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Hollywood Rooftop Wedding Fit for a #CoolGirl

The bride coined her wedding inspiration as “laid-back elegance” and we think that she and her wedding planners at Fletcher + Ellmore hit the nail on the head with this chic Hollywood nuptial. Cool rooftop vibes mingled alongside dramatic details (you MUST see The Butter End Cakery’s creation) And the fact that her dad happens to be Steeler’s offensive line coach, Mike Munchak made the walk down the aisle even more special. See all the photos by Carmen Santorelli right here!

From the Bride… My vision for our wedding was laid-back elegance that felt soft and romantic. My amazing wedding planners, Esther and Shirin of Fletcher + Ellmore, executed my vision flawlessly! They made the planning fun and stress-free and orchestrated the wedding day perfectly. They were also a tremendous help in finding all of the best vendors. Everyone involved in our wedding was so talented and made us feel so comfortable. I am beyond happy with the way everything turned out… It could not have been more perfect!

Photography: Carmen Santorelli Photography | Floral Design : Best Day Ever Floral Design | Cake: The Butter End Cakery | Stationery: Prim & Pixie | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Makeup + Hair: 901 Too | Lighting: Christian Smith Event Lighting | DJ: John Lock | Favors: Milk Jar Cookies | Bride's Dress: Lovella Bridal | Chairs: Chiavari Chair Rentals | Decor, Draping + Lighting: Dish Wish | Draping: Out Of The Dust Rentals | Furniture Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Men's Styling: Lucia Rocio | Paper + Lettering: Fawn Lettering | Planning + Design: Fletcher + Ellmore | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin | Wedding: The London Hotel

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Old World Elegance Meets Garden Romance

Whenever the wedding industry comes together to create weddings like that of Chris and Vivian’s, we find ourselves eternally grateful. Effortlessly coordinated by Milk Events, this is one celebration that’ll have you pinning pronto. From the lovely La Tavola Fine Linen Rental linens, to the 24 Carrots catering, Sposto Photography has captured every deleriously beautiful detail to share in The Vault!

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From Sposto Photography… The aesthetic of this wedding came together so beautifully on Chris and Vivian’s wedding day. A cool and overcast California afternoon set the stage for a soft pastel color palette. The bride and Groom’s portraits were held at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano where the wandered around the timeless structures dreaming of their future together. The ceremony and reception featured many hanging features including a large floral installation floating above the head table in planters suspended from the venues’ pergola. As well as white lanterns that glowed into the evening. Each guest’s place setting was adorned with the guests’ name hand cut from wood in calligraphy by The Bleu Dahlia. It was an event to remember. Gorgeous in every way thanks to Milk Events.

From Milk Events… Chris and Vivian are every vendor’s dream couple. They are kind, relaxed, and not only genuinely care about each other, but every one around them as well. Vivian’s sense of style is chic and timeless, as evidenced through her wedding. Everything from the foiled calligraphy on the invitations to the little notes and bubbles on each seat came from her careful attention to detail. Right beside her is Chris. Her back-then fiancé and now husband, Chris, is charming, funny, and everything you’d expect from a perfect gentleman. However, he’s not just there for show. He made all the Mason Jar lights as well as assisted Vivian in the calligraphy and signage. These two are pretty much your modern power couple. Planning their wedding was such a delight. When your bride and groom are so in tune with each other, it makes everything a breeze. Chris & Vivian’s love story is the kind that’s contagious. It makes you want to love more and be more.

Photography: Sposto Photography | Cinematography: Emma Lynn Cinema | Event Planner: Milk Events | Floral Design: Growing Grace | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | DJ: Blackbook Social Club | Grooms Attire: Combatant Gentlemen | Wedding Venue: Franciscan Gardens | Bar + Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | Bridal Shop: Blush Bridal Couture | Desserts: Simply Sweet Cakery | Portrait Venue: Mission San Juan Capistrano | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Luxe Event Linen

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Blogger Honey & Silk’s Dreamy California Engagement

One single peek at their engagement session, and I’m already counting down the minutes to Stephanie and Kyle’s upcoming wedding in Provence. The bride-to-be slash blogger behind Honey & Silk worked with Sally Pinera to create the dreamy, sun-kissed images she was looking for, and you better believe Sally delivered. Head to the gallery and see why the “golden hour” completely lives up to the hype.

From the bride, Stephanie… We met over four years ago and became a self-described “Cupid’s arrow” love story. Coming from different parts of the country, and different family lives, we happened to find commonality in our love of nature, the Old World, travel, fashion and of course, romance. From this, as a team, we have built successful businesses by combining our common interests, and sharing those stories with the world through Stephanie’s blog, Honey & Silk.

Our passion for worldly adventures and the beauty of the South of France is what became the inspiration for our engagement shoot. We are so excited for these beautiful images to anticipate the Provençal romance and dreaminess of our wedding in November.

Working with Sally Pinera and her team absolutely made our dreams of a French Provençal romance to life… In the rolling hills North of Los Angeles! Sally’s eye and imagination artfully constructed a French countryside landscape close to home. Each detail of the styling, grain of grass and sunlight were woven together by Sally’s camera creating a stunning, editorial scene that we’ll always cherish as much as our travels together.

Photography: Sally Pinera | 2 Piece Dress: LOHO Bride

The Field Guide for the Cleanest House on the Block + Must Have Tools

If you find yourself stressing over the less than clean state of your home and have no idea where to start; we’ve got your field guide. It works for everything from slightly unkempt to needs a good deep scrub STAT. And who better to partner with on this 411 than our favorite makers of cleaning tool essentials, OXO? Check out this guide of action items that will take the guess work out of cleaning and leave you with the most sparkling home on the block, plus all the genius OXO tools you need to get there.

