Style Me Pretty

Subtle Contrast and Sculptural Design Shaped This Elegant Wedding at Esperanza, Auberge Resort

Lauren Megerdichian — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

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A palette of ivory tones was accented with touches of black and deep espresso brown, introducing contrast in a way that felt subtle yet impactful.

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Olivia and Jake were super sweet and fun to work with from day 1, and with the bride’s mother being an interior designer, the creative connection came naturally. From the very beginning, the design narrative was meant to feel refined and restrained, yet undeniably distinctive. The vision centered around a quiet elegance, layered with subtle statements that gave the celebration its own unmistakable identity. While the palette remained intentionally subdued, the furniture brought a sculptural presence to the tablescape, adding depth and character without overwhelming the overall composition. Carefully selected plateware introduced an additional layer of texture and style, while the florals remained intentionally minimal and clean.

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We were in Paris (which is my favorite city in the world). I had absolutely no idea he had even bought a ring. We had talked about it briefly, but I was expecting it in the following winter (we went to Paris at the beginning of September). It was our second time in Paris together, and we had a fun first night out there. We met up with our friends who were there at the same time. We had plans to meet them for breakfast the next morning. Little did I know Jake had contacted my friend beforehand to make these “breakfast plans,s” which would lead us near the spot where he proposed. I remember being so excited to get up and go exploring for our first full day in my favorite city in the world. We were walking in the 6th arrondissement near st suplice and we walked on this beautiful little street. It was so picturesque I had to take a picture. When I looked back at the picture I took, you could actually see the photographer Jake had hired crouching down,n but I didn’t notice. Then Jake stopped me in the middle of the street and started talking. I finally realized what was happening and took off my sunglasses,s and you can see the pure shock on my face. I thought we were meeting our friends for breakfast! I was wearing a white dress, which I fully did not want to wear when getting dressed engaged but c’est la vie! I honestly blacked out the rest but remember saying yes and jumping into his arms for an iconic photo. It was the best day of my life at the moment (before our wedding and the day our daughter Ruby was born).

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a timeless strapless ball gown that blended classic romance with modern elegance. Featuring a softly structured bodice and delicate textured detailing throughout the skirt, the gown felt effortlessly refined while still making a statement. Its clean silhouette paired beautifully with understated jewelry and a sleek updo, allowing the overall bridal look to feel graceful, polished, and undeniably sophisticated.[/field]
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The bridesmaids’ fashion embraced a chic and modern approach with a striking palette of deep black and rich crimson tones. Each gown featured its own unique silhouette—from sleek strapless styles to fluid satin dresses with asymmetrical necklines and daring slits—allowing every bridesmaid’s personality to shine while still feeling beautifully cohesive as a group. The mix of textures, cuts, and shades added depth and sophistication, perfectly complementing the romantic atmosphere of the celebration and creating a bold contrast against the bride’s timeless ivory gown.

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Food and Beverages: Cocktail hour: Hors d’oeuvres Baja California bluefin tartare, spicy avocado purée, romaine hearts GF Baja fish crispy black tempura, pickled california chili, lemon aioli Persian Cucumber, jocoque yogurt and hibiscus reduction Avocado Mousse and octopus, corn tostadas, dried chili powder Dinner: To Start: Super green salad: Mix greens, avocado, green beans, edamame, fine herbed vinaigrette. Russell’s speech (FOG) Main Course (Butler Passed): Braised short rib, butternut squash purée, sweet miso glaze, pickled vegetable salad. Roasted sea bass with polenta. Crispy tofu, spiced basmati rice, spinach, sweet and sour glaze.e Sides (Family Style): Pickled vegetable salad, braised sweet potato with rosemary and ba.sil Jack’s speech (Olivia’s brother)

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The ceremony carried the same intimate sensibility. A palette of ivory tones was accented with touches of black and deep espresso brown, introducing contrast in a way that felt subtle yet impactful. The darker tones brought a sense of modernity and depth, quietly redefining the softness traditionally associated with romantic celebrations. Above the reception, dramatic suspended installations transformed the space. Dried grasses and organic materials intertwined with cascading crystal chandeliers, creating a striking contrast between raw texture and polished sophistication. The result was atmospheric and immersive, balancing softness with architectural drama.

