Apple Cider is such a warm and cozy signature drink; perfect for a crisp Fall get-together. But you know what’s even better? When you add boozy in front of that name. Meet 10 cocktails that take cider to a new level of adulty scrumptiousness. Just add warm cider donuts and it’s a party.
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“Marriage is easy,” said no one ever. All relationships require work to maintain happiness with each other and the relationship itself. Navigating that first year of marriage definitely might be one of the more challenging years of the relationship even if you’ve already been living together and dating for years. Today, real couples share their best first-year marriage advice to help you learn some tips and tricks for a successful newlywed season.
Jake, a pastor and friend of mine, says, “All relationships require work. Give each other the benefit of the doubt. Assume the best. Be quick to apologize and to forgive. Let your words be filled with grace. All true love is self-sacrificing.”
“Communication is vital. Talk about what’s on your mind with your spouse. Be a good listener & encourage one another. Say what’s on your mind & LET IT GO! Not always easy but is better to not let junk linger,” adds Leigh Anne, a dear family friend.
Courtney of After the Engagement recommends, “Communication is key. Don’t expect the other person to know what you are thinking or what you want.” That is so true! People are not mind readers and the tired game of pretending not to be upset when you really are does no good for a relationship. Speak your mind and do not let bad things fester.
My bride Kirsten says, “I’d recommend hiring a cleaning service and making sure it stays in your budget. No more bickering or getting annoyed with whose turn it is to clean the bathroom or the floors. More time to enjoy each other’s company and take the mundane stuff out of the equation.” I absolutely love that. If there’s extra room in your budget to outsource a chore that causes stress, then by all means go for it!
My husband and I take turns on chores like cleaning our cats’ litter box, bottle feeding our foster kittens, and doing the laundry. For things like dishes, we have a system where he loads and I unload. For us, balance is important. It’s both of your responsibility to maintain the kind of home you want to live in. If your spouse is messier than you and it drives you nuts, figure out a system that will make you both happy. Whether that’s hiring a cleaner or coming up with a chore chart, you’ll be glad you solved the issue for good!
A friend of mine, and a photographer, Brooke Tyson recommends that couples “listen more and listen fully. Turn off the TV, put down your cell phone, and listen. Engage with each other, and expect that in return. Oh, and cook together. My husband and I love cooking dinner together. After almost fifteen years together, we still have so much fun trying new recipes together!”
Carol of Lutterbach Fotografia suggests, “Learn to evolve and change together. Nothing will stay the same as your first year, so enjoy it and try to live in the moment.”
One of my bridesmaids, Tylerann, who met her man while hiking the Appalachian Trail (yes, she’s super cool!), suggests that couples “take walks together. Around the block or a long one in nature. You’ll see things as you go that will stimulate new and interesting conversations. Not only are you doing something healthy with your loved one, but you might learn something new about them no matter how long you’ve been together.”
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.
Friends, this fete is rustic elegance at it’s finest… blush details, chandys, twinkling lights, and a tented reception so stunning you’ll be dying to know where is this place?! Oh, did I mention there are giraffes, too? Saddlerock Ranch is the spot and Ryan and Carly are the sweet duo we’re celebrating today. Working with Jenny Quicksall to capture their love, they’ll surely have a gorgeous wedding album to reminisce with for years to come.
What are your wedding colors/ theme?
Neutrals, light, light pink (rustic glam- outdoors but also lots of chandeliers, twinkle lights, mirrors and crystals)
How did you two meet?
We met in Madison, WI at a tavern called ‘Vintage.’ I had just graduated from college and was visiting my old roommate from TCU (Becca Bearson) for her birthday. Ryan and his best friend from college (Ryan Walker) knew some of the girls who were out and about for Becca’s birthday bash and decided to meet us out at the Vintage. Ryan and I talked for most of the night and discussed how we were both moving back to Chicago and how sad we were to leave our college days behind. We said goodnight and goodbye… And as I was walking away, I heard Ryan yell out “Wait… Carly…. Can I get your number and call you when we are both back in Chicago?” The rest is history! That was in 2010 and now Ryan Walker and Becca Bearson are both standing up in our wedding. Ryan is still in my phone as “Ryan Vintage” and we ALWAYS point out the word vintage when we see it.
Tell us about the proposal…
Ryan proposed at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village, CA. Westlake Village has always been a ‘happy place’ of mine- filled with lots of happy memories. Ryan proposed over my 30th birthday weekend – making it an extremely special birthday celebration.
Tell us something special about one another…
Carly: Ryan is extremely funny, witty and sarcastic. He has a great sense of humor and is always making me laugh! He is smart and challenges me in so many ways. Ryan has been my rock for the past 8 years. He finds my goofy sense of humor entertaining and loves to see me happy. That being said, he doesn’t shy away when I experience any life-challenges or lows. He knows how to help me return to center and is extremely supportive. He is like my anchor! He has such a kind, good heart.
Ryan: Carly has a magnetism that I admire, and it’s not just superficial charisma – it comes from a place of genuine interest in and compassion for others. She embodies all the things I wish I could be…. Plus she’s hot!
A few special details…
Butterflies: I work with kids and families impacted by cancer and/or loss. This past year I grew very close to a special 4 year old girl diagnosed with a rare, aggressive brain tumor. She was ALWAYS joyful, loving, happy, strong, and sassy. Unfortunately, she (recently) lost her battle to cancer. The day she died, a butterfly landed on a pink and yellow flower (her favorite colors) and, without being informed, I knew she had passed. Oddly, on the day of her memorial service, a butterfly fluttered by me. And on her birthday this year, I witnessed a butterfly land on a pink and yellow flower, letting me know she was near. I feel her presence whenever I see butterflies now. My bridesmaids and I went on a hike a few days before the wedding to clear our minds, connect with nature, and feel close to God. As I was walking and reflecting, I looked ahead and the hiking trail (MY FAVORITE HIKING TRAIL) was completely FILLED with butterflies… thousands of them! I looked it up afterwards and the butterflies are apparently a result of the super-bloom California experienced due to the excess rain this season. (I believed it was so much more). I felt it was a perfectly timed reminder that I need to experience joy and happiness and soak up every moment with loved ones just as deeply as I experience sorrow and sadness with loved ones and the kids and families I mentor. After the wedding, everyone commented how HAPPY Ryan and I looked the whole time! Honestly – after the hike (and for the rest of the weekend), I felt at peace, joyful and happy and totally PRESENT. The day of the wedding… a butterfly landed on my sister’s gown right before the ceremony and just hung out on her dress for a while. Without prior knowledge of the backstory, our photographer snapped a photo and captured this moment!
Our First Dance Song: We were originally going to dance to “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne. I have always loved this song, but it didn’t feel like OUR song. A few weeks before the wedding, my sister and I went to a concert at the Chicago Theatre and one of the opening acts played a song that I knew immediately would be the PERFECT song for me and Ryan. After he finished playing his song, I told Ava I had to have it! Unfortunately, he announced that his songs are not available for download or purchase. I was devastated… (but committed to getting that song!) I reached out to him on social media multiple times (an embarrassing amount of times), tried to contact his agent, and tried to get through to his management company as well. I told Ryan about the song (and the lyrics I remembered) and he agreed it sounded perfect for us. I never heard back from the artist…
Unbeknownst to me, Ava’s boyfriend, Matt (knowing how desperate I was to get this song), took it upon himself to make it happen. He started messaging the artist, the artist’s friends on social media, anyone who tagged the artist in a video, pleading for a recording of the song for me. The artist finally responded (applauded Matt’s tenacity) and agreed to record the song for us. As I was getting ready, Matt informed me that the artist did not respond to me because he had asked him NOT to so it would be a surprise wedding gift… and that the artist sent over the song THE MORNING OF MY WEDDING. I cried, obviously. Ryan and I are beyond grateful that we can call this our first dance song now!
Family Traditions:
Tying the knot: We literally and figuratively do this in our ceremony. We used the same handkerchief to bind our hands that my parents and my sister and her husband used in their wedding ceremonies. Breaking bread: The bride and groom and both families break bread together. Side note: my dad baked the bread! Drinking from a common cup: an Orthodox tradition
Bridal Tradition:
Bridal Fans: I carried a fan adorned with flowers, as did my bridal party. I did this as part of a tradition started by my mom on her wedding day, and continued by my sister, Alex on her wedding day. We both took the same bridal photo with the fan that my mom did on her wedding day (Thank you, Jenny!)
