Covered in a canopy of ancient redwoods, Nestldown is hands down one of the most peaceful wedding venues I’ve come across. It’s sort of the perfect spot to vow your love to your one and only. And we’ve got the proof right here in this beautiful film from Silver Tie Films. Dancing in the fields, these two are cute as can be. Press play to see the whole thing!

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From Silver Tie Films…We had the privilege to be part of Gregg and Lesley’s wedding at the beautiful Nestldown in Los Gatos, CA. Their wedding was nothing short of perfection! From the gorgeous location surrounded by beautiful trees and gardens to the small little detail on their wedding favors, Gregg and Lesley made sure that this event was one to be forever remembered. Family and Friends flew from all across the country to be there for the couple. We hope that with this film you can be there too and live those special moments with them.

Thanks Gregg and Lesley for letting us be part of your special day!

Photography: Jake And Necia Photography | Wedding Planning & Design: Madix & Co | Floral Design: Florabella | Invitations: Umbrella Tree Design | Ceremony Venue: Nestldown | Catering: Cafe Primavera | Hair & Makeup: Melissa Hoffmann | Lighting: Apis Floral | Band: Live Wire | Ice Cream: Aunt Lalis | Rentals: One True Love Vintage Rentals | Video: Silver Tie Films

When I was asked what I envisioned for my bridal shower many moons ago, the answer was flowers – a sea of them. Nothing says bridal quite like loads of pastel blooms and this Vancouver shower is out to prove just that. It’s a tea infused, flower filled party held at the Bride’s studio, Chandelier Wedding, along with the help of super crafty vendors like Written Word Calligraphy, Hello Sunshine Cake Studio and Nadia Hung. Click here for even more.

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From the bride… What more fun than having loving and creative friends who are willing to style your bridal shower together? It is my childhood dream to be a creative business owner so hosting this bridal shower at my very own Chandelier Wedding’s Studio Monet was especially meaningful. Every girlfriend who attended this party has been my biggest cheerleader since the beginning of this new endeavor. And it is through this new journey, I developed a very special friendship with Nadia (from Nadia Hung Photography) and Karla (from Written Word Calligraphy). When I shared with the two lovelies my idea of hosting a floral workshop bridal shower, they said “Yes, let’s make it happen!” without second thoughts. It was so fun to have them involved in making this bridal shower so beautiful. It was also a wonderful opportunity to share my greatest passion with my close ones!

Nadia captured this pastel and airy soiree perfectly with tons of laughers and smiles. Karla created a set of soft peach colored stationery to match my pastel colored blooms and vintage teacups. I also have to extend a big thank you to Kristine of Hellosunshine Cake Studio for her gorgeous cake and J&S Catering for the delicate gourmet odeuvre. Every detail of this bridal shower is so perfect that it brings me to tears looking back at the pictures.

Photography: Nadia Hung Photography | Cake: Hello Sunshine Cake Studio | Calligraphy & Invitation: Written Word Calligraphy | Floral: Myrtle et Olive

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Written Word Calligraphy

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SMP Livings Editor, Jacquelyn Clark, has been lovingly working on her home since we hired her nearly two years ago. Because no matter how amazing you are at designing places and spaces, when it comes to your own, well, decisions are just plain hard. But, after thoughtfully choosing each and every perfect detail, Jacquelyn is finally ready to share her home adventures with us. Dive on in to the gorgeous photos by Heidi Lau and check out J’s Behind the Blog right here!

From Lark & Linen… Though I may be an interior designer, I’ve realized that designing for my boyfriend and I is an entirely different ball game. Over the years, our bedroom has gone through three different iterations before finally landing here. When I design for clients, I have a very specific step by step process that helps ensure we end up with picture perfect results every time. But for the longest time, my process went out the windowwhen it came to our condo.

At first, we relied heavily on hand me downs from friends and family, all while getting creative to help with costs. In addition, we would find ourselves picking up things here and there simply because we liked them – which just meant that we ended up with a miss-mash of items that really didn’t go together. So we did what any sane person does: sold everything that didn’t make our hearts sing and started fresh. I then began treating the project as if it were for a high paying client (on a pretty serious budget, mind you). And it was the best decision we’ve made in a while! What we ended up with was a calm, beautiful, respite from the rest of the world. Truly, every time I walk past our bedroom I smile. And, in all honesty, I’ve never slept better!

In a world where living spaces are shrinking by the minute, I count our blessings that we ended up with a sizeable dining room (in a condo no less!). It’s made all the sweeter by the fact that I absolutely love to cook. And cooking is significantly more enjoyable when you have a plethora of friends at the ready to enjoy the fruits of your labour. 

Much like our bedroom, our dining room has been a labor of love. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I have champagne taste on a beer budget, which just means I have to be incredibly patient when it comes to our decor. I like to refer to my aesthetic as girly with an edge, and I feel like our dining space embodies that perfectly. Everything you see has been slowly amassed over the years, and I’m kind of thrilled with the results. 

