SUBMIT WEDDING
Guess How Much the Huge Engagement Ring Donald Trump Gave Marla Maples Sold For

As the presumptive Republican candidate for president, Donald Trump has been in the news a lot lately. But we’re not here to talk politics. Today, we’re talking diamonds — one diamond, in fact. The 7.45 carat Harry Winston rock that Trump proposed to Marla Maples with sold today at auction for $300,000 to a unknown buyer. Maples originally sold the ring at auction in 1999, where it fetched $110,000. You can’t give Donald Trump credit for much, but you have to give the man credit for having great taste in jewelry.

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The Most Beautiful Engagement Rings Money Can Buy

The Most Gorgeous, Glamorous, Envy-Inducing Engagement Rings Money Can Buy
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The Most Gorgeous, Glamorous, Envy-Inducing Engagement Rings Money Can Buy
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A City Hall Wedding That’s All About Style

Whoever said eloping meant you had to forgo style clearly hasn’t met Angela & Zach. Because their City Hall celebration? Unbelievably chic. Thanks to the massively talented Meiwen Wang behind the lens, we’ve got their sweet ceremony to share and you can witness it all in The Vault!

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From Meiwen WangAngela & Zach met in Southern California while he was a student at Cal Tech. Malibu was a place they went to frequently to hike and hang out. We climbed up the side of this mountain that had a beautiful viewpoint of the city. After they had dated for a few years they moved up to SF and so they wanted a civil ceremony done at the beautiful SF city hall. I loved the quiet moments while we were waiting in anticipation for them to meet with the officiant. My favorite frames from that morning were the little details that tell the story of the whole day– 9:55am on the office clock before their 10a appt., them holding hands under the table while going over the license, and Angela straightening Zach’s suit coat for the photos. Afterwards we of course had to stop by Crissy Park to get some photos by the bridge. They are the sweetest!

Photography: Meiwen Wang | Wedding Venue: San Francisco City Hall | Hair + Makeup (engagement): Grace Lin | Hair + Makeup (wedding): Dreamcatcher Artistry | Photo Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints

All the Reason to Get Married at City Hall

Esmeralda Franco said it best, Saida and Andrew’s intimate wedding was utter perfection. Complete with the most incredible Grace Loves Lace gown and just about the sweetest couple ever, it’s a City Hall ceremony that proves that you definitely don’t have to sacrifice style when it comes to eloping. See for yourself in The Vault!

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From Esmeralda FrancoSaida and Andrew’s intimate wedding was utter perfection—and something that really epitomized all of their hopes and dreams for the start to their new life together. The couple wanted a cozy, intimate wedding and desired to share their first few moments as husband and wife with just 15 of their nearest and dearest friends and families. Natives to San Francisco, the majestic San Francisco City Hall was the perfect fit for their ceremony location! The SF City Hall is more like a palace, with gorgeous stairwells, ceiling details, and architecture everywhere you look. It has such regal vibes to it and is an elegant location for any elopement or intimate wedding, and it matched Saida and Andrew’s style completely! I love having the chance to photograph elopements and weddings in this incredible venue, and it actually was some of my photographs that I had posted on social media from the City Hall that connected me with the bride and groom!

A somewhat serendipitous meeting, Saida found me on Instagram by searching the hashtag #sfcityhallwedding. In fact, she found most of her vendors via Instagram (the beauty of social media, right?!) When we first spoke over the phone to discuss the details of their wedding day, Saida expressed that photography was really important to her and her fiance Andrew—a sentence every professional photographer dreams of hearing! Since they were having a small wedding but had many important people in their lives that wouldn’t attend, she knew she wanted to find the perfect photographer for their special day to not only be able to relive the memories but to also to be able to share their memories with those who wouldn’t be present on their wedding day. I feel grateful that they picked me to be able to capture these memories! 


Siada wore a stunning, backless lace dress by Grace Loves Lace, and Andrew wore a classic, tailored navy suit from J. Crew. Their apparel was complimented by the gorgeous bouquet by Church Street Flowers, with the clusters of anemones tying their outfits together effortlessly. They looked so sophisticated and elegant, surrounded by the beauty of City Hall. My heart fluttered when I saw them for the first time on their wedding day!

One thing that was re-confirmed to me by photographing this wedding was the idea that just because you’re having a small, City Hall wedding or elopement doesn’t mean that you cannot have gorgeous photos of your wedding day. Saida and Andrew will have these images for generations to come, but I learned the opposite lesson the hard way. My husband and I chose to have a small, City Hall wedding, and we did not hire a professional photographer. While our families took photos with their cell phones, as the years passed, cell phones were upgraded, and the images were lost.



Brides, I urge you—if you’re just planning an intimate wedding, please take advantage of not having all of the other expenses of hosting a traditional wedding and splurge on a photographer you love! Focus on some of the smaller details, like your bouquet and dress, and your photographer will be able to capture incredible images for you to cherish.

