming later this week! You know what that means... apple cider, snuggle weather, and the loveliest weather for weddings! We can't get enough of all the cozy, warm feelings that come with this time of year, so we thought we would give you a jump start on the season and inspire you with some gorgeous autumn wedding inspiration.
From moody and intimate aesthetics to bright and minimalistic designs, autumn is a perfect time for the wedding of your dreams! And even though the temperatures are dropping, you can still have an outdoor ceremony with the tips and tricks we have up our sleeve. Before the ceremony, we suggest offering some cozy blankets or shawls "to have and to hold" in case your guests get a little cold! It's also a good idea to have pumpkin spice hot chocolate, mulled wine or apple cider ready for your guests to enjoy during the ceremony. They'll be extremely thankful if it's a little cool outside.
Of course, one of our favorite parts of any wedding is the decor! This is the only time of year you can get away with incorporating florals, pumpkins, greenery, blankets, caramel apples and berries all into one design. Take something as ordinary as a pumpkin and mix it in with your decor to create that one-of-a-kind wedding you've been dreaming of.
Check out all the gorgeous inspiration below and if you love it, go see our {f a l l i n s p o} Pinterest board!
Ceremony Backdrop Inspiration
Your I Do's and first kiss are magical moments from your wedding day so make sure that smooch happens in front of a STUNNING backdrop. Not only does it create a beautiful frame for your ceremony photos, but it can add needed decor and a focal point for guests' wandering eyes {especially outdoors where there can be a lot of distractions.} We are all about making good use of funds, so create something that can be repurposed as décor for your reception by placing it behind the head table, the band, the dessert table or use it as a stand-up photobooth backdrop! Whether your style is full-blown floral or minimalistic, SPLURGE on that backdrop! {We know you want to!}
Take a peek at our {Backdrops} Pinterest Board for more inspiration!
Credits (Left to Right, Top to Bottom):
Photo 1: Wesley Vorster Photography, Ruffled Blog
Photo 2: Laura Goldenberger Photography, Green Wedding Shoes
Photo 3: Jessica Cooper Photography, Style Me Pretty
Photo 4: tribesnpines, Apartment Therapy
Photo 5: Muravnik Photography, Ruffled Blog
Photo 6: Laura Gordon Photography, Style Me Pretty
Photo 7: Konsider It Done, Fifty Flowers
Photo 8: CRAZYFORUS
Photo 9: BIRDS OF A FEATHER, My Wedding
Photo 10: Apryl Ann Photography, Blog Lovin
Photo 11: The Events Lounge
Photo 12: Jessica Heron, Junebug Weddings
Shoes Made for an Outdoor Wedding
Whether you're having a beachy ceremony or a vineyard celebration, these stunning shoes are perfect for outdoor comfort and style! Choose a thick bottom heel to avoid sinking into the grass or go barefoot and flaunt some gorgeous foot jewelry!
See our {Outdoor Wedding Shoes} Pinterest board for more inspo!
Credits (Left to Right, Top to Bottom):
Image 1: Style Me Pretty, Jessica Scott Photography
Image 2: ForeverSoles, Wedding Forward
Image 3: Style Me Pretty, Ana Lui Photography
Image 4: ForeverSoles
Image 5: Style Me Pretty, Michelle Boyd Photography
Image 6: ForeverSoles, The Wedding Pin
Image 7: Southern Weddings, Erin Wilson Photography
Image 8: asos
Image 9: Fab Mood, Nancy Aidee Photography
Cocktail Time!
Looking for some inspiration for a yummy summer cocktail or the perfect signature cocktail for your wedding? Well, you've come to the right spot! Find the recipe you've been looking for below!
E L D E R F L O W E R F R E N C H 7 5
https://www.garnishwithlemon.com/elderflower-french-75/
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces champagne
Instructions
- Pour gin, elderflower and lemon juice in a shaker and combine.
- Pour into champagne flutes and top with chilled champagne
Be sure to top it off with gorgeous, edible flowers!
G R A P E F R U I T - L I M E C O C K T A I L with G I N G E R + R O S E M A R Y http://www.useyournoodles.eu/grapefruit-lime-cocktail-ginger-rosemary // via Style Me Pretty
Ginger + Rosemary Syrup Ingredients
- big chunk of ginger (~30g)
- 10 small rosemary stems (~10g)
- 4 TBSP honey
Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
- 1 cup lime juice
- 1 cup ginger and rosemary syrup
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup white rum
Instructions
- Simmer syrup ingredients until fully dissolved, then bring to room temperature.
