Announcing your engagement? It’s a big, big deal. And since you + yours are totally unique and crazy cool (obviously), you want to do it, well… a little bit against the norm. Enter this slideshow and 10 fabulous ways to say “We’re getting married!” that you haven’t seen a million (or trillion) times before. (PS – Get all the inspo you need for your engagement right here, y’all.)
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Fall means pumpkin lattes, leggings and cozy sweaters. But fall also means Sunday’s spent on the couch, cheering on our favorite teams. It’s officially football season and for those of you lucky enough to NOT be on the couch, but at the actual game itself, let’s make sure your tailgate is decked out with every single essential. Thanks to Food52 and Macy’s, we’ve got the 411 on what to register for to ensure you and your man are properly prepped for kick off!
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Registry Tips You Need to Read
Is there anything lovelier than a cloud of peonies? Well now, thanks to Sara Logan Photography, Stephanie Scholl Events and Serendipity Designs, you can create a gorgeous bouquet with this step-by-step how-to. With fluffy, sweet peonies and a variety of foraged greenery, this bouquet is perfect your big day or just because.
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From Serendipity Designs… Lush, fluffy, romantic, and oh-so captivating, it’s no wonder peonies are often referred to as the “Queen of Flowers.” Find these gorgeous blooms in local grocery stores, farmers markets, or maybe even your neighbor’s garden from late April until June, and sometimes, an unexpected appearance again in December! To start your bouquet, or vase arrangement, first gather your materials and tools:
Clean all stems of leaves and foliage about 3/4 of the way up, cut at an angle, and place in fresh water.
Begin with 1 gorgeous peony and then add some greens, alternating with a gardenia, blueberry, or bay leaf stem.
Continue with your bouquet by adding another peony and again alternating with a stem of greens, turning the bouquet in your hand as you go. Add your stems at an angle to keep a lush and full shape. Keep your hand a bit loose, giving each stem and flower a bit of room to move. This will help in creating a more natural and perfectly imperfect bouquet. (Since the peach stems are a bit more weighty and large, we will save these for last as a focal accent.)
Once the bouquet reaches a desirable size, step back and “fluff.” Pull a couple blooms out a little or tuck some blooms lower to create a bit of depth and interest. Now is the time to pop in a baby peach branch to create a lovely focal accent.
Add a couple more greenery stems to create more of a wild or garden look.
Once your bouquet or arrangement looks just delightful, tie off with a chenille stem or pipe cleaner, twisting gently around the stems. Don’t lose the all the movement and dancing of the flowers! Cut stems to all be the same length. Then wrap stems with floral tape to ensure everything is held together and no wires poke out.
Now either place your gorgeous arrangement in a vase for display, or for a bouquet, simply tie on some lovely ribbons. No wrapping is necessary; a simple bow will do!
Photography: Sara Logan Photography | Styling & Design: Stephanie Scholl Events | Wedding Venue: Mim's House | Floral Direction & Design: Serendipity Designs | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon
Now that the busy weekends of summer have settled down, I for one, am looking forward to a good few lazy weekends with nothing to do this fall. There’s something so refreshing and invigorating about a weekend with zero plans on the agenda. The best place to spend said weekend? In a comfy dream living room, of course. We’ve got 15 stunners right here that are sure to inspire!
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Just when we thought we’ve seen every possible proposal out there, Sarah Pascutti Photography sends along this pretty lil’ picnic. Sun-kissed and totally sweet, this vineyard affair is sure to set your hearts ablazing and we’ve got every delicious bit waiting for you in The Vault!
