Trends come and go, but wedding images? They last forever. And while we always love to forecast what brides will be loving in the coming year, we know that timeless design is worth its weigh in gold. Think neutral palettes, elegant draping and romantic calligraphy – just to name a few. Here are 15 current wedding trends we guarantee you won’t regret…even decades down the road.
My favorite part of weddings? The stories, the moments, and the heirloom treasures that hold meaning in the dearest way. Treasures like a prayer book passed down through generations. Or a locket with an image of someone held dear. Whether or not you’ll be carrying an heirloom on your wedding, here are 12 items you can pass on to your own children one day.
While we couldn’t get enough of Rosie Huntington Whiteley’s red carpet gown for last night’s Golden Globes, it was a sparkly little number on her left hand that really grabbed our attention. A stunning Solitaire engagement ring from beau Jason Statham, to be specific. We’re already dreaming up what their glamorous wedding day might look like, but in the meantime we’ll be content perusing other single stone beauties inspired by Rosie’s ring.
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Anthropolgie lovers take note, because this wedding has all the bohemian-style elegance you could ever want. The feather-infused floral design, the whimsical wedding emblem, the cheeky little details woven throughout. No surprise the ladies of Bash Please brought this celebration to life, and the photos? All thanks to mister, Tec Petaja. Excuse us while we go live in this gallery forever and ever.
From The Bride…Kyle and I met through mutual friends and were great friends for two years before we started dating. After three years together in San Francisco and Chicago, we got engaged at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico while road tripping across the country to start new jobs in LA. The first thing we did when we got to California was to set up a call with Bash Please. Collaborating with them was one of the best decisions we made – they made the whole process easy and stress-free, and their aesthetic was spot-on with ours. Would highly recommend them to anyone and everyone!
We knew we wanted to get married in Ojai, as my family is from there and it’s a special place for both of us. We also knew we wanted our wedding to reflect the natural beauty of Ojai infused with touches of rustic elegance. All of the details and design of our wedding captured that vision beyond our wildest dreams. With 120 guests, the event felt intimate and had a strong emphasis on family. The ceremony and reception were held on my parents’ property and my aunt officiated the ceremony. My cousin’s adorable six-year-old daughter was our flower girl and all of our siblings were included in the ceremony in some way. In a special moment right after the ceremony, we slipped off with our brothers and sisters and had a celebratory champagne toast under the shade of a live oak tree.
Our reception rocked. We could not have been happier with Dart DJs, who knocked it out of the park with an absolutely epic dance party, complete with 20 or so guests jumping into the pool at the end of the night. One of the highlights was when the whole dance floor formed a circle around Kyle and I while we all belted out the words to LCD Soundsystem’s “All My Friends.” It was such a joyful moment, and one that we’ll remember forever.
We loved that our wedding had a destination feel. Our closest friends and family came to Ojai from all over the country and stayed the whole weekend. On Friday night we had a welcome party at Deer Lodge, our favorite biker bar, and on Sunday we had a farewell brunch at Knead Bakery. It was a full weekend of celebration.
We were fortunate to work with some of the best vendors out there. Happy Menocal created an emblem for us that featured succulents, oranges, lavender, and even coyote and fox, and it became the foundation for many of the other design elements. Moon Canyon designed florals that showcased our color story of pinks, blushes, persimmon and sage with accents of pomegranate. Whoa Nelly whipped up the best wedding food we’ve our ever had, and Pharmacie created amazing signature drinks.
Finally, how many good things can we say about Tec Petaja? He was such a pleasure to work with, and the quality of his photos is just incredible. We are beyond thankful to have such a beautiful record of our most amazing day.