Pearl Bracelet: I wore a pearl bracelet that my mom wore on her wedding day. Mira Couture: I bought my bridal gown at the same boutique that my sister bought hers. We became very close with all the designers, but we became particularly close to Khryhstyna. As a wedding gift, she hand drew an artist portrait of me in my gown. She shipped it to California so we could display it at our wedding. The artist rendition is showcased in Charlie’s wedding video. (In addition, THE DRESS was purchased at Mira Couture, and all the designers were in on the surprise). Bachelorette Day: The bridesmaids were “asked” with a travel theme: a Malibu shirt, a palm tree jean hat, a luggage tag, a beach bag with pom poms, a small bottle of Malibu Rum, and sunglasses. We all matched as we hiked the Charmlee Wilderness Trail, followed by a relaxing afternoon at the pool, and finally by having a Private Chef pamper us with his amazing menu. My kind of bachelorette party!
Photography: Jenny Quicksall Photography | Videography: Charlie Hilbrant Films | Event Planner: Star Hansen | Florals: Lotus & Lily | Cake: Delicious Artistry | catering: Contemporary Catering and Event Production | Calligraphy: Kelly Patrice Event and Design | DJ: Calvin Buado - Double B Entertainment | Alcohol: Liquid Catering | Barista: I Do Coffee | Beauty: Cheek to Cheek Artistry | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Ofiiciant: Steve Spoeneman | Outdoor: Saddlerock Ranch | Pianist: Chris Janowiak | Rentals: Papillon Rentals | Rentals: Premier Party Rentals | Security: Sandman Security | Valet: Socal Valet
One look at this gorgeous May wedding day planned by Imoni Events and you’d never guess this Tuscan-style villa is actually stateside in Scottsdale, Arizona! The bride and groom knew right away it was the perfect place to celebrate their “I do’s!” The couple exchanged vows under strings of cafe lights at sunset with views of the desert mountains. Sarah’s Garden created organic floral arrangements and living chandeliers that truly brought this elegant affair to life! Head on over to the full gallery to see every swoon-worthy detail, captured by Rachel Solomon Photography.
From the bride… Alex and I met in September 2011 at a housewarming party and started dating a year later. We got engaged on Cape Cod in December of 2017. Over the past seven years, we’ve traveled to countless places and lived together in three cities: Chicago, Boston and currently New York. I am from Northern Virginia originally and Alex is from Boston. We got to know our wedding destination, Scottsdale, after a number of visits to see Alex’s parents who moved there in 2014. The first time Alex and I saw Silverleaf Club, we knew it was a special place. It’s a beautiful tuscan style villa tucked inside of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. So naturally when Alex popped the question after 5 years of dating, the stunning venue of Silverleaf quickly became the starting point for planning our wedding. We decided to get married a year and a half later in May 2019 and worked with Regan from Imoni Events to plan our elegant, garden inspired, wedding.
Sarah’s Garden Style helped us to choose lots of lush greenery, as well as white and light pink flowers, to bring our vision to life and to complement the warm tones of the venue. We pulled this theme through every aspect of the wedding, including the custom invitations and welcome bags, which had beautiful hand-painted watercolor florals by Chez La Mariee. The welcome bags included a lot of weekend necessities like “Desert Party Essentials” and a cute cactus sugar cookie from local baker, Ruze Cake House, that said “Love Is Sweet!”
From the beginning to the end, our wedding day was truly a fairy-tale! Alex and I chose to a do a first look before the ceremony. We met in the labyrinth at Silverleaf (a little outdoor oasis tucked behind the clubhouse). We took the time to read each other personal vows, while Rachel Soloman captured every emotion in photos and Storybox Cinema documented on film. It was nice to have a private moment just for us before we officially said “I do!”. I was wearing a stunning chiffon and lace beaded wedding dress by Pronovias. Alex was dressed in a handsome navy blue tux from Hugo Boss. He also had silver golf inspired clinks and a black bow tie, which had a subtle pattern that looked like cactus prickers, as a nod to our surroundings. Both of our rings were designed and made by Oscar Heyman in New York. We lucked out with an incredible May day in Scottsdale and the temperature was perfect for our ceremony which took place at 6pm on the event lawn at Silverleaf. The guest chairs were arranged in a semi circle shape facing the floral arch and the stunning backdrop of the McDowell Mountains. I had a grand entrance which began at the top of stone staircase at the venue. Alex and I had both of our parents walk us down the aisle, which was a very lovely way to incorporate them. The ceremony itself was personal and heartfelt, Ian Templin, who officiated, had both us and our guests laughing and tearing up.
After the ceremony, the Silverleaf staff greeted guests with champagne and rosé to begin the celebrations during cocktail hour. We had Cameron Degurski playing acoustic love songs as the sunset – it was magical. We took a few more photos and then had the opportunity to mingle with our 150 guests who had all traveled from out of town to join us for our destination wedding! The reception began at 7:30pm in both the member courtyard and fountain courtyard. The indoor outdoor reception flowed well as guest dined both under the stars and under chandeliers draped in greenery. The overall aesthetic for the reception was very romantic. We incorporated the same beautiful dusty blue color on Amsale bridesmaid dresses and La Tavola linen tablecloths for the guest tables, which really popped against the desert surroundings.
The guest tables had a mix of lush floral centerpieces with textural greenery and bud vases, as well as, white candles on silver pillars with glass hurricanes and votives. For the head table, we chose to use two beautiful wood dining tables from Glamour & Woods, with a white runner and lush greenery and floral draping across. We also chose to use a lot of silver accents at the reception, as a playful nod to Silverleaf, and we even had Match Pewter chargers at the head table, which were extra special to us as we registered for the same tableware. We tried to think of every detail, which included adding an olive leaf sprig at each place setting and a customized menu with the guests name in calligraphy on top. The food highlighted the Spring season, and the cake from Ruze Cake House left a bit of surprise – the elegant white three tiered cake was actually funfetti inside! Our first dance was to Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud and we had so much fun in that moment, in front of all of our family and friends, it was pure joy. After that, Desert House Productions kept everyone on the dance floor all night – it was a fantastic party! In addition to speciality cocktails for the bride (Le Fizz) and groom (Moscow Mule) we also had late night bites to keep the party going until 11:30pm, where Semisonic Closing Time and Sheppard Geronimo were the last two songs played. There is not a single thing we would change about the day, it was absolutely perfect!
Photography: Rachel Solomon Photography | Cinematography: Storybox Cinema | Event Planning: Imoni Events | Floral Design: Sarah's Garden | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Ruze Cake House | Reception Venue: Silverleaf Country Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Ashley Doran Makeup | Hair: Pin and Primp | DJ: Desert House Productions | Men's Attire: Hugo Boss | Guitar: Cameron DeGurski | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper: Chez La Mariee | Rentals: Glamour And Woods
When the news of the fires hit last fall, my heart sunk. Many colleagues of mine—who have become dear friends—live and work in the area. So many couples were planning their celebrations in the area at the time. So much was lost and many left feeling defeated. But today’s beautiful photoshoot from Koman Photography and Type A Society shows just how resilient the beautiful landscape of Malibu is and how stunning Malibu Rocky Oaks is, amidst nearly a year of recovery. The team designed an editorial that is calling for fall lovers with a beautiful sunset and dusty blue palette. I hope at least one of you will use this beauty as your blueprint!
From Type A Society… This shoot was an especially fun project, not only because of the team of vendors involved, but the location is one that I’ve dreamt of for some time! My fiancé and his family grew up just around the corner from Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate, so when the John and Marlene Koman approached Type A with this location, I jumped at the opportunity.
Even with the lingering damage of the Woolsey fire that burned through the area in the previous year, the winery and estate are still absolutely breathtaking. Much of my inspiration for the design and creative direction of the shoot came from the surroundings and the estate itself. We went with warmer golden tones with a contrasting slate blue color pallet that mirrored the rustic Tuscan tones of the estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The ceremony on the helicopter pad was kept simple and elegant to not take from the stunning views, and instead compliment the surroundings. The tablescape we created was by far one of my favorites to date, it was so warm and welcoming! It was a joy working with the Koman’s who were so generous with their time and creativity. This team was a dream and I cannot wait to create beauty with them again! And Jessica (The Elegant Ninja) and Howard’s (MRO owner) hospitality! They were the most welcoming of hosts!
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Photography: Koman Photography | Cinematography : Koman Photography | Floral Design: Honeycomb Affair | Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair and Makeup: Kohnur | Wedding Venue: Malibu Rocky Oaks | Accesories: Lietofiore | Designer/Stylist: Type A Society | Dress Shop: En Blanc | Inviation Suite: Tradmark Handmade Inspired | Rentals: Premiere Party Rents | Venue Planner: The Elegant Ninja | Vintage Oscar de la Renta Dress : Gossamer
A love story that starts with college basketball, isn’t one you hear every day, but for these two it’s where it all started…AND brought them back to say their I Do’s! For Dave and Courtney, tying the knot at their alma mater was a no brainer, but when it came to the reception, they didn’t want your typical venue, so they went with the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center full of lush greenery, perfect for their romantic garden party! Rachel Pearlman captured the day, which BTW was planned by the bride herself and included such intricate details like not one, but three wedding cakes by Nutmeg Cake Designs and stunning floral decor by Belovely Floral and Event Design!….Take a ‘scroll’ and learn about all of the amazing vendors that brought this wedding to life!
From the Bride…‘The Story’: Dave (the groom) and Courtney (the bride) officially met at a pumpkin patch in the fall of 2015 through mutual friends but it was not until the spring of 2016 that their relationship became more than friendly. As a Villanova grad, Courtney was beyond excited when the men’s basketball team made it to the FInal Four during March Madness that year… only one problem: none of her friends were willing to spend the money to travel to Houston, TX to watch the game. That’s when Courtney found out that Dave was also looking for a travel partner to the Final Four. They quickly agreed this was a (possibly) once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and agreed to spend five days together in Houston and ultimately watched Villanova win their first National Championship game in 31 years. Despite having the BEST time with Dave in Houston, Courtney was not interested in his advances after arriving home and it took quite a while for Dave to get Courtney to agree to a dinner date. Dave continued to be persistent even though Courtney was skeptical (he was not her ‘type’) and his hard work finally paid off. They shared their first kiss on May, 11th 2016. A house, another Villanova National Championship win, and a puppy later, Dave and Courtney’s love story continues as husband and wife when they tied the knot on May, 11th 2019, exactly three years to the day of their first kiss.
When Dave and I started planning our wedding we knew we wanted to incorporate Villanova because of our strong ties to the University so having our ceremony there was a no-brainer and our date was miraculously available. Finding a reception venue was a little more tricky, however. Dave and I both agreed that we did not want a traditional wedding venue. We were looking for something ‘organic’: a space that was not necessarily built to be a wedding venue and a space that, ideally, would bring the outside in. We found exactly what we were looking for in the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center which is, as the name reads, a horticulture center by day and a wedding venue by night. With lush greenery throughout, we knew this fit our vision of a romantic garden wedding perfectly. The icing on the proverbial cake was getting to have Constellation Catering, the exclusive caterer, provide the food for our big day. We already knew going into the process that they were, arguably, the best wedding caterers in the Philadelphia area and were stoked to use the company originally created by Stephen Starr whose restaurants we love. We really tested Meg Skill of Nutmeg Cake Designs’ skills when we asked her to make us not one, not two, but three cakes. She designed three different yet cohesive cakes, complete with cake topper made in the likeness of our puppy, that completed our day of good eats.
After getting engaged, finding a photographer was the first order of business and I had already had my eye on Rachel Pearlman after seeing the images she captured of a friend’s wedding. She did a venue walk-through with me at the Hort and agreed it was the perfect spot for our big day. Never having shot there before, I knew Rachel would be able to view the venue with different eyes than other photographers who have shot there often and lend a fresh perspective to our photos. She was so easy and fun to work with and her laid-back vibe set the tone for the whole day.
We went out of the box when searching for our videographer and ended up using Jordan Hawkins of Knotted Arrow, an amazing company based out of the Charleston, South Carolina area. I had fallen in love with their videos after finding them on Instagram and knew that their film style was something I had not been able to find during my endless search for a local videographer. Albeit being a little nervous about them not being local to Philadelphia, they reassured us everything would work out great and they could not have been more correct- they were an absolute joy to work with and they made the day that much more fun.
I ultimately decided I would take on the planning responsibilities myself and use the money I would have otherwise spent on a planner to make the venue look incredible on the day-of. I hired Lauren Weintraub from Belovely Floral and Event Design, who I trusted completely, to achieve this goal. She has done many weddings at the Hort and knew the venue inside and out. After showing her my ‘inspiration’ bouquet, she took my color palette of pink, white and green with gold accents and ran with it. I told her I wanted BIG, fluffy blooms- think peonies and garden roses- and lots of eucalyptus and that’s what I got. We planned to have a boxwood wall for the escort display, rings of greenery complemented with florals over the head table, and a larger and more dramatic floral installation, accessorized with Edison bulbs from Eventions Productions, over the dance floor as our main focal point. I kept the table centerpieces small and simple so guests could not only see each other across the table but also to direct their attention to the dance floor where all the action was taking place. We used this same color palette when picking out pieces from Maggpie Vintage Rentals for our lounge area. Maggie took it upon herself to ask Lauren for a picture of my bouquet so that she could add in more throw pillows to our rented sofa that ended up matching to a tee! The venue ended up looking more beautiful than I’ve ever seen it and Lauren and Maggie created the most gorgeous backdrops for photos with the boxwood wall and lounge area.
I entrusted the incredibly talented Katy Ackerman of Lewes Lettering Co. to help design our invitations and most of the other decor details for the reception. Her team designed a custom crest and floral details that we were able to incorporate throughout the design process from the invitations to the ceremony programs, to the table numbers and custom cocktail napkins. Katy and I also spent quite some time designing the acrylic pieces that we used for the escort display- she was able to have our crest printed, in color, on one piece while she did the calligraphy for all 169 guests and their table numbers on the others.
The entertainment of the day was provided by Rio, a modern pop band under the EBE Entertainment umbrella. Not only did they learn three new songs just for us, but they also played, literally, nonstop from start to finish and every single performance was outstanding. Their electric violinist was an added bonus we couldn’t pass up. I also hired 13th Street Cocktails to provide an oyster bar as a surprise for Dave who loves oysters. They were gracious enough to bring me into their studio prior to taste-test oysters and we decided on two varieties to serve on the day-of. Needless to say, the oysters and 13th Street Cocktail’s custom mignonette was a hit.
As easy as it was to pick our vendors, picking a wedding dress was a different story. After trying on probably 50 dress, I finally started to formulate a vision of what I wanted. I found that in Rosa Clara’s ‘Niher’. I saw a photo of the dress online after researching bridal designers and instantly got a ‘feeling; – the floral lace and huge skirt went perfectly with my garden-themed wedding but the deep-V back, with scalloped lace, complete with buttons, won me over. I swapped out the tulle skirt with a similar yet softer silk tulle skirt and removed the belt to make it my own. I found Ines Di Santo’s ‘Peony” veil which lent just the right amount of sparkle to my overall look. I also ended up buying a second, more fitted dress by Anne Barge, to dance in after I started to realize my ceremony dress was just too big. It was so much fun to do an outfit change mid-way through the reception and once I was in my ‘dancing’ dress, the party really started. Ashley Leoncini, the owner of the Philly Hair and Makeup Co., brought the whole look together with her talent for hair and makeup. As someone who rarely wears makeup I was nervous I wouldn’t like the way I looked but after my trial appointment, Ashely calmed all my fears. On the day of her team was not only punctual but made everyone look and feel their best. Ashely knocked my look out of the park and exceeded all my expectations on the day- of and I never felt more beautiful.
Overall, we had a stellar day all because our stellar vendors made it that way. We keep saying how we wish we could do it all again – it truly was the best day of our lives!
Photography: Rachel Pearlman Photography | Videography: Knotted Arrow | Floral Design: Belovely | Gown: Rosa Clara | Ceremony Venue: Villanova University | Reception Venue: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Catering: Constellation Culinary | Band: Ebe Amsterdam | Beauty: Philly Hair & Makeup | Cake Design: Nutmeg Cake Design | Event Production: Eventions Productions | Furniture Rental: Maggpie Vintage Rentals | Gown Shop: The Wedding Shoppe | Lettering and Signage: Lewes Lettering Co. | Oyster Bar: 13th Street Cocktails | Second Dress: Anne Barge | Veil: Ines Di Santo
In the land of dream kid space, this bedroom completely fits the bill. And one look at those DIY bunk beds, and it’s clear that it fits right in with a grownup aesthetic as well. With custom built bunkies, pom pom curtains and even a space for the littlest gentlemen to hang their hats, this room designed by Rachel Elizabeth Interiors has magic written all over it. See even more in the VAULT.
“where troubles melt like lemon drops, high above the chimney tops, that’s where you’ll find me”
i want so many things for my children, to become good members of society, to be giving and kind, to love everyone, to follow theirs dreams, but i also want their childhood to be magical. I set out to create a dreamy and whimsical yet, all around boy space that would only make sense in the mind of a child.
I needed a bed set up that would work for both a two and six year old. The room would be too crowded with twin beds and an affordable bunk bed would not only be unsafe for my littlest but not very aesthetically pleasing.
So i sketched out a drawing and my mr made it for us! It was actually a fairly easy diy and only took him an afternoon.
I hand painted this mural over their dresser. My six year old and i sat down with some colored pencils and sketched out some of the items it would include. His favorite is the little red house sitting on a cloud.
My two year old walked in and gasped ( i mean have you ever heard a two year old gasp? It’s about the cutest thing in the whole world) as he pointed to the hot air balloons and grinned from ear to ear. My personal favorites are the whale and the moon!
My oldest was born in hawaii on the island of oahu. When we went to have his 3d ultrasound video made we picked “over the rainbow” by iz, the hawaiian singer playing a ukulele. It has since become his song to us.
It’s a beautiful rendition and i wanted the whimsical, dreamy, nature of the lyrics to conceptualize in the room design. I hope sharing this space inspires someone to create something magical for their children!
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Interior Stylist: Rachel Elizabeth Interiors
We’ve all heard of the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany, the magical Amalfi Coast and of course, the perfection that is Lake Como… but we bet you’ve never heard about THE hidden gem of Southern Italy. The town of Ostuni in Puglia will enchant you with it’s white washed walls, ancient olive trees and a charming masseria at every turn. The best part about it? NO tourists!! It’s no wonder Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel decided to tie the knot in this undeniably romantic region. Federica Beni and Sandra Fazzino joined forced to produce an editorial shoot that represents the true beauty of Ostuni, featuring beautiful floral arrangements by Siloh Floral. Don’t miss out on the full gallery captured by Sandra Fazzino to fall instantly in love with your new favorite Italian wedding destination!
From Sandra Fazzino + Team… The inspiration for the design of this intimate wedding and engagement session came from the white washed walls and the ancient olive groves of the farmhouses that can be found scattered throughout southern Italy’s town of Ostuni, Puglia. Known as the White City, it offered a high key backdrop for this modern, earthy, chic yet casual inspirational shoot. Federica Beni sourced a passionately talented team of vendors and curated an ambiance that embodied a neutral color palette, organic fabrics, hand dyed silks and cotton, and rustic accents to compliment the antiquity of the grounds.
The organic flow of the Cortana dresses added subdued drama to the all white rustic setting of the masseria. The hair and makeup by Alessandro Mancino is soft, feminine but also warm and sultry. He is the master of classic, romantic hair and made Alice look effortlessly beautiful. Liz Griffith blew us away with her floral selections, some that she transported on her lap on the plane from Milan to Puglia! Her airy organic style combines layers of soft color enhancing the space with just enough tonal variation in carmels and ochre to give interest without distracting from the various monochromatic textures throughout the design scheme.
It was amazing to witness the suspended arrangement come to life for the ceremony site. We love the asymmetry and how it seems so natural in its setting. The dinner plates were especially designed for us by a local artisan, Enza Fasano Ceramiche, and we think they are a powerful example of modern meets rustic. The olive trees surrounding the farmhouse are over 2,000 years old! There is something almost spiritual about their presence, a nod from ancient ancestors. The wood and metal benches fit the scene perfectly. Plume Calligraphy knows just how much or how little to add to an invitation suite to keep it interesting while adhering to the neutral palette. We especially love the envelope liner she designed and the natural edges of the 100% cotton paper. These candles and candle sticks were one of our most favorite details, because the hand dipped candles come in the most gorgeous range of colors.
The team had a really hard time deciding which three hues to select. Choosing various tones offered depth to the monochromatic table settings, just one more way to keep things interesting when working with a neutral color palette. Since the intimate ceremony was based on neutral colors, we went in the opposite direction for the engagement session or day after session. We went with strawberry red for the bride and a crystal blue for the groom.
We all had goosebumps (not just because it was a chilly morning) when Alice walked out in her dress. The way the wind played with the fabric, and the way the bright colors popped against the white walls of the masseria – it was magic! We hope that you see something here that may inspire your viewers. The team traveled far and wide to join forces. We overcame some terrible weather, rescheduled everyone at the last minute bumping up the shoot by one day, and we had some mini cakes that never made it to the location due to a car accident (!). The team could not have been more professional, kind and generous with their spirit, talent, and passion.
Photographer: Sandra Fazzino | Floral Design: Siloh Floral | Rings: My Golden Age | Hair + Makeup: Alessandro Mancino & Marco Carpentieri | Stationery + Calligraphy: Plume Calligraphy | Venue: Masseria Le Carrube | Bridal Accessories: SIBO Designs | Bridal Dresses: Cortana | Ceramic Dinner Plates: Enza Fasano Ceramiche | Ceramic Styling Plates: Madlen Ceramics | Female Model: Euphoria Fashion Agency | Hand Dyed Ribbons: Fati Amor | Male Model: 4 Upper Models | Planning + Design: Federica Beni | Rentals: Itinera | Southern Italian Farmhouse: Masseria Le Carrube
New favorite trend: Le Tour de Wedding. When you can’t seem to pick one wedding destination—go for ALL of them! That’s exactly what Taylor and Brandon did, celebrating in Kentucky, Paris, Sorrento, London & The Cotswolds, with Shining Light Photography at their side capturing every sweet memory. Best. idea. ever. Would you celebrate in four countries?! Let us know in the comments.
From Shining Light Photography… When Taylor and Brandon reached out to us about a year and a half ago with this crazy idea they had, I semi-jokingly called this “Le Tour de Wedding”, and it just stuck! The sweet, newly engaged couple in these photos were in the midst of figuring out how they would want to celebrate their marriage in 2019, but couldn’t nail down one of the biggest questions, and first step in the planning process, “Where should we get married?”
They knew they didn’t want a large wedding, but being from Kentucky and having far too many people that they would feel they “had to invite”, it seemed to be impossible to do something local and keep their numbers down. So, naturally, they figured a destination wedding would be best. However, Brandon and Taylor had a three year old son and they each had large families, making travel difficult for everyone. The possibility of getting married outside of Kentucky was beginning to seem bleak. That’s when inspiration, in the midst of desperation, came to Taylor! So, the general concept was pitched to us: Could they do a small ceremony in Kentucky with their immediate family, (so that their son could be involved and Taylor could still have the special moment of her dad walking her down the aisle)… And then do all of their portraits in some of the most sought-after locations in Europe? Paris, Sorrento, along the Amalfi Coast, and England. Our answer: “UMM… YES!”
The challenge was then, how do we tell this story? How do we blend these romantic cultures together to highlight their best, swoon-worthy sights, and cohesively capture their love on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? We decided to model the 3 shoots around what we felt each culture represented to us, and did our best to line up the shoots to take place as if they were to flow into each other throughout one day.
First, taking in a breathtaking sunrise, cappuccinos & croissants in Paris, spend the day soaking in the sights along the beautiful Italian coastline before enjoying a romantic dinner by a local, Italian personal chef cooking fresh seafood and family recipes, flowing with red wine, of course. Finally, tying things up as the English would do—saluting the royal sights in Historic London, followed by a large pint with new mates at the pub in a small village in the countryside! The vows they had said to one another at their ceremony in Kentucky were broken up and calligraphed in the three languages: French, Italian, and English as a beautiful keepsake. The videography team, Summit Stone Creations, who was also there to capture everything with us, had a local read the vows to be played during their highlight video. (This video should also be ready next week to share, too!)
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Photography: Shining Light Photography | Film: PhotoVision Prints | Videography : Summit Stone Creations | Dress : Watters | Invitations: Riley & Ko | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang Black For Men's Warehouse | Vintage Car Rental : Spider Lifestyle | Bridal Boutique : Rebecca's Wedding Boutique | Florals (Kentucky): Mahonia | Florals (London): Poppy Sturley | Florals (Paris): Wild Blossom Flowers | Florals (Sorrento): Rosalinda Flowers | Handwritten Vows: Katlyn Ann Art | Private Dinner Catering: Chef Tommaso De Turris
This gorgeous Summer day in Charleston at Middleton Place Plantation is everything classic wedding dreams are made of. The bride was an absolute vision donning an elegant Romona Keveza wedding gown while her lush, all-white bouquet by Amy Osaba was the perfect accessory to match! They tied the knot under a quintessential low country oak tree dripping in Spanish moss. Later at their reception, celebrations ensued surrounded by cozy candlelight and living chandeliers. Check out the full gallery of details planned by Bellafare, all captured by Simply Sarah Photography!
From the bride, Kathryn… We moved to Gramercy in NYC in 2016 and we walk past this secret park in Gramercy every week. I always told him I wanted to figure out a way to get inside but I knew we needed a key. He found out that he could get a key through the Gramercy Park Hotel and he surprised me one night after work with a walk in the park/the proposal. We then went to my favorite NYC restaurant “Babbo” where our parents were waiting for us with champagne! We were engaged for a little over a year!
Charleston has always been a special place for me. I grew up going to Kiawah Island as a baby/little girl and then when some of my extended family moved to Charleston I started visiting more frequently. I love the charm of Charleston and exploring the beautiful streets and always knew I wanted to get married there.
When Todd and I got engaged we visited Middleton Place and I instantly fell in love with the gardens and the lush greenery and Todd loved that it was on the water. The night after we visited Middleton Place I found several photos of my grandpa and I visiting Middleton together and it was such a sign that we had to get married there. My style has always been very classic and I wanted my wedding to match that.
Kristin from Bellafare worked endlessly to execute my vision. When we found the blue plates at Ooh Events I immediately gravitated towards them and knew that would be my pop of color in an all-white/green color scheme. Middleton place is such a beautiful venue and I really wanted to showcase how extraordinary the gardens are and add simple yet elegant touches to make it my own.
Amy Osaba created florals that complemented the grounds perfectly and only added to the lush environment. We have too many favorite moments from our wedding day to name one but we loved every part of the ceremony from walking down the aisle, to reciting the vows that Todd and I wrote together, to the kiss and pronouncement and of course all the smiles and cheering!
The icing on the cake was the incredible band and all the dancing because that’s what made it such an awesome party!
We would ABSOLUTELY recommend Simply Sarah Photography to anyone hosting a destination wedding weekend. Todd and I have never been “picture” people but it just felt easy with Sarah and Will around. Together this husband and wife team made us feel so comfortable and relaxed the day of despite the tight timeline with all the weather changes!
Photography: Elizabeth Lanier Photography | Event Planning & Design: Bellafare | Floral Design: Amy Osaba | Wedding Gown: Romona Keveza | Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Hair & Makeup: Lashes And Lace Charleston | Band: Stee Toe Stiletto | Groom's Attire: Michael Andrews Bespoke | Wedding Venue: Middleton Place Plantation | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Ooh! EventHaus
I have been obsessed with copper garment racks for as long as they’ve been populating my pinterest feed (a.k.a. a lonnnnggg time) but I could never justify the high price tag. Then Janet Crowther and her latest book A Well Crafted Home landed on my desk and voila! Instructions for making my very own. Peek inside this DIY from the book sitting pretty below. If you have plans for updating your space in 2018, this should be the first thing you tackle.
Skill level: Intermediate
finished size: 57 x 15¾ x 67 inches
The luster of the copper pipes, mixed with the practicality of the wooden wheels, detailed in leather, create an elegant and timeless piece of furniture. For even more storage, additional items like bags and scarves can be placed on the two long hooks at either end. If you already have ample space to store your clothes, use this as a stunning coatrack in the entryway or as a closet in the guest bedroom. This garment rack is beautiful enough to move freely around your home on wheels, preventing scratched floors.
22 feet of ¾-inch copper pipe, cut as follows (see Tips and page 148):
two 52-inch pieces (long sides, A)
two 8-inch pieces (short sides, B)
two 44-inch pieces (top and bottom, C)
two 7½-inch pieces (side hooks, D)
two 2¼-inch pieces (small bottom connectors, E)
four 6¼-inch pieces (wheel casings, F)
two 1¼-inch pieces (bottom wheel connectors, G)
Tooling cowhide leather, 6- to 7-ounce weight/ thickness, enough to cut four 2¾-inch circles from the hide
Four 51⁄₈ x ¾-inch-thick, large, pine wood toy wheels (find these at www. Caseyswood. Com)
Four 5⁄₁₆ x 8-inch zinc-plated standard (SAE) hex bolt (bolt thread pinch = 18)
Duct tape
Two 5⁄₁₆-inch zinc-plated standard (SAE) regular nuts (nut thread size = 18)
6¾-inch copper pressure tee
4¾ x ¾-inch copper, 90-degree cup x cup pressure elbow
2¾-inch copper tube cap
2-ounce copper lock, no-heat solder
Large-diameter mini tube cutter
Tape measure
Pencil
Masking tape
Heavy-duty circle cutter
Cutting mat
Electric drill with 5⁄₁₆-inch drill bit
Combination wrench
Safety glasses
Sanding sponge (optional)
Tips – Copper pipe is sold in lots of different lengths. You can get 22 feet by buying 3 pieces of 10-foot pipe, with some extra left over, or by buying a shorter length. Just make sure that you buy a long enough piece to accommodate the larger cuts, like the top, bottom, and sides of the garment rack. Type L copper pipe is best, as it is stronger, but you can use type M for lighter garments.
Cut all the copper pipe, specified on page 145, using a tube cutter. Double-check that the like-size pieces are all cut exactly the same length to ensure a balanced build. It is helpful to label the sections with the letters written on a small piece of masking tape and stick them to each cut piece of tubing. This will help avoid confusion when
building the garment rack.
Line up the circle cutter on the leather to cut a 2¾-inch circle, which means the blade will be 13⁄₈ inches away from the center point. Push the circle cutter down on the leather (placed on top of a cutting mat) with enough allowance on the sides of the leather to cut out a full circle. Push down firmly and swing the blade all the way around. While holding the leather in place, cut a circle out fully from the leather. Repeat to cut 3 more leather circles.
Using a drill loaded with a 5⁄₁₆-inch drill bit, drill through the center point of each leather circle.
Line up 1 leather circle so that its hole matches up with the center hole of a wooden wheel. Push the threaded side of an 8-inch hex bolt through the leather and the wood hole. The head of the bolt should be resting flush with the leather. Repeat with the remaining pieces of leather and wooden wheels.
Add some thickness to the bolt with duct tape, right beside the wooden wheel. This will help steady the wheel and keep it straight inside the copper pipe. Take a 5-inch piece of duct tape and put the torn end of the tape along the bolt. Coil the duct tape tightly around the bolt. Insert the bolt with the tape into any copper pipe to check the fit. If it goes in easily, you should add a little more tape. If you are struggling to get it into the pipe, take away a little tape. You want a tight fit, but one that goes into the pipe without ripping the tape. Add duct tape to all 4 wheels.
Slide a wheel casing (each bolt with tape) into copper pipe F, enclosing the duct tape inside. The pipe should be flush to the wooden wheel. Using the combination wrench, screw 1 nut halfway onto 1 hex bolt. Screw the second nut halfway onto another hex bolt.
Grab a pressure tee and insert 1 of the wheel casings (with the nut attached) into 1 side of the long straight section of the pressure tee. Grab a wheel casing that does not have a nut attached and twist it on the opposite side of the pressure tee. As you are twisting it on, connect the open bolt inside the nut. You can look down through the top of the pressure tee to help guide you. Once the bolt is inserted in the nut, twist only the end of the bolt while holding the other, already-connected bolt steady, to get it to screw into the nut and meet the first inserted bolt. Take the wrench and tighten the 2 sides of the wheel casings together, making sure that both bolts are securely screwed into the nut. Repeat this step to form another identical wheel unit. The wheels will move stiffly at first, but with use the copper pipe will start to cut away a channel, which will help the wheel to spin more smoothly.
Now we are going to build the upper portion of the rack. Twist all the pipes and fittings into place following the diagram on page 148. Twist each copper pipe into the fitting until the pipe stops moving. Lay this form on the floor and make sure everything is lined up straight.
Once the rack is built, you will solder it together. Avoid getting solder on your hands and it is a good idea to wear eye protection. Copper solder works really fast, so it’s best to do 1 joint at a time, laying 1 back down flat to dry before moving to another joint. I like to keep the whole rack built and just remove the section that I am going to solder so I know everything is lined up perfectly as the solder dries.
Open the solder and apply a line of solder around each inside rim of the fitting. Twist the pipe a half turn, making sure it is fully inside the fitting and lay it back down flat to dry. Repeat for all joints, waiting at least a minute between each one.
Now, connect the soldered upper portion of the rack to the bottom portion with the wheels. Solder the 2 ends of the bottom wheel connectors G, into the top of the pressure tee on each wheel unit. Apply solder around the rim of each pressure tee. Since we can’t give these pipes a half twist, just make extra sure they are pounded all the way to the bottom of the pressure tee and level on both sides. Allow the solder to dry fully before use.
You can give the garment rack a once-over with a sanding sponge to brighten it up. Or leave it roughed up with fingerprints and oxidation. It will oxidize naturally over time.
For even more fab projects and DIYs for your home, snag a copy of Well Crafted Home here!
