When you celebrate 27 years together, you know what it takes to make a marriage work. And according to this beautiful bride, it’s a lot of love and determination… among sooo many other components.  Her sage advice is most definitely worth a read, whether you are tying the knot in the near future or just want to remind yourself why Marriage Matters oh-so-much.  Scroll below for her words of wisdom, then soak in her beautiful anniversary session captured by Wynona Benson in THE VAULT.

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From the Bride… The last time my husband and I had our pictures taken, just the two of us with no distractions, was before we were husband and wife. This year, we accepted an invitation to do an anniversary session, little knowing what a choice experience it would be. Our photographer set the stage for surprise, intimacy, and warm expressions of feelings. By the end of our session, both my husband and I felt energized, vibrant and so in love. I will recommend an anniversary photo session to anyone. The photos will capture the love you feel on that day, lighting each day thereafter with a happy memory and the anticipation of many more happy days to come.

A wedding day is just the beginning of a challenging, but most rewarding journey, not a destination. In order to build a fulfilling marriage each partner needs to develop important qualities: commitment and trust, patience and perseverance, unconditional love and forgiveness, ingenuity and determination, selflessness and sacrifice, kindness and friendship, faith and hope. These qualities are not miraculously endowed as part of the marriage ceremony. With some effort they are woven into the very fibers of the couple’s relationship over time and through countless shared experiences. As a couple proactively creates happy memories (such as date nights, acts or kindness, traditions – daily and seasonal), they add to and reinforce the fabric of their commitment and love. When day-to-day life, mistakes, detours, tragedies, and such occur (as they do and will), it will serve each partner well to always, always keep in mind why he or she chose to marry, to remember the joy and excitement of falling in love, and to swallow the pride of what is wanted in a moment for what is wanted in the long run.

For newlyweds, learn what true, unconditional love really is and know that this is the fuel that keeps a marriage burning bright. Unconditional love grows as each partner chooses to “see” the other as he or she truly is and can become, beyond weaknesses and mistakes. “Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) We all, every one of us, makes mistakes. Rather than seeking to change your partner to fit your mold, change yourself first. Be sincere, humble, and yet confident in this process. Don’t hold on to guilt from the past (near or far). Guilt and baggage will not serve you well. Let it all go. Forgive yourself and your spouse. Begin the journey of each day right where you are and end each day with a loving embrace.

Photography: Wynona Benson | Floral Design: Mount Tabor Park | Venue: North Topsail Beach NC

One glance in The Vault at this Provence wedding from Les Productions De La Fabrik and My Loveberry, and you might think this sweet day came straight out of a movie. The beautiful Bride in a simple yet sexy wedding dress, the portrait session in an olive grove, and the tented reception with sweet bistro chairs — this French fête is an absolute dream!

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From Les Productions De La Fabrik…When Delphine called me for her wedding in Tarascon, I was so delightful to find back Provence’s light and atmosphere. She explained me how she was imagining a graceful but simple reception, with an antique pink colored touch! She was dreaming about a ceremony and couple session in the old Provencal city of Tarascon. The empty village place and streets were so romantic. And when I discovered the field of olive trees in the Mas des Prêcheurs, we also had a lovely shooting there at the end of the day with a beautiful light. The venue was so charming and all the reception took place joyfully and friendly.

Delphine and Antony were like Scott Fitzerald characters: elegant, thoughtful and…in Love! The event planner wedding by Mademoiselle C and the floral designer l’Arrosoir de Margaux sublimated the place which was already very charming. All the wedding day was a perfect moment and it was really a great pleasure for me to share this romantic event.

Photography: Les Productions de La Fabrik | Cinematography: My Loveberry | Event Planning: By Mademoiselle C | Floral Design: Arrosoir De Margaux | Catering: Marrou | Hair + Makeup: Un Brin D'audace | Venue: Le Mas Des Prêcheurs | Rentals: Be Lounge

At the Bride’s childhood home, these two said “I do” and celebrated with the cutest little ones you ever did see, tasty treats (thanks to Paula LeDuc Fine Catering), and soft florals gathered from the garden nearby. They danced all night under one of Bright Event Rentals stunning tents and all the while, Jesse Leake snapped away, capturing every moment. If this isn’t a fairytale brought to life, I’m not sure what is. Happily ever after is in our Vault right this way…

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From Jesse Leake… Elizabeth and Patrick got married in St. Helena at Elizabeth’s childhood home. It was a beautiful, sunny, hot fall day – there had been some worry of rain, but the day of the sky was bright blue and clear. The garden was lush and bountiful with blooms of fragrant roses, lavender, and grape vines.

