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Of All the San Francisco Venues, City Hall May Be the Most Breathtaking.

There are countless, beautiful venues in Northern California, but one of my personal favorites happens to be City Hall. The building is stunning, both inside and out and just so happened to be the location of choice for this city couple’s elopement! Kylee Yee Photography captured the intimate moments from the vows to gorgeous portraits of the bride adorned in an all lace dress by Suzanne Harward and natural, glowing glam by April Foster Bridal. Scroll on down for a look inside an architectural dream that is San Francisco City Hall and check out the full gallery here!

About the Wedding…There are many gorgeous venues in San Francisco but none quite as iconic and historic as San Francisco City Hall.

An all lace Suzanne Harward gown accented with pops of blue ribbon from Frou Frou Chic and classy and cool hair and makeup by April Foster Bridal is the perfect mix of urban chic elopement for the city couple captured by Kylee Yee Photography.

Bride and Groom made their way through the stunning structure hand in hand as they took photo after photo, sharing their love for one another. 

Sometimes all you need is a beautiful building, bouquet, and bride and groom to have the ultimate wedding!

Photography: Kylee Yee | Florals: April Baytan | Wedding Dress: Suzanne Harward | Ceremony: San Francisco City Hall | Hair and Makeup: April Foster Bridal | Calligraphy: Hanwriting | Earrings: Samantha Wills | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic | Styling Board: Emma Natter

The Bride Always Knew She Wanted to Get Married Here Since She Was Just a Little Girl!

Her Oscar de la Renta gown, a blooming ceremony by the river and the most perfect early Fall day on Kiawah Island – this wedding officially has our hearts. A Charleston Bride planned every detail of this traditionally elegant day while the incredibly talented Greg Finck Photography was there to capture it all! Our favorite part? The flowers… oooh, the flowers – let’s just say Gathering Floral & Event Design – we are amazed by you. Don’t miss out on all the magic at the full gallery!

From A Charleston BrideWe knew immediately that this wedding was going to be the perfect unity of beauty and grace.

The bride dreamed of getting married at the River Course on Kiawah Island since she was a little girl and it was in fact on this same island, during a family vacation years later, that the groom realized she was “the one”.

Our heart were full and our minds dripping in dreamy bliss when planning this wedding. The ceremony set the tone for the evening with a live painter, string trio and choir and the details continued flowing at the day went on.

As the couple walked down the aisle, the choir sang “singed, sealed, delivered” Cocktail hour was adorned with strolling oyster shuckers, a champagne and bourbon bar as well as a clear top tent with the dreamiest draping, floral and lounge. The inside ballroom was a sea of couture linens from La Tavola, and the perfect place for guests to dance the night away. As a nod to the couples recessional song, the couple exited their reception in a vintage car adorned with a garland and a calligraphed “signed, sealed, delivered” banner!

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Cinematography: Life In Rewind | Event Planning: A Charleston Bride | Floral Design: Gathering Floral + Event Design | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal | Reception Venue: The River Course | Catering: The River Course | Calligraphy: J.Lily Design | Lighting: AV Connections | Beauty: Paper Dolls | Ceremony Musician: Peter Kiral | Choir: Archer Music Service | Draping: Veil | Linen Rental: BBJ La Tavola | Painter: Gina Strumpf | Photobooth: ShutterBooth | Runner: Boutique Tents

From Florida to California This Shoot Combines The Best of Both Coasts!

From coast to coast, the battle is ever going, East Coast vs. West Coast. But for this inspiration shoot, Natalie Choi Events was inspired to combine the two after photographers, The Ganey’s moved cross-country from Florida to California. Held at a signature California venue, Annadel Estate Winery, a color palette of citrusy hues and oceany blues brought this shoot to life mixed with the most gorgeous florals created by Gather Design Company. Check out how The Ganey’s captured every detail including that stunning tablescape in the middle of the vine-covered grounds!

From Natalie Choi EventsThe Ganeys recently moved cross-country from Florida to California and inspired by their move from coast to coast, I wanted the color palette to be a meeting of juicy, citrus tones and breezy, ocean colors with a laid-back California vibe.

Set in the heart of June, it felt appropriate that our summery shoot be a celebration of their relocation from one sunny state to another. Vineyard weddings being a signature of Northern California, we chose the overgrown ruins of Annadel Estate Winery as the backdrop for our shoot.

Dressed in a romantic Marchesa gown with an illusion neckline and flowing skirt, our blushing bride was styled with makeup that enhanced her natural beauty and a fun pop of color on her lips. A bejeweled hairpiece and earrings rounded out her sweet, flirty look. She and our dapper groom were all smiles and giggles as they explored the grounds of Annadel, strolling and dancing their way past rows of grapevines.

They made their way through the vine-covered ruins to the simple but elegant table adorned with an array of luscious summer blooms. Handmade ceramic plates crafted locally were chosen as a nod to fellow creators in our Northern California community, pulling in seascape tones from our coastal inspiration and placed on an ocean colored linen. Modern, gold flatware added a luxe touch to our tablescape, while the woven chairs pulled together the organic, Californian aesthetic. We envisioned our laid-back couple relaxing in the shade, enjoying the breeze as they soak in the feeling of being newly married.

Photography: The Ganeys | Design & styling: Natalie Choi Events | Floral Design: Gather Design Company | Dress: Kinsley James Couture Bridal | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Ring: Erstwhile Jewelry | Hair and Makeup: Urban Beauty Loft | Tux: The Black Tux | Venue: Annadel Estate Winery | Accessories: Lindsay Marie Design | Chairs: The Chiavari Guys | Dress Designer: Marchesa | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Models: scout model and talent | Paper Goods: Kelsey Malie Calligraphy | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Styling Dishes: Simple Things Ceramics | Tabletop Rentals: Chairs And Cups

Organizing With The Home Edit

There has never been a better time to get organized than now! Especially thanks to Clea and Joanna – the amazing women behind The Home Edit. With the release of their first book The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals, (out today!) getting your life together has never been easier!

If you aren’t familiar with The Home Edit (where have you been?) they are the duo behind those perfectly put together pantries and color coded closets you’ve seen all over Instagram. With over 1 million followers, and major celebrity fans – Reese Witherspoon, Khloe Kardashian, and Lauren Conrad to name a few – it was about time that their organizational knowledge be shared with the masses!

What we love about this book is the totally reasonable and realistic approach to getting organized. They know how overwhelming it is to open up that overstuffed closet; so, they tell you how to get started. One of the hardest parts about organizing is knowing how to begin. The answer? Start by taking everything out so you have a blank slate! Clea and Joanna guide the reader through different ‘clutter-prone’ areas of the house and suggest starting small (i.e. tackle that junk drawer first!).

STORAGE ITEMS WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Keep a lookout for these items at your local home goods store:

SHOE BOXES

Not the cardboard boxes from your shopping trip. The ones we like are plastic with snap-on lids to keep items dust-free. You can use them for shoes, but they have other great uses as well. Also, the see-through plastic is ideal for storing seasonal items (so you can remember what you’ve stored).

LAZY SUSANS

Not just for spice cabinets—you can also use these for crafts, toiletries, laundry supplies, and under the kitchen sink. Just to name a few!

