This inspiration session from Stephanie Ponce Photography is the very definition of pretty. The Claire Pettibone x Trumpet & Horn engagement ring. TheYolan Cris lace wedding dress. The gilded invitations from Seniman Calligraphy. The florals from Carla Kayes Floral Design. And all the pretty details from Just Wenderful. In short, we’re in love, and after one glance in The Vault, you will be, too.

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From Stephanie Ponce Photography…The long drive into Rancho Valencia Resort is lined with lush, green vegetation. This theme is present throughout all forty-five secluded acres, covering the grounds with bougainvillea’s, oversized succulents, palm, olive and citrus trees, and Mediterranean architecture. The resort boasts forty-nine luxurious guest casitas, and a honeymoon suite, that is pretty much to die for. This year it was named one of the finest Five-Star hotels in the world by “Forbes Travel Guide” after the completion of a $30 million dollar renovation.

Couples can choose the hold a smaller intimate ceremony on the Sunrise Terrace, or have a larger, grand wedding on the lush croquet lawn. The Sunrise Terrace is framed with a beautiful pergola supported by terra cotta pillars. It also has a wonderful lounge area surrounded by a cozy fireplace and Spanish blue tiles. The croquet lawn is extensively lined with bougainvillea’s and olive trees that make for the most stunning backdrop! The Terrace Ballroom is where many couples opt to hold their reception. One side is lined with french doors that lead to a patio, and provide gorgeous natural light. On the other side the ballroom are creamy, white pillars, each wrapped in white leather, hammered with metal grommets in creating a stunning visual pattern.

For this wedding inspiration we chose to have a Spanish feel with a color palette of blush pink, light blue and gold. Blush is so popular lately but you don’t see it with blue often so I really wanted to pair those two and be unique. I wanted an elegant feel and I think with the details we put together that we nailed it. The whole gallery has such timeless and elegant feel that was only made possible by the amazing teams of vendors.

Photography: Stephanie Ponce Photography | Event Planning: Just Wenderful | Floral Design: Carla Kayes Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Yolan Cris | Cake: Laura Marie's | Invitations: Seniman Calligraphy | Bride's Shoes: Oscar De La Renta | Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Hair + Makeup: Beauty By Stacey | Groom's Attire: Friar Tux | Venue: Rancho Valencia | Bridal Boutique: Elle Bridal Boutique | Hanger: BHLDN | Jewelry + Hair Accessories: Lindsay Marie Design | Modeling Agency: Delaney Sager | Models: Delaney Sager | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Ring Designer: Trumpet & Horn | Veil: Olivia

In a perfect world, we’d register for everything under the sun and it would all be topnotch, the best of the best. But let’s get real here people, that’s not feasible or fair. So how to choose which kitchen appliances to go big with, and which ones to keep a bit more reasonable? We rounded up registry essentials, sharing both sides of the spectrum, so you can choose the one that best fits your future!

Registry Save vs. Splurge

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Registry Save vs. Splurge

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The Smart Bride + Groom’s Guide to Wedding Registries

SMP’s Wedding Registry ABCs | Unique Wedding Registry Ideas | 10 Must-Have Registry Items

Every time we come across a couple and their mountaintop romance we are in complete at total awe. For not only does it mean that we’re in for some of the most stunning sweeping views, but the love? Simply breathtaking. Take this sweet engagement session in an unlikely setting captured by Thecablookfotolab, for it’s a love story that literally scales new heights. Get inspired and see it all in The Vault!

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From Thecablookfotolab…I love shooting in new places, in unusual places, sometimes (like this time) in rather dangerous places with breathtaking views.

While shooting this Montenegro engagement session in Lovcen Park I was almost flying between one piece of rock to another trying to keep the balance with 2 cameras on me. It was hard and a bit scary but beautiful and unforgettable. I think that a photographer can forget about everything on earth when he has 2 most important things in front of him: beautiful view and a couple that is madly in love.

From the Bride-to-be…Shooting a love story took place in Lovcen National Park, right in the mountains with breathtaking landscapes. However, the price for such views was the need to balance on sharp rocks, lips were trembling from the cold periodically. But it was so stunningly beautiful all around us, we breathed incredibly clean fresh mountain air, and thanks to the easy communication with the photographer we were able to relax. As a result, we got really stunning snapshots!

