When your Mama is an event planner for a living, beautiful birthday bashes are bound to be in the cards for life. And when said Mama happens to be Katie of Laurie Arons Special Events, you get out-of-this-world adorable details like these from her daughter’s ‘Camp Campbell’ birthday. Complete with s’mores cupcakes, a cutie logo from Amber Moon Design, a canoe ride and this genius tent cake, Leo Patrone Photography captured all of the fun—see more in The Vault!

From Katie of Laurie Arons Special Events… Campbell decided she wanted a camping party to celebrate her 4th birthday, when she realized her name was spelled “camp-bell”. That and the fact that camping includes s’mores! The cabin in mill valley, California made for the perfect camp site, complete with a rustic cabin, picnic tables and a mini redwood grove for our tent village.

Shelter co. Canvas huckleberry tents were just the right size for our pint-size campers. As campbell’s friends arrived, they picked up their ‘camping supplies’ – a canvas backpack stenciled with the camp campbell logo, and filled with essentials like a custom canteen, toy binoculars, flashlights and compasses.

Amber moon designed the logo for camp campbell featuring canoe paddles, so birthday girl and her dad made their way down stream to the party in a vintage canoe. The hand-crafted canoe then became a fun place to practice paddling on land for the rest of the party. Amber also created canoe paddle stir sticks for the adults’ beverages. Canoe-shaped pb&js along with homemade granola bars, trail mix & watermelon served as our snacks.

Campers gathered round the campfire for a sing-a-long by a local children’s musician. Afterward, it was s’mores time. Because fire and four-year-olds don’t always mix, we opted for s’mores cupcakes with toasted marshmallow frosting, instead of the old-fashioned version. Campbell’s friends then sang happy birthday around a tent-shaped cake.

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Photography: Leo Patrone Photography | Event Planning: Katie & Laurie of Laurie Arons Special Events | Graphic Design: Amber Moon Design | Camping Stools: Teak & Lace | Campfire Singer: Megan Schoenbohm of Mini-Music | Venue: The Cabin | Tents: Shelter Co | Vintage Canoe: Canoe Jack | Invitations: Paper by Paperless Post

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Laurie Arons Special Events

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Hi SMP brides! It’s Jess from Dressed by Jess and I’m excited to give you a taste of my bachelorette weekend in Charleston, SC. We spent four full days on the Isle of Palms and Charleston and I could go on and on for hours declaring my love for these two beautiful places. Today I’m sharing the highlights plus a few tips to planning an unforgettable getaway with your own bridal party crew.

Rather than checking into a hotel we decided to rent a big ol’ beach house for the weekend. It was steps away from the ocean and my sister and bridesmaids decked it out with flamingos & pineapples- the perfect beachy details. A dream getaway for me includes pampering, relaxing, and sunbathing. The girls worked so hard to make this weekend extra special for me, and for that reason I wanted to treat them to a surprise lunch alongside live Oak alley at Boone Hall. I reached out to Ava Moore Photography and Gigi of Smells Like Peonies Events to pull it off. With the help of amazing vendors, it turned out to be one epic lunch date with my girls!

The afternoon couldn’t have been more perfect. A storm had just rolled in and so there was practically no one left at the mansion. It was quiet, serene, and out of a scene of a movie. We were surrounded by beautiful flowers and the most gorgeous tablescape I have ever seen (thanks to Gigi). After the champagne was popped, we dove into the oreo-filled cake and truly soaked in every moment under the Oak trees. It was magical! The best part of this weekend was being surrounded by all of my girls. If you are planning a bachelorette or a simple girls’ getaway, here are 5 tips for creating an epic weekend.

Designate one or two group organizers (in my case it was my maid of honor and bridesmaids) and make sure to collect all payments prior to your trip. Everyone should enjoy themselves from the moment they walk in the door and not have to worry about making payments during the special events. Which brings me to my next point…

Plan ahead. When traveling to a new city make sure to do all your planning ahead of time. Utilize tools like The Bach (an online resource that provides party ideas, venue recommendations, and tools to simplify the planning process).

Have a meal catered in! Sometimes restaurants can be too loud and they take away from the intimacy of the event.

Surprise & delight! In the case of a bachelorette party, it’s always fun to surprise all the guests with special treats. My sister prepared tote bags with beach towels, flamingo straws, koozies, custom t-shirts, and delicious chocolate covered pretzels by Fatty Sundays (even the boxes were customized for my bach weekend!).

Plan events that are meaningful to you and your gal pals. Whether it’s sunrise yoga, a painting class, zip-lining, a wellness retreat, or just a simple slumber party, it’s important that your bachelorette or girls’ weekend is completely tailored to your interests.