Our living room, too, had its fair share of challenges. A weird layout, complete with strange little nooks, off-centre windows, and a massive column just for fun made sure my design skills were tested. We’ve played around with a number of different options, ultimately landing here. And I’m beyond smitten with the results!

Like many designers, I have a bit of a love hate relationship with Ikea. I love that it provides beautiful pieces at affordable price points, but hate that you can almost always spot the Ikea item in most every home you visit (usually because you own it yourself). When it came to our living room, we needed to pull everything together on a pretty tight budget, but we really didn’t want it to feel like an Ikea showroom. 

So we picked up pieces where it counted (inexpensive shelves that we spray painted white and gold, or a simple TV stand for example), and relied heavily on craigslist and unique flea market finds to pull the rest together!

Though I’m 100% an advocate for a bright, white palette, I’m equally as obsessed with comfort. The key for me to create a fresh, white palette all while maintaining a cozy vibe was to ensure to infuse the rest of the space with a serious dose of texture. From our antique wood coffee table/cart, to a tone on tone patterned rug, to dipped basket overflowing with wool throws… there really was no detail that was left unthought of. 

Funnily enough, my desk was purchased for me when I went into kindergarten almost 25 years ago. It’s originally from Ikea (does that make it vintage?) and has been patched and repaired countless times. And in an effort to revitalize it a few years ago, I gave it a lick of jet black paint (while leaving a portion of the legs exposed). It may be on its last legs, but I’m just not ready to part with it!

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Since our condo’s floor plan is pretty much wide open, I had to get creative with how to define each space. Area rugs are always beneficial here, but in the case of our office I also took advantage of a bump out in the wall to create bold stripes. It was kind of an on a whim decision one Sunday afternoon, and could have been messy. But it ended up being a total show-stopper, and one of the first things people comment on when they visit. 

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Photography: Heidi Lau Photography | Interior Design: Lark & Linen Interiors | Blog: Lark & Linen | Flowers: Sweet Woodruff

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BEDROOM: Throw Pillows: Rebecca Atwood | Duvet Cover + Shams: Crane & Canopy | Knot Bed Sheets: Serena & Lily | Gold/Sequin Throw: Souvenir from my trip to India | Area Rug: RugsUSA | Lamps: Serena & Lily | Nightstands: Ikea | Nightstand Hardware: Anthropologie | Candle: Illume | Alarm Clock: Pottery Barn | Wooden Figure: Ikea | Campagne Dresser: Craigslist | Gold Dipped Pillow: West Elm | Art: My Own | Frames: Ikea, Pottery Barn  & West Elm | Kiss Statue: Souvenir from my trip to Africa | Pink Donkey Plate: Souvenir from my trip to Italy | White Bowl: Souvenir from my trip to Spain | Green Bowl: Chapters, Indigo | Jewelry Holder: DIY Necklace Tree | Candle:  Illume | Flowers & Vessel: Sweet Woodruff | Drapery: Custom

DINING ROOM: Table: Ikea (but it’s a piece of junk – don’t do it!) | Chairs: Morba | Rug: RugsUSA | Caravaggio Pendant Light: Lightyears | Gallery Wall Art: My Own, Coulson Macleod, Annawithlove | Frames: Ikea | Flowers & Vessel: Sweet Woodruff | Fiddle Leaf Fig: Ikea | Planter Holder: Vintage from MacCools Re-use | Black China Cabinet: Vintage/My grandparents

LIVING ROOM: Couch: Craigslist | Chair: EQ3 | Coffee Table: Guff | Tray: Chapters/Indigo | Mirror: Ikea | Flowers & Vessel: Sweet Woodruff | Moss Candle: Waiting on Martha | Gold Bowl: Gift | Matches:  Illume | Foldable Gold Star Sculptures: Kosticks | Flower Pillow: Custom | Dotted Pillows: Caitlin Wilson | Graphic Pillow: Chapters/Indigo  | Grey Pillow: Dollar Store (I KNOW!) | Navy Pillow: Chapters/Indigo | Paint Dipped Blanket/Magazine Baskets: Serena & Lily | Blue & White Floor Pillows: Anthropologie | Drapery: Custom | Shelving: Ikea, painted | Lanterns: Anthropologie | Fan: Vintage | Black vase: Vintage | Antique Shoe Horns: Vintage, from the Christie Antique Market | Artichoke Candle: Anthropologie | Letters: Vintage, from the Christie Antique Market | Polka Dot Blanket: Souvenir from my trip to Ireland | Lamps: Gold; Home Sense, Glass; Structube | Cantaloupe Flower Pot: Anthropologie | TV Stand: Ikea | Rug: RugsUSA | Art: My Own + small painting from my trip to Paris

OFFICE: Desk: Ikea, circa 1989, painted | Chair: Structube | Pillow: West Elm | Rug: RugsUSA | Flowers & Vessel: Sweet Woodruff | Calendar: Waiting on Martha | Lace Plate: One of a Kind Show | Lamp: Ikea | Footed Pen Holder: Anthropologie | Pipe Bookshelf: Custom (made by my boyfriend) | Candle: Sydney Hale | Drapery: Custom

As a proud New Englander, stripes and the seaside are two of my favorite things. So when this modern approach to nautical-style nuptials hit my inbox…let’s just say I was one happy blogger. It’s filled to the gills with navy accents +  Belovely’s all-white florals, and miss Emily Wren snapped every darling moment. More right here!

