Whoever said black and white is boring, clearly hasn’t looked through The Vault as of late. Because our Groom’s? They’re show us it’s anything but. From the classic suit and tie combo to incorporating a few super fun prints, we’ve got all that and more waiting for you below. P.S. See more groom style here!
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We all want a little slice of glamour on our wedding day, and what better way to channel your inner celebrity than to tie the knot at the very same venue? We’re sharing 13 spots where Hollywood stars have set their weddings – and bonus! – none of them require a passport to get to. Tell us which venue you’d love to book in the comments below!
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Get the Royal Wedding Look | Steal Celebs’ Bridal Style | 2015’s Biggest Celeb Weddings
It is OFFICIALLY the start of Summer and though we’ve been prepping for it for weeks it is now game time people. Sun’s out, parties are being planned and Beijos Events is filling us in on tips for summery entertaining. From bar cart to full blown tablescaping, steal their genius ideas and get ready to use them all Summer long. And for even more, check out the full gallery shot by Yasmin Sarai and Megan Welker .
When entertaining with a bar cart, its a must you have all the pretty essentials. I love to have a fun cocktail shaker, personalized napkins for your guests, and lastly fun cocktail stirrers!
Style it up! Style your bar cart to wow your guests. Most likely your bar cart stays out for all to see. Use items like cocktail books and some fun glassware to jazz it up. When having people over add fresh items to add an organic feel to it. I like to have a wooden cutting board with fresh lemon and limes out. Use cute ceramic bowls and add some yummy nuts for your guests to munch on.
Have more then one choice of cocktails for your guests. I like options, and so will your guests. Heritage Distilling has tropical flavored vodkas that I like to use for summer entertaining.
Theme it up! I found that a lot of people like a theme to their parties. You don’t have to go crazy, but it sets the mood and scene for the night. You can do something simple like a tropical theme or even a succulent theme.
Music Music Music! Its a must, no one like a quiet party. Awkward! Make a fun playlist that you know your guests will enjoy. Save some classic good time tunes for the end of the night!
Bar Cart Sources: Photography: Yasmin Sarai | Florals: Bloomwell and Co. | Napkins, Art Print, Glass square, Cocktail Sign: Shutterfly | Glassware: The Little Market | Gold Cocktail Shaker,Pineapple Tumbler: Pigment | Pineapple, Hibiscus, and Coconut Vodka Bottles: Heritage Distilling
Take your entertaining outside! It’s summer after all! Enjoy a meal outdoors with your guests and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Add personalized details. We love making our guests feel amazing by adding personal touches like place cards and menus to our tables, it dresses it all up and makes the event feel special!
Use things from your home/garden… We did have an arrangement made for this beautiful table, however we added more touches and details with fresh flowers from our own garden, to add some more pops of color!
Know your guests… Try and have something that each guest will love, and be thoughtful. For example, two of us Beijos ladies are pregnant this Summer, if you have a friend that is pregnant maybe create a special “mock-tail” for her, or if there are kids over, have some crayons and coloring books handy… You want everyone to leave thinking, what an amazing host!
Have fun! Entertaining is hard work, but make sure you enjoy yourself in the end! Maybe set the table the night before, or a few hours before so you can relax and get ready with ease before your guests arrive. No matter what you deserve to enjoy your company and your hard work!
Summer Table Sources: Photography: Megan Welker | Florals: Flowers by Mae Mae | Menu, Placemats, Placecards, Pillows: Shutterfly | Glassware, Decanter, Napkins, Olive Wood Boards: The Little Market | Napkin Rings: Hostess Haven | Flatware: West Elm | Small Paper Plates: Design Love Fest for Cheeky
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How to be a Master Bartender at your next Shindig
5 Rules to Achieve Perfect Party Host Status
The Ultimate Wine Tasting Guide
Design and Styling: Beijos Events
Whether you’re the Bride and Groom, a member of the bridal party, or just a guest, weddings are expensive — there’s no way around that. And Hollywood weddings? Well, they’re really expensive, even the ones just in the movies. And today, the experts at BeFrugal.com are doing the math and breaking down just how much these iconic movie weddings would have actually cost. Check it out below!
