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Whimsical Floral-Filled Wedding at Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point

You don’t typically see couples welcoming a baby together in the delivery room before they’ve even started dating – but today’s duo, Princeton and Michelle, did exactly that. You’ll have to read the full story below for yourself and then dive into their utterly beautiful and whimsical wedding planned by Couture Events (and filled to the brim with florals from Blush Botanicals!). There’s a stunner film from Elysium Productions to set the day in motion for you and a full gallery of gorgeous from Leila Brewster.

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How the Bride & Groom met…

Princeton and Michelle met on the very first day of his clinical rotations at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine – Obstetrics and Gynecology. She was his chief resident and was instantly impressed by his enthusiasm and work ethic. Then they delivered a baby together… well ultimately they would be delivering multiple babies together but Princetons first delivery was with Michelle – Although Princeton loved working with kids, he had been dreading delivering a baby; getting put on the spot to catch a slippery, squirming baby was something Princeton hoped to not have to do during his entire obstetrics and gynecology rotation. One afternoon, a pregnant patient, huffing and puffing, came up to Labor and Delivery. Michelle took one look at her face and knew there was a baby coming, and fast! The patient was placed on a wheelchair and quickly wheeled off to the delivery room, Michelle following behind them. “Princeton, I don’t think you’ve delivered a baby yet, please come with me!” Princeton and Michelle quickly followed the patient into the delivery room, where the baby soon began to crown. “Princeton, quick, throw some gloves on!” And there in a delivery room in Honolulu, Hawaii, Princeton delivered his first baby with Michelle’s hands over his, and together they welcomed a new life into the world. They quickly discovered they were both from Los Angeles and bonded over their mutual love for good food, arts, and music. Princeton eventually escaped the rotation unscathed, and through a mutual love of classical music, ono Hawaiian food, and epic travels, a true love was born.

What did you like about your venue?

Monarch Beach was a magical venue. Steps away from the Pacific Ocean, it was a perfect blend of luxury and Southern Californian ease. Both Princeton and I have a reputation for being foodies, so having the perfect meal at our reception was a must! Everyone raved about the delicious food! We’re already dreaming about our one-year anniversary get-away here!

What did you like about your wedding planner?

Couture Events is incredibly creative. From the very beginning, they did an amazing job incorporating our vision and her expertise! From the many text messages and panicked late-night emails, they were my voice of reason throughout the whole planning process. The Big Day could not have turned out more beautiful! It was truly a vision from my dreams!

Describe your vision/inspiration for your wedding day. Did you have a specific theme?

Right from the beginning, we wanted our Big Day to really focus on our beloved friends and family. We wanted the day to be a big celebration that was elegant and sophisticated but not too fussy. Also, we wanted everything to reflect who we are as individuals and as a couple! We aimed for beautiful florals that filled the venue and lots of quirky, unique details that made the celebration whimsical and fun.

What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

Everything! Turning down the aisle after we got married and seeing all our friends and family beaming at us just took our breath away! From the open-air cocktail hour on the terrace to our gorgeous dessert buffet to the late-night sparklers that led to our In-N-Out truck, everything was sheer perfection!

What was your color scheme?

Greenery, rose quartz, rose gold. Were there any new trends that you incorporated, or did you decide to go more traditional? We are a very untraditional couple so we went in a unique direction! We wanted lots of florals, details that incorporated our beloved ring bearer Schnauzer pup Sadie, and tons of delicious eats and drinks to indulge in! Our ceremony altar design incorporated lots of florals but also fully-functional chandeliers that took everyone’s breath away!

How would you describe your wedding style and fashion?

Princeton’s style is classic and timeless, and Michelle’s style is elegant with clean lines but with a fun and stylish twist. Princeton chose a navy blue tux and Michelle chose a classic Vera Wang mermaid gown with beautiful tulle rosettes.

What kind of flowers did you pick for your centerpieces and bouquet?

We chose peonies and greenery which reflected both our luxurious and down-to-earth sides. We wanted the flowers to just be overflowing in our celebration! We also had a beautiful flower wall that was done with the same flowers in an ombre style.

What kind of food did you serve?

We served classics with a twist: Asian-inspired cod with a beautiful mushroom wild rice; ribeye steak with wasabi mashed potatoes; a dessert buffet with macaroons, cupcakes, cake shots, and schnauzer cookies inspired by our beloved Sadie; and burgers and fountain drinks from our In-N-Out truck at the end of the night!

What flavor(s) did you pick for your cake?

We chose coconut cream as a nod to our meeting in Hawaii.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We went on our honeymoon a month after we got married, to Italy! We went for two glorious weeks in Cinque Terre, Rome, Florence, and even went up north to Alba for the annual Truffle Festival!

What was the most memorable moment of your reception?

The reception was absolutely perfect, but if I absolutely had to choose one moment I’d have to choose the sparklers lighting the way to our In-N-Out truck – it was the best burger I’ve ever had in my life! Having all our loved ones out with us, enjoying burgers and fountain drinks, was an incredible experience! The In-N-Out caps were also on point!

Any other details we left out, special considerations, or something you want to share that made your day unique?

As a tribute to their time in Hawaii, Michelle planned a surprise ukelele performance for Princeton during the cocktail hour. She sang Colbie Caillat’s “I Do” and the look of surprise and love on Princeton’s face was priceless!

Photography: leila brewster | Cinematography: Elysium Productions | Floral Design: Blush Botanicals | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Baby Bea's Bakeshop | Invitations: Minted | Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Rings: Cartier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Calligraphy: Four Things Paper | Lighting: Atmopshere Events | Entertainment: Luxury Entertainment Group | Favors: Sugarfina | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort | Beauty: Beauty By Melina | Bride's Jewelry: Haute Bride | Cake Swing: Enticing Tables | Ceremony Structure: Southwestern Teepee Rentals | Dance Floor: Designer Dance Floors | Dessert Trays: Minted And Vintage | Escort Display: Backup Backdrops | Flower Girl's Dress: Olivia Kate Couture | Groom's Watch: Cartier | Late Night Snacks: In-N-Out Burger | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: Amuse Booth | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Vintage Plate Rentals: Dish Wish | Wedding Design & Planning: Couture Events

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How To Plan a Fine Art Wedding for Spring & Summer

With all the rain Southern California has been getting lately, it only means a beautiful spring bloom awaits! If you’re planning a spring-inspired wedding, this gorgeous collaboration by Mulberry and Moss and Perfect the Event, is the loveliest inspiration for all you babes crafting a romantic, spring-forward style wedding with fine art flair. 1011 Makeup created soft natural makeup with tousled updos that complimented both weddings gowns designed by Claire Pettibone. See the full editorial filled with femininity and vibrant elements, captured by Babsie Ly in the gallery.

 

From planner, Ilana of Perfect the Event… When you think “fine art editorial” you don’t always think of edgy or black accents. Thinking outside the box and pushing our industry’s norm limit is something that always inspires me when it comes to designing. This shoot was nothing short of pushing the limit, but still keeping that fine art touch we are all inspired by.

Using vintage furniture, delicate paper goods but also bringing in modern table top pieces with high end gowns made it all come to life. The icing on the cake was the floral. Trying to bring in some romance for fine art and yet still keep it artsy with free-standing blooms, Mulberry and Moss rocked it!

This was too much fun to pick out pieces, glam up some gorgeous girls, and highlight some very talented vendors! Long story short, don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone! When you do so, sometimes very magical things are created!

Photographer: Babsie Ly | Videographer: Babsie Ly | Planner: Ilana Rubin Events | Makeup and Hair: 10.11 Makeup | Bridal Gown: Claire Pettibone | Calligraphy and Paper Goods: Olive Saint Lily | Floral: Mulberry & Moss | Lookbook Video 1: Jessica | Lookbook Video 2: Katie | Silk Ribbons: Tono Co | Styling Surfaces: Chasing Stone | Tabletop Rentals & Styling Pieces: Cherished Rentals | Vintage Furniture Rentals: Marnie Schnabel - Sweet Salvage Rentals

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What’s Good Enough for JayZ & Beyonce, is Good Enough for Me…#showergoals!!

Okay, we’re honestly so overwhelmed by the beauty of this bridal shower that the only word I can say that might sum up how we feel is…. OBSESSED. I mean, this entire event is filled with so many details we could stare at it all day and find something new to love about it! The theme was inspired by the beautiful colors and scenery of the Amalfi Coast, which is where the bride and groom will be traveling to on their honeymoon. It’s complete with a flower wall that will make your heart flutter, a bouquet-making station and the most decadent and delicious dessert table we’ve ever seen. Everything was perfectly planned and put together by Aliana Events. The jaw-dropping florals were arranged by the amazing Celio’s Design. Keep on reading to see all the can’t-miss details of this day, all captured by Alissa Noelle Photography.

From Alissa Noelle PhotographyWhen I photographed this bridal shower, I was absolutely blown away when I walked by all the color! Which matches my photography style perfectly! Coral, gold and tangerine lit up the space. There were so many details… Everywhere! Big and small. It is definitely the most creative + stylish bridal shower I’ve ever seen. What made it so special wasn’t just because of all the beauty, but also the meaning behind the theme. The bridal shower was all Amalfi Coast vibes. This is because it is where the happy couple will be going for their honeymoon! While you can’t bring your best ladies with you on your romantic getaway, the answer is simple… Bring the Amalfi Coast to Hollywood for your bridal shower!