From Sarah Pascutti Photography… I recently traveled to Italy for the first time and let’s just say, when your last name rhymes with “spaghetti,” there’s a good chance you’re going to be hooked! I came back feeling inspired by the colorful streets and passionate people and refreshed from the laid-back lifestyle, that puts family over career, and never turns down a good meal to be shared among friends! Growing up a southern girl, I was ready to put my own spin on what that Italian life would look like back here in the North Carolina summertime. I knew the little details– like including stripes, a linen dress, and my very favorite summer hat, but there also needed to be a mix of cheeses, wine, and, of course, a whole lot of love involved! I then started thinking back on the days I felt most loved and special– of course there was the extremely thoughtful, adventurous day my husband proposed to me but there are also the simpler days, when we spend quality time together, normally outside somewhere, sans phones, being fully present on a spontaneous date (where good food isn’t too far behind). I wanted to create and capture that same joy that comes from the “big” things like proposals, along with the smaller (but just as important) things, like random date nights! And, well, a beautifully styled picnic (thanks to Tiffany at Hart and Co Events) and sunset proposal seemed like a great place to start! All that was left was finding the love. Insert these two passionate people who just so happened to be celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary THE DAY OF THE SHOOT! It seemed like fate was really stepping in now! Since recently purchasing their first house and saving up for graduate school, Madisson and Bryant, being the responsible people they are, planned on having a low-key celebration that day, trading in a romantic getaway for assembling a newly needed shed for their lawnmower (now THAT would be a true lifestyle shoot). Needless to say, I was thrilled when they said they’d give up shed duties for the night and let us take them on a dreamy summer picnic date for their special day instead! They were so deserving and their natural chemistry and love for one another really set the tone for the entire shoot– they’re basically ready to take on Nicholas Sparks’ next project! Well I hope you enjoy my take on the perfect summer engagement! From picnic blanket snuggles to proposals, thunderstorms rolling in to sunsets going out, Summer, thanks for all the fun and romance you bring with you wherever you go! Until we meet again!
Photography: Sarah Pascutti Photography | Floral Design: Willow Floral Boutique | Dress: Anthropologie | Hair + Makeup : Lovely By Lindsey | Venue: Childress Vineyards | Event Planner + Event Stylist: HART & CO. Events | Picnic Supplies: The Whimsical Rose | Rentals: Old South Vintage Rentals
Some weddings are pretty, some are elegant and traditional. Some are rustic, others whimsical. But sometimes (like Saturdays especially) you want to bump it up a few notches and fall head over heels for glamour. And Max Video Productions delivers with this stunning, stylish celebration, from top (this Bride!) to bottom (her Christian Louboutin shoes). Is it too early to pop some bubbly (we say no!) because nothing is more fitting them some sparkles to go with this film right here!
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From Max Video Productions… An absolutely stunning wedding for a stunning couple, Katelyn and Vincent. The ceremony took place at the iconic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento with their stylish reception to follow a couple blocks away at the Citizen Hotel. Stylish and chic was the theme, all the way down to the bride’s Christian Louboutin shoes.
Photography: Ellie Grover Photography | Cinematography: Max Video Productions | Floral Design: Violas Floral Design | Cake: Ettore's European Wedding Cakes & Restaurant | Invitations: Angela Dal Bon Custom Invitations & Announcements | Ceremony Venue: Cathedral Of The Blessed Sacrament | Reception Venue: The Citizen Hotel | Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin | DJ: Extreme Productions Entertainment, LLC
I’m pretty confident in saying that I thought of almost everything when planning my wedding. Except when it came to where I’d get dressed. I assumed I’d primp and prep where I stayed all weekend but it wasn’t until that morning, with my makeup artist setting up shop and family and friends running about that I realized a different space might’ve been a good idea. Still55 Photography is here to save all you brides-to-be from this mistake – read on for their advice on the easily forgotten getting ready spot!
As Fine Art wedding photographers we are continuously swooning over the inspiring details our couples incorporate into their wedding. With amazing forethought they seem to cover every detail to ensure it aligns perfectly with their style for the day. Every client we work with has their own unique look and feel. Whether it’s a clean, modern look or a whimsical, romantic day, every bride has her own vision. While it usually seems that they have thought of everything, more often than not, a lot of couples overlook the cornerstone to their day, the prep location. If you are in the process of planning your wedding these are 8 MUST KNOW things to consider when choosing a space.
When you and your soon to be husband our researching places to stay for the wedding weekend keep in mind the size of the space. Many times couples don’t realize how quickly a space will fill up on a wedding day. Whether you are renting a home or staying in a hotel, be sure to ask questions about the size of the space you are considering, the height of the ceilings and number of rooms. If you have the chance to visit the space before booking, do so. It may seem large at the time but ask yourself what it would feel like during a party and if you think it will be cramped, it most likely will be.
Nothing can set the tone as wonderfully as a getting ready space that blends perfectly into your whole wedding. So often the couple has planned their ceremony, cocktail hour and reception to the nines but neglected to consider the decor at the prep location. Don’t make this mistake; take time to research the home or hotel: its colors, floors, furniture and design. Nothing helps create a more cohesive look than paring the prep location decor with your other venues.
