Who doesn’t dream of saying “I do” in Paris? It’s the city where all romantic fantasies come true and to start your happily ever after there is what wedding wishes are made of. But for these two, it wasn’t just a dream; it was real life. Zen Film Works captured it all as it unfolded, from the balcony of their Parisian hotel to the special moments all over the city of light, photographed by Claire Morris (see those all in our gallery right here). It may only be Monday but with a film like this, champagne is needed. So pop a bottle and enjoy!

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From the Bride… Marc and I both grew up in South Jersey but it wasn’t until we both relocated to Bucks County that we actually crossed paths. We met at his restaurant, La Stalla located in Newtown, PA in November 2012. We got engaged one year later. Marc proposed on the anniversary of our first date in the same location of our first kiss, Rittenhouse Square Park in Philadelphia, PA.

Marc is the owner of a family style Italian restaurant that hosts special events and weddings almost every weekend of the year. I am an event planner at the restaurant and a amateur photographer. We wanted to do something different and outside of the box. Not the typical cookie cutter wedding that we so often plan/attend. We wanted our wedding day to be about us. We knew that if we had a wedding at home, we would have a huge guest list and it wouldn’t be what we wanted. We wanted it to be intimate, romantic and picturesque.
I fell in love with Paris when I visited twice before in years prior. Marc had never been to Europe but I knew Marc would fall in love with the City of Love as soon as he arrived.

I searched on social media sites to find the perfect vendors for our special day. Instagram, mainly, led me down the right path. I used hashtags to find the perfect place, photographer, videographer…..HASHTAGS….lol only in 2016!

I emailed Billy from Luxe Paris and he replied immediately suggesting that we do a FaceTime consultation. I knew within minutes that he was the right fit for us. English speaking and originally from New York, he understood exactly what we had envisioned. I had already picked out the photographer, Claire Morris and film maker Chris from Zen Film Works and I knew that Billy worked closely with them. That made me feel more comfortable. It gave me assurance that I was in good hands and that they all worked together well.

Billy was going to be out of town the day of our wedding so he sent Annouck to oversee the day. She was an angel. She was our officiant for the ceremony and my best friend for the day. We had a FaceTime meeting with her a week before the wedding to get to know one another. Sami was my hair and makeup artist. We also had a FaceTime meeting to go over the details and visions I had.

The day went so smoothly thanks to this amazing team. You would think that being so many miles away from home and not having any family and friends with you on the most important day of your life would feel lonely and uncomfortable. Not with this crew. They were so warm and friendly, we truly had a great day. Billy had arranged for everyone and everything be delivered to my hotel room. I had a handful of pictures that I knew I wanted to mimic from Pinterest. So Billy had arranged for all of the ‘props’ be delivered. The best champagne France had to offer, a tray of macaroons, ribbons and a mini Eiffel Tower. I also pre ordered a “we eloped” sign from Etsy.

The ceremony was held on the balcony of our suite overlooking the Eiffel Tower, just as the sun set, the lights of the Eiffel Tower went on. The ceremony was followed by a champagne toast and some delicious cake!

Then off the an amazing dinner at a 3 Michelin star restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel, George V.

And we rented a Rolls Royce to chauffeur us around Paris to take pictures at various locations!

Photography: Claire Morris | Cinematography: Zen Film Works | Event Planning: Luxe Paris Events | Celebrant: Anouck Mugnier | Venue: Shangri La

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that a huge grouping of candles and an abundance of florals can’t solve. Together they are a power couple for adding all out romance to your wedding day. A gorgeous backdrop like Vibiana doesn’t hurt either. Take notes from this stunning inspiration crafted by Smith + James, with florals by Plenty of Petals and images by Valentina Glidden. Plus even more right here!

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For this shoot, we were inspired to put a delicate, romantic Old World vibe into the gorgeous white-marbled architecture of Vibiana. Vibiana is an event space that used to be a Catholic church in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. We used soft pastels in the floral, tabletop, and even the bride’s dress to compliment the candlelight and a bit of European charm.

Valentina Glidden really knows how to work with film in the most delicate, beautiful way. It’s difficult to create such clear, perfectly-lit photos with low lighting and Valentina was not held back by shooting indoors. She always makes brides (or in this case, models) feel so comfortable and captures their most gorgeous moments on film.

We love the idea of a slight rebellion in Carol Hannah separates instead of the expected white dress. The vanilla and blush colors together in this combination felt like soft candlelight.

Kasia with Plenty of Petals always knocks our socks off. She finds the most beautiful things at the market and turns them into magic. We love the dreamy soft pinks and white she chose for this shoot. Danielle Keene of Sheila Mae made the prettiest cake and styled it so beautifully. It’s one of my favorite parts of this shoot. Kara Anne with Kara Anne Paper does such beautiful calligraphy and paper design. I really love the details she creates in each piece. Rachelle from the Halcyon Agency totally nailed the model’s hair and make-up look based on the inspiration we gave her.

This shoot day was so fun, working alongside a great team. I hope it shows through the photos how happy we were to put this all together!

Photography: Valentina Glidden | Event Planning and Design: Smith + James Events | Floral Design: Plenty Of Petals | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Cake: Sheila Mae | Hair and makeup: The Halcyon Agency | Venue: Vibiana | Paper goods: Kara Anne Paper | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon | Table runner: Tono Co | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin | Veil: Veiledbeauty

This cool abode designed by Mindy Gayer has that whole modern farm house feel down to a science. With a neutral, calming palette, more shiplap than your heart can probably handle and a super clean and elegant style, this California gem will inspire you to rethink bright color and instead welcome the warm neutrals and pop of navy woven throughout this enviable space.

The newlywed owners of this home reside in Dover Shores – a unique coastal community in Newport Beach, CA. The community offers stunning panoramic views of Newport’s Upper Back Bay. With a community like this, Mindy knew their home had to be equally as unique with a freshness that matched their newlywed love.

The coastal theme throughout the home reflects the original vision that Mindy and the owners dreamed up. The exterior showcases the original 1960’s siding, along with a custom dutch door and filament sconces. The millwork continues into the entry way with a shiplap entry wall and Darlana sconces. The space is decorated with abstract artwork to add a modern flair.

As you move into the family room, you’ll notice the custom built-in shelving unit that holds the couple’s collected artifacts. It is here that the couple will make many memories with family and friends. 

The layout of the family room has an open design to host their many guests. It is accented with spindle chairs and navy custom pillows using Walter G. Textiles, paired with striped linen and vintage kilim textiles.

