There is something so wonderfully romantic about this gorgeous Chicago wedding by Jenelle Kappe. It’s captured so beautifully, each image sitting in this gallery is like a precious keepsake that will stand the test of time. From the Bride’s elegant lace gown to the stunning florals from Asrai Garden, it’s lovely from start to finish, and it’s all waiting for you right here.

From Jenelle Kappe… Jennifer and Christopher are two of the sweetest people that I have every met!! The day of their wedding they were calling for rain and thunderstorms almost all day. Our plan had become to have them see each other before the ceremony and hope that we were able to be outside for at least a few pictures. Well, Mother Nature decided to cooperate with us and shine a full day of sun for Jennifer & Christopher. Not a drop fell. It was perfect!! They were able to have their outdoor ceremony as well as all of their pictures outside.

Jennifer’s dress was so classically romantic. She looked absolutely stunning, it fit her perfectly!! From the bride,”My Mom had a full lace dress for her wedding day. She looked so beautiful and romantic in her photos. So I knew I wanted to wear a lace dress for my wedding. When I found the dress, I fell in love with the gorgeous lace pattern and knew it was the one!”

Photography: Jenelle Kappe Photography | Floral Design: Asrai Garden | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Shoes: Angela Nuran | Jewelry: The Left Bank Bridal Finery | Makeup: Hillary Fenton | Hair: Salon Buzz | DJ: DJ Chicago | Wedding Venue: Royal Melbourne Country Club

Accessories make my heart sing.  Like in a Sound of Music, run through the hilltops kind of way.  So when the ever-talented Laura Kelly Photography sent along this breathtaking photo shoot featuring one beautiful masterpiece after another created by Sarah Walsh Bridal, I was like a kid in a candy store… or like me on just any given day around chocolate.  You get the point.  I was happy + obsessed in the best kind of way.  Get your pretty on in the full gallery.  It’s beyond amazing.

From Laura Kelly Photography… I am in love! The following shoot was inspired by bridal shower fashion, met with a very beautiful collection of bridal accessories by Sarah Walsh Bridal.  (And the designer happens to be an AMAZING friend of mine, so it doesn’t get any better!) Her brand new collection has just been released, and this photo shoot came together at the perfect time!

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Photography: Laura Kelly Photography | Accessories: Sarah Walsh Bridal

No doubt about it, this wedding is rocking my world.  And by “rocking my world,” I mean it is completely, 100% leaving me speechless.  Because this, my friends, is the kind of wedding where romance and old world architecture join forces to create a day that is beyond classic, beyond beautiful and beyond stunning.  Soak in every last amazing moment captured by Helen Cawte in the full gallery.

From the Bride… When Joshua and I got engaged, and we’d celebrated sufficiently to start thinking about the day itself, I found it very hard to envision what I actually wanted; I was never a girlie-girl so alas I had no scrap-book hidden under the bed and filled with ideas to guide me!!! It meant our search for a venue started on multiple continents and, as we looked in England and Joshua’s native South Africa, as well as Dubai where we first met, both of us very quickly realized that the only thing we knew was what we didn’t want! That is, until we saw All Saints’ Church in Boughton Aluph. From the moment we walked into it, in fact from the moment we walked into the churchyard, there was absolutely nowhere else we wanted to get married – or have our reception. We were privileged enough to have both of these under one roof thanks to our wonderful local vicar and church-wardens, however, transforming the space was a formidable challenge.

The vast proportions of All Saints’ required us to zone the space to lend it a degree of intimacy and, loving architectural and interior design, creating the right atmosphere alongside a practical solution was all part of the fun. Even when not in use (the church is only used a few months of the year) the space has an incredible energy and beauty and our ambition was to bring it to life – highlighting the structural details and the amazing light and proportions. To accomplish this we brought in trees to distinguish between the front of the church where the ceremony took place (it later became the dance floor, complete with DJ!) and the back half of the church where the dinner was held. The church was filled with hundreds of candles on every surface and we had beautiful displays (in urns and tin buckets!) of cream and lime green flowers created by my mum together with a team of wonderful helpers. The simple colour palate allowed the wonderful architecture to take centre stage as the light changed throughout the day and into the night. A hog roast, free flowing champagne, a magician in the churchyard and my trusty pair of wellies (!) were the final pieces of the jigsaw as we welcomed almost 150 guests to join us on the day.

The venue lent the wedding an incredibly relaxed and romantic vibe but, without doubt, what made it special was welcoming our guests to join with us in celebrating a magical day. We wanted to show the best of rural England, both in terms of the countryside and hidden architectural gems we English often take for granted, but also in terms of the wonderful sense of community and friendships we are lucky enough to possess. My memories of the day are supplemented by my sense of awe at the help we received in the lead-up to the day from both friends and family and the overriding sense of excitement we all shared.

The venue itself was utterly beautiful and serene and one of my favourite memories is of standing in the churchyard waiting for Joshua to collect something he (ok I) had forgotten before we left for the night; the churchyard was a sea of lanterns and the candles in the church were glowing through the windows as our guests partied away to the bitter end. The church was alive and it felt truly magical to have a moment reflecting on what a fantastic time we had had with our friends and family and all we had achieved. In fact, as I write about this magical moment i’ve jogged a very old memory…. I’m reminded of the perfectly magical balls in the ‘Brambley Hedge’ illustrated children’s books, by Jill Barklem, based around a community of self-sufficient mice (!) who live together in the tranquil surroundings of the English countryside. A strange comparison, yes, but as books infused with friendship, happiness, love and laughter it feels a fitting comparison for our rather magical day.