Photography: Esmeralda Franco | Floral Design: Church Street Flowers | Wedding Dress: Grace Loves Lace | Makeup: Linh-Esque | Hair: Shelly Cross | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: City Hall | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab

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
10 Wedding Trends Everyone is SO Over (And What to Try Instead)

Let me preface this by saying we’ve seen a lot of beautiful weddings with the 10 trends below, and when they’re done well, they’re done well. That said, their popularity means we’ve seen them in a lot of weddings. So, if you really want to wow your guests and have a uniquely gorgeous day, take note — these are the 10 wedding trends ready to retire and the 10 trends taking their place.

Wedding Trends to Lose + Love
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Wedding Trends to Lose + Love
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Now Trending in the World of Weddings

Pinterest’s Top Wedding Trends | 15 Trends You’ll Never Regret | The Biggest Wedding Dress Trends

How I Stuck To My Wedding Budget (Spreadsheets And All!)

You might remember Jenna of Visions of Vogue as the bride with the dress we’re still obsessing over. And today she’s back to share how in the world she pulled off that dream wedding and actually stuck to a budget. She’s getting into the nitty gritty numbers game along with the spreadsheet kept her on track. Brides, this post is one to bookmark and keep forever.

From JennaWedding budgets are usually the last thing a bride wants to think about. Numbers? Yuck. Expenses and bills? Even worse. A budget has none of the glitz, none of the glamour, and most importantly, no pretty Pinterest photos. Coming off our wedding last year, my engaged friends have been asking me for budgeting tips – I loved the process (and even that might be an understatement)! So, I’m excited to share what helped me today!

*Download my budget template*

Get to know Microsoft Excel. I can hear the groans now but I promise it will be your best friend and do all the unpleasant math for you! You don’t need to be a pro – just get acquainted with it. Give it a little hello and just get started.

List out every single thing you think you might want on your wedding day (in column A). Things will change (be okay with that) but this doubles as a little to do list to keep you organized. It’s pretty fun to put all your dreamy ideas on paper too. The template has a sample list of items that we had for our big day but every wedding is unique so add and delete as needed!

Estimate costs (in column B). This was one of the most difficult things to stomach because you’re signing yourself up for some pretty big expenses! Don’t worry if your estimate isn’t exact – it will help you put things in perspective as you finalize pricing. It will also help you subconsciously stay on budget. If you overspend in one area, maybe underspend in another to offset. Once you’ve filled out your line items, don’t be alarmed at the total. Weddings are an investment but with these steps, it will be easier to manage!

Prioritize. Pick 3 items that are really important to you and your fiancé on your wedding day. Splurge on those and save on the rest. Ours were food, drinks, and DJ – the critical elements to throwing a great party! As a style blogger, my dress ranked a very close 4th!

Keep track of your payments (in column C). Each time you make a payment, add it in. This will help you and your vendors keep track of costs which makes for a much calmer bride! This may seem like a lot at first but I promise that as soon as you start to see the amount owed decrease (in column D which fills out automatically!), you will feel a sense of accomplishment.

Hopefully, these steps will help you as you plan your wedding day! Brides have enough things to stress about already and tracking your wedding budget shouldn’t be one of them. 

xoxo, Jenna

*Download my budget template*

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P.S. Why a Wedding Planner Should Be in Your Budget!

MustWatch_swash-01 13 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

Proof that Rosé + Pineapples + Pool Floats are a Magic Trio

To say rosé is one of the great loves of my life might be an understatement. It’s pushing #1; especially during the Summer months. But really do you blame me when it provides thirst quenching party aperitifs and plays ever so nicely with other summer faves like pineapples and flamingo floats. Grab even more inspo for the best party summer has to offer from Liz Joy + Stephanie Elliott Photography.

Steph and I met when our now three year olds were just weeks old in a mommy & me yoga class. We bonded over long nights with little sleep and the wonder of being mothers to these precious new lives. Over time through various mommy and me classes we formed a circle of friends and have remained close since with 8 new babies joining the club!

We all appreciate a nice glass of wine and summer was just starting so we decided to throw a rose soirée to kick of the season by Steph’s pool. We went with a palms, pineapples and flamingos theme and used lots of local vendors to help make our little party come to life.

 We rarely see each other in anything but yoga pants and ponytails and it was awesome to put makeup on, wear summer dresses and be able to have conversations without any interruptions. We’re so lucky to have found each other, to support one another on this wild journey of motherhood and most importantly to have FUN together, and our rose soirée was perfect celebration of just that!

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More Summer Entertaining Ideas

How to be a Master Bartender at your next Shindig
5 Rules to Achieve Perfect Party Host Status
The Ultimate Wine Tasting Guide

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photographer: Stephanie Elliott Photography | bamboo tableware: Juliska | flamingo & pineapple cookies: Dimare Pastry Shop | life+style blogger: Liz Joy | paper: Pure Joy Paperie | pineapple flower arrangements: Nielsen’s Florist | rosé: Jolie Follie | vintage salt & pepper shakers: Kirby & Company

Proof You Don’t Need to Blow Your Budget to Get Your Dream Wedding Dress

The number one rule of wedding dress shopping is don’t try on any dresses outside of your budget. Inevitably, you will fall in love, and then what are you going to do? Enter: Allure Bridals, where you don’t have to sacrifice style because of your wallet. With hundreds of gorgeous gowns at the perfect price point, Allure has a dream gown for every bride — we dare you not to find one you love!

