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30 Unique Baby Names Inspired by Famous Singers

Yay! You’ve just found out baby’s gender finally and now you can put some of that baby name research to good use. From celebrities (boy and girl!) to supermodels and now singers, we’ve got a whole lot of places to start for a bit of inspiration. Happy naming parents-to-be!

30 Unique Baby Names Inspired by Famous Singers
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30 Unique Baby Names Inspired by Famous Singers
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Try these DIY Paper Flowers for a Baby Shower!

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Seaside Weddings Have Met Their Ultimate Inspiration

The sea is mysterious, it’s both frantic and fantastic, calming and captivating… it’s a million different emotions rolled into one glorious, beautiful beast and this shoot by Almond Leaf Studios captures all that and more. Bohemian Ink created a scene sure to inspire anyone dreaming of a seaside celebration, full of plums and grays, blush and lavender florals and linens. Looking for more? Head to our Vault for it all.

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From Almond Leaf Studios… Inspired by the sonnet “On the Sea” by John Keats, we set sail for Edisto Island to capture the essence of beauty in her waves. The ocean captivates. The ocean speaks. If you listen carefully you’ll hear her own sonnet. She speaks with every crashing wave. The tide will tickle your toes in one moment and engulf you the next. She quiets us and makes us still and that’s why we titled this shoot “Sonnet of the Sea”

“On the Sea”

It keeps eternal whisperings around
Desolate shores, and with its mighty swell
Gluts twice ten thousand caverns, till the spell
Of Hecate leaves them their old shadowy sound.
Often ’tis in such gentle temper found
That scarcely will the very smallest shell
Be mov’d for days from whence it sometime fell,
When last the winds of heaven were unbound.
Oh ye! who have your eye-balls vex’d and tir’d,
Feast them upon the wideness of the Sea;
Oh ye! whose ears are dinn’d with uproar rude,
Or fed too much with cloying melody,–
Sit ye near some old cavern’s mouth, and brood
Until ye start, as if the sea-nymphs quir’d!
-John Keats

Photography: Almond Leaf Studios | Cinematography: Almond Leaf Studios | Event Design: Bohemian Ink | Floral Design: Philosophy Flowers | Wedding Dress: Erin Grey Couture | Invitations: Bohemian Ink | Jewelry: Kristin Hayes Jewelry | Location: Botany Bay At Edisto Island | Model: Savannah McAffrey | Model: Jaymin McAffrey

A Storybook Parisian Wedding Inspiration That’s Fit for Fiction

If you need me, I’ll be spending the rest of the day (if not the entire week / month / year /decade) in this perfect little gallery. Because when you combine the incomparable talents of Bows and Arrows and Greg Finck Photography at the incredibly inspiring Joy Proctor Design workshop you know you’re in for a real treat. An inspiration that’s sure to ignite your wanderlust, you’re invited to peruse the pretty via The Vault!

From Joy Proctor DesignI was honored to host a workshop on intentional design and thoughtful styling workshop in Paris this spring alongside an incredible team of vendors, and a talented group of participants. As part of the workshop, I invited participants to look at my creative process as I shot an editorial alongside Greg Finck and Alica Rico of Bows and Arrows.

The editorial was inspired by the incredible historic room in which we shot. The room had recently been painted, and its former butter yellow hue inspired the palette of yellow, light blue and rose. Presenting the colors in an elegant way was something that was very important to me. I chose a beautiful velvet linen from La Tavola to set the color story in the room. Bows and Arrows created the most lovely floral arrangements that brought the yellow and rose into the room. The room has stunning painted frescos in each corner, which inspired the rose and burgundy in the editorial. We lined incredible yellow and light blue suite by Written Word Calligraphy with similar paintings to highlight the history and significance of the room. The Cake Opera created the most intricate, stunning cake inspired by the former color of the room.

To tell the story of a wealthy Nobleman’s daughter who fell in love with a farm hand, we were lucky enough to have the incredible Yolan Cris create stunning tops and gowns just for the editorial, which paired perfectly with the burgundy suite worn by the groom. Harold James created a soft, feminine look for the bride, upon which we add a stunning veil by Twigs and Honey and Claire Pettibone ring from Trumpet and Horn.

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Event Design + Styling: Joy Proctor Design | Floral Design: Bows and Arrows | Wedding Dress: Yolan Cris | Cake: Cake Opera Co. | Stationery: Written Word Calligraphy | Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Hair + Makeup: Harold James | Venue: Maison Des Polytechniciens | Garter + Veil: Twigs & Honey | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Tabletop Rentals: Plate Occasions | Trinket Bag: Shop Signora | Vow Book: Velvet Raptor

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Step Up Your Party Game With These Tips!

Engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette shindig – whatever the occasion, a pretty celebration is always a must. Luckily we’ve got the entertaining experts at TRUE Event here to dish a few tips along with industry favorites, Hartford Prints! They’re recapping a recent West Elm event and pulling out ways you can steal the color-loving look for yourself. Read on for all the fun!

