While many might be envious of grand, luxe weddings, I get a bit jealous when I see small fetes done SO right. There’s something incredibly enticing about the idea of an intimate celebration—one in which you can place importance on exactly the priorities you want. With the help of Davia Lee, Brittany and Brett, did just that at Kestrel Park and I think you’ll agree they’ve got the right idea. Jen Huang froze these sweet memories in time for an even sweeter duo. See it all here and take a peek below for a few reasons we think a quaint celebration might be right for you, too.

Inspired by their favourite European locations, Brittany and Brett set out to host an intimate outdoor wedding in California. A focus on fantastic food and creating a warm, cosy atmosphere led to a family-style dinner with their small guest list seated together at one table. With a family-style meal, there is minimal space for decor, so we love the choice to add in a colored linen table runner, adding some personality to the overall tablescape. Twinkling candles and a smaller greenery centrepiece complete the look.

3 Benefits of Having a Small & Intimate Wedding

1. A smaller guest count means more one-on-one time! Celebrations with hundreds of loved ones can be an absolute blast, but leaves less time for true connection. If that’s what you’re craving, aim to have 50 guests or less.

2. With fewer seats to be filled and less space to occupy, a smaller wedding actually gives you a wider range of venue options! You can get really creative with your venue when you’ve got a shorter guest list.

3. An intimate fete allows for more of a priority on a true family-style dinner and in most cases a bigger focus on food selection. While you can still achieve this with a larger guest count, there’s nothing quite like sharing an entire table with everyone who attends your wedding. And again, you’ll be able to savor not only the food on your plate, but the conversations and memories made as well. Pass the vino, please!

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Photography: Jen Huang Photography | Planner: Davia Lee | Dress: Claire Pettibone | Cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop | Invitations: Script Merchant | Catering: Field To Table Events | Hair and Makeup: Chiali Meng | Wedding Venue: Kestrel Park | Rentals: The Tent Merchant

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Photography

Jen Huang Photography

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The second my husband and I had twins, all semblance of a super cute, totally put together home went right out the window. It’s the combo of toy explosion and pure chaos that seems to get in the way but Sean Anderson Design and Alyssa Rosenheck are giving me hope. This play room is proof that pretty decor and a room built for kids can go hand in hand.

Neutralize it!

An important thing to keep in mind when determining the color palette for a space for children is to choose colors that can age well as the children grow, this will eliminate the need for a “redo” down the road. Here, I began with a creamy white, providing a neutral, blank canvas on which to build the space. By avoiding the traditional use of primary colors that are sometimes deemed appropriate for children’s spaces, I opted for pale pinks, soft greens, and touches of gold; creating a subtle, sophisticated environment. In addition, the same thought was used when selecting fabrics for the upholstery. By choosing neutral fabrics, it creates a timeless appearance that can be interjected with pops of color for the smaller, less expensive items, such as pillows; items that are easily replaceable or can be swapped out when needed.

Durability is key

Ask any parent and I’ll bet they’ll agree, when it comes to spaces for the little ones, durability is always near the top of the list of priorities. Here I achieved that in a few different ways: first, I had the Restoration Hardware sofa covered in a perennial fabric. It’s indoor/outdoor capability provides not only incredible durability; but, an easy to clean surface- spills no longer create a permanent stain. Also, instead of surrounding the “craft table” with upholstered chairs, I chose acrylic ones. Again, they are easy to clean and eliminate the fear of play-doh permanently embedded in a seat cushion!

Functionality

In design, functionality is always important to remember; but, this takes on extra importance when it comes to designing spaces for children, as these spaces tend to be multi-purpose areas. For this space, there was a desire for both a gathering spot, a place for television viewing, hanging out, etc. And an area to be designated for crafts and homework. I added custom built-ins throughout the room, each section of cabinetry with a distinct purpose in mind. Behind the seating in the gathering spot, wall to wall cabinets were installed to house items like books and blankets. Adjacent to the work station, floor to ceiling cabinetry was added to hold all craft supplies, board games, and miscellaneous toys. This added storage not only provided an answer for where to put such items, it eliminated any excuse for clutter.

Time-honored classics

By anchoring a child’s space in some tried and true touches, you immediately create longevity. I did that here by adding elements such as velvet on the sofa and fixtures made of brass, elements generally associated with a more mature aesthetic but that work well when paired with the more playful, youthful moments. Combining the two create that “just right” balance that will last for years to come.

Add a touch of whimsy

It doesn’t ALL have to be so serious. Even when attempting a more mature approach, it’s important to incorporate some playful touches: whether that be in shapes, like the oversized bulbs that adorn the chandelier or in more artistic ways, like the paper mache animals that decorate the walls. Designing for children, it’s essential that the magic never be forgotten.

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Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck Photography | Chandelier: Schoolhouse Electric | Coffee table: Mr. Brown Home | Encaustic flower (image hanging behind craft table): Catherine Erb | End table: Serena & Lily | Interior Design : Sean Anderson Design | Rug- Shiloh : Antrim Carpet | Slipcovered Swivel Chair : Lee Industries | Sofa- in perennial velvet: Restoration Hardware | Toy box/ storage: Made Goods | Wall sconce: Visual Comfort | Wildflower image (framed image over shelves): Jay Adkins

Boy oh boy do we have a good one for you today, folks. The minute we saw this enchanting coastal ceremony teeming with dusty miller, baby blue eucalyptus and towering cyprus trees – we were gone. It was no surprise to see Laurie Arons Special Events and Mindy Rice Design were the creative geniuses behind this remarkably romantic day. Lucky for us, Joel Serrato and Elysium Productions were there to capture every thoughtful detail. Head on over to the full gallery to see it all unfold!

From Laurie Arons Special Events… Our bride Devon grew up in Los Angeles, but when her parents moved to Pebble Beach in recent years, their coastal home quickly became a cozy family retreat. The towering cypress trees and sweeping views made it a magical setting for the couple’s wedding. To echo the coastal color palette, we incorporated soft sea blue green, neutral grays and taupes. The bride and groom said their vows under a beautifully adorned chuppah, surrounded by 125 of their dearest friends and family. Guests then took in the sunset from the family’s deck before an intimate tented dinner. When Social House by Elan Artists kicked into gear, the dance floor stayed packed until the very last dance. A fun personal touch to mention: Devon and Rob added fun play on East-Meets-West with their afterparty snacks – mini In ‘n Out (inspired) sliders for her and mini Philly cheesesteaks for him.

From the Bride… Although my husband and I live in Boston, we quickly decided we wanted to get married in California.  My parents live in Pebble Beach, so over the years we’ve shared many special memories there. After several days canvassing wedding venues, my mom half-jokingly turned to me and asked, “what if we just did it in our backyard?” Immediately, we all knew this was the place. There would be nothing more special than getting married at “home” with our closest friends and family.  The amazing view of the Pacific was the perfect backdrop for our black tie backyard wedding.

We exchanged vows under a chuppah, surrounded by cypress trees and a string quartet playing Coldplay and Avicii.  Afterwards, we joined our guests on the deck for drinks and hors ‘d’oeuvres.  The pink and orange sunset lit up the sky, and our guests took full advantage of the wonderful photo op. We then made our way to dinner.  Mindy Rice transformed our pole tent with white draping and greenery along the sides and woven baskets hanging from the ceiling.  She incorporated soft blues, greens and grays to tie in with the natural coastal colors.

A Taste of Elegance worked with us to build a custom menu that exceeded our wildest expectations. They served everything from ahi tuna bites to lamb chops for appetizers, and East vs. West coast late night snacks featuring Philly cheesesteaks and mock In-n-Out burgers.

