Aside from settling on your guest list and sending out Save the Dates, choosing your wedding dress is one of the first steps in your wedding planning experience. We’ve blogged our fair share of pretty dresses, there’s no doubt about that! But we’ve never really discussed the actual process of finding your perfect dress. So, we brought in the lovely Marie of Posh Bridal Couture, to give y’all some top tips on shopping for a wedding dress! Take it away, Marie!

Schedule your first appointment. We recommend starting your search as soon as you get engaged! Custom order dresses typically take 6-9 months to arrive so starting a serious search 12 months prior to your date is the perfect timeframe.

What to bring to your first appointment. Nothing… except a couple of your biggest supporters (ie mother, sister, etc) and an open mind! A seasoned consultant will know exactly what style will look best on you. Trusting her to pull dresses will make for a stress-free, relaxed appointment and ultimate lead you to your dress.

The process. Our first appointment includes a time to chat about all things regarding the brides wedding – flowers, colors, location, etc. Once that is complete, we try on about 6-8 dresses and discuss likes and dislikes. Any dresses the bride has made a connection with, she will try on again and accessorize. Ultimately, that will narrow down to the dress! Brides are never planning on finding the dress at your first appointment but it happens in the majority of our appointments.

Choosing a style for your body type. There are several different dress styles that are available. First the most popular style is the A-line (flares out gently to create an A shape) which looks great on every body type. Next is the ball gown (fitted bodice with large skirt) and it looks best on tall girls as well as girls who are heavier on the bottom. Another favorite is the Fit & Flare (fitted through bodice and hips and then a gradual flare out). This style fits great on anybody with curves our trying to create curves. It does not work well on brides with a larger waistline. Finally, the Sheath (a straight cut that hugs curves) is a classic, simple style that works great on tall and thin girls. Ultimately we are believers in wearing a dress that makes you feel confident. It’s not always about matching up the “perfect” style for your body but instead about what you feel good in.

What to budget for a dress. The standard is set at 10% of the budget however we believe each bride has a place in their wedding budget they want to focus on. Some spend larger amounts on photography, the band, etc. It really is truly what the bride feels comfortable with.

Designers for ranging budgets. I am very particular in the designers I carry and have exclusivity on a majority of them. We start out with great designers like Casablanca & Allure Bridals which range from $700–$1,500. Some of our middle designers include Stephen Birnbaum, Matthew Christopher and Nicole Miller which range from $1,800–$6,000. Our high end designers include Badgley Mischka, Ian Stuart and Jorge Manuel with prices ranging from $4,500–$13,000.

Don’t forget about alterations! Alterations range in pricing depending on the experience of your seamstress and the fabrics/details of the dress. Prices can range from $200–$600.

Getting fitted. The bride’s first fitting is typically 3 months prior to the wedding date. Most alterations are completed in 2-3 appointments. If the dress needs major alterations, more appointments would be necessary.

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Thanks so much, Marie! You can check out her Minnesota-based boutique right here. Also, don’t forget to take a peek at the rest of this gorgeous Fall wedding!

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Wedding Dress + Tips: Posh Bridal | Photography: Canary Grey Photography | Event Coordinating: Lizzie Anne | Floral Design: Colleen’s Flower Cellar | Hair Fascinator: Bethany Lorelle | Hair + Makeup: Julie Swenson Beauty | Bride’s Orange Coat: Vintage | Bride’s Shoes: Ruche | Groom’s Suit: Men’s Warehouse

If you’ve ever perused the DIYs that grace our pages, or perhaps pored through our photo shoots so planned to perfection. Then you, my dear, have come across the work of our resident crafter, Jess. She’s got more creativity in her pinky than most of us could EVER dream of, yet the kind of girl who makes anyone feel instantly at ease. And today we’ve got a little HUGE treat in store. You see, last year our dear Jess tied the knot and you better believe her wedding was filled to the gills with DIYed details big and small. But before we kick off all the fun, let’s look back at some of her favorite SMP projects and get to know Jess just a wee bit better, shall we?

SMP: You’re the DIY guru of SMP. How did you get started in a career as an expert crafter?
It definitely started at home for me. My mom is a great crafter so I learned a lot of basic skills growing up. I remember poring over her Martha Stewart Living subscription every month, and brainstorming our plans to decorate for the next holiday, learn cake decorating, or revamp one of the rooms in our house. I majored in sculpture in college and refined a lot of my skills. Since college I’ve worked everywhere from a flower shop to a reception desk, even as a sign artist for Whole Foods. I’ve picked up little bits from every job- basic flower arranging here, some graphic design and handwriting training there. So many of the things I do today are things I was working on for fun at age 12. How amazing is that?

SMP: Favorite DIYs to date?
Oh this is a tough one! I’d say it’s a tie between the faux coral candlesticks, because they’re just so quick and so elegant, and the marble & copper Ikea side table because it’s one of the most transformative pieces we’ve done. It looks so luxe- you’d never guess it was originally from Ikea!

SMP: You plan a lot of SMP’s photo shoots from start to finish. Talk to us about your creative process.
Typically I start with finding the colors & textures that will evoke the mood we’re going for. I’ll usually make a pinterest board that is filled with anything from images that have the right mood or color, to specific products I know will fit the bill. This helps me look at everything together, to see if each piece works with the other. The day of the shoot, I’m all about styling. I look for details that will look great highlighted in a photo, or ways to arrange the elements of the party that will let them stand out in a post and give the viewer a sense of what it was like to be in the environment.

SMP: How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by looking at other people’s work (can you tell I loooove Pinterest?) but I find the trick is to look at inspiring work that’s not directly related to what I’m working on. I also try to stay exposed to anything and everything in the worlds of art, design, & fashion, break down what it is I like about beautiful pieces, and think about how I can use those concepts in another way.

