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Classic New Jersey Barn Wedding at Stillwell Stables

Fall Brides, can I get a heeey! I know you’re out there and I see you. With only a handful of months left until your Big Day, I’m betting you’re thick in the stages of planning. Today, we’ve got a dose of autumn goodness for you—a classic barn fete from Jessa Schifilliti and Marquis Florals by Kim. From the Bride’s lacey long-sleeved dress to the twinkling reception, I don’t doubt you’ll find at least one little detail to pin to your wedding board. Take your pick here in the full gallery.

From Jessa Schifilliti… Leigh Ann & Dante hosted their wedding day at the Stillwell Stables in Colts Neck, New Jersey this past October. They were such a dream to work with, and the home town feel of this entire day makes it extra special. I love the glow of golden hour when they arrived to their wedding reception at Stillwell Stables and the sweet way these two steal glances at each other every chance they could. A wonderful team brought this day together – thank you for all your talent!

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Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Cinematography: Love + Brain Films | Floral & Event Design: Marquis | Makeup: Make Me Up Eva | Hair: Boho Hair Salon | Wedding Venue: Stillwell Stables | Photo Booth: PopShop Photobooth

Greek Elopement Inspiration in Mykonian White Stone Church

Elopements have long had a reputation for defying tradition—or, thought of as sudden and secretive. But my friends, they can be SO much more than that. Today’s editorial from Jaclyn Journey and Tracy Burch is proof. With ancient Greek Orthodox wedding traditions in mind, this beautiful story of a private union is one that I hope will portray how truly meaningful an elopement can really be.

From Tracy BurchWe designed Sophia and Nikolas’ Mykonos elopement to look and feel true to ancient Greek Orthodox wedding traditions while being effortless, timeless and elegant. Her lace Claire Pettibone gown with cape, all About Romance tiara, and foraged nosegay along with Nikolas’s modern Zara suit and black Greek leather sandals created an elegant and modern pairing.

The elopement took place in a classic Mykonian white stone church with red door dating back to the late 1700’s. This small chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was family owned with deceased relatives buried beneath it. Upon entering the chapel you see the icons and wooden/stone architecture and smell the burning incense and beeswax candles – a feast for the senses.

The stationery, designed by High Fancy Paper and Rachel Fisher Calligraphy, was inspired by the idea of an ancient wedding along with the sea salt air and ocean surrounding the island. Styled with the suite was a photo of Sophia’s grandparent’s wedding ceremony, beeswax wedding candles, custom Orthodox wedding crowns, communion wine, and instruments used in a celebratory musical procession with locals following the nuptials. The wedding crowns, a tradition dating back hundreds and years. Tied together with a white raw silk ribbon, the wedding crowns symbolize the glory and honor that is being bestowed on them by God during the sacrament. They also refer to the crown of martyrdom, since every true marriage involves self-sacrifice on both sides- the ribbon symbolize them working together through marriage until their death.

Photography: Tracy Burch Photography | Design : Jaclyn Journey | Event Planning: Jaclyn Journey | Floral Design: Jaclyn Journey | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone | Shoes: Bella Belle | Calligraphy : Rachel Fisher Calligraphy | Accessories : All About Romance | Film Processing : PhotoVision Prints | Paper: High Fancy Paper

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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A Romantic Minimalistic Wedding at Saddlerock Ranch with Neutral and Gold Hues

Today’s gorgeous couple tied the knot at one of our all time favorite SoCal wedding venues in a stunning ceremony we won’t soon forget. Unique Floral Designs created a modern floral arch alive with greenery, white blooms and subtle accents of pampas grass that complimented the jaw-dropping hilltop views of Saddlerock Ranch. Every detail of the day was thoughtfully planned by Details, Darling and perfectly reflected their personality as a couple, down to the super cute and creative escort card display that’s about to be all over your Pinterest boards. See how it all came together below with imagery from Natalie Schutt Photography!

From Details, DarlingOur travel-happy, donut-loving couple Amelia + Levi were an absolute joy to work with. It was very important to the couple that their wedding be a reflection of their personal style: modern, minimal and glamorous with lots of neutral romantic touches. They really saw the day as not only a celebration of the covenant they were making to one another but also as a send-off party as they start a new season in North Carolina away from so many that they deeply love and cherish.

Their relationship hasn’t always been easy, as it consisted mostly of a lot of late night Skype “dates” as Levi was deployed + stationed in many different locations around the US. The goal of this wedding day was to bring everyone together to celebrate such perfect love. With a color palette of nearly all white + greys accented with golds, we set out to create a wedding that would really wow their guests + be a true reflection of their personalities. As guests entered for the ceremony their eyes were immediately drawn to the lush aisle with acrylic ghost chairs that led to a pampas grass circle arch.

After the ceremony guests gathered for cocktails at the Hilltop Estate overlooking the beautiful Malibu hills. With Amelia + Levi being in a long-distance relationship, they wanted to incorporate the theme of traveling into the day. To tie this, guests were asked to write on custom illustrated postcards designed by Prim + Pixie from places around the U. S that had special meaning to them.

They found their table assignment on these postcards and then dropped it into the cutest white + gold mailbox. For the reception, we created a grand tented space with an entrance overflowing with florals.

With a palette of neutrals + grays, white tables were set with acrylic chargers, a beautiful grey napkin from La Tavola and gold rimmed glassware + flatware from A Rental Connection. They wanted to keep the florals on the table natural but include pampas grass + dried wheat because the groom is from a small wheat town.

Our favorite design element was the custom neon sign + pampas grass installation created by Unique Floral Designs that hung over the sweetheart table. Guests danced the night away while enjoying donuts, coffee + good vibes. Natalie Schutt Photography captured every detail of the day flawlessly. As the sun went down, all the lights were lit up creating a beautiful ambiance, a day and night at Saddlerock Ranch to remember!

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Photography: Natalie Schutt Photography | Videography: SJ Videography | Event Design: Details Darling | Floral Design: Unique Floral Designs | Wedding Dress: Paolo Sebastian | Cake: SusieCakes | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Azazie | Catering: Huntington Catering | Hair + Makeup: Cheek to Cheek Artistry | DJ: Ben Goldsmith | Wedding Venue: Saddlerock Ranch | Desserts: DK Donuts | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Prim & Pixie | Photo Booth: Mir Mir | Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals | Rentals: A Rental Connection

Holy Grail Beauty Products for Flawless Wedding Skin

Remember when adults used to tell you that skin magically clears up and gets better with age? They totally lied! Or at least in my case they did! For years, I’ve chased after a perfect skin routine with everything from prescription products to Korean beauty items and even more holistic treatments. Below I’m sharing a few of the Holy Grail beauty products for flawless wedding skin that I’ve loved and also a few that professional makeup artists swear by.