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As cheesy as this may sound, quality time with your girlfriends should be cherished. It’s not often you can rally everyone together for a destination celebration, but when you do, have fun with it and try to disconnect from social media to be present in the moment.

xx Jess

Photography: Ava Moore Photography | Event Planning: Smells Like Peonies Events | Floral Design: Wildflowers Inc. | Invitations: Letter Loft Prints | Hair: Mirror Mirror Charleston | calligraphy: Corsivo Calligraphy | Custom Pretzels: Fatty Sundays | Desserts: Swank Desserts | rentals: Eventworks

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BONUS! Check Our My Margs + Maids Party

I love love love New York, and just when I thought that the love I had for the Big Apple couldn’t possibly get any bigger, this wedding from Die Hochzeitsfotografen comes along. An intimate elopement complete with a park ceremony and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Die Hochzeitsfotografen…We were thrilled when Romina & Daniel asked us to come with them to photograph and film their intimate New York elopement in June. We are from Germany and Romina and Daniel, who live in Munich, love to travel. After Daniel proposed in Hawaii 2015, their biggest dream was an intimate elopement in one of their favorite cities: New York. Together with the wedding planner Erol they planned and organized everything. The wedding day started in the very stylish “Boro Hotel” in Queens, where they both got styled and got ready. They decided to read their intimate wedding vows before the ceremony, and this was such a touching and beautiful moment. Even though it was raining we drove to central park, Romina & Daniel didn’t mind and were so excited to get married in a few minutes. The ceremony took place under the ladies pavilion. It was so emotional, the rain stopped and the sun came out and we were so happy to be there exactly in the moment to capture the love of two special people. After the ceremony we took some images in Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo, and we had a stunning sundown with the amazing view of Manhattan skyline. It was more than perfect.

From The Bride…We wanted our wedding to be just about us and our love, a commitment between two people, that is why we decided to elope. It was important for us to enjoy “our day” together and make it a romantic, extraordinary and a memorable experience. New York was one of our first destinations we fell in love with and so this city seemed perfect!

Through social media we found our wedding planner and most important our photographers Angelika and Artur of Die Hochzeitsfotografen, who captured every moment for our family and friends at home! An intimate wedding allowed us to do everything we wanted to do, without worrying about everyone else. After exchanging our vows at Central Park, we had a quick hotdog break, took some beautiful pictures at the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoyed the sunset at Dumbo and let the evening fade out with an amazing dinner at Eleven Madison Park.

Spending our day together in NYC -just the two of us- was absolutely magical and something we will remember and cherish the rest of our lives! Now we are thrilled and looking forward to share all these special moments with our loved ones at our after wedding BBQ in August.

Photography: Die Hochzeitsfotografen Angelika + Artur | Cinematography: Die Hochzeitsfotografen Angelika + Artur | Event Planning: Erol Inanc - Echt New York | Floral Design: Elan Flowers | Stationery: Billy Ella | Rings: Skusa Schmuckgeschichten | Groom's Attire: Tiger Of Sweden | Venue: Central Park | Bride's Skirt: Alexandra Grecco | Getting Ready Venue: Boro Hotel | Stylist: Jessica Bollaci

The words from the groom, Wyatt will melt your heart in a second. It was clear from the beginning that Marissa was his forever love, though they began dating at just 14 years old. Fast forward to their wedding day photographed by Winsome And Wright and you’ll see how their epic love story translated to a sweet and utterly romantic celebration.

“It took me all of about two weeks to fall

madly and deeply in love with her”

 -Wyatt, The Groom

“When you know, you know.”

“It was the very best day of my life.”

-Marissa, The Bride

“I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him

…and 5 beautiful children someday. Wink, wink.”

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More From the Couple

From the Groom…Karissa and I have known each other from a very young age. We met in Junior High school and started dating our freshman year of high school. I knew very early on that I wanted to spend my life with this girl. It took me all of about two weeks to fall madly and deeply in love with her, and that was it. I don’t know how else to explain it other then “when you know, you know.” The best part about it is that I got to grow up with her and experience everything the teen and early adult years had to offer with my best friend, and not many people can say that. A couple years after high school we moved to Denver, in an attempt to began our lives together as young adults. At this point, asking Karissa to marry me was not simply of matter “if”, but “when” and “how”.

On Karissa’s 21st birthday, we traveled to New York City to spend the week there exploring and celebrating her special day. At approximately 10:30 pm, after taking a beautiful scenic cruise around Manhattan, we rushed to Time Square for a “special surprise” and “reservations” I told Karissa we had. With her hand on my mine, family behind us, and ring in my pocket, we barreled through the rows and rows of people to the dead center of Times Square and New York City itself, where everybody could see. It was then and there where I finally asked my best friend to join me in marriage and spend the rest of her life with me, and it was the best decision I ever made.

From the Bride…Wyatt and I started dating in high school when we were fourteen years old. I fell in love with him just two weeks later and I knew that he would be the one that I would marry. Now, nearly a decade later, everything that captivated me about him in the first place still remains the same. He’s my best friend.

Both of us were born and raised in a small town in New Mexico. We wanted a change of scenery for our wedding so that’s why we chose Pasadena, California. It was somewhat spontaneous considering we currently live in Denver, CO and got engaged in New York City. That sums us up though: we love travel, love adventure and we both have no idea where we might end up next.