- Mix cocktail ingredients in pitcher and serve over crushed ice.
Garnish with rosemary sprigs and a slice of pink grapefruit.
B L A C K B E R R Y M O S C O W M U L E
http://www.cakenknife.com/blackberry-moscow-mule/
Ingredients
- 5 blackberries
- 1 lime wheel
- 1.5 oz vodka
- ginger beer
Instructions
- In the bottom of a copper Moscow mule mug, muddle together the blackberries and lime.
- Fill the glass halfway full of ice.
- Add the vodka and fill the rest of the way with ginger beer.
- Stir to combine.
Garnish with a blackberry and mint sprig.
G R A P E F R U I T + S A G E C H A M P A G N E C O C K T A I L
http://www.floatingkitchen.net/grapefruit-and-sage-champagne-cocktails/
Sage Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 bunches of fresh sage leaves
Cocktail Ingredients
- 3 oz pink grapefruit juice
- 1.5 oz sage simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 4 oz champagne
Instructions
- Simmer syrup ingredients until fully dissolved, then bring to room temperature and remove sage leaves.
- Combine cocktail ingredients, add ice and top with champagne.
Garnish with fresh sage sprigs.
P I N E A P P L E P U N C H with G I N G E R B E E R
http://www.abeautifulplate.com/pineapple-punch/) // via Style Me Pretty
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup light rum
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 32 to 34 ounces chilled ginger beer
Instructions
- Mix cocktail ingredients in pitcher.
- Serve over crushed ice.
Garnish with mint spring and orange, lime and grapefruit wedges.
Place Cards for the Modern Bride
Nothing completes your wedding style more perfectly than gorgeous and unique place cards! Not only do these place cards make for a stunning touch on your special day, but double as a {personalized} wedding favor for your guests! Along with designing breathtaking place cards, make sure to display them in a way that shows off their beauty.
We love the use of calligraphy for place cards and it allows you to pick nearly any base for that perfect added touch to your tablescape. If you chose stationery, get creative with the presentation by using geometric shapes or displaying them in notches of gorgeous tree branches!
See our favorites below and check our {n a m e c a r d s} Pinterest board for more inspiration!
Photography Credits {Left to Right, Top to Bottom}:
via The Bride Story
via Etsy
via BeSpoke
via 100 Layer Cake // Elisa Bricker
Lisa Woods Photography via Ruffled Blog
Emily Wren Photography
Saffron Avenue
via Etsy
via Etsy
via My Wedding
Amy Campbell Photography via Style Me Pretty
Jessica Burke via Style Me Pretty
The Perfect Wedding Welcome Box
Your family + friends are willing to drop everything to travel distances and celebrate your wedding, so what better way to thank them than with a thoughtful welcome box filled with goodies waiting for them at the hotel! Not only is it a {sweet} way of showing gratitude, but it makes their stay more comfortable as well.
To create the perfect wedding box, find a fun container {wicker basket, canvas bag, wooden box} and make sure the overall look aligns with your wedding style to get your guests excited. Be sure to include some local additions {local beer, popcorn, cookies} that help guests get to know the area better and then mix in some inexpensive goodies like bug spray, trail mix or hangover remedies. Add a cute, personalized insert which expresses your appreciation, outlines event details and transportation logistics and recommends where to go and what do to as they relax before the big day!
Here's some of our favorite local Mpls items you should consider adding!
Chocolat Celeste | Maddy & Maize Popcorn | The Cookie Creative
Indeed Brewing Company | Green Bee Juicery
Be creative and don't be shy to ask your maids for help organizing the boxes!
Photography Credits (Left to Right, Top to Bottom)
via The Cookie Creative Instagram
via Green Bee Juicery Instagram
via The Cookie Creative Instagram
via Maddy & Maize Instagram
via Indeed Brewery Instagram
Style-Architects Weddings + Events
via Chocolat Celeste
via The Knot
Hello Love Photography via thepineapplepaperie
Corbin Gurkin via Martha Stewart Weddings
via Mari Gold Grey
via Google
via The Gift Insider
via Mari Gold Grey
Lose the Guest Book!
Oh yes we know {and completely agree}, you need a "guest book" to document all your family + friends who came to celebrate your special day!