STORAGE INSERTS

Go for the unlidded kind for easy access and fast pickup like in kids’ playrooms where you need to organize things quickly and neatly. Or use them on closet shelves for organizing small accessories and sunglasses. These can tip over (and they’re not lidded) so make sure they’re lined up safely and on a stable surface, like on a shelf with a lip.

NON SLIP HANGERS

No wire hangers! JK, but seriously, why bother hanging things up if they just slip off and fall on the floor? Velvety hangers are a godsend—they’ll hold anything.

DOOR RACKS

The inside of every closet or pantry should have a door rack, and a quick search online shows so many different uses: for organizing shoes, gift wrap, the tops of pots and pans. If you haven’t shopped for a door rack lately, you’re missing out.

MAGAZINE FILES

We almost never use magazine files for their intended purpose. Instead, we put them to use separating handbags, clutches, notebooks, stationery, board games, and boxed puzzles.

STORAGE BASKETS WITH HANDLES

Handled baskets are one of our most frequently used items. They serve the critical purpose of containment and allow for easy-to-reach access on upper shelves.

CLEAR PANTRY BINS

Nothing goes in our refrigerator or freezer without first being stashed in a clear bin. They’re great for avoiding spills and organizing types of food.

LINED STORAGE BINS

Don’t put delicate items in bins that will snag. Look for lined baskets. Also, they add a softer touch for the bedroom.

STORAGE TIERS

Make your pantry shelves work a little harder with these tiered shelves, which help you reach the back of the cabinet more easily.

The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals is out today! Order your copy now and get ready to declutter! You can also shop the below items on The Home Edit Shop

Reprinted from The Home Edit. Copyright © 2019 by The Home Edit Print, LLC. Photographs copyright © 2019 Clea Shearer. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.”

 

Photography: The Home Edit

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Proof That Indoor Weddings Can Be JUST as Beautiful as Outdoor Affairs!

Whether you’re second guessing your indoor ceremony or stressed about your reception rain plans – this wedding will make you feel a million times better, proving that indoor weddings can be just as beautiful (sometimes even more beautiful) than outdoor affairs. Magnolia Belle Floral created stunning arrangements including a blooming circle arbor lush with greenery and florals – making for the perfect color contrast up against the white barn walls. Their special day couldn’t have happened without the help of Natalie Scott who turned their dreams into reality with her planning magic. Check out the full gallery of images captured by Erin Wilson Photography for all the can’t-miss indoor wedding inspo!

From Erin Wilson PhotographyBrittany and Casey had the most fun floral filled farmhouse wedding in the heart of Arkansas outside of Little Rock. Their day was light and emotion filled as they celebrated with their closest family and friends.

Their wedding planner Natalie Scott used their loved for beautiful naturals, textures, florals, greenery and romantic touches to create their perfect day.

There was beautiful signature cocktails, stunning lighting, a fun cocktail hour and tons of dancing and celebrating. Brittany and Casey had their wedding ceremony in a beautiful white chapel filled with windows showcasing the Arkansas scenery in front of a lush floral filled arch. 

Their wedding party wore classic black suits and rose pink bridesmaids gowns. I loved the organic style of their wedding florals and greenery and it filled the spaces in such a beautiful way. 

The reception was full of gold touches, candles, florals, cakes and all their loved ones.

Photography: Erin Wilson Photography | Videographer: James Bickham | Florals: Magnolia Belle Floral | Dress: She Said Yes | Cake: PattiCakes Bakery | Stationery : Alexa Nelson Prints | Catering: Melinda Stafford | Entertainment : Central Arkansas Entertainment | Transportation: Twin City Limo | Farmhouse: The Grandeur House | MUAH: Pretty by Price | Planning and Design: Natalie Scott | Rentals: Party Time Rentals

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This Greenwich Bride Wore a Fairytale Gown Custom Designed by Monique Lhuillier Herself!

The first item on many brides wedding planning to-do list is a dress, and for this bride, she was able to check off a custom-designed dress by Monique Lhuillier! Next on the list for this Greenwich couple was a venue, and the decision of the Greenwich Country Club was a no brainer, as the brides’ parents were married there 32 years prior! Add in a lush bouquet of blush peonies for the Mrs. and white sweet peas for the ‘Maids by Blush Floral Design and STUNNING sunset photos by Kelsey Combe Photography and you have what we would call the epitome of romance! Take a look below and be sure to read on for the brides’ bit of advice for every couple on their wedding day!

From the Bride…Michael and I met at a fraternity party in college 8 years ago. The odds of us meeting were slim and we feel lucky our paths crossed. To give you some context, Michael is Irish and grew up in Europe. He moved to Connecticut in high school and lived just 15 minutes from me in Greenwich. Ironically, we didn’t meet until we were students at Elon University in North Carolina. Fast forward 7 years, Michael proposed in Central Park and we began our wedding planning journey. The first step was choosing a date and venue. We were set on June because the weather is typically beautiful in New England and as a teacher I have summers off. Although we live together in New York City, we have always considered Greenwich home, which made our decision easy. We got married in the church I attended growing up and our reception was held at Greenwich Country Club where my parents were married 32 years ago.

I was excited to begin planning and one of the first decisions I made was my dress. I am known to be indecisive, so my mom and sister were shocked when I fell in love with the first dress I tried on at The Plumed Serpent. It was Monique Lhuillier’s “Severine” gown. I loved the soft tulle skirt and floral appliqué, but the v-neckline and spaghetti straps didn’t feel like me. I tried on some other styles, but couldn’t get the first dress out of my mind. After making a few phone calls, my bridal consultant delivered exciting news. Monique Lhuillier agreed to design a custom gown for me with a strapless sweetheart neckline, lace bodice, and the tulle skirt I loved. I ended up buying a dress that didn’t yet exist, but I trusted the professionals would work their magic.

From the very start of planning, I envisioned a classic, elegant, romantic wedding with touches of blush pink, white, and gold. Thanks to my amazingly talented team of vendors, including planner Stacie Shea, all of my visions came to life. Sandy of Roseville Designs created our paper story. Invitations were really important to me because they set the tone for the event. Sandy and I designed timeless invitations with gold foil and gold edging on double thick paper. They were tied together with a blush pink ribbon and a tag with our custom monogram (which The Mrs. Box was able to engrave on my ring box!) Barbara of BL Calligraphy hand-wrote every address in a soft blush hue to match the envelope liner and ribbon. Each envelope was sealed with a custom gold wax seal. The vintage postage was my favorite aspect of our invitation suite. The old, unique, stamps embodied New York City, our wedding color scheme, and florals. Beth of Blush Floral Design truly delivered in the flower department. My number one request was lots of peonies. I carried a bouquet of blush pink peonies down the aisle and my bridesmaids held white sweet peas. My sister’s bouquet incorporated a touch of pink to distinguish her as Maid of Honor.

