Whether you live in a teeny tiny condo with a ridiculous excuse for a closet (hello! I feel you) or you simply like to keep your prettiest of pieces on display, this next DIY is for you. Made up of things you’d find in the plumbing aisle at your local hardware store, this beauty couldn’t be easier to piece together, and adds instant chicness to your space.

(4) 60” x ½” threaded steel pipes
(4) 10” x ½” threaded steel pipes
(4) ½” iron flanges 
(6) ½” iron elbows
(4) ½” iron T connector joints
(6) ½” x 1½” steel threaded nipples
Gold spraypaint
Painting dropcloth
Goo gone

Remove any stickers from the pipes. You may need a knife and Goo Gone to remove the residue. Use paper towels to wipe down the pipes and remove excess grease.

Screw 4 threaded nipples into 4 flanges. Screw 4 elbows onto the other end of each nipple.

Screw the 10” pipes into each elbow. Screw a T connector onto one pipe end, and then the other to form one side of the base. Repeat for the other set.

Screw another threaded nipple into the top of the T connector, then add another T connector (perpendicular to the first), and repeat on the other side. Screw one 60” pipe into the top T connector & base, and screw the other base on the other side. Tighten until both base portions are even with each other and balance on the floor.

Screw 2 of the 60” pipes into the top T connector. Screw on the elbows. You may need another person’s help here. Screw the remaining 60” pipe into one elbow, as far as it will go. Have the other person push the other elbow back so you can insert the pipe into that end, then gently “unscrew” several turns from this elbow, so that the pipe will be resting several turns into each connection.

Spraypaint your rack gold and let dry. Feel free to secure your rack to a wooden floor by drilling screws through the holes in the flange pieces. Hang your clothes & enjoy!

Tips:
-All of the pipe & flange pieces can be found in the plumbing section of your local Home Depot or Lowe’s. Make sure to test the pieces with each other before you leave the store to ensure you’ve got all the right sizes- the pieces often get mixed up in the bins and it’s easy to grab the wrong thing!
-The pipes are greased from the cutting process. Wear gloves when handling them and make sure to lay down a dropcloth to protect your worksurface or floor.

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Photography: White Loft Studio | Design & Styling: SMP Living

The epitome of glamour, this gorgeous Santa Barbara wedding will blow your mind.  Think I’m being a bit hyperbolic?  I’m not.  Because this, my friends, is what happens when sophisticated details join forces with lush florals from Toast, a fabulous Gucci gown and a breathtaking El Encanto setting.  See every awe-inspiring moment captured by Rebecca Fishman for Birds Of A Feather in the full gallery.

From the Bride… I own my own boutique PR firm, JZPR, and Kris is a footwear designer. Introduced by a mutual friend at a charity gala, we had our first date two days later and have been inseparable ever since – quite the whirlwind romance! Since we’re both longtime Santa Barbara residents, we chose to be married at the newly restored El Encanto, an early 20th-century hotel that is quintessentially Santa Barbara and exudes the romantic and glamorous vibe we were looking for.

I chose not to wear a traditional wedding dress, instead finding a show-stopping Gucci evening gown that made me feel like a glamorous movie star of old. I wore Manolo Blahnik heels and a combination of Erickson Beamon jewels mixed with my mother’s heirloom pieces. Kris looked dashing in a Tom Ford tuxedo, shoes by Prada, and hook + ALBERT accessories.

We kept things very small with a private, family only ceremony that took place on the terrace of El Encanto’s Oak Tree Suite (which prior to the recent renovation was called the Presidential Suite, named for President Franklin Roosevelt after he stayed there). Immediately following the ceremony we welcomed the rest of our guests at the property’s storied Arbor, where we toasted around the lily pond with delicious Bellinis. From there, the party moved to an upstairs terrace where we enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing, soaking in the sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean and the twinkling lights of Santa Barbara below. The unexpected surprise visitor of the evening was the Super Moon that we watched rise over the town, casting an enchanted glow upon the night… An omen of good things to come, for sure!

Photography: Birds of a Feather | Floral Design: TOAST Santa Barbara | Wedding Dress: Gucci | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Jewelry: Erickson Beamon | Catering: Belmond El Encanto | Makeup: Amanda Masson | Hair: Mishay Salon & Spa | DJ: DJ Fab | Groom's Attire: Tom Ford | Resort: Belmond El Encanto

There isn’t a single image sitting in this gorgeous gallery from Valerie Busque Photography that I simply don’t adore. And I mean adore. With gorgeous florals from Élysée Fleurs, stunning stationery from Laurie Art & Design and sweet treats from La Mangue Verte – this gallery is delicious in every sense of the word. See it all here.

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Photography: Fabrice Simard | Flowers: L'Élysée Fleurs | Wedding Dress: Annie Fournier | Invitations: Laurie Art & Design | Catering: La Mangue Verte | Groomsmen's Attire: Oclan Store | Old Barn: 3 Poules à L'île | Second Shooter: Fabrice Simard

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that weddings as stunning as this actually exist, but I am here to tell you, loves… it’s so, so true.  It’s the masterful stylings + florals of Modern Day Floral And Events joining forces with crazy cool La Tavola linens, fab paper goods from William Arthur and one crazy gorgeous moment after another captured by Kai Heeringa Photography.  Lose your breath in the full gallery.

And a sweeter than sweet look at the day from Coastline Studios… You’re welcome. 

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From Modern Day Floral and Events… When I first met Katherine and Patrick, they simply had a fleeting vision and palpable excitement for their wedding day. What ensued was months upon months of collaborative brain-storming, selecting perfectly-hued blooms, drooling over textured linens, and meticulously arranging floor plans. Katherine, her mother and I spent over 15 months together planning this special day. Our business relationship quickly grew into a warm friendship, which I will forever cherish.