But let's be honest, what are you actually going to with a book filled with names? You guessed it... read it, pack it away, swear you'll adore it forever, but forget it exists after a couple of months. So, we have a few solutions!
In lieu of a guest book, have family and friends leave you a note, advice, {or even better} an idea for an adventure on something that you can enjoy! Combine your style with their messages to create something you could use as home decor. Showcase your guests' notes on a bench for your backyard, a globe to keep in your office or a reclaimed wooden piece to display in your living room! As long as you can write on it, it works!
If you prefer to skip the home decor, we still love the idea of having a book but spice it up with your wedding images or Polaroid images of your guests to go along with their notes! Another alternative to a guest book is having family and friends leave messages on a video, which you can piece together later to make one special file! These options allow you to truly cherish the love you receive on your special day.
See more inspiration on our {Guest Book} Pinterest board!
Credits {Left to Right, Top to Bottom}:
Wanelo
Martha Stewart Weddings via Wedding Venues
Via Artifact Uprising
Charming Endeavours via Wedding Venues
One Love Photography via Wedding Venues
Etsy
Kelly Benton photography via Oh Best Day Ever
Spring Smith Studios via Style My Pretty
Via Oh Best Day Ever
Via Confetti Daydreams
Whitney of emilie inc. via Style Me Pretty
Via Deer Pearl Flowers
Wedding Send-offs
One of the best photo-ops on your wedding day is when your guests send you and your groom off after the ceremony or reception. Make this traditional celebration modern by having your guests throw a little something that fits your wedding style! Choose an eco-friendly option such as wild flowers or greenery to maintain a boho feel, make it a party with confetti, or light the way with sparklers or LED balloons! Little details like this add a special touch to starting your new lives together.
Photography Credits {Top to Bottom, Left to Right}:
Etsy – craftupyourlife via Deer Pearl Flowers
Keidra Lejeune Photography via ruffled blog
Nina Claire Photography via Rock n Roll Bride
Bridal Musing via Deer Pearl Flowers
Photogen Inc.
via Google
Getty Images
Getty Images
Mother of the Bride Attire
Your daughter's wedding day is just as special for you as it is for her. It will be a day you both look back on and cherish forever. So, don't hold back on your wedding day attire and don't let the decision sit on the back burner in lieu of other wedding planning! Of course you don't want to steal any attention from the beautiful bride {and frankly how could you - she's your daughter}, but who says you can't look fabulous as well?
Here's some advice. Stray away from white + ivory {for obvious reasons} but don't limit any possibilities! Bridal shops do offer Mother of the Bride dresses, but don't be afraid to extend your search to a boutique or the formal section of any good department store. One of our favorite MOB options is a classy jumpsuit that is both trendy and flattering. Make sure your attire matches your style as well as the event's formality.
Pinspiration // Drip Cakes
Every bride wants a wedding cake that is [almost} too gorgeous to eat, yet has everyone craving a bite. Styling your cake with a perfect drizzle will achieve that goal by creating a trendy and tasteful look.
It's easy to design a drip cake that will flow flawlessly with your wedding style. From a stunning three-tier wedding cake that is elegant and detailed to a simple one-tier beauty that screams perfection, this trend is sure to complete your wedding decor. Decorate it with greenery, fruit or flowers to add some "flavor", or leave it bare to let the drip take all the attention!
See more inspiration on our {Drip Cakes} Pinterest board!
Photograph Credit {Top to Bottom // Left to Right}:
2 Kendra Sue Photography via Wedding Chicks
3 Midnight Sun Cakery via Brit + Co
4 Great Woodland Photography // Cake: Sweet Emma Lou via Something Turquoise
5 Petra Veikkola Photography via Wedding Forward
6 Koman Photography via Brides
7 Lucy Munoz Photography // CAKE Event Company // Beverly’s Bakery via SouthBound Bride
8 Hansel & Gretel Cake via Wedding Forward
9 Via Hochzeitswahn
Engagement Photos
Now that it's getting warmer, it's the perfect time to get those engagement pictures taken! These photos mark a special time of your life so it's important to do them right! Personalize your shoot and emphasize your story by taking them up north, where you first met, or even at home. Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone!
Here's some things not to forget:
Flaunt your style.
Be adventurous.
Favor the golden hour.
Make it meaningful.
Complement your love story.
And lastly, SHOW OFF THAT BLING!
See our {Engagement Photos} Pinterest board for more inspiration!
Photographers {From Top to Bottom}:
Getty Images