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Photography: Helen Cawte Photography | Wedding Venue: All Saint’s Church, Boughton Aluph, Kent | Bridesmaids Dress: Coast | Shoes: Benjamin Adams | Dress:Jenny Packham | Hair: Brooks & Brooks | Flower Girl: John Lewis | Caterer: Spitfire Spitroast + Assisted Occasions | Magician: Etienne Pradier | Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss | Event Planning + Design + Invitations: Bride | Makeup: John Gustafson | Flowers: Bride + Mother of the Bride

Glamour, Texas style. That sums this beauty of a wedding at Mercury Hall quite nicely. It’s burlap and sparkles, cowboy boots and gorgeous gowns. It’s all around lovely, and filled with so much love, you can feel is seeping through every gorgeous image snapped up by Half Orange Photography. It’s one fabulous way to start the work week, and it’s all sitting pretty right here.

From the Bride… James and I loved every minute of our wedding. The phrase I coined throughout the wedding planning process was Texas Glam, touches of burlap, cowboy boots, and the great outdoors, with even more splashes of art deco, sequins, and the unexpected detail. We had the paper heart garland curtain made by a Belgian paper artist on Etsy (lamiacasa), and were my absolute favorite touch. We wanted clean, elegant, simple, and personable. Over and over, James and I said, this wedding is not about decor, it’s about our marriage! And that’s exactly what we had. Our special day was memorable, joyful, laughter filled, bright, and beautiful. The most time consuming project I took on was the hand-painted art deco pallet. I found the pallet, spray painted it soft white, then cut out my own stencils based on an art deco font I found online. Then I stenciled the artwork with sponge brushes and black paint!

Another special thing I did, I went to Home Depot when I first got engaged, picked out 5 paint color swatches as the official wedding color palette and used that not only as reference for the months of planning, but also made 7 paint swatch fans to send to my bridesmaids! It worked PERFECTLY. I wrote a note that said, “Pick a dress!” So when my bridesmaids went out to search for their dress, they took their little color palette and showed up at the wedding with the perfect blend of colors. (They did call me before purchasing just to make sure there weren’t too many girls wearing the same colors

Advice #1: Do not commit Pinterest overkill. Yes, I drew inspiration from my pins, but thought it was most important that our wedding looked like US, not my thousands of wedding boards.
Advice #2: Let others help you. It will be essential to your sanity that you let go, and let others carry out your vision. I made tubs of all my decor and special touches with labels, handed them to my coordinator, and said see you at the reception!
Advice #3: Focus on all that you do have, not what you do not. It is very easy to dwell on all the projects you failed to complete, or the people that RSVP’ed and didn’t show. Instead, choose to focus on all the people that DID come to celebrate with you and how handsome your groom looks! [dotted]

Wedding Venue: Mercury Hall | Jewelry: Kendra Scott | Makeup: Christy Edlin Makeup | Bridesmaid’s Jewelry: Designed by Bride, Created by Tribe! (a friend who empowers women in northern Uganda) | Photography: Half Orange Photography | Invitations: Minted | Dress Designer: Blush by Jim Hjelm | Florist: Central Market | Cake: Central Market | DJ: Greenbelt DJ, Joel | Caterer: Vanilla Orchid Catering | Hair: Deanne Maraffa | Program: DIY by Bride

There is something so magical about the coastlines of New England, so it’s no surprise that couples flock to its shores year after year to say i do. The gorgeous images snapped up by  Lindsey Rae Photography below paint the perfect picture of exactly why that is the case, and proves that a little rain will never damper a wedding this beautiful. It’s a nautical New England wedding done oh-so-right, and you can see it all right here.

From Lindsey Rae Photography… Jen and Jeremy’s love for each other, their family, and their friends just radiated on their wedding day! Every last detail showcased their personalities and passions perfectly. To witness all the planning, late night DIY projects, and attention to detail come together on their wedding day, was a true honor. From the personal, handwritten message Jen wrote on the bottom of each bridesmaid’s shoe, monogrammed bathrobes, the handmade treasure chest ring box for the ring bearer, Vineyard Vines ties for all the men, a Pinterest inspired beer cake for Jeremy, his and hers scuba diver cake toppers, an American flag pin to honor her Mother’s love of pins, reception tables named after their favorite spots in Gloucester, wooden buoys hung inside the tent, wooden lobster trap for cards, hand-stamped cocktail napkins, and so much more!

Photography: Lindsey Rae Photography | Cinematography: Waves Media | Event Planning: Vineyard Vines | Floral Design: Lady Slipper Designs | Invitations: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Ceremony Venue: St. Anthony's by the Sea | Reception Venue: Eastern Point Yacht Club | Bride's Shoes: Caparros | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Catering: Eastern Point Yacht Club | Hair + Makeup: Beauty In Motion | Bridal Boutique: Allegria Bridal | DJ/Band: Move It Music | Dress Designer: Essense of Australia

When it comes to weddings, I consider myself a little bit of a contemporary lover.  But show me a drop-dead gorgeous barn wedding and I turn to some serious wedding lovin’ putty.  Especially when that drop-dead gorgeous barn wedding is rich in DIY details and some of the prettiest rustic stylings you will ever lay your eyes upon.  That’s the kind of affair that can make any modern lady or gent reconsider (believe you me)… and you can see it all captured by One Nine Images right here in the full gallery.