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Mini Strawberry-almond frangipane, berry compote, raspberry mousse, citrus cream

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A Fashion Designer’s Airy Destination Wedding Weekend at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

Lauren Megerdichian — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

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Apricot, ivory, butter yellow, blush, and dusty rose

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Natalie and Zach’s wedding weekend at Kona Village Resort was designed to feel feminine, airy, and effortlessly refined, and inspired by Natalie’s creative perspective as a fashion designer. Soft sunset tones, woven textures, tropical florals, and layered details created an editorial yet relaxed vibe that balanced playful island energy with understated luxury.

A romantic custom Mira Zwillinger gown featuring a delicate lace-appliqué bodice and soft, flowing tulle skirt, finished with a sweeping train. The strapless silhouette felt timeless and ethereal, perfectly complemented by her sister’s Oscar de la Renta veil with a scalloped trim, which added a meaningful touch of heirloom elegance.

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Cocktail hour featured tray-passed signature cocktails including a lychee martini and a passionfruit mango tequila cocktail, both garnished with edible flowers, alongside sparkling wine, infused water, and elevated passed bites such as sushi, gem salad bites, and empanadas. Dinner began with an arugula salad with macadamia nut, frisée, beets, mango, and champagne vinaigrette, followed by guest-choice entrées from land, sea, or earth, including strip loin, miso kampachi, or miso-marinated cauliflower. The evening concluded with plated mini desserts of strawberry cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake with tropical accents.

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The floral and décor design focused on feminine garden florals, woven textures, and layered tropical details throughout Kona Village Resort. A floral-adorned chuppah framed the oceanfront ceremony, while petal pendant lights, woven lanterns, a wood and white dance floor, and a floral and pendant installation over the bar created a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere

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Natalie’s wedding dress was the design inspiration behind the multi-tiered petite floral fondant cake.

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Music played a major role in the overall guest experience, with Crowd Theory flown in from California to lead the reception entertainment. Their live energy kept the dance floor full all night before transitioning into a late-night DJ set that carried the celebration into the after-hours.

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Handcrafted pieces of the bride’s LA-based accessory brand, NLA Collection, were incorporated into the wedding day, with flower girls carrying them as they scattered petals down the aisle. In a thoughtful gesture, each woman guest was also gifted a handbag for the weekend, adding a meaningful and personal layer to the celebration.

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A Shabbat dinner was enjoyed at Kahuwai Cookhouse. The evening was centered around meaningful tradition, including prayer and candle-lighting led by the groom’s grandmother, Mimi, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor who traveled from Australia to be present for the celebration. It was an intimate gathering that honored family, heritage, and connection across generations.

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A defining detail of the wedding experience was that all guests stayed together on the property at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort in Hawaii. This created an immersive, retreat-like atmosphere where the celebration unfolded seamlessly across the entire weekend. Having everyone on-site created a strong sense of connection and made the experience feel both intimate and intentionally designed from start to finish.

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An At Home Wedding That Redefined Black-Tie with Personality

Lauren Megerdichian — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:30:00 +0000

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We really leaned into green! Green, Yellow, Pink[/field]
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From the bride: The vibe was FUN. It changed a lot throughout the process – the initial vibe we discussed was “amusement park in a ball gown”. We wanted something that felt upscale and offered guests a fancy night out, while still feeling casual and avoiding a stuffy, cookie-cutter feel. Many of my “out of the box” ideas ended up being impossible – did you know that peacocks shed their feathers in late summer, and that creating a Tower of Terror-like entry room for guests before they were “released” into the ceremony space would be cost-prohibitive? But I digress – we found the fun where we could, with little details around food, drink, etc. And we really tried to surround the whole event with personal touches. As it was a home wedding, we recorded a video and gave each neighbor a gift with a QR code to watch the two of us tell them how excited we were to be getting married and to thank them for their patience as we partied into the night (who would call the cops after watching that?!). I (sorry, we…) wrote a poem for each guest (piece of advice: don’t do that) that they were able to “pick” from the garden as their escort card. We married on my grandparents’ anniversary and included a photo of them to celebrate. The list goes on, but the vibe remained: personal and casual in feeling, fancy and upscale in offerings.

