To say that we’re majorly color crushing on Liann and Kyle’s Big Day would be putting it lightly. Because not only did these two plan the perfect fall celebration complete with soft grays and saturated seasonal hues, but they also enlisted the ever-so-talented Jacqui Cole Photography to capture every happy moment and we’ve got to say we’re obsessed. See it all in THE VAULT!

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From the Bride… Kyle and I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity we had to customize each decision there was to make. We didn’t want to be confined by traditions or strung along by the day. ​We envisioned a day that would intentionally involve those closest to us, that would honor our parents and grandparents, and that would celebrate ​a love that we were taught to know. When choosing colors, we always wanted to pick colors that would be timeless. When we chose a Victorian mansion as the venue, ​we knew the colors needed to be neutral to not clash with the vibrant ones in the church and reception space. ​​Kyle loved the idea of charcoal suits, and I wanted floor-length dresses in the taupe family.

We incorporated many DIY elements in the wedding day. My mom and sister designed the centerpieces themselves, collecting mercury glass from friends and various stores. Any signs at the reception were put into frames that went with the Victorian décor.​ There was also a photo tribute to my grandmother who had passed away a few months before the wedding. The flowers were designed by my friend Jenny of Petals Design Co. She did such a great job keeping it neutral, but tying in some deeper tones to ​compliment the elegant setting. The cake was designed and made by my friend Marla Wang. We aren’t the biggest icing fans so we knew we wanted a “naked” cake, but Marla took it from there!​ ​My gown was designed by Ellis. It was a complete surprise to me, and was honestly nothing like what I thought I would pick. Actually trying on dresses is such a game-changer, and the one I chose was definitely the one I could not stop thinking about. In lieu of favors, Kyle and I made a donation to GRIP, which is a non-profit that was created to meet the needs of fatherless teenagers in the city of Chicago.

Some of my favorite moments from the day were before the ceremony. The time getting into my dress with my friends, sisters, and mom, the first look with my dad, and the first look with Kyle. ​Each time helped to calm my nerves and provided such sweet moments with my favorite people. My favorite crafted detail would have to be the invitations. The materials came from Paper Source, and my friend Heather LaHood designed them, even down to the fonts that were used!​​

Some of my best advice to future brides would be to take one thing at a time. All the details of planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but sometimes making one decision can decide others. I found it easier to let my vision develop as we went rather than forcing it to happen. I didn’t know I would be getting married at a Victorian mansion, but that helped me pick colors, a dress, etc. that would compliment the setting well.​ Enjoy it! The process will be as stressful as you let it.

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Photography: Jacqui Cole Photography | Floral Design: Petal Design CO | Invitations: The Paper Source | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Weddington Way | Band: The Joe Freer Band | Groom's Suit: Topman | Groomsmen Suits: Suitsupply | Ceremony + Reception: Jacob Henry Mansion Estate

Guillermina and Ben’s e-sesh is essentially what our daydreams are made of. A french inspired scene complete with a pretty pink gown and stellar views, it’s surely to be your new favorite too. French Grey Photography captured these sweethearts to share and we’ve got it all in THE VAULT!

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From the Bride-to-be… Ben and I met in 2007 while we were both studying abroad on Semester at Sea, a three month long program where we circumnavigated the globe. Once back in the U.S., Ben went to California and I returned to Miami. We dated long distance for two and a half years, then Ben moved to Miami. Fast forwarding to Christmas 2014, Ben surprised me with a ski vacation in Aspen. As you can guess, he proposed in Aspen, while we were having wine and hanging out by the fireplace. It was very intimate and I was caught completely off guard. We only called our parents that night, and we savored the moment by getting dressed up and going out to a romantic dinner to celebrate.

I was having a hard time finding a wedding venue that really excited me. I knew I preferred a destination wedding, but nothing seemed perfect until I came across a French chateau wedding. From then on, wedding planning became more fun than stressful, so I knew this was what I wanted my wedding to mimic. I looked at various places in the U.S. that had the same style, but it wasn’t the same. We finally decided to go for the real thing, and we booked flights to Paris to check out the venue I had fallen in love with.
While researching French wedding everything, I came across some of the most beautiful engagement pictures I had ever seen, by French Grey Photography. I fell in love with the lighting and the elegance of Brian’s photography. Ben and I booked a session, happy to know that even if we didn’t have our wedding in France, we’d have great pictures and memories of our time in Paris. We were both surprised as to how much fun the shoot was, and are in love with the pictures.