Photography: Thecablookfotolab | Film Processing: Carmencita Film Lab | Location: Lovcen

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Tips to Look Your Best at Your Engagement Session

Their wedding vision was simple: bright color palette, vintage vibe, and a zillion fun activities for their guests. With the help of Ooh! Events they threw wedding stuffiness right out the window and included stations like a pie bar a la Delicious Desserts, a video confessional booth, a cotton candy stand, and of course, one epic dance party. See if all from Keen And Kind captures in The Vault!

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From Ooh! Events…Karley and Henry dated for a 6 years before they decided to tie the knot in Charleston, South Carolina. This couple’s laid back vision included a bright color palette, a vintage vibe and too many fun activities for their guests. After Karley and Henry entered into their first dance in the same way your favorite characters from “The Office” marched down the aisle at Jim and Pam’s wedding, they opened up a video confessional booth and a pie bar for guests to enjoy. Every detail was perfect, including the patch of sun that only highlighted their vows shading all the other guests in the avenue of oaks. And the surprise that her sister and niece showed up from Germany when they didn’t think they could make it – simply perfection!

This was the perfect April 29 wedding!

Photography: Keen And Kind | Event Planning + Design: Ooh! EventHaus | Floral Design: Ooh! EventHaus | Cake: Delicious Desserts | Makeup: Ooh! EventHaus | Hair: Allure Salon | DJ: Bunn DJ Company | Venue: Legare Waring House | Beverage Services: Squeeze OnSite | Cotton Candy: Pure Fluff Co | Desserts: Delicious Desserts | Rentals: Ooh! EventHaus

Do you dream of huge soaking tubs under sparkling chandeliers and a fireplace to keep things toasty? Even if your reality is a little less luxurious, it doesn’t mean you can’t infuse a little spa-like ambiance to your bath situation. Check out 12 ways of doing just that and you’ll be one step closer to the bath of your dreams. And for even more bath inspiration, click here!

Luxe Spa-Like Upgrades for Your Bathroom

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Luxe Spa-Like Upgrades for Your Bathroom

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Is it too much to call these two our heroes? Maybe. But any couple that includes a stop at Shake Shack in their engagement session is worthy of all the heart eye emojis in the world. Tommy and Amber planned an entire evening in Chicago with Shannon Duggan along to capture their city adventures, including sweeping skylines, romantic strolls, and delicious burgers – of course.

From Shannon Duggan Photography…Amber and Tommy moved to Chicago immediately following college graduation. Wanting to make the life that most young couples dream of. They chose this gorgeous city after living in Chicago one summer during college, sharing a shoe box sized apartment, and falling even more in love with the city, and of course, each other.

The night of Tommy’s proposal Amber was completely clueless. These two are major foodies, so naturally Amber made a dinner reservation during Chicago’s restaurant week.

“We got all cute and took the train downtown and had the best jerk chicken of our lives. And after he suggested that we go for a walk on the river walk and look at all the ice and snow on the river (I love walking after a big meal) and as we walked he stopped me and said “I didn’t bring you here just for a walk and I didn’t bring them here for that either” and when I looked over I saw my family and his a few of our close friends (in person and on FaceTime!) and began crying uncontrollably as he said the most amazing things and asked me to be his wife.”

I wanted to capture the adventure these two have shared in this incredible city, and I truly feel this engagement session does exactly that. We ran around the city all evening, from Three Arts Cafe in the gorgeous Restoration Hardware, to Shake Shack, and of course the incredible North Avenue Beach. Chicago is truly a city I can’t get enough of, and I loved photographing the love and adventure these two have shared in it.

Photography: Shannon Duggan Photography | Location: Shake Shack | Location: Restoration Hardware

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P.S. Unique Locations for Your Engagement Session

Engagement Session Ideas

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Engagement Session Ideas

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I’m a sentimental person and that affection extended into my own wedding. I strived to create unique keepsakes from my big day that I’ll continue to treasure for years to come and I love whenever SMP discovers new ideas – and we got a whole bunch of them for you ladies today! The Garter Girl is here to share her favorite ways to keep those memories alive; which ones do you plan on recreating?!

BOUQUET WRAP

You have your mother’s (or grandmother’s) wedding dress, but you don’t want to wear it for your wedding. There are many unique ways to use this family heirloom at your wedding, such as turning the sleeve into a cover for your bouquet stems. Try cutting off the sleeve of the dress and using it as a wrap for your bridal bouquet. Many vintage wedding dresses actually had sleeves that were decorative with lace, beads and other trims. As a bouquet wraps, you’ll be able to carry a beautiful family heirloom with you on your wedding.