April 22nd on a beautiful, crystal clear day in sunny Pasadena we said our “I Do’s” at Villa Del Sol d’Oro surrounded by our closest friends and family. It was the very best day of my life. 

Photography: Winsome And Wright | Floral Design: Running Wild Florals | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Venue: Villa Del Sol D'Oro | Bridal Boutique: anna be bridal boutique | Veil: BHLDN | Vow Journals: BHLDN

There’s nothing like messy fridges and overstuffed kitchen counters to totally put a damper on your pretty cooking space. And while I love a beautifully edited counter, I never know quite how to get there. Toasters, endless amounts of cooking utensils, paper towels… do these people own those? Now enter 12 secret weapons that are probably lurking behind all those streamlined kitchens.

12 Secret Weapons for Kitchen Organization

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12 Secret Weapons for Kitchen Organization

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More Organizing Tips Right this way…

10 Minutes to a Clean Kitchen
Get Motivated to Clear the Clutter with this Organizer’s Home Tour
10 Items These Pro Organizers Swear By

It’s happening, loves. Pippa is tying the knot and if there’s one thing we know about this royal in-law + style maven, it’s that classic glamour is totally her thing.  So today we’re teaming up with The Registry at Bloomingdale’s for a little game of “What Will Pippa Register For” because, well… sooo much fun. Take a look at our beautiful picks for our fave sis below.

Pippa Middleton Registry Picks

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Pippa Middleton Registry Picks

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Our finds for Pippa are out-of-this-world gorgeous, but the best part? You can register for your very own Pippa-esque essentials by stopping by the The Registry at Bloomingdale’s in-store or online.  From stunning bed and bath necessities to decor must-haves to kitchen gadgets that will make your hearts sing, The Registry at Bloomingdale’s has EVERYTHING for your brand new abode, right down to that must-have blender for those Sunday morning smoothies.  Not to mention that The Registry at Bloomingdale’s also offers exclusive savings (20% off in store!) on dresses, intimates, fine jewelry AND men’s suiting + formalwear right through your wedding date, which means looking absolutely fabulous for that engagement party is totally covered… you and your groom will never look so awesome.

Contact your Personal Registry Consultant at The Registry at Bloomingdale’s TODAY for their expert advice AND to find out even more about their fab completion offer (10 – 20% off!), bridal event invites and amazing honeymoon packages. There’s even time saving essentials, like a Registry Checklist, Thank You Manager and mobile Big Brown App.  Head there NOW to fill your home with those traditional with a twist items Pippa would totally love.  They’ll take care of you… we promise.

The only thing more romantic than golden hour photography has to be sunset photography, when the sky looks like it’s filled with cotton-candy clouds. And those magical portraits are just part of the pretty, captured by Retrospect Images, at this California wedding. See all of the gorgeous moments in The Vault!

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From Retrospect Images…Amy and Ryan’s wedding day was absolutely perfect. I just adore these two and their beautiful country wedding at The Inn at Park Winters in Winters, CA. The elegant estate house, wide open fields, beautiful light, and all of the attention to detail by Alluring Events set the tone for this magical day.

Photography: Retrospect Images | Event Planning: Curated by Grace + White | Floral Design: In Full Bloom by MJL | Cake: Cake Couture | Stationary: Elli | Catering: Anderson Fmaily Catering | Hair + Makeup: Kat Tinney | DJ: Cope Entertainment | Venue: Inn At Park Winters

Once the excitement of the proposal settles in and you’re ready to start wedding planning, one of the first decisions you have to make will be choosing wedding colors. Choosing the perfect palette may seem like an easy task but knowing which direction to go can be more complicated than expected! The variety of colors to choose from is endless, making finding the right shades to pair together a bit of an obstacle. I’m here to help guide you down the right path with creative ways to choose your coveted wedding colors that’ll speak to who you are as a couple and create a celebration you and your guests will never forget!

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1. Favorite Colors

A common and simple way to decide on colors is to use both of your favorite colors – as long as they look nice together that is! If your groom’s favorite color is lime green and yours is red then it might not turn out how you would like but there still may be a way for it to turn out well – and beautiful too! Before completely ruling it out, take a look at different shades of your favorite colors, placing them together to see which ones go best together. You may find that a leafier green and muted light red could possibly work for the look you’re going for. If it’s just not working, let’s take a look at my next tip…

2. Pretty Paints

A great way to visually compare different shades of colors at one time is to go to the paint section of a hardwood store and start piecing together paint chips of colors you like. Take them home and see which colors stand out to you. These paint color cards can be extremely helpful because they typically have 3-4 different shades on one card, ranging from lightest to darkest, so that you can view a variety of tones at once. Also, any excuse to spend some quality time at the hardware is a win-win with your hubby-to-be ;)

3. Joint Activities

What are your favorite activities to do together? Does it involve being inside or exploring the great outdoors? A lot of times what you enjoy doing together can also speak to what colors you would like to represent your wedding. Enjoy the beach? Then a shade of blue could be an option. Fan of the mountains? Then neutrals and greens would be great options to start with. If ballrooms and theaters are more your thing, then regal colors such as crimson red, gold, or silver are fabulous choices. This helps to identify the base color and from there you can expand on accent colors that pair nicely.