From the Bride… I grew up in the horse country of the northern suburbs of Atlanta and had always dreamed of having my wedding reception in a barn. Soon after our engagement, I had given up hope of finding one in our area that hosted events until I stumbled upon a link to The Reid Barn. When my fiance and I visited it for the first time, I instantly fell in love. With a pond, a pasture and plenty of indoor and outdoor space to accommodate our 300 guests, we knew it was the place for us. I immediately began brainstorming all of the DIY decor that would compliment the Barn’s rustic yet elegant yet simple aura and we spent the next eleven months making them a reality. My brother-in-law cut slabs and branches from fallen trees and he, my fiance and I spent countless hours drilling and sanding them to make centerpieces. I scoured every thrift store in a ten mile radius for mason jars and my family and friends saved wine bottles and miscellaneous jars for months. I purchased 100 yards of burlap from a discount online store and used it to make table runners, bows for the church pews, table numbers, bean bags for Corn Hole, a bulletin board for photos and many other decor elements. (We still have so much burlap left that we joke we’ll be making burlap crafts for our grandchildren some day!) We wanted our wedding to have as many personal touches as possible and nearly everything was created by one of us or one of our friends or family members. From our toasting glasses hand painted by my aunt, to my bridesmaids’ hair flowers made by a friend, to the wedding programs and escort cards designed and printed by me, to signage hand painted by my mom, our wedding was certainly a labor of love made possible by countless loved ones. My cousin, Marjorie, volunteered to be our day-of decorator and she did an outstanding job offering ideas and bringing my wedding dream to life. I wish I could list out each project and each person who contributed to our decor, but the list would go on and on! I love looking back at the pictures and having the ability to say “We made that. And that. And that. And it’s beautiful.”

It was important to me to also honor the natural simplicity and beauty of the Barn and its surroundings and to keep a more casual vibe to the day. We opted for a simple white cake with no topper to allow the Barn’s beauty and our own DIY decor to do the talking. I loved the lace-like look to a cluster of plain baby’s breath and decided to use it as the bridesmaids’ bouquets and the groomsmen’s boutonnieres. The groomsmen wore vests instead of full suits to allow them to be more comfortable and casual on a warm Georgia October day. My bridesmaids chose from a selection of dark purple Bill Levkoff dresses and chose their own shoes and jewelry so they could feel comfortable and beautiful in their own style. Our flowers at the reception were a combination of baby’s breath, green mums and white carnations– lovingly arranged by my cousin. They didn’t overpower the decor but added a touch of simple elegance. The neutral tones of the burlap and wood, the green tones of the mums and groomsmen ties and the classic white of various flowers grounded the day in the aura of the Barn I had first adored. And the glimpse of a purple bridesmaid dress here and there provided some definite pop!

It took me six months to decide on a wedding dress and I ended up choosing the first one I had tried on. I loved the simple lace, the lovely neckline and the stunning train. I toyed with the idea of other dresses along the way, but ultimately decided on the first and only one that I had fallen in love with. I like to compare my dress buying experience to my relationship with Arthur. We met when we were 14 at church and he has always said that the first time he saw me, he knew I would be his wife. We were friends for several years and then began dating when we were 16. We broke up at 19, but stayed in touch and had a long saga of reunions and then more break ups. When we were 26, we realized we were both still crazy about each other and decided to give it one final try. Ten months later, we were engaged. Much like my dress, Arthur was the first and only one I ever loved. I’m so glad I followed my heart and ended up with the perfect dress… and husband!

The most special thing about our wedding was that we actually got married at the church where we met. I grew up in that parish and his family became very involved there in high school. We met as children in the very same building where we said our vows and committed our lives to each other as adults. It’s such a special place for both of us as individuals and as a couple and we couldn’t imagine starting our marriage at any other place. Sitting with him and holding his hand during the ceremony was such a powerful experience for me and my favorite part of the entire day.

Fun Fact – I practically placed the bouquet in my best friend’s hands, knowing she was hoping for a proposal very soon. She caught the bouquet and got engaged a week later! I was a bridesmaid in her wedding in June.

Photography: One Nine Images | Cinematography: Marquee Events | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: The Cake Shoppe | Ceremony Venue: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic | Reception Venue: The Reid Barn | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Catering: Tam's Backstage | DJ: Marquee Events | Men's Attire: Dillard's | Men's Attire: Perry Ellis | Bouquets + Boutonnieres: Amazing by Amanda | Bridal Boutique: I Do I Do Bridal | Bride's Hair: Davao Hair Salon | Bride's Make Up: Makeup Couture | String Light Rentals: North Georgia Party Rental

I’ve tried starting this intro about ten times now and found myself speechless every time. The beauty in these images from bubblerock is beyond words. Quelque chose de bleu and bubblerock created a French Chateau wedding inspiration shoot that is more stunning than anything I could possibly say. So the best I can do is to leave you with a link to the gallery of this beautiful, beautiful shoot. You’re welcome.

From the designer… Steph from bubblerock and I have been wanting to work on a project together for a while. We first threw ideas around with in mind a Garden Chic shoot with a French touch. But our ideas never quite came together until we found the perfect place and then everything made sense.

Le Mas de Montet, an amazing yet unknown Renaissance Château in Dordogne is the perfect place for a wedding as it is both elegant, chic and full of style. It caters for big events or intimate weddings. Once there, you never need to leave.

From there, we imagined this door opening to the most romantic ceremony under a gorgeous hundreds of years old tree. Simply decorated with falling ribbons and cristals, an old desk found in an antique shop where a few books and flowers surround a guest book waiting to be opened…
Following this intimate celebration we set the dining table right in front of the Château and instead of a traditional table seating chart, a few escort cards were set in an old printer’s shelf amongst flowers and door handles. The menus were nailed with golden nails to little wooden planks adding a little original touch to a very chic table. And the golden ink wells were used both as placecards and favours. And in the middle stood a gorgeous bouquet.

And no celebration could be complete without a dessert table and a wedding cake with a couple of very French desserts: eclairs and macarons.

This inspiration shoot was only possible thanks to an amazing team.

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Venue : le Mas de Montet – Dordogne, France | Photography: Bubblerock | Decor and styling: Quelque chose de Bleu – So Lovely Moments | Stationery: Lemon & Lavender | Flowers: Vert du Décor | Dessert and wedding cake: Pâtisserie chérie | Accessories: Bidules et merveilles | Ribbons: rue du fil | Dresses and veil: Louise Dentelle | Necklace and hair accessory: So Hélo | Make Up: Johan Yvon Beauté | Hair: Melanie for Frederic Moreno, Riberac

It’s a fact — Jen Fariello and gorgeous weddings go hand-in-hand. So the very second she sent over this Charlottesville charmer, we knew pretty-filled moments were just a quick click away. And with Southern Blooms by Pats Floral Designs, just a little ditty, and Bella Figura behind every pin-perfect detail, there’s really no reason NOT to spend your whole morning cozied up in the gallery. Grab that coffee and join me!

