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Coastal Bride

The South's Most Stylish Wedding Blog

Happy Weekend // Around The Web

May 27, 2016

Happy Weekend! I hope you have fun plans for the long holiday. Make sure to check out our links before you head out for the weekend!

I have always wanted to visit Nantucket and this sweet post about their main street enhances that feeling!
I’m loving this flirty green dress. It would be perfect for a summer reception.
Take 20% off my favorite jewelry brand this weekend with the code: summerholiday
You would never guess that this seaside engagement took place in the winter!
This lobster boil rehearsal dinner has left us wanting to plan an outdoor party.
*This post contains affiliate links

Leave a Comment / Filed In: Inspiration
Tagged: Charleston SC Blog Society, Charleston SC Wedding Blog, Charleston SC Wedding Photographer, Charleston SC Wedding Photography, Coastal Bride, Coastal Wedding Blog

Happy Weekend // Around The Web

July 3, 2015

Happy Weekend! Does that bride below look familiar? That’s because it’s me! I had so much fun playing model (and wearing a Modern Trousseau tutu!) for Amy Nicole Photography and Kelly Dellinger Events a few weeks ago. And I was thrilled to see their hard work featured on one of my most favorite blogs! Read on below for the link and a few others we are loving this week! Have a Happy 4th!

I love getting to be apart of this Southern Culinary inspired shoot and was so excited to see it featured on one of my favorite blogs! See if you can spot me! 😉
100+ of the best wedding blogs – and we made the list!
A stunning 4th of July inspirited wedding.
12 red, white and blue treats to pack for your picnic this weekend!
These DIY sunglasses are perfect for this weekend and have us humming “Baby You’re a Firework”!
Perfect themed party foods for the holiday weekend.
A song for your weekend.

1 Comment / Filed In: Inspiration
Tagged: 4th of july wedding, Charleston SC Blog Society, Charleston SC Wedding Blog, Charleston SC Wedding Photographers, coastal blog, Coastal Bride, Coastal Wedding Blog

Happy Two Years

April 3, 2015

We celebrated our 2 year blogiversary this past Wednesday! Instead of doing our weekly link roundup this week I thought I would reflect back on the past year and what Coastal Bride has achieved. I feel it’s always good to take a look back so you can appreciate where you are and where you’re headed. So here are 5 things we’re proud of in our 2nd year! slicelovecakeClick Photo Co. via Sweetapolita

1. I am super excited to announce that this week Coastal Bride joined the Style Me Pretty network of collaborators! I have been a huge fan of Style Me Pretty since I started photographing weddings 6 years ago. I never thought I would be running a blog, yet alone joining their fabulous network and I am so incredibly humbled to join and to see what the future holds.

2. I have been incredibly lucky to have guest posted on several blogs I admire over the past year. From The Everygirl, Best Friends For Frosting to A Fabulous Fete. Currently I am really enjoying creating DIY posts for eHow and am excited for some of our upcoming posts.

3. Almost a year ago I started The Charleston Blog Society. My hope was to meet a handful of friends to grab coffee with and chat blogging. What started as a little group has grown into a society of over 100 bloggers. Not only am I proud of the friendships this group has fostered but I am always in complete awe of the different collaborations and networking our group has fostered.

4. Over the past year Coastal Bride has been lucky enough to collaborate with several brands we admire. I am so thankful for everyone that supports this blog and wants to connect with our readers on a personal level. I am humbled by the collaborations that have come our way this year and I can’t wait to share some of the upcoming wedding DIY’s we’ve got brewing!

5. Last but not least I am most thankful for YOU. Coastal Bride would not be possible without our readers. I am so thankful to each and every one of you that takes the time to read this blog, comment on our Facebook page and double-click on our Instagram images. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Now… if I can just get my hands on the cake above it will be a perfect week! 😉

7 Comments / Filed In: Inspiration
Tagged: Charleston SC Blog Society, Charleston SC Wedding Blog, Charleston SC Wedding Photographer, Coastal Bride, Coastal Wedding Blog, Gillian Ellis