Nothing made us happier than seeing our friends laughing, celebrating and dancing the night away.  We can’t thank Laurie, Mindy, and the rest of our vendors enough for creating our dream wedding. it was truly the best day of our lives!

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Photography: Joel Serrato Film Photographer | Videographer: Elysium Productions | Event Planning: Laurie Arons Special Events | Floral Design: Mindy Rice | Wedding Gown: Carolina Herrera | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: A Taste of Elegance Fine Catering & Events | Hair & Makeup: Kenney Duy | Calligraphy: Calligraphy Katrina | Lighting: Illusions Lighting | Tent: Zephyr Tents | Attire Concierge: The Wedding Detailor | Bar Rentals : Chic Event Rentals | Ceremony/Cocktail Music: Synchronicity Strings | Chairs & Table Top Rentals: Standard Party Rentals | Dance Band: Elan Artists | Dance Floor: Zephyr Tents | Draping & Table Top Rentals: Hensley Event Resources | Linen Rental: BBJ La Tavola | Printed Materials: Lotus & Ash | Private Residence : Private Residence

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Elysium Productions

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Joel Serrato Film Photographer

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Laurie Arons Special Events

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The Wedding Detailor

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Happy Pride Month, everyone! Today we’re celebrating with the sweetest proposal story ever. Chris and Jeremy’s story will have you happy crying from beginning to end. Their love for each other is what Nicholas Sparks dreams are made of. Oh, and did we mention Chris is a super talented floral and event designer himself?! So yeah, it’s no surprise the decor was straight out of a fairytale. With a little help from Soco Alicea and Love In Vintage – Chris was able to pull off the surprise of a lifetime. Check out the full gallery captured by Vanessa Velez and Enuel Viera to see all the can’t miss moments.

From Jeremy… As a man, I always assumed that I’d be the one doing the proposing in life. I was ready to propose to my partner Chris – we had been together over two years, had weathered a few storms together, and were still as madly in love with each other as we were at the beginning of our relationship. It’s hard to be totally sure of anything in life, but I was sure that I wanted to spend it with Chris by my side. But then something completely crazy happened. Before I could propose to him, he proposed to me. The story of Chris’ proposal to me is the story of our love. It’s a beautiful story, told in minutes but unfolding over years, as unique and ephemeral as each of his floral creations and just as beautiful. My Thursday on February 28 was fairly normal until my boss told me to leave work for the day at 3:30 PM. When I got home, there was a trail of single balloons hanging from the ceiling on clear wire. I had to take a moment to smile – Chris had done this once before early in our relationship. We had been dating only a few months and I had gone on a weeklong work trip. On this day each balloon held a message that led me back to memories of us and a new one to be made. There on the bed he had laid out clothes for me – a crisp new white shirt and beautiful green jacket, and on it a watch, a rustic compass we picked up at a bookstore in Montreal, and my old travel journal, open to a new page. And above this was one final balloon. I popped it, and read the note: Curtiss Mansion, the next step in our journey together. I picked up the travel journal. I had kept it as a diary when I travelled through Asia in my twenties, but there were a few blank pages left in it.

In those pages, Chris had written: “Remember the first time we got lost in each other’s eyes? The whole World melted around us and nothing was left but you and me. Since that day every embrace, every kiss, every memory has written a love story named after us. Since I meet you my life has been an adventure, one I never thought was possible. Our love is written in the stars and there are moments we have spent together that some only read about in books and hear in love songs. You have always looked for adventure, and ask are you ready for the next chapter? Do you take me forever? This time I leave you with something to find me, maybe not a glass slipper but a trail of balloons leading to an address. There I will be waiting.”

I arrived to the Mansion. To the side was a beautiful vintage head table with a massive arrangement. I saw white anemones, roses, ranunculus, delphiniums, carnations, spray roses, and greenery. I knew he chose to use anemones because they are one of my favorite flowers. And to Chris, roses reminded him of growing up in his father’s rose garden so they were significant too. And then there was Chris, standing on the scroll, on the first page of the next chapter of our lives. He was dressed in a beautiful pink suit and that same amazing smile, and once I saw him everything else melted away. It was just him and me in the moment. I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, and I closed the distance between us.

He took my hands, looked into my eyes, went down on one knee, and said those magic words: “Jeremy you are my everything. I want the world to know just how much I love you. I want you to know that I choose you forever. And now I need to know – Jeremy Paul Mason – will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?”

And then he offered me the ring. Then suddenly in a moment it all came into focus, the one true most important path forward in life’s journey. That journey is with Chris: in the sunshine, in the rain, in the dark and light, to the moon and back. Because our love is from the stars, and it shimmers and grows every day. Chris made the brave step and grand gesture of asking me to take this new journey with him. The only possible answer was yes.

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Photographer: Enuel Viera | Photographer: Vanessa Velez | Coordination: Soco Alicea | Cake: Sweet Guilt by Angelica | Rings: James Allen | Calligrapher: Claudia Strenger | Designer and Vintage Rentals: Love in Vintage | Floral Design & Planner : The Bride Candy | Historical Venue: Curtiss Mansion | Linens & Napkins: Nuage Designs | Tabletops: Dragonfly Rentals | Video: Gamut Cinema | Violin: Dany Violinist

This dreamy elopement will transport you straight to the sun-soaked mountains of Montana in Glacier National Park. The natural beauty of the surroundings are only matched by the bride’s romantic, undone look, barely-there makeup and a Galia Lahav dress that we’ll be swooning over for weeks to come. Kelly Lenard captured the vibrant hues of Spring in Montana with every petal of her lush floral arrangements. Take it all in at the full gallery of images from Jeremiah and Rachel Photography.

From Jeremiah and Rachel Photography… After a long winter, the spring and summer seasons rush by in Montana, making each minute spent in the sun cause for celebration and exploration.

Glacier Park is easily one of the most inspiring things to witness. Its beauty, matched only by its quick to change weather, we embraced the feeling of the inevitable ebb and flow of nature, and the vibrant colors of spring in Montana.

Every moment, the colors around altering as the shadows make their way up the mountains, reminding us to take stock of the joyful light, and sun drenched splendor of Montana in bloom.

When Kelly Lenard asked us to collaborate on a shoot with her, we jumped at the chance, having been a huge fans of her beautiful work from a far, and eager to share our love of the rugged landscape we call home. Collaboration keeps us inspired, and lets us try new things, and working with such wonderful people helps us appreciate the insane levels of talent our in our industry.

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Photography: Jeremiah and Rachel Photography | Design: Kelly Lenard | Floral Design: Kelly Lenard | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Hair Stylist: Lilli Loeffler | Rentals: The Top

You’ve got the ring (and celebrated accordingly!) so now it’s time to take the next step in your planning journey  — assembling your wedding registry! With brands, products, and styles galore, the process is a fun one, but it can be overwhelming. So to clear the confusion on which items you should be scanning for, we tapped past brides for their best advice. From pots and pans that’ll last the years, to linens that are extra luxe, here are 10 items they swear by years after saying “I do”.

1. Quality Cookware Set

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. So whether you’re whipping up a romantic din for hubby five years from now, or hosting for a crowd tomorrow, you’ll be glad to have a set of quality cookware on hand to get the job done. (Oh, and did we mention they make cleanup easier too? Say goodbye to stubborn sticky messes… heck yes!)

2. KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Beyond this being one of the most classic appliances out there (you should see the spectrum of colors they now offer!) this mixer will stay with you through all of your baking projects to come.

