As their photographer Coco Tran said so well, “there are beautiful representations of love around the world, though nothing quite so magical as the rolling green hills, vibrant vineyards and mouthwatering foods of Tuscany,” and so this couple took that Italian inspiration and ran with it. With the help of Whitney Nelson Events and Poppystone Designs they created a magical vineyard celebration and with the Bride beaming (thanks to Bella Bridal), we have a gallery that we’re not leaving anytime soon – see it all in our Vault right here!

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From Coco Tran… There are beautiful representations of love around the world, though nothing quite so magical as the rolling green hills, vibrant vineyards and mouthwatering foods of Tuscany. As the most romantic destination the couple was fortunate enough to travel to, they were inspired to recreate that inclusive magic for their friends and families closer to home in beautiful Sonoma. Inspired by simple, yet flavorful cuisine, fresh and colorful florals with a hint of antique gold and soft lighting, their intimate wedding was designed to bring everyone closer in the celebration of love and family.

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Peruse more gorgeous California weddings here!

Photography: Coco Tran | Event Planning + Design: Whitney Nelson Events | Floral Design: PoppyStone Floral Couture | Cake: Sweet on Cake | Catering: Alex's Catering | Hair + Makeup: Bella Bridal Hair & Makeup | Lighting: Twilight Design | DJ: Wine Country Entertainment | Wedding Venue: Jacuzzi Vineyards | Lighting (Barrel Room): The Lux Productions | Officant: Reverand Tim Mills | Reception Paper Products: Reply by Design | Rentals: Encore Events Rentals

I recently designed a gallery wall and coming from someone that went to design school and puts together gorgeous image layouts for a living, I fully admit that creating the perfect gallery can be hard. Whether you prefer a balanced, symmetrical layout or a whimsical, more organic shape, there’s a few simple rules that will keep you from total gallery wall failure. Take note from some of the prettiest collections to grace SMP Living…

Curate a Stunning Gallery Wall

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Curate a Stunning Gallery Wall

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Learn a simple cheat-cut for hanging that gorgeous gallery wall…

And for more art inspired ideas…

Affordable Art to Dress up Your Walls | Best of Gallery Walls | DIY Dyed Feather Art

Our idea of the perfect outfit? A ballroom skirt paired with layover lace, and this Bride-to-be NAILED IT. I mean, how incredibly CHIC is this engagement session?! From the spring inspired bouquet to the stunning Sunstone Villa backdrop, we’re obsessed with every single detail and we’ve got the incredibly talented Jen Huang to thank for it. See it all in The Vault!

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From Jen Huang Photography…Brittany and Brett loved the fashion from this shoot on Style Me Pretty, but wanted to add their own personality to it when designing their engagement shoot at Sunstone Villa. Instead of the original sultry, glamorous vibe, Brittany and Brett infused their shoot with spring flowers and greenery from the surrounding Santa Ynez valley, resulting in fresh, joyful photos filled with love and movement. It’s wonderful to see a real couple taking their cue from a styled shoot that was meant to inspire and making it their own.

Photography: Jen Huang Photography | Floral Design: Jen Huang Art | Hair + Makeup: Chiali Meng | Venue: Sunstone Winery & Villa | Black Skirt: Etsy.com | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab

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Photography

Jen Huang Photography

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Bridal Market was insanely awesome, but do you know what’s better than sitting in the audience, viewing from afar?  Getting up close and personal with the gowns themselves. Enter Bridal Reflections and their Galia Lahav Trunk Show, four full days of breathtaking fashions straight from the runways. It’s couture bridal meets stunning evening wear and it’s most definitely a can’t miss, loves.

All happening on May 12th-15th, the Galia Lahav Bridal & Evening Wear Trunk Show at Bridal Reflections is everything you’ve ever dreamed of… and so much more.  Think awe-inspiring illusion backs, breathtaking tulle skirts and Italian ivory lace all coming together to create designs that are as luxurious as they are extravagant.  From the “Le Secret Royal” couture bridal collection to the “Gala No.2” bridal collection to the “Black Pearl” evening collection, each gown is intricately crafted in Israel and features endless details that will wow you AND your loved ones.  We’re obsessed.

