Molly Mae Events said it best: “This wedding just makes me happy. Perhaps it was the breathtaking view from where the ceremony and reception took place, or it could be the perfectly picked colors that complemented the backdrop just right.” It could also be the gorgeous stationery from Paper Daisies or the beautiful blooms by Southern Stems. No matter what your favorite detail, every moment captured by Carla Gates Photography in The Vault is sure to make you swoon!

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From Molly Mae Events…This wedding just makes me happy. Perhaps it was the breathtaking view from where the ceremony and reception took place, or it could be the perfectly picked colors that complemented the backdrop just right. There is one thing that is certain, and it is Megan and Brian just make me happy. After a first date at a cabin weekend one Fall, they played hooky the following Monday to spend just one more day together. A romance that started in the natural beauty of the North Georgia Mountains, it was appropriate the start of their life as husband and wife would follow suit.

Megan and Brian were married on May 30, 2015 at the beyond stunning Waterfall Club in Clayton, Georgia. They promised their life and love to each other overlooking Lake Burton where the bride spent every summer growing up. You could actually see her grandmother’s lake house from where they stood. Surrounded by only the closest family and friends, the backdrop to the very beginning of their new life together was something from a fairytale. Guests were invited to continue enjoying the view with dinner, drinks and dancing.

To not take away from the raw, natural beauty of their venue, the bride chose neutral colors of greens, whites, ivories and grays – colors that just seemed meant to be for a venue like the Waterfall Club. The use of fresh herbs throughout incorporated a fresh, organic feel, while countless candles added the ultimate romantic touch.

A late night appearance of the infamous King of Pops and grand sparkler exit was the perfect ending to a the start of a perfect life.

Photography: Carla Gates Photography | Event Planning: Molly Mae Events | Floral Design: Southern Stems | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: Cakes By Vivien | Invitations: Charles Willis | Stationery: Paper Daisies Stationery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Lela Rose | Makeup: Jessica Marie Beauty | Hair: Shaglam | DJ: Rob Clark | Groomsmen Attire: Guffey's | Ceremony Music: Lisa Handman | Venue: Waterfall Country Club

When it comes to New England weddings, classic and nautical go together like peanut butter and jelly. Case in point: this stunning yacht club wedding in shades of navy, gold and white. From the Bride and Groom’s compass motif carried throughout all the design elements to the classic tented reception to the beautiful florals from Hana Floral Design, every detail of this Greenwich wedding is absolute perfection. See it all from First Mate Photo and Love + Brain Films in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Mine and David’s wedding took place in Greenwich, CT on a beautiful August day. We knew from the day we started planning that we wanted our wedding to be on the water on a summer night. Our first obstacle was finding a venue that had a large enough area for a tent but one that also embodied the nautical beauty we were searching for. We knew we wanted the reception to be outside so our guests could really get a ‘summer night on the ocean’ feel. Our wedding’s theme was classic nautical with navy, gold and white colors and the symbol of a compass on our logo. We both had a very big attachment with the ocean and the Long Island Sound. David proposed to me on a dock in Rye, NY on the Sound along the same coast that Riverside is on. The first time I actually saw Riverside Yacht Club was on a wedding post on Style Me Pretty. It encompassed everything I was looking for in a venue and I knew at that moment that that was where I wanted to have our reception. When we visited, Riverside did not disappoint and we were sold! It had the special connection to our engagement and was beyond beautiful. The inside of the yacht club had the classic nautical feel we were looking for and the view of the Sound was beyond words. Behind the club was a large patch of grass surrounded by lush flowers that set the perfect stage for our tent!

As a lover of weddings and party design myself, the rest of the planning was fun for me! I design signage for weddings and parties and could not wait to start planning my own special day! Every detail was important to us. From the colors of the napkins, to the signage and special decor, to the music being played, every little thing had a special place in mine and David’s hearts. Even our vendors were specially picked. Our florist, Yumiko from Hana Floral Design, is a good friend of my sister-in-law Sarah Crawford, who is a blogger and party planner herself. One of Yumiko’s first weddings as a florist was Sara’s and David’s brothers wedding. Yumiko made my exact vision come to life. I knew I wanted all white lush flowers with dark green leaves to complement the white and the arrangements came out gorgeous. I had also made a special request to have my favorite flowers, peonies, in all of the ladies bouquets and although peonies are not in season in August, Yumiko made it happen! Our invitation and signage designer was also specially picked. Cheree for Cheree Berry Paper is my sister in law Lauren’s good friend from college. Cheree Berry designs were exactly what we were looking for in a stationery set. They had a classic look with a modern flare and they worked with me to help create my vision. As an artists myself, this was probably the most fun part of planning! Our photographer, First Mate Photo, had shot my good friends wedding in Cape Cod and I was absolutely blown away with the look and feeling of he photos. Each photo was like its own piece of art. We had our engagement photos shot with First Mate in Marblehead MA, where Davids parents and older brothers grew up. We were so happy with the pictures we knew we needed to have our wedding day shot by them as well. Our menu’s and programs were designed by Michelle Hickey from Elegance & Enchantment who is sisters with my very close college friend.

Our wedding day started at The Church of the Resurrection where our ceremony would take place. It was important for us to be married at that church because it was in David’s hometown and was the church where his older brother was married. The grandness and beauty of the church made for an unbelievable setting for our special vows that we wrote ourselves and for a unforgettable performance from my brother and childhood best friend who sang and played Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright.