3. Distinct Dinner Plates

Brides love having a stunning plate set on hand to pull out for everything from holidays with the in-laws to special occasions with friends. Plus, by investing in a durable, but beautiful set, you’ll be all the more tempted to actually use it!

4. Premium Linen Sheet Set

Other than the obvious (like sinking into a bed of ultra-soft threads every night) you’ll love the longevity of a premium sheet set. While splurging on luxe linens may normally feel like a burden, brides advise going for them now… when your friends are looking to treat you to something extra special.

5. Glass Food Storage Containers

Sometimes practical registry items are the best registry items. In this case, gals swore by glass Tupperware sets as something they were still reaching for ten years later. Leftovers, anyone?

6. Sturdy Wood Cutting Board

For cheeseboards, meal prep, and, hey, even a makeshift tray, there’s nothing quite like having a sturdy wood cutting board in your kitchen. The best part? You won’t have to worry about replacing it!

7. Dutch Oven

You’ll thank us for this one 50 years from now when you’re using it to cook mama’s famous soup for your daughter’s little crew. For reasons like this, dutch oven, we just cannot get enough of you!

8. Stylish Flatware

Buh-bye, IKEA set. Past brides highly recommend putting sleek flatware sets on your list (with some rave reviews behind ’em to boot) to get you through every dinner in your future.

9. Nice Wine Glasses

We hardly need to explain the reason behind this pick (girl, your wine game is on point!). Nice glasses to sip vino with your friends? Now we’re talking.

10. Large Food Processor

Straight from the source, brides love their food processors. Their only regret? Not going for a bigger one. So this 14 cup model is a can’t miss on your list.

What picks are you eyeing? Check out our registry page for even more inspo!

Today’s southern soiree all started with a hydrangea, a childhood memory, and the bride’s favorite flower. From there, A Charleston Bride was able to perfectly plan a classic southern wedding using the hydrangea’s beautiful blues and incorporate them throughout the day, including a custom monogram for the Mr. and Mrs. Simply Sarah Photography worked her magic and captured it all from the darling dress details to every man (and woman’s) best friend, the couples golden retriever! Take a peek and check out all Kiawah Island Sanctuary Resort has to offer!

From the Bride…

How did you and West get engaged and how long was your engagement?
West and I got engaged in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day weekend in 2018. Dublin has been one of my favorite places for years so West did a great job choosing the location! Within a few hours of arriving in the city, we went for a walk to St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful park in the center of the city, and West found a gazebo that was secluded from the crowds to pop the question. Two of our best friends were with us for the weekend so were able to capture the moment for us and help us celebrate that weekend. Our engagement was a little over a year. I thought April was the perfect month to get married so a March proposal gave us plenty of time to get all of the pieces together.

Tell me about the beautiful wedding you planned and where you drew inspiration from?
We really owe the credit here to A Charleston Bride and could not have been happier with the way their vision turned out. Ever since my family started going to Kiawah it felt like the perfect location for a wedding reception and with West’s family ties to Charleston and a church downtown it made the venue decisions easy. For color scheme and flowers, the inspiration for me started with hydrangeas. I love the flowers after having them in my yard growing up and the color felt like a great shade for an April wedding. I have pretty traditional tastes and A Charleston Bride did a great job incorporating those and pulling ideas from their prior experience that we would love, like a custom monogram for our invitations.

What was your favorite memory or moments from the wedding day?
I am still dreaming of the wedding and it’s so hard to choose a favorite moment! I had underestimated how amazing it would be to have such great friends and family all in one place and honestly loved just being with everyone. The moment that stands out the most would have to be the last song of the reception. We chose the song ahead of time since we knew would get everyone excited and we were not disappointed. Everyone was on the dance floor singing together and dancing and it was the perfect end of an incredible day.

The style of pictures is what drew us to Simply Sarah in the first place and we loved the use of light and softness to the photos. Sarah and her team clearly knew what to do and also kept an approachable and personal touch (being good with our golden retriever was an added bonus). I would definitely recommend an engagement photo session to meet Sarah ahead of the wedding. We love our engagement photos and it helped me feel more comfortable on the wedding day having already made that first connection.

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Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Planning: A Charleston Bride | Flowers: Stephanie Gibbs Events | Wedding Dress: Stephanie Allin | Cake: ABCD Cakes | Invitations: Studio R | Shoes: Ferragamo | Hair and Makeup: Wild Ivory Beauty | Band: Liquid Pleasure | Wedding Venue: Kiawah Island Sanctuary Resort | Linen Rental: BBJ La Tavola

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Take Palos Verdes and Nantucket and smash them all together and you get this beauty. Masterminded by Rita Chan Interiors, it’s equal parts classic East Coast meets modern seaside charm with really good bones at its core. And if you’re like the majority of people who can only dream of a beautiful Nantucket retreat to call your own, get inspired to fake it till you make it with the full tour captured by Taryn Kent.

This house sits on a gorgeous tree lined street in the Palos Verdes Estates, in Southern California. Rita Chan Interiors was brought into the project post renovation to design the furnishings & remaining fixtures. Fortunately my client has fantastic taste and did an amazing job renovating, creating a clean & classic foundation that was easy to work with.

Growing up spending summers at her family’s beach house in Nantucket, she was most inspired by the traditional, coastal look that is the essence of Nantucket- think primarily white paint, lots of polished nickel and carrara marble and beautiful woodwork throughout. Given my affinity for clean, coastal design, we were a perfect match and she couldn’t have been more trusting or wonderful throughout the entire design process.

Despite the foundation of the home leaning more traditional, we really wanted the interiors to reflect the lifestyle and personality of this young busy family. We wanted it to feel fresh & serene, but also young and modern, and all while keeping it timeless.

You’ll notice the house has a light, airy feeling to it with a very neutral foundation and cool, soft colors… I feel more relaxed the minute I walk through the front door and I swear my client doesn’t walk, she floats, through the house!

Dining Nook

The dining nook is one of my favorite spots in the house- I love the way all the windows give it such a bright, open feeling. The table had been in the family for years but it was a dark and dated wood, so we had it re-finished and painted bright white and paired it the fog French bistro chairs by Serena & Lily. We also added the marine sconces for a coastal touch and mixed in vintage pillows, which sit on a striped fabric from Africa that I think gives the space some soul & a little more depth. Tip: we had the seat fabric laminated (a matte vinyl treatment) so there is no sweating spills or messes made by little ones!

Sources for Dining Nook: Chairs: Serena & Lily | Sconces: Rejuvenation

Family Room & Dining Room

Throughout the family room and dining room we set a crisp, clean foundation with primarily white upholstery paired with light natural woods. One of my favorite pieces is the custom tray ottoman we designed for the family room- it’s super functional but also looks amazing as the centerpiece of the room.

In the dining room, we chose a more casual, inviting look with slipcovered chairs (for easy cleaning!) and bench, to encourage people to get comfy and sit a while. Every space is really meant to bring the family together for comfortable hang out sessions and quality time.

Sources for Family Room & Dining Room: Artwork in Dining Room: Benson Cobb | Mirror in Dining Room: Made Goods | Dining Table: Sarried | Dining Room Light Fixture: Visual Comfort | Dining Chairs: Quatrine |
Living Room Occassional Chairs: Redford House | Coffee Table Ottoman in Family Room: Custom design by Rita Chan Interiors

Office

I am obsessed with the way the office turned out! The centerpiece is this amazing reclaimed wood desk, which is the perfect anchor to give the room a sturdy sense of purpose and warmth, and I love the way it looks on the striped black & white rug- it’s classic and adds some subtle contrast which we also played up through light touches of black in the accessories.

