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Crazy About Color? This Styled Shoot Is for You!

Jacqui Cole Photography wants to know if you’re craving color. If so, how about you make your way over to The Vault to pin the pretty that she’s captured. Coordinated by the Summit Soiree, this is one saturated soiree you’ll want to share pronto!

From Jacqui Cole PhotographyThe wonderful ladies at Summit Soiree teamed up to create a magical, woodland bridal shoot. We really wanted allow the Tahoe backdrop to inspire us and pull our design elements from there.

The bride wore a Anna Campbell dress and carried deep purple blooms. The invites were a mixture of thick card stock and a wooden ‘save the date’. The rose gold custom calligraphy complimented the rustic elements. This was carried through to the rose gold flatware which added a sense of elegance while the farm style tables creates a rustic vibe.

The low centerpieces are designed to complete the farm-style table. While overflowing with luxe flowers they also enable all guests to be able to see and converse easily. You’ll notice that while we chose a gritty, wooden dining table, the chairs are a sleek modern acrylic. We wanted brides to not be nervous about mixing different styles! This also follows through to the bride’s effortless, boho hair style which is paired with the embellished Anna Campbell gown. We absolutely love all the different elements, textures and styles throughout this shoot!

Photography: Jacqui Cole Photography | Coordination: Summit Soiree | Floral Design: Stems by Diana | Wedding Dress: Anna Campbell | Stationery: Prim & Pixie | Hair + Makeup: Jessica Harringtons | Calligraphy: Calligraphy Nerd | Venue: West Shore Cafe | Bridal Boutique: Malindy Elene | Model: Kate Olsen | Rentals: Tahoe Rustic Rentals | Rentals: Camelot Party Rentals Nevada

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
5 Tips to Throw a Fab Bachelorette Weekend On a Budget

One of the best things about being a bride is coming up with any excuse to wrangle up your gals. But let’s face it, sometimes we’ve got to celebrate on a budget. There are so many easy ways to save a little cash along the way, and today we’re sharing how to throw that fabulous bachelorette weekend without forcing your bridesmaids into bankruptcy.


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Keep it local

From college roomies to primary school BFFs, we all have those close girlfriends from all over the globe. Pick a spot that’s convenient for the majority of your girl gang to avoid $500 flights to Vegas and a hotel tab to match. Trust me, they will be so grateful! If you are planning a jet-setting party, try to chip in where possible; pick up the tab at the bar one night or surprise your bridesmaids with a limo to dinner as a fun thank you.
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Spread out the fun!

Plan a few easy events throughout the weekend so if someone can’t make it to the dinner on Friday night, they can meet you for mimosas and manis Saturday afternoon! This is also an easy way to avoid the intense fifty-six email chain between your bridesmaids to pick the perfect evening date.
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The more the merrier

If you have lots of friends from every stage of your life (middle school, college, that old waitressing gig) inviting the same gals to your bridal shower as your bachelorette party will make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Your wedding is also about bringing different groups of friends and family together, and it’s such a blast to see them have fun together!
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Check, please – headache free

Find all-inclusive deals such as Prix Fixe menus and $20 bottomless to avoid the dreaded group check payments. It will guarantee your transition from dinner to dancing goes off without a hitch!
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Do you!

Chances are your girl gang knows you better than you think they do. They are excited to celebrate with you, so create a fun hashtag to document your shenanigans, do what makes you laugh and celebrate in style. The most important tip is to have fun and do not forgot those Thank You notes!
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Bonus: DIY Bachelorette Party Goodie Bags!

Insanely Cute Costumes that Kids Can Wear Long After Halloween

Never fall for a cheesy, didn’t have time for anything else costume again. The best of intentions can quickly turn into a last minute scramble for anything that fits. But these cutie pie costumes from Lovelane Designs with styling by Beijos Events are a whole different breed. They’re the kind of handmade goodness that can go right into the dress-up trunk. Psst… check out our instagram for a fun giveaway involving that little dragon number below.


Us Beijos ladies love having fun playdates for our kids and with all of the great holidays approaching, it makes them even that much more fun! For this years Halloween playdate we reached out to Lovelane who creates the cutest handmade costumes for kids!

The best part about these costumes is it encourages our kids to use their imaginations and play, and of course look adorable doing it! The kids had so much fun pretending and playing together, it’s really the best to see them get creative!!

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A Giveaway

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One lucky reader will score this sweet Dragon Costume from Lovelane Designs just in time for trick or treating! Check out the SMP Living Instagram feed for details!

Enter to win a Dragon Costume from Lovelane Designs here! 

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Genius Costume Ideas for Everyone
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Genius Costume Ideas for Everyone
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Photography: Megan Welker Photography | Styling: Beijos Events | Backdrop: Drop It MODERN | Costumes: Lovelane Designs

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Looking for the perfect Houston venue? We found it.