They say location, location, location… well not always. Most couples fall into the trap of picking a spot based on location. I tell brides and grooms that adding an hour to their day because the perfect prep location isn’t right next to the reception is totally worth it. If you are concerned about where you will be at the end of the night, book that space separately for late night convenience but don’t compromise on your prep location just for travel convenience. When you look back at your wedding photos you won’t care how long it took you to get to the ceremony.
During your research, consider the amount of natural light the space offers. If it doesn’t have a lot, move on. If it does, your photographer and videographer, along with your makeup team, will be able to perform at their best. Take note of the size and number of windows in the space you are considering. This may seem like a strange thing to think about but trust me when I say you’ll be glad you did when you see your photos!
Whether you’re getting married at home or you’re planning a destination wedding, you are going to be visiting venues at some point. It’s the perfect time to visit the spaces you are considering in person to make your final decision. We all know most rentals showcase the property in the best way possible but don’t always believe what you see online – go in person to be sure.
Something you need to think about is not only what the space offers on the inside but also on the outside. Most photographers will want to take the bridesmaids and/or groomsmen outside for group shots, so be sure to tour the grounds to ensure that there will be plenty of options for the photographer to create beautiful images that coincide with your wedding.
With the advent of VRBO and AIRBNB, renting has never been better! Many times couples think they should be in a hotel but they aren’t always the best choice for pre-wedding activities. Renting a home for the weekend is an incredible way to check all of your must-haves off your list! Online rental platforms allow you to refine your search to narrow down your top picks. Another big bonus to renting is the array of home decors to choose from; homes have so many more options that hotels. As photographers we believe getting ready in a home brings so much more to the table than a hotel.
Lastly, imagine yourself in the space with your friends and family. Think about the overall vibe and what it will look like when putting on your dress. If you feel all warm and fuzzy and excited about your daydream, then you’re in the right spot! I encourage you to consider these elements during your planning process. You’ll be so glad you did, you’ll be ensuring a great start to your day, your family and friends will be comfortable and your vendors will be able to perform at their best!
ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…
Skillshare
Animoto
Nambe
The Registry at Bloomingdale’s Trip to Vermont with Simon Pearce
We’re excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don’t miss out!
THIS WEEK’S DISCOUNTS…
For our California Brides… Discounts from The Ranch at Laguna Beach and Weddings by Susan Dunne
For our Destination Brides… Discount from Hitch’d Weddings & Events
For our Southwest Brides… Don’t miss upcoming trunk shows at Lovely’s in Dallas, Phoenix and Houston!
For our Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design, giveaways from NST Pictures, OLLI STUDIO, and Craig Paulson Photography, and don’t miss the Solo Merav Trunk Show September 22nd – 25th at Bridal Reflections!
Photography Advice: Joseph Rogero
The bride coined her wedding inspiration as “laid-back elegance” and we think that she and her wedding planners at Fletcher + Ellmore hit the nail on the head with this chic Hollywood nuptial. Cool rooftop vibes mingled alongside dramatic details (you MUST see The Butter End Cakery’s creation) And the fact that her dad happens to be Steeler’s offensive line coach, Mike Munchak made the walk down the aisle even more special. See all the photos by Carmen Santorelli right here!
From the Bride… My vision for our wedding was laid-back elegance that felt soft and romantic. My amazing wedding planners, Esther and Shirin of Fletcher + Ellmore, executed my vision flawlessly! They made the planning fun and stress-free and orchestrated the wedding day perfectly. They were also a tremendous help in finding all of the best vendors. Everyone involved in our wedding was so talented and made us feel so comfortable. I am beyond happy with the way everything turned out… It could not have been more perfect!
Photography: Carmen Santorelli Photography | Floral Design : Best Day Ever Floral Design | Cake: The Butter End Cakery | Stationery: Prim & Pixie | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Makeup + Hair: 901 Too | Lighting: Christian Smith Event Lighting | DJ: John Lock | Favors: Milk Jar Cookies | Bride's Dress: Lovella Bridal | Chairs: Chiavari Chair Rentals | Decor, Draping + Lighting: Dish Wish | Draping: Out Of The Dust Rentals | Furniture Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Men's Styling: Lucia Rocio | Paper + Lettering: Fawn Lettering | Planning + Design: Fletcher + Ellmore | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin | Wedding: The London Hotel
Whenever the wedding industry comes together to create weddings like that of Chris and Vivian’s, we find ourselves eternally grateful. Effortlessly coordinated by Milk Events, this is one celebration that’ll have you pinning pronto. From the lovely La Tavola Fine Linen Rental linens, to the 24 Carrots catering, Sposto Photography has captured every deleriously beautiful detail to share in The Vault!