After a year and a half of planning, it felt surreal when our big day finally arrived. It began at Greenwich Country Club where Michael and I got ready in separate rooms. My bridesmaids and I spent the morning with J.Kinford Beauty Group for hair and makeup. Before leaving, owner and make-up artist Jen gave me a small touch up bag with lip gloss, makeup wipes, bobby pins, etc. Our photographer, Kelsey Combe, suggested we do a first look and it was one of the best decisions we made. Not only did it allow more time for photos with our wedding party and families, but it also helped calm our nerves. A part of me worried that I would regret seeing Michael before I walked down the aisle with my dad, but that moment was still incredibly special. Seeing each other before the ceremony allowed us to relax and spend some time together before all of the craziness began. Kelsey sought out a prime location at the club where we took photos before heading to the church.

Michael and I exchanged traditional vows in front of our family and friends at First Presbyterian Church. We decided to write our own personal vows to share with one another prior to the ceremony. It was really special to keep those words between the two of us and read them privately before our first look. One of my favorite moments from our ceremony was lighting the unity candle. My mom and mother-in-law lit candles at the alter after their processional. Michael and I used the flames from those candles to light our unity candle together. Another highlight was the Irish blessing. Michael’s uncle is a priest in Ireland and we were honored to have him co-officiate our ceremony. He read the beautiful Irish blessing that McKenzie seamlessly incorporated into our wedding highlight video.

After the ceremony, guests headed to GCC where they were greeted with Moscow Mules (Michael’s personal favorite) upon arrival. We were able to be fully present and mingle with guests during cocktail hour because we had already taken most photos before the ceremony. After guests were escorted into the ballroom for our reception, Michael and I had about 15 minutes on our own. The biggest piece of advice I received leading up to the wedding was to escape the crowd for a few minutes to simply be together as a married couple. I am so glad we did this and I would give the same advice to all future brides. Michael and I made our entrance and danced to Blaire Reinhard Band’s rendition of How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding. My dad made the most thoughtful speech and we danced to My Girl by The Temptations. During sunset, Michael and I ducked out to take photos on the golf course during golden hour. Michael is an avid golfer (borderline obsessed), so taking photos here was certainly fitting! Kelsey and McKenzie Miller’s team captured some seriously stunning photos and footage. After cutting the cake (fun fact: only the top layer of our cake was edible and guests received individual mini cakes), we spent hours on the dance floor singing along to our amazing band (who guests are still raving about to this day!) We topped off the evening with a sparkler send-off followed by an after-party in GCC’s pub 1892.

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Photography: Kelsey Combe Photography | Cinematography: McKenzie Miller Films | Floral Design: Blush Floral Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Roseville Designs | Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church Of Greenwich | Reception Venue: Greenwich Country Club | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Rings: A E Betteridge Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Hair And Makeup: Jennifer Kinford | Calligraphy: Belles Lettres Calligraphy | Band: Blaire Reinhard Band | Groom's Attire: Richard's of Greenwich | Transportation: Test | Bridal Boutique: The Plumed Serpent Bridal Salon | Groom's Tie: The Tie Bar | Musician: Randall Atcheson | Planning: Stacie Shea Events | Rentals: Smith Party Rentals | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Robes: Piyama

This Bali Destination Wedding Had the Ultimate Floral Arbor!

For Beha and Nathan, Bali was the destination of choice to start their epic adventure as husband and wife! The Four Seasons Ubud Bali, more specifically,  surrounded by jungles and rivers and a rooftop ceremony location which is absolutely stunning, gave Stepan Vrzala everything you could ask for, for the dreamiest photos! From a jaw-dropping floral arbor and ceremony set up to perfect table settings and details by Bali Event Styling the photo opp’s and special moments were flowing! Take a look below and be sure to check out the trailer by Robert Michael Films, which was shot all around Bali, with the couple, the week of their wedding!

From Robert Michael FilmsBeha and Nathan traveled all the way from Los Angeles to Bali, Indonesia for their destination wedding. They spent the week exploring the beauty of Bali. 

Before hearing more about Beha and Nathan’s wedding week, let’s watch their wedding day trailer captured by Robert Michael Films![iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/352823347 600 338]

We (Robert Michael Films and Stepan Vrzala Photography) met up with the couple on the coast at Melasti Beach to shoot some pre-wedding photos and video. The next day we traveled inland to Ubud, the cultural hub of the island.

The couple’s rehearsal dinner was at Jungle Fish, overlooking the lush jungle. A small group of close family and friends gathered to enjoy dinner and the beautiful views.

The wedding took place at the Four Seasons, Ubud. A majestic location surrounded by rivers and jungle and features a rooftop ceremony view to die for. The event was styled and planned by Bali Event Styling.

 

Photographer: Stepan Vrzala Photography | Videographer: Robert Michael Films | Florist: Martha Florist | Hair & Makeup : Yeanne Makeup Art | DJ: Serineh | Filmlab: PhotoVision Prints | Four Seasons Sayan: Four Season Ubud | Lighting & Furniture: Bali Decor Rental | Planing, Styling & Decor: Bali Event Styling | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Jungle Fish

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The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Fabric Every Bride-To-Be Should Read

Sooo, you’re at your first bridal appointment and the sales consultant sits down to casually ask the question you’ve been trying to figure out the answer to for months, “So, what types of gowns do you like?” While you may know what you like, to see it, it can be difficult to describe – especially if you don’t have the right words! No worries, we’re here to help!


Lauren Fair Photography

Fabric vs. Fiber

Before we get into the different types of fabrics, we need to make one important distinction – the difference between fabric and fiber. Fibers are what the fabric is made from–the little strings that are woven together. Fabric is the final product. Silk is the perfect example of why this distinction is so important. When most people think of silk, they think of a smooth shiny fabric. Silk is a fiber, and it can be woven into many different types of fabric, some of which are shiny, but some are matte as well.

There are two types of fibers:

  • Natural fibers are fibers that occur in nature like silk, cotton, and wool–silk being the one most commonly used in bridal.
  • Synthetic fibers are man-made fibers, like polyester, nylon, rayon, and spandex.

Fabric can be made out of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combo of the two. Both types of fibers have their own advantages. Natural fibers, like silk drape and move beautifully, they also feel great against your skin. While the word “synthetic” typically has a negative connotation, these fibers offer a lot of benefits. They travel well and are much easier to clean than their natural counterparts.  

Let’s Talk Fabric

When it comes to bridal fabrics, there are a lot of options! Here are some fabrics that you are bound to encounter at your bridal appointments.

Satin

Satin is known for its shine and for its soft and sexy feel. Satin comes in a few different styles and weights.

  • Duchess Satin- This satin holds its shape and is perfect for structured bodices and big pleated skirts. Think about almost every royal wedding you’ve ever seen–Duchess Satin has probably made an appearance.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Rebecca Yale Photography  WEDDING GOWN | Reem Acra

  • Charmeuse- Charmeuse is the sexiest of all the satins. It is slinky and for better or worse, it shows everything.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Love by Serena  WEDDING GOWN | Leanne Marshall

Taffeta

Taffeta is a lightweight and tightly woven fabric that sculpts beautifully and keeps it shape. It is perfect if you are looking for a voluminous look without wanting to be weighed down. 


