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A City Hall Wedding That’d Make Carrie Bradshaw Jealous

Move over, Carrie and Big because your city hall wedding has officially met its match. These two ditched their plans for a traditional wedding and instead planned this day in just three weeks. They bought flowers from the local market, went down the street to the most beautiful city hall EVER, and sealed the deal with Taralynn Lawton photographing every moment. As for the dress? This fashion designer turned bride chose Ellery and we’re wholeheartedly obsessed.

From the couple…We are both designers so everything we do and create has a very strong perspective and well thought out sensibility regarding the aesthetics. Our wedding was no exception. We spent a year and a half trying to think of the perfect place and time to have a wedding, and nothing we found met our expectations. So we decided to go to City Hall, just four blocks from our house, and arguably the most beautiful possible location for a wedding.

On the morning of the wedding, we made a quick trip to the SF Flower Mart and picked out some flowers we liked, which Conor turned into a beautiful bouquet. Madison is a fashion designer so there was a lot of pressure to find the perfect dress. The chosen one came from an emerging Australian brand named Ellery, simple and chic with dramatic sleeves.

Her ring is very much a one of a kind piece of jewelry, vintage Van Cleef in a chevron shape with a prominent tiger’s eye stone on one side and diamonds on the other. While we only picked a wedding date (cinco de mayo!) three weeks ahead, we managed to make every element of our special day perfect in a short period of time. It was exactly what we wanted and more!

Photography: Taralynn Lawton | Floral Design: San Francisco Flower Mart | Wedding Dress: Ellery | Ring: Van Cleef Arpels | Venue: San Francisco City Hall

This is What Jojo Fletcher + Jordan Rodgers’ Wedding Will Look Like

Whether you were #TeamRobbie or #TeamJordan going into last night’s The Bachelorette finale, one thing is for certain — Jojo and Jordan seem totally and completely happy and in love. And even though they’re taking things one step at a time, we got ahead of ourselves, dreaming up the perfect day for the lovebirds. It may be back to reality for these two, but this day is an absolute fairytale.

Predictions for Jojo + Jordan's Bachelor Wedding
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Predictions for Jojo + Jordan's Bachelor Wedding
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More Bachel0r + Bachelorette Love Stories

Desiree + Chris’ Romantic Day | Predictions for Ben + Lauren | Emily Maynard’s Surprise Wedding

The Coolest Way Ever to Remember Your Big Day

Guys, I’ve seen a lot of amazing keepsakes in my day, but these wedding bouquet portraits from artist Jamie Corley are insanely gorgeous.  Think intricately painted pieces that are just as dreamy as your Big Day with a sweet side of sentimentality.  Gift giving + keepsake keeping has never looked so awesome. Scroll below to see why these beautiful mementos need to make an appearance in your home and learn just how easy it is to get one of your very own.

We know that saying “I do” is sort of a blink and you’ll miss it event, but Jamie Corley is hard at work in San Fran making sure that you can still soak in the beauty of your Big Day long after the celebration is over with bouquet portraits that are unique, stunning and totally creative.  Ranging in price from $350 to $995, these are the type of portraits that make awesome gifts for your mom, bridesmaids, groom… OR yourself.  And I mentioned they were unique, right? We love that.

Jamie Corley’s paintings are awesome, but what’s even better is how simple the process of ordering one truly is. Seriously, all you have to do is visit her site and in three short minutes, you can commission your very own work of art by filling in a short form and uploading three images. Honestly, it’s that easy.  I promise.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet gift for someone you love or an awesome reminder of your Big Day that hangs proudly in your home, Jamie Corley checks every box on the brilliant list with these gorgeous keepsakes. Visit her site NOW to begin the process. You’ll have a beautiful piece in just 4-6 weeks, loves.

Photography: Kate Munsch Photography

Drink up Every Detail of This Blush Vineyard Wedding

To simply call this wedding beautiful would be a massive understatement. Because when you combine the floral talent that is Lani Elizabeth with blush tones and the picturesque landscape of a vineyard, you outta know you’re in for something good. Captured by White Ivory Photography, this is one celebration you’re sure to love. See it all in The Vault!

From White Ivory PhotographyAlicia and Matt were married in a sophisticated blush winery wedding, held at Nella Terra Cellars, tucked away in the golden foothills of Sunol, California.

With stunning 360-degree view of the California’s hills and the young vineyards, this provided an intimate and almost magical feel to their wedding. The stunning grand stairway that leads to the draped altar, made it feel like a fairytale entrance as Alicia came down to meet her future husband.

Alicia and Matt were engaged exactly a year ago, where he declared that she was his greatest catch. Matt and Alicia’s wedding included soft blush colors and varying shades of pinks, with some beautiful grey textures. The florals, including her bridal bouquet and centerpieces, were designed with an ombre effect using deep marsala dahlias.