Source: BeFrugal.com
Marriage is an adventure, just take this anything but ordinary anniversary session as proof. Scaling mountaintops hand-in-hand, can you guess their secret to a happy, healthy, and oh-so-sweet marriage? Adventure, loads of it. Thankfully Emily Jane was on hand to capture every minute of it (including those City Blossoms blooms) and we’ve got it waiting for you in The Vault!
From Emily Jane…This anniversary shoot took place at Red Rock Canyon in Nevada. The weather was gorgeous and we were inspired by the desert light as well as the nature surrounding the married couple. After many years of marriage it was so fun to take them out and remember what it was like on their big day!
From The Bride…My now husband always had a habit of taking me on these romantic, surprise weekends away when we were dating. One random weekend, 8 months into our relationship, he swept me away to New York City. While wandering around Central Park he decided that it was the right time to ask me to marry him. Of course he had brought the ring along just in case the moment struck him, but even to this day he’ll tell you that he would have waited to pop the question if the perfect moment hadn’t presented itself.
Naturally, the instant we got engaged I knew that our marriage was going to be an adventure – all things spontaneous, passionate and without an agenda. The secret to a healthy, happy marriage is whatever you want it to be. Never stop doing what brought you two together in the first place.
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Photography: Emily Jane | Floral Design: City Blossoms | Wedding Dress: The Dress Bridal Boutique | Jewelry: Lindsay Marie Design | Hair + Makeup: Holly Speakes | Venue: Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
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When your first vacation as a couple is to Cabo San Lucas, why not return there for your wedding? For this Bride and Groom, a destination wedding in Cabo meant that they could share their memories with friends and family and create new ones together. And with the help of vendors like Creative Destination Events and Suzanne Morel Face and Body Care, is was a celebration to remember. Experience the magic for yourself, courtesy of Pink Palm Photo in The Vault!
From The Bride…We first met in Zurich, Switzerland at a work training program. The program continued in NYC where we planned to meet again for a run…and our relationship took off from there! In April 2014, he planned a spontaneous weekend trip to New York City. Since our first “date” was a run through Central Park, he planned for us to go for a run there and surprised me by proposing in the middle of our run! It was a very intimate moment!
We wanted our wedding to be an intimate event during which we had several days to spend with our closest family and friends, and for it to be a unique experience for everyone. That’s why we decided on a destination wedding!
Cabo San Lucas was our first vacation together and we had such an incredible time there so we wanted to share that experience with family and friends. It is such a meaningful place for us and our families. Our guests were skeptical at first about traveling to Mexico, but then became very excited and supportive!
Our ceremony location at Villa Turquesa was so beautiful & located in one of the most picturesque parts of Cabo. Our view was better than anywhere else I’ve been there! The gold and white decor enhanced the view, and we and our guests were stunned at the beauty of everything.
One of the best ideas we made for our wedding was having all our family and friends stay in homes together. We rented three villas in Pedregal. Casa Turquesa, in Pedregal, was where a majority of our guests stayed. It really brought everyone closer and allowed our families to get to know each other so much better than if everyone booked separate hotels. It was so much fun to wake up and have breakfast together and just hang out by the pool all day.
My dad walking me down the aisle and his speech were very meaningful. My dad had a heart attack two months before our original wedding date (April 2015). It meant so much to Chris and I and our families that he was there and was healthy enough to be a part of all of the “father-of-the-bride” traditions. I was so grateful for that.
For our ceremony just before sunset, we decided to write our own vows. Saying our own vows to each other was the best decision we ever made. I am terrified of public speaking so I had been worrying about it for months but it was such an intimate moment for us and I’m so glad that we did it. It was definitely one of our favorite moments.
