Caroline and Josh’s theme for their spring wedding in Texas? All things beautiful. With a fusion of simple, classic elegance and boho whimsy, this sweet couple pulled off their theme to perfection. From the Bride’s beautiful Willowby By Watters dress to the vintage furnishings, this day is nothing short of special. See it all from Magnolia Adam’s Photography in The Vault!

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From Magnolia Adam’s Photography…A private residence set on several acres of land has opened up their space for weddings. Chandelier Grove is a stunning property and has the best of everything; a tree grove, a summer home large enough for both sides of the wedding party to comfortably get ready in and a large white barn full of natural light.

Caroline and Josh were married recently on a spring day. During our pre-consultation, I asked then what the vision for their day was and Caroline responded with, “I want it all to stick with the theme ‘beautiful’. So if I think it’s beautiful, it will be incorporated into our wedding.” Being a calligrapher herself, I knew the details would be perfect.

From The Bride…How did you and Josh meet?
Josh and I met in Houston at a church small group. I had moved back home from Oklahoma about a year earlier and he had just moved to town after completing his masters at Baylor. We were friends (he pretty much liked me for two years) and then he asked me out. I may have turned him down, but after three weeks of not being able to stop thinking about my decision, I called him back and asked him if I could reconsider my answer. I think this beginning was very fitting to our personalities: Josh is thoughtful, detailed, and deliberate. I’m more easy going, outgoing, and whimsy, but I think we both would say after our first date, we never looked back.

What was your inspiration for your wedding?
Josh and I both love beauty. On our honeymoon we took time to visit Musee de L’Orangerie where a good portion of Monet’s “Water Lilies” is housed. As we looked at these massive paintings it hit me how much of their contents reflected what I wanted our wedding to be (and was!): cool blues accented by warm hues, peaceful, a place of beauty and of rest, and (like every bride’s wish) memorable. I knew from the beginning I valued simple, classic elegance with a little bit of whimsy. I so wanted a boho look, but my love for clean, modern lines won out and voilá! You had the Smith wedding.

What were your favorite moments?
Josh would say his most memorable moment was me walking down the aisle. I loved all of it. Some of my favorite details were the potted plants scattered down the aisle, filled with fragrant rosemary and sage. I specifically wanted a “floral chandelier” over the dance floor and Striking Stems was able to catch the vision and run with it. The flowers were perfect.

One of my favorite moments at the wedding was serving communion to our guests as our “first act” as a married couple. It was so special being able to make eye contact with every guest, whether or not they took part in the sacrament. I felt it so reflected what Jesus gave as the greatest commandments and highest goals for life with Him: to love Him with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength, AND to love others above ourselves. Serving communion felt like the perfect intro into marriage for us that reflected our heart and goals.

Photography: Magnolia Adam's Photography | Event Planning: J Low Events | Floral Design: Striking Stems | Wedding Dress: Willowby By Watters | Cake: Mrs. Weber Bakes | Bride's Shoes: J.Crew | Catering: All Star Catering | Hair + Makeup: Glam Studio | Calligraphy: THE BRIDE - Caroline Carthey | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab

Rushing off to paradise to celebrate your “I do’s” sounds like the best idea ever… and bringing along your nearest and dearest for a vacation of a lifetime?  Well, that sounds good, too.  Enter the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, a little slice of destination heaven that will bring ALL of your wedding dreams to absolute fruition… just like they did for adorable duo Ben and Leslie.  Scroll below for a look.

Promising to love your sweetie forever while overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Pacific sounds JUST like a fairy tale, but for the talented staff at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, it’s an everyday occurrence.  Think 40 breathtaking oceanfront acres, your very own personal Wedding Specialist and an awe-inspiring list of amenities that will turn that wedding weekend (or week) into the luxurious vaca you’ve always wanted.  From the fabulous ceremony and reception options to their never-ending list of fun-filled entertainment to their eye for styling your reception JUST the way you wanted, sweet Hawaiian touches included.  And don’t even get me started on the 806 guest rooms + 31 newly renovated suites, half-acre pool and oceanfront spa.  Ah-mazing.

Ready to celebrate your Big Day in the best way possible?  Call the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa TODAY to begin planning.  And don’t forget to ask them about their championship golf and wildlife tours. Your wedding of a lifetime is waiting.

Photography: Mike Sidney Photography | Ceremony Venue: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa | Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa | Accomodations: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa

I love a good literary inspired wedding but when the book the Bride’s in love with happens to be Harry Potter, I’m absolutely intrigued to see how she infuses that sort of style into an elegant affair. But with the help of OwlMadeCo., this celebration did so quite successfully. From table number “9 3/4” to a book chapter list designed seating chart, the subtle nods are noteworthy but not distracting – aka perfect. Chris Isham captured them all, set among the beauty of Biltmore Estate and it’s these pics that are making my day. See them all in our Vault right here!

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From The Biltmore… Janet and Asad were wed on a beautiful day in October. Their ceremony and reception took place at Biltmore’s Lioncrest venue. Janet used the 2015 Pantone color, Marsala, throughout the entire day and the floral decor was perfect for a fall wedding!

From OwlMadeCo… While Janet was not the type of girl who spent her childhood envisioning her dream wedding, she certainly spent it dreaming. She discovered the magical world of books early on and let them carry her to far off places only her imagination could take her. Naturally, when this leading lady found her beau, he shared her love of written word. Janet and Asad exchanged many handwritten love letters throughout their relationship – lasting proof of a love story for the ages.

Shortly after the pair got engaged, Janet moved to South Carolina to pursue her PhD at Clemson University. Again books, exams, and dissertations – not wedding planning – became her highest priorities. Fatefully, she soon met her wedding planner (also a recent SC transplant) and they became fast friends, bonding over wedding details. When asked their vision for their wedding day, Janet and Asad wanted “simple and enjoyable”, with a few subtle hints at one of Janet’s favorite book series. As an avid Harry Potter fan and collector of signed first edition prints, several of their details were literary references. The bride and groom’s table number was “9 ¾”, their rings were photographed on a book open to the chapter “The Unbreakable Vow”, and their seating chart mimicked a book chapter list. They also exchanged vows under one of their favorite book quotes.

For a wedding planner, these were easy requests. All we had to do was garner the best team of vendors to give this couple a day better than even Janet’s vivid imagination could dream up. A fall wedding at the Biltmore Estate certainly called for rich red tones. As the stars had aligned, Marsala was a Pantone color of the year, so we were right on trend. We asked the florist for romantic, lush, organic centerpieces. When selecting a photographer, we knew just the person to make this couple feel comfortable in from of the lens while capturing the beauty of their day. The results – you can see for yourself. Cheers to Janet and Asad, and to a lifetime of putting pen to paper in the name of love!