We also created a little sitting area in the window with neutral tufted chairs, punched up with some green in the pillows and fiddle leaf fig tree… and if you could only see the amazing gold pendant light we installed after the photoshoot! Finally, I am all about re-purposing, which we were able to do with the console table that we transformed from a shabby chic antiqued wood to bright happy white that now feels hip and updated, with one-of-a-kind personality!

Sources for Office: Desk: Juxtaposition Home | Chairs: Lee Industries | Pillows: Studio Mcgee | Rug: Jaipur Living

Master Suite

The goal for the master bedroom to be a peaceful, serene retreat. Most of the pieces we selected have an organic, natural vibe but are still refined and elegant feeling, such as the woven abaca pendant, carved natural wood nightstands, woven bamboo sheers on the windows, and the reclaimed wood bench with a seat made of vintage saris.

The shelter bed upholstered in white washed linen is fresh and clean but still cozy & inviting. Again we maintained a very neutral but textured foundation and layered in touches of blue, for that classic coastal vibe. Who wouldn’t want to wake up everyday feeling like they are on a beach vacation in Nantucket?

Sources for Master: Woven Abaca Pendant: Made Goods | Nightstands: CFC | Bench: Made Goods | Headboard: Lee Industries | Bedding: John Robshaw | Lamps: School House Electric

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Photography: Taryn Kent | Interior Design: Rita Donahoe, Rita Chan Interiors

You had us at bright pink peonies and modern meet classic design. Trust us when we say these cheerful arrangements from Clementine Botanical Art will literally stop you in your tracks and take your breath away. The vibrant coral and pink hues against the modern, crisp white reception planned by Bird Dog Wedding couldn’t be more stunning. Take in every detail at the full gallery of images captured by Nichols Photography… this wedding is the definition of a color pop.

From the couple…We live in Washington, DC, but had previously lived in the Austin area for over 5 years. When it came time to choosing where we would get married, Austin was an obvious choice. We spent our entire relationship taking in all the great things the city had to offer – delicious tacos, boundless outdoor activities, and plenty of live music. Given our love for the laid-back city, we knew it would make the ideal location for our modern spring wedding.

Design Inspiration:

The design inspiration for our wedding was a clean and modern garden party with an emphasis on keeping the atmosphere relaxed and approachable. When we first visited Prospect House, we instantly fell in love with the venue. The light and open design set against the Texas hill country made for the perfect space for bright florals and subtle linens. Thanks to an incredible slate of vendors and meticulous planning by Bird Dog Wedding, it all came together seamlessly. With a little stroke of luck, the wedding day weather was breezy and warm, giving friends and family the opportunity to fully enjoy the modern space.

Favorite Moments:

We surprised guests with the appearance of a Mariachi Band at the end of the wedding ceremony to kick off our cocktail hour. It created a special moment with a nod to the groom’s heritage that put the guests in a festive mood before dinner.

Fun Details:

Throughout the design process, Bird Dog Wedding helped us find creative ways to bring our design inspiration into the smallest of details. For instance, the linens used for the cake table featured embroidery which tied in blue hues and contrasted against the bright florals and simple desserts. The blue palette found its way into other elements such as the bouquet bows, blue glass goblets, and romantic candlesticks on the tables. For the ceremony, Clementine Botanical Art played off of the venue’s design elements to create a flowing wall of white carnations that provided a romantic backdrop for our vows. Another fun small detail that made its way into the wedding was featuring the names of the couple’s hometowns for the signature drinks – the Cincinnati Lemonade and the Dallas Mule.

From Nichols Photographers… This Modern-Meets-Classic wedding looks almost too pretty to be real! Rachel and Tomas’s wedding was designed to perfection against the minimalist, clean palette of the Prospect House in Dripping Springs, Texas. Clementine Botanical brought in vibrant pops of pinks, complimented by pale blues, which added a soft, feminine touch to the modern architecture of the venue. And how about that flower wall?! Such a gorgeous backdrop. The bride and groom brought their classic style with a sleek, off-the-shoulder gown for her, and black-tie for the him.

After an outdoor ceremony with the Texas Hill Country as the backdrop, guests enjoyed a breezy cocktail hour before moving into the modern reception space, made warm and inviting with candlelight and vibrant floral design. This wedding was perfection in every way.

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Photography: Nichols Photographers | Event Planning: Bird Dog Wedding | Floral Design: Clementine Botanical Art | Invitations: Percolator Letterpress | Catering: The Peached Tortilla | Hair and Make Up: Designs By Janet Suzanne | Ceremony Music: Terra Vista Strings | Wedding Venue: Prospect House | Dessert Stands: Melody's Joy | Bride's Dress: Robert Bullock | Cake/Dessert: Walton's Fancy & Staple | Cocktail Music: Mariachi Amor | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Reception Music: Matchmaker Band | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals

For this bride and groom, seeing is believing…from meeting in optometry school (get it?) they decided to tie the knot two years later at DeLille Cellars Estate in Washington, their new home state, which was only one of the special and unique touches they added to their day. One of my personal favorites, allowing Valley & Co. to surprise them with details throughout, from specialty “eye-inspired” cocktails (served from a custom watercolor bar) to incorporating Canadian details for the groom. O’Malley Photographers captured the rest of these details including not having a traditional cake and the couple spending as much as time as possible with their guests, which was the most important to them! Take a look and take note of every well thought out detail!

From the bride…Kory and I met in optometry school in 2012 in Oregon. Kory is originally from BC, Canada and I am from California. We dated for two years before Kory proposed using a personalized Ben and Jerry’s label put over a pint of our favorite ice cream flavor Phish Food.

Our first wedding planning decision was to hire a wedding planner and we cannot say enough good things about having a wedding planner and our planners, Valley & Company Events, in particular. From the start of our planning process, we knew that the most important thing to us was having an event that our guests would enjoy and that would show them how much we appreciated them celebrating this special day with us. We chose Valley & Co as our planners because they create beautiful, thoughtful events that would be both personalized for us and guest-centric. Nick and Aleah with Valley & Co are truly wonderful people in addition to being extremely knowledgable and professional. Once we hired them they helped guide us through every decision from that point forward.

We wanted to get married in Washington so we could share our new home state with all of our loved ones, and we decided to get married in Woodinville because it’s beautiful and has a lot of fun amenities. We then discussed what was most important to us about the event and what we wanted from each vendor and Nick and Aleah gave us recommendations for vendors they thought would be a good match. For us, having trusted recommendations on vendors was invaluable and we ended up loving every vendor we used. We chose to have our ceremony at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church and our reception at Delille Cellars Estate. When we thought of our wedding reception we knew we really wanted it to be a celebration so we prioritized having good food, good drinks, and good music. We chose Lisa Dupar Catering to do food stations for the event and the Chris Friel Orchestra for our band. We LOVED both of them. We chose O’Malley Photographers to document the day and as time has passed since the event we appreciate their ability to not only shoot beautiful, timeless photos of people but also of all the décor and details. We’ve found that those details really make the day come to life when we look back through the memories. Jen Lagers of The Outer Edge did the bridal party’s hair and make-up and was so talented, but also such a joy to be around.

We kept our bridal party very small and chose to rent the bridesmaid’s dresses and groomsmen’s suits to keep things as simple as possible. The most important thing to us was having a reception that reflected us as a couple and maximizing the time that we got to enjoy with our guests celebrating. Some of the touches that helped personalize the day included: having eye-themed names for our signature drinks and cocktail napkins with eyeglasses printed on them, including Canadian maple syrup at one of our food stations and a Canadian beer option at the bar, Portuguese desserts instead of a cake, photos of us both growing up and of our lives together displayed in the cocktail area, and having the watercolor artwork that was created for our invitations featured throughout the reception décor. Kory also got to use his late father’s wedding band as his band and that was very meaningful for us and his family. We opted to forgo a lot of traditions like the bouquet toss, garter toss, and cake cutting to maximize our time with our guests and minimize the amount of time they had to sit at their tables.