Katherine and Patrick’s color palette featured soft peach and blush pink, creamy ivories, and lush greenery. We wanted the floral arrangements to have that loose and vintage romance aesthetic. The floral pieces featured fluffy white hydrangea, peach Juliet garden roses, lush ivory and blush peony, ranunculus, local flowering dogwood branches, and playful anemone. Clusters of blush pink hobnail glass, silver mercury glass, and pottery pieces were put together to create an eclectic, yet elegantly styled look to each table.

The most important design aspects for this wedding were the little, but impactful and adorable details. French baguettes with hand calligraphed place cards tied in twine at each place setting. Custom display flags for all of the gourmet cheeses and desserts. Frames with calligraphed menu details at each food station. Bride and groom’s chair signage adorned with draping greenery and lush blooms. A vintage globe for guests to sign, rather than the traditional book. A local Lebanese pastries and sweets station to reflect the bride’s heritage. Multi-layered and textured draping ribbons on the bride’s bouquet handle. A coral flip flop station for guests to get comfortable and dance in… The details were endless and the effect clearly showed. It really is all about making the guest experience truly remarkable!

As a professional, there comes a time in this industry when you find a client that you wish all your clients were like. Katherine and Patrick never lost sight of what was really important – their upcoming marriage, and making their guests’ experience absolutely outstanding. This wedding not only brought us lifelong clients, but also lifelong friends – what a bonus! I can’t wait to watch this couple grow in their marriage, and I hope to be a part of their life for many more years and events to come!

From the Bride… To say our wedding day was pure magic is a complete understatement. Patrick and I are eternally grateful for all of the vendors that truly made our day the most spectacular day of our lives to date. While designing the look and feel of our wedding, our number one goal was to create a night that reflected not only the love that surrounded us, but also accurately expressed our love and appreciation for everyone who was there. We tried to think of each detail of the wedding from the perspective of our guests. We knew we would have the time of our lives, but we also wanted our guests to have the time of their lives.

It was also really important to us to include as many personal touches as possible. Patrick wore my late father’s cuff links, and I wore a diamond and sapphire bracelet that was given to my great grandmother by my great grandfather on their wedding day 85 years earlier. Jenn from Modern Day Floral and I connected right away – especially with our love of the little details, and she and her team immediately set to work on working out every detail of the day and evening.

Picking the venue was a bit challenging as I was really set on having the reception outdoors. The outdoor feel more accurately reflected our vision than any of the indoor venues in Grand Rapids. We decided on a venue that came full circle for us – we met at Blythefield Country Club four years earlier and thought it would be the perfect place for our reception as well. Blythefield has a beautiful outdoor grove and we could just imagine it as the perfect backdrop for our tented wedding reception.

The ceremony was held at the oldest church in Grand Rapids – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. It was also the same church my grandma and grandpa were married in 58 years earlier. As soon as the ceremony ended, guests arrived at Blythefield and entered the most exquisite fabric draped tent with sparkling chandeliers. At each place setting was an individual baguette that served as a place card. I am in love with all types of paper products and lettering, and I was so excited that Molly Jacques was able to create so many beautiful pieces for our day.

In keeping with our overall goal of showing our love and appreciation for our guests, we wanted them to enjoy several different types of food instead of one plated meal. We had a carving station, a risotto station, and a Lebanese station which is a nod to my heritage. For dessert, guests enjoyed vanilla peach champagne wedding cake and an assortment of desserts that included chocolate eclaires (Patrick’s favorite), mini cherry and pecan pies, and orange madeleines (my favorite).

We danced the night away to an eleven-piece band and enjoyed mini grilled cheese, fries, and root beer floats as the night came to a close. Patrick and I loved planning out each detail with Jenn and look back at our wedding with pure awe and happiness. Our love for each other and the love that surrounded us that day were perfectly captured through our beyond talented photographers and cinematographers. Patrick and I are so blessed and look forward to what our future holds together!

Photography: Kai Heeringa Photography | Videography: Coastline Studios | Wedding Cake: Leo's Restaurant | Ceremony: St. Mark's Episcopal Church | Reception: Blythefield Country Club | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dresses: Ivy And Aster | Makeup Artist: Julie Strating | Hair Stylist: Hair By Kayley Heeringa | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Transportation: Gail Andrus Travel | Accommodations: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | Additional Desserts: Osta's Lebanese Cuisine | Bride's Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Calligraphy & Signage: Molly Jacques Illustration | Catering & Beverages: Blythefield Country Club | Floral & Rentals: Modern Day Floral and Event Design | Invitations & Stationery: Crane & Co. | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Planning & Design: Modern Day Floral and Event Design | Reception Music: Sway Chicago | Tent & Rentals: Special Events Rental

Packed with personality and overflowing with this couples’ style, this wedding at the Lancaster Theater is not only pretty, but also super fun too. It’s the kind of wedding where after pouring through all the sweet images from Elisabeth Carol Photography you almost feel like you know the couple…and you kind of want to be their best friend. See what I mean here. 

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The wedding was truly a team effort between my husband and I, which brought us even closer together. (I may be one of the few brides who can say that it was my husband who chose our wedding palette). As a graphic designer by trade, my husband, Holden, had a lot of input in the overall aesthetic of the day. We both loved the idea of a “modern vintage” wedding. My style icons are Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe. Holden, who was named after William Holden, told me that he wanted to look like “James Bond” on our wedding day. Our wedding color palette was comprised of mint green, ivory, and poppy red. Holden and I researched vintage advertisements and products in order to choose colors that would fit with our vision.

It was important to me to find a way to honor and include our loved ones who had passed away. Our guestbook sign-in table featured wedding photos from our parents and grandparents, as well as heirlooms from my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. My mom had a “keepsake garter” made for me, with family heirlooms sewn-into the elastic and lace. She also gave me her wedding veil to wear as my something borrowed. It was altered by Ana’s Professional Gown Alterations, who also tailored my wedding gown. The classic, cathedral length veil matched my lace vintage-style Justin Alexander gown perfectly and was exactly what I wanted for our traditional ceremony. I have sung in the choir at Good Shepherd Catholic Church since I was in 8th grade, and knew that I wanted to be married within its walls. We had a small guest count that I felt would be better housed in the small, daily chapel instead of the large sanctuary.