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More Marsala inspiration here!

Photography: Chris Isham | Cinematography: Field Films | Event Planning: OwlMadeCo. | Floral Design: ModFete Floral + Event Design | Hair + Makeup: Isabelle Schreier of Belle Maquillage | DJ: Uptown Entertainment | Officiant: Danielle Baker | Venue: Biltmore Estate | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Rentals: Old South Vintage Rentals

Leave it to a NBC creative director and a LA actor to throw the coolest black tie wedding ever. They took all the stuffiness out of a formal affair and focused on creating a night their guests would never forget – french fry and donut bar included. With a color palette deemed “fifty shades of beige,” and Victoria Canada on the design scene, you better believe this day was anything but boring. Elyse Hall photographed, and we’re wholeheartedly obsessed.

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From the Bride…We started dating sophomore year at Boston University. 9 years and 4 cities later, Jake popped the question on a rooftop overlooking Los Angeles, where we now live. Having called so many different places home, we opted for a destination wedding in Phoenix, Arizona.

When guests asked us, “Why Phoenix?”, we told them that they would understand the second that they stepped foot onto the grounds at the Arizona Biltmore. My family vacation place for more than a decade, the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired resort was the ideal backdrop for our entire wedding weekend. It had everything we were looking for in a venue, including the glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood but in the laid back setting of the Southwest. It also had palm trees, pools, and spectacular event spaces, which made it so that our guests never had to leave the property and could instead relax in between festivities which was incredibly important to us.

At the top of our list of must-haves for the big day was an amazing band that would get – and keep – people out of their seats and on the dance floor the entire evening. For us, that meant bringing world-renowned, San Diego-based Bonnie Foster Productions to the Arizona Biltmore. Led by Bonnie Foster herself, the 10-piece band kicked off the evening with Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk (a personal favorite) and later brought down the house with Beyonce, Motown, and a Michael Jackson medley that our guests are still talking about months later. To help keep the party going, we invited everyone to “Get Fried” (literally) with a late night snack, because it’s our personal feeling that black-tie is best served with a side of fries. And donuts.

As a creative director at NBC (bride) and an actor (groom), picking the right photographer and videographer to capture the event was essential. We absolutely LOVED working with Elyse Hall and her team well as Krisanna Mowen at NoBox Films. Even in 99-degree weather, Elyse made everyone feel completely at ease and was such a joy to work with – we couldn’t be happier with how the photos turned out (or more surprised that she managed to make us look like we weren’t melting!).

We worked very closely with our planner Victoria Canada and her incredible staff to bring to life our vision of a classic, timeless wedding that also reflected our own personal style. For the walk down the aisle with both of my (the bride’s) parents, a string quartet arranged and played James Taylor’s “Blossom,” a song that my (the bride’s) mom and dad first introduced me to when I was little, and which Jake had learned on guitar as a surprise for me the first summer we were dating (a definite highlight!).

For the reception, to compliment the existing 1920’s-inspired design of the Biltmore’s Grand Ballroom, we opted for a neutral color palette that was in line with our custom Vera Wang wedding invitations so that everything had a cohesive look. Various shades of cream, ivory, and soft white were offset with gold accents, including individual calligraphy lettered menus, metallic table numbers, and cocktail napkins that read “Got Married About It!” (a play on one of our catchphrases for the wedding weekend). Other details – like sequin and beaded table linens, floral centerpieces in crystal vases (Angelic Grove), and single orchid buds that adorned each place setting – gave the grand space a more intimate feel. Tying everything together was the custom-made round dance floor (which incorporated the intricate gold floral design seen on the back of the wedding invitation).

When we reflect back on our wedding, we truly look at it as the best time of our lives. Not only did we get to make it official in front of our closest friends and family, but we also got our wish: the most epic dance party of the year. In fact, we may or may not still be recovering.

From Victoria Canada Weddings and Events… Abby and Jake had personality. We could always count on the fact that we were going to chuckle throughout each meeting. We knew when Abby’s summary of loving a monochromatic color palette as “Fifty Shades of Beige” to her fast and funny descriptions of her ideal day, we would love working with this couple.

Abby and Jake’s wedding was beautiful and timeless but always had sense of humor. We worked closely with Abby and her Mom to create the perfect look for them. They had very distinct items in mind and we rose to the challenge of finding what they had in mind and bringing it to life. Every guest benefited from their specific vision as they were welcomed by stunning custom gift boxes on their arrival at The Arizona Biltmore Resort. The music, the dance floor, the stunning floral all were a reflection of wanting to leave their guests with an unforgettable night!

Photography: Elyse Hall Photography | Cinematography: NoBox Films | Floral Design: Angelic Grove | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Classic Cakes And Confections | Invitations: Scribbles, Ink | Invitations: Vera Wang | Bride's Shoes: Mui Mui | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Linda Wagner | Hair: Ruca Bowman Hautie Rouge Salon | Calligraphy: Wendy Ware | Band: Bonnie Foster Productions | Groom's Attire: Burberry | Ceremony Music: String Serenade | Venue: The Arizona Biltmore | Coordination, Event Design + Welcome Boxes: Victoria Canada Weddings and Events | Dance Floor: Platinum Pro | Drape: Quest Drape | Groom's Shoes: Prada | Ice Sculpture: Armitage Ice | Linen Rentals: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

These inexpensive stools are such a great steal, perfect for a little paint “dip” that we’ve been seeing everywhere. Seriously, a mere $19 at IKEA and these can be yours. Plunk them down in the kitchen or as a table for your littlest loves; they even work as a pretty potted plant holder. By painting the legs in pastel hues perfect for the season, these DIY Dipped Stools will add a splash of Spring to your home.

Stool
Paint
Painters Tape
Paint Brush
Measuring tape or ruler (optional)

Tape off the area you’d like to paint using your painters tape. Take care to keep each leg consistent – marking where your tape goes with a tape measure may be helpful.

Paint a single, light coat on each leg. Dry completely.

Add a second coat and remove the paint while the tape is still wet. Let dry completely.