 The kitchen area offers extraordinary design. Mindy designed a custom built-in dining nook which included a farmhouse table and mixed media artwork. In the kitchen, custom cabinets were built for the client. The white cabinets and navy island brought in the maritime theme to the kitchen flawlessly. 

Next, Mindy picked quartzite countertops and Moroccan Zellige backsplash for the stone work. Quartzite offers unsurpassed durability and, paired with the Moroccan Zellige backsplash, offers an original, elegant, and sophisticated look. To finish off the exquisite kitchen, Mindy chose nothing but the best for the faucetry. Rohl Faucetry was used throughout the kitchen.

 The guest bath showcases a beautiful reclaimed vanity to offer a unique look. Reclaimed wood gives the bathroom character. It’s accented with woven textures and matte black bath faucetry.

 Last but not least, the Master offers a relaxing feel for the newlyweds to unwind as the end of a long day. The neutral bedding and custom Walter G pillows create a unique and calm atmosphere. The Macrame Handwoven Rug brings a modern flair to the bedroom with the pretty popcorn stitch adding fabulous texture. The bone inlet nightstands bring an instant sense of style to the room and the vignette atop adds a classic designer flair.

 The Master Bath beholds a custom his + her navy vanity with custom mirrors and brass maritime sconces and hardware. The Carrera Hex marble flooring adds a striking touch. Woven accents were added to the master bath to tie in the theme of the whole house.

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Photography: Jeanne Stewart | Artwork: Lorraine Pennington | Designer: Mindy Gayer

With an impressive list of celebrity clients like Sofia Vergara and Kelly Ripa, Oscar Blandi certainly knows all the secrets to a perfect hair day. Whether you’re looking to fake your way to voluminous waves or planning that pre-wedding hair routine, he’s got you covered with insider tips of the trade. Go ahead and bookmark this for your big day (and every day!)

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What’s trending right now in bridal hair?

The updo for brides is a classic that I don’t think it will ever go out of style. However, I’ve noticed brides want updos that are more relaxed and romantic.

Favorite products to get hair wedding day ready?

Using a good shampoo and conditioner is key, especially if you have color-treated hair. Make sure that you’re using a good quality deep conditioner to keep your hair moist for the big day. Similar to the way you moisturize your skin to keep it looking supple under makeup, do the same thing to your hair.

Also, continue to get regular cuts leading up to the day. Even if you want your hair to be long, you want it to be healthy! My recommendation is every 4-6 weeks for a healthy look.

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Any tricks for faking your way to voluminous hair?

Mousse and hairspray are always the best product to the lift the roots and create the illusion of thicker hair – that’s what they are created for. I also incorporate a bit of oil in the mix when working with a mousse to soften up the look and make it less rigid so as the day goes on, the hair will fall in a natural way.

The go-to styling tools you swear by?

Rollers or a curling iron, both give the hair good body.

To hairspray or not to hairspray?

Use a mousse or hairspray that doesn’t contain too much alcohol (which can result in hair looking “crunchy”), and again mix a little oil with the mousse. The hair will still hold but will have a softer appearance. Trust me, it works!

–Oscar Blandi, Celebrity Stylist and Founder of Oscar Blandi Salon, New York City

We’re always a little skeptical when designers claim that their latest collection is the “most beautiful ever.” After all, they say it every season. But we’ve seen the Atelier Pronovias 2018 Collection and we can confidently say that it really is the most beautiful collection ever. Exquisite lace, dazzling jewels and statement silhouettes take the 2018 Collection to crazy new levels of pretty!

As the models walked down the runway at Pronovias’ flagship New York City boutique, each dress seemed to be prettier than the last. With elegant lines and a fresh take on our favorite silhouettes, each handmade gown is dreamy as can be — plunging necklines, accentuated backs and leg-revealing slits play with proportions. But one of our favorite parts of the new collection? The stunning details, like draped sleeves, gemstone embroidery and convertible dresses!

Pronovias is known for the magic they make happen with lace, and the new Atelier Pronovias 2018 Collection didn’t disappoint. Romantic lace and sheerness combined with silk thread and gemstone-edged floral motifs to create some major wow moments. Delicate gold and silver embroidery add the subtlest hint of color with seriously beautiful results.

Seriously, darlings, we could not be more in love with the Atelier Pronovias 2018 Collection. And now that we’ve seen these gorgeous gowns, we’re counting down the days until Barcelona Bridal Week when the full Pronovias 2018 Collection will be revealed, because based on this sneak peek, it’s sure to be the prettiest collection ever!

Photography: Gerardo Somoza | Wedding Dress: PRONOVIAS | Makeup: Marina Christine | Hair: Kelly Tomasso Using Aveda

Jet setting to Umbria is now at the tippy-top of my travel list and it has everything to do with this destination wedding. It is an easy, elegant yet totally un-stuffy celebration crafted by the Bride herself, who just so happens to be a destination wedding planner and it shows! Al fresco tablescapes, the most perfect Umbria-esque rattan chairs, bright blooms and a day filled with Italian beauty… these are just a few of the details to be found in the photographs by Rachel Gomez and Sposto Photography.

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From the Bride… It was my dream to get married in the Italian countryside; it’s my favorite place on Earth. My fiancé and I decided on Italy for the wedding (my heritage) and to tour Scotland (his heritage) for our honeymoon! I am a destination wedding planner and produce weddings mostly around Telluride, CO. I have planned pretty much every type of event.. but for my wedding I wanted to take our family and closest friends on vacation to celebrate life, eat great food and drink wine!

Our main focus was to highlight both of our personalities with unique touches to create a completely custom event. We hosted 52 of our family and friends for a week in Umbria, Italy. The guests stayed onsite at Casali Cole San Paolo a family-run olive oil estate with three guest farmhouses and a historic chapel built in the 13th century! This was the venue’s first wedding and I was lucky enough to work with the bilingual owner of the property to secure local Italian vendors in the area.

The setting of Umbria served as color inspiration, we used dusty peach, light sage, creams and taupe with rose gold and dark gray accents. We wanted to set the tone with custom invitations and worked with Whimsy Design Studio, based in Denver, CO. Whimsy incorporated a watercolor of one of the farmhouses my artist friend painted into the design of the invitation. She added watercolor touches, custom wax seals and plant-dyed silk ribbon to complete the look.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with baskets of local wine, Turkish pool towels from Positano and chocolates from Perugia. We spent the week exploring the Umbrian countryside, visiting little hamlets and relaxing at the property!