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From the Bride… While on a vacation in Maine with long-term girlfriend Laura, Daniel proposed at the top of Pemaquid Lighthouse which would then shape the nautical theme of their wedding. Tying the “nautical knot,” the couple was married on the dock of a boathouse in Philadelphia’s historic boathouse row while guests watched from the balcony, forming a very intimate setting. Daniel and Laura also incorporated traditional wedding elements from his Jewish and her Thai heritage. With her experience working for a textile design company, Laura’s acute sense of style and eye for finishing details were seamlessly incorporated throughout the entire event.

Photography: Emily Wren Photography | Florist: Belovely | Wedding Dress: J.Crew | Caterer: Fork Restaurant | DJ: Jack Tripper | Venue: Vesper Boat Club | Getting Ready: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

There’s nothing better than an engagement session that spotlights a beautiful couple and a breathtaking setting. This engagement session, captured by O’Malley Photographers, highlights this sweet couple’s love for each other with California’s mountains and coastline as a dreamy backdrop. And that ring? We couldn’t resist. See more of this amazing engagement session in the full gallery here!

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From O’Malley Photographers… We love when our job takes us out traveling and where better than to the beautiful California coast for two wonderful people? We set out with Kevin & Lauren on a warm summer day, but wanted to incorporate a different side of California than what most people think of. We headed out from Santa Barbara for an adventure in the mountains with gorgeous views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Everything from the warm summer wind and pretty light, to Kevin and Lauren’s sweet adoration of each other was perfection. We ended the shoot in Santa Barbara, playing on the beach as the sun was setting. We can’t wait for this sweet couple’s wedding this summer being styled by Stacy Anderson Design and Floral!

Photography: O'Malley Photographers | Location: Chase Palm Park

A country club wedding in shades of coral is pretty much a safe bet for stunning, and this next little lovefest was no exception. Bridesmaids dressed by Twobirds and florals from Carriage Flowers, it was packaged perfectly and bursting with beautiful details. M Lindsay Photography captured all the lovely, and you can check out the full gallery here.

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Photography: M Lindsay Photography | Floral Design: Carriage Flowers | Wedding Gown: Weddings 826 | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaids' Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid | DJ: Fig Weddings | Bow Tie: The Tie Bar | Groomsmen's Ties: The Tie Bar | Groomsmen Attire: Tommy Hilfiger | Venue: Park Ridge Country Club | Groom's Loafer: To Boot NY | Groom's Shirt: Hugo Boss | Groomsmen's Shirts: Hugo Boss | Groomsmen's Shoes: ASOS | Guestbook: WeddingTreeGuestbook

Ladies and gents, if you don’t know Amy of Bo Boutique already, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars you landed on this post. Because she has talent like I’ve never seen. She not only whipped up the gorgeous blooms below, but she is also responsible for that gorgeous gown gracing our screens. Amazing, right? Well, thanks to Ashlee Taylor‘s stunning images, we can get lost in all the lovely right here. 

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The gown is made up of layers of tulle in blush pink, white, ivory, cappucino, and grey, layered over blush satin and ivory lace, all of which were tirelessly hand sewn by Amy. The result was a beautiful couture style gown, rich in delicate hues and texture. We thought this shoot would inspire brides to be extravagant with their wedding details making them big, blousey and beautiful!

We went with a romantic and indulgent love affair theme, choosing to set the shoot in the stunning gardens of Hampsted Heath… with a soft pale and in-depth colour palette which allows the pops of floral colour to shine.

Our gorgeous real life couple were the idyllic fit, with Charlotte’s wild blonde locks and Justin’s handsome rugged looks, they made for the picture-perfect characters for our love story!

I photographed the entire shoot on film to capture the intricate and delicate colour palette, and enhance the romanticism of the shoot and the whimsical location.

We really hope you looking through our much loved shoot!

Photography: Ashlee Taylor | Floral Design: Bo Boutique | Wedding Dress: Bo Boutique | Cake: Let It Be Cake | Cake: Andi Freeman Cakes | Groom's Attire: Tommy Hilfiger | Bridal Accessories: Blackburn Bridal | Gardens: Hampsted Heath | Stylist: Bo Boutique

Mondays require a few things – a little more time with the snooze button, an extra cup of jo, and inspiration so pretty you can barely believe your luck. Well pretties, fill up your coffee cups, because this shoot is just what the doctor ordered. Beautifully captured by Lindsey Shea Photography, every gorgeous detail whipped up by Urban Magnolia Weddings and Events will make your you thankful Monday showed its pretty face, and you can see what I mean right here.