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Photography: French Grey Photography | Dress: Fame And Partners | Shoes: Betsey Johnson | Ring: Dvg Diamonds | Suit: Z by Zegna | Hair And Make-up Styling: Modern Beauties | Men's Shoes: Allen Edmonds

It’s been a few years since I walked down the aisle (ok, maybe more than a few), but sometimes I come across a wedding detail that truly makes me wish I could it all over again. Well, let’s just say this gorgeous bride’s stunning Amsale dress totally had me at hello. And really, so did every other detail planned by Truly You Events and captured by Robert And Kathleen Photographers. And it’s all waiting for you in the VAULT.

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From Robert And Kathleen Photographers…Jenna and Jimmy locked eyes for the very first time in a decidedly unromantic location: a terminal at JFK Airport. But that moment kicked off a whirlwind romance that would change their lives forever. But, there in the airport, they were strangers to one another. Jimmy was drawn to Jenna’s sweet smile; she to his kind eyes. They introduced themselves and were each pleasantly surprised to discover that they were both set to depart for the very same destination – embarking on a Birthright trip to Israel.

They spent the next ten days exploring Israel together. The hours they spent sitting next to each other on a bus taking them from city to city serving as the ultimate series of first dates. They had hours to talk uninterrupted and got to know one another pretty well over those miles traveled together. By the time the trip came to an end, they knew there was something between them that they couldn’t ignore. The end of the trip meant they had to return to their respective homes, which just happened to be on opposite sides of the country – Jimmy in LA, Jenna in Boston. They spent the next year and a half dating long distance, making time each and every day to talk and visiting as often as they could. At the end of the summer in 2012, Jimmy moved to NYC for business school and they were both delighted to finally be in the same time zone. They continued their not-quite-as-long distance for another year as Jenna completed graduate school in Boston.  After Jenna completed her program, they were finally able to live in the same city together, settling into the NYC’s scenic Chelsea neighborhood.  Once again, they explored together; finding new restaurants to visit and enjoying daily runs on the city’s west side.

That spring, Jimmy concocted a ruse to bring Jenna over to one of their favorite spots on the Hudson River. He asked her to walk down Pier 43 – an unusual request, but Jenna didn’t think much of it at the time. When they got down to the end of the pier, Jimmy surprised her by dropping down on one knee and asking her to be his wife. It was the question she had known the answer to since those days together in Israel so many years before.  Of course she would be his wife, they were meant to find each other. This September, they will become husband and wife.

Photography: Robert & Kathleen Photographers | Event Planning: Christiane Lehman Of Truly You Events | Floral Design: Petals Lane | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Stationery: Papertree Studio | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair + Makeup: Duette | Band: Ebe Amsterdam | Venue: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center | Bridal Boutique: Amsale | Desserts: Little Baby's Ice Cream

Say hello to the cutest little boxes you ever did see. If you choose to accept this DIY (how could you not?), we guarantee your Valentinees on the receiving end will want to give you a big ol’ smooch for it, especially if you fill them with something sweet. And these babies are just the start to some serious Valentine’s Day pretty we’re delivering in full next week! Get the super-easy steps below.

Paper favor boxes
Pink watercolor paint
Flat paintbrush
Cup of water
Ribbon
Scissors

Fold together one of the favor boxes so you can see where sides of the box are. Unfold the box and lay flat on a piece of cardboard.

Brush a layer of water on the bottom half of one of the box sides. Dab a bit of pink watercolor along the very bottom and gently spread it up. Repeat on the other three sides of the box.

Repeat step 2 to make as many favor boxes as you’d like. Let the boxes dry 1-2 hours, then assemble. Fill with your favor (we went with chocolate) and tie off with a ribbon!