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From Sposto Photography… The aesthetic of this wedding came together so beautifully on Chris and Vivian’s wedding day. A cool and overcast California afternoon set the stage for a soft pastel color palette. The bride and Groom’s portraits were held at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano where the wandered around the timeless structures dreaming of their future together. The ceremony and reception featured many hanging features including a large floral installation floating above the head table in planters suspended from the venues’ pergola. As well as white lanterns that glowed into the evening. Each guest’s place setting was adorned with the guests’ name hand cut from wood in calligraphy by The Bleu Dahlia. It was an event to remember. Gorgeous in every way thanks to Milk Events.
From Milk Events… Chris and Vivian are every vendor’s dream couple. They are kind, relaxed, and not only genuinely care about each other, but every one around them as well. Vivian’s sense of style is chic and timeless, as evidenced through her wedding. Everything from the foiled calligraphy on the invitations to the little notes and bubbles on each seat came from her careful attention to detail. Right beside her is Chris. Her back-then fiancé and now husband, Chris, is charming, funny, and everything you’d expect from a perfect gentleman. However, he’s not just there for show. He made all the Mason Jar lights as well as assisted Vivian in the calligraphy and signage. These two are pretty much your modern power couple. Planning their wedding was such a delight. When your bride and groom are so in tune with each other, it makes everything a breeze. Chris & Vivian’s love story is the kind that’s contagious. It makes you want to love more and be more.
Photography: Sposto Photography | Cinematography: Emma Lynn Cinema | Event Planner: Milk Events | Floral Design: Growing Grace | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | DJ: Blackbook Social Club | Grooms Attire: Combatant Gentlemen | Wedding Venue: Franciscan Gardens | Bar + Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | Bridal Shop: Blush Bridal Couture | Desserts: Simply Sweet Cakery | Portrait Venue: Mission San Juan Capistrano | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Luxe Event Linen
One single peek at their engagement session, and I’m already counting down the minutes to Stephanie and Kyle’s upcoming wedding in Provence. The bride-to-be slash blogger behind Honey & Silk worked with Sally Pinera to create the dreamy, sun-kissed images she was looking for, and you better believe Sally delivered. Head to the gallery and see why the “golden hour” completely lives up to the hype.
From the bride, Stephanie… We met over four years ago and became a self-described “Cupid’s arrow” love story. Coming from different parts of the country, and different family lives, we happened to find commonality in our love of nature, the Old World, travel, fashion and of course, romance. From this, as a team, we have built successful businesses by combining our common interests, and sharing those stories with the world through Stephanie’s blog, Honey & Silk.
Our passion for worldly adventures and the beauty of the South of France is what became the inspiration for our engagement shoot. We are so excited for these beautiful images to anticipate the Provençal romance and dreaminess of our wedding in November.
Working with Sally Pinera and her team absolutely made our dreams of a French Provençal romance to life… In the rolling hills North of Los Angeles! Sally’s eye and imagination artfully constructed a French countryside landscape close to home. Each detail of the styling, grain of grass and sunlight were woven together by Sally’s camera creating a stunning, editorial scene that we’ll always cherish as much as our travels together.
Photography: Sally Pinera | 2 Piece Dress: LOHO Bride
If you find yourself stressing over the less than clean state of your home and have no idea where to start; we’ve got your field guide. It works for everything from slightly unkempt to needs a good deep scrub STAT. And who better to partner with on this 411 than our favorite makers of cleaning tool essentials, OXO? Check out this guide of action items that will take the guess work out of cleaning and leave you with the most sparkling home on the block, plus all the genius OXO tools you need to get there.
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A quick 20 minutes doing a few daily essentials will really keep your home tidy and in control. This is a great maintenance schedule. Things like making the bed, doing the dishes and sweeping the kitchen floor do wonders for keep your cleaning game on point.