The shower was at Casita Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. An open space industrial venue that is still new to the area. Because it is such an open blank space with beautiful natural light, they filled every inch of it with decor and on theme details. Such as; covering the entry way with hanging bougainvillea on the pergola. If you’ve been to the Amalfi Coast, you already know that this is a real thing there, especially in Positano! It’s actually where I got engaged and i’ll never forget the romantic walks to the ocean as bougainvillea’s hung above us while we were on cloud 9. There is nothing else like it! Can’t forget about this insane floral wall display by Celio’s Design (who also just did florals for Beyonce & JayZ… That’s right… This bride can now say that Beyonce also booked the same florist. GOALS)!!! Then as you walked into the main space, family style long tables with Oscar De La Renta plates, Limoncello bottles, endless floral and gold flatware created the table top decor.

The industrial pipes on the ceiling had hanging greenery and woven basket lanterns giving you the outdoor feel. A bridal shower is not complete without some delicious stylish cake, treats that the planner, Aliana Events, flew in from Italy (planner goals right there, too) and just the most beautiful dessert table made for a… BRIDE! Other details included a DIY project, a perfume making station where all the ladies got to create their own perfume with many scents to choose from. It was temping not to just starting making myself a perfume, haha.

Towards the end, there was a floral bouquet making station for all and the bride, Shannon, had to chose the winner. Then surprise! Here comes her lovely fiancé, Manraj, to surprise the bride before the party ended, and the look on her face when he walked in is priceless. So much love between these two!! I want to end this by saying that for all wedding events you are working on, you should aim to create an event where the theme/decor best represents you as an individual and the two of you together, as a couple. The theme is right there in front of you! All you have to do is rally up a dream team to make it come true while still staying on trend like this bridal shower. One for the books!

Photography: Alissa Noelle Photography | Florist: Celio Design | Cake: Sweet Novelette | Catering : Cleo Hollywood | Wedding Venue: Casita Hollywood | Bride: Shannon Grewal | Desserts: Artelice Patisserie | Furniture Rentals: Revelry Event Designers | Napkins: BBJ La Tavola | Perfume: Aliana Events | Planner + Design: Aliana Events | Table Top Rentals: Casa de Perrin | Welcome Sign: Aliana Events

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Glamorous Lake Como Wedding at Villa del Balbianello

Lake Como, you are lovely. I will never, ever, ever tire of experiencing weddings set on those dreamy cerulean waters against the foothills of the Alps. Alison and Frankie vowed their forevers to one another in this timeless setting, with AF Atelier, Terrain Styles and Tearose Events handling all of the delightful details. Le Secret d’Audrey and AG Studio Videography joined in to document the day for a collection of images and a film that will fill your heart with magic.

From the Bride… I have always been a fervent lover of European culture and civilization (having studied in Europe for a few months on European music, history and philosophy during my US college years), that Frankie has proposed to me at the beautiful Schloss Belvedere. Our parents are very open minded that we are allowed to host a very intimate celebration with immediate family at home so that we could spend most of our effort organizing a wedding of our dreams.

Lake Como is definitely one of the most picturesque places in Europe and since our wedding date coincides with the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (which is very important for families and friends to gather together on the day which the moon is supposedly to be the roundest on this date in the year), we decided upon the most special villa – Villa del Balbianello – for the wedding that our dearest friends and parents could watch the full moon with us over the lake, and with fireworks also. Our wedding was an intimate and cozy one that we were very fortunate to have 40 guests who fly over and celebrate with us which we wanted to share this special moment with our most treasured people. We had decided to have an attire of ‘Cocktail Festive’ that our guests can dress to impress with festive details, that they were in other colors as well but not only pastel.

Thanks to our event stylist, Terrain Styles, who understands our vision of holding a timeless event, we concluded to go with the color theme of different shades of pink and blush and a splash of burgundy (since it is a fall wedding) with hints of foliage. Our vision for the wedding was to take every guest from the real world to enter into a romantic dream for the day. Le Secret d’Audrey was my wedding photographer as she knows how to bring out the elegance and femininity and she has been our pre-wedding photographer as well. Being a fan of romantic European elements, we chose Grand Hotel Tremezzo for its history and elegant decor, which was best for getting ready shoots to match well with the wedding venue. The romantic European elements were also founded in the reception table set up that there were tall copper candles and golden cutlery. The Galia Lahav veil also had hints of vintage European style with the lace and beaded fringes and long train. I had picked a princess style gown ‘Gia’ from Galia Lahav that had a corset in the trunk and lots of floral appliques along the whole dress. When I first tried in on at Trinity Bridal @trinitybridal in Hong Kong, I did have the feeling of ‘this is the one’!

As all of our guests including us were not Italians, we reckoned it was best for our wedding stationer to create a map of Lake Como including the important spots; for instance, villa d’este, grand hotel tremezzo and of course our wedding villa!

While having a wedding in Italy, we simply have to hire a gelato cart from our Catering, Class Eventi, which all of our guests had enjoyed including our staff crew. To keep our guests entertained, we had prepared a first dance performance which Frankie did not have any experience in dancing before. Luckily, we did it so smoothly with the lifting that nobody believed we only took a 5 hour class! We also had our stationer to prepare a message card for every guest that our closest friends were to write down advice for us newly weds. We had the most amazing fireworks from Blunotte Eventi who also played the song of ‘Time of my life” from the Broadway Show Dirty Dancing during the performance. My evening Watters gown, from Miss Bride Wedding Shop, was very much fitted into the scene with its sparkly top and flowy tulle that allowed me to walk around the guests tables and talk to them easily! All our guests were very excited about it that they were comparing this to the official fireworks in Hong Kong. Blunotte Eventi was also responsible for the lighting and music that day, which we hired their harp plus violin duet for our ceremony.

Holding a destination wedding which is so far from home is not the easiest thing. But we were very glad to have organized the wedding smoothly. Logistics was well planned by AF Atelier that our guests were either placed at Sheraton Lake Como or at the town Como itself, which shuttle buses were organized and there was a boat taking the guests from Como and Sheraton Lake Como respectively. It also served the purpose as a boat tour for them since it was the first visit at Lake Como for most of our guests. We hope this wedding will remain dearly in everyone’s memories in the years to come, spending Mid Autumn together in a foreign country at one of the most beautiful villas.

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Photography: Le Secret d'Audrey | Cinematography: AG Studio Videography | Event Design: Terrain Styles | Event Planning: AF Atelier | Floral Design: Tea Rose Milano | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Invitations: Featherly Script | Rings: Bulgari | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Catering: Class Catering | Hair & Makeup: Sanni Sorma Makeup & Hair | Groom's Attire: June Woonamy | Celebrant: Rita Annunziata | Hotel: Grand Hotel Tremezzo | Accessories Shop: Lanes Bridal | Boat: Menaggio Water Taxi | Bridal Robe: The Lace Atelier | Bridesmaids Robe: Yumi Kim | Bridesmaids' Bouquets: Bunny Garden Silk Flowers | Dance Dress: Maria Lucia Hohan | Dance Instructor: Annie | Earrings: Jenny Packham | Evening Dress: Watters | Evening Dress Shop: Nicole Miller, From Miss Bride Hong Kong | Heels: Christian Louboutin | Lighting & Entertainment: Blunotte Events | Villa: Villa del Balbianello | Wedding Dress Shop: Trinity Bridal

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Modern Minimalist Wedding Inspiration That Proves Less Is More

This contemporary style shoot that took place at The Modern Bride, planned by As You Wish Weddings, is simplicity and minimalism at its best. The minute we laid eyes on the bride’s dotted Divine Atelier gown combined with Forever Wildfield’s bleached, organic bouquet we were instantly in love. The chic tablescape is complete with three of our favorite things: marble, gold flatware and textured velvet linen. Keep on scrolling to get inspired for your big day with these gorgeous bright images from Simple Lace Photography.

From As You Wish WeddingsFor this creative shoot, we were inspired by the idea that less is more. Keeping to a neutral colour palette of white, grey, and gold tones across all elements, we were able to create a vibe that felt modern, clean, and sophisticated, yet warm and inviting at the same time.

The right venue was vital in setting the tone for this shoot, so we knew it had to be The Modern Bride – a gorgeous wedding dress store in Guelph, Ontario with it’s high ceilings, white walls, and plenty of natural light. For the tablescape, we wanted the florals to feel organic and filled with uncommon elements like bleached Italian ruscus, lunaria, frilly white tulips, and bunny tail grass. Place settings included gold-rimmed marble chargers and gold flatware that paired beautifully with the minimalist stationery and textured velvet linen.

Instead of having just one cake, we featured a trio in varying size, each with different yet complimentary design elements. Keeping the ceremony space minimal, with floral arrangements on a larger scale but in similar composition to the table designs, allowed the bride’s stunning “Dot” dress by Divine Atelier to shine.

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Photography: Simply Lace Photography | Videography: SevenSeas Production | Florals: Forever Wildfield | Cake: Crumb & Berry | Makeup: Jennie Diana | Hair: Elevate HairArt Studio | Bridal Boutique: The Modern Bride | Chairs: Higgins | Cookie Favours: Sweet Pea Cookie Co. | Location: The Modern Bride | Paper Goods: Bon Paper House | Place Settings & Linens: Simply Beautiful Decor | Planning & Coordination: As You Wish Weddings | Wedding Dress Designer: Divine Atelier

Dreamy Anniversary Session in Lavender Fields & Cobblestone Streets of Provence

Raise your hand if a visit to the Provence lavender fields is on your bucket list! If not, after today’s dreamy (read: GORGEOUS) anniversary session with Oliver Fly, it 1000% will be. Can you even imagine how divine the scent must be, standing right here? You can almost smell the calming aroma in the full gallery.