Every Day

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Make Bed | Clean Dirty Dishes | Sweep Kitchen Floor | Wipe down counters | Clean Bathroom Sinks

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A quick 20 minutes doing a few daily essentials will really keep your home tidy and in control. This is a great maintenance schedule. Things like making the bed, doing the dishes and sweeping the kitchen floor do wonders for keep your cleaning game on point.

Upright Sweep Set

Designed for effortless efficiency, so you only have to sweep once and done. The dustpan locks in the open position for controlled pickup and disposal, and has a rubber lip for optimal contact with the floor. The dustpan teeth comb out dirt from the Broom’s soft, feathered bristles.

Microfiber Floor Duster with Slide-Out Scuff Eraser

For an easy + quick floor sweep, the Microfiber Floor Duster is a must. The large microfiber pad is perfect for easy dusting, while the Scuff Eraser is ideal for getting rid of scuffs and marks.

Soap Dispensing Dish Brush

Make those daily dishes a breeze with comfortable scrubbing and soap dispensing all in one. With a light push of the soft, non-slip button, the silicone valve shoots soap onto your dishes, then quickly seals to prevent drips and waste. Includes a scraper on back to remove baked-on food. Durable nylon bristles are safe for non-stick cookware and bakeware.

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Every Week

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Change bed linens| Wipe down kitchen appliances | Clear out expired food from refrigerator and pantry | Scrub bathroom surfaces | Clean mirrors | Dust furniture and shelving | Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstery | Mop floors | Do laundry

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Once a week,  your home requires a little more heavy lifting. Think scrubbing and cleaning those heavy trafficked areas like your kitchen and bathroom and giving the vacuum a good whirl around the old abode.

Microfiber Spray Mop with Slide Out Scrubber

Clean all the messes, from tough spots to humongo spills with this mopping all-star. If you come across a tough spot, simply step on the pedal to release the scrubber for easy spot-cleaning. Then glide the scrubber right back in and continue cleaning with the pivoting microfiber head. And the cherry on top? It’s safe on hardwood floors.

Extendable Tub and Tile Scrubber

Cleaning your bath doesn’t have to be a full body workout. Get that tub sparkling without a kneel, crouch or climb. The Extendable Tub & Tile Brush extends from 26” to 42” with a quick twist. The bristled head pivots for cleaning at different angles, making it perfect for for tubs, tiles, glass, floors and narrow spaces around the toilet.

FurLifter Furniture Brush

Say bye bye to furry remnants from pets, as well as hair and other fuzzy bits on your cozy furniture with this must-have tool. Its microbristles effectively trap fur, dust and lint, and the self-cleaning base means that there’s no waste or need to buy refills.

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Every Month

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Dust blinds | Dust and clean light fixtures | Clean inside microwave and oven |Clean washer, dishwasher and coffee machine | Wipe down switchplates and door knobs | Wipe and vacuum baseboards | Disinfect trash can

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You know those hard to reach places that you rarely think about? Like that pretty light fixture or inside the dishwasher? Now is the time to roll up those sleeves and get to work dusting and cleaning those often forgotten areas.

Microfiber Extendible Duster

Never let vertically challenged interrupt your cleaning plans again. With the extendible wand, you’ll own even hard to reach spots. The Microfiber Extendable Duster extends to 54″ with a quick twist. The Duster head rotates 270° and locks at multiple angles. Lock in a vertical position to clean ceiling vents and light fixtures or at a 90° angle to dust the tops of bookshelves and cabinets.

Kitchen Appliance Cleaning Set

Overworked coffee machines and impossibly small appliance crannies have nothing on this cleaning wonder team. This versatile set includes two brushes with four heads: A loop brush, an angled brush, a chisel scraper, and a flat scraper. The set snaps together on a handy clip, and the two pieces feature long handles to keep hands away from blades and crevies.

Electronics Cleaning Brush

Don’t let always dusty electronics get you down. This dust annihilator is here to save the day. The slim silicone wiper fits into little nooks around keyboard keys and screen edges, and the brush is soft enough for camera lenses and other sensitive areas.

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Every Season

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Clean inside of fridge  | Clean out freezer | Wash pillows and comforters | Wash windows | Clean under and behind furniture | Air out rooms | Clean drapes | Clean fireplace | Sort through closets and drawers

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At the beginning of a new season, it’s time to breathe a little air into your home and kickstart that organizing bug. Sort through closets and pantries, organize drawers and give your drapes, pillows and comforters a good washing.

Deep Clean Brush Set

The ultimate duo, these brushes are perfect for kicking out all that stubborn grime. Includes a large brush for scrubbing shower door tracks, stovetops and more, and a small brush for fixtures, thin grout lines and other tight spaces. Small brush has a built-in wiper blade to remove dirt from drains and crevices.

Angled Measuring Bucket

Eliminate the guesswork of water to detergent ratios and leave the math to this smarty pants bucket. The patented top-view angled surface lets you see just how much is being added while looking straight down. Built-in measurements on the bottom provide added convenience when measuring smaller amounts of detergent.

Stainless Steel Squeegee

Clean windows like a pro with this tool that also plays nicely with tiled surfaces, shower doors and mirrors. The Squeegee has a flexible blade that can be used on rippled surfaces, while the soft handle nestles in the palm of your hand without slipping. The suction cup conveniently stores the Squeegee on the wall.

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And there you have it. With the help of OXO’s awesome lineup of cleaning tools and this guide to cleaning quickly and thoroughly, you’ll be sitting pretty in a spotless home in no time.  It’s a simple, manageable approach which is music to busy ears. With OXO, your spotless home is only a spray mop, wiper blade squeegee and extendable duster away. Check out their lineup of essential tools and kickstart your roadmap to clean.