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Photography: White Loft Studio | DIY + Styling: SMP Living | Calligraphy: Becca Joas

Clary Pfeiffer has a way with the camera that makes me melt with every single wedding she delivers to our screens. Today, that statement rings true again and I can’t seem to peel myself away from this stunner of a gallery. The snaps of the Bride in her Reem Acra dress alone are worth it (can you handle that neckline?!). More this way in The Vault!

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From Clary Pfeiffer Photography…Today I’m so excited to send you this wedding from St. Louis at the Cathedral Basilica and the St. Louis Art Museum. The wedding venues are grand but in the beauty and size. They are perfectly breathtaking with the ceiling in the cathedral covered in mosaic tile to the art space in the museum with massive story tall walls for a dinner filled with candlelight and long tables. The wedding day truly was a joy to photograph, Brittany and Patrick had so many fun elements. I love their white trolly and white get away car. They also honored the grandparents by having this be the ring bearer and flower girl.

From The Bride…Patrick and I met at a surprise wedding anniversary celebration for my best friend and Patrick cousin’s parents. It was the first time we had ever met and once we started talking, there was no turning back!

We stayed together through two periods of me living abroad and it only made us stronger as well as provided for some amazing travel opportunities together! When I moved back, Patrick and I were able to make our life here in St. Louis. I began teaching French and Patrick continued his work as an environmental engineer. On a visit to France in the summer of 2013 Patrick proposed to me at sunset at the beautiful Chateau Grand Barrail in Saint-Emillion.

Our love for travel really drove the vision for our wedding day. We have so many happy memories going around the world together and being in the Cathedral Basilica and St. Louis Art Museum locations just felt like we were on another one of those adventures. However, it was even better this time because we were able to spend this romantic and magical evening with all of our friends and family as well!

Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography | Coordination: Before I Do | Floral Design: BUDS | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Stationery: Vellum | Ceremony Venue: Cathedral Basilica Of Saint Louis | Reception Venue: Saint Louis Art Museum | Jewelry: Genovese Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | DJ: DJ Nune | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang | Desserts: La Bonne Bouchee | Jazz Singer: Miss Jubilee

Remember as a kid when everyone gave each other Valentine’s Day cards at school? Think of these Packed Party + Thimblepress cards as grown-up Valentine’s Day cards with a super cute twist—a fabulous pair of earrings! And today we’re going to make one of you lucky ladies our Valentine by giving away a set of these Studly Earrings! Enter below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To enter, simply enter your email into the widget above. The Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on February 5, 2016. Open to legal residents of 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older. Limit one (1) entry per person per day. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing the following day and will receive a set of the Packed Party Studly Earrings valued at $37. By entering, you confirm you have read and agree to the Official Rules.

Call us wedding nerds, but our version of #ThrowbackThursday involves digging through gems sitting on our Pinterest boards. Especially those gems equal looking back at some of the prettiest wedding ever. This week, we poured through our pins to bring you moments of perfection a la Jose Villa, and let me promise you they don’t disappoint. Yep, you’re so welcome.

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See More of Our Favorite Wedding Moments Here!

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Photography: Jose Villa

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Jose Villa Photography

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I’m dealing with an intense case of dress regret right now. I loved my own wedding gown, don’t get me wrong. But if I’d been able to dig through these designs by Luella’s Boudoir, well, I may have chosen differently. My personal fav – this one right here. But it’s one among many, all captured by Ashlee Taylor in the Spanish town of Tarragona. Start perusing the Vault and do tell – which one would you wear!?

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From Ashlee Taylor… This shoot took place in a small beautiful village in the heart of Catalonia, Spain. We thought that this would make a perfect backdrop for these stunning gowns providing inspiration for destine brides. The gowns looked stunning in the warm Spanish sun and the delicate colours were captured perfectly on film.

From owner and designer Rachel Attwell of Luella’s Boudoir: The Luella’s Collection of Wedding Dresses has been designed in partnership with British Wedding Dress Designer Charlotte Casadejus. Charlotte was chosen because of her natural sense of style, her ability to create beautiful silhouettes that are both sexy and easy to wear, her creative ability to produce something that is extraordinary in design and her fastidious attention to detail. Having spent many years living in France, Charlotte is also very familiar with the principles of haute couture and has a real passion for exquisite fabrics. Charlotte worked seamlessly alongside Luella’s own design team resulting in a unique collection of extremely wearable and sophisticated dresses and a refreshing new approach to bridal design.