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Summertime Party Tips with True Event!

ONE |  Don’t be afraid to use color! Whether it’s with flowers, linens or decor items, you can change a mood in an instant with color.

TWO |  Get crafty with paper accessories!

THREE |  A fun way to add details is with signs, colorful straws or decorative napkins. Come up with a color scheme and get shopping!

FOUR | Coming up with a signature drink is a great way to get your guests excited about the party. Think of the season you are entertaining and use fresh herbs to add flavors or make it look pretty!

FIVE | Don’t be afraid to get crafty hitting up your local craft store. It’s always a great way to get inspiration and make your event special, unique and not cookie-cutter.

SIX | Keep it simple. Don’t overthink the menu – have four main dishes that you know are tried and true and can rely on beforehand so you aren’t stressing out before the party.

From Hartford Prints!New Orleans is one of our favorite cities. From the bright colors of the French Quarter to the syncopated sounds of jazz music, New Orleans is definitely a place to indulge your senses. When we brainstormed creating wedding stationery for the West Elm couple, we immediately thought of this city and its historic “funkiness!” West Elm is definitely a store that brings out a couple’s personal style and story. Whether it’s looking for the right sofa or the perfect accent pillow, a couple registering at West Elm is definitely in the mood for something high-quality, yet unique. The geometric shapes, moderns fonts, and color block overlay of our New Orleans suite speak perfectly to the couple looking for handmade, high-quality, and one-of-a-kind wedding paper. We love how the bright white, chartreuse, and turquoise of the paper contrast so beautifully against the rich boldness of the mid-century modern table. We also drew inspiration for the graphic pattern from the geometric design of many of the accent decor. Our paper – like West Elm itself – brings out the creative, artistic, and adventurous side of any couple!

From True EventWhen we started to plan this fun event with Hartford Prints & West Elm we envisioned an airy spring atmosphere with spring colors emanating from the beautiful patterns and geometric shapes! This really lends itself for a super fun design working off of the invitation suit designed by Hartford Prints. We knew adding inviting colors and a tropical theme with floral touches would bring on a festive mood. Katherine from KD & J Botanica created the most amazing floral arrangements with adding mini pineapples to make it feel very tropical! Roe from Festivities catering provided the perfect little brunch menu for couples to nibble on while they made their perfect registry. And it isn’t a party for the ladies if they aren’t getting all dolled up! Upstyle provided brow and lip color tips for the spring wedding season. Julia Elizabeth Photographer captured this little soiree so perfectly!

Photography: Julia Elizabeth Photography | Floral Design: KD&J Botanica | Invitations: Hartford Prints! | Catering: Festivities | Makeup: Upstyle | Event Design + Coordination: TRUE Event | Location: West Elm | Tea: David's Tea (Glitter And Gold)

A Historic Venue + a Boat Ride Getaway? Talk About the Perfect Southern Affair

A low country wedding with high style, now that’s what we call a serious celebration. With Love by Serena and Josh Gooden Cinematography on hand, every moment proves that this South Carolina soiree is everything a girl could ask for. From the stunning ceremony in a historic courtyard, to their boat ride getaway, W.E.D planned every bit of this beauty to perfection and you can witness it all in The Vault!

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From Love by SerenaHaving the opportunity to document Margaux and William’s wedding in the low country of South Carolina was an experience we will never forget. Their care and love for one another could be felt throughout the event and it was incredible to witness all of their closest friends and family come together.

Their wedding ceremony took place at the breathtaking Old Sheldon Church Ruins. The church was burned down in the revolutionary war and, currently, only the columns, outer walls, and courtyard remain. The team at WED made the space incredible by bringing in wooden pews and simple floral touches. After the ceremony, guests continued on to Brays Island Plantation for the cocktails and reception festivities. The property was stunning and the sunlight shined beautifully through the Spanish moss which surrounded the house.

Their awesome band (Papa Sol) got the party started and the guests danced the night away. The celebration went nonstop until Margaux and William had to bid farewell to their guests. After running through two rows of sparklers, they boarded a boat for the night.

Photography: Love by Serena | Cinematography: Josh Gooden Cinematography | Cinematography: Josh & Serena | Event Planning: W.E.D | Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau | Ceremony Venue: Old Sheldon Church Ruins | Reception Venue: Bray's Island Plantation | Bride's Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair + Makeup: Bangs Salon | Lighting: Technical Event Company | Band: Papa Sol | Officiant: Reverend Jonathan Jonas | Photography - Assistance: Josh & Serena | Rentals: Amazing Event Rentals | Restrooms: Royal Restrooms

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
How to Pull Off a Sexy Wedding Dress Without Offending Grandma

Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen designers bringing sexy back to bridal fashion with plunging necklines, sheer fabrics, strategic appliqués and curve-hugging silhouettes. But, there’s a fine line between looking sexy and revealing a little too much. So to help us navigate the sea of white wedding dresses, we turned to bridal stylist Annie Cavallo, who’s breaking down how to get that sexy look without revealing it all.