Kathleen Deery Design arrived at the estate the morning of to clip from the hillside garden to incorporate into Elizabeth’s bouquet and the arrangements that bordered the aisle. Elizabeth and Patrick said their vows in front of families and friends at the end of a garden path backed by lush hydrangea and willow trees. Their rings were passed through the rows for guests to wish them love and happiness. Paula LeDuc Fine Catering served an array of tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, basil-avocado puree drizzled with roasted tomato vinaigrette and St. Helena Farms beef tenderloin, grilled corn ragout, crispy onions with chimichurri and poured the family wine.

Guests danced after dinner to Project M of Elan Artists – a white dance floor overlooked the valley where grapevines and oak trees stretched as far as the eye could see. Late night dancing took place in the grotto with local DJ David Carvalho and the men enjoyed Cuban Rounds on the terrace of the game room.

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More at-home weddings here!

Photography: Jesse Leake Photography | Cinematography: Max + Molly Films | Event Planning: Alison Events, LLC | Floral Design: Kathleen Deery Design | Cake: Perfect Endings | Invitations: A DAY IN MAY DESIGN | Catering: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events | Hair + Makeup: Sarah Hyde | Lighting: Illusions Lighting | DJ: Boutique DJs | Band: Elan Artists | Officiant: Lisa Francesca | Detailor: Heidi Johnson | Draping + Tent Rentals: Bright Event Rentals | Getaway Car: Nationwide Limousine Service | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: Magnolia Photo Booth Co.

Hi SMP Brides! It’s Jess of Dressed by Jess again and today I am so excited to share my garden-inspired bridal shower with you. First, let me start out by saying that I was so completely overwhelmed with love and joy on the day of my shower. The feeling of having all of the special women in your life, in one room, gathered to celebrate your soon-to-be marriage, is indescribable.

I cried many happy tears! My bridal shower was not a surprise, I was aware of the date and location, but my girls kept a lot of secrets from me which made the day extra special. My mom, sister, bridesmaids, and future mother-in-law did such an incredible job planning the day for me. From the flower bar, to the custom flower crown station, to the floral photo booth, my eyes didn’t know where to settle first upon entering the room.

My shower took place at the Madison Hotel in the Conservatory room, which features floor to ceiling windows, opulent chandeliers, and rich greenery. It was truly stunning! The invitations were accentuated with pretty pastels, pops of fuchsia, and a whimsical garden-inspired design by Sugar and Grace Paper. The reverse side of the invitations included the saying “Please join us in the garden for love and laughter before the happily ever after.”

We spent the day sipping on mimosas, enjoying delicious food and all the fun festivities my bridesmaids put together. We laughed over the clever games and cried over the sentimental moments. I really enjoyed the He Said/She Said game. It was fun to listen to all the guests’ responses.

The flower bar represented my love for florals, and it also served as a favor station. Each guest was able to pick their favorite flowers and put them into jars to bring home. Another fun touch? We used the flowers to create flower crowns! This station was a hit. I couldn’t pull my friends away from it if I tried to. It kept them very busy when I opened gifts.

The photo booth was very non-traditional and my sister worked with Angela of Floriography Designs to hang flowers for the backdrop. At the end of the day I really enjoyed looking back at all the photos of my friends and family. It was such a sweet touch.

I opted to keep my ensemble fairly traditional for the shower. I wore a long-sleeved lace white dress from Allen Schwartz and completed the look with a Marchesa clutch from Rent the Runway. I worked with Michelle from Up and Out to create a bohemian-inspired fishtail braid. We styled it with a delicate Violette Garland hair accessory from Hermione Harbutt. I felt the dainty pearl flowers nestled along the gold branches truly fit in with the bridal shower theme.

It was a floral-filled afternoon and I was surrounded by so much love. I’m so thankful for those who helped me celebrate. I hope you enjoyed taking a peek into my bridal shower. Huge thank you to Jessa of Love & Light Photographs for capturing every moment. Stay tuned for more pre-wedding details. xx Jess.

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Flower bar tips from Floriography Designs

Find a floral expert that can provide the flowers, tools, and expertise. In the case of DIY, do research about flowers and find a good flower market provider.

Create a concept. Choose your color theme and floral style. You could go from French market, urban chic, to rustic and country style. Try to pick flowers according to your bridal shower theme.

Select the right flowers that will be easy to pick for your guests that can be arranged in small bud vases. Preferably no thorns and clean stems.

Don’t forget to prep! Order your flowers ahead of time. On the day before, unwrap and prepare buckets with clean water and flower food to condition and feed them. Clean the stems removing thorns or any unnecessary leaves. Arrange them by bunches.

Set the stage. Get creative by designing and decorating your flower bar with buckets for your guests to pick the flowers. Prepare the bud vases with water and floral food ahead. Set up some small working tables for your guests to work on with tools to cut and arrange the flowers.