15 Places to Showcase Mirrors in Your Home

My solution for any awkward space in my home? A mirror. I feel like they are art pieces in and of themselves—from unique shapes to ornate details to oversized beauties, they should never be reserved only for above-the-sink. Check out these 15 spaces where mirrors completed the scene!

15 Places to Showcase Mirrors in Your Home
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15 Places to Showcase Mirrors in Your Home
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More home inspiration right this way!

Lace Sleeves + Plush Peonies For the Romantic Win

Classic weddings will always have my heart and that includes long lace sleeves, beautiful bouquets of peonies and romance galore, and anytime I need a boost, no need to look further than right there. Elena Wolfe captured this elegant ivory and sage celebration that fulfills all my classic wedding needs to a tee. See the perfect Pronovias gown, these plush peonies and more in our Vault right this way!

From the Elena WolfeTatum and Andrew planned a classic, soft and elegant wedding. Floral colors were ivory, blush and sage green with hints of dusty miller. The forecast was filled with rain, but the clouds cleared up and the rain held off until the night came! The bride and groom drove off in a Rolls Royce to celebrate their marriage and join their family and friends to dance the night away.

From the Bride… I wanted my wedding to be soft, classic and elegant. Nothing can really prepare you for planning a wedding, and you learn as you go! As long as you keep your vision in mind, and you don’t get too caught up in the tiny nuances, you’ll alleviate a lot of the stress planning a wedding can cause! Take the weather for example, there’s nothing you can do about it! So when rain threatened our big day, I thought.. ‘Oh nice! Overcast is perfect for pictures!’ One piece of advice I can give is to do your research for your vendors and once you meet with them – as long as you have that connection – let them do what they’re good at! It always helps to give some direction, but if they understand your vision let them do what they do best!

Photography: Elena Wolfe Photography | Floral Design: Bella Flowers | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Ceremony Venue: St. Johns Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: The Carltun | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Getting Ready Venue: Garden City Hotel | Music: Fusion DL

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
This Hill Country Wedding Is One Hot Ticket

We’re not sure if you heard, but this lush Hill Country wedding is a total show stopper (I mean, just WAIT until you see the flower girls). It’s sweet meets seriously chic and thankfully Mint Photography was on hand to capture every coordinated Vintage&Lace detail. From the Austin Catering perfecting the menu,, to the sparkling exit, everything about Susanne and Seth’s day is on point and we’ve got it all in The Vault!

From Mint PhotographySusanne and Seth had one of the most stunning, romantic, lush hill country wedding’s we’ve photographed! Maybe it was the beautiful weather that day, the ridiculous Texas sunset, the massive amount of greenery they incorporated for the florals, or the overall just easy-goingness of this amazingly sweet couple… But this one was just a show stopper! Wait until you see the flower girls. We can’t even deal with their cuteness. We loved everything about being a part of Susanne and Seth’s day and we hope you can feel the love… And FUN! They had on their special day!

Photography: Mint Photography | Event Coordination: Vintage&Lace | Floral Design: Petal Pushers | Catering: Austin Catering | Makeup: Makenzi Laine | Band: Memphis Train Revue | Wedding Venue: Prospect House | Film Scans: Richard Photo Lab

What an Anthropologie Writer Wore For Her Parisian Honeymoon

What does a style maven at Anthropologie wear for her honeymoon in the City of Light? The prettiest lace dress paired with a chic leather jacket, that’s what. Photographed by Le Secret d’Audrey, their honeymoon session is straight from a fashion editorial and you can see even peek back at their engagement on SMP!

From Natalie… Matthew and I met in late summer after I had spent a few months studying in Europe and staying with a friend in Paris. I fell in love with Paris and then fell in love with Matthew shortly after so the two always felt intertwined in my heart. I started my blog BellesVies. Com to write about my life as an American woman in love with French culture so France was the obvious choice when it came time to plan our honeymoon. Matthew had never been to Paris and I was so excited to share my favorite city with him. The combination of getting married and being in Paris with my new husband in a span of 48 hours was overwhelmingly beautiful and such a magical culmination of our love story. We spent a week in Paris staying in the Marais before continuing our journey through Burgundy, Provence, and the Côte d’Azur. I’m so in love with Paris and I’m already dreaming of our next trip.

Photography: Le Secret d'Audrey | Dress: For Love And Lemons | Shoes: Steve Madden | Hair + Makeup: James Harold | Film Lab: Carmencita Film Lab | Leather Jacket: All Saints | Lipstick: Nars Heat Wave

This Wedding Incorporated SMP’s Favorite Trends of the Year

We get asked almost daily about our favorite wedding trends, and sure enough, this celebration designed by Birds Of A Feather Events incorporates two of our current faves – agate geodes and jewel tone color palettes. They’re a couple of the hottest design trends sweeping the bridal scene and we’re so excited to see how Diana and Jared pulled them off. Of course, those incredible cakes by Sugar Bee Sweets didn’t hurt one bit, either. More from Apryl Ann in The Vault!

From the couple…

What inspired the design of your wedding day?

Diana loved the idea of having a more modern design with some vintage touches, and Jared was all about “Big Plays” – he wanted lots of details that their guests had never seen before and that would be showstoppers! Diana loved another wedding we had done that was all green and white, but we ultimately decided to punch up the palette a bit by adding pops of bright pink and plum. Her bouquet was primarily green and white with a tiny bit of plum in it to add more dimension. We used several lucite pieces to not only bring in a clean and modern element, but to mimic the large and beautiful windows at the venue.