Once at Riverside for the reception, we really got to see our vision come to life. Our cocktail hour was held in the ballroom which was adorned with our engagement photos and our parents wedding photos. We had special love quotes framed and gold compass’s laid on the tables. Our tent was set a few feet from the Long Island Sound and was filled with the music from our amazing band The Rainbow Room Orchestra from the Hank Lane collection. David and I danced to “XO” by John Mayer for our first dance.

Coming from Italian decent, my father spoke in our native tongue for his speech and then danced with me to our song “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones. Our maid of honor and best man gave incredible speeches that had everyone laughing and crying from start to finish. And after an amazing night on the dance floor my new husband had one more surprise for me. Throughout the whole day my maid of honor was passing me little notes David had written me, each one hinting at a special surprise he had in store for me. David gave a wonderful speech thanking all of our friends and family and at the end broke out into song, singing me one of our favorite songs, “6 Months” By Hey Monday. I had made a CD for David when we first started dating with that song on it and he included the lyrics during his proposal to me when he was down on one knee. And to cap off the magical night he had our band playing the song while he sang. It was a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life!

Photography: First Mate Photography Co. | Cinematography: Love + Brain Films | Floral Design: Hana Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Junko Yoshioka | Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique | Invitations: Cheree Berry Paper | Ceremony Venue: Church Of The Resurrection | Reception Venue: Riverside Yacht Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup: Benefit Cosmetics | Band: Hank Lane Music | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Bridal Boutique: Saks Fifth Avenue | Event Planning +Design: La Luna By Sierra | Flower Girl Dress + Ring Bearer Attire: J.Crew | Menus + Programs: Elegance & Enchantment

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Florals

Hana Floral Design

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I see a whole lotta weddings, and I find absolute joy in finding just the right words to properly describe them – from glam bashes to chic elegant affairs. But every once in awhile I come upon a wedding that is just oh.so.lovely; it’s prettiness perfected and this summer celebration is just that. It brought a smile to my face as I looked through each and every one of Koman Photography’s pics and really, what else can you ask for? So join me in our Vault and see what you’ve been missing.

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From the Bride… Our wedding day was a labor of love in which everyone pitched in to help bring our vision to life. Chris and my dad offered up their handiwork and built all of our signs. My mom and aunt scoured all of Los Angeles for the perfect linens and spent multiple days (and nights) baking goodies for our delicious dessert table. Many of our friends contributed their amazing talents – from designing our wedding invitations, to documenting our special day through videography, and everything in between. The culmination of everyone’s time and effort resulted in the most beautiful day which Chris and I will hold so near and dear to our hearts for the rest of our lives. Our wedding day was the perfect blend of classic and romantic with a touch of whimsy and we’re so thankful to everyone who was a part of it and especially to the Komans for capturing our perfect day so beautifully.

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More whimsical weddings here!

Photography: Koman Photography | Coordination: Everly Events | Floral Design: California Floral And Design | Wedding Dress: Mount Tabor Park | Cake: Simply Sweet Cakery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Mount Tabor Park | Hair + Makeup: Grace Lin | DJ: DJ Evol | Groom's Attire: Thick As Thieves LA | Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Suit Outlet | Venue: The Estate On Second | Bride's Reception Dress: BHLDN | Photo Booth: Perfect Shot Photo Booth

Lately we’ve seen an uptick in museum weddings and quite frankly we’re downright obsessed. Because what’s better than a building filled with ancient artifacts? How about a building filled with ancient artifacts and endless love? We’d say that just about puts it over the top and thanks to this lovely little gallery from Katie DeLorme Photography we’ve got all that and more. See it in The Vault!

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From the Bride… John and I had already been together for seven years when we got engaged. That meant we were close to each other’s big families, and we shared fantastic groups of friends, so John and I knew we weren’t going to have a small wedding. There wasn’t a lot of talk about themes or colors; we let a classic, timeless sense of style inspire us and it all started coming together. We just wanted to throw a huge party with everyone we loved and look really good doing it.

We both loved the idea of getting married in Baltimore, so we looked at a lot of venues in the city. John knew right away that the Evergreen Museum and Library was perfect for us. This place had everything — a stunningly elegant Italian-style gardens for our ceremony, a classic art deco patio for our cocktail hour, and a chic carriage house setting for the reception and dance floor. Tons of green space, brick, marble, and romantic dark wood meant that we didn’t have to do a lot of decorating.

I wish I could look like Audrey Hepburn every day of my life, so naturally I had my heart set on a tea length wedding gown. I fully committed to old Hollywood glamour with vintage-detailed wedges, a short blusher veil, and crystal stud earrings. And I’ll never get over John’s look. His perfectly tailored navy suit from Suit Supply is the best thing he’s ever worn. Luckily for him (and me) he can wear it over and over again. And check out those blue laces on his shoes!

The bridesmaids all wore slate gray Alfred Sung dresses in the style they liked best paired with coral shoes. The groomsmen wore matching gray suits with different black and white ties we selected just for them from The Tie Bar.

I could not have been more clueless about choosing bouquets and centerpieces, but I trusted our florist Wicked Willow immediately. They created the most unique and gorgeous arrangements, with only very vague direction from me. The flowers were the perfect pop of late-summer color in our mostly neutral palette.

Our ceremony was very personal, and we made an effort to select the readings and songs to represent the happiness and honesty we wanted our marriage to be built on. John’s cousin married us and my brothers each read something that spoke to not only John and my relationship, but to their own personalities, too.