We chose to do a first look and get most of our photos done before the ceremony so that we could spend cocktail hour with our guests. We also chose food stations to get people moving around, limited our first dance to only part of a song, and combined all of the parent-child dances into a single song. After cocktail hour we welcomed everyone to the reception and toasted our guests before dinner. We also chose to have a welcome event the night before the wedding and look back on that as one of the best decisions we made. It allowed us to talk to everyone before the wedding and took a lot of pressure off of us the day of the wedding. The one thing that people told us over and over was that the day would go so fast, and while it did, we feel like we were able to maximize our time together and with our loved ones by keeping in mind what was important to us as we made decisions through the planning process.

Our advice to other couples: Decide on the things that are most important to you about your experience and your guests’ experience and use those things to guide your decisions. It is important to keep your mom, mother-in-law, bridal party, etc happy throughout the planning process, but remember that it’s your wedding and make sure you prioritize your desires

From Valley & Co…. Katie and Kory were incredibly sweet and wanted to throw an unforgettable experience for their guests (almost all from out of town), full of unique touches peppered throughout during their Labor Day weekend soiree. They turned to us to plan and design a visual surprise for them – focusing on watercolor elements we carefully peppered throughout (Momental Designs created the motif when we learned Kory wasn’t into having an abundance of flowers but enjoys greenery – perfect for the vineyard setting at DeLille Cellars Estate). They met at optometry school, so we surprised them with a few sweet nods on the day – namely the spectacle cocktail napkins and the bar menu with funny eye-themed cocktail drinks. And Kory even humored us, letting us add deluxe maple syrup from his home country of Canada to the fried chicken and waffle station! These two were just so lovely and threw such a feast for the senses for guests – starting with the champagne greeting (a must!).

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Photography: O'Malley Photographers | Wedding Dress: Calla Blanche | Ceremony Venue: St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church | Reception Venue: DeLille Cellars | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Rent The Runway | Catering: Lisa Dupar Catering | Hair & Makeup: The Outer Edge Makeup Hair Artistry | Lighting: Hollywood Lights | Band: Chris Friel Orchestra (CFO) | Bridal Salon: I Do Bridal | Custom Bar: Happy Hour Bar Rentals | Floral: Valley & Co. | Furniture: Fanciful Rentals | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Planning and design: Valley & Co. | Rentals: Cort Party Rentals | Watercolor invitations and paper goods: Momental Designs

On the surface, this Italian-Inspired wedding is gorgeous—featuring charming tropical scenes at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, impeccable style (hello Oscar De La Renta gown!) and a tented reception with quite the view. But peel back the layers of who Amanda and Mike are and you’ll find those meaningful details deep within the heart of their Big Day. They were guided by some of the best in the biz including, Jessica’s Events, Bill Hansen Luxury Catering and Event Production, Anthology Co. and of course, Kat Braman, behind the lens. Join us here in the full gallery when you’re experiencing their wedding story below.

Mike and Amanda met during their sophomore year at Georgetown University when they were both members of the varsity rowing team. They moved in together the summer of 2016 and Mike proposed exactly one year later at the Brooklyn Bridge Park overlooking Manhattan. He planned an incredible engagement weekend surrounded by their closest friends and family. Mike jokes that he barely got the ring halfway on Amanda’s finger (during their engagement) and she was already on the phone to book Vizcaya. Amanda grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL and fell in love with Vizcaya while visiting the historic museum with her family when she was 13. She says she knew immediately that she wanted to get married there one day.

They chose their November wedding day to mark their 7 year anniversary. In honor of Mike’s father, who passed away in January 2010, they asked his father’s close college friend (who was also a Georgetown alum), to officiate their wedding ceremony. Amanda and Mike both love Italy; and since Vizcaya was conceived as a modern and subtropical interpretation of an eighteenth-century Italian villa, Italy was the perfect inspiration for their wedding design, menu, and vibe. Vizcaya is so beautiful on its own so they strove for a timeless and minimal aesthetic. The color scheme was very neutral with lush flowers and lots of greenery.

From Amanda… One might say I was detail-obsessed – although the overall aesthetic was intended to be minimal, I fixated on every detail to make sure it all felt like a cohesive vision. From our Vizcaya inspired invitation suite and programs with custom drawings and timeless calligraphy to ensuring that our signature drinks were incredibly personal (Mike’s was the “Brown Mumbler”, his father’s favorite drink, and mine was a classic Brazilian Caipirinha named the “Lola”, in memory of my family’s dog that passed away only a few months before the wedding). Another favorite detail was that our party favors were Blommer Chocolate bars provided by Mike’s family’s chocolate business.”

Although the overall aesthetic was Italian, they also layered in many Brazil inspired details in honor of the Bride’s heritage. This included live Brazilian music during cocktail hour, the Brazilian signature cocktail, Brazilian desserts (brigadeiros), and the most exciting detail was the Brazilian Samba dancers/drummers that really got the party going. Amanda and Mike were also one of only five weddings per year to be allowed a fireworks show at Vizcaya. The fireworks made for a spectacular finale after the Brazilian entertainment.

From Amanda and Mike… Our wedding was incredible in so many ways. We are thrilled that we found many ways to honor each other’s families. We are so incredibly thankful to our amazing families that were nothing but supportive and excited throughout the planning process. The flowers, food, and entertainment were all spectacular but the most memorable part of the night was being able to share the day with our families and friends that traveled from all over the world to be with us.

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Photography: Kat Braman | Cinematography: Kindred | Floral Design: Anthology Co. | Cake: Cloud 9 Bakery | Bride's Shoes: Monique Lhuillier | Hair and Makeup: Marz Makeup And Hair | Band: Project Soul | Groom's Suit: Enzo Custom | Bride's Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Catering and Production: Bill Hansen Luxury Catering and Event Production | Ceremony and Reception: Vizcaya Museum Gardens | Coffee: Aroma Espresso | Entertianment: L.R. Entertainment | Fireworks: Light F X Pros | Getting Ready: Four Seasons Hotel Miami | Lighting and Chandelier: Evoga Events | Paper Goods: Bella Figura | Photobooth: Capture POD Photo Booths | Planning and Coordination: Jessica's Events | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Rentals: A Different Look | Rentals: Events on the Loose | Rentals: Elements & Accents | Rentals: Unearthed Rentals | Samba Dancers: Bateria Unidos De Miami

Combine the beauty of Texas and the charm of a 15th century chapel (brought over from France!) and you’ve got today’s fete planned by Stephanie Hubbell with Piper and Muse Events and captured by C. Baron Photography. Sophia and Gumaro have the kind of love that glows and jumps right off the page and I have no doubt that their contagious smiles and sweet celebration will brighten your day.

From C. Baron Photography… Sophia and Gumaro’s were simply destined to meet. Sophia signed up for a speed dating network and accidentally signed up for the wrong age group, never in a million years did she think she would meet Gumaro. Their love is gushing in every photo and it was a pleasure to witness their love story.

Their taste is impeccable too! The Clubs at Houston Oaks has a sense of old English style with their gorgeous 15th century chapel brought over from France, their gorgeous lake and the clubs that surround the grounds. We have thoroughly enjoyed their choices in floral and colors. They both radiate style and elegance!