Our wedding reception venue was an Art Deco style building, located on Grapevine’s Historic Main Street. We adored the exposed brick inside the theater and rich history of the location. Holden and I designed many of the reception details ourselves, including movie-ticket inspired escort cards and art deco style table numbers. Our favors were flavored popcorn in customized boxes, going along with the movie theater inspiration. The gorgeous flowers and centerpieces by Devin Designs took my breath away when I walked into the room.

But I wanted the wedding to be more than just its appearance– so I paid tribute to Holden and I’s geekier sides. His groom’s cake design was the Millenium Falcon from Star Wars. Our entrance song was the theme song from the same film. We also had a private sweetheart dance at the end to another John Williams classic, the theme song from Jurassic Park. Being a tech nerd myself, I had created a hashtag to crowdsource wedding photos on Instagram and used a program which automatically posted all photos with the hashtag to an album on my personal Facebook page.

As much as the wedding looked beautifully vintage and elegant (completely exceeding my expectations), I was happiest because it also “felt” quirky and modern, like us. We will always look back on the day and remember how much of ourselves was incorporated into every detail. I am so grateful to all of our amazing vendors who understood us so well and helped to bring our vision to life.

Photography: Elisabeth Carol Photography | Wedding Coordinator: Event Elements | Floral Design: Devin Designs Flowers | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: Tastefully Yours Cakes | Invitations: By Invitation Only | Ceremony Venue: Good Shepherd Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Lancaster Theater | Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Catering: Tastefully Yours Catering | Makeup Artist: Lorann Schindler | Hair: The Hair Bar | DJ: Rod Baker | Groomsmen Attire: Al's Formal Wear | Bridal Shoes: Menbur | Gown And Veil Alterations: Ana's Professional Gown Alterations | Photobooth: Complete

We’ve seen our share of DIY brides grace the pages of SMP, but perhaps none quite as crafty as this. Not only did she put together an amazing modern-glam affair at the US Army National Guard Armory, but along with her mother and grandmother she handmade her dress. You read right – her wedding dress! Anchor And Veil Photography came along to capture the pretty, and you can see more in the gallery right here.

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From the Bride… Even before the wedding day, the special moments began: our families pitched in to put together the entire scene, with fathers-in-law-to-be on ladders helping each other hang drapes, and mothers-in-law-to-be arranging flowers and table settings. It couldn’t have been a better way to bring two families together.

Most of our wedding was DIY. My mother, grandmother and I created the wedding dress from a vision I had! We started with fabric and began draping and pinning it until the silhouette was right. Over two months and three fittings, the dress took shape and bears the mark of each of its makers: the flutters on the skirt were all hand-sewn, and each seamstress had her own technique, making each flutter almost like a fingerprint of the person who sewed it.

In addition to the wedding dress, my mother made the vests worn by Judah, my nephew and ring-bearer, and my brother. I created my niece, Bella’s, dress our of raw silk that she painted to match our wedding colors. My mother also made the ring bearer’s pillow.

The tables, linens, and chairs were rented, but we made or embellished almost everything else. The chandeliers are IKEA, but we spray-painted them and added some flourishes. I loves color and pattern, so me and my mother made the napkins — two of each pattern — for our guests to keep as mementos of the occasion. We crafted our signature cocktails for the event (“The Milo” for him and “The Meg” for her). During our cocktail hour, the charcuterie plate featured bread, toast squares, and goat cheese from Forget Me Not Farm, the farm My parents own. The vases are also IKEA, painted at home and brought with us. My father made the bocce court and my brother made and painted the cornhole set as a wedding gift that we had at our reception

We made our save-the-dates and wedding invitations, too, and my mother and Drew’s father’s wife made the gift bag treats (my father custom silk-screened the bags with their farm logo). We have always been DIY types, so having our wedding any other way was almost inconceivable! We may not have saved time, but the memories of the process are what we cherish the most.

Photography: Anchor And Veil Photography | Cakes: Maxie B's | Shoes: J.Crew | Catering: Farm Burger | Venue: US Army National Guard Armory | Day Of Coordinator: Bash Events

Hands down, this darling duo is one of the coolest couples you will ever virtually meet.  I mean, they have a pet pig. His name is Mr. Hamilton Banks and, well… that’s awesome.  Then they threw one seriously gorgeous wedding, which happened to include a mashed potato bar, crazy cool chalkboard signs from the Chalk Shop and a one smile-filled moment after another captured by Ben Sasso.  See it all here.

And a super sweet film from White In Revery for even more lovely…

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From the Bride… David and I have been together since 2009. He asked me to marry him with a clever geocache he had a friend help him set up in Savannah, GA. I hunted all over for the cache while he photographed. Once I finally found it, inside was a little handwritten note that said “Katie, will you marry me?”  For a moment I was convinced I had found some other lucky girl’s proposal – but then David took a knee and I was instantly in tears.

I had never dreamed of my wedding day when I was a little girl, so when David asked me to marry him in October 2012, I quickly realized what a task it would be to plan. I planned the entire wedding weekend myself – from the rehearsal to the reception.  It was a lot of fun to spend a year hunting for all the little perfect details and made the wedding feel even more personal, as silly as that sounds. We also DIY’d quite a few of the larger projects, it was fun to work with David to create a wedding that would truly be unique.