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For More Do It Yourself Home Decor Ideas…

Best Ever Home DIYs and Design Hacks

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Best Ever Home DIYs and Design Hacks

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Photography: SMP Living | Design And Styling: SMP Living

Gabriella New York gives us a lot of reasons to celebrate and this month is certainly no exception.  That’s because on April 13th and 14th, they’ll be hosting a Sara Gabriel Trunk Show and, let me tell you, loves… it’s going to be awesome.  Think stunning handmade veils, headpieces and jewelry more than perfect for you + your wedding.  Mark your calendars and break out the bubbly. This is going to be sooo good.

When it comes to adding just the right touch of gorgeous to your wedding day attire, designer (+ total genius) Sara Gabriel knows everything.  I’m talking dazzling Swarovski crystals, delicate French Lace and intricate detailing carefully crafted into each and every handmade accessory.  Which means that whether you’re a romantic bride planning a sweet garden affair or a modern fashionista ready to party the night away on a rooftop overlooking the city, Sara Gabriel has a piece that will truly speak to your personal style and individuality.  And did I mention they are ALL truly breathtaking?? We love.

View the latest Sara Gabriel has to offer in gorgeous veils, amazing overskirts, detachable straps, stunning headpieces and dazzling jewelry + meet the designer herself (!) at Gabriella New York’s Sara Gabriel Trunk Show happening on April 13 – 14, 2016.  Visit Gabriella New York here or call 212-206-1915 to book you appointment.

It’s safe to assume that I’m going to love any wedding that ends with an In-N-Out food truck. But that’s just one of the many things I love about this gorgeous affair from Lacie Hansen. From the beautiful Bride’s Oscar De La Renta wedding gown and her handsome Groom’s Tom Ford to the breathtaking Bel Air Bay Club venue, this California wedding is, in a word, perfection. See it all now in The Vault!

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From All You Need Is Love…Stephanie and Dany knew the moment the found Bel Air Bay Club that this was the place where they would say their I Do’s and start their lives together. Stephanie has an amazing eye for detail and design and knew that she wanted her wedding to be elegant and chic in nature with touches of California intertwined through out the design aesthetic.

Right away, we knew that Krista Jon was going to be the florist to make our vision come alive. From the driftwood arch for ceremony adorned with soft white hydrangeas, orchids, and garden roses to the romantic centerpieces in soft pinks and creams mixed with crystal cut glass and gold pieces, every detail was magnificent. For the tablescape, we decided that having a rich blue linen set with rose gold flatware and ceramic white plates from Classic Party Rentals and adorned with crystal cut glassware from Archive Rentals created that elegant and chic feel while still keeping that nod to the beach front property.

From the beginning, photography was a very important component for Stephanie and Dany. They new that these photographs would be the moments that captured everything from the beauty of the day to the people that meant so much to them. They wanted someone who would see their vision and run with it so we knew right away that the perfect match for them was Lacie Hansen. Lacie was able to capture the fluid beauty of this couple as is demonstrated in the images you see!

Stephanie has impeccable taste in clothing and her wedding dress is a perfect example of that. In a bone fitted Oscar De La Renta dress, she was breathtaking. Dany and his groomsmen all wore Tom Ford and were equally as dashing!

Since the couple felt California held such a big part of their hearts (it is where they fell in love!) they wanted to incorporate those touches in small ways through out their day. For their guest book, we commissioned Justin Wixsom of JSW Designs to create a 3 foot tall wall hanging cut out of California using reclaimed wood for guests to sign. Another nod to the sunshine state was that the couple chose to have an In N Out truck surprise their guests as a late night snack! Everyone was thrilled to order their burgers and dance the night away.

Photography: Lacie Hansen | Cinematography: Austin Hendrix Productions | Coordination: Jeremy Citron | Floral Design: Krista Jon | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Sweet Lady Jane | Hair + Makeup: 901 Salon | Venue: Bel Air Bay Club | Ceremony + Reception Music: DeBois Entertainment | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Tom Ford | Late Night Food Truck: In-N-Out Burger | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Stationery + Invitations: Alissa Bell Press

Amazing love stories are our jam, but this one here? Beyond. Starting with this couple who go all the way back (the same pre-k, the same high school AND the same college) only to be reacquainted and fall in love years later. Their story couldn’t be any better until, of course, their wedding day rolled around. Planned by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, with blooms by Sweet Pea’s Custom Floral and featuring not one but TWO breathtaking Monique Lhuillier gowns, get ready to pin your heart out. Thanks to the de Jaureguis duo (formerly Erin Hearts Court) for the beautiful moments captured.

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From the Bride… Andrew and I lived parallel lives before we began dating. We went to the same preschool, middle school, high school, and college. Although we knew each other in high school, it wasn’t until we were both out of college that we re-met on a fateful St. Patrick’s Day and had an instant connection. We dated for three and a half years, which included two years of long distance while we were both in graduate school.

In December of 2013 we traveled to Paris together. While exploring the romantic city, Andrew got down on one knee and proposed in the beautiful Place Vendome, a spot he had picked out three years prior as the place he wanted to propose to me.

Our engagement lasted a year and a half as we wanted to get married after Andrew finished medical school. For the venue, we decided on the Montage in Beverly Hills, because of its location in our hometown, outdoor ceremony space, and high ballroom ceilings. Soon after we had chosen our venue, the other vendors came into place. The photographer for our wedding was an especially important selection. We were very impressed with Erin Hearts Court, and loved the manner in which they captured the day beautifully.

My mom, mother-in-law, and I all fell in love with two Monique Lhuillier dresses, so I wore a blush gown for the ceremony, and a white lace dress for pictures and the reception. The unique lace of the dress featured ivy—which we used as inspiration for floral design—and clovers—a fun acknowledgement of our St. Patrick’s Day connection. Corey of Sweet Pea’s Custom Florals did an incredible job of bringing our space to life through vibrant greens and fresh flowers.

Bistro lights were strung between layers of plush fabric behind the stage. Our color palette featured shades of greens and gold with highlights of blush and pale purple. Our wedding was a black tie affair and I wanted my bridesmaids in a dark color, so each girl selected a unique complementary long dress in the same charcoal color from Bella Bridesmaids.

As a former dancer, it was important to me that we had a special first dance, and that our guests danced the night away. The reception kicked off with our choreographed first dance to a jazz instrumental piece reminiscent of Paris. The dance floor was packed all night long as we danced between courses of food, thanks in part to our fantastic band, the James Gang!

Instead of the standard guest book, we purchased an oversized photography book of Paris and had our guests sign its pages. This book, enclosed with love and well-wishes from family and friends, has a special place in our home.

