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Romantic, Boho Chic Cabo Destination Wedding

If you’re in need for a little Monday pick-me-up, look no further than Erin and Shawn’s bohemian chic destination wedding in Cabo. With pretty white lace details, gorgeous flowers accented with lush greenery, gold accents throughout and rustic wood elements, this day was meant to be pinned. See all the gorgeous details from Ana & JeromeDel Cabo Event Design and Amy Abbott Events in The Vault!

From The Bride…Our inspiration for the wedding was “Bohemian Chic” mixed with rustic elements. The outcome of that was pretty white lace details, flowers mixed with greens, gold accents, and rustic wood pieces (menu, table numbers, and king tables/chairs). I wanted the decor to be pretty yet comfortable at the same time. It was also very important for us to incorporate both cultures (Indian and American) by including Indian traditions in the Ceremony and the Reception. For example, the presentation of the Manthrakodi (blessed Sari given to me by Shawn’s parents during the wedding) and the thali which are threads from the sari tied around my neck symbolizing that we are now formally a couple. 

Shawn and I met in Chicago a little over 6 years ago…he worked at an Advertising agency and I worked at a Magazine/Publication. My boss and I took Shawn and his team out for dinner and drinks. I gravitated towards his warm smile and kind demeanor…we started dating a couple months later and the rest is history :)

Shawn proposed to me in Cabo on Cinco de Mayo in 2014 which is why we wanted to get married there…it is a very special place for us and we couldn’t wait to share it with our family and friends. Our 6 year anniversary was the night before our wedding and I went to school in San Diego and the second I saw The Cabo Surf hotel I knew that was the venue…felt like a little bit of home mixed with everything that makes Cabo special.

From Amy Abbott EventsErin wanted a low key boho flow wedding. The bride and groom hail from Chicago and were planning a wedding while changing jobs, moving into the suburbs and it was all quite a juggle. All of this was on of the reasons they made a decision to have a destination wedding. Erin presented us with a well organized Pinterest board and we took over from there.

They loved the hip and simple sophistication of the Cabo Surf Hotel, and chose that as the place for their reception and for their guests to stay. The whole feel of the weekend with everyone at one space made is relaxed and almost like staying at one giant villa.

Erin and Shawn were married in the Mission San Jose Church and came back to the hotel for the cocktail and reception. The Flowers by Pina Hernandez were simply breathtaking and Erin and Shawn chose hand painted rustic wood, re-purposed from the beach as their bohemian inspired place cards. The flow of the evening was magical and a good time was had by all.

Photography: Ana & Jerome Photography | Coordination: Amy Abbott Events | Event Planning: Merren Events | Floral Design: Pina Hernandez | Wedding Dress: For Love And Lemons | Stationery: Bells & Whistles | Ceremony Venue: San Jose Del Cabo Church | Reception Venue: Cabo Surf Hotel | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Jewelry: Sisters And Their Misters | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Hair + Makeup: Blanc On-Location Salon | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Groom's Shoes: Cole Haan | Rentals: Del Cabo Weddings | Robes: Show Me Your Mumu

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Classic Nashville Fall Wedding in Rich Colors

This Southern Bride and her Chicago Groom wanted a wedding day that reflected their love story. The result is a gorgeous mix of sophisticated Southern charm and industrial Chicago flair. From the Bride’s gorgeous fall bouquet and pretty pink Jenny Yoo bridesmaids’ dresses to the cool invitation suite and rich color palette, this Nashville wedding is all kinds of perfect. See it all from Kristin Sweeting and Matt G in The Vault!

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From The Bride & Groom…We wanted our wedding to be a perfect blend of the two of us and the things we love to do together.

Lorrie is from Nashville and Dan is from Chicago. So we created a mixture of sophisticated southern charm and Chicago industrial. The Cordelle was the perfect venue for this.

We love to cook and entertain, so we wanted the night to feel like a dinner party. We made a jar of jam for every guest, mixed the families together and served food family style at long farm tables.