SMP: Now, let’s switch gears and talk wedding. Tell us about the proposal. We want deets!
It was really sweet. We were in Florida for a mini-vacay and we decided to go the beach for a sunset picnic. We had our toes in the sand, drinking wine, watching the waves and talking for a few hours, and then he suggested we draw surprise pictures for each other in the sand. I had him close his eyes while I drew a dinosaur in the sand. He covered my face with a t-shirt and when I took it off, he had written Will you marry me? in the sand and he was on one knee! I was SO surprised, but of course I said yes.

SMP: Where did you start when planning your wedding? What was the initial inspiration?
To start planning, I thought a lot about what we both love, and what my favorite design inspiration is in general, so I ended up with a rough list of things like: summer in the Berkshires, old New England glamour, a sense of history (especially family history), gold accents, rambling flowers and vines, loose calligraphy, watercolors, and a-dress-so-big-I-have-to-be-stuffed-into-the-car. Then I thought about the vibe we wanted to achieve, which ended up being a delicate balance of an easygoing summer dinner on the porch mixed with glam gowns and elegant details (kind of tough to pull off, I know, but I think we did ok)!

SMP: How did you decide what to DIY and what to hire out?
I would have DIYed everything if I could have, but there was only one of me and not that much time. That said, I definitely bit off a (little bit) more than I could chew for our wedding. I’m just so good at making grandiose plans! If I were doing it over again, I would be a little more choosy with what projects I made vs. bought. I would try to keep all your DIY projects for things that can be made ahead of the last few weeks. And I would recommend sticking to things you’re comfortable with. Never sewn? Don’t get into it now, you’ll make yourself crazy trying to teach yourself while doing it. Love baking? Great! Maybe you can bake a bunch of little somethings for a late-night treat ahead of time, and freeze until the big day.

SMP: Favorite moment from the day?
I had seen another bride on SMP talk about how she and her husband took some time to “hide out” right after the ceremony, and how important it was to her that they took some time to process what just happened in private. Boy, was she right! I told my day-of coordinator to send everyone down to the reception while we went up to the balcony of the church for a few minutes alone. It was such a nice moment- no distractions, no one else to worry about- just us, husband and wife. After a whole morning not seeing each other, that moment made us feel like we were connected and facing the rest of the day together.

SMP: Biggest piece of advice for DIY brides?
Break down your DIY into its simplest tasks and get groups working on them, assembly-line style. I.e., If the invitations need to be 1) cut 2) folded 3) stamped 4) addressed, assign one person to each of those tasks. People have more energy for a project when they know they’re not facing a stack of programs all by their lonesome. Plus, the more people you have, the less time each person has to spend helping, and the more of a party atmosphere you can make!

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And for you list lovers, here’s a rundown of our favorite Jess crafted DIYs, parties, and pretties galore…
A New England Apple Picking Party
A DIY IKEA Side Table Hack
The Prettiest Sprinkles Themed Party
A Halloween Dinner Party
DIY Abstract Art
A Thanksgiving Fete
A Fun Mexican Fiesta
DIY Calligraphy Signs

We’ll be back in a bit with her wedding DIYs AND a look at the full Big Day!

Just when I thought I was getting on board with this whole fall thing, this incredible photoshoot had to go and make its way into my inbox. The soft palette set against the harsh landscape is totally and completely up my alley. And ever since setting my sights on it, I find myself wondering if there’s enough time to throw just one more warm-weather party. Captured by Katie McGihon and designed by Arrangements Floral and Party Design , there’s a whole lot of pretty that can be found in the gallery. 

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From Katie… We just can’t let go of summer here in Palm Springs… which is only fair… since the high today is supposed to reach 109. Enjoy one last summer inspiration shoot from Katie McGihon and Arrangements Floral and part Design!

Inspired by the last of Palm Springs’ sweet summer light, event designer Luna created a concept full of surprises. From edgy neon colors to soft pastel hues, this bohemian yet romantic inspiration shoot came together just in time for the tail end of warm sunsets painted on desert mountains. Our real life couple fell head over heels for their table design, which featured neon/yarn wrapped numbers, geode, gold frames, dream catchers and casual seating. The mountains of Palm Springs were the perfect backdrop for this unique concept!

Photography: Katie McGihon Photography | Event Design: Arrangements Floral & Party Designs | wardrobe: The Fine Art of Design

Even though I grew up in the great state of Montana completely surrounded by rustic beauty, I am sort of a preppy girl at heart.  Chevron stripes, bold color palettes, sleek and sophisticated monograms… my heart is pitter pattering just thinking about it.  And when I laid my eyes on this little beauty captured by Set Free Photography, it almost jumped right out of my chest.  Because this, my friends, is preppy chic done oh-so-right with sophisticated green and blue hues, fab decor from Alter Elements and a whole lot of happy.  Click here for every moment of pretty.

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From Set Free Photography… Abbey and Mario were married at the gorgeous Mediterra Golf & Country Club in Naples, Florida on a terrace overlooking their guests and the old Florida landscape. This was a destination wedding for the Atlanta couple, whose family and friends traveled from near and far to attend the union. The day was full of laughter and happy tears, as each of family’s love and support overflowed for Abbey and Mario. Their family values and hometown traditions were celebrated by sharing a taste with their guests: each place setting held a box of chocolate & peanut butter Buckeyes from Ohio, and Dolle’s Saltwater Taffy from Maryland.

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Photography: Set Free Photography | Gown: Maggie Sottero | Floral Design: Isn’t She Lovely Florals | Cake: Kakes by Karen | Jewelry: Jewelers Loupe | Wedding Planner: Along Came Stephanie | Hair: Hope Artistry | DJ: David Lugo | Decor: Alter Elements | Makeup: Meggan Bradley | Mens Apparel: Ralph Lauren | Rentals: Niche Event Rentals | Venue: The Club at Mediterra

I love everything about NYC; from the hustle + bustle to the quiet neighborhood corners, the city simply oozes with charm. When it comes to hosting your big day in the city that never sleeps, my dears, I’ve got the perfect venue for you! Enter, The Gramercy Park Hotel. Perfectly located in Manhattan on one of the city’s only private parks, this jaw-droppingly gorgeous space offers couples an unforgettable setting for their best day ever.