The reception was held under a gorgeous crisp white tent, adorned with stunning tall centerpieces and gold chairs. The elegantly appointed table scape is clean and minimalist with gold votives and table numbers.

This wedding has everything from soft romantic colors to a very unique ceremony site and trendy reception space. Secluded and away from all the hustle and bustle, you get lost in vineyards with the one you love.

Photography: White Ivory Photography | Cinematography: Smartflight Studios | Event Planning: Allora Event Designs | Floral Design: Lani Elizabeth | Cake: Jen's Cakes | DJ: Fantasy Sound Events | Officiant: Pastor Dan Ott | Wedding Venue: Nella Terra Cellars | Draping: Chair Divas | Lab: The Find Lab | Linens: Napa Valley Linens | Musician : Chris Burke

Why East-West Engagement Rings Are the Way to Our Hearts

A few weeks ago, we were oohing and ahhing over the hottest engagement ring trends. So, imagine our surprise and delight to spot one of our favorites — East-West engagement ring settings — in one of our very own real weddings! Inspired by its unique look and eye-catching design, we decided to round up some of our favorite East-West rings in the hopes that SMP will be seeing a lot more of them very soon.

East West Engagement Rings We Love
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East West Engagement Rings We Love
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More Engagement Rings We Want ASAP

100 Years of Engagement Rings | What’s Your Ring Style? | Unique Engagement Rings

14 Cribs that Guarantee a Knockout Nursery

Planning your baby’s nursery might just be what keeps you sane in the later months of pregnancy when you get a serious case of the Nesties. I know I turned online shopping into a major sport when I landed myself on bed-rest. And cribs are the shining star of your babe’s nursery. They set the tone for the look and feel and with one of these 14 cribs, that space is sure to be a knockout.

The Ultimate Crib Roundup
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The Ultimate Crib Roundup
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Scenic Engagement Session For The Outdoorsy Couple

Their first date? Hiking in Evergreen with their pups. So when these two got engaged it only made sense to plan a photo session that played up their love of the great outdoors. Tamara Gruner captured and there’s lots more this way.

From the Bride to be…Andy grew up in D.C. area, and I am a midwest girl, from Detroit. In 2013 I moved to Denver to further my career as a bone marrow transplant nurse. Three months later Andy and I met online. After our first date hiking in Evergreen with our dogs, we were inseparable. One year later we were engaged in Costa Rica, while watching the sunset. We cannot wait to get married in beautiful Breckenridge next year, and we are more than excited at how beautiful our engagement pictures turned out.

Photography: Tamara Gruner Photography | Hair + Makeup: Makeup Artist Liz Wegrzyn | Brown Heels: Designer Shoe Warehouse | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Her Jeans: AG Jeans | His Jeans: J Brand | His Shirt + Jacket: Nordstrom | Light Pink Blouse: Revolve Clothing | Location: Lake Dillon | Neutral Pumps: Schutz | Tan Leather Jacket: Billy Ella | Watch: Shinola Watch | White Blouse: BCBGMAXAZRIA

A Mountaintop Inspiration for the Adventurous Bride

Pack your things, because we’re headed on a road trip. Where to? Why Canada of course, just so we can all reenact this stunning inspiration from Julia Park Photography. An eh-thereal gallery complete with cotton candy clouds, fresh mountain air, and a sense of adventure, who wouldn’t want to tag along? Join us as we take you on a journey in The Vault!

From Julia Park Photography We wanted to create an inspiration for an adventurous bride. A girl that spends her free time hiking in the mountains and camping by the bonfire. A girl that would take boots over heels anytime. What if she was to stay true to her real self on her wedding day.

What if she was to put on an easy to wear dress, comfy boots, and even throw on her favorite hat. Her bouquet is inspired by wild flowers, the ones that the couple was admiring on their fist hike together. Low Maintenance, cheerful flowers just like our bride herself.

She is ready for her mountaintop elopement with only closest family and friends. She is ready to promise to be forever adventures to the one her heart loves.

Photography: Julia Park Photography And Cinema | Floral Design: Always Sunny Design | Wedding Dress: Rue De Seine | Hair + Makeup : Mountain Beauties | Dress Boutique: The Bridal Boutique | Model : Gia O

A Romantic Garden Wedding at the Rodin Museum

Something magical happens when two college sweethearts with a love for art wed at the perfect museum venue, as captured to perfection by Alyssa Maloof Photography. Set in the picture perfect gardens of the Rodin Museum complete with a center fountain, lush gardens, gorgeous sculptures and a string quartet, all the beautiful details are waiting for you in The Vault!

From The Bride…Eric and I met five years prior at The University of Maryland College Park. He was about to graduate and leave to go to law school in Philadelphia and I had another two years to finish my Masters. We reconnected a year later and after I moved to Philadelphia we started to think long term. We got engaged shortly after in New York City.