Any DIYs or handmade details?

We custom built Diana and Jared’s altar as well as a smaller version which we suspended agate escort cards from. Those were a bit of a DIY project as we had to individually glue rings to the back of them so that they could hang. They were then calligraphed with each guest’s name and their table assignment. We also had table numbers written on agate to match. Additionally we had some centerpiece stands welded custom for some of the taller centerpieces. Luckily my husband has some welding experience!

Favorite moment of the wedding day?

As a designer, my favorite part of the day is being able to show my clients through the space and watch them discover all of the details that we have been talking about for months. I love having that moment with them before all of the wonderful chaos begins! Diana and Jared had choreographed dances with each other as well as their parents, and that was really fun and special to watch!

Photography: Apryl Ann Photography | Cinematography: Splendor Films | Event Planning + Design: Birds Of A Feather Events | Floral Design: Max Owens Design | Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets | Stationery: Minted | Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering | Hair + Makeup: Beauty And The Blush | Calligraphy: Harts And Quills | Entertainment: Emerald City Band | Harpist: Lauren McConkey | Transportation: Blue Diamond Limousines | Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center | Acrylic Table + Stands: Propmaker Event Rentals | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: Flock Together Fotobooth | Stage Facade: Perch Event Decor Rental

How To Be the Best At-Home Barista

For most of us, starting the day means having that oh-so-necessary cup of coffee in hand, stat. Wouldn’t it be nice if our local barista was in the kitchen waiting with said cup of jo? Well, that’s totally impossible (unless you’re dating or married to one), but the next best thing? Becoming the ultimate at-home barista. With the help of OXO, you can easily learn how to make the best-ever cup of coffee with these bean to brew steps.

Bean Selection

First things first, find your perfect bean. For the ultimate cup of coffee (and to be the ultimate at-home barista), you’re going to be grinding your own beans. But you might be wondering, where do I start? Think of beans to coffee like grapes to wine. Everything from the region and variety to the season and roast duration all play a part in the final flavor of your brew. Educate yourself on each of these factors and you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to select the beans that suit your palette.

Freshness Factor

Once you’ve made your bean selection—keep them fresh and happy. The journey to a flavorful cup of coffee includes bean storage and fighting their worst enemies: air, moisture, heat, and light. That’s where an OXO’s Coffee POP Container comes in handy. A unique one-touch push-button guarantees an airtight seal and ultimate freshness, while it’s UV-blocking technology battles light. Not to mention, they’re also stackable for those of us who have a little obsession with pantry organization.


 

The Grind

Now that you’ve got a way to keep your beans fresh until you’re ready, it’s time to learn the grind. Why not just buy your beans ground already? If you really want to be a kick-butt at-home barista, get your own grind on, folks. Coffee beans contain oils that, when ground release an aroma and can interact with moisture in the environment. Basically, the longer coffee grounds sit around, the less flavorful your cup of jo becomes.

Investing in a grinder like OXO’s Conical Burr Grinder brings you one step closer to the perfect brew every time. Its built-in scale allows it to grind by weight instead of time and gives you the ability to custom measure grounds to create your own coffee ratio, or to use precise, pre-set grams-to-cup ratios. So, whether your perfect cup means give me all the jitters OR I just need a little jumpstart to get going, this is your grinder.

A Tasty Temperature

Now that you’ve mastered the art of keeping your beans fresh and finding your perfect grind, it’s time to get your brew down to a science. It means combining brew time, water temperature and water volume in just the right way. Taking the guess work out of the process is easy with the OXO Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker, which brews at the optimal temperature for coffee as certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. The intelligent Barista Brain microprocessor monitors time, water volume and temperature from start to finish, giving you the precision of expertly hand-crafted coffee. In other words, you’ll feel like you just placed an order at your favorite local coffee shop.

Voila! You’re now armed with the steps to becoming the best at-home barista. Get ready for happier mornings, wowed guests and a coffee experience like no other.

Which Wedding Band Should You Say “I Do” To?

Chances are you didn’t have much say in picking out your engagement ring. Sure, you may have left a few hints here or there, but you probably weren’t at the store when the purchase was made. But finding the perfect wedding band? It’s your time to shine (pun intended), and the experts at Harry Winston are here to ensure you find a wedding band you love as much as your new husband or wife.

The Surprise Proposal She NEVER Saw Coming!

Nothing brings me to tears faster than a heartfelt proposal. Especially when the groom pulls in Julie Paisley, Sugar Peach Productions, Cedarwood Weddings and Designs in Paper to help make his girl’s wildest dreams come true. What she thought was a photo shoot turned into THE “down on one knee” moment and they’ll deeply cherish the photos and film for many years to come.

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She said YES!! Aaron proposed to Anna in one of the coolest ways possible! Anna agreed to model for a “photo shoot” at our Nashville venue with Julie Paisley Photography, but little did she know, an actual planned and styled surprise proposal was awaiting her. We worked with Aaron to create a youthful, fun, boho style to reflect Anna’s playful personality.

When Aaron presented Anna’s ring in front of a custom teepee, she asked “is this for real?”, thinking it was just part of the shoot. We arranged for Anna’s parents to be on Skype to witness the special moment and setting, which included a Cupid-inspired teepee, custom signage, arrows, feathers, XO balloons and a festive celebration with a mimosa bar and color-coordinated mini pineapple bundt cakes!

Dressed in Alexandra Grecco separates and a boho flower crown, Anna was naturally gorgeous. She and Aaron perfectly fit the vibrant elements of this summer outdoor proposal party, with personalized details and colorful decor designed by the Cedarwood Weddings team. Their inspiring engagement was beautifully documented with film photography by Julie Paisley and a video by Sugar Peach Productions.

Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Cinematography: Sugar Peach Productions | Event Design: Cedarwood Weddings | Floral Design : Cedarwood Weddings | Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Cake: Patty Cakes | Stationery: Designs in Paper | Venue: Cedarwood Weddings | Bridal Salon : Lvd Bridal

Bonus! More Proposal Ideas

Cutest Proposals Ever
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Cutest Proposals Ever
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How To Choose the Perfect White Paint

You would think that the easiest paint color to shop for would be white. Think again! There are so many factors that come into play when selecting the perfect white paint—really, there is no perfect white paint for everyone. But there is a perfect white paint for you, and thanks to our friends at Home Depot and Behr, we’re taking you on that journey to finding the best match for your space.

Consider Your Surroundings


Consider your surroundings on your perfect white paint hunt. Everything from your flooring to furniture and decor. The tones and colors in hardwood, tile and or carpet can completely alter the way different whites are perceived. The same goes for furniture. Choosing paint first and buying furniture/decor after? Bring your paint swatch with you when scouting furniture and decor options. Get the look above with Behr Ultra Pure White.

Look at Lighting

There are two things to consider when evaluating your lighting. Natural and artificial lighting play a big role in the way we perceive color, including whites, and this will change throughout the day. The way objects (like furniture, flooring, and decor) absorb light will also affect the overall look of your space. When testing whites, make sure to view your test areas at various times throughout the day and even test your lighting options as well. Different bulbs also affect how you’ll ‘see’ your white, so keep this in mind when making a selection. Get the look above with Behr Ballet White.

Mind Your Undertones

Undertones are so, so important when it comes to selecting your perfect white paint. If you first take into consideration your surroundings and natural light as mentioned above, selecting a white paint with the right undertones will come easy. For a warmer look (think creamy whites), choose a hue with yellow undertones. Opt for a hue with blue undertones if you’re going for a cooler, brighter look. Get the look above with Behr Nano White.

Sheen Selection

When selecting your paint sheen (i.e. the finish), focus on the space you are painting. An easy way to think about it: the higher the sheen, the more shine and durability you’ll have. For a smoother look that absorbs light beautifully, try a matte. Gloss and semi-gloss have a more reflective look and also provide more durability, making them great for high traffic areas and applications like trim, bathrooms, cabinets and even floors. Want something in the middle? Eggshell is your go-to. Get the look above with Behr Antique White.

Test for the Best

Sampling your paint is always a good idea. In most cases, the swatch color will not translate to your wall the way you might imagine—especially with whites of varying undertones. Your best bet is to paint the samples on a plain white background, or primer, for the truest visualization of your shade. Paint your samples side by side (in two coats) so you can compare accordingly. Get the look above with Behr Off White.

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For more paint ideas + home inspiration check out…

20 Colorful Front Door Hues
White Walls that Pop
5 of the Sweetest Nursery Paint Colors that aren’t Pink or Blue

Ring In the Season With This Fall Wedding Inspiration

Dear readers, HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL! As we attempt to contain our excitement for the return of PSL’s and cozy knits, we invite you to seek solace and soak up the new season with this gallery captured by Melissa Schollaert Photography. It’s a styled shoot complete with cocktails and Paper Daisies Stationery that you’re sure to love and we’ve got every bit of beauty waiting for you in The Vault!

From Melissa Schollaert PhotographyYou can’t get more romantic than falling leaves, fog, a private mountain retreat and celebratory cocktails for this inspired elopement shoot! We infused classic mountain elegance to this shoot which took place at the Hutchinson House at Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina. Hutchinson House is an old, historic house which was purchased an renovated by the Inn and provided an intimate location for this shoot. We infused elegant linens and furniture with fall-inspired decor such as squash and gourds, as well as magnolia leaf garlands. The color palette blended with the mountain backdrop with green tones, golds, warm peach and neutrals. The newlyweds celebrated with a fireside dinner and customized cocktails before a getaway in a vintage car to their honeymoon suite.

Photography: Melissa Schollaert Photography | Floral Design: Frou Frou Inc. | Wedding Dress: Judd Waddell | Stationery: Paper Daisies Stationery | Catering: Old Edwards Inn And Spa | Hair + Makeup: Old Edwards Inn And Spa | Groom's Attire: The Modern Gent | Vintage Car: Old Edwards Inn And Spa | Venue: Old Edwards Inn And Spa | Beverage Services: Old Edwards Inn And Spa | Decor: Frou Frou Inc. | Rentals: Professional Party Rentals | Signage: Paper Daisies Stationery

This Seaside Elopement That Will Take Your Breath Away

I come from a long line of elopers… my parents, my sister, me.  So you better believe that when I laid my eyes on this stunning seaside soiree, I fell madly in love. Instantly.  From the bride’s beautiful Jenny Packham gown to the breathtaking scenery to the sweet duo saying “I do,” every last moment is pure perfection. See it all in mesmerizing images captured by the talented Facibeni Fotografia in THE VAULT right here.

From the Bride… My husband’s life and mine revolve a lot around traveling, so we thought it would be fitting to celebrate our union overseas. Since he also proposed to me while in Hawaii on top of a volcano at sunrise, I wanted to get married in a setting as spectacular as this one. I had thought about at least five different places where we could get married. Caught in my indecision, I googled “destination wedding elopement” out of desperation. Luckily, it lead me to my photographer’s blog post of a couple in Manarola and I instantly fell in love with the scenery. Manarola had that perfect intimate and romantic feel I was looking for. And that’s how the decision was made. And because Italy has great wine, Pierre-Andre agreed.