Our ceremony was set at the top of Mount Solare at Fontanelle Farmhouse, a stone house surround by fruit trees and lavender. We used natural wicker furniture and kept it very organic. My brother-in law married us and my brother played acoustic guitar was I walked down the aisle with my father. It was truly a family affair! We set a black-tie dress code, the groom and groomsmen wore tuxedos, the bridesmaids chose their own dresses based of the watercolor painting and my wedding dress I fell in love with because to me it was elegant- classic with European glam.

The reception was hosted just down the olive tree-lined dirt road at the pink farmhouse named Poderaccio. The surroundings very natural, it was important to me to create a “black-tie garden party” and the ladies at Puscina Flowers made my dream a reality. The three sisters and fine art floral designers grow everything they use. Their attention to detail was a dream come true for a wedding planner bride.

We continued the theme of art/watercolor on the table by including small paintings “of Italy” at each setting and used a custom crest designed on the menus. The table was lined with organic looking floral arrangements, herbs potted in rustic terracotta pots and accented with fresh picked fruit and taper candles. The look slightly eclectic yet polished and cohesive with the environment. We were served an elegant 5-course meal at a table set for 52 that was looking over the Umbrian countryside. We had an American-style three tier wedding cake and Italian millefoglie cake for dessert. The dance party continued for many hours after under the gazebo overlooking the pool.

Photography: Rachel Gomez | Photography: Sposto Photography | Event Planning: Polished Fun | Floral Design: Puscina Flowers | Wedding Dress: Casablanca Bridal | Cake: Eros Mariotti | Invitations: Whimsy Design Studio | Shoes : Badgley Mischka | Jewelry: Family Heirloom | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Azeeza | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Elizabeth & James | Catering: Eros Mariotti | Hair: Alex Cox | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Hotel: Villa Monte Solare | Hotel: I Casali Di Colle San Paolo | Wedding Venue: I Casali Di Colle San Paolo | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Azienda Agricola La Querciolana

It’s no secret every bride wants to look and feel her best on the big day. But no matter how many times you hit the gym, what you put into your body ultimately affects how you look and feel. But fear not, brides because we’ve rounded up healthy eats packed with antioxidants and vitamins that impact your body in all the best of ways. Add these to your daily diet and thank us later.

Beauty Packed Foods

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Beauty Packed Foods

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When one of Love and Light Photographs’ weddings come across my desk, I settle in with a fresh cup of coffee and get comfy – because there is no doubt I’m in for a treat. And sure enough, we’ve got quite the gem right here. Full of beyond beautiful shades of lavender and pinks, this summer wedding is everything you could want – and more. NST Pictures joined in capturing the live action and their film and all the pics can be found in our Vault right this way!

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From the Bride… As avid lovers of the outdoors, Gregg and I knew from the moment we got engaged that we wanted to get married outside. We had our hearts set on finding a place that brought us peace and happiness; a place that was just as beautiful as it was welcoming. After searching high and low in the Tri-State area, we were fortunate enough to select a venue where we had already created special memories. Fiddler’s Elbow was elegant and romantic while also making our guests feel right at home. Drawing inspiration from the outdoors, we incorporated stone escort cards, votive candles, café lights, metallics, soft florals, tall branches, and lemon leaves throughout the ballroom and patio space to evoke an ethereal, garden chic party. As a talented interior decorator and now wedding DYI’er, my mom created our home-made moss table numbers and grey linen table runners to complete the look. The soft colored bridesmaids’ dresses and dark blue groomsmen’s suits tied in our floral arrangements seamlessly. Since Gregg and I met and started our lives together in NYC, we also wove in New York inspired details; including our specialty cocktails named after the Brooklyn Bridge (where we got engaged) and a New York Knick. Our guests danced the night away to a nine-piece band, posed for hilarious photos in our photo booth, and enjoyed delicious summer-inspired food such as Maine lobster tail, s’mores, and Funfetti wedding cake.

My dad passed away when I was in my mid-20’s, and I would have given anything for him to have been there. We honored him in a number of special ways throughout the day: I wore his gold wedding band, Gregg carried his handkerchief, and I danced with his childhood best friend/ my godfather during my “father-daughter” dance. I also walked down the aisle to Sting’s “Fields of Gold”, as this was a song close to my heart that both my dad and Gregg would sing to me. It had rained the week leading up to our wedding; and yet the morning of our wedding day we were greeted with blue skies and a summer breeze. It was as if my dad was looking down on us smiling.

Everything about our special day far exceeded our expectations, which we can thank our loving friends and family and incredible vendors for.

My two pieces of advice to a bride-to-be would be: One, select vendors who you can really connect with. Communication is key for everything to run smoothly. We worked with some of the best, most supportive people, and it made the wedding planning process that much more enjoyable. Two, take a moment for yourselves. When you and your spouse are in the midst of dancing, catching up with a relative, or trying to make time to eat; simply stop whatever you’re doing, take a few steps back, and breathe it all in. After months and months of planning, it’s easy to forget this one important step, but I promise you… when you see everyone smiling, laughing, and celebrating your happiness; it will all be worth it.

Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Cinematography: NST Pictures | Floral Design: Blue Jasmine | Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham | Invitations: Kleinfeld Paper | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair + Makeup: Gianna Giacona | Calligraphy: Belles Lettres Calligraphy | Band: Hank Lane Music | Wedding Venue: Fiddler's Elbow Country Club | Photobooth: We Love Photobooths

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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One of my most favorite things about traveling is snagging a hotel with a big, huge, spa-like bathroom. And if I landed a room with a bath like this? I’d so never leave. Elizabeth Stamos Design crafted a master bath retreat that feels expansive and serene without changing the footprint. So no walls were knocked out in the making of this gem but a whole lot of goodies were added in. From floor to ceiling subway tile to modern sconces and a gorgeous rug, this bathroom beats all those hotel suites I thought I so loved.

When I first saw this bathroom I knew that this was going to be a fun project and great transformation. My clients had been living in their modern home for just a few years and were excited to get started on their dream bathroom and I was thrilled to help. When starting on a project I always take into context the style of the clients and the home. This house was previously renovated by an architect and had lots of sleek, modern details throughout. The bathroom needed to be an extension of that. We weren’t able to enlarge the overall footprint of the space, but reworked some details to make the bathroom feel more open and airy.

We eliminated a never used tub and replaced it with a spacious double master shower complete with modern fixtures (including handhelds to hose down their two adorable Westi’s-form and function). We ditched the old, stall-like shower and instead made custom walnut shelves to increase the storage in the space. The location of the vanity stayed the same, but we updated with a custom piece I designed that matched the shelving.