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Follow Jess’s Journey:

Meet the Bride | Margarita + ‘Maids | Planning Inspo | The Dress | Mistletoe Moments

Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Bride's Shoes: Kohl's | Hair + Makeup: Up & Out Beauty Bar | Venue: The Madison Hotel | Bride's Clutch: Rent The Runway | Bride's Dress: Allen B. Schwartz | Floral Design, Flower Bar + Floral Photo Booth: Floriography Designs | Hair Accessory: Hermione Harbutt | Invitation Suite + Sinage: Sugar & Grace Creative | Pre-Bridal Shower Glow: EC Beauty Studio

Though they met when she was the new girl in school in fifth grade, and started “dating” in seventh grade, this Bride and Groom didn’t officially start dating until freshman year when her father’s “no dating until high school” rule expired. A year later, they shared their first kiss. And the rest is history — until their winter wedding. See every sweet moment, captured by Texture Photo, in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Davis and I met when we were just twelve years old. I had just moved to Knoxville from Colorado and we both were going to the same school. Keep in mind this is fifth grade and I was the new girl in school. Not the new girl that everyone wants to be friends with, but more the weird one that showed up in a pink camo backpack and pigtails. Needless to say Davis didn’t fall in love with me right then and there. Fast forward to seventh grade and we had home room together. By this point I had lost the pigtails and camo backpack and was a little less awkward. I remember thinking Davis was so cute and wondering if there was a chance that he would ever like me. At this point in time not many people had cell phones and so Davis and I would email back and forth. I look back on those emails and laugh at the amount of times we ask who each other likes and how many times we answer with “I’ll tell you if you tell me”. Each time we would always say each other, and each time it was like we had no idea. Davis and I say we started dating in 7th grade because without the title, we did. We talked all the time and honestly grew up together. My dad had a rule though that I wasn’t allowed to “officially” date until I was a freshman in high school. As soon as that day came, Davis asked me out and we started dating! My dad also had a rule that Davis had to wait a year to kiss me. His reasoning behind this was that if a boy can’t wait a year for something then it isn’t that important to him. He wanted Davis to know how important it really was. Davis has always been so kind and respectful. I am amazed at how caring he was even at such a young age. In middle school sports aren’t that relevant so when I went to my first high school football game and heard Davis’ name over the intercom more times than I can count, I realized I really needed to learn more about football. Our high school experience was somewhat of a dream. Davis went on to break a national football record and I was able to cheer him on in the stands every game. We went through so many stages of life together, it is hard to remember a time when Davis wasn’t my best friend. We went to college together at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga where Davis played football. After our freshman year we knew that Chattanooga wasn’t our home and decided to transfer to the University of Tennessee Knoxville. This leads us to our Junior year of college.

Davis was a ranch hand at one of our family friends ranch in Knoxville. I would go up there with him some days to take care of the horses and just watch him. These were some of my favorite days because it felt like we were escaping reality for a little bit. In February of 2015 Davis said that one of the horses was hurt and he was going to go up to the ranch if I wanted to come. Of course I said yes and he came and picked me up. We drove up to the ranch and he told me that the medicine was on the top level of the barn and he asked me if I could go get it. I didn’t expect a thing and went up the stairs. That is when I saw hundreds of candles lining the floor, bistro lights draped across the ceiling, and a huge projector that said “Press Play”. I went up to the computer and in a moment of panic forgot his password. I shouted down, “Davis what is your password” and the crisis was averted. The video started playing and it was hundreds of photos and videos documenting our whole life together. From pigtails and camo back packs to where we were that day, Davis had it all in that video. At the end it said turn around and when I did there was Davis, with Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheehan playing in the background, walking towards me. I wish I could remember all that he said to me in those few minutes. Before I knew it he was down on one knee and my absolute best friend was proposing to me. It was a whirlwind of emotions when we walked downstairs to our whole family cheering us on. I can honestly say that I have never known a man to love so completely and so mindfully as Davis Howell. That day, up until our wedding, was the very best day of my life.

Photography: Texture Photo | Floral Design: Swank Floral Creations | Wedding Dress: Sweet Elegance Bridal | Cake: Cheryl McMillan Cake Design | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bari Jay | Makeup: Southern Belle Beauty | Hair: Grow Knoxville | DJ: Ogle Entertainment | Venue: Hunter Valley Farm | Coffee Sleeves: Four Things Paper | Men's Socks: Ace And Everett | Signage: Southern Timber

The Royal Wedding was undoubtably the wedding of the century, but this Marine Bride and Groom’s big day rivals Will and Kate’s own iconic day. With the Bride’s classic long sleeve lace wedding dress and her dapper Groom in his dress blues, these two look royal. And with Wish Wonder Dream‘s romantic winter touches throughout, Heather and Patrick’s big day was full of all the love and beauty they deserve. Witness all the pretty, captured by Brett Hickman Photographers, in The Vault!