Regarding the decision to have an elopement, it was both for practical and sentimental reasons. I’ve always wanted a destination wedding. However with a large family like mine and the many friends I wanted to invite, having 100 people fly over seemed impractical. So we decided to have the best of both worlds by eloping in Italy, and having a celebration in Montreal with family and friends afterwards. Another reason to elope was that I wanted a stress-free day where I could simply focus on my husband and the joy of celebrating our love.

From Facibeni FotografiaAmong the many lovely locations and venues where to elope in Italy, Cinque Terre have to be mentioned as the most picturesque. These 14th-century fishing villages are built on the side of the steep mountainside, perched above the turquoise water of the Italian Riviera. Stopping at each of the five villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – you fall in love step after step: the aroma of the salty air, the colored flowers on the balconies of the many colorful houses; the sun that kisses your skin and the turquoise water. While enjoying every detail, you will feel as dropped into a fairytale. As for the wedding photos, Cinque Terre are a backdrop so perfect you could think it is fake. It is Italy with all its power. It is all about Dolce Vita. No matter which Cinque Terre village you choose, each will have something special to offer.


Photography: Facibeni Fotografia | Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham | Groom's Attire: Surmesur | Bouquet: Calfolia

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Boy + Girl Baby Names with Positive Meanings

My husband and I have exactly four weeks until we find out if we’re having a little guy or a little lady (no surprises here!) and we cannot wait. We personally feel like we’ll both be able to connect with baby a bit more if we know the gender, and also want to narrow down the name options—who knew it was so hard to name someone. In the same boat? Let these names with positive meanings behind them inspire your search for the perfect one!

Girls

Helena: “bright, shining light”

Beatrice: “she who brings happiness”

Naomi: “pleasantness”

Annabel: “loving”

Verena: “integrity”

Ada: “noble”

Celeste: “heavenly”

Sophia: “wisdom”

Allegra: “joyous”

Nabila: “honorable”

Boys

Asher: “fortunate, blessed, happy one”

Cayo: “rejoice”

Felix: “happy, fortunate”

Chasin: “strong, mighty”

Oz: “powerful, courageous”

Pax: “peaceful”

Neal: “champion”

Hugh: “mind, intellect”

Ferdinand: “bold voyager”

Ethan: “strong, firm”

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Paper Wisteria Backdrop DIY for a Flower-Inspired Shower

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See our full baby name archives here!

The Ultimate Pin-Worthing Wedding Inspiration

We’ve said it plenty of times before, but there is just something about the South that seriously delights. Take this stunning shoot dreamed up by the talented Janna Brown and proof. It’s opulent, untamed, and hauntingly beautiful. Captured by the incomparable Katie Grant, we’ve got every bit of beauty waiting for you to favorite via The Vault!

From Janna BrownThe southern sun shone down through the mighty oaks and set Trinity aglow. She moved gracefully along the plantation grounds, weaving through the gardens and floating up the stone staircase as Katie Grant captured her every move. The fountains pattered in the distance and we longed for shelter from the heat, but we knew we were capturing magic with each frame. Trinity’s gown, a stunning design from Zanzis Couture, fit her as if it was created just for her in this moment. The beaded details shimmered in the golden afternoon light, and the and the hem of the gown danced playfully behind her.

The florals for our Mystérieuse Dame were created to soften the lines and textures of the opulent gown that she donned. The composition of the bouquet was quite organic, free-flowing and untamed, as if it were still growing and reaching toward the light. Large white peonies softened the base, as blueberry branches and rosemary added layers of texture. Soft blush astilbe sprigs were complimented by the rose-colored tones in Trinity’s cheeks. The bouquet was adorned with antique white silk ribbon by Silk & Willow.

As the golden hour ensued, we ventured to a nearby cemetery to capture the stunning architecture and textures of the stonework. As Trinity sauntered through the winding paths of towering monuments, there was a haunting silence, a stillness in the air. The Zanzis Couture gown seemed to find it’s place among the dilapidated tombs; the silk was unruly in the breeze, and seemed to reach toward the inscriptions as if reading each one. The soft lines of the skirt contrasted beautifully with the crumbling structures at each turn.

The clouds cast a shadow that crept upon us, and we acknowledged this as a sign from mother nature that our work for the day was complete. It was an honor to capture beauty in such a sacred setting, with a group of exceptional creatives.

Photography: Katie Grant Photography | Gown: Zanzis Couture | Rings: Susie Saltzman | Hair + Makeup: Ashley Sievert Beauty | Calligraphy: Signora E Mare | Cemetery: Metairie Cemetery | Creative Direction + Styling + Floral Design: Janna Brown Design Co. | Film Scans: PhotoVision Prints | Plantation : Longvue House And Gardens | Silk Ribbon: Silk and Willow

Married in the Same Church Where the Her Parents Said “I Do”

If there’s one thing we love, it’s a sentimental ceremony venue. So, when we learned that this chic celebration captured by Clary Pfeiffer Photography that just so happened to take place at the very same church where the bride’s parents married, our eyes lit up with the look of love. Because this ballroom fete coordinated by Kate & Company is just about as good as it gets. See it all unfold in The Vault!

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From the Bride… For many of our closest friends and family, the proposal was no surprise. After meeting at Northwestern our freshman year, we quickly became attached at the hip, something that hasn’t changed six years later. In fact, prior to his “official” proposal, Michael had already proposed a few times. This time he had rings – we designed the engagement ring using my great-grandmother’s stone and the wedding band he used to propose to me on the beach in Sanibel, FL surrounded by both of our families.