Plunging Necklines

This neckline can be quite the show stopper, but you shouldn’t sacrifice good bust support for the look. If you’re smaller on top, flaunt your bust by trying a deep plunge that ends about 3″ north of your waist line. For larger busts, opt for a halter style neckline. The shape in the front will give you the same depth but the strappy neckline will camouflage any straps for your bra.

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Crop tops and Midriffs

Showing off your stomach on your wedding day is quite a sexy statement to make, and if you have a six pack, flaunt it! However if you aren’t that daring but love the concept of a little midriff reveal, then try out the lace or illusion midriff trend. Based around a bralette or cropped shell bodice, the sheer layers give you that subtle coverage of skin while still revealing your best ab-sets.

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Extreme Hemlines

A sexy trend without having to reveal much of anything else, your one leg exposed by a super high slit could be all you need. Designers are giving you options to flaunt, from the high-hip slit to the subtle knee kick-out — you really can reveal from anywhere in between. Another conservative take on the leg reveal is the trendy hi-low hemline that shows of your legs while giving you even-coverage.

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Nude illusions

The sexiest trend for any size or shape is the illusion neckline. It’s all about giving the illusion of ‘skin’ by matching your skin tone to linings embellished with embroidery, sequins or lace appliqués. If full illusions are too suggestive for your future MIL (mother-in-law), opt for gowns that have illusion cut-outs or panels. The key to pulling this off is the color — the closer the mesh illusion is to matching your skin, the better.

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Bringing Sexy Back

Designers are upping the wow factor of gowns with intricate strapping, floating button closures and super low waist lines. Whether you choose a bare back or feel more comfortable with a sheer mesh layer, there is nothing sexier than the curves of your backside.

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Strategic appliqué placement

Show off your body with the help of little of perfectly placed appliqués covering just enough of your basics to take photos with the grandma. To get the same appeal with a lesser reveal, look for gowns out that have open weave lace patterns that show off some skin but cover you all the way around.

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Thigh Highs

You CAN have your cake and eat it too with a sexy mini short dress and full length fit-to-flair look all-in-one. With the help of some sheer mesh or lace, a panel can be placed right between your thighs and knees showing off your legs and just enough of your curves.

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More Fabulous Fashions

What Not to Wear to a Wedding | Disney Princess-Inspired Dresses | The Best Dress for Your Zodiac Sign

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
When Your Mom is a Wedding Planner, It’s Going to Be A Glamorous Day

I think we’re all a little jealous of this bride. Not only is she beautiful as can be, but her mom just so happens to be a wedding planner – AKA, Kim Talbot Events. With mom by her side, they designed the most stunning celebration and Michael + Anna Costa + Elysium Productions documented each and every bit. Mazel Tov, Rachel and Jon!

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From the Mother of the Bride…Rachel and Jon met briefly through mutual friends in Toronto, Canada where they live. Months later, Rachel moved to Southeast Asia for a few months to teach English – but Jon persisted by emailing her every morning on his way to work, which paid off, because they’ve been together ever since the day she came home.

In June 2014, Rachel & Jon went to Paris and on their last day, Rachel found the perfect ring to fit her personality – a vintage Cartier from an estate store. Jon secretly went back to buy it later but decided to take pictures instead and have a jeweler recreate the ring with his own tweaks to it. On October 1, 2014, Jon proposed to Rachel by recreating Paris in the park across the street from where they lived.

Rachel and Jonathan’s vision for their wedding was very specific and as the mother of the bride and the Event Planner, I knew my task was to implement their wishes. Rachel originally wanted to be married at a vineyard, but also wanted to feel close to the ocean. After visiting many venues we all knew that the Four Seasons Santa Barbara was the perfect choice for this destination wedding.

The traditional Jewish wedding ceremony was on the Monte Vista Lawn and afterwards guests were escorted across the street to The Coral Casino Beach Club which features the La Pacifica ballroom and Terrace. The couple had their hearts set on dining outside next to the ocean to feel as if they were having a more intimate dinner with friends and family. This picturesque setting provided exactly that. I up lit the ocean and had dimmers put on the overhead string lighting so the lights wouldn’t over power all the candles. I was concerned about dining outside due to the weather yet luckily one of the most spectacular sunsets any of us had ever seen, combined with unseasonably warm weather was delivered to us.

After dinner we transitioned to the ballroom to party, complete with a photo booth and DJ Zen Freeman mixing up the couples favorite tunes. Since dinner and dancing was split into two different locations, Zen had to transition the guests from an outdoor dinner party to an indoor dance party, and he did that with ease. The goal was to have all the speeches complete so when the doors opened to the ballroom the only mission was to dance and enjoy.