Photography: Tec Petaja | Event Planning: Bash Please | Floral Design: Moon Canyon | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: SusieCakes | Stationery: Happy Menocal | Catering: Whoa Nelly | Makeup: Symmetry Beauty by Nyrie | DJ: Dart DJ | String Quartet: Santa Barbara String Quartet | Bartending: Pharmacie | Event Rentals: Town And Country Rentals | Photo Booth: Brooke Courtney Photography | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Rentals: Casa de Perrin
Aside from the fact that this wine country soiree includes some of my favorite things (petaled hues by Laura Miller Design, a blooming cake by Sweet On Cake and freely flowing locks thanks to TEAM Hair & Makeup), it’s making THE VAULT glow with an undeniable love today. See? And here and there, and this and that, too. Planned by L’Relyea Events, every image from Coco Tran sings to my heart.
From L’Relyea Events…When Victoria thought about her wedding day as a little girl, she couldn’t have dreamed of a more magical event. From the vibrant, lush florals, to the pretty paper materials and the airy photography, this wedding was a dream come true. Victoria & Evan created a fun & inviting event at Farmstead with a communal dining experience and great music & lounging. Coco Tran captured some beautiful shots of this lovely couple and their close knit community that was welcomed at the event. We wanted to use the bright florals as accents throughout the event, and kept the remaining decor details simple and elegant. From long, bare farm tables with lovely cross back chairs, to simple printed materials, the floral spoke for itself as it accentuated the summer wine country feel.
Photography: Coco Tran | Cinematography: Brinton Film Making Co. | Event Planning + Design: L'Relyea Events | Floral Design: Laura Miller Design | Cake: Sweet on Cake | Invitations: Jolly Edition | Stationery: L'Relyea Events | Catering: Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch | Hair + Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | DJ: Patrick Malone | Venue: Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch
We’ve always considered Target game changers in the world of wedding registry. But just in case you thought registering for your favorite products couldn’t get any better, turns out, it can. With their new Target Registry mobile app you can set up and manage your registry right from your phone, meaning more time to dream up and accomplish those New Year’s goals with your soon-to-be!
1. Fitbit Charge HR Heart Rate and Activity Tracker & Sleep Wristband | 2. Portable Beverage Bottle Define Bottle | 3. Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale | 4. Gaiam Yoga Mat Bag | 5. Vitamix S-30 Blender | 6. HoMedics Oscillating True HEPA Air Cleaner
Whether you’re setting New Year’s nutrition goals for a healthier you, or looking to shape up for the Big Day and beyond, there’s so many products at Target to jumpstart your success. Training for a 5k? Mastering the perfect green smoothie recipe? No matter what you’ve set your sights on, a Target Registry means you can both get all the goodies you’ll really use on a day-to-day basis.
1. Nate Berkus Desktop Organizer | 2. Entryway Bench with 3 Baskets/Cushions | 3. 8-Cube Organizer Shelf | 4. Nate Berkus White and Gold Metallic Woven Basket | 5. Adesso Freestanding Coat Rack | 6. Sugar Paper 2016 Calendar
Just about every couple includes at least one Type A, neat and tidy-loving person, so don’t forget to include all the organization necessities on your registry. Calendars, storage bins, shelving – you name it, Target has it.
1. Home Logic Laundry Basket | 2. Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap Lemon Verbena | 3. Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal | 4. Threshold Reversible Ironing Board Cover | 5. Nest Protect 2nd Gen Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm | 6. Belkin – WEMO 800-Lumen, 10W Dimmable A19 Smart LED Bulb | Black & Decker 18V Drill with Stud Finder
Perhaps the best part of a Target Registry? The truly unique selection that includes the essentials – big and small- for your new life together. Get started at one of their 1,800 stores nationwide or from the Target Registry app and #BeYourselfTogether
All men out there, take note, for this is how a true gentlemen treats his lady! This Groom wooed his love with manners and sweet gestures galore, popping the question with champagne and a message in a bottle. Their love story came to fruition at this glam New Jersey summer celebration, bursting with balloons, sequins and smiles – all captured through Kay English’s lovely lens and Michael Simon’s cinematography. More in our VAULT!
