We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – we adore when the Bridesmaids are dressed in all white! This Bride dressed her beautiful ‘maids in an array of dreamy, white gowns from Joanna August and Show Me Your Mumu, which popped against the breathtaking grounds of the 1824 House. Michelle Elaine Weddings planned this gorgeous event captured by Dreamlove Wedding Photography, and we have it all for you right here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Michelle Elaine Weddings… I have been blessed to be introduced to this beautiful, fun loving, and amazing family. Kelley is the second of four sisters to be married last year. She was a very calm and easy bride to work with, but she also knew exactly what she wanted and how she envisioned the execution on the wedding day to be, which I absolutely loved!

The natural backdrop at the 1824 House is just so stunning that you don’t need to go overboard with any decor or detail. Jayson Munn designed everything perfectly. Kelley had wanted the design to flow in a way that it felt as if the tables and tent were a part of the property, keeping the design very green, open, and airy.

The ceremony was absolutely breathtaking, atop the hill at 1824 House, providing guests with the most gorgeous views for miles. Kelley’s decision to have her girls dressed in all white was just the right touch – it kept the look simple, clean, and still very pretty while not taking away from the natural beauty of this outdoor space.

From the folk band, to the rustic decor, twinkling lights, homemade pies, and s’mores as the sun went down, this wedding was like a magical wonderland in Vermont!

From Dreamlove Wedding Photography… This summer wedding had us absolutely swooning. Hints of earthy, romantic details were around every corner. Kelley wore flowers in her hair and a dress that had pockets! The pockets came in handy, as she could keep her sunglasses tucked away for those brighter moments during the outdoor ceremony.

The florist created a set of stunning rustic wedding bouquets made of thistles, sea foam poppy pods, succulents, and white peonies. Following the hilltop ceremony, guests were invited into the sailcloth tents for a rustic and cozy reception. Raw linen table runners with garlands of eucalyptus adorned the long dinner tables. Jars of honey personalized with the bride and groom’s pictures served as unique guest favors for everyone!

There were several heartfelt speeches during the evening. Kelley’s sisters followed up the toasts with an amazing rendition of songs. They, along with many of their extended family, welcomed Stephen into the family by singing “We Are Family”! As the sun went down, the dance floor picked up with the twinkling cafe lights. A campfire outside set the scene for a delicious s’more-making party – the perfect ending to such a lovely wedding day.

From the Bride… Stephen and I met roughly nine and a half years ago. It was sophomore year at Middlebury College, and we were at some party. This long-haired hippie wearing a ripped flannel approached me. He reminded me of Mimisiku from “Jungle 2 Jungle,” aka my ultimate teenage crush. We exchanged numbers and soon after, he took me on a snowboarding date. I’ve never looked back.

Steve proposed to me in December of 2014. We went on a getaway weekend up to Bristol, Vermont and stayed at one of our favorite little B&Bs – nothing unusual. We snowshoed up Camel’s Hump and there, at the top, amidst a snowy winter wonderland, Stephen proposed. We snowboarded back down to the car, turned off our cell phones, and celebrated with some delicious Vermont brews!

To other brides, my advice is to plan early and and be prepared to finish everything the week before the wedding so you can sit back and simply enjoy. Try to slow down time on the wedding day, take in as much as you can, smile, and EAT!

My favorite thing about my wedding day, well, obviously Steve was (and continues to be) my favorite thing! But despite the obvious, our family and friends were the best part of our wedding day! We were surrounded by our favorite people in the entire world. And it is the people that make the wedding – the speeches, the dancing, the laughs, the love!

Photography: Dreamlove Wedding Photography | Event Planning: Michelle Elaine Weddings | Floral Design: Jayson Munn | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Rings: Ken & Dana Design | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering: The Linen Shop by Occasions Catering | Makeup: Vivian Infantino | Hair: Marie Trumel | DJ: Vermont Wedding DJ | Band: Love That Duo | Favors: Local Honey | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: 1824 House | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Groom's Bowtie: Tailored Tie | Invitations and Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas | Rentals: Vermont Tent Company | Suspenders: crystalAmour

Alice and Matthias share a love of travel and fine dining, so they knew their wedding had to include a top-notch food experience. They hired an amazing crew of talent, including Madix & Co, Bright Event Rentals, Soulflower Design Studio, Skyla Arts, La Tavola, Ramekins, and Gavin Farrington behind the camera as they exchanged vows and treated their guests to four courses of culinary bliss. Sneak an even closer peek this way in the gallery.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Madix & Co… Alice and Matthias’ wedding was planned with keeping their love of fine dining, travel, and family in mind. Their favorite shared experiences are traveling the world eating at Michelin Star restaurants.

Alice is outgoing and vivacious, while Matthias is understated and introspective. They are both so genuine and kind and care most about creating an unforgettable experience for their guests, many of whom traveled from as far as Germany and China for the wedding.

The focus of the wedding experience was a 4-course dinner set with the formality of a refined restaurant juxtaposed with organic and ethereal elements to keep the ambiance as warm and authentic as the couple. The draped structure and twinkle lights transformed into a breathtaking vision that had our groom stop in his tracks to take it all in.