Our Favorite Real Allure Bridals Brides
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Our Favorite Real Allure Bridals Brides
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What Your Bridal Stylist Wants You to Know

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9 Wedding Fashion Secrets

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More Savvy Bridal Style Secrets

SMP’s Veils 101 | How to Translate Your Personal Style | The 100 Most Iconic Dresses

The Perfect Garden E-Sesh for Any Couple With A Green Thumb

It’s official, I’m moving to Dangeau and it’s all thanks to the captures from Jen Huang. Because this gallery right here? It’s my dream life. Seriously, no exaggeration. A slow French afternoon in the garden with the one you love? DREAM, DREAM, DREAM. See it all in The Vault!

From Jen HuangIn Dangeau, days are slow and nights glow with the warmth of summer. For Louise and Pieras, a honeymoon was the extension of their quiet romance. Here are the languid moments in the chateau kitchen and gardens. Days were spent in each others arms and afternoons in the cool vegetable patch. Intimate kisses were exchanged as they prepared delicious organic dinners paired with local rose wines. Glances and moments were weighted, heavy with the anticipation of their future life together. There is nothing more fulfilling than the daily repetition of a simple routine when it is with someone you can not bear to be without.

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Photography: Jen Huang | Styling: Ginny Au | Floral Design: Amy Merrick | Hair + Makeup: Chaili Meng| Venue: Château De Bouthonvilliers | Blue Dress: J.Crew

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Pretty Pink Peonies Take Center Stage at this DC Wedding

If you ask me, every wedding should be covered floor-to-ceiling in fluffy, full peonies like this gorgeous DC day. From the Bride’s beautiful blush and white bouquet to the Groom’s oversized boutonniere to a wedding cake adorned with fresh blooms, this day is a peony-lover’s total dream. See it all from Elizabeth Fogarty in The Vault!

From Elizabeth FogartyBryan and Kristen’s Georgetown Westin wedding was filled with elegant touches. From the gold accents to the calligraphy, their small details were perfect. Bryan and Kristen danced their first dance to “Who you love” by John Mayer and it was the perfect touch! Bryan was a natural when it came to dancing and Kristen was all giggles the whole time. Kristen never thought she would meet “the one” online, but that is exactly what happened! Their vision was carried out beautifully by Alyssa of Lovely and Bubbly Events.

Photography: Elizabeth Fogarty | Wedding Dress: Hitched Salon | Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Bakery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Makeup: Beauty by Jackie | Hair: Hair By Melissa | Calligraphy: Allison Dee Calligraphy | Venue: Westin Georgetown | Event Planning + Floral Design: So Lovely Weddings | Portrait Location: Tidal Basin

Mountains Prove To Be Magical for this Sweet Colorado Engagement Shoot

I was in Boulder once. And fell in love immediately. So I’m not surprised that these adorable lovebirds decided to have their little e-shoot among the city’s natural beauty. Tamara Gruner tagged along and we’re pretty glad she did; with her pics, our Vault just received a burst of fresh air with this gallery of sweet kisses, boho chic style and endless stunning views!

From the Bride-to-be… Avak and I met at a youth service when he came to visit my church. He is really outgoing and friendly so of course he became good friends with many people there, including myself. We just clicked and found each other easy to talk to. As we got to know each other more we realized that we wanted to be more than friends, and now we’re happily in love and getting married!

More engagement inspiration here!

Photography: Tamara Gruner Photography | Dress: Jarlo | Dark Shirt: H&M | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Lace Up Shoes: Michael Kors | Location: Sunrise Amphitheater | Men's Pants: Abercrombie | Pink Tulle Skirt: Space 46 Boutique | White Lace Top: Forever 21 | White Shirt: Express

How to Bring the Beauty of Provence to Your Wedding Day

The weekend is nearly here, and we’re celebrating SMP style with an inspiration shoot that will make your heart beat a little faster. ARTIESE Studios, along with an amazing team of talent, put together these dreamy eye candy images and this floral moment and more are all inside The Vault.

From Ruby Refined Events… This lush styled shoot was inspired by the soft and romantic colors of Provence, France. We imagined a modern and stylish couple who had snuck away carefree to elope in the most beautiful place you can imagine. Our venue was Maman Toronto, a gorgeous French café with the loveliest setup. Their plates, glasses, and dessert table setup just made us swoon.

The floral arrangements and bouquet were oh-so-dreamy and contained some of the biggest ranunculi we’d ever seen. The florist used wild thyme, a French herb, in terra cotta planters and in a bicycle basket to create a breezy aura of romance. The stationery and calligraphy were designed on watercolor paper with custom lavender ink to create an Old World look. Our linens were strewn lushly across the tablescape to invoke a carefree and wild sentiment. Stunning handmade soaps with lavender buds and dried flowers were created for the wedding favors.