From the Bride…Travis and I pretty much immediately decided on Charlottesville, Virginia. I am a University of Virginia graduate and Charlottesville is a lovely town  one of our favorite places  and perfect for us given our love for the outdoors. It doesnt hurt that it has one the most beautiful skylines of endless rolling hills and mountains. The east coast location also was favorable for us considering thats where my family resides.  It made it much easier for them to help and get involved. Before we decided on anything, I knew my wedding style: rustic-elegance. I envisioned the wedding to be romantic, intimate, full, natural and soft.

We chose Castle Hill Cider for our wedding ceremony and reception because it completely fit our vision. We loved the rustic elements of the venue– pastoral fields and meadows, a grove of hugely impressive trees, and a classically built post and beam barn. And we had a blank canvas to work, a concept I fully embraced because we wanted to create an event truly our own down to the last little detail. The romantic color palette was determined by the natural setting. Shades of light pink, cream and champagne complemented the natural greens and browns of the landscape. We had pewter accents (e.g., the writing on our personalized cocktail napkins, flower and candle holders, candle filled lanterns, drinking straws) that complemented the softer colors and matched the font color we used for our wedding invitations and calligraphy. The bridesmaids dresses were a favorite of mine! I picked the colors  three of them (blush, opal and vanilla)  and had everyone pick their own style, which ended up all being different. I thought that was fantastic! It reflected them as individuals, and the color and style combination was stunning.

We had several DIY projects that made the ceremony and reception both incredibly beautiful and extra meaningful. The chuppah (canopy) that we stood under during the ceremony was hand built and erected by Travis, while the wood slate boards we used for the escort cards and the wooden boxes that held our late night snack were made by a family friend. I made the ceremony programs that included handmade paper sourced from the Lokta plant in Nepal. The longevity of the paper makes it ideal for preserving important written words.??Many of our guests commented on the uniqueness of our wedding and how it was a perfect reflection of who we are as a couple. Here are a few highlights. We caught the wild Alaskan salmon (yes, its true) that we offered as one of two choices for the main course. We caught the Coho salmon in Kodiak, Alaska at Travis familys lodge (www.kodiaklegendslodge.com). We have been going up to Alaska every summer for the past five years and consider it a very special place. The handwritten menus placed at every guests seat included this detail.

Our guests started and ended the night with family favorites! If you were a beer fan, the night began with bottles of Spotted Cow that was personally driven by Travis all the way from northern Wisconsin. It is produced and sold only in Wisconsin and a favorite of Travis family. Our guests ended the night with personalized individually packaged brownies, my familys favorite, which were served with old-fashioned cartons of milk locally produced in Central Virginia. Most of our guests opted to take the transportation we provided, so it served as the perfect late night snack to enjoy on the bus ride back to town.

My surprise gift to Travis was an oil on canvas painting of our first dance. I flew in an impressionist style painter from California, Rich Flynn, who painted our first dance real-time, and continued throughout the duration of the reception. The painting is truly one of a kind! He managed to illustrate not only the physical elements, but also the emotion. He captured a cherished moment that we now can continue to treasure.

I want to share a few brief thoughts on lighting and florals because the barn was large and vast and from the start these two elements were critical in transforming the space from simply rustic, to rustic-elegance. We decided on bistro lights strung low throughout the barn to bring the ceilings down to create a warm, romantic feel. Amber uplights throughout the barn also helped to warm it up. The canopy of bistro lights extended seamlessly outside to the back of the barn where we had lounge area. Our table centerpieces were low, lush and overflowing arrangements in mercury glass containers surrounded by lots of candles. The mercury glass reflected the light and resulted in an intimate setting with an antique touch.  

We were so fortunate and grateful to have such a talented and creative team of vendors that helped to realize our vision and make our wedding better than we could have ever imagined. Travis and I cant thank them enough! It was an extraordinary day  the best day  and we cherished every moment!

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Photography: Jen Fariello Photography | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Castle Hill Cider | Cinematography: Zachary Shields of Toast Wedding Films | Floral Design: Southern Blooms by Pats Floral Designs | Event Design + Planning: just a little ditty | Invitation Designer: Bella Figura | Calligraphy for invitations, envelopes, menu + place cards: Debi Zeinert of The Blooming Quill | Personalized Paper Accessories (napkins, stickers + straws): foryourparty.com | Cake + Desserts: Cakes by Rachel | Caterer + Rentals: Harvest Moon Catering | Extra Rentals: Stonegate Event Rentals and Festive Fare | Lighting: Blue Ridge AV and Lighting | Artist: Rich Flynn | Reception Band: The Dickens | Hair: Lucas Shaffer | Makeup: Renee Smith | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids Dress: Amsale | Grooms Tuxedo: Custom, Astor and Black | Flower Girls’ Dress: OliviaKateCouture

If you’ve read Style Me Pretty for any length of time you may have gotten to know some of our incredible SMP ladies. Erin – our AHHHMAZING Weddings Editor  – is like our It Girl. She’s pure style and her taste is about as spot-on as it comes. But the girl is busy. Like really busy. And her perfect little Boston flat always seemed to take a back burner to her SMP work. That is, until last week. When we decided to give her apartment a teeny tiny facelift. We’re blabbing all about the gorgeous details here today! Starting with the before pics and the fabulous inspiration behind the spruce up.

So. Erin’s apartment is tiny. Like barely fits more than four people tiny. And since SMP is a work from home kind of place, Erin’s desk and office space take up the majority of her living room. Plus, Erin loves to entertain and cook and snuggle up with her cute hubs with a cocktail or three come Friday night. So the goal was to give each “area” – despite it’s mish mashed togetherness – a personality of it’s own. Here are some before pics so you can get a lay of the land. More are right here.