Designed for effortless efficiency, so you only have to sweep once and done. The dustpan locks in the open position for controlled pickup and disposal, and has a rubber lip for optimal contact with the floor. The dustpan teeth comb out dirt from the Broom’s soft, feathered bristles.
For an easy + quick floor sweep, the Microfiber Floor Duster is a must. The large microfiber pad is perfect for easy dusting, while the Scuff Eraser is ideal for getting rid of scuffs and marks.
Make those daily dishes a breeze with comfortable scrubbing and soap dispensing all in one. With a light push of the soft, non-slip button, the silicone valve shoots soap onto your dishes, then quickly seals to prevent drips and waste. Includes a scraper on back to remove baked-on food. Durable nylon bristles are safe for non-stick cookware and bakeware.
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Once a week, your home requires a little more heavy lifting. Think scrubbing and cleaning those heavy trafficked areas like your kitchen and bathroom and giving the vacuum a good whirl around the old abode.
Clean all the messes, from tough spots to humongo spills with this mopping all-star. If you come across a tough spot, simply step on the pedal to release the scrubber for easy spot-cleaning. Then glide the scrubber right back in and continue cleaning with the pivoting microfiber head. And the cherry on top? It’s safe on hardwood floors.
Cleaning your bath doesn’t have to be a full body workout. Get that tub sparkling without a kneel, crouch or climb. The Extendable Tub & Tile Brush extends from 26” to 42” with a quick twist. The bristled head pivots for cleaning at different angles, making it perfect for for tubs, tiles, glass, floors and narrow spaces around the toilet.
Say bye bye to furry remnants from pets, as well as hair and other fuzzy bits on your cozy furniture with this must-have tool. Its microbristles effectively trap fur, dust and lint, and the self-cleaning base means that there’s no waste or need to buy refills.
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You know those hard to reach places that you rarely think about? Like that pretty light fixture or inside the dishwasher? Now is the time to roll up those sleeves and get to work dusting and cleaning those often forgotten areas.
Never let vertically challenged interrupt your cleaning plans again. With the extendible wand, you’ll own even hard to reach spots. The Microfiber Extendable Duster extends to 54″ with a quick twist. The Duster head rotates 270° and locks at multiple angles. Lock in a vertical position to clean ceiling vents and light fixtures or at a 90° angle to dust the tops of bookshelves and cabinets.
Overworked coffee machines and impossibly small appliance crannies have nothing on this cleaning wonder team. This versatile set includes two brushes with four heads: A loop brush, an angled brush, a chisel scraper, and a flat scraper. The set snaps together on a handy clip, and the two pieces feature long handles to keep hands away from blades and crevies.
Don’t let always dusty electronics get you down. This dust annihilator is here to save the day. The slim silicone wiper fits into little nooks around keyboard keys and screen edges, and the brush is soft enough for camera lenses and other sensitive areas.
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At the beginning of a new season, it’s time to breathe a little air into your home and kickstart that organizing bug. Sort through closets and pantries, organize drawers and give your drapes, pillows and comforters a good washing.
The ultimate duo, these brushes are perfect for kicking out all that stubborn grime. Includes a large brush for scrubbing shower door tracks, stovetops and more, and a small brush for fixtures, thin grout lines and other tight spaces. Small brush has a built-in wiper blade to remove dirt from drains and crevices.
Eliminate the guesswork of water to detergent ratios and leave the math to this smarty pants bucket. The patented top-view angled surface lets you see just how much is being added while looking straight down. Built-in measurements on the bottom provide added convenience when measuring smaller amounts of detergent.
Clean windows like a pro with this tool that also plays nicely with tiled surfaces, shower doors and mirrors. The Squeegee has a flexible blade that can be used on rippled surfaces, while the soft handle nestles in the palm of your hand without slipping. The suction cup conveniently stores the Squeegee on the wall.
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And there you have it. With the help of OXO’s awesome lineup of cleaning tools and this guide to cleaning quickly and thoroughly, you’ll be sitting pretty in a spotless home in no time. It’s a simple, manageable approach which is music to busy ears. With OXO, your spotless home is only a spray mop, wiper blade squeegee and extendable duster away. Check out their lineup of essential tools and kickstart your roadmap to clean.