WEDDING GOWN |Viktor & Rolf  PHOTOGRAPHER | Sally Pinera

Crepe

Crepe is a slinky matte fabric that drapes beautifully and can range from lightweight to luxuriously heavy. It is commonly used in mermaid and A-line gowns. It gives off a minimalist vibe and makes the focus all about you. Because of the weight and drape of the fabric, crepe gowns usually hug the body or highlight the silhouette when you walk.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Fiona Kelly Photography  WEDDING GOWN | Charlie Brear

Shantung

Shantung is usually made from silk, though there are rare instances of a synthetic Shantung. It is a raw, organic looking fabric that is easily identified by slubs (or little imperfections). This lightweight fabric is perfect for spring or summer weddings.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Emilia Jane Photography  WEDDING GOWN | Alyssa Kristin

Dupioni

Dupioni is similar to Shantung in that it has a raw natural quality highlighted by little imperfections. It is stiff and holds its shape which makes it perfect for sculptural elements and dramatic trains. 


PHOTOGRAPHER | Audra Wrisley Photography  WEDDING GOWN | Anne Barge

Faille

Faille is a structured, preppy fabric, identified by tiny ribbing that gives it a matte finish. It is great for dramatically sculpted bodices or simple, beautifully tailored silhouettes.


PHOTOGRAPHER | The Edges Wedding Photography

Organza

This is a sheer lightweight fabric that holds its shape and appears to float as you walk. It is perfect for whimsical tiers and wispy ball gowns.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Sarah Houston Photography  WEDDING GOWN | Borrowing Magnolia

Chiffon

Chiffon is a sheer fabric that drapes beautifully. It is perfect for ornate bodices and dramatic trains.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Erika Parker Photography  GOWN | Carol Hannah

Gazar

Gazar is very similar to organza but it is slightly stiffer and is usually translucent rather than transparent. It is perfect for full ballgowns or sculpted bodices.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Nicole Sarah Photography  WEDDING GOWN | Monique Lhuillier at Nordstrom

Lace

This one can be a bit tricky. There are a few different types of lace, so it’s a good idea to know exactly which kinds you like (or don’t like) because they are totally different! In addition to knowing the type of lace, it’s good to know your pattern preference: floral vs geometric.

  • Chantilly- This is a sexy, barely there, lace that is delicate and drapey–think lingerie. Most Chantilly laces are floral patterns.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Sarah Kate   WEDDING GOWN | Jenny Packham

  • Alencon- Pronounced “ə-ˈlen-ˌsän”, this is a thicker lace that has less negative space than Chantilly lace and is identified by cording that traces a typically floral motif.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Facibeni Fotografia  WEDDING GOWN | Monique Lhuillier

  • Guipure- Guipure is a thick lace that resembles embroidery. It comes in both floral and geometric motifs.  It is the heaviest of the laces and is best for fall and winter weddings.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Leslie D Photography

Net

Net is a fabric that is sheer and has many small holes. It can be used as-is or it is often embellished with embroidery, beads, or sequins. 

  • Beaded Net


PHOTOGRAPHER | Carlie Statsky  WEDDING GOWN | Lovely Bridal Shop

  • Embroidered Net


PHOTOGRAPHER | Oliver Fly Photography  WEDDING GOWN | Naeem Khan

There are different types and weights of net:

  • Tulle- Tulle (pronounced tool) is a sheer net that holds its shape beautifully. It can be gathered to create an over-the-top ball gown or draped over a bodice to create a soft romantic look. Most veils are made of tulle.


PHOTOGRAPHER |  Lauren Fair Photography  WEDDING DRESS | JLM Couture

  • English Net- A soft and heavier net that drapes beautifully and is often used in gathered A-line skirts.


PHOTOGRAPHER | Cavin Elizabeth Photography  WEDDING DRESS | Styled By Two’s Company

When it comes to shopping for your wedding gown, the more you know, the easier it will be to find your dream gown. Now you’ll be able to describe exactly what you want in detail, you may even teach the sales consultant a thing or two ;)

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The Wedding That Will Actually Get You Excited for a Snowy Winter

I’m not one to rush summer away—in fact, I’d like a few more months. But when today’s Lake Tahoe fete landed on my desk, I couldn’t help but stare wide-eye at every little bit… portraits where the Brides dress blends in seamlessly with the snow, emerald greens for days and a classic Monique Lhuillier number for the books. Oh, and have a moment with the florals designed by Nancy Liu Chin, they don’t disappoint. Elise Events planned it all to cozy perfection while Ryan Ray worked his magic behind the lens. I’m just a tiny bit closer to accepting that summer is coming to a close and this classic affair makes it totally OK.

From the bride… Cyrus and I met like many people in San Francisco do: on an app! He had relocated from London by way of New York and Los Angeles to work for Google and I had come from Indiana by way of Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. to work for Salesforce. We fell in love with each other and along the way with the stunning natural beauty of California, so when Cyrus proposed it was perfect in every way: over Lake Tahoe, which had frozen out a hundred yards from the shore, just the two of us. Cyrus grew up skiing in Switzerland and I became a Tahoe convert during my first winter in California, so Tahoe was the perfect location for our winter wonderland wedding.

Danielle and my mom were our two fabulous wedding planners. They literally thought of every possible detail during our long two-year engagement, but sometimes nothing goes as planned…and that was our wedding! The winter of 2019 has been one of Tahoe’s snowiest in 150 years, and it started on our wedding day. As the snow fell, the bus carrying the bridal party from the hotel to the church was one of the last buses on the road. Nearly every road was closed and only the immediate family, wedding party, and a few brave guests managed to make it to church for the ceremony!

Miraculously, after the ceremony we were able to get from Incline Village back to Northstar for our reception. Thanks to some fragrant winter greenery, luxe velvet, and lots of candles, it smelled and looked like a magical winter hideaway. We quickly came up with a back-up plan. It may not have been our first choice, but our family minister, who baptized both my brother and me, performed the ring exchange ceremony at the reception on the stunning white dance floor and 6,600 square feet of white carpet that Danielle had made into a snowy dream. We still managed to say our “I dos!” in front of our incredible guests, many of whom had had harrowing storm experiences to get to the reception but came ready to party and drink American Girl (bourbon) and English Gentlemen (gin) cocktails! My favorite moment of the reception was looking at the glowing faces of everyone who had come all the way from England, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany, Indiana, New York and beyond and feeling so loved while my dad gave an incredible father of the bride speech to end all father of the bride speeches. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, and we danced the night away until one in the morning as the snow fell.

The next day, I put back on my beloved wedding dress for an adventure out in the snow–since we were snowed in anyway! My dress was a custom, long-sleeve, lace, Monique Lhullier dress of my dreams, and I finished it off with my mother’s pearl and diamond bracelet that had been a gift from my father on their wedding day, her original engagement ring that had been set into a pendant as my something borrowed, and my pearl and diamond drop earrings that had been a gift from my now-husband as my something new. He had them custom made at the same family English jeweler, Hancock’s of London, that made our wedding bands and my stunning engagement ring. They are all so special to me and even more special since they came from my husband’s home country. My husband put back on his bespoke white tie from Dege & Skinner, a Savile Row institution. Our photographer, Ryan, and Danielle did such a wonderful job ensuring that we would have the snowy wedding portraits of our dreams to remember a very special winter wedding!

As the minister said during our wedding ceremony, life doesn’t always go according to plan and neither did our wedding, but it was still our perfect winter wonderland.