Here’s what we knew going into this super fun project:

1. Erin loves gold. Like loves it. She once tried to gold leaf every last accessory that she could on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

2. She is girly to the core. But happens to house a very manly man.

3. She loves herself a good cocktail. Even better? Sharing them with friends.

4. She’s one part lady, one part total rebel. So her space needed to feel pretty…but with a bit of an edge.

5. She’s vegan. And preggo with TWINS. Neither of which have anything to do with anything other than just how cool Erin is.

So, with a few DIY projects, a handful of gussy-ups and one or two must-have splurges, we collectively transformed Erin’s space into one that felt both inspiring and wildly relaxing. Perfect for Friday night get togethers or Tuesday night movie-fests. And here’s a little peek at what you can expect later this afternoon…

 

Coming up…the DIY project that we all fell so in love with!

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After Photo: Ruth Eileen  | Lamp from Home Depot | Art from Art.com | Blanket from West Elm | Bowl from Lazy Susan | Pipe from Johnathan Adler | Clock from Crate & Barrel | Notebook from Sugar Paper | Pillows from West Elm | Desk Chair from Lamps Plus | Roses from Metro | Mirror from Ikea

Weddings like this one make it so, so easy to fall in love with weddings.  You know what I am talking about.  Those affairs that just burst with sophistication and elegance every which way you turn; the kind of wedding where the bride looks absolutely stunning, the groom is beyond dapper and every detail is picture perfect?  This is one of those weddings.  A stop-you-in-your-tracks soiree completely overflowing with beauty.  See every last contemporary meets classic moment captured by Lindsay Madden right here in the full gallery.

And a Fiore Films beauty to fill your day with even more inspiration… enjoy, lovelies.

From the Bride… Michael and I met in April 2008 at our former job in Westchester, New York. I always loved his humor and how wonderful a friend he was to me and eventually it grew into love in July 2009. Michael proposed to me on our puppy’s 1st birthday in June 2012 and that started our journey as a family together. We picked Tribeca Rooftop because of the amazing skyline views and it had the modern feel we were both looking for. We had a ton of out of town guests coming to attend our wedding so we knew it had to be an uber chic NYC wedding.

From the moment we got engaged I knew I wanted my colors to be yellow, gray and white. I think they are so classy yet fun. Yellow means sunshine and happiness to me and I could not have been happier with the way all of the flowers turned out. Our centerpieces were breathtaking. The room looked absolutely gorgeous and I personally think we had the most beautiful chuppah I have ever seen!

I found my wedding dress online and from the moment I saw it, I knew it was going to be the one. Right when I tried it on in Kleinfelds in NYC, I immediately knew. It was love at first sight! The bridesmaids’ dresses were charcoal gray Amsale dresses that we purchased at the Wedding Library in NYC. I saw them in a magazine and knew I had to have them for my girls. I wanted them to shine as much as me on my special day.

Everything about the weekend turned out perfectly! There was not one person who did not tell me how amazing it was that our dog, Nala, got to walk down the aisle. She made the night so original and spectacular for us!

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Photographer: Lindsay Madden Photography | Cinematography: Fiore Films | Wedding Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bride’s Veil: Ines DiSanto | Hair + Makeup: Prive Salon in the Soho Gran Hotel | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale via The Wedding Library | Groom’s Tux: Hugo Boss | Entertainment: Hank Lane – Steve Delisi Band | Venue: Tribeca Rooftop | Florist: Andrew Pascoe Flowers

I know I talk a lot about my love for elopements, but it’s honestly something I just can’t say enough about. I mean, rushing off to a private beach with your one and only to say “I do” with nothing but the crashing waves, clear blue skies and each other?  There’s nothing more magical.  And just in case you were doubting me AT ALL, this sweet affair from Jonathan Connolly is here to prove my theory… and then some.  It’s a gorgeous duo, some sleek + sophisticated stylings and a whole lot of love wrapped up in one crazy gorgeous gallery.  Join me there for all of the pretty.

From the Bride… Drew and I got engaged last October. Of course, we were bombarded with well wishes and the never ending questions of “When’s the wedding?” I have always dreamt of a small, intimate wedding. An elopement to be exact. We had thought, why not just throw a big party of a few close family members and friends. That turned into a big stress headache once we started compiling a guest list. So we decided to stick to our guns and have our wedding the way we wanted. We booked/planned our wedding in about a week. We decided on Miami Beach. We chose the Tides Hotel to stay and it was fabulous. Our officiant from Small Miami Weddings was fantastic as she laid out a few options for us on the beach to hold our ceremony. She also did my bouquet which I didn’t see till the day of the ceremony. Our photographer, Jonathan Connolly, was absolutely amazing. He kept re-assuring us about the Miami weather as it was raining the whole time up until the night before the big day. Luckily, that morning of the wedding, it was absolutely beautiful! The whole time we were there, it was just Drew and me. It was so intimate and romantic. No stress. We also decided to have a wedding wine box ceremony which we thought added a nice touch of intimacy and uniqueness to our ceremony. Our ceremony took place in South Pointe Park which was a nice quiet area of the Miami Beach and it had little benches surrounded by palm trees that we thought would be a great spot to pop some champagne for pictures. All in all, we don’t regret eloping. Our advice to others getting married, is to remember that the day is about you two and to stick to your guns in how you envision your day!

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Photographer: Jonathan Connolly | Dress: Nicole Miller | Bridal Wrap: BHLDN | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair & Makeup: Niurka from Hope Artistry | Groom’s Suit & Shoes: Hugo Boss | Bouquet: Small Miami Weddings | Wine Box: Arrow Sarah | Venue: The Tides Hotel

Although the weekend is reason enough to raise your glass and celebrate, we’ve got one more announcement worthy of a virtual toast. Remember our #allthingswedding Google Hangout last month? Well, we basically had such a blast that we’ve been counting down the days ’til we could do it all over again. So here it is…your official invite to our second (and sure to be fabulous!) hangout with the one and only Mindy Weiss!!