We both work in creative fields and have super creative friends and family members. We got them to help us design an amazing invitation suite, build & paint reclaimed barn wood signs as well as write & officiate a personalized wedding ceremony.

Photography: Kristin Sweeting Photography | Cinematography: Matt G Video | Event Planning: Stunning Events | Floral Design: Kelly Lenard | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Dulce Desserts | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Flavor Catering | Invitations + Calligraphy: Amanda Masson | Ties: General Knot | Groom's Attire: Macy's | Venue: The Cordelle

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Romantic Havana Wedding Inspiration

Stepping into Matthew Ree’s and CLY BY MATTHEW’s pics from a recent trip to Havana is like going back in time, from the vintage cars that rule the road to the old world romance radiating from every single image captured. With the styling expertise of Designs by Hemingway on full display, we’re whisked away to this magical space and I don’t want to leave anytime soon. See it all in our Vault right this way!

From Matthew ReeThe trip felt like we were in a time warp traveling back to the 1940’s and stepping onto a movie set that someone forgot to tear down. Within an hour of arriving, we were wandering and exploring on foot through the streets of Havana. Drawn to the weathered patina colors, amazing textures, patterned tiles, narrow lanes and mysterious dilapidated stairwells inside of old but beautiful faded buildings. The layers of distressed colorful and chipping paint everywhere makes Havana an intoxicating backdrop to style a photo shoot.

Our styled shoot began at the famous Cuban parador, La Guarida in Central Havana. This crumbling yet grandeur building was the inspiration for our couple shoot. The grand and ornate staircases go up to three separate levels with a rooftop bar that has a splendid view of Havana. Our model, Carla, wore a Claire Pettibone dress “Raphaella” so beautiful with winged sleeves and a blue silk lining. Everything came to life after designing vintage brass candlesticks leading up the grand staircase. Flowers were in short supply and you can not ship them in so Debbie had to forge everything from locals which was fun in itself. With a dress change to a Claire Pettibone “Alma” dress, we took the shoot onto the streets of Havana. Old vintage cars are roaming around on every corner, the cobble stone streets and amazing colors and textures are everywhere! This place is seriously magical!!
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Find more stylish inspiration this way!

Photography: MATTHEW REE PHOTOGRAPHY | Photography: CLY BY MATTHEW | Event Styling: Designs by Hemingway | Floral Design: Designs by Hemingway | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone | Invitations: Written Word Calligraphy | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Men's Attire: Hugo Boss | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Groom's Shoes: Antonio Maurizi | Makeup Consultant: Heather Bell

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Elegant + Intimate Glen Manor Wedding

A stunning long sleeve lace gown? Check. Richly hued red florals? You bet. Versailles-inspired venue smack dab in the states? Oh yeah. Get ready to pack those Pinterest boards full of pretty, because Jen & John’s wedding is just that good. Rebecca Arthurs was behind the lens capturing New England magic married with major elegance and we’ve got it all waiting for you to witness in The Vault!

From the Bride… Like many other couples today, my now-husband, John, and I met online four years ago. Despite the modern way in which we met, however, our relationship is decidedly traditional and even old-fashioned. Much of our mutual love for tradition resulted from our very similar childhoods – both of us grew up having similar hobbies, such as playing classical piano and riding horses. Horses continue to be an important part in our lives, and actually played a pivotal role in how we became engaged. When it came time to propose, John was careful in selecting the perfect setting: a horse farm and former plantation estate in the pristine rolling hills of Loudoun County, Virginia. His idea was to propose to me while we were surrounded by nothing but a herd of horses. Determined to carry out his plan, the two of us walked through the field for close to half an hour in search of horses – any horse, really – but none were to be found (we discovered later that it was their feeding time and they were all on the other side of the property munching happily away at their hay). Though the horses refused to join us that day in the fields, John nervously proposed anyways in the company of the plantation owner’s four dogs, which was, nonetheless, still very romantic.

Within the first month, I threw myself into full wedding planning mode. John’s family is Italian, so, initially, I had this dream of us being married in Italy. To me, Italy embodies timeless romance – the rolling, golden fields, statuesque cypress trees, and stunning villas all combine to create this “heaven-on-earth” feel that I envisioned for our intimate event.