Photography: Ryan Ray Photography | Videography: Reel Eyes Media | Event Design & Planning: Elise Events | Floral Design: Nancy Liu Chin | Invitations: Yonder Design | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Teri Jon | Hair & Makeup: Hello Darling | Band: Elan Artists | Venue: test | Bridal Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Bridal Fur: Sofia Cashmere | Groom's Tux: Dedge and Skinner | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Hensley Event Resources | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Rings & Earrings: Hancock's of London

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Home Was The Perfect Destination For These Hawaii Natives

For these Hawaii natives, choosing a destination location which just so happened to be home for them was a no brainer! The Four Seasons Maui was the venue of choice, exactly what they envisioned for their tropical soiree filled with palm leaves, a gorgeous floral arbor and the cutest baby pineapples you’ve ever seen. With a completely outdoor wedding, from ceremony to reception, Aria Studios had all of the natural lighting you (and a film photographer) could dream of! Country Bouquets Maui crafted the picture-perfect tropical florals from bouquets to centerpieces full of the most stunning colors and flower crowns to match! Take a peek below and read how the bride found her dream dress just in time!

From the Bride…When we first started planning, we knew we wanted two things: to get married in Hawaii and to capture the tropical vibrancy of a sunset. We’re both from Oahu, so choosing the Four Seasons Maui as our venue felt like the perfect mix of home and destination. Everything came together on the big day. We got to celebrate with friends and family from all over, and every detail we deliberated on and dreamed of – food, flowers, linens, and so on – were all realized in the beautiful Maui surroundings. It was a day filled with laughter, joyous tears, delicious food, and so much love. It was perfect.

So guilty admission, I didn’t realize how far in advance you’re supposed to find a dress! Eight months out, I had been to numerous dress shops and tried on dozens of dresses, but I didn’t quite love any of them. Still, I felt like I had to choose in order to get the dress in time. But the thought gnawed at me. Maybe there wasn’t such a thing as “THE dress” or maybe I just started too late to have enough time to find it. And then I saw Alexandra Grecco’s gowns, and even though everyone told me to stop looking, I couldn’t help it. The Dress Theory was having a trunk show that weekend, so I went… just to put it to rest, I told myself. But the moment I slipped on the Iris gown, I knew. It felt so right (the fact that the liner was super soft probably helped lol) and if there was a way, I had to wear this dress at my wedding. The wonderful ladies at The Dress Theory were able to do a rush order of the dress, giving us plenty of time for alterations and I was so happy to wear THE dress for the wedding!

When it came to our design decisions about the wedding, we went with the idea of a “pineapple sunset” to reflect the colors and vibe we were aiming for: tropical, vibrant balanced by softer tones, relaxed but stunning. I spent hours combing through photos on Pinterest and Instagram, at first saving anything that caught my eye. Then going through and narrowing down the saved images really helped me define what I liked and what I was trending towards, although for a good while it looked like I had three different wedding styles in the works! I even made terrible cut and paste images from those photos to see how different elements might look together – the table, the plates, and glasses, the flowers. It was my life for a good chunk of a year, but I’m happy to say it all paid off in the end!

From the Photographer, Jess Nakasone of ARIA StudiosWe had an amazing time working with Annie and Justin. Their colorful designs and decision to have an all outdoor wedding paired perfectly with our company because as film photographers, WE LOVE GORGEOUS NATURAL LIGHT!! Their ceremony site was located on Molokini Lookout which is on a golf course and it was a very sunny day but film photography is amazing at handling really bright light. We’ve been offering film photography to our clients for several years now and we love the look and feel of film. Film captures light in really beautiful ways and leaves us with light bathed images that give us all the feels.

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Photography: Aria Studios | Videographer: Ohana Films | Coordination: Four Seasons Maui | Flowers: Country Bouquets Maui | Cake: Four Seasons Maui | Invitations: Minted | Bride's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Rings: Tiffany & Co. | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Weddington Way | Caterer: Four Seasons Maui | Calligraphy: Miss B Calligraphy | Calligraphy: Hawaii Calligraphy | DJ: Maui DJ Services | Favors: Fran's Chocolates | Groom's Attire: Ted Baker | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Hotel: Four Seasons Maui | Bar: Rio Event Design | Bride's Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Dress Shop: The Dress Theory | Golf Course: Molokini Lookout | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photobooth: The Spotlight Photobooth | Place Settings: Set Collections | Rentals: Signature Boutique Event Rentals | Vow Book: Kelsey Malie Calligraphy

An Amalfi Coast First Birthday with Pretty Parasols + Lemon Baby Pools!

I first met the lovely Danielle Moss a million years ago when she and Alaina Kaczmarski were launching a little site called The Everygirl. You may have heard of it:) Fast forward nearly a decade and The Everygirl is now media mainstream and Danielle is mom to one of the cutest little one year olds on the planet. And today…we’re celebrating her very first birthday! Fit for an Everygirl princess, read on to see the most precious Amalfi Coast birthday theme ever, complete with tassel umbrellas and lemon gelato! And, check out Danielle’s gorgeous blog, along with The Everygirl + The Everymom!

“We honeymooned in Amalfi and it quickly became one of our favorite places, and felt like the perfect birthday party theme for our summer baby. It all started with pizza, spritzes, and lemons, and then took off from there.

I used our patio cooler as a gelato cart and added some lemon pools, beach umbrellas, a few balloons, and voila! Looks just like the Amalfi Coast, right? Ha!

I found some lemon banners on Etsy, and bought a few colorful banners to hang inside in case we had rain (and we did, so I’m glad I put a few banners inside, too). I found the cutest invites at Minted and hired Kelly Etz to create custom lettering for us that I used on our invites and cups.

We had a local restaurant bring a pizza oven to make lunch for everyone and bought gelato at Whole Foods. My friend Maura Stoffer snapped a few photos of the decor before everyone arrived but I was rushing around then put my phone away so I could be present.

Shortly before cake time, my friend and wedding photographer Katie Kett took a few photos of our family and some of Margot with her smash cake. In a shocking turn of events (did not see this one coming), I started crying a few seconds into singing Happy Birthday! My baby is growing up!!

It wasn’t the easiest year but it was always so easy loving her, and I can’t believe how quickly time is flying by. It felt like I was looking back (or perhaps ahead) at her life a la Father of the Bride and my heart couldn’t take it!”

Photography: Stoffer Photography | Photography: Katie Kett Photography | Event Planning: Danielle Moss | Cake: Alliance Bakery | Invitations: Minted | Balloons: Oh Happy Day! Shop | Decor: Etsy | Decor: Oh Happy Day! Shop | Lettering: The Babe Shop | Mini Pool: Target | Umbrellas: Business and Pleasure Co

How to Seamlessly Blend Dark Colors with Light, Airy Hues for the Ultimate Ethereal Look

Today’s editorial is for the romantics… ethereal puff sleeves, a flawless color scheme that blends both light and dark hues, and lush, delicious, heart-stoppingly beautiful blooms from Plain Jane Posy. I mean, does it get any better? Amorette Events planned every thoughtful detail of this stunning shoot, captured by Mallory Dawn Photography with olive trees as far as the eyes can see as their background. Be sure to check out the full gallery and get your pinning hands ready for some serious pretty.