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From Kay English… It was October 2012, Jeff and Mary Bridget were both off to the Far Hills horse race in New Jersey, commonly known as The Hunt. Filled with fall attire and boozy picnics set up throughout the infield, Jeff and his buddies planned an elaborate tailgate party for the day’s event. Jeff isn’t afraid to admit he knew Mary Bridget would be there and intended for the two of them to be introduced by a close mutual friend. They were inseparable the entire day, and Jeff even met and mingled with Mary Bridget’s family later that night. They’ve been a couple ever since.
Jeff planned a summer trip to Antigua in July 2014 in celebration of Mary Bridget completing her first year of teaching. On the second night, a surprise dinner on the beach awaited Mary Bridget but a special stop was made along the way. Jeff had planned for the waiter to nonchalantly ask them to walk out to a peninsula that projected into the ocean to capture a picture during sunset. At the end of the stepping-stones Mary-Bridget stopped short of a champagne bucket filled with flowers and a message in a bottle, etched in her name. Jeff trying to keep his cool walked over and read the intimate letter aloud to her. He spun around making his way down to one knee and cast his view upwards to meet hers. One last question, and as she said “Yes”, he was thankful he could finally show her the ring (and that he didn’t drop it). As for the ring, Jeff wanted to create what he felt exemplified Mary Bridget – timeless and classic. So from sketch to fruition, he spent months prior to the trip with a jeweler designing a custom band and selecting a diamond. Notable is the attention to detail, particularly the band that is hand-engraved with the coordinates of the Hunt, where they had first met.
In July 2015, the wedding took place at the private and stunning Bonnet Island Estate in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. The couple searched for a venue that would bring to life their rustic yet elegant taste. They took full advantage of the tranquil panoramic bay views and the natural wildlife marsh that Bonnet has to offer. The breathtaking boathouse chapel was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony, followed by a cocktail hour held under the bayside veranda and reception within the exquisite stateroom. The venue was exclusive for guests, even the immediate family and wedding party were invited to stay overnight at the estate.
The pair incorporated personal touches during every step of the wedding. The nautical theme was subtle and rich in taste beginning with the bride and groom’s attire. It seemed fitting they chose a string trio for the ceremony, a steel drummer for cocktail hour and a 9-piece band that kept guests dancing into the wee hours of the night. Mary Bridget, being from North Carolina, spoiled guests with Southern comfort foods including the couple’s favorites like shrimp n’ grits during cocktail hour and a surf n’ turf for dinner. Both keen on every little detail, Jeff and Mary Bridget took pottery classes to build sand dollars inscribed with their wedding date and bought French doors from an antique shop to display the reception seating within the windowpanes. Mary Bridget having a niche for calligraphy created most of the décor herself and with family. The day was filled with beautiful floral arrangements of neutral shades blended with peach and blush, picture-perfect weather, and most importantly many meaningful moments.
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Photography: Kay English Photography | Cinematography: Michael Simons Video Productions | Floral Design: MDS Floral Designs | Wedding Dress: The White Gown | Cake: The Bake Works | Invitations: Perfectly Invited | Hair: Dana Triano | Band: Craig Scott Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Transportation: Arrive In Style | Venue: Bonnet Island Estate
I’m such a sucker for baby showers. The cute little clothes, soft-as-can-be stuffed animals, the wonderful anticipation of a new little human coming into the world – it’s always such a special day. And I just adore when the host or hostess put their own little stylish stamp on the occasion like these stunning days featured below. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite sophisticated showers from the SMP Living archives, and it doesn’t get cuter than this, folks.
With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, it’s the perfect time of year to commit to a healthy, happier you. Whether you’re shaping up for the Big Day or after (poolside honeymoon, anyone?) Karena and Katrina of Tone It Up have swooped in to share their secrets. I’m talking 4 EXCLUSIVE workouts made specifically for our SMP readers to help kick-start that bridal fitness routine! You guys, this workout is all about the fit and flare, and thanks to these moves that booty-hugging dress has officially met its match.