Unfortunately, due to the difficulty in having a Catholic wedding ceremony overseas, we had to alter our plans a bit (and by a bit I mean not getting married in Italy); however, I hadn’t completely let go of my “Italian Dream”, and figured I could still incorporate the same warmth and romance in a destination wedding in the United States. Like most brides, I spent a lot of time scouring Pinterest for the perfect venue. One day, I came across a pin of a gorgeous chateau that I was convinced had to be somewhere in Europe. I was (luckily) wrong – it was the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, just five hours north of where we lived! The Glen Manor House, with its elegant Versailles-inspired interior and beautiful Italian gardens overlooking the Narragansett Bay, had everything I was looking for to carry out my “mini-destination” wedding day plans.
Though the number of guests who attended our black-tie wedding (50 in total) was small in comparison to the burgeoning size of many guest lists today, it was truly a memorable event nonetheless. The Catholic ceremony was held in St. Mary’s Church in Bristol and was full of personal touches – I walked down the aisle with my father to my favorite classical piece, Clair de Lune, John’s cousin presided over the ceremony, and we exchanged rings that John had carved and cast himself. For the reception, our florist was able to create a warm, romantic atmosphere reminiscent of an Italian villa – the manor was teeming with sprawling vines and wine-hued florals that looked organic and untouched, as if they had been allowed to grow on the tables and furnishings for several years; flickering candles cast an amber glow in the mirrors and on the mantelpieces and were reflected back in the smiling faces of our closest family and friends. Dinner, which consisted of five separate courses, embodied traditional Italian fare, including monkfish, roasted rapini, and pappardelle in a forest mushroom cream sauce. The “cake” was actually a multi-layer Italian pastry known as a millefoglie decorated with fresh berries and displayed on a wooden cake stand that was also made by John.

We concluded the night dancing to live swing and jazz music, with a cigar and armagnac table set up outside for the gentlemen (and a few ladies!) who wanted a night cap. As an homage to our traditional side, we spent nine months before our wedding learning how to foxtrot and performed our first dance to “L-O-V-E”. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day that was in every way a reflection of us.

Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Event Planning: Merren Events | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com | Wedding Cake: Confectionery Designs | Invitations: DIY Bride | Reception Venue: Glen Manor House | Bride's Shoes: Gianvito Rossi / Valentino | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Groom's Attire: Ede and Ravenscroft | Bridesmaids' Dress: Halston Heritage | Ceremony Church: St. Mary's Church of Bristol, RI | Reception Music: Jan Marie Olownia | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

How To Make the Best Ever Cup of Coffee with a French Press

Oh, Mondays. It wouldn’t be impossible to get through them without that almighty cup of coffee. My hubs and I have always loved our single-serve brewer, but we recently decided to try our hand at the French press and you guys, it produces the best cup of joe I’ve had in my life. Plus, it’s a whole lot prettier on the countertop than a bulky machine—save those moments for when family and friends come over and endless cups are needed!

Materials

French press (our is from Williams-Sonoma)
Coffee beans
Coffee grinder
Kettle
Stirring spoon
Measuring spoon
Mugs

instructions

Grind coffee beans. Coarse ground beans are preferred to achieve a smooth, full flavor.

Begin to heat your water in a kettle. In the meantime, measure out your coffee. You should aim for roughly 1 tbsp per cup of water.

Pour your hot water into the press, evenly covering the coffee grounds. Leave 1-2 inches at the top of your press to allow for room the lid. Stir and cover with your lid, leaving the press elevated still.

Let steep for 4 minutes. Then, gently but evenly push down on the press. If needed, release and press until coffee grounds are all at the bottom.

Pour and enjoy! And if you’re perfect cup of french press coffee needs a perfect gray inspired kitchen to really make it look good…check out the little ditty of a video below of our favorite Gorgeous Gray Kitchens!