One of my favorite parts of the evening was our exchange of personalized vows under our chuppah. Without discussing what we would say, our promises were aligned with surprising similarity, meaningfulness, and laughter.

From the rehearsal dinner, to our pictures at Greystone Mansion, to our handwritten vows, to the epic dance party, to the late night truffle fries, it was a weekend to remember, followed by an incredible honeymoon in the Maldives. I wish the best to those of you in the midst of planning your wedding! Enjoy this time!

Photography: The de Jaureguis | Cinematography: Vidicam Productions | Event Planning: Mindy Weiss | Floral Design: Sweet Pea's Custom Floral | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: JAM | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: XIV Karats | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Calligraphy: Lisa Holltzman | Lighting: Kinetic Lighting | Band: West Coast Music | Groom's Attire: Gucci | Rabbi: Zachary Shapiro | String Quartet: Angelica Strings | Venue: Montage Deer Valley | Bridal Boutique - Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Bridal Party Hair + Makeup: Lacey Broughton and Asya Shalita | Bride's Hair + Makeup: Jermaine Shelton + Crown of Jules | Classical Guitarist: Tim Callobre | First Dance Choreography: Your Night Choreo | Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Hairpiece: Monique Lhuillier | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: MVS Studio | Portrait Venue: Greystone Mansion | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

As a healthy food blogger at Sprouted Routes and a native Californian, it’s only natural that choosing the food and wine for my wedding at the top of my list. But when you’re hosting a party for over a hundred guests it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily I met up with Chris, the owner of Long Meadow Ranch, a Napa winery that uses organic grapes and he shared a few tips.

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Start with what you love.

While some may urge you think about your guests, Chris sees wine as a way to express your particular taste as a couple. You can use it to dictate what you serve, or, at the very least, where you put your attention and spend your money. If you love big, spicy wines, splurge on a Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, and save on the other choices. Your guests will appreciate the individuality.

Consider the time of year.

In the summer, Chris recommends lighter grapes that are a bit more refreshing in the heat. For whites, he likes sauvignon blanc, and for reds, he prefers Pinot Noir. In the winter, when the temperatures are a bit lower, a heartier grape might feel more appropriate – Chris suggests trying a Chardonnay or a Cabernet Sauvignon. In the winter, people will generally drink more red wine and in the summer, people will generally drink more white, so consider that when figuring out how many bottles of each to purchase.

Consider the time of day.

You’ll likely want a lighter wine – again, the sauvignon blanc or the pinot noir – for an afternoon wedding, while a heavier wine would work wonderfully after the sun goes down and temperatures cool off.

Figure out your headcount, and then add a little more.

As a general rule, you’ll want to assume that each guest over the legal drinking age will consume a little bit more than two glasses, but think about your friends and family. While it may be strange to consider the drinking habits of your friends and family, it’s far worse to run out of wine mid-reception. If your guests are on the heavier drinking side, think about supplying three or even four glasses per person. It’s always better to err on the side of having too much – you can always take them home and use them to stock that fancy new wine rack you registered for!

Think about what food you’re serving.

Chris stresses that you shouldn’t worry too much about this – chances are no wine that you choose will hurt the flavor of the food, and, unless you’re doing a ten-course tasting menu with a sommelier, it probably won’t drastically enhance the flavor either. There are, however, a few things to think about when it comes to matching your wine with your menu. Sauvignon blanc is great with oysters, seafood, spicy foods, while Chardonnay works well with salmon, poultry and scallops. Pinot noir will go well with poultry, lamb and pork, while Cabernet will make all of the meat eaters happy, pairing beautifully with steak and other red meats.

Go tasting!

Perhaps the most obvious advice, but one that many couples somehow forget. The best way to figure out what you love is to taste as much as you can. Grab your fiance and spend the day doing the fun part of wedding planning (because it can be so easy to get caught up in the stress of it all!) by hitting up a few wineries near you. No tasting rooms near by? Purchase a few bottles from a local wine shop, or order some that look good online (all of Long Meadow Ranch’s wines are available for purchase on their website.

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After a long day tasting, I decided I couldn’t decide. During our cocktail hour, which is outside in the late afternoon, I’ll be serving Long Meadow Ranch’s Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot noir; later, when we move to the farm tables for our dinner under the stars and the cool breeze starts to come in off the ocean, we’ll pop the corks on the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. No such thing as too much of a good thing, right? Cheers to you, my fellow brides-to-be! Now tell me: what do you plan to serve at your wedding?

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Follow Liz’s Journey down the Aisle

Meet the Bride + Engagement Session | Face Mask Recipes | Tips on Glowing Skin | Organic Makeup Tutorial

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Winery: Long Meadow Ranch

This one’s for all you travel lovers out there.  You soon-to-be betrothed sweeties who dream of packing your suitcase, grabbing your nearest + dearest and catching the next plane to paradise for some fabulous wedding shenanigans.  We totally get it.  So today we’re counting down the destination locales that sit tops on our list.  It’s fun-filled vacays meets gorgeous nuptials and you should definitely dive in.

Top 10 Destination Locales

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Top 10 Destination Locales

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Finding the right blush paint color that isn’t too pink and saturated or too mute and beige is like finding the golden egg. Thanks to Chloe Minyon, of English Tea Paperie and her gorgeous home office, we’ve hunted it down. The color is Barely Blush by Glidden (you’re welcome) and it’s about as perfect as can be blushing up the walls of this stationery studio. Tour the full pink space captured by Shalese Danielle, with even more in the VAULT.

My name is Chloe Minyon, and I own English Tea Paperie. I design bespoke stationery and invitations for brides all over the world from my home office in Midlothian, Virginia.

When it came to decorating my graphic design office, I wanted a warm, welcoming space for clients to sit and chat about all things paper over tea and gorgeous, custom cookies. I also wanted my office to be an elegant, inspiring place for me to work and create dreamy designs for clients and friends.

My walls are covered with simple reminders of why I love doing what I do. From my favorite invitation suites to inspirational watercolor quotes, my young daughters floral artwork, to boards full of thank you cards; I wanted to find inspiration wherever I looked.

Keeping graphic design and my love for all things pretty in my mind, I sourced a classic oversized ampersand in gold wood from Hobby Lobby. At Home Goods, I found the perfect blush and gold tone folders, notebooks and files to store all of my important paperwork with style.

Around the office, you’ll see little chotskies from locally owned trinket stores from my travels. I also display carefully curated gift wrap designs from Target and Home Goods in a basket next to my coffee table, which displays daily inspiration from Southern Weddings, Cottage Hill and Kate Spade.