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Photography: Jana Williams | Workouts: Tone It Up
Interior design star and one of our most favorite Bachelorette alum’s, Jillian Harris, recently hosted a baby shower and shocker… it’s amaze. She teamed up with Countdown Events to craft a lunar inspired fete to shower baby Luna. It’s all elegance and love you to the moon papergoods with a blanket of delicious bites. Think champagne and macarons and you’re on the right track. See even more captured by Ainsley Rose Photography in the VAULT.
There is nothing more precious than welcoming a sweet bundle of joy into the world, and this “lunar designed” soiree to celebrate Luna’s first 100 days was filled to the brim with the perfect little details. The chic party was planned by CountDown Events with former Bachelorette, Jillian Harris, for her assistants newborn, baby Luna and took place in the Halo Suite at the Loden Hotel in Vancouver, Canada. From the delicate paper stars falling from the ceiling to the custom cake with moons and stars cascading from the top, to the “I love you to the Moon and back” stationery, the party was a pinterest worthy celebration. The details didn’t end there, even DIY elements such as the lovely floral ice cubes by our CountDown Events staff for the champagne added a feminine note to the momentous occasion. Guests were treated to custom cookies, marshmallows, cotton candy and macarons – all crafted with the lunar theme for sweet baby Luna.
Photography: Ainsley Rose Photography | Flowers: Celsia Floral | Hotel: The Loden Hotel | Cake, Cookies And Macarons: Soirette | Cotton Candy To Take Away: Petite Puf | Custom Cake Topper: Confetti & Co | Décor Pieces : The Cross Decor + Design | Marshmallows : Archimallows | Planning And Design: CountDown Events Planning & Design | Stationery – Tent Cards, Stars, And Drink Tags: Violet Grey Creative | Treats – Pink Chocolate Pyramids And Meringues: Ganache Patisserie | Vendor: Jillian Harris
Props to this Bride and Groom; not only did they combine their hometowns but they did so in a fun, creative way, mixing a bit of Dorothy and her red sparkly shoes with some Boston and Red Sox style. It came together in a way that leaves me just plain jealous I wasn’t a guest at this rustic chic celebration. But with all of Mirelle Carmichaels’ pics in our VAULT, we’ve got the goods on this delightful day!
From the Bride… Alex and I met within a couple months of him moving to Los Angeles about 4-1/2 years ago. We were introduced through a mutual friend and became virtually inseparable right away. We initially bonded over conversations of baseball and other sports, believe it or not. I like to say that I “snatched him right off the boat!” After three years of dating, Alex planned the ultimate surprise and flew to Kansas over the Christmas holiday to propose in front of my entire family! That takes guts, I think!
We gave ourselves a good 18 months to plan the wedding so that we could enjoy the process and relish every moment building up to the big day. As an Interior Designer, the wedding design and process was fun and came first hand for me. The execution was a collective effort between my family, Alex, and myself to turn our ideas and dreams into reality. In addition, we worked with who we feel are the very best and nicest vendors around SLO!
With Alex being from Boston and myself from Kansas, it was important to us to find a destination where our family and friends from afar would all love to visit. We wanted to give everyone a reason to take a vacation and visit California, where we met and fell in love. With that in mind, we found that the central coast offered the ideal California experience for our guests. We also liked the idea of making our guests feel at home and inviting them to our backyard bbq. The Flying Caballos Ranch with it’s laid-back, rustic atmosphere and sprawling views was the absolute perfect setting for this. We loved being able to move into the ranch with our family and wedding party and know we would have the whole weekend to relax, play, and get married!
Our May wedding ceremony overlooked the hills of Edna Valley. As a symbol of Alex’s faith and our new beginnings, we chose to stand under the chuppah which was beautifully draped with whimsical green foliage and hanging glass teardrops. One teardrop for each grandparent not able to be with us. We sealed the ceremony with a kiss and the traditional glass stomp!