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11 Ideas for a Stunning Gray Kitchen

Photography: Bisou Style | Le Creuset French Press: William Sonoma

Stunning Bridesmaid Dresses with twobirds Bridesmaid + A Giveaway!

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.  We.can’t.wait.

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the-giveaway

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 1, 2016.

How: Enter below, lovelies! Good luck! xo

Style Me Pretty + twobirds Bridesmaid Giveaway!

Sponsored-Post

SMP March Madness: The Final Four

Not to be dramatic, but this is it, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—it’s time to vote for your favorite SMP real wedding ever. You’ve narrowed the field from the top 32 to the Sweet 16 to the Elite 8 to the Final 4, and now it’s time to vote on your real weddings champion. Which of these gorgeous days will take the prize? You decide!

CLICK TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

SMPmarchmad

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The Bracket Contestants

Classic

Intimate Castle Wedding in Northern Ireland

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Rustic

Rustic Outdoor Georgia Wedding

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Modern

Botanical-Inspired Chicago Wedding

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Wildcard

Glam Oregon Forest Wedding

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OFFICIAL RULES

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

CLICK TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

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20 Pin-Worthy Color Stories To Steal for Your Home

As much as I love a good base of neutrals, I crave color in my home. Pops of fun in the form of throw pillows, hues splashed on the walls in the form of art and even a dose of it on the dinner table. Color gives energy and life to a home, but truth is, it can be difficult to master the perfect color story. Let these 20 winning design moments inspire your next color adventure!

20 Pin-Worthy Color Stories To Steal for Your Home
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20 Pin-Worthy Color Stories To Steal for Your Home
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The Easiest Gallery Wall Ever

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More Ways to Beautify Your Home

15 Wallpaper Patterns That You’ll Crave Instead of Cringe
Get the Look: Fresh White Home with Pops of Pink
5 Ingredients You Need for a Killer Coffee Table

15 Genius Cleaning Hacks That Will Cut Your Chore Time in Half

I am firm believer that weekends should be spent doing things we love—the moments that help us reset and recharge. But as they say work before play and that means getting my house chores tackled first (those floors aren’t going to vacuum themselves!). So, give me a guide that will help cut that cleaning time in half? And you bet I’m pinning this one for safe-keeping.

15 Genius Cleaning Hacks That Will Change Your Life
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15 Genius Cleaning Hacks That Will Change Your Life
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More ways to make your home shine!

Make Your Grout Shine Bright White Again | 10 Minutes to a Clean Kitchen | Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring Preview: Every Detail You Need to See This Season

At the first sight of spring (which just so happens to be today!) I instantly start dreaming about the endless pretty that this season brings. From pastel hued celebrations, to lushly layered bouquets, to the ever favorite garden ceremony, we’ve the upcoming season at the forefront of all of our minds. Because not only does spring coincide with the start of our favorite season – wedding season, that is – but it breathes new life into The Vault like you wouldn’t believe. Want proof? See 100 of our favorite spring inspired moments below!

Spring Wedding Details
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Spring Wedding Details
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More Wedding Inspo below!

SPRINGTIME CHATEAU WEDDING | SPRING IRISH WEDDING | SONOMA GARDEN WEDDING

Ireland Sunset Inspired Wedding Inspiration at the Cliffs of Moher

I may be a proud Irish lady but you won’t see me guzzling any Guinness, decked out in head to toe green any time soon. But this Ireland inspired shoot right here is one that I’ll fully and eagerly embrace. Photographed and styled by Kay English, with help from MBM Calligraphy, this shoot is pure beauty, from the calligraphed veil to the views of the Cliffs of Moher. So in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, let’s head to our Vault and spend some time with these smiling, stylish Irish eyes.

From Kay English… Anne Marie and Dara from Dublin, drove all the way to the Cliffs of Moher for this amazing sunset photo shoot in Ireland.

This wedding shoot was inspired by the natural beauty of Ireland. The stunning Mark Zunino gown from Kleinfeld sparkled in the sunset on the gorgeous bride from Ireland, Anne Marie. The gorgeous calligraphy veil and decor was designed by MBM Calligraphy and designed by Michael Cosentino Designs.
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Peruse more Irish inspiration here!