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From Wish Wonder Dream…This is one of those weddings and one of those couples who make us beam with pride. Heather and Patrick are true heroes. Both United States Marines, they’ve dedicated their lives to service and their country. They are also two of the kindest, most generous and grateful people we’ve ever met. Oh, and they are also MADLY in love! Planning with them provided it’s share of challenges, because they were constantly on the move and rarely available to plan together. They were often in remote locations, without means of communication. And they were never in the same place. But we were up to the task of working with such an inspiring couple and we worked hard to find ways to keep them involved and always up-to-date. It was really our honor to do so. Their day was filled with all the love and beauty they deserved. And the pride and support from their friends and family was palpable. Their winter wedding was beyond words and one of the most beautiful days, literally and figuratively, we’ve ever been part of. Their photographer, Brett Hickman Photography captured it with perfection (as always) and we’re just so appreciative, to say the least, to have been part of it.

Photography: Brett Hickman Photographers | Floral Design: Rosebud Floral Design | Ceremony Music: Jason Sulkin | Venue: The Athenaeum | Cake + Desserts: Sheila Mae | DJ, Lighting + Photo Booth: Vox DJs | Event Design + Coordination: Wish Wonder Dream | Rentals: Dolphin Rentals

Nothing (and we mean, nothing) is better than a handsome man in uniform. And today? We’re honoring just that. As we salute, and remember the fearless men and women who’ve defended our country and sacrificed for our freedom. A salute to our soldiers with an ode to military weddings, both big and small. It’s our way of saying thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service.

Men in Uniform

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Men in Uniform

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More military weddings below!

Intimate Military Wedding | SALUTE TO MILITARY WEDDINGS | Elegant Military Wedding

In a world where selfies make an appearance at every event, I think we can all be a bit overzealous in perfecting our look for those photo ops. And often times way too critical of ourselves too. But really, it’s all in the angle. So next time you take a selfie with your bae (or bff) try this trick below, that Miranda Kerr does so beautifully.

A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on May 14, 2016 at 3:35am PDT

Tilt your head to the side at about a 45 degree angle to highlight your cheekbones and the shape of your face. Also flattering for your nose!

Pull your shoulders back, elongate your spine and point your chin downward a touch. This will help highlight your collar bone and let your eyes shine front and center. Happy selfie-ing!

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We're Stealing These 8 Blogger Looks for Our Weekend Uniform

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We're Stealing These 8 Blogger Looks for Our Weekend Uniform

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More fashion + beauty inspiration this way!

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

Petit Bouquet

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If I could, I would move right into this pretty lil’ gallery. Because when something includes every single one of your favorite things, it’s hard to resist residency. A day complete with Buttercream Bakery cookies and Alicia Lacey Photography behind the lens, we’ve got it all waiting in The Vault!

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From Alicia Lacey Photography… This romantic Provencal wedding shoot took place in the stunning hedged gardens of Oatlands Plantation with each element designed to inspire the couple who takes pleasure in all things French: fine wine, sharp cheese, and delicious pastries. Commonly a more secluded region of this beautiful country, we wanted the setup to include subtle neutral tones with varying hues of purple as a nod to the lavender fields that fill the area. In true European fashion, the bride’s soft hair and makeup were complemented by her understated gown that featured hints of lace and a dreamy low back. The couple shared a few intimate moments alone with one another before indulging the day that lie ahead.

Photography: Alicia Lacey Photography | Event Design: So Lovely Weddings | Floral Design: So Lovely Weddings | Wedding Dress: Truvelle | Cake: Gateau | Invitations: Jess Creates (The Bride) | Shoes: Valentino | Hair + Makeup: JKW Beauty | Calligraphy: Sincerely Amy Designs | Groom: The Artist Agency | Wedding Venue: Oatlands Plantation | Bride: The Artist Agency | Cookies: Buttercream Bakeshop | Cookies: Buttercream Bakeshop | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

A day spent sipping and sailing like that crafted by Kari Rider Events + Karena Dixon sounds just about right for Memorial Day. Remembering those lost, embracing those you love and enjoying the warm weather. Hopefully you are doing all of the above. And even if you’re no where near a boat, we’ve taken the sip out of sip & sail and have a lineup of cocktails perfect for celebrating the unofficial start to summer.

Just in time for the unofficial start to summer, we gathered a few friends, stocked a cooler with our favorite seasonal cocktails, boarded a gorgeous 29-foot Hinckley and set out for a scenic “Sip & Sail” on some of the Chesapeake Bay’s most scenic waters. The breeze was light, the laughs were hearty, the familiar warmth of summer finally in our grasp again.

A 2005 Hinckley 29R was the setting of this classic coastal happy hour on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We kept the decor simple, using pattern play in the accent pillows, coasters, place mats and rugs to create a water-oriented palette that ran the blue spectrum. Nothing beat the scenic shoreline views and golden hour light, though! Cheers!