My solution for any awkward space in my home? A mirror. I feel like they are art pieces in and of themselves—from unique shapes to ornate details to oversized beauties, they should never be reserved only for above-the-sink. Check out these 15 spaces where mirrors completed the scene!
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Classic weddings will always have my heart and that includes long lace sleeves, beautiful bouquets of peonies and romance galore, and anytime I need a boost, no need to look further than right there. Elena Wolfe captured this elegant ivory and sage celebration that fulfills all my classic wedding needs to a tee. See the perfect Pronovias gown, these plush peonies and more in our Vault right this way!
From the Elena Wolfe… Tatum and Andrew planned a classic, soft and elegant wedding. Floral colors were ivory, blush and sage green with hints of dusty miller. The forecast was filled with rain, but the clouds cleared up and the rain held off until the night came! The bride and groom drove off in a Rolls Royce to celebrate their marriage and join their family and friends to dance the night away.
From the Bride… I wanted my wedding to be soft, classic and elegant. Nothing can really prepare you for planning a wedding, and you learn as you go! As long as you keep your vision in mind, and you don’t get too caught up in the tiny nuances, you’ll alleviate a lot of the stress planning a wedding can cause! Take the weather for example, there’s nothing you can do about it! So when rain threatened our big day, I thought.. ‘Oh nice! Overcast is perfect for pictures!’ One piece of advice I can give is to do your research for your vendors and once you meet with them – as long as you have that connection – let them do what they’re good at! It always helps to give some direction, but if they understand your vision let them do what they do best!
Photography: Elena Wolfe Photography | Floral Design: Bella Flowers | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Ceremony Venue: St. Johns Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: The Carltun | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Getting Ready Venue: Garden City Hotel | Music: Fusion DL
We’re not sure if you heard, but this lush Hill Country wedding is a total show stopper (I mean, just WAIT until you see the flower girls). It’s sweet meets seriously chic and thankfully Mint Photography was on hand to capture every coordinated Vintage&Lace detail. From the Austin Catering perfecting the menu,, to the sparkling exit, everything about Susanne and Seth’s day is on point and we’ve got it all in The Vault!
From Mint Photography… Susanne and Seth had one of the most stunning, romantic, lush hill country wedding’s we’ve photographed! Maybe it was the beautiful weather that day, the ridiculous Texas sunset, the massive amount of greenery they incorporated for the florals, or the overall just easy-goingness of this amazingly sweet couple… But this one was just a show stopper! Wait until you see the flower girls. We can’t even deal with their cuteness. We loved everything about being a part of Susanne and Seth’s day and we hope you can feel the love… And FUN! They had on their special day!
Photography: Mint Photography | Event Coordination: Vintage&Lace | Floral Design: Petal Pushers | Catering: Austin Catering | Makeup: Makenzi Laine | Band: Memphis Train Revue | Wedding Venue: Prospect House | Film Scans: Richard Photo Lab
What does a style maven at Anthropologie wear for her honeymoon in the City of Light? The prettiest lace dress paired with a chic leather jacket, that’s what. Photographed by Le Secret d’Audrey, their honeymoon session is straight from a fashion editorial and you can see even peek back at their engagement on SMP!
From Natalie… Matthew and I met in late summer after I had spent a few months studying in Europe and staying with a friend in Paris. I fell in love with Paris and then fell in love with Matthew shortly after so the two always felt intertwined in my heart. I started my blog BellesVies. Com to write about my life as an American woman in love with French culture so France was the obvious choice when it came time to plan our honeymoon. Matthew had never been to Paris and I was so excited to share my favorite city with him. The combination of getting married and being in Paris with my new husband in a span of 48 hours was overwhelmingly beautiful and such a magical culmination of our love story. We spent a week in Paris staying in the Marais before continuing our journey through Burgundy, Provence, and the Côte d’Azur. I’m so in love with Paris and I’m already dreaming of our next trip.
Photography: Le Secret d'Audrey | Dress: For Love And Lemons | Shoes: Steve Madden | Hair + Makeup: James Harold | Film Lab: Carmencita Film Lab | Leather Jacket: All Saints | Lipstick: Nars Heat Wave
We get asked almost daily about our favorite wedding trends, and sure enough, this celebration designed by Birds Of A Feather Events incorporates two of our current faves – agate geodes and jewel tone color palettes. They’re a couple of the hottest design trends sweeping the bridal scene and we’re so excited to see how Diana and Jared pulled them off. Of course, those incredible cakes by Sugar Bee Sweets didn’t hurt one bit, either. More from Apryl Ann in The Vault!