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Photography: Lindsey Shea Photography | Wedding Gown: Arte Latica | Cake: Romano's Bakery | Stationary: U Lucky Girl | Jewelry: Crown Jewelers | Hair + Makeup: Elan Makeup Studio | Venue: Rosewood Crescent Hotel | Event Planning + Coordinations: Urban Magnolia Weddings And Events | Flatware, China, Stemware + Chairs: Bella Acento | Floral: Haute Floral | Linens: BBJ La Tavola

The trends come and go so quickly with so much beautiful inspiration readily available, but I tend to find myself drawn to the classically beautiful weddings, especially when they feel as soft, romantic, and fresh as this one does. Studio Atticus Photography captured the absolute perfect wedding day, with the sweetest love at the center, and it’s all right here!

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Photography: Studio Atticus Photography | Floral Design: Petalena | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress | Catering: MAX Ultimate Food | Makeup: Cynthia Klocek | Hair: Styling By Lisette | Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones | DJ: White Label DJs | Wedding Venue: Massachusetts Horticultural Society | Linens: Table Toppers of Newton | Reception Lighting: DesignLightCo.

Silhouettes are having a moment right now, and as the girl who had my very own proudly hanging in my childhood room, I couldn’t be happier about it. The silhouette gets a romantic makeover in this inspiration shoot from Serendipity Designs and Ashley Victoria Photography, set against a soft pastels color palette and the prettiest sequin table linens. In summary? It’s perfection.

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This was the idea with the shoot that Ashley and I created. I contacted her in January after receiving some new linen samples in the mail, and we decided to use a cameo sequin linen for the shoot, mixed with black and white stripes, corals, and pinks. We loved the softness that it created but also the modern look of the stripes and sequins. I added the silhouettes into the look because they are timeless – and create an elegant look all on their own.

Once we had the inspiration board started, I created the invitations and built the complete idea from there. I love the look of invitations and pieces that don’t have square or rounded corners, so created a die-cut invitation and RSVP card in a baroque shape on quartz colored pearlized paper, incorporating a modern silhouette on the front and back, a rose gold glitter envelope liner for the light coral envelopes, and also using the same silhouette for the front address of the RSVP envelope. I created a menu and dessert signs to complement it, and from there, the shoot idea came to life.

To balance out the looks of the colors, we used the black and white stripes as more of an accent, focusing on the soft romantic colors more, while building visual texture filled with different combinations to enhance the room. We chose to do the shoot at the Barkley House because in addition to being a popular venue for weddings in Pensacola, it also has a lot of historical charm and beautifully painted walls inside.

For the table, we used tall tapered candles in various heights and colors on crystal candleholders, mixed with crystal cut vases with romantic mixtures of tulips, ranunculus, spray roses, dogwood, scabiosa, privet berries placed freely into the tables design. We placed these on top of a rose gold sequin table runner and pink champagne linens. Black chargers and black and white striped napkins completed the look, along with the baroque style plates, gold and silver flatware, and modern glassware for the men and women on the table.

We also included a dessert station, using a cameo rose gold sequin linen, creating a backdrop from chair ties, and incorporating many different desserts placed at varying heights on cake stands. In addition to the dessert station, we used a gold bar cart to display pink champagne with rock candy accents, vintage decanters holding bourbon for the gentlemen, in addition to cigars being offered. Additionally, we created an area for the tea drinkers, using adorable baroque style teacups.

Our models are a real-life husband and wife couple, Lia & Ellis, because it was important for us to have people that were comfortable with each other to evoke the feeling of the day. The bride wore a beautiful all lace button-backed gown with a sheer lace back by Allure Bridals, and the groom wore a traditional modern black tux with a black bow-tie and vest. It was important for us to create something that brides could use as a visual alternative for ways to incorporate the modern trends of today with the traditional, beautiful looks of weddings we have seen in the past, while still creating a romantic setting. This is one of our favorite shoots we have done, and we feel that a gorgeous, detailed inspirational shoot that a lot of brides can use to gather ideas from.

Photography: Ashley Victoria Photography | Event Design: Serendipity Designs | Event Planning: Serendipity Designs | Flowers: FIORE Of Pensacola | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Makeup Artist: Eliza George Makeup Artist | Tuxedo: Randall's Formal Wear | Wedding Venue: The Barkley House | Dessert Bar: Kiley Bolster | Dessert Bar: Kiley Bolster | Dress, Jewelry, Hairpiece: The Bridal Loft | Hair Artist: Cathy Sheldon | Hand-crafted Cameo: Sweetie & The Bean | Paper Goods: Kristins Grace | Rentals: Wedding Walls

This love sesh from Betsi Ewing Studio is a recipe for Monday morning happiness. Splashed with a colorful Brooklyn backdrop and fabulous Manolo Blahnik‘s to match, it’s no surprise this painter Bride and her Groom are getting hitched in New Orleans. Until then, we can soak up all the fun right here!