Known for their incredible collection of art (we’re talking Andy Warhol + Damien Hirst to name a few!), custom furniture and incredible use of bold color, the artsy, romantic  + eclectic Gramercy Park Hotel has a personality all its own. The hotel’s dedicated special events team will help you craft a totally one-of-a-kind celebration. And be sure to utilize the venues amazing roof top garden with weatherized retractable glass enclosure as well as the famously appointed Drawing Room!

From bridal showers to weddings and everything in between, you can be sure your big day at The Gramercy Park Hotel will be incredibly special. To learn more about planning your event, contact the special events team at 646.989.3314 or email mcondon{at}gramercyparkhotel.com. Happy planning, my dears! xo

I have a confession. Before I found my way into the world of weddings, I didn’t know what a peony was. That’s almost blasphemous, isn’t it?  But now, I’m fully versed in the big fluffy flower genre and that love for the all-star bloom runs deep. I’ve also added a few more loves to the list. Things like branches intermingling with floral centerpieces, little gold details and really good, take-your-breath-away photography; all of which this wedding has thanks to the likes of The Little Branch, A Stunning Affair and onelove photography. Have a look right here for even more.

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From the Bride…Andy and I were set up through his cousins wife who was a colleague of mine based in Atlanta. I grew up in Los Angeles and Andy was a Midwest guy from Oklahoma who had moved out to LA for film school at USC. Carrie saw something in the two of us and insisted that we meet. Who knew that first date would be the beginning of the rest of our lives? Apparently she did! We both felt something special that night after finishing one others sentences over Brazilian food at a local West LA restaurant, Bossa Nova, and laughing our faces off at his friends underground comedy show in a residential garage, the Comedy Carhole. It was in this same place almost 2 years later that he proposed on bended knee along a street his best friends helped him decorate with personalized luminaries featuring our names!

I think every woman out there fantasizes just a little bit about what her wedding day will be like however when the time came, I was overflowing with ideas and inspiration and frankly did not know where to begin. Andy was happy to just get married and he patiently supported me in every way cooking dinner every night, cleaning our apt and keeping up with laundry so I could focus on our wedding! Budget was a big factor in determining where we would get married. We briefly considered Andys hometown of Tulsa as it would be more affordable but quickly decided Los Angeles was best for our many friends with young families and would be easier for us to plan with our hectic work schedules. Most of our extended family would be traveling anyhow from across the U.S. so we settled on Memorial Day weekend to throw what we hoped would be an unforgettable vacation for the wonderful family who had nurtured us along the way.

It was important to both of us to honor our Catholic heritage so we chose to get married at St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica. I always knew I wanted the traditional experience of walking down the aisle in a church to meet my handsome husband to be! We are both very laid back when it comes to our personal lives, so it was very important to find a reception venue that reflected our personalities and sense of style playful, quirky and intimate  and fit our budget! Santa Monica is limited when it comes to budget friendly venues  most options are beachfront ballrooms, which were out of our budget and also lacked the character and charm that we were looking for. Our wishes were answered when we visited a cool urban garden called Tiato at the recommendation of a friend!

Tiato offered everything we were looking for in a venue and embodied all of the elements that felt like an extension of our home…an urban oasis with indoor and outdoor spaces with gorgeous succulent walls, a beautiful tree with hanging lanterns that I knew would be the perfect backdrop for our first dance, a cool interior space with a gorgeous Napa-esque bar complete with Edison bulb lighting and rustic details throughout like market string lights, wine barrels and wheeled carts. Needless to say, we swooned and immediately fell in love with everything Tiato had to offer! Andy and I seriously love food so were so excited to find Tiato had an extensive menu to choose from with our favorite comfort food options like truffle mac n cheese and kobe beef sliders! I have a sweet tooth like no other so when I saw this amazing long rustic table at Tiato, I envisioned it covered with our favorite sweet treats  French macaroons, crme brulee shooters, cake pops, mini cupcakes and a rustic 3-tiered cake with layers of red velvet, chocolate with salted caramel and vanilla cake w/ strawberries and crme.

The most memorable moments of our wedding reception happened on the dance floor. Ill never forget the look on my Dads face after nailing our trick move during our first dance to My Girl after spending weeks practicing in the parking lot at work or watching my nephews and mom jump rope with a rope they had fashioned by stringing together glow necklaces. Andy and I had an epic dance off to a mash up of Titanium vs the Proclaimers 500 miles from our favorite movie, Pitch Perfect, while our families surrounded us cheering! Our friend Marcy also grabbed the mike from our DJ and rapped to Vanilla Ice and later my best friend Kelly closed the night with an acapella version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, which gave us chills. It was truly the best day of our lives and my feet ached for days following! We are so grateful to all of our friends and family for their help and support and to our amazing vendors who made our day possible.

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Photography: onelove photography | Event Design: A Stunning Affair | Floral Design: The Little Branch | Ceremony Location: St. Monica Catholic Church | Reception Location: Tiato | Rentals + Lighting: Chiavari Chair Rentals | Linen Rentals: Designer Specialty Linens | Photo Booth: Smilebooth | Stationery: Smitten on Paper | Transportation: OC Cruiser | Officiant: Monsignor Torgerson | Cinematography: Amanda Madeline Studios | DJ: Ian Gotler from RedShoe LA | Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop | Makeup + Hair: Kelly Zhang | Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein | Bridesmaids Dresses Designer: J. Crew | Jewelry: Ben Amun | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Veil: Custom, A Stitch in Time | Hanger: BHLDN

Ever wondered how to incorporate that fantastic vintage fan into your decor without making your home feel like your grandmother’s basement? There really is a fine line that musn’t be crossed! And luckily for us, we have the incredible Jillian Harris here today sharing all her deep, dark designer secrets. The girl is amazing. Everything she touches turns to pure gold. And with the launch of her new shop Charlie Ford Vintage, she has now delved hard into the world of vintage finds and is here today to tell the tale.