The collection can be described as Modern Bohemian with a British Victorian influence and has been inspired by the feminine and floaty shapes of bohemianism mixed with the glamorous Biba style of the late 70’s. The dresses are a combination of long, loose flowing skirts, intricate looped chain and fringe detailing and beaded floral motifs indicative of bohemian style fashion and the intricate laces, long sleeved and high necked frocks of the Victorian era. The collection consists of seven unique styles in a mixture of warm Mediterranean colours and further variations of each style have been created with the use of different beading and detachable elements.The team have also produced a complementary set of accessories, including a variety of belts designed to work with several of the dresses, and a stunning hand beaded cape.

Since the original Bohemians were from central Europe it seemed like a natural choice to shoot the collection somewhere in Europe, and when trying to locate a photographer, the Luella’s team discovered Ashlee Taylor from Taylor Barnes Photography. Ashlee lived and worked in Spain which meant that she was very knowledgeable about which locations would be suitable for the shoot and was extremely comfortable working with the variances in the Spanish light and scenery. Her fine art style of photography was also the perfect complement to Luella’s own romantic, understated bridal style.

The shoot took place in the beautiful region of Aragon and was specifically chosen because of the warm colour palette of pinks and gold tones, reflecting the collection of dresses own soft selection of nude and metallic hues. Using local models and a local hair and make up artist also meant that the shoot had a distinctly European feel.

The collection took over eight months to make from the initial design concept to completion and part of the reason for this was that the team decided to use some intricate design techniques, including hand painting gold leaf on to the fabric, the inclusion of a hand pleated gown, producing a unique cornelli lace and a number of intricate hand beaded details. All of the dresses are made in the UK and as such, can be made with extremely short lead times.The collection has also been specifically designed to be as versatile as possible with the option to have the dresses made in other colours, with variations to the original styles. Some of the designs will also be available in larger sizes.

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Craving more chic style inspiration? Right this way!

Photography: Ashlee Taylor | Floral Design: Westwood Design | Wedding Dress + Accessories: Luella's Bridal

Once the holiday decorations are put away, I’m inspired to clean the clutter from our home. Throughout the year we acquire a lot of stuff. As it gets pushed aside, it quickly becomes just that. Forgotten things that don’t have meaning or use. So why do we keep it? Often it’s because it has been forgotten in that dark little closet, at the bottom of the basket or nestled among other things. Less stuff often equals less stress. So today I’m sharing tips and ideas to get organized (and minimize). xoxo Julie

I recommend organizing the room of your home that come and go from. For most, it’s the entryway or the mudroom, but it could be your kitchen.

Mudroom

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It’s the victim of shoes, keys and pocket contents being tossed as you enter your home. Organizing your mudroom or entryway will make you feel more organized and less stressed throughout the day because you can quickly gather everything you need on your way out the door. Having proper storage in place will prevent the chaos from spilling into the rest of your home.

Kitchen

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Organizing your kitchen can feel a bit daunting, but if you take it cabinet by cabinet, it’s an achievable task that can add a lot off function {and space} to your kitchen. Start by eliminating mismatched pieces and separating glass from plastic. Arrange your dishes by how often you use them {i.e.: plates on the bottom shelf, cake stands on the top} to keep frequently used dishes easily accessible.

Use bins with handles under the kitchen sink to separate cleaners, dishwashing detergents and accessories, etc. Separating them in bins makes it easier to locate specific things and eliminates the risk of playing dominos. Keep it cohesive by labeling standard sized jars for spices, baking ingredients, etc. You can download free printable labels here. You can also add flexible storage to your cabinet doors using hooks.

Linen Closet

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Another way to blend organization and function is by utilizing pieces of furniture for storage. I converted an old wardrobe into a linen cabinet to store excess pillows, throws, pillow covers, etc in our family room. 

Upstairs, I used scrapbook labels and baskets to organize our linen closet.