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From the bride: Eric proposed in Lake Tahoe over the Fourth of July weekend, on July 6th, the day before my birthday. My entire family was there, including my extended family, and his mom even flew out from the East Coast. He staged a fake family photoshoot and proposed in the woods. I’d like to say that he said something really wonderful, but I tackled him and said yes before his knee could even touch the ground. It was the greatest day. I’ve known he was the one since the night I met him, but after he proposed and the excitement died down, he said, “Don’t worry, I still got you a birthday present” – that’s when I was sure.

Spina Bride, Lihi Hod, alterations by Bridal Alts

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Everyone picked their own dresses[/field]
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The Black Tux

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From the Bride: This is where the vibe really came through. We poured more personal touches into our Food & Drink than I think any of our vendors were comfortable with – but boy did they pull it off. For food, we served Chinese. Why not? It’s our favorite! We tried hard to get our favorite local Chinese establishment, Chef Kwan’s in Menlo Park, to cater, but in the end, we needed the help of Betty Zlatchin and team. They pulled together a meal inspired by our favorites, sent us on a dumpling tour of San Francisco to pick out our favorite dumplings, even managing to bring in Chef Kwan’s potstickers to appease our die-hard loyalty. They served a Chinese chicken salad, individual steam baskets with a shrimp dumpling and potsticker for each guest, and a dual dish of black cod and short rib, with family-style sides of chow mein, dry braised green beans, and garlic eggplant. People still talk about the food. It was perfect. For drinks, we went all in. We had four specialty cocktails named after us and our colleagues. We also created a full cocktail menu for the high-tops, featuring standard bar drinks with fun names that referenced things we cared about – places we’ve been, where we met, family, etc. We really wanted it to feel like a cocktail bar where you could order anything you wanted. I was very specific about the garnishes (too specific?) – I tested different straws for the perfect mouth-feel, coordinated specific flowers to go in specific drinks, had extensive conversations about the ice cube sizes, and repeatedly debated and tested recipes. Were people concerned about me? Yes. Were the drinks perfect? Also yes. As a last twist, we wanted to build a speakeasy, to nod to our New York life, and create a fun element of surprise for our guests. This resulted in the secret espresso martini station. You could ask at the bar for an espresso martini, but they would only say, “Knock twice on the grey door,” and point you to the pool house. There, you would knock twice on a grey Dutch door, and the top half would open just enough for a server to hand you an espresso martini. Oh man, this was a hit.

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From the Bride: Flower Girl Em did the florals, and she nailed it. We carefully developed specific color ratios for the various arrangements: white, yellow, pink, green, and some purple. We had two bigger installations: she created a beautiful chuppah made of birch to blend in with the birch trees it sat between, and she covered our pergola with a beautiful arch of flowers. Then we used a mix of bud vases and centerpieces on the tables, and beautiful arrangements on the bars. For the cocktail hour,r we got a custom bar, which we made a very fun lime green; it upped the whole decor game of the wedding. We pored over linens and selected beautiful green patterned ones for the tables. And for late night, we handed out sunglasses and bubble guns – they made for very fun photos.

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From the Bride: Since we aren’t cake people, we opted for something slightly different. We got Rocko’s Tacos – an ice cream taco cart that was a huge hit. And we brought in donuts from Chuck’s Donuts – they baked them special for us so they would be fresh, and they were amazing. I might have over-ordered; we’re still working through bags of frozen donuts, but I’m not complaining.