Our couple was dressed to the nines! Our bride wore a white gown by Pronovias and a lilac gown by Narces, a local Toronto designer. The groom was decked out in a bespoke suit by The Dirty Inc., a local Toronto menswear designer. We loved the lilac, white, grey and navy that our models wore to pull everything together.

All of the stunning moments and details were perfectly captured on film by ARTIESE Studios, giving the entire shoot a warm and ethereal feel.

Photography: ARTIESE Studios | Floral Design: Sweet Woodruff | Engagement Ring: Anne Sportun | Hair + Makeup: Aniya Nandy | Stationery + Calligraphy: Post & Plume | Favors: Live and Lather | Venue: Maman Toronto | Bridal Boutique: Ferre Sposa Bridal Boutique | Cake + Desserts: Maman Toronto | Draping: Dream Creations Déco | Earrings: LUVYT | Event Planning + Production: Ruby Refined Events | Female Model: Plutino Group | Groom's Attire + Tie: The Dirty Inc. | Lilac Dress: Narces | Male Model: Gabe Grey | Terra Cotta Vessels + Brass Candlesticks: Sweet Woodruff | White Charger Plates + Gold Florentine Tray: Plate Occasions | White Dress: Ferre Sposa Bridal Boutique

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Wedding Planners Reveal the Most Unbelievable Bridezilla Moments Ever

I’m not going to lie, I’ve seen most episodes of WE TV’s Bridezillas — watching the weekly train wrecks made me feel better about my own life (plus, let’s be real, it was totally entertaining). Yes, the brides were terrible, but the individuals below make those women look like angels. Reddit asked wedding planners the worst thing brides and grooms had done, and let’s just say, the anecdotes below are why the terms bridezilla and groomzilla were invented.

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Beware: Bridezillas Ahead

“How about momzilla? I was the planner for a wedding and had been working with the bride and groom. A few months in to planning the groom’s mom calls me to change the date of the wedding. I thought it was kind of weird and called the couple to confirm the change. NOPE! Couple did not know anything about the date change and said to completely ignore the groom’s mom and call them if she tried to get in contact.” —girlfridayfail

“A bride once called having a melt down because her friend got engaged as well and was planning to get married in the same year as she was… Apparently it was her special year and not just a day. She threw a huge fit that this girl was only getting married to ‘steal her thunder.'” —sillykitty1990

“Friend is a photographer. Does weddings. Got punched in the face by the groom because the groom decided that the photographer was ‘taking too many photos of the bride.'” —BANNEDFROMALAMO

“Halfway through the reception we hear a ruckus and notice the bride was nowhere to be seen. We find out that she’s locked herself in the toilet in tears. Turns out the mother of the groom had launched into a verbal racist tirade at her accusing her of ‘stealing her son,’ ‘doing it to get a passport’ despite the fact she is already a British citizen and all sorts of other horrible things.” —GestaltJungle

“We had to substitute peonies because they weren’t in season and to get them she would need to pay a ton, so she opted for garden roses instead. She tried to sue not only us for ‘fucking up her bouquet.'” —neonchinchilla

“A groom from a wedding we just did is claiming the venue they used stole from them because he didn’t receive wedding presents from all of his guests and he’s 100 percent certain every single one brought them something. Now, he’s wanting to sue the venue while also calling all of his guests to make sure they gave him money for his wedding gift.” —neonchinchilla

“My sister threw the ring at her fiancé yesterday and stormed off down the street barefoot because she asked him when he was picking up some decorations for the wedding and he asked when he should. I guess she took that as, ‘I don’t care about this wedding or you. Your decorations are stupid and you look fat.” —NoIdeaWhatImEvenDoin

“I primarily dealt with the bride and her maid of honour together [in regards to their invite design]. After the last revision, the maid of honour came in to make a relatively major change, insisting that the bride wanted it that way. Idiot me made the change, and the order went to print. Turns out the bride and her maid of honour had a falling out and the maid wanted to get back at her ex-friend.” —ThaneStaples

“I had a really high strung groom who yelled at a one of his young guests (the kid was 12) for sitting out of his assigned seat, and told the kid and his parents to leave. Later at night, the bride’s father (who was single) made out with one of the bridesmaids, and the groom punched him. We had to call an ambulance, and the groom was arrested.” —Toronto_Planner

“The worst I’ve personally witnessed had a groom’s baby mama (and ex fiancé) come to the reception uninvited. She grabbed the wedding cake, chucked it at the newlyweds, and began screaming how he was a deadbeat dad while she grabbed table wine bottles that she smashed on the ground.” —AnaphylacticHippo

“The bride punched her mother in the face during photos, the bride kicked out the grooms best man, and that she cussed out our videographer…. Later that night I watched her shove a groomsman to the ground when he asked her to calm down.” —LocusHammer