Bedroom Closet

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We quickly realized that we needed to convert our step in closet into a walk in closet. Installing a closet system added a lot of extra storage without increasing the size of our closet. Whether you update your closet or just organize it, I highly recommend starting by removing everything. 

Want to see what you’re really wearing? Flip your hangers around and at the end of the month, any hangers that are backwards are subject to donation. You can read more of my tips to clean out your closet here.

Living Room

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Of course baskets are always a great way to organize. They’re a catch all for things like toys, magazines and books. In our home, we have larger baskets stacked in our family room that double as an end table. Baskets also fill our bookcases to store games, dvd’s and remotes.

The Bar

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Finally, my favorite – organizing the bar! Whether you are using a bar cart or create a bar cabinet, organizing your alcohol looks beautiful and makes last minute entertaining nearly effortless. Gather your alcohol and group together by type. Place appropriate accessories nearby for convenience. Just fill the ice bucket before guests arrived, add garnishes and you’re ready to celebrate any occasion, like organizing your home!

Photography: Julie Blanner | Design And Styling: Julie Blanner

Joanna August is a genius, I don’t need to tell you that.  So take eight brand-new designs, a beautiful “Moondance” hue and seriously chic + beyond flattering silhouettes and you’ll land squarely on our reason for today’s virtual celebration – Joanna’s newest collection.  Think one gorgeous gown after another PERFECT for you and your besties.  Scroll below for a look.

From four flattering + feminine wrap dresses to four sexy, slip-it-on styles, the newest collection from Joanna August is all sorts of awesome.  I’m talking a never-ending lineup of mesmerizing, fashion-forward styles that are just what you style-conscious brides and bridesmaids are looking for.  It’s a fabulous array of crazy gorgeous colors meets silky soft fabrics meets the sweetest of details (hello, ruffles, cap sleeves and sheer paneling) meets everything you’ll ever need for your Big Day to feel absolutely beautiful.  We LOVE.

Available NOW at Bella Bridesmaid, Nordstrom, SHOPBOP and BHLDN, the newest collection from Joanna August is waiting to make your dress dreams come true.  Head their now to mix and match styles, lengths and colors and create that bridal party + wedding look that will seriously wow.

What: Joanna August is giving away one FREE Ceremony by Joanna August dress!

How: Simply visit the Joanna August website and scroll to the bottom of their home page to enter your e-mail address in the “Be in the Know” section. Everyone who joins the mailing list via this form on or before February 18th will be entered in a random drawing to win one FREE Ceremony by Joanna August dress.

Who: One lucky winner will be announced on Social media and contacted via e-mail by Joanna August on February 25th.  Good luck, lovelies! xo

Photography: Tyler William Parker | Event Planning: Bella Bridesmaid | Styling: Lillian Goodman | Floral Design: LA Blooms | Jewelry: BHLDN | Jewelry: Shopbop | Bridesmaid Dresses: Joanna August | Makeup: Amy Strozzi | Hair: Emily Wetzel

You guys, nothing – and I mean NOTHING – makes my heart sing like a modern wedding. And as we look ahead to the trends for the coming year, you better believe I’m doing a happy dance because sleek, modern, geometric design moments are sooooo in. Need a little inspiration to get on board? Click below and see a few of our faves,

Geometric Wedding Details

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Geometric Wedding Details

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P.S. 20 Modern Wedding Ideas We Love

Real talk – we’re not claiming to know your love’s big plans BUT statistically speaking we know the times of year he’s most likely to ask that ultimate “Will you marry me?” question. Dying to know when that proposal just might be? Click below and mark your calendar…very tentatively, of course!

Most Popular Times to Get Engaged

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Most Popular Times to Get Engaged

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P.S. The Prettiest Engagement Rings Ever

Truth be told, I’ve been fully stalking this home’s remodel on Studio McGee’s instagram. That kitchen stole my heart which quickly turned to a love affair with one furry stooled piano and later a cute little tucked away laundry center. And now my heart has full on exploded after seeing the whole tour. I am pinning like a mad women and you probably will be too with one peek at this vault.