Photography: Gavin Farrington Photography | Wedding Planning + Design: Madix & Co | Floral Design: Soulflower Design Studio | Catering: Ramekins Sonoma | Hair + Makeup: Skyla Arts Makeup & Hair | DJ: truthlive | Wedding Venue: Gundlach Bundschu Winery | Invitations + Menus: Aerialist Press | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Encore Events Rentals | Signage: Brown Fox Calligraphy | Tent + Lighting: Bright Event Rentals

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Madix & Co

View Portfolio

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

I have found a new favorite accessory that goes far beyond my love for a well styled pool float… Swan donuts! They are one of the many pretty details tucked inside this 1st birthday celebrated poolside. A Swan Soiree seems pretty perfect for the babe of a blogger extraordinaire. It’s a sea of  floral draped teepees, feathered friends and yes, swan donuts, all crafted by Palm Beach Lately, along with Jessica Lorren behind the lens. Get inspired for the perfect summer party with even more in here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

When it came time to start thinking of Grace’s first birthday, I was still loving all things swan! Inspired by her nursery designed by Luxe Report Designs, I decided to do a “swan soiree.” Lovely Little Party created an invitation that incorporated the feminine swan elements with the contrasting Caitlin Wilson rug pattern. We then turned that in to custom wrapping paper, plates and banners. When guests arrived to the party, there was a vignette with the gold and white striped teepee from Land of Nod adorned with floral garland and wrapped presents atop a swan raft. A greenery wall with acrylic letters and paper flowers were the backdrop to the dessert table that was filled with swan donuts, cookies and cupcakes by Earth and Sugar and cake with a swan topper by Edda’s Cake Design. The drink station featured lemonade and iced tea in custom cups with swan straws, a custom Happy Birthday banner and the mimosas and champagne bucket were draped with florals. I wanted a keepsake for Grace, so I brought the “Swans” book from her nursery for guests to leave a message her. The table was draped with a sequin linen and flanked with floral swans created by The Event Group. Thanks to some inspiration from The Celebration Stylist, I spray painted the legs of the Ikea highchair gold and added a monogram decal. Grace wasn’t so sure about her smash cake but loved everyone singing to her! She was swaying back and forth to the song and had so much fun with all the big girls (and boys).

Photography: Jessica Lorren Photography | Event Design: Palm Beach Lately | Invitations: Lovely Little Party | Cake and Smash Cake: Cake Designs by Edda | Cookies, Donuts and Cupcakes: Earth And Sugar | Cups: Social Graces & Co | Custom Wrapping Paper: Heart Swell Co. | Event Decor and Florals: The Event Group Design and Decor | Mirrored Letters: Little Bubba Designs | Paper Flowers: Hayley Sheldon | Paper Plates: Zazzle | Spotted Pillows: Caitlin Wilson | Straws: Paper Trail By Laura B | Swan Balloon Decals: The Couture Kitchen | Swan Pillow: Miss Joyka | Swan Raft: Amazon | TeePee: Land Of The Nod

If you want to know what an incredible anniversary looks like, take cues from Carlie and Gabriel who planned the getaway of a lifetime in Napa. This bride and groom (now “mom and dad”) left the kiddos at home and enjoyed a trip filled with biking, picnicking, swimming, relaxing, and embracing every blissful second to the max. Lucy Munoz captured the love in a beautiful way and we’re giving these two the trophy for cutest couple EVER.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Lucy Munoz… This beautiful Napa anniversary session is sure to give you all the feels! Carlie and Gabriel celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary at the gorgeous Carneros Resort and Spa. Carneros is situated in Napa amongst some gorgeous vineyards and rolling hills. I followed them for 3 days while they biked, had a picnic, relaxed, swam, rejuvenated and in the end took some amazing pictures to celebrate their 13 years of marriage.

Pineapple Petals Studio created an amazing bouquet and florals. For the outdoor romantic tub they wanted everything to represent the joy and love that Gabriel and Carlie have for one another. Carlie’s laugh is so infectious that none of us could stop laughing!

On the last day the sun came out and it was splendid! I took them around the resort (as you can see there are so many gorgeous spots, you just can’t go wrong) to photograph them in formal attire. The light was so creamy that day and the images turned out to be some of my favorites! For this part of our shoot Pineapple Petals Studio created a bountiful bouquet to signify 13 amazing years.

Of course it wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention that Carlie and Gabriel have two beautiful children named Myles and Kaia, who were ok with mommy and daddy spending some quality alone time together.

Happy anniversary to the both of you! 

Photography: Lucy Munoz | Florals : Pineapple Petals Studio | Wedding Dress: Winnie Couture | Shoes : Alejandra G | Hair + Makeup: Melissa Hoffmann | Venue: Carneros Resort and Spa | Resort: Carneros Resort and Spa | Top + Overalls: Wild Blue Denium | Top + Shorts: yireh

Desert and alfresco garden wedding don’t typically go hand in hand but this celebration is proving they look mighty pretty together. From the stunning portraits  complete with desert vistas captured by O’Malley Photographers to the Italian villa inspired tablescapes crafted by Kaleb Norman James Design, there is no denying this Washington wedding’s beauty. Get lost in the breathtaking images of Italy meets the Northwest with even more here!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

Michelle & Martiin pictured rolling hills of lush vineyards and a Tuscan-inspired villa as their background. With the help of Kaleb Norman James they brought their vision to the desert landscape of Washington, where they could retreat from the city but still be surrounded by their closest friends and family. Cave B’s grapevine covered Piazza set the perfect stage, while guests dined on an Italian-inspired meal and local wines. Michelle knew that to accomplish her vision, she wanted guests to enter into a glamorous setting that left guests surrounded by lush white floral and lots of shining crystal on the tables, but simultaneously evoked a fresh, organic feel, with blooming olive branches and weathered oak tables and chairs. Michelle’s Galia Lahav gown added a flair of sophistication with it’s delicate lace and crystal beaded belt. It was truly a gorgeous and memorable wedding!