The decor was a soft, romantic color scheme of blue, mint, sage, and teal. Blue gingham accents, rustic wood, metallic copper accents, and lots of fresh white blooms and whimsical green foliage were added to the mix. My bridesmaids wore flowy chiffon dresses in different shades that they chose of blue and green. Alex’s groomsmen wore navy suits, gingham shirts and coordinating striped ties. He wanted them to look like they belonged in a whiskey bar serving up craft cocktails.
As creative people, Alex and I took every opportunity to incorporate unique and personal elements into the decor and guest experience. The flower boxes on the dinner tables were fabricated by my parents from reclaimed wood from an old barn where my mother grew up in Kansas. It was the perfect touch of rustic filled with so much meaning. My mother also made the guest favors, which were homemade jams from the fresh fruits on our farm. I designed the gingham labels for her jams: Mint to Be, Berry Good Life, Hot Love, Plum Perfect, Life is Peachy, Appley Ever After, and Cherry in Love. Together Alex and I designed and created a custom photo opportunity for guests: a carnival cut-out picturing Dorothy and the Lexington Minuteman – hinting to the marriage of a Kansan and a Bostonian!
Our signature cocktails were an homage to our favorite baseball teams the Royals and the Red Sox, ‘the Bo Jackson’ and ‘the Big Papi’. Our backyard bbq dinner, catered by the local Old San Luis BBQ, was a perfect taste of home. A variety of homemade relishes, also by my mother, were served with dinner. For dessert, cupcakes and an ice cream truck surprise! We loved seeing the surprise on everyone’s face when the truck pulled up ringing the classic music. The kids went wild!
Our first dance was another special moment when Alex’s musician friend and groomsmen sang an acoustic version of our favorite song, Junk of the Heart (Happy) by The Kooks. During the dance, my 7-year old nephew and ring bearer also surprised us with his joke-telling skit. He just might be a comedian one day!
Although the day surprised us as one of the windiest and coldest days in the valley, it did not stop our guests from dancing and hanging by the fire all night long. Looking back at our beautiful photographs now, we miss our wedding and wish we could relive it over and over again! You never really know until you experience it, but this is certainly true: to have our family and friends in one place to celebrate with us is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and is the greatest feeling imaginable. We are completely fulfilled by these memories and by knowing that our loved ones were able to live it up and make our celebration into an unforgettable vacation for themselves.
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Photography: Mirelle Carmichael | Floral Design: Lori Boe Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Invitations: Sloane Harmony Design | Catering: The Old San Luis Obispo BBQ | Groom's Attire: Kenneth Cole Reaction | Officiant: Paul Howell | Venue: Flying Caballos Ranch | Cake + Cupcakes: Seabreeze Cupcakes | Ice Cream Truck: Rebecca's Ice Cream Truck | Reception Music: Matthew Bogdanow
Yes, Awards Season is about recognizing the best in music, television, music and theater. But, let’s be real—it’s also about the Red Carpet fashion and beauty! And at last night’s 73rd annual Golden Globes, Hollywood’s biggest stars definitely looked beautiful! Pin these beauty looks now, because you’re going to want to show them to your hair and makeup team to replicate on your big day.
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When the Bride is a wedding designer, well let’s just say you know you’re in for a gorgeous gallery. It’s the type of day awash with romance, perfectly pretty details a la Bella Flora Of Dallas, and of course plenty of style courtsey of Elan Makeup Studio. Complete with Bella Acento rentals, La Tavola Fine Linens, and perfect pastel details, Ben Q Photography captured it all to share in THE VAULT
From the Bride… The style of my wedding is timeless, elegant and soft. I wanted it to feel soft and romantic with a few pops of glamour. The color palette was white and gold with touches of pastel blues and blush. I love the elegance and timelessness of white and gold, but I also wanted to incorporate some color. I chose a soft, pale blue and it just felt like “me”. I never wanted to change my mind about the color palette so I was comfortable committing to it. I see white, gold, champagne and blush weddings EVERY day being a wedding designer and wanted to do something different.