From the Bride… It has always been a dream of mine since I was a teenager to travel to France and see the lavender fields in bloom. While I have been lucky enough to travel extensively over the last five years with my job as a wedding photographer (and often to France!) the timing never worked out quite right so that I could see it in bloom. That all changed this year when I was hired to shoot a wedding in the South of France for early July. The lavender is only in peak season for 4 weeks or so out of every year, and it looked like we were going to be there just in time – I was so excited! In honor of my five year wedding anniversary with my husband Jordan, we decided that we would be in front of the cameras for our own shoot, in the lavender fields of France.

It took me about two seconds to know who I wanted to shoot our anniversary session – my wonderful friend and talented photographer, Oliver Fly. Oliver and I attended a photography workshop several years ago in France, and became friends through the process – often Skypeing with each other across the world or trying to meet up whenever we were in the same hemisphere to catch up and share lives as fellow photographers. Luckily, Oliver was already going to be in Provence at the time, so it was kismet!

After a whirlwind three days of shooting a wedding and teaching a workshop in Provence- we were tired, but so excited and ready for our shoot. Our dear friend Clari with Tepeino Puntocom had flown in from Argentina to be the hair and makeup artist for our workshops, and so she was able to do my hair and makeup for our shoot. It felt like such a reunion as she had done my hair and makeup five years ago when Jordan and I eloped in Argentina – and she is just magic! My close friend and talented floral artist, Twyla with Remi + Gold, was also in France for the wedding and workshops; she was able to pick flowers from the Saturday market to make a beautiful bouquet for me as well. Words can’t express how fortunate I felt to have this dream team around me!

We started the shoot off in Lacoste, a tiny Provence village filled with cobblestone streets and stone walls with French blue shutters – it was like being in a postcard. The town wasn’t very busy at all that day so it felt like we had the whole town to ourselves. We then jumped in the car and chased the sun to get to the lavender fields (and of course, Oliver knew of the best place!) When I stepped out, I literally couldn’t believe my eyes. Rows and rows of lavender for as far as the eye could see- it was endless. The air smelled so strong of lavender, and it was filled with the hum of happy, buzzing bees everywhere. We changed outfits and ran out into the fields to catch the last of the golden hour light with Oliver behind the lens.

I still can’t believe that after years of dreaming about being able to see the lavender fields in person, that this dream finally came true for me this year. Jordan and I are beyond lucky to have had this amazing team of professionals and dear friends who could join us for our anniversary shoot, to create photos that we will cherish for years to come. My greatest advice to anyone contemplating an anniversary shoot or any travel shoot is – just do it! It will be one of the best investments of your memories when you travel, when you experience that fleeting magic in time.

Photography: Oliver Fly Photography | Floral Design: Remi and Gold | Dress: Lulu's | Shoes: Anthropologie | Earrings: BHLDN | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Hair & Make up: Tepeino Puntocom | Jumpsuit: Astr

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A Few Of Our Favorite Ways To Update Your Home For Spring!

Spring has finally arrived, so it’s out with the cold, and in with the new! And what better way to embrace the new season than with a few simple decor updates to refresh your home. Not sure where to start? From kitchens, to bathrooms, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite tweaks to revamp any room in your home!

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

We love a plant filled home! Plants, branches or full trees look super chic on a shelf, beside the couch, or to greet guests in an entryway. An added bonus? They also help detoxify the air! But don’t fret if you’re missing your green thumb – there are plenty of fabulous fake plants that will fool even the most avid gardeners.

LIVING ROOM SWAPS

Ditch those thick wool blankets and cozy throw pillows. Instead, add a lighter touch to the living room with bright and bold throw pillows and an airy blanket.

PAINT THOSE CABINETS!

One of our favorite trends we’ve been seeing all over Instagram are colorful painted kitchen cabinets. Adding a bright pop of color to a backsplash or cabinets is an easy, and super stylish way to transform an entire room.

FILL IT WITH FLOWERS

One of the best parts about spring is the abundance of blooms we missed during the winter months. Filling your home with fresh flowers and bowls of fruit are sure to brighten any day.

TABLE SETTINGS

Embrace bright colors and seasonal florals when it comes to table decor. Mix and match colors and prints with placemats and fun napkins. And don’t forget about adding a few fun pieces of serve ware – like these bright blue goblets!

LIGHTEN THE BEDDING LOAD

Say goodbye to winter bedding! Put those thick blankets in the closet and opt for clean whites and a great quilt to add a light and airy feel to the bedroom.

ADD A LITTLE WALLPAPER

Playing around with wallpaper has never been easier now that peel and stick wallpaper is a thing! Try something small like a powder room, or create a fun accent wall. This adds a fun statement to a space without longterm commitment!

Photography: Sposto Photography | Photography: Marisa Vitale | Photography: Minimal Major | Photography: Studio McGee | Photography: Emily Henderson | Photography: Annmarie Swift Photography | Photography: Raquel Langworthy | Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck Photography | Photography: Trevor Tondro | Photography: HGTV Fixer Upper | Photography: Le Clair Decor | Interior Design: Ausland Interiors | Interior Design: Studio McGee | Interior Design: Emily Henderson | Interior Design: Chango Co | Interior Design: Amanda Barnes Interiors

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Glamorous Rancho Palos Verdes Wedding at Wayfares Chapel & Westin Pasadena

If you’re on the hunt for a truly unique venue (and one that will give you all the outdoor vibes, while keeping things indoors)—feast your eyes on Wayfarers Chapel, a.k.a. “The Glass Church”. Incredible right? It was the most stunning scene for Nancy and Simon’s I dos, followed by a reception at Westin Pasadena, all planned and designed by Modest Magnolia. Get to know this sweet duo below and soak in their celebration right this way.

From the planner Modest MagnoliaNancy Chen and Simon Lu met at work and it took a few years before they actually went on their first date to the movies. It was against company policy to date colleagues at work so the two would act normal and professional during work days and then secretly go on dates after work. They were seeing each other nearly every day and that was when their love blossomed and led to their engagement!

When we got to know them as a couple, Nancy expressed that she had always dreamt of having an outdoor wedding, but that having a wedding in November wasn’t ideal for her guests with how chilly it can get in the California coastal evenings. We decided that we had to bring the outside, in!

We started with their ceremony at the Wayfarers Chapel, also known as “The Glass Church” located in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. It is noted for its unique modern architecture and location on cliffs above the Pacific Ocean designed with lush greens in any given view. We wanted to keep that lush green theme and invite all that nature that into their ballroom reception at the Westin, Pasadena.

With one of the deadliest fires in the history of California looming in our backyard, we felt defeated with the thick smoke casting over Los Angeles, days leading into their special day. To our surprise, it illuminated the sky with an unfamiliar hue that was absolute magic for our couple, Nancy and Simon, a day where guests danced until the very last minute of the wedding!

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Cake : Ele Makes Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Wayfarers Chapel | Reception Venue: Westin Pasadena | Brides Shoes : Valentino | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Asos, Tadashi Shoji, Adrianna Papell, Eliza J Dresses | Hair and Make Up : Luong Lasting Team | Brides Ceremony Gown: Maggie Sottero | DJ, MC, Dance Floor, Draping: DJZ Productions | Dessert Station : Waffles deliege | Florist and Rentals : Lace And Stems | Getting Ready Venue : Terranea Resort | Groom & Groomsmen's Suits : Simply Suits | Photography and Cinema : Love & You Studios | Planning and Design: Modest Magnolia @modestmagnolia | Reception Gown : Blue by Enzoani | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Table Cards, Cake Topper and Menue Cards: Ngocreations

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Classic & Clean Indoor Spring Wedding Inspiration at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel

We feature a fair share of al fresco fetes, but that doesn’t mean that indoor soirees aren’t the cat’s meow. According to this slice of inspiration from Carlos Hernandez, Vanity Affair Events and Kaleb Norman James Design, they are. Natural light covers the stunningly set scene at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel for indoor intrigue. Layer on the candlelight and you won’t think twice if it happens to rain on your wedding day.

From Carlos HernandezSpring in Portland is all too often overlooked as an ideal wedding season, as showers force couples indoors. We desperately wanted to showcase a classic, clean, yet glamorous wedding with spring blooms and the seasons most coveted color: pink! Our focus for this shoot was transforming the iconic Sentinel Hotel into a warm, inviting and floral forward setting for guests to feel glamorous in even the years most rainy months.

In order to lighten the grand ballroom, we kept our tablescape monochromatic pink on pink velvet by La Tavola. We wanted to design a table that was both luxurious, traditional and showcased the use of color, especially with Pantone releasing Living Coral as 2019’s color of the year. We captured this intention with Kaleb Norman James’ off-centered abstract floral arrangement and acrylic menu cards, paired with traditional elements of a silver napkin ring, blush wine glasses, and hand calligraphy name cards.

The 3 tier white Italian buttercream cake perfectly fit our juxtaposition, with an abundance of white beading and a right aligned structure. However, the Galia LaHav gown from Dress Theory Seattle stole the show, with an oversized skirt, plunging neckline and glittered stars throughout. This inspirational shoot proves that April showers may bring your guests inside, but your day certainly won’t suffer because of it.