Grab your besties and contact Bridal Reflections TODAY to book your appointment to see the latest and greatest from Galia Lahav.  Trust me, loves… you are about to meet THE ONE.

Bridal Salon: Bridal Reflections | Gowns: Galia Lahav

I’m giving MAJOR kudos to this couple who pulled off an incredible wedding day in a mere four months. They opted for a simple ceremony on the sand with only their nearest and dearest to bear witness, and Luna de Mare photographed the gallery we might never get over. Go feel all the happy, beachy vibes with a swoop through The Vault.

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From Luna de Mare… Weddings are beautiful, regardless of size or venue. Part of what makes each Wedding day so beautiful and uniquely you, is the ability to manifest your day into whatever you envision it to be.

Jessica & Lawrence wanted an intimate beach elopement with a handful of their core family & friends in attendance. Nestled into a corner near a cove on the beach, two of their closest friends officiated, and each person present took turns in reading a few sentences taking part in a bond to connect them forever.

Beautiful to witness, and an honor to document. Their day couldn’t have been more perfect. It was exactly as they had imagined and hoped it would be, with a dozen people encircling them as they vowed to love one another, for all time.

They toasted with champagne, and walked hand in hand as the sun set, towards their intimate celebration at one of the best restaurants on Pacific Coast highway, which houses some of the most trendy and sought after eateries along the California Coast.

From the Bride, Jessica… We planned our whole wedding in about 4 months, so we were incredibly fortunate to find our dream team of vendors. Each of them are artists who are passionate about their crafts, and they added so much magic to our simple little celebration. Our photographer, Beatrice of Luna de Mare, is just amazing. Clearly, her talent speaks for itself through her work, and she made Lawrence and I instantly comfortable in front of the camera (the champagne only played a supporting role). Bea referred me to both my hair & makeup artist, and florist.

Chiali Meng, was my cosmetic savior, and made me feel more beautiful than ever. I’ve worked with many hair & makeup people throughout my career in beauty advertising, and Chiali is unequaled. Our superstar florist was Plenty of Petals. I couldn’t stop staring at our flowers all night – Kasia’s compositions are just SO stunning. One of my favorite details was our stationery, and my dear friend, Lauren Fletcher, created it all by hand, calligraphy and design. Last, but certainly not least, was my dress designer, David Young Couture. From sketch to final fitting, he poured his heart into creating the perfect beachy, flowy wedding gown for me. It was so fun to wear, I couldn’t stop twirling all day.

My best advice is to learn to listen to your heart about what’s most important to you and your partner. For Lawrence and I, that meant having an incredibly intimate wedding with our parents, siblings, and two of our closest friends officiating. We gave up some of the traditional wedding elements, but our tiny guest list of 12 gave us the flexibility to hold our ceremony on a public beach, and to host our dinner reception at our favorite local restaurant. Most importantly, it kept us focused on the significance of the wedding, and let us soak in the time with each other and our loved ones. It was relaxed, simple, meaningful, and felt perfectly like us!

Photography: Luna de Mare Photography | Florals: Plenty Of Petals | Wedding Dress: David Young Couture | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Rings: Josh Levkoff Private Jeweler | Hair & Makeup: Chiali Meng | Calligraphy: Lauren Fletcher | Bride's Robe: BHLDN | Bridemaid's Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Reception Dinner: Selanne | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon

Our girl Kristin on Bridentity Crisis is sharing some incredible advice on a topic us newlywed gals know all too well: How to Deal with Your Soon to be Mother-In-Law. Read on for some helpful advice that is sure to guide you seamlessly as you transition from Miss to Mrs. Take it away Kristin!