SMP: Congrats on the launch of Charlie Ford Vintage! What made you decide to branch out into the realm of vintage goods?

JH: Tori [my cousin] and I grew up surrounded by antiques and we’ve been dreaming about sharing our passion with the world since we were little girls. So I really feel like it was just meant to be. I’ve always been really passionate about things that have already had a life, that have their own story. Every time we would go shopping for antiques I would think to myself… I HAVE to find these gems a good home! And from there, Charlie Ford Vintage was born!

SMP: Do you handpick all of the Charlie Ford’s items yourself?

JH: I do handpick most of the items on Charlie Ford, though I wish I could choose them all! My antiquing trips are the best part of the entire process!!! My cousin Tori and partner Alyssa are also curators, so we do all the handpicking between the three of us and make sure all the items are full of life and history and perfect for Charlie Ford!

SMP: What are you typically looking for while on the hunt for new goods?

JH: I look for what is hot and trendy at the moment but the vintage version, which happens to be always a 1000 times more beautiful and interesting. Think a New York tackle box to hold your jewels, old nautical glass fishing floats, a 100 year old brass telescope from Paris, a vintage 1920’s Louis Vuitton suitcase, or vintage Dior leather gloves.

SMP: While vintage shopping, how do you weed out the good, the bad and the ugly?

JH: It can actually get quite hard when you are in digging through dim lit, jam-packed antique stores. I always think of how the items could be showcased so I picture how it would look in my home. You get pretty good at it when you spend years rummaging around dusty old corners!

SMP: Do you have any secrets for incorporating vintage elements into your décor without making your home feel like your grandmothers’ basement?

JH: YES! always mix it up with contemporary pieces. I love crisp whites for furniture and walls, which always offers a wonderful contrast to the details and beautiful wear of an antique piece. Our goal is to do what our mothers did to us, redefine what people think when they see vintage or antique. I love displaying a vintage gem underneath a big glass cloche all on its on my dining table, or having sprinkling vintage pieces of art amongst more modern prints, original paintings and hung artifacts. Or using a simple stack of old suitcases anbd trunks in place of a typical bedside table. Vintage, like anything else, needs to be used in moderation for it to be truly appreciated. On our Charlie Ford Vintage blog, we teach our customers and readers how to do this the right way!

SMP: Serious question: you feature so many incredible pieces – how are you possibly able to give them away? I’d be tempted to hoard each and every one!

JH: Serious answer: I AM tempted to hang on to every single item we find for Charlie Ford but they don’t all fit in my house! It is SO hard, just ask Justin [my boyfriend]! Too many times I bring them home and I squeal just like they’re puppies “CAN I KEEP IT!?!? CAN I!?”

SMP: The biggest mistake people make when incorporating vintage into their home?
JH: Some people think “antique” or “vintage” is a theme. And this theme is usually dark and heavy and associated with colors like tan and brown. I love incorporating vintage decor as accent pieces amongst fresh and crisp contemporary spaces. And again, it’s all about balance. It’s not so much a theme as it is peppering your home with history, soul & personality.

SMP: What’s your number one tip when designing a room?
JH: Start with white and have FUN doing it!!! And one major DON’T: NEVER furnish a room with decor from only one furniture store…where’s the fun in that??

SMP: And lastly, one item that every style savvy homeowner should have?
JH: Antique books! I love using them as accessories. Use them to add colour and scale to a coffee table, to style a bookcase, stacked on a side table, or displayed creatively in your home’s nooks and crannies.

Headshot Photography: Karolina Turek | Interior Photography: Sharla Pike | Interview: Jillian Harris | Vintage Accessories: Charlie Ford Vintage

Door County is a Midwest gem. The heartland’s answer to Cape Cod, if you will. So plop the prettiest editorial shoot right in the middle, and you’ve got a recipe for gorgeousness. A.Styled Event, Buds ‘n Bloom, and Monograham gussied things up and The McCartneys Photography delivered BIG time behind the lens. Have a look right here.

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From Anna of A.Styled Event…Door County is a gem of its own, known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, and is a popular vacation destination for Wisconsinites and neighboring states. While Door County offers state parks, blooming cherry orchards, miles of beautiful shoreline, and plenty of specialty shops and boutiques, it is no surprise why so many love to visit. Visitors surely appreciate the leisurely culture of the locals who have formed roots, offer knowledge, and bring distinction to this charming county. All of which served as inspiration for the details in this picturesque editorial shoot.

We envisioned an intimate rehearsal dinner, tucked along the shoreline of a childhood home that would showcase the couples adored Door County traditions, artisans, and style. A soft and natural color palette of blue, taupe, and orange were chosen to compliment the lovely shoreline of Lake Michigan. The perfect bamboo paper letterpress invitations, which are a mix of custom Smock designs from Monograham, were mailed to their closest family and friends.  Each guest received a welcome basket made of favorite local goodies; a fresh loaf of bread from Island Bread Company, fine olive oil and seasoning from Door County Olive Oil, apple cherry Island Orchard Cider, and more.

Buds n Bloom designed the fabulous floral elements that dressed the table, teepee and the stunning bride-to-bes floral crown. The centerpieces even included a Door County native flower! A romantic teepee was set to symbolize the couples love for camping in the state parks and served as a fun backdrop for guests to enjoy. The local farm-to-table menu was crafted with fresh Lake Michigan whitefish, vegetable garnish, and greens. Guests were enlightened with a famous Door County fish boil, followed by a delicious ombre cake from Flour Girl Patissier, a local pastry chef.