Our first dance under the twilight sky is another best memory. We decided when we first started the wedding planning process that we wanted to have a really fun first dance to surprise our family and friends. It was such a memorable moment for us. We had all of our guests clapping to the music and laughing at us because of how silly and playful it was. It really set the tone for the rest of the evening! We had the most amazing lighting then too. The photos look so great!
Our photographers, a husband & wife team from Pink Palm Photo were amazing! They were so easy to work with and really made the process enjoyable and fun. They found lots of ways to make our photos look natural and not staged. And on the wedding day, we hardly knew they were there. Somehow they captured all the amazing moments we want to always remember but I feel like I never saw them!
From Creative Destination Events…Planning this’ wedding was an extraordinary experience, from the first site visit they did to the end of the evening on the wedding day!
The bride was seeking a very particular style. She wanted the mixture between something very elegant, classy and modern as well as natural.
The final showcase and décor was unique. An organic but very chic and elegant look with a modern touch reflected in the geometrical lanterns and gold accents.
One of our favorite design details was the way the white distressed tables made a perfect match with the beautiful chiffon runner, elegant but keeping the natural look of the furniture.
We also loved the combination of gold accents with very natural and organic flowers. And incorporating the beautiful setting of Cabo made the vision complete!
Photography: Pink Palm Photo | Event Planning + Design: Creative Destination Events | Floral Design: Cabo Floral Studio | Wedding Dress: Johanna Johnson | Invitations: Postscript Paper | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: A Matter Of Taste | Hair + Makeup: Suzanne Morel Face and Body Care | DJ: DJ Mijares | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: Cabovillas Com | Earrings: Melissa Joy Manning | Rentals & Decor: Cabo Linens, Things and More
Ya’ll how adorbs is Blair and Grantham’s fur baby Bambi?! I’m in LOVE and that’s just the start. A classic Estate celebration filled with soft florals, amazing neutrals, a dreamy four-tiered cake (YUM!) and one luxe gown? There’s a lot to adore from this fete. It’s the ultimate setting for the perfect celebration and we’ve got it all captured by Michael And Carina Photography in The Vault!
From Michael And Carina Photography…Blair and Grantham married at the gorgeous Keswick Hall Estate near Charlottesville, Virginia. Soft florals and a neutral color palette accompanied extravagant details, like the dreamy four-tier cake., the couple’s English bulldog was also part of the wedding. She even walked down the aisle at the ceremony and had its own little cameo at the bottom of the wedding cake! Blair’s luxurious wedding gown matched the setting perfectly. Her undone braided hairstyle made her look like a real princess! The night ended with a sparkler farewell.
Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: Maliha Creations | Invitations: Minted | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Catering: Keswick Hall | Makeup: Gohar Ayvazyan Makeup | Hair: Brianna B Adams | DJ: XLS Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Venue: Keswick Hall | Event Planning + Floral Design: Caroline LaRocca Hammond Event Design | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Rentals: Mosaic Catering & Events
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One of the best parts of my day is cooking a meal with my husband. It’s a daily event that’s sooo much more than just preparing dinner—it’s laughing at his silly antics, talking about our day, planning our next dream vacation, indulging in some wine and maybe a little bit of dancing, too. As much as we love to cook, sometimes those weeknights just call for something quick and easy. Sound familiar? Whether you’re newlyweds or share a cutie apartment with your bff, try one of these breezy summer dishes!
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Long engagements aren’t for everyone, but when you’re a Bride who isn’t sure what she wants for her wedding, a long engagement gives you time to discover your wedding style and turn your vision into a reality. And in the case of this sweet Bride and Groom, their 18-month engagement allowed them to plan their day to perfection. See it all from L. Martin Wedding Photography in The Vault!
From The Bride…I had no idea what I wanted at first so we had an 18 month engagement to give us plenty of time to decide. I wanted a venue that was different and surrounded by beautiful nature. After seeing the Davis Island Garden club we knew that was the place.