When Michael, who I know as Trainor (yes, this gets confusing given that I now share this last name), proposed in February 2015, I had no idea it would open up an entirely new world to me, a world where I was suddenly moving from Chicago to Austin, starting a new job, meeting new friends, oh and planning our wedding from afar. Needless to say, we had a pretty crazy year, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything. We grew together throughout this process and, amidst the many changes, discovered what specific details were most important for us to incorporate into our wedding. Before we began the planning process, we knew our wedding needed to be both true to our personalities and style as well as a blast for our friends and family.

Trainor grew up in Boston, I was raised in St. Louis, we lived in Chicago for six years, and we currently live in Austin. Therefore, the location would resemble a destination wedding to some extent because so many of our friends and family are scattered across the country. Our families have been able to get to know each other well over the years, despite the distance, and ultimately we decided that having the wedding in my hometown would be a great opportunity for them to grow closer. We were also lucky to have so many friends and family that doubled as our vendors in the St. Louis area.

Trainor and I were married in the church where my parents were married, only a couple years ago of course. The feel of the reception room at the Saint Louis Club was perfect for us, as were their world-renowned food and unmatched service. We liked the idea that we had an entire floor, making our cocktail hour, reception, and photo booth private. Even though we selected St. Louis for the wedding location, we wanted to honor the other cities near and dear to our hearts. We incorporated our hometowns, both past and present, by including stamps representative of each city – Boston, St. Louis, Chicago, and Austin – on our invitations, and we included a staple treat from each city in our welcome bags. Our vision quickly became a modern, romantic, yet timeless affair. Trainor and I do have distinct styles: he kept me grounded and classic while I added romantic and slightly whimsical details. The color scheme reflected the spring season, with blush, dove grey, cream, and gold tones.

Staying consistent with the season and style was very important to us, although it was difficult at times to resist the trends of Pinterest! Peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, and eucalyptus adorned the bouquets and were perfectly arranged in our centerpieces by Jessica Douglass and her team at Flowers and Weeds. They managed to create complex works of art on each table. We decided table-length garlands with interspersed candles on the two head tables would add another dimension to the room and further propel the romantic feel after dark.

As a self-proclaimed fashion fanatic, Reem Acra’s wedding dresses were was always on my radar. I love how she first-and-foremost constructs dresses that fit women well, and she also happens to have a timeless style. I chose my dress for its lightweight feel and soft, simple silhouette. Trainor was very proud of the velvet shoes he wore with his classic black tuxedo.

Clary Pfeiffer, our photographer, fit seamlessly into our overall vision. Clary shoots both film and digital, which was exactly what we were looking for in a photographer. Film images create that indescribable romantic vibe that really spoke to us. Clary (and her husband) beautifully capture images that are simultaneously pieces of editorial art and classically bridal. We were so grateful to work with such a talented yet personable husband/wife duo.

Hiring Francesca Pompili from Kate and Company was without a doubt one of the best decisions we made throughout the hiring process. Although I originally thought we didn’t need a wedding planner, her advice, from the never-ending cummerbund debate to late night calls after work, was irreplaceable. She became a true friend and far exceeded our expectations as a day-of planner. I did not anticipate the extent to which I would love the small details we incorporated into the wedding. These details helped to make our wedding uniquely “ours”, which is something we found special. Ribbons, paper products, and calligraphy became a major focus of the design, and we aimed for consistency from start to finish. Ribbons from Frou Frou Chic adorned the bouquets, the welcome bags, the pew décor, invitations and the Gooey Louie butter cake favors. Our save the dates, invitations, programs, menus, escort cards and reception signage were all designed by the fabulous Vertallee/Carolyn Jane duo, whom we were lucky enough to work with locally in Austin. We came to love the little details that were incorporated in our wedding, such as my sweet hatbox and our bridesmaid/groomsmen goodie bags.

Overall, everything about April 16th was special to us. From a wonderful dinner to speeches that so perfectly encompassed our relationship to dancing the night away with our amazing band, we loved creating a day that was true to us and our loved ones. We were surrounded by our family and friends, many of whom traveled long and far to show their support and love for us. The best part is that we realized the wedding is just the beginning!

Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography | Cinematography: Brian Gaadt Productions | Event Coordinator: Kate & Company | Floral Design: Flowers and Weeds | Ceremony Venue: Salem United Methodist Church | Reception Venue: St. Louis Club | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Hair + Makeup: Emily Miller | Calligraphy: Carolyn Jane | Band: Spectrum | Bride's Dress: Reem Acra | Custom Hat Box: Trousseau & Co | Letterpress: Vertallee Letterpress | Photo Booth: Smile Lounge | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic

Even a Tiny Balcony can Become an Outdoor Oasis

This post is a reminder to soak up every last little second of warm weather. Heck, even chilly temps with a throw in tow as long as you have a little outdoor oasis like this to enjoy. Crafted by Jacquelyn Clark, with all the decor pieces of the puzzle from Wayfair, plus images by Simply Lace, cozy up outside and ring in Fall in style. We say as long as there isn’t 10″ of snow on the ground, the patio is fair game!

We recently moved out of our condo into our first home and have a brand new backyard to fill with goodies (which is all sorts of exciting for me – my wheels are already turning). But that didn’t stop us from updating our balcony before we departed. And, though we lived balcony-less for over 5 years, it’s the one space that I’ve missed the very most since our move.

It was a tiny (5’x9′) space that acted as a catch all for all sorts of junk over the years and we literally never used the space. In fact, I used to try to keep the curtains drawn as much as possible as it was such an eyesore. The best part about the whole transformation is that is absolutely everything, with exception of the new floor (which we left for the next tenants), came with us and already looks equally amazing in our yard.