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From Kristin Joy… Let’s face it: being the mother of the groom is sort of a bum role. After all, it’s a huge moment in her life, likely one she’s been thinking about since your fiancé was still just her little boy. Yet traditionally speaking, there’s really not that much for her to do. Most of the fun parts of planning—like dress shopping, cake tasting, and bridal showers—fall to the bride and her side of the family, leaving the poor mother-in-law without an official duty other than to show up and smile on the day of. And sometimes, this lack of a clear purpose can lead an otherwise well-intentioned MIL to volunteer her opinions, thoughts, and ideas in ways that aren’t actually helpful. So, to ease your transition with your future in-law from friendly to family, here are 5 tips on how to get through the planning process together and with as little stress as possible.

5 tips on how to Deal with Your Soon to be Mother-In-Law

If She Wants to Be Involved in The Wedding, Give Her a Job

Even if your planner is on it and you’ve got a team of awesome vendors, there are still so many small details and tasks that fall onto the bride’s shoulders. So start outsourcing! Take one of the many things on your list that you don’t have time for and put her in charge of it. Place cards for the rehearsal dinner, snacks for the wedding party, coordinating day of transportation—all are tasks that she’d surely be happy to take off of your plate and will give her a greater sense of belonging in your day. So give in to her good intentions and put her to work.

Listen to Her Ideas and Thoughts

You may be annoyed when your future MIL calls to share with you her ideas for robust floral centerpieces, especially when you’ve already expressed to her your vision for more minimalistic branchy creations. However, don’t immediately shut her down. After all, she’s coming at this from a different perspective and may have thought of a few things you hadn’t considered (perhaps tall branches would make it difficult for guests to speak across the table…). Even if you don’t end up taking her words of wisdom, at least she’ll feel like she was part of the process.

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Know When to Stand Up For Yourself

However, sometimes you need to give a hard “no” so it’s important to do so in a way that is respectful and considerate. For example, if you’ve repeatedly expressed a specific plan or desire and she refuses to acknowledge it, don’t be afraid to call her out on it and then explain your position. “I’ve noticed you don’t like the idea of a family style dinner service at the reception, however it’s what we feel will work best with the overall vibe of the wedding, so we’re moving forward with it. We appreciate you respecting our wishes.”

Stay Positive

Stress can often lead to a snarky attitude, and you may find yourself wanting to lash out at her seemingly well-intentioned offers to help. If you feel your blood pressure rising, try to take a step back and look at the bigger picture rather than sweating every interaction or conversation you have with her about the wedding. Understand that you’re not going to be on the same page about everything, but it will be a lot easier to endure any situation if you do it with a smile on your face.

Remember, the Wedding is Just the Beginning

And speaking of the bigger picture…although your wedding may be the only thing on your mind at the moment, remember the purpose behind it all: you’re joining families now. You’ll be sharing birthdays, holidays, life milestones, and possibly one day she’ll be the grandmother to your kids. So it’s not worth getting into a fight about details if it will potentially ruin your future together as family. Embrace this opportunity to get to know one another better and your wedding will be even more meaningful because of it.

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Find out 9 wedding fashion secrets below!

There’s no denying that pool floats have taken over Instagram. From exotic birds to sprinkled donuts to of course, pineapples—a pool party just isn’t a pool party without one of these happy inflatables to keep your bum above the water. I personally gave into the fun this year with a white swan and a palm float for our pool (and my husband totally rolled his eyes). But seriously, how comfortable does that look?

The Ultimate Pool Float Roundup

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The Ultimate Pool Float Roundup

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Take your pool party up a notch with a killer ice cream social!

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More Outdoor Entertaining Inspiration this way!

The Perfect 1-Hour Party Playlist
Want Jessica Alba’s Gorgeous Outdoor Kitchen? Get the Look!
15 Essentials for a Lounge-Worthy Dream Patio

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Petit Bouquet

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First comes love, then comes marriage… and then comes all those gorgeous wedding photographs.  But what to do with 100+ pictures of one of the best days of your life? Gallery Wall! And if anyone knows their way around custom framed art and photographs, it’s Framebridge. With their help, we crafted our version of the perfect wedding gallery wall and we’re dishing all the tips we picked up along the way.

Mix it Up

Mix things up with photos of you and your love, family, scenery from the big day, etc. A mix of different subjects works perfectly for this style of gallery wall.