Photography: Carlos Hernandez | Event Design: Vanity Affair Events | Floral Design: Kaleb Norman James Design | Wedding Dress: The Dress Theory | Cake: Dream Cakes | Stationery : La Happy | Makeup: Whitney Stassi Artistry | Hair: Swept Away Wedding Hair Design | Suit: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: Sentinel Hotel | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: The Party Place | Rentals: St James Specialty Rentals | Video: J&M Media

Outdoor Summer Wedding at The Edgewood Valley Country Club in Chicago

There is nothing that brings families together, more than a wedding and this one surely takes the cake! With the ceremony arch built by the bride’s father and a special song performed by the bride’s sister, this wedding, photographed by Elizabeth Nord Photography was truly a family affair. Having a completely outdoor wedding from start to finish, which doesn’t happen quite often in Chicago, The English Garden Flower Shop crafted romantic centerpieces and stunning floral details, which fit effortlessly with the beautiful backgrounds of The Edgewood Valley Country Club. With Kristina Taheri Special Events there to beautify the day, we think you will love these details as much as we do!

From Elizabeth NordBrittany and Joe had such a beautiful wedding day! I was over the moon excited about (of course) photographing these two cuties, but also about photographing an outdoor ceremony and reception (which is rare in Chicago). It was so dreamy! They started their day by getting ready at the Hilton Chicago and then went across the street to Grant Park for their first look.

Brittany scoped out these spots a few weeks before the wedding and I couldn’t have picked a better spot myself. I love that she has such an eye for detail and beauty! The bridesmaids wore elegant mismatched blush dresses that were an assortment from Azazie, Lulu’s, and Nordstrom, while the guys sported handsome black tuxes from The Black Tux. Soon after some portraits at Grant Park, we drove to Edgewood Valley Country Club for the rest of the evening.

The ceremony was truly one of a kind and one that was inspired by family. The arch that they were married in front of was built by the bride’s father and was driven to Illinois from his home in Minnesota, the bride’s uncle officiated, and her little sister sang a special song (“I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You”) for them during the ceremony…not to mention it was back lit by the most amazing sunset.

I’m so glad we had some time after the ceremony for a few more portraits in this stunning golden light. The reception was underneath a huge white tent decorated with string lights, elegant white, blush and green flowers, candles and light gray tablecloths. Rendevous kept the dance floor hopping all night long and I ended my time with the bride and groom with sparklers on the golf course. I couldn’t have imagined a better day all around. Congrats Mr and Mrs Bozich!!

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Photography: Elizabeth Nord Photography | Videographer: Toast Wedding Films | Event Planning: Kristina Taheri Special Events | Floral Design: The English Garden | Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design | Makeup: Bianca Sansosti Artistry | Hair: Bianca Sansosti Artistry | Band: Rendezvous | Tux: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: Edgewood Valley Country Club | Chairs: Covered Affairs | Linens: BBJ La Tavola

The Simple, Time-Saving Secret to Making Ring Shopping Easier

Let’s face it, ring shopping can be time-consuming and overwhelming… and that’s before even paying! So RockHer is here to help you (and your partner) take the guesswork out of finding your dream diamond ring by doing so affordably and efficiently.

Their secret to saving time and money comes down to ROSI, their AI-enhanced diamond search engine. Instead of overpaying, she finds you the best diamond for your buck by scouring thousands (yes, thousands!) of gorgeous, GIA-certified diamonds, saving you a trip to the jewelry store in the process. Then, once you have a diamond and setting you like, RockHer creates your selection by hand in their LA-based shop, presenting you with a custom made engagement ring that’s as lovely and unique as you are!

Of course, this purchase is a BIG one, so RockHer is well-equipped to settle the nerves with their specialized compare your diamond tool. This feature makes it easy to see how your ring holds up against competitors in carat size, carat weight, and more to ensure you’re walking home in confidence with a real stunner.

Are you ready to get going on finding your dream ring? Of course you are! Check below to learn more and ladies…RockHer is offering an additional 10% off the spring sale (30% off total) to all Style Me Pretty users with code: STYLEMEPRETTY. So start hinting to bae to start shopping now!

Knowing Your Diamond Ring: The 4 C’s

By now, we’ve already established that using RockHer’s AI-enhanced diamond search makes buying a diamond easier than ever. But it certainly doesn’t hurt going in knowing what you’re shopping for. So we’re giving you an overview of the 4 C’s– cut, carat, color, and clarity- below.

First up is cut, which many diamond experts consider to be the most important of the 4 C’s. Cut shouldn’t be confused with shape, which is the shape of the diamond (like “round,” “oval,” or “princess”). Cut is actually a grading of how well a diamond was cut. Why do experts say this is the most important of the four C’s to know when buying a diamond? Because how well a diamond is cut affects how well it captures light. So a well cut diamond will sparkle beautifully, while a poorly cut diamond will look dim and dull.

Next we have carat, which is actually a weight measurement. Many people think carat weight means carat size, or the diamond’s size, but it doesn’t. Carat weight can give you a good idea of a diamond’s carat size, though, because the more it weighs, the bigger it’ll be! A 5 carat diamond will surely be a lot larger than a 1 carat diamond.

Third up is color. For diamonds, the best color grading is D, which means it’s totally colorless. The higher the color grade, the more colorless the diamond. (Pro tip: for white diamonds, the less color- the better!)

Last but not least in our four C’s overview, we have diamond clarity. Clarity is a grading of how flawless a diamond is. Diamonds can have internal or external flaws which can sometimes be seen with the naked eye, making the diamond look less beautiful. So the higher the clarity grading, the more flawless your diamond is.

Now that you have this info, rest assured ROSI will help you eliminate any defects not seen to the naked eye as you search. After all, you deserve to take home a real winner in your diamond ring!

Oval Engagement Rings

Now onto the fun part- the shopping process! If you’ve been near Instagram or Pinterest in the last few months, you’ll know that the popular oval diamond engagement ring setting has been ALL over, worn by the likes of royal influencer like Kate Middleton. The elongated and symmetrical shape is without a doubt a true statement piece. While traditional jewelers can be limited in their oval offerings, RockHer is known for their extensive selection of options across carat sizes that are both elegance and full of timeless glamour.

Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Looking to mix up the classic gold or silver design? A softer and subtle rosy hue might be for you. The jeweler offers an extensive selection of rose gold engagement rings, including these jaw-dropping halo engagement ring designs, that promote a stunning feminine feel guaranteed to look good on any finger. Better yet, ROSI will help you find a flawless diamond shape in any carat weight to match your pink band – all within budget, of course!

Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Girl, you’re all about tradition. In fact, you’ve been dreaming about that classic rock with round-shaped corners well before it came in style. So these stunning cushion cut diamond engagement rings are for you — as long as they’re presented with champagne and a dozen roses, right? Rock the romance in this expertly cut statement-makers.

Unique Engagement Rings

You’ve always lived life to the beat of your own drum, so your gem should do this too. RockHer offers a variety of unique engagement rings, ranging from teardrop to champagne-colored, that you simply won’t find in any ordinary jewelry store. Browse their selection of dazzling metals, intricate settings, and distinct sizes (we call dibs on the dreamy, heart-shaped one!) that’ll set you apart.

Gorgeous Wedding Bands

Once you’ve officially said “I do”, accessorize your finger with a sleek wedding band. RockHer offers styles for both him and her in attractive metallic options like white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold. Whether you’re going with a slightly domed, flat, or hammer design, one scroll through and you’ll be swooning over them all.

Then, if you’re looking for something with a little extra glamour, consider designing your own eternity band. With their band builder tool, you can customize width, metal type, and color to create something flawless and sophisticated to slide onto your ring finger. Bonus: Since you have total control, you can design something that sticks within your number.

Put A Ring On It!

All things said you have SO many options when it comes to picking a premium sparkler to mark your forever. Relying on an easy, customized process, all while avoiding premium fees, is the way to go.

Don’t forget: RockHer is offering 30% percent off to all Style Me Pretty users with code: STYLEMEPRETTY so you can find the one today!

 

An Ethereal Wedding with Celestial Vibes at Franciscan Gardens

This wedding is so good it’s literally out of this world. No, seriously you guys… this Franciscan Gardens wedding day planned by Fawn Events is jam-packed with celestial details and stunningly ethereal moments. The two styles blended so seamlessly together, creating a cosmic connection in one of the most stand-out weddings on SMP! We’re so excited to share these stellar photos captured by Ashley Burns Photography. This one is truly extraordinary…

From Ashley Burns PhotographyWhat really sets this gorgeous wedding apart was the blending of two different trends and making them one – ethereal and celestial. Soft yet modern. Both trends played off the day and each other so effortlessly. The day was super detail oriented – from the unique floral arrangements, to the subtle star and universe touches (like the brides ombre star veil), to the carefully handpicked metallic bridesmaid gowns, down to the custom handmade charcoal grey velvet napkins with tiny crystals as the napkin tie. It was the perfect day – perfect sunny weather, perfect setting – until unexpected rain came during their first dance. The forecast didn’t even predict this rain, It came out of nowhere. The couple remained dancing in the rain to Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish, then everyone used their velvet napkins as umbrellas and gathered inside where the ceremony was for the rest of the evening and danced the night away! Although the day did not play out how the couple envisioned, nothing rained on their parade. It was still the best night ever.

The venue is hidden in the middle of a small historic Orange County town called San Juan Capistrano. It offers both an indoor, industrial setting, in addition to a gorgeous, private outdoor garden area.