After we got engaged we took some time to look for the perfect venue. We knew we wanted something small and intimate. Once we stepped into the Rodin Museum we knew it was meant to be. Perfectly situated in the center of Philadelphia, with a beautiful center fountain complete with lush gardens and famous sculptures from Auguste Rodin it was the perfect setting for our special day. Plus Eric’s father is an artist and Eric hold his undergraduate degree in art history so it all felt so perfect for us.

The day of our wedding could not have been more beautiful. A variety of flowers were in bloom and the sun was shining bright. Eric and I planned to have a string quartet play throughout the ceremony and reception with a mix of classical and contemporary songs. The cocktail hour was set outside in the gardens where guests enjoyed speciality his and her cocktails. Once inside for dinner, guests enjoyed viewing different sculptures on display such as “The Kiss”. After dinner was complete, Eric and I opted out of the traditional wedding cake and went for a local ice cream company that served tasty and unique flavors for our guests to enjoy. The wedding day was completed outside with lighted candles and ice cream under the stars.

Photography: Alyssa Maloof Photography | Floral Design: Falls Flowers | Wedding Dress: J.Crew | Catering: STARR Catering Group | String Quartet: Elegance String Quartet | Venue: The Rodin Museum | Ice Cream Truck: Little Baby's Ice Cream

This Week-Long Celebration in Paradise is Everything

There’s nothing I love more than a fabulous party.  And this darling duo? They celebrated their “I do’s” with a week-long celebration in paradise, all with the help of 50 of their nearest and dearest, plus the talents of Andrew and Elisha and Island Style Weddings. It was a fun-filled itinerary with a big ol’ side of beach wedding.  See it all in THE VAULT right this way.

From Andrew and Elisha… Josh and Tiffany and 50 loved ones had a week of celebrating. From island hopping to beach BBQ’s the week was spent making magical memories for all who traveled with them. Having recently relocated from Southern California to Colorado, this busy couple’s focus was on sharing time with their friends and family.

Their week started with a welcome get together at Dr!nk in Cruz Bay, St John. Guests enjoyed tropical beverages and mouthwatering appetizers from Queen of Tarts, while watching the sunset over St Thomas.

A trip to Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands aboard the 50 ft catamaran “Daydreamer” entailed a full day of snorkeling, island hopping and exploring the “barefoot island”. The afternoon was spent in hammocks at the Soggy Dollar Bar, painkiller anyone?

Instead of a traditional rehearsal dinner, they chose to spend the day on Hawksnest beach with a BBQ provided by Local and Tasty. Paddle boards, kayak and snorkeling gave the guests opportunity to explore the clear waters of the Caribbean.

The wedding ceremony was held at Trunk bay followed by a their reception at the Waterfront Bistro. DJ Adonis Morton kept the group on the dance floor all night.

Photography: Andrew and Elisha | Event Planning + Design: Island Style Weddings | Floral Design: Roses Too | Ceremony Venue: Trunk Bay | Reception Venue: The Waterfront Bistro | Catering: The Waterfront Bistro | Catering: Local and Tasty | Catering: Queen Of Tarts | DJ: Adonis Morton | Officiant: Island Style Weddings | Accomodations: Gallows Point Resort | Beverage Services: Dr!nk | Sailing Day: Daydreamer

At Home Engagement Sessions Are Where It’s At

At home engagement shoots are my favorites but when you add in pancakes, gardening and chicken coops, we’re talkin’ a whole other level of goodness; we’re talking #lifegoals. And Blueberry Photography captured it all and more for this bride and groom-to-be. One look through our Vault gallery and you’ll be head over heels in love with these two… and dreaming of a dinner party invite. See it all here!

From the Bride-to-be & Groom-to-be… For us, the truly romantic things in life are the often-overlooked little moments in the day – a glance that manages to say everything, stopping to kiss as one walks by, holding hands and even sharing a slow morning together as we welcome a new day. It is through these moments that our lives grow more beautiful.

Inspired by this, we reached out to Blueberry Photography to help us share our love story and capture the little moments that brings us great joy for our engagement session.

From Blueberry Photography My heart is so full from this shoot. Not only are Annie and Bernie one of my dearest friends, but I too was inspired with capturing genuine moments in everyday situations. During this shoot, I simply let Annie and Bernie find their own rhythm and I focused on preserving the moments as they naturally progressed. Here are their moments – spent in each other’s arms and exchanging laughs and kisses as they enjoyed the day. The end result is simply a beautiful glimpse into their love story.