Photography: O'Malley Photographers | Videography: Chadwick Trentham | Event Design: Kaleb Norman James Design | Event Planning: Kaleb Norman James Design | Floral Design: Kaleb Norman James Design | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Cake: The SweetSide | Stationery: Grey and Cake | DJ: Ross Beck | Wedding Venue: Cave B Winery Estate | Hair & Make-up: Renee Bridal Makeup | Linen Rental: BBJ La Tavola

There are luxurious honeymoons and then there’s Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel’s honeymoon. The Snapchat CEO and supermodel wed just a week ago in a private ceremony in Brentwood, California with their closest family and friends. According to E! News, the couple jetted off to Fiji to celebrate at the Laucala Island Resort, an exclusive island resort that sits on 3,500 acres in gorgeous Fiji that averages anywhere between $12,000 – $60,00 per night. The resort is completely secluded and only accessible via private jet. Each villa offers private infinity pools, floor to ceiling windows, 390 degrees of unreal views, need I say more. Check out more images below. We will be officially day dreaming the rest of the day. Oh, if only!

Photography: LHW

Photography: LHW

Photography: LHW

Photography: LHW

Photos: LHW

If you think sunny skies and open fields are the only way to do an engagement, allow me to introduce Alicia Swedenborg who photographed this foggy city session that’ll make you fully reconsider. The tall white pillars paired with the bride’s sleek jumpsuit made for a crazy stylish look, and the love between these two radiates from every image. See more of this couple in their beloved city right this way.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the bride… Though we attended the same college, we didn’t meet until after we graduated and were introduced by mutual friends at a dinner in Georgetown for a friend who was visiting.

Patrick proposed at Weir Pond on Weir Farm Historic Site in Ridgefield, Connecticut, Kelly’s hometown. The park is adjacent to Kelly’s parent’s house and is somewhere she spent a lot of time as she was growing up.

We wanted to do the engagement session in DC since it is where we met and where we live. It was one of the foggiest mornings I can remember in DC, but the fog combined with the monuments and the cherry blossoms (plus Alicia’s extraordinary talent!) made for magical photos. 

Photography: Alicia Swedenborg | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Blue Earrings: Tuckernuck | Blue Shoes: Marc Fisher | Blue dress: ADEAM | Jumpsuit: BHLDN | Patrick's shoes: Cole Haan | Patrick's suit: Brooks Brother | Shirt: Mizzen and Main

Between the Bride’s Art Deco inspired, beaded BHLDN gown and the modern, black and gold decor with pops of pink, this Parker Palm Springs wedding by Celebrations of Joy Events created a unique vibe that we really dig. Unexpected florals and palm leaf accessories completed the fun, chic look. See the whole day, captured by Mi Belle Photograpers, in the Vault.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Rob and I met in November 2013, and by the following summer, we were living together and embarking on numerous adventurous including international trips! In September 2016, Rob planned a big trip with both of our families to a football game at the University of Michigan – he’s an alum and a massive fan! Before the game, in a moment with all our family watching, Rob made a huge speech. He handed me a T-shirt for the game that said “Michigan Girlfriend”. Rob then told me to turn the shirt around; it read “Michigan Fiancee” on the reverse. He got down on one knee and proposed.

We choose The Parker Palm Springs for its funky, chic, and elegant vibe. It embodies all of the things we love: fun cocktails, outdoors, uniqueness, amazing design, and sunny palm trees. For the look and style of the wedding, I wanted a lot of black and gold, modern elements. I knew we needed an amazing pop of color and decided on hot pink. We incorporated palms as centerpieces and table runners as a nod to the beautiful setting and to add some greenery. I pinned a lot of unique flowers and arrangements – our amazing florist, Luna, really understood my vision and helped it come together!

Cathy and Dorry of COJ Events had great ideas, and it was ultimately a team effort bringing the vision together. For our printed materials, we chose a white and gold foil dot card for the Save the Dates. We followed the theme with the invites, menu cards, and table assignments. We incorporated a deep black into the invites as well. Haley from COJ Events created big signs for each venue (ceremony, reception, and cocktail) named after favorite bands and songs. For example, the ceremony was The Doors, “Hello I love You.” Each table at the wedding was also named after one of our favorite music artists! We sat at The Prince Table.

My wedding dress was from BHLDN. I knew I did not want a traditional wedding dress. The dress was ombre blush was a tule material and covered in intricate beads. Trying on dresses was one of the best parts of the wedding planning process! When I put this one on, my mom and friends were gasping. It was different, and we knew it was the one! I had a headpiece from BHLDN, simple earrings, and – of course – my rings. My shoes were from Nordstrom.

We had so many special moments on our wedding day. My dad, stepdad, and mom all walked me down different parts of the aisle. My mom was the last person, bringing me to Rob. One of our favorite moments (there are many) were the speeches given by our best friends (Best Men and Matrons of Honor). They were amazingly thought out, touching, and perfect.

Photography: Mi Belle Photography | Wedding Planner: COJ Events | Floral Design: Arrangements Floral & Party Designs | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Invitations: Minted | Hair and Makeup: Jen Plus Colour | Lighting: Arrangements Floral & Party Designs | DJ: Red Shoe LA | Venue: The Parker Palm Springs | Desserts: The Parker Palm Springs | Signage: COJ Events

Stop what you’re doing right now. As a celebration of our partnership launch with Black Tomato, we are giving away an eight night trip to one lucky pair of newlyweds who will get to relax like the rich and the famous under the Caribbean sun. Kicking off the trip with four nights on the unparalleled island of Barbados at the five-star Cobbler’s Cove before whisking across the Caribbean Sea via speedboat to the seclusive island of Petit St Vincent for the last four nights! We are talking serious #TravelGoals! Read through some trip highlights below and head over to Black Tomato to enter to win now! Also watch SMP’s Instagram account in the coming weeks for chances to win other amazing prizes from Calpak + BHLDN.

[dotted]

Enter To Win Now!