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Photography: C. Baron Photography | Videography: Mia & Taffy | Event Planning: Piper & Muse | Cake: Cakes by Gina | Invitations: Lavender Paperie | DJ: LG Events | Officiant: We Do I Dos | Transportation: Jordans Limosines | Bridal Store: Whittington Bridal | Cocktail Hour Florals and Lanterns: Elemental Floral Events | Event Venue: Houston Oaks Country Club | Floral and Rentals: Johanna Terry Events | Gown Designer: Essense of Australia | HMU: Nyoka | Linens & Chargers: Eb Inc Events | Photo Booth: ShutterBooth | Strings & Mariachis: Avalon Music: Los Gallitos

This coastal soiree has all of the mood that a celebration set along the foggy cliffs of Northern California should. Thomas and Jaclyn, who live in the area, are old souls with a love of beautiful design and an equal love for the outdoors. The two literally began their wedding venue search with this term on Google: ‘wedding venue where redwood forest meets Pacific Ocean’, and that’s where it all took off. Melissa Gayle carefully captured their love with beauty and grace and you can experience it all below.

A fitting celebration with an intimate group of their closest 60 friends and family made the trek up the winding coast to see it all go down. Charm was in the architectural details of the breathtaking Ranch At Newport Inn, where they were married. 

Flowers were inspired by local wildflowers (nothing too ordinary) thistle and earthy tones were incorporated into the arrangements.

Jaclyn and Thomas cared most about their people and wanted to show them what a relaxing 3 day getaway looked like in their eyes. Guests spent days touring the 2000 acre land share by ATV marveling at the redwoods and playing lawn games by day and snuggling by giant fires at night.

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Photographer: Melissa Gayle | Videographer: May Iosotaluno | Florist: The Bloom Generation | Dress: Rue De Seine | Brides Shoes: Wandering Coyote | Hair & Makeup: Nicole Jamora | Mens Ties: Knotty Tie | Bride's Tailor (Fringe Sleeve Addition): Tailor Maid | Brides Ring: Erstwhile Jewelry | Day of Coordinator: Sonya Houston | Dress Shop: Lovely Bridal Shop | Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Bonobos | Grooms Ring: About Jewelry | Invites: Minted | Rentals: Bright Event Rentals | Robes: Kim + Ono | Table Numbers: Blush Wood Co | The Inn At Newport Ranch: The Inn At Newport Ranch

Executing a good surprise party is the ultimate success! For this family’s surprise 60th birthday for their mother, they really hit it out of the park with a beautiful, intimate dinner party. We are definitely taking notes for our own surprise party…who’s willing to throw this for us?! Scroll through this gathering, captured and planned by Sidney Leigh Photography.

Ann’s surprise 60th birthday party was unlike any other family event we’ve ever had, and it was perfect in every single way! Surrounded by more than 60 family members and her dearest friends, she was over the moon excited to be have been elaborately fooled and surprised for such a special occasion.

My parents created the most beautiful patio to host our family and friends for my own wedding day nearly a year ago, but record-setting rains and storms ended up flooding the reception space and we had to move the entire reception to another venue on the morning of my early June wedding. It was heartbreaking to see my dad’s beautiful work be swept up in the water after he’d so carefully built the al fresco space of our dreams, where we’d imagined sitting at the beautiful reclaimed farm tables that he had built by hand beneath the summer night.


We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect setting and first event to use this beautiful space than to surprise my sweet, adorable mom for her 60th birthday. We began planning three weeks before the event, inviting all of our family and friends secretly to join us for a dinner soiree at her home. I began to tell my mom about a small styled shoot that I wanted to host on her patio, since wedding season is about to hit full force and I wouldn’t have much time for creative shoots until the end of the year. She was so excited to be asked to help with florals and styling for one small reception table, and we led her to believe that my best friends, both of whom have modeled for me in styled shoots in years past, would be donning their wedding attire once more. She was elated, but little did she know, that would not be happening on this sunny Saturday.



Her two dearest friends came into town this particular weekend for various “family reasons” and convinced her to meet with them for a girls’ afternoon over pastries to catch up, and the second she left the house, we began to unload tables, chairs, and decor for sixty guests. We set the space with just five minutes to spare, and she cried instantly when she finally realized that this was not at all a styled shoot; it was a celebration of her, just sixty years young, and the incredible, impactful, selfless woman that she is. It was truly one of the best days our family has ever spent together.



The soiree was accompanied by an acoustic musician and a catered dinner with the most delectable sundried tomato chicken, bruschetta crostinis, shrimp cocktails and all of the brie our hearts could stand. The bar offered her favorite wines, as well as a signature champagne and peach schnapps cocktail named after her adorable pup, Henry. We made strawberry lemonade jello shots to be enjoyed after dinner, and Buttercream Dreams created a stunning buttercream-spackled lemon raspberry cutting cake and cupcakes for all to enjoy.


A friend and I spent the day before the event arranging floral centerpieces, fresh from Harmony Harvest and our neighbors’ yards, and it was truly a delight to dream up this citrus-inspired dinner setting. The entire creative community pitched in when they learned what we were up to, from lending beautiful candlesticks and offering buckets of freshly harvested greenery, to expediting custom orders for the sake of my dearest mom and showing up a few hours before dinner to set the space for the perfect surprise.


I can think of no better reason to use this beautiful patio that my parents’ so selflessly and lovingly labored to create than to surprise the world’s sweetest, most deserving mother (not that I’m biased), and it went off without a single hitch. It was the most beautiful day and it was a joy and an honor to plan, host, and photograph this surprise for her!

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Photographer: Sidney Leigh Photography | Event Design: Sidney Leigh Photography | Floral Design: Sidney Leigh Photography + Nicole Klingensmith | Cake: Buttercream Dreams | Catering: Walter's Bistro | Calligraphy: Rachel Lettering | Florals for Cake: Harmony Harvest Farm | Linens: Premier Linens | Musician: Matthew Mozingo | Rentals: The Granary | Table Runners: Green Earth Studio

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Sidney Leigh Photography

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Petit Bouquet

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When I see the names Matthew Oliver and Rebecca Yale, I know we’re in for a full-on dreamboat wedding. One that’s gracefully designed and molded to the couple and captured with equal care, respectively. Monica and Robby’s day is equal parts charm and elegance, with Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé as the backdrop. It’s safe to say that anyone would crave an invitation to a fete as grand as this one.

From Rebecca Yale Photography… Monica and Robby were married in a grand romantic fashion at the beautiful Chateau du Grand Lucé in the Loire Valley. The entire weekend was planned to perfection by Matthew Oliver and included a fabulous welcome dinner at a car museum followed by the wedding and then sent the guests off in style with a lovely Sunday brunch complete with yard games.

The historic chateau set a beautiful backdrop for the wedding reception while the beautiful town church was transformed for the ceremony by Madame Artisan Fleuriste with white roses and an abundance of greenery. Guests walked through the town square led by the bride and groom post-ceremony to a lovely cocktail hour in the gardens at the entrance to the chateau complete with a string quartet and signature champagne cocktails. Guests were then invited through to the other side of the chateau for a grand dinner in the classically French gardens with tables set between the landscaping and set with more white roses, greenery and the perfect French blue accents.

Guests enjoyed toasts made from the chateau steps followed by dancing with an incredible live band in the beautifully transformed stable ballroom, culminating in an amazing fireworks display in the gardens. After the fireworks, guests were invited down to the Orangerie for an afterparty with a gelato cart and grill perfect for late night snacks. The following day guests enjoyed a lovely brunch on the lawn of the Orangerie with lawn games and mimosas, the perfect hair of the dog after a night of partying!

