"With You I'm Home" Holiday Inspired

A Style Me Pretty feature… somebody pinch me.

A Style Me Pretty feature seemed like a way-too-big dream to have this early in my business. I started DSE 3 months ago, so although I had big dreams for this shoot, I also didn’t want to break my own heart. When I contacted Annamarie and Amanda, I am SO GLAD they didn’t laugh in my face!! I’m so glad they believed in me, and wanted to be a part of my vision. Seeing my first shoot on SMP? Y’all, I have no words!!! There aren’t even enough exclamation points to describe how I feel!!!

No, I am not going to base the success of DSE off the number of features I have. My success is in happy brides, dream-come-true-weddings, and helping sweethearts tie the knot. But, that doesn’t mean I don’t get REALLY excited when a feature comes along:)

It all started with my great-grandmother’s china. I have always, always loved their pink, cream & gold combo. And I love the legacy behind them. From my great-grandmother’s table, to my grandmother’s table to my own table… they’re so special to me and I LOVE that this shoot showcased their beauty. In August, I spotted this print by Lindsay Letters and I KNEW I had to make my vision a reality. A Christmas-meets-vintage inspired set. GORGEOUS flowers. “Home-y” details. A blush gown. The groom in dress blues. A fur coat. Yesssss.

I hope you LOVE the images and heart behind this shoot just as much as I do. Christmas is all about home. Being home. Coming home. Finding home. A groom barely making it home in time to celebrate with this bride; a bride hopelessly waiting for her love … my romantic heart loves that so, so much.

I can’t thank Anna, Amanda, Regan, Kate, Courtney & Wendy from Ava Laurenne Bride enough. I really, really can’t. I am SO BLESSED to have already found amazing friends in this industry!!! Because of their amazing talent, our beautiful shoot was displayed for all the SMP-readers to see. And, man, doesn’t she look great?! Take a peek at even MORE loveliness below (and check out Anna, Amanda and Regan’s blogs for their take on it, too!).

VENDOR CREDITS:

Concept & Design: Dear Sweetheart Events // Photography: Annamarie Akins Photography

Floral Design: Amanda from Into It Events // Models: Regan & her hubby, Strom

Calligraphy: Kate Sacra // Hair/Makeup: Courtney Lucas from Rejuvanese Day Spa in Fredericksburg, VA

Dress: Allure gown sponsored by Ava Laurenne Bride in Fredericksburg, VA

Venue: My parent’s farm // Manual Labor Crew: My amazing husband & parents