John made the table numbers by cutting and staining wood blocks before nailing house numbers to them. I designed our programs and the thank-you cards we placed at each seat in the reception, along with the art on our pint glass favors. A local artist created a gigantic one-of-a-kind quill art piece that hung behind our sweetheart table during the reception. And my dad did all the calligraphy, including the invitations and the place cards.

Advice:
Communicate! We learned very quickly that communicating exactly what we wanted was crucial to the entire process and eliminated a lot of stress. We involved our parents and friends in the planning process, but our whole wedding day was very much a reflection of us as a couple. That was mostly because John and I stayed on the same page, made decisions together, and kept everyone constantly in the loop. I sent a LOT of emails and made a LOT of spreadsheets. I’d also say: choose vendors who have style and talent you trust, and treat yourself to a day-of coordinator!

Songs
Processional: “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” The Beatles
Recessional: “What is Life,” George Harrison
First Dance: “Everlasting Light,” The Black Keys
Father-Daughter Dance: “She’s a Rainbow,” The Rolling Stones
Mother-Son Dance: “What a Wonderful World,” Louis Armstrong

Photography: Katie DeLorme Photography | Floral Design: Wicked Willow | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: Baltimore Cakery | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung | Catering: Rouge Fine Catering | Hair + Makeup: Updos For I Dos | DJ: Tower Entertainment | Ties: The Tie Bar | Groom's Suit: Suitsupply | Suits: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: Evergreen Museum And Library | Bycicle Art: Charm City Quills | Earrings: Bauble Bar | Mother Of The Bride Dress: Rent The Runway

If you spend any time in our Kitchen’s board on pinterest then you have surely seen a few bright floor accessories pass your computer screen. Colorful runners are all over the place and with good reason. They’re stunning and can take a classic white kitchen to a whole new level or a give a moody navy kitchen a little pop. So in honor of all those pretty rugs under foot, here’s a little roundup of our current faves that will take your kitchen to pinterest worthy status in about a millisecond.

Starting at top, left to right: 1. Antique Brick Medallion Rug  | 2. Elodie Rug | 3. Overdyed Naima Rug | 4. Pari Rug | 5. Kismet Rug in coral | 6. Windsor Overdyed Grove Rug

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7. Kismet Rug in blush | 8. Distressed Arabesque Rug | 9. Satya Rug | 10. Diamond Printed Rug | 11. Zeno Rug in Charcoal | 12. Kite Wool Kilim

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All About That Rug

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All About That Rug

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I’m kind of dying of the color explosion that is this wedding beautifully captured by W Studios New York. With a plethora of happy hues inspired by the bridesmaid dresses from Liza Emanuele this bright and cheery Bedell Cellars Winery is the definition of vibrant. Sprinkle in some classic elegance, and ladies and gents, we have a winner. See even more in the VAULT.

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From W Studios New York…Georgie is one design savvy bride. The minute I saw she had picked Australian designer Liza Emanuele dresses for her bridesmaids, I knew every detail of the wedding would be phenomenal. The dresses were the inspiration for the color pallet of the entire day with pinks and greens reflected in the centerpieces, ceremony programs, and menus. Every detail was so thoughtful from the framed chalkboard signs displaying the drinks and dessert options, to the long tables the couple used to make the space feel more intimate for the guests, many of whom came from Australia for the celebration. Even the staff wasn’t forgotten, my favorite detail of the evening were the custom “Nick & Georgie” aprons the staff wore while preparing the space and serving hors d’oeuvres and dinner.

From The Bride…I was really after a laid back, rustic look for my wedding to compliment the natural beauty of Bedell Cellars. As soon as we saw Bedell we knew it would be perfect for us – we loved the flow of having the ceremony in the leafy orchard, being near the vines for cocktail hour and then into the beautiful pavilion for dinner and dancing.

I found the bridesmaids dresses first in Australia, so the color scheme was born from them. I loved the bright pinks and greens in the dresses and felt it fit in perfectly with the setting at Bedell. A lot of the details we did ourselves (or with the help of artistic friends and family!) from the window pane table setting, to the wine cork table numbers. We had an antique silver rose bowl as the flower center piece on the wedding party table which was a family heirloom.

We had some Australian touches like our favorite Aussie chocolates and the jerseys of our local Australian Football Team from our hometown and even an Australian Rules Football came out on the dance floor! Nick loves collecting matches from NYC restaurants, so he insisted on having matches which was a fun item for everyone to take home.

Nick and I have been together for a long time, so we really just wanted to celebrate the opportunity to be with family and friends. With so many people traveling for the wedding (over 90 people traveled from Australia alone including my 83 year old Grandma!) everyone was well and truly up for a party – the dance floor was packed all night!

We couldn’t have asked for a better day – the weather was absolutely perfect and the stunning setting at Bedell Cellars meant everyone had such a memorable night.

Photography: W Studios New York | Floral Design: Kim Jon Designs | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Stationery: Houseman Paper Co | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Liza Emanuele | Catering: Catering By A Small Affair | Hair + Makeup: East End Expressions | Lighting: Matt Murphy Event Lighting | DJ: Jarrell Entertainment | Groomsmen Attire: J.Crew | Officiant: One Heart Personalized Ceremonies | Venue: Bedell Cellars Winery | Desserts: Junda's Pastry | Rentals: Party Rentals Ltd

Once he popped the question and she said yes, the venue hunt was on. And after searching high and low, it turned out the perfect spot to tie the knot was right in her backyard. Set at her family home, this couple got to plan a dream backyard affair, with vendors like Borrowed Blu and Glasswing Floral by their side. The Vault is chock-full of outdoor elegance, all from the lens of Jon Cu Photography.