1. Water

So simple, right? While it’s technically not a “beauty product” that requires a purchase (forget bottled water and get a filter and a thermos!), water couldn’t be more essential to a great skincare. The more water you drink, the more hydrated your skin will be. Although it isn’t a cure-all, water can help improve your skin’s glow, blemishes, pore size, and elasticity. Especially right before the wedding, hydrate as much as you can!

2. NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask

Tanya of Page Beauty recommends that brides try out the NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask. She says, “This overnight mask drenches the skin with water, so you wake up looking like you consumed 10 bottles of water the day before. Not only will your skin naturally glow, but also you’ll have smoother texture that allows foundation to glide over the skin. I recommend using the mask once a week leading up to your big day, and definitely the night before.”

3. Smashbox Hydrating Under Eye Primer

Page Beauty also provided one of their wedding day favorites, which is the Smashbox Hydrating Under Eye Primer. When raving about its magic, Tanya mentioned, “Using this primer under concealer improves the skin texture immediately, and it grabs hold of the concealer so it won’t crease. In photos, the skin is visibly smoother and creates a filter-effect under the eyes.” Sounds great, don’t you think!?

4. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask

“I’m completely obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask. This quick and easy-to-apply facial sheet mask goes on dry and delivers ultimate hydration and vitamins directly into the skin that last for hours. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a more radiant and healthy complexion before a special event or occasion. It can also be used more than once since it’s not a wet mask. Revolutionary and a game changer in the skin care world so skip the spa and opt for this instead!” says Stacie of Stacie Ford Weddings.

5. Drunk Elephants “Protini” Polypeptide

Stacie also shares, “One of my favorite skin care products that I recommend is Drunk Elephants “Protini” Polypeptide moisturizer. It’s the perfect “facetini” moisturizer packed full of proteins that gets the skin in tiptop shape as it strengthens, tones and firms with nutrients instead of harsh chemicals. The outcome… flawless skin ready for the camera!”

6. Vaseline Lip Therapy

I bet you didn’t expect the classic Vaseline on this list! We often don’t think of the lips as part of our skin, but it totally is and it’s a huge factor in photos. As someone with constantly chapped lips, my go to is the Vaseline lip therapy. I keep a large container in my bathroom and a tiny travel size at my desk and in my car so I always have it when my lips feel dry. The week before my wedding, my lips stayed coated 24/7 to ensure that my smile was camera ready!

Cavin Elizabeth is a wedding film photographer based in San Diego, California. Her wedding work has taken her all over the United States and abroad. In addition to being a photographer, Cavin is an educator and an avid blogger of wedding planning tips for brides and grooms. She authored the book A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding, which teaches couples how to make wedding plans that are best for photography. 

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Whimsical & Romantic Barn Wedding Inspiration at The White Sparrow

If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect white barn for your Big Day, look no further! The White Sparrow is such a gem of a spot and once you see the inspiration below from Laylee Emadi’s LEP Workshop, I have a feeling you’ll be adding this venue to your wish list. Laylee, along with Alexa Kay EventsOlive Grove Design and the entire vendor team created a delicate and whimsical blueprint graced with the loveliest palette. Feast your eyes below and here in the full gallery!

Two souls intertwined—a new beginning as two hearts become one. Nothing can compare to the bright and cheerful joy of young loves becoming husband and wife. This editorial captures the delight of of a budding love story: romantic and whimsical, yet delicate and refined.

The White Sparrow sets the stage for an elegant celebration, featuring a romantic head table with flickering candles, a whimsical centerpiece, and spring bud vases atop velvet linens. The gold-filigreed place settings elevate the design and complement the soft color palette.

Outside, a sweetheart table set for two. Amidst the lavender fields, the bride and groom can enjoy a private meal together, with minimalist place settings and warm-toned floral arrangements to bring the space to life.

Paper details, a gold-foiled cake, and loosely arranged greenery add thoughtful detail to the event… from delicate calligraphy script to a carefully arranged bouquet, each piece ties into the romantic feel of the couple’s celebration.

The bride and groom bring a joyful personality to the occasion: she, twirling in a fresh bridal look (from elegant gown to upswept hairstyle)… he, smiling from ear-to-ear. And of course, their sweet pup as witness to the celebratory occasion!

The happy couple dances across The White Sparrow’s floorboards, exuding joy with every glance at each other…. A young love as bright and cheerful as the spring season.

Photography: Lauren Marks Photography | Floral Design: Olive Grove Design | Cake: Bella Noel Bakery | Ring: Local Eclectic | Hair + Makeup: Brite Bar Beauty | Invitations & Calligraphy: Sarah Ann Design | Wedding Venue: The White Sparrow | Bride: Brailey Smith | Dress + Jewelry: Wed Bridal Boutique | Event Planner/Designer: Alexa Kay Events | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Linens: AM Linen Rental | Rentals: Top Tier | Rentals: Warehouse Rose Events | Silk Ribbon: Oh Be Joyful | Veil: Kathryn Ann Bridal | Workshop Educator: Laylee Emadi Photography | Workshop Host: Laylee Emadi Photography

Outdoor Southern California Wedding at Kestrel Park in Santa Ynez

Beyond the beauty of today’s fete (and oh, is there a LOT of it), there is so much heart… The way the Bride & Groom honored their grandparents by saying I do in the same month they did, the pure emotion pouring from family and friends, and thoughtfulness woven into every fiber of this day. Percy Sales Events helped that heart come to life and made sure it was a celebration drenched in pretty. Have a peek for yourself below, in these breathtaking images from Christine Donee.

From the bride… Eight years in the making, our wedding day, June 23, truly was the most special, meaning full, and loving day of our lives. It was a year and a half before our wedding day that we were staying at the picturesque Ojai Valley Inn to celebrate my birthday, a day that was soon to become one of the most memorable days of my life. We arrive to dinner and as we turn the corner to our dining table I was overcome by shock by the loud burst of “SURPRISE” from our immediate families. I couldn’t believe it! My love surprised me for my birthday with our parents and siblings; no one has ever pulled off a surprise party for me! Before I could catch my breath, hug everyone there, wipe my tears of joy, my boyfriend had one more surprise. Within 5 minutes of arriving to what I thought was my birthday dinner, I was surrounded by all our dearest loved ones and engaged to the man of my dreams.

From that point on we knew that we wanted the planning of our wedding day to be just like the day we got engaged; filled with so much love, thoughtfulness, and joy. As one who works in the Wedding Industry, I know first-hand how stressful and out of control the process can get and I wanted to be sure we created moments throughout our wedding day that were filled with touches that reminded us of special this moment in our lives is. We chose a date before we chose anything else. June 23rd; the month in which my great grandparents and grandparents were married, and the day that his grandparents were married. These family members had an incredible impact on us and we wanted to honor them and their loving marriages in a very special way. When it came time to find a Wedding Planner I knew just who to turn to. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Percy Sales of Percy Sales Events was the one who could capture our vision perfectly and bring our dreams to life. And he did when we toured Kestrel Park. Located in the endlessly stunning Santa Ynez, Kestrel Park was more than we could have ever dreamed of.