Guys, we know finding the right venue for your Big Day isn’t always easy.  We’ve been there, done that. So when it comes to choosing the perfect locale that is drop-dead gorgeous AND filled with amenities that will make your life that much easier, trust usThe St. Regis Houston is IT. Think of it as a little slice of wedding heaven with everything you’ll EVER need for your dream day. We promise.

The perfect mix of traditional and modern, The St. Regis Houston is located smack-dab in the heart of the city’s vibrant epicenter, which means a wedding that is convenient AND fun with a never-ending list of awesome perks that will seriously wow you AND your guests. I’m talking over 13,900 square feet of event space, curated signature menus with fresh + local ingredients and a seriously skilled Event Specialist who will walk with you step by step throughout the entire process. Not to mention the crazy cool traditions that each St. Regis address is sooo well-known for, like fresh flowers, afternoon tea and midnight supper events. It’s like a vacation of a lifetime meets a wedding you never dreamed could happen. I mean, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Whether you are hosting an intimate soiree for 10 of your nearest and dearest or 400 of your closest friends and family, contact your very own Event Specialist at the St. Regis for a celebration that is luxurious, sophisticated AND fun.

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PROMOTION

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Don’t forget that when you select The St. Regis Houston as your wedding destination you’ll receive special rewards and bonus Starpoints® which you can apply towards honeymoon nights. Earn up to 100,000 bonus Starpoints® by contacting a Wedding Specialist at (713) 840-7600 or request more information here.

Get an Inside Look at Our Editors’ Favorite Fall Traditions

Step into the virtual SMP headquarters and you’ll find a bunch of leaf-peeping, apple-picking, pumpkin pie-making fall fanatics. It’s no secret that we’re all pretty smitten with the current season and today we’re sharing our very favorite traditions that make us love autumn so. What’s yours? Tell us in the comments below!

Our Editors' Favorite Fall Traditions
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Our Editors' Favorite Fall Traditions
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You might also love…

11 Fashion Finds that Double as Halloween Costumes
10 Cocktails to Complete a Perfect Fall Weekend
Fall Style Staples Every Girl Should Have in Her Closet

Their Wedding Cake Doubled as a Baby Gender Reveal!

A new marriage is reason enough to celebrate, but for this couple, their wedding day joy was twofold.  In fact, they used the traditional cake cutting as an opportunity to reveal the gender of their baby. In the words of the bride, “The idea of a gender reveal/wedding cake came to mind when we realized that we were having our big ultrasound a couple weeks before the ceremony…The photos capture the surprise so well. It was a moment we will never forget!” Kudos to Anna Kim for photographing the sweet surprise they’ll treasure forever.

From the Bride… We were both born and raised in Hawaii and our island home of Maui couldn’t be a better place to have a wedding. The majority of our closest family and friends also live in Maui so that helped to make the choice easier.

We were so lucky to have Carolee Higashino, owner of White Orchid Wedding, plan and design our wedding. She is actually one of my mother’s best friends and has been in my life since I was a baby. I was even her bridesmaid in her wedding when I was a little girl which is just so cool. Carolee is so talented and has an amazing crew at White Orchid Wedding so it was a no-brainer for us to work with her.

When we finally saw all the ideas and hard work put together on our wedding day I was blown away! It was more than I could have imagined and I cried many happy tears. It definitely felt like a fairytale to us.

One of the most special moments of our wedding was our cake cutting. We found out we were expecting a baby about 5 months after being engaged. It was a complete surprise and at first thought was a wrench thrown into our wedding plans. But we quickly became excited once we started planning the wedding and the thought of having our first child be a part of the celebration. The idea of a gender reveal/wedding cake came to mind when we realized that we were having our big ultrasound a couple weeks before the ceremony. So once we had the ultrasound results we met up with our pastry chef, Krystal-Lyn Cakes and Sweets, she was the only one who would know the results. We decided to not find out the gender until the wedding day and be just as surprised as our guests. It was definitely a highly anticipated moment at our wedding. For some weird reason many of us thought it was going to be boy, but to our surprise, it was a GIRL!! The photos capture the surprise so well. It was a moment we will never forget, that’s for sure!

We would say that once you are engaged to take at least a few months to just enjoy the excitement of being engaged and in love. Being engaged is so fun and exciting in itself and should be celebrated because once the wedding planning starts so does some of the stress that comes along with it. Also definitely get a wedding planner, we were so blessed to have White Orchid Wedding plan and coordinate ours. They made our dreamy wedding stress free and look effortless, we could not speak more highly of them!