Vary sizes and thickness of frames

For this we used a mix of Framebridge’s modern white frames, choosing the largest frame for our scenic venue image and moving down in size from there. We also added a dash of gold with their gilded bamboo frame.

Add Art!

You honestly can never go wrong with this one. Adding an oil painting and watercolor totally transformed the look of our gallery wall. Your favorite prints work too!

Incorporate different textures and elements

Natural elements like wood or florals, a pop of gold, rope or fabric –  these items add another layer to your gallery wall and really make it shine.

Choose Similar Colors

Choose elements in a similar color grouping. For this gallery, we stuck with blushing pinks and golden, sun-filled hues which help to make it all feel cohesive.

Get creative

We took the paper used to back our invitations and framed it for a nice pop of pattern and one that has the essence of our stationery without being too literal. Another fun detail, our insanely talented artist friend Jess painted some of the ranunculus from my wedding bouquet as a pretty little momento and one that incorporates our wedding day flowers in a super artistic way. Have fun with the elements of your wedding day and find ways to turn them into art.

With Framebridge, customizing your favorite photographs and art could not be easier. Choose from a variety of styles, and mats all with affordable prices based solely on the size of your art. Then either upload or mail in your imagery. They’ll take it from there and lickity split, you’ll have the most gorgeous custom framed pieces delivered to your door.

Another fun fact? If you are still leery of just how to get started on your gallery wall, Framebridge is coming to the rescue! With a $99 consultation, their designers will work with you to pick the perfect combo of images and frames along with a final hanging and measurement plan + $50 towards custom framing. It’s the cliff notes version worth every penny.

Now that you have all the tools, ready to get started on your best every Wedding Gallery Wall? Head to Framebridge to build your framed beauties and be sure to use the promo code STYLEMEPRETTY, good for 15% off first time purchase from May 2, 2016 through August 2, 2016. And if you’re on the hunt for an amazing wedding gift, Framebridge gift cards are just the thing. So hop to it and plan your heart out with Framebridge!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Custom Frames: Framebridge | Floral Art: Jess Blazejewski | Framed Wedding Photography: Corbin Gurkin Photography | Watercolor House Portrait: The Littlest House Shop

Trend alert time: the bowtie is back and it’s bigger and better than ever. Because this time around it’s more than just a silk neckpiece – it’s a style statement. Patterns? You bet. Saturated colors? Of course! Texture? We’ve got velvet, seersucker, and more. Se a few of our favorites below and tell us below if you’re going to tie one on for your Big Day!

Bow Tie Groom

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Bow Tie Groom

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Find out how to Tie a Bow Tie here!

I’ve had an on-going battle with my hair over the last 10 years. Basically, my twenties were the experimental hair years and my locks suffered—from a soft-perm gone bad (I’m talking Michael Jackson Thriller ringlets, tears for days) to choosing the wrong shampoo + conditioner to over-washing. My once sweet strands have seen it all. Sound familiar? Make sure you’re following these five haircare rules!

5 Haircare Rules Every Girl Should Know

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5 Haircare Rules Every Girl Should Know

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Get Gorgeous Hair in Minutes

5 Minutes To Perfect Party Hair
Effortless Beach Waves
Chic 10 Minutes Hairstyles To Try

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Image Source: Luxy Hair

I’m pretty sure if you present Mom with a bar cart of this caliber this Mother’s Day, she’ll explode with utter happiness. Complete with vanilla + rose cake from Sweet Art Cakes, loads of blooms from Flower Vibes and a blueberry rose cocktail (recipe below!), Fabulessly Faubs styled it all to perfection. How cute would this baby be for a sweet brunch? See more from Divya Pande in The Vault!