 Stylewise the goal was to create a really clean, modern bathroom that still had personality. To keep things bright we decided to keep all of the walls white. I knew with such a simple palette, I would have to add interest with layers of texture and material. I found a handmade elongated subway tile that we used in the shower and behind the vanity in a stacked installation. Its not as perfect as a machine made tile, but the imperfections add a casual warmth and texture to the space, which is important when working with a limited palette. The rich wood of the walnut vanity and shelving also helped add warmth and the grey hexagon tile added a fun modern shape.

I was really excited about the sconces behind the vanity. I fell in love with this Kate Spade for Circa lighting Double Swing Arm sconce and was so happy when my clients were on board to use it. We coordinated with a pair of simple RH Modern Sconces in the same antique bronze finish to pull it together. The grommet detailing of the RH medicine cabinets and sleek lines of the Kohler Purist faucet layered just the right amount of interest to finish it off.  

Photography: Eric Hausman | Custom Vanity and shelving: By Elizabeth Stamos Design | Double Swing Arm Sconce: Circa Lighting | Interior Design: Elizabeth Stamos Design | Medicine Cabinets: Restoration Hardware Rivet Medicine Cabinet (no longer available) | Single Sconce: RH Modern | Vases: World Market | Wall mounted faucets: Kohler Purist Line

This wedding is proof that when you hire the right people, really pretty things happen. Especially when you’ve got people like Trent Bailey Studio, Michelle Elaine Weddings, Face Time Beauty Concierge, Katydid Signature Floral & Event Design and Around Town Entertainment on your vendor list. Scroll on for the entire lovefest, including a beaming bride in Oscar de la Renta who completely stole the show.

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From the planner, Michelle Elaine… I absolutely loved working with Lauren! We planned together for about 14 months so time was on our side to get every last detail perfectly nailed down. Her natural style carried over into her wedding design displaying that same class and elegance. The vision created was timeless, with antique silver candelabras, lush white florals, gorgeous table garlands and slight touches of deep navy, courtesy of our talented calligrapher, Tara Jones. Lauren’s wedding dress, a stunning Oscar de la Renta, completely took everyone’s breath away as she walked down the aisle; I couldn’t even keep it together as I prepared her to walk!

Following the ceremony, the couple had portraits done as my team ensured no detail was missed at the venue. Lauren wanted to create the reception in a way that guests would enjoy a very formal, seated dinner and then be entertained on the pool deck by an incredible band to dance the night away, which they did!

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From the bride, Lauren… Dan and I both went to the University of Southern California and were introduced by mutual friends. The first 2 years of our relationship were long-distance, trading weekends up and down the coast between LA and San Francisco, before ending up in Venice Beach. But while our life together is very much rooted in California, I knew immediately after we got engaged that I wanted our wedding to take place in my home state.

My parents both have homes near the Jersey Shore, so when we visit during the summer that has become our home base. It was important for us to have a Catholic ceremony, and as soon as we saw Saint Catharine’s, a stunning historic church, in Spring Lake, the most charming Victorian beach town, we knew it was meant to be.

After choosing the location, we set out to find the right vendors. I actually discovered both Michelle Elaine Weddings and Trent Bailey in the same Style Me Pretty post, and after exhaustive research, I’m so glad I went with my gut and hired them both! Trent’s editorial style was exactly what we were looking for in a photographer; and Michelle not only kept track of every detail leading up to the wedding, making long-distance planning a breeze but also perfectly executed our vision on the day.

We wanted everything to feel very elegant, classic and timeless. Dan and I both tend to favor neutral colors, so we chose that palette for the wedding as well. Almost everything was white or ivory, with accents of gray and antique silver, and a very dark navy for the calligraphy. I’m obsessed with all things paper and calligraphy and immediately fell in love with Tara Jones’ work, which really set the tone for the rest of the details.

The day of the wedding was a dream. My bridesmaids, who all wore different gray dresses of their choosing, came over to my dad’s house, and my mom brought over “Father of the Bride” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding” to play while we got ready. Dan and I gave each other gifts (pearl earrings for me, vintage cufflinks for him), and notes that we had written earlier. It rained that morning, and I think I was the only one who actually wasn’t worried about it… My trusty weather app told me the sun would come out at 2, just in time for the wedding, and sure enough, as we pulled up to the church in the trolley, singing “Going to the Chapel,” the clouds parted and the sun started shining.

I didn’t want anything to distract from my dress, so I carried a simple bouquet of white tulips and lily of the valley… and a huge smile, which I could not keep off my face! My father walked me down the aisle and we had a full mass, with readings by my godmother and Dan’s sister, and a solo of “Amazing Grace” performed by one of my bridesmaids. 

Before the reception, the bridal party took the trolley back to my dad’s house, which is one of my favorite places in the world, for portraits. The photographs Trent captured there are so special to us. When we got to the reception, Dan and I snuck into the ballroom before heading out to cocktail hour to see the set-up and have a moment (and some food) to ourselves. It was so thrilling to see every detail we’d spent so much time planning brought to life and to spend a few moments alone as a married couple reflecting on everything before heading out to take it all in together.

While I had always dreamed of a traditional black-tie wedding, it was really important to us that our guests (many of whom flew across the country to be there) could still feel comfortable and have fun. The Spring Lake Bath & Tennis Club was the perfect venue to accommodate that, with its old-school East Coast charm and oceanfront setting being just the right amount of formal, without feeling stuffy. After the cocktail hour on the oceanfront pavilion (with signature Dirty Martini and Old Fashioned cocktails), we moved inside to the ballroom for a candlelit seated dinner. After 3 brilliant toasts and a delicious meal, the party moved back outside under the stars (actually, a tent filled with twinkly lights). I changed into a custom-made strapless ivory column dress and white Adidas, and we cut the cake with a champagne saber my mom’s boyfriend gave us as an engagement gift. The Around Town Band did not disappoint, and the dance floor was packed the whole night. Actually, I think the only time we were sad the whole day is when they played their last song!

The best piece of advice I received (and, thankfully, actually listened to!) is to be present – enjoy yourself, and be yourself. It really does go by so fast, so don’t miss a moment by worrying about something silly. Spend the whole day having fun with your new husband, your families, and all the people who are there to celebrate you! Thanks to Michelle and her team, we were able to feel like guests at our own wedding, which is how everyone should experience it.