4. Birthstone Colors

Birthstone colors are often overlooked but can make for a beautiful palette if examined closely for your wedding. It’s a sweet, sentimental way to decide on colors together. If the colors don’t seem to pair nicely together, try variations of shades in your birthstone colors to create a magical and personalized wedding. You may even be surprised how the colors cater to your personalities.

5. Inspiration!

One of the most popular ways to decide on colors is to get inspiration from other weddings you’ve seen and been inspired by online (the SMP Vault is bursting with ideas!). Make sure you take a look at some weddings with your man to know what colors stand out to him – or which ones he’d rather avoid. Make your wedding a day you will love with colors that mean something to the both of you. I share a helpful template for choosing your wedding colors – along with tons of other stress-free wedding tips – in my book, “My Fairytale Wedding: Planning Your Dream Wedding Without Breaking the Bank” and am excited to give away three signed copies to some lucky brides! Head to SMP’s Instagram to enter to win now! 

xoxo,
Desiree

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Peek Back at Desiree’s Wedding!

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Petit Bouquet

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We have this thing with front doors and the more colorful the better. There is just something about a sweet little cottage with a sunny yellow entrance or a stately brownstone with a high gloss black door. It’s such an easy way to let your personality shine through from the very moment people lay eyes on your home sweet home. Pore through 20 of our favorite hues from Home Depot and get ready to add massive curb appeal with a little Behr paint and elbow grease.

Colorful Front Door Inspo

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Colorful Front Door Inspo

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This wedding inspiration just so happens to combine two of my favorite things: spring blooms and the Pacific Northwest. Add in the totally talented Kylie Martin behind the lens, and you’ve got yourself a tasteful gallery worth gawking over. See every elegant detail in The Vault!

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From Kylie Martin…This session was inspired by all the blooming changes taking place in the Pacific Northwest. Our bride is modern and elegant but minimal in her styling. We hope to inspire brides to consider the “less is more” approach with styling and really pour their vision into the experience and feel of the day. By selecting important pieces that are a genuine reflection of the couple’s taste and aesthetic you are able to take a more minimal approach while still guaranteeing authentic imagery. This spring inspired session was tastefully simple in design but still elegant.

Photography: Kylie Martin Photography | Floral Design: Garden Of Eden Floral Design | Hair + Makeup: Katie Schieb | Venue: The Davenport Hotel | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Model: Katie Schieb | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic

How do you feel about rose gold? Well, I should warn you that you’re about to fall head-over-heels in love with said color like crazy. Captured by Julia Park Photography And Cinema this is one wedding inspiration complete with a stunning Ferré Sposa gown that you’ll want to pin pronto and we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Phoebe Lo Events…This magical day was captured in its bohemian spring elements, with a display inspired by the organic fluidity of poetry with a touch of elegance and luxury. The subtle interplay between soft textiles and delicate metals, further suggested by the fine array of artisan dyed linens and silk ribbon, all blend beautifully into a splendid palette of rose gold, silver and gold.

Nestled upon the soft blush chiffon is an exquisitely crafted glass invitation suite, embellished with contemporary calligraphy produced by Velsie Mak. The elegant heirloom ring is presented by a handmade velvet ring box, custom made by Painterly Posies.

The serene outdoors was the perfect place for a charming sweetheart table setting, with a rustic floral landscape arranged by Secrets Floral Collection. Al fresco fine dining against the majestic backdrop of St. George Golfing Country Club welcomes spring in a curious and fanciful way.

Graced with a collection of fine china and delicate glassware from William Ashley, the rose gold cutlery delicately plays with the soft blush linen that further defines the coexisting vintage chairs for the couple seating. The soft palette of blush, ivory and yellow is encapsulated by the blooms and bouquets framing the scenescape. This romantic setting is accompanied by a collection of handcrafted artisan candles by Fenwick Candles, produced in an eco-friendly manner with all vegan materials and hand poured for each celebration.

Our bride features two distinct wedding gown styles prepared by Ferre Sposa with accent accessories by LUVYT. These beautiful gowns and accessories were stylized by Jennifer Dang, with the charming look completed by Makeup Designer, Velsie Mak and Hair Designer, Puzzle Creations. The celebration is furthered by a collection of sweets and desserts by Sinfully Sweet Co. A rustic log cake celebrates the charm of the scene, paired with a more elegant triple layered cake.

The thematic spring inspiration was represented by the natural sprinkling of spring showers, accented with the unconventional bohemian layout of the sweetheart table. In place of a traditional centerpiece, the tablescape design was defined by asymmetrical floral and greenery. The castle-esque location showcases a variety of charming and unconventional spaces for wedding inspirations. From the age old architecture to the surrounding landscapes, each space embodied an unsurpassable elegance with very prominent notes of historical and bohemian pieces.