Photography: Anna Kim Photography | Cinematography: Wedding Movies Maui | Event Design: A White Orchid Wedding Inc. | Floral Design: Dellables | Wedding Dress: Bijou Bridal | Cake: Krystal-Lyn Cakes & Sweets | Catering: Cafe O'Lei | Hair + Makeup: Meili Autumn Beauty | Calligraphy: Almie Lonzaga & Reina Villanueva | Lighting: Paul Engel | DJ: DJ Del Sol | Favors: Maui Succulent Designs | Venue: A White Orchid Wedding Inc. | Beverage Services: Bars Are Us | Linen Rentals: Wildflower Linen | Rentals: Paradise Event Rentals

This Wedding Will Remind You Just What Marriage is Truly All About

This wedding is beautiful. Insanely beautiful… and filled with those crazy cool details we sooo love here at SMP.  But beyond all of the gorgeous + intricately planned moments is the story of Claire and Alex, two people whose immense love for one another goes beyond those lush florals and stunning blue hues.  It’s a “loyalty” that shines through each and every moment captured by the talented Caroline Lima, and will warm your hearts just the way it should. See what marriage is all about in THE VAULT right here.

From Caroline Lima Photography… As I’m getting to know my couples, I usually ask them to put pen to paper and answer a few questions about themselves and their relationship. Their answers are always interesting, and quite often inspiring and intensely personal. When I asked Claire what made her fall in love with Alex, her first response was ‘his loyalty’. When I asked Alex the same question, his first response was…can you guess? ‘Her loyalty’. This couple has truly stood by each other’s sides. They’ve faced several of Life’s curve balls together, with their families close at hand. Claire’s dad (with whom she was very close) passed away last August, and when Alex proposed, he chose to do so in the place where he felt most connected to the man who had raised the love of his life…on the golf course just outside Claire’s parents’ home.

Claire and Alex have been writing their story together for 8 years now, since meeting at a party in college. With so much shared history, it seemed perfect that they were married at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, which has its own amazing and storied past. The deep emotion and meaning of the day was present in every detail. Claire was radiant beneath her mother’s veil! As her brother walked her down the aisle, I found myself moved to the core.

The celebration continued at the Carolina Country Club. The shared joy of everyone in attendance was evidenced in the smiles, the tears, the laughter throughout the day. Like many weddings, there was sunlight, music, dancing…But as I watched Claire and Alex through my lens, I kept seeing the loyalty that they spoke of when I first met them. To know someone…to truly know them over many years, to love them for who they are…and to choose loyalty again and again… That is what marriage is really about.

Photography: Caroline Lima Photography | Floral Design: Artfully Arranged | Wedding Dress: Alexia's Bridal | Cake: Macy Cakes | Stationery: Reaves Engraving | Ceremony Venue: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: Carolina Country Club | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Hair + Makeup: Onloktion Makeup Artistry | Band: EastCoast Entertainment

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
A Yacht Club Wedding with a New Spin on Nautical

The practice of planning perfect parties is very much alive and well when it comes to the Newport Yachting Center Marina. Take this lovely affair captured by Elizabeth LaDuca as the pretty little proof. For it’s nautical meets Newport and we’ve got it all waiting for you to fall madly in love with via The Vault!

From Elizabeth LaDucaSiobhan and David had the quintessential Newport wedding, with nods to Vermont to represent the groom’s roots. Siobhan spent the morning getting ready in the home of a childhood friend, surrounded by her family, beautiful natural light and gorgeous ocean views. Her bridesmaids wore mismatched sea-foam Amsale gowns, complemented perfectly by organic floral bouquets of cream, green and blue. Siobhan wore a classic Peter Langner bridal gown, complete with a delicate embellished belt and satin rose-petal Badgley Mischka heels.

A heartfelt ceremony took place in their church, and guests enjoyed Del’s frozen lemonade while mingling after the ceremony. Their reception was at the beautiful Newport Yachting Center, where they treated 200 of their closest friends and family to a luxurious celebration under a Sperry tent and along the docks amongst the yachts.

Each place setting was decorated with a custom bottle of Vermont maple syrup, donned with the couple’s custom crest created by one of their mutual friends. It was truly a stunning event, full of elegant touches, subtle references to the oceanside setting and lots of love and laughter.

From the Bride… It was important to my husband and me that we draw from the natural beauty of Rhode Island and showcase what makes Newport so special. The Bohlin is already such a beautiful venue so we pulled colors from the buttery hues of the marina’s sails, the grey and blue tones of the ocean, the glimmer of lights on the water, as well as the overall airiness of Newport in July. We used these tones to guide our choice of flowers, bridesmaid dresses, votive candles, and suits. Petite bottles of Vermont Maple Syrup donning a tag with an anchor transitioning into an Evergreen was our gift to the guests and a way for us to give a nod to Vermont-my husband’s home state. Overall, we really wanted the feel of the wedding to be light and lovely; to give our guests the experience of a day on the water, rather than the formality of a structured reception.