A.Styled Event provided the creative vision and direction for this amazing team, while The McCartneys Photography naturally captured every expression and detail, bringing this editorial shoot to life. We couldnt think of a better way to ease into your wedding day than with an intimate, relaxed, yet romantic gathering along the beautiful shoreline. We hope that this shoot serves as inspiration for brides looking to do just the same, perhaps even in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin!

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Photography: The McCartneys Photography | Floral Design: Buds ‘n Bloom | Creative Direction + Event Styling: A.Styled Event | Invitations: Monograham | Olive Oil for Tasting: Door County Olive Oil | Cake: Flourgirl Patissier | Welcome Basket Goodies: Madison Avenue Wine Shop | Hair + Makeup: Jessica of Clipper’s Mate | Bride’s Dress: Victoria’s Secret | Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic

As soon as I stumbled upon this golden duct tape I knew it was meant for something great. After considering the many options, I opted to use it to make some modern artwork with a gilded effect. Its a pretty simple and chic way to add some new art to your home! My patterns were inspired by these lovely Goods By Grinn pillows. They make a fun pairing! If you give this a try be sure to share your images over on instagram. Include the hashtag #SMPLivingGildedArt so we can take a peek.  We would love to see what you come up with!

Art Canvas
Exacto Knife
Gold Duct Tape

Make a print plan and if needed use a pencil to draw on the tape.

Roll out your duct tape and cut intended shapes with your exact-o knife. Make sure to cut over a matt or cutting surface.

Apply shapes and press over canvas to secure in desired pattern.

Frame, hang and enjoy!

Art Print: By Luciana | Pillows: Goods By Grinn

I don’t know how you Australian bride and grooms manage to do it, but, boy, do you throw some seriously amazing weddings.  I’m talking weddings that mix stunning traditional details with chic + sophisticated stylings and, well… everything in between.  The kind of weddings that stop you in your tracks from their pure awesomeness, and leave you spending hours upon hours soaking in their beautiful galleries.  Case in point?  This gorgeous day captured by Alana Blowfield which just so happens to feature a crazy cool Brown Fox reception and beautiful paper goods from Hello Tenfold.  Click here for so much more.

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From the Bride… My inspiration for the day was to create a warm ambience with lots of bright colours synonymous with Autumn.  I chose the venue as the layout was so perfect to accommodate a sit-down dinner, but still allowing the casual atmosphere of a bar, and space to mingle and dance.  I loved the style of the venue as it was a nice contrast between old-world charm (which I love!) and a contemporary urban bar.
 
A friend of the family Rosaleen did an amazing job with the bouquets and church flowers, incorporating some very subtle art deco details such as netting and feathers, as well as the beautiful deco style vases on the alter, which she managed to source from second hand stores for around $35 for all!  We chose the burnt orange pink, reds and cherries to lift the black dresses for the bridesmaids, as well as tie into the overall colours of the day – being bright autumn tones.  The main rose was called ‘High and Intenzz’ and originates from Africa – it varies from a deep orange pink outside to a deep but bright orange inside.
 
Rebecca Grace at Natural art flowers did a beautiful job on the venue flowers and styling.  Again we used autumn tones, with some soft pink/mushroom coloured roses that have a vintage feel to them. She also placed some large statement arrangements on the bar with autumn berries which were magnificent.  Lots of tall candles added to the warm ambience of the room.
 
I spent a lot of time online looking for wedding invitations and then via the Etsy website, I came across some gorgeous deco prints from a designer in the US called Hello Tenfold.  They were so easy to deal with and it was really easy online.  I chose some gorgeous mini perfumes for the table gifts for the girls from an online business called minibarco – they specialise in travel sized boutique travel and beauty brands.  The little Lollia perfumes came in 4 fragrances, and perfect to carry in a purse. We walked down the aisle to Regina Spektre’s Real Love – it’s an old Beatles song so it resonated with the oldies and the young. At the venue we have an acoustic duo from local Perth band ‘Tourist’, this was perfect for pre-dinner drinks as well as sitting down for dinner as they play a range of old and new tunes from Bob Dylan to Bon Iver, as well as originals.
 
My advice for any brides planning now would be to enjoy the planning – I found it really easy to make decisions one I had chosen the colours and style.  All the decisions such as choosing decorations, flowers colours and stationery become easy after that as you have a style and colour palate to stick to!  I would also say leave some details to the experts as they know what works. Make sure there is enough food and lots of places for people to sit if you go cocktail style as it’s such a long day.  On the day, try and walk around and enjoy the final creation as you put a lot of time and effort into it.

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Photography: Alana Blowfield | Flowers: Natural Art Flowers | Wedding Preparation: The Terrace Hotel | Ceremony Venue: St Anne’s Church | Reception Venue: The Brown Fox | Favours: Mini Barco | Invitations: Hello Tenfold | Wedding Dress: Galleria Couture

Gather round, lovelies, and let’s chat dresses for a minute. We’re talking romantic, vintage-inspired styles with incredible fits and re-imagined silhouettes, all from local Bay Area bridal designer Judy Lee’s collection Ju.Lee Chic. Pulling inspiration from architecture around the country and crafting incredible fits based on the four basic body types of a woman (curvy, busty, pear + boyish), these stunning gowns will leave you breathless.

Handcrafted by some of the best dressmakers in the US, the Ju.Lee Collection is all about combining classic feminine details and gorgeous fabrics with flattering fits and stunning support. And you’ll feel totally comfortable on your big day in a Ju.Lee gown as they boast adjustable inner corsets and side skirt pockets (hello, amazing!). From dresses to bridal accessories (think veils, beaded belts and more) I’m seriously smitten with these locally made stunners. To schedule a dress appointment at the San Jose studio, email info{at}juleechic.com or call 408.688.4877 or you can shop any time of day at the online boutique!