Our ceremony was the most special and intimate moment of our Wedding Day. Lined by the ever-beautiful sycamore trees, a huppah, donned with a childhood tallit gifted by the groom’s late grandfather, was surrounded by a perfect circle of our beloved friends and family, and anchored by my husband’s best friend since the age of two who would marry us. My uncle played guitar with the elegant string trio from Bob Gail Music and as John Legend’s “All of Me” filled the air I walked to marry my best friend.

Our incredible day continued into the gardens where our friends and family were charmed by Kestrel Park’s grounds, Jennifer Naylor’s gorgeous granita bar and delicious bites, and perfectly crafted cocktails from Flair Project Santa Barbara that reflected our sweet animals; Twiggy, Ellie, and Harley!

The sun still beaming on the most perfect summer day, we made our way to the most beautiful opened air tent by The Tent Merchant and Spark Creative Events filled with lush florals curated by Coco Rose Designs and perfect tunes by Jump Start of Bob Gail Music. We were wined and dined by the talents of Jennifer Naylor while sipping on wines from my hometown of Sonoma County. As the stars started to shine through the tent and the chandeliers sparkled, a surprise for my husband appeared, the iconic Bat Signal lit up with stables! We all danced the night away, indulged in the most stunning cake bar by Enjoy Cupcakes, and was treated to our favorite f breakfast treat turned late night snack, DuPar’s Famous Pancakes!

Our Wedding Day was truly magical and perfect because of one thing; the people who filled our wedding day. When we began wedding planning we knew the wasn’t just about us or for us, it was for our dearest friends, family members, and colleagues who have impacted our lives individually or together as a couple. Each of them guided us to where we are today; together on this crazy journey we call life. Our wedding day was for them just as much as it was for us.

Our day was perfectly photographed by the incredible Christine Doneé. Her heartwarming approach behind the lens shined through in every photo. Every detailed she captured was filled with love, joy, thoughtfulness. Everything we wanted our wedding day to be when looking back on it. Our day was perfect because of the love and joy our family, friends, and Wedding Vendors gave us.

Photography: Christine Donee Photography | Videography: Yves Huy Truong Photography | Floral Design : Coco Rose Design | Cake: Enjoy Cupcakes | Reception Venue: Kestrel Park | Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Wedding Bands: XIV Karats | Catering: Jennifer Naylor Catering And Special Events | Hair and Makeup: Cheek to Cheek Artistry | Calligraphy : Seniman Calligraphy | Lighting: SPARK Creative Events | Band: Bob Gail Special Events | Groom's Suit: Ted Baker | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Beverages: Flair Project | Bride's Engagement Ring: Lorraine Schwartz | Bride's Gown: Sabrina Dahan | Bridesmaid's Robes: Yumi Kim | Cocktail Hour Linens: Luxe Linen | Espresso Bar: Long Shot Coffee | Head Table Rentals: borrowed BLU | Ice Cream: McConnell's Ice Cream | Paper Goods: East Six | Photo Booth: Brass Street Photo Booth | Planning and Design: Percy Sales Events | Reception Dinner Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Reception Rentals: Soiree8 | Rentals: The Tent Merchant

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
9 Awesome Registry Items That Reflect Eclectic Style

When it comes to registering for your wedding, our number one rule of thumb is to choose items that reflect your style. If that includes pieces in a variety of eclectic colors and patterns, we have a feeling the below products are going to be perfect for you. As someone who doesn’t feel tied down by matchy-matchy ensembles, these quirky but carefully curated options will give you the diversity and uniqueness you crave, in a way that’s still fashionable. Take a look below at our favorite picks in the theme, corralled with the help of our favorite registry retailer, Wayfair.

Can’t get enough of this gorgeous stuff? Head on over to our newly refreshed registry page to get in on more items catered to your style.

1.Mistana Shop Dayana Armchair 2.Willa Arlo Interiors Shop Stetson Tabletop Wine Rack 3. Birch Lane Demar Copper Serving Hammered Pitcher 4. Mercury Row Manhasset 2-Piece Planter Set 5. CITY LINE COLLECTION Contemporary Glass Bathroom Accessory Set 6. Mistana Shop Hillsby Area Rug 7. Mistana Shop Kazuko 16 Piece Dinnerware Set 8. World Menagerie Indoor Lumbar Pillow 9. Concord Cookware Shop 8 Piece Copper Premium Cookware Set

The 9 Most Charming Items To Register For If You’re *All* About Farmhouse Style

Even if you’re a city slicker, there’s something so charming about countryside life (especially as you hit the ground running with wedding planning!). Undisturbed afternoons lounging amongst rolling green hills, or a family-style dinner served around a large reclaimed wood table sound pretty darn good right now — so why not use them as a muse for your registry? Bring notes of the simple life to your new home by incorporating items like mason jars, hammered stainless steel accents, or sweet jar candles. With the help of Wayfair, you can introduce all these quaint and cozy elements to your abode to start off your newlywed years in style. Look below for our picks we can’t get enough of that truly nail the rustic theme in the best way possible.

Loved the items we chose? Head over to our fresh new registry page to get the scoop on other styles and products you can scan for!

1. Le Creuset Craft Series Utensil Set 2. Cathy’s Concepts Personalized Mason Jar 3. Bungalow Rose Hammered Stainless Steel Kitchen Canister Set 4. Eco Candle Co. White Tea and Ginger Mason Jar Candle 5. Surya Natural Fiber Pillow Cover Pillow Cover 6. Peterson Housewares Inc. Salad Bowl Set 7. Hampton Forge Mirabella 20 Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set 8. Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Indianola Placemat 9. Le Creuset Signature Dutch Oven

The 10 Best Items To Register For If You Covet Coastal Style

You live for long, luxurious days spent on the beach. Those sunny afternoons with nothing but salty hair, an ocean breeze, and a good book to keep you entertained  — we’re with you! So when it comes time for you and the (future) hubs to assemble your registry, reach for items in the same carefree style that best represents you… cue those coastal accessories! With adorable rope-accented furnishings, sea-colored appliances, and striped towels to choose from, you’ll be ready to kickstart your new life on the beach with bae in no time. Scroll on to see our picks, completed with the help of Wayfair, in that coveted coastal style you love.

Love these picks? Browse more wedding goodies and ideas over on our newly-revamped registry page!