Photography: Elizabeth LaDuca | Cinematography: Steve Lewis | Event Planning: Newport Yachting Center | Floral Design: In Bloom | Wedding Dress: Peter Langner | Ceremony Venue: St. Luke's Parish | Reception Venue: Newport Yachting Center | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Jewelry: John J. Fleming | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Newport Restaurant Group | Makeup: Ling-se Chesnakas | Hair: Capelli Salon | DJ: DJ MaShane | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Bridal Boutique: L'elite Boston | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Guest Transportation: Professional Limos | Invitations + Custom Crest: Alex Giannakos

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
From A Kismet Meeting in the Elevator to “I Do’s” in Brooklyn

It’s one of those stories you hear about from time to time but wonder, is that how it really happened? In this case, it sure did! These two met in the elevator of their apartment building and well, after a couple more run-ins… let’s just say the rest is history. But not before they kicked it all off with a spring celebration filled with cherry blossoms and sweetness. Brklyn View Photography captured it allsee their happily ever after right this way!

From Brklyn View PhotographyThe story of how Nadia and Tim met sounds like it’s the plot of your favorite romantic movie. They met in the elevator of their apartment building in Brooklyn. It was love at first sight and after a few weeks of bumping into each other, Tim finally asked Nadia out and the rest, they say, is history! The happy couple wanted to celebrate their wedding in the place where their love story began and Brooklyn was the only choice. They chose Maison May (formerly iCi Restaurant) in Fort Greene for it’s quaint location, gorgeous outside garden and of course, delicious food.

Nadia wore a stunning structured wedding dress and veil from Carol Hannah. She splurged on her blue studded Valentino shoes and wore her grandmother’s crystal vintage necklace and earrings for her something old and borrowed. Nadia’s bridesmaids each chose their own dresses. The only prerequisites were that they had to be blush and sparkly – so pretty! The bride and groom got ready separately at the Wythe Hotel before heading to the church in Manhattan. Tim was in awe of his blushing bride as she was escorted down the aisle by her Father and Step-Father. After their wedding ceremony, we headed back to Brooklyn to the breathtaking grounds of the Pratt Institute to take their bridal party portraits.

It was peak cherry blossom season in New York City and we took full advantage of the lush garden and fresh blooms. Guests arrived at Maison May and were treated to glasses of champagne in celebration of the nuptials. Custom table names were created by Laura Hooper Calligraphy that represented important Brooklyn streets and locations that were meaningful to the couple. Each place setting was set with a package of lavender shortbread as their wedding favors. The intimate space of Maison May was perfect for their small wedding. Guests dined al fresco outside in the garden under the string lights. Nadia and Tim’s wedding day was perfect from start to finish and I’m so happy that they asked me to be part of such a lovely celebration.

Photography: Jainé Kershner Photography | Floral Design: Molly Oliver | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Cake: Ladybird Bakery | Invitations: Foxy & Winston | Ceremony Venue: St. James Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: Maison May Dekalb | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Makeup: Rose Fortuna | Favors: Two Moon Shortbread | Desserts: Dough Brooklyn | Getting Ready Venue: Wythe Hotel | Table Numbers: Laura Hooper Calligraphy

A Pink Al Fresco Wedding Fit for a Foodie

If you were a guest at Dana and Edaan’s wedding, not only would you enjoy the design magic of Moonmilk Event Studio, but you’d be indulging in a carefully curated menu of jalepeño margaritas and pomegranate mojitos alongside eats like braised tacos and sashimi. These two foodies wanted a wedding that gave their people a party to remember, and Nicole Clarey photographed all the fun.

From Moonmilk Event Studio… Upon meeting with Dana and Edaan, we knew that we wanted to design a wedding that was reflective of their fun and youthful energy. We decided on a summer wedding with the beautiful Hummingbird Nest Ranch as the backdrop for the nuptials. Taking cues from the surrounding landscape, we opted to include an abundance of bougainvillea throughout the wedding to compliment the various event spaces and add to the color palette. After entering the ranch, guests sipped on jalepeño margaritas and pomegranate mojitos as they surrounded the outdoor pool which was decorated with rose petals in bright hues and candles placed in floating bamboo trays.

Dana and Edaan are both self-confessed foodies so we curated a menu that included fun elements like a braised taco station and a sashimi station to keep guests intrigued during the cocktail hour. For the reception, we came up with the idea of incorporating wood arbors above the dining tables to create a more intimate space for guests to enjoy dinner al fresco. Each wood arbor was adorned with climbing roses, flowering jasmine, and bougainvillea to give guests the impression that the arbors were permanent structures on the lawn. 

Guests danced the night away on a seamless dark burgundy dance floor as the custom D and E marquee sign glowed in the background. The festivities continued until the wee hours of the night and concluded with a late night visit by an In-N-Out Truck to make sure guests had the perfect ending to this memorable event under the stars.