Aristide Event Center is in Mansfield, Texas – since I am from Ohio, I was not familiar with the geography of the DFW area. Mansfield is a little bit of a hike from Dallas but I saw the venue in a magazine and just knew I had to get married there. It is romantic with the rustic Italian charm. The back of the venue reminds me of a photo out of a storybook. What I love most about the venue is the outdoor area and all of the lush greenery surrounding it. This makes it very private and it’s not like you can see other buildings in the background or across the street. I loved the stone detailing and exposed wood inside. The bridal suite was large and comfortable with couches and settees and LOTS of mirrors (very important). I loved that I could have an outdoor ceremony and reception in the same venue so my out of town guests didn’t have to travel from one space to the next that day.
I saw it in a magazine when I first moved to Dallas from Ohio and fell in love with it! I loved the charm of the rustic Italian style décor and the outdoor ceremony space. The entire venue is surrounded by trees and greenery; it is a secluded area and feels like a romantic get-away.
I was escorted down the aisle by my father, Lawrence William White. I felt very calm all morning and afternoon. I guess I was burying my emotions – which is typical of me – because I didn’t want to make myself nervous and jittery. My dad was making me laugh as we waited for the processional to start – which is typical of him – and as soon as we walked to the beginning of the aisle I could hear the string quartet playing and all of our guests stood up. Then, I could see Erik standing on top of the stairs smiling but looking nervous/emotional and it hit me all at once. I started visibly crying, which didn’t bother me but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop! Really, I didn’t have any specific thoughts running through my head, just this wave of emotion that consumed me. It was the happiest and nervous moment of my life.
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Photography: Ben Q Photography | Floral Design: Bella Flora of Dallas | Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca | Cake: Frosted Art Bakery | Stationery: 5 By 7 Designs | Engagement Ring: Diamond Doctor | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Catering: Oliver's Fine Foods | Hair + Makeup: Elan Makeup Studio | Lighting: It's Your Night Entertainment | Entertainment: European Ensemble Strings | DJ: It's Your Night Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Officiant: Love Notes | Transportation: Romantic Remembrances | Wedding Venue: Aristide Event Center | Event Planner + Design: Bella Flora of Dallas | Event Rentals: Bella Acento | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Olenjack's Grille | Transportaion: Gene's Charters | Tuxedo Rental: Men's Wearhouse
Last night’s 73rd annual Golden Globes officially kicked off Awards Season, and in beautiful fashion (pun intended). From jewel-toned hues to plunging necklines to bold capes, the fashion on last night’s red carpet set the stage for what’s sure to be a fabulous season. See our picks for best dressed, and tell us, who made your list?
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There are very few things in life that we love more than an elegant, intimate Stanley Park wedding crafted by Spread Love Events. Case in point? This ultimate celebration from the lens of Gucio Photography that has got our hearts soaring. From the Bride’s Reem Acra gown to the chic cermony chuppah, we’ve got it all waiting for you to peruse in THE VAULT!
From Spread Love Events…Meghan and Ira’s wedding was held within Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park at the Stanley Park Pavilion, an equally iconic, intimate and elegant heritage venue in the city.
Beginning their day at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, the Denise Elliott Hair & Make-up team met Meghan and her 7 bridesmaids to get them ready. Gucio Photography captured Meghan and Ira’s first look in Stanley Park, and all of the details and moments that would follow.
Guests, who traveled from across Canada and the U.S. to attend, were transported to the wedding aboard the historic Vancouver Trolley and arrived for a beautiful ceremony on the lawn of the pavilion. Cocktails followed in the light filled tearoom with dinner on the terrace under a canopy of trees and twinkling lights. Cafe au lait dahlias, garden roses, ferns and jasmine vine decorated the ceremony chuppah, escort display, dessert table, and reception. Lush and romantic, it was a evening to remember!