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Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Planner: Matthew Oliver Weddings | Florist: MADAME Artisan Fleuriste | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Cake: Synies | Stationery: Fourteen-Forty | Church: Eglise Saint-Facile-Sainte-Aurelie | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Renaud | Hair and Makeup: Ava Belle | Band: The White Keys | Groom's Attire: Armani | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé | Fireworks: Pyro-Fetes | Rentals: Be Lounge | Rentals: Duchess Butler | Rentals: Options

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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What’s better than one gorgeous couture wedding dress you ask? Well, six of course! Today’s editorial, dreamt up by Strawberry Milk Events is all the luxe bridal fashion inspiration you could ask for—at a charming chateau in Paris, no less. Take a peek below for the full spread by Le Secret d’Audrey, then head to the full gallery and let us know which gown you would choose!

From Strawberry Milk Events… One hour outside of Paris lies Chateau Vaux le Vicomte, an estate so lavish that it landed its original owner in jail for the rest of his life. Nicolas Fouquet, finance minister to Louis XIV, tried to impress the sun king with building the extravagant chateau – and after 40 years of work, he held quite the bash to show off his accomplishment and impress the king. Unfortunately for Mr. Fouquet, he underestimated the king and instead of happiness, the king felt jealous and upstaged. Fouquet was subsequently arrested and thrown in prison for life. King Louis went on to “one up” Fouquet by building an even larger, over-the-top chateau — which we now all know as Versailles.

When Audrey from Le Secret d’Audrey asked if I would be willing to help plan and design a shoot at this magnificent and exclusive venue (which is rated one of the top 10 most luxurious venues in the entire world by publications like Town & Country magazine), it didn’t take much convincing. When she told me it needed to happen in just one month before the chateau reopened to the public, I was nervous (because I knew the caliber of the shoot needed to match the caliber of the venue – and hey, let’s be honest – orchestrating a shoot like this overseas in just 30 days is not for the faint of heart.) However, Audrey and I were convinced we could pull it off.

In such an incredible setting, the fashion had to hold its weight. We selected 6 different stunning high fashion gowns by various designers which were flown in from around the world, each telling a unique story. Some were lacy and others were frothed with feathers and one even was bold in a black swan/Natalie Portman way. We had Keren Wolf statement headpieces from Israel (who has styled the likes of Lady Gaga with her pieces), pretty paper from Ceci New York, a to DIE FOR highlight film from Caleb Jordan Lee of East West, and one of the most impressive cake situations I’ve ever seen (if you can call it that?! Cake seems like such an understatement – true artwork!) from Bastien Blanc Tailleur. The beauty team (Ciara and Sanni) nailed every look for each outfit change and made the atmosphere on set so much fun.

For the tabletop, the Grand Salon left big shoes to fill. We were lucky to find Esther Lamarche, a florist who was actually from the village right outside the Chateau and she did an amazing job with our floral vision for the ceremony arch and reception table. For the table, we selected gold Versace charger plates that were combined with vintage dinner plates and modern gold and white dipped flatware and cut crystal glassware from Vaiselle Vintage. I loved the juxtaposition of old and new tabletop elements to keep it fresh. Everything was shades of white with gold accents, to give a luxe feel that was appropriate for the venue. The beautiful laser cut Nuage linen was put over a nude linen for some contrast, which made everything pop (especially for Audrey’s overhead room shot!) One of my absolute favorite table elements were custom plate portraits I had made and were calligraphed by Studio French Blue – I felt that detail alone captured the spirit of the shoot and history of the venue perfectly! The whole team was super talented and each played an integral role in this epic editorial which was dreamily captured by Audrey in her signature rosy hues. A special thanks also to Valerie Lafourcade, the venue manager who made it all happen! La Vie est Belle.

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Photographer: Le Secret d'Audrey | Cinematography: East West | Florist: Esther Lamarche | Wedding Dress: Ziad Nakad | Wedding Dress: Rami Kadi | Wedding Dress: Zuhair Murad | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Wedding Dress: J'Aton Couture | cake: Bastien Blanc Tailleur | Invitations: Ceci New York | Shoes: Bella Belle | Makeup: Sanni Sorma Makeup & Hair | Hair Stylist: Ciara Coiffure | calligraphy: Studio French Blue calligraphy + design | Groomsmen's Attire: Jean-Jacques Cérémonie | Accessories: Mindy Lam | Chateau: Château De Vaux Le Vicomte | Headbands: Keren Wolf | Planning/Styling: Strawberry Milk Events | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Options | Rentals: Vaisselle Vintage

This Bride and Groom were looking for an adventurous engagement session and that’s exactly what the potential of Rajasthan, India had to offer. Along with their incredible photographer, Adi of Axioo Bali, they chose seven stunning locations to document the beginning of their journey into marriage and oh, my friends, is it magnificent. Take a peek in the below for a list of the beautiful spots you see below!

From the Bride… Every girl dreams of a fairytale ending, but I personally aim for the adventure. I always knew that our ideal engagement session should represent what I want in my relationship and marriage, a thrilling adventure. It should signify the beginning of an escapade, not the end of it.

We chose India despite having zero idea about it. It got even more exciting when our photographer also admitted to having no experience whatsoever about the exotic destination. Knowing that we got our work cut out for us, we explored and surveyed the area a day prior. You’d think that I’d be a nervous wreck for being absolutely clueless, but therein lies the excitement and joy in the uncertainty of it all!

Our little team set our eyes on this beautifully haunting spot, a 4,000 year old cemetery located in Ahar, Rajasthan. Yes, you read that right – a royal cemetery named Ahar Cenotaphs. This is the spot where the stories of Maharajas and royals were told, and I just knew I couldn’t miss my new favorite spot for the world – even if we had to keep it hush hush from our parents. It’s traditionally considered taboo for a bride and groom to step foot anywhere near an inauspicious event.

Thanks to the internet (and everyone’s eagerness), we did more research and decided to start early next day. We then secured permits for the “no photo” zone and gained access for early entrance. Our prewedding adventure then began 3 am with makeup in progress and setting out as early as 4:30 am. The rush only added the element of fun and to our success, there were little crowd and we managed to catch the sweet golden hour.

I really have to credit the success to our photographer Adi from Axioo Bali. I know it’s easy to find a wedding photographer these days in the era of Instagram and everything else, but finding one that you have a good chemistry with can be quite tricky. Adi was not only super professional behind the camera, but he brought out our inner confidence with ease. His directions were clear, and most of all, his enthusiasm was genuine.

Truly, it’s a pre-wedding session of our dream: An epic adventure in an out-of-storybook location, plus a sidekick photographer that has it all.

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Photography: Axioo Bali | Dress: Hope Stanley | Makeup Artist: Kathleen Claudia | Location: The Pierre | Location: Albert Hall Jaipur | Location: Hawa Mahal | Location: Amber Fort | Location: City Palace | Location: Ahar Cenotaphs | Location: Nahargarth Fort

If you’re looking for some farmhouse chic inspiration (and the most perfect venue to match) then today is your lucky day! This gorgeous shoot at The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn planned by XOXO Bride Events is the epitome of natural beauty. Kate Holt Creative’s stunning arrangements complimented the ancient native olive trees on the property along with the organic chef’s garden and 100 year old oak tree. Oh, and did we mention the dress?… Prepare to “ooh” and “ahh” at these dreamy photos from Michelle Beller Photography for days.