At all times, you can find pink bottles of my favorite drink, English rose and elderflower lemonade from Belvoir Fruit Farms, on the shelves. When meeting with clients, I’ll pour warm rose or lavender tea in my Victoria & Albert Museum and Royal Windsor teacup collections, or celebrate with pink champagne in classic Kate Spade flutes.

For this shoot in particular, I brought in a comfy, classic white sofa from Paisley & Jade, along with the most stunning fluffy florals from One Sweet Day in May. My mum even came all the way from England to help me paint the walls the perfect blush pink and make sure my office would remind me of my home, Kent, England. In all of my designs and branding, I strive to incorporate that ethereal romance that only England can offer!

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Photography: Shalese Danielle Photography | Design: English Tea Paperie | Florals: One Sweet Day in May | Chaise: Paisley & Jade | Cookies: Sweet Bella Bakery | Hair & Make-Up: His and Hers Salon | Invitation Suites: English Tea Paperie | Ribbon: Ruffled Lane

As menswear designer, Joseph Abboud says, “There’s nothing more beautiful than a guy well-dressed on his wedding day.” So we sat down with the iconic designer, and he’s sharing his tips to ensure your groom looks as handsome in his suit or tux as you look beautiful in your wedding dress.  On the big day, all eyes are guaranteed to be on you, but now Joseph Abboud is guaranteeing your eyes will be set on one very stylish man!

Don’t be afraid to show off your personality.

It’s all about the bride but now the guys are stepping up and wearing contrasting vests, pocket squares and flowers on their lapels. 

When in doubt, go classic.

There’s nothing more beautiful than a guy well-dressed on his wedding day. I always tell the brides and the grooms, “Remember you’re going to have these pictures and be looking back at them in 25 years. You want to make sure that it’s a special day and you don’t do anything too crazy. You want to look back and go, ‘Wow it was pretty special.'” And then, of course, discussion is a huge part of it. The Bride is always, no matter what anyone says, the bride is always very involved with what the guy is going to be wearing and a lot of times, she’ll decide because it seems like the wedding sometimes is really driven by the bride. We don’t always like that, but that’s the way it is.

Let the venue dictate the style.

You’ve got to dress for the whole experience. If it’s going to be a tropical wedding, maybe a linen suit instead of a tuxedo. Consider an open shirt and no tie and a pair of sandals. If you’re in a very formal or traditional church or temple, you’re going to want to be a little more formal. If you’re  going to do a Southern wedding, maybe you wear a white dinner jacket. 

Navy and linen are the hottest trends right now. 

Formalwear has always been about black, but navy is a fresher way to do  formalwear. It has the same kind of richness, but it’s just a little bit different. In spring and summer weddings, linen has a real freshness to it — in black, navy or even ivory.

You don’t have to match the bridesmaids, but it’s always nice to coordinate.

It’s really nice to have a harmony in your wedding. If the girls are wearing some brighter shade of color, it might be nice to match the guys’ ties, their pocket squares or even the boutonniere — it’s nice to be harmonious so it complements the whole bridal party.

The reception is the best place to have a little fun with fashion.

Throw a little change into your outfit for something unexpected after the formal aspect of actually getting married. After the ceremony, throw your sneakers on and take your jacket off.  

Do your research.

Do a little investigating and come into the conversation with your fiancé with a little bit more knowledge of what’s happening in menswear. Surprise the bride and go to a store and pay attention to the fabrics and styles. Get a little bit of information about what’s happening in menswear and then go to your Bride with an idea of what you want to wear on your big day.

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Westly Blue Windowpane Plaid Suit | Benton Black Suit | Charlemont Charcoal Gray Slim Fit Tuxedo

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Style Inspiration for Your Groom

Stylish Grooms of SMP

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Stylish Grooms of SMP

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This, my friends, is what happens when classic meets modern in a stunning San Fran setting. Think a traditional ceremony at St. Agnes Church, a breathtaking Bently Reserve reception dotted with organic details and a sweet surprise from a bride who knows all there is to know about giving the world’s best wedding present. (Hint: there’s an 80’s band involved.) Dive into every moment captured beautifully by Milou & Olin in THE VAULT.

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From Milou & Olin… Diana and Howard’s San Francisco Wedding at the Bentley Reserve was elegant, chic and timeless. This wedding includes two wedding dresses, surprise musical guests, a ride into the sunset in a Rolls Royce and a happily ever after for two amazing people. The affair was traditional with a modern twist. The couple chose to include very natural and earthy elements in the reception like the seating chart on slate slabs, the wishing stones used as a gorgeous alternative to place cards, and the various lush centerpieces gave the event a lovely organic and chic ambiance. The Bride and Groom danced the night away to surprise appearance of Tainted Love, the Groom had no clue (can you tell?)! Diana and Howard are one of a kind, and so was their wedding!

From the Bride… Howard and I wanted to just throw a big party with great food and music! We were very excited about having all of our family and friends in one place and wanted everyone to have a great time. We wanted a venue that was iconic to San Francisco since both of us were born and raised in San Francisco and continue to live there today. When we first saw the Bently Reserve, we fell in love with the space immediately because of all the history behind it and the architecture is very beautiful. We were really lucky to be able to partner with Jubilee Lau Events who helped materialize our vision into an absolutely gorgeous wedding that still felt grand and stately, yet fun and intimate.

After choosing our venue, we envisioned the color palette to be black, pewter, champagne, blush with accents of metallic gold. Our style vision was modern, clean, streamlined, refined and polished but wanted it to be soft and warm at the same time.

My absolute favorite moment of the entire night was revealing Howard’s wedding present. Rather than choosing a more traditional present for the groom, I decided to surprise him by hiring an 80’s cover band, Tainted Love, to perform at the reception. We had seen the band in concert early on in our relationship and it was one of the most fun and memorable experiences in our relationship. Keeping this a secret for 18 months was no easy feat and with the help of our wedding planning team, we were able to maintain the surprise up until the big reveal! The look on his face was so worth it!

My one piece of advice for brides-to-be would be – Don’t sweat the small stuff! Decide what elements of the wedding are very important to you and that will help with budgeting as well. We decided early on to hire a wedding planner, prioritize catering, photography, and the venue. Howard and I were very lucky to have been able to partner with seasoned professionals with impeccable reputations who were also highly recommended by our friends. We trusted them completely and Howard and I were able to thoroughly enjoy our wedding celebration because it all goes by so fast! Savor every moment!