From the couple…
What inspired the design of your wedding day?
Diana loved the idea of having a more modern design with some vintage touches, and Jared was all about “Big Plays” – he wanted lots of details that their guests had never seen before and that would be showstoppers! Diana loved another wedding we had done that was all green and white, but we ultimately decided to punch up the palette a bit by adding pops of bright pink and plum. Her bouquet was primarily green and white with a tiny bit of plum in it to add more dimension. We used several lucite pieces to not only bring in a clean and modern element, but to mimic the large and beautiful windows at the venue.
Any DIYs or handmade details?
We custom built Diana and Jared’s altar as well as a smaller version which we suspended agate escort cards from. Those were a bit of a DIY project as we had to individually glue rings to the back of them so that they could hang. They were then calligraphed with each guest’s name and their table assignment. We also had table numbers written on agate to match. Additionally we had some centerpiece stands welded custom for some of the taller centerpieces. Luckily my husband has some welding experience!
Favorite moment of the wedding day?
As a designer, my favorite part of the day is being able to show my clients through the space and watch them discover all of the details that we have been talking about for months. I love having that moment with them before all of the wonderful chaos begins! Diana and Jared had choreographed dances with each other as well as their parents, and that was really fun and special to watch!
Photography: Apryl Ann Photography | Cinematography: Splendor Films | Event Planning + Design: Birds Of A Feather Events | Floral Design: Max Owens Design | Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets | Stationery: Minted | Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering | Hair + Makeup: Beauty And The Blush | Calligraphy: Harts And Quills | Entertainment: Emerald City Band | Harpist: Lauren McConkey | Transportation: Blue Diamond Limousines | Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center | Acrylic Table + Stands: Propmaker Event Rentals | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: Flock Together Fotobooth | Stage Facade: Perch Event Decor Rental
For most of us, starting the day means having that oh-so-necessary cup of coffee in hand, stat. Wouldn’t it be nice if our local barista was in the kitchen waiting with said cup of jo? Well, that’s totally impossible (unless you’re dating or married to one), but the next best thing? Becoming the ultimate at-home barista. With the help of OXO, you can easily learn how to make the best-ever cup of coffee with these bean to brew steps.
First things first, find your perfect bean. For the ultimate cup of coffee (and to be the ultimate at-home barista), you’re going to be grinding your own beans. But you might be wondering, where do I start? Think of beans to coffee like grapes to wine. Everything from the region and variety to the season and roast duration all play a part in the final flavor of your brew. Educate yourself on each of these factors and you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to select the beans that suit your palette.
Once you’ve made your bean selection—keep them fresh and happy. The journey to a flavorful cup of coffee includes bean storage and fighting their worst enemies: air, moisture, heat, and light. That’s where an OXO’s Coffee POP Container comes in handy. A unique one-touch push-button guarantees an airtight seal and ultimate freshness, while it’s UV-blocking technology battles light. Not to mention, they’re also stackable for those of us who have a little obsession with pantry organization.
Now that you’ve got a way to keep your beans fresh until you’re ready, it’s time to learn the grind. Why not just buy your beans ground already? If you really want to be a kick-butt at-home barista, get your own grind on, folks. Coffee beans contain oils that, when ground release an aroma and can interact with moisture in the environment. Basically, the longer coffee grounds sit around, the less flavorful your cup of jo becomes.
Investing in a grinder like OXO’s Conical Burr Grinder brings you one step closer to the perfect brew every time. Its built-in scale allows it to grind by weight instead of time and gives you the ability to custom measure grounds to create your own coffee ratio, or to use precise, pre-set grams-to-cup ratios. So, whether your perfect cup means give me all the jitters OR I just need a little jumpstart to get going, this is your grinder.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of keeping your beans fresh and finding your perfect grind, it’s time to get your brew down to a science. It means combining brew time, water temperature and water volume in just the right way. Taking the guess work out of the process is easy with the OXO Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker, which brews at the optimal temperature for coffee as certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. The intelligent Barista Brain microprocessor monitors time, water volume and temperature from start to finish, giving you the precision of expertly hand-crafted coffee. In other words, you’ll feel like you just placed an order at your favorite local coffee shop.