“The groom got mega plastered and smashed a bottle of cognac on the dance floor and literally tried to set in on fire. The function supervisor tried to tell him very politely that he couldn’t and he got a it upset about that and started screaming ‘This is my wedding and if I want to burn this place down I will.’ Cops were called.” —unverifiedscrobbler1

“Her brother (a groomsman) passed out from heat exhaustion. The officiant leaned in asked if she wanted to take a break while he was tended to and she said, ‘Nah, just keep going, he’s fine.’ At the end, as she’s recessing down the aisle, you could see the ambulance arriving in the background.” —Doobie-Keebler

“I’m a pastry cook seriously had a bride freak the fuck out that another bride (had a tasting at the same time at a different table with another pastry cook) was using blush pink in her wedding too. Blush pink was the ‘it color for weddings that year most weddings had blush pink.” —Raddpixie

“A bride wasn’t happy with her husband-to-be’s vows, so she requested a ‘time out’ in order for him to go to the back room and come up with better ones. When the guy marrying them politely explained that he was on a very tight schedule, she called him a ‘lying bastard’ and huffed back up the aisle into the room. We kept everyone else seated, and she appeared a few minutes later with freshly written vows for her future husband. He read them, and the wedding continued as planned.” —lindtbunnies

“This bride was a very large girl, and insisted that her bridesmaids wear ridiculously bulky dresses in order to not make her look so fat in the photos.” —lindtbunnies

“A bride wanted all the bridesmaids to look as similar as possible including their skin tone and insisted on them having identical fake tans. One bridesmaid had really sensitive skin and told the bride that it would likely be harmful to her. The bride thought this was nonsense and insisted anyway. They got the fake tan and the bridemaid’s skin went completely red and blotchy.” —ruellera

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Plus, Why You Need To Hire a Wedding Planner

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This Couple Gave Guests the Donut Bar of Our Dreams

This donut bar? It’s the thing of dreams. Guests enjoyed every flavor you could ever want, but that’s only one piece of this perfect day. Captured by Ether & Smith, it’s an al fresco party done so right and we’re welcoming it into The Vault!

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From Honey Honey Photography…  I knew immediately that Jenn & Mike’s wedding was going to be phenomenal when she said she was a wedding planner…and that they were planning on having donuts. And we all know a wedding with donuts is a good wedding. Jenn further described her colors to be red, blue, and white – but not just any red, blue, and white, they were well-curated shades, from a coral-red to a periwinkle-blue to the literal colors on the stunning and unique bridesmaids dresses.

Jenn chose a Monique Lhuillier corset paired with the prettiest full skirt – a match made in heaven. Guests were welcomed with champagne and popsicles on the front yard of a private estate in Palm Springs. The bride and groom exchanged vows and rings under a tree on the front lawn, with a beautiful garland arch that hung so naturally it seemed it was part of the tree. Mirrors were a big inspiration and were used as signs throughout the wedding. The reception was one the highlights – Jenn & Mike’s friends and family were seated at long grand tables with a custom bag with their names and a baguette. Palm trees soaring up high and the warm desert breeze as the perfect ambiance. Not only were the donuts impeccable, so was the cake, with its pink marbling and gold flecks, they were almost too beautiful to eat! The night came and so did the dancing – the perfect way to end their special day.

Photography: Ether & Smith | Cinematography: TwentySeven Studios | Coordination: Sassy Girl Weddings + Events | Floral Design: Peony & Plum | Invitations: Jenn Yamauchi Weddings & Events | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Free People | Catering: MIHO | Hair + Makeup: Kelly Zhang | DJ: Vox DJs | Groom's Suit: J.Crew | Officiant: Don Johnson | Venue: Villa Belle Etoile | Baguettes: L'Artisan Valley Bakery | Cake + Donuts: M Cakes Sweets | Cocktail & Bar Curator: JW Hawthorne | Dress Corset: Monique Lhuillier | Dress Skirt: Mount Tabor Park | Photo Booth: Mebo Photo | Popsicles: Front Porch Pops | Vintage Rentals: Etablir Shop

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
9 Steps to Take Your Wedding Website to the Next Level

Looking to take your wedding website to the next level?  We’re here for you… and so is the team at Minted. Together we’re counting down a little how-to on making that wedsite POP, so you can tell your guests just when and where the party is.  From sharing your love story to outlining all of the amazing details, here’s a list of nine must-do’s for THE perfect website – awesome features, customizable layouts and seriously stunning designs from Minted included.

DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS

I am a big fan of giving your guests detailed information and pointers on what to expect about the ceremony and reception locations – specifically dress code. I once went to a wedding that had a really rocky ceremony location, followed by a mucky grass recaption. I wish they had mentioned not to wear high heels. People always have questions on the dress code, so some advice beyond “casual attire” is helpful! – Libby

START WITH A THANK YOU

Your guests will be traveling near and far to celebrate your Big Day, so giving them more than one thank you is most definitely a must.  There’s nothing I love more than perusing a friends’ website and landing on a sweet note of gratitude… it makes me feel like a special part of their big moment. – Dawn

OFFER A VARIETY OF LODGING OPTIONS

Offer a variety of options for lodging if you’re having an out-of-town or destination wedding. Yes, this is your wedding and you might be going all out, but your guests might have three other weddings this season and are on a set budget.  We listed low, medium and high price-points from cute little inns to the high end hotel we were staying at.  Also, list how far each hotel is away from the reception site, so your guests can plan their car or taxi ride accordingly to and from. – Melissa

HIGHLIGHT YOUR FAVORITE PLACES

If you’re planning a destination fete (or even if you’re the local inviting a lot of out of towners) offer your guests a to-list of a few of your favorite things in/or around the area! My entire guest list was West Coast and we made sure to share our favorite New England joints – everything from the local gem with the best brew, to where to find the best roast beef sandwich, to which beaches the locals favor. – Michelle

SHARE YOUR LOVE STORY

Share your love story! My favorite part of any wedding website is reading a sweet write-up of how the couple met. And of course, details about the proposal. It’s a fun way for your guests to feel involved right from the get-go and share in the excitement leading up to the big day. – Stephanie

LOGISTICS, LOGISTICS, LOGISTICS

There can never be enough logistical details in my book! I’ve attended so many weddings where there was confusion on where do you meet for the shuttle, what time, does it come again if we miss the first round, etc! Giving your guests as much timing and location information – especially with transportation – helps you and your wedding run smoothly in the long run – Elizabeth

REMEMBER THAT CONTACT INFO

Don’t forget to add contact info for guests who might have extra questions! Consider creating a separate wedding email address and give your maid of honor or best man access to it as well to help with answering any wedding-related questions. – Melissa

MAKE THOSE BRIDAL PARTY INTRODUCTIONS

Save yourself the introductions and give guests an idea of who the Bridal party is! Not only will they have a better understanding of your VIP’s, but you’ll also give your ladies some much deserved attention. – Michelle

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS

Your friends and family LOVE you with all of their hearts… and they want to see more of you! Be sure to add some of those sweet, sweet moments you have captured over the years, including that ah-mazing engagement session you had sooo much fun capturing with your photog. – Dawn

So you know what needs to be included on your Minted website, but did you also know that Minted offers a never-ending lineup of awesome features that will make the entire process easier than picking that color scheme for your bridesmaids?  From customizable layouts to event RSVPs to gift registries, Minted has everything you’ve ever wanted, plus a show-stopping design that will leave all of your guests talking. You can even upgrade to a Premium site for a custom URL, photo galleries and website privacy. Oh, and check out the matching wedding invitations… cohesiveness makes our heart happy.

Head to Minted today to peruse the gorgeous options and don’t forget that Minted is offering a FREE upgrade to their premium wedding websites (a $35 value) for the first 100 visitors. CLICK HERE NOW to redeem.

Parasols + Pastel Bouquets, See the Ultimate Garden Ceremony!

Oh what we would’ve given to have had an invitation to this stunning fete. Complete with a oh-so-major Pronovias gown, pretty parasols, and perfectly pastel bouquets, it’s the ultimate garden ceremony that is sure to pop up on a few Pinterest boards. With Bowtie & Bloom Photography behind the lens snapping it all, we’ve got it waiting for you in The Vault!

From The Bride…I think it’s easy to over-think, over-do, and attempt to over-achieve in this information age where images of beautiful weddings are everywhere. But I am a strong believer that there is beauty in simple things and that a wedding is most beautiful when those you love enjoy themselves and walk away with happy memories. Basically – If everyone has a great time, then we’ll have a great time. So we concentrated on finding a charming setting, serving delicious food and being supported by experienced vendors that would really make our day a celebration.

I can’t begin to express how fantastic every single vendor was. Because of them, our day felt so effortless. I think that the comment most-heard throughout the day was about the beautiful venue and how delicious the food was – probably because it was cooked on-site and served as if you were dining at a restaurant! And the second comment I heard most was about how great our officiant was – I am glad we had my former boss (now long-time friend) standing with us at the altar. It was his first time officiating, but he was a natural.

Lastly, my fiance actually found many of our awesome vendors and took on a bulk of the planning – to which I am forever grateful. It allowed me time to design our invitations and learn calligraphy to address them. And is just one of many examples of how lucky I am to have married such a great partner.

Photography: Bowtie And Bloom Photography | Cinematography: White Studio Media Project | Floral Design: Florals By Jenny | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Invitations: The Bride | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Catering: Iva Lee's Catering | Hair + Makeup: E2 Beauty | Calligraphy: The Bride | Groom's Attire: Mi Moda Italian Suits | Venue: The Villa San Juan Capistrano | Cake + Desserts: Twinfully Sweet | Letterpress: Tiny Wren Press | Portrait Location: Mission San Juan Capistrano

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The Official First Year of Marriage Bucket List

You’ve conquered the ups and downs of planning, lived out your picture-perfect wedding and have officially entered your first year of forever as Mr. & Mrs.! The wedding might be over, but trust us, the fun has just begun. From taking your dream honeymoon to having “the talk” about kiddos, here are 12 things that every newlywed couple should add to their bucket list, ASAP!