Easter Pink Wedding Inspiration

March 30, 2015

I love the color pink for spring as it adds the perfect feminine look to any decor.  Bring in the bright tones of the season with blush, pink and rose details.  From napkins to a blushing pink bouquet there are so many subtle ways to incorporate this seasonal color into your spring wedding!Pink spring wedding decor ideas


Images: (Clockwise Top to Bottom) Chairs: Kristen Lynne Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs // Pink Wall: Harwell Photography via 100 Layer Cake // Cake: Tiffany Egbert Photography via Wedding Chicks // Couple with Bicycle: Anne Robert Photography via Style Me Pretty // Bouquet: Ryan Ray Photography via Magnolia Rouge // Table Setting: Peaches & Mint Photography via Hey Wedding Lady

4 Comments / Filed In: Inspiration
Tagged: Charleston SC Blog Society, Charleston SC Wedding Blog, charleston sc wedding ideas, Coastal Wedding Blog, easter pink wedding, Ellis Photo Studio, Gillian Ellis

Something Short And Sweet About Love Take Two

February 9, 2015

Last year I came up with the idea of asking some wedding professionals and brides for their words of wisdom on love. Since the post was so popular I have decided to make it an annual tradition! Read on to hear some of your favorite wedding pro’s sweet remarks on love and don’t forget to read last years post here! Vday_001 Vday_002
“Love is more than just a word. It’s a part of everything you do, how you treat each other, the little things you do throughout the day, and the time you spend together. It’s the glue that keeps you together during the tough times, and the sugar on top during the good times.” Kathleen & Joe Atkins, JoPhotos Vday_003Vday_004
“Love is sticking by your partner’s side not only in the great times, but the rough ones too.” Alexandra Caldwell Fisher, A Caldwell Events Vday_006
“You don’t have to compromise for true love. The real thing gives you more than you even knew you wanted. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving – one that you should be celebrated…fiercely and often!” LaBruce Trammell, The Big Fake Wedding Vday_007
“The perfect lover knows the difference between the nights when you need to get dressed up, taken out and told you’re beautiful a million times and when you just need a no-makeup Netflix + cuddle marathon with a side of junk food.” Arielle Stratton, Party Love Birds Vday_008


Images Top to Bottom: Shoes via Elizabeth Messina // Bouquet: Tracy Enoch Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs // xoxo Flag: Katie Parra Photography via Style Me Pretty // Heart Pastries: Rustic White Photography via Style Me Pretty // Cake Table: Aly Carroll Photography via 100 Layer Cake // Cookies: Haley Sheffield via 100 Layer Cake // Pies: via The Alkaline Sisters // Giant Balloons: via Studio DIY // Heart Crayons: via 100 Layer Cake-let // xoxo Tablecloth: via Walk in Love

2 Comments / Filed In: Inspiration
Tagged: Charleston SC Blog Society, Charleston SC Wedding Blog, Charleston Wedding Blog, Gillian Ellis Photography, red and pink wedding, something short and sweet about love, valentines day wedding

Vibrant Charleston Engagement // Allison + Trevor

January 12, 2015

Today’s engagement is so fun and carefree it has us dreaming of warm, sunny days. JoPhotos photographed this sweet couples engagement among the cobblestone streets of Charleston, capturing all of the colorful flower boxes and charming tucked away corners that the city has to offer. And the brides sweet-as-can-be pink tulle skirt is the icing on an otherwise adorable engagement!AT_001 AT_002 AT_003 AT_004 AT_005 AT_006 AT_007 AT_008 AT_009 AT_010 AT_011


Photography: JoPhoto // Hair + Makeup: Vanity Salon // Film Lab: Photovision

4 Comments / Filed In: Engagement
Tagged: allison and trevor engagement, Charleston SC Blog Society, Charleston SC engagement, Charleston SC Wedding Blog, Charleston Wedding Blog, Gillian Ellis Photography

Blogger Style // TopKnots & PolkaDots

September 4, 2014

For today’s blogger style beautiful Chloe from TopKnots & PolkaDots is sharing two sweet looks for an engagement session. A recent transplant from Charlottesville, VA Chloe fell in love with the cobblestone streets and pastel style of Charleston and decided to start a blog to document her new city. Well I for one couldn’t be more happy that she decided to spread her fashion wisdom as Chloe is a whiz when it comes to budget finds! I was floored when I found out her cute wedges were from Target and her flowered dress below? It’s only 12 dollars! Read on below to see what she has to say about engagement fashion and don’t forget to visit her blog and facebook! TK_001 TK_002
TopKnots & PolkaDots: Selecting your outfit for engagement photos can be tough; however, if you follow a couple basic guidelines, you can focus on what’s actually important — you’re getting married! The two most vital rules of your wardrobe are: go with something classic and flatter your figure. The first seems like a no-brainer, but I can’t stress it enough — you want to look back on these photos and focus on how happy you both look, not how ugly that romper was.