Photography: Amanda Wei Photography | Hair + Makeup: Camille Goldston Hair & Make Up Artistry

This Tented Reception Was Inspired by ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’

While an al fresco reception is the dream of many brides-to-be, Jane had something else at the top of her dream wedding list. Landing in at number one? A tented reception reminiscent of ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’. Thanks to the artistry of Designs by Ahn and Seniman Calligraphy, Jane and Ben’s tented reception was transformed into cinematic magic effortlessly captured by Jeremy Chou Photography. See it all in The Vault!

From Jeremy Chou PhotographyJane and Ben had an elegant outdoor wedding at the classic Hamilton Golf Center in New Jersey! Since they are both lawyers, they wanted a classic affair for their wedding. With an understated elegance. The couple went with a beautiful color palette of white & blush pink peonies. Jane wear a beautiful Monique Huillier gown and Ben wore a custom fitted classic tux.

From the Bride… Before I even started, I knew I wanted the whole vibe to be romantic and elegant, but not overly formal. When it came down to it, I wanted the guests to feel the love through the decor, the music, and through me and my husband. How did I seek to accomplish that? Well I didn’t have a wedding planner and I was restricted to venues in New Jersey because of my parents. I had two requirements: first, I wanted a tented reception because I remember watching the movie “my best friends wedding” growing up and thinking how gorgeous that reception was. Second, I wanted an outdoor ceremony because I find them to be less formal and also consistent with the romantic/whimsical vibe that I wanted. Thankfully, NJ doesn’t have too many venues that fit those requirements so when I found Hamilton farm golf club I knew it was the right place.

My favorite moment was the ceremony. We had been anticipating rain all week and all day long. It was an added stressor to the day because my ceremony was supposed to be outdoors – it’s why I chose the venue after all. The rain managed to hold all day for our gorgeous photos, but just as I was waiting to walk down the aisle with my dad, it started drizzling. By the time I had reached my husband, the umbrellas were out. I barely noticed it though because the sound of the rain drops added the most magical and romantic feeling, especially as we were saying our vows. Standing next to my husband and making our commitments to one another while being surrounded by the people we love most in the world with a gorgeous back drop… I’d say that moment couldn’t have been any more perfect. They say rain on your wedding day is good luck and hey, I got the romantic vibe I was going for.

A beautiful wedding has so many elements: the flowers, the photos, dress, venue, etc. But personally, I think what makes a wedding distinguishable are the intangibles: The love between you and your husband, the excitement and energy from the guests, the laughter you hear and the joyful tears that are shed. The details are important, but don’t forget to appreciate all the things that are invisible to the eye.

Photography: Jeremy Chou Photography | Floral Design: DESIGNS BY AHN | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Keremo Cakes | Invitations: Seniman Calligraphy | Stationery: Sunim Ink | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Hair + Makeup: VickyC5 | Favors: Momofuku Milk Bar | Wedding Venue: Hamilton Farm Golf Club | Reception Dress: Zimmermann | Signage: Paper and Pinafore

A Baby Shower So Gorgeous You Might Mistake it for a Wedding!

When I first laid eyes on this elegant-as-ever baby shower, I could have sworn it was a wedding. See? And it comes as no surprise seeing as this sweet day was in honor of the lovely Shalyn Nelson and designed by the fab team at Inspired Events and Designs. Complete with a menu inspired by Mama-to-be’s food cravings, a mimosa bar and a cutie onesie station, there’s more goodness captured by Sophie Epton right here in The Vault!

From Inspired Events and Designs… As an event planner and stylist I get to be a part of so many amazing events and bringing creativity and personality into every event is always a blast. It filled my heart with so much joy being able to plan this special event in my friend’s life. I originally met Shalyn back in 2010 when I was pregnant with my second baby. We became instant friends sneaking candy from a candy bar at a wedding we were working, and ever since that day I met her, I’ve been excited for the day she would become a Mom too. I always told her that I was going to make her baby shower fabulous when her time came, and I really meant it. When my friend called and told me she was pregnant, I was so excited and I knew right away I was going to plan the sweetest, and most gorgeous day for the fabulous mama to be.

We decided on a theme that was simple, classy, soft, and intimate. We wanted to keep everything light with lots of white, greenery, and a few touches of gold. We also had to add some fun with Baby Beau’s name, to personalize things a little. Guests arrived to Baby Beau’s bash at the lovely One Eleven East venue in Hutto, Texas and were greeted by a table with a box for them to sign, that read, “Beau’s Favorite Things.” The hostesses all pitched in and got Shalyn a personalized tepee with Beau’s name on it for the nursery, but also thought it would be the perfect backdrop for the gifts to sit in. We also had a little sitting area with some beautiful white chairs for Shalyn to sit in while she opened the gifts.