12 Things Every Couple Needs to Do Their First Year of Marriage
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12 Things Every Couple Needs to Do Their First Year of Marriage
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Can You Cross These Things off Your Bucket List?

10 Things Every Woman Should Do Before “I Do”

30 Things Every Woman Should Do Before 30

9 Talks Every Couple Should Have Before Getting Married

All You Need in this Dream Bathroom is a Glass of Wine

We all know those days—when the clock hits 5pm and it’s been THE longest day ever and all you need is a glass of wine. Annnd a dream bathroom like this one, too. Am I right? Well, thanks to the crazy talented designer Becki Owens, those of us that don’t have a scene like this can fully appreciate it virtually (with that glass of wine in hand, of course!). See more in The Vault!

From Becki OwensOne of the best parts of the design process is creating a space that is a reflection of the client. When my client asked that her bathroom be a peaceful place to relax with a global vibe. I knew it would be a fun room to design. What developed was a fresh room filled with Moroccan influences and colorful accents. A space to relax, unwind and feel refreshed. Take a look into the master bathroom of my Las Palmas project.

The room started with a crisp white foundation that was refreshing in itself. But to add interest and make the space come alive I added some colorful and warm accessories.

The vintage kilim rug was the perfect way to add vibrant color, while the ladder gives the space some warmth and created the perfect spot to hang fringed turkish towels. I chose black round mirrors to tie in the dark accents in the room. These colors work to ground the space and give it a unique, modern, edge.

A Moroccan style pendant makes a statement over the simple, clean lines of the freestanding tub and pairs well with the brass cabinetry hardware and wall sconces. I like the added texture of the woven shade and the soft filtered light it lets through. The sculptural stool and wood framed mirror gives the bathroom a collected feel and creates a spot to prepare for the day.

I loved creating this bathroom for my client. It’s definitely a space that feels happy, a place to escape and feel a sense of calm. To see more options for freestanding tubs like the one I used this bathroom you can visit here.

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Larger than Life Bathrooms
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Larger than Life Bathrooms
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More ways to pretty up your home…

20 Pin-Worthy Color Stories To Steal for Your Home
10 Statement-Making Home Updates for Less Than $50
10 Unique Ways to Add Paint to Your Home

Photography: Becki Owens | Interior Design: Becki Owens

This Intimate Wedding Had One Very Special Guest: A Donkey!

I’m just going to come out and say it, this couple planned one major celebration. Because not only did they have one crazy stylish bridal party, but their surprise guest? May or may not have been a few adorable donkeys. That’s right, so you can only imagine that we’ve got more stylish surprises from Kerry Jeanne Photography in store for you via The Vault!

From The Bride…We always envisioned our wedding to be outdoors. Growing up in the Philippines and coming from simple families, we spent a majority of our time outdoors enjoying anything from parks, beaches, and even our backyards. There is something about being and connecting outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of society. In addition, our frequent trips to Austin and its surroundings made us realize this is where we wanted our wedding to be. Le San Michele, which is in the city of Buda is just 20 minutes from Austin, played a perfect host as it had everything we hoped to have and more. Driving through the gates and onto a gravel filled driveway led us to house which represented simple old world charm. Having an expansive lawn, ample greenery which included a myriad of flowers and trees, and intricate chandeliers hanging within the branches had us imagining what our day would be like from the minute we walked out of the French doors and into the vastness of the vicinity. The only thing left to do at that moment was book our day and hope for great weather.

Having come from very tight knit families we always knew that we wanted our wedding to revolve around the theme of bonds. We involved our family members to help us in every aspect of the wedding so that when it came to the big day they would feel a sense of pride knowing they contributed to a successful event. Till this day, we are still so appreciative of our family as they supported us from the beginning to the end without hesitation. For instance, Ralph’s uncle officiated the ceremony, which turned out to be very heartfelt and full of humor. Monica’s eldest sister and Ralph’ sister in law were the wedding coordinators. To sum it up everyone from both sides of our families played a role.

As for our guests, they traveled as far as Houston, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, New York City, Alberta, Minnesota, Philippines and even the Czech Republic. Keeping with the theme of our wedding, we invited those who truly saw our relationship develop throughout the years. Our story is a little out if the ordinary. Monica came from a military family that moves around. Ralph was raised in Houston TX a majority of his life, but both somehow found each other in their freshman year of college in the Philippines 7 years back. Our family, friends and former classmates were able to see us grow as individuals and as a couple. With everyone so close to us being so spread out across the world, we felt so much gratitude to those who came to share this day with us.