Enjoy Fresh Cuisine On The Water in Petit St Vincent

Sip Champagne And Enjoy A Sunset Dinner In Seclusion

Experience Swimming With The Locals In The Caribbean Sea

Soak In The Sun From Your Private Island

Relax In Total Luxury

Head over to Black Tomato now to enter to win this once in a lifetime trip! Also, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for other prizes. Good luck! Xoxo.

[dotted]

The Honeymoon Of Your Dreams Is One Click Away!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

There are no words to capture the breathtaking scene that is this engagement session by Christine Clark Photography. From the raw, rugged beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and the ethereal, overcast day to the gorgeous couple and their relaxed, romantic sense of style, every image in this gallery is just WOW. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves…

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Christine Clark Photography… Claire and Paddy’s engagement session took place on the beautiful west side of Ireland. We started out at an old castle ruin, where a lush tapestry of greens spread itself across worn stone. The quiet and luminous solitude of the place was calming in its abandoned beauty. After exploring the ruins and surrounding area, we headed out to the Cliffs of Moher, rugged and green with windswept waves crashing below. We wandered the cliffs, picking our way along the coastal path beneath us. Claire herself is a wonderful photographer in Ireland, and we had a brilliant time roaming the area. The weather held off just long enough for us to venture down the path, taking photos as we went along. It was a lovely day for photo adventures and exploration through the Irish countryside.

Photography: Christine Clark | Makeup: Asta Make-up Artist | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab

When this couple planned their wedding, they knew they wanted to showcase their picturesque 14 acre farm, create a guest-centered experience, and incorporate a few St. Patrick’s Day inspired details (the groom’s favorite day and the day they were legally married). The rest they left up to Cassandre Snyder Events and Design, who created an unforgettable rustic, autumnal fête. See the beauty of the day, captured by Judith Rae Photography.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Frank and I first met online sometime in early 2015. I had just moved to New Jersey from Chicago. My sister-in-law actually created and wrote an online dating profile for me, and I kind of forgot about it until a cold day in March when I was snowed in with my new puppy. I logged on, and this guy had messaged me. We ended up texting back and forth for about six weeks until he asked if he could meet me. We made plans to meet on the train to spend time in a nearby town. Frank got on one stop before me, I found him, slid into the seat next to him, and we’ve been together ever since. That was April of 2015.

In January 2016, we decided to move in together. I was living with my dad, and Frank’s lease was almost up. We decided to buy a house together and ended up picking out this 14-acre farm in Hopewell Township. The house closing was going to be in April, and as the date got closer, I remember thinking to myself that I wanted to get married before the house closed, so we decided to get married. I recognize that’s not very romantic, but I don’t really care much for traditional romance. I’m very practical, and a grand romantic gesture would have embarrassed me. Having a reasonable conversation with the person I love about our future together is more romantic to me than anything else I could imagine.

The only downside to getting married, to me, was having to be a bride. I was not a girl who dreamed about my wedding – I was more like, “I want to marry this man, but I don’t want everyone to be looking at me.” However, I have a really big family and Frank has a lot of friends, so I knew we needed a proper fête. That’s why we decided to do a small elopement ceremony on Saint Patrick’s Day, which is Frank’s favorite day, and then have our big wedding six months after on September 17.

We had the best time at both our weddings! Doing our ceremony beforehand in a smaller venue was just what I needed – I was relaxed and happy. When our wedding in September rolled around, we incorporated some Saint Patrick’s Day themes from our previous event. Because I did not have a vision for my wedding, I hired someone with really great taste, gave her very broad idea of what we wanted, and she really created something more awesome than we ever could have imagined. She also happened to be really cool. We focused a lot on guest experience and wanted to showcase the property. It was beautiful, and I had so much fun since the pressure of “getting married” didn’t exist.

Frank still asks me if we can do it again. I totally get where he’s coming from, but I think two weddings is enough for one marriage.

From Cassandre Snyder Events and Design… In planning and designing this wedding, I got to spend time really getting to know them. They aren’t “wedding” people, but Frank loves a great party. They both love music, and food was very important. Kelly stressed the fact that while she wasn’t a wedding person, she did love flowers. I hand selected every vendor for their wedding day knowing that they would “get it” – from photography to ice, every vendor fit their style perfectly.

Once Kelly and Frank decided to have the wedding at home, my wheels started spinning. Having a wedding on a farm could have gone rustic, but Kelly and Frank’s casual, organic style really shined through in every detail of their wedding. Friends and family thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and I couldn’t be more happy about the turnout.They hired me in January but wouldn’t be closing on their house until April. We started planning right away, but not seeing the space was a challenge. Once we were finally able to get in to see it, a lot of things had to change. Hills and slopes were a challenge for load-in/load-out, but hiring the best people made it all possible.

One of Kelly’s favorite stores is Anthroplogie, so I infused a lot of that anthro style in the flowers and design of things. Because the menu was created to be a fun, family-style lobster bake, we couldn’t place flowers on the table. Instead we opted for gorgeous glassware and hung the florals from the ceiling of the tent. Wild Stems perfectly captured my vision in the floral department – one meeting, no floral sample, yet she totally got what we wanted.

Kelly and Frank are also very fun people, so we wanted to add fun elements wherever we could. By adding balloons to the ceremony and balls to the pool, we let people know if they wanted to jump into the pool at any point, that would be totally fine. The chickens and cows also added to the fun! I can’t stress enough how much I love spending time getting to know my clients. It’s so important to me to get to know them to create a wedding that is authentically them.