Once it was complete we had a number of those “why didn’t we do this like a million years ago?!” moments. We literally lived out there all summer long – oftentimes dragging our laptop out there to watch Netflix under the stars. The space may have been small, but a few key moments (like the deep and cozy teak loveseat) really made it sing.

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The Best Outdoor Spaces
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The Best Outdoor Spaces
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Photography: Simply Lace Photography | Design: Lark & Linen Interiors | Elephant Garden Stool: Wayfair | Floor Tiles: Ikea | Ivory Pillows: Wayfair | Lantern: Wayfair | Loveseat: Wayfair | Marble Planter: Wayfair | Metal End Table: Wayfair | Navy Pillows: Wayfair | Rail Planter: Wayfair | String Lights: Wayfair | Throw: Alegria Home | White Planter: Wayfair

When You Meet Your Soulmate on the Subway…

This is a true New York love story if I ever heard one. It’s what happens when fate brings a fashion designer and a chef to the same subway stop not once but twice within a single day, and the rest is history. No surprise, she designed a custom gown and he planned a menu that’d make foodies drool. But the best detail of their day? The ceremony took place right above the train station where they first met. Read on for the full story with beautiful images by Kayla Barker.

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Their Love Story

It was a chilly January day in New York City when Jean-Paul and Candace first laid eyes on each other. Candace walked onto the train and immediately captured Jean-Paul’s full attention. Not wanting to come off as “creepy,” he sheepishly attempted to get her attention. Ultimately in his mind he failed as she, like many women taking the subway in NYC, had her attention focused on her book with music playing in her ear buds. Little did he know, she noticed him too, but of course would never be the girl to meet a guy on the subway. Candace got off the train and Jean-Paul remembers thinking to himself, “well… there she goes…” He even thought about getting off the train with her to say hello, but decided to keep his seat and not be late for work.

 

“Jean-Paul was convinced

that he would never see the

beautiful blonde girl again.”

 

Jean-Paul was a line cook at Maialino restaurant at the time. He worked his typical 10-12 hour day. On that day, the subway line he usually took home was having rail work performed on it. He had to take an alternate route which forced him to enter the 23rd street 6 train station. Candace, at that time, was beginning her interview process after recently graduating from Parsons The New School for Design.

After seeing some friends for dinner that night Candace ended up having to catch the train at the same spot as Jean-Paul. As Jean-Paul approached the turnstile, he once again saw this beautiful blonde hair flowing from the same girl he saw 12 hours earlier on a different subway line! It was her, it was a miracle, and he could not believe it! Jean-Paul knew this was his chance and he had to say hello! He did, and he and Candace Koehl “officially” met for the first time on January 13, 2011.

 

“He once again saw this beautiful blonde hair

flowing from the same girl he saw 12 hours earlier

on a different subway line! It was her…

and he could not believe it!”

 

Candace and Jean-Paul dated on and off for a few months after meeting, but it wasn’t the fairytale that he thought it would be. Candace was a tough one to crack. Both went their separate ways for most of 2011, 2012, 2013. During that time they each climbed the ladder in their respective fields, Candace was freelance designing for various womenswear brands and Jean-Paul was Chef de Cuisine at Gramercy Terrace.

Although his career was going just as he planned and worked so hard for, Jean-Paul was still hung up on Candace. He was convinced this girl was his wife and there was no way they weren’t meant to be together forever. As those years passed, he remembers spending many nights lying awake praying for another chance with Candace or grace to accept that they weren’t meant for each other.

Spring of 2013, Candace and Jean-Paul reconnected. Things were different this time, they were both more mature and ready for a serious relationship. Jean-Paul proposed December 22, 2014 and they were married December 12, 2015.

From the Bride… We chose Gramercy because it is one of our favorite areas in Manhattan. We spent much of our early relationship in this neighborhood since Jean-Paul worked at Maialino and The Terrace during our courtship. We also met at the train station right underground the church we were married in!

Having my dad walk me down the aisle and marry us was a dream that I’ve had since a little girl. The years leading up to our wedding were very tolling on his health and well-being. It was a true miracle that he was able to be there on December 12 and marry us in front of so many close friends and family. It is a moment we will always cherish.

The food was in Jean-Paul’s hands! Since many of his past and present industry peers were attending the wedding, he wanted the food to not only be spectacular but also represent us and where we come from. We had everything from a shrimp boil to a taco stand! Other food items included imported salumi and cheese, passed hors d’oeuvres curated by the terrace, and a whole suckling pig with all the accompaniments. Louisiana and Texas at their finest!

Designing my own wedding dress had also been a dream of mine since I was a young girl. I remember sketching different dresses growing up…the styles always altering here and there but the classic timeless romanticism was always there. Once Jean-Paul proposed, I knew the dress was my number one priority! I researched, sketched, sourced fabric, and then found the perfect seamstress. We worked together for several months from the initial muslin to the final creation. Alterations were happening up until the day of the rehearsal dinner! The final outcome was perfect and exactly what I had envisioned.

Photography: Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography | Floral Design: Bird & Bloom | Wedding Dress: Candace Koehl (the bride) | Cake: Emily Isaac | Invitations: Bird & Bloom | Ceremony Venue: Calvary Episcopal Church | Shoes: Valentino | Rings: Diamond Doctor | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Calvin Klein | Catering: Gramercy Park Hotel | Makeup: Phoebe Goulding | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Ceremony Music: Kamel Boutros, Organist; Maria Im, Violin; Kristen Doering, Piano; Stephen Steffens, Soloist | Hotel: Gramercy Park Hotel | Coordinaton: Bird & Bloom | Invitation Printing: Ink Print Co