The layout of the kitchen/dining/living was not as functional as it could be, so we shifted the entire kitchen over to create better “zones” throughout. Our client wanted white, bright and a blend of traditional and modern. I think we achieved just that…

As you can see, we had to fit a lot of functionality into this space – it is their kitchen, office, laundry, and mudroom! The custom inset cabinets were a big splurge, but I think the seamlessness of cabinetry really makes the space. And that beautiful brass hardware (of course). 

Kitchen Sources: Stools | Runner by Sink | Hardware | Runner by laundry is vintage | Pendants and sconce are available through us (e-mail hello@studio-mcgee.com for details) | Paint is Benjamin Moore “Chantilly Lace” and “Chelsea Gray” | Tiek Built Homes | Christopher Scott Cabinetry

During the planning phase, we knew the fireplace needed to stay in the same spot, but when our client wanted to fit a piano in the space we were nervous! Funny how the things that make you nervous often turn out to be the best features in a room.

I’m completely smitten with that entire fireplace wall (particularly the poured concrete hearth and log storage). Our client had this vintage farmhouse table and I loved it so much that it had to stay. The mix of modern and traditional chairs is the perfect pairing. 

This is the main gathering area for a family of 6, so charcoal sofas and wipeable dining chairs (the end chairs are outdoor fabric) were a must!

The plantation shutters were removed during demo and our client loved all the natural light so much that she decided to leave them off…I love how happy the open windows make everything feel.

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Dining, Living Room Sources: Sofas | Coffee Table was custom | Living Rug | Floor Lamp | Dining Side Chairs | Dining End Chairs | Chandelier and Artwork is available through us (email hello@studio-mcgee.com for info) | Paint is BM “Chantilly Lace”

Photography: Studio McGee | Event Planning: Pottery Barn | Calligraphy: BRIDAL ARTISTRY | Favors: Crate & Barrel | Beauty: Restoration Hardware | Beauty: Design Within Reach | Interior Design: Studio McGee | Vendor: Serena & Lily | Vendor: Mitchell Gold Bob Williams

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Forget making a reservation this Valentine’s Day and set up shop in the sweetest little way. Ask your favorite someone to Bee Yours by setting the scene for some serious wining and dining a la The Romanticist Studios and Jess Blazejewski. It’s the ultimate sit-down that you’ll want to share and thanks to Ruth Eileen Photography it’s all waiting for you to cozy on up to in THE VAULT!

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From The Romanticist Studios… This editorial portrays an elegant fete inspired by a beloved everyday staple: honey. From the romantic invitation suite to the lovely favors, we used honeycombs, the rich honey hue of silk ribbons, the warmth of kraft paper, the texture of black and white linen, and the sophistication of traditional tablescapes to create a cozy and elegant feel. Organic flower arrangements and cascading greenery beautifully adorn this party.

The bride wears Vera Wang paired with romantic flowers and statement bouquet ribbon. The hair is flowy and makeup is soft. She celebrates her upcoming nuptials with bubbly honey cocktails and treats her guests with honey flavored macaroons in pretty custom kraft paper bags.

We wanted the couple to keep mementos of their day. The custom escort card board seats guests gracefully and serves as a pinboard for the home office. Monogramed napkins are a perfect addition to the lovebirds’ nest and vintage candlesticks will set the mood at celebrations for years to come. All timeless details were captured in fine art film for soft, classic photos.

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Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography |Design + Sourcing: The Romanticist Studios | Styling: Jess Blazejewski | Floral Design: Foret Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang Hayley | Calligraphy: Leveret & Hare | Backdrop: Funky Frills | Chairs:Peterson Party Center | Desserts: AJ Cakes | Honey:Savannah Bee Company | Honey Ribbons: Silk and Willow | Napkins: White Tulip Embroidery | Patterned Paper: Antiquaria Design Studio | Tableware: Private Collection

How excited are we to see the perfect peachy pretty courtesy of Ooh La La Designs in THE VAULT? SO excited. That’s right, it’s the perfect pairing of lush florals and fabulous inspiration and thanks to Krista Fox Photography we’ve got it all to share below!