Ojai Valley Inn is proud to introduce the show-stopping, $20 million, multi-use epicurean and event center The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn. Nationally acclaimed architect Howard Backen with Backen Gillam Architects in Napa Valley drew inspiration from the magical setting of Ojai to incorporate a natural aesthetic for the expansive 30,000 square foot culinary and event center, designed to connect world-class food culture with indoor/outdoor events.

Set on 220 verdant acres against the stunning backdrop of the Topa Topa Mountain Range, The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn takes form as a series of natural indoor-outdoor spaces, each with a unique personality that flows seamlessly into the next. Featuring a path of sun-splashed nooks dotted with ancient native olive trees, an organic chef’s garden, a spectacular two-story alfresco fireplace and a 100-year-old oak tree.

Creative Director Sonia Hopkins, XOXO BRIDE Events, united a team of talented vendors to showcase their talents and products to produce inspiration through images of this unique one of a kind space. 

“Exhibiting the possibilities of a wedding at the Farmhouse was our primary focus. We wanted to embrace the surroundings and enhance what makes the Farmhouse so special”, says Sonia.

This special team includes Photography & Editorial Design, Michelle Beller, Floral Design by Kate Holt Creative, Tabletop & Rental Decor selected from The Ark, Hair & Make-up design by Team Hair and Makeup, and Draping & Bar Rentals from Bella Vista Designs, Styling by Gabrielle Hurwitz, Paper Goods designed by Lazy Creative, Cake by The Butter End Cakery, and Linens from La Tavola Linen.

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Photography: Michelle Beller | Event Planning: XOXO BRIDE Events | Floral Design: Kate Holt Creative | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Bakery: The Butter End Cakery | Stationery: Lazy Creative Designs | Hair & Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Wedding Venue: Ojai Valley Inn | Lighting/Draping: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Model: Lawren Cappelletti | Rentals: The Ark Event Rentals | Stylist: Gabrielle Hurwitz | Vintage Truck: Hub Auto Body

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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Petit Bouquet

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For the longest time, I’ve been scheming ideas on how to incorporate a patterned tile project into my own home… but I haven’t made it happen quite yet. Thankfully, in the meantime, I have some gorgeous inspiration to tie me over. Say hello to a kitchen with loads of personality (and a totally necessary bar), designed by Katie Davis. Also, I’m pretty sure that gas range overlooking the backyard is any chef’s dream… amirite? Join me for the full tour, courtesy of Melissa Fitzgerald, in the gallery!

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From Katie Davis… The Taylorcrest Project was a fun kitchen remodel for a client in Memorial. Their original kitchen was narrow and dark and it did not allow for entertaining. We opened up the wall into the dining room (opposite the island chairs) and added the island in the center. We also added a huge window to increase the natural light in the space. The unique feature of the range on the window allowed for much more light to flood the space and ensured that the husband (aka chef of the family) had a great view at all times of their backyard. The bar area sits on one side of the opening to the dining room. Here, we changed the tile pattern, but stayed in the same color scheme and took the tile all the way up the back of the cabinets to set it apart from the rest of the kitchen. 

Photographer: Melissa Fitzgerald West | Lighting: MM Lighting | Builder: Hahnfeld Partners Contracting | Cement Tile: Ann Sacks | Interior Design: Katie Davis

If I ever do a vow renewal in France, I’m calling up Jennifer Fox Weddings, Floresie and Oliver Fly. Once you feast your eyes on this unbelievably beautiful editorial—full of Provençal charm—you’ll see why. Pulling inspiration straight from Château de Sannes, you’ll find the most perfect shades of blue set against the lushest greens. Provence Classics joined in for Harry and Meghan-style getaway, upping the cool factor even more. There are over 150 images in the full gallery and only a handful below, so make sure to dive into the full gallery, too!

From Jennifer Fox Weddings… For our Provence wedding editorial, the design inspiration came directly from the elegance of the château itself and its remarkable gardens and landscape. Our goal was create a full wedding design concept that was fresh, romantic and elegantly luxurious with a touch of Provençal charm, which would naturally highlight the magnificent property, Château de Sannes.

Each element was chosen with intention and was captured lovingly by Oliver Fly Photography. The soft sea foam and pale lemon color palette with accents of gold and copper, the delicate Berta wedding gown with the perfect touch of sparkle, the curved shape of the ceremony floral arch, the calligraphy scrolls and napkin placement to mimic an “S” as in Sannes (there is an S above the rounded door of the château entrance!); each was chosen by design.

We focused on showing as many details as possible to represent the experience of what having a real wedding at such a venue is like. Our invitation suite and calligraphy details from Truffy Pi featured hand made paper with gold painted accents and featured a reoccurring watercolor design theme. A welcome box full of French goodies included Jordan almonds from Ladurée and a mini bottle of olive oil produced by the château itself.

For the floral design, Florésie used aster, delphinium, foxgloves, tulips, butterfly ranunculus, alstroemeria and garden roses to create the oh so elegant ceremony arch and grounded horseshoe, centerpieces and bridal bouquet. The ceremony space including the chairs, with the beautiful olive grove in the background, was arranged in a rounded design to represent the coming together of the couple with their family in addition to highlighting the running “S” theme. The bouquet was dripping with these dreamy blooms and provided numerous showstopper moments for our bride!

As an added touch of elegant whimsy and Provençal charm, the cocktail lounge area sat in-between two trees which framed the property’s incredible Cyprus tree garden and featured light colored bamboo furniture and high top tables covered with lightweight seafood green linens from Madame de la Maison. Yummy savory nibbles from Roland Paix Traiteur sat on the cocktail buffet and a champagne tower bubbled in the background as our bride and groom posed with their floral adorned, furry friend.

On the dinner table, wooden candlestick holders sat along side etched glass votives and metallic tea candle holders. White and mint colored linens blew gently in the breeze, as a means to highlight the soft colors of the château in the background. We paired detailed cream colored Italian charger plates with gold rimmed dinner plates and copper flatware from Maison Christina in order to add a pop of luxury. A scroll with the name of each guest sat on top of each menu with the centerpieces overlooking each place setting from above. Effortless elegance at its finest.

For dessert, Made in Cake created designer cookies and sugar flowers with not one, not two but three wedding cakes. The delicate hand made sugar flowers adorned each of the square cakes and were the real stand out of the dessert table. The vision for the square shaped cakes was to include a more contemporary design accent to juxtapose with all of the curve shapes in the other design elements. There is always a fun design exception to the rule.

Though out the day, the bride looked like a dream in her flowing floor length Berta gown, jeweled Bella Belle wedding shoes and diamond and jade earrings from Lindsay Marie Design. When the time came for her to put on her veil, there was not a closed jaw in sight, she looked incredible! We chose this look to keep with the effortless elegance intention of the concept without forsaking the luxury of the design. It was after all a luxury wedding in Provence. For their send off, Provence Classics provided the couple with a black 1960 MG roadster so that they could drive off in style.

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Photographer: Oliver Fly Photography | Floral Design: Floresie | Catering: Roland Paix | Makeup: Ylva Langenskiold | Hair: Sarra Na | Vintage Car: Provence Classics | Bridal Boutique: Metal Flaque Paris | Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle | Cake Design & Cookies: Made In Cake | Chateau: Chateau De Sannes | Dress Designer: Berta | Jewelry & Accessories: Lindsay Marie Design | Linens: Madame de la Maison | Men’s Suit: Chris Von Martial | Planning & Design: Jennifer Fox Weddings | Rentals: Be Lounge | Ring Box: Je Promis | Stationery & Calligraphy: Veronica Halim Calligraphy | Tabletop Rentals: Aqueduto | Welcome Box: Jennifer Fox Weddings