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Photography: Kay English Photography | Styling: Kay English Photography | Styling: MBM Calligraphy | Floral Design: Kay English Photography | Wedding Dress: Mark Zunino | Calligraphy: MBM Calligraphy| Venue: Ashford Castle | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Veil Designer: Michael Cosentino Designs

30 Essentials You Need to Plan the Ultimate Spring Wedding

Spring is here which means it’s time to start planning the ultimate seasonal affair. That’s right, June Brides – I’m talking to you. Because the countdown is on and if you feel like your Pinterest boards just aren’t doing your celebration justice fear not because we’re rounded up 30 of the absolute must-haves for your spring celebration. Click below and let the planning party begin!

Plan the Ultimate Spring Wedding
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Plan the Ultimate Spring Wedding
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See even more head-turning trends here!

Nashville Bloomsbury Farm Real Proposal

It just so happens to be National Proposal Day, so we couldn’t let such a momentous occasion pass us by without sharing a truly special proposal. And trust us, this proposal planned by the (very thoughtful) groom-to-be and Southern Social Events + Rentals is one for the books. Thankfully Jenna Henderson was on hand to captured every sweet moment, and you can see them all in the VAULT.

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From Southern Social Events + RentalsProposals. What is sweeter than two people deciding they want to spend forever together? To see the look of joy on the bride-to-be’s face when she realizes the love of her life is asking for her hand is priceless. Our team at Southern Social Events had the honor of styling a sweet proposal that took place at Bloomsbury Farms in Nashville, Tennessee.

With the rain falling on a Sunday afternoon, our team created a romantic, whimsical setting for this amazing couple, complete with a roaring fire and elegant and greenery by Karis Floral Design, and all set to be captured by Jenna Henderson, Photographer and Alyssa Torrech Videography.

Our happy couple Austin and Lindsey met their first year of college standing in line for books. Austin claims Lindsey blew him off, and they didn’t see each other again until their second semester where a mutual friend introduced them and the rest, they say, is history.

Austin found the opportune time for his proposal while Lindsey was on a weekend trip to visit a friend in Nashville. He himself made the trip in secret, bringing close family along to be a part of the wonderful day. When Austin arrived to our romantic set up at Bloomsbury Farms, we could tell nerves set in, but overall he was so excited to get down on one knee and propose. With the help of Lindsey’s friend Dana and a few white lies, Lindsey had no idea her life was about to change as she walked out of the car, umbrella in hand. Spotting Austin, she was confused, but overjoyed at the same time as she walked to him.

And then the moment came: Austin expressed to Lindsey how much she meant to him as he pulled that small box from his pocket and knelt on one knee, all while Liz Longley played soft music in the background. Much to all our joy, Lindsey said yes!

After slipping a ring on her finger, Austin also presented Lindsey a beautiful love letter that was calligraphed by Olive Juice Press. Tears, joy, and laughter took over the venue as the family came from hiding and joined the happy couple, celebrating with champagne and cake from Nashville Sweets. Austin and Lindsey left hand in hand with so much joy, seeing their kind hearts and love for each other made this proposal one for the ages.

Photography: Jenna Henderson | Cinematography: Alyssa Torrech Videography | Event Planning: Southern Social Events | Floral Design: Karis Floral Design | Cake: Nashville Sweets | Stationery: Olive Juice Press | Venue: Bloomsbury Farm | Music: Liz Longley

Abby Capalbo

Design, Styling, Parties
Hear How Style Me Pretty Editors Got Engaged!

Love is in the air. Because not only is today the first day of spring (!!), but it’s also just so happens to be National Proposal Day. A day filled with sweet “Will you Mary Me?” moments and plenty of left handed sparkles, we’re celebrating in true SMP style with a few very special stories. That’s right, our very own Editor’s are sharing their proposal stories and gosh are they good. From a sand art ask to a christmas surprise, we’ve got it all waiting for you to dig into below (warning: you might need some tissues)!