The Collective You documented all of Meghan and Ira’s gorgeous friends and family, and The Famous Players and Girl on Wax DJ got everyone to their feet. And just to be sure that guests got a very “Vancouver” experience, Japadog provided the midnight snack and The Vancouver Trolly Company returned all the guests home safely! We loved planning this amazing day with Meghan and Ira and hope you enjoy a glimpse at their beautiful wedding, truly a highlight of the summer for us!
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Photography: Gucio Photography | Floral Design: Celsia Floral | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Stationery: Spread Love Events | Hair + Makeup: Denise Elliot | DJ: Girls On Wax | Band: Famous Players | Venue: Stanley Park Pavilion | Event Planning + Decor: Spread Love Events | Portrait Station: The Collective You | Rentals: Pedersen's rentals
The internet is full of wedding inspiration (um, duh, THE VAULT!), so it’s easy to see why this beautiful Bride got a little overwhelmed planning her summer wedding. Luckily for her, her best friend just so happens to be the talent behind All Grand Events. Not only did she get her dream wedding, shot by Lisa Berry Photography, and dream husband, but she also got to plan the whole thing with her best friend!
From The Bride…When Mike and I started planning our wedding, our “vision” was basically nonexistent. I felt like I could have been happy with many different types of weddings. After browsing through wedding pictures on the Internet, I was able to decide on one thing—I wanted our reception to be outside under a big white tent. We booked a venue where this would be possible. But this was where my vision ended—everything else was kind of blurry.
Luckily for me, my best friend, Emily, is an event designer! She was able to use the venue itself as a launching point and create the most beautiful wedding I could have imagined. My wedding took the shape of a lovely, intimate garden party—which I didn’t even know was what I wanted until she designed it for me. We settled on a color palette of blush pink, peach, cream, and gold. We focused on the flowers above other decorations, and I’m so glad we did! The natural beauty of the venue, combined with Emily’s floral designs was breathtaking.
Everyone always tells you that you should prepare for at least one minor disaster on the day of your wedding. We really lucked out because everything went off without a hitch. The weather was perfect for our outdoor ceremony, the food was spectacular, and we spent the night dancing with all our family and friends.
My biggest piece of advice for brides-to-be, especially for those who are on a more limited budget, is to only worry about the things that matter most to you. I may not have had the most beautiful wedding programs, but I will always have the amazing photographs from Lisa Berry Photography. She perfectly captured the first moment that Mike and I saw each other before our ceremony, our last moments before becoming husband and wife. She managed to beautifully capture all of Emily’s work on the flowers and other decorations. I’m so thankful that I’ll always be able look at those pictures to remember our perfect day.
Photography: Lisa Berry Photography | Event + Floral Design: All Grand Events | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Donna Morgan | Venue: Deer Park Manor | Catering, Cake + Favors: Cynthia Moriarty
Thank you Olivia and Felicity for your maroon masterpieces, Jada and Jaimie for making me swoon over emerald and Jenna, well, in that navy gown, you’re my new style star. These ladies rocked the red carpet last night and their jewel tones have us thinking beyond blush when it comes to our bridesmaids. So in that fashion, let’s gather up some more gem inspired gowns to choose some new hues for our gal pals.
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There’s the special peeps that deserve phone calls and in-person visits to announce the new sparkler on that ring finger of yours, but for everyone else, let’s get real. We live in the golden age of social media after all so why not get a bit creative! Whether it’s a spur of the moment smooch or a posed pic, a picture is worth a thousands words, so we dove into our #smpringselfie Instagram pics and all you newly engaged ladies have supplied us with some super sweet snaps to share and get inspired by right here!
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This wedding is what we like to call a fairytale ending. How so? Well, just read this sweet pair’s love story and you’ll see how their nuptials could easily be the next blockbuster romance, and we’ve got a gallery to inspire it all. Straight from the lens of Kibogo Photography this is one romantic day you won’t want to miss. So, get started on that screenplay and see it all unfold in THE VAULT!