Photography: Judith Rae | Cinematography: CinemaCake Filmmakers | Event Planning: Cassandre Snyder Events | Floral Design: Wild Stems | Cake: Shai's Cakes | Invitations: Cassandre Snyder Events | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Catering: Oysters XO | Band: The Loyales | Beverage Services: Shaker’s Bartending, Paul Schmidt | Desserts: Glazed and Confused | Photography Assistance: Ahmet Ze | Tent Rentals: Sperry Tents NJ

If there’s anything that can come close to the excitement of planning your wedding, it’s planning your honeymoon. Because choosing the perfect floral arrangements + color scheme is an absolute blast, but let’s be honest. Deciding where to kick back and relax AFTER the celebration is over is pretty amazing, too. So today we’re turning to SPG Hotels & Resorts for help narrowing down just where that Mai Tai drinkin’ should commence. (Hint: paradise.) Scroll for some of our faves.

FLORIDA

With both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean bordering the sweet state of Florida, it’s sort of a no-brainer that this is a place where honeymooning in style happens on the daily. Whether that’s kickin’ back with Mickey and Minnie at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, spending your day on the water at Miami Beach’s St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort or finding 100 reasons to do nothing at all at the W South Beach, SPG Hotels & Resorts has you totally covered when it comes to luxe accommodations, yummy eateries and fun-filled activities. Plus, they don’t call it The Sunshine State for nothin’, you guys. Soaking in the rays is a total must.

THE CARIBBEAN

We’ve all dreamt of rushing off to the Caribbean for a little R&R, so celebrating your newlywed status tucked away at one of SPG Hotels & Resorts’ fabulous Caribbean locales? a brilliant idea. From the newly renovated Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa to the awesome concierge service and water sports at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa in St. Maarten, you’ll be laying around seaside like a pro in no time at all. Not to mention that you can head straight from the pool or beach to an insanely relaxing spa appointment. It’s basically the definition of romantic down time.

MEXICO

Truth be told, we’ve never met a Mexican vacay we didn’t love. Because, honestly, what’s better than an entire week of beach time, margarita time and amazing food time? Absolutely nothing. Especially when that vacay is a romance-filled honeymoon at one of SPG Hotels & Resorts’ fab locales. Think The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun (hello, awe-inspiring pool), the Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar (two words: breathtaking architecture) and the W Punta de Mita, a gorgeous resort located smack-dab in the middle of one of Mexico’s most breathtaking beaches. It just doesn’t get better, you know?

To book your seaside honeymoon in paradise, contact SPG Hotels & Resorts today to get the ball rolling. You’ll be blown away by their amazing service, plus their awesome locations featuring endless sandy beaches and picture-perfect turquoise water. (Seriously.) And don’t forget to ask them about earning bonus Starpoints® you can use towards your honeymoon when you host your wedding at participating SPG Hotels & Resorts located in North America, Mexico, Latin America and Canada. It’s such a win-win.

Who says your registry has to be filled with plain white onesies, plastic toys, and diaper cakes? Although ultimately useful, these items certainly aren’t pretty. Must-have baby gear, everything from a diaper bag to an infant tub, can be gorgeous, stylish, and, of course, functional all at once. Add these seven beautiful—but practical—items to your baby shower registry (and prepare for all of that oohing and aahing from your baby shower guests)!

1. 4moms Infant Tub – $59.99
This is no whale of a tub—it’s sleek and modern. The 4moms Infant Tub is also innovative as it’s the only infant tub designed to be used with running water, so you’re sweet little one will never be sitting in dirty H2O. The best part is the color-coded digital thermometer, so new, worrying moms won’t fret over the temperature of the water.

2. Lulujo Baby’s First Year Blanket – $19
You already know your baby will be Insta-worthy, so flood your friends’ feeds of beautiful pictures of your tiny human on the Lulujo Baby’s First Year Blanket. The pretty pattern, hashtag-ready sayings, and included milestone cards make documenting the first year easy.

3. Oemi Leather Diaper Bag – $295
This is the mother of all diaper bags without looking at all like a diaper bag. Durable leather and hardware with luxurious lining and five pockets to organize your baby’s goods (and yours, too) make the Oemi diaper bag a long-lasting carryall that is both stylish and functional.

4. Freshly Picked Leather Moccasin  – $49
These adorable crib shoes keep baby’s feet cozy and picture perfect. Made from the softest leather, these moccasins are available in a variety of colors and sizes, from newborn to toddler. Consider adding multiple sizes and colors to your registry for your growing tot!

5. Moba Moses Baby Basket – $180
A portable place to let your infant sleep is definitely practical, but the Moba Moses Baby Basket is beautifully designed, too. Available in all colors of the rainbow to match your decor, this moses basket also features full ventilation, a cotton liner, and supportive Moba mattress.

6. Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair – $349
Skip the bulky high chair and add a modern, space-saving chair to your baby registry. The Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair grows with your child from 6 months to adult, keeping them in a comfortable ergonomic position, making their first bites a joy and, needless to say, not a dining room furniture eyesore.

7. Covered Goods Multi-Use Nursing Cover – $34.99
It’s a nursing cover, carseat cover, shopping cart cover… and a scarf. We love products that serve more than one purpose, and this one actually happens to be stylish, too. No velcro, cheesy patterns, or bulky fabric. With this nursing cover, you can keep everything covered and cute!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Ali Struhs is a freelance writer, blogger, and boy mama in Denver, Colorado. When not typing away on the computer, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, rocking out at Red Rocks, and chasing around her toddler.

If you are a lover of modern, look no further than this elegant inspiration that pairs romance with contemporary design. Combining lush blooms like garden roses and ranunculus with sleek ghost chairs and crisp gray linens, this shoot crafted by Erin Land and captured by Matthew Land is bringing a fresh modern twist to classic wedding details. And the bridal gowns by Rime Arodaky and Alexandra Grecco? Yeah those are wildly gorgeous too. Sneak a peek at all the pretty details right here.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Floral Designer… As a floral designer and event stylist, I’m typically working on designs tailored to clients and couples. This styled shoot was an open-ended opportunity to flex my creative muscles and craft a look that showcases my style as a designer. My love for light, airy backdrops, modern bridal fashion, and fun pops of color informed the overall aesthetic of this styled shoot, which combined modern elements and a fun, unstuffy, elegance. With my husband, photographer Matthew Land, behind the lens, the photo shoot took place in our home and studio space—deemed the Land Loft—which lent the perfect natural light and space to set up the vignettes for this shoot.