From the Planner, Jessica of Amorette EventsNestled within the busy city of San Diego, California, these olive groves were the perfect spot for this editorial. It is a small, intimate area that is surrounded by an abundance of olive trees which created a sense of mystery, romance, and intrigue and was secluded from the rest of the busy, fast-paced life of society. 

We wanted to create effortless beauty which began in the details. The stationery design by Cottage Four Co. For Ciarra Claire had a delicate design which incorporated letterpress, olive branches, and gold calligraphy. We chose Galia Lahav’s Bellina gown which was the perfect dress, as it completely embodied ethereal beauty and grace, to keep with the elegant vibe that we were hoping to achieve. 

Our beautiful models helped bring our vision to life so effortlessly. The talented Chiali of Chiali Meng Artistry created a natural look with classic curls and minimal makeup. We absolutely loved the idea of the dark colors against the light-textured tulle of the gown. Jane of Plain Jane Posy created a lush, flower forward bouquet with tones of blush, white, and nude, that perfectly accentuated the soft blush hue of the gown. Mallory of Mallory Dawn Photography captured the magic of the intimate moments these two shared in the groves where time seemed to stand still.

Photography: Mallory Dawn Photography | Florals: Plain Jane Posy | Hair & Makeup: Chiali Meng | Tux: Friar Tux | Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab | Gown Designer: Galia Lahav | Gown Shop: Kinsley James Couture Bridal | Models: Joy Ellis | Planning, Design & Coordination: Amorette Events Co | Stationery Design: Cottage Four Co For Ciarra Claire

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This Atlanta Falcons Player and His Bride to Be Booked Their Venue Site Unseen!

Every couple certainly knows how hard it is to plan a wedding on top of work and well, regular life – but for this couple, life included moving to a new state and the groom, being a professional football player making wedding planning quite difficult! Thankfully, they worked with Reed + James Events to plan their nuptials from their venue, Annadel Estate Winery (which they booked without seeing!) to their florals by Revel Floral which included roses and ferns wherever possible! Amanda Wei Photography was called upon to photograph it all, from first look to first dance and every darling detail in between. See the rest of the details (and stunning portraits) here and get excited for the start of football season!

From Reed + James EventsAlex and Ty are college sweethearts, and the most fun-loving and sweet couple you could ever ask for. They are thoughtful and so present with each other, it was a joy to watch their friends and family come together to honor their love.

Ty is a football player for the Atlanta Falcons and they had just moved to Atlanta from Colorado when we first started planning their wedding. As you can imagine, they have very busy schedules and we planned most of the wedding over the phone. They even booked their wedding venue site unseen!

Annadel Estate Winery was the perfect choice for them; Annadel’s beautiful Ruins were gorgeous and the beautiful gardens were the perfect backdrop for their style and design wants.

Roses are very important to Alex and Ty’s relationship and from the start, Alex wanted to make sure we incorporated roses and ferns everywhere we could, and did we ever from the bouquets and centerpieces to a delicate addition to each table setting.

We decided to use gold accents, like cutlery and candelabras and opted for white linens because of how green the venue was. The end result was a simple and elegant wedding that perfectly reflected the couple’s style and love.

Photography: Amanda Wei Photography | Planner: Reed + James Events | Floral Design: Revel Floral | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Catering: the girl & the fig CATERS! | DJ: Boutique DJs | Hotel: Kenwood Inn & Spa | Wedding Venue: Annadel Estate Winery | Bridal Robe : Lauren Leshansky | Hair & Make Up: Yndia Georg-Belli | Lighting & Production: The Lux Productions | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Encore Events Rentals

These Brides Passed on an Elopement After Seeing This Wedding Venue

One thing I know is true… when you’re planning a wedding, something will change. Many thing will change. And all those shifts will result in the best celebration for you. That’s exactly what happened to Jenna and Nicole who had originally planned to elope, but after stumbling upon Planterra Conservatory, flipped their Big Day script. It’s uber romance, in all the light-filled goodness and these two Brides—captured by Kelly Sweet—are simply glowing.

From Jenna (one of the brides)… Getting married at the magical Planterra Conservatory was a dream come true for Nicole and I. Up until our engagement, we had planned on eloping, but after getting engaged something kept guiding us to go through with a wedding and to experience all our friends and family in one room. We are so grateful we did this because we didn’t realize how much it would mean to have all the people we love with us as we took our first step into our lives together.

During the planning process, we definitely broke some traditions with our wedding, but that’s the special part about planning your wedding- you can truly make it your own and do whatever feels good to you as a couple. When I went dress shopping with my Mom and two younger sisters, I knew the second I found my dress Nicole would rush from work to the bridal shop to see me in the dress I chose. While trying on dresses earlier in the day, I tried on one and immediately said, “Nicole would love this for herself.” Days later, we went back to the same bridal shop and Nicole ended up getting the dress I knew she would love. On our wedding day, we spent the whole day getting ready together, from make-up & hair to getting dressed together. Right before the ceremony, we read our vows together in private which we both agreed was one of the most special moments of the whole night.

We have pretty similar styles, but Nicole was thinking she wanted an elegant wedding while I was thinking a little more bohemian. We had a lot of inspiration for our wedding day and when we started working with Planterra, they helped us find the perfect middle ground for what we had both envisioned.

Everyone told us the night goes by so fast and it truly does. If we could give another couple advice it would be to allow yourself those moments to stop, pull each other in close, and take in the energy and love of the night. Looking back, those are the moments we remember so vividly.

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography | Event Design: Planterra | Floral Design: Planterra | Wedding Dresses: Micaela Loren | Cake: Sweet Heather Anne | Invitations: Minted | Ceremony Venue: Planterra Conservatory | Reception Venue: Planterra Conservatory | Makeup: Hope Stanley | DJ: Mary Ann Productions | Bridal Boutique: The Wedding Shoppe | Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Donuts: Donut Cutter | Film Processing and Scanning: The Find Lab | Guest Book Sign: Miss Design Berry, Inc. | Hair Styling: Aesthetic Hair Co.

3 Rules for Picking the Perfect White Paint

If my Pinterest home board says anything about me, above all it speaks to my love of white. To me, it’s anything but boring—but choosing just the right white for your space? Can be quite a challenge, or worse, a disappointment if you don’t get it right. Which is exactly why we’re taking pointers from the pros at Blackband Design. Grab their tips below and head here for more ways to find the right white!

ONE. The surfaces in the room make a difference and one of the largest surfaces is the floor. If your floor is travertine or wood with red tones in it for example you may find yourself seeing green as your eye naturally seeks the complement. Try something warmer with less gray undertone like Dunn Edwards Antique Paper DE6218.

TWO. In rooms that have a tremendous amount of sunlight light you may want to go a little darker to soften the glare of a stark white wall. Be aware though that in other rooms of the home this color will look very different. We like a crisp white like DEW381 Droplets for the fresh airy appearance and they are a great backdrop for some of the more vivid teal and indigo colors we like to use.