I really like neutral colors so we decided on a light color palette of white and gray with touches of blush pink. The Garden is so beautiful it didn’t need a lot. I didn’t want anything to extravagant as far as extra décor, but my own touches to make it feel like a nice relaxing day in the garden. We had an acoustic guitarist playing in the gazebo while guest entered the garden which helped to set the tone.
I made the entrance sign into the venue from pieces of pallet wood. My dad made all of the flower boxes for the centerpieces and the wood pallet cake stand. My father-n-law made our DIY photo booth frame and a stand for our succulent wedding favors. My mother-n-law and I repotted off the succulents and added the thank-you and seating assignment. We were very blessed to have all the help we did for our DIYs from both families!
My favorite moment was at the end of the night when we were leaving on the boat looking up and seeing all of our family and friends cheering for us standing on the shore. I was so surprised to see how many people stayed for the entire reception and even the send off. It was so nice to see and hear all their support at the end of the night.
My florist did an amazing job! I was a little nervous not being able to see the way all the flowers would look like ahead of time. The first flowers I saw was my bouquet when I was getting ready and I was speechless! My florist made exactly what I pictured all my flowers looking like. I loved my gown, it was so light for all the tool that it had. It was so much fun to dance in all night. I put my own touch on it with the belt and it made it fit my personality perfect. Our cake was so delicious but the only piece I had time to eat was the one my husband fed me after cutting the cake. I cant wait to see what it will taste like when we celebrate our one year anniversary.
Get a wedding planner or a day of coordinator, esp if you have a DIY venue. I did not have one and it made me a little stressed having to think of every little thing esp. since I have never been married before. I was so lucky to have my husbands family and mine to set everything up and help me along the way. My DJ was also a great help the day of making sure everything happened when it needed to.
From L. Martin Wedding Photography…Both of their occupations are to help others, CJ is a firefighter and Erin is a nurse, which explain their open and caring personalities! The Davis Islands Garden Club is one of the most popular spots in Tampa, with its waterfront views on Hillsborough River you can see all of Downtown Tampa. The lush backyard and gardens of this 1950 home, served as a beautiful ceremony space for Erin & CJ. They had a classic blush and grey color palette that seamlessly flowed through every detail!
Erin fell in love with gardens at the Club and all the details they had planned – the signage, florals and handmade decor made her vintage garden vision come to life! Their guests loved the floating frame her Father-in-Law made for a DIY photo booth. They stocked the bar with liquor that had been gifted to them from friend’s and family. Erin’s Dad built a custom wood pallet planter shelf for the succulent favor’s that doubled as place card’s. (This was one of my favorite details! I said a few ohh’s and ahh’s when I saw it.) Erin also made the entrance sign that welcomed guests to the wedding. So many pretty handmade details!
I love send off’s, they just end the night in a fun way. Not only did they have a confetti canon send off, they ran to the dock nearby onto a boat they chartered, that took them directly to their hotel on the riverwalk. The guests stood by the water’s edge and cheered them on as their boat went by. A truly magical way to end such a gorgeous wedding!
Photography: L Martin Wedding Photography | Floral Design: Bloomingdale Florist | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: Publix Bakery | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal | Catering: 911 Catering | Hair + Makeup: Destiny And Light | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: Davis Island Garden Club | Bridal Boutique: Robyn Lynne Bridal | Signage: Z Create Design
Okay, okay, I know I went a little crazy with the inspiration boards from this Tucson wedding, but when you take a look below and in The Vault, you’ll see why. Elyse Hall Photography just captured so much pretty, like the Bride’s engagement ring (crafted from a Wooly Mammoth fossil!) and the bright blooms. You’ll see — Rackel Gehlsen Weddings & Events created a desert dream. And I never want to wake up.