1.Enchante Elegante Turkish Cotton Bath Towel 2. Rope Accent Mirror Foreside Home & Garden 3. Royal Doulton 1815 16 Piece Dinnerware Set 4. Charlton Home Mini Contemporary Iron Lantern 5. BergHOFF International Leo Whisk 6. Highland Dunes Fontaine Bubble Dof Acrylic Cocktail Glass 7. Mistana Luz Oval Tray 8. Beachcrest Home Arabelle Sea La Vie Coastal Cotton Pillow 9. Twine Pantry Enamel Coated Colander 10. KitchenAid Artisan 10 Speed 5 Qt. Stand Mixer

11 Wedding Registry Items That Will Majorly Upgrade your Living Room

Coziest room in your house, favorite Netflix & chill spot, the place to unwind after a long day – which room comes to mind? For us, it’s most certainly the living room! Today, we’re sharing the best items to add to your wedding registry that will majorly upgrade everyone’s fave room in the house. Keep on scrolling to find out our top picks!

1. Vases


You can never have too many vases! Sit on of these beautiful terracotta vases on your side table or coffee table for Pinterest-worthy living room look!

2. Picture Frames

Picture frames are not only a sweet way to showcase memories with your loved ones, they can also be an elegant home decor piece that adds to your adds to your overall look! We’re obsessed with these hinged cover glass picture frames.

3. Lamps

A pretty table lamp can truly brighten up any room… see what we did there ;)

4. Throw Blankets

Throw blankets can lend a fun pop of color to your living space while bringing all the cozy feels.

5. Area Rug

Ready to transform your living room in a flash? A gorgeous area rug will do just that. Whether your style is boho chic or modern elegance – adding an area rug brings a touch of personality to your space!

6. Wall Art

Decorate the blank space in your living room with wall art that reflects your personality and compliments your overall décor style! You’d be surprised at how much a little artwork could bring a room together!

7. Bar cart

Perfect for entertaining and looks cute too – a bar cart is an absolute must to add to your wedding registry!

8. Throw pillows

Throw pillows are one of the easiest and most affordable living room décor items. Swap them out for new patterns and colors every season for a simple way to give your living room a little refresh!

9. Baskets

For a quick (and cute!) place to store living room blankets and pillows, woven baskets are your new go-to!

10. Apple TV

Ditch tradition and give yourself a much-needed home entertainment upgrade by adding an Apple TV to your wedding registry! Trust us, you won’t regret this one.

11. Vacuum Cleaner

Keep your living room looking tidy and in-law-ready on the daily with a brand new vacuum cleaner!

9 Wedding Registry Must Haves for a Cozy and Stylish Bedroom

In desperate need of a good night’s sleep and a bedroom refresh? Allow your wedding registry to lend a helping hand! There are so many great items to add to your registry to give your bedroom a little upgrade – but today, we’re narrowing it down to the 9 must haves that will have your master looking brand new (and cozier than ever!)

1. Sheet Set

Adding a new sheet set to your wedding registry is a great way to splurge on that thread count you’ve always wanted without putting a dent in your wallet.

2. Comforter

Upgrade your night’s sleep with a new and improved cloud-like comforter!

3. Duvet Cover

Everyone knows the best way to give your bedroom a makeover is to start with the duvet cover – it can completely transform the look of your room!

4. Mattress Pad

This one’s a total no brainer. If your mattress isn’t the most comfortable but there’s no way you’re shelling out for a new one anytime soon (especially with all these wedding expenses) – then add a mattress pad to your wedding registry and thank us later ;)

5. Blankets

Blankets are the coziest addition to your bedding! We recommend a weighted blanket in the winter and a light, airy blanket for the warmer months.

6. Blackout Shades

If you’re one of those people who wakes up when the slightest bit of light peeks in through the shades in the morning… we have two words for you: BLACKOUT. SHADES.

7. Decorative Pillow Shams

Don’t forget to add pillow shams to your registry! Whether they perfectly match your quilt or duvet cover or offer a fun pop of pattern, pillow shams are a great way to dress up your bedding!

8. Nightstand

A bedroom is pretty incomplete without a nightstand by your side. Whether your style be modern or beachy, the options are truly endless when it comes to finding your perfect end table.

9. Essential Oil Diffuser

Trust us when we say an essential oil diffuser will be the best thing that’s ever happened to your bedtime routine in YEARS. Drop in some lavender and chamomile essential oils, turn it on and take a deep breath – these magical things are proven to promote a restful sleep (and they’re a cute décor item too!)

16 Kitchen Essentials to Add to Your Wedding Registry

In my personal opinion, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where so many precious memories are made cooking with your loved ones and enjoying one of life’s greatest gifts – FOOD! Whether you’ve just moved into a new place with your hub, you’re stumped on what to add to your wedding registry or you just want to give your kitchen a little upgrade… these essential items will have your kitchen looking and feeling complete!

1. Knife Set

Trust us, it’s worth the splurge. A good knife set that’s sure to last is a must for every starter kitchen.

2. Cutting Boards

Cute as décor and useful, what more could a gal ask for – are we right?!

3. Measuring Cups

If you’re looking for cute copper measuring cups that will stand the test of time, we’ve got you covered!

4. Colander

Easily forgotten yet a total must in the kitchen. Plus how cute are these colored colanders?! LOVE!

5. Spoons, Spatulas, Tongs

Check ‘em all off in one go with this adorable and affordable 12 Piece Bamboo Utensil Set!

6. Toaster

7. Coffeemaker

Bring the Starbucks to you every morning with an all-star coffeemaker no kitchen is truly complete without!

8. Kitchen Towels

There are so many options for you when it comes to kitchen towels! Match them to your kitchen color scheme for a cohesive look or pop of color!

9. Cookware Sets

It goes without saying that pots and pans are total must-have for any kitchen. Get yourself a non-stick set and thank us later.

10. Baking Set

There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked cookies – it’s the perfect excuse to invest in a 12 piece bakeware set!

11. A Good Cookbook

Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or haven’t even mastered the art of mac and cheese yet, a good cookbook is always a good idea!

12. Dinnerware

Every starter kitchen needs the perfect dinnerware set because…. Duh!

13. Drinkware

Pro tip: Get yourself some every day glasses in a few different sizes and be sure to have plenty to go around for your next dinner party!

14. Salt and Pepper Shakers

Who doesn’t love an adorable set of salt and pepper shakers?

15. Blender

You may not think of a blender as an essential kitchen item, but once you get one for yourself – you’ll totally understand why we couldn’t NOT include one in this list!

16. Wine Glasses

And of course, to complete your kitchen essentials – we saved the best for last!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Lake Como Fairytale Wedding at Villa del Balbianello

Lake Como truly is a fairytale wedding destination and Kiira & Arthur’s wedding is the only proof I need. The scenery alone is other worldly—but Eventoile Destination Weddings did an incredible job perfecting a layer of beauty atop that natural charm. The Wedding Tale captured the day as if it were a fictional film, yet it was so, so real my friends.