Instead of traditionally exchanging vows at the alter, the couple days prior to the wedding went to the Rise Festival in the Mojave Desert and wrote their vows on lanterns (and in a vow book) and released them into the sky. During their first look, they shared what they wrote one another on their lanterns. It made for a very poetic, unique way to commit their lives to one another. The location for the first look was at the historical Mission of San Juan Capistrano, which was a Spanish mission founded in 1776.

From the Bride… It doesn’t rain in Southern California, and it rained. Unexpectedly, it down-poured, right as the garden reception was beginning. In an incredibly heartwarming effort, all of our friends and family came together to ensure that we had the night of our lives. Right before our eyes, the indoor ceremony space was transformed into an impromptu reception! Members of our bridal party and photographer, Ashley, replicated our sweetheart table inside – as guests and staff alike brought in the centerpieces and decor elements. While guests enjoyed their salads from their laps in their ceremony seat, our coordinator, Laura, and the 24 Carrots staff carried in tables and set up the room so fast that no one even realized how they were suddenly eating at a table with a glass of champagne. The running joke was that our handmade velvet napkins (by our guest Peggy!) made great umbrellas. Quickly our disappointment turned into an overwhelming love and gratitude for all of our guests. We danced the night away right in the place where we said “I do”, and it was nothing shy of perfect.

Photography: Ashley Burns Photography | Videography: Jeremy Foster | Floral Designer: Desert Rose Florals | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Ginger & Fox Bake Shop | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Engagement Ring: Michael M | Wedding Bands: The True Gem Company | Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | Makeup: Emma Willis | Makeup: Emma Wellis | Hair: Hair Artistry by Desirae | DJ: Vox DJs | Wedding Venue: Franciscan Gardens | Bridesmaid Pajamas: Victoria's Secret | Cluster Ring: Bella Terra Jewels | Crystal Hair Piece and Flower Girl Crowns: Jewelz by Jewlia | Custom Velvet and Linen Napkins: Elm Street Textiles | Design and Coordination: Madeline Ramirez (Bride) | Design and Coordination: Fawn Events | Dessert: Sidecar Doughnuts | Escort Card Calligraphy: Kimi Nam from Wabi Sabi | First Look and Vow Exchange: Mission San Juan Capistrano | Flower Girl Cape: Tutu Du Monde | Flower Girl Jumpsuit: OMOLOKO | Flower Girl Shoes: Avarcas | Garter: Mamie & James | Handmade Cotton Rag Paper: Fringe and Rose | Necklaces: GLDN | Ombre Star Veil: Crown and Glory | Photobus: Traveling Photobus | Robe: Lunya | Signage: Beau Paperie | Tuxedo and Groom's Shoes: Calvin Klein

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Romantic Raleigh Garden Wedding at Merrimon-Wynne House

When it comes to Southern garden weddings—this one my friends, is your blueprint. Set at the ever-charming Merrimone-Wynne House, and dressed to the nines thanks to A Southern Soiree and Specialties Florals & Events, it’s the kind of soiree that will never go out of style. You can be sure every single capture from Caroline Lima will stand the test of time.

From the bride… Around Christmas of 2011, MG and I met through mutual friends. I was drawn in by his generosity and his long-lasting relationships with those he loved. After almost six years of cherished time together, MG proposed in the fall of 2017. We were with friends in Asheville, NC, and it was exactly one year from our Wedding date. Even with me being from New York, we knew we wanted an intimate gathering of our closest family and friends, and at no better place then where it all started- Raleigh, North Carolina.

While planning our wedding, I knew that I wanted it to feel like a romantic garden party. We wanted lots of greenery, and cascading flowers while adding in lots of personal, custom details, most of which we could use again in our home. We centered a lot of our reception around our Custom Crest that was made by Simply Jessica Marie. It has a lot of details embedded in it that were very personal to us, and that told our love story.

On the day of the wedding we were fortunate to have a beautiful and sunny, yet crisp, late fall day. We had a wedding for 120 of our closest friends & family, with a ceremony in front of a beautiful floral and greenery arch. I wore an Enzoani gown, paired with one of my favorite details of the wedding, my cathedral length veil and hair combs by Cheryl King Couture, along with my “something borrowed”, which were 2 hair clips that my sister wore in her wedding. These pieces were very special to me, not only because I was wearing something of my sisters, but I knew that this would be something that I could pass down to my children for generations to come.

We chose black tuxes for the men, with MG wearing a Navy tux to stand out, while the girls wore Aidan and Mira Jenny Yoo dresses in Whipped Apricot in the style of their choice.

The venue, The Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh, alone was stunning, but we chose to accent it with loose, organic florals using soft jewel tones, with pops of plum and burgundy. The bouquets were hand tied with a mix of silk and velvet ribbons. We continued our floral aesthetic with a floral chandelier in the carriage house, centered on the dance floor. With its cascading florals and greenery, it was the focus of the reception creating a romantic, garden party feel. There were also four greenery balls that cascaded down in the corners of the room.

We tried to not leave any detail out, with using the most of our Custom Crest by Simply Jessica Marie. We incorporated it into our napkins, cups, programs, and pillow cases. I also had one of my favorite artists, BECCA, paint a watercolor of the Merrimon-Wynne House to use as a guest book. I know we will always cherish this as it holds a reminder of one of our favorite days, and we will have it hanging in our house for years to come.

With my Mother being Italian, we couldn’t have desserts without Italian cookies and Jordan almonds being present. Along with our gorgeous wedding cake by the The Cupcake Shoppe, we had additional cakes for our guests from the amazing Hayes Barton Café & Dessertery.

Photography: Caroline Lima Photography | Florist: Specialties Florals & Events | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering: Donovan's Dish | Hair & Makeup: Ashley Mooney | Hair & Makeup: Ron Carlos Salon | Ceremony music: Arioso Strings | Bar Hashtag: Happily Ever Etched | Cake Artist: The Cupcake Shoppe | Cards Against the Davises and Bar Signage: Chelsea Celeste Design & Photography | Cups and Napkins: Sip Hip Hooray | Day of Calligrapher: Mason Dixon Design | Embroidered Napkins: Lumina Embroidery | Event venue: Merrimon-Wynne House | Furniture Rentals: Cottage Luxe | Groom and Groomsmen's attire: The Black Tux | Guest Book Painting: BECCA | Invitations, Acrylic Signage, and Programs: Haley Michelle Designs | Ornaments: Coton Colors | Other Cakes: Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery | Planning and styling: A Southern Soirée | Reception music: Bunn DJ Company | Rentals: CE Rentals | Veil: Cheryl King Couture | Wedding Crest and Pillows: Simply Jessica Marie | Wedding Dress Designer : Enzoani | Wedding dress boutique: Divas Boutique and Bride

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Romantic Vintage Fall Wedding with Rose Floral Accents at Rancho Valencia

I’ve seen a LOT of pink weddings in my years of writing weddings for Style Me Pretty, but today’s color palette showcases this pretty hue like no other. With vintage details and rose floral accents, you can find layers of mauve, crimson, coral and dusty ivory, mimicking a sweet California sunset. With planning by HauteFêtes and blooms by Plenty Of Petals, Liz and Molly celebrated a day that was equally as beautiful as their love. Make sure to take a stroll in the full gallery from Whiskers and Willow for the entire fete!

As told by HauteFêtes Fine Weddings & EventsLike many couples today, Liz Lundy and Molly Bittner met online six years ago and have since been inseparable. Despite the modern way they met, however, the couple shares a mutual love of tradition. Liz grew up on the east coast in Philadelphia and Molly in Atlanta and they both moved to Los Angeles for work. A NASA JPL engineer, Molly had been in LA for six months, while Liz, who works new programming for Netflix, had only been in LA for two weeks. They met at a café and Molly thought how cute Liz looked with her freckles and black leather jacket. They instantly clicked and after dating five years, Liz finally popped the question and Molly said yes!

While they both love LA, they also love to travel and envisioned for their wedding somewhere intimate and reflective of Southern California, especially since the majority of their guests would be traveling to the wedding from out of state. They both fell in love with Rancho Valencia and its pretty Spanish styling with its terracotta walls and olive groves which provided the inspiration for the wedding design.

With so many pretty spaces at the venue, I wanted to maximize each area while incorporating cultural traditions that were important to them for each wedding day event. Since Liz is Jewish and Molly is Catholic, they were open to a creative take on the ceremony set up while adhering to tradition. For their ceremony, Liz and Molly wanted it to feel intimate and also lush. Together with Plenty of Petals, we incorporated a beautiful Chuppah, draped with a rose-terracotta chiffon reminiscent of Rancho Valencia’s walls, covering it with clusters of beautiful blooms as if growing up from the ground. We surrounded the Chuppah with rows of chairs on three sides, almost like the knave in a church which appealed to Molly, so that guests felt like they were also part of the ceremony. In keeping with Jewish cultural tradition, each bride had both their mother and father accompany them down the aisle – and with three sides, we created a separate aisle for each bride and their respective bridal parties to walk down – and then, once married, Liz and Molly walked back up the central aisle together, further symbolizing their union.

For the reception, inspired by a fall palette of dusty rose, taupe, and caramel, we designed a warm and inviting atmosphere, layering traditional touches such as warm La Tavola velvet linens, wood tables and vintage crystal, china and silver with fun, playful details like knot-tied napkins and pretty customized floral menus by Design House of Moira. In keeping with the Spanish influences of the venue, a beautiful wrought iron gate with escort cards hand tied with rose colored ribbon welcomed guests to take their seats.