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From the Bride: First Dance / Duet: I am a Karaoke girl, and it’s a big part of our relationship. So, we did a traditional first dance, but then we broke into a “first duet” as a nod to that part of our lives. We sang “Everytime We Touch” by Cascada as a first song to get the party started. It was a hit. The guests were jumping and screaming, and it made for a perfect dance-floor kick-off.

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From the bride: Pool Party! Our planners, Riley Loves Lulu, were creative enough to fulfill my dream of a wedding layout that didn’t require covering our pool, so we could have a pool party moment (and utilize every inch of the space, so each event was in a different “venue”). We told guests they could bring swimsuits if they chose, but Eric and I jumped in wearing our clothes, and most guests followed suit. We had upwards of 40 people in the pool at some points. For this, we switched from a band to a DJ and kept the horns to create a loungy pool party environment. It was unforgettable.

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From the Bride: Sweatshirts! Knowing our guests would be cold after a swim, we provided towels, but we also created custom sweatshirts as our wedding favors. They featured our couple’s nickname, and by the after-after party of beer games on the lawn, everyone was cozy in their matching sweatshirts.

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A Jungle Destination Wedding That Took Guests from Greenhouse to Mangroves

Lauren Megerdichian — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

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Tropical Colors were used to fit perfectly with the jungle atmosphere, particularly drawing on shades of green, pink, and yellow.

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The couple prioritized guest experience and threw an unforgettable bash for their friends and family in Playa Del Carmen. The weekend kicked off with a pool party and gifting suite; rather than a one-size-fits-all welcome bag, guests were able to choose a beach tote and local crafts, including fans, pom-poms, and sweet and salty snacks. The following evening, guests were invited to a rehearsal dinner in the property’s working greenhouses with glass tables built directly over the herb beds. The following day, the couple were married in the mangroves next to the lagoon that runs throughout the property.

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We were spending a month in Hawaii together, and the first weekend we went on a helicopter ride around the North Shore and landed in the middle of Kualoa Ranch, where Mark planned an intimate proposal in the valley.

The bride wore a floral Monique Lhuillier gown, and Mark surprised Christy the morning of the wedding with a diamond necklace and studs to match the diamond tennis bracelet he had previously given her. For the rehearsal dinner, the bride wore a custom 1 of 1 Helena Eisnehart two-piece silk set, designed for the evening by Helena, who is a close friend of the bride and was in attendance. The bride changed twice on the wedding night, first into an elegant white gown for the reception, and then into a sparkly, short, glittery dress for the after-party. Anyone who knows me knows I love a theme, and I love to dress up. Each outfit was carefully chosen with the venue in mind and felt both personal and unique to me. For my wedding ceremony dress, I kept coming back to a light pink floral Monique dress I tried a month after we got engaged. I actually purchased my wedding ceremony dress before ever trying it on or seeing it in person, as it was the newer version of the dress I tried on. The first time I tried on the exact style of my ceremony dress was just a week before we left for the wedding (yes, I was totally freaking out).

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Each of the four bridesmaids picked out their own gown in tropical floral tones of pink, green, and yellow.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Christy gifted Mark with a Cartier tank watch he wore with his white Ralph Lauren tux.[/field]
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The couple opted out of a formal sit-down dinner for the wedding night, letting those formalities occur the night before at the rehearsal dinner. For the wedding night, they chose stations and set up fun vignettes all over the beach club for their guests to enjoy bites while dancing the night away.

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Emily’s team built everything to fit seamlessly with the spaces, from the rehearsal dinner tables built over garden beds in the greenhouse to the wildly romantic florals for the ceremony on the lagoon. The beach club space where the reception was held was transformed with a large overhead installation of soft green fabric that moved like waves in the breeze.

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The bride and groom opted for a small cake that they cut in a private moment by themselves, followed by dessert stations and late-night snacks.