Editor Proposal Stories
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Editor Proposal Stories
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DROP THE PROPOSAL HINT WITH THE PERFECT RING STYLE FOR YOU | TIPS FOR PLANNING THE PERFECT PROPOSAL | 10 MUST-READ PROPOSALS STORIES

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Romantic Surprise Hawaiian Beach Proposal

This Groom-to-Be gets major points, because his proposal to Kaitlin, the blogger behind Blonde Expeditions, is absolutely perfect. The romantic Maui beach at sunset, the gorgeous engagement ring, and beautiful photos from Ajja Of Anna Kim Photography—it all adds up to a proposal worthy of National Proposal Day! See each perfect moment in The Vault!


From Anna Kim PhotographyIt is always thrilling to be a part of a proposal—especially when it involves two people as sweet and beautiful as Armaan and Kaitlin. Wishing these two lovebirds a lifetime of love!

From the Groom-to-Be… Kait and I met on the first day of college. I was an international student and we both came early to orientation. She was one of the only people sitting in my section and we were friends from day one. We were also in 2 freshman classes together. She was my first friend in college! However, we started dating only in sophomore year. We transitioned from friends to boyfriend & girlfriend (and best friends) and finally to this stage!

I don’t think there was one clear moment when I realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her- it was a build up. She’s a very private person. It took time to peel through all the beautiful layers she had. Once I was on the inside though, it was crystal clear. When you can be your true self without even thinking of feeling judged, that’s when I knew.

I wanted the proposal to be special – hence Hawaii. Our parents and my sister flew in from NJ and India (my family is based in India) because the both of us are very close to our families, and also because I wanted to share this special day and trip with them. Our families had all met before on different vacations we planned together, so Kait thought this was just another fun family vacation with both families. I had told both families that I’d be proposing, and when I got the green light I started looking for a photographer. Kait is a blogger and I knew she’d want an engagement shoot. But I wanted to capture the raw moment – not anything planned. I found Anna Kim’s website and I was sold. She put me on to Ajja and Ajja told me about Po’olenalena beach. I saw pictures and I knew that was the spot. But there was another problem – I had a feeling Kait knew I was going to propose this trip. That’s one disadvantage of knowing someone so well – she knew that I was going to propose – and I knew that she knew I was going to. So I had to change my whole plan.

What I told Kait, since she’s a blogger, was that I found a photographer that would like to meet us and do a few test shots of us so that she could use for her blog. Kait’s blog is “Blonde Expeditions” after all, and Maui is a pretty big expedition. So a shoot of mostly her, and a few of me in the mix would add some expedition-ness to her blog. She bought it. What I told Ajja was that Kait thinks it’s a blog shoot, but that I was going to propose during the shoot and catch her off guard and surprise her. We did a few blog shoots of her, and the both of us, before I gave Ajja my cue. A few hours earlier I made up something along the lines of my stomach was hurting because Kait thought I looked nervous. So I went along with it. I bent down “in pain” and when I got up I had the ring ready. Cheesy, but if I didn’t improvise she would have caught on. It worked perfectly – so even though she knew I was going to propose during the trip, I made sure she didn’t know exactly when, and it worked. Ajja was able to capture the exact, real moment, which is just beautiful. Words to live by – if you make her cry out of joy, you did a good job!

I had nerves the entire day. Not because I was going to ask her to marry me – that was the easy part. Nervous because I wanted everything to go perfectly and not ruin the surprise. Good thing I thought of stomach pain to mask the nervousness. I even said “maybe we should reschedule” to make it more real, but she asked me to “suck it up.”

Photography: Anna Kim Photography | Venue: Ironwoods Beach In Kapalua

8 Celebrity Blogger Looks You Should Steal for Spring

I am so ready to pack up the sweaters and boots and break out my breezy dresses and toe-peeking heels. It’s time, lovelies. As much as fall owns fashion, my wardrobe is the happiest in spring—and this season, I’ll be taking cue from these fashionable ladies.