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From The Bride… Our wedding day was a dream. From getting ready with my closest friends and family, to doing a first look with Greg, walking down the aisle with my parents, and dancing the night away to our favorite DJ, it is a day Greg and I will always dream about and never forget. After Greg proposed, and for dating nearly six years, we were ready to plan. I never had a particular wedding venue in mind, and after considering hotels and destination locations, I wasn’t completely sold. Then it finally clicked. Why not get married at my family home, where I grew up? Elegant and timeless. To when weddings used to be a romantic backyard affair, ceremony and all.

What better way to incorporate tradition, comfort and our personal touch, all in one place. The lush greenery and florals of my parent’s backyard was a perfect backdrop to what I was envisioning. An elegant, outdoor black tie wedding.

For my vision, I was immediately drawn to French romance, the countryside, an elegant chateau, and fine art wedding photography, which then lead us to select dusty blues, creams, and of course gold as our main colors. I was envisioning ornate yet delicate details, extravagance yet simple elegance. I wanted everything to look natural, yet beautifully unique, simple yet worthy of a black tie affair. We got just that.

Greg and I planned every detail of our wedding, and it goes without saying that planning a backyard wedding is very different from planning at an actual wedding venue. There are multiple items to consider, and at times we were overwhelmed, but in the end we were so proud to have created our perfect day.

However, we definitely had a strong team of vendors around us, guiding us each step of the way. Our wedding coordinator at Borrowed Blu, took the reins leading up to the big day and she pulled off our vision flawlessly. Our talented photographer, Jon Cu, could not have captured our wedding more perfectly. When we met him, it was love at first sight. We could finish each other’s sentences, and he knew exactly what we wanted. His calm, confident professionalism and manner, made us feel so relaxed, and it came through in our photos, perpetuating his fine art style that we loved.

Through all the details and working with each and every vendor, from the caterer, to specialty rentals, to the florist, and talking music for hours with our favorite KCRW DJ, Greg and I built some long lasting friendships from this experience, and we are very grateful for that. Using antique serving trays, to draped dusty blue La Tavola linens and hand stitched linen napkins, to serving mini chicken and waffle appetizers and chiseled square cocktail ice cubes, to handpicked brass candle sticks and one of a kind China, and ending with sliders and fries when the late night munchies hit, I think we covered every detail we knew would make our wedding day special. A great amount of excitement, hard decision making, stressful and happy tears went into planning this magnificent day, and it was the love and support of our families who made this such a beautiful experience. My parents played such a special role by opening their home and giving Greg and I a wedding celebration we will never forget.

We were overwhelmed with joy to have all of our loved ones near and far under one beautifully draped and lit tent, and to top it off, after the last dance was danced and we said our goodbyes in the early hours of the morning, we ‘drove off into the sunset’ on a charted bus with our closest friends, to continue the celebration.

Photography: Jon CU | Cinematography: Miguel Garcia Studios | Coordination: borrowed BLU | Floral Design: Glasswing Florals | Wedding Dress: Lovella Bridal | Cake: Cake Studio LA | Stationery: Smitten on Paper | Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Catering: Huntington Catering | Makeup: Tony Ynot | Hair: Designs By Janet Suzanne | Calligraphy: Calligraphy Katrina | DJ: Raul Campos | Groom's Attire: Martin Greenfield | String Quartet: Pacific Coast Quartet | Venue: Zapanta Manor | Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: borrowed BLU | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Rentals: Found Rental Co.

There’s a few things we know for sure… mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses are kinda our jam and Taylor Swift will never, ever go out of style. So we got to thinking… what if we were to deck out the lucky ladies of T.Swift’s squad as her bridesmaids (and after seeing these pics, nuptials may not be far off). So we took her gal pals and paired the prettiest dress to make each personality. Taylor, you can thank us later.

T.Swift's Squad as Bridesmaids

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T.Swift's Squad as Bridesmaids

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Taylor’s Tear-Inducing Maid of Honor Speech

Taylor Rockin’ It As A Bridesmaid Herself

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We don’t need another reason to love The Registry at Bloomingdale’s (we’re sort of wrapped around its pretty little finger already), but just in case you were looking for something to add to your list, meet the Juliska Sweepstakes.  Your chance to win a luxurious trip to Portugal, plus over $3,000 in Juliska tableware.  It’s the world’s coolest giveaway and all you have to do is register.  Scroll below for the deets.

So we all know The Registry at Bloomingdale’s is ah-mazing… that goes without saying.  But pair up their never-ending list of fabulous products, top-notch customer service and brilliant perks with a TRIP TO PORTUGAL and it’s most definitely cause for a virtual celebration.  I’m talking airfare + hotel for two to Nazaré, Portugal, luxurious accommodations (including a 5-day, 4-night stay in a medieval castle), special perks for meals + transportation, tutorials + demonstrations from Juliska artisans and over $3,000 in Juliska tableware.  Oh, and you’ll even receive a Juliska Carine hand-blown glass pitcher just for registering.  This. Is. Awesome.