Photography: Julia Park Photography And Cinema | Event Planning + Design: Phoebe Lo Events | Floral Design: Secrets Floral Collection | Wedding Dress: Ferre Sposa Bridal Boutique | Engagement Ring: Anouk Jewelry | Makeup: Velsie Mak | Hair: Puzzle Creations | Venue: St. George Golf and Country Club | Cake + Desserts: Sinfully Sweet By Sonia J | Calligraphy + Stationery: Velsie Mak | Candles: Fenwick Candles | Fine Tableware: William Ashley China | Hair Accessories: LUVYT | Model: Jelena + Celeste | Ring Box: Phoebe Lo Events | Stylist: Ferre Sposa Bridal Boutique

Have big plans for this beautiful summer workday? Well, we’ve got you covered. Because this stunning film from Sky Focus Films is ALL you need to focus on.  From the heartwarming first moments with the handsome groom (read: you’ll love him) to the bride’s elated dance down the aisle (sooo cute), every.last.moment is absolute perfection, right down to that breathtaking Munster Rose bouquet. Do yourselves a favor and press play.

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From the Bride… Looking back to our wedding day, Carlos and I can safely say- it was PERFECT. When faced with the daunting, exciting, “I’ve waited my whole life for this” task of planning your wedding, there is a vision. Our vision was to create an occasion that was timeless, natural, family-oriented, and above all, a representation of us.

ARIA, in the Warehouse District of Minneapolis, created the perfect backdrop for our vision- old, beautiful and full of stories. I knew the moment I saw it that I wanted my story to happen there. Carlos and I worked to entwine the raw beauty of our venue into the rest of our decor- hanging numerous vintage chandeliers around the old warehouse, using farm tables to dine on, and keeping our floral as green and natural as possible.

My family also contributed, with my great aunt and uncle collecting moss from the same woods in Roseau, MN that I had played in as a child to fill antique frames that held my homemade place cards. Cousins baked and brought fruit breads to be served on wooden chargers that my uncle had cut and sanded for each dining table. Though the day was definitely made possible by wedding vendors, it had veins of hard work, home and love that made it so much more personal.

Our food also paid tribute to our individual heritage. Our caterer worked with us to create Ecuadorian-inspired appetizers including llapingachos and ceviche in homage to my husband’s background, as well as fried walleye for dinner, and baked Sweet Martha cookies for late night snacks – my chosen representation of my Minnesotan upbringing. We also brought in the owners of 5Watt Coffee to create and serve coffee and tea-based His and Hers drinks, as coffee has always been an important, enjoyable part of Carlos and my relationship.

The personalized details that our vendors, family, Carlos and I had worked so hard to bring to life for our wedding will always be remembered. What I am eternally grateful for is the documentation of us on our wedding day. The ability to relive our faces, emotions, words and looks over and over by pressing play on our wedding video. I still cry with joy every time I experience the detail, personalization and timeless art created by our videographer. My vision for my wedding day carried through into my wedding video. To any bride: hire a videographer- do yourself justice- to be able to encapsulate your time, work, and love will be the best moment of your wedding day.

Photography: Mad Chicken Studios | Cinematography: Sky Focus Films | Floral Design: Munster Rose | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Cocoa & Fig | Stationery: Old City Press | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Chowgirls Killer Catering | Hair + Makeup: emily j. hair + makeup | DJ: Instant Request | Band: Orange Whip | Groom's Attire: Tom Ford | Venue: Aria | Bridal Boutique: l'atelier couture bridal boutique | Day of Coordination: Kirsten Fischer Of FAB Event Design

I fully admit that I need to step outside the box when it comes to makeup. I love my effortless day-to-day makeup routine, but when it comes to date night? I need a kick in the beauty booty. Enter these 5 makeup tricks that I’m determined to try (I’ve already tackled tightlining and love it!). What’s your favorite way to spice up the beauty routine for date night? Let us know in the comments!

5 Beauty Tutorials Every Girl Should Know

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5 Beauty Tutorials Every Girl Should Know

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More Summer Fashion & Beauty…

Discover Your Perfect Sunglass Style by Face Shape
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Despite all the months of planning, sometimes the best part of your wedding day happens organically. For Ali and Mike, it was when they snuck off to the shoreline for a few moments alone and to recharge and regroup amidst the excitement. This candid moment was a reminder of their promise, “I will settle you,” and also led to their favorite photo of the day. See it, and so many more pretty moments, caught through the lens of Sarah Der Photography, in The Vault!

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From The Bride & Groom…We wanted our wedding to be both effortlessly elegant and shout “Ali and Mike!” down to the last detail. Our wedding incorporated some of our favorite things: love, Richmond, and Cape Cod. When we both arrived as freshmen on the Richmond campus, we spent a year falling in love with the school and the city, and the next three years falling in love with each other. Our jobs pulled us away from Richmond after we graduated college, but something told us that our love story with Richmond wasn’t over yet. We moved back two years after graduation, and the rest is history. Richmond played a big part in our love story, and we wanted to make sure that our wedding captured not only the easy-breeze vibe of springtime at the Cape but also the city that started it all.