Liz and Molly concluded the night dancing to the band Jordan Music Entertainment, with a gelato bar set up outside for anyone who wanted an extra treat with their cake, whose floral design created by Hey There, Cupcake was inspired by the stationery suite. As a further homage to their traditional side, they performed a first dance to Christina Aguilera’s “I Turn to You” and then each bride danced with her father, followed by a raucous Horrah which got everyone onto the dance floor. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day that was in every way a reflection of Liz and Molly.

One final note. When Liz’s mother and I first spoke about wedding planning, she shared her experiences with vendors she had spoken with earlier who had not been supportive of their union. Sadly, we remain a nation divided – whether it’s politics, race, religion, or sexual orientation. When it comes to love, however, we shouldn’t be. Love is after all love, and as a creative, I support same-sex marriage and believe in creating teams for all my couples with like-minded vendors who share the same vision and values.

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Photography: Jacqueline Benét Photography | Videographer: Audrey Alba Films | Florist: Plenty Of Petals | Cake: Hey There, Cupcake! | Stationery: Moira Ink | Ceremony Venue: Rancho Valencia | Reception Venue: Rancho Valencia | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Watters | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Rancho Valencia | Makeup Artist: Beauty By Stacey | Hair Stylist: Beauty By Stacey | Band: Jordan Music Entertainment | Men's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: Rancho Valencia | Bridal Gown Boutique: Kinsley James Couture Bridal | Bridal Gown Boutique: Island Bridal Boutique | Bridal Gown Designer: Liancarlo | Bridal Gown Designer: Modeca | Event Design, Styling, and Planning: HauteFetes | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
A Romantic Garden Wedding by the Sea at Klentner Ranch

We are in a sea of heavenly lavender and warm golden hues over here as we admire this gorgeous garden wedding at Klentner Ranch. It’s complete with foliage and blooms aplenty, an al fresco reception and the sweetest couple ever. But what truly sets this wedding apart from the rest is a STUNNING arbor design that we’ve never seen before (and we’ve seen a lot, okay?!) Organic Flora and Crowned Events absolutely nailed the design of this romantic autumn wedding. Don’t forget to check out the full gallery of details captured perfectly by Dear Lovers.

From Dear LoversWe have such a love for autumn weddings. This subdued fall wedding, with timeless details and warmth, was one of our favorite weddings we’ve ever had the joy of capturing. Nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara, Klentner Ranch’s blossoming garden, lemon grove and European charm offered the perfect setting for Britney and John’s intimate garden wedding. The bride’s sweet love of lemon trees made it easy to fall in love with the venue. Set against a backdrop of the sea, they exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends surrounded by an abundance of fall foliage and florals.

Britney was dressed in a stunning Willowby by Watters gown that was perfectly accented by a loose low face-framing updo. In keeping with an al fresco feel, they held their reception on the lawn underneath strings of lights. Their tables were set with simple and elegant place settings that incorporated white dishes, soft pink napkins and richly textured florals – offset by earthy concrete candle holders filled with deep gold tapered candles. From the European charm of the garden to the perfect golden Californian light we were graced with, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day.

From the Bride… John and I met three years ago when I moved from Boston to Los Angeles to be closer to my family. On a visit before the move, I attended a local church on the recommendation of a friend. Upon arriving at the church, the first people I happened to meet were the pastor and a handsome man with the kindest brown eyes I’d ever seen. Little did I know, I had just met my future husband and the pastor that would one day marry us. According to John, he was intent on pursuing me shortly after our first meeting, but given my extensive travel schedule, opportunities to cultivate a relationship were few and far between.

Nine months later, following a handful of fruitless encounters, John decided to throw caution to the wind and ask me on a date. Being oblivious to John’s attempts to advance the relationship beyond a casual friendship, I was stunned (happily so). Not long after the first date, we both knew that we had found the person we had been praying for. We targeted a wedding date no more than eight months following our engagement, so time was of the essence. Our first aim was to find a venue. I started by putting together an excel spreadsheet with more than 70 options. I realized not long after that I wouldn’t be able to do this without the help of a planner.

 A friend connected us to the incomparable Jessica Williams (Crowned Events) and it was evident from our first chat that she would be able to bring our vision to life: to honor God and throw a good party! The ceremony and reception were held at Klentner Ranch in Carpinteria, CA. We and our guests, who had traveled from all over the country, gathered on an unseasonably warm November day. The ocean, shrouded in fog on our first visit to the property, was clearly visible, the warm sun having burned away any trace of the marine layer. The various elements of the day nearly matched the splendor of the setting — the delicious dinner, the unique and elegant flowers, the decadent banana cake and the killer DJ — each contributed to make it one that we’ll always remember.

Photographer: Dear Lovers | Floral Design: Organic Flora | Gown: Willowby by Watters | Cake: Peggy's Kitchen | Invitations: Michelle Renee Calligraphy | Bride's Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: Lorraine Lim Catering | Hair and Makeup: Elwynn and Cass | DJ: Josue Arias | Suit: Bonobos | Wedding Venue: Klentner Ranch | Day-of Stationery and Signage: Sophia Loves Letters | Dress Boutique: A Stitch In Time | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab | Groom's Tie + Socks: The Tie Bar | Planning + Design: Crowned Events | Rentals: Party Pleasers | Rentals: The Tent Merchant | Rentals: borrowed BLU

Southern-Style Wedding at Maravilla Gardens in Southern California

Carly and Ryan were originally set to be wed at Triunfo Creek Vineyards. But sadly, after the Malibu fires just one week before their Big Day, the couple had to search for another venue. Thankfully, they landed on the beautiful Maravilla Gardens for a day that went off without a hitch, planned by Feathered Arrow. See how it all unfolded below with Jenny Quicksall and Amari Productions.

How did you two meet?

Met at Eureka! In Irvine, CA. He was at the microbrewery for an after work happy hour and I was there because of a friend’s recommendation (I’m a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur). She said they had good coffee so I stopped there before a bible study. Ryan walked over from a couple barstools down and opened with the line “You know you’re drinking coffee at a bar, right?” The coffee actually did suck but he got my number and took me back there for our first date!! They’re much better at burgers and beer!

Fun fact: it wasn’t until after we met, that I realized we both had swiped “right” on Bumble a few weeks prior but it never amounted to anything. Guess I needed to drink a crappy cup of coffee in a bar to meet the love of my life! Ha!

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Tell us about the proposal!

Ryan and I love, love, love traveling. We go somewhere new every season (maybe not now that we’re planning a wedding!) Victoria, Nantucket and Hawaii are a few of our favorites! Because I love Christmas, Ryan planned a December weekend trip to NYC (we have both been there with family) to see the decorations and lights. Early on in the relationship, I told Ryan that one of my favorite places in NY is Gapstow bridge in front of The Plaza Hotel in Central Park. Our first morning there, Ryan takes me to Central Park (early!) and as I’m snapping pics, he asks two passerybys to take a picture of us. He trecks through the mud and grass to stand in front of the bridge, and I follow, rolling my eyes, because I think we are inconveniencing the kind gentlemen. Ryan asks for one more picture and drops down on one knee. Turns out, the two strangers were not strangers at all- they were actually Ryan’s coworkers from his work’s New York office. Ryan pulled it off! After the proposal, we went to The Plaza for celebratory champagne before calling our friends and family. It was a special moment to ourselves.

What are your favorite weekend activities?

We love Saturday morning walks on the Manhattan Beach Strand, donuts, traveling and binge watching Stranger Things! If we’re not on an airplane, we’re either at the beach, hiking, wine tasting, scouting out a new coffee shop or taking a Sur La Table cooking class together.

Can you tell us something special about one another?

An introvert and former Boy Scout, Ryan grew up with a baseball always in his hands. He has since then discovered a love for golf. Last year, his New Years resolution was to go to a new city by himself every month (his brother is a pilot, so he has the buddy pass). Ryan somehow managed to fit in 12 new cities while dating Carly- impressive! He also has an amazingly dry sense of humor and is a fantastic salsa dancer.

As a lover of pineapples, Frank Sinatra, and white magnolias, I always knew I was going to have a southern themed wedding. Family is so important to both Ryan and I. He’s a total Southern Californian boy hailing from Orange County, and while I was born and raised in SoCal as well, my entire family is from and still resides in Virginia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and even the Midwest! 35 family members flew in from 6 different states to be a part of our big day! Also, while Ryan will tell you that I’m a “Disney princess reincarnated”- that is simply not true :)- but I do know every line and lyric to Beauty and The Beast! And because of those childhood memories, it was important that my dad and I walked down the aisle to the instrumental version of “Tale as Old As Time.” I sobbed all the way down, of course. The minute I turned the corner, the flood gates opened. But I also cry during Hallmark Christmas movies and in any chick flick, for that matter. Speaking of, I really think my love for the The Notebook inspired my wedding vision, too. There is nothing more southern or more romantic than that classic love story!