Photography: Trent Bailey Studio | Cinematography: Kiss The Bride Films | Event Planning: Michelle Elaine Weddings | Floral Design: Katydid Signature Floral & Event Design | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cakes: Chocolate Carousel | Ceremony Venue: St. Catharine's Church | Reception Venue: Spring Lake Bath & Tennis Club | Bride's Shoes: J.Crew | Rings: Custom by Structure Manufacturing of Fine Jewelry | Bridesmaid Dresses: Various | Hair & Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Calligraphy: Tara Jones Calligraphy | Band: Around Town Entertainment | Groomsmen's Bow Ties: The Tie Bar | Tent: Ocean Tents | Bridal Party Monogrammed Shirts: Life a Stitch | Bridal Salon: Erin Cole | Bride's Earrings: Christian Dior | Ceremony Programs: Design by Bride, Printing by the Father of the Groom | Flower Crowns: Bluebird Twine | Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Groom's Tuxedo: Ralph Lauren | Paper Goods: Color Box Design & Letterpress | Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Uplighting: Finer Touch Entertainment | Veil: Janice Haddan | Wax Seals: Nostalgic Impressions

If you ask me, this wedding is the perfect intersection of contemporary and classic. With a design concept of pure white, fresh greenery and accents of black and gold, the groundwork was laid for a gorgeous day and it’s all thanks to Wile Events. They translated the couple’s personal style to a wedding worth obsessing over, and we’ve got it all from the lens of Christina Lilly Photography.

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From Wile Events… New Jersey natives Marisa and Marc met in Hoboken where they both reside, Marisa a professional in the fashion industry and Marc the owner of a popular neighborhood restaurant. When Marc proposed on the same street corner where Marisa first said “I love you” and considering the life they shared was here in Hoboken, they knew they wanted to commemorate their marriage in close proximity, choosing to marry at St Ann’s – a stone’s throw from Marc’s restaurant and to celebrate in neighboring Jersey City.

This classic couple shares a personal aesthetic that leans towards a neutral palette and clean lines – from the way they dress to the way they decorate their home and work spaces. It was this same understated elegance that inspired their event design concept of pure white, fresh greenery and accents of black and gold. Sharing an Italian heritage, it was important to both the bride and groom to celebrate their background with subtle accents throughout their event.

Invitations designed by Wile Events arrived in ecru envelopes with custom matte black liners. A simple “M” monogram adorned the letter pressed invitations, as both bride and groom share the same double M initials.

The ceremony was held at St Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, a traditional, beautiful space requiring only a few lush garlands of greenery to accent the pews. The bride wore a Carolina Herrera gown in a classic silhouette and a simple floral cuff in place of a traditional bouquet, and the groom a Giorgio Armani Collection tuxedo.

Battelo, a chic waterfront restaurant and event space in Jersey City, was the perfect backdrop for their cocktail hour and reception, with white walls, exposed beams and brickwork, a massive reclaimed wood bar and breathtaking views of Manhattan. Greeting guests at cocktail hour was an eight-foot custom designed escort board in matte black adorned with a grand garland of greenery and white blooms, accented with classic white pillar candles. Guests sipped on Aperol spritzes and white negronis while enjoying antipasti.

Transitioning to the reception space, guests were seated at rounds dressed in white linens with natural bentwood chairs and greeted by hand-lettered table numbers on Lucite and matte black letter pressed menus tucked into white linen napkins with a sprig of greenery. The Wile Events floral design team created several floral vignette variations to create a layered look within the space. Some tables were adorned with glass compotes of seasonal white, high petal count blooms with accents of greenery, some with a trio of petite arrangements of single varietals, and some featured floating candle holders in elegant, footed glass holders and gold julep vases. Italian accents such as the Tuscan-style urns with olive branches atop the bar and traditional favors of five gilded dragées in Lucite boxes – each signifying a wish for the happy couple – were subtle reminders of the couple’s ancestry.

The bride’s one piece of advice for brides-to-be? “Enjoy it and trust the people you hire. You hired them for a reason so let them work their magic while you enjoy the excitement of it all!”

Photography: Christina Lilly Photography | Floral Design: Wile Events | Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera | Wedding Invitations: Wile Events | Ceremony Venue: St Ann Church | Reception Venue: Battello | Shoes: Paul Andrew | Hair + Makeup: Salon Gatto | Tuxedo: Giorgio Armani | Veil: Twigs and Honey | Wedding Planners: Wile Events

We hold a very special place in our hearts for bridal fashion, and when it comes to a boutique that never fails to deliver on gorgeous gowns and accessories, Designer Loft is IT. From their talented + totally knowledgeable staff to their never-ending lineup of amazing Trunk Shows (hello, 10% discount), they’ve been wowing us from day one. Find out about their upcoming events below.

Located in Midtown Manhattan (226 West 37th Street, Second Floor Loft) and known for their relaxed approach and intimate space, Designer Loft is all about making your dreams come true with their top-notch service and well-curated selection of awe-inspiring gowns. Think awesome April Trunk Shows with talented designers like Matthew Christopher (April 1-3), Eddy K of Italy (April 7-9 + April 14-16), Pronovias (April 21-23) and Rosa Clara (April 28- May 1)…you are sooo on the right track. Which means that dream gown you’ve been searching for? You’ll most definitely find it. We promise.

From the traditional with a twist gowns of Matthew Christopher to the stunning new Milano Collection from Eddy K to the trademark lace and romantic details of Pronovias and Rosa Clara, don’t miss your chance to experience some of the most beautiful gowns you will ever lay your eyes upon by booking your appointment using Designer Loft’s online reservation system or contacting them at 212.944.9013 or Designerloftnyc@yahoo.com. And don’t forget that you’ll receive 10% off the featured designer’s collection on the weekend of the trunk show, plus Designer Loft even offers amazing on-site alterations and are extremely flexible with customization and tailoring. It just doesn’t get any better.

Sarah and Tony call L.A. home but they wanted to throw a destination wedding weekend their guests would never forget. With loved ones traveling from across the world, including Tony’s family from Nigeria, they brought everyone to Saratoga, Wyoming for a rustic retreat unlike any other. Ashley Sawtelle photographed and we’re so ready to watch it all unfold.

Los Angeles residents, Sarah & Tony, wanted to create a memorable 3-day wedding weekend at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming. Guests came from all over the U.S. and even Nigeria – where Tony’s family is from – to enjoy the great outdoors and celebrate the two. The couple wanted to pair decor elements with the beautiful surroundings of the ranch during the fall season. 