Photography: Milou + Olin Photography | Floral Design: Cherries Flowers | Wedding Dresses: Romona Keveza | Cake: Jasmine Rae Bakery | Ceremony Venue: St Agnes Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Bently Reserve | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jill Stuart | Catering: Componere Fine Catering | Makeup: JBeautique | Lighting: Enhanced Lighting and Design | DJ: Swan Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Groomsmen Attire: Hugo Boss | Event Design + Coordination: Jubilee Lau Events

twobirds Bridesmaid is awesome, I don’t need to tell you that.  I mean, gorgeous bridesmaid frocks that can be wrapped in endless ways to flatter ALL body types?  Genius.  From their amazing selection of soft + stunning fabrics to their 40+ color options to their fab new collections, twobirds Bridesmaid is the best thing to happen to weddings since, well… gold, glitter and peonies.  Soak them all in below.

We’ve all been there.  That crazy day of bridesmaid dress shopping that turns into an almost impossible task, because, well… each one of your besties is sooo different.  Enter twobirds Bridesmaid and their insanely gorgeous lineup of convertible dresses.  I’m talking dresses that requires ZERO alterations, are totally maternity friendly and can be worn time and time again… long after the Big Day is over.  Not to mention their lineup of beautiful hues + brilliant fabric options.  It’s a mixing and matching lovers dream with options in jersey, tulle AND rosette.  And don’t even get me started on the many styling options. These dresses are magic.

Ready to begin your journey towards the world’s happiest bridal party?  Head to twobirds Bridesmaid TODAY to peruse the pretty.  And stay tuned for new collection featuring their bridal gown in lace (!), tulle ombre and jumpsuits.  Not able to visit the showroom in New York? No worries.  twobirds Bridesmaid will ship you samples you can try on in the comfort of your own home, because, well… they’re amazing.

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What: twobirds Bridesmaid is giving away THREE convertible dresses to one lucky bride and her bridal party! (Value $930)

Who: One lucky bride, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, April 22, 2016.

How: Enter below, lovelies! Good luck! xo

SMP Southwest Giveaway!

Classic with the prettiest of twists, this sweet backyard wedding captured by Corina V. Photography and planned by Fresh And Fancy Catering is packed with personality and has a fresh take on style. With a stunning blue-hued gown from Elizabeth Dye and too good to be true blooms from Blush And Bloom, there is no question that this wedding is perfection from beginning to end. See it all in the VAULT.

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From The Bride…From the moment we got engaged, John and I knew we wanted an outdoor summer wedding in the gorgeous backyard of John’s parents’ home. We loved the personal feel of hosting the wedding on family property – not to mention the idea of transforming the pool into a sophisticated dance floor. This made for some very memorable wedding photos!

On the morning of the wedding, my Maid of Honor and her Mom hosted a gorgeous bridal brunch with my favourite pastries and of course champagne mimosa’s! It really kicked-off the Wedding festivities and allowed us all to relax while our beauty team transformed us into goddesses. John spent the morning with his closest friends getting ready in the “white room”, sharing a few laughs and a special sip of scotch.

The theme of our wedding was garden romance. We chose a beautiful palette of colors (ivory, soft green, earl-gray purple and the IT colour “marsala”). The wedding was inspired by my dress, a unique Glacier Grey Tulle masterpiece by the oh so talented Elizabeth Dye. From the moment I began the search for The Dress, I knew I was different and that I wanted something no one else had.

To compliment my choice of colour, the gorgeous bridesmaids were in short ivory dresses – this set me apart from my gals. John wore a dapper black tux by Without Prejudice London and his groomsmen wore fitted grey suits, black Oxfords, and matching gray/purple ties. Surrounded by our closest family and friends, we said our vows in the quaint and historic Chapel on the grounds at Appleby College.

After Cocktail hour in the backyard, guests made their way to the tented reception where Catering by Heat served up a delicious locally-sourced family-style meal. With a lit-up plexiglass dance floor over the pool, 500 feet of green garland, modern seating on the lawn, and the warm glow of lanterns the night ended with dancing and laughter.

We are so grateful for all of our amazing vendors who, from the beginning, understood our vision and helped us bring it to life. Our day would not have been complete without Shelby Flynn from Fresh and Fancy Catering and Events who made sure everything ran smoothly and was more than accommodating throughout the entire planning process.

Becky from Blush and Bloom who did and unreal job on our gorgeous flowers, marsala peonies, earl-gray roses and all that breathtaking fern made our tented reception like something from a dream. Each table centerpiece had a pop of color that nicely contrasted with the gorgeous barn wood tables, burlap runners, mixed metal candles and gold chiavari chairs. Personal handmade moss table numbers and strawberry jam favours tied it all together.

The food was exceptional with special touches by Jennifer and her very talented team at Catering by Heat. The dance party would not have been the same without the live rendition of our favourite tunes – the Royz Band killed it!

Last but not least, we were so happy to have the oh-so-talented Corina V. Photography capture our special day and all the extra little moments – thank you for making it the best day and one we will remember for years to come!

Photography: Corina V. Photography | Cinematography: Bowker Resolutions | Floral Design: Blush And Bloom | Invitations: AG Studio | Ceremony Venue: Appleby College Chapel | Reception Venue: At Home | Bride's Shoes: Nina Duong Couture | Bridesmaids' Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Hair + Makeup: Nicole Richards & CO | Band: Royz Band | Groom's Attire: Without Prejudice London | Groomsmen Attire: English Laundry | Belt: Olivia | Catering + Cheese Wheels: Catch Catering | Earrings: Haute Bride | Event Planning + Styling: Fresh And Fancy Catering | Wedding Dress + Veil: Elizabeth Dye

Andrea and Tyler’s wedding could easily be a figment of my imagination, because a party that has both a hawk and a heard of camels on hand?! Too good to be true, right?! Nope, it’s really their reality and this darling duo incorporated all that and more for their all things wild celebration. With Rebecca Hollis Photography behind the lens snapping up every second, this is a gallery graced with so much goodness you’ve just got to see it all for yourself. Get started in The Vault!

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From Rebecca Hollis Photography… I was fortunate to get to travel to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (a special place to the bride) for a week to photograph Andrea and Tyler’s wedding and the events leading up to it. The wedding party consisted of only immediate family and very close friends. We spent the week leading up to the wedding doing just about everything you can think of to do in the dessert – from camel rides to dune bashing to a saluki and falconry show. The week culminated in the ceremony and quiet candlelit dinner reception on one of the many terraces at Qasr al Sarab.