We knew we wanted to make the experience for guests intimate and social, so we decided to have a “lunch party” vibe in the middle of the room for guests to visit with one another. The tables were covered with simple white linens and paired with fruitwood crossed back chairs from a fellow vendor and friend of ours, Birch and Brass Rentals. Each setting had a simple vintage gold accent plate, layered with white napkins and a personalized jar of the mama to be’s favorite candy treat (Sour Patch Kids) and a simple glass with gold and white striped straws. The beautiful flower arrangements and greenery on the tables by Bristol Lane added the perfect touch.

There were so many lovely details throughout the entire space. We had a bib and onesie crafting station that was stocked with stencils, paints, brushes and markers. This station was a great way for guests to take the time to get a little creative for baby Beau. Another was the dessert dresser, also from Birch and Brass Rentals, which was full of yummy treats including a simple naked cake with a gold glitter topper that added a nice touch. Above the dresser we hung a swaddle as a banner (Shalyn’s first baby purchase) from the How Joyful Shop, which was surrounded with some beautiful touches of greenery.

My favorite part of the shower was personalizing the food selection. We thought it would be fun to do something different than the usual finger foods you see at a lot of baby showers. Shalyn is a fun person, so we knew she would love this idea. We decided to have all of the mama-to-be’s favorite cravings these last few months, which included french fries from McDonalds (the guests loved this!), Olive Garden Salad, and tacos. Let’s just say the guests went home with a very happy stomach! It truly was the most special day for the most special friend.

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Try these DIY Paper Flowers for a Baby Shower!

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Photographer: Sophie Epton Photography | Floral Design: Bristol Lane Florals | Cake: Lady Cakes N' Sweet Treats | Invitations: San Francisco Crafts | Wedding Venue: One Eleven East | Banner: How Joyful Shop | Cake Topper: Haylee's Boutique | Calligraphy Signage: Wondrous Whimsy | Donut Display: Lone Star Bakery | Film Scans: Richard Photo Lab | Furniture + Rentals: Birch And Brass Rentals | Planner + Styling: Inspired Events And Designs

When Friends Fall in Love, They Then Marry in a Rustic Barn Wedding

When a childhood friendship develops into a lifelong love, you know what you do? You plan the ultimate barn wedding complete with unbelievable design details. Captured by Meredith Sledge, this is one celebration that’s refined rustic and totally chic. We’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

Colors
Styles
Rustic

From the Bride… Lee and I have known each other since we were 10 years old, though back then we would never have thought that on June 25, 2016 we’d be committing ourselves to one another in front of our friends and family. But after six years of dating and thirteen years of being friends and the time came to plan our wedding, there was no other place considered besides our hometown, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Our relationship was built on friendship, and Lee and I wanted our wedding to have the same comfortable and at home feeling we’d found in each other. When my mom and I started looking at venues in Charlottesville, Lee’s one requirement was he wanted us to be able to wear our cowboy boots at the reception. We came across Panorama Farms Event Barn and just knew this was the place for our wedding. The rustic barn would allow us to create a wedding that perfectly described us as a couple.

We chose the theme of rustic elegance and had so much fun incorporating the theme into different elements of the wedding. Our invitations were wrapped in lace and twine sewn by my mom. The church pews were lined with mason jars filled with beautiful white hydrangeas. Our caterer provided a delicious family style meal to make guests feel at home. And our course, Lee and I danced the night away in matching cowboy boots.

The word that best describes Lee’s and my wedding is joyful. There was never a moment we didn’t have a smile on our faces. Our commitment to one another was many years in the making and truly blessed by the Lord. The wedding was the perfect start to our life together as husband and wife. All our vendors were integral to making the day flawless, and they helped us create a day that we both haven’t stopped smiling about.

Photography: Meredith Sledge | Event Planning: Margaret Bloom | Floral Design: Blue Ridge Floral | Cake: Favorite Cakes | Invitations: Reaves Engraving | Ceremony Venue: St. Paul's Ivy | Reception Venue: Panorama Farms | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Catering: A Pimento Catering | Hair + Makeup: Jeanne Cusick | Band: Sam Hill Entertainment | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse

Why New Orleans’ French Quarter Is The Perfect Place to Say ‘I Do’

If there were ever a couple to be inspired by, it’d be Alyssa and Jon. They met in college, fell in love, walked through Alyssa’s battle with breast cancer, and later moved to NYC for her dream job as a fashion editor. And as if that’s not enough, they also happened to throw one of the most amazing weddings of all time. Sapphire Events helped them design their classic French Quarter affair at Latrobe’s on Royal and Rylee Hitchner documented everything waiting inside The Vault.

From Sapphire EventsAlyssa and Jon are the epitome of college sweethearts. They met during their freshman year at Tulane University and have been inseparable ever since. Jon supported Alyssa through her year long battle with breast cancer and moved to New York City with her when she landed her dream job as the online fashion editor for Marie Claire Magazine. After their rooftop first look with a view of the charming French Quarter in the crisp Fall weather, the two said “I Do” at the New Orleans landmark, St. Louis Cathedral, in front of 200 of their family and friends. From the ceremony, guests participated in a traditional New Orleans second line to the reception venue, Latrobe’s on Royal, where the celebration continued into the night.