From The Wedding TaleOn the day of Kiira & Arthur’s wedding Lake Como graced us with a wonderful sunny spring day. The lake was calm, the cherry trees in full bloom across the banks and the light was simply perfect, a magical atmosphere as if time itself wanted to stop and eternalize the moments. We met Arthur returning from a ride on the long lake his smile said it all! His preparations at the luxury hotel Terminus on the lakefront were filled with emotions. His best men and his brother helped him put on his custom white tux and right before they boarded a boat to Villa Balbianello.

Overlooking Piazza Cavour, Kiira got prepared in a beautiful attic, where large windows and an all-romantic balcony filled the room with creamy light. We could tell right from the start these were very special sentimental moments for her. Radiating with bliss and surrounded by her bridesmaids, among them her sister the blogger Petra @petrakorpi, who wore pastel-colored gowns they were all lulled by the sun and the Italian scents of blooms coming from the streets under our prestigious perch. Stunning in a dress designed for her by the Fashion Designer Teemu Muurimäki she couldn’t wait to get in the boat to be with Arthur.

The boat trip to the Villa was accompanied by music, laughs, hard love and some gorgeous lake vistas in the breeze. Upon our arrival Kiira started walking towards the aisle and Arthur waited for his bride in total anticipation. The moment of their meeting was as if it came out of a fairtytale.

The couple’s guests were entertained on the terrace overlooking the lake, with romantic music, Italian antipasti and wine, while Kiira and Arthur whisked each other away for some alone time on a boat ride around the villa, and upon their return the reception inside the villa began, with a candlelit dinner soaked in florals, chandeliers as the excited members of their families began their speeches. Cheek and Elastinen, Kiira’s favorite band played the couple’s song, a nod to the bride’s figure skating moves, as the two danced on the veranda.

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From Eventoile Destination WeddingsI don’t know where to begin in describing the ways I’m thankful to have couples as beautiful as Kiira and Arthur, whose Lake Como wedding in Villa Balbianello played upon the frescoed walls and charming gardens of this outstanding venue, easily one of the most romantic places to get married in the world.

As Arthur was already planning to propose in 2014, he had his heart set on the Villa, for its beauty and for the majestic surrounding landscapes. Although the couple moved to New York, when Arthur proposed last May, they just had to return and whisk away all their loved ones from the States, Spain and Finland for their dream destination wedding on the shores of Como Lake.

The overall planning and styling process began with Kiira and Arthur’s love for a luminous, powder-soft palette that would focus on whites. They’re both such an elegant couple, so tasteful and in love with refined simplicity, so eventually we decided to go for ivory and gold, not only because it is one of the hottest trends but for the way it enhances every single accent with its shine, just like the love of this beautiful couple.

Kiira’s figure-skating nickname in Finland is Jääprinsessa (Ice Princess) due to her resemblance to Grace Kelly, the former Princess of Monaco, so we opted for wedding invitation suites and paper goods made of Amalfi paper and white tranlucent vellum paper, a nod to pureness and ice-skating, with Kiira’s ice swirl represented by the manuscript’s font interlacing their names.

Delicate shades were the basic palette of this amazing celebration, with magical flower arrangements and spanning installations intended to tap on the natural beauty of the elements inside and outside of the Villa and its stunning vistas. Kiira’s wedding bouquet was made up of David Austin roses, ranunculi and peonies.

The festivities continued in a beautiful veranda on the lake that was the setting for their first dance together, poetry. The festivities then continued throughout the night with wild dancing on the notes of the famous Finland singers Cheek and Elastinen.

Photography: The Wedding Tale | Videography: The Wedding Tale | Stationery: LetterInk | Catering: Class Catering | Flower: Figli Dei Fiori | HMUA: Paola Bianchera | Music: Blunotte Events | Planning and Design: Eventoile Destination Weddings | Villa del Balbianello: Villa del Balbianello | Wedding Dress Designer: Teemu Muurimäki

Classically Elegant Wedding at Villa Muggia in Italy

There is something magnetic about Sandy and Andreas. Their beautiful chemistry shines through every lovely portrait captured by Gianluca and Mary Adovasio and there’s no doubt that the Bride’s smile glows like a sunset. Francesca Caddeo Slowdecor made sure that their day was equally as alluring as their bond—watch it all unfold below and please make sure to view the joy-filled video from 2Become1.

Andreas and Sandy met 2011 in Zurich, Switzerland where they both lived at that time. Andreas was having after-work drinks with colleges outside a bar. When it started to rain Sandy and her friend saw some covered seats, and asked the guys if they could sit down. Seconds later Andreas came back from the bar realizing his friends just gave away his seat. Whenever somebody else went to the bar or for a bio break he took his chance to sit closer to Sandy. So they finally ended up talking for hours. This was the beginning of their relationship.

After 3 years of happy relationship, they moved to Hong Kong. After two amazing years and on their last trip before relocating back to Zurich, Andreas popped the question in a romantic dinner setting in Hoi An, Vietnam. Arriving back home they could not only celebrate the end of the life changing adventure of living abroad, but also the start of a new chapter together.

From the Bride… Whenever we thought about our wedding, we always imagined it outside of Switzerland and as a weekend spent with family and our closest friends. We experienced many destination weddings before, and loved that feeling of being far way from everyday life. We started looking for destinations in Italy as we love the Italian culture and the way of living.

When we started looking for our venue, we thought of Stresa as a strategic location. Only few hours drive from home. We love this part of Italy with the mountains and lake backdrop, good food and a timeless feel to it. During our visit we met Carola the owner of Villa Muggia, she showed us around in the garden and the beautiful interior of the villa. We lost our heart to the villa as it was easy to picture our perfect day in this wonderful setting/surrounding.

We met our wedding planner Francesca Caddeo through a friend. At that time, we very still in the process of discussing venue options. Francesca helped us to see the full potential of the venue and how to bring our vision of our wedding to life.

My dress was by Limor Rosen. I saw a picture of it at the very beginning of my search for the dress. While trying many dresses it was always in the back of my mind. My mom pushed me to find a boutique where I can try it as she wanted to make sure I’ll find my dream dress. I tried it on and there was no doubt. I loved everything about. It was elegant, flowing and romantic in a modern way.

Our formal invitations made by the The Little Press, Australia. They were letter pressed on hand made fabric paper consisting of the main invitation and a poem we wanted to be a theme on our day: “ I look over at you and see sunshine” – describes so well how we see each other and how we live our life together.

We always pictured a romantic garden setting for our wedding. We wanted it to feel lush, but in a natural way. We’ve chosen to go palette of muted blues and pinks to match with the antique look of villa Muggia. The floral arrangements by Il profumo dei fiori exceeded our expectations: flowers in a mix of dusty pink and dark reds arranged in natural style, loads of candles, greenery and garlands to show the beauty of the place without adding too much, it was very sophisticated and chic.

We decorated the beautiful outdoor lounge in the gardens with antique rugs and sofas, mixed with more contemporary-design seats. Our wedding planner Francesca worked on the design proposal for us. She was able to get exactly what we had in mind and guided us to create this wonderful backdrop to a perfect day.