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From Ooh La La Designs… Shot by the amazing Krista of Krista Fox Photography at one of the most gorgeous venues in Ontario, this lush and colorful inspiration shoot styled with the perfect details of lace, fine china and crystal, gold foil stationery, exquisite cakes and a handcrafted floral crown, is rustic luxe at its best. Although blush and neutrals make us all swoon, stylist Sunny of Lux Events Co wanted to step away from classic and go with really bold and colorful pretty. The makeup and hair is perfect for an early summer celebration, the mismatched chairs adds whimsy and the retro VW Beatle…well that goes without saying.

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Photography: Krista Fox | Floral Design: Ooh La La Designs {floral & style studio} | Hair + Makeup: Fancy Face Inc. | Venue: Sagewood Farm - Port Perry - Ontario | Cake + Sweetscape : Sweet Regards By Daniela | Cake Stands + Candle Holders + Drink Stand + Props : Southern Charm Vintage Rentals | Creative Producer + Director + Stylist : Lux Events Co. | Flatware + Cutlery + Stemware: Plate Occasions | Gown + Accessories + Shoes: White Toronto | Linens: Simply Beautiful Decor | Stationery + Menus + Chocolate Wrappers : anista designs | VW Beattle + Harvest Table + Mismatch Chairs + Cake Table: Sagewood Farm

Take two fun-loving cuties from Brazil, toss in some elegance and a dash of pretty prep, plop it all into modern Miami, and well, the results are pretty stellar. Sambajoy captured every bit of the beauty created by Ines Naftali Floral & Event Design for this fabulous fete – see it all in our Vault right this way!

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From the Bride… We met on New Year’s Eve of 2006 in Bahia, Brazil, and we’ve been together since then! Every year during the holidays we like to take a break and travel to relaxing places. It was in 2012 when we decided to visit Miami, and during that trip where Daniel proposed to me in a very romantic dinner.

It was in 2011 when a very close cousin moved to Miami. And of course we decided to visit her later that year. During this trip Daniel bought, without telling anyone, my engagement ring. During the last day he had planned a surprise, inviting me to a romantic dinner. Since nobody was aware about the proposal, my cousin and I invited some Brazilian friends to join us for the night. So neither the romantic dinner nor the proposal happened there!!

Back in Brazil (and already engaged during a different trip) he told me how he had planned every detail, made a reservation at a very nice restaurant, and how at a very specific time he would take me to the beach and make the proposal under the moonlight…What a shame, I spoiled my own proposal!

Since then we went to visit my cousin every year. We got to know the city, exciting and cool places, and a lot of nice people. We loved the lifestyle of those who live in Miami. And we also love the beach. So we loved it all! It was our perfect location!

After the proposal, in Brazil, Daniel read some newspaper report about “Destination Weddings.” We thought it could be interesting for us. But at that time the idea didn’t move forward. In 2014, when we finally set the date, the whole story of the proposal came to my mind! And also the idea of having a different kind of celebration where we could have our friends and family all together for more than one day in a beautiful place, with nice weather, at the beach, and that was also part of our story in some way. That’s when we chose Miami!

We love the Miami art deco style, we love all things preppy and we wanted the wedding venue to have some historical relationship with the city. So after visiting many different hotels and venues, we chose The Raleigh Hotel for the wedding.

And my research began. I wanted my party to be as local as possible, so we ended up doing almost everything from Miami, except for the DJ, dress and groom attire and invitations. Why did we bring our DJ from Brazil? We needed a DJ who could really understand our culture, the music style that we like and that could keep the party up until very late at night! Brazilians if they know something… is how to party!

We had the most amazing and special night we could think of, and the experience of having our celebration in another country is something we will never forget!

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Peruse more Miami weddings here!