Photography: Jenny Quicksall Photography | Videography: Amari Productions | Planner: Kari Dirksen Of Feathered Arrow Events | Florals: Poppy Hill Flowers | Cake: SusieCakes | Catering: Command Performance Catering | Calligraphy: Betlem Calligraphy | Bartenders: Cocktail Concierge | Donuts: Randy's Donuts LA | Hair/ Makeup: Bliss Bridal Beauty | Invitation Suite: Whimsy B Paperie | Laser Cut Sign: Creative Amme | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Music: CLS Entertainment Group | Outdoor Venue: Maravilla Gardens | Rentals: A Rental Connection | Ribbon: Tono Co | Specialty Rentals: Dish Wish

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Texas College Sweethearts Wed at The Room On Main in Dallas

As someone who found love in college myself, I’ve got a soft spot for college sweethearts—and today’s lovebirds are simply the cutest pair. Also like my husband and I, Haley and Hunter said I do nine years after meeting and oh, did they do it in serious style. With Engaged Events and Something Pretty Floral to help beautify the day, their Dallas celebration is one I know you’ll go a little pin-happy with. Stephanie Brazzle captured it all, right here.

From Stephanie BrazzleHaley and Hunter met in September of their freshman year at TCU. They remained mere acquaintances until after a couple chance encounters, Hunter asked Haley on their first date. Hunter picked Haley up from her dorm, Colby Hall, and they walked to nearby Dutch’s Burgers, a local favorite at TCU. Despite the first date nerves, they had a great time and began what would be a long journey together that would culminate with their wedding over nine years later.

During the next four years at TCU, Haley and Hunter formed countless friendships and made memories that they cherish to this day. The summer following their graduation from TCU, Hunter moved to Waco to attend Baylor Law School, and Haley started her first job in Fort Worth. They drove back and forth between Waco and Fort Worth nearly every weekend for the following three years. Hunter’s law school graduation was not only significant for Hunter, but also meaningful for Haley and Hunter as a couple, knowing that their future together could finally begin in the same city! To celebrate this milestone, Haley and Hunter spent two wonderful weeks in Italy. During their last evening in Venice while watching boats sail through the canal, Hunter surprised Haley with a proposal. After Haley said “yes!” and shed a few tears, they returned home to share this exciting news with their family and friends.

Shortly after returning home, Haley and Hunter moved to Dallas together, where they began planning their wedding. It meant so much to Haley and Hunter to host their families from all over the country in Dallas. They were married in the Cox Chapel at Highland Park United Methodist Church and the reception was held at The Room on Main. It perfectly embodied what they had always envisioned for their wedding day, a traditional, intimate, and emotional celebration. As the bride and groom arrived at the reception, the sun was setting beautifully through the 15-foot floor to ceiling windows. And as the sun set, hundreds of candles placed on the tables throughout the room illuminated the venue. As the reception came to an end, Haley and Hunter shared one last romantic dance together followed by a grand exit as friends and family tossed rose petals. It was a beautiful night which brought together Haley’s and Hunter’s families and friends for which they will be forever grateful. It was truly a night they will remember forever!

photographer: Stephanie Brazzle Photography | videographer : Jonathan Mayfield Media | wedding dress : Nordstrom | Cake: Panini Bakery | Invitations: Scribbles And Swirls | ceremony : Highland Park Methodist Church | Reception Venue: The Room On Main | catering: Cn Catering | hair and makeup : Anastasia Strattan | lighting : Le Force Entertainment | DJ: Le Force Entertainment | tux: The Black Tux | transportation: Blue Diamond Limousines | accomodations : Hotel Crescent Court | floral: Something Pretty Floral | planning : Engaged Events

5 Easy & Delicious Comfort Food Recipes Your Sweetheart Will Love

Raise your hand if you LOVE cooking for your Mr. or Mrs.! Now raise your hand if you’d love to but you’re no Martha Stewart in the kitchen if you know what I mean (um… guilty.) Well, don’t let that stop you from treating your loved one to a tasty, home-cooked meal from time to time made by yours truly. With the help of our friends at Cuisinart, we’re sharing a bunch of super easy and super delicious comfort food recipes that anyone will love – whether your S.O. is salty or sweet! Keep on reading for 5 simple-to-make dishes that are perfect for any occasion, from a wedding anniversary to a birthday… or for no reason at all!

 

WAFFLES

You can’t go wrong with a breakfast comfort food classic! Want to whip up some Pinterest-worthy waffles for your S.O. but have no clue where to start? Easy – Cuisinart’s Round Classic Waffle Maker does the job for you! Get those perfectly round and golden waffles every time without fail, guaranteed. We’ll have your hub thinkin’ you’re the Barefoot Contessa in no time.

Adapted from: This recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
  • Maple syrup
  • 8 oz heavy whipping cream
  • Fresh blueberries (optional)

Instructions:

Chill the bowl & whisk attachment of the Cuisinart Stand Mixer in the freezer for 15 minutes while you assemble breakfast ingredients.

Place the bowl & whisk on the Stand Mixer. Pour in the whipping cream & 1 tablespoon of sugar.

Whisk the cream on high until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. Set whipped cream aside.

Preheat Cuisinart waffle iron.

Beat eggs in large bowl with whisk until fluffy.

Stir in flour, milk, vegetable oil, 1 tbs sugar, baking powder, salt and extract, just until smooth.

Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour mix onto hot waffle iron & cook until golden brown.

Serve waffles hot with a scoop of whipped cream & drizzled with maple syrup and blueberries.

CHICKEN POT PIE

Ahh, chicken pot pie – an American household staple! It’s hard to beat a homemade pot pie with creamy filling and a flaky crust… it’s a dish that brings you straight back to childhood. It might look intimidating at first, but it’s actually much easier than you think! And with Cuisinart’s state-of-the-art food processor on hand, it’s going to make things a piece of cake… or dare we say, easy as pie ;)

Adapted from: This recipe!

Ingredients:

  • For the biscuits:
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, cold and cut into thick slices
  • 1 1/8 cup buttermilk, cold

For the filling:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ cups thinly diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1½ cups frozen peas, thawed
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Instructions:

Make the biscuits: whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and sugar in a medium bowl.

Pour the dry mixture into the Cuisinart food processor. Add the butter and cream cheese and pulse them into the flour mixture until it is unevenly crumbly.

Add the buttermilk and mix it into the dry ingredients until it forms a shaggy dough.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly-floured cutting board. Knead lightly until it comes together and then press it into a flat circle about 1½ inches thick.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Use a biscuit cutter to cut biscuit shapes, placing each on a cookie sheet. Press together the dough scraps and repeat until no dough remains. Set biscuits aside in the refrigerator.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Make the filling: in a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbs of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the garlic and continue cooking an additional minute. Add the carrots, celery and peas and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a medium bowl and set aside.

Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in the same saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and chicken broth. Once no bits of flour remain, turn the heat to medium-low and whisk in the milk and cream.

Add the chicken, lemon and nutmeg. Stir in the vegetables and cook together for several minutes.

Pour filling into a large skillet or baking dish. Place the biscuits on top of the filling until it is completely covered.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the biscuits are golden and the filling along the sides of the dish is bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.

MAC & CHEESE

No, we’re not talking microwavable mac and cheese here, folks – we’re talking delicious, creamy, gourmet mac & cheese that’s about to be your new go-to as a main or side dish for any occasion. Kids and adults alike will love this cozy meal.

Adapted from: This recipe! 

Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
  • ¼ tsp paprika

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain into a colander and then put into a large casserole dish.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk and cream to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in the cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick.

Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir well.

Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add the panko crumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese until fully covered. Sprinkle with a little paprika.

Bake for 30 minutes and serve!

SOUP & GRILLED CHEESE

Let’s face it – grilled cheese is basically the comfort food champion of life! It’s also ridiculously easy to master, so we couldn’t help but add it to our list (twice!) Want to take this classic dish one step further? Use Cuisinart’s Griddler like we did for major style points. It’s super easy to use with user-friendly digital controls, an LCD display and 5-in-1 cooking options. The floating cover and reversible plates are easily removable, so you have a grill and a griddle all in one! For a delicious pair, we’re serving up a side of Creamy Tomato Soup to go along with this delicious pressed grilled cheese sandwich.

Adapted from: This recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes, with juice
  • 16 oz chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh basil

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Add garlic and cook about 1 minute.

Stir in flour and blend, cook about 1 minute.

Add stock and tomatoes with juice and bring to a boil.

Turn the heat down to low and use and use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or transfer in batches to a blender to puree).

Stir in cream and cook 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, serve hot.

PESTO GRILLED CHEESE

Grilled cheese is just so good and easy to me make that it deserved two spots on our list. To put a fun spin on this simple classic – just add pesto! It’s so surprisingly delicious you’ll be wondering what you’ve been doing all these years without it.

Adapted from: This recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices Italian bread
  • 1 tablespoon softened butter
  • 1 tablespoon prepared pesto sauce
  • 3 slices provolone cheese
  • 3 slices fresh mozzarella

Instructions:

Heat up your Cuisinart griddler to 400°F on the grill setting.

Spread one side of a slice of bread with butter, and place it buttered side down on the griddler.

Layer the provolone cheese and mozzarella cheese atop the slice of bread. Lightly spread the pesto on top of the mozzarella layer.

Butter a second slice of bread and place atop the sandwich. Press down the griddler and cook for about 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is crisp and lightly browned.