As the wedding industry’s most sought after planner, Mindy has put together more celebrity soirees than we could possibly count. She’s a wedding planning genius and a bride’s best friend. And on Tuesday, August 27th at 11am PST/2pm EST she’ll be answering YOUR questions. That’s right — we’re opening up the floor to let you do the question-asking, and let Mindy do the sharing. So here’s the drill: Head on over to our Google+ event page,  RSVP “yes,” and then simply ask away! It’s that easy. Hosted by the ever-fabulous Abby Larson, this is one hangout you don’t want to miss!

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But before you run off to mark those calendars,  we’ve got a few lucky winners to announce!

Big congrats to Kathryn and AdinaR16! They both snagged a $250 discount on any design package from 2H2 Design.

Next up is Alayna who won a $400 gift certificate to Rhapsodie Paris. So exciting!

And last but surely not least is Ashley! She is headed home with Target’s Kitchen Essentials from Calphalon 12 piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set!

We are on that downward slope that is the end of summer, and I know I’m not in the majority when I say I can’t wait for colder weather. So for all of you who are hanging on to the last weeks of summer, we’ve got an engagement from Jesse Leake Photography to send you off into your weekend that should put a smile on your face. Not only does it feature the cutest couple – and the cutest dog – but that light is something you can only find in summer. See you Monday LBBers! xoxo

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This week was the best, don’t you think?

a beautiful Wisconsin lake wedding filled with gorgeous light
a Milwaukee soiree that is dripping in the prettiest pink
a perfectly preppy (and pretty!) Massachusetts fête
a make-your-jaw-drop gorgeous castle wedding in New York
a wedding day survival kit check list – it’s a must have!
an Atlantic City affair with the most heart ever
a sweet as can be Martha’s Vineyard soiree
all your vintage rental questions answered in our Ask the Expert series
a super sentimental California wedding that is simply breathtaking

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We’ve been running around the internet like crazy, and here are a few of our favorite links:

a giant spiral flower number DIY (perfect for birthdays or anni’s) via Oh Happy Day
a recipe for my favorite cocktail, the Dark & Stormy, via Movita Beaucoup
three ways to decorate store bought cupcakes via Oh Joy!

Wedding fact.  When sweet rustic details meet the perfect California sunshine, beautiful things happen. Beautiful things like this Highland Springs Resort affair from the ever-amazing onelove photography, a non-stop weekend of fun, family and pretty styled to perfection by Love Anne Joy Design + Events and featuring gorgeous blooms from The Nature of Things.  I’m talking cowboy boots, burlap runners, lace and even sheep (!) all coming together to create a day that will leave you smiling ’til Monday.  See it all in the full gallery.

From the Bride… Having both grown up in California, Ryan and I dreamed of transporting our friends and family to another world of rustic beauty and relaxed elegance. Amongst the rolling hills of Southern California we discovered Highland Springs Resort hosting a 1000-year-old oak tree, lavender fields and olive groves that went for miles. We planned a full wedding weekend of celebrations to give our guests ample time to know each other. The Perfect Blend, two wine stains intersecting, was literally and metaphorically the blending of our two lives together and the sharing of our 5-year long relationship.

Quintessentially rustic, Ryan wore a cowboy hat that belonged to his Grandfather and I wore cowboy boots that slyly poked out from the slit of my dress. For our ceremony we blended two wines that our mothers carried with them down the aisle. We spoke our personal vows amongst the baying sheep and llamas under the embrace of the old oak tree. We served Paso Robles wine, Lagunitas IPA, and Belizean inspired rum cocktails in mason jars. Both the IPA and the ‘Belize in Love’ were a guest favorite coupled with peacock and coral colored straws. For our reception we toasted with the perfectly blended wine we had made during our ceremony and danced under the twinkle lights in the grove of ancient olive and oak trees.

We did most of our details DIY. With the help of our two families we painted signage for our events on old wood from Ryan’s childhood home. We mounted chalkboards in vintage picture frames and used them to display our dinner and drink menus. We cut runners and hearts in burlap for each reception table. We designed our escort cards and placed them inside of cut wine corks. Our guest book wasn’t typical either. We plan to open our messages in a magnum wine bottle on our 1st year anniversary.  

In our 5 years together we have had many stories that bonded us. From getting stung 40 times by bees in Golden Gate Park, to having our parents meet for the first time in Paso Robles, to becoming engaged while backpacking in Big Sur. These stories are what make us whole, and our relationship wonderful. We wrote each of these experiences on wood as our table names and displayed each of them with the exact bottle of beer, wine and liquor that we had enjoyed with them at that time. One of our favorite moments was hearing our friends and family read aloud the stories of our years together and chanting “The Perfect Blend.” Their voices echoing across the lavender fields on this warm May night.

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Photography: onelove photography | Event Design + Coordination: Love Anne Joy Design + Events | Floral Design: The Nature of Things | Catering + Cake: Highland Springs Resort | Band: Dustbowl Revival | Stationery: Bride + Groom | Lace Bags + Cake Toppers: Etsy | Logo, Save the Date, Invitations + Paper Goods: Bride Rentals: Party Plus | Hair + Makeup: Tessa from Kacee Geoffroy Hair + Make Up | Boots: Corral | Shoes: Country Outfitters | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero R1157 – Myra | Necklaces: Statement Baubles

This beauty transcends all shower lines. Take myself for instance, who is about a week out from a big old twin baby shower bash and you best believe I’m pulling some goodies straight from this page. From baby to bridal, it’s gorgeous, no ifs ands or buts about it and all inspired by a soft, wispy watercolor palette. With florals by Haute Horticulture and photography by Annabella Charles Photography, have a look at these images that take pastel to a whole new level of pretty.