David and I are both Florida natives and wanted something that matched both of us in that regard. We decided to do a vintage Florida styled wedding and were so excited with all of the fun details we could incorporate. Our dance floor had a small orange tree at each corner, our guestbook was vintage Florida postcards in an old lazy susan postcard holder – and on that table we displayed photos which were hung on twine inside a frame David built with vintage farm wood. We bought old doors which David crafted to stand upright and I cut strips of ribbon to hang between them. Our colors were an array of sherbert orange, coral, and peaches, and the bridesmaids all picked their own dresses which fit their style, yet melded together perfectly.

My stepfather, who has been in my life since I was 13, and my dad both walked me down the aisle. From the ceremony to reception location we were transported in a vintage Model A with a driver who had the kindest heart.

Guests played corn hole during cocktail hour with boards we painted to fit our color theme. We handed out bags of boiled peanuts, regular and cajun style, and oranges as favors; David created the stamp that we used to hold the peanuts. We served Shrimp and Grits, had a mashed potato bar, and apple cobbler to accompany the Cinnamon Swirl Jack Daniels cake. Speaking of cake, I secretly hid a small black pig to surprise David, modeled after our own adorable pet pig, Mr. Hamilton Banks.

The orange trees and gorgeous flowers in our venue set in front of the brick and barn door walls really brought the entire event together. Our wedding was in December, but since it’s Florida, it was a breezy 85 degrees and our wedding brought the Spring comfortably into winter.

I couldn’t have asked for better vendors or a more beautiful day to have our wedding, nor a more perfect way to start a marriage.

Photography: Ben Sasso | Videography: White In Revery | Floral Design: Velvet And Twine | Wedding Dress: David's Bridal | Cake: The Sugar Suite | Invitations: Renee Nicole Design Photography | Ceremony Venue: Albin Polasek Museum And Sculpture Garden | Reception Venue: Winter Park Farmers Market | Catering: Arthur's | DJ: Soundwave Entertainment Systems | Accessories: Erin Cole | Chalk Design: Chalk Shop Events | Day Of Coordination: Sweet Pea Events | First Look: Winter Park Farmers Market | Hair + Makeup Artist: Kristys Makeup Artistry Hair Design Team | Live Music: Hindu Cowboys | Rentals: Wish Vintage Rentals

Newport is one of my favorite places on the planet, so when I see a party from that pretty little city by the sea, I can barely contain my excitement. Particularly when it’s as gorgeous as this beauty captured by Sabrina Scolari. Filled to the brim with some of the most steal-worthy details, every image sitting in this gallery deserves your undivided attention – and you can get to swooning here.

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From The Bride…Courtney and Tony’s romantic journey around the world began almost three years ago. The couple had always spoken about traveling to Paris one day after Courtney fell in love with the city while studying abroad. Tony—who has traveled just about everywhere in the world, but Paris—had been waiting to visit the city once he met a very special girl.

And meet—they did. The couple began dating in February 2011 and over a year later, Tony decided it was time to make that special trip. On April 11th, 2011, Courtney thought it was just an average day. Little did she know that Tony would pick her up from work with a suitcase packed and surprise her with a trip to Paris.

Courtney and Tony set out on a private tour of the city and Versailles during their first full day in the city. They experienced the beauty of Luxembourg Garden, the architectural masterpiece known as L’Arc de Triomphe among many other monuments, and then set out for Versailles where they toured the gardens. As the day came to a close, there was one last stop they would make on their way back home—a trip to Parc de Saint-Cloud where they would overlook the city and reflect upon their incredible journey.

Their journey was just beginning there. As the couple looked out over the city, Tony got down on one knee and asked Courtney for her hand in marriage. An ecstatic Courtney screamed “yes!” and the celebrations began.

The couple have continued their around-the-world journey together during their 15-month engagement, which they have spent in London. Tony, a Lawyer for Latham & Watkins, and Courtney, an Account Director for McCann Erickson Advertising, knew that New England would be the perfect location to return and reunite with friends and family for their summer 2013 wedding. The couple—who have strong ties to Boston, the city where they fell in love, and Newport, where they spent much of their time—worked with many Boston and Newport creatives to help bring their romantic, summer wedding to life. The couple focused on the unique little details they knew would be enjoyed by friends and family. Highlights include: custom boarding pass wedding invitations, wedding time capsules, a grooms’ football garter belt toss, and many more.

Photography: Sabrina Scolari | Floral Design: John Orton Design | Wedding Dress: L'elite Boston | Makeup: Dani Wagener Beauty | Hair: Lindsay Griffin | DJ: Moondance Productions | Photobooth: ShutterBooth | Trolley: Viking Trolley of Newport

In my opinion, picking a wedding venue is one of the toughest parts in planning your Big Day. But if you have at least one must-have that you stick to, say being bare foot in the sand, like this adorable duo? Then it’s sure to be a beautiful soiree infused with you. With the help of Matthew Oliver, this bohemian beach fete is drenched in lovely detail. Have a look right here for all the gorgeous imagery captured by Camilla Arnhold Photography.

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From Camilla Arnhold Photography… I’m so excited to share this gorgeous English beach wedding styled by the fabulous Matthew Oliver Weddings. There were so many gorgeous elements to this wedding, the wild flowers by The Blue Carrot, Persian style lanterns, rugs and tents-for-two, the bride’s mid length Justin Alexander dress perfect for paddling in the ocean just to mention a few. But by far the most beautiful part of this wedding was the couple, totally chilled and radiating happiness the whole day. From the intimate family only ceremony to the massive 120 guest beach party this wedding was awesome from beginning to end!