Photography: Nicole Clarey Photography | Cinematography: Noteworthy Weddings | Wedding Dress: Custom Design by Elihav Sasson | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Catering: Foodheart Catering | Hair + Makeup: Yaniv Katzav | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch | Bride's Earrings: Keren Wolf | Dance Floor: Barker Decor Service | Event Design + Coordination: Moonmilk Event Studio | Photography Assistance: Camryn Clair Photography | Rentals + Lighting: A Rental Connection | Sound: Cosmos Cound

It’s a Toddler’s Delight with this 80’s Hip-Hop Themed 2nd Birthday

This 2nd birthday is bringing it back to the 80’s, hip-hop style. Designed by mom + event planner, Leslie Bruce , who knew her days of planning birthdays were numbered, decided a pastel graffiti and Rapper’s Delight infused shindig was perfect for little Lu. Next year might be Elsa all the way but this year, it’s all about cheeky decor and pastels that pop. See even more shot by Emma Feil right here.

Since my daughter is quickly starting to form opinions and ideas of her own, I was well aware that this was probably my last shot at living vicariously through her birthday party. As a child of the 80’s, nothing is more near and dear to my heart than The Sugar Hill Gang’s classic beat “Rapper’s Delight.”

While a Graffiti Hip Hop Party may not immediately sound like the most toddler-friendly theme, I assure you that after tweaking a few lyrics, its totally appropriate! Since most 80’s-themed parties typically incorporate bright, neon colors, I thought that using a pastel palette would not only make it feel unique, it also seemed to create an overall softer vibe.

 In order to pull this off, I enlisted the help of some good friends. First and foremost, my favorite baker and confection connoisseur Lauren Lowstan had to help me dream up a menu of delicious treats for the kiddos (after all, the best part of any birthday party are the desserts!).

We wanted to keep the flavors relatively simple, because when it comes to sweets, kids pretty much like to stick to the classics! Two Round Layered Cake—Chocolate with Vanilla Frosting and One Vanilla with Vanilla Frosting Lauren used edible paint for the graffiti décor, and since she did it on buttercream frosting it created a more watercolor, brushstroke look which worked perfectly in creating the graffiti.

On the Sweets Menu…

Graffiti Caramel Apples

Graffiti Chocolate Bark

Boom box Sugar Cookies

Banana Cupcakes (Because…that sounded like a reasonably healthy addition)

The next step was getting my favorite photographer Emma Feil there to capture all of this pastel graffiti goodness! For the décor, I contacted Meghann Miniello Creative to help me dream up the amazing 80-s inspired invitations, large framed prints with music lyrics, “Lu Turnz Two” graffiti poster, as well as some gorgeous custom laser cut cupcake toppers.

Each framed print has reimagined lyrics from Rapper’s Delight written in graffiti-inspired font against white brick walls.

“I’m the T-A-L-L, the U-L-A-H, and the rest is F-L_Y”
“Now what you hear is not a test, I’m rappin and I’m two.”
“Up jump the boogie, to the rhythm of the birthday beat.”
“See, I am Wonder Lu and I’d like to say Hello.”
“I got a color TV, so I can see…Minnie Mouse play basketball.”

My favorite Etsy shop (Oh Shiny Paper Co!) to help me create the tassel garland, cake topper, fringed letter banner behind the dessert buffet, and paper boom box cupcake toppers! Add a fringed boom box piñata from Target (which we didn’t actually break, because giving toddlers large sticks is a terrible idea) and some 80’s themed gear for the kiddos and their parents, and you have a PARTY!

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A fun party addition no matter your age…

Photography: Emma Feil | Decor (Garland, Fringed Letter Sign and Paper Boomboxes): Oh Shiny Paper Co | Decor (Paper Fans and Ballons): Meri Meri | Decor (Paper Plates and Boombox Pinata): Target | Desserts: A Sweet Savory | Hostess and Party Planner: Leslie Bruce | Invitations, Posters & Framed Prints, Custom Laser Cut Wood Topp: Meghann Miniello

A Vintage Gown + Crown Took This Bride’s Look to the Next Level

It’s official. I want to steal everything about the bride, Britta’s style. The Gossamer blush gown. The Miu Miu peep-toe shoes. And the vintage gold crown fit for a princess. “Obsessed” is putting it lightly and thanks to the dream team of Lindsey Brunk on design and Brett Heidebrecht behind the lens, we have the entire celebration right at your fingertips.

From Lindsey BrunkBritta and Reeve’s intimate backyard wedding was held at their home in Oklahoma City on a perfect summer evening. They wanted a simple wedding with live music, delicious drinks and personal details.

Guests were invited to gather for pre ceremony cocktails while the bride and groom enjoyed a first look and a private toast of their own upstairs, overlooking the festivities. The band paused and Reeve walked his bride down the aisle to exchange their vows under a gorgeous tree adorned with string lights. The ceremony was framed by fresh lavender bushes the bride and groom had planted with their wedding in mind, and after saying “I do” guests tossed fresh lavender in celebration.

Britta wore a blush vintage gown and crown by Gossamer and carried a stunning bouquet created by Yellow Rose Co. Other details of the day included a whimsical Rifle Paper Co. Invitation suite, elegant Anthropologie glassware and an after party at the nearby Aloft hotel.