From Annabella Charles Photography…I wanted to throw my assistant Tasha a wedding shower that she would absolutely LOVE. Incorporating one of her favorite things. The Ocean .. which is where I drew most of my inspiration from… For the Sea blue/green Watercolors on the invitations, cake, and signage.  Sticking with the water color theme.. I created and printed watercolor signs for the dessert table, drinks and Gifts… I printed them on watercolor paper and propped them on mini easels I painted. I wanted to add a little sparkle… So Karin the Florist glittered the vases for the arrangements. and I added silver pipe cleaner to the toothpicks used in the food. I wanted to keep the aesthetic very clean and minimal.. So we used clear plates/ cups/ utensils… but I didn’t want to have boring utensils.. So I took cute washi tape and wrapped each fork for a little pop of fun.

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Photography: Annabella Charles Photography | Floral Design: Haute Horticulture | Cake: The Flour Garden  | Paper Fans: The Papier Studio | Washi Tape: The Sewing Post | Paper Straws: The Blue Egg Events | Candle Sticks + Holders: Target

If the love isn’t evident from this incredible Peter Rabbit-inspired first birthday party Alex Michele threw for her son, we have maybe the sweetest write up in SMP Livings history to follow. Truly. It brought me to tears. So take a peek at this jaw-dropping party, peruse the rest of the gallery, and definitely, definitely don’t miss this super-mom’s words to her first baby boy.

From Alex… I had you at 8:04 pm. I was enchanted with you, how could I not be? You had cheeks for days and soft skin, and you were just the perfect vision of a healthy big baby boy I could ever imagine. I couldn’t believe I grew you for 41 weeks and 2 days, shot 25 weddings with you, shopped with you, cried with you, and nurtured you with Oreos, Chic Fila and pickles. Then June 4th came around and you were evicted. You were huge, my son. They handed you to me and that was it. Melt. You were mine, all ours, your dad and Is sweet first born- from that day forward on, I became a mommy.

I loved you but I didnt really know you, “know you.”

I always had this innate emotion I had felt for years, well before you were a glimmer in my eye, any time I suffered a hardship the vision of you was what got me through it, you were the light at the end of the tunnel. I had always wanted to be a mom and now Im Henrys mom. What an honor that is! Over the past 11 months and 3 weeks, I have really gotten to know you now. I know why I love you and its not just because you are totally cute, totally bratty, totally way too smart, totally picky about what you eat, and totally hip when you dance and spunky and might remind me of myself sometimes (lol) BUT furthermore, its because we get one another. Like soul-mates. You are my kindred spirit and my little boy. You make me proud every day of every new thing you do, your joy and laughter brightens my soul every single day. My joy is watching yours. You are my son, my sweet partner in crime and my darling new little friend. I am a better person because of you, really and truly. Thank you for teaching me what unrequited love feels like.

I wanted to do something very special for your first birthday. I know you will never remember it, but I wanted you to have a memory though pictures to show you just how much I love you. You reminded me of that mischievous little Peter Rabbit and so it suited you and I, and that was that. Your first birthday party had to be special; filled with color and sweetness, perfect little details, treats and laughter, awesome party favors for your friends and a few games and surprises! Yes, I even got you a REAL Peter Rabbit to debut your soiree! I wanted to celebrate my little bunny with happiness and style, thats okay right? And, we did! Everything was perfect! From the setting of Treaty Oak- a 250 year old oak tree, to the light, the careful breeze, and the flowers that smiled, everything was perfect for YOU. I had some very special people help me put this whole thing together and we all did it because we love you, Henry. I cant wait to watch you grow into a little man one day! BUT, until then, your mom (albeit crazy, who has centerpieces at a kids party?!?!) will have a hell of a time planning your parties! I want you to know just how special you are each and every year! I love you sweet boy of mine and, I will leave you with my favorite lines that I read to you when you were only hours old.

On the night you were born,
the moon shone with such wonder
that the stars peeked in
to see you
and the night wind whispered,
Life will never be the same.

Because there had never been
anyone like you
ever in the world.

Photography: Alex Michele Photography | Associate Photographer: Alex Michele Photography | Cake Pops: The Cake Pop Shop | Cake topper: Fox Wool Design | Flowers, Vegetables & Moss: Shea Hopely | Paper Napkins & Wheel Barrel Holders: Zulily | Paper straws & Yellow Martha Stewart Bunny Favor Bags: Lou Tinen Events | Peter Rabbit Sweater, Mushroom Cupcakes & Acorn Donut Holes: The Dainty Knit | Peter Rabbit bunnies: CVS | Peter Rabbit stamps: Blossom Stamps | Peter Rabbit tablecloth: Pottery Barn | Photo Booth Props: Say Hello Shop | Photography & Event Design: Alex Michele Photography | Rentals & Linens: Luxe Party Rentals | Wooden Stakes Signs: Brandea Anderson

I’m a total fool when it comes to a good love story. A bride in her mother’s gown (and veil), marrying her beau in the same church her parents did so many years ago, and then dancing the night away under the same stars as her parents? Well, Suzy Berberian Weddings & Events and Fleurs de France have just such a wedding for us. Briana Marie Photography captured a day so lovely, you simply must set aside a few moments to comb through the gallery (there are even some shots of Elaine Bell Catering’s work that will make your mouth water)!

From the planner… The August wedding of Nancy and Peter in Northern California was simply amazing. The bride and groom are both in finance in NYC, and met in a cozy Upper West Side bar on a snowy evening in December. Since then, they have traveled the world together (engaged in Paris!) and made a sweet home in New York.