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From Divya Pande… Spring time is in full swing, and Mother’s Day will be here before you know it. This year, take mom by surprise. We’ve created a beautiful tablescape, delicious treat, and complimentary cocktail to show mom how much we appreciate her. Fuzzy acacia flowers with fragrant garden roses, sweet peas, and hyacinth create a fresh and feminine decor that mom can admire long after Mother’s Day. The simple pink palette with a touch of yellow and eucalyptus is just what your Mother’s Day table needs. Serve up a slice of vanilla and rose cake alongside the sparkling cocktail (recipe below) to combine sweet, fruity notes with the aromatically crisp Prosecco… We promise you’ll be back for seconds of both. The blueberries in the cocktail soak up the flavors for a tasty bite at the end of each glass. The lightweight cocktail is a crowd favorite, and altogether will sure to be a Mother’s Day she’ll never forget!

Melissa BaranBlueberry Rose Cocktail

prep time 2 Minute/s

cook time 15 Minute/s

total time 17 Minute/s

Serves 0Ingredients

• 1/3 cup blueberries + extra for garnish
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• Petals from (3) roses
• 1 sprig of mint
• 1 bottle of Prosecco or your favorite champagne

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the blueberries, rose petals, water and sugar to a boil. Turn to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Strain blueberries and roses and let syrup cool.
2. Add 3 tbsp. of syrup to the bottom of each glass.
3. Top with champagne and add in a sprig of mint and a handful of blueberries!

Photographer: Divya Pande | Design and Styling: Fabulessly Faubs | Florist: Flower Vibes | Bakery: Sweet Art Cakes | Film Processing: Goodman Film Lab

Just when I thought I had seen it all, Marin Kristine Photography goes and delivers this stunner of a seaside session. I mean, total #goals, right?! From the amazing Hair + Makeup provided by the mega talented Julie Morgan, to the perfect blush tones paired with ethereal gowns, we’ve got all that and more waiting for you to fall in love with. Get acquainted with the newest love of your life in The Vault!

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From Marin Kristine Photography… This bridal session was photographed on film by Marin Kristine, on a rugged black sand beach near the Golden Gate bridge in Sausalito, California. Inspired by organic earthy elements, the rings were chosen for their natural raw state, and the brides styled in a bohemian barefooted manner. Everything was meant to feel relaxed, organic, and ethereal from gowns to floral.

Photography: Marin Kristine Photography | Floral Design: Posh Shoppe | Wedding Dress: Free People | Wedding Dress: Stone Cold Fox | Rings: By Angeline | Hair + Makeup: Julie Morgan Hair + Makeup | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Veils: Veiled Beauty

Seaside weddings make my heart happy.  And a seaside wedding at Morada Bay?  Well, that’s an entirely new level of joy.  Think a breathtaking bayside setting, a talented team of wedding experts and a never-ending lineup of fabulous resources that will turn that dream day into an absolute reality.  We are sooo on board.

From their stunning locale in the heart of Islamorada to their staff that knows everything there is to know about throwing a fabulous party, Morada Bay’s fabulous accommodations and sparkling beaches were simply made for marrying.  Which means that whether you’re planning a small, intimate affair with just your nearest and dearest or a grander event with 200 special someones, Morada Bay has JUST what you are looking for… and all overlooking those pristine beaches and glistening waters the Florida Keys are known for.

Contact Morada Bay TODAY to begin planning your unforgettable wedding.  We CAN’T WAIT to see the results.

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Photography (Top to Botton): Maxime Photo & Video (Photos 1,3,6) + Pierre’s (Photo 2) + Jannette De Llanos Photography (Photo 4)

Planning a spring soiree filled to the brim with fresh jasmine flowers?  Well, this one’s for you, lovelies. From the lush, romantic arrangements from Cathy Martin Flowers to the beautiful cake from Sweet Celebrations to the brilliant images captured by Gemini Photography Ontario, this stunning shoot will have you pinning your hearts out allll day.  Head to THE VAULT for inspiration aplenty.

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From Gemini Photography Ontario… Universally treasured, jasmine has a long, rich history associated with love. Dripping from every facet of this styled shoot, the beauty and mysterious scent of jasmine evokes memories of warm breezes, romance and elegance. The flower is said in many cultures to not only be an aphrodisiac, but to promise newlyweds deep and lasting affection for eternity if worn in a garland on their wedding day. We couldn’t ask for a more meaningful flower to inspire the arrangements, decor and the very essence of what we know as romance. Photographed in quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake, often referred to as “Canada’s prettiest town”, we are no strangers to beautiful foliage, and we are delighted with the soft, feminine photographs that resulted from our floral muse.