The Dress Theory provided gorgeous gowns (and a sequin biker jacket!) from French designer, Rime Arodaky, Alexandra Grecco’s ‘Astrid’ gown, and beautiful hair accessories by Twigs & Honey. No bridal look would be complete without rings, and Seattle jeweler T. Anthony Jewelers lent us some stunning pieces to top off the look! Gold Comb Salon and Love Beauty worked their hair and makeup magic for our lovely models, Amy, Mariah, and Mikayla from Seattle Models Guild. To keep things looking clean, modern, and elegant (but not stuffy), I draped the table in a grey velvet linen from La Tavola Fine Linen, and set the table using pieces from my personal collection for clean lines and neutral tones. The florals throughout the shoot lent a fun pop of color and flowing, organic lines to the design. To top off the details, local shop and stationery designer extraordinaire, Spruce, put together a stationary suite to pull the whole look together—I love the vellum envelopes and the pairing of clean typography with fun calligraphy! For a sweet element to this shoot, the talented baker Nancy Stuart from Saltadena designed cakes that pulled in hand-painted details and minimalist, clean lines.

Photography: Matthew Land Studios | Styling & Design: Erin Land | Floral Design: Erin Land | Cakes: Saltadena | Chairs: Cort Party Rentals | Gown & Jacket Designer: Rime Arodaky | Gown Designer: Alexandra Grecco | Gowns & Accessories: The Dress Theory | Hair Styling: Gold Comb Salon | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Location: The Land Loft | Makeup Artistry: Love Beauty | Models: Seattle Models Guild | Rings & Jewelry: T. Anthony Jewelers | Stationery & Calligraphy: Spruce

When the wedding is over and it’s time for just the two of you to celebrate, what’s your plan? Sure you could go the traditional honeymoon route and go to some popular tropical location, but why not get creative and plan your honeymoon with the power of your zodiac sign?

Aries
Adventure is your thing and you need plenty of freedom to roam, so post-wedding trips that include physical challenges are important for you. Where there are thrills there’s you, Aries, so plan a trip that gets your adrenaline pumping.

Taurus
Good food and drink are all you need to be happy on your honeymoon. Of course, a nice massage wouldn’t hurt…and a little shopping. A deluxe spa vacation to a warm locale will be the perfect cherry on the sundae of your wedding.

Gemini
Your ideal honeymoon must be interesting. Plan a trip that engages your mind and where you will meet lots of new people. A cruise ship or guided tour can be a great way to spend your honeymoon in perfect Gemini style.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

Cancer

Your sentimental connection means a honeymoon spent visiting a historical location like a country where your family has roots, or an ancient town you’ve always wanted to visit. Wherever it is, make sure you to connect to the past.

Leo
You want to play, to celebrate and most of all to have fun! Plan your honeymoon with fun in mind and all else will follow. What makes you laugh? Whatever it is, do lots of it on your honeymoon for a trip that you will remember.

Virgo
As a lover of nature, your honeymoon plan must include time spent with plants, trees, and flowers. Service is one of your most important values, so think of a trip that will not only be fun for you, but also help others.

Libra
To have the best honeymoon, you need beauty. So seek out what you find beautiful in nature, art and life and plan your trip based on this. You also enjoy time to relax, so a spa trip with plenty of soothing treatments would be perfect.

Best Photography

Scorpio
Although you would be happy locked in a bedroom with your mate for the duration of your honeymoon, if you do decide to venture out, make sure it’s a place that has some depth. You don’t like swimming in shallow waters, so maybe a diving vacation would suit your need for intensity?

Sagittarius
For you, a honeymoon is one more opportunity to plan an adventure. You want to your relationship to grow and expand as an outcome of your trip, so choose wisely. You may take a trek to some foreign destination, or enjoy doing a couple’s workshop of some kind.

Capricorn
You might be tempted to save your honeymoon money for a house down payment. And that’s ok Capricorn, but if you do decide to take a trip, choose a location that feels safe and secure. You might even plan a “staycation,” so you can save that money, but also enjoy time with your significant other.

Vicki Grafton Photography

Aquarius
You’ll want a honeymoon that is outside the box. If everyone else is doing one thing, you want to do something different. So try staying at unique locales like a cliff on the side of the mountain in Peru, or a tree house deep in the woods.

Pisces
Your ideal honeymoon will involve a spiritual theme and preferably be near water. A yoga or meditation retreat on the beach is an option, but you also might enjoy a volunteer trip where you can share the compassion and kindness that is so much a part of you.

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Fern Spring is an astrologer, wellness writer and owner of Wisestars Apothecary. She lives in Northern California with her dog and her guy in the beautiful West County of Sonoma.

Show-stopping is one way to describe this lush floral aisle crafted by Flowerwild and beautiful is another. But it’s just the tip of the iceberg with this bright, colorful celebration planned by Twine Events. From the sea of twinkling lanterns to the blue hued tablescapes, dive into the prettiest party by the sea captured by Michael Radford along with a film by Robert Michael below.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… My favorite moment of the wedding was our first dance. We were in the middle of this surreal setting with hanging lights and lush flowers watching the sun set. It felt like this tiny little moment we were sharing together and then with all of our family and friends. Plus, despite forgetting to practice, we actually pulled off a twirl! I am over the moon at how our wedding turned out. I love how I was able to pick out my favorite things and Erica at Twine Events pulled it all together into a cohesive wedding that was beachy, silly, delicious, heartfelt and totally unique. It was a dream wedding and yet felt like such a great expression of me and my husband. Flowerwild went so above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined for the flowers and decor. And thank goodness for Michael Radford who managed to capture all of the big moments with emotional accuracy and all of the gorgeous details I definitely would have missed.