Dusty lavender, sage, wheat, and whites were incorporated into the floral designs, ceremony and reception decor. The ceremony took place inside with candle light, rustic wood pews and greens hanging from the light fixtures above. 

Guests got to enjoy cocktail hour on the deck of the main lodge witnessing the beautiful sunset and were welcomed into the grand tent for dinner and dancing.

Photography: Ashley Sawtelle | Event Planning: Table 6 Productions | Floral Design: Ali Fortunato | Cake: Sweet Marie's Bakeshop | Makeup: Danica Severance | Hair: Sara Bicknell | Venue: Brush Creek Ranch | Paper Goods: Tasha Rae Designs | Rentals + Design: Design Works

If we’re being honest, registering isn’t always sunshine and roses and happy dancing down the aisles, scanner in hand. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Which is why we’ve asked our faves at Kohl’s Registry for some tips on turning that house into the dream home you’ve always wanted. It’s fab products meets amazing customer service, one living space at a time. Scroll for the tips of a lifetime.

FOR THE LIVING ROOM

Whether you plan on hosting your fair share of game nights or simply like cuddling up with your sweetie for a good movie, keeping your living room on point is key. We suggest adding some gorgeous design elements, like the Spencer Club Lattice Throw Pillow, the DHI Enzo Accent Chair or the StyleHaven Hillcrest Shadow Blocks Shag Rug to really add some character, then light those candles and settle in for a night of pure bliss. Didn’t receive everything you need on your registry? No worries. Kohl’s Registry has a 15% Off Completion Offer that is good for three whole months post-wedding.

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FOR THE KITCHEN

Dinner parties? Holidays? Birthday celebrations? It all starts and ends in the kitchen. So if you’re a little nervous about ridding yourself of all of those appliances you’ve had since college, don’t be. Kohl’s Registry is here to help you make a clean sweep with a lineup of kitchen must-haves that will have you baking up a storm in no time at all. Think that fab KitchenAid KSM150PS Artisan 5-qt. Stand Mixer, the OXO Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set and the Food Network Cooking Green 3-pc. Bamboo Cutting Board Set… just to name a few. And don’t forget that you can use your mobile scanner to add kitchen items to your registry at any time… sooo convenient.

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FOR THE DINING ROOM

Ready to dive head-first into adulting? Then prettying up that dining space is your first step. Because whether you’ve signed up for monthly dinner parties or simply can’t wait to host that first Thanksgiving, you’ll need to be prepared. Start with adding those dining essentials from Kohl’s Registry (hello, Dansk Solveig Placemats, Mikasa Cheers 4-pc. Balloon Wine Goblets and Food Network Mint 45-pc. Flatware Set), then pop those invites in the mail, because you are ready to party. Just make sure to take Kohl’s awesome Registry Checklist with you when you register, so you don’t forget a single item.

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FOR THE BATHROOM

Once that last toast has been made and that final dance has been boogied, trust us, you’re going to want to relax.  That’s why creating that in-home sanctuary is sooo important. And, you know what? It all starts with the beautiful details from Kohl’s Registry. Think the Sonoma Goods for Life Torrance Medallion Hand Towel, the Home Classics Brushed Nickel Tissue Holder and the Sonoma Goods for Life Torrance Soap Pump joining together to turn that space into a luxurious spa you can really relax in. And don’t forget – your guests will receive save an extra 20% off purchases of $100 or more, so that downtime is really worth it.

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FOR THE BEDROOM

You can’t have a registry without filling it with items that will make your boudoir sing. Which is why we absolutely adore Kohl’s Registry and their never-ending lineup of cozy essentials that will make Sunday breakfasts in bed sooo much more relaxing. From fab essentials, like the Safavieh Cahaba Table Lamp, the Chaps Damask 500 Thread Count Stripe Sheet Set and the HomeVance Leona Bench, you’ll be spending all of your down time in this comfy heaven. Not sure you are head over heels with that new bedspread? You can exchange anytime with Kohl’s Registry. We love that.

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Ready to start your journey to that home of your dreams? Visit Kohl’s Registry today to fill each room in your house with ALL of the necessities. Happy scanning, lovelies.

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Living Room: 1. Spencer Club Lattice Throw Pillow 2. DHI Enzo Accent Chair 3. Madison Park Faux-Fur Throw 4. StyleHaven Hillcrest Shadow Blocks Shag Rug 5. Gallery Perfect 7-Piece Frame Set

Kitchen: 1. KitchenAid KSM150PS Artisan 5-qt. Stand Mixer 2. Food Network Cooking Green 3-pc. Bamboo Cutting Board 3. OXO Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set 4. OXO Good Grips POP 5.5-qt. Square Container 5. Food Network TUX 13.25-in. Turner 6. J.A. Henckels International Classic 16-pc. Cutlery Set

Dining: 1. Food Network Signature 61-oz. Crystal Decanter 2. Dansk Solveig Placemats 3. Mikasa Cheers 4-pc. Balloon Wine Goblets 4. Food Network Mint 45-pc. Flatware Set 5. Mikasa Cheers Oval Platter

Bathroom: 1. Sonoma Goods for Life Torrance Soap Pump 2. Sonicare DiamondClean Rechargeable Toothbrush 3. Creative Ware Home Bamboo Bath Mat 4. Sonoma Goods for Life Torrance Medallion Hand Towel 5. Home Classics Brushed Nickel Wastebasket 6. Home Classics Brushed Nickel Tissue Holder

Bedroom: 1. Safavieh Cahaba Table Lamp 2. Mikasa Serenity 13.75-in. Teardrop Vase 3. Chaps Damask 500 Thread Count Stripe Sheet Set 4. Sonoma Goods for Life Stillwater Bedding Collection 5. HomeVance Leona Bench

The wedding may be over, but the fun doesn’t have to be. If you’re feeling those post-wedding blues, don’t fret: this next year (and the rest of your life, for that matter!) is going to be the best yet. As you settle into your newlywed bliss and throw your to-do lists out the window, you and your significant other can relax and enjoy the life you are creating together. Whether you have wanderlust, babies on the radar or simply look forward to a night in with no discussions of cocktail napkins, these tips will keep you feeling blissful all year long.

KEEP PLANNING

Whether you plan a monthly date night or start dreaming up your anniversary trip, having something else to look forward to post-wedding will keep the blues at bay. For me, this was as simple as planning quick day trips from our house every few weekends. Having those little journeys to look forward to helped me move past the slump that I got into right after the wedding (and the planning) ended.

