TSO Loves: Emily Steffen

When it comes to wedding planning and design, it's the little details that truly make the event memorable. As a bride-to-be I have been carefully curating accents to make our wedding personal and fun. When I came across the work of Emily Steffen I was hooked... which is why we decided to team up for a super fun promotion (see details below)!

Emily is both a photographer and an artist who I originally came across Emily during an Etsy binge one day. I was delighted to learn that she had her own shop with many beautiful pieces. From cake toppers to chair signs, and even t-shirts, she has some of the most on-trend, creative items for your Big Day. 

Photo: Emily Steffen

Here's a little about Emily from the artist herself:

"I am a midwest wedding photographer by day and handmade artist on rainy days and nights. I believe in the power of love. I believe in marriage. I believe that weddings are a beautiful beginning to a life spent together. And I believe that handmade items should put a REALLY big smile on your face to brighten your day! 

Every item is designed to be a beautiful detail on a wedding day AND can be translated back into your home for daily routine. The tees/tanks can become joyful every-day wear or the state ring-bearer pillows can become a cute accent pillow thrown on the couch to remember your wedding day!"

Photo: Emily Steffen

I just love finding artists and vendors in the industry who truly understand the meaning behind our work and what it means for couples to say, "I do!" Emily, you're a gem and I can't wait to share what you've created for our wedding and to see what you do next! Now... on to the fun stuff!

Now through June 5, order any item from EmilySteffenShop.com and receive 25% OFF when you use the code StylishOne! Can't decide what to order by then? Emily will be giving 10% off for the remainder of the month of June. I am so thrilled and excited to share this with you. Emily's work is absolutely stunning and her customer service is incredible.

Photo: Emily Steffen

So, what will it be? A shimmering cake topper? A super cute top? A whimsical chair sign? Share your pics with us on Instagram and Twitter @TheStylishOne_ and @emilysteffin! Be sure to add our hashtag #TSOLoves. 

Sponsored Post: EmilySteffenShop.com | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | 

Promo Details: Enter code "StylishOne" on EmilySteffenShop.com for 25% off your order from May 29 - June 5 and 10% off June 5 - June 30.

TSO Loves: Lola Louie Paperie

One of my favorite things in this world is beautiful paper and beautiful writing. Laura of Lola Louie Paperie on Etsy combines each of these things into stunning paper products. From note cards to gift tags, invitations, and more Laura has created a lovely aesthetic and a fabulous array of products. 

Recently, Laura and I have teamed up to create some very special pieces for my Big Day, but you'll have to wait for those! In the mean time, we've decided to offer you a special 10% off discount code (TSOLOVESLLP) off your order with Lola Louie Paperie.

I also had the pleasure of photographing some items from her line. Keep scrolling to learn more about Laura and to peep my faves... including her gold embossed social stationary set!

Laura started Lola Louie Paperie just last year while planning her own wedding. She began with envelope liners because, "I couldn't find anything out there I liked! Paper goods have always been a passion of mine so I extended the product line to include wedding invitations, save the dates, baby shower invitations, etc. (all with lined envelopes, of course)!" 

Laura considers her aesthetic to be, “'careful carelessness', a blend of bohemian and vintage styles with a modern and simplistic touch. I shy away from anything too formal or stuffy in an effort to provide perfectly mismatched paper goods. I love gold foil and anything in watercolor!" She lives in St. Louis with her husband and her adorable dog, Millie. You can find Lola Louie Paperie on Etsy or follow her on Pinterest and Facebook!

I am loving this gold thank you note with polka dot envelope liner!

I love sending and receiving handwritten notes from friends and family. There is something so special about opening a note written on a beautiful card!

Anyone who knows me knows I am in overly obsessed with gold foil. These gorgeous gift tags are the perfect addition to any gift or favor.

How sweet is this French inspired card? Bonjour

Stay tuned to see the special pieces Laura created for our special day this summer. Until then, check out her Etsy shop and don't forget to use TSOLOVESLLP at checkout for 10% off your order!