I made sure to consult Jonathan along the way as he had certain wishes he wanted implemented as well. (Never forget the groom!) Jon had his signature cocktail he wanted and Rachel had hers – together we created our own custom drink menu both for pre ceremony tequila lemonades and fun cocktails for the reception. With other events/weddings I generally create an event website and theme/decor concept and make sure it is followed throughout all celebrations. Being that Rachel attended various art schools in England & Canada, she insisted on being the creative director to her own wedding. It was my job to keep her on track and to oversee, but she co-designed the event website, the logo, the menu, place cards, napkins and photo booth with Noel Soloman from Fanciful designs & a friend from London arts school. The wedding website proved invaluable as this was a destination wedding for the majority of guests who came in from all across Canada, New Zealand, Israel and the east coast. It included excursions, a map of Montecito, some pointers and info for all guests to access and reference during their 3 day trip. Upon arrival, I sought out the perfect small gift to leave in the guests rooms and decided upon boxes of the most delicious chocolates from Calibressan, a French chocolatier that is now based in Santa Barbara. I custom chose each chocolate to symbolize the bride & groom and destination: their signature buddha truffle, an earl grey infused lotus flower, a salted caramel turtle among others. The guests received a welcome note & itinerary and I kept the continuity and synergy with the same logo from the custom website we created and the chocolates added a perfect little hint of Paris due to the meaning it had for the bride and groom.

My advice for future all brides & grooms is to listen to one another about what your vision is and make the wedding about what you both feel is important. Assemble a team of vendors that are as passionate as you are about your special day! There is always a way to have everything you want yet stay within your budget. If you plan your own wedding make sure to hire a day of planner so the timeline is implemented. It is crucial to remember that the goal is to have fun which is why I took Rachel and a few others wine tasting a few days before the wedding. Never let the chaos ruin the fun!

After spending two more days in their amazing wedding suite at the Biltmore, Rachel and Jon jetted to Maui for over a week. They stayed at the Ritz- Carlton, Kapalua and the Andaz hotel Wailea. They did everything from adventurous hikes, snorkeling and helicopter rides to spending hours relaxing at the hotel pool and sampling the best food on the island. Some of their favorite spots included Mamma’s Fish House for fresh tuna sashimi, Merriman’s for tuna poke and cocktails, and Morimoto for hamachi tacos. Their advice for newly married couples – go on your honeymoon right away! It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and so important to take a breather and soak it all in.

Photography: MICHAEL + ANNA COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY | Cinematography: Elysium Productions | Coordination: Kim Talbot Events | Floral Design: Santa Barbara Style | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Cake: Four Seasons Restaurant | Ceremony Venue: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis | Reception Venue: Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club | Bride's Shoes: Nike | Hair + Makeup: LunaBella Make-up and Hair | Calligraphy: Perfect Fete Designs | Lighting: PSAV | DJ: Zen Freeman | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Officiant: Cantor Mark Childs | Day of Wedding Coordination Assistance: Katie Schuette | Decor + Artwork: Fanciful Designs | Decor Rentals: Louis Barker | Invitations + Menus: Kathleen Cooper | Photo Booth: Witty Booth

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Timeless Southern Elegance at the Swan House

What do you get when you combine an elegant historic estate like the Swan House Mansion, show-stopping florals, and the timeless Southern tradition of burying a bottle of whiskey to ward off bad weather? A dreamy outdoor ceremony under perfect blue skies, captured flawlessly by Still55 Photography. See all the loveliness and more in The Vault!

From Still55 PhotographyErin and Ethan wanted their guest to enjoy the timeless elegance of the historic estate of the late Emily and Edward Inman. The Swan House represented everything these two loved about the South. Hester Parks of Park Avenue Events brought the couples vision to life with thoughtfully executed touches of understated pieces throughout. Simple but lush tables capes and breathtaking florals welcomed guest onto the lawn and into the reception. After the ceremony the groom unearthed a bottle of whisky which was buried months prior on the property in a timeless southern tradition to ward off bad weather. The overwhelming beauty of the Swan House estate coupled with the flawless execution of premium vendors such as Park Avenue Events and Amy Osaba Designs brought this couples dream wedding into reality.

Photography: Joseph Rogero | Event Planning: Park Avenue Events | Floral Design: Amy Osaba | Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca | Ceremony Venue: Swan House Mansion | Reception Venue: Swan House Mansion | Shoes: Kate Spade | Catering: Legendary Events | Hair Stylist: Taylor Jane | Band: EastCoast Entertainment | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Ceremony Chairs: Sweet Seats | Ceremony Musician: Krysten O'Mara Classical Guitarist | Make Up Artist: Images by J Denelle | Rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
This Palm Springs Affair is the Definition of Chic

Palm Springs weddings? They make my heart happy. And so does this handsome duo, who, along with Artsian Events Floral Decor, threw one of the coolest weddings ever. Think al fresco dining at its finest with a crazy cool ceremony and pops of bright orange. Head to THE VAULT for every stunning moment from Michael Segal and then hit play on the awesome film from Routine Video below.