MAKE COMMUNICATING A PRIORITY

Admit it: during wedding planning, your conversations always ended up circling back to color palettes and entrée options. Now that those things are behind you, it’s important to keep talking. We’re not saying it has to be all day, every day, but asking each other about your lives, having discussions about your interests and keeping your spouse informed on what’s going on in your world are all it takes to keep your communication game stronger than ever.

FIND THINGS TO DO TOGETHER AND APART

My husband loves playing Ultimate Frisbee. Me, not so much. So every Saturday, he spends the morning playing, while I spend it with friends, doing yoga and having “me” time. Even though the time is short, having moments apart keeps us balanced and helps us enjoy the time we do spend together just a little bit more, like trying new restaurants, binging a new show or exploring our city.

HAVE THE MONEY TALK (A LOT)

It may not be the prettiest piece of advice, but it is probably the most important. If you’re joining your bank accounts, it’s good to do this right away, if not, you still need to talk about how you’ll handle joint expenses. Cook a nice dinner, open a bottle of wine and get talking: being up-to-date on each others financial goals makes life go much smoother, no matter what kind of bumps in the road you may encounter.

EXPAND YOUR CIRCLE, BUT DON’T LOSE TOUCH WITH YOUR OLD FRIENDS

You may have taken a 2-week honeymoon immediately after the wedding or are just basking in your married life and spending time alone, but either way, newlyweds often experience a brief reprieve from their social lives post-wedding. Once you get that out of your system, it’s important to reconnect with your friends. Spend time with them one-on-one and make sure none of your besties feel isolated now that you have a new title. And bonus: married life can bring about new married friends. Find ways to expand your inner circle by joining clubs, talking to the new girl at work or getting involved with a charity. New friends always keeps things fun and interesting!

DON’T GIVE INTO SOCIETAL PRESSURES

You may already be internally rolling your eyes every time someone asks you about a baby. Whether you’ve already started trying or don’t feel that babies are in the cards, make sure you’re doing what feels right for you and your significant other. Pressure will come from family and friends (and even complete strangers!), but if you stay true to yourselves, you’ll make the right decisions in all matters of your life.

RELIVE THE DAY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

You put a lot into the wedding and made it the best day ever! It’s important to remember all those amazing feelings you felt. The best way to do this? Keep looking through those photos, watch your video, and reminisce on that funny thing the best man did during his speech. For me, creating little wedding albums for my family with their favorite images was a fun, and productive, way to dive into all those beautiful photos over and over again. Put your favorite photo as the background of your phone or framed in your house, text your Maid of Honor to remind her how grateful you still are for her help, or just browse through your album during quiet moments on the couch—all are great ways to keep the day fresh in your thoughts.

CELEBRATE THE LITTLE THINGS

Did you get a promotion at work? Finally, finish binge-watching Prison Break on Netflix? Have a great conversation with your Mother-in-law? Treat yourselves to a night out, a new accessory for your home or a glass of champagne. Toasting to all the good in life, and doing it often (no matter how small!), will keep you feeling happy, even when things aren’t as lovely.

NEVER STOP SAYING “I LOVE YOU”

This one may seem easy, but with real life comes real problems and there may be times when it’s not so easy. No matter how angry or upset you may be, never stop saying those three little words. Sometimes all we need is a simple reminder to make everything okay.

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Jessica Tzikas is a freelance writer and editor from South Florida, who recently moved back to the sunshine state after living in Philadelphia for the past few years. When she isn’t writing and obsessing over all things wedding, you can find her reading by the beach, practicing yoga, or taking long road trips with her new husband. 

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How to Have a Happy Marriage

For Katie and William, there was no more personal spot to marry than Rosebud Ranch. Built on Katie’s parent’s property, the ranch was named as a nod to her late mother’s love of roses. Gold Leaf Event Design & Production and Carolyn’s Flowers helped orchestrate an entire day filled with meaningful touches, including long stem roses that each guest held during the ceremony, and Rachel Havel captured every single moment.

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The wedding took place on the bride’s family home in Old Snowmass, Colorado on their private property, Rosebud Ranch. Katie’s parents built the ranch on the property long before Katie was even engaged but during the process, her mother fell terminally ill, and sadly knew she wasn’t going to live long enough to see her youngest daughter, Katie be married. Katie’s mother had a love for roses and therefore the ranch was named Rosebud in remembrance of her.

Prior to Katie’s mother’s passing, her parents designed a ceremony space off the back of their house together and had it built as a wedding gift for Katie. At the ceremony, you’ll see each guest was handed a long stem rose by Katie’s nephews in memory of Katie’s mother.

Katie and William wanted the entire night to be a dance party, and that it definitely was. They offered stations throughout the evening curated by The Roaring Fork Club, and open seating. When guests started feeling the altitude, a customized oxygen was available for guests to revive themselves to get back on the dance floor, placed under beautiful custom chandeliers built for the clear top tent, dressed elegantly with rose gold draping.

Photography: Rachel Havel | Cinematography: White In Revery | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Wedding Cake: d'Elissious | Catering: Roaring Fork Club | Make Up: Salon Tullio | Hair : Christine Morris-Assalone & Casey Batey Fisher For Full Circle Aspen | Entertainment: Starkey Productions | Wedding Venue: Rosebud Ranch | Event Design + Coordination: Gold Leaf Event Design & Production | Astronomical "Star" Party: Bryan White | Audio Visual: Halcyon Productions | Décor : Eclectic Hive | Floral: Carolyn's Flowers | Oxygen Bar: The Oxygen Company | Photo Booth: Social Light | Rentals: Premier Party Rentals

Bucking tradition, this couple decided a rustic farm in Pennsylvania was just the kind of spot they wanted to say “I Do.” And all gussied up with florals by Willow & Thistle and gorgeous photographs by Werth Photography, it’s as pretty as can be and comes complete with a sweet, sweet ending.

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When Scott and I started looking at wedding venues we knew we wanted something different than the typical ballroom feel. I did some research and we found Normandy Farm. It was only the 3rd venue we had looked at but knew right away it was perfect for us. We booked it just a few days later. As for my style I didn’t have a clear vision but knew I wanted to keep it true to who Scott and I are: Natural, Clean, a good combination of Rustic & modern, no fuss & simple. We look back at pictures all the time and are just in awe of how everything came together exactly as we had imagined. All parties involved helped make our day spectacular and we always say if we had to do it again, we wouldn’t change a single thing.