From the beautiful Bride… Before even thinking about getting married we had said to each other that when that day came, it would have to be bare foot in the sand. Last September we were lucky to trip over our perfect venue and I have an affinity with everything beachy and bohemian, so this was our inspiration. We hired a section of the beach to fill with stunning flowers, tepees, cushions and low tables – it was perfect and exactly how we envisioned. We wanted a relaxed wedding and this shone through with the amazing party. Beachy inside the marquee and bohemian style on the beach on a gloriously sunny day. We were extremely lucky that our guests were doing the sun dance every day leading up to our bohemian beach wedding! From Matthew Oliver The Wedding Planner… Sarah hired me because she wanted someone to create her visions into reality, she really wanted to use the outside area on the beach and create something wonderful!! She gave me a design brief of Moroccan meets boho and I put together boards of what we could do!! Once we discussed the possibilities we decided to create low Moroccan seating areas and then draped areas with loads of cushions and blankets!! Once we put our heads together we then got a event prop company involved who sourced all the props and actually made them up on the day!! We even hired 50 different sized lanterns which we scattered everywhere. The result was beautiful. Inside we wanted to keep it simple and create a sought of shabby chic meets beachy theme with white benches and, lanterns, scented blooms on jars and pebbles for names!! We even drew the table plan on a glass lantern, which was creative.

Photography: Camilla Arnhold Photography | Styling: Matthew Oliver Weddings | Flowers: The Blue Carrot | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: Sweet Though Cakes | Brides Shoes: Karen Millen | Band: Groove Monkeys | Venue: Lusty Glaze Beach | Brides Hairpiece: The Blue Carrot | Guitarist: Roger Styles | Props: Crescent Moon

When the Design Director for Polo Ralph Lauren ties the knot, there’s a pretty good chance it’s going to be a wedding worth swooning. And with Infinite Love Wedding Coordinating working behind the scenes, this Tuscany destination affair delivers, BIG time. The fiercely talented Marisa Holmes captured each moment behind the lens, and it’s all tucked away in the gallery right here.

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From the Bride… When Jesus and I began to plan what was to be the experience of a lifetime, we wanted our wedding to be an experience that everyone else would remember for years to come. We wanted to share in an intimate setting that would involve our closest friends and family. We wanted it to be a celebration of an all-encompassing love that was the beginning of our life together. The greatest adventure of our lives had to have the greatest stating point. We thought about our beloved California where we first met. We searched high and low from Northern wine country to Southern California’s stretch of sandy beaches, yet nothing felt like the old world charm we were hoping for.

As we thought about what our wedding day experience was going to be, the inspiration was simple; old world tradition meets ethereal romance. It was a true reflection of us, of our roots, and of what we wanted our future to consist of. We aspired to follow our traveling spirits, to reach further in order to find that old world charm in the rolling hillside of Italy’s Tuscany region. A rustic Castello nestled in the Chianti region of Tuscany was the place where our dream wedding came to be and Castello di Spaltenna was the perfect fit. We led our friends and family on a wondrous adventure, and a wedding getaway that would covert them into world traveler’s!

As a designer, my vocation has been in the translation of life’s beauty and art. For my own wedding, the greatest challenge was to mirror a celebration of love with the traditions of marital bliss. Our creative vision was only scattered thoughts when we first came to Infinite Love Wedding Coordinating & Consulting; Andrea Randolph completed our vision, brought it to life, and from it created a work of art. On the day of our wedding, our décor portrayed the pureness of whites, off whites, and creams. The Castello’s charming chapel was bathed in the warm glow of countless softly lit candles that filled the entire room. The ceremony began in the early evening with white petals down the aisle, and soft ribbons with white and off-white floral arrangements on the ends of each pew. We also personalized the ceremony with a musical memoir to my father, who passed away the previous year and we paid tribute to our Mexican heritage by including “las arras” (exchange of gold coins) and the “lasso” (the beaded rope) as part of the ceremony.

As the sun began to set, our wedding reception and cocktail hour was the picturesque scenery of an impressionistic painting. The colors blended to a surreal landscape and the wedding photographer of our dreams, Marisa Holmes, captured the fairytale. The cocktail hour was set on the rustic stone terrace overlooking the castle’s vineyard. While the reception was the romantic image of white table linens with soft tulle covered chairs accented with an olive branch on each chair setting, symbolizing peace and prosperity.

Soft white candlelit arrangements with white flowers personified our message of purity throughout the table setting. Each seat of our large feast table was personalized with a guest card. The dinner menu itself was a work of art and we collaborated with the Castello’s culinary chefs and our wedding planner to arrange a feast of rustic Italian traditional cuisine.

Our cake, our dance party with Italian DJ Pink Panther, and our Prosecco cheers with all of the Castello’s staff made the night unforgettable. We even had other guests of the Castello’s hotel join in the fun!

The wedding adventure consisted of so much more than just the wedding day though. It truly began with a rustic guest basket in every room that included Italian bread and wine, Italian maps, translation guidebooks, and a personalized welcoming itinerary for each guest. We also arranged several group excursions that we could share with our guests including Florence and Sienna day trips, personalized group tours, wine tasting, vineyard/cellar tours, and an exquisite culinary experience at Badia a Coltebuono, and Il Pievano restaurants.

The best reward has been the memories of our children, family, and friends that have long since retold the experience countless times from all different perspectives. They have relived the details of our wedding weekend over and over again. The countless, “thank you’s” we have received from our guests expressing their gratitude for allowing them to share in our lifetime experience has been priceless.

And with that, I think…goal achieved!

Photography: Marisa Holmes Photographer | Coordination: Andrea Randolph, Infinite Love Weddings | Floral Design: Stiatti Fiori | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Melanie Seccaini | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Castello Di Spaltenna | DJ: Pink Panther DJ | Grooms Attire: Ralph Lauren | Groomsmen Attire: Ralph Lauren | Officiant: Blessings from Italy | Bridal Party Hair + Makeup: Meagen Miller | Brides Earrings: Ralph Lauren | Flower Girl Dresses: US Angels | Veil: The White Dress | Wedding Shoes (featured): Badgley Mischka Bridal

As an interior designer myself, I’m on board with Stellar Staging & Design‘s issues. Though there’s not much that makes me happier than a big bowl of popcorn and a really great movie on a massive TV, there’s no question that said TV is the bane of a designers existence. Though they’re notoriously hard to decorate around, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite tips & tricks! With photos from Jordan Brittley, there’s more right here. 