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From the beautiful Bride-to-be…It’s a long love story in the making. I’m a cajun lady from Lafayette, Louisiana and he is a midwestern cheesehead from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We met almost 10 years ago at freshman orientation at Savannah College of Art & Design. Many years, cities, and a furry Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Oliver later, we are now engaged! We live in Chicago at the moment and Peter surprised me and flew us back to one of our favorite places (and former home) Williamsburg, Brooklyn to pop the question. It was a magical night with great friends, family, sparkling rosé, & whiskey at Fada, followed by fun at the trendy Wythe Hotel. All of our favorite things!

We are tying the knot in New Orleans, Louisiana at the New Orleans Museum of Art. The ceremony will be under age old oak trees and surrounded by amazing artwork. I am a painter myself (LIZFLORES.COM) It couldn’t be more perfect for us! We are excited to start a new chapter in our lives that will definitely involve laughter, love and if I get my way – more puppies!

I’ll be walking down the aisle in an Anna Campbell gown from lovely bride NY. My shoes are Manolos from Bergdorf Goodman’s which is sentimental to me because I was a part of the window display team before our recent move to Chicago.

Photography: BETSI EWING WEDDINGS | Wedding Gown: Anna Sui | Makeup: Pure Minerals | Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Hotel (after Party): Wythe Hotel | Restaurant (proposal): Fada

From the second I saw those killer metallic heels, this wedding had my heart in a serious way. And with fashion moments that take your breath away plus impeccable design by Spencer Special Events, it’s going down an a SMP fave – no doubt about it. The ever-talented Landon Jacob Productions told the story through their lens, and you can watch it unfold right here in the gallery.

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From Landon Jacob Productions… Rachael & Jeff were married Saturday, May 24th, 2014 in beautiful Bluffton, South Carolina at the United Methodist Church and reception at Colleton River. A destination wedding for most guests, it was a special Memorial Day Wedding Weekend that was very family oriented. The wedding was full of glamour and still had a bohemian flair. Rachael’s stunning wedding gown was very avante garde. Her shoes and jewelry were very fashion forward. The open back and slit on the side was a bit sexy, but the beautiful lace detail and sleeves kept this extremely tasteful. The bridesmaids were wore beautiful halos. Blondes did white blooms and pink, the brunettes had lighter pink and white. They were married in the church that they always wanted to be married in and were so happy it became available for the day of their wedding.

Immediately after they were pronounced husband and wife, the Voices of El Shaddai Gullah Choir was a surprise to everyone and there was not a dry eye in the house! Singing Oh Happy Day and a variety of other Gullah choir favorites, all the guests truly enjoyed this surprise. Colleton River is a very special place for Rachael and Jeff – they quite simply adore the natural beauty of Colleton River – so with the world class service and dining, it was a natural fit. Gold was reflected in all the aspects of the wedding design, from the linens to the chargers, to touches in the flowers.

Custom made bars with mirrors were built, gold gilded screens sat on the lawn with living room furniture for the cocktail hour. Family is very important the couple, a lot of children at the wedding, they had a kids room with kids buffet and Ninetendo Wii.

Escort card display was on the entryway chandelier, guests names dangled from beautiful ribbon. Head table was a dramatic display of stemmed glass with submerged florals. The chandiliers in the ballroom were covered with baby’s breath and gold seeded eucalyptus. A large “W” monogram was adorned in all white florals that hung above the fireplace.

Food for the wedding – Chef Robert Wysong did not disappoint with beautiful and delicious tasting food. Beautiful chilled seafood display, crab claws, marinated mussels, poached shrimp, buttler passed pot stickers, blue cheese stuffed mushrooms, mini lump crab cakes. Plated dinner was exquisite, choice entrée – local grouper, Meditterian roasted chicken, filet.
Tray ceilings and uplighting.

Rachael’s bouquet all white florals with a touch of pink, and included peonies, roses, lilac, freesia, hyacinth, ranunculus. Bridesmaids wore blush dress and carried mono botanical white flowers accented by gold seeded eucalyptus. Gold wedding cake by Custom Cakes, Minette Rushing. The cake wanted to reflect. Monogram above the fireplace, custom drapery by Party Tables.

Photography: Landon Jacob Productions | Event Planning: Spencer Special Events | Floral Design: A Floral Affair | Wedding Dress: Berta | Cake: Minette Rushing | Reception: Colleton River Plantation Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Makeup And Hair: Designs By Janet Suzanne | Lighting: JLK Events | Band: EastCoast Entertainment | Linen: Party Tables | Rentals: Ranco Event Rentals

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Two years ago, Style Me Pretty had a baby. We named her Style Me Pretty Living and asked the lovely Jacquelyn Clark of Lark & Linen to help us grow her, raise her and help her to fly. Jacquelyn did just that, all while curating her own beautiful brand. And today, she’s taking off her editor hat and sharing with the world just how she balances all of that lovely. With photos from Heidi Lau.