Photography: Gemini Photography Ontario | Floral Design: Cathy Martin Flowers | Wedding Dress: Catherine Langlois | Hair + Makeup: Honor Beauty | Calligraphy: Corsivo Calligraphy | Venue: The Cellar | Cake + Pastries: Sweet Celebrations Wedding Cakes | Decor: Gala Decor | Floral Print Dress: Breeyn McCarney | Model: Ty States

One beautiful vintage-inspired Gemy Maalouf wedding dress. Lush winter white flowers from Emma Walker Flowers. The glamorous Rosewood London with its art deco architecture and copper corridor. This London wedding is as fabulous as any one of Jay Gatsby’s fictional fêtes. Get inspired by all the gorgeous details, captured through the lens of Weddings By Nicola And Glen, in The Vault!

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From The Bride…We knew from the offset that we wanted a London wedding, having met working in the City. We had our ceremony at the beautiful St Bride’s church on Fleet Street (alarmingly close to the office…) and the reception at the glamorous Rosewood hotel. Having just returned from living in Singapore, we wanted something which reflected both the history and the modernity of London. After going to see the Rosewood, we loved the art deco features and the copper corridor and wanted to use that as a recurring theme across the wedding.

We were incredibly lucky with all of our suppliers who helped us bring our vision to life and give us a day we will look back on with joy for the rest of our lives. Our advice to other couples planning their wedding would be to remember that everyone wants you to have a lovely day, so don’t worry too much about the small stuff and remind yourself occasionally why you’re getting married! Our most memorable moment was when all of our guests had left St Bride’s and we had a moment together realizing we were married and Anna was stuck with me forever.

From Isobel Weddings…With Rhys and Anna living overseas for the vast majority of the planning, plus having very busy jobs, their beautiful wedding was brought together by Skype calls, emails and meeting whenever they were back in the UK. The decision to choose the Rosewood, London, for the reception was made on a call while Rhys ran through an airport!

We worked with Gee Brothers to create invitations and stationery that echoed the rose bronze of the Rosewood. Overall, Anna and Rhys wanted the day to feel relaxed, elegant and romantic. The sun was setting as they left St Bride’s, on what was a crisp November day, and they arrived at the reception to find it filled with warm lighting, candles and white flowers. Working with Emma Walker Flowers, the stairs in the drinks reception were covered with foliage and flowers, as if it was growing down the bannisters. The reception tables’ arrangements were a mixture of white flowers, succulents, frosted branches and candles, giving the natural, elegant feel that Anna wanted. Copper touches continued in the calligraphy by Claire at Calligraphy for Weddings.

After a delicious meal by the chefs at the Rosewood, the Art Deco inspired cake by Princess Patisserie was cut and the party got started to the music of Bellissima, one of our favorite party bands. The dancefloor was packed the entire night, with signature cocktails enjoyed at the mirrored bar.

We were delighted to help create an amazing day for Anna and Rhys and have loved reliving it through Nicola and Glen’s photographs, as they really capture the romance of the day.

Photography: Weddings by Nicola & Glen | Event Planning: Isobel Weddings | Floral Design: Emma Walker Flowers | Wedding Dress: Gemy Maalouf | Cake: Princess Patisserie | Invitations: Gee Brothers | Ceremony Venue: St Bride's Church, Fleet Street | Reception Venue: Rosewood London | Bride's Shoes: Lucy Choi | Hair + Makeup: Claire Nicole | Calligraphy: Calligraphy For Weddings | Band: Bellissima | Bridal Boutique: Morgan Davies | Lighting, Stage + Dancefloor: Effect Event

I have a picture of me wearing my Mom’s Panama hat in the 80’s and I never really got why they came back into the fashion scene. I swore they weren’t for me, but I caved this season and finally added one to my wardrobe. Aaand I’m pretty excited about it. It really is the accessory that can pull any look together, from a sundress to jeans and a tee to beach day casuals. See more spotted and shop-able picks here!