THREE. For walls and ceilings in living spaces we like low sheens like flat or velvet as they are softer, less reflective, on the eyes and hide imperfections on the wall. The shinier you go the better your drywaller must be. In bathrooms or kitchens a higher sheen is better for cleanability. In most cases we like to use bright white Dunn Edwards DEW380 in a 20 sheen to set off the shade we’ve chosen for the walls.

Some of our go-to favorite white paints are: Dunn Edwards DEW380 || Benjamin Moore Simply White || Benjamin Moore Super White || Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.

 

See the home tour featured above here!

Photography: Tessa Neustadt | Design: Blackband Design | Builders: Graystone Custom Builders

They Said “I Do” 9,500 Feet Above Sea Level in the Middle of a Forest #MountainWeddingGoals!

Dreaming of a US venue that satisfies your adventurous soul? Look no further. Today’s darling couple tied the knot in a ceremony on top of a mountain (9,500 feet above sea level to be exact), in the middle of a forest. With the help of Sweetly Paired and their adorable four-legged friend who inspired many details of their day, it was everything the bride and groom hoped for and more! From lush blooms by Bliss Wedding Florist to ceremony views that will literally take your breath away – head to the full gallery captured by This Modern Romance to see all the Mother Nature magic unfold.

From the Bride… When we visited Pine Creek Cookhouse for the first time, we instantly knew that we had found our wedding venue. 

It felt magical to be in a restaurant hidden in the middle of the forest with Cathedral Peak, one of Colorado’s fourteeners, in the background. That the food was amazing was icing on the cake, and we couldn’t wait to introduce 100 of our closest family and friends to this quaint mountain venue located 9,500 feet above sea level. 

The night before our wedding, our guests enjoyed a cocktail hour at the St. Regis in Aspen, where we greeted them wearing “hanbok”, or traditional Korean clothes. The next day, we welcomed them to our mountain venue, where we had made many of the decorations ourselves because we didn’t want our wedding to look generic. 

We press dried different flowers and framed them as table numbers, and we created welcome bags with a logo we designed ourselves. Our overall wedding brand was our golden retriever puppy, Nugget. She was on all of our stationery and even brought us our rings in a basket during the ceremony. 

She happily mingled with all of the guests all night, who loved her free spirited and innocent nature. My favorite moment was when I changed into a silk slip dress so I could really enjoy the dance party. The night passed in a flash, but we were thrilled to hear how much fun our guests had in the weeks to follow. We were so happy that everyone enjoyed sharing their weekend with us in a little place called Aspen.

photographer : This Modern Romance | videographer: ByDesign Films | coordinator: Sweetly Paired | florist : Bliss Wedding Florist | Wedding Dress: Eve Of Milady | cake : The Dessert Stand | stationery: Minted | shoes : Bella Belle | bridesmaid dresses : Jenny Yoo | tuxedo: Suitsupply | Wedding Venue: Pine creek cookhouse | boxwood backdrop: smedley events | cookies: small batch cookies | hair pins: jennifer behr | music : casey marie music | reception dress: cloud hunter Co | signs: Whimsy Design Studio | veil: Cassandra Silvestro

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An Approachable French Inspired Home

The problem with writing a blog that celebrates gorgeous homes and spaces is that I continually want to redecorate, rebuild, remodel, re-anything. And this kitchen, is really doing a number on my design stability. I’ve already called the contractor. Imagined and executed by Madison Nicole, every room in this Santa Barbara stunner just gets prettier and prettier. Come on in as Madison talks us through each space with gorgeous photos by Lindsey Drewes!

First and foremost, favorite thing in the entire house?

I really love the way the range + hood in the kitchen turned out. Originally there was a very heavy feeling hood with moulding that had carved grapevines in it, and the cream crackle subway tile that’s in the rest of the kitchen was behind the range as well. We replaced the hood with a much simpler look that matched the cabinetry, and framed it all out in a more rustic wood. I think it compliments and draws attention to the stunning LaCanche range so much more than the original design.

As you take us through your home, tell us a little bit about your design background.

I knew from a fairly young age that I wanted to be an Interior Designer. I went to Cal Poly SLO and got my bachelor’s in Architecture, and then continued on to receive my Masters in Interior Architecture from UCLA/Cal Poly, Pomona joint program. I worked as a designer + project manager at an architecture + interior design firm in Los Angeles for about 5 years before deciding to start Madison Nicole Design.

What was your design inspiration?

The previous owners of the home had created a space that was very formal and a bit too polished for my client, but we all loved the architecture of the home itself. The exterior felt a bit like a traditional French Cottage, so we started by looking at books like French Accents by Anita Joyce and New Vintage French Interiors by Sebastien Siraudeau for inspiration.

How did you go about incorporating your design inspiration into your actual design?

The house already had some French Country elements present, so we tried to leave some of those things untouched, like the beautifully carved marble fireplace surrounds in the Dining Room and Living Room that came straight from France, and the stunning oak floors.



All of the light fixtures in the home were pretty over-the-top, and almost half the rooms were covered in bold, patterned wallpapers.



We focused on bring a more casual element to balance out the formality of some of the existing spaces.

So for example, while we left the existing crystal chandelier + sconces in the entryway, we replaced other fixtures in the kitchen and breakfast room with more simple, pared down pieces. It was all about bring a more casual feel to a space that was originally very formal.

Photographer: Lindsey Drewes | Interior Designer: Madison Nicole

The Prettiest Take on a Butterfly-Themed Wedding

I’m not big on themed weddings, but subtly directed details? Those are my jam. That’s exactly what today’s editorial is—in the form of the most delicate and intentional use of butterflies. Round of applause goes to Shannon Wellington Weddings and EventsDevon & PinkettGrace & Ardor Co. Photography and the entire vendor team for crafting such a stunner editorial. I can’t wait to see one of you use this beauty as your wedding muse.

The most beautiful time in a woman’s life is when she transforms into a bride. Transient, fleeting, and vulnerable—this bridal shoot was inspired by the metamorphosis of a butterfly. Set at Cairnwood Estate in their stunning old-world gardens and terraces, an elegant, intimate setting was created by an incredible team of vendors.Beautiful blooming wildflowers in purple and pink pastel tones grew naturally up the ends of the head table.

Delicate and feminine touches adorned every thoughtful detail, including handmade paper butterflies as place settings. Fluttering about the gardens, our model shined in couture gowns that elevated the look: a striking Viktor + Rolf Mariage number that featured 3-dimensional floral appliqués caught everyone’s eye.

Videography: Adam Noone | Floral Design: Devon & Pinkett | Cake: Cake Life Bake Shop | Reception Venue: Cairnwood Estate | Hair and Makeup: Pretty On Arrival | Black Menswear: Bonobos | Bracelet and Rings: Maison Miru Jewelry | Custom Chocolates: Good Good Chocolates | Custom Cocktails: Spirit Forward Cocktails | Custom Vow Book: Wedding Story Writer | Earrings: lele sadoughi | Fashion & Beauty Editor: Kayla Hayes | Floral Guest Book: Terrain at Styers | Gown with Sheer Sleeves: Tadashi Shoji | Hair Pins: Wayfarer Bride | Heels: Courtesy Viktor & Rolf | Lily Garden Gown with 3D Flowers: Courtesy Viktor & Rolf | Lily Garden Veil: Courtesy Viktor & Rolf | Linens: Nuage Designs | Men's Shoes: Topman | Men's Watch: Eve's Addiction | Models (Raelia Lewis and Spencer Zettersten): Click Models Philly | Photography & Art Direction: Grace & Ardor Co. | Planning & Design: Shannon Wellington Wedding | Pocket Square and Tie: Men's Wearhouse | Rentals/Furniture: White Glove Rentals | Stationery/Paper Goods: Steph B And Co | Styling Details: The Styling Mat | Wedding Rings: L Priori Jewelry | White Menswear: Men's Wearhouse

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An Intimate Wedding in Napa Painted in Every Shade of Wine – from Burgundy to Champagne!