From Stellar Staging & Design… I view my living room as just that…..a room we live in. It’s the most-used room in our house, and as a happily married couple, we decided to compromise on what was most important to us in our space.

My husband worked on me for a while to upgrade our little baby TV to a much larger screen. The only way I was going to allow that to happen was to add an element of design to help distract your eye from the TV.

My solution was these beautifully simple, floating shelves. I wanted the pieces I put on the shelves to be the focal point of the room. Each piece that I placed on a shelf holds some significance to my husband and me. Most of the items we have collected on our vacations together and they remind us of those special times. Other items were given to us by family or come from our childhood homes. So I guess I wanted “us” to be the focal point in our living room. Now as we sit in our living room, we see a wall that represents “us” perfectly.

I wanted the shelves to match our wood floors. We went with a very dark stain when we laid the floors and I thought bringing that color onto the wall just made it more balanced.

Whenever I’m styling shelves I always start with a large piece. That allows me to build from there and decide on the scale of the rest of the décor. Books are a must in adding height and substance to an area, we use a lot of old pretty books that help bring in color and texture.

A house should be lived in. So as the most used room I always lean towards livability in choosing furniture, rugs, etc. Make your living space work for you and your family.

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TIPS ON DESIGNING AROUND A TV

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DISTRACT: The budget friendly solution! A collection of your favourite pieces of art placed strategically around said television are a great way to distract from that big black box sitting on your media unit. Hint: black frames are a great trick of the trade here.

HIDE IT: There are so many creative solutions for television concealment and this happens to be one of my favourites. If you have the budget, or are lucky enough to undergo living room renovations, recessing your TV in the wall is a great tool to keep in mind. You can then hang a piece of artwork on a hinge in front and nobody will ever know!

FRAME IT: If you can’t beat em’, join em’. Consider framing out your TV in rustic lumber or a gilded frame to turn it into it’s own form of contemporary art.

BUILD IT OUT: Consider hiring a millworker to build an entire media unit, complete with shelves, drawers for remotes and cupboards for those unsightly video game consoles. Creating a whole wall unit helps take the visual focus off the TV itself, making it feel as if it’s simply supposed to be there.

Photography: Jordan Brittley | Design & Styling: Stellar Staging And Design

Any wedding set at a kid’s summer camp gets automatic “cool points” in my book. But when it also happens to include bright, beautiful florals from Garden State Floral Design and gorgeous photography by the one and only Kay English, you better believe it’s a swoon-fest just waiting to happen. So what are you waiting for? See much more in the gallery right here.

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We wanted our wedding to have a fun, rustic vibe; yet an elegant and romantic feel at the same time. From that moment on, we started to refer to our wedding as “Rustic Chic.” I immediately became gleefully overwhelmed with all the details I could incorporate from lace and burlap to mason jars and wild flowers. The possibilities were endless! For starters, I couldn’t wait to pick out the invitation, but didn’t want to pay an arm and a leg for something most people would discard shortly after receiving it. When I started looking for invitations, I did not come across anything in my price range that accurately represented our wedding. I love when weddings have DIY elements to them and so I decided to make my own invitations with a custom made template from a very talented online company. Now I could tailor it exactly the way I wanted detailed with kraft paper, mason jars and twine! It was a labor of love for sure, but I received an abundance of compliments that made all the countless hours of work worth it.

We wanted our ceremony to really represent our personalities and love for one another. We knew without a doubt that we wanted to write our own vows, but still include all the other aspects of a traditional ceremony. In addition, we still wanted to incorporate our catholic backgrounds with passages from the bible and saying “I do” in front of a 10 foot high cross adorned with, what else, sunflowers.

After our ceremony, my new husband and I toasted with mason jars containing our signature drinks of white peach sangria and bourbon & sweet tea. This wasn’t only a wedding; it was a huge party with 250 of our closest family and friends who we danced the night away with. It was an unforgettable day and I’ll always treasure every moment of it!

Photography: Kay English Photography | Videography: Your Cinematic Wedding Studio | Florist: Garden State Floral Design | Wedding Gown: Elizabeth Johns | Reception Venue: Windows On The Water | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Makeup: Gianna Giacona | Hair: La Sorella Bridal | Band: Hank Lane Music | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Groomsmen Attire: J.Crew | Groom's Tie: J.Crew

Saturdays are amazing, but add in a fabulous meet and greet with the uber-talented LB Photography and it’s an entirely new level of weekend fun.  Because when it comes to drop-dead gorgeous images, no one can stun you (+ leave you speechless) quite like Luke when he’s behind the lens.  It’s a portfolio of breathtaking beauty and you should definitely spend your day getting to know him.

From LB Photography… As the founder, principal photographer and creative director of LB Photography, Luke’s success is based on his ability to listen to his client’s wishes and design a wedding plan that reflects their individual style and personality. Based in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Luke makes it his business to capture the unique story of each couple, and he has been doing so for more than 12 years both in Australia and around the world. Luke’s professional approach goes far beyond his photography – it’s reflected in every aspect of the business, from meeting the couple face-to-face to providing a unique online experience after the wedding.

We’ve closed the book on another week, lovelies! But before you head out for some summertime happiness, we wanted to put you in the right head space for frolicking with this bright and sunny engagement session. There’s a whole gallery of bliss-filled photos from Julie Livingston Photography for you to soak in. So keep scrolling, enjoy your weekend, and don’t miss the discounts and giveaways at the end!

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From Julie Livingston Photography… After their wedding, Sarah and Eddie dream of one day living in the beautiful Old Village of Mount Pleasant, SC, just over the Cooper River from Charleston. I have to admit its my dream too. With its old Oak trees creating tunnels over the roads and the warm ocean breeze in the air, its a neighborhood that anyone would be thrilled to call home. We both share a love for a few spots in the area including where Middle Street intersects Center Street and the endless beach at Station 18 on Sullivan’s Island. On a gorgeous and sunny Spring day, I met them in the Old Village and we started our “dream day” photo shoot.