Photography: Werth Photography | Florist: Willow & Thistle | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Make Up: Nancy Caroline Bridal Beauty | Wedding Venue: Normandy Farm Hotel & Conference Center | Hair Style & Color: Mallory Manna

Located at a gorgeous estate on the water in Cape Cod, this couples’ wedding was a chic affair to say the least! Speaking of chic, the bride wore a Rosa Clara lace gown for the ceremony and changed into a more simple and sleek dress for the reception. Oh, and the groom wore a classic and sharp black tux from 9 Tailors. With a neutral color palette in shades of champagne and blush, the white florals and rich greenery pulled everything together making for one elegant reception design. The talented Studio Atticus captured the entire affair all ready for you to browse over in The Vault!

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From the bride… After getting engaged in Chatham just over a year earlier, we knew Cape Cod would be the perfect location for our wedding. We have quite a bit of family around the Boston area, and having it based in Chatham would give people the opportunity to have either a weekend away from home or a day trip, whichever worked best in their schedules. While we loved the area and the vibe, we wanted to avoid the common Cape wedding themes, so we decided early on that we wouldn’t have any beaches or boats involved. Our mantra for the aesthetics were “vintage, not rustic”—we wanted a clean and classic appeal with some romantic touches that would hold up for years and years to come. When we found the Winslow Estate property, we knew it would be a perfect fit for what we wanted. Right on the water, but more of a unique Spanish-style than Cape-style house, there was a lot of room for us to do something creative outside. As a plus, we and our whole wedding party were able to stay in the house and the guest house on the property, which allowed us to spend a great deal of time with them over the weekend, and gave the celebration more of a “home” feel than an “event space” feel.

One of our clean-and-classic anchors was that we didn’t want a strong themed accent color to the wedding. The groomsmen wore black tuxedos with black ties, and the bridesmaids were asked to choose their own dress with a desaturated blush and champagne palette. The best way to translate this to the flowers was to focus on whites and greens. Beth from Seagrass Floral Studio did an incredible job with the bouquets and arrangements. By using lots of blue-green and grey-green plants and ferns like Dusty Miller, she was able to keep depth and excitement without losing the simple whites-and-greens look we wanted. Included in my bridal bouquet was ivy from my mother-in-law’s own wedding bouquet 35 years prior, which was a great family touch. One of my favorite special details was the subtle running theme of the ivy; in addition to being a part of my bouquet, we wove ivy into the chandeliers and table arrangements, and a print designer/colleague of mine created the custom ivy monogram we used for our wedding programs.

We had two types of tables: three long Tuscan tables for the wedding party and immediate family, and round tables for the remainder of the guests. The round tables had white cloths with a romantic lace overlay. The Tuscan tables had runners with the beautiful ivy-laden antique candelabras, that had etched votive globes. To bring some energy to the room and add really subtle pops of color across the tables, our caterer Casual Gourmet brought in all different and unique vintage china to use for each of the place settings, so everyone’s seat was different. For lighting, DesignLight did an amazing job with stringing fabric-covered bee lights to give the interior of the sailcloth tent a soft glow, and the large chandeliers (draped with ferns, ivy and dendrobium orchids) really capped off the romantic atmosphere. Finally, while we love Mila our English Bulldog, she wasn’t able to make it to the wedding. I found some little gold bulldogs on Etsy that we used for place card holders, which was a fun little reminder of her for us.

Photography: Studio Atticus Photography | Videography: McElroy Weddings | Event Design: Elegant Engagements | Floral Design: Seagrass Floral Studio | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara | Invitations: Goosefish Press | Reception Venue: The Winslow Estate | Bride's Shoes: Gucci | Catering: The Casual Gourmet | Hair + Makeup: Leather & Lace Artistry | Lighting: DesignLightCo. | Band: Sugarbabies Inc. | Groom's Attire: 9tailors | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Bride's Reception Dress: Reformation | Quartet: Animato String Quartet

Simple yet chic. Elegant yet casual. Tropical with a splash of topnotch style. This destination wedding is all this and more, taking any preconceived notion of a “beachside wedding” and turning it on its head. And we’re 110% on board. Merari Photography captured every look and every love-filled moment, making our Vault the place to be today – enjoy!

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From the Bride… Arturo and I met at our apartment building in downtown Los Angeles. He lived on the 14th floor and I lived on the 9th. The first time we met was at our building’s clubhouse where we instantly sparked up a conversation. We became friends immediately after and would hang out with other neighbors. At the time we were both dating someone else. I later moved out of the building but kept in touch with him as friends. Three years later we reconnected and started dating. After a few years of happily dating, Arturo surprised me with a helicopter ride to Catalina Island, where he proposed.

We decided to exchange vows in Nicaragua, where the majority of my family lives. I always knew I wanted to get married somewhere exotic and tropical and Nicaragua, where I was born, fit the bill. I wanted to incorporate the beautiful natural surroundings. Everything from the invitations to the reception room kept the modernly chic aesthetic that encompassed the tropical feel of the locale.

Photography: Merari Photography | Videography: Artisan Production | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Invitations: Minted | Wedding Venue: rancho santana

The vision for this Clearwater wedding was classic as can be. Think black and white elegance set oceanside, with an epic cocktail hour and dance party to keep guests partying well into the night. K and K Photography, LLC and Voila Cinematic captured all the fun, and we’re soaking up every last second.

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From the Bride… My vision for the wedding was traditional. I wanted to keep everything very light and white and off-white. I wanted elegant black bridesmaid dresses and some light greenery incorporated into the flowers. The things that were important to me at the wedding were the band, the food (having lots of it), and all of the attendees having a great time. That was really the focus of my thought process. Once we locked in the best band in Florida (Heat Wave), created an epic cocktail hour (I describe it as “food falling from the ceiling” – it was everywhere) – I knew the guests would be happy.

My favorite moment was after the bridal party introduction when we all went right into a giant dance party – everyone was up and out of their seats. We jumped up and down to the Black-Eyed Peas “Tonight’s Gonna Be A Good Night” – it was the dance party of my dreams. I was so overwhelmed (in a positive way) that I couldn’t hold the tears back during our first dance. The night was magical.

Photography: K and K Photography, LLC | Videography: Voila Cinematic | Wedding Planning: Confetti Events + Weddings | Floral Design: Redman Steele | Cake: Let Them Eat Cake | Hair: Moss Hair Co.-- Ross & Marissa | Band: South Florida Heat Wave | Venue: Sandpearl Resort | Bridal Party Makeup: Femme Akoi | Bride's Makeup: Sammy’s Suite-- Samantha Nifakos