Today’s gorgeous bride and groom took their love for wine to new heights at their Calistoga Ranch wedding by incorporating every shade of wine from burgundy to champagne into their wedding color scheme – and the results are stunning. Lambert Floral Studio perfectly represented each hue with their organic arrangements featuring the most breathtaking dahlias we have EVER seen (seriously, how are they even real) Callista & Company kept the wedding festivities running smoothly from the first look to the intimate al fresco reception. Check out the full gallery captured by Rebecca Yale and prepare for some major vineyard wedding inspo.

From Rebecca Yale Photography Nicolina and Brian were married on a beautiful Summer day surrounded by just their closest friends and family at the gorgeous Calistoga Ranch in Napa, CA. The day was perfectly planned by Callista of Callista & Co with florals by Lambert Floral Studio who took Nicolina’s inspiration of all shades of wine from Burgundy to Rose and Champagne and ran with it, creating gorgeous olive lead menus, edible flowers and a beautiful custom designed invitation suite.

They chose a destination wedding in wine country because they both grew up in families that valued good food and company. Nicolina says, “As a child I remember many birthdays and holidays spent around a dinner table with an incredible home cooked meal and wines hand picked by my grandfather. My grandfather was a wine connoisseur who in his free time took my grandmother on trips to taste wines from around the world. He collected and shared these wines often during these family dinners, memories that have brought great joy to my life within his passing.

Calistoga Ranch not only offered us the wonderful food and drink that always brought our families together but an atmosphere that reminded us a lot of home (Upstate New York – The Adirondacks) and of those that we have lost that live on in our memories. “

Nicolina and Brian made family front and center at their wedding and instead of large traditional wedding parties, Brian had just his brother serve as his Best Man and Nicolina had her sister (and incredible wedding photographer Michelle Lange) serve as her Maid of Honor, with one other friend as a bridesmaid. Their nieces and nephews both served as the cutest flower girls and ring bearers ever! It was important to honor their siblings because Nicolina says, “Our siblings knew each other long before we began dating and went to high school together. My sister was actually the one that set up Brian’s brother with his current wife (Fun Fact!). Since our siblings children are all around the same age we thought it would be fun to include all of our nieces and nephews in the wedding. Watching them play and get along was definitely the highlight of our wedding day. It definitely made the day less stressful and lighthearted.”

The bride and groom had an intimate first look full of laughter and smiles before their ceremony up on the property’s Lommel Lawn. After the ceremony guests enjoyed cocktails and sunset on the lawn and as the guests made their way over to the gorgeous long table set for dinner on the far side of the lawn, the couple snuck away for a few minutes to take gorgeous golden hour portraits down in the vineyard and enjoy a glass of wine just the two of them. Nicolina says, “The best part of our wedding day was the dinner at sunset. 

Since our wedding was small we wanted it to be intimate and so we decided to do one long dinner table. We were able to look down the table at our closest friends and family and really take in the moment by watching and listening to them as they enjoyed themselves over good food and drinks, all the while enjoying a pretty pink sky and cool summer breeze. The weather and atmosphere could not have been more perfect.” Nicolina’s advice to other couples on having the perfect wedding day, “Try not to get caught up in the stresses of planning and enjoy the process. It goes by so fast!”

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Planner: Callista & Company | Floral Design: Bud Botanical | Dress: Watters | cake: Bouchon Bakery | Stationery: Callista & Company | Catering : The Lodge at Blue Sky | Hair and Makeup: Blush Makeup & Hair | Calligraphy: Libby Tipton | Officiant: Rose Barboza | Venue: Calistoga Ranch | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Music: Garuda Blue | Rentals: Theoni Collection

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A Romantic Elopement Shoot At What Looks Like Cinderella’s Castle

There is something so intriguing about a good, old elopement, and if there was ever an inspirational shoot to convince you to pack your bags…well, you’re welcome. Set at Kimberly Crest, a historic private estate turned wedding venue, C & C Photography made all of our want-to-be princess dreams come true with this utterly romantic and timeless shoot. Manna Sun Events used the natural hues of the venue to enhance the rich color palette and added pops of color for the cake by Sweet & Saucy Shop and bridal bouquet by Oak & Amble. Take a look below for outfit changes (by bride and groom,) stunning decor and all the reasons you’ll need to say I Do with just the two of you.

From C & C PhotographyAlex and Tyler eloped on an afternoon in April filled with dreamy light on the beautiful grounds of Kimberly Crest, a historical private estate now restored into a lovely wedding venue. Inspired by their romantic love story, we captured every moment so that each and every image stands stunningly on its own, yet tells the complete story when strung together.

From Manna Sun EventsFor this French romance inspired elopement shoot, we wanted to create the overall aesthetic to be romantic, passionate, modern yet timeless and mixing old world with contemporary styling. Immediately, we agreed that Kimberly Crest would be the perfect backdrop. Inspired by 16th-century French chateaus, Kimberly Crest was a well-preserved example of the Victorian Era in California. Our inspiration came from the pond in front of the mansion. It was like a perfect piece of jade when we visited Kimberly Crest, and we decided to include this color in our design. Teals and corals were rather tropical colors, but they brought a lively vibe to something gold and something blue of the mansion. The soft and smooth velvet largely used in styling played up the classy, luxurious and festive romance.

The invitations were simple with illustrations of Kimberly Crest. Simple and classy bridal style with jewelry in overstated vintage style was elegant, glamorous, and timeless. Minimalism inspired floral arrangements for both the ceremony and the reception were used to emphasize the marvelous beauty of the mansion. The place setting incorporated modern white plates, gold flatware with vellum menus. Amber goblets and clear coupes were the finishing touches.

From the ‘Groom’…Our story was written in the heavens above, when I first looked at her there was a familiarity in her eyes like I knew her or I was supposed to know her. It was as if every action that was ever made from the start of the universe has played out so that our paths would cross at just the right moment at just the right time in just the right place. And when they did… The cosmos itself finally felt the love it was longing for.

Event Planning: Manna Sun Events, Inc. | Floral Design: Oak+Amble Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Sebastien Luke | Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop | Stationery: Blushtype Designs | Shoes: SILVIA LAGO | Ring: Tory Burch | Bow Tie: Tom Ford | Suit: SALLE PRIVÉE | Castle: Kimberly Crest House Garden | Earrings: Oscar De La Renta | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab | Hair & Makeup Artist: Bingmakeup | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photography/Cinematography: C & C Photography | Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Tabletop: Folklore Vintage Rentals

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