Photography: Sambajoy | Wedding Dress: Isabella Narchi | Cake: Todo Dulces | Rings: Tiffany & Co. | Hair + Makeup: Studio-D | DJ: Henrique Secchi (Brazil) | Groom's Attire: Ricardo Almeida | Venue: The Raleigh Hotel | Bride's Earrings + Hair Accessories: Rosana Chinche Brazil | Chairs: Elements & Accents | Cinemetography: Sambajoy | Floral Design + Event Decor: Ines Naftali Floral & Event Design | Linen Rentals: Over The Top Linens | Sound + Lighting: Sunset Event Productions | Sweet Table: Les Petites Sucres | Tent Rentals: Tents & Events | Wood Tables: Ines Naftali Floral & Event Design

It’s always a good day on SMP. We love what we do with whole hearts, full of passion, 100% of the time. But today, we’re celebrating a cherry-on-the-top moment as Abby makes another appearance on the TODAY Show! (insert happy dance here) She’ll be infusing her Tastemaker ways with a couple of the cutest Valentine’s Day sweets and her go-to sugar cookie recipe too. Tune in during the 10 o’clock hour to join in all the fun!

And if you’re craving even more sweetness, be sure to peruse these Best Ever Valentine’s Treats below!

Best Ever Valentine's Treats

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Best Ever Valentine's Treats

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Photography: White Loft Studio

This Valentine’s Day, ditch the store-bought box of chocolate because we have something so much better. Our own Abby Larson is on the TODAY Show (!!!!!) this morning during the 10 o’clock hour with homemade sweet treat ideas for all your loves. Believe me, with goodies like these, everyone is going to want to be your Valentine.

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Just in case you’re in need of virtual sugar rush, we’ve rounded up the best Valentine’s Day treats EVER.

Best Ever Valentine's Treats

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Best Ever Valentine's Treats

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Photography: White Loft Studio | Abby’s Fave Sugar Cookie Recipe: Sweetapolita

This is what happens when a talented team of vendors join forces with an adorable duo to create an elegant New Jersey estate wedding: absolute magic.  Think the fab stylings of Ashley Douglass meets the brilliant makeup skills of Stacie Ford Weddings meets crazy beautiful images from Robert And Kathleen Photographers.  See it all in THE VAULT right this way.

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From Robert And Kathleen Photographers… Everyone that loves Megan knows one thing to be universally true: she is someone who goes after  what she wants. More often than not, she gets whatever it is that she has set her heart upon. It’s been true since she was a little girl, according to the story Megan’s father told during the reception, about a time he had taken her fishing. She was young, probably no older than eight or so, when she caught an especially large fish. As Megan tried to reel it in, her father tried to help her. But Megan wasn’t having any of it. This was her fish and she was going to get it all by herself. And she did just that. She surprised her father that day and he stood back with a mix of pride and wonder and watched her handle it all by herself.   

That’s the very same focus Megan used throughout her life. It’s what has driven her to accomplish many things. Her father says that when Megan met Bobby in high school, Bobby became the next big fish that she was going to reel in. Megan loved how smart and funny Bobby was, how he made her feel whenever she was around him.  Bobby was drawn to Megan’s vibrant energy and incredible smile. They dated in high school and continued their relationship while they attended college in Boston and then established careers in New York City.

By the time their wedding day came around, Megan and Bobby had been a couple for so long that no one had any doubts that they were meant to be together. When Megan’s father escorted her down the aisle and took his place in the front row to watch as she and Bobby exchanged vows, he had a familiar look on his face – a mix of pride and wonder at his daughter, who always follows her dreams, and her heart.

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See more Classic Weddings in THE VAULT!

Photography: Robert & Kathleen Photographers | Event Planning + Design: Ashley Douglass Events | Floral Design: Blade Floral and Event Designs | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Invitations: Lion in the Sun | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Merri-Makers Catering & Special Events | Makeup: Stacie Ford Weddings | Band: Vali Entertainment | Venue: Mallard Island Yacht Club | Bridal Boutique: Saks Fifth Avenue

What’s better on Valentine’s day than taking a romantic trip with your honey? Well, today’s giveaway is here to ensure you arrive at your final destination in style because Joss & Main is giving away this 2-Piece Personalized Leather Passport Holder & Luggage Tag in Pink. Enter below for your chance to win!

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To enter, simply enter your email into the widget above. The Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on February 4, 2016. Open to legal residents of 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older. Limit one (1) entry per person per day. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing the following day and will receive a Joss & Main 2-Piece Personalized Leather Passport Holder & Luggage Tag in Pink valued at $36.95. By entering, you confirm you have read and agree to the Official Rules.