win $1000 for your wedding from weddingchannel.com

brides, have you heard the latest from wedding channel? if not, you'll want to hear this.

today weddingchannel.com launched a contest where the two most “popular” wedding websites will win $1,000 each. all you have to do is ask your friends and family to check out your wedding website (on wedding channel, of course) — and people can visit as often as they like. there’s no voting or anything, the two wedding websites with the most “visits” by the end of april 21 win $1,000 each.

that's big money towards a couture gown, or an open bar, or a few fabulous extras on your exotic honeymoon. it's so simple it's crazy, so get on this!

click here for more information, and to grab a badge that you can embed on your facebook page to encourage friends and family to visit your wedding website.

good luck, all!

aqua + lime = fresh summer chic

with warm weather peeking its way into los angeles, i'm reminded that summer is coming — and somehow, few things feel more summery to me than a splash of watery cool aqua blue.

paired with lime green (clearly one of my loves) aqua positively comes alive. this uncommon palette is crisp, contemporary, and super chic. probably my fave item below is the trio of lime velvet cuffs adorned with blue jewels. i am crazy about them.

we also adore the textural blue ribbon on the lime green favor boxes, and of course, a major inspiration was our own frolic letterpress invitation, with its modern shape, playful polka dots and clean lines. and that blue beach lemonade just looks fun. what's not to love about this combo?

design & photo credits

first row — ring pillow • meandmatilda via etsy; velvet cuffs • susan jane; bouquet • precious petals, photo by faith west photography via the knot

second row — wedding cake • montecito confections, photo by bb photograpy via the knot; custom letterpress invitations • paper olive; tablescape centerpieces • photo by antonis achilleos via the knot, styling by dominique baynes

third row — boutonniere • tickled pink; favor box • beau-coup; cocktail • the lazy bride

a winning wedding giveaway & two lucky couples

each year, the incredible team at jessica's country flowers design and deliver a dream wedding for a deserving couple — people who are in financial hardship and yet still make it a priority to give back to their community.

this year, we were thrilled to be invited to participate along with the many talented vendors who will help create a fairytale wedding for two lucky couples in 2001: anna & justin and karri & chris.

here's a snapshot of the generous experts who will be working with these deserving winners:

team one

• jessica's country flowers

• justin & mary marantz

• details wedding & party planning

• stonington paperie

• lovely cakes

• the white dress by the shore and designer modern trousseau

• dancing pen calligraphy

• sandra downie beauty

team two

• jessica's country flowers

• steve depino photography

• sixpence for your shoe

• paper olive

• toria dolce fine desserts

• the plumed serpent

• dancing pen calligraphy

• sandra downie beauty

we couldn't be more delighted. visit style me pretty for more details on this and previous giveaways, and for continuing news & updates. and congratulations to both couples!

photo courtesy of jamie collins photography, jessica's country flowers, emily's catering group and jubilee events.

location is everything

okay, now this is cool. i literally just discovered the location connection, an incredible venue resource that provides access to unique privately-owned mansions, homes and estates across the country.

initially intended for use by the film industry, the company has opened its doors to couples looking for an unforgettable setting for their dream wedding — something above and beyond the ordinary.

that's exactly the kind of couple we cater to at paper olive, so i immediately had to share this. i honestly had no idea some of these spaces were even available, so it makes the idea of wedding planning even richer in potential. can you imagine some of this imagery as your ceremony backdrop?

from spectacular grand estates with sweeping vistas and sparkling pools, to chic intimate spaces with exotic flavor and eclectic decor, it seems these guys have access to anything and everything.

rental prices are comparable to those charged by 5-star hotels, so if you're looking for a genuinely original venue that sets the tone for a sophisticated, truly personal event, you definitely need to check them out.

a study in purple — celebrity style

so, i've found myself with a little invitation crush — on two designs i recently put together for a celebrity couple who was in love with the purple palette.

and why wouldn't they be? purple can be arresting, chic, even regal. i've actually noticed a trend towards purples & plums this season, and had a blast exploring several possibilities with this couple. which is your favorite?

modern & minimalist

this one was for the bride, who wanted clean lines and a simple design. i love the use of multiple hues within the same color family. from deep to muted, the color is elegantly subtle here. hand-stamping gives the floral design an extra tactile effect that mirrors the texture of the silk dupioni ribbon. it's sophisticated and classic, but also contemporary and fresh. a true fave.

playful & pink

this one, designed for the groom, plays with similar hues but has an entirely different tone and mood. it's bright, whimsical, a bit more casual but still entirely chic. clearly, tactile elements are huge with me, as with the french floral ribbon that brings green and pink into this palette. accents of pink ink and a textured liner give these purple hues a softer vibe. it just makes me happy.

i think i'll have to rethink my favorite color...