Ali’s family started the wedding weekend by hosting a southern cuisine-inspired brunch. At the wedding, Mike and his groomsmen wore socks with spiders on them–a nod to the University of Richmond’s mascot, the spider. At the reception, the tables were named after some of our favorite Richmond and University of Richmond locations, and the ceremony cake toppers featured a bride spider and groom spider sitting in beach chairs surrounded by edible sea shells. We captured the lightness of the Cape with a relaxed brunch wedding, complete with champagne cocktails named “The Gazebo,” after one of our favorite places on the U of R campus. We created the effortlessly elegant vibe with an outdoor cocktail hour overlooking the bay, yummy and light brunch foods, and cool blue, green, and white local blooms (our florist even used sea glass in our flower arrangements!). We used handmade ombre calligraphy for the table names and escort cards, which brought the ocean indoors. We completed the brunch-y, relaxed feel by having newspapers with crossword puzzles (all about us and our friends + family!), pencils, and mimosas + coffee for guests when they arrived at our reception.

Our favorite memories from the day are when we were able to sneak away and share a few moments alone, as husband and wife (!). One moment that stands out in particular happened immediately after the chaos of the receiving line (great to do because we got to greet our guests, but it was overwhelming!). Ali is a bit introverted, so Mike walked Ali away from the receiving line and towards the shoreline so that they could have a few moments alone. Within minutes, Ali was feeling recharged and ready to enjoy the rest of the day. It was there that the words engraved in our wedding bands, “I will settle you” became reality. This moment was captured perfectly by Sarah (our favorite picture of the day!).

We were so excited to share Cape Cod with our friends and family! Ali and her family grew up sailing, swimming, and sandcastle-ing on the Cape, and she and Mike have so many fond memories of runs on the beach and evenings spent watching the sunset over the water. We really can’t imagine a more serene and beautiful place to start our lives as Mr. and Mrs.! We also recommend getting married in either the bride or the groom’s hometown–it was so nice to be home with Ali’s family before the big day!

We must admit, planning a wedding is a BIG job, and not one that comes without complications! Our best advice to engaged couples is to constantly remember the most important part of the weekend: becoming husband and wife, which is pretty much the happiest thing in the world. We were able to channel that happiness towards some of the trickier, more emotional aspects of the reception planning, and we ended up with a wedding that was overflowing with joy, love, and light.

Photography: Sarah Der Photography | Floral Design: Cindy Of Vintage Flowers | Cake: The Casual Gourmet | Invitations: Minted | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of the Assumption | Reception Venue: Oyster Harbors Club | Bride's Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Oyster Harbors Club | Hair + Makeup: Cosmetique | Calligraphy: Dancing Ink | Band: The Moonlighters | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Rentals: New England Country Rentals | Wedding Dress + Veil: BHLDN

When you propose at the foot of Manawaiopuna Falls (aka the Jurassic Park waterfalls) you set the stage for one epic adventure – and that’s exactly what these two began, when they first met at a friend’s wedding and then a little later, when she proclaimed YES at those falls. Angela Newton Roy captured their “I do’s” and the results? Picture perfect. See them all in our Vault and get ready to start pinning some of the best bridesmaids’ dresses I’ve seen in awhile!

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From Bride… Ryan, a former FDNY firefighter and current Clarkstown police officer and I, a financial software account manager at Bloomberg, met in September 2012 at a mutual friend’s wedding. From the moment we met, we were inseparable. Sharing a love of music, Crossfit and travel, we spent the next year going to concerts, working out and exploring new places. In December 2013, Ryan proposed to me at the foot of the Manawaiopuna Falls (aka the Jurassic Park waterfall) in Kauai. We spent the next year and a half planning our dream wedding.

Finding a venue to accommodate the 325 guests was a task in itself. However, once we laid our eyes on the tented ballroom at West Hills Country Club in Middletown, NY, we knew this was the perfect venue for us. We wanted the wedding to embody fun elegance and that was exactly what we achieved.

The theme of fun elegance played out in my beaded lace dress, Ryan’s custom midnight blue tux (with mustache lining, of course), the blush tones of the garden roses, dahlias, succulents and scabiosa pods, combined with gold accents throughout and music from the one of a kind Nerds, the day was everything we dreamed of and more. Followed by a spectacular honeymoon to Australia, New Zealand and Bora Bora, we were ready to begin our new life together and look forward to what the future has to offer!