Photography: Brett Heidebrecht Photography | Floral Design: Yellow Rose Co. | Wedding Dress: Gossamer | Cake: Raspberries And Creme | Invitations: Paperless Post | Ring: Lewis Jewelers CT | Catering: Raspberries And Creme | Makeup: Chelsey Ann Artistry | Hair: Chelsey Ann Artistry | Calligraphy: Kelsey Smith | Band: Empty Bottles | Groom's Attire: The Wardrobe | Event Planning + Styling: Lindsey Brunk | Groom's Tie: ByBird | Rentals: Marianne's Rentals for Special Events | Rentals: Ruby's Vintage Rentals | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic | Wedding Crown: Gossamer

Lovely Bride’s Founder Spills What Really Happens at Bridal Market

Bridal Fashion Week is not for the faint of heart. It entails five days of running around New York City from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., frantically trying to make it to every runway show, presentation and appointment you can squeeze into your day. But when you get to see hundreds, if not thousands, of gorgeous wedding dresses, it’s so worth it. And when you own Lovely Bride and get to shop for these wedding dresses, it’s even better. Just ask the lovely Lanie List.

Bridal Market is like our Superbowl. We get pumped up, we cheer, then we celebrate post game. After a quick pre-game espresso, we started our day at Watters, where Lovely shops (there are 12 of us now!) got our own private show. You would think one picture would suffice, but we all want to get the perfect shot.

Next up, we stop by a fan favorite, Project Runway alum, Leanne Marshall. Her gowns are so stunning and unique that we can never chose just one. We end up buying ALL of the variations of her new raincloud gown. This gown was a happy accident when Leanne got her popular Gabrielle gown back from a shoot and it was totally smudged. Rather than toss it, she continued the theme by handpainting blue/gray steaks along the silk organza skirt and raincloud dress was born. This dress has since been ‘liked’ over 10,000 times on Instagram and shared hundreds of thousands of times on Pinterest! Needless to say, we need all of the rainclouds!

When we head to the Theia runway, we get right in there and touch the merchandise. The talented Irish designer, Don O’Neill, creates fabrics that are so tactile and fun to be in. They have movement and energy, but feel great on the body. This one happened to be light as a feather even though it’s so ornate.

Then we end our day with a pleasant surprise, discovering a new design talent out of Australia, Kyha Simpson from One Day bridal. Her new ‘Chosen’ collection is wholesaling in the US for the first time and almost all Lovely shops snatched it right up! Some of our favorite gowns have unique laces, pink tints (a Lovely signature), sexy cut outs and embellishments that feel bohemian and luxe at the same time.

When we stumbled on this beauty one of our Lovelies thinks she may have found her wedding gown! It’s easy to decide which gowns to buy for our shops when one of our very own would select it for her own wedding!

Hope you enjoyed a peek into our day. These beauties will be arriving in our shops in the Spring, so we hope you liked what we have selected for you!

xx

Lanie


Photography: Lovely Bridal Shop | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop

Create a Custom Wedding Day Look with These Mix and Match Pieces

Best news you’ll hear all week? Allure has just launched their newest bridal collection and not only is it insanely beautiful (as they do), but it’s also MIX AND MATCH. Yes, mix and match, aka, everything you’ve ever dreamed with a never-ending lineup of flawless skirts + tops that will have you creating that custom wedding day look in no time at all. This is sooo happening, lovelies.

So we all know that the team over at Allure is genius with gorgeous gowns that have been making us drool for basically ever.  So when they told us they were launching a Mix and Match Collection that would allow YOU to play with endless pairings of skirts + tops for a look like no one else, it made our hearts happy. Think a stunning ceremony look that will WOW all of your friends and family, then a total switch-up with a new skirt or top for a completely different look for the reception. It’s sooo beautiful and sooo fun to play with.

Ready to learn more about mixing and matching your very own bridal style? Contact Allure today to create that dress of your dreams… and be sure to soak in all of the Allure gorgeousness captured by Sposto Photography in the full gallery.

Photography: Sposto Photography | Floral Design: Lavenders Flowers | Wedding Dresses: Allure Bridal | Makeup and Hair: Jess Wilcox | Backdrops: Drop It MODERN | Rentals: Classic Vintage Rentals | Ribbon: Tono Co

The “First Look” Moment They Always Wanted…10 Years Later

Brian and Alanna have a love story for the books. These high-school sweethearts wed the summer after graduation but dreamed of an anniversary that involved one key moment missing from their wedding day…a first look. “All I want for our ten-year anniversary is for Brian to see me in a wedding dress for the first time,” Alanna said. Jenna Joseph, Miguel GarciaMegan Dileen, and Kacee Geoffroy made their dreams come true and Brian’s reaction to his bride in the perfect white ballgown? Priceless.

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From Jenna Joseph Photography“All I want for our ten-year anniversary is for Brian to see me in a wedding dress for the first time.” These are the words a dear friend and fellow photographer spoke to me when she approached me nearly a year before her ten year anniversary arrived.