We hope you enjoy these delicious, easy-to-make comfort food dishes with your spouse or soon-to-be! We exclusively used Cuisinart’s amazing products to cook each of these meals, and all of their products are available to add to your wedding registry – how exciting is that!? There are so many different products to choose from to help you fill your dream kitchen with everything you’ll need, from appliances to cookware to bakeware! The options are truly endless. Happy cooking!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

Romantic Garden Wedding in Bermuda at Mount Pleasant

The love story that precedes this beachy fete has a serendipitous twist for the books… raised in Bermuda, this duo found their way to each other upon returning home after studying overseas. But what’s more—six years later they found an old photo together in which they both attended the same violin class, unknowingly from youth. It’s one of those stars align, meant-to-be kind of love stories. Their wedding from dasfete and Jenny Moloney is the sweetest culmination.

From the bride… Ryan and I first met 8 years ago in Bermuda, having both moved home to the island after studying overseas and we have been together ever since. However, a couple of years ago, a close family friend discovered an old photograph of me in a violin class when I was only 5 years old. One of the boys in the picture next to me turned out to be Ryan! We still marvel that the photo was discovered as we would have never otherwise realized that we had in fact known each other most of our lives.

As two Bermudians, we knew our island home was where we wanted our family and friends to come for a week of celebrating, boating, golfing, fishing and beaching. The search for the venue itself proved a little more difficult as we wanted somewhere off the beaten path. On an island 22 miles long, that is no easy feat. We eventually stumbled on Mount Pleasant — an expansive Bermudian estate tucked discreetly upon a hill with unrivaled views, tall trees, native florals and intricate gardens. It was originally built as Bermuda’s first court house, and is now owned by a childhood friend of Ryan’s who grew up in a family home next door to Mount Pleasant. It was the ultimate playground for two young boys to bounce around and climb everything in sight. Being able to host our ceremony and reception at a property steeped in Bermudian history with so many childhood memories was incredibly special and meaningful.

One of the very first things we came up with after getting engaged was the wedding hashtag – #AFariesTaleWedding – which was a spin on my future last name “Faries.” The hashtag, coupled with the beautiful gardens of Mount Pleasant, set the aesthetic for our wedding early on and became the main inspiration for the rest of the details. We envisioned a day of relaxed elegance which was brought to life by Selange and Matthew Strong of Dasfete. One of my favorite design elements was the pergola with sheer white draped fabric, hand built by Matthew and Dasfete’s carpenters, as it gave the tent a stunning visual effect.

Having our wedding close to home meant we could take advantage of local Bermudian talent including Coral Coast Clothing, which is owned by two close friends. With one of the founders, Adam Petty, in the wedding party, it couldn’t have been more fitting to feature their clothing line for the groomsmen attire. The custom Bermuda shorts matched the wedding’s soft color palette perfectly. Ryan also gifted the groomsmen personalized Coral Coast shirts with their initials monogrammed on the cuff, adding a special touch.

My signature cocktail was vodka-based, with a touch of mint, while Ryan’s featured Goslings rum. For our dessert bar, Dasfete incorporated an ice cream bar and an 8’ donut wall featuring “malsadas” (Portuguese donuts) as a nod to Ryan’s Azorean descent. Dasfete also framed a picture of our dog, Cedar, to mark the head table and it was an amazing touch to see her sweet little face when we sat down. The hashtag was appropriately displayed in giant lettering above the pool and was immersed on a bed of greenery surrounded by giant floating balloons. It was a popular spot for insta-worthy pictures!

As locals, we know that Bermuda weather can be volatile. Though we woke up to downpouring rain, when it came time to walk down the aisle the skies had cleared for a sunny ceremony and cocktail hour. With only one other quick rain shower happening while everyone was safely seated underneath the tent for dinner, we like to think the well-timed rain was a gentle nudge from our loved ones above, including both of our fathers who had passed away. The entire day was beautifully captured by our photographers, Jenny Moloney and her husband Blake. We fell in love with their charismatic personalities and are so happy they were able to travel all the way to Bermuda to capture our most special moments.

Hiring Das Fete was the single best decision we made in wedding planning. We had a specific vision in mind and Selange and Matt executed it flawlessly. They masterminded the garden wedding of our wildest dreams, transforming a backyard into a magical oasis fully equipped with sound, a dance floor and a kitchen which simply would not have been possible without them and their team.

One piece of advice is to choose wisely in picking where you will be getting ready on the day of the wedding. You spend a significant amount of time in that space and it also shapes your mood and your frame of mind for the rest of the day. Some of my fondest memories and pictures are from the pre-wedding hours spent with my bridesmaids getting ready and relaxing. Speakers and a playlist, PJ’s for your girls, some small decorations, candles to set the vibe and a little bubbly will go a long way!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/293811717 600 338]

From the planner, dasfete… The most important part for Dasfete as planners and designers is to tell the bride and grooms story and create memories that they and their guests will forever cherish. The details create the experience and ambiance. Selange met with Lyndsay and Ryan to learn about their personalities, their love, their story to really bring to life their fairytale wedding.

In Bermuda you have limited tent options and only one choice for a tent liner. Dasfete wanted this tent to be a one of a kind elevated experience without taking away from the stunning gardens that surrounded it. They knew they needed to think outside the box. By creating custom built pergolas with hanging chandeliers and fabric the tent came alive and created an intimate and romantic space. The dinner tables featured romantic florals using local greenery and florals that would typically be grown in a Bermudian garden- Garden roses, Snap Dragons, Ferns, Stephanotis etc. In addition, the dancefloor was positioned in the middle of the tent with a quote from one of their favourite reggae songs (Buju Banton- I don’t wanna let you go, with you I’m in no hurry) with a beautiful lounge that divided the dining area from the dancing area- allowing for ease of flow and creating intimate spaces. The custom-built bars were positioned next to the dancefloor adorned with hanging florals, pendants and endless candles. An outdoor lounge was draped with Edison bulbs under a starry night so those taking a break from the dance floor could take in the stunning property under the stars… tying in perfectly with #AFariesTaleWedding. The gardens and house were up lit with LED lights in a blush amber color which created a dramatic transition as the sun set.

Photography: Jenny Sherman Photography | Cinematography: Lara Smith | Event Design: dasfete | Event Planning: dasfete | Cakes: Sweet P | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Shona Joy | Catering: Take Five Catering | Makeup Artist: Afroditi Yiovreki | Hair: Raquel from Blue Print Studio | Groomsmen's Attire: Coral Coast Clothing | Wedding Venue: Private Estate: Mount Pleasant | Bridal Dress Shop: Rime Arodaky | Bridal Gown: Rime Arodaky | Bridal Hair Accessories: jennifer behr | Bridal Robe: Bloomingdales | Bridal Veil: Amsale | Bridemaid Robes: ASOS | Getting Ready Venue: Coral Beach & Tennis Club | Mixologist: The Blind Pig Cocktail Co. | Paper Suite/Graphic Design: Christina Lenahan | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Coral Beach & Tennis Club | Stationery Suite: Sage Paper Co.

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The One Dessert that Beats Birthday Cake, Hands Down

Naomi of The Bakers Royale is our new hero. She took birthday cake and french macarons and combined them into one unbelievably good looking dessert. Behold the Cake Batter French Macaron perfect for that sprinkle fix or any and all birthday celebrations. Never ever will I settle for regular old cake again. Psst… check out more delicious sweet treats right here.

Cake Batter French Macarons
prep time
1 Hour/s 45 Minute/s
cook time
20 Minute/s
total time
2 Hour/s 5 Minute/s
Serves 0Ingredients
  • Macaron shells
  • 60 g almond meal
  • 120g confectioner's sugar
  • 20 g granulated sugar
  • 60 g egg whites (about 2 eggs)
  • 3 tablspoons sprinkles
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon teal powdered food color (I used Rolkem)
  • Cake Batter Icing
  • 1 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup yellow cake mix
  • 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 drops pink food coloring
Instructions
  1. Preparation: Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Process almond meal and powdered sugar in a food processor; sift and discard any large chunks. *If you are using powdered food coloring, whisk it in now. Set aside.
  3. Place egg whites and sugar in a stand mixer bowl, fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on medium low speed until egg whites start to form loose translucent bubbles. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until meringue turns foamy and white and starts to resemble well lathered shampoo, about 2 minutes. Increase mixer to high and beat until meringue holds glossy stiff peaks, about another 2-3 minutes. *If you are using liquid food coloring, add it in now and beat until just combined. Turn off mixer.
  4. Add dry ingredients to meringue. Using a sturdy spatula fold and smash dry mixture into meringue against side of bowl for about 20-25 folds. Don’t worry about being gentle the idea is to knock the air out of it. The batter should hold its shape when spooned on itself and start to slowly flatten out after about 15-20 seconds. Start checking the batter after 20 folds for readiness. Transfer batter to pastry bag and let rest for 20 minutes before piping.
  5. Pipe 1 1/2 inch circles onto parchment lined baking sheet. Take hold of pan and give it a quick hard tap against the counter, turn the pan 90 degrees and give it another quick hard tap. This will deflate any bubbles and will help to prevent cracked shells.
  6. Set pans aside until a slight skin forms on macarons, about 30-40 minutes. (The batter should not stick to your finger when lightly touched). Bake macarons at 300 degrees F, until macarons easily lift away from paper, about 20 minutes.
  7. To make filling: Add all ingredients into a stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are combined, then gradually increase mixer speed from medium to high and beat for 30-60 seconds on hight until icing is thick and fluffy. Add more powdered sugar to thicken consistency as needed or heavy cream to loosen consistency as needed.
  8. Assembly: Pipe filling on one shell. Place second shell on top.

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We’d also give up our birthday cake for these beauties…

Photography: Bakers Royale | Recipe and Styling: Bakers Royale