From Rackel Gehlsen Weddings & Events…Nicole is a Tucson native, and wanted to share her beloved hometown with all of her family and friends. She wanted the outdoor elements of the desert beauty with bright florals and touches of modern décor. Now that she lives in New York, we created a chic lounge for the dancing, featuring Wayne Foster Entertainment. Nicole also LOVES science so her ring was actually made of a Woolly Mammoth Fossil. It was important to her to use lots of Natural elements to achieve the feeling we also used lots of Geodes and Natural Gem stones to bring her LOVE for Nature to the night. Nicole is very talented all the paper watercolor art was created by Nicole herself. So great. I loved all the natural touches with leather wrapping around the invitations.
We surprised Nicole, Jon and their guest with Fireworks right cute the cake, it was a magical element. Wayne Foster Entertainment for the Afterglow Party. Frostings Event Design Rentals created a chic New York 1920’s inspired nightclub with several vignettes of specialty décor.
Bistro lighting and amber up lighting throughout the perimeter with Mexican Pin Stars, farm tables mixed in with round tables dressed in natural birch desert textures, Napa chairs at the guest tables, and mirrored boxes, a variety of geodes, and different heights of floating candles to illuminate the cascading floral.
Color palette was natural desert birch and elegant turquoise. The style of wedding flowers was a loose and organic mix of garden roses, spray roses, ranunculus, poppies, scabiosa, in shades of coral, hot pink, with an accent of aqua toned succulents and coordinating whimsical foliages.
Photography: Elyse Hall Photography | Event Planning: Rackel Gehlsen Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Elaine Taylor Fine Flowers | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort | Invitations: Brie Dumais Designs | Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Engagement Ring: Monique Pean Homme | Jewelry: Vintage | Hair + Makeup: I Do Hair & Makeup Artistry | Band: Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Ceremony Music: Dr. Eduardo Costa | Venue: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort | Event Rentals: Frostings Event Design & Rental | Water Color Painting: The Bride
As former Miss Nebraska USA and self-declared fashion lover, it’s pretty safe to say this Bride knows a thing or two about style. She chose an impossibly chic Vera Wang gown for her hometown wedding and it set the stage for an elegant celebration photographed by Megan Pomeroy. Look back at their Chicago engagement sesh, and head this way for the full wedding gallery.
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From The Bride…As a follow up to our engagement session featured on Style Me Pretty, it makes me so excited and happy to share our wedding day! When preparing for our wedding, we knew we wanted the day to be elegant, timeless and bespoke. Jackie & JFK’s outdoor wedding reception was a huge inspiration for our day; we admired the simplicity and how timeless their photos looked.
We recently moved back to Nebraska from Chicago, and wanted to take our wedding day back to our small-town roots. We decided to have our wedding in a neighboring town where I grew up – Farwell, a town with a whopping population of 70 people! We both loved the idea of a countryside wedding and the fact that we could have the entire day in one place – the ceremony to the right of the bed and breakfast and white tents to the left for the reception. The B&B had a large wrap around porch, so we utilized that for cocktail hour, extra seating and the bar. The location was very charming and a destination we plan to visit over the years.
When it came to the look of the day, I’m a true lover of all things neutral. We used white, ivory, gold, flowers and greenery to set the stage for the day. There were aspects throughout the day that captured the essence of our relationship and upbringing. The meal at the reception was home cooked by the B&B, our cake was made by a family friend and we only served wine and beer, complementing what we enjoy drinking.
A dear friend, a former Miss Alabama USA whom I met at Miss USA, has a beautiful calligraphy business so I enlisted her help for our paper goods. She drew an illustration of the B&B that we used on our wedding invitations and programs. If I had to pick, our letterpress invitations were my favorite wedding detail! I now have the invitation framed and on display in our bedroom.
As a former Miss Nebraska USA and lover of fashion, choosing a gown was at the top of my list. I had always dreamed of wearing Vera Wang, and when I tried on the Lillian style, I instantly knew it was perfect for our outdoor wedding. I loved the simplicity and how it was made with a soft French lace. And to top it off, my veil and reception headpiece were custom designed by a dear friend and local designer. Walking down the isle to my now husband, on my mom’s arm and wearing my gown was a highlight of the day!