Photography: Angela Newton Roy Photography | Videography: RF Films | Event Planning: White Hall Events, By Amy Hardisty | Floral Design: Flowers By David Anthony | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Stationery: Briana Sudzinski | Ceremony Venue: St. Francis of Assisi | Reception Venue: West Hills Country Club | Bride's Shoes: Gucci | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Hair: Styles On B | DJ: Supersonic DJ's | Band: The Nerds | Groom's Attire: The Tie Bar | Baker: The Pastry Garden | Beauty: Lara D'Pietro | Bridal Prep: Parents Home in Yonkers, NY | Bridesmaids' Jewelry: For The Maids | Cathedral Veil: Malis Henderson | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Groom's Custom Tux: Indochino | Groom's Shoes: Calibrate | Photo Booth: Empire Sound

Most parents-to-be think of finding the perfect paint color or the sweetest crib when it comes to designing their baby’s nursery. But most often left for last? The lighting—an element that can completely transform the look of your babe’s new space. From show-stopping pendants to stunning sconces, we’ve got 10 beauties that’ll make any nursery shine with pretty!

The Sweetest Nursery Lighting

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The Sweetest Nursery Lighting

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Make DIY Wallpaper Panels for the nursery!

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More baby inspiration this way…

Boy or Girl? 10 Fun Ways to Predict Your Baby’s Gender
The Cutest Summer Baby Clothes Under $25
30 of the Cutest Ever French Baby Names

Vintage-loving brides, this one is for you. “Paige knew she wanted guests to feel almost as if they had been transported back in time to an era of glamour. She incorporated many early 20th century period details, like her cap veil and the big band style music played at the reception. The color scheme was moody but bold, with a smattering of gold details to make the entire event sparkle.” Go see that vision brought to life with photos from Lauren Kinsey and a stunning film by Nathan Willis.

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Paige Bennett and Thorben Primke were married on April 11th. They met in Austin, Texas and moved to San Francisco when Thorben, who was born and raised in Germany, began working for Facebook. When they were thinking about places to get married, they considered destinations all over America, but they decided on New Orleans because of Paige’s south Mississippi roots and love for New Orleans. The two were married at the Marigny Opera House, an almost 200 year old church which had been converted into a performing arts center in the Marigny neighborhood of downtown New Orleans, adjacent to the French Quarter.

Since Paige and Thorben have both lived all over the world, they had guests who traveled from places like Oman, Germany, and all four corners of the United States. When thinking about what she wanted the wedding to look and feel like, Paige knew she wanted guests to feel almost as if they had been transported back in time to an era of glamour. She incorporated many early 20th century period details, like her cap veil and the big band style music played at the reception. The color scheme was moody but bold, with a smattering of gold details to make the entire event sparkle. After a lot of Creole and German inspired food, the reception came to an end with a bang: a traditional New Orleans second line, in which a New Orleans jazz band led a parade of the wedding party and guests through the streets of downtown.

Photography: Lauren Kinsey | Cinematography: Nathan Willis Wedding Films | Coordination: Down Annie Lane | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Reformation | Catering: Dat's Good Food | Invitations and Calligraphy: Written Word Calligraphy | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Ceremony Music: Fine Arts Ensemble | Bridal Veil: Girl & a Serious Dream | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Marigny Opera House | Event Styling and Floral: Mitchell Willis Events | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Napkins: Backyard Printing | Reception Band: Jimmy Maxwell | Rentals: Party Rentals Delivered | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Second Line Band: Kinfolk Brass Band

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Written Word Calligraphy

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I’m just going to come out and say it, this wedding is everything! So much so that I would consider getting married all over again just so I can replicate the pretty Brushfire Photography captured. Complete with an intimate ceremony and totally chic details, we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Brushfire Photography…Jon and Jess planned their wedding down to the very last detail. They were very involved in the design and wanted their day to reflect what they love in life together. They created so many custom details for their guests and had only their closest family and friends attend. They wanted the day to be memorable for everyone including themselves.

Photography: Brushfire Photography LLC | Styling: Bride | Floral Design: Catskill Flower Shop | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Groom's Attire: Carson Street Clothiers | Ceremony Music: Hudson Pro Musica | Venue: Ashokan Dreams

If you thought sunshine was preferable on your big day, allow me to introduce you to the most romantic weather forecast every: fog. Because this sweet pair goes to show that a little mist can be totally magical. As captured by Karyn Johnson Photography, we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Karyn Johnson Photography…You plan and you plan and you plan for your wedding day. You buy a killer pair of baby blue heels, borrow your mother’s vintage veil, put on a gorgeous strand of pearls, and lace up your stunning wedding gown surrounded by your closest friends. The guys straighten their bow ties, tighten their belts, and button their coats ready for the day. But no one, no one can control the weather.

What Colby & Callie had planned for their outdoor Peaks of Otter ceremony overlooking a beautiful lake with a mountain view was erased by a thick, low layer of fog. And to everyone’s surprise the unplanned overcast skies and continuous mist added a unique element of romanticism to their day. Just as the day they met, when Colby locked himself out of his apartment during a snow storm and sought shelter and warmth from a nearby neighbor who would become his future wife, no one could have planned it more perfectly than as it happened.

The long light blue bridesmaids dresses gracefully flowed in the wind as Colby and Callie shared their vows and committed their lives to one another. Drops of water dripped from a nearby tree creating the sweet sound of rain without actually having a rain shower. Against everyone’s initial hopes and plans, this weather: the clouds, the fog, the chill, created a unique and unmatched atmosphere; something none of us had ever experienced before.