Photographer: Michael Radford Photography | Videography: Robert Michael Films | Event Planning and Design: Twine Events | Floral Design: Kate Holt Creative | Wedding Dress: Des Kohan | Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop | Stationery : Jonathan Wright And Company | Caterer: Heirloom LA | Makeup: Kevianno Guerrero | Hair Stylist: Star Peterson at Shin | Lighting: Amber Event Production | Transportation: Chuck's Parking | Guitarist: Molly Miller, Strings by Reiko | Music: THE FLASHDANCE | Photo Booth: Amuse Booth | Private Estate: Malibu Home | Rentals: Town And Country | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Specialty Rentals: The Ark Event Rentals

When Maggie Sottero launches a new collection, you carve out some time in your day to take a nice, long look. Which is why we’re spending this Monday giving our undivided attention to the Cordelia Collection, a stunning lineup of dresses that are the epitome of traditional meets modern style. Think awe-inspiring designs, gorgeous embellishments and silhouettes that are ultra-flattering. Scroll for a very, very pretty look.

Designed for the uber-romantic bride (read: all of you), the Cordelia Collection by Maggie Sottero is the perfect mix of artful details and refined styling. We’re talking delicate lace motifs mix and mingling with beautiful fabrics (hello, satin, crepe and organza) AND elegant beading. From the glam details of the Jaslynn to the Swarovski crystals of the Maren to the plunging neckline of the Ida, there’s not a single gown that won’t, well… knock your socks off. Oh, and did I mention that the Cordelia Collection also features gowns with built-in shapewear? Sooo awesome, you guys. And so flattering, too.

Whether you’re in search of a vintage-inspired gown like the Cordelia or want to rock a keyhole back like the one on the Sinclaire, the Cordelia Collection by Maggie Sottero most definitely has a gown for you, no matter your shape, size, budget or style. Oh, and that built-in shapewear? It’s the figure-flattering look you love, without all of the extra support of an undergarment. Which means you can breathe, loves.

Visit Maggie Sottero today to find a retailer near you… the Cordelia Collection is waiting with bells on.

A gorgeous bunch of blooms can make your look on your big day, so why leave them to just the bouquet? From whimsical, bloom filled crowns to bohemian earrings made from greenery, we’ve rounded up 28 of our favorite creative ways brides have incorporated fresh florals into their wedding day style.

28 Reasons Why Flowers Should Be Your Main Wedding Day Accessory

View Slideshow

28 Reasons Why Flowers Should Be Your Main Wedding Day Accessory

View Slideshow

This professional designer and stylist-turned-bride? Let’s just say she knows her stuff. “Our vision was an intimate, romantic garden wedding with a sophisticated European aesthetic, incorporating the casual elegance of Santa Barbara,” she said. The big day unfolded as all that plus so much more, and we’ve got it all captured by Diana McGregor Photography with a film from Satellite Weddings below.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/220541266 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… As a designer and stylist, I was completely dedicated to creating a beautiful, romantic, and picturesque backdrop for our nuptials. Our vision was an intimate, romantic garden wedding with a sophisticated European aesthetic, incorporating the casual elegance of Santa Barbara with the warm, Spanish colonial style of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. The entire evening was al fresco, and the warm June weather made the outdoor setting absolutely perfect. Our color palette was comprised of pale pinks, blush, creams, and pale ice blue, accented by antiqued silver and gold.

We worked with Kasia of Plenty of Petals as our floral designer. We included a loose, organic composition of peonies, cabbage roses, garden roses, clematis, dahlias, ranunculus, along with greenery swags and jasmine vines, all contributed to an elegant garden feel on the multi-leveled decomposed granite courtyards of the museum grounds.

As the brilliant orange sunset, the white string lights came on to signal the beginning of an intimate evening under the stars. We had just over 100 guests, which kept the celebration small and the dance party strong; the setting allowed us to mingle with everyone throughout the evening.

There wasn’t a detail missed, from chair backs, accented with peonies and greens, custom signage and a gorgeous escort card display by Sophia Loves Letters. Our ceremony backdrop was stunning, made up of romantic soft pink floral, foliage and vines loosely displayed against the wooden pergola. Soft white, light linen draping was added to the pergola. The ice blue bridesmaids’ dresses by Amsale popped beautifully off the lush backdrop. The groomsmen wore light gray tuxedos to complement the pale blue and pink touches. The cake was designed by Jana at Delicious Artistry. We wanted a simple white frosted 3-tiered cake with textured lines and a pink floral cluster. Jana also created a pink palette of French macaroons for our dessert table.

I customized our wedding invitation suite with designer & calligrapher Bianca Mascorro from Little Miss Press. She created a beautiful suite for us, using pale blue and gray, and romantic script. The pale blue envelopes and white calligraphy completed the suite.

It was our dream to celebrate our wedding in the location where we first met nearly 10 years before. Santa Barbara is such a special place to us, and it is where our friendship and romantic relationship first began when we were just 18 and 21 years old. Santa Barbara reflects our personalities as well: casual beach-style with a layer of elegance and charm. Our vision for the ceremony was to incorporate our relaxed spirituality with a desire to share and celebrate our love and vows to each other with our closest friends and family (and even our little puppy Daisy).