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The ceremony was a complete dream. The main thing we wanted was for our ceremony to feel intimate, no matter the guest count. Our ceremony location was nestled down a flight of stairs right on a quiet river, where our guests were seated scattered on poofs in a grassy area covered by trees. When we were standing on the white dock at the end of the aisle, it felt as though everything had perfectly fallen into place. After the ceremony, rather than recess down the aisle, they surprised guests by being picked up by a boat and were whisked away to the reception on the beach, where guests were greeted with a line of drummers to enter the reception. The couple took a minute to watch the sunset on the beach together as their guests made their way over to the reception on boats.

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Rather than a traditional seated reception like the night before, the couple opted for a cocktail-style beach party with food stations and immersive entertainment that went all night, including fire dancers, synchronized swimmers, acrobats, disco ball and stilt dancers, a glitter makeup bar, a cigar roller, and a speakeasy casino named for their dog. Celebrity DJ Dulce Rullan had guests dancing all night. From the bride–Our reception was full of so many incredible moments. It started with every guest arriving at the reception space by boat, followed by synchronized swimmers, aerialists, casino tables, and a brass band, to name a few. But our very favorite part was jumping into the pool at the end of the night and looking around at 70 of our favorite people right there with us, with their suits and dresses on. It was like a scene from a movie.

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My rehearsal dinner dress was a stunning couture piece by Helena Eisenhart. We collaborated closely, pulling inspiration from other pieces I loved, the natural elements of the garden greenhouse venue, and airy yet structured fabrics that felt effortless and perfectly tailored.

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The bride changed into a white Meshki dress for her first dance, specifically purchased with the idea of possibly jumping into the pool later in the night, and then changed into an Albina Dyla crystal dress to dance the night away in, figuring she wouldn’t do the pool jump after all. However, after watching her father and a few of his friends jump in on the hot, humid night, she changed back into her white gown (knowing the crystal one was too heavy to swim in) and jumped with Mark into the pool, after which 50+ guests followed for an epic pool party in formalwear. Emily’s team had prepped for the pool and laid out custom shorts andT-shirtss for guests to change into as they made their way over to the Zapote bar for the after-party and late-night snacks.

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An Elegant Charleston Wedding Inspired by the Comfort of Home

Lauren Megerdichian — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

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A timeless palette of layered greens and crisp whites, accented with natural wood tones and soft candlelight to reflect the beauty of the Lowcountry landscape.

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Lauren & Jackson envisioned a wedding day that felt elegant, welcoming, and deeply personal. Inspired by the feeling of gathering at a beautifully designed Southern home, their celebration at Lowndes Grove blended timeless Lowcountry charm with warm, thoughtful details throughout the day. Guests were welcomed into a space filled with meaningful touches, from family wedding photos displayed throughout the reception to stacks of the couple’s favorite coffee table books woven into the design. The overall aesthetic felt refined yet approachable, with a soft green and white palette that perfectly complemented the waterfront setting and historic property.

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Jackson planned an entire adventure-filled day with surprises. We started with brunch at Hall’s, a true Charleston classic. After brunch, I was completely unaware of what else was in store! He took me to Hampton Park for a walk, and as we were walking through the park, Jackson got down on one knee. He even arranged for a photographer to capture it all. We went over to myparents’s house afterwards, where all of our family and friends were hiding to surprise us! It was the most perfect day!

I honestly didn’t know what kind of wedding dress I wanted at first. I had a loose idea — something strapless, classic, maybe a ball gown, but nothing more specific than that. The dress I ultimately chose was actually one of the first I tried on, and I fell in love with the dramatic shape, but classic style with the touch of appliqués. When the owner told me she could custom-make a veil to match the appliqués on the gown, I knew that was going to be the one!