The One Accessory That Pulls Together Any Warm Weather Look

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The One Accessory That Pulls Together Any Warm Weather Look

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More Style Inspiration This Way!

5 Staple Denim Pieces To Carry You Through the Seasons
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What happens when you combine the chicest Bride ever with a wedding at the Brooklyn Winery? Major allure. Starting with that show-stopper of a gown (I mean, hello velvet neckline!) to the speckled purple orchid bouquet (total perfection), we’ve got Brindamour Photography to thank for this stunner of a celebration. See it all in The Vault!

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From Brindamour Photography… I’m so excited to share this Brooklyn Winery wedding. Badr and Michèle are dream clients, the sort I literally write about in a notebook when at a photography workshop and am instructed to describe my dream client. They are calm and totally relaxed, they trusted me every step of the way, their families were so sweet and kind to me all night, and on top of all that, they are gorgeous and have great style. Michèle wore a stunning Tom Ford gown with a beautiful velvet neckline and carried a speckled purple orchid bouquet designed by Gabrielle Aronas of G! Designs. I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into their wedding day! XOXO

Photography: Brindamour Photography | Floral Design: G! Designs | Wedding Dress: Tom Ford | Cake: Francois Payard Bakery | Reception Venue: Brooklyn Winery | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Engagement Ring: Melissa Joy Manning | Makeup: David Walker Jr. | Hair: Romain Perriniaux | Favors: Miss Dawn | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Hotel: Wythe Hotel

We first came across this wildly fabulous dining room from interior designer Kendall Simmons right here. And now Kendell is back to show us two different ways to style your table for a dinner party using 5 core elements. One is gorgeous and decidedly adultish and the other, perfect for the kiddos or the kiddos at heart. I may be pushing late 30’s but I’m all about that rainbow pom pom. See the full spread captured by Catherine Truman in the VAULT.

From designer, Kendall Simmons… Both table concepts use many of the same elements, but by making small adjustments I show that you can get very different looks!

The core elements used to create both looks

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Colorful mixed floral arrangements – using a combo of grocery store and wholesale fresh flowers
Brightly colored cloth napkins
Colorful glass cake stands for arranging food
Vintage gold flatware
Assorted clear and gold glassware

Concept One: Bright and Beautiful

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Perfect for afternoon tea, bridal shower or a fun dinner party

Collect vintage brass candlesticks. I love to shop for them at thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets! Dress them up with simple and sophisticated white column candles. Use them to fill in any small gaps on the table, the more the merrier!

Mix-matched china patterns. Don’t be afraid to put patterns together that you normally wouldn’t. This setting combines floral, black and white, and geometric all at the same time! Also, worry if you mix silver and gold accents. That’s a rule that’s made to be broken!

Concept Two: Whimsical for the Child or Child at Heart

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Ideal for children’s parties or family meals where children are present at the adult table!

Coloring book runner and colored pencils at each place setting! The focal point of this table is the unexpected coloring book runner. This affordable treat comes on a roll and is great for keeping little kiddos occupied at the dining table. Use glassware or any other small container to hold individual art supplies for each person!

Animal themed china. Seriously, how cute are these gold animal plates? Animal elements are universal crowd-pleasers, especially for the younger crowd.

Rainbow felt pom pom garland. This little detail adds continuous color throughout the table, and it could easily be a craft project that kids could help with ahead of time!

Swizzle sticks. Why not add a little jewelry to everyone’s drinks? They’re also a way to color-code so that guests can keep track of their drinks.

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Photography: Catherine Truman | Design And Styling: Kendall Simmons | Animal China: Z Gallerie | Blue Geometric China: Z Gallerie | Cake Stands: Billy Ella | Colored Pencils: Target | Coloring Book Runner: Hester & Cook | Felt Pom Poms: Paper Source | Gold Dot Glasses: Paper Source | Highball Glasses: Billy Ella

Spring awakening is here and it’s all thanks to this inspo from Julie Paisley. Layered with delicate blooms and fresh design details courtesy of Cedarwood Weddings, this is one gallery that’s introducing new life into our favorite season. Complete with Designs in Paper goods and a spring cocktail we’ve just got to try, we’ve got it all in The Vault!