The ceremony was hosted by a friend of the bride’s family. We sat down with him and told him our story, what we love about each other and about our values. From that he created a very personal ceremony that ended in traditional vows. The ceremony was framed by the music of the solo acoustic singer James Mc Lean who we had flown in from London. The setting was sophisticated and lush, with a romantic flower arch as a center point.

At the arrival guests were offered fresh lemonade and beer as a welcome drink. After the ceremony, a typical Italian aperitivo followed in the gardens by the fountains, with the most gorgeous sunset views on the lake. We had a 2 hour traditional Italian aperitif including a buffet of freshly carved prosciutto, Italian cheeses, bread, canapés, and champagne.

For dinner we had a seated 3-course dinner under the beautifully decorated marquee. We decided to go with a mix of round and rectangular tables to avoid a too traditional look. The tables were decorated with flowers in the colors of dusty pink and dark red in vases of different styles and sizes, dark grey table clothes to break the white fabrics of the marquee, all lit by candles.

After dinner we all gathered on the terrace of the villa. The caterer arranged a live preparation of the huge Italian layer cake with red fruits (mille feuille). The event ended in the morning after hours of dancing.

After the wedding, we spent a couple days in Puglia, Italy. A beautiful masseria and the cute villages were the perfect backdrop for unwinding and sharing our impressions of the wedding day.

There are so many wonderful moments to remember that are still giving my goose bumps: walking through the park down to ceremony space, to meet Andreas there surrounded by our loved ones; bursting of happiness entering the marquee as husband and wife where all the guest were cheering and waving their napkins in the air and our first dance. But nothing made me prouder than hearing Andreas’ speech, a perfect mix of humor, giving thanks to our family and friends and words of love towards me, his wife. The day was more than we could ever dream of. We are more than grateful for this experience and the unforgettable memories created with our favorite people.

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Photography: Gianluca And Mary Adovasio | Videography: 2Become1 | Event Planning: Francesca Caddeo Slowdecor | Flowers: Il Profumo Dei Fiori | Invitations: The Little Press | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Catering: Class Catering | Hair: La Femme A La Page | Venue: Villa Muggia | Bride Dress: Limon Rosen | Furnitures: Sofi Design | Music: Camilla Pagani | Singer: James McLean

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5 Glow-Boosting Recipes to Get Your Hair, Skin and Nails Wedding-Ready

You’ve got the dress, you’ve done your hair and makeup trial, you’re doing great – but don’t stop now! We’re challenging you to go one step further and get your hair, skin and nails wedding day-ready from the inside out. Our girl Cara Clark, nutritionist to the stars, is dishing the most delicious recipes that make it super easy (and super healthy) to get that bridal-worthy glow. Can’t wait to get started? Keep on scrollin’!

P.S. Cara is launching a wedding nutrition challenge for all you beautiful brides out there who are looking for a non-diet approach to getting in your best shape for the Big Day! Use code SMP20OFF for $20 off your purchase!

Getting ready for your big day means more than just your body looking amazing, you want your hair, skin and nails to look and feel awesome as well! Here are some of our glow-boosting recipes you should definitely start incorporating days and months before the big day! Think antioxidants, omega 3’s, and more!

1. Veggie-Sausage One Pan Wonder

  • 4 chicken sausage links (Vegetarian: Omit and swap in ¼ cup toasted pine nuts after cooking.) 1 cup cannellini beans
  • 2 cup butternut squash
  • 1 bag shredded Brussels sprouts
  • 1 bag of broccoli slaw
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • Sprinkle of nutritional yeast
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Add 1 Tablespoon of oil to skillet over medium heat. Add all ingredients to pan and cook until veggies are soft. Season with salt, pepper and sprinkle nutritional yeast on top. Approximately 10-12 minutes.

2. Crispy Asian Salad

  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • ½ cup mixed spring greens
  • Chopped cucumber
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots
  • Chopped red onion ¼ avocado
  • 1 small orange or clementine, seeded & diced
  • ½ cup diced chicken *Vegetarian option: ½ cup chickpeas
  • 2 Tablespoons slivered almonds
  • Chopped cilantro or parsley

Optional dressing: 1 teaspoon lemon juice + 1 teaspoon raw honey + 1  Tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil + 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger + 1 Tablespoon coconut aminos  

3. Dole Whip Smoothie

  • 1 ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 ½ cup frozen mango chunks
  • 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt or full-fat coconut cream
  • 1 scoop collagen peptides (optional)

Blend together in a high-powered blender. Use the tamper tool to blend quicker and avoid overheating. Blend just until smooth and serve immediately or freeze for later. Serves 3.

Tip: Try it in popsicle molds! 

4. Detox Citrus Smoothie 

  • 1 large orange, peeled, seeded, & pit removed or 3 clementines, peeled & pit removed
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest + juice of 1 lemon
  • Big handful of greens
  • ½ inch slice fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons hemp seed
  • Scoop of collagen peptides
  • 6-8 oz unsweetened coconut or nut milk
  • Ice, if desired

5. Air Popped Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast 

  • 2 cups air-popped popcorn
  • Olive or coconut oil
  • A variety of fresh herbs
  • 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast

Drizzle popcorn with olive or coconut oil. Sprinkle fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.) and 2 Tablespoons of nutritional yeast on top. Enjoy!

Photography: Angelica Marie Photography | Makeup: 10.11 Makeup

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Survivor Stars Sierra Thomas & Joe Anglim’s Gorgeous Equestrian Engagement Session

In case you hadn’t already heard – two of Survivor’s fan favorites are officially tying the knot!! And today we’re sharing their gorgeous engagement photos from Kate Anne Photography. Sierra and Joe wanted their engagement photos to reflect their personality as a couple and capture them in their natural element: surrounded by their beautiful horses, dancin’ around in the sun-soaked fields of their Utah home. It’s so amazing to see how in love these two are – congratulations to the happy couple!

From Sierra… Joe and I met as contestants on Season 30 of CBS Survivor while filming in Nicaragua. We quickly became best friends after filming and three years later, I fell in love with my best friend. Joe’s proposal was perfect and completely unexpected. He chose the ring by himself and proposed while we were camping watching the sunset. It was perfect, surreal and completely heartfelt.

This photo session is special to us because our horses are a huge part of our lives. They are our family. We have 7 horses altogether. The three who joined us for photos are Consuela, momma Perry and her baby Miliani. Miliani is joe and I’s first horse we’ve bred and raised together. We purchased Consuela merely two days before Joe left for Fiji to film season 38 this last year. She was the best distraction to help me get thru the 7 months he was gone. Initially we had planned to capture me riding her wearing this gorgeous, hand painted gown. But Suela(not surprisingly) had a mind of her own and was not excited about the idea!! She had never seen me in a gown like that and wasn’t sure what to think, especially being bareback on her. We love how the session went, nonetheless. We really wanted these photos to capture us in our element: at our farm house and with or horses. Nothing makes us happier.