Brian and Alanna were high school sweethearts. In fact, they fell in love at the very high school I attended. We were never close friends during that time in our lives, but with a student body of roughly 150 from freshman to senior year, you can bet we all knew everyone’s faces and names who walked through those halls. We all knew each other’s surface-level stories, and the one thing everyone remembered about Alanna and Brian was that they were inseparable through the years. It was no surprise to our classmates when they posted on social media (likely MySpace at the time) that they had an intimate wedding the summer immediately following their graduation. We all adored them, so much so that they were not only nominated as Homecoming King and Queen, but again at prom as Prince and Princess. We applauded from afar their decision to wed, despite our young age.

Years passed, but social media kept Alanna and I connected. She started to become a huge proponent to my growing photography business. She was constantly referring some of my favorite wedding clients to me and eventually joined my team as an intern. Alanna now runs a successful business of her own as a birth photographer, so you can bet that her newfound love for photography and growth as an artist has led her to desire those beautiful images of her own wedding. She and Brian were fresh out of high school when they first said “I do,” so they planned it quickly and focused more on their future together than all of the small details. This time around, she wanted to celebrate and incorporate a few of the things she didn’t get the opportunity to initially. That is what led Alanna to ask me to photograph her anniversary session, and I was honored.

Her initial idea was simply to wear wedding attire and go to a beautiful place for photographs. Then I thought to myself, “This could be so much more.” I envisioned an entire styled wedding just like what we wedding creatives usually do to update our portfolios or seek out PR through collaboration and published work. “Why can’t we simply put together a unique styled shoot specific to Alanna and Brian and simply drop them in as the bride and groom models to bless them?” Rather than sending over a booking proposal, I decided to make this a gift to her and so did 13 additional talented vendors. I was blown away at the response we received when seeking out a team with our planner and stylist Megan Dileen Events, who pulled together the details flawlessly in a way that truly represented Brian and Alanna.

It was an incredible experience to be a part of something bigger than just art. We got to make a dream come true that was ten years in the making, and seeing Brian turn and look into his bride’s eyes for the first time in a designer wedding dress was the best moment of it all.

From Megan Dileen EventsAs soon as Jenna shared Alanna and Brian’s story, I knew I wanted to be a part of their anniversary shoot! As a wedding planner, I’ve seen many beautiful first looks, but nothing prepared me for the moment Brian turned to see his wife of 10 years standing in a breathtaking Hayley Paige wedding dress. Needless to say, there was not a dry eye present!

Inspired by Alanna’s wish for romantic photos in the forest, I wanted to feel as though we were catching a glimpse of an intimate dinner in the woods with a picnic at sunset. The beautiful woods at Pine Rose set the scene for a whimsical table of beaded organza, lush florals and elegant silver rimmed glassware. Antique bistro chairs and blush dupioni napkins tied with velvet ribbon completed the look. We couldn’t resist popping a bottle of bubbly before heading up the hill to the most picturesque lookout where the couple was greeted with a picnic basket designed by Gaspara Flora.

Modern Bouquet adorned the ceremony gazebo with loose, organic floral arrangements to highlight the natural beauty of the pine boughs. Standing under the arbor in her gown of flowing tulle and delicate lace, Alanna was a vision straight of a fairytale! A sweet ending to the day was Laura Marie Cake’s dreamy anniversary cake marbled in shades of blush and rose gold perched atop luxe rose velvet.

Photography: Jenna Joseph Photography | Cinematography: Miguel Garcia Studios | Event Planning + Design: Megan Dileen Events | Floral Design: Modern Bouquet | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Cake: Laure Marie's Cakes | Invitations: Yours Truly Calligraphy | Hair + Makeup: Kacee Geoffroy Hair and Makeup | Groom's Attire: Friar Tux | Bridal Boutique: Mon Amie Bridal Salon | Gift Basket: Gaspara Flora | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Location: Nicki Erber | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Classic Southern Charm + Romance Right This Way!

Julie Paisley said it perfectly when she captured these two lovebirds: “If someone asked me to describe the perfect Southern wedding, I would just show them pictures of Katy and JT’s wedding.” And we couldn’t agree more. It’s the epitome of classic, Southern charm, with lace, lush florals and pure love between the newlyweds. See all the romance in our gallery right this way!

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From Julie Paisley PhotographyIf someone asked me to describe the perfect Southern wedding, I would just show them pictures of Katy and JT’s wedding. This wedding just screamed Southern charm. From the amazing historic plantation, the perfect Southern lace gown, bowties, lush florals, darling little flower girls with floral crowns and so many special touches from family heirlooms used in the decor, it was simply perfect and Southern. The Carnton Plantation is such a special venue. Since it was spring, the gardens were in bloom setting a spectacular backdrop for this beautiful outdoor but very elegant affair.

Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Cinematography: Sugar Peach Productions | Floral Design: Geny's Flowers and Bridal | Cake: Chef's Market | Invitations: Bella Marie Papers | Hair + Makeup: One 10 Beauty | Groom's Attire: Savvi Formalwear | Car Rental: Grand Avenue | Venue: Carnton Plantation | Bridal Boutique: Sweet Elegance Bridal | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Southern Events Party Rental & Vintage Prop Shoppe

20 Ways to Decorate with Texture for the Coziest of Homes

Loading up on soft, fuzzy, furry, knitted and woven textures is a sure fire way to get your home ready for cooler temps. And if you have a phobia of color or prints, it’s also a great way to style your space without straying from neutrals. Think layered rugs, faux fur and woven baskets… all of which you’ll find in these 20 homes that do texture like a true designer. Find even more ways to decorate right here.

Decorating with Texture
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Decorating with Texture
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This Romance-Filled Vineyard Wedding is all the Pretty You’ll Ever Need

Matthew and Natalie really, really, really know how to throw a wedding. They took inspiration from their dream vaca (hello, Italy), joined forces with an uber-talented team of vendors (think 24 Carrots Catering and Events, Bliss Productions and The Bloom of Time) and chose a breathtaking venue like Giracci Vineyard and Farms to make it all happen. The results? A wedding of a lifetime, all captured in beautiful images by Scott Clark. Soak it in right here in THE VAULT.

From Bliss Productions… This couple chose to take inspiration from their vacation in Italy during their courtship to create this gorgeous, relaxed wedding. They fell in love with the culture and cuisine of the country and tied both into their big day. Then upon adding their own creativity and personality into each part of their wedding they ended up with a fun and casual, romantic wedding.

Photography: Scott Clark Photography | Cinematography: Mission Visual | Event Planning: Bliss Productions | Floral Design: The Bloom Of Time | Cake: Susie's Cakes & Confections | Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | Hair + Makeup: Vanity Belle | DJ: B-Boy Productions | Transportation: The OC Cruiser | Venue: Giracci Vineyards And Farms | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Linen Rentals: Luxe Event Linen | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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A Glamorous Wedding Inspiration in the City of Lights

There’s something about Paris that pulls at our heart strings and thankfully Loli Events and Sylvie Gil Photography agree. Creating and capturing beauty in the city of lights, this is one imaculate inspiration that you’re sure to go mad(eleine) for. See it all in The Vault!

From Loli EventsParis overflows with historical monuments and epic love stories. That is why the city of lights attracts couples from all around the world every year to celebrate love!

One of our favorite venues is the beautiful Pavillon de Musique de la Comtesse du Barry. Located right outside Paris, it is the perfect combination of intimate gardens and historical interiors. And wait until you read about the love story behind it…

After the passing of his latest wife, the King Louis XV was introduced to Jeanne, the countess of Barry and fell in love with her kindness, beauty and generosity. Jeanne received a refined education that awakened her to the Fine Arts and music. Tall and elegant, this lovely blond with a clear complexion and sparkling blue eyes full of intelligence and fineness was what we call, here at Loli Events, our kind of lady!

In 1769, Louis XV offered Jeanne the Pavillon des Eaux in Louveciennes (Luciennes at that time). Finding it a little too small for her receptions, the countess of Barry easily obtained from her madly-in-love King, the authorization to construct a little pavillon so she could decently receive her guests. The plans were entrusted to a young architect, Claude-Nicolas Ledoux.

Keeping in mind Jeanne’s love for receptions, we envisioned this styled shoot to have a romantic touch and an iconic Parisian fashion feel for a lovely and intimate dinner.

With her expert eye, the very talented Sylvie Gil captured all the details that make this venue so special. Meanwhile, the Lily Paloma team worked their magic once again to create an amazing composition that brought a natural and summery atmosphere in the room.

With the help of Vaisselle Vintage rentals and the couture gowns from Loho Bride, we were able to capture a perfect mix of luxurious antique-chic vibes.

This is how we imagined a modern Jeanne, in her Pavillon, throwing a private dinner on a very special summer day.

Photography: Sylvie Gil Photography | Floral Design: Lily Paloma | Wedding Dress: Camilla Christine | Wedding Dress: Cortana | Wedding Dress: Houghton Bride | Cake: Synies | Invitations: La Belle Histoire | Bride's Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Bekah Anne | Rings: Trumpet & Horn | Hair + Makeup: Trine Juel | Accessories: Styled By Twos Company | Bridal Boutique: LOHO Bride | Rentals: Vaisselle Vintage | Ring Boxes: The Mrs Box | Stylist: Loli Events

10 Stylish Ways to Stay Organized

I’d like to think of myself as a pretty organized person (thanks Mom!). But for me, it’s not enough to be organized—I aim for style in my everyday. The to-do lists, the desk accessories, you name it. Because really, no one loves doing bills or having a million things to do on a Monday, but when those tasks are graced with pretty? It’s all the easier.

10 Stylish Ways to Stay Organized
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10 Stylish Ways to Stay Organized
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