This couple was the definition of meant for each other. I first got to know them when doing their engagement session in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where the groom is from and it was immediately felt how loved they are by one another and how much they complement one another. They are respectful, warm and very kind. It was truly an honor to spend the week with them and their close friends and family for their wedding.

Photography: Rebecca Hollis | Wedding Dress: Matthew Christopher | Invitations: Fancy That NYC | Makeup: Marisol Steward | Hair: Simona | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Groom's Attire: Burberry | Bridal Atelier: Mark Ingram Atelier | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Wedding & Reception Venue: Qasr Al Sarab

As an entrepreneur who spends most days working from home,  Ashley of Ashley Brooke Designs knows all too well the perils of Monday mornings and struggling to find the motivation. With a few quick steps, she’s not only doing Monday mornings but doing them well. Fit these tips into your weekday and we promise you will be owning that to-do list like a champ.

Working from home has its advantages (pajamas, I’m looking at you!), but it also has its fair share of challenges. Finding a “work from home rhythm” takes time, discipline, and practice. I am a work from home veteran. I’ve been doing it since I started ABD years ago. After some serious trial and error I have finally gotten this whole thing down to a science! Sort of.

To be honest, I just reverse engineered my best days. I am an avid list maker and write just about everything down in my planner. So here’s what I did after a series of horrible, no good, completely unproductive days. I looked back at my most productive days and figured out the magic that made those days so successful.

 Set Up for Success!

The night before, so let’s just call it Sunday night, I lay out my work clothes (i.e. not my favorite pink pajama pants) and my work out clothes. Growing up, my parents made my sister and me do this each night before school. They called it “setting up for success”. It was so annoying at the time, but of course, it was BRILLIANT! This makes a huge difference in the morning. My pre-planned outfit is one less thing I have to think about and I love it.

Get some exercise!

Getting a morning run in or a trip to the gym is one of the biggest game changers in my day. I try not to think of it as this a “chore” (which is hard some days), but more of a mental health thing. I switch up my routine often so that I don’t get bored… but getting my body moving first thing in the morning keeps me going all day!

Breakfast

I have never, ever been one of those people who can skip breakfast. Like, never. But I do notice a huge difference in eating the right kind of breakfast at the right time. So not eating a donut at 10:30AM because I got sucked into my inbox! Breakfast is a serious priority and it makes a world of a difference.

Dressing Up

Getting dressed each day feels silly sometimes when you work from home because, if we are being honest, no one will ever see / know / care/ judge you…. So pajamas it is! But that is not true. I feel 1,000xs better when I get ready, put on make-up, and my favorite jewels. It doesn’t have to be cocktail attire, but just something to remind you that you have an important job to do. Plus I am more willing to hop out for a quick lunch date with my husband or my girlfriends if I am already ready! So that’s an added bonus.

Cleaning Up

Keeping my desk clean of clutter is another must for me. I have a table on the other side of my studio that I lovingly refer to as the “piler” for things I am still working and not yet ready to file away. My brain and creativity need clean white space.

 Take a mid-day walk.

This one is the hardest for me! I tend to hyper focus and completely zone-in on whatever project I’ve started. Then I look up and it’s 7PM and I’ve forgotten to go outside all day. It doesn’t help that my dog, Lucy, is so lazy and sleeps (and snores) by my feet all day long. She just about never begs to go outside, so I have started writing a “take Lucy on a walk” reminder in my planner each day. That way I won’t forget to head outside for that 5 minute of much needed sunshine! This let’s me clear my head and helps me focus better when I do get back to my desk. Also, Lucy ends up being in a much better mood too! Ha!

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Ready to Tackle Your To-do’s? Check out these Apps for Saving Time

The Best Apps that Will Save You Time & Headaches

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The Best Apps that Will Save You Time & Headaches

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Photography: Danielle Nichol Photography | Tips And Design: Ashley Brooke Designs

Southern weddings are full of tradition, and this beautiful day from Clay Austin Photography and Cinema Weddings is no exception. But what makes it so special is all the personal touches — the “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” serenade and Lissie and David’s getaway in her father’s vintage, Triumph TR-6. See all the beautiful moments in The Vault!

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From Clay Austin Photography… Lissie and David got married in the historic gardens of the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, South Carolina on May 9th, 2015. 350 guests attended this early summer soirée, with a classic color palette of gold, ivory and touches of navy blue. As guests entered cocktail hour, they were greeted with a lavish spread of foie gras, crab and heirloom tomato salad. The reception tent was draped in soft, white fabric and was lit with three, antique crystal chandeliers. Tables were dressed in champagne dupioni silks highlighted with gold Chivari chairs and lots of candles and mercury glass votives.

Guests enjoyed a candy bar displayed in oversized martini glasses as their favors to take home. The 5-tier cake was exquisite with flavors such as lemon, chocolate, strawberry and almond amaretto – set upon a silver cake stand and featured in one of the interior rooms within the historic Lace House. Before the couple danced the night away (and jumped up on stage for a few songs), they snuck away to unbury the bourbon in the gardens (which they had buried approximately one-month prior to the wedding in hopes to keep the rain way!) Towards the end of the evening, all of the Citadel Alumni (and fraternity brothers of the David) serenaded Lissie to You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’ before ending the night with rally towels as the Bride and Groom departed in her father’s vintage, Triumph TR-6.

Photography: Clay Austin | Cinematography: Cinema Weddings | Event Planning: Meagan Warren Weddings | Floral Design: Carolina Blossoms | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Parkland Cakes | Invitations: Crane & Co. | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering: Crawford Pressley Of Loosh Culinaire | Band: The Mighty Kicks | Ceremony Music: The Jackson Sisters | Venue: Lace House | Bridal Boutique: Maddison Row | Flower Girls Dress: Annabelle LaRoque | Rentals: Party Reflections

They met by chance, decked out in costumes, but thankfully they followed their feelings, and just one look through these pics by Angga Permana, it’s clear they made the right choice. The look of pure love between these cuties gives us butterflies and we haven’t even gotten to the gorgeous orchids and more from Bloomz Fine Flowers, all put together and planned by the talented Cher Ange. If you ever doubted the beauty of Bali, doubt no more – it’s all in our Vault this way!

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From the Bride… Our meeting was through pure happenstance. He had just taken a career break from his job in Sydney and decided to move to Beijing on a lark and hoped to improve on his Chinese. It was his first time living overseas by himself. As it turns out, one of his classmates in language school was dating a good friend of mine from university. It was at his dress-up birthday party that we were introduced to each other. We chatted pretty much all night and found out that we were actually neighbours in Sydney for a few years but our paths never crossed until that night.