Guests drank pink champagne, danced, played games, and rejoiced over this new marriage at a rustic indoor ceremony with windows overlooking the foggy lake. DIY’ed wooden center pieces with vases of white hydrangeas adorned the hall as wooden beams towered between tables creating the perfect cozy, warm ambiance for such a chilly, wet day.

Colby and Callie exited their reception to a whirlwind of flower petals amidst the fog and drizzle. What a romantic ending to an already picturesque day.

Photography: Karyn Johnson Photography | Floral Design: Jamie Mays | Wedding Dress: Celebration Bridal | Cake: A Great Cake Experience | Invitations: Vista Print | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Swoon Boutique | Catering: Peaks of Otter Lodge | Hair + Makeup: Bethany Jane Bell | Groom's Attire: JCPenney | Groomsmen Attire: JCPenney | Venue: Peaks of Otter Lodge

There aren’t enough hand clapping emojis in the world to reflect how much I truly love this wedding. Think a lavish Palm Beach ballroom affair made completely personal, with not a single detail overlooked thanks to JCG Events. Per usual, Elizabeth Messina pulled off an image gallery that’s a complete work-of-art and we cannot get enough.

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From JCG Events … Every detail was thought through when planning this destination wedding for Brittany and Evan. From the first impression guests received of their custom engraved invitations wrapped in silk boxes to their newlywed brunch in the Circle Room at the Breakers. Guests arrived to Palm Beach and checked in at the Breakers where they were greeted with welcome bags. Each welcome bag was imprinted with a custom illustrated map of important locations and events of their relationship and wedding weekend. Inside the bags, guest found an assortment of thoughtful gifts that reflected the both the bride and groom. After settling in, guests were then invited to the welcome reception, which was at the classic Chesterfield Hotel. Guests enjoyed a poolside reception with a steel drummer, followed by dinner and dancing in the famous Leopard lounge.

The wedding day was filled with joy and excitement. The suite was buzzing around Brittany, as all the ladies were getting ready. Once ready for the day Brittany and Evan had their first look, and then headed to the beautiful gardens of the Four Arts Society for their portraits prior to the ceremony. This was an intimate and beautiful time for the couple and wonderful time to reflect before they headed to the chapel to be wed.

The chapel was decorated with wreaths on the front door and petals and lush arrangements. Following the ceremony guests headed to the Flagler Museum for the reception. The cocktail hour took place inside the Museum where we had an illusionist magician interact and awe guests while they sipped their Moscow Mules and nibbled on delectable hors d’ oeuvres.

We then escorted guests to the main reception hosted in the Pavilion. No detailed was overlooked, the servers wore custom monogramed aprons with matching bowties and white gloves. There was a vintage wood bar where handcrafted specialty cocktails were served throughout the night. Each table was adorned with beautiful linens, napery and gorgeous Maison dinning chairs from Nuage Desings and was completed with beautiful floral centerpieces by Tom Matheiu. Each place setting consisted of beautiful chargers, copper napkin rings, pressed glass stemware, Silver Croydon flatware, gold engraved menu cards and antiqued key for each guest’s place card.

The menu was of particular importance to the couple, as they are both foodies. Guests were treated to a lavish seated dinner that started with a thinly sliced red and yellow beet ravioli filled with goat cheese. The intermezzo was a refreshing lemon sorbet served in custom ice sculpture of the couple’s monogram then garnished with basil rock sugar. The main entrée was an oven roasted branzino with truffled cauliflower smear topped with roasted tomatoes and a Barola braised short rib. The dessert consisted of plated assortment of petit desserts, monogramed chocolate truffle pops and of course wedding cake! A dazzling design by Earth and Sugar decorated with both sugar and real magnolia flowers.

Guests danced the night away to the star powered band Powerhouse. When guests wanted to take advantage of the venue’s beautiful water views, they only need to head outside where we had set-up some lounge furniture under bistro lights. Towards the end of the evening late night snacks were then served which consisted of three types monogramed sliders: amber ale cheddar, crispy onion tangles and crumbled bacon and Portobello sliders. To satisfy guests sweet tooth there were smokin’ tres leches served.

This was a memorable weekend for all where family and friends were able to enjoy a beautiful weekend in Palm Beach to celebrate the union of this wonderful couple.

Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Cinematography: Merge Social | Coordination: Masi Events | Event Planning: Masi Events | Floral Design: Tom Mathieu | Cake: Earth And Sugar | Ceremony Venue: Royal Poinciana Chapel | Reception Venue: Flagler Museum | Catering: A Joy Wallace Catering, Design & Special Events | Hair + Makeup: Tatjana Terzic | Band: The Powerhouse Group | Transportation: Padrinos | Transportation: Molly's Trolleys | Bridal Valet: Bless The Dress | Furniture Rentals: Afr | Rentals: Nuage Designs