Photography: Rylee Hitchner Photography | Event Planning: Sapphire Events | Floral Design: Kim Starr Wise Floral Events | Cake: Pure Cake | Ceremony Venue: Old Ursuline Convent | Reception Venue: Latrobe's on Royal | Hair + Makeup: Kiss And Makeup | DJ: DJ Phresh | Lighting Decor: Luminous Events | Rentals: Perrier Party Rentals

Registering? You Need to Ask These 5 Questions!

When it comes to registering for the Big Day, turning that house into a home is key.  Which is why we’ve teamed up with our faves at The Registry at Bloomingdale’s for an FAQ sesh that will get you moving in the right direction.  From the when to the where to the how much, we’ve got you totally covered.  See our tips below and don’t forget the fine china. (Yes, you need it.)

WHEN SHOULD I START TO CREATE MY REGISTRY?

Grab those scanners and start registering EARLY, loves… Whether that’s right after saying “Yes!” to the one you love, or a few months later, you’ll want those details finalized for every celebration on your agenda. Which means contacting your Personal Registry Consultant at least six months before the Big Day, so your guests can conveniently purchase items for that engagement bash, bachelorette party and bridal shower (among others).

SHOULD I REGISTER ONLINE OR IN-STORE?

The short answer?  Both.  Registering online is sooo simple and sooo easy, so it makes total sense to start your registry from the comfort of your very own home.  We suggest setting everything up while relaxing in your yoga pants, then scheduling a time to meet with your Personal Consultant at The Registry at Bloomingdale’s to spend a fun-filled day perusing the goodies.  Once you’ve added everything you’ll need in-store, you can continue to manage and add items from anywhere in the world with the Big Brown Mobile App.  That’s what we call convenience.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I REGISTER FOR?

Cultivating the perfect registry?  Research is sooo important.  Which means sitting down with your Personal Consultant and really figuring out what you need now AND in the future.  Think entertaining must-haves, luxe bedding, kid-friendly place settings and even extra glassware for those slip-ups in the kitchen. And that aforementioned fine china?  You’ll most definitely want to show off those gorgeous patterns during holidays and all of those future celebrations.  Plus, don’t be afraid to add those big ticket items for group purchases.  Remember, having extra items on your registry isn’t a bad thing – you can always pick up those must-haves for yourself later.  (Hint: The Registry at Bloomingdale’s has an amazing 10% – 20% off Completion Offer.)

HOW AND WHERE SHOULD I ADVERTISE MY WEDDING REGISTRY TO MY GUESTS?

Technology? It’s our friend.  And gorgeous wedding websites are THE perfect place to share your registry info with your nearest and dearest… for every party on your agenda.  Not the wedsite type of couple? Then it’s time to go old school and spread the word via the ones you love with a few intricately placed phone calls. Just avoid the ultimate faux-pas and leave the info off your invites… trust us on this one.

WHEN DO I SEND THANK YOU’S TO MY GUESTS?

Four words: as soon as possible.  Your guests are helping you and yours start an amazing new life together… thanking them immediately is a necessity. Helpful tip? The Registry at Bloomingdale’s has a fab Thank You Card Manager, which tracks your gifts and the senders, making the entire process seriously easy.

So now that you know all there is to know about registering for your Big Day, it’s time to turn to the place that makes it all so very, very awesome… and very, very easy.  Yep, I’m talking The Registry at Bloomingdale’s, one of our fave places on earth that also happens to make registering one of the best parts of your entire wedding.  Think crazy cool products, exclusive savings, bridal events, honeymoon packages and a 10% – 20% off Completion Offer that is sooo amazing.  They even have fab time saving tools, like a Wedding Checklist, a Thank You Manager and the Big Brown Mobile App.  They’ll help you build that dream home one step at a time and, well… we love them for that.

Contact The Registry at Bloomingdale’s TODAY to speak with a Personal Registry Consultant. And don’t forget that if you open a qualifying registry in August, you’ll receive a Michael Aram set of 4 demitasse cups and saucers, a retail value of $200!