One thing we really wanted for our wedding was for our guests to feel at ease. We ensured this by preparing lawn games during cocktail hour. Children and adults could be seen enjoying themselves in a round of corn hole and crochet. Passed Hors d’oeuvres were prepared by the awesome Catering With a Twist. Cocktails and beer on tap kept the guests mingling, and to top it off we brought two miniature burros for the children to play with. They also made for a great picture opportunity. After cocktail hour, everyone made their way to the stoned patio, found their seats under the hanging garden lights and Catering with a Twist delighted us again with an amazing dinner. We had the best seats in the house as we were able to see everyone’s faces smiling, conversing, and enjoying the music. After the formalities, we were treated to a night of incredible music prepared by Toast Entertainment. Hips were moving, legs were shuffling, and hands were nae naeying. It was picture perfect, and we are so thankful to have Kerry Jeanne capture it all. We still find ourselves in awe at how amazing the pictures came out.

Realizing that everything turned out to be exactly what we wanted , all we can be is thankful to those who were involved. Our wedding was a night to remember not only because of the amazing venue or the serene atmosphere but because it was full of love. Love from our guests and love for each other. We believe that we belong to each other, and it transpired throughout our wedding night.

Photography: Kerry Jeanne Photography | Floral Design: The Flower Studo | Wedding Dress: David's Bridal | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Various | Catering: Catering with a Twist | Makeup: Sarah Frey | DJ: Toast Entertainment | Venue: Le San Michele | Film Processing: The Find Lab

An Inspiration Shoot Where Traditional Charm Meets Modern Style

A wedding like this inspiration shoot from Cristina Calvert Signature Weddings & Celebrations and Stacy Bauer Photography could count as your something old and something new. How? Let your something old be Hammond- Harwood House, the gorgeous setting for this inspiration shoot, which dates back to colonial America. And for your something new, make jaws drop in the modern yet timeless Carol Hannah dress and Susie Saltzman Fine Jewelry ring. See all the pretty details in The Vault!


From Stacy Bauer PhotographyOur design inspiration came from the secret garden-like feeling of the garden at the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, Maryland. This venue is one of the premier colonial homes in America and dates back to 1774. The exquisite architecture found both inside and outside, provided a stunning backdrop to the intimate garden ceremony. Gorgeous cascading florals by Steelcut Flower Company were adorned to accent the doorframe that overlooked the romantic garden. A soft and romantic tablescape was set with rentals from Select Event Group and china from Crate and Barrel. Vintage silver flatware from the personal collection of the Hammond-Harwood house was used and gave nod to the history of the house. Small floral wreathes around the calligraphed place cards by Surcee Calligraphy were set and gave a feminine touch to the place setting.

The bride wore a Carol Hannah dress, veil and belt for the wedding ceremony and then later slipped into a shorter, sexier sheath for her getaway on the Vespa. Beautiful rings by Susie Saltzman were used and custom suiting and accessories by Capital Custom Clothiers outfitted the groom. The bride and groom celebrated an intimate ceremony and reception in the quaint downtown garden and then slipped away on the blue Vespa as husband and wife.

Photography: Stacy Bauer Photography | Event Planning: Cristina Calvert Signature Weddings & Celebrations | Floral Design: Steel Cut Floral Co | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Cake: Lilly Magilly's | Ceremony Venue: Hammond-Harwood House | Rings: Susie Saltzman | Hair + Makeup: Ariel Lewis | Calligraphy: Surcee Calligraphy | Groom's Attire: Capital Custom Clothiers | Table Runner: Silk and Willow

The Ultimate Wow Factor? A Floral Filled Staircase of Course

Alison and Josh’s wedding had me at the staircase ceremony, but then totally blew me away once I learned that this was in fact a luxurious elopement with only their nearest and dearest on hand. With just 4 guests in attendance, their Big Day dreamed up by Blush By Brandee Gaar doubled as an intimate getaway that we’d vie for an invitation to. Captured by Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography we’ve got it all in The Vault!

From Blush By Brandee GaarAlison and Josh’s wedding was truly a luxury destination event! They treated their guests to a long weekend in Orlando beginning with a trip to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on the night of their arrival. On Friday, all of the guests were treated to spa treatments and a fabulous private dinner at Ravello. The big day, which fell on Halloween and was also the anniversary of the couple’s first date, was an absolute dream! With only 4 guests, we had a lot more flexibility within the resort and we chose to make use of the magical grand staircase which is the centerpiece of the resort! The dinner took place in one of the lakeside villas perfect for a small gathering of friends and family for dinner and fireworks! It was truly a magical evening at the Four Seasons Resort!

Photography: Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography | Cinematography: Love & Lustre | Coordination: Blush by Brandee Gaar | Floral Design: Lee James | Cake: Party Flavors | Hair + Makeup: Four Seasons Orlando | Lighting: Kaleidoscope Event Lighting | Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies | Ceremony Music: Orlando Violin Music | Venue: Four Seasons Orlando | Desserts: Two Sweets Bake Shop | Linen Rentals: GBS Linens | Lounge Furniture: Afr | Rentals: A Chair Affair