For the second guideline, really think about what shapes and styles look best on your body type. If you don’t like your arms, don’t wear something sleeveless; if you love your legs, show them off with a fun skirt. Avoid oversized, boxy shapes, but don’t go too tight — you get it. As long as you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes, you will look gorgeous! TK_003 TK_004
For a little inspiration, I chose two outfit examples based on my two guidelines. My first look, the all-white ensemble, is not only popular for engagement shoots but has also been huge this summer. This is pretty much as classic as it gets — a crisp white top, fitted white pants, and wedges. I’m a big heel person as it is (anything to give this 5’2″ girl some height!), and for engagement photos I feel like they’re a must. They’ll make your legs look longer and more toned — who wouldn’t want that?

To spruce up this look a little, I went with fairly simple jewelry: nautical, delicate bow studs, and a sea glass-inspired statement necklace that I knew would go really well with the backdrop. Now your man just needs to throw on a well-tailored white oxford and khakis or jeans, and y’all will have timeless photos that will still look just as good in 50 years. Wearing all white kind of takes the focus off your clothes and puts it right where you want it to be — on the love between the two of you.
TK_005 TK_006
My second look is an example of a figure-flattering outfit. I chose this floral fit-and-flare dress because the warm colors compliment my skin tone and the shape emphasizes the smallest part of me, my waist. Some might rule out patterns in engagement shoots, but floral is very classic and the print is small enough to not be a distraction/still be flattering (smaller patterns = more flattering; larger patterns = less flattering). I also thought the floral print would go great with the scenery.

To top off the outfit, I went with a pretty statement necklace and some neutral-colored wedges. Again, wedges will always make your legs look longer and leaner, and choosing a color that is closer to your skin tone will elongate them even more (black or other dark hues will cut you off). With a colorful pattern, your man could either choose a color to match — in this case, a pale blue or green — or he could still go with the white + khaki look to let his lady stand out. Nothing wrong with that!
TK_007 TK_008As important as your appearance might seem at your engagement shoot, it’s much more important to remain stress-free and just have fun with it. Once you pick out a couple good outfits, don’t worry about how you’re looking in the photos — acting natural and having fun with your fiancĂ© will always look better than adjusting your skirt and worrying if your bra strap is showing! TK_009 TK_010


Photographer: Gillian Ellis, Ellis Photo Studio // First Look: Top: J.Crew Factory // White Jeans: J. Crew // Wedges: Target (similar) // Earrings: Francesca’s (similar) // Necklace: Francesca’s (similar) // Second Look: Dress: Forever 21 // Sandals: Target // Necklace: J.Crew Factory (similar)

3 Comments / Filed In: Engagement, Inspiration
Tagged: charleston fashion blog, charleston sc blog, Charleston SC Blog Society, charleston sc fashion blog, Charleston SC Wedding Blog, Charleston Wedding Blog, engagement outfit inspiration, topknots and polkadots

The 2nd Charleston Not Wedding Video

July 27, 2014

I’m loving this video from James McCoy Films of The 2nd Charleston NotWedding. It perfectly encompasses the fun of the event and the whole idea of The NotWedding. Can you spot yourself in the video? I know I saw a familiar face at 3:40!

Leave a Comment / Filed In: Inspiration
Tagged: charleston sc blog, Charleston SC Blog Society, Charleston SC Coastal Bride, Charleston SC Wedding Blog, Coastal Wedding Blog, Ellis Photo Studio, Gillian Ellis, The charleston NotWedding

Hi! I am Gillian, the editor of Coastal Bride. I hope our real weddings and DIY projects inspire you to have a unique and happy wedding!

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