SMP: Some words you live by?
JC: There are so many! But if I had to narrow it down, the one thought that resonates with me the most is “happiness is a choice”. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve had my fair share of bad days and woe is me moments, but I’ve also been able to completely turn them around based solely on my attitude. I’ll never fail to be amazed by the effects of a positive mind-set.

SMP: Any guilty pleasures?
JC: Can we still be friends if I say Keeping up with the Kardashians and The Bachelor? I can’t believe I just admitted that out loud… It goes against every moral fibre in my body! But a glass of pinot and some totally mindless television after a particularly long day is my kryptonite.

SMP: What did you think your dream job was before your dream job found you? 
JC: Well, when I was really little I wanted to be an astronaut or the person who ran the merry-go-round (have you seen the merry-go-round button? It’s like a 4 year olds dream!) Not long after I got those ideas out of my system I landed firmly on camp interior designer and I’ve never really strayed! The fact that I’ve also managed to create a platform (and career!) through blogging is just icing on the cake.

SMP: What’s your favorite quote that describes your creative process? 
JC: “Strive for progress not perfection”. Admittedly, this is something that I struggle with (and have to remind myself of constantly). I am a type-A, perfectionist, through and through and it’s been debilitating in the past. In order to actually get a piece out the door, whether it’s a client project or a blog post, I’ve been learning to cut myself some slack. These days, as long as every piece I churn out is slightly better than the last I consider it a success! Progress and growth, both personally and professionally, is far more important than perfection.

SMP: Okay, rapid fire time. What is your go-to….

PAINT COLOR? Benjamin Moore – Chantilly Lace!

COCKTAIL? Gin & soda with a splash of cranberry.

APPETIZER? Guacamole.

ENTERTAINING TIP? If you’re the type of person who stresses about these sorts of things (raises hand), get it all out before hand. Prep as much as you can the day before so that the day of you can sit back, relax and enjoy your guests!

FONT? Vermandois

CATCH PHRASE? Choose love.

JEAN BRAND? J. Brand

BEAUTY MUST HAVE? Palmers cocoa butter chapstick (I legitimately panic when I run out).

SMP: What is one piece of advice you would give to a blogger just starting out? 
JC: Know your limits and don’t be afraid to ask for help. I know for certain that my weakness is graphic design. I once attempted to redesign my site and it was a total disaster. I ended up hiring someone to give my blog a facelift and it was the best thing I ever did. And, in all honesty, it was at that moment that my blog really started to flourish!

SMP: What is your favorite item in your home?
JC: My Rebecca Atwood pillows. I’ve been obsessed with all things RA for longer than I care to admit. The girl is pure magic!

SMP: What was the tipping point in your bloglife that made you feel like your blog was going to thrive?
JC: Without question: when I was approached to work for SMP Living 2 years ago. When Mrs. Abby Larson thinks your blog is worthy you know you’re doing something right!

SMP: What current design trend do you think will stand the test of time?
JC: Definitely black and white interiors. They’re huge right now, but they’ll still feel classic, timeless and beautiful when they’re no longer in the direct spotlight.

SMP: One thing every style savvy homeowner should have? 
JC: Original artwork.

SMP: If you could buy yourself a single gift of any cost, what would it be?
JC: Definitely a house! The real estate market in Toronto is seriously depressing. We’re slowly outgrowing our condo but it doesn’t seem realistic to own our own home right now.

SMP: Three things every home should have?
JC: Luxurious bedding, a ridiculously comfortable couch, and amazing lighting.

SMP: One small design change that can make a big impact?
JC: Area rugs. They’re like eyebrows – they can totally make or break a space.

SMP: What would you tell someone who’s considering starting a blog?
JC: Just do it! You have absolutely nothing to loose. At that point if you decide it’s not for you, simply walk away without worrying about regrets.

SMP: How do you approach social media? Any best practices? 
JC: For me it’s important to remain authentic. I will never tout that I’m obsessed with something unless I’m legitimately obsessed with it. I feel like my readers’ trust is totally invaluable and I never want to toy with it. That said, there are a few tricks I’ve learnt along the way. For instance: pinning your posts after 8 pm helps seriously drive traffic. And people are most active on Facebook around noon!

SMP: Your favorite instagrammer? Pinner? 
JC: Instagram: Could I Have That – Samantha’s style is always so. on. point. Not to mention she’s just all around awesome
Pinterest: Caitlin Flemming. So much interior envy!

SMP: Your go-to recipe?
JC: Thai coconut curried chickpeas. It’s easy, inexpensive, and ridiculously delicious. It’s a weekly staple around here!

SMP: Do you have any secret talents?
JC: I am really good at naming things. Cars, bikes, tea kettles… It’s well known amongst my circle of friends and I regularly get asked to name their random objects (most recently: a friend’s rhino bust who now happily goes by the name Bruno). I secretly wish I could get paid to name paint colours. How does one land that role anyway?