The reception was a blast. We had a dance tent and a dinner tent. During dinner, our videographer played our love story interviews and same day edit of our wedding day. I cried and laughed and was completely blown away. My groom even surprised me during the video and played our favorite Lord Huron song (a song we listened to on repeat during our engagement trip)! Watching our wedding day video together for the first time with all of our guests was so special. After that, we danced the night away and couldn’t stop smiling!
The Monday after the wedding we jetted off to the French Riviera, Cinque Terre and Lake Como for our honeymoon. It’s safe to say August 2015 was hands down my favorite month of all time.
We were so fortunate to work with amazing vendors. Not only did they bring together our vision for the day, but also they traveled hours to get to our remote location to make it happen. When I think about our wedding day, I think of laughing and smiling every second. I’m so glad our videographer and photographer captured these special moments that we’ll treasure forever.
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Photography: Megan Pomeroy Photography | Cinematography: Wedding Memories Of Omaha | Floral Design: Petals to Platinum | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang, Beverly Hills | Invitations: Huck And Pippa | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Hair: Fawnia at Serenity Salon & Spa | Groom’s Attire: Tip Top Tux | Ceremony Music: Harris Academy of the Arts | Venue: Farwell Bed & Breakfast | Accessories (sash, earrings, robe, clutch): BHLDN | Chalk Board Calligraphy: Cora Calligraphy | Invitation Letterpress:Porridge Papers | Rentals: Nostalgia Rentals | Rentals: AAA Rents | Ribbon: FrouFrou Chic | Veil & Headpiece : Felicia’s Couture Creation
Can we just talk about this pineapple cheese board for a sec? As if I didn’t already love the marble + wood combo enough (and pineapples for that matter), this cutie has to go and land itself in my lap. Er, shopping cart I mean. A girl’s gotta build her hostess arsenal, no? There’s plenty more summer serving goodness where that came from, too—see the full roundup here!
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The Ultimate Wine Tasting Guide (Clink, Clink!)
5 Rules to Achieve Perfect Party Host Status
How To Be a Master Bartender at Your Next Shindig (Bottoms Up!)
When ‘Rich Kids of Beverly Hills’ star, Morgan Stewart shared her wedding with the world, we were taking notes. Because this celebration? Well, it’s all sorts of next-level pretty. Which is why we’re sharing a few of our favorite moments from the day as well as some fun favorites via The Vault to help you replicate the look on your own special day. Click below for more and see the original celebration here!
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A Full House Wedding | Top Celebrity Wedding Secrets | Emily Maynard’s Surprise Wedding
Guys, we know that looking fab on THE day is numero uno for every.bride.on.the.planet. Trust us, we sooo get that. Which is why we’ve asked our friends over at BHLDN to share some tips on adding a pop of WOW to your wedding day ensemble and creating a fresh, extra-special look for your reception. Think of it as Bridal Styling 101 with the experts on stunning gowns, separates and accessories. Four easy steps to the wow factor? Sign us up.
There are about a million and one reasons we adore BHLDN, but sitting tops on the list? Their fabulous lineup of gowns that are as breathtaking as they are unique. Think the romantic meets timeless look of the Calla Gown (complete with a beautiful moonlight color), the clean silhouette of the Abigail Gown and the sweet + sassy look of the Frida Gown, a little white dress that will leave all of your guests talking. Together they make achieving step 1 – start with a classic gown – the definition of easy-peasy.
We love a bride who isn’t afraid to mix it up on the Big Day and BHLDN’s Amora Skirt is most definitely the answer if you’re wanting to add a little flair to the proceedings. Pair it with the Frida for a little extra dose of romance or grab the Cleo Topper to bring out your inner boho bride.. or the Luciana Topper, perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to the Abigail.