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From Cedarwood Weddings…Inspired by the early delicate blooms on the flowering trees that grace Cedarwood’s stately historic grounds, our design team styled an intimate garden wedding to celebrate the symphony of spring.

Adorned in a pure white Sarah Seven gown and the most delicate hellebores floral crown, the bride is the epitome of fresh beauty as she says “I Do” to her love surrounded by petals in the estate gardens. The groom’s fashionable pale grey suit compliments the delicate color palette with an earthy balance.

An ethereal table is adorned with cut crystal and glimmering glass atop flowing organza, completed by an abundance of spring’s prettiest blooms. Keeping the tabletop fresh and light, we used muted color with pops of rosy petals and fresh green stems to mimic the delight of our garden’s flowers at first bloom.

Finely calligraphed invitations and event paper suite repeat the dreamy romantic feel of the day, while a grand cake display with an aptly named cocktail celebrates the joy and sweetness that comes from the most famous season of love.

Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Wedding Dress: The Dress Theory | Cake: Patty Cakes | Invitations: Designs in Paper | Hair + Makeup: Leslie Ellis Hair and Makeup | Groom's Attire: Street Tuxedo | Venue: Cedarwood Weddings | Bridal Boutique: The Dress Theory | Floral Design + Event Design: Cedarwood Weddings

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With its 250 acres of Catskills forest preserve, Onteora Mountain House set one gorgeous stage for Mia and Alex’s rustic wedding. The family affair included handpicked flowers from the gorgeous Bride and her sweet daughter, a vintage wedding dress and this beautiful setting. And thanks to Betsi Ewing Studio and Oh Stella Studio, we can gush over it all in The Vault!

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From Betsi Ewing Studio…The clouds lifted just in time for the Catskills to paint the background for this mountain celebration. Mia, Alex, and their lovely daughter Vivienne invited friends and family to Onteora Mountain House, a stunning place of serenity and love. Betsi Ewing gracefully and playfully captured the day, which was accented by delicious food from Blue Mountain Bistro, perfect flowers by Lindsay Rae Design and blazing tunes from Pinkwing. Everyone was jeweled with the bride’s gorgeous Mia Lara jewelry pieces.

I had been waiting many years for this perfect day to come for Mia and Alex. I met them in Woodstock years earlier at Mia’s best friend Heather’s wedding and made fast friends with the two Brooklyn couples who lived nearby me. I watched as Mia and Alex’s relationship progressed from boyfriend and girlfriend, to parents of beautiful Viv, to husband and wife. They do everything with such calmness and kindness. The whole weekend, not just the wedding, was certainly one to remember!

Everyone gathered at the Onteora Mountain House to help Mia and Alex set up for their big day. Mia and daughter Viv picked flowers at a nearby farm to add some extra color to their decor, while friends set up the photo booth, seating cards, desert table (including cake balls from Milk!) and the band Pinkwing arrived from Brooklyn. Most of the weekend was rainy but the skies cleared just long enough for Mia + Alex to wander around the green Onteora property for some stunning photos. Friends and family stayed the weekend at the campy Graham + Co Hotel nearby in Phoenicia, biking around town and breakfasting at the local famous Phonecia Diner.

Photography: BETSI EWING WEDDINGS | Cinematography: Oh Stella Studio | Floral Design: Lindsay Rae Design | Wedding Dress: Vintage | Invitations: Ann's Paperie | Bride's Shoes: Olive Thomas Shoes | Jewelry: Mia Lara | Jewelry: Cat Bird | Catering: Blue Mountain Bistro | Hair + Makeup: Mela Salon | Band: Pinkwing | Groom's Attire: Aldo | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Hotel: The Graham And Co | Venue: Onteora Mountain House | Cake Balls: Momofuku Milk Bar | Photography - Assistance: Sasha Felix