Make sure to check out Lark & Linen along with Jacqulyn’s new interior design business!

Photography: Heidi Lau | Photography: Crane & Canopy | Event Planning: Chapters | Florals: Sweet Woodruff | Blogger: Lark & Linen | Decor: Ikea | Interior Design: Lark & Linen Interiors | Vendor: RugsUsa | Vendor: Could I Have That? | Vendor: Annawithlove Photography

With the New York City skyline as the backdrop, Water’s Edge could not have been a more perfect venue for a couple who centered so much of their relationship around The Big Apple. Styled by Rock Paper Scissors Events, a sleek ceremony of crisp whites contrasted the rich palette of merlot at the reception. For more of the day’s design and details, head over to the gallery by Ayenia Nour Photography.

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From The Bride…So much of our relationship had centered around New York City that we knew we wanted to incorporate it into our special day. We began looking at venues in the city, but none felt quite right. When we saw Water’s Edge, we knew that the view of the skyline was exactly what we wanted. Rather than being in the city, we would have it as the perfect backdrop. With the venue in place, it was time to hunt high and low for inspiration. Never being the girl that had the perfect wedding imagined from a young age, Ara Farnam from Rock Paper Scissors Events was crucial for sorting through piles of Pinterest images and Style Me Pretty weddings to help focus the style and look of the event. Wanting to stay away from traditional fall colors but keep a rich palette, we settled on a classic black and white, accented with rich merlot. We went for contrast with the ceremony, using clean whites for the chuppah so the rich centerpieces in the reception would pop. Our florist was instrumental in pulling together the look for the venue. They ran with the merlot color, creating a beautiful tonal look that accented the high ceiling of the venue without overshadowing the skyline.

Not being able to find exactly what I imagined for our invitations, we ended up creating a custom invite that perfectly captured the clean, classic look I wanted. We then DIY’d the rest of the paper goods, printing menus, programs, and the Mad Lib’s for our guest book. Ranging from touching to hilarious, we loved reading the Mad Lib submissions the next day!

Photography was so important to me, and from the first time I met Ayenia, I knew she was the perfect choice to capture our big day. We planned on shooting at Gantry State Park, as the skyline and urban feel made my heart skip a beat. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans that day. Extreme winds didn’t allow us to shoot at the Park for fear of being blown away, but thankfully the balcony of the venue was protected. Not wanting to disappoint, our wonderful photographer scheduled a reshoot for another day. That day, I was extremely disappointed, but how many brides get to put on their dress twice, with two bouquets? What seemed like a disastrous situation ended up working out for the best.

We knew we wanted to incorporate family throughout our special day. My bouquet was wrapped in lace from my mother’s veil, and my hair was finished with a vintage hair comb borrowed from my mother-in-law. Andrew wore his late maternal grandfathers’ watch, as well as using his briefcase emblazoned with his initials to hold our cards at the reception. Our escort card table displayed both our parents wedding photos. At the ceremony, my grandfather gave a reading, and we drank from Andrew’s aunts kiddish cup. Andrew’s paternal grandfather blessed the challah to kick off the reception. We wanted to start off the party with a bang, and a shower of confetti from our bridal party for the first dance was just the way to do it. The Jay LaMonte band rocked the night away, even playing “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to the utter joy of this Nirvana-loving bride. The evening ended with a yacht ride down the east river for the guests, providing an even more majestic view of the city so pivotal in Andrew and I’s relationship.

Photography: Ayenia Nour | Event Design: Rock Paper Scissors Events | Florist: Flowers By Brian | Wedding Dress: Suzanne Neville | Invitations: Confetti Grey | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Wedding Bands: David Yurman | Bridesmaids' Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Band: Hank Lane Music | Groom's Attire: Burberry | Hair And Make Up: Curls And Lashes | Water's Edge: Water's Edge Restaurant | Z Hotel LIC: Z Hotel Lic

Kind of like a save the date, your wedding website is one of the first glimpses your guests will have of the look + feel of your big day. So, obviously, you want that sneak peek to be totally stunning. And that, my dears, is where Squarespace comes in!  With a newly-launched portal devoted to weddings and six brand new wedding templates boasting helpful tools + features, Squarespace makes it easy to keep your guests beautifully informed.

Designed with weddings in mind, these six new Squarespace templates are as functional as they are beautiful. We’re especially loving the Alex, which offers full-screen imagery and parallex scrolling to tell your story in an engaging way and the Charlotte, which is perfect for fun-loving couples as it tells a story with gorgeous photo galleries and scroll-based navigation! Aside from the breathtaking templates, Squarespace makes engaged life oh-so-much easier with features such as address collection, RSVP forms, custom gift registries, weather widgets, song requests and even private pages for the bridal party only! Keeping your guests informed has never been so easy.

And get this SMPers, just for you all, Squarespace is offering 10% off with coupon code SMP14! Coupon good until December 31, 2014. To get started on your very own wedding webiste, head over here!