8 Celebrity Blogger Looks You Should Steal
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8 Celebrity Blogger Looks You Should Steal
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More from the style files!

10 Beauty Tools Under $10 | The Ultimate Shoe List | Fashion Blogger Spring Wishlist

10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Skip a Workout

If we’re all being honest here, committing yourself to a workout every single day is hard. Impossible at times. Because real life demands chaos and that’s OK. That’s what the real normal is. So don’t let this title fool you—but rather, let it light the fire under your booty on those days when you DO have the time, and the heart. And let these workout pretties inspire that next morning run, yoga session or boxing jam.

10 Reasons You Shouldn't Skip a Daily Workout
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10 Reasons You Shouldn't Skip a Daily Workout
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Get in Shape with the Tone it Up Girls on SMP!

Perfect Abs | Toned Arms | The Total Body Workout

8 Must-Haves To Help You Survive a Long Flight

Whether there’s a spring getaway in your near future, an inspiring work trip or a visit with family and friends—if you’re hopping a flight, you’ll want to pin this one stat jet-setters. Because we all know, it’s never fun to travel without the things that make us happy and comfy. Make sure these must-haves make it into your bag so you can land in your destination with a smile on your face!

8 Must-Haves To Help You Survive a Long Flight
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8 Must-Haves To Help You Survive a Long Flight
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More Travel Inspiration This Way!

Spring Getaway Packing EssentialsThe Top Travelers of Instagram | Tips for Traveling Like a Pro

25 Homemade Cakes that will Make You Look Like a Pro

I have this annoying habit of wanting everything that comes out of my kitchen to be perfect. It’s like when Monica said she wanted to be the mom that made the best chocolate chip cookies. I feel the same way and many a-baked goods have found themselves in the trash because they just weren’t purdy enough to serve. So here’s to taking some of the guess work out of it for you. These cakes are SLAM. DUNKS. Not internet slam dunks. Real slam dunks. And will have you looking like a pro in no time flat.

Homemade Cakes that Will Make You Look Like a Pro
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Homemade Cakes that Will Make You Look Like a Pro
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And while we’re on the subject of cakes…why not host a little cake decorating party. I swear that this was one of my favorite parties ever and now that Spring is here, it’s time for you guys to get your cake on!

How to Host a Cake Decorating Party

Refresh Your Home with Snowe

I’m a cereal for dinner type of gal.  And my hubs? He lives for formal get-togethers.  But whether we’re curling up in bed with a bowl of sugary goodness or setting the table for our next great dinner party, registering with Snowe guarantees it’s done with a luxurious style that’s always attainable.  I mean, exceptional quality for your everyday living?  We can’t get enough.

With Snowe, it’s simple.  Home products that are high in quality, rich in design and offered at a lower cost than most premium retailers.  Which means that starting your new life together as newlyweds will be as awesome and stylish as you always imagined… whether you’re moving in together for the very first time OR just adding to the abode you already share.  From their fabulous line of dinnerware + flatware to their titanium reinforced glassware to their must-have bedding and bath essentials, registering with Snowe will make sure every milestone of your life is totally covered… and beautifully so.

So you know that Snowe is all sorts of amazing, that’s pretty obvious.  But did you also know that registering with Snowe comes with a whole list of crazy cool perks and benefits that make your life sooo easy? Think a 15% off completion offer, a 20% discount for your one-year anniversary and a $20 off guest discount on a purchase of $100 or more. (!!!)  Not to mention that your registry will be live for TWO whole years after you set up your registry… and you can specify your delivery date on all purchases for up to one year after the Big Day. There’s even an awesome collection of Starter Bundles, so you can sit back and relax while EVERYTHING you’ll ever need is delivered right to your doorstep.  We love that.

Ready to simplify your life with home goods that impress without intimidating?  Visit Snowe today to start your registry experience and chat with an expert for a free 30 minute phone consultation.  And don’t forget to ask about their free shipping + returns, free gift wrapping and Thank You Manager. (Hint: It’s as awesome as you think it is.)

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