After the vows have been said and the rings have been exchanged, it’s time to p.a.r.t.y like it’s no one’s business. This means tossing aside the topper and veil and grabbing BHLDN’s stunning Madison Sash and Winter Garden Combs for a look that is equal parts bling-y and celebration ready. Oh, and that crazy cool overskirt? Set it aside for a second dress reveal, and don’t forget to add a pair of uber-chic shoes, like the dazzling Lucia T-Straps or Isabella Scallop Heels in seriously stunning Laguna Blue.
Did you know that your wedding day ensemble isn’t just for THE day? Yep, you can rock that look long after your celebration is over. Picture the super stylish Frida with a denim or leather jacket, the Cleo Topper paired with your fave jeans (and those sky high heels you so love) and the Calla shortened by a tailor for a sassy look for that night out on the town. The options are truly endless, loves… and beyond awesome.
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Ready to wow your guests with a totally unique and totally YOU look? Head to BHLDN today to peruse the pretty. They are experts at making you look wonderful.
What: BHLDN is giving away a Cleo Topper in Ivory (Value $80) and the Ethereal Floral Halo (Value $290) to one lucky SMP reader!
How: Simply leave a comment below telling us which of the 4 Steps you’ll be rockin’ on your Big Day!
Who: The winner, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, July 15, 2015. For terms and conditions, click here. Good luck, lovelies! xo
At this point we all know about the letter in a bottle, but for those of us that need a refersher? Click through The Vault and you’ll be up to date. Essentially it’s the perfect lil’ inspo that may (or may not have) inspired it all and thanks to Cassidy Carson we’ve got every bit of it below.
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From Cassidy Carson…On the journey to create a simple yet mystical elopement, Southern Social’s scouting team knew the perfect setting for Grace and Connor encompassed a stunning backdrop to their pewter color palette. To incorporate Grace and Connor’s road trip memories across the west coast, the ocean was the completed link to the winning location. The dreamy Pfeiffer Beach tucked away in the small town of Big Sur with its mysterious purple sand and towering cliffs made for the most romantic and intimate ceremony. A radiant sunset, whipping waves and sea spray were welcome accompaniments imposing a sense of effortless poise in Cassidy’s photos. Petal & Pine crafted Grace’s captivating bouquet foraging local flowers and pairing with Silk and Willow’s finest ribbon that delicately danced in the wind. But, Grace’s Oceana Monique Lhuillier gown paired with a cathedral veil handmade by Alice & Mae and a classic smoky eye by Leslie Ellis stole the show! Olive Juice Press created handsome stationery including hand-made paper immersed with sweet love notes for Grace and Connor’s bottle toss into the ocean, as well as hand-lettered oyster shells for keepsakes for the handful of wedding VIPs in attendance. Grace, Connor and guests were enthralled by the power of simplicity at this gorgeous elopement!
Photography: Cassidy Carson Photography | Cinematography: Alyssa Torrech Videography | Event Planning + Design: Southern Social Events | Floral Design: Petal and Pine | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Hair + Makeup: Leslie Ellis Hair and Makeup | Invitations + Calligraphy: Olive Juice Press | Venue: Big Sur Point 16 | Bridal Boutique: The Bride Room | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Veil + Hair Accessories: Alice and Mae Bridal
What happens when a reality TV star ties the knot with camera crews in tow? Well, when that star just so happens to be Morgan Stewart of Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, it equals a glamourous affair with steal-worthy moments at every turn. No surprise, Morgan and her hubby Brendan Fitzpatrick brought on an A-list vendor entourage including Wish Wonder Dream, The Butter End Cakery, Contemporary Catering, Found Vintage Rentals, and Closer to Love captured it all. Love the luxe wedding vibe? Sit tight for a get-the-look breakdown later today!
From Wish Wonder Dream…Morgan is my first cousin and it was a very sincere honor to coordinate her and Brendan’s wedding. Brendan is a great guy and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know him at our annual holiday dinners over the last few years. Morgan’s parents, Susan and Herb, are my aunt and uncle. So this was very much a family affair and my daughter, Avery was even the Flower Girl.