From the Groom… My initial thought was that she was easily the most beautiful girl at the party, although she did have an angry looking resting face. Whatever. I decided that I wasn’t going to approach to her. However, once I did speak to her, I thought she was sweet and had a great sense of humour. Definitely someone I would like to get to know better.

From the Bride… As we met at a dress-up party, my first impression of Kevin was that his costume was showing a lot of legs! After we were introduced and started taking, I felt he was articulate, well mannered and genuine. So when he asked for my number before he left the party, I thought he was a nice enough guy and wouldn’t mind seeing him again.

About our proposal… It was meant to be a surprise proposal during a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach in Koh Samui. However, the elements conspired against us and created a perfect storm of gale force winds and crashing waves which prevented the on-beach diner. In the end, when we got back to our hotel after dinner, he asked me to watch a short video he had prepared which showed our life together for the past couple of years. The video was sweet and incredibly touching. When I finished watching, he was already bent down on one knee and he asked if I would do him the honour of marrying him.

The entire planning process started when we flew to Bali for a hectic weekend (about a year ahead of our proposed wedding date) of venue inspections, taste-testing and meet wedding planners. After we returned home, we booked the venue and engaged Karen of Cher Ange Weddings. The next ten months was a bit of a blur with endless emails, mood boards, seeking quotes, various selections and Skype sessions with Karen. Although the process of planning a Bali wedding from Australia was always going to be challenging, having Karen’s expertise and local knowledge to guide us was a tremendous help.

The first thing we did when we woke up on the wedding day was to see if it was still raining, checked weather reports and made a panicked phone call to Karen ordering a marquee. Not exactly the ideal start to one’s wedding day but Karen swiftly took care of everything allowing us to just enjoy the day!

We separated into different villas shortly after breakfast so the bridal parties could get ready separately. Having my bridesmaids all together getting ready was actually pretty special because we live in different cities now and it has been several years since we have all been together at the one time. The getting ready process was half long overdue catchup, half getting pampered. The boys got ready much quicker than we did so I think they went and welcomed guests and took photos at the welcome drinks.

After all the guests were seated, the string quartet cued the entrance of the bridesmaids and then it was my turn! Holding onto my dad’s arm as he walked me down the stairs to the flower petaled aisle, I think he was more nervous than I was. I remember telling him to slow down – it’s not easy walking down a steep staircase in wedges and a flowing wedding dress!

The ceremony itself was brief but heartfelt. Kevin and I exchanged our personalised vows and then we signed on the dotted line. The MC actually told us that he was getting “misty” during our vows.

The entrance of the bridal party was to “Sugar” by Maroon 5 which set the party mood for the reception. Dinner was a delicious three course fusion cuisine. The guests also enjoyed a selection of handmade desserts at the gorgeously decorated dessert bar.

After the formalities, I remember there was ample toasting, lots of laughs, plenty of dancing, being pulled into the pool, followed by more dancing….oh and also playing in the photo booth! We wanted a relaxed elegance and classical affair which would complement Khayangan Estate’s stunning cliff-top scenery and character-filled grounds. Soft neutral colours were used throughout our decoration with touches of brass to really stand out in the candle light.

There were also some subtle personal touches throughout, such as the wedding invites were custom hand-drawn illustration of Kevin and I, by Aimee Paints based in the UK. The table name cards were tied to a rustic brass key and then hung on a restored timber door for the guests to individually discover where they were seated, and photos of our travels and lives together were displayed on a couple of strings using mini wooden pegs so guests could get to know our story better!

We chose “I do I do” by Charlie Mars to have our first dance to. It is relaxed and mellow and has simple yet sweet lyrics. It is the type of song that just makes you feel warm and happy. Plus it is also a song from one of our favourite shows, “How I Met Your Mother”!

Towards the end of the night, after all the formalities were done and many of the guests had taken to cooling off in the pool beside the dance floor, the Best Man said to Kevin, “I honestly can’t remember the last time everyone had so much fun!” I think that sentiment perfectly described the mood at the end of the night. Yes, the venue, the decor, the dresses were something out of a movie or magazine, but what truly made our wedding day special were the family, relatives and friends who made the effort to come to Bali to let us simply have fun with the ones we love.

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Peruse more beautiful Bali weddings here!

Photography: Angga Permana | Cinematography: Balimetro | Event Planning: CHER ANGE weddings & events | Floral Design: Bloomz Fine Flowers | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Aimee Paints | Catering: Bali Good Food | Hair + Makeup: New Melati Salon | DJ: DJ Rob Sounds | Groom's Attire: Eleganza Uomo | Celebrant: Bali Wedding Celebrant | Venue: Khayangan Estate | Desserts: Ixora Cakes Bali | Photo Booth: In N Out | Rentals: Bali Event Hire | Sound + Lighting: Vision 1 | String Quartet: Allegro | Tent Rentals: Ristana Tent

It’s hard to believe that Lauren & Jon planned their celebration from afar. Knowing that fact alone we’re in awe, but add in a romantic palette, earthy greenery, and one majorly elegant gown and our jaws drop. Oh and the stationery goods were designed by the Bride – ah-mazing, right?! Loft Photography and Brad & Monica Wedding Films filmed every second to share and we’ve got it in The Vault!

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From Loft Photography… We swoon over weddings with thoughtful details strewn throughout the day, and Lauren & Jon’s day had just that. A romantic color palette, earthy greenery and florals, gorgeous stationery and elegant gowns are just a few of the elements we loved about this wedding. And Hotel Havana was the ideal backdrop for this fun-loving couple as they prepared for their wedding festivities. Lauren, being the talented graphic designer that she is, created all of the stunning paper goods herself. And we love the minimal & ethereal table centerpieces at the reception, which perfectly complimented the delicious family style catering from Royal Fig. We must admit, we’re a little envious of Lauren & Jon’s dance moves, they tore up the dance floor thanks to a little help from London Calling! These two planned their wedding day from afar, and we think they nailed it!

Photography: Loft Photography LLC | Cinematography: Brad & Monica Wedding Films | Coordination: Sweet August Events | Floral Design: Sweet August Events | Wedding Dress: Laure De Sagazan | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Band: London Calling | Bartending : Royal Fig Catering | Ceremony + Reception Venue: San Antonio Museum Of Art | Host Hotel: Hotel Havana | Rentals : Great Events and Rentals