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And things keep getting better, my dears, because Ju.Lee Chic is giving one of our lucky readers a gorgeous Central Park veil (value $139)! To enter, comment on this post with your favorite piece in the Ju.Lee Collection! A winner will be announced on September 27, 2103. To top it all off, Ju.Lee Chic is also offering 15% off all dresses and accessories for our lovely SMP readers! To redeem, mention code SMPLOVE when placing your order or enter code at checkout on when ordering through their shop on Etsy.  Discount expires November 1, 2013. Happy shopping, my dears! xo

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years at SMP, it’s this: engagement sessions are awesome.  Awesome in that they are always, always chock-full of an abundance of love… and a non-stop excitement and joy that you just can’t find elsewhere.  In other words, they are amazing, and when you throw in a rustic setting like this breathtaking Okanagan Lake backdrop and the fabulous Kevin Trowbridge to capture all of the magic, they jump from amazing to amazing and then some.  Click here for so much more.

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From Kevin Trowbridge… Miya and Kyle are getting married on August 3rd, 2013 at Linden Gardens in Kaleden, British Columbia which is a jewel of a tiny town located on the shores of Skaha Lake.  Kyle pulled out all the stops when he proposed to Miya (who is very hard to surprise) including secretly flying from Kelowna to Calgary, renting a car, and driving to Tiffanys to purchase Miya’s ultimate dream ring! They wanted something rustic and country for their engagement session, and we immediately thought a classic canoe and vintage movie on the beach would be perfect.  It turned out to be crazy windy, causing the sheet used as the movie screen to be ripped off many times, but they never complained and had a good time through it all.  We love the classic Canadian look of these images framed by the wild beauty of the Okanagan Lake in British Columbia.

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Photography: Kevin Trowbridge

It’s easy to fall head over heels in love with this wedding. The pretty palette, the gorgeous blooms, the modern setting of the Greenhouse Loft – it all makes for one sweet fête to swoon over. But what if I told you the icing on this pretty cake is that this Bride’s dress was made by her mother? Because it so was, which totally ups the ante if you ask me. See it all here.

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Photography: Christy Tyler Photography | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Urban Outfitters | Catering: Food For Thought | Makeup: Brandon Trumfio | Hair: Jack Alexander Salon | DJ: Mobile Music | Ceremony & Reception: Greenhouse Loft | Groomsmen Wear: Men's Wearhouse | Preparations: Hotel Monaco

I sort of have this crazy obsession with Polly Alexandre and her amazing imagery.  An “I want to be the President of her fan club” kind of obsession that only grows stronger with every gorgeous moment she captures.  It probably has a little something to do with the fact that she’s pure genius, and her clients?  Oh-so-lovely.  I’m talking bride and grooms who really know a thing or two about throwing a beautiful wedding… weddings like this stunning Sri Lanka gem, aka, one seriously amazing day chock-full of pretty.  See every last moment right here in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… We both generally travel quite a lot anyway and we both have family and friends scattered throughout the world (mainly London, Singapore and Sri Lanka) making our choice of destination for our main wedding a real conundrum. Rabin is very close to his mother and having her there  was one of the main factors in choosing Sri Lanka (she is wheelchair bound, making travel virtually impossible), as well as pretty much being guaranteed some warm sunshine. Initially we thought we would have a small affair with only the closest of our friends but with relatively cheap flights from Singapore, this quickly snowballed into a full crowd of family and friends wanting an excuse for a short holiday! We settled on The Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle because of the pretty lawn next to the beach where I could try and walk somewhat gracefully down an “aisle” without getting stuck in the sand.

I let my bridesmaids choose their own colour & style of dress from Dessy, the pageboy outfits came from Monsoon and I made the flowergirls some tutus. A beach wedding invariably lends itself to bright colours and I figured that pink, orange and green would be fun together as well as complement the natural colours in the garden but for the dinner we wanted something a bit more classically English so we chose a white theme with some of my favourite blooms – orchids, hydrangeas and lilies. The florist Lucien really worked his magic and has a beautiful artistic flair that completely transformed the dining room.

My engagement ring was designed around a Van Cleef & Arpel design and the stone sourced from Antwerp. My dress was from Jenny Packham, a perfectly lightweight chiffon material and flowing design which, on a practical note, kept my back uncovered which kept me cool on the day! When organising a wedding in a Third World country, you imagine all sorts of mayhem – many things just may not be up to Western standards but many of our suppliers were recommended by family members and on the day we absolutely wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without Janice’s military organisation!

Our ceremony was held on the lawn next to the beach in the middle of the afternoon to allow an extra time frame for the photographs of many relatives! We then went down to the beach for wedding party & portrait photographs, it was fun getting away for a few minutes with our photographer Polly down the deserted stretch of beach. There was a group of local children playing football to add to the amusement! My favourite pictures were me with our elephant and the shot with the long stretch of beach with palm trees framing the background which reflected the feel of our wedding. We also did an after-wedding portrait shoot – those pictures say far more about the destination and are also more relaxed apart from the fact that riding around in full wedding regalia in a tuktuk got us some very funny looks!*

We wanted to make sure our guests were fed and entertained throughout the day with various activities (a far cheaper affair than having the equivalent in London or Singapore). Our guests were greeted with a local King Coconut drink followed after the ceremony by some classical Sri Lankan dancers with cocktails whilst the photographs were shot. We had a surprise local guest which our guests loved, an elephant who walked up from the beach towards the end of the signing ceremony. Our guests also passed the time by participating in some videography entertainment by Billy May of Marryokes.com – they produced our own karaoke wedding video (but also did a very nice short “serious” version)

The end of the daytime activities closed with everyone letting off sky lanterns which looked really pretty at sunset and after dinner we had dancing on the terrace with DJ / band flourished by our little surprise of a Gangnam Style “first dance” routine, which ended with fireworks set off from the rocks below. Since we had the whole hotel, they let us party on the balcony until 6am after which we continued in the bridal suite…..