Sponsored Post:  Lola Louie Paperie | Pinterest | Facebook

TSO Spotlight: My Wedding Hairstylist

Image via DarrenLe.com

As a wedding industry insider, and beauty fanatic, finding a hairstylist for my wedding has been one of the biggest challenges I've yet to face during the planning process. Hair and makeup are a big part of your Big Day. Photos last forever and feeling your ultimate best is essential. I searched for months and when I found Master Stylist and Bridal Connoisseur, Darren Le I had a feeling that he would be the person for the job! 

From being named both Boston Magazine and The Improper Bostonian's Best Wedding Hairstylist of 2014 to the countless brides and fashion shoots he's styled, I could tell there was something special about him. I loved what he had to say on his website and his take on bridal styling. His work spoke for itself and his technique was quite evident. However, meeting him in person was even more of a treat.

From the moment I met Darren at G20 spa, I could tell we were style soulmates! He was eager to hear what I had been envisioning and enthusiastic about his craft. He made me feel like I had known him forever. He took the time to truly understand my style, vision, and who I was as both a bride, and a person. He explained how important it was to let your true beauty and personality shine through, and not to feel like you are in a costume when you're walking down the aisle... and, I couldn't agree more.

I was fortunate enough to have my mom along for the trial and she also felt so comfortable and confident in Darren's skills. We kept "oohing" and "ahhing" at each twist of his wrist and flip of his curling iron. Ever since my days at Vera Wang, I've been a big advocate for simplicity over excess and staying true to who you are. I always stuck by my method of helping brides find their "true bridal self" and I loved that Darren shared that same philosophy.

I felt understood, beautiful, and excited for what's to come, and there is nothing better than that. And, when I asked Darren about writing a piece about my experience, he simply told me, "speak from the heart." I was so moved by his authenticity and honesty that I couldn't wait to share this with my readers.

I look forward to continuing to perfect my Big Day look with Darren and for my girls to have the chance to experience his artistry, knowledge, and welcoming personality. I can't wait to share the finished product with all of you this summer!

Darren, you are a true treasure to Boston and I am honored to be sharing this time with you.

Xo

Julie

Contact: DarrenLe.com | Darren Le at G20 Spa | 857.205.4629 | Facebook 

Time Flies

When people tell you that your engagement will fly by, they're not kidding. I can't begin to tell you all how quickly the time has gone by. It's already been a year since Stephen proposed and it feels like it was yesterday. It's definitely a bittersweet feeling to know I'll only be his fiancé for this short time, but our Big Day can't come soon enough!

Over this past year, we have planned a huge majority of our wedding, and my experience within the wedding industry has served me well. Having the knowledge of where to go and who to talk to has certainly been helpful throughout the planning process. However, knowing all the possibilities can make certain decisions extremely difficult to make. 

One thing people don't often speak about is choosing your date. When selecting your wedding date, it's important to know what makes you and your fiancé comfortable. In addition to the time of year, you also want to make sure you have a timeline you can manage. If you're the type of person who loves to act in the spur of the moment, you won't need much time to plan. But, if you're like me, and need organization and details ironed out in advance, give yourself a little extra time.

Once you've set a date, my biggest piece of advice would be to make a list of each of the major things you need to do. Dedicate time to each of those items so you can enjoy the process. Choosing a team of professionals to work on your wedding can be stressful, but it's also a priveldge to speak with such talented people who have a passion for the business. You learn so much about what you want and what is possible for your Big Day. Just follow your instincts and don't put too much pressure on yourself. The most important thing is that you give yourself enough time to figure out who you want to work with and what you need.

We're fortunate enough to have most of our team put together. We have a fabulous photographer, Sweet Lady Jane Photography, a wonderful videographer, Ryan James Videography, a great DJ and lighting pro, Julian Sayles, and a beautiful venue, which we'll tell you about soon. We're still looking for hair and makeup pros, but I think we're getting closer! I can't wait to share all the details with you.

I just want to make sure I soak up these last few months and enjoy each moment with my fiancé, family, and friends. It's such a magical, stressful, exciting, challenging, rewarding, and beautiful experience. I just have to remember to accept help, breathe, laugh, and relish in the moments.  I will certainly look back on this time and smile.

Have questions about wedding planning? Need advice? Leave a comment below or tweet @thestylishone_.

Happy planning!