RECREATING PHOTOS

There is no wedding heirloom sweeter than a family photo. But instead of the traditional family group picture of everyone all lined up, what about recreating a photograph from your parent’s or grandparent’s wedding album? Is there a iconic photo of your parents on their wedding day? Try using the same pose or the same expression on your wedding day. You can contribute to a family memory and create a new tradition by recreating a wedding photograph and then putting it in a frame along with the old family photograph.

GARTER

Once a scary thing that sent every unmarried wedding guest running for the bar or to hide in the restroom, the wedding garter is having a come back in a major way. But these bridal garters aren’t for tossing. Today’s wedding garters are pretty and elegant, designed to be modern heirlooms for saving as something special from a wedding day. Even better, the new wedding garter designs are meant to be passed onto future generations to come in your family.

GUEST BOOK

Guest books of the past were just that, books that wedding guests signed upon entering the wedding. But who wants a book full of signatures? Modern guest books are creative and thoughtful. Today’s wedding guest books have taken a turn for the practical, into something that brides and grooms would actually use and enjoy well after the wedding is over. Think thumbprints on a canvas, a signed piece of furniture (or a canoe!), a jar filled with well wishes, or marriage advice to be opened up on anniversaries.

FAMILY FIRST LOOKS

Sure, we’ve all heard of the first look where your photographer captures your expressions before you walk down the aisle to the ceremony. But what about a wedding day family first look! Your parents and siblings will be just as excited and full of emotion to see you on your wedding. After the first look with your fiance, ask your photographer about a first look for your family too. A family first look can create into those priceless wedding heirlooms you’ll cherish forever.

LIVE PAINTINGS

As your wedding ceremony unfolds or maybe during the cocktail hour of your wedding receptions, couples are opting for a live painter to come to their wedding to hand paint the event as it takes place. Not only is this an interactive and fun thing for your wedding guests, but the end result is a beautiful and very meaningful piece of artwork. This live painting is a unique wedding heirloom that you’ll be able to hang in your home forever.

VOW BOOKS

Writing your own wedding vows is coming back in wedding ceremony vogue. More and more couples are investing wedding planning attention into every little thought and detail of how their wedding ceremony will unfold right down to the music, the guest seating and taking the time to write their own wedding vows. A hand calligraphed hardcover wedding vow book is a beautiful way to preserve your vows so that you can and look back and reread your vows and so can your children.

Not Your Average Bridal Accessories

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Not Your Average Bridal Accessories

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ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…  

Plum Pretty Sugar
Skillshare
Framebridge
Animoto
Revelry 
Barn & Willow
Havenly

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!

Style Advice: The Garter Girl

There’s nothing like kicking off the weekend with a bang, and these bright, coral peonies have certainly done the trick. But they’re only the beginning of a stunning waterside affair, with so many heirloom moments woven in along the way. Kristin La Voie captured every bit waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Kristin La Voie Photography…Our sweet couple Kensington and Michael have known each other forever (since Kensington was 15!) and they shared a very intimate wedding with their closest family and friends (about 25 in attendance) at the Lodge at Pebble Beach, followed by an intimate dinner in a library room at the Inn at Spanish Bay. Tons of family heirlooms were incorporated into the wedding, including a 1913 pin passed down for generations that women in Kensington’s family wore on their wedding day (which can be seen pinned onto her dress), table runners made by her Great Great Grandmother, her Grandparent’s cake topper, her Great Great Grandmother’s ring pillow, and more, which start back in the 1800s!

The entire day was absolutely breathtaking from beginning to end. Their ceremony took place on the green at the Lodge overlooking the most beautiful blue water and the famous Pebble beach golf course. It was like a dream! Their cocktail hour continued over at the Inn at Spanish Bay with it’s picturesque rolling hills (with it’s own bagpiper!) and crashing waves. All of their guests sat at one long table for dinner, inside a library private room. The bride and her friends even surprised their guests (and groom!) with an ode to Beetlejuice with the “Day-o” song and dance!

Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography | Floral Design: Fleurish Floral Designs | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Ceremony Venue: Pebble Beach Resorts | Reception Venue: Pebble Beach Resorts | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Naming a human is a hard job. Some couples look to their families for inspiration in selecting a first name or middle name for symbolic meaning. But for some, Grandpa Ernie or Aunt Ursula might not be fitting for your wee one. Where else to go for inspiration? We’ve covered gorgeous celeb-inspired names—and today we’re looking to these stunning supermodels, whose names are equally as lovely.

24 Baby Names Inspired by Supermodels

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24 Baby Names Inspired by Supermodels

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Try these DIY Paper Flowers for a Baby Shower!

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San Francisco is arguably one of the most iconic cities in the world — the Golden Gate Bridge, the Victorian architecture, the rolling hills, and, of course, the cable cars. And at their glamorous wedding, Kristen and Steve made the ultimate grand entrance, arriving to their reception in a charming San Francisco cable car. See every pretty moment, thanks to Jasmine Lee Photography, in The Vault!

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From Jasmine Lee Photography…Kristen and Steve were married at the beautiful James Leary Flood Mansion in San Francisco. Many of their closes family and friends joined together to celebrate their nuptials.

Their wedding was inspired by blush, champagne, and cream colors. Kristen’s bridesmaids all wore long sequin dresses paired with white bouquets. Their reception was elegantly set by McCall’s SF using clear chargers with gold rims, gold glitter-dipped escort cards, and votive candles.

Kristen, Steve, and their entire bridal party arrived “San Francisco style” to their venue by riding on a cable car. Their ceremony was heartfelt and emotional. Tears were shed during their personal vows as they were almost written identical to each other. Guests were captivated by how perfect Kristen and Steve were made for each other. It was the perfect day celebrating Kristen and Steve’s marriage!

Photography: Jasmine Lee Photography | Cinematography: Expectation and Hope | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Invitations: Gartner Studios | Bride's Shoes: Designer Shoe Warehouse | Jewelry: Vintage Heirloom | Hair + Makeup: Arrow Salon | DJ: Everything Audio Visual | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: James Leary Flood Mansion | Cake + Catering: McCalls Catering & Events | Coordination, Floral Design + Styling: McCalls Catering & Events | Hair Accessories: DIY Handmade Veil

Ashton and Mila just can’t stop surprising us! The long-time That ’70s Show co-stars first made our fan-girl dreams come true when they brought their on-screen romance to life in 2012, got engaged (with a 5 carat ring, no less) in 2014 and threw the surprise wedding of the century in 2015. Now with baby #2 on the way, mama-to-be Mila made us all gasp one more time when she revealed on Conan that her and husband Ashton Kutchers’ wedding bands were a major bargain.

“So my husband and I got married, and he got me a beautiful engagement ring,” the Bad Moms star told host Conan O’Brien. “But for our wedding bands, for when we got married, I decided to just get them off of Etsy. And so our wedding bands are from Etsy.”

On the search for “the thinnest possible platinum band” Kunis found her perfect match on Etsy for just $90 and couldn’t pass up the deal. The actress, 32, revealed her hub’s band was a wee bit more pricey, costing $100.

Either way, we’re totally digging Kunis and Kutchers’ frugal finds. Would you shop for your wedding band on Etsy? Tell us in the comments below! [dotted]

Bonus: Matching Ring Sets that Make A Perfect Marriage

Matching Ring Sets

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Matching Ring Sets

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Guys, I love ALL weddings… I really, truly do.  But, if I am being honest, it’s those seaside nuptials in paradise that really get my heart pumping. I’m talking miles of sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and, of course, a beautiful locale like the Sanderling Resort making every moment happen perfectly.  I mean, a vaca of a lifetime meets the ultimate wedding? Yes. Please.

Located in the oh-so-stunning Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Sanderling Resort is everything you’ve ever wanted (and more) for your Big Day. Think space for 15-180 guests, luxe accommodations and mesmerizing sunset views to add a little touch of romance to your festivities. From their ah-mazing venue options to their knowledgeable staff to their relaxing spa, the team at Sanderling Resort will turn your dreams into an absolute reality.  We promise you that.

Contact the Sanderling Resort TODAY to speak to one of their full-service event planners and begin planning your destination celebration.  We can’t wait to see you say “I do” in the Outer Banks, lovelies.

Girl walks into a local bar. Girl locks eyes with boy, who happens to be the DJ. Boy has an instant feeling she’s something really special. And the rest, as they say, is history. Read on for the full love story plus beautiful engagement photos from the lens of Meredith Sledge.