We chose exposed farmhouse tables, mixed with linen covered rounds, and a mix of both cane back upholstered chairs and vineyard cross back chairs. We used three different linens: a solid pale blue, an ivory, as well as a subtle cream patterned linen. Plenty of Petals created lush, semi-loose, floral arrangements in a variety of vessels ranging from cement urns, to silver julep cups, to mercury glass, as well as blush milk glass mercury votives. European floral arrangements and tabletop details, such as silver beaded chargers and Fleur De Lis glassware, all served to tie in the sophisticated, chic elegance we desired.

Our French-inspired lounge seating, weathered oak bar, and gold leaf crystal chandelier set a sophisticated tone. For the bar tables, we chose a nude sequin linen for the highboy tables, and a solid ivory linen mixed with French caned upholstered chairs.
What made our reception so special was the fact that it felt like a close outdoor party to all of our guests, even though many were from so many different parts of our lives: from California family and friends to UCSB college friends, to Wake Forest grad school friends, and co-workers, many guests commented on the close feeling and camaraderie of the evening- whether dancing to the expert sounds of DJ Dominic of Red Show LA, or sitting nearby enjoying the stars, all of our guests felt a part of an amazing evening!

Photography: Diana McGregor Photography | Cinematography: Satellite Weddings | Coordination: Danae Grace Events | Design : Claire Ross Wilbur | Floral Design: Plenty Of Petals | Rings: Blue Nile | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Omni Fresco Catering | Hair + Makeup: Unveiled Makeup | DJ: Red Shoe LA | Officiant: Peter Ross | Transportation: Santa Barbara Airbus | Hotel : Fess Parker | Venue: Santa Barbara Historical Museum | Bridal Dress: Hayley Paige | Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Dessert: Delicious Artistry | Groom's Shoes: Allen Edmonds | Grooms Tux: Menguin | Invitation Suite: Little Miss Press | Lighting + Draping: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Matches, Napkins, Drink Stirrers: For Your Party | Musician : Matthew Commerce | Paper Goods: Sophia Loves Letters | Photographer Assistance: Lauren Guilford | Programs: Minted | Rehersal Dinner: Santa Barbara Yacht Club | Rentals: Town And Country | Signs: Flora South Designs | Small Signs: Paper & Pine Co | Tie: Brooks Brothers | Veil : Kinsley James Couture Bridal

We know that narrowing down that cocktail menu for your Big Day isn’t always easy, especially when you’re searching for drinks that are seriously tasty, but blend well with your look and theme, too. Which is why we’re joining up with BevMo! to help guide you to a bevy of yummy cocktails that happen to be perfect for YOUR unique celebration. Yep, whether you plan on spending your night barn dancin’ or simply sippin’ Cosmos from your penthouse suite, we’ve got you covered. See the thirst-quenching options below.

RUSTIC: CAMPFIRE COCKTAIL

Nothing says rustic shindig quite like a cocktail that infuses marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate. So this sweet concoction? Seriously awesome. From the yummy vodka and Irish cream to the crazy cool presentation, it’s absolutely everything you’re looking for with a little side of campfire. Be prepared for your guests to fall in LOVE with every sweet sip.

Photography, Design & Styling: Lark & Linen

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

MODERN: SPARKLING OMBRE ROSE COCKTAIL

Want to impress with a tasty drink that is one part light and refreshing flavor and one part gorgeous hues and tasty blackberries? Then this Sparkling Ombre Rose Cocktail is IT. Think rose syrup, fruit-flavored liqueur, prosecco and a whole lot of happy guests marveling at your contemporary take on the “typical” toasting drink. It’s basically everything… and will fit right in with your modern soiree in the city.

Photography: Erin McGinn | Styling: Abby Capalbo

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

CLASSIC: PINEAPPLE MOSCOW MULE

Whether you plan to party the night away at your fave yacht club or in a tented reception in your parents’ backyard, adding a classic drink that spans decades is SUCH a good idea. Our fave? The Moscow Mule. It’s a tasty treat that is sooo familiar and sooo fruity, it will definitely add a little something special to your soiree. Plus, it’s vodka and ginger ale. And this one has pineapple. So good.

Photography, Recipe & Styling: SMP Living

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

BOHEMIAN: POPSICLE-TOPPED BUBBLY

Your boho soiree deserves a little something, well… outside of the box. So when choosing the perfect cocktail to WOW all of your guests, look no further than this tasty little number with colorful popsicles and champagne. It’s the perfect fusion of yummy AND pretty and is just the pop of wow (pun intended) your bohemian soiree deserves. We ADORE this one.

Photography: Ainsley Rose Photography

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

VINTAGE: STRAWBERRY MINT JULEP

Mint Julep’s have definitely stood the test of time and there’s a very good reason: they are sooo yummy. So if you’re hosting a vintage-inspired celebration that would make even the Great Gatsby proud, then you most definitely need to add a little whiskey-infused lovely to the party. (Bonus points for mixing it up with a strawberry twist.) Plus, is their a cuter cup than these silver sweeties? We think not.

Photography: Rustic White Photography | Concept, Styling & Recipe: Waiting on Martha

FIND THE RECIPE HERE!

Ready to tackle your cocktail menu with libations that weave perfectly into your look and theme? Head to BevMo! for all of the ingredients you’ll need, plus everything else it takes to create the perfect cocktail. Think barware, accessories, mixers and amazing deals on everything from wine (2-for-1 options in Washington state and 5 cent sales in California and Arizona) to beer (they have over 100 selections) to complimentary delivery on orders over $500 (chilled upon request). You can even contact an Event Specialist for advice on quantities and menu pairings, plus schedule private tastings. I mean, how awesome is that?

Find a location near you now or register online to get the ball rolling. And don’t forget to check out the BevMo! Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for even more inspiration. This is going to be so much fun.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio