Sally and Anthony are the kind of couple you want to be friends with – just take one look at their effortlessly cool Malibu wedding. From the chic, mid-century modern venue to the Bride’s romantic lace dress, from the whimsical pool swan to the fun polaroids, and most of all from the joy and laughter to the looks of love seen on the faces captured by Leah Vis, this wedding is a celebration at its finest. Can’t get enough either? Head to the Vault for more!

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From the Bride… Our wedding day was nothing short of perfect. We felt so much love from all our friends and family. It was all the love, laughter, and smiles that made our wedding the most memorable day to date.

From Sweetest Love Events… Sally and Anthony’s wedding was such a blast to coordinate! They wanted to have a beautiful, intimate, and fun wedding – and that is exactly what they had! Their wedding was held at a stunning private residence that served as the perfect backdrop for their special day. I absolutely loved their details – from the Bride’s gorgeous lace, backless dress, to the Groom’s blue suit and bow tie, to the beautiful blooming flowers and fun inflatable swan floating in the pool! There was such great energy the entire day. Everyone at the wedding had an absolute blast, and you can truly see it in the photos!

Photography: Leah Vis Photography | Coordination: Sweetest Love Events | Floral Design: California Floral And Design | Wedding Dress: Essense Of Australia | Cake: Phoenix Bakery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Anthropologie | Catering: Il Fornaio | Hair and Makeup: Kohnur | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Bride's Ring: Oscar's Jewelery | Groom's Ring: Van Cleef Arpels | Private Mid Century Style Estate: Private | Rentals: Palace Party Rental

Does it get any more romantic than writing your own vows? Why yes, yes it does lovelies. Just grab a guitar and a mic and sing those sweet vows from your heart—like these two beauties did. OK, how freaking cute are they?! Their entire day captured by Feather & Twine deserves a bow, but that vow story? That’s where the love is at my friends.

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From the Wedding Planner and Event Designer, Lindsey Zamora… I met Victoria four years ago when designing for a photography workshop she attended. We had kept in touch via social media and I was thrilled when she reached out about her own wedding! It was very clear early on that Victoria and Will wanted a wedding that was intimate and filled with their closest friends. The design included a color palette of varying tones of lavender, farm tables with loose vines mixed with low, lush centerpieces and an abundance of soft candlelight. Will serenaded Victoria as she was escorted down the aisle by her mother and father. Surrounded by a semicircle of wildflowers, they sang their vows to each other. Guests congratulated the newlywed couple by showering them in rose petals. During the reception, guests were served corn bread red pepper roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese and roasted root vegetables. The dinner was filled with laughter and tears from the heartfelt toasts by the best man and maids of honor. Lastly, loads of dancing and photo booth snapping continued throughout the evening.

Photography: Ruét Photo | Videography: RBScott Films | Planner: Lindsey Zamora | Floral Design: Pollen Events | Cake: HoneyLove Cakery | Catering: Tastefully Yours Catering | Hair and Makeup: Q Makeup & Hair Artistry | Calligraphy: She in the Making | Band: The Royal Dukes | Groom's Attire: Zara | Groomsmen's Attire: Zara | Venue: Brik Venue | Bridal Gown : Winnie Couture | Industrial : Brik Venue | Photobooth: My Event is the Bomb

What began as a friendship at work gradually grew into a beautiful love, and this couple’s Virginia wedding is as classic as their story. The Bride looked stunning in her perfectly fitted Blue by Enzoani gown and her royal-worthy diamond and sapphire engagement ring, accompanied by her pretty Bridesmaids wearing shades of gray. Meredith Sledge Photography captured the beautiful day, and it’s all waiting for you in the Vault.

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From Meredith Sledge Photography… Sarah and Jon met at work in September of 2011. Sarah remembers the first time she saw Jon at an event services meeting. Jon was presenting a financial forecast, and Sarah thought to herself, “That guy is so cute! But what is up with his 1950s hair style and blue suede space shoes?” Jon remembers when Sarah first started and thought to himself, “Man, Anna’s sister is cute.” (Sarah’s sister worked with Jon at the time.) Over the next year, they would get to know each other as friends through happy hours and work functions.

In October 2012, Jon was preparing for Halloween and shaved his head to get into character as Walter White from Breaking Bad. Sarah wasn’t at work on Halloween but ran into Jon later that week. She saw his completely bald head and thought he may be sick and became very upset. Thankfully Sarah learned it was just a costume. As Jon’s hair grew back, and he decided to keep it short, Sarah took notice and developed a bit of a crush. Over the next few months, she planned happy hours to get to know him better. Jon, a connoisseur of happy hours, was always in attendance and thought Sarah was a lot of fun to be around. In January of 2013 at one particularly festive happy hour, they fell into conversation for hours and realized they were the only two left at the bar. They continued the evening bar hopping through DC, and a week later Jon called to ask Sarah out for their first official date. In June 2015, Sarah moved into Jon’s house, and as a welcome present, he gave her his blue suede space shoes to be cut up and thrown out.

From the Groom… I had intended to propose at sunset on a boat ride while we were at Sarah’s family cottage in Thousand Islands, but she kept going to bed at 8:30, so I realized I’d have to find another time. I wanted it to be a private moment for just the two of us, because I know how much she hates big scenes. On Saturday, July 2, we were going to run some errands for her dad and then take the boat out for a spin through the islands; I thought this would be the perfect time to propose. I stealthily grabbed the tripod and hid the ring in a sweater as the box was too big for my pocket. Sarah always gets cold so I knew she wouldn’t suspect a thing if I brought a sweater for her just in case. Once we were out on the water, I suggested we take a picture with some of the islands in the background. I set up the tripod, and as we posed for the first picture, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. I blacked out and don’t remember if she said yes, but she is wearing the ring and we planned a wedding, so I assume she did. Best part – she didn’t suspect a thing!

From the Bride… We had talked a lot about the timing of when we would get engaged. We both wanted to get married in 2017, and I told him for that to happen, he needs to propose by July 1, 2016, because we’d want to get married in the late spring/summer and avoid our busy work season. What can I say? I’m a planner. As July approached, we were getting ready to go to Thousand Islands. We were packing the car, and Jon must have asked me a hundred times to make sure the tripod was in the car, and he wouldn’t let me carry his back pack. I thought to myself, “I wonder if the ring is in the back pack, and he is going to somehow incorporate the tripod into the proposal.” On July 2 (a day past the deadline!), we were getting ready to run errands, and Jon made a big deal about bringing the tripod and said “I’m gonna grab a sweater in case you get cold.” Had he not carried the sweater to the boat as though it had a time bomb inside of it and place it gently inside a cooler, I probably wouldn’t have thought twice about it, but instead I wondered if the sweater had something hidden inside. Later as we were out on the water about to take some pictures, I learned my suspicions were correct. Regardless of how much intuition I may have had, nothing can prepare you for the moment it actually happens. When Jon got down on one knee, it still took my breath away. I’m pretty sure I said yes, although neither of us quite remember. Luckily Jon captured it all on camera!

Photography: Meredith Sledge | Event Planning: Hunter & Company | Floral Design: Foxtail Cottage Floral | Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani | Invitations: Double Click Designs | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: The Local | Hair and Makeup: Eye Do Makeup & Hair | Calligraphy: Just Write Studios | Band: Inside Out | Groomsmens' Attire: Tuxedo by Sarno | Venue: Mount Ida Farm | Reception Draping: Blue Ridge AV & Lighting | Rentals: MS Events

If Italy is on the top of your wedding location wish list, you’re on the right track—it’s ambiance is incomparable. And it’s backdrops? So fitting for romance. Just take a cue from Nomad Republic and this stunner shoot they designed—inspired by a historic venue that boasts loads of charm. If Italy is in the cards for you, consider these images from Olga Makarova a little push. Go ahead, dive on in.

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From Nomad Republic… The driving force for this editorial shoot comes from the history of the 1000-year-old Italian village of Casperia, located in an unspoiled and quiet region in the countryside just northeast of Rome. At the heart of Casperia is a trattoria, formerly owned by an internationally renowned olive oil taster.

Dining at La Vigna feels like attending an extended Italian family reunion. On summer evenings, everyone gathers outside for an aperitivo or a dinner at sunset in the picture perfect, traffic-free piazza, which offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and nearby mountains.

It is not rare that in between courses, guests take their drink and go for a stroll around the square so as to fully appreciate the melodic sound of the graceful fountain or admire the evening light play on the ancient stone of the village and on the valley beyond.

The ambiance is kind of magical and we also love that it’s a superb people-watching spot since there are only two ways in and out the centro storico, and those are the two fortified gates that define the space where the restaurant is nestled. 

What makes this venue so unique is not so much the delicious food and wine, the awe-inspiring vistas or its authenticity but the fact that this place is exactly what every couple is dreaming
about when they think of Italy and La Dolce Vita. Once you get there, you feel like having stepped back in time and you’ll never want to leave.

Photography: Olga Makarova | Event Design: Nomad Republic International | Wedding Planner: Nomad Republic International | Florist: Julie Guittard Fleuriste | Wedding Dress: Martine Toledano | Hair and Makeup: Giorgia Bozzi | Calligraphy: Nice Plume | Elopement Venue: Osteria Vigna | Local Coordinator: EVENTology

I can always count on Michael and Carina to wow me with the simple beauty of their imagery. This soulful soiree for instance, showcases love through moments of anticipation, tradition and sweet embraces. Above all detail, those are my favorite layers of a wedding. See more of this day in the full gallery.

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Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Wedding Coordinator: Rhonda LoPresti | Floral Design: Family Friend | Wedding Dress: Elegance by Roya | Wedding Cake: Tyson's Cakes | Invitations: Rifle Paper Co. | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Belmont Country Club | Hair and Makeup: Paolina Rios | DJ: DJ Brian | Grooms Attire: Lapel | Groomsmen's Attire: Ed's Tuxedo Georgetown | Event Venue: Belmont Country Club | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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After being wrapped up in all the excitement and pure bliss of a proposal, not absolutely loving your engagement ring can be gut-wrenching.

First of all, do not panic. If you are not thrilled with the ring you received, these are some actions you can take!

Tell Them! (Nicely)
There may be a myriad of reasons your partner got you a ring you’re not happy with, but I highly doubt that it was at all intentional. Find a time to tactfully discuss the situation with them, making sure to emphasize how much you love everything the ring symbolizes, but that you prefer not to wear this particular style. Lay out some specific, mainly aesthetic, reasons you would like to upgrade or adjust your engagement ring. If nothing else, just casually let them know it’s not originally the ring that you had pictured.

Discuss a Future Upgrade
If the ring is not quite the size you imagined, it may be that your partner is well aware, and their choice might have been a result of their financial situation. If this is the case, talk about doing a ring upgrade a few months or a year or two down the line. This way you and your partner will be on the same page, and can work on saving for something larger down the road—together!

Dress Up What You’ve Got
Many designers are featuring chic, stackable rings to add and enhance engagement rings! Consider adding one or two of these to help elevate the look! Many designers have a collection of stackable pieces and will even work with you to create custom stackable pieces that work with your existing ring to give it a fresh update!

Focus on Your Love (and your wedding band)
If your ring is an heirloom, passed down throughout the family, or truly all you and your fiancé can afford at the moment, it may be your best option to just keep it and move on. Just focus on what the ring stands for: someone loves you more than anything else, and this ring is a symbol of how that love will stand the test of time. Love what it means, and the person it came from! Perhaps you can get the band of your dreams and just wear that!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.

I have never met a stripe that I don’t adore and this gem of a tablescape is continuing that tradition. Lemon colored stripes and sherbet hued blooms are topped off with a bevy of balloons that make for the perfect preppy bridesmaid brunch designed by Be Inspired PR. It’s a party that combines delicious mini appetizers by Modern Art Catering with a fun floral bar and cute way of popping the question to your best gals. Whether you’re on the hunt for poolside party ideas or killer brunch inspo, look no further than Christine Doneé’s images.

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This bright and preppy bridesmaid brunch was perfectly colorful, detailed, and so much fun! We wanted to create an event that served 2 purposes – Asking bridesmaids to be in your bridal party (“popping the question!”), and gathering your friends to DIY floral arrangements for your engagement party! Christine Doneé was there to capture it all on film! We set up a tablescape using preppy linens, luxe tabletop rentals, and colorful blooms! We created the floral arrangements using wholesale flowers from Fifty Flowers, which was really easy and a lot of fun to design. We also custom designed papergoods and details from For Your Party, like calligraphy place cards, straw tags, and balloons. The bride added a personalized note inside each balloon before filling them, and then had each of her bridesmaids pop their balloons to reveal the question. Modern Art Catering created the cutest and most delicious mini-appetizers for the event! There were lemon wedge ahi tacos, citrus and fennel avocado toast, miniature Caesar salads in parmesan cups, and more. After snacks and accepting the bridesmaid proposal, the girls gathered around a DIY floral design table where they all created their own centerpieces that the bride then used the next day at her engagement party! It was such a cute way to add a personalized touch to the event, and let all of the bridesmaids feel like they were involved in the wedding process from the beginning.

Photography: Christine Donee Photography | Flowers: Fifty Flowers | Catering: Modern Art Catering | Chairs: Premiere Party Rents | Linens: Luxe Linen | Papergoods & Balloons: For Your Party | Production & Design: Be Inspired PR | Tabletop Rentals: Soiree8

Andrew and Billy’s wedding planning story is one filled with unwavering hope, the importance of family, and a remarkable amount of love. Due to Billy’s mother’s health, they planned their Tennessee nuptials in just a few short months, and the special day included a tribute to love even in the midst of incredible loss. Ryon:Lockhart Photography captured each moment with such grace and we invite you to see even more in the gallery.

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From Andrew… As I think back on our first date at a small wine bar in Los Angeles, I’m not entirely sure what it was that made me fall for Billy so instantaneously on that warm June night. Maybe it was his sea blue eyes and dimples, maybe it was the fact that he was an even more avid lover of 90’s country music than I, or maybe it was our shared choice of a career in nursing. Or maybe it was just the wine. Whatever it was, Billy and I knew there was something pretty incredible between us right from the start.

After just eight months of dating, Billy and I made the decision to make a cross-country move from Pasadena, CA to his hometown in rural Kentucky to live with and help take care of his mom, who was fighting stage IV breast cancer. Unbeknownst to Billy, it was just two days before we packed up the car and headed east that I snuck away to buy rings from a local jewelry store in Pasadena (which I promptly stowed away in the spare tire compartment of my car in a paper bag labeled “lug nuts” – Billy is notorious for accidentally spoiling surprises, so I felt the need to take extra precautions with this one). As Billy’s mom’s health began declining at a more accelerated rate, I moved my planned proposal forward a few months and we dove headfirst into wedding planning almost immediately.

Just a two-hour drive away, Billy and I took weekend trips into Nashville fairly frequently during our time living in southern Kentucky. With an incredible food scene, some of the best breweries and bars in the south, and the best live music in the country, we quickly settled on Nashville as the location for our destination wedding. As our wedding research began, Billy and I knew that we both wanted our wedding to have a country, rustic feel to it. Through an hour or two of online research, we stumbled upon our dream venue: Homestead Manor. Situated about 40 minutes outside of Nashville in a Civil War era manor, Homestead Manor features an on-site, farm-to- table restaurant, an incredible cocktail lounge, a climate-controlled barn for events, and the most delightful event staff a couple could ever hope to work with.

Homestead was the first and only venue we visited, and we booked them immediately. On that same weekend trip to Nashville, Billy and I wandered over to The White Orchid floral design boutique and didn’t hesitate in booking Jerry and Michael as our florists. Since our venue conveniently offered catering from their absolutely delicious, farm-to- table restaurant, we were able to check another important vendor off our list! Next, we turned our focus to finding the perfect photographer. I grew up just one house away from Sarah Lockhart, where she and her sister Andrea served as my parents’ go-to babysitters for as long as I can remember. With Billy’s mom’s health in mind, we left ourselves just three months to plan our entire wedding. With this short of notice, I was certain Sarah and her husband Tim would be booked but I decided to shoot off an e-mail anyway.

Being the absolutely incredible and selfless people they are, Sarah and Tim agreed to fly into Nashville on the morning of our wedding after shooting a wedding in NYC the night before! We were ecstatic. And, sure enough, the photos Sarah and Tim captured during our wedding left us speechless. Our wedding photos perfectly and beautifully captured the happiest day of my and Billy’s lives.

After our move from a bustling suburb of Los Angeles to a rural and remote town in Kentucky, Billy and I found ourselves with a lot of spare time on our hands. We used much of this time to hand-make a lot of the décor for our big day. We designed and constructed the program fans that sat on each guests chair as well as the flower holders that lined the aisle, we repurposed old barn wood into various signs that we then painted and situated around the venue, and we took a stab at some basic carpentry to build three different lawn games for our guests to play during our cocktail hour. The time Billy and I spent together planning and creating pieces that we used in our wedding was an absolute blast and helped keep the cost of our decorations at a minimum.

Now for the part of our story where fairy tale and real life collide head first. Unfortunately, Billy’s mom did not make it to our wedding day. After a years-long battle with breast cancer, she passed away two weeks to the day before our wedding. One of our favorite personal touches in our wedding was the bouquet that Jerry and Michael made for Billy to lay on the seat that we had reserved for his mom: it was comprised of beautiful pastel yellow roses, vibrant bright craspedia, and a single pink rose to symbolize her fight against breast cancer. While the absence of Billy’s mom was palpable on our wedding day, the love and joy that surrounded us on that day made it feel as though she was a part of it all. Billy and I walked away from our wedding hand-in-hand through a path lined with friends and family, their faces aglow with the light of their sparklers. This unwavering love, support, and light surrounding us has yet to fade and will always illuminate each and every step we take together as husbands.

Photography: Ryon:Lockhart Photography | Floral Design: The White Orchid | Cake: Triple Crown Bakery | Catering: Homestead Manor | DJ: Davis Mallory | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: Homestead Manor | Groom's Shoes: Gordon Rush

When a group of vendors like this comes together to create inspiration for the taking—you can’t help but want to book your flight to the South of France… for your wedding, that is. With event design by Wanderlust Wedding, floral design by L’Art qui Pousse and captures by Gert Huygaerts, get ready to fill up those wedding pin boards my loves.

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From Gert Huygaerts Photography… With this real couple editorial we wanted to visualise a whimsical Provence wedding with a touch of luxury. Le Hameau des Baux was the perfect setting for this wedding shoot, surrounded by olive groves. The gold and blush color scheme created the perfect sense of elegance and playfulness for this wedding shoot. Dressed in a sophisticated Zahavit Tshuba gown, Valerie looked absolutely stunning for her groom Robert, who was really star-struck with his Rietbergh tailor-made suit. The exquisite stationery, hand-written by Nora from Nice Plume enhanced the styling of this shoot by giving it the perfect combination of a romantic authenticity and a touch of exclusivity. With the table setting and floral decorations fitting perfectly in the color scheme flawlessly, the complete design fitted in the rhythm of this exquisite French beauty. The amazing team of vendors created the best of their craft to make this shoot to the wonderful result we achieved. Valerie and Robert looked stunning and they really enjoyed the first look and spending some utterly romantic moments together.

Photography: Gert Huygaerts Photography | Event Design: Wanderlust Wedding | Floral Design: L'Art qui Pousse | Wedding Dress: Zahavit Tshuba | Invitations: Nice Plume | Shoes: Bella Belle | Rings: Alice Magnin Jewelry | Make-up: Marine Debavelaere | Hair: Les Ciseaux De Marie | Groom's Attire: Rietbergh Wedding Suits | Wedding Venue: Le Hameau Des Baux | Film Lab: Carmencita Film Lab | Hair Jewellery: SIBO Designs | Rentals: Options | Silk Ribbons: Orchidee De Soie

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Event Planning

Wanderlust Wedding

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Petit Bouquet

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When wedding inspiration comes straight from the creatives behind Jen Huang Workshops, you can bet it’s going to be next level. And the vision for this beauty? A winter celebration with subtle holiday vibes and a timeless, clean design. The resulting gallery has us all kinds of obsessed and you can head this way for so much more.

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A wedding designed by Jen Huang Workshops at the Santa Barbara Presidio with a classic, simple, holiday feel. Gorgeous greenery and garlands adorned the beautiful, historic Presidio chapel, guests dressed in lux velvets and the bride wore a newly designed loho brides gown, off the shoulder with a full skirt. Instead of traditional bouquets, the bridesmaids held a garland down the aisle. This intimate celebration is perfect inspiration for cool weather brides, especially those who want to have holiday weddings with a timeless feel.

Photography: Jen Huang Photography | Styling: Jen Huang Art | Floral Design: Camellia Floral Design | Wedding Gown: LOHO Bride | Cakes: Nine Cakes | Invitations: Little North Sea Studio | Hair + Makeup: Chiali Meng | Ceramic Dishware: Eric Bonnin Ceramics | Chapel: Santa Barbara Presidio | Rentals: Town & Country | Styling Board + Antiques: Heirloom Bindery

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Photography

Jen Huang Photography

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We all know that the only thing better than rockin’ a gorgeous engagement ring is rockin’ a beautiful wedding band right along with it. But if you’re lost trying to find the perfect band to pair with your sparkly stunner, we’re here to help. Whether your fave piece of jewelry is classic, modern or something else entirely, scroll for our tips to find its match!

CLASSIC

If you happen to be one of those lucky ladies sporting a classic engagement ring, you know it will pretty much go with anything. Which is why we’re all for pairing up the simplicity of a classic style with a band that matches your, well… sassy side. We adore anything and everything from Shane Co., so check out their infinity bands to add a touch of sparkle and their bezel-set bands for a splash of modern detail.

VINTAGE

A vintage engagement ring is far from simple, so to play up your vintage stunner, we suggest adding a band that mimics that intricate detail and sophisticated design. Think you need something a little more simple? Nope. Teaming your engagement ring with a style that is similar (think a vintage bezel set ring with a vintage bezel-set band) will honestly make for one seriously amazing combo.

PAVE

One part classic style and one part twisty sparkler, a pave engagement ring will always make a statement. It also happens to work well with a lot of different wedding band styles. Our faves? Something with a beautiful milgrain detail – or a bezel-set band for a polished look you’re sure to love.

INFINITY

You can never go wrong with an infinity engagement ring, so why not add a little extra bling to that awesome style with a diamond-lined infinity band? Because, honestly? You can never, ever have enough sparkle and this is a look that is the definition of super elegant. (Hello, completely timeless.)

You’ve found the perfect partner AND the perfect engagement ring, so it’s definitely time to dive into the search for that wedding band that will leave everyone you know talking. Go ahead and check out all of the beautiful creations available at Shane Co., a place that just gets it with vintage bezel-set bands, diamond-lined infinity bands and everything in between.

Kady and Adam chose sunny California for their destination wedding. The ceremony took place on a terrace of the hotel overlooking the Pacific – we can see why they picked the hotel, L’Auberge Del Mar! Leah Vis Photography captured the memorable view as well as the beautiful day, with its pretty white, pink, and peach palette and bountiful blooms, and you can see it all here.

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From the Bride… We chose to have a destination wedding in sunny Del Mar, California. The wedding was at the hotel, L’Auberge Del Mar, and the ceremony took place on a terrace of the hotel overlooking the Pacific. Guests experienced the ocean view, bountiful amounts of blush flowers, a 9-piece live band, ice-cream sundae and deep-fried Oreo stations, a three tiered cake (including carrot cake), and much more. It was well worth the travel!

Photography: Leah Vis Photography | Event Planning: Francine Ribeau Events | Floral Design: Jennifer Cole Florals | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture | Rings: Classic Creations | Hair and Makeup: Beauty By Stacey | Band: That Vibe Band | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Venue: L’Auberge Del Mar | Audio Visual: Vario Weddings | Baker: Michele Coulon Dessertier | Donuts: Sensational Treats | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

From the English garden to the to the lavender-lined driveway reminiscent of Provence, you’d never know this wedding inspiration dreamed up by Swoon Floral Design and Sweetlife Photography took place in the Pacific Northwest. I love each and every thought-filled, European-inspired detail – the bistro chairs for the ceremony seating, the stunning hand drawing of the venue, the gold-rimmed dinnerware, and the classic Lotus Elan getaway car. If you were looking for a European getaway this week, look no further.

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From Swoon Floral Design and Sweetlife Photography… Our initial inspiration for this shoot was the idea of a couple walking through the quiet, tiled streets of a European city, just the two of them walking hand in hand, and surrounded by grand architecture.

Our goal was to demonstrate how to have a European inspired wedding anywhere, and when we first visited Monet Vineyards in Brush Prairie, Washington, we knew this was the perfect venue to bring our vision to life. The owner, visionary, and master landscaper behind Monet Vineyards is Luisa DePaiva, a sweet and generous soul who grew up in Portugal and spent most of her life experiencing various European cultures. When she moved to the Pacific Northwest, she decided to build her dream home – a unique fusion of her European background. From the English garden, to the imported French door locks, to the lavender-lined driveway reminiscent of Provence, what Luisa has accomplished at this stunning property is nothing short of incredible and truly brings a bit of genuine Europe to the Pacific Northwest like no other venue in the area has.

We wanted the color palette of this shoot to be neutral, all while mixing warm and cool tones. We love the juxtaposition of warm ivories, buttery yellows, and cool grays against the texture of marble. Swoon Floral Design’s vision for the table was clean, inviting, and elegant. She loved the contrast between the gorgeous gold rimmed dinnerware and the gray linen. The centerpieces were full of garden roses, peonies, hellebore, and blueberries, just to name a few. For the ceremony vignette, Swoon decided to keep it simple as the backdrop of the estate is so regal by itself with its grand imported front doors and lush green ivy. We used stylish bistro chairs for seating, and white garden urns filled with seasonal greens and white floral flanked the couple as they exchanged vows.

Classic Vintage Rentals provided many elegant pieces for this shoot that tied perfectly into the European story we wanted to tell. From the vanity to the plush sofa and chairs, we love how each piece added character and a richness to the vignette. The cake table featured a statement cake in the center and two smaller cakes on each side. Rosycakes brought a marble design into the cake – the perfect bit of texture. Our calligrapher, Rachel Jacobson, added the French quote by Victor Hugo, “Life is a flower of which love is the honey.” The stationery was perfectly sophisticated, with a stunning hand drawing of the venue. Rachel Jacobson also created place cards and a banner for the getaway car to round out all of the beautiful, European-inspired details.

For the wedding attire, we wanted to convey the kind of style and elegance you’d expect to see at a refined, European estate wedding. “Leigh” by Nicole Miller from The English Department gave us exactly the look we dreamt of, and a traditional tuxedo from The Black Tux gave our Groom the right amount of class and sophistication. For the getaway dress, we wanted to capture a bit of playfulness and imagined a separate top and skirt. Claire la Faye’s “Spellbound” top and “Amour” skirt fit the bill perfectly. Our Bride’s hair by Cassandra Kennedy Beauty had a carefree and romantic feel with loose, natural texture. Her makeup was subtle and fresh with a sheer wash of Bordeaux on the eyes. The look was finished with a stunning vintage diamond ring from Trumpet & Horn.

And lastly our getaway car, a classic Lotus Elan from the UK, provided the perfect ending to the story we hoped to tell. We chose this particular car for its small European-size, and of course, its green color that matched the ivy on the estate perfectly.

Photography: Sweetlife Photography | Floral Design: Swoon Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller | Cake: Rosy Cakes | Shoes: Bella Belle | Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Hair and Makeup: Cassandra Kennedy Beauty | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Monet Vineyards | Bridal Boutique: The English Dept. | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Getaway Dress: Claire La Faye | Getting Ready Attire: Adored Vintage | Headpiece: Untamed Petals | Invitation and Calligraphy: Rachel Jacobson | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Classic Vintage Rentals | Veil: Rose And Delilah

So the big day came and went, and now it’s time to unwind as newlyweds. Sounds like what you need is a delightful Midwestern minimoon. Relax and enjoy a home away from home at any of these bed and breakfasts across the midwest countryside!

Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Photography 

Stone Chalet Bed and Breakfast Inn – Ann Arbor, MI

This distinguished B&B has the right amount of elegance for a sophisticated weekend away. Close enough to downtown activities and far enough away from everything else, this little corner of Ann Arbor could be your new favorite hideaway.

Solglimt Bed and Breakfast – Duluth, MN

Of all the historic mansions along the North Shore, Solglimt offers the most outstanding experience. Nestled along the secluded beachfront of Park Point Beach and facing the calm waters of Lake Superior, it’s a serene escape for any outdoorsy couple. Nearby, you’ll find picturesque bike paths, secluded hikes, and local brews to celebrate your new life together.

Jose Villa Photography

Old Rittenhouse Inn – Bayfield, WI

This beast of a B&B is your most luxurious option for minimoon adventures. Looming over the breathtaking Apostle Islands, this castle-like escape comes with the unique opportunity to explore these eroding islands. Accessible by kayak or boat, the lakeside landscape around Old Rittenhouse Inn is an enticing bonus to an already impressive stay.

Schneck Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn – Vevay, IN

Instead of staying at one of the many hotels in the Vevay Historic District, book a minimoon at the Schneck Mansion for the ultimate weekend of relaxation. The mansion is tucked into the luscious green landscape of southern Indiana, which is perfect for escaping your daily grind. Lounging with your loved one in total solitude.

Eric Rudd Photography

Vrooman Mansion – Bloomington, IL

Love birds vacationing in southern Illinois have a special treat available to them. The historical estate of the Vrooman Mansion offers a bed and breakfast experience that takes you back in time. Decorated exclusively with period antiques, every corner of the mansion is draped in romance. Whisk yourselves away for an elegant weekend of enchantment.

P.S.: Check out these west coast minimoons, too!

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Katy Palmer is a freelance writer and casting producer from Denver by way of Los Angeles. When she’s not working you can find her volunteering at local film festivals, enjoying the Denver comedy scene and supporting other women in media. Connect with her on Instagram @bykatypalmer.

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At first glance at Wendy Laurel’s images, you would never ever guess that a tropical storm whipped through Maui halfway through this couple’s ceremony. But rain or shine, the bright and colorful celebration planned by Merrimans along with blooms by Dellables continued. See this happiest of days unfold right here.

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From the Photographer… You would never know by looking at their photos that it poured rain at Hayley and Joel’s wedding. The rain was threatening all day and in the middle of their ceremony it broke. Pouring rain for the last half of the wedding ceremony that continued all through the night due to a tropical storm. But it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and the wedding party continued. We decided to shoot the bride and groom portraits a separate day (when the sun was shining) a few days after the wedding instead. Hayley’s love of bright and cheery colors carried through to her wedding design. The florals were gorgeous and matched her pink and green wedding invitations and the arch design at the ceremony.

photography: Wendy Laurel | Event Planning: Merrimans | floral design: Dellables | cake: Cake Fanatics | ceremony and reception: Merrimans

You might think the panic of an impending tornado would be enough to make a bride lose her cool – but not Kayla. She and her husband-to-be, Joe went with the flow and luck was certainly on their side. They enjoyed a wedding right at the perfect golden hour with their dearest ones along to celebrate. See how it all unfolded with captures from Brittany Jean Photography.

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From Brittany Jean Photography… You would never know that Kayla and Joe’s wedding day was welcomed by a tornado warning – Kayla was so at peace with the fact that by the end of this day, she would have her sweet husband by her side, so the weather didn’t shake her one bit! Thankfully, the bad weather moved through town more quickly than anticipated and as they shared their first kiss, the clouds parted and brought us an incredibly gorgeous golden hour!

This was my first time back at Vintage Villas since their recent renovation and I have to say, they completely blew me away! I love the openness the space has now – better than I could have ever imagined. Kayla and Joe love being on the water – they got engaged on a boat! It was only natural that they promised each other forever with beautiful views of the lake. I cannot begin to count how many times I saw Joe staring at his beautiful bride in complete adoration all day. You can see it in the way he holds her, looks at her, and kisses her with so much intention, that she is the most incredible woman he’s ever laid eyes on.

Photography: Brittany Jean Photography | Floral Design: Black Petal Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Brides By Elizabeth | Cake: Michelle’s Patiserie | Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations | Ceremony Venue: Vintage Villas | Reception Venue: Vintage Villas | Catering: Vintage Villas | Makeup + Hair : Lola Beauty | DJ: Toast Entertainment | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Place Cards: Lithesome Lettering

For those of us who aren’t “morning people”, we hear about the morning wedding trend and scoff. We immediately think a morning wedding means we have to get up at 4:00 a.m. to start getting ready, but that’s completely untrue.

While a downside may be that you have to get up a tad earlier than normal, there are many upsides to morning weddings that will outweigh that whole “early” part.

Ashley Bosnick Photography

It’s Cost Effective
While the most common times to get married are in the evening within wedding season (May to October), they’re also the most expensive time to get married. This is one of the biggest and best advantages to having a morning wedding. Since the morning weddings aren’t as common, venues, and vendors have more availability which allows them to keep their costs lower.

Um, Hello, BRUNCH
In my mind brunch should be the only reason you need to have a morning wedding. The possibilities with the menu are literally endless. And can I just say these words: cinnamon roll wedding cake. Let that sink in for just a sec. After the ceremony, you could kick off the reception with a cocktail hour of Bellini’s, mimosas, and Bloody Marys! Then have a coffee bar, a scrumptious brunch buffet, and sweet treats consisting of pastries, donuts, scones, fruit and more!

Availability
One of the stressful parts of wedding planning is searching for the perfect venue and realizing they don’t have the date you’re looking for. Unless you’re planning a wedding years in advance, you’ll most likely have to weigh your priorities and let go of one of your plans for either the date or the location. Luckily, if you have a morning wedding, you won’t have to experience this. Since morning weddings aren’t common and overdone, venues typically have more availability which means less stress for your planning and every detail aligns to your heart’s desire.

Emily Steffen Photography

More Time to Relax
One of the things people don’t often tell you about an evening wedding is how exhausted you are at the end of the day. Even when you have an evening wedding, you’re up early dragging out the process of getting ready, the pictures, and more. There’s many parts to the day where you’re sitting and waiting but you’re still going through the motions of being a bride all day so by the time you run through your sparkler exit and get to the hotel, you’re exhausted. If you have a morning wedding, yes you get up earlier, but you leave your reception around 2 p.m. so you have more time to relax with your new spouse when you leave, and ultimately that’s the most important. Or, keep the party going with your nearest and dearest with some downtime at your hotel pool or other relaxing activity.

Bridal Attire Flexibility
Morning weddings are perfect for authentically customizing your look on your wedding day. Evening weddings can often dictate the material and silhouette of your wedding dress and overall bridal look. Morning weddings allow you to be as casual, dressy, or unique as you like. You could wear a dress in a beautiful pastel color or even a light watercolor floral print… or play with silhouettes and try a knee length dress, or midi wrap dress. The possibilities for your bridal look are endless and the morning wedding will compliment it beautifully.

Morning weddings overall are more cost effective, flexible, and (when you get down to the details), so fun! Look at the sample morning wedding timeline below and consider how beautiful and stress-free your brunch wedding will be.

onelove photography

Realistic Morning Wedding Timeline
7:00 a.m. – Wake up
7:30 a.m. – Get ready
9:00 a.m. – Take bridal party photos
10:00 a.m. – Ceremony begins
10:20 a.m. – Announcement of husband and wife
10:30 a.m. – Mimosa hour begins / bride & groom take photos
11:30 a.m. – Bridal party enters reception, buffet can begin
11:45 a.m. – Eating and toasts
12:30 p.m. – Dancing, mingling, and cake
1:30 p.m.– Exit!

Emily Steffen Photography

Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.

Think fancy dresses are only for weddings? Think again. The day you say I do isn’t the only day for twirling and fluffing layers of pretty, oh no, you’ve got anniversaries to look forward to my darlings. Just take a cue from this anni sesh in Germany captured by Michael and Carina. With beauty by Emily Artistry and a to. die. for. blush Reem Acra dress, these two got to release their inner bride and groom all over again.

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From Michael and Carina Photography… The Schlossresidenz in Ludwigsburg, Germany with its stunning architecture made for the most beautiful backdrop for this dreamy destination anniversary session for our wonderful fellow creative, Emily and her husband. They danced in the historic halls of the palace, it was like a fairy tale! With the entire palace to themselves, it was such a romantic atmosphere. Emily is wearing a blush gown by Reem Acra, which is accented by her soft loose curls. Die Kathe, a wonderful local florist, designed the perfect organic bouquet to go with the look.

Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Floral Design: Die Kathe | Jewelry: Suz Somersall | Hair and Makeup: Emily Artistry | Calligraphy: Corsivo Calligraphy | Mens Attire: J.Crew | Dress Designer: Reem Acra | Dress Salon: Gossamer | Event Venue: Schlossresidenz Ludwigsburg | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab

Hawaiian vacations have nothing on this stunning destination affair. It has the telltale beauty of a tropical getaway but with the heart-felt emotion of saying I Do in front of all your loved ones. And with Carmen Santorelli behind the lens, all of that emotion combined with elegant details and blooms by Before I Do Events + MartinRoberts Design are captured in the most gorgeous of ways.

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From the Bride… It is simply impossible to convey the intense love, joy and laughter that filled our hearts on our wedding day. Not only did our wedding feel like a real life fairytale but we were able to share it with so many of our friends and family.

As an Event Planner myself, I was naturally involved with every aspect of planning our big day. I loved every minute of it and was excited that it was finally our turn!

First things first – a venue! We knew we wanted a destination wedding. We did not have to think long and hard before the notion of Hawaii really rang true, and what better island than the untouched, rare and stunning coastline of Kauai. Kauai simply is us! Every element of the island. The charming beach towns, the tropical air, the effortless style of the day to day, the feel and the energy. We vacationed here as a couple and even got engaged atop the highest mountain peak in Kauai overlooking the breathtaking Na Pali Coast. Therefore making it the perfect place for us to get married because it truly embodies everything we love. Destination check!

The wedding was not just a day, it was a series of activity after activity over the course of four days. Whether it was the beachside welcome luau, the group hike, a stunning ocean side rehearsal dinner, or our post-wedding brunch and beach day – there was always something. We definitely kept our guests busy as we were excited to share the island that we love and for them to truly experience the island. All the events leading up to the big day were some of the best moments of my life but nothing could come close to competing with the wedding.

The wedding day started out with our beautiful wedding party. While the boys surfed us girls well, we “beautied”, we laughed, we cried, and held close to each minute that was already passing by. The nervous excitement was real and we were so honored to have our core with us by our side.

And, now it was time! We drove to our wedding location, Na Aina Kai which is a stunning 250 acre botanical garden and teak plantation. The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception had 3 different locations all showing off its own beauty and charm to the guests. The vibe of Na Aina Kai is straight magical. You feel like you are floating in a lush jungle surrounded by crystal blue waters and dramatic deep green mountains. One of my favorite moments of the day was when the conch blower blew the Pū (that’s the conch shell) before I walked down the aisle to mark the official beginning – THAT moment was straight out of a story book! When the Pū is blown, depending on how many times and in which direction it all has a complex set of sacred and blessed meanings to it. The excitement of that and the walk down with my Dad to my future husband totally captured my heart.

Every detail was simply stunning. We wanted the design to be naturally beautiful and fitting with Kauai. The oversized white tent against all the green palms, to our beautiful design elements and tablescapes that were a dreamy mix of whites, creams, golds and greens to the personalized Prosecco bottles at every guest table so that our guests could be “poppin’ bottles” throughout the entire night. Oh, and lets not forget the authentic Hawaiian family-style dinner that everyone shared, and the amazing dance PARTY with all of our favorite people! The emotional toasts, those were THE best, the most heartfelt, funny and beautiful speeches we’ve truly ever heard. It was a beautiful whirlwind!

Mike and I remember looking at each other and then out into the crowd multiple times throughout the evening and seeing so much love. The most love we’ve ever felt all at once.

Photography: Carmen Santorelli Photography | Cinematography: Enjet Media | Coordination: I Do Weddings Kauai | Design + Styling: Before I Do Events | Wedding Gown: Pronovias | Cakes: Kawaii Designs Hawaii | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Catering : Destination Events Hawaii | Hair + Makeup: Mia Moriguchi LLC | Lighting: ET Events Kauai | DJ: Kevin Miso | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Transportation: North Shore Transportation, Kauai | Wedding Venue: Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens | Bridal Boutique: M Bride Salon | Bridesmaid Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Champagne Bags: To Be Designed | Floral + Design: MartinRoberts Design | Linen Rentals: Hostess Haven | Personalized Decor: To Be Designed | Print Work: Worboys Design | Rentals: Kauai Tent

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to pull out your passport for a destination wedding. In fact, New Yorkers, Megan and Will, chose to simply bring all their people down south for a lovefest in the French Quarter. The incredible Lance Nicoll photographed their 3-day celebration and come wedding day the NOLA Dukes kept guests partying well into the night. Congrats to Megan and Will!

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From Lance Nicoll… Megan and Will, New York City residents and avid travelers, brought their international crowd of family and friends to New Orleans for a 3-day event that culminated in their wedding celebration. Megan and Will began the day with a first look because they wanted to spend every minute possible together. The courtyard of the French Quarter home rental was where they first saw each other on their wedding day. A short but eventful walk led Megan and Will to their wedding party for beautiful family portraits on the steps of the New Orleans Courthouse, which sits across the street from their ceremony location.

At the conclusion of their joyous union, the newly married couple and guests marched with their very own brass band down the gorgeous Marche. Guests were then treated to an elegant sit-down dinner and proceeded to dance the night away.

Avid sailors, the couple had Bittersweet Confections create the cutest sailboat themed groom’s cake to accompany the wedding cake. Firefly Ambiance saw to it that the design work of Weddings By LuLu was perfectly accented. Floral design, which included a beautiful ceremony arch, was done by the talented Fat Cat Flowers. Megan’s elegant white and blush filled wedding day was filled with both joy and love.

Photography: Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography | Videography: Bella Productions | Floral Design: Fat Cat Flowers, LLC | Cake: Bittersweet Confections | Ceremony Venue: Brennan's | Reception Venue: Marche | Beauty: Verde Beauty Studio | Decor: Firefly Ambiance | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Music: NOLA Dukes Band | Planning + Design: Weddings By Lulu