We started out where Center St. meets Middle St. in the lovely Old Village and walked and laughed through the winding streets of picket fences and gorgeous light. The azaleas were in bloom so Eddie was quick to make a small bouquet for his bride. We then traveled to our favorite beach about 3 miles away on Sullivan’s Island where they danced in the soft waves. Eddie’s dad owns a vintage prop plane that has a special place in his heart so we ended the shoot on an airfield across town. I loved watching the love and laughter between these two. They are playful and fun and totally in love with one another. Their family and friends shared with me that the session captured their true love for one another. Sarah is a 5th grade teacher while Eddie is in medical device sales. But if you ask me…I think modeling could be their side job. They were a breeze to work with and I look forward to their December wedding in Pinehurst, NC among the greens of the golf courses and the black ties of the formal affair.

Photography: Julie Livingston Photography | Men's Clothing: J.Crew | Mens Suit: Brooks Brothers | Plane: 1946 Globe Swift | Sunglasses: Persol | Women's Clothing: Nordstrom | Women's Shoes: Tory Burch

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ONGOING GIVEAWAYS
Dream destination wedding from Escapes.CA
Something Blue Nile Pinterest Contest
$250 gift certificate from Bridal Reflections

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This week’s DISCOUNTS…
Vino Backyard Designs
Squarespace
Zola
Diamond Mansion

For our California brides… Discounts from Paperwhites Photography.

For our Mid Atlantic brides… Discounts from Femina Photo + Design and Uber.

For our Midwest brides… Discounts from Bliss Weddings & Events.

For our Tri-State brides… Mark your calendars for the Galia Lahav Trunk Show at Bridal Reflections August 6-10th.

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And WINNERS…

Congratulations to Cristina who won a Willa robe from Doie Lounge!

And Congrats to Anne Elyse! You’ve won a set of three tiered maxi dresses from Plum Pretty Sugar!

This is engagement session has to be one of the prettiest I’ve ever laid eyes on (this couple also has a sigh-worthy story to back it up — from the same hometown, grew up together, he proposed on the streets of Paris, etc.) The peonies, the bride-to-be’s flowy chiffon dress, picnics, balloons, everything is completely stunning. Natasja Kremers Photography did a beautiful job capturing the day, so check out the gallery here!

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From the Bride-To-Be… My husband and I were born in the same hospital four days apart and we went to the same high school together. We shared the same friends yet never knew each other personally and could never have imagined what fate had in store for us. After 9 years together and on a holiday in Europe, Ryan proposed. It was one of the most romantic days of my life. That evening we enjoyed a candlelit dinner followed by a stroll through the streets of Paris in the rain. Ryan got down on bended knee under the Eiffel Tower and the stars and changed my life forever.

Photography: Natasja Kremers Photography

Somewhere in between the first and last image of this unbelievably stunning gallery from Mint Photography lives a soiree that I can only describe as my dream wedding. A blush, pale peach and ivory palette—check. Full length bridesmaids dresses—check. A pristine and perfectly lit venue, the gorgeous Ma Maison—check. Lush blooms in every corner from Last Petal—check. And beyond all those pretty details? Moment upon sweet moment. Click here for the full gallery.

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From Mint Photography… Lauri and Chad had their wedding at the most gorgeous new venue in Dripping Springs, Ma Maison! We loved the simple elegance of the day. The soft pastels of the florals and the color of the bridesmaids dresses were the perfect fit for this warm summer wedding. We loved the playfulness of the whole bridal party and we had so much fun with this group! We are honored we got to photograph this special day for Lauri and Chad!

Photography: Mint Photography | Coordination: Something To Celebrate | Florist: Last Petal | Ceremony Venue: Ma Maison Wedding + Event Venue | Hair: Method Salon | Music: Greenbelt DJ | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals

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

Ma Maison Wedding + Event Venue

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Spanish charm and panoramic ocean views are a few things that Adamson House has in abundance. Thus, making it the perfect backdrop for this blush and gold shindig designed by Beth’s Diversions and floraled by Bride & Bloom. The bushels of peonies, the lace runners and  the gorgeous hand painted tiles are all wrapped up in this romantic day captured by Onelove Photography. Click here for so much more.

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From The Bride…Malibu is very special to us!. Matt and I met while studying at Pepperdine University. So when this Texas girl started planning our wedding, Malibu was the perfect choice. We were immediately drawn to the Adamson House with its historical Spanish charm and panoramic ocean views. We wanted our guests to experience the incredibly beautiful ocean view at sunset as the backdrop for our vows. The reception site was our own secret garden where we celebrated under a gigantic sycamore tree. Although this if often the site of wedding ceremonies, it was the perfect place for our guests to enjoy the family-style southern cuisine and dance under the stars.

My rose gold engagement ring and blush wedding gown, which of course, I picked before making any other decisions, help inspire the romantic theme with gold, champagne, and blush hues. Once we confirmed our venue, we started to work on a logo that would reflect a romantic spanish style. A family friend helped us create our logo that was inspired by the Adamson House architecture and the use of tiles throughout the house. Our florist used a mixture of peonies and garden roses with a touch of succulents for the bouquets, aisle lanterns, Jan Barboglio candelabra pieces and reception table arrangements. During the cocktail hour, guests could tour the historic home. Each guests received a personalized, hand painted tile with logo and their table number. Our guests dined on fine china placed on wood plank tables with lace runners and layered with multiple floral arrangements and lots of candles. The ombre butter cream wedding cake was adorned with flowers and sat on a rustic wood cake stand that was handcrafted by my grandfather.