Sri Lanka has had some rough times in recent years, with the 2004 tsunami and the civil war ending in 2009 but has since been experiencing a boom in economy and tourism. They currently have quite a high rate of inflation/unstable currency which should be taken into account but the long stretches of perfect beaches, warm climate and friendly people made for a perfect day, the last smile came 3 days after the wedding whilst we were in the Fort in Galle having dinner, the locals asked if we were at that “big foreign wedding” at the Lighthouse as they had heard a rumour that the lanterns each had US$10 inside… apparently the local villagers had spent the evening chasing our lanterns in the hope of getting a lucky dollar!

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Southern romance meets modern design, and the result? Pure gorgeous. With stunning florals from Stems Floral Design, a to die for cake from Simon Lee Bakery and picture perfect planning by Your Very Own Fairy Godmother every image snapped up by DCM Photography is perfectly pin-worthy. So do yourself a favor this fine Tuesday morning and get lost in all the lovely right here.

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Photography: DCM Photography | Cinematography: ILC Films | Event Planning: Your Very Own Fairy Godmother | Flowers: Stems Floral Design + Event Styling | Wedding Dress: Serendipity Bridal | Cake: Simon Lee Bakery | Invitations: The Pink Tulip | Hair & Makeup: Belle's Beauty Special Event Hair & Makeup | Rentals: James Allen Salon | Rentals: Stems Productions | Rentals: Retrospective Austin

Backyard weddings are nothing short of wonderful. There is something so warm, so intimate about a wedding hosted at a family home, and when it’s all captured by Shane Godfrey Photography, it just gets that much better. This wedding is the perfect example. It’s a beautiful celebration of these two lovely folks, and there is even more to love right here.

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From Shane Godfrey Photography…Katy emailed me to talk more about her wedding, and we found a time that worked for her in the UK and me here. After a short conversation about my background, she told me to send over the contract and we were on for her wedding day. Katy had met Simon while abroad for work and decided to stay to be with him there. My second photographer got ready with the guys up at Katy’s parent’s house in Manchester, New Hampshire, and the girls got ready at the reception location. Everyone walked over to the church which was right down the street from where they had a ceremony filled with laughter and tears and ending to a church bell pulled by one of the ushers. We took the majority of the family photos and bride and groom photos in front of the church as it made for a great location for photographs. We headed back over to the house and finished up with bridal party photos as well as a few more of the bride and groom. As cocktail hour ended and the bridal party was heading into the tent, the humidity broke and the sky opened up for the rest of the night. Because the top of their tent was clear plastic, it made for a cool sight to look up and see the rain coming down as the sun set. They had an emotional speech from the maid of honor, and two hilarious ones by both the groom’s father and best man. We got out during dinner for a few minutes to get a couple of night shots with the house, tent, and twinkle lights during twilight after the bride changed into some gold sequin Tom’s shoes.

Photography: Shane Godfrey Photography | Wedding Planner: Kit Reno (Bride's Mother) | Florist: Nancy Walton (Bride's Aunt) | Ceremony Location: The Dover Church | Reception Venue: Private Residence | Caterer: East Meets West Catering | Makeup Artist: 26th on Hanover | DJ: DJ Maloof | Officiant: The Dover Church | Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier

I probably don’t need to tell you just how much we adore rustic weddings here at SMP, but bare with me one more time, because it’s definitely worth repeating… rustic weddings rock.  And when we get the chance to dive into some rustic-y goodness of the Southern variety?  Even better.  Because this is the kind of inspiration-fest that mixes sweet country details with a non-stop dash of elegance, from the gold-plated flatware from Vintage Vogue Event Rentals to the gorgeous invites from Minted to the mesmerizing gallery captured by ABH Fine Photography.  Join me there for all of the pretty.

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From ABH Fine Photography… It’s a hot, Georgia Summer day, but not just any other. Kaitlin and Joseph are set to tie the knot amongst friends and family in a lovely rustic setting. If there’s a theme for the day, it’s “love,” fortified by “country elegant” details that showcase the bride and groom’s big day…

In reality, it’s a photographer’s dream. It’s the capture of a couple that had recently married months short of a year prior, and the cooperation and excitement of several contributing vendors. It may be “stylized,” but the romance and the beauty of it all is very, VERY real. My hope is that all of you enjoy it as much as we truly did having the opportunity to make it all come to life!

Photography: ABH Fine Photography | Flowers: Alpharetta Flower Market | Invitations: Minted | China and Gold-Plated Flatware: Vintage Vogue Event Rentals | Dress, Shoes & Veil: Glitz Bridal and Formal Salon | Models: Brian and Kendall Stout | Personalized Bridal Hanger: Wooden Heart Designs | Suit & Shirt: Men's Wearhouse | Tie and shoes: Dillard's | Wine, Cigar & Cigar Box: The Tinder Box | Wine, Cigar & Cigar Box: Vino 100 Alpharetta

Joanna of Sixpence Productions admits that she “kind of ADORES” these two, and truth be told, after spending a few minutes with them via this highlight film, I’m in the same boat. They are stinking adorable and so in love. Not to mention they planned a gorgeous day and held it all on a beautiful beach. I’m smitten.

Photography courtesy of the fab VUE Photography.

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From the cinematographer… Okay, so I kind of ADORE these two. Sarah Jane was truly giddy on her wedding day and one of my favorite moments in their wedding film sneak peek was when she was telling her Daddy (in his perfect seersucker suit) how excited she was. Sarah Jane + Brad buried bourbon a month before their wedding to help ensure it wouldn’t rain on their wedding day. It didn’t, and we ended up with perfect light! I’d never heard of this southern tradition, but I kind of love it. Brad’s reaction in front of the chapel when he’s sharing the bourbon with his groomsmen just cracks me up every time – “I’ve got nothing!”