From Kibogo Photography…I met this couple 2 years ago at the wedding of their cousin, not knowing they were planing to get engaged and married soon ;) So when I got an email that they got engaged and wanted to book me for their wedding I was more than happy to be part of their journey and big day.
From The Bride…We actually went to the same school. I finally got his number from his cousin, this was after many other failed trials, and finally I wrote to him. After a few SMS texts we met and had some ice cream sometime in the middle of 2003. At that time Arthur was no longer in school, but he was preparing for his undergraduate studies. We really enjoyed that day but a few days later he just suddenly backed off and for about one year he never kept in touch.
In 2004 as my girlfriends and I, just before attending a Prom, decided to go and watch a local football match, where the boyfriend of one of my girlfriends was playing. Coincidentally Arthur was also playing in that match and, he looked my way, saw me and unluckily he scored goal, still he didn’t make any effort to contact me.
The girlfriend of Arthurs brother spoke to me in school and asked me why we stopped contacting each other and this got on my nerves since I myself did not know the reason why. I gave her my number and funny enough sooner than I had thought Arthur contacted me.
We met a few times, went skating, went to the movies, watched DVDs together etc. on the 24th of July in 2004 we had our first kiss and the beginning of our relationship.
They both love old barns and dream of having their own one day. Thats why they choose this location. Most of the small wooden and painted details you see in this wedding are handmade by the groom’s mom. She is an artist and hand painted all the Matroschkas you see on the table. Matroschkas are russian wooden dolls:)
Photography: Kibogo Photography | Event Design: Irina Thiessen | Floral Design: Müller Theissen Floristik, Bonn | Wedding Dress: Pure By Elia Moreni | Cake: Café Zum Mohren | Rings: Michaela Roemer | Groom's Attire: The Bloke | Venue: Kloster Graefenthal | Bride's Earrings: Christ | Coffee: Coffee-Bike | Rentals: The White Rabbit | Ribbon: Fleuropean
We’ve decided, 2016 is the year of the elegant wedding. Take this perfect waterside celebration as proof. With Caroline Ro behind the lens capturing the merriment underneath a perfectly elegant Sperry Tent, this is one gallery you won’t want to miss. Witness every detail of Hannah and Morgan’s celebration firsthand in THE VAULT!
From Caroline Ro…Come their October wedding, I had been working with Hannah for over a year and a half! Before she was even engaged, she emailed me with questions about having a wedding in (highly coveted) Charleston. From then on, I felt like one of my nearest and dearest friends was getting married. I photographed hers and Morgan’s engagement portraits, Hannah’s bridal session and of course, their wedding day.
Set on a perfect, breezy October afternoon, guests witnessed Hannah and Morgan say their vows after over five years of dating underneath dripping Spanish moss and overlooking the Edisto River. Plantation singers sung Hannah down the aisle as well as the newly married duo to their cocktail hour underneath the oaks.
All the details along the way were thought through with so much care: Hannah’s invitations were hand calligraphed on the softest of linen paper, her dress was bought without her having tried in on by a friend local to Charleston, the bridesmaids picked out their favorite Adrianna Papell gowns which went perfectly with the groomsmens’ tuxes. Hannah even donned her great-grandmother’s fur for portrait time, intentionally including family heirlooms in the day. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour under the oaks and the reception underneath a beautiful Sperry tent alongside a classic checkered dance floor with cafe lighting above.
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Photography: Caroline Ro | Floral Design: FLORA | Wedding Dress: Fabulous Frocks Bridal | Cake: Whole Foods Market Preston | Invitations: Lydia Robins Hendrix Studio | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering: Royal Grand Events | Hair + Makeup: Charleston Events Hair & Make-up | DJ: Epic Charleston | Band: Plantation Singers | Bow Tie: Mrs. Bow Tie | Venue: Cypress Trees Plantation | Rentals: Snyder | Rentals: 428 Main Vintage Rentals | Signage: Dodeline Design | Tent Rentals: Sperry Tents