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Red, White and Booze

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Red, White and Booze

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Photography: Karena Dixon | Design & Styling: Kari Rider Events | Flowers: Seaberry Farm | Catering: Gourmet By The Bay | Boat: "Andiamo," a 2005 Hinckley 29R owned by Todd and Rachel Vecchio | Decor: Dwelling & Design | Invitation & Stationery: Cara Smith Designs

Their love story started like something straight out of a romantic movie (seriously), so it only makes sense that these two cuties would host a wedding day that is most definitely cinema worthy.  Think lush florals from Branch Design Studio, the perfect stylings of Cibi Events and a stunning lace masterpiece from Gabriella New York.  Fall in love with every Southern classic moment captured beautifully by Marni Rothschild in THE VAULT.

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From Marni Rothschild… You know that story that starts with, “They both lived in New York, he saw a beautiful girl from afar walking down the street, and he knew he had to meet her. He finds out that they both work in the same office (gasp) and now he has his chance…they end up falling in love, getting married and now they are starting their happily ever after.” This is that story!

Kathryn and Brian live and met in New York, they both work in finance and were office mates long before they started dating. Of course Kathryn remembered notable “firsts” like their first kiss but it wasn’t until their wedding ceremony when she learned that Brian remembered the first time he set eyes on her. He spotted her walking on the street in Midtown in the middle of the morning rush crowd, a tall blonde in a black dress, and much to his relief she wound up walking right into the same office as he did. Eight years later with the help of Cibi Events, they tied the knot at Lowndes Grove under a clear blue sky that made their bright color palette pop even more. All those deep pinks (even her nails!!) and the blue bridesmaids’ gowns from Amsale would leave anyone spellbound with delight. There was the sweetest first dance with Brian and his mom, a flower girl that almost stole the show, a naked cake with luscious cascading peonies and the bride playing an epic air guitar on her leg in 4 inch Jimmy Choo’s. TWICE. Quiana Parler and her band have that effect on people. Finish with a sparkler sendoff in a Bentley = wedding perfection.

Kathryn and Brian chose Charleston for their wedding for two reasons: the magnificent early spring weather and the majestic live oaks.

The design of the wedding was based on the contrast of Black Tie sophistication with the rustic style of the Lowcountry. This made Lowndes Grove the perfect venue for their ceremony and reception.

An illustration of an Oak tree was used as the monogram for their invitation suit. While it is a fairly iconic symbol of the South, Kathryn and Brian also felt that the strength and durability of the Mighty Oak tree was the perfect representation of the profound gratitude they have for their families blended with the hope they have for solidity and fortitude of their future. The Oak’s unwavering stability is reflective of the family values instilled in both Kathryn and Brian and proven by their parents, who act as not only strong supporters of the couple, but also as models for their marriage.

The Oak tree symbol was carried throughout the design elements, including a custom made corn hole toss and hand-stamped mini burlap bags filled with “grits of gratitude” that the guests were given as a takeaway.

Quite fittingly, the ceremony was held under a 300 year old, live oak tree at the river’s edge, and the ceremony was officiated by a dear friend and pastor who sprinkled the service with personal anecdotes as well as words of wisdom. The ceremony was followed by cocktails on the oyster tabby. Guests enjoyed a live jazz trio as they played corn hole on those very same boards that were customized by the bride’s brother and girlfriend. As the sun began its descent, dinner commenced on the tented terrace as Kathryn and Brian kicked off the reception with their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s “You are the Best Thing”, as sung by one of Charleston’s most definitive Divas- Quiana Parler.

Bright pink floral arrangements with pops of greens filled the tables. Lush Peonies, Ranunculus, Roses, Dahlias and Tulips combined with accents of Anemones, Astilbe, Angels Ferns, and Ivy spilled over the silver footed compotes and candelabras. The bright, colorful flowers were a welcome and uplifting change from the long, gray New York and Boston winter that most of the guests had just left behind. These striking arrangements were off-set by white farm tables, rough-hewn wooden chairs, and a subtle mix-match of petal leaf china and exquisite crystal stemware. Hand calligraphed menus incorporated watercolor art from the Save-the-Date cards, and doubled as a design element and place cards. Tiny, pink Tea Rose posies were placed at each setting at the head table, as crystal chandeliers sparkled above.

For an added touch of romance, we couldn’t resist a Charleston hanging bed- complete with a crystal chandelier, of course! As night swept over the venue, café string lights (the groom’s favorite and a gift from his beloved grandmother “Gummy”) twinkled above the open air bar and illuminated the lounge area as guests relaxed on vintage settees and armchairs. The taffeta-lined tent glowed from the soft amber uplighting and hundreds of glimmering candle-filled mercury votives and glass hurricanes.

The wedding cake was a stunning 4-tiered “naked cake” with an astounding amount of cascading peonies in a myriad of vibrant hues of pink.