Sarah Jane and Brad’s wedding was filled with southern gorgeousness – from bow ties with horse shoes (they are from Kentucky) to cotton boutonnieres for the boys and plenty of pink peonies for the girls. One of my favorite details was Sarah Jane’s parents cake topper which graced their wedding cake, it just blended perfectly with all the gorgeous details.

From the gorgeous bride… Looking back, I’m so grateful that we made the decision to have video taken at our wedding! We had initially made the decision to put all of our media budget toward photography, but once I saw a few examples of Joanna’s cinematography, I knew that we would just have to make it work! When I saw our “sneak peek” for the first time, I was floored by the moments that I would have missed. Brad and I elected not to see each other before the ceremony, so I did a first look with my Daddy instead. Our sweet videographers were there to document it, and it means the world to me that I’ll have those special moments memorialized on film forever.

Our video captures both the planned aspects of the day, like Brad and his groomsmen digging up the bourbon buried at the ceremony site, but also the spontaneous shots like those of the flower girls running in and out of the surf. My favorite memory of the night was sitting on a chair beside the dance floor during the final dance with my new husband, just soaking in the sights and sounds. We were so blessed to be surrounded by those closest to us, and we felt completely encased with their joy and love.

It was really important for us to incorporate tradition and family touches throughout the day…We used my parents cake topper and cake knife from their wedding (which my sister also used on her wedding day), and my grandmother’s bible was used during the ceremony. So many of my talented friends and family also left their indelible marks throughout the ceremony and reception. The flower girls’ dresses were designed and handcrafted by one of my dear friends, and another friend lent her incredible artistry to all of the chalkboard signs. My sister and Matron of Honor helped me scour far and wide for the forty plus lanterns of all sizes we used for the reception as well as the pink linen slipper chairs for our lounge area.

Every time I see this footage, whether for the first or fiftieth time, I can’t hold back just a few happy tears! One thing we have heard over and over from our family and friends is how they can’t believe how invisible our photographer and videographer were throughout the entire day! This is just a great testament to how professional and talented they are! Thanks Sixpence Productions, we could not be more delighted.

Photography: VUE photography | Cinematography: Sixpence Studios | Florals: Events by Nouveau Flowers | Catering: Townsend Catering | DJ: Gulf Talent Services | Coordinators: Carillon Weddings | Make Up Artist: Jamie Gummere | Song: The Music Bed

Did you know that all designers have go-to paint colors? It’s true. They each have their tried and true versions that they just know will work again and again. That perfect white, the effortless greige, the softest pink in all the land. They’ve got their finger on the pulse and we’ve made it our mission to uncover every last one of them! Starting with the incredible Caitlin Wilson (who’s somewhat of a genius when it comes to interior design).

And now for the cole’s notes version:

//Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter//
A warm grey that I love to use as a backdrop to graphic prints and bright accent colors!

//Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray//
This is my go to for neutral, fresh, and light. It works with most palettes and is crisply complemented with bright white trim.

//Benjamin Moore’s Graystone//
A deep, rich warm grey that makes a statement in small spaces

//Benjamin Moore’s Emerald Vapor//
I love this subtle mint green. In some light it looks white but it has a fresh tint of mint that I just can’t get enough of.

Photography: Caitlin Wilson | Paint: Benjamin Moore's Robbins Egg, High Gloss

Saying “I do” with sand between your tootsies sounds like heaven. And if these captures from Gladys Jem are any indication, it so, SO was. I’m talking postcard perfect scenery, loose and lovely florals, and a day chock full of details planned by Chic Concepts. Get ready for a little case of  wedding envy m’dears, because this gallery is pretty to the max.

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From Gladys Jem…Christina and Will’s destination wedding in Mexico was an intimate day with their closest friends and family. They married at the gorgeous Casa Guillermo Villa. The day was personalized by them, and with help of the amazing planners it went off without a hitch. On the beach, donuts, fireworks, lantern release, and an amazing bride & groom. Hope you love it as much as I do.

From the Bride…My husband and I always knew we wanted to get married with our toes in the sand. Imagining the sun shining and ocean waves as our backdrop, we decided Mexico would be our wedding spot. Puerto Vallarta was close enough so the trek wouldn’t be too far, and the city had all the elements for the perfect vacation for our friends and family.  Puerto Vallarta has some absolutely beautiful all-inclusive resorts.  However, we chose a breathtakingly beautiful private, and more intimate, villa with its own beach to get married on, and host our families for the week.

We wanted the theme of the wedding to blend in with the natural beauty of the beach and villa, so we went with rustic chic. Our amazing wedding planners Chic Concepts knew exactly what we wanted and handled all the details, but we wanted to add some touches of us that our guests would pick up on. We created our own favors, name tags, table numbers, and menus with stamps and our trusty printer. The night before the wedding, my dedicated bridesmaids and their significant others helped put the final details together on our DIY creations.

Our wedding website was called baconandonuts to be silly and very us. We think it reminded people that this would be a non-traditional and fun wedding! To make sure we incorporated our guilty pleasure foods into the wedding, we had bacon and donuts printed on custom tank tops and canvas bag favors, and had plenty of both served at the wedding.

We had countless amazing memories throughout the day including the grooms side getting the-always-risky straight razor shaves, our incredibly special first look, a wonderful ceremony performed by one of our closest friends, and lots of dancing and celebrating. But one of our most memorable moments came toward the end of the evening, when our entire wedding party released wishing lanterns into the sky from the beach.  It created a long run of oooohs and ahhhs and it was incredibly special for my husband and I to light one together and watch all of our friends and family join us.

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