BHLDN Chestnut Hill Wedding Fair

Join BHLDN and Anthropologie for a Wedding Fair at their Chestnut Hill location in Newton, MA! Meet some fabulous local vendors and enjoy some sweet treats. This is the perfect way to get inspired for your Big Day and explore the beautiful bridal collection at BHLDN. RSVP for you and one special guest using this link. Hope to see you there!

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!

The Dress!

Gisele, Megan, Mila and I at Vera Wang Boston

I've always loved this photo from my time at Vera Wang in Boston. It's so crazy to think that in the coming weeks, I'll be on the other side of the dress searching experience! I know the anxiety and excitement that a bride feels from helping so many brides find their dream dress and it's so surreal to be experiencing that myself. I know my mom, MOH and bridesmaid will be the perfect team to help me find the dress of my dreams, but I just hope it's out there!

From the cut to the fabric, Vera has definitely spoiled me. It will be difficult not to compare every gown to her perfect designs, but I will have to break out of my shell and try some new things to make sure I find the perfect dress. I want it to epitomize who I am and who I want to become as a wife to the love of my life!

So... here we go!