From Hair And Makeup by Steph and Kate Anne Photography… This photo session was really so easy for us because all we were doing was working with Sierra and joe in their natural element. Just being themselves is what made the photos turn out so natural and beautiful. Nothing was staged or contrived. It was beautiful to watch them together with their horses!

Photographer: Kate Anne Photography | Dress designer : Chantel Lauren Designs | Hair/Makeup: Hair And Makeup By Steph

This Romantic Spring Elopement in Paris Is Every Girl’s Dream

Paris is always a good idea… especially when it comes to choosing your elopement locale. Add a tulle BHLDN gown and a lush neutral toned bouquet from Floraison and it’s officially the elopement of our SMP dreams. Just one look at this enchanting day in Paris captured by Lauren Fair Photography and you can’t help but realize the sheer romance and intimacy of eloping – it’s truly something so special. We’re getting goosebumps as we sit here scrolling through these photos that so beautifully capture the emotions and magic of the day. See for yourself and don’t be surprised if you find yourself considering an elopement of your own!

From Lauren Fair PhotographyA romantic Paris elopement with gorgeous honey toned florals by Floraison Paris, a tulle BHLDN gown, the most breathtaking balcony at sunrise with a view of the Eiffel tower, and cherry blossoms!

The best part of Paris is being awake at sunrise to capture all the loveliness of the city before the rest of the world wakes up, and we captured the most beautiful scenes with Krista + Kyle as we ventured around the city together!

With a gorgeous sunrise balcony view of the Eiffel Tower, followed by portraits at the Trocadero and the Louvre, the iconic Parisian spots were in full bloom for spring! 

Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Floral Design: Floraison | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Ceremony Venue: Residence Charles Floquet | Calligraphy: Shotgunning for Love | Flatlay Styling: East Made Co | Props: Curated Behaviour

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Whimsical Spring Wedding at Ethereal Gardens in California

Julie and Sang’s wedding day was a whimsical, romantic dream taking place at a venue with quite the fitting name, Ethereal Gardens. With a handmade veil, created in the bride’s late mother’s honor and her three brothers, all to play signature roles throughout, this fête felt all of the emotions. Natalie Bray Studios captured the magic, including the prettiest floral, pastel wedding cake to an always spectacular, sparkler send-off. Top it all off with beautiful bouquets and eye-catching centerpieces by Wallflower Inspiration and get whisked away as you scroll and check out more at the full gallery!

From Natalie BrayJulie and Sang are truly amazing!! Julie is a beauty inside and out. She lost her father and mother recently and this was such an emotional day. Her brother walked her down the aisle and she had a veil handmade in her mother’s honor. The florals were fantastic, the venue was a stunner, and the support for these wonderful souls was palpable.

From the Bride…

What was your color palette and your style vision? I wanted to go for classic and elegant, so neutral colors-simple black suits and shades of grey for the bridesmaids. Pops of color with our florals. and touches of gold in décor details. 

What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning? Simple and elegant, in a tent. Rustic but modern. To be honest I always wanted it to be in a tent in the middle of some great outdoor area, like Montana or even Italian Tuscany Hills. So when I saw the venue in San Diego, I kinda knew it was the one. 

What unique elements or DIY details did you include? Nothing was really DIY except for the honey jars gift favors that acted as name placements for the guests as well. 

What was your favorite moment? Reading our vows and the father-daughter dance with my brothers. My father passed 6 months prior to my wedding very unexpectedly and the only way I felt right for him to be there with me was to have each of my brothers play a crucial role because each of them has different qualities of my father. My oldest brother was my officiant, my second to oldest brother walked me down the aisle, and I danced with all three of my brothers during the father-daughter dance with a slideshow of different photos of my dad and I dancing throughout the years. It was emotional but very meaningful to me.

Your favorite crafted detail? My Veil. It was a custom cathedral veil, Juliet cap. It was just so elegant and the details went very well with my dress. 
Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc. My flowers – I wanted to have touches of color and very organic.  My gown – I didn’t really know what I wanted but when I tried on that one I knew this classic lace sleeve gown felt very me. My cake –  was made by Fab Cakes and it was a very light grey color buttercream with handpainted handmade flowers cascading down the tiers. 
What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be? Take it in. It’s so hard to slow it down on the day of. Everything will work out, and if things don’t go ask plan, it’s ok because you’ll be too happy to notice. Also if you have the chance, try to greet everyone at your wedding. If not, I had a welcome dinner two days before the wedding, for anyone everyone who flew in for the wedding so we could catch up, mingle, and really spend quality time since I knew during the wedding I’d be so busy running around. 

More from the Bride… Natalie is an amazing photographer who made my husband and me feel super comfortable in front of the camera. We’re both awkward when it comes to us getting our photos taken and she made it fun and comfortable. We did three shoots with her and she captured every detail. She’s very professional and has the warmest, kindest heart. We found her through Instagram and a friends wedding that she shot. We felt that her style of photography was just beautiful, light, and elegant. We also love that she shoots in film so the quality of the images is just amazing! 

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Photographer: Natalie Bray Studios | Videography: Side by Side Cinema | Floral Design: Wallflower Inspiration | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Fab Cakes | Invitations: the paperie parlour | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN | Hair + Makeup: Catherine Nguyen | DJ: Vox DJs | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Ethereal Gardens | Custom Veil : Veiled Beauty | Photo Assistant : Ariel Min Photography

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French Garden Wedding Inspiration at Château de Villette

French garden wedding goodness at a dreamy chateau? Yes, please! If any of the preceding words are in your wedding vocabulary, I urge you to carve out some time today to get cozy with this blueprint for beauty. Planned and designed by Fete in France, this editorial features an edgy emerald hue we don’t often see—making it all the more alluring. And what’s more, Koman Photography documented every ounce of inspiration to perfection per usual. Don’t miss their striking film below, too!

From Fete in France… When the opportunity came up to do a styled shoot at the beautiful Château de Villette we jumped at the chance. This spectacular property, nicknamed Le Petit Versailles, located not far from Paris is one that we have long admired for its perfectly symmetrical 17th century proportions, stately décor and formal Jardin à la française designed by André Le Nôtre, the same landscape architect responsible for the gardens at Versailles.

With the talented team of the Komans behind the photo and video lenses we had our departure point for the shoot! After re-visiting the spaces we decided to actually use the Orangerie which had beautiful light during the day and afforded us a neutral canvas for our table set up. The Orangerie was full of lemon trees being stored for the winter and those deep green leaves and citrus colors ultimately inspired our décor.