Nancy’s mother has passed away, and to honor her memory Nancy and Peter decided on a destination wedding in Northern California (Marin, close to Wine Country). The couple was married in the stunning Saint Raphael Church where her parents were married many years before. The reception was held at the ranch/winery of a dear family friend, and the same place where her parents’ wedding reception took place. The ranch has a special place in California history: the stately Italianite home – where Nancy and her friends prepared for the wedding – was built by the prominent Pacheco family in 1876 and remains in the same family today (the land was part of the original Land Grant for services to the Mexican Government in the 1800s). Nancy and Peter aimed to honor the rich history of the ranch but also infuse elegance, so a grand tent was designed at the winery site. The “ballroom” was created with flooring and carpeting, more than 35,000 lights and sheer draping to welcome the 100 guests, mostly traveling from New York. Ivory tones overlaid with burgundy, wine, dark brown and gold accents incorporated the natural landscape of the property, and Fleurs de France used exquisite roses, hydrangeas, dahlias and orchids throughout the wedding festivities.

In keeping with the sentimental touches of the wedding, Nancy wore her mother’s wedding dress and veil after it was re-imagined by Sorelle Firenze (NYC) for her figure and style. Other highlights of the wedding were specially mixed Spicy Ranch Margaritas (featuring jalapeno-infused tequila, cucumber and lime), scotch and cigars around the firepit, passed cans of cheap beer and petite mozzarella sticks, croque monsieur and ice cream sandwiches at midnight. The weekend also included a nautical rehearsal dinner at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco (during the exciting America’s Cup races!), a post-wedding bloody-mary brunch, and the groom and his groomsmen walking across the Golden Gate Bridge the morning of the wedding. Truly a Bay Area affair!

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Photography: Briana Marie Photography | Wedding Planner: Suzy Berberian Weddings & Events | Flowers: Fleurs de France | Catering/Bar: Elaine Bell Catering | Church: Saint Raphael Church | Reception & After-Party Location: Pacheco Ranch Winery | Hair + Makeup: It’s a Date at the Powder Room | Detailer + Seamstress: Heidi Johnson, Sew Heidi Email: sewheidi@earthlink.net | Cinema: Video BASICO | Cake: Perfect Endings | Equipment/Lighting/Tenting: Hartmann Studios | Music: Wine Country Entertainment (Keith Johnson’s All Stars and DJ Tony Sparks) | Transportation: Pure Luxury And Classic Convertible Wine Tours | Stationery: Dauphine Press Web | Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Carol Web | Favors: Socola Chocolatier | Bride’s Dress and Veil: Mother’s dress and veil, recreated for bride by Sorelle Firenze | Bride’s Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti | Groom’s Tuxedo: Armani | Groom’s Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Groom’s Tie: Ralph Lauren | Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Betteridge of Greenwich, CT

Friday’s are perfect for a wedding like this; a backyard affair that’s so easy and carefree it just might inspire you to throw your own get together this weekend. But my most favorite detail of all is the photography by Birgit Hart that finds beauty in the simple details. Moments like a bunting blowing in the breeze, a floral crown worn by the littlest attendees or a kiss between the Bride and Groom. It’s a true celebration of love and a gorgeous one at that. Have a look here for even more!

From Birgit Hart…To be honest, I was a little nervous when Daniela & Marc’s wedding was coming up. Daniela is a very talented photographer herself AND I decided to shoot this wedding mostly on film. So I was actually nervous for two weeks, until I got the scans back. But, what can I say? I am so thankful and happy that it all worked out. And of course the wedding itself was so special. The couple had their civil marriage five years ago and they already have two girls  so it really was a celebration of love. Daniela put so much work into so many details and chose talented suppliers. Everything was just beautiful. And it’s almost a miracle that the weather was playing along… sunshine all day! Daniela’s dress was sospecial. She designed it together with Janina from Sr Cr! It totally matched her personality and style. Heike Krohz did a wonderful job with the wedding cake and sweet table; a sweet dream indeed! And the floral decoration and floral wreaths were so beautiful.

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Photography: Birgit Hart | Photography Assistance: Nicole Zausinger | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Der Lautenbachho | Floral Design + Decor: Ab unter die Haube | Sweet Table: Heike Krohz S und Salzig | Priest: Hans-Georg Waller | Candles: SP-Kerzen/Dawanda | Child Care: Zauberglanz | Hair + Make Up: Jessica Nitsche | Band: 18 Strings | DJ: Markus Lutz | Rings: Sarah Mia | Fingerprint-Tree: Bleu de Toi | Tableware: Vintage-Days.De  | Lab: Carmencita Film Lab | Wedding Dress +Hair Accessories: Soeur Coeur | Bride’s Shoes: Vintage, 60’s | Kids Dresses: Fingerhut Kreationen | Groom’s Suit: Baldessarini | Groom’s Shoes: Prada

I’ll never stop proclaiming my love for engagement sessions, and it’s all because of images like these by Carla Micucci. Images that capture the love between two (adorable) people in such a beautiful way. Images that will surely be priceless keepsakes for years to come. It will all keep me swooning over engagement sessions for yet another day, and you can see all the reasons why here.

From Carla Micucci…Rachael and Brendon are one of the most sweetest couples you will ever meet. For their engagement session we ventured down to a conservation park in Adelaide, South Australia at the end of Autumn. Surrounded by nature, the warm golden tones surrounded us all afternoon, from the stunning flowers to the beautiful warm sunset . It truly was a magical afternoon. With their wedding literally around the corner, I just know it will be truly beautiful day.

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Photography: Carla Micucci | Floral Design: Poppies Flowers | MakeUp: The Swoon Effect

Now that peach season is in full swing, I find myself craving them en-masse. Whether they’re fresh from a basket at the market or incorporated into a sweet dish, I truly don’t discriminate. So when Katie Parra sent along her recipe for poached peaches my love for her grew ten fold. Not only is she appeasing my current craving, she’s also given me the kick in the pants I need to make some of my own.

Photography: Katie Parra Photography | Styling: Katie Parra Photography | Recipe Inspired by: Martha Stewart