Morgan and I had lunch in Sherman Oaks last August and we exchanged stories about our lives since we last saw each other. I had a new baby and she had become engaged to Brendan. She mentioned that she was really excited to begin planning the wedding but hadn’t begun yet. So I was really excited when she asked me to be her coordinator and I knew my team would be in for a wild ride, because the process would be documented for season 4 of Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. I managed all the planning and design leading up to the big day and then I handed the reigns to my team on the wedding day, so I could attend as a guest. Thus I have the unique perspective of knowing what it was like both to plan and attend her wedding.
Morgan’s style is classic, timeless, elegant, chic, and traditional but with a surprising twist. From the first day, Morgan and Brendan were heavily involved in the designing process and both knew they wanted a white wedding. Brendan’s favorite designer is Tom Ford and he appreciates his modern, clean lines with luxurious and timeless appeal. That was a source of inspiration from him, throughout the process.
Morgan’s dress was custom-designed by Badgley Mischka and she flew out several times to their New York boutique for creative meetings and fittings. She worked in collaboration with them and ultimately landed on this two piece lace gown. She described is as “Grace Kelly circa 2016.” Brendan work a blue Tom Ford tuxedo. He changed shirt midway through the wedding day so he’d always be wearing a fresh, clean shirt.
When it came to selecting a venue, Morgan and Brendan kept saying she wanted modern elegance but with a romantic component. Over time it became more and more apparent to me that the right venue was actually Sitting Bull at Hummingbird Nest Ranch. I knew once filming season began for “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills”, their availability would become far more limited. Thus a venue closer to home would be preferable, especially knowing how involved they wanted to be. The venue brought the “old” and we’d bring the “new” in the styling, florals, and furniture selections.
Bloom Box Designs absolutely nailed the vision with large arrangements of calla lilies, roses, and jasmine, and lily of the valley. Morgan was not a fan of orchids, garden roses, peonies, or hydrangeas. Fayaz Chamadia, the owner of Bloom Box Designs was such a pleasure to work with. He went above and beyond by creating a custom wood runway aisle for the ceremony (he managed to build a flat and level runway on a slope) and then lined the runway with white delphinium and it looked like a fairytale. Walking down the aisle gave the illusion of floating across a field of beautiful flo wers and it was incredible. Bloom Box also provided arrangements of beautiful yellow roses for the Rehearsal D inner at Hotel Bel Air .
Trish Hook from Classic Party Rentals assisted us quite a bit with the rentals. We rented almost everything from Classic Party Rentals , including the chameleon chairs for reception, the glassware and china, the bars, and the furniture from the cocktail lounge vignette. The ceremony chairs were very important to Morgan and she really felt they made the look. They came from Revelry Event Designers. We also rented a few pieces of furniture for the After-Party from Found Rentals. La Tavola Fine Linen Rentals” provided the lovely table linens on the cocktail tables, the cake and dessert tables, the welcome table, and a few other key tables.
Morgan and Brendan did not see each other prior to the wedding and they did not do a First Look. So I built the timeline to include an extended Cocktail Hour. After Morgan and Brendan were finished taking formal photos, they joined their guests for the second half of cocktail hour. Brendan was adamant about attending the second half because there was a full live raw bar (with oysters shucked upon guests’ request) and a charcuterie bar, where wine/cheese experts paired charcuterie to the guests’ chosen beverage. Brendan was especially excited about those two displays and didn’t want to miss them. The Cocktail Hour also included a top-shelf open bar and tray-passed hors’ d oeuvres.
We decorated several beautiful gold bar backs with champagne flutes, candles, and floral arrangements and positioned them at the entrance of the reception tent. As guests arrived at the tent, they took their champagne flute with their name and table assignment etched on an acrylic stir stick.
All guests sat at custom-made acrylic tables with table tops upholstered in suede Morgan and Brendan strongly disliked round tables – I believe “hate” was the word, so Bloom Box Designs made them in a mix of square and rectangular tables. At each place setting