With a backdrop of the clean stone, we wanted to infuse a pop of color and warmer texture so we had a velvet tablecloth custom made of the event in a dark green to set off the soft citrus hues of yellows, oranges, and pinks artfully arranged by Floraison.

We then accented the table with fresh white linen napkins, blue Porto plates and green and blue glassware provided by Maison Options. In lieu of traditional paper, the talented Joy of Studio French Blue personalized alabaster coasters in gold calligraphy at each place setting.

Sweet Creations Cakes integrated the emerald green perfectly into the cake design with a stunning modern geode design. Fresh colors were peppered throughout the design and we had fun styling all the brightly-hued ring boxes from Voeu du Coeur, the green stationery by Studio French and the accessories by Lindsay Marie Design.

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Photography: Koman Photography | Cinematography: Koman Photography | Floral Design: Floraison | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Wedding Dress: Musat Bridal | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Cake: Sweet Creations Cakes | Shoes : Bella Belle | Hair and Makeup: Ava Belle | Venue: Villa Balbiano | Accessories: Lindsay Marie Design | Bridal Shop: Metal Flaque Paris | Event Planning and Styling: Fete in France | Paper Goods and Calligraphy: Studio French Blue calligraphy + design | Rentals : Options | Ring Box: Voeu Du Coeur | Scans: Richard Photo Lab

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Blush Spring Wedding at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley

This incredible day captured by Weddings By Scott And Dana comes with SO much more than a collection of pretty images. It comes with my favorite kind of writeup—from the Bride herself. She’s taking us from their meet cute all the way to their Big Day and sharing a few things, like why they decided to forgo certain traditions and their favorite wedding day moments! L’avventura Events guided them in their planning process and it’s all blush California romance to a T!

From the Bride… Always overly pragmatic on all things love, I was never sure that I was meant to be married – but upon meeting Andrew through a mutual friend soon after moving to Seattle in September 2017, I quickly learned that I had only felt that way because I just hadn’t met my person until that day. After the most incredible year together, we decided to celebrate our first anniversary and shared love for a good adventure over a trip to Portugal. Two days into the trip, Andrew dropped down to one knee in the gardens of the Pena Palace in Sintra, the most beautiful backdrop for a proposal that you could imagine. Despite being completely surprised and taken aback, I had never felt more confident about saying yes to something in my life. Turns out, there is something to be said for the old adage “when you know, you know”.

From the start, Andrew and I shared the same vision for our wedding: romantic, elegant, inclusive, and most importantly, with no shortage of our personalities infused throughout. While we are a relatively easygoing and casual couple, we wanted to make sure that we made each aspect of our big day feel like “us”. Given our shared love for wine and how the area has long been a special place to my family, getting married in the Napa Valley was a natural choice for us. Similarly, after touring the property and learning about the unique opportunity to get married in its stunning wine cave, selecting Calistoga Ranch as our venue proved to be a no brainer as well. We had no doubt that the cave and outdoor Lommel Lawn area would serve as the perfect spaces to host our guests, and that they would also provide the perfect backdrop for the neutral & classic palette that we had envisioned for our big day. We still can’t thank my parents enough for all of the research and groundwork they provided during this process, as they even toured venues on our behalf when we were unable to take time off work to fly down to do so ourselves.

Soon after securing April 20th at Calistoga Ranch, we were incredibly lucky to be introduced to our exceptional wedding planner, Brittany Payton Anderson from L’avventura Events, whose expertise and hard work ensured that things continued to fall into place for us from there. Brittany connected us to an absolute dream team of vendors – including our Photographers, Weddings by Scott and Dana, the kindest and most talented photographer couple that not only completely assuaged our fears of camera shyness, but also captured our wedding more beautifully than we could have dreamed of; Marisa from Revel Floral, who took the vision we provided her and blew us away with the asymmetrical arches and lush greenery hanging from the wine cave’s chandeliers for our ceremony; and Josh from Boutique DJs, who ensured there was never a dull moment by expertly reading the crowd and playing music beloved across all generations in attendance throughout the day. We also worked with the talented folks at Pike St. Press on our invitations and to arrive on our emblem, a hybrid “K” and “A” centered between our wedding month and date displayed in Roman numerals, which we included on everything from our gift bags to our wine cork place card holders to Andrew’s personalized champagne saber that he used during our cocktail reception to open a bottle gifted to us by my father.

In order to achieve our goal of creating a carefree day that made each of our guests feel like an integral part of every moment, we also chose to forgo many of today’s standard wedding traditions. For example, we decided against a wedding party and, instead, chose to have an open door policy while getting ready in our hotel room – which meant that while Jocelyn and her team from Bella Bridal worked their absolute hair and makeup artistry magic on us (while also proving to be a ball to be around, I might add), I was able to also enjoy the company of our friends, family, and even Andrew throughout the day. We also opted out of first dances and into enlisting the help of Little Burro Events to secure sweet little Zoey – a miniature, flower crown-wearing donkey – to serve champagne to our guests throughout the cocktail reception. Lastly, and while it was already perfect, I had the best time personalizing my beautiful Ines di Santo wedding gown – from cutting off its long sleeves to adding a belt and bows to the updated cap sleeves, it turned out even better than I had even dreamed (thank you, Andra Bose Bridal Tailoring!).

Without a doubt, my favorite moment of the day was the bridal processional. While a cover of one of our favorite Kanye West songs by the Vitamin String Quartet’s played, my dad walked me through the wine cave doors to see the smiling faces of all of the people that I love and my soon-to-be husband waiting for me at the altar looking unbelievably handsome. It was the happiest, most powerful moment that I had ever experienced in my life – and, despite being a relatively unemotional person, I couldn’t help but shed a few happy tears as we walked down the aisle.

Andrew and I could not feel luckier or more grateful for our incredible family & friends, who have supported us and traveled from near & far to celebrate our love, and for Brittany & our wonderful team of vendors, whose talents and hard work helped us to achieve the wedding of our dreams. To my fellow brides who are just beginning this journey – I would encourage you to not shy away from forgoing tradition to make your wedding day more “you”, to always trust your instincts, and to select vendors with whom you just “click”. We absolutely adore Brittany, Dana, Scott, and the rest of our wonderful team both personally and professionally, which not only made the process a lot less stressful but also made it a whole lot more fun. If Andrew and I could do it all over again, we wouldn’t change a thing.

Event Planning: L'avventura Events | Florist: Revel Floral | Dress: Ines Di Santo | Catering: The Lodge at Blue Sky | Hair + Makeup : Bella Bridal Hair & Makeup | Disc Jockey: Boutique DJs | Suit: Indochino | Transportation: California Wine Tours | Champagne Burro: Little Burro Events | Dress Shop: Bridal Galleria | Invitation/Emblem Design: Pike Street Press | Photographers: Scott & Dana Photographers | Rentals : Encore Events Rentals | Resort: Calistoga Ranch Resort | String Musicians: Vitamin String Quartet

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