When the time came to bid the couple farewell, Kathryn and Brian were given a sparkling Bon Voyage as they were swept off into the moonlight in a white vintage Bentley.

Photography: Marni Rothschild Pictures | Cinematography: Artistic Eye Productions | Event Planning: Cibi Events | Floral Design: Branch Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon | Invitations: Red Stone Press | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Paige Tanenbaum | Band: Quiana Parler And Friends | Ceremony Music: Peter Kiral | Transportation: Charleston Style Limo | Venue: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Catering + Cake: Fish Restaurant | Getaway Car: Royal Limo | Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals

Today marks the unofficial kickoff of summer (!!!) and thanks to Best Photography we’ve got an engagement session that’s the perfect of inspiration for all your warm-weather adventures. Set on the most darling of sailboats, this couple planned a picnic for two and you can see how it all played out inside The Vault.

From Best Photography… Nothing beats photographing a couple in love, on a sailboat, cruising the coast of Madeira Beach Florida. Talk about an amazing shoot! The weather was absolutely perfect and getting to photograph these two on this gorgeous sailboat was an incredible experience. Not to mention the fancy cheese, wine, and a cool crisp breeze to keep us all cozy for the evening. Captured on film, Alyssa and MJ’s love shines, and this engagement inspiration will have you longing for a trip to the ocean.

Photography: Best Photography | Film Lab: The Find Lab

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Love the Bride’s Look? Shop Our Fave Litle White Dresses.

Chic Little White Dresses

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Chic Little White Dresses

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Not all Brides have been planning their dream day since childhood, but when a Bride has had that much time to envision her perfect wedding, you can bet it’s going to be lovely — just like this beautiful Bride’s dreamy lavender day from Katydid Signature Floral & Event Design. And thanks to Love And Light Photographs and Michael Simons Wedding Films, you can pore over all the pretty in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Starting at a very young age, I knew exactly what my wedding would be like, simple yet elegant, classic and timeless. The church, venue, hair stylist, the shoes, rings, the month and even the one year engagement were already planned, the only thing truly missing was the groom. Years later, when I finally met my husband, he had a few thoughts of his own…he popped the question a half year earlier than he was “supposed” to according to my plan. I was afraid that with more time meant I would be more indecisive on the decisions that I did not already have planned, creating unnecessary stress! Looking back on our engagement I realize now how right he was to have a longer engagement. My mom and I had the time to deal with one thing at a time. And, with the help of my wedding planner, Ann Hawley, once we made a decision, we moved on to the next. Having more time meant that we did not have to rush around trying to get a few things booked at once. The time allowed us to research our vendors and book the ones we loved because we were far enough out.

Finding the right vendors was extremely important to me. I knew when my Big Day came, they would be the ones I would be interacting with and I wanted passionate, caring, creative and driven people surrounding me. I wanted their fun-loving attitudes to add to such a memorable occasion! With choosing vendors, that meant that this control freak bride had to give up some of that control, but with my vendors it was super easy to let them take the reigns. I simply told myself “they are experts in their respected field, which is why you hired them! Trust them!” Almost every vendor put my trust to the test at least once. Jessa would have Chris and I pose in some silly positions, Kate wanted ribbons to flow from the center pieces, Kevin planned to have the guests dancing, sitting, dancing, sitting, and Mike insisted that we wait to write our cards to one another until the day of, in front of the camera. Ironically, these times became some of my favorite parts about our wedding. Those silly poses lead to beautiful photographs, the lilac ribbons added a touch of elegance, the order of the night kept the guests on the dance floor longer, and writing our cards to one another on film is a priceless memory we will always treasure. Each and every one of my vendors took a little girl’s dream and made it into a real life fairytale.

Towards the middle of the reception, Jessa and Mike pulled Chris and I away to capture some footage on the docks while the sun was setting. At first I was hesitant to leave the party but I wanted those pictures! After a few short moments we were headed back to the reception. As Chris and I re-entered the reception from the back staircase we were completely overwhelmed with the scene in front of us. Our closest family and friends, who traveled from near and far, were all dancing and singing along with the band with an excessive amount of pure joy and happiness. As we stood there briefly, Chris and I realized how blessed we were to have such wonderful people in our lives. It was their contagious love and happiness for the two of us that took our breath away.

At the end of the day, every person involved in our wedding from our families, the bridal party, guests and vendors made our day magical and unforgettable.

Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Cinematography: Michael Simons Video Productions | Floral Design: Katydid Signature Floral & Event Design | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Chocolate Carousel | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Dona Massa Makeup Services | Hair: Mount Tabor Park | Band: Kevin Osborne | Venue: Rumson Country Club

Hey friends! Thanks for following along on our wedding planning journey so far. I’m SO excited to show you our wedding venue today. My mom and I went to see Holman Ranch before we were even engaged, because we happened to be in the area and had heard amazing things.