Voila! You’re now armed with the steps to becoming the best at-home barista. Get ready for happier mornings, wowed guests and a coffee experience like no other.
Chances are you didn’t have much say in picking out your engagement ring. Sure, you may have left a few hints here or there, but you probably weren’t at the store when the purchase was made. But finding the perfect wedding band? It’s your time to shine (pun intended), and the experts at Harry Winston are here to ensure you find a wedding band you love as much as your new husband or wife.
Nothing brings me to tears faster than a heartfelt proposal. Especially when the groom pulls in Julie Paisley, Sugar Peach Productions, Cedarwood Weddings and Designs in Paper to help make his girl’s wildest dreams come true. What she thought was a photo shoot turned into THE “down on one knee” moment and they’ll deeply cherish the photos and film for many years to come.
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She said YES!! Aaron proposed to Anna in one of the coolest ways possible! Anna agreed to model for a “photo shoot” at our Nashville venue with Julie Paisley Photography, but little did she know, an actual planned and styled surprise proposal was awaiting her. We worked with Aaron to create a youthful, fun, boho style to reflect Anna’s playful personality.
When Aaron presented Anna’s ring in front of a custom teepee, she asked “is this for real?”, thinking it was just part of the shoot. We arranged for Anna’s parents to be on Skype to witness the special moment and setting, which included a Cupid-inspired teepee, custom signage, arrows, feathers, XO balloons and a festive celebration with a mimosa bar and color-coordinated mini pineapple bundt cakes!
Dressed in Alexandra Grecco separates and a boho flower crown, Anna was naturally gorgeous. She and Aaron perfectly fit the vibrant elements of this summer outdoor proposal party, with personalized details and colorful decor designed by the Cedarwood Weddings team. Their inspiring engagement was beautifully documented with film photography by Julie Paisley and a video by Sugar Peach Productions.
Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Cinematography: Sugar Peach Productions | Event Design: Cedarwood Weddings | Floral Design : Cedarwood Weddings | Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Cake: Patty Cakes | Stationery: Designs in Paper | Venue: Cedarwood Weddings | Bridal Salon : Lvd Bridal
You would think that the easiest paint color to shop for would be white. Think again! There are so many factors that come into play when selecting the perfect white paint—really, there is no perfect white paint for everyone. But there is a perfect white paint for you, and thanks to our friends at Home Depot and Behr, we’re taking you on that journey to finding the best match for your space.
Consider your surroundings on your perfect white paint hunt. Everything from your flooring to furniture and decor. The tones and colors in hardwood, tile and or carpet can completely alter the way different whites are perceived. The same goes for furniture. Choosing paint first and buying furniture/decor after? Bring your paint swatch with you when scouting furniture and decor options. Get the look above with Behr Ultra Pure White.
There are two things to consider when evaluating your lighting. Natural and artificial lighting play a big role in the way we perceive color, including whites, and this will change throughout the day. The way objects (like furniture, flooring, and decor) absorb light will also affect the overall look of your space. When testing whites, make sure to view your test areas at various times throughout the day and even test your lighting options as well. Different bulbs also affect how you’ll ‘see’ your white, so keep this in mind when making a selection. Get the look above with Behr Ballet White.
Undertones are so, so important when it comes to selecting your perfect white paint. If you first take into consideration your surroundings and natural light as mentioned above, selecting a white paint with the right undertones will come easy. For a warmer look (think creamy whites), choose a hue with yellow undertones. Opt for a hue with blue undertones if you’re going for a cooler, brighter look. Get the look above with Behr Nano White.
When selecting your paint sheen (i.e. the finish), focus on the space you are painting. An easy way to think about it: the higher the sheen, the more shine and durability you’ll have. For a smoother look that absorbs light beautifully, try a matte. Gloss and semi-gloss have a more reflective look and also provide more durability, making them great for high traffic areas and applications like trim, bathrooms, cabinets and even floors. Want something in the middle? Eggshell is your go-to. Get the look above with Behr Antique White.
Sampling your paint is always a good idea. In most cases, the swatch color will not translate to your wall the way you might imagine—especially with whites of varying undertones. Your best bet is to paint the samples on a plain white background, or primer, for the truest visualization of your shade. Paint your samples side by side (in two coats) so you can compare accordingly. Get the look above with Behr Off White.
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