If you’re on the hunt for some serious eye candy, I can promise that you came to the right place. Because this right here? Well it’s a collection of our most popular posts this week. Though we’ve got one totally mouth-watering recipe, the rest is more or less stuffed to the brim with interior envy of the most beautiful variety. So sit back, relax, and let’s get our inspiration on!

This Week's Most Loved Pics

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This Week's Most Loved Pics

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It’s official. Friday at 6pm is fast becoming our happiest hour, and not because of the cheap cocktails. Not only is it when we announce awesome giveaways, crazy discounts and lucky winners, but it’s that most awaited time when we give you the week’s recap of your favorites from Instagram and Pinterest. So sit back and scroll to see which pics you picked!

This Week's Most Loved Pics

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This Week's Most Loved Pics

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ONGOING GIVEAWAYS
Boyfriend Shirts from Plum Pretty Sugar
Something Blue Prize pack from La Marca Prosecco

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This week’s DISCOUNTS…
Zola
Postable

For our California brides… Discounts from Love and Lace Bridal and check out the Wedding Open House at The Nixon Library on October 12th!

For Our Midwest brides… Discounts from a&bé bridal shop and WASIO Photography.

For our Tri-State brides… A special engagement session offer from Twah Dougherty.

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And WINNERS…
Congratulations to Kathrine and Laura P who each won a $200 gift card to Target!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

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Black-tie, meet beach. Ocean, meet elegance… you should all get along just fine. After all, what’s not to love about a romantic seaside ceremony paired with a swanky champagne-hued soiree!?!? Brought to us by Mango Studios, we are getting swept up by this chic Florida affair. You can join the party right here.

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Photography: Mango Studios | Videography: Story Boat Media | Event Planning: Imagine Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Dalsimer Atlas Floral & Event Decorators | Cake: Shea's Bakery | Reception Venue: Seagate Beach Club | Hair & Makeup: Asteria Makeup Studio | Invitations & Stationery: Lilian Designs Studio | Tenting: Grimes Events Party Tents

We don’t feature boudoir sessions nearly as often as real weddings, but when we do it’s a serious treat, because they end up being beyond beautiful (like painfully beautiful), like this one from Connie Whitlock Photography and Shalynne Imaging. It’s ethereal in every sense of the word, from the wildly gorgeous petals by Bare Root Flora to the organic invitations designed by Lana’s Shop to the lovely lingerie from BHLDN. It’s one gallery you’ll have a hard time leaving.

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From Connie Whitlock Photography…The concept for this shoot was dreamed up by two photographers, Shalynne Imaging and I. When we started to plan, the words we chose to describe the look we wanted were natural, feminine, soft, and romantic. We chose textures and colors that would compliment the environment but also stand out. From the sweet, romantic lingerie from BHLDN and robes from Girl with a Serious Dream, to the organic feel of the gorgeous bouquet, we carried that theme through every design element.

Photography: Connie Whitlock | Styling And Design: Shalynne Imaging | Styling And Design: Connie Whitlock | Floral Design: Bare Root Flora | Makeup Artist: Lindsay Ambrosio | Hair Stylist: Cassandra Rose | Calligraphy: designsgirl | Venue: Private Residence | Lingerie: BHLDN | Model: Radha Kotliarsky | Paper Goods: Lana's Shop | Rentals And Furniture: Chairished Vintage Rentals | Robes: Girl With A Serious Dream

I adore this post for many reasons. First, I am the biggest fan, and I mean biggest, of wedding cinematography. There is absolutly nothing like seeing your big day play out on film. Nothing. Second, Amari Productions. They are amazing. They captured this couples’ stunning day with such heart you can feel it, and when you hit play, you’ll see just what I mean…

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/88804673 600 338]

Oh, and here’s one quick detail: the entire wedding and reception was to be outside.

An hour or so later we pulled up to Kelsey and Joel’s respective getting ready locations. It was still raining, albeit lightly at the moment. (Now, if at this point in the story you’re fidgeting anxiously in your chair trying to pray away the rain, know that we were feeling very much the same thing.) So I, Dave, walk into Joel’s house, whilst Mariah walks into Kelsey’s hotel room. And what do we find? The most pure, unadulterated joy. These two were about to marry the love of their life, and that was ALL. THAT. MATTERED.

Hell yes.

By the way, it turns out Mother Nature has a soft spot for true love. Because as we left for the venue not only did the rain stop, the clouds literally parted and the sun came out. It was like that scene from Land Before Time when they find the Great Valley. The soundtrack from the movie might have even been playing as it happened, or maybe that was just in my head.

Either way, the day turned out to be everything these two deserved, and we were SO STOKED to be able to be show this Same Day Premiere at the end of the night.

Photography: Yes, Dear. Studio | Videography: Amari Productions | Coordinator: A Joy Forever Events | Floral Design: Hope Stanley | Make-up: Elizabeth Root | DJ: Apollo Productions LLC | Officiant: Andy Kelly | Venue: The Martin Johnson House