After exhaustive research, we decided to land on Holman Ranch for our September 2016 wedding. For many reasons, this was the perfect place to say “I do”! First, it is obviously gorgeous and has the most amazing view of the Carmel Valley. Second, it makes it possible to have your entire wedding ceremony and reception all in one place. No traveling for guests was very important to us. Third, it fit our wedding style (eclectic, rustic and romantic) and has endless photo options. Fourth, it has guest rooms on the property if guests want to stay there. Lastly, we knew we were going to have our wedding in California (even though we live in Michigan) so we wanted to choose a location that was a beautiful vacation spot for those guests coming in from out of town. It checked all of our boxes!

With the most stunning ceremony spot with sweeping views of the Carmel Valley, gorgeous buildings, the perfect quaint patio for dinner and an updated barn for dancing, we couldn’t be more excited!After we made our venue decision, I wanted to compile a team of vendors who were more than just a vendor– I wanted to have a team of artists and people I genuinely loved, not just admired their work. Since I’m immersed in the wedding industry a bit, I had a good idea of some people I wanted to have as a part of our day! Since this is often one of the most daunting aspects of pulling together your wedding day, I’ve come up with a few tips to help you compile your wedding day vendor team.

One of my sweetest friends in the wedding industry is Danielle of Danielle Poff Photography. It was a no brainer that she would shoot our wedding! I love her personality, her style and that she shoots with film. So dreamy! Next up, we decided on the ever-talented Michelle Lywood for our flowers. With a joyful spirit and genuine love for people and whimsical, natural flowers, I knew this was the perfect match. Beautiful flowers are what dreams are made of! Then we nailed down our caterers. As I mentioned, we wanted a cohesive team of people for our wedding, so when both Holman Ranch and our coordinators suggested Paradise Catering, there were no questions asked! Going with a company who comes highly recommended is so comforting. Shortly after this, we decided on our DJ who came highly recommended as well, John Belmont Entertainment. I totally trust our wedding will flow perfectly because of everyone on our team.

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5 tips on assembling your vendor dream team

Determine your budget. This dictates everything you plan for your wedding, including which vendors you can work with! sometimes vendors will list their minimums or starting prices on their website. If not, email them to inquire!

Nail down your style & feel for the day and make a list of vendors who fall in line with your style.
Go through their websites, look at their work on other websites, etc. You want to familiarize yourself with the styles of each potential vendor!

Determine your top 3-5 most important venders / aspects of your wedding. Personally, I think the venue, photographer, catering, and coordinator / wedding planner are the most important aspects. I say this because the venue dictates the overall feel of the day, the coordinator determines how successful the flow of the day is, the photographer is the only vendor that preserves your wedding for a lifetime, and the catering is what keeps your guests happy :) Of course I see my entire as equally important in the greater scheme of things, but these were the first few we hired.

Ask around, research and meet with your vendors. Before hiring and signing on the dotted line, make sure you ask friends who they worked with, what they liked and didn’t like about their vendors, ask your wedding planner who he/she prefers to work with, read online reviews, and of course, be sure to meet with said vendors before hiring them! You really want to make sure you’re on the same page with the style, the cost, and ensure your personalities are a good match.

As I mentioned, I not only wanted to hire talented vendors, but I also wanted to hire people who’s heart and passion I could easily see. This is a big day for us, so anyone I could hire that would be equally as excited as us was my goal!

Hire one or two key vendors first and then get their suggestions for the rest of the team.

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Even though I plan events as my job, I knew I needed someone amazing to help coordinate our wedding. Enter Allison and Audrey of Engaged & Inspired. Not only do they create beautiful events, but they also work at Holman Ranch often, so I was incredibly confident in their ability to coordinate for us. I’ve also followed Allison on Instagram for years and know she is kind and talented. I know my family and I can rest easy, knowing we are in great hands!

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Follow Michaela’s Journey down the aisle!

Meet the Bride | Home Tour | Inspo Tips | Gift Box

Photography: Danielle Poff Photography | Event Coordination: engaged & inspired | Floral Design: Michelle Lywood | Catering: Paradise Catering | DJ: Belmont Entertainment | Wedding Venue: Holman Ranch | Blogger Bride: Michaela Noelle Designs

Ever since turkish towels came into my life I have fully abandoned traditional beach towels. Gone are the days of that faded, insanely colored hodge podge collection that we all have sitting in our linen closets. Now it’s all about a well styled sand blanket. Think round, tasseled, printed and patterned. The kind of beauties that take you from beach to picnic and look so good doing it. Sift through our short list of summer faves to add to your growing collection.