What: Open a qualifying registry* at Bloomingdale’s to enter for a chance to take a break from wedding planning stress with a 5-day stay in Portugal! Everyone who opens a qualifying registry will receive a Juliska Carine hand-blown glass pitcher.**

Who: One grand prize winner will receive airfare + hotel for two to Nazaré, Portugal, luxurious accommodations, special perks for meals + transportation, tutorials + demonstrations from Juliska artisans and over $3,000 in Juliska tableware.

Terms & Conditions: Can be found right here. Good luck, loves!

*Qualifying Registry contains products valued at $6,500.00 or more.  Product can be added through April 7th, 2016. **Gift must be picked up in store. While supplies last.    

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Wedding Photography: André Teixeira of Brancoprata

There’s something so special about the days before a wedding. The anticipation, the butterflies and the even the quiet moments before the celebration are all worth cherishing, which is why this pre-wedding shoot is kind of the best idea ever. Julia Kaptelova photographed this couple’s session set in Northern Italy, and the gallery is filled with inspiration like you wouldn’t believe.

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From Julia Kaptelova…Julia is originally from Russia and Gianluca is from Italy, 3 years after their fateful meeting in Thailand they decided to tie the knot, their wedding took place in North of Italy, but before it we made a pre-wedding photoshoot in Tuscany a in a magnificent 15th century villa Mangiacane built by the Machiavelli family. This unforgettable place in a heart of Tuscany with historic past gave unique atmosphere to all photoshoot. Delicate pink shade of villa perfectly matched color of bride’s gown by Anna Kubanova, hand-made diadem by Muse-for-me and vintage ring completed the look. In the evening we had a walk in olive groves and vineyards that surround villa, admiring sunset and the scenery of idyllic tuscan nature.

Photography: Julia Kaptelova Photography | Event Planning: Wedding Atelier | Floral Design: Natalia Bronnikova | Wedding Dress: Anna Kubanova | Jewelry: Muse For Me | Venue: Villa Mangiacane | Film Processing: Homefilmlab

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Petit Bouquet

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I’m pretty confident in my cheese board-makin’ skills. As in, I know the cheese lady (well) at my local Whole Foods. But to be honest? Creating the same old spread for gatherings is getting a little boring, so I’m switching it up this spring with a fun twist—the tastiest cheese and herb pairings to elevate your experience. Take a peek below at four mouth-watering combos!

Mint + Feta

Feta doesn’t often make its way onto a cheese board with it’s crumbly texture—so this is great for summer salads as well. But you can find blocks of feta that will hold and can be nicely cut into mini squares to top with a complementary mint leaf. Now all you need is some watermelon!

Pecorino Romano + Oregano

Another combo that makes it way onto many dishes (hello, Italy!), I love indulging in little pieces paired with a bit of fresh, peppery oregano.

Havarti + Dill

Buttery yet sharp, Havarti is a smoother cheese that marries so well dill. You can actually find most varieties already made with dill! But we love plain paired with the fresh stuff.

Mozzarella + Basil

My favorite combo yet (and even better as a threesome, with tomato). There’s nothing tastier than a luxurious mozzarella (or burrata!) with fresh basil. I keep basil in my kitchen year round so I can enjoy Caprese salads. But this is so simple and fun for a cheese board, too.

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A Little Slice of Cheese Heaven

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A Little Slice of Cheese Heaven

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Photography: Bisou Style | Food Styling: Bisou Style

When I say get ready for all the feels, I’m not just being dramatic. Erin and Adam’s big day will remind you what weddings are all about: love. Instead of saying “I do” in a traditional wedding venue, this sweet couple chose to wed in the Groom’s grandmother’s retirement community and with Grandma’s help planning, the whole day came together beautifully. See every gorgeous moment from Carmen Santorelli in The Vault!

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From Carmen Santorelli…The bride and groom’s wedding day was a joyous and intimate experience. What made the event especially unique, was in that it took place inside the groom’s grandmother’s retirement community. The grandmother’s participation in the planning process and having the wedding in her “backyard” made the day that much more personal and special.

A caterer who went above and beyond, an experienced florist, and a DIY-savvy bride transformed the venue into something that wildly exceeded the couple’s expectations. The bride created signage on a mirror and several chalkboards, and handpicked a number of decorations to complete their wedding’s “classy rustic” theme, including: strings of warm-colored LED lights, custom wooden table numbers and a custom wooden guestbook from Etsy designer Sweet Carolina Collective, rustic picture frames, and glass storage boxes with bronze gilded borders. Without the help of a coordinator, the groom’s parents, sister, and brother-in-law placed all the decorations the morning of the wedding. With the support of family, friends, and vendors, the couple had a wedding experience they’ll never forget.

Photography: Carmen Santorelli Photography | Floral Design: Plenty Of Petals | Hair + Makeup: Yuko | DJ: Dubgypsy | Groom's Attire: Canali | Rabbi: Rabbi Larry Seidman | String Quartet: Little Jasmine Therapies and Spa | Venue: Clubhouse Six Laguna Woods | Bride's Skirt: BHLDN | Linen Rentals: Signature Party Rentals | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon

We’re pretty sure that this gallery is the what every engaged couple dreams about. A romantic stroll in the woods with the one you love complete with Winsome and Wright behind the lens? Done, and done. See, I told you it’s what dreams are made of, but not only that it’s the perfect blend of pretty meets perfect. The best part? We’ve got it all waiting for you to pin and peruse in The Vault!