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From Artisan Events Floral Decor… I had a blast helping these guys put this day together! When I meet them I could see it was a perfect fit!

The Avalon was the perfect setting for their wedding day. The ceremony was accented with candles and citrus and desert inspiration. They each had a mixed bridal party so I created just small bouquet of white garden roses with Camilla leaves for the ladies and tea roses and mini succulents for the guys. Simple and elegant!

They wanted the reception to be magic in Palm Springs under the stars! White paper lanterns accented the string lights and tons of candlelight.

Photography: Michael Segal Photography | Cinematography: Routine Video | DJ: Music Media Entertainment | Officiant: Ted Loos | Venue: Avalon Hotel Palm Springs | Event Planning + Floral Design: ARTISAN Event . Floral . Decor | Photo Booth: Classic Photo Booth

A Seaside Watercolor Wedding That’s All About Color

I LOVE a bride who’s not afraid of color, so I’m pretty sure Sam and I could be best friends. Along with her love Mike, she designed a classic New England wedding by the water with no shortage of fluffy peonies, watercolor paper goods and pretty shades of pink in the mix. Peruse away in the full gallery by Kelly Dillon.

From The Bride…Mike and I met on Match.com! We both joined as a New Year’s resolution; Mike had just moved back to MA from Louisiana, and I was getting back into the dating scene. Turns out, we were invited to the same New Year’s Eve party that year, but Mike didn’t go! Our first date was at Lolita, a tequila bar in Back Bay. I had never met anyone as enthusiastic as Mike; we were still chatting away when I noticed that all the chairs were up on the tables and they were waiting for us to leave so the restaurant could close! I knew immediately that Mike was special, and it didn’t take me more than a few dates to know that he was the man I was going to marry.

Four years later, my best friend (the same one who threw that infamous New Year’s Eve party) invited me to Lolita for a birthday dinner. I was having the worst day ever at work, and told Mike that I was going to have to cancel my dinner plans. He convinced me to keep them, and when I arrived at the restaurant and walked around the corner, I saw him there waiting for me! At first, I thought it was a birthday surprise, and looked past him to see who else was there. That’s when he walked towards me, got down on one knee, and said that he thought our spot was a perfect place to ask me to be his wife. The whole restaurant started cheering!!! The funny part is, it was so dark in the restaurant and I was so shocked that I didn’t even NOTICE the ring until we sat down at our table! After staring into the sparkle for about an hour and sipping some seriously delicious champagne, Mike announced that he had another surprise for me…across the restaurant, our parents, my sister and bestie/co-conspirator were waiting to celebrate with us! It was magical, romantic, perfect, and so worth the wait.

Mike proposed on Friday night, and on Sunday morning we jetted off to the Dominican Republic for a romantic getaway, which was awesome because it gave us a few days alone to let the excitement sink in, and to talk about what we wanted. We both grew up on the South Shore of Massachusetts, and saw ourselves getting married outside, somewhere overlooking the water. When I stepped onto the lawn at Wequassett, I got tears in my eyes. I could see us getting married there – it was perfect!

Our first priority was securing the Lisa Love Experience as our band. Mike and I love live music, and had seen LLE perform at a wedding shortly after we started dating, and Mike told them that night that they would play at our wedding and put their business card in his wallet. Four years later, Mike still had their business card in his wallet and made good on that promise! We called immediately to make sure they were available for our chosen date. It was super important to us that the dance floor be packed at all times, and we got our wish!

Once that was done, it was all about setting the tone. Encouraging our guests to dress in black-tie turned out to be totally worth it; everyone looked amazing, and it truly gave the setting an even more special feel. Mike and my friends tease me that I “love Love”, which is so true, and I had a vision for the wedding to be super romantic; that to me means lots of beautiful flowers! I found the bridesmaids’ gowns first, and they were exactly what I wanted. I love the palette of pinks (we both mentioned my love of pink in our vows!), and the colors were perfect for a late-spring wedding. My mom and her cousin David, who is an event planner for Harvard University, helped make our dream come alive with many trips to the Boston Flower Exchange to find the perfect shades of peonies, roses and hydrangeas. Meanwhile, my mom and I made very good friends with the ladies at our local Pottery Barn, who tracked down hundreds of mercury glass votives to create a beautiful candlelit glow in the ballroom.

I love a good blog, and got a lot of great inspiration by following my favorite bloggers and local event planners on Instagram. Mike and I have very bold personalities and a lot of energy, and it was important to me that the colors and vibe of the wedding captured that. The table arrangements used bright shades of pink and orange, which looked amazing in the candle light, and were built loosely to spill out of the vases and give an organic, kind of bohemian look.

I really loved the concept of bringing the bright colors and floral theme into our invitation suite, and I wanted a custom look. Working with Cara from Modern Vintage in Sandwich was an awesome experience. We were inspired by having the ceremony on Pleasant Bay, and thought using hand-painted watercolor for the invitation suite was a great way to tie everything together and set the tone for the weekend. I am completely obsessed with how the entire suite came out, from the invitation to the hand-drawn map on the back of the amenities card, to the custom menu!