Family is a very important part our life. My grandfather was the officiant of the ceremony. My other grandfather gave and blessing and prayer and my brother read a scripture. Music is an integral part of my family. It was a special moment when my cousin, Cary Pierce, of Jackopierce, sang several original songs during the ceremony. After the toasting at the reception, my family stood and sang “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”. This is a family tradition that is sung at all family weddings.

Photography: onelove photography | Event Coordinator: Amber Weir | Event Designer: Beth's Diversions | Florals: Bride and Bloom Wedding Flowers | Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Hansen's Cakes | Stationary: Bella Figura | Catering: Command Performance Catering | Makeup: The Studio Agency | Hair: Julie Parker | Lighting: In The Mix | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Bridesmaids Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier | Ceremony and Reception: Adamson House | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Live Band: The MVPs | Rentals: Ventura Party Rentals | Shoe Designer: Valentino

Every time we receive a submission from Juniper & Dash, I hold my breath as I know it’s going to be fabulous. But this time? Well this time they’ve outdone themselves. This strawberry themed moonlight dinner is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. With lush bouquets and twinkly lights and sheer, all out lovely. With photos from Alexandra Whitney, the gallery is chock full of pretty that you simply musn’t miss.

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To celebrate we held a lovely Strawberry Moonlight Dinner focusing on the guest of honor, strawberries! Triple Fresh did a great job of creating a menu that incorporated strawberries throughout without being overwhelming.

With the help of Kati Mac Floral Design’s amazing centerpieces, we created a farm-to-table feel utilizing mason jars, dish towel napkins, and a pints of strawberries for each guest to take home and have fun with.

We wanted guests to think outside the realm of the typical “strawberry dish” and realize there was so much fun that could be had with it! The true magic in the evening was, despite the rain & dreary weather, people were able to sit back under the lights and tent and enjoy good food and great conversation!

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THE MENU

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Salad:
shaved fennel & arugula, candied walnuts, danish bleu, and strawberry mignonette

Entree: 
petite filet of beef with sweet berry demi-glace and atlantic salmon filet with strawberry gastrique served with grilled asparagus and roasted chanterelle mushrooms over saffron risotto

Dessert:
strawberry rhubarb crisp drizzled with lavender creme anglaise

Photography: Alexandra Whitney Photography | Event Design: Juniper & Dash | Floral Design: Kati Mac Floral Design | Stationery: Jackalope Heart | Reception Venue: Faunbrook Bed Breakfast | Catering: Triple Fresh Inc | Chalk Art: Kate Farley Design | Cheese Connoisseurs: The Farm At Doe Run | Farm Tables: Atlas Wood | Tent & Chairs: The Party Center | Valet: Chariot Valet

It’s Friday darlings and I think we all deserve a colorful burst of pretty, don’t you? That’s where Isari Flower Studio and Luna Photo come in. They’re serving up a vibrant array of traditional Mexican wedding goodness with a retro flair twist set at Encuentro Guadalupe. It’s an instant mood-booster that’ll have you pin-crazy. See it all in the gallery!

From Isari Flower Studio… Inspired by the luxury eco villa itself and the breathtaking valley of Valle de Guadalupe, we dreamed up a design concept that was a juxtaposition of modern and traditional Mexico, with a touch of retro flair.

We started with rustic wood tables and metal chairs to enhance the semi-minimalistic approach to Mexico as a whole and the gorgeous hotel more specifically. This was a perfect canvas to layer on the color and detail to contrast the neutral desert landscape surrounding the villa. An ethnic print table runner was the foundation for the the wooden boats featuring vibrant textural blooms, patterned koozies bursting with succulents and a rainbow of colored votives sprinkled throughout the tablescape. The look was tied together with modern, white, square chargers topped with vibrant Folk Project napkins made from traditional Mexican fabrics.

As for the attire, we imagined what a modern, easy-going, yet wildly sophisticated couple would wear to celebrate their wedding. The bride donned a stunning floral crown and unexpected suede boots under her gorgeous gown for a touch of rustic elegance, while the groom chose a fitted slate grey suit.

Photography: lunaphoto | Floral Design: Isari Flower Studio + Event Design | Catering: Chef Flor Franco | Hair & Makeup: Beauty By Stacey | Venue: Estate Wedding And Events | Napkins: Folk Project | Stylist: CBS Lifestylist | Table Runner & Floral Koozies: Rais Case

What better way to kick off a wedding weekend then with a bridal luncheon? This Bride-to-be, and the owner of Simply Put Vintage, chose to spend some quality time with her besties before the big day and shower them with a little love. Love in the form of sequins, vintage china and sangria as seen through the lens of Emily March Photography. See even more here.

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From Kaitlin Briley Holland, the bride and owner of Simply Put Vintage…First and foremost, I wanted my bridesmaids to feel so very loved. Not only have they walked me through the exciting time of being engaged, but they are lifelong friends. How can you possibly thank them enough? Well, for starters I tried sequins, vintage china, white sangria, and sweet potato biscuits. That seemed to do the trick!

I wanted this luncheon to be glamorous, light, feminine, and the perfect balance between modern and vintage. I designed the invites myself and we had them printed on gold foil polka dot invites. They coordinated perfectly with our table top decor – a white sequin linen, gold and blush china, gold flatware, and vintage crystal. I loved the juxtaposition of the ghost chairs against the soft elements of the table. We used a vintage gold bar cart to hold the white strawberry sangria (a personal favorite of mine) and a light grey dresser for the food.

It was so fun getting dressed up and spending the afternoon before the wedding laughing and eating great food. It was also the perfect opportunity for me to gift my bridesmaids with a pair of Kate Spade earrings to wear the next day. It brought me so much joy to shower my best friends with love, gifts, and food and it was the perfect way to kick off my wedding weekend!

Photography: Emily March Photography | Event Design & Styling: Simply Put Vintage Rentals | Historic Home: The Merrimon Wynne House | Linens, China, Chairs: CE Rentals | Vintage Rentals: Simply Put Vintage Rentals