Lauren & Jackson wanted the dining experience to feel elevated while still reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the South. Guests enjoyed a collection of thoughtfully curated station-style offerings featuring Southern favorites and comforting classics, including shrimp and grits, goat cheese ravioli, braised short ribs, and a local fresh catch. Their signature margarita added a fun and relaxed touch to cocktail hour and perfectly complemented the welcoming, celebratory atmosphere of the evening.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The floral and decor design focused on creating an organic, layered atmosphere that felt lush without overpowering the natural beauty of the venue. Reception tables were adorned with abundant greenery, potted plants, and green chinoiserie vases filled with soft white blooms, bringing texture and depth into the clear-top tent overlooking the water. Warm wood chairs, candlelight, and natural woven elements added softness and warmth to the overall design, while the ceremony arrangements intentionally blended into the surrounding landscape to feel as though they had always belonged there. The result was a celebration that felt fresh, inviting, and effortlessly elegant.[/field]
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The couple chose a simple and timeless two-tier wedding cake adorned with delicate white florals and soft greenery, perfectly reflecting the understated elegance woven throughout the day’s design.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Ole Miss is such a special part of our story, so we knew we wanted to weave as many nods to it into our wedding day as possible. An Ole Miss flag was a must, along with powder-blue Pom poms that instantly brought us back to game days. For late-night bites, we had to include the iconic Ole Miss favorites-Chicken on a Stick and corndogs.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

One of the most meaningful details, though, was my late grandmother’s ring that I wore. It was the perfect way to carry a piece of my family with me throughout the day.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]One of the most memorable details from Lauren & Jackson’s wedding day was the intentional use of scent throughout the reception space. The couple selected Seda France’s Japanese Quince candle to burn throughout the evening, filling the tent with warm, inviting notes that enhanced the feeling of gathering in someone’s home. Alongside the layered greenery, candlelight, and personal heirlooms woven into the design, the fragrance became part of the experience itself, creating a lasting sensory memory that Lauren, Jackson, and their guests will forever associate with the joy and warmth of the celebration.[/field]
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A Timeless Seaside Wedding with an Organic Point of View

Lauren Megerdichian — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:30:00 +0000

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Sea glass green, natural linen, fresh white

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The design vision was rooted in a nature-inspired take on classic Seaside style — light, airy, and relaxed, but still thoughtfully layered. Carlisle was drawn to organic elements like magnolia leaves, coastal greenery, soft white florals, and natural textures, so the overall look felt connected to the Florida setting rather than overly styled. We kept the palette fresh and grounded with sea glass greens, warm linen tones, crisp whites, and touches of deeper palm green throughout the tent. Woven draping, natural wood chairs, sea-dune-inspired arrangements, and coastal details like shells and driftwood brought in an effortless sense of place. The result was refined but easy — a celebration that felt polished, personal, and completely at home by the water.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The Katie May gown felt perfectly in step with the overall vision — clean, coastal, and quietly refined. Its fluid silhouette and soft cowl neckline brought a modern ease, while the open back and delicate lace appliqué added a feminine, romantic touch. Paired with a long, airy veil, the look moved beautifully in the seaside light and felt effortless without being understated. It was classic in the most relaxed way — elegant, feminine, and completely at home along the coast.[/field]
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Marcus’s attire from Sid Mashburn felt perfectly aligned with the ease of the day — polished, classic, and relaxed. He wanted to feel comfortable on his wedding day, and the textured dark green suit brought just the right amount of personality while still feeling timeless. Paired with a soft blue tie, brown leather shoes, and a simple white boutonnière, the look tied naturally into the coastal greens and effortless seaside setting.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Food and beverage was a big part of making the evening feel warm, hosted, and intentional. Cocktail hour started with champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres that felt elevated but still familiar — petit crab cakes, wild mushroom and goat cheese phyllo tarts, seared tuna lollipops, petit lamb chops, and bacon-wrapped dates with gorgonzola. For dinner, the couple chose a plated meal with wine service so guests could settle in, enjoy the tent, and share a more relaxed seated experience before the dance floor opened. The menu felt very true to the setting, beginning with a Bibb salad with Comice pears, followed by either pan-seared local grouper with roasted corn and bacon maque choux or filet mignon with fingerling potatoes and julienne vegetables.
The bar leaned classic and a little old-school in the best way, featuring Negronis, Manhattans, and Martinis, along with a Phony Negroni as a thoughtful non-alcoholic option. Those selections felt personal without being overly themed — timeless drinks that matched the refined but relaxed tone of the wedding. Later in the night, passed espresso martini shooters brought everyone back to the dance floor and added a fun, celebratory close to the dinner portion of the evening.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The floral and décor story felt intentionally gathered from the landscape — a refined, sea-dune-inspired mix of white blooms, layered greens, wispy grasses, and natural textures that softened the entire celebration. Arrangements combined flowers like white peonies, ranunculus, lisianthus, hydrangea, astilbe, daisies, and delicate textural accents with palmetto-style foliage, magnolia leaves, eucalyptus, ferns, and dune-oat-inspired grasses, giving everything a loose, wind-swept quality rather than a traditional garden feel. The florals were styled in low, organic vessels and oversized terracotta urns, allowing the movement of the stems, grasses, and greenery to feel natural and a little undone in the best way. The décor carried that same coastal ease through soft patterned linens, warm natural wood chairs, woven lanterns, gauzy neutral draping, candlelight in clear glass hurricanes, and sea-glass green accents throughout the stage, escort display, flatware, and favors. The paper details tied everything together with natural torn-edge linen paper, soft sand and sage tones, and delicate coastal illustrations that echoed the dune grasses and shoreline textures. Even the dance floor decal felt connected to the larger design story — subtle, tonal, and nature-inspired rather than overly decorative. Altogether, the palette of fresh white, warm linen, sea glass green, and deeper coastal greenery created a look that felt light and polished, but still relaxed and rooted in the Florida seaside setting.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The cake by Jessica Cameron was designed as a subtle extension of the wedding’s natural coastal palette, with clean ivory tiers, a warm reeded texture, and delicate sugar flowers that felt soft and organic. Butterfly ranunculus-inspired blooms and greenery climbed the cake in a way that echoed the dune-inspired florals used throughout the day. Inside, the flavor was Wedding White Almond with Blueberries, a classic choice with a fresh, sweet twist.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