My favorite thing about our wedding was all the special little personal touches. We purchased the sweetheart table at an antique store in my hometown, so that we can have it in our house, which is really neat, and I love that this was Mike’s idea. My bouquet was tied together with a swatch of lace from my grandmother’s wedding gown, which was a wonderful way for me to have her spirit with me. Inviting friends to read hand selected poems and prayers, and serenade the audience with one of our favorite songs, was extra special and definitely lent a personal touch to the ceremony. Of course, the best part by far was writing our own vows! It was super intimate and romantic; just what we were hoping for.

Photography: Kelly Dillon Photography | Floral Design: Bride's Mother | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Bride's Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Allure Bridal | Hair: Salon Tres Chic Hair Salon | Band: Lisa Love Experience | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club | Rentals: Sandwich Antiques

BONUS: MORE WATERCOLOR WEDDING DETAILS

Watercolor Wedding Details
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Watercolor Wedding Details
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The Ultimate Anniversary Gift? Why a Puppy of Course!

Alright newlyweds it’s time to take note, because the paper anniversary just got a lot more memorable. Just ask Philip and Shelby who celebrated their first year of wedded bliss with a golden surprise – a golden-doodle to be specific. It’s beyond adorable and thankfully Brittany Brock Photography has captured it all for us to ooh-and-awe over in The Vault!

From Brittany Brock PhotographyPhilip and Shelby were married last year in Nashville, TN. Because where else do you get hitched when you were the reigning Miss Tennessee 2013! There plans to celebrate their anniversary were originally just to lounge around with friends and family, but when the family arrived, including me, we met precious golden-doodle Amelia who had just joined the family that morning! Philip had picked her up in Atlanta that morning and everyone immediately agreed she was the perfect pup and as such we should throw together and impromptu picnic/photo session to celebrate. This shoot reminded my that not everything has to be a “styled” shoot that’s thought out to perfection. Sometimes the best memories are made, and captured, when you run to Trader Joe’s to buy flowers and make your own floral dog collar while your family laughs as you stab yourself with floral wire! Anniversary’s Matter! So whether you DIY a picnic or just capture the day with your iPhone make it a point to have something documented you can look back on!

Photography: Brittany Brock Photography | Floral Design: Trader Joe's | Goldendoodle Puppy: Heaven on Earth Goldendoodles | Location: At Home | Picnic Basket: Target | Shelby's Dress: Boston Proper

These Pineapple Sprinkles are the Cutest Thing to Ever Happen to Dessert

As if watermelon sprinkles weren’t cute enough, we’re adding another tropical fruit to the DIY sprinkle family. Meet the cutest ever pineapple dessert toppings. They’re DIY and as easy as they come in terms of home-baked treats. Completely dazzle the socks off your guests with these cute fruit toppings plus check out more ways to gussy up your standard sprinkles here.

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Plus… These Pair Well with Fruity Sprinkles

SMP' Ice Cream
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SMP' Ice Cream
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Saturday Morning Movie: Intimate Texas Garden Wedding

Rain couldn’t keep the bliss away from these two beautiful brides. Smiles never ceased even as umbrellas popped open. Surrounded by loved ones, these ladies said “I do” in a small, intimate garden and celebrated all night away with food, wine and lots and lots of glowing candles. I had happy chills and a warm heart watching this clip from Nathan Willis Wedding Films and I’m pretty sure you will do. Happy Saturday all :)

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From Nathan Willis Wedding Films… Lauren and Raley were one of the sweetest couples we have ever worked with. They met in college and have been together for ten years! They were so happy on their wedding day, and they didn’t even mind a little rain, even with an outdoor ceremony. Lauren said the rain made her feel like she was in “Pride and Prejudice.” It was a small, intimate garden ceremony, followed by a beautiful candlelit dinner, where their family toasted them, and everyone laughed and cried. We couldn’t have been more honored to be there to capture all the love and laughter.

Photography: Benjamin Combs | Cinematography: Nathan Willis Wedding Films | Event Planning: Liz Dejean | Floral Design: Rick Durio, Denise Durio Carroll, And Liz Dejean For Jim Durio Florist | Ceremony Venue: The Rose Chapel | Reception Venue: Lonesome Dove | Hair + Makeup: Samantha Landis | Ceremony Music: European Ensemble Strings

Vote Hot Grooms + Nominate Your Man!

Can we ask a little favor? We’re devoting the month of August to finding the HOTTEST groom ever…and we need your help. The task – pour yourself a glass of bubbly, head over to our Facebook polls, and vote on the top eight grooms that catch your eye. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it, right? (Bonus – nominate your own guy with #SMPHotGrooms)

CAST YOUR VOTE!

P.S. Nominate Your Man!

Have a hot groom in your life? Of course you do! Enter him for our special Reader Nominated Hot Groom Awards on Instagram using #SMPHotGrooms Each week we’ll choose a winner with the most “likes” to be featured on our feed!

ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…  

Skillshare
Animoto
Havenly
The Registry at Bloomingdale’s 
the vondys.

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 Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design and giveaway from OLLI STUDIO!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
The Ultimate Olympic Opening Ceremonies Drinking Game

Tonight kicks off the beginning of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. And in preparation for the momentous occasion, and with the help of our friends at Buzzfeed, we created the Ultimate Olympic Opening Ceremonies Drinking Game. So, pour yourself a cocktail (you’ll probably need several) and get ready for a night of heroic drinking. Cue the USA chants!

Take One Sip

  • Every time they introduce a new country
  • Any time they show archive footage from past Olympics
  • Any time you see one of the mascots for the games
  • Any time someone mentions the Russian doping scandal
  • Any time you see a ridiculous uniform that no one would ever actually wear

Take a Big Gulp

  • Any time they introduce a new country that you didn’t know existed
  • Any time they show someone from the US Gymnastics team
  • Any time they cut to a commercial break
  • Any time you see a commercial for more Olympics coverage during a commercial break
  • Any time the hosts mention a sport you haven’t heard of before

Take a Shot

  • Any time they show Ryan Lochte on screen
  • Any time someone mentions the Zika virus
  • Any time they show Michael Phelps on screen
  • Any time the US Gymnastics team is referred to as the Fierce Five (or another name along those lines)

Waterfall

  • Any time they play the Olympics theme song
  • Any time the entire Team USA is on screen
  • Any time fireworks are on screen
  • Any time Brazilian politics are discussed

Finish Your Drink

  • Any time you find yourself wondering, “WTF?”
  • When they finally light the Olympic cauldron
  • When Team USA enters the stadium
  • When the Opening Ceremonies are finally over
One Amazing City Wedding With 10 Flower Girls + Ring Bearers!

Pulling off a stunning city chic wedding day is no small feat. But pulling off that vision with an entire crew of nieces and nephews included in the bridal party? Total rock star status, as far as we’re concerned. Major kudos to A Charming FeteLauren GabrielleLuna Bakery & CafeNevaeh Films and all the vendors behind this incredible day. More right here!

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From A Charming Fête… It was truly and honor and joy to plan Sarah and Brian’s modern ethereal pastel-infused wedding set in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Both families are truly exceptional and everyone involved recognized the authentic heartfelt sentiment of their wedding day.

The beautiful bride wore a breathtaking Inbal Dror gown and carried a lush bouquet of spring blooms ranunculus, garden roses and peonies. The bounty of small children in the wedding party (10 nieces and nephews) stole the show, with flower girls dressed in flowing blush gowns and delicate flower crowns.

The couples pup Pomeranian, Boss was also a significant fixture throughout their day. The bridesmaids wore flowing PPS Couture watercolor floral gowns in a combination of different styles and colors to play perfectly with the custom designed stationary suite. T

he formal reception was held in a modern ballroom with a white dance floor, crisp clean tablescapes peppered with pastel blooms and bathed in soft candlelight. The elegant place settings were set with luxe linen powder blue linen napkins from La Tavola, all tied perfectly with plant dyed silk ribbon. The 5-tier pale blue buttercream cake displayed atop a lush petal apricot linen was served with a bounty of petite pastel desserts providing a perfectly sweet ending.

Photography: Lauren Gabrielle Photography | Cinematography: Nevaeh Films | Event Planning + Design: A Charming Fete | Floral Design: Blooms by Plantscaping | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Cake: Wild Flour Bakery | Invitations: Rose Gold Studio | Ceremony Venue: St Johns Cathedral | Reception Venue: The Westin Cleveland Downtown | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Plum Pretty Sugar | Hair + Makeup: Beauty Therapy | Calligraphy: Butler's Pantry Calligraphy | Chairs: Be Seated | China, Linen Rentals, Glassware + Dance Floor: Event Source | Desserts: Luna Bakery & Cafe | Dress Alterations: Mirandas Vintage Bridal | Linen Rentals + Napkins: BBJ La Tavola | Menus + Table Numbers: Minted | Sugar Cookies + Cake Pops: Tiffany Dziak

70 Vintage Baby Names that Stand the Test of Time

Everything old is new again, at least when it comes to naming your little bundle of joy. Though the past decade has seen trendy choices triumph, vintage classics are staging a comeback with names so cute you’ll be wondering why they ever went away in the first place!

Vintage-Inspired Baby Names
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Vintage-Inspired Baby Names
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More Adorable Baby Names

100 Most Popular Names Ever | The Prettiest Unique Names | The Best Names for Twins

Skip the Beach Traffic and See This Seaside Inspo Instead

When someone asks what you’re doing this weekend here’s how you respond: “Spending the next 48 hours getting lost in this gallery“. Because in my mind, that’s a conservative amount of time to fully appreciate an inspo filled with Distressed|Rentals & Revival, the sheer beauty created by Katalina Mitchel of FiftyTwo45 and given that Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography is behind the lens, you’ll want to dwell in said pretty pronto. So, join me as we get lost together in The Vault!

From Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography….For this photoshoot, we knew we wanted to find a peaceful, undeveloped beach on the Gulf Coast. We were excited to find a stretch of beach in a small town on the coast of Mississippi, about an hour from New Orleans, untouched by tourism. The goal was to keep everything natural and organic, and blending in with the surroundings. We were able to do that by carrying the yellow/cream tones of the sand and rocks, and the blue-grays of the water, throughout the tabletop, candles, flowers, and gowns. We intended everything to be simple and attainable, nothing over-the-top or over-styled, and working with, not against, what was already there.

Photography: Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography | Event Planning + Design: Satchel Planning & Design | Floral Design: Leaf + Petal Nola | Invitations: Allison Vaz Designs | Hair + Makeup: Fiftytwo 45 | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Location: Biloxi Visitors Center | Rentals: Distressed|Rentals & Revival | Silk: Silk and Willow | Specialty Rentals: Lovegood Wedding & Event Rentals | Wedding Dresses + Veil: Gossamer

Party Like You’re On Vacay with this Mexican Inspired Fiesta

This taco tuesday themed party thrown by Archive Rentals will have you feeling like you’re sipping a marg on the shores of Tulum. Key ingredients include blooming bougainvillea, colors that aren’t afraid to be bold and a killer menu filled with (you guessed it) seasonal margaritas and tacos. Get inspired to throw the summer fiesta of your vacation loving dreams with even more from Stewart Uy right here.

Backed by the Hollywood Hills, Archive’s first ever Cocktail Conference made its debut. Designers, photographers, and floral guru’s alike gathered together for a Taco Tuesday inspired fiesta.

This summer party was a chance for industry professionals to get together and swap secrets (the cocktails helped with this!) Cocktail Academy mixed up seasonal fruit margaritas that paired perfectly with El Chavo’s authentic street Tacos.

Inessa Nichols and her team blew us away with her vibrant summer florals, which set a perfect mexi-tropical vibe. Spirits were lively as guests ate gourmet churros while playing life-sized Jenga and Corn Hole.

Dancing was a must! Spinning a mix of mariachi with classic vinyl, The Flash Dance made it impossible not to move to his funky groves. Ten o’clock came too early and guests were chanting for “one more song.” In harmony with this event’s impeccable style, photographers Stewart Uy & Connie Chang captured it all in the best of ways.

Archive’s authentic yet modern furniture set the perfect ambiance for this festive night out. Rose gold flatware and chairs set a romantic tone across the space while colorful pops from authentic Mexican pillows completed the palette.

The unique assortment of lounge furniture + an eclectic array of accessories accented the venue’s vibrant colored walls. If it weren’t for the Hollywood hills backdrop, one would think this party was set in Tulum.

 

Photographer: Stewart Uy Photography | Florist: Inessa Nichols | Food : El Chavo | DJ: THE FLASHDANCE | Bartender: Cocktail Academy | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Restaurant : El Chavo

An Intimate Backyard Wedding Filled with Lavender

If you’re in the boat of believers that lavender filled celebrations are exclusive to France, then we invite you to peek at this gallery from Caroline Frost Photography. Because lucky for those of us that are stateside it’s a celebration that proves this flowering plant is all inclusive and perfect for any celebration. Complete with a crazy cool funfetti cake and handfuls of fragrant purple pretties, it’s a day dreamed up with the incomparable Kari Rider Events and we’ve got the entire day waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Kari Rider EventsVilla B is nothing if not a gathering place. The waterfront escape near St. Michaels, Maryland, has welcomed countless guests in the 15-plus years since Rich and Sandy purchased the scenic retreat. For their daughter Dana, Villa B is an anchor, a constant source of treasured memories with the people she holds most dear. Never was the family property more special, though, than when she began sharing it with Colin Watson. A visit to Villa B was one of the first trips Dana and Colin took together as a couple, the beginning of a love story destined to come full circle.

An invigorating mix of nostalgia and possibility filled the June air when Colin and Dana said “I Do” overlooking Villa B’s scenic shoreline. An elegant, Tuscan-inspired celebration followed—a dream of soft lavenders and cool grays swirled with white-washed farm tables and natural wood accents, all beneath a sweeping sailcloth tent. “An intimate backyard wedding, only bigger,” as Dana put it. And another cherished memory to add to the Villa B file.

Photography: Caroline Frost Photography | Event Planning + Design: Kari Rider Events | Wedding Dress: Temperley London | Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar | Invitations: Rifle Paper Co. | Catering: Gourmet By The Bay | Hair + Makeup: Alison Harper and Company | Band: Project Orange | Transportation: Towne Transport | Venue: Villa Brusca | Beverage Services: Hair O' The Dog | Floral Design + Rentals: Amaryllis | Rentals: DC Rental | Tent Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents And Events