Beach Towel Chic

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Beach Towel Chic

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More Summer Style Ideas to Check Out

Pull Together any Summer Look| CliffsNotes for a Killer Party | Hammocks for Summer Lounging

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You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to your wedding day hair and makeup — do you go beachy with loose waves and bronze makeup? Classic with a pretty updo and rosy pink cheeks? Boho chic with a romantic braid and natural glow? Vintage with pinned curls and a berry lip? Or maybe high fashion with a trendy top knot dramatic eye? Take a peek at this video from Elysium Creative Media and Design Visage Beauty to see all five and decide which look makes you feel your most beautiful!

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More Hair + Makeup Inspiration

Beauty Inspiration to Steal from Bridal Week

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Beauty Inspiration to Steal from Bridal Week

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Cinematography: Elysium Creative Media | Hair + Makeup: Design Visage Beauty

While we’re not usually ones to say no to shopping, when it comes to unique registry ideas, thinking beyond the shops can lead to some pretty fun and exciting experiences. From honeymoon activities to expanding your horizons or raising funds for causes near and dear to your heart, we’re on board. We may dream of that espresso machine but we don’t doubt the satisfaction factor in these ideas as well!

Offbeat Registry Items

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Offbeat Registry Items

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More Registry 101 Goodies

ABC’s of Registries | Top 10 Registry Essentials | Registry Etiquette 101

When this gorgeous Bride called her father with the news that she met a man in London named Harry, his reaction was “Prince Harry???” She answered, “No Dad, even better.” And when you watch Dailey and Harry’s wedding film from Hoo Films you’ll see why. This gorgeous couple’s love radiates off the screen and fills your heart with happiness and joy. Take a look below!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/140989830 600 338]

From Hoo Films…The first thing Dailey’s dad asked her when she told him she met a man in London named Harry was “Prince Harry???” Her response? “No dad, even better.” The beautiful words continued throughout the night with some heartfelt and comical speeches. Another of my favorites from this film – “The greatest happiness of life is to love and be loved. Standing here today, I can say that I understand what it’s like to enjoy that greatest happiness.” – Words that make my heart melt from Harry to Dailey at their stunning outside reception at Hotel Bel Air. These two have a quiet, yet loud love for each other which lit up the candlelit night. People from all over, even a huge crowd from London came to celebrate Dailey and Harry on their big day. Don’t miss all the beauty in the words spoken for Dailey + Harry!

Photography: Figge Photography | Cinematography: Hoo Films | Coordination: Details Details | Floral Design: Mark's Garden | Venue: Hotel Bel-Air | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Revelry Event Designers

Now, being a piña colada lover, that is a bold statement title coming from me. But after seeing what the talented team at the Whaling Club delivered yesterday in our How To Be a Master Bartender feature? I don’t doubt that this summery concoction would make my tastebuds do a happy dance. After you’re done drooling over the image from Rebecca Yale, grab the recipe below!

Melissa BaranDunmore Buck

prep time 2 Minute/s

cook time

total time 2 Minute/s

Serves 0Ingredients

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 3/4 oz ginger syrup
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz blended scotch

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in a shaking tin.
2. Shake, strain into a collins glass, and top with club soda.
3. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple and a straw.

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Poolside Cocktails

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Poolside Cocktails

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See all of our cocktail recipes here!

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Cocktail: The Whaling Club

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

Photography

Rebecca Yale Photography

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A backyard wedding is touching as it is, but add in that this couple wed in the Bride’s family home just makes it all the more unforgettable. A chic celebration centered around family, Kelsey & Andrew planned the sweetest shindig and thankfully Alison Duffy Photography captured it all to share. From the stunning ceremony to their sparkling exit, we’ve got all that and more waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Alison Duffy Photography… Kelsey & Andrew have grown up with each other their whole lives as their dads have been best friends since college. As fate would have it, their love story began down the road when Andrew asked her to go to Cardinals baseball game with him and there was instant chemistry.

When it came time for their big day, it only seemed perfect to have their wedding in the yard of the bride’s family home, with a focus on family. The bride Kelsey, admittedly, said she was also all about the beautiful details and I think it paid off in a big way as everything from her shoes to the floral arrangements to the romantic brass candlesticks were incredibly elegant while also being perfect for their backyard affair. To top off the night, loved ones gathered outside the tent while Kelsey and Andrew made their grand exit through a tunnel of glimmering sparklers; a truly magical ending to their gorgeous and fun wedding celebrations!
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Photography: Alison Duffy Photography | Floral Design: Magnolia Market | Wedding Dress: Maggie Soterro | Cakes: The Cake Mom & Co. | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Renz Rags | Catering: Rays of Kelso | Makeup: Lipstick and Lashes | Hair: Colour Couture Salon | Venue: Private Residence | Bride’s Earrings: David Tutera | Candlesticks: Ebay | Film Processing + Scanning: Indie Film Lab | Flower Girl Dresses: Zulett Couture | Invitations + Programs: Bride | Rentals: Wedding Rental Solutions | Wedding Dress Boutique: Andrew Jackson Bridal

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We’ve got the perfect favors for a backyard wedding below!