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Registry Picks Board 1: 1. kate spade new york Charlotte Street Dinnerware 2. Villeroy & Boch La Classica Gold 5-Piece Place Setting 3. Lucia Linseed Flower & Goat Milk Candle 4. kate spade new york Two of a Kind His & Hers Stemless Wine Glass, Set of 2 5. Shiraleah Basant Block Print Decorative Pillow 6. LSA Flower Mini Bouquet Vase 7. kate spade new york Crown Point Gold Frame 8. Matouk Esme Throw

Registry Picks Board 2: 1. Fringe Good Morning Sunshine Mug 2. Fringe Water Studies Small Lacquer Tray 3. Vera Wang Painted Stripe Sheet Set 4. Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker 5. Shiraleah Biscayne Diamond Embroidered Decorative Pillow 6. Smeg 2-Slice Toaster 7. Liberty Flowers Watering Can

An Outdoor Wedding with an Oak Tree Altar

When it comes to couples that totally captivate Lindsay and Joe are as charming as can be, and their big day? It’s somehow even more enthralling. With the talented Anne-Claire Brun Photography behind the lens capturing every mesmerizing moment, we’ve got it all waiting for you to favorite in The Vault!

From Anne-Claire BrunLast Spring I have shot a wedding in Campovida. I already loved my couple, I had shot their engagement session in Northern California the previous year and it was a lot of fun! I thought it would be a good wedding but I had no idea…

First, the venue was incredible and Lindsay (+ her mom!) did an incredible work with the design! I loved everything about this wedding. The animated getting ready, the emotional first look between Lindsay and her dad, the friendships in the bridal party and with the siblings, the ceremony under the tree, the speeches and the four parents holding hands, how the couple had planned a cake for the groom’s brother as well, because it was also his birthday and finally, everyone having a blast on the dance floor.

I have rarely seen so much love between two families. Between all the guests. It was truly different, the way that everyone interacted with me, the way they talked, laughed and danced…

I always say that I shoot weddings because it’s wonderful to be surrounded by so much love and happiness but it’s rare for it to be this much. I feel honored to have been the witness of such a pure moment and I am grateful that I came across so much love. It was humbling and amazing.

From The Bride…Joe and I went to high school together, but were just friends back then. It wasn’t until many years later, when we both found ourselves living in San Francisco, when we reunited. A mutual friend was in town, which brought us together one night, and there was an undeniable chemistry between us. We hung out long after the rest of the group had left, talking for hours and learning about each other like it was the first time we were meeting. We were together from that moment on!

He completely surprised me by doing his proposal in a way that was actually not so surprising! He had always said he would do it in some very obscure, non-cliché way so that I never saw it coming. But he got down on one knee while we were at the beach at sunset on the first day of our Hawaiian vacation! I never thought he would have done it in such a “what you see in the movies” kind of way, so ironically enough, it ended up being the perfect way to completely catch me off guard!

We are so lucky to have so many amazing family members who were so supportive and helpful throughout the process. If it wasn’t for our amazing Moms and Dad’s, we would not have had the final product that we did! We spent what we thought at the time was way too long choosing each vendor, but it turns out that was the best thing we could have done! We ended up with an amazing group of wedding vendors who made the whole experience so enjoyable. Our wedding planner, Courtney Cargile, made us feel so at ease in the months leading up to the wedding. Since we had so many of our family members contributing in various ways, and so many little DIY projects throughout the process, our biggest concern had always been whether everything would come together in the end. She really took charge and went above and beyond to make it sure that it did!

Joe and I tend to have eclectic taste – we appreciate both a classic/refined, and a modern/funky aesthetic, so it made it hard to decide on which direction to go with our wedding look. We took our time brainstorming and exploring different ideas and venues, but once we found Campovida, our vision totally fell into place. Campovida is centered around sustainability and nature: “we are obsessed with all things rooted in real – not tinkered or changed for the sake of fitting in.” (in their own words from their Website). We kept this as our mantra to create a simple, yet elegant wedding that would accentuate the beautiful gardens and unique grounds there. We worked with an amazing local florist who uses only local and sustainable florals and materials. We accented the flowers and greenery with simple gold and natural wood touches, and kept the frills to a minimum, focusing on details that had real meaning and purpose. My Mom and Dad were amazing and surprised us with even more DIY touches that we didn’t know about – a custom “We Did!” sign for our dinner chairs, beautiful signs and hanging golden spheres to deck out our dessert table, and beautiful gold candlelit lanterns hanging above the head table. It all came together even better than I had imagined it!

My favorite moment of the day was the ceremony. We chose not to have a first look, so standing at the altar was the first time we had seen each other that day. I had been so nervous about being in front of so many people with everybody’s eyes on us. But it turned out to be an oddly serene and calming moment knowing we had so many loving friends and family members together in one place to support us. It was an amazing feeling to finally be saying our vows – something we had been looking forward to for so long! We couldn’t have imagined the ceremony being any more wonderful – it was the perfect, peaceful way to kick off the rest of the evening!

An advice for future brides and groom would be to try to simplify wherever possible. Wedding planning can spiral out of control if you let it. Don’t get caught up in what you ‘should’ do – stay true to yourselves and remember how you feel as a guest at a wedding and what you do and don’t notice. Another big piece of advice I’d give is to not focus as much on how you want things to look, as much as how you want to feel and how your guests to feel throughout each part of the wedding.