Photography: Julia Wade Photography | DIY: Janet Crowther | Featured in : Penguin Randomhouse
If yesterday’s Malibu Rocky Oaks fete didn’t convince you to add this spot to your dream wedding venue list, today’s whimsical celebration will—without a doubt—send you over the edge. Bloomingirls Wedding made sure the day went off without a hitch and the magical pink and blue palette will have you feeling as if you’re floating in the clouds. With stunning captures and a film by C & C Photography, you’ll want to carve out a good chunk of your day for this one.
1.Tell us a little about you and Ziyin and how you met, fell in love and got engaged!
We met in Los Angeles, a city of romance. As schoolmates, we took the same classes. As close friends, we shared many hobbies. As foodies, we would like to explore delicacies at every corner of LA. Then we fell in love, becoming the sweetest couple among our friends. Everybody called us “bubbles” and were always saying they could see bubbles surrounding us when we showed up together!
On a starry night, we were wandering in Palace of Fine Arts. I heard beautiful violin song, which lead us to the centre of the dome. I saw him getting down on one knee with a shiny engagement ring, surrounded by beautiful petals and candles. In the meantime, our friends were hiding behind the pillars and sharing the sweet moment with us. We’ll never forget that day.
2.How would you describe your wedding day?
I’ve always wanted a fairytale wedding. One that can be remembered even when we are getting old and one that can be told proudly to our children. I was so anxious when I woke up on that day and I cried: What if I made silly mistakes? What if I ruined the day I had dedicated so much? Ziyin was surprisingly supportive and helpful! He answered: I will make everything perfect for you today. Don’t worry and enjoy! It’s your day!
He promised and he kept his promise. I was told after the wedding day there were some unexpected but nobody even leaked a word to me! I was so honored as I was loved by so many people: my beloved husband, my parents, and my friends — they made the perfect day just for me! The day was a pure happiness, a love story becoming true, a relationship that’s blessed by our closest and loved people. Everything was just perfect: the breeze through the mountains, the warm and gentle sunlight that casts our shadow on the ground, the dimed light over the pool…
3.What is your favorite memory of the day as husband?
It must be the first look. I was standing at the end of the stairs, and I knew she will walk down the stairs and pat my shoulder. There were many people looking at me, which made me a little bit nervous. I told myself, please be prepared, it would be awkward to cry in front of families and friends. But when I looked back at her, I froze, then I cried like a baby, forgetting everything around me. I used to have hundreds of imaginations on how she would look like on a wedding dress, but none of them can be even close to my first look at her.
4.What’s your favorite memory of the day as wife?
The dance by the pool! I was so worried that I might step on my wedding dress and fall. We even changed our choreography on that day! But at the time the music started and we held each other’s hand and walked to the audience, my fear just magically faded away! All I remembered was we were turning and swinging to the music, looking in each other’s eyes, until the cheers brought us back to reality.
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From Bloomingirls Wedding… Fairytale weddings always happens in a castle? What about a private luxury winery at the top of Malibu mountains? From full floral circle arch to the infinite pool, from customized crown votive candles to the LED balloon send off. This Malibu Rocky Oaks wedding sets the definition of magical and romantic. We all have seen the sky color right after sunset – the perfect hue mixed with different shades of pink and blue, which slips away before you can capture it. With the stunning backdrop of magical sky, this unique color palette creates a dream come true wedding for our bride and groom.
Photography: C & C Photography | Cinematography: C & C Photography | Event Planning: Bloomingirlswedding | Florist: Xobloom | Lighting: Voxdj | Rentals: Premiere Party Rents | makeup artist and hair styling: Yi Bridal | winery: Malibu Rocky Oaks
Sometimes, Pinterest board dreams really do come true like today’s absolutely stunning and overwhelmingly romantic wedding at Khayangan Estate in Bali. The couple who reconnected when they literally bumped into each other on the streets of Hong Kong, said ‘I Do’ overlooking the Indian Ocean which made for an epic ceremony! With multiple dresses and colorful arrangements, KC Chan Photography had no shortage of photo opp’s like draping, string lights, and neverending reception tables, coordinated by Bali Dream Day. Be sure to check out the video for a cameo by the groom as he serenades his bride…I may have shed a tear or two!
From KC Chan Photography…Crystal and Alvin met during their university days but they quickly lost communication for years and by chance, the two literally bumped into each other in the streets of Hong Kong, and they reconnected and as they say…the rest was history.
The wedding ceremony was held in the lovely gardens of Khayangan Estate in Bali, which was placed on high cliff tops that provide a grand view of the Indian Ocean. An absolutely stunning way to exchange vows and share their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs.
Crystal stunningly walked down the aisle to a romantic violin and ukelele rendition of the song “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” played by the groom’s friends. Everything was perfect, exactly how Alvin envisioned it to be as the most beautiful moment.
Another extremely personal and emotional moment was a surprise performance by the groom to his bride. Everyone was in tears!
Crystal and Alvin’s dreamy wedding in Bali was like a Pinterest board transcribed into reality – it truly was a wedding to remember.
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Photography: KC Chan Photography | Videography: KC Chan Photography | Planner: Bali Dream Day | Wedding Gown: Liz Martinez (by Kinsley James) | Decoration: Bali Event Styling | Hair & Make-up: Yeanne Makeup Art | Wedding Ceremony and Reception: Khayangan Estate
Every November, our family makes a huge batch of cinnamon rolls and delivers them to neighbors to freeze for Thanksgiving or Christmas morning. But this year, we’re shaking things up a bit. Because these DIY Cinnamon Roll Kits are TOO much goodness, lovely for holiday gifts, back to school gifts, hostess gifts alike. With easy to print labels to boot! PS…more hostess and holiday kit ideas below.
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8” iron skillet
Pretty dishtowel
Dough ingredients: ⅓ cup sugar + 3- 3 ½ cups flour + ¾ tsp salt
Yeast ingredients: ½ tsp sugar + 1 tsp yeast
Filling ingredients: ½ cup sugar + ¼ cup brown sugar + 2 tbs cinnamon + 6 tbs melted butter
Frosting ingredients: 4oz cream cheese + ½ lb powdered sugar + 4 tbs butter + ½ tsp cinnamon + 1 tbs vanilla extract
Weck jars large enough for yeast, filling, & frosting
White paper lunch sack
Black and white ribbon
Cinnamon roll labels
Cinnamon roll instruction tags
White cardstock
Full sheet label paper
Scissors
Hole punch
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1: Print out the cinnamon roll instructions on white cardstock and cut out out along gray outlines. Punch a hole over the circle outline. Tie onto the handle of the skillet with a bit of chevron ribbon.
2: Print the cinnamon roll labels onto the full sheet label paper, and cut out each circle along the gray outline. Place a label on each weck jar and one on the paper sack.
3: Loosely mix the dough ingredients in a large bowl, then use a funnel to pour into the paper sack. In a medium bowl, mix the frosting ingredients with an electric mixer, then scoop into the “frosting” jar. In a small bowl, mix the filling ingredients with an electric mixer, then pour into the “filling” jar. Fill the “yeast” jar with yeast and sugar.
4: Tuck the dishtowel into the skillet, then add the ingredient jars and dough bag.
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COFFEE & DONUT CRATES | ORNAMENT DECORATING KIT | GINGERBREAD HOUSE KITS
Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Design & Styling: SMP Living | Event Planning: Amazon | Invitations: Paper Source | Favors: Crate & Barrel
When the bride and groom couldn’t find the perfect place to tie the knot, they quickly realized there’s just no place like home. Shannon Leahy Events brought their intimate, romantic vision to life on the bride’s 2,000 acre family ranch and the results are absolutely breathtaking. They exchanged vows under a gazebo the bride’s father built just for the wedding (cue the waterworks) and danced the night away under strings of lanterns as a subtle nod to Disney’s Tangled. The entire day captured by Larissa Cleveland Photography can only be described as a fairytale, don’t miss out on the full gallery of images for major inspiration!
From the Bride… Planning a wedding that feels unique to yourself is a challenging and invigorating process, especially for California-casuals like Jeff and me. We generally are much more interested in hiking or sweatpants than getting dolled up and dancing, so we wanted to strike a balance between a wonderfully glamorous event (it was our wedding, after all), and something that felt comfortable and fit our personalities. Looking through potential places for our venue, we kept ruling things out. We wanted something bigger, we wanted to fit more people, we thought it would be too cold- until finally we decided on something that truly was home. My parents were so excited to hear that we wanted to have our wedding at “Siberia,” our family’s ranch house out in Valley Springs, CA. Siberia was always a big part of our lives for family events such as Thanksgiving and big friend events like New Years, so many of our guests were quick to say they were so excited about the best Siberia party- EVER. Already feeling at home in our location helped so many things to fall into place.