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From The Bride… Jasen and I met three and a half years ago. He was DJ’ing at a local bar and he said as soon as he saw me, he had a feeling. We ran into each other again two weeks later and he asked for my number. I didn’t think this popular Richmond DJ would ask for my number! We went out the following week and the rest, they say, is history.

To be completely honest, it hasn’t been an easy road (are relationships ever easy!?). Jasen was different than any guy I had ever dated, the biggest thing being the age difference of 13 years. Because of this, we had a rocky first year. I made the choice to fight for our relationship because I felt something in my heart that I never had before. Jasen accepted me for who I was. I rarely felt like I could be my true self in a relationship and, not only did he allow me to be open and honest, he brought out the best in me. He continued to do this through the hard times.

We laugh together. Every. Day. His energy lights up a room. We love to spend time with family and friends. Spring and fall weekends are filled with adventuring throughout Virginia. We lead a busy life (he’s a real estate agent/DJ on the weekends and I am a 5th grade teacher), but we always make time to check out the latest movie, blast music in our house and make a terrible attempt to sing like Adele, and be adventurous in our kitchen.

I am absolutely one of the girls that has been thinking about their wedding since they were 12. I am addicted to Pinterest and already have a “vision board” for my wedding! I want to describe my wedding as elegant, romantic, fun, and cozy and I can’t wait to get married this winter!

Photography: Meredith Sledge | Location: Main Street Station

If you’re the kind of bride who dreams of lush, organic florals, or of an utterly romantic gown to take your groom’s breath away…this wedding is for you. Set it Kyle, Texas, it’s an outdoor affair designed by Westcott Weddings and captured by Michelle Boyd behind the camera. Alex Widmer crafted the film and you can press “play” below!

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From Michelle Boyd Photography…Even though Meredith & Gregg’s wedding day was threatened by April showers, the clouds held back until the covered reception began, and their smiles never stopped from dawn until rainy dusk!! They are a couple so intent on loving and honoring each other well, and serving their families with such humility, that their wedding was an absolute joy to be a part of. Westcott Weddings designed and planned everything to a T, and it couldn’t have fallen together more perfectly!

Photography: Michelle Boyd Photography | Cinematography: Alex Widmer | Event Planning + Design: Westcott Weddings | Floral Design: Clementine Botanical Art | Cake: Feathers and Frosting | Invitations: J.RoCro Arts + Letters | Catering: The Winfield Inn | Makeup: Rae Cosmetics | Hair: Simply Mandy | Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Ceremony Music: Bride's Brother & Friends | Transportation: R&R Transportation | Venue: The Winfield Inn | Accent Furniture Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Cake Stands: Melody's Joy | Cigar Roller: Bobalu | Cocktail Hour Mariachi Band: Mariachi Amor | Linen Rentals, Stage, Draping Rentals: Marquee Event Group | Napkins: BBJ La Tavola | Reception Chairs: Sweet Sunday Events

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Royal Dukes Band

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Everything that Laura Gordon Photography touches turns to gold. Want proof? Just peek this gallery and you’ll have all the evidence you need. Because this ballroom fete is fit for royalty. With captivating captures like this, this, AND this, we think you’ll be hard pressed to pick just one as a forever favorite. Fall in love with it all in The Vault!

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From The Bride…I have always had a deep appreciation for classic & traditional things. I also love anything that feels fancy & elegant. From the moment I started planning our wedding, I knew I wanted our guests to feel three things: Elegance, Tradition, & Appreciation. I was very lucky to have an incredible team of vendors that helped to bring my dream together. As a wedding photographer, I knew my biggest decision would be my photographer. I chose someone that I felt was extremely capable of seeing my wedding day the way I had envisioned it. I always knew I wanted to be married somewhere that embodied elegance & tradition, which is why I chose the historic Jefferson Hotel as my wedding venue. My stationery designer worked with me to set the tone of my day with the perfect invitation suite. That helped to set the bar of elegance that we would carry throughout the wedding.

From the tradition aspect, I knew I wanted to get married in a Church since both my parents and my husband’s parents were married in a church. That was important to me because I wanted my future children to have the opportunity to also see a church in our wedding pictures.

Something that made our wedding day unique was the amount of time we spent planning to make sure our guests really enjoyed the wedding and felt appreciated. Making sure everyone would really have a great time at our wedding was one of the things we thought about most. From the food we chose, to the bar, & the band. Even from a scheduling stand point we thought about what our guests would want. My husband and I are very people & family oriented and we are the happiest when those around us are happy. We knew we had to take that into consideration on our big day. We wanted everyone to feel appreciated and loved so that it was truly everyone’s big day.

Photography: Laura Gordon Photography | Cinematography: Shaking Hands Productions | Event Planning: Events By Elizabeth Palmer | Floral Design: Photosynthesis | Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau | Cake: The Jefferson Hotel | Invitations: Page Stationery | Ceremony Venue: Monumental Church | Reception Venue: The Jefferson Hotel | Hair + Makeup: Avenue 42 | Lighting: Blue Steel Lighting | Band: EastCoast Entertainment | Officiant: Two Become One Ministry | Ceremony Music: Appasionata | Bridal Boutique: Hitched Salon | Bride's Rings: Hamric & Sheridan | Ceremony Flower Wall: Sweet Pear Paper | Cocktail Hour Music: Frank Sings Frank | Groom's Ring: Cowardin's | Guest Book: Sue Corral Ink | Linen Rentals: Glamour Linens | Trolley: Rva Trolley

If there’s one flower that consistently steals our affection it’s the peony. And this stunning Italian celebration? Well it’s filled with them. Bursting with vibrant coral charm florals and one fabulous celebration, Kir & Ira Photography has captured every bit to share and we’ve got it all waiting for you to fall in love with in The Vault!

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From The Bride…I’ve been organizing events around the world for the past 15 years that’s why we decide to plan our wedding celebration ourselves. The expectations from our friends and family were high towards this one, which did not make planning any easier. We started looking on the Internet for ideas and places we liked. With guests coming from 21 countries, we wanted to rent a whole villa/house for a week, so all of our friends and family could stay near by to us. We also were looking for flexibility from the venue we were going to use, so we could decide our own suppliers, with not so many restrictions. Most important factors for us were great food and drink, good weather, nature and a peaceful unique place as we live in London, we wanted to get away from the crowd. We chose Italy, as it was easy to get to for us and our guests, offered great places to visit and it is a paradise for foodies.

We enjoyed doing site visits to Italy. We visited Tuscany twice to organize and see things, as we have organized our wedding ourselves. We chose the idea of travel and globe as a seating plan. We had an old map and we allocated guests per countries. We also really wanted to have two long banquet tables and it worked really well for our wedding. At our wedding we had many kids who were given kids packs full of games, stickers and toys to keep them entertained.

I liked the idea of braces and tie bows for page boys, and they were the stars of the day. We saw San Galgano Abbey and straight away decided that this is the place for us. On the evening of our first visit there, they had a opera concert, which we stayed and decided on that same evening that Opera during our ceremony would be a real wow factor as we enjoy it and our guests would have a different experience.

We had local honey as small presents to our guests. We found these little pots of honey in local shop and a supplier made special stickers for us (Tatyana and Lee, meant to bee) and we got lavender honey (bees been collecting piling from lavender flowers only). Peach and coral color scheme started from peonies, flowers which I have fallen for and which were used in wedding flowers as well.

Wedding took place end of April, and we decided it would be the best time as it was not to hot, not too busy with tourists and prices were lower compared to peak time. Only thing we had to consider was changing weather, therefore we have booked a big marquee and placed it just outside of the villa as we wanted most of the wedding to be outdoors, and we didn’t want to take a risk on the rain. We had booked two musicians, who stayed with us for from Friday until Monday playing piano, and guitars for us. On our wedding day we have put lots of effort to our entertainment program, which included traditional Russian games as well as some less traditional dance offs. We had also prepared a song list for our Italian DJ who successfully catered for each taste of music and got us all dancing to great hits like to Kalinka, Macarena and many Italian classics.

Best parts of the whole wedding planning experience was driving our classic car in the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, visiting places and trying food during our site visits and meeting with the Mayer of the town, two days before the wedding to sign pre marriage documents. We have met and made friends with great people including Jacopo, who is the owner of Villa di Corsano, so was there to give us great suggestions and local knowledge.

If you want to organize a wedding in Italy we would recommend to choose a place which is near places for sight seeing. We had Sienna only 15 minutes away, Florence 1 hour away plus many other great places. Make sure you use only recommended suppliers and it is not easy to book services in Italy, as people are very relaxed. We had very personal experience as our dear friend Carmen who is from Italy, was translating our ceremony into English. For Russian guests who did not speak English, we translated menus and order of service for them. We also had best mans and grooms speeches translated beforehand, to make it more personal on the wedding day.

As we had such a international wedding, we did our own website, where our guests could find travel info, tips and photos. It was the easiest way to communicate info and updates. In total we had just over 90 people and 60 of them stayed for the whole week. We made a holiday out of this and every evening we had BBQ and meals together, so we have an outstanding wedding party.

Photography: Kir & Ira Photography | Event Planning: Events by Taty | Floral Design: Fiori da Elena | Ceremony Venue: Abbazia Di San Galgano | Reception Venue: Villa di Corsano | Bride's Shoes: Atelier Fatima Alves | Rings: KultaNalle | Catering: Royal Catering | Hair + Makeup: Irina Kondratenko | Calligraphy: Kate Pshenichnaya | Film Processing: ImpressionFilmLab | Legal Papers: Italian Wedding Papers

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

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Sometimes creative combinations don’t always work out. Other times, they absolutely crush it. And this is one of those cases. Kelly Karli Weddings and Events took some Southern charm, added local Colorado rustic flair and threw in a dash of glamour for good measure. With Plum Sage Flowers’ bright blooms as a perfect finishing touch, the results are almost too good to believe. Luckily we have Clary Pfeiffer’s pics and the film by Sherri Innis to prove that it all really was real. More in our Vault!

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From the Bride… Sean and I met the summer of my senior year of college at Colorado State and our chemistry was instant! We fell head over heels for each other and spent the summer outdoors – camping, seeing live music and with Sean’s new lab puppy Stella. When the summer ended, Sean had to go home for a family matter in St. Louis and we were long distance for a few months before I graduated. The day after graduation, I packed my bags and U-haul and headed for St. Louis to be reunited with Sean. A few years later, in February of 2014, Sean flew me out on a surprise trip to my favorite city – San Francisco! It was there that he got on one knee and proposed at the Palace of the Arts.

For our wedding, Sean and I were both set on being married in the Colorado Mountains. I grew up in Denver, Colorado and we both grew up going on ski trips with our friends and families. We both felt that it was the perfect place to join our hearts and our two families. There is nothing more perfect than a crisp fall Colorado day with the sun and yellow Aspens shining! It is magic! My parents live in the South now, outside of Charleston, so for our wedding I envisioned Southern charm and glamour in the Colorado Rockies. People so often choose rustic themes for mountain weddings, but I really wanted to mix the two aesthetics!

We decided to get married in the Beaver Creek Chapel and then choose the Park Hyatt mountainside ballroom for our reception. This was lovely because our guests could walk right from the chapel along the mountainside to the Park Hyatt cocktail hour! I picked a romantic color palette of pale pink and creams and choose apricot and deeper pinks to make everything pop! I decided early on that I wanted to mix metals, as you can see I used a mix of gold and silver mercury in a lot of the décor and paper elements.

The bottom of my dress was covered in sculptural floral silk organza flowers that looked like a romantic bouquet! I used this to inspire the fabulous giant flower wall behind the band and then picked La Tavola rosette linens in pale pink to continue the theme and texture. We also used some sparkly gold and pink La Tavola linens for the cake table and cocktail tables. Atop each pink napkin was a golden Aspen leaf chocolate. I love cherry blossoms, so our design team was able to incorporate cherry blossoms into the décor. I especially loved the giant cherry blossom trees they created that defined the white dance floor on each corner. Other favorite parts of the décor for our wedding were the custom wood bars and twisted wooden bar arches covered in flowers that our design team created! We also loved the specialty drinks sign with portraits of our Lab Stella and Labradoodle Stanley! This was a great personal touch. For our invites our calligrapher collaborated with William Arthur to create an elegant and classy invitation with gold foil thermography and gilded gold edges.

Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography | Videography: Sherri Innis | Coordination: Karli and Company | Floral Design: Plum Sage Flowers | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek | Ceremony Venue: Beaver Creek Chapel | Reception Venue: The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek | Catering: The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek | Calligraphy: Traci Green Designs | Band: Soul X | Cocktail Music + After Party: Piper James | Custom Cocktail Sign: Paper Tangent | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Ring Box: The Mrs Box

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Florals

Plum Sage Flowers

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When you share a birthday with Notorious BIG and the big ONE is coming up, your theme is basically picked for you. Am I right? This 1st Birthday has won the hearts of 90’s rap lovers everywhere. Planned by photographer Mom and Big Poppa, no detail was left out. From cheeky signage, to a crib bar and loads of gold crowns, it’s a notoriously BIG 1st birthday for Baby Baybee and you’re invited!

I’m a photographer and I spend a lot of time at parties and celebrations. I love them. I love shooting them, throwing them, attending them, all of it. So when my daughter McCarty was born, the little seed was planted and I began to think about her first birthday party. 

bounced around with a lot of ideas and one day I stumbled upon the fact that she shares a birthday with Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious BIG. Party theme… Done and done!

But how do you throw a kid appropriate Biggie party? I had no clue. I did have an image that we’d shot at her 7 month session that always reminded me of the Ready To Die album cover. It’s not a very flattering photo of her, but always made me so happy. So, we had an invitation!

I started reading about him and really digging through his lyrics. He talks a lot about brunch food, so we had a menu… T-bone steak, cheese eggs, Welch’s Grape. I did a lot of research on the Welch’s. Were we talking the jelly? The juice? The soda? (Lil Cease confirmed, it’s the soda!) I jotted his lyrics down everywhere I could think. Gold chains, “jacuzzis”, a crib-turned-bar and lots of champagne.

 My mother made a cake in the shape of the crown he wore for that iconic photo. (I actually found the crown on Amazon, I just wish I could make that baby keep it on her head!) I ordered custom shirts from Mr Jones Apparel, I photoshopped her face on to a $100 bill, changed the numbers to her birthday and added “mo’ money mo’ carty” (that line was a friends idea and maybe my favorite part of the party!)

It was one of the most fun parties I’ve ever thrown and I’m so happy to share it! It was an absolute labor of love and I’m so happy with how it came out!

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Enviable Kids' Parties

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Enviable Kids' Parties

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Photography: Hazelnut Photography | Crib Sign: GirlBye | Private Home: Our Home | Shirts: Mr. Jones Apparel

If this bouquet is any indication it just goes to show that nature always provides. Because this heavenly handful? It was (believe it or not) mostly foraged finds thanks to the madly talented Colonial House of Flowers. From there it’s a day layered with elegance and delicious details – like this pretty from Savannahs Hall of Cakes! All in all it’s a inspo captured by Jeremy Chou Photography that you’re sure to love and we’ve got it all in The Vault.

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From Colonial House of Flowers… Just above Savannah, Georgia and below Charleston, Okatie sits in the most gorgeous coastal countryside you’ve ever seen. This region also boasts some of the most talented vendors in the South East. For this workshop, the lovely ladies of Design Studio South collaborated with the uber talented designer Tristan Needham and when they asked us to be a vendor, we knew we had to be involved.

By incorporating a floral recipe that included greenery foraged up to the last minute and even blooms clipped by my daughter and sister from my own garden, I helped welcome the group of photographers the most natural way I could, amid the Spanish moss and 600 year old oaks.

Photography : Jeremy Chou Photography | Cinematography: Vitor Lindo Photo + Video | Event Coordination: Design Studio South | Event Design: Tristan Needham | Floral Design: Colonial House of Flowers, Est. 1968 | Cake: Savannah's Hall Of Cakes | Stationery: Cake | Catering : Thrive Catering | Hair + Makeup: Bride's Side Beauty | Calligraphy: Every Little Something | Vintage Car: AE Luxury Limos | Wedding Venue: The Outfitters Center At Oldfield | Basket: Pottery Barn | Candles: 100 Candles | Container: Urban Poppy | Event Rentals: Amazing Event Rentals | Gown Designer: Saint Isabel Bridal | Models: Brittani Dremann, Ryan Claus, Megan Johnson, Chandler Fritts | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic

We all strive for our dream house, right? And even though all of our ideas of a dream house might differ from one another—I think we can all agree that having at least a few of these luxe items in our homes would be the bomb dot com. From a grand entrance to an oversized shower, which of these details are on your dream house wish list?

11 Things to Add to Your Dream House Wish List

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11 Things to Add to Your Dream House Wish List

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