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From the Bride-to-be… Mike and I both went to college at the University of Colorado at Boulder. We had only been dating for three months before we decided to move to Austin together. Some people might say that it was fast, but for us we knew it was the right decision for us and of course our dog, Libby too. After looking for our first jobs, we ended up working together on a Senate campaign for a year and a half. Our boss tricked me into going to the Texas State Capitol for a work event, but when we got to the front stairs, Mike got down on one knee and proposed! We had the whole place to ourselves and it’s the most memorable moment of my life. We have been engaged for a year and a half so we are really excited to be getting married in July. Since we met in Colorado, it has a special place in our hearts and we feel so lucky to be getting married in Vail.

Photography: Winsome And Wright | Dress: Rent The Runway | Hair + Makeup: Lola Beauty | Film Lab: The Find Lab

You know we’re never ones to turn down a reason to celebrate and on March 1st we strapped on our high heels and teamed up with one of our fave venues, Upper Story by Charlie Palmer, to co-host a night of stunning inspiration, A Wedding Story. Think gorgeous micro-wedding displays, NYC’s finest vendors, yummy treats AND bubbly, all set against a breathtaking cityscape. It was awesome, lovelies.

We all know that Upper Story by Charlie Palmer is one of THE most elegant venues in all of NYC… I don’t need to tell you that.  So take one of Manhattan’s coolest locales and add in a team of talented wedding experts ready to mix and mingle with YOU and the result was an evening of non-stop inspiration and wedding fun.  From the tasty treats of Jennifer Day (including a Mac & Cheese Bar!) to the yummy dessert goodness from Aureole’s Michelin-starred pastry chef Pierre Poulin to the tall glasses of refreshing bubbly from Taittinger, every.last.moment was totally wedding worthy.  And such an amazing evening out.

Whether you were chatting happily with one of the fabulous event experts on hand (read: Maggie Margerite Studios, Aureole, The Booth, Beyonder Events, Baccarat, Rosa Rosa, Christina D’Asaro Design… and more), soaking in the beautiful micro-wedding displays or saying hello to us (!), A Wedding Story most definitely put you on track to that Big Day you’ve always dreamed of.  Weren’t able to join the party? No worries.  You can still contact Upper Story by Charlie Palmer to plan a day that is quintessentially Manhattan with the breathtaking views, understated elegance, sophisticated service and decor that Upper Story by Charlie Palmer is sooo well known for.  Call them now to get your wedding on.

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Photography: Maggie Marguerite Studios

While we love a good heel, nothing speaks to our casual loving hearts more than a fabulous pair of slide on sandals. So, in honor of what is sure to be our favorite new movie (My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2), we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Greek inspired sandals that are perfect for any Bride-to-be. From bedazzled to designer, to laced up leather, we’ve got it all waiting for you to pin below!

Gorgeous Greek Inspired Sandals

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Gorgeous Greek Inspired Sandals

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More Weddings Inspo below!

Wedding in Greece | Pack for a Greek Honeymoon | Get lost in Santorini

Kenny and Ashley’s flower market-inspired engagement session is perfect. No, really, it’s perfect. An amazing photographer? Check. Fashionable ensembles? Check. Flowers all around? Check. And a couple so in love it will make you smile? Check. Head to The Vault to see every pretty moment captured by Elizabeth Fogarty, and get ready to pin it all—you know you want to!

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From Elizabeth Fogarty…Kenny and Ashley wanted to do something special for their engagement session. This session was inspired by their love for the European fresh floral market. It just has all the elements for a very romantic and elegant engagement session. We loved the idea of using a unique and meaningful spot as the inspiration for this engagement session. A lot of the details used throughout this shoot were inspired by that floral market feel – the brown paper bouquet with freshly picked blooms, the floral market buckets with European chalkboard signs, and the brown paper calligraphy sign with the quote, “I choose you and I’ll keep choosing you forever.” Just as they chose fresh blooms together, they will keep choosing each other forever. Their session was absolutely picture perfect! Not to mention these two are total naturals in front of the camera.

Photography: Elizabeth Fogarty | Event Planning: So Lovely Weddings | Event Planning: Merren Events | Floral Design: Sophie Felts Floral Design | Makeup: Makeup By Kevan | Hair: Hair By Melissa | Calligraphy: Allison Dee Calligraphy | Venue: Cylburn Arboretum | Ribbon: Adorn

We called it way back in January, and just like magic our pretty lil’ predictions were right because feathers are the newest fashion trend this wedding season. Bride’s everywhere are starting to incorporate this natural element in stylish and organic ways that are sure to impress. From loose, wildly romantic florals, to whimsical pops of plume, we’ve got it all waiting for you to peruse below!

Feather Wedding Details

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Feather Wedding Details

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See even more head-turning looks below!

High Centerpieces That’ll Wow Your Guests | Hair Adornments | Modern Wedding Hair | Bridal Bolero’s That’ll Blow Your Mind | Best Hairstyles of 2015

Elegant yet approachable, this sweet Eshott Hall totally made me fall head over heels in love with this adorable couple. Their wedding was a wonderfully timeless affair, but their personality still seemed to seep through each gorgeous image captured by Sarah-Jane Ethan. Her images paint the prettiest picture of their special day, and you can get lost in all the goodness here.

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From The Bride…David being Irish and me being a northern lass it was meant to be that we met in a bar on a night out in Newcastle in 2004. I guess you could say our eyes met across a crowded dance floor! After a year of knowing each other David moved to Leeds, where I followed soon after. We then moved a little further with David’s work taking us to Romania and Norway!