This was our family’s place, and we wanted to make the event feel like our own as well. Jeff, not liking traditional ties, decided on Bolo ties to help capture our California ranch aesthetic. All of our siblings were part of our wedding party, and our wedding parties did the traditional things we do to make each other comfortable and less stressed- cups of tea for a calming moment with the bridal party, and a trip to Taco Bell as a delightful contrast to the actually delicious food later for the groomsmen. Seeing each other for the first time, all dressed up, under the tree where we regularly go watch the sunset brought back so many magical memories, and created so many more. Our friends ministered for the ceremony, and could not have captured the spirit of our relationship better.
Jeff and I started dating on Cinco de Mayo, so we decided to tie the knot that weekend, and we had the best tacos ever and cute mini margaritas at the cocktail reception. Dinner, dancing, and more dancing was wonderful and we really enjoyed our day with everyone- we felt just as relaxed as we would at any other party, but overwhelmed with excitement and happiness. Every detail we decided helped us feel like a true celebration of our relationship, our families, and the lives we love to live.
From Shannon Leahy… Mado and Jeff approached us with a wonderful challenge for their wedding – to produce a beautiful, romantic event in Siberia, their family ranch set on 2,000 acres about 3 hours outside of San Francisco. Mado ( Madeleine ) is a romantic at heart, loves flowers and had in mind a palette of cream, blush and thistle blue. Ceremony would be down by the pond in a gazebo that her father built for the wedding. With her 4 sisters and best friend as bridesmaids in beautiful blue dresses and Jeff’s groomsmen in bolo ties (Mado had them specially made), the two said I Do in front of all their loved ones in a beautifully whimsical ceremony officiated by two of their best friends. The cocktail hour cantina tent had delicious margaritas, a taco bar and tons of gorgeous passed hors d’oeuvres. One request the Bride had was for a recreation of the candlelit lantern scene from the Disney movie Tangled, so we hung a ton of lanterns over a greenery adorned trellis that was constructed for the event over the dancefloor and floated orbs in the pool.
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photographer: Larissa Cleveland Photography | Event Planning: Shannon Leahy Events | Floral Design: Shannon Leahy Events | Catering: Componere Fine Catering | hair and makeup: Maria Chang, Professional Makeup Artistry | lighting: Got Light | band: Dart Collective | music: Starlite Strings | paper: Anticipate Invitations | photobooth: TME events | rentals: Standard Party Rentals | rentals: Zephyr Tents | signage: Arrow Art Studio | stylist: Jaime Cole | video: Reel Eyes Media
If a truly stunning backdrop is a must-have on your wedding wishlist, I urge you to take a visit to Malibu Rocky Oaks. Although, I don’t think it’ll take much convincing after you get a peek at this breathtaking affair from Rebecca Yale and XOXO Weddings. The views are expansive and grand, fitting for a magnificent kind of love. Please, please visit the full gallery when you’re done scrolling below—it is packed with SO much more, my friends!
From Rebecca Yale Photography… Christina and James were married on a beautiful Summer day in Malibu, CA surrounded by their closest friends and family as well as their two adorable Corgi’s Max and Dory. The wedding date had extra special meaning as it was also their dog Max’s second birthday! The bride wore an embellished Amsale gown that blended perfectly with the white and green florals of the day. The groom wore a navy blue tux and they donned their pups in formal wear as well with a bowtie for Max and a floral wreath for Dory. They had cookies made to look like both dogs in their wedding outfits, which were placed at each seat at the reception as a favor for their guests to take home. The bridesmaids all wore sky blue and carried similar bouquets to the bride’s with a mix of white flowers and greenery. Christina says, “We wanted a classic, but still unique, wedding aesthetic and theme. We specifically did not want the typical blush / dusty rose colors, so we chose a hint of whisper blue to go with my blue Amsale dress details (along with the classic green and white flowers).”
The couple picked their venue based on the unique helipad ceremony location, the famous rock photo location, and the 270-degree views during dinner and cocktails. “No other venue was as stunning in our opinion,” said Christina. The bride and groom said their I Do’s in the late afternoon on the helipad of Malibu Rocky Oaks Private Estate, reading their own custom written vows and cracking each other up along the way. Christina says, “My favorite memory is probably our officiant’s speech / script throughout our ceremony, as well as our vows. I found our officiant’s speech was not only engaging and lighthearted, but also very personal — similar to how our vows were structured as well. This was also James’s favorite memory. It was also quite memorable how [our groomsmen] Nate had to carry our younger corgi, Max, down the aisle since the little guy was just not having it that day! “
After the ceremony guests enjoyed cocktail hour out on the terrace of the estate, enjoying cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres before making their way to the pool area for the dinner, which was set up as two long tables under billowing pieces of white silk for shade. Guests were all also given white parasols to use during the ceremony and dinner for some extra shade on the hot summer day. Towards the end of dinner Christina and James made their way up the famous rock at MRO to take the iconic sunset photo. James said of the moment, ” my second favorite memory would actually be the ~5 minutes Christina and I had waiting for the sun to go down on the rock. It was just about the only moment we had all day, just the two of us, with nothing to do — just stand in each other’s arms and enjoy an incredible view.”
The evening ended inside the mansion with dancing, cake and an epic donut wall. The couple even surprised their pup Max with a doggy birthday cake after their first dance and then the bride made her way to the second floor to toss her bouquet down into the crowd from the balcony. Christina said, “I will have to say a close second [favorite moment] would be the bouquet toss. My friend Sonia really went for that bouquet — all I could see when I turned around after tossing it was the aftermath of multiple flying petals in the air (haha!). Funny enough, she got engaged roughly 10 days later while in Norway!” Their friends enjoyed the warm summer evening, taking advantage of the balcony once again to enjoy the view and eat some delicious late night snacks like S’mores and donuts.
Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Videography: Daniel Chae | Event Planning: XOXO Weddings | Florist: THE LITTLE BRANCH | Caterer: RoomForty | Hair and Makeup: Kelly Zhang | DJ: Extreme DJ | Favors: Busy Bee Sweets | Venue: Malibu Rocky Oaks | Paper Goods : Simply Stated Stationery | Rentals: A Rental Connection
This dining room revamp so embodies the sunny beach vibes of Southern California and it’s perfect for one of our favorite Bachelor Stars, Amanda Stanton. She teamed up with Lulu & Georgia to infuse her home with bright, kid-friendly decor that still falls firmly in the bohemian chic category. Guess what? They nailed it! Tour the full space captured by Monica Wang right here!
I feel like my inspiration comes from so many different things. The So Cal lifestyle & having a house full of girly girls definitely influences my interior decorating style. I also follow a lot of amazing interior decorators on Instagram and watch a lot of HGTV (Joanna Gaines is everything.)
My home style and aesthetic is very clean, modern, girly and boho-chic.
An obstacle I faced with my dining room was making sure it was kid friendly. I loved the idea of white upholstered chairs but knew it wasn’t practical with kids. Haha! I needed something that was sturdy and easy to clean, but also pretty and stylish. The white table and wood bench are perfect!
Always have sweet and savory options & a 90/10 champagne to OJ ratio.
My group of girl friends! They’re the best!
Happy! Natural light is very important to me. I love how bright my home is. And the pops of color & fun prints put me in a good mood. I hope it does the same for everyone else!
Sarala Blue Rug | Adina Oval Dining Table | Enya Dining Chair | Williams Dining Bench | Amundson Brown Bowl | Adelise Glass Pitcher | Cornelia Gold Plates | Pacifica Serving Tray | Metallic Dipped Horn Vase | Adelise Glasses | Lex Octagon Presentation Board | Marina Del Ray Beach Print | Venice Beach Roller Skates Print | Sunset Palms Print | Albany Fur Pillow | Dekla Faux Fur Pillow in Blush | Cristiana Woven Throw | Masika Pillow
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Photography: Monica Wang | Decor: Lulu & Georgia
You may know Becca Tilley as one of the coolest girls to ever come out of The Bachelor without a ring but now you will forever know her as that cool girl with the killer living room. She teamed up with Lulu & Georgia to revamp her main lounge space and the result is so deserving of the final rose. From tufted to gilded, tour the transformation shot by Monica Wang plus grab Becca’s tips for your own revamp adventures below.
Before I even shopped or picked out decor for my living room makeover, I turned to Pinterest. It really helped me hone in on my personal home style. After pinning several glam living rooms and half-boho, I realized I wanted to fuse the two styles together, turning my living room into a California Boho/Glam setting.
My extreme-makeover status required extra hands on deck, and I wasn’t afraid to reach out for opinions. I had a clear idea of what I wanted, and when I showed the girls at Lulu & Georgia, they made some suggestions I wasn’t considering before. The total outcome was a collaborative effort, and my dream Pinterest living room came to life.