Photography: Anne-Claire Brun Photography | Event Design: The Bride and the Bride’s Mother | Event Planning: Courtney Cargile | Floral Design: The Monkey Flower Group | Wedding Dress: WTOO Watters | Cake: Schat's Bakery Cafe | Stationery: Minted | Jewelry: Kate Spade | Hair + Makeup: Bay Area Beautiful | DJ: AMS Entertainment | Favors: Chocolate dipped cookies made by our Moms and Sisters | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Officiant: Thomas Lengyel, Groom’s Cousin | Venue: Campovida | Napkins: The Knot | Signage: Bride's Sister

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10 Makeup Tips for Your Wedding Day

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Y’all, August is Hot…But These Grooms Are Hotter.

On a typical August day, we’d all be about beating the heat. But this month is a little different because we’re launching our SMP Hot Groom Awards that are guaranteed to make you sweat. We’ve rounded up 16 of the most handsome hubsters from our archives and we’re leaving it up YOU to vote week-by-week and crown the winner. Up for grabs? Major bragging rights plus a surprise gift for our winning groom. Pop open the rosé and let the voting begin!

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CLICK TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

TO VOTE: Cast your vote here on our Facebook polls throughout the month of August.

THE DETAILS: Each week we’ll narrow down your Hottest Groom Picks, getting one step closer to crowning the winning cuteness. 

THE WINNER: Announced right here on SMP Monday, August 22nd!

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Trust us…your summer just got a WHOLE lot better. Happy voting! xoxo

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Photography: 1. Kendra Elise | 2. Sarah Kate | 3. Brandon Kidd | 4. Emily Scott | 5. Ken Kienow | 6. Lacie Hansen | 7. Ana Lui | 8. Emily Scott | 9. CLY by Matthew | 10. Ruth Eileen | 11. Greg Finck | 12. Koman Photographers | 13. Heidi-O-Photo | 14. Polly Alexandre | 15. Jillian Mitchell | 16. Elyse Hall

See This Hollywood Funnyman’s Mad Hatter-Themed Engagement Photos

T.J. Miller isn’t your average groom (he’s currently earning lots of laughs on HBO’s hit series “Silicon Valley”). And his engagement session with fiancée Kate Gorney isn’t your average e-sesh. Full of whimsy and fun, their Alice In Wonderland-themed photos, captured by Mandee Johnson, are straight out of Lewis Carroll’s imagination and as the Bride put it, “the perfect metaphor of our life together.”

From Mandee JohnsonT.J. and Kate came to me wanting a fun, modern day Mad Hatter engagement shoot. These images capture their whimsy, stunning beauty & love.

From Kate… We both delighted in the story in childhood & the book is part of our shared adult lives in many way. Alice in Wonderland speaks to our share love of whimsy absurdism. It’s always felt a bit like a surreal dream, the perfect metaphor of our life together.

Photography: Mandee Johnson | Engagement Ring: Vintage | Hair and Makeup : Rob Harmon | Bow Tie: Vintage | Hotel: Lafayette House | Earrings: Vintage | Hat: Vintage | Wardrobe for Kate: Marc Jacobs | Wardrobe for TJ: Ralph Lauren

Cast Your Vote for Style Me Pretty Living Home Awards!

Our archive of home tours is by far my favorite little corner of SMP Living. Getting to peek inside the prettiest of abodes on the daily makes my home-loving heart smile. And it seems to do the same for y’all, which is why we’re launching the SMP Living Home Awards! Each week during the month of August you’ll vote on our Facebook page and decide which home will advance to the next level. Read on for the contestants and click here to cast your vote!

Click to cast your vote!

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The Bracket Contestants

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Classic One | Classic Two | Classic Three | Classic Four

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Coastal One | Coastal Two | Coastal Three | Coastal Four

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ha_eclectic

Eclectic One | Eclectic Two | Eclectic Three | Eclectic Four

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ha_modern

Modern One | Modern Two | Modern Three | Modern Four

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OFFICIAL RULES

Voters must follow Style Me Pretty on Facebook to cast a winning vote. The first round of voting, ending on August 6, voters will select the two homes from each style category that they’d like to move on in the bracket. These two homes from each style category with the most votes will advance in the SMP Living Home Awards bracket. Voters will then pick one home from each style category, until August 13. Then, voters will pick two homes from the final four until March 20. Finally, voters will vote for the ultimate home from the final two until August 27. The final home will be revealed on August 31. Followers are allowed one vote per IP address. Facebook voters determine the ultimate home winner, votes will only qualify if submitted daily through Facebook polls on the Style Me Pretty page. The home winner will be announced on August 31st.

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Click to cast your vote!

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