After 11 years together we knew we wanted a magical day surrounded by our closest family and friends. The inspiration for the wedding came from the type of wedding we wanted – small and intimate! It was important to us that we got to spend time with all of our guests especially as we live in Norway and don’t see people as often as we would like. Being able to spend quality time with family and friends who had travelled to be with us was very important.

Inspiration for the theme of the wedding came once we chose the venue. The ballroom at Eshott Hall, where we had the wedding breakfast and reception is so full of natural light and has beautiful ornate gold mirrors and chandeliers. I chose the colour scheme, blush and gold, to compliment the elegance of the room and to be in keeping with the light and warm tones.

We chose our venue based on the size of wedding we wanted and because having accommodation at the wedding venue was a priority as many guests were traveling from overseas…including the bride and groom! Being from the North East looking at venues in Northumberland seemed like the way to go. Plus it’s a beautiful part of the country! We came across Eshott Hall whilst doing an Internet search of venues and then because we live abroad I sent my sister and niece to scout it out! With their approval we booked it without visiting it ourselves! Luckily we trusted their judgement. Not only was the hall, grounds and location perfect but the size too! This helped us keep the wedding to the numbers we had initially set.

I left choosing my dress a little last minute – 4 months before the wedding! This did limit my choices as most dresses take a least 6 months to make. But in my case, thankfully, it couldn’t have worked out any better! I chose my dress with some fabulous help at Y.A.P bridal boutique. From the moment I walked into the shop I was made to feel like the most important bride in the world! The dress I chose was an A-line style dress made of lace with an overlay of tulle and hand-beaded lace appliqué. I fell in love with the neckline and delicate capped sleeves on the dress. The lace edging at the bottom I thought was simply stunning! As soon as a stepped into the dress it had a real romantic feel! I knew it was the one!

There were so many elements of the day that we simply loved! We stayed at the venue the evening before the wedding along with most of our guests so this was a great way for everyone to get acquainted. Saying our vows during the ceremony was so special and magical. It was as if I had already said them years ago! We had some time between the wedding breakfast and the evening reception where we were all hanging out in the various rooms of the hall, relaxing on stately sofas! David and I loved this time where we were really able to chat with our guests and share lots of fun moments. We also loved the evening reception where we had a band and despite it being a small wedding the dance floor was never empty!

The first supplier we booked was our photographer, Sarah-Jane Ethan. We fell in love with her creative, fun and unique style of photography! When I viewed images on her website I loved that all of the couples she had captured seemed so relaxed! We simply couldn’t have asked for a better photographer! She captured the day as it naturally happened and she did this in a professional and friendly way. Her photography is so personal and her ability to capture all that happens, a laugh, a tear and kiss is something we are truly thankful for when we look back at our photographs!

Advice we would give to couples is to choose a venue that suits the wedding you want e.g. budget, theme and especially size. Discussing how we both imagined our day to be before looking a venues was really important in making sure it fit the bill.

I love being creative so it was really important for me to design and make our wedding invitations, order of ceremony cards and table plan and place cards. It saved money and those weekends when we were both cutting card and tying pieces of string was so worth it to see it laid out on the day. And because everything was handmade it was a lovely when guests complimented on the stationary and we could say we made it!!

The first supplier we booked was our photographer, Sarah-Jane Ethan. We fell in love with her creative, fun and unique style of photography! When I viewed images on her website I loved that all of the couples she had captured seemed so relaxed! We simply couldn’t have asked for a better photographer! She captured the day as it naturally happened and she did this in a professional and friendly way. Her photography is so personal and her ability to capture all that happens, a laugh, a tear and kiss is something we are truly thankful for when we look back at our photographs!

Photography: Sarah-Jane Ethan Photography | Floral Design: Fleur Couture | Wedding Dress: YAP Bridal | Cake: Cake Poppins | Bride's Shoes: LK Bennett | Jewelry: Oh No Rachio | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Debenhams | Makeup: Cordelia & Co. Inspired Makeup Artist | Hair: Lisa Cameron | Band: The Heist | Groom's Attire: Tiger Of Sweden | Venue: Eshott Hall | Chairs: The Finishing Touch Company | Photo Booth: Snaparazzi

You’d never guess this stunning winter wedding took place the same weekend of the East Coast’s largest snowstorm. Even without the string trio for the ceremony, the getaway car or all the flowers, this day came together beautifully with the help of the incredible Rebecca Rose Events. From the gorgeous flowers to the sweet cake, we’re ready to say “I do” to this whole affair. See it all from Marcie Meredith Photography in The Vault!

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From Rebecca Rose Events…Kyndal and Isaac were married in late January in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Their wedding weekend just so happened to coincide with the East coast’s largest winter snowstorm of the year. Ever the joyful optimists, these two decided to look past the stress of inclement weather (and shipping delays, vendor cancellations, and numerous other issues) and enjoy every single moment of their wedding weekend with the family, friends and loved ones who braved the elements to celebrate with them!

A few meaningful details and tidbits:

The groom is a tobacco farmer and as such, we worked to incorporate a little hint of his family’s history in their paper elements with the inclusion of tobacco leaf artwork.

The bride wanted to include the bright, cheerful coral pink color but was worried it might look too much like it was meant for a spring or summer wedding. Once we added burgundy, golds, greens, and plenty of ivory to the mix, the coral blended right in to create a vibrant winter color palette. It all pops so beautifully against the clean white snow too!