This was ultimately my mantra. I thought I wanted a fun, colorful couch, but I realized that it would be difficult to style around a loud-colored couch. The main furniture pieces are all neutral, and if I ever feel like sprucing things up, I can just change out the throw pillows or the smaller decor items.
Wow, did this make a difference. A rug wasn’t at the forefront of my mind, but when I had nothing but the couch and chairs, something was missing. When I added the Safina rug, it brightened up the entire room and brought it to life.
Home decor and interior design is so fun to play around with, so you can’t be afraid to try new things. Sometimes combinations look so much different in real life than they do in a moodboard or in your head. The day I set everything up, I tried to think outside the box and mixed and matched colors that I never thought would go together. I was also lugging chairs from one side of the room to another just to see what it would look like. It was an experimental process for sure, but I loved the turnout in the end!
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Photography: Monica Wang | Decor and Styling: Lulu & Georgia | Home of: Becca Tilley
This California couple took to the islands to celebrate their “I do’s”! From the ombre “be our guest” escort card display to the al fresco reception with ocean views in a sea of powder blue – everything about this stunning seaside affair was planned to perfection by Bespoke Destination Events! Bella Bloom Floral Boutique created lush arrangements full of bright pink dahlias and creamy roses. At the end of the night, their lucky guests were surprised by fire dancers and a shaved ice truck (okay, we’re officially jealous!) Don’t miss a moment over at the full gallery captured perfectly by Ana Delores Photography!
From Anna Delores… When Sydney and Mark first met over nine years ago, it was while searching for a class they were both taking at Moorpark College. It turned into their “accidental first date” when they (quickly and easily) gave up looking for the classroom in favor of dinner together instead. We love this “meet cute!”
When Mark decided to propose, he planned a girls’ day out for Sydney and Taylor (Sydney’s maid of honor, who was also in on Mark’s secret). Bride-to-be Sydney thought they were just going shopping for a trip to Vegas, but because Mark was planning to propose, he just wanted her to have a fun day of pampering first. Sydney had a few hours to buy a dress, and Mark made hair and makeup appointments, delivering all this information to Sydney with a card that said “shit just got real.”
Later that night, Taylor finally led Sydney to the bluffs in Malibu, where Mark got down on one knee. Sydney and Mark are truly best friends; on their wedding day, they both struggled to hold back tears while Sydney walked down the aisle.
Their wedding day was planned by local Maui planners Bespoke Destination Events (with Sydney’s aesthetic vision taking the lead for the romantic, modernly elegant, ethereal decor details at the ceremony and reception). This California couple made the reception extra-special for their guests traveling to Maui with a welcome reception on a chartered boat, a fire dance performance during dinner, and a shave ice truck during dancing!
Photography: Emily Loeppke Photography | Videography: Sunlit Films | Event Planning: Bespoke Destination Events | Floral Design: Bella Bloom Floral Boutique | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Cake: Cake Fanatics | Invitations: Julie Sbicca | Catering: Maui Ohana | DJ: Liam Grist | Officiant: Manutea Nui E | Wedding Venue: Olowalu Plantation House | Rentals: Accel Rentals | Shave Ice Truck: Kona Shave Ice
Can we take a moment to appreciate the beauty that comes from two heritages combining in a day of celebration and love? Shivani & Jeffrey’s union was exactly that, and SO incredibly stunning—from the Hindu-Indian ceremony to the traditional American reception, in large part thanks to 36th Street Events. You’ll want to read their sweet story below and make sure to peruse the full gallery of images, all captured by Julie Wilhite Photography.
From Julie Wilhite Photography… Shivani and Jeffrey had an incredible multi-cultural wedding on April 20th, 2019. The two combined her Indian heritage with a traditional American wedding seamlessly, and I was so honored to photograph it. Their ceremony was a traditional Hindu Indian ceremony, with the reception a traditional American one.
The couple met on Hinge, a dating app, in 2015, after they both recently moved to Dallas. Shivani completely forgot about the first date while Jeff left another dinner early to meet her for drinks. After a sweet reminder text, Shivani got ready in 15 minutes, completely playing it cool. A couple drinks later and the rest is history! Fast forward through 3 years worth of memories including a few mountains climbed, passports stamped, and the addition of their furry friend, Henry, to the family, Jeff finally popped the big question at sunrise on a hike in Sedona, AZ. Needless to say, Shivani said yes!
The bride, groom and wedding party wore two different outfits. For the Hindu ceremony, Shivani wore a stunning handmade custom lehenga, a long skirt paired with a crop top and embroidered scarf, that was a soft blue and covered in gold beading. It was so intricate, and a work of art. They hired a personal stylist and shopper to create the outfits for the Indian ceremony. All the outfits for the bride, groom and wedding party were handmade in Indian and dip-dyed to the perfect shade of blue. Shivani wanted her outfit to be a non-traditional color and Jeff’s favorite color is blue, so it was easy to pick the soft blue color as the tying theme in the wedding party outfits.
Shivani’s bridal jewelry was a mix of family heirlooms and custom made pieces from Houston, Texas. The bridal jewelry set was gold plated with Kundan stones, pomegranate colored beads with a hint of blue. The gold bangles were a gift from her maternal grandparents and she wore a gold ring studded with diamonds on my right hand which was an heirloom from my grandmother.
For her American reception, Shivani wore a beaded fit and flare gown by Maggie Sottero. It was from Mockingbird Bridal in Dallas, a store which has been a Dallas staple for wedding gowns. The bride’s reception jewelry was gifted by her parents, and she wore emerald cut drop diamond earrings paired with a rose-cut diamond necklace all set in platinum gold. She also wore her mom’s Rado watch as her something borrowed.
Shivani’s childhood best friend and bridesmaid, Anjali Chatwani, the owner of Glam Angelique, did the hair and makeup for all of the events, which was a special touch for the bride!
First, there was the Baraat. As the bride explains… “There is a pre-wedding ceremony called the Baraat. The Baraat is a procession of the groom’s family and friends singing and dancing around him to music. The Baraat is very much the jumpstart for the wedding day – it kicks-off the celebration with excitement, singing, dancing, and laughter and carries the groom right up to the ceremony. It typically begins somewhere down the street from the wedding venue. Then, over the course of 20-30 minutes, the groom and his family, accompanied by music, make their way up the street singing and dancing. The Baraat is met by the bride’s family at the entrance to the wedding venue. It symbolizes the pleasure and happiness of the groom’s family in accepting the bride as a part of their family; as their very own. The Milni (the meeting of families) symbolizes the merging of the two clans. The bride’s family, usually the bride’s mother, performs an Aarti (welcome prayer) for the groom’s family.”
The groom and guests had so much fun, and even had color bombs during the Baraat! They danced to the venue, which was the Four Season Austin. Their traditional Hindu Indian ceremony took place under gorgeous trees and included many new and old traditions, including the Jai Mala Garland Exchange, Ganesh Pooja, Kanyadan and Gath Bandhan. Then they took their seven steps together, called the Saptapadi. Each step signifies a vow that they promise to uphold together. They took time after to tell each other their personal vows to one another, then sealed it with a kiss!
There was a break before the cocktail hour so guests could change into black tie outfits for the cocktail hour and ceremony, which took place inside the Four Seasons ballroom. The tables were covered in metallic tablecloths, with gold accents throughout. The bride wanted to bring the outdoors in with blush flowers, creams and lots of greenery, which was perfect for this spring day. It was such an honor to be able to photograph this beautiful wedding!
Some tips on planning your multi-cultural wedding, from the bride… Pick the best of both worlds. We focused on picking elements for our wedding events which were important to us and our families. Everything we did was guest-centric. We wanted to ensure all of our friends and families who had traveled from near and far had a good time with no logistical stress. We decided less was more in terms of the guest list. Coming from an Indian family, it was hard to keep the guestlist small but we made a conscious effort to stay around 250 guests so we could truly focus and spend quality time with our guests.
Photographer: Julie Wilhite Photography | Videography: Bring Works | Wedding Planner: 36th Street Events | Floral Design: Sweetwater Stems | Invitations: Nalini Co | Makeup: Wedding Gown Source | Hair: Blush N Bangs | Band: Uptown Drive | Ceremony Music: Live Oak Trio | Baraat Music: DJ Nish | Bridal Boutique: Mockingbird Bridal | Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero | Dance Floor Rental: Mikes Dance Floors | Draping: Unique Design & Events | Four Seasons Austin: Four Seasons Austin | Rentals: Monarch Event Rentals | Samba Dancers: Austin Samba