The night before the wedding, guests gathered on the beach in Seaside for a welcome bonfire that felt relaxed, inviting, and completely true to the coast. Soft lantern light and the sound of the waves created an easy atmosphere where family and friends could settle in and enjoy the weekend. Dinner leaned into the setting with a casual seafood spread, including oysters and a coastal shrimp boil. As the sun set, everyone lingered barefoot in the sand, catching up around the fire and taking in that unmistakable Seaside view. It was the kind of evening that set the tone beautifully — warm, effortless, and centered on simply being together.

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An Elegant Beaulieu Garden Wedding That Let the Landscape Lead the Design

Lauren Megerdichian — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

A garden palette, pulled almost entirely from what was already growing. Ivory and butter yellow, every green Beaulieu had to offer — sage, citrine, olive, deep emerald — with navy as the quiet anchor. Nothing felt chosen so much as gathered.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Sara and Peter trusted the garden to do most of the work. The reflecting pool, the pleached sycamore allée, the soft Italianate bones of Beaulieu — none of it asked to be reinvented, and they didn’t try. What they layered on top was restrained and lived-in, the kind of design that reads as effortless because every choice was made in service of the place itself.

A scalloped lace bodice over a clean silk column — modern in its lines, quietly vintage in its texture. Paired with a simple shoulder-length veil, the gown carried an ease I always look for in a bride. Sara wore it so effortlessly well.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