Kyndal’s walk down the aisle was so sweet because she was escorted by her two younger brothers. Having lost her dad at a young age, she has always been so close to her brothers and it was so beautiful to see them step into such a special role for her on her wedding day… both in escorting her down the aisle and also in taking turns sharing a dance with her during the traditional “father/daughter” dance time at the reception.

Readjustments had to be made on the wedding day when the string trio wasn’t able to make it for the ceremony, the getaway car couldn’t make it to the venue to pick them up, and delivery problems meant that not all the flowers arrived. We used recorded music for the ceremony, had a groomsman serve as the chauffeur at the end of the evening, and changed the design plans for the flowers at the last minute to make the very best use of what we had! Given the dangerous conditions that weekend, and the potential for so much more to have gone wrong, these adjustments were relatively easy. One thing was very evident though: the level of commitment that each vendor and creative partner displayed that weekend was inspiring. Our planning/design team, the DJ, and the photographer all arrived in town two nights early ahead of the storm and worked from a hotel to be sure they could perform all their services and be present on the wedding weekend. The bakery delivered the cake two days early to avoid a scenario where any safety issues could prevent a wedding day delivery in their truck. Fresh cake was refrigerated in the kitchen at the venue, and the displayed wedding cake itself was made out of styrofoam (a last minute decision to ensure that everything would look and taste perfect despite an early delivery)! The lighting crew, hair and makeup team, and rental company went out of their way to make things happen for this special couple. We are so grateful to get to work with such dedicated professionals who cared so deeply about ensuring that Kyndal and Isaac had the wedding they wanted!

Photography: Marcie Meredith Photography | Event Planning: Rebecca Rose Events | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: Maxie B's | Ceremony Venue: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Reception Venue: Cross Creek Country Club | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung | Catering: Cross Creek Country Club | Hair + Makeup: Updo's Studio | Calligraphy: Carole Murray | Lighting: Sound Illusions | DJ: Bunn DJ Company | Groom's Attire: F. Rees Company | Cigar Roller: Salem Cigar Factory | Floral Design + Stationery: Rebecca Rose Creative | Linen Rentals: Nuage Designs | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Hauser Rental Service | Second Wedding Dress: J.Crew

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Event Planning

Rebecca Rose Events

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You’ve been dreaming of saying “I do” for what seems like forever, so when it comes time to put that ring on your finger, you want to get it RIGHT. Enter Long’s Jewelers, our go-to experts for all things jewelry who also happen to know everything there is to know about this year’s most anticipated styles. Think gorgeous bands that will stay timeless even beyond 2016. Scroll below for a look.

Trend #1 – Unique Wedding Bands

You + yours are unlike any other couple you know, so obviously your wedding rings from Long’s Jewelers should be as unique as you are. From crazy cool details to uncommon designs to colorful gemstones, choosing a one-of-a-kind look is the perfect way to stand out amongst the crowd, add that extra spice to your classic e-ring or mix together two very different tastes and styles. It’s letting your personality shine through your jewelry and we.are.obsessed.

Trend #2 – Stacking Bands

Let’s be honest, you’re a total fashionista… and staying ahead of the style game also means showing off your wedding rings with a little more “flare” than the usual one band + one engagement ring. Which is why Long’s Jewelers’ stacking bands are the perfect option. Think thin rings that sit flush with one another to form a beautiful grouping OR a fabulous look spread out across each finger. Plus, with different shapes, colors, designs and price points, stacking bands are most definitely chic and original.

Trend #3 – Mixing Metals

You’re the type of lady who throws rules out the window and mixes and matches metals until your hearts content. In other words… those gold earrings and platinum bracelet? Perfect for your night out on the town. So why not apply those same principals to finding your wedding ring and choose a hue from Long’s Jewelers that is totally opposite to your engagement jewelry. I’m talking an e-ring in rose gold meets a platinum band that is super sparkly. It’s bold, fashion-forward AND unique. We love that.

Trend #4: Meaningful & Sentimental Wedding Bands

Your wedding ring is one of THE most important pieces of jewelry you will ever own, so why not make it extra special by adding an additional touch of sentimentality to this already meaningful piece. With Everband rings from Long’s Jewelers, you’ll start with a band that holds one interior diamond for your wedding day and, with each passing anniversary, add a diamond to the inside or outside of the band as a symbol of your love and partnership. Such an amazing statement.

Trend #5 – Halfway or Three-Quarter Diamond Bands

If you fell head over heels in love with eternity bands last year, you were not alone… 2015 was the year of the diamonds. This year, however, it’s all about scaling back to a half or 3/4 eternity band. Think cost-effective, more practical and easier to handle if you work with your hands. (Read: no cracking or damaging a diamond or losing a stone.) It’s rockin’ the bling from Long’s Jewelers sans the anxiety… we can get on board with that.

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Excited to see these new trends in person? Head to Long’s Annual Wedding Band Weekend on March 18-20, 2016 for wall-to-wall wedding bands (including the new Everband collection!), chit chat with fab wedding ring vendors and selection and pricing that is all sorts of ah-mazing. You’ll even have a chance to win $1,000 off your wedding ring, plus even more spectacular prizes. Think a dream honeymoon, groomsmen suits, dinner + wine, a shopping spree, a pair of TAG Huer watches, gift certificates and MORE. RSVP here, because you absolutely don’t want to miss a moment.