No uniform palette, no assigned silhouette. The women closest to Sara dressed in the colors of the garden — sage, butter yellow, deep emerald, the occasional botanical print — and the result felt less like a wedding party and more like a portrait of the people she loves – each unique and beautiful.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Peter in deep navy, soft blue tie, a citrine boutonnière at his lapel. The groomsmen echoed him a shade lighter — cornflower-blue suits, butter-yellow ties — a small tonal shift that read beautifully against the surrounding gardens.[/field]
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Paula LeDuc handled the day with the quiet precision they’re known for — with a level of service that lets guests enjoy every moment of the experience. Cocktail hour unfolded across the gardens, with slatted grey-blue bars set beneath the sycamores and trays of canapés circulating through the lounge vignettes. Dinner moved under the pergola: long family-style tables, low candlelight, bistro lights threading overhead, and the kind of seasonal, Napa-rooted menu Paula LeDuc has been perfecting for decades.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Max Gill leaned all the way into the season — citrine billy balls, butter sweet pea, scabiosa, trailing jasmine, more green than any one frame could hold. The ceremony arrangements weren’t arrangements so much as soft incursions; the garden allowed to climb the steps and gather at the base of the urn. Tablescapes carried the same wild, gathered hand, layered over a delicate block-printed linen.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Three ivory tiers in classic Lambeth piping — a cake with the patina of something inherited, set under the pergola in candlelight. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

I love that the bride and groom’s grown kids did the readings, bringing a personal and warm touch to the ceremony.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

The stationery suite was the design thesis in miniature — moss-green envelopes, a pale blue gingham band, a soft gold “SP” monogram, a delicate botanical print on the invitation itself. Everything that followed quietly rhymed with it.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The bar facing the vineyards and the lounge vignettes were, to me, the design moments of the day. Botanical-print sofas, plaid ottomans, the occasional bouclé chair, low florals in pale ceramic vessels — small rooms built into the garden, inviting guests to slow down and stay a while. Exactly what a garden like Beaulieu is asking for.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Sara walked into the ceremony between her two sons. The hugs and handoffs that followed at the altar were entirely unrehearsed, and they are the frames I keep returning to. This was a family wedding in the truest sense — and that aisle walk said so before a single vow was spoken.[/field]
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A Chic Chicago Wedding Weekend Woven Together by Romantic Shades of Pink and Red

Lauren Megerdichian — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Blush pink, fuchsia, deep red, ivory, with touches of gold.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Sanica and Justin’s two-day celebration brought together an Indian wedding and an American wedding, with shades of pink and red woven throughout both events to create one cohesive visual story. For their American wedding at Adler Planetarium, the design embraced Chicago’s lakefront beauty with a romantic, modern-meets-classic feel. Their ceremony unfolded outdoors against the skyline, framed by rows of clear and gold chairs with soft blush cushions and a lush floral aisle that moved from ivory to pale pink to vibrant fuchsia. Inside the reception, the planetarium’s glass architecture created a dramatic backdrop for candlelit tables, disco balls, bold floral moments, and a custom monogrammed dance floor.

For the American wedding, Sanica wore a romantic white gown with a soft A-line silhouette, delicate textured detailing, and sheer flutter sleeves that gave an airy, ethereal feel. Her bridal styling also included intricate henna and a long veil, bringing an offering of meaningful nods to her Indian heritage on her wedding day. Later in the evening, she changed into a sparkling silver mini dress covered in sequins, paired with black-and-white sneakers for a playful after-party look.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

For the Indian wedding, Sanica’s bridesmaids embraced a rich, jewel-toned palette with a mix of traditional Indian silhouettes, including saris, lehengas, and embellished sets.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]For the Indian wedding, Sanica and Justin incorporated traditional Indian bites into the celebration, including passed spinach pakoras, the couple’s favorite. For the American reception, guests sat down to a candlelit plated dinner featuring fresh salad, roasted vegetables, and steak. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Florals were one of the biggest design moments of the day, with lush arrangements in ivory, blush, hot pink, and red creating a throughline from ceremony to reception. The ceremony aisle was lined with abundant ground florals, while the reception featured a mix of low and elevated arrangements, candlelight, gold-rimmed chargers, mauve napkins, and sculptural floral installations. Disco balls added a playful, high-energy touch, while the glass ceiling and city views made the entire reception feel modern, luminous, and uniquely Chicago.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Sanica and Justin served a dessert bar filled with bite-sized sweets.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Featured in the western ceremony, a beautiful ombre design with the florals and chair cushions brings a unique design to this part of the wedding day.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]For one of their specialty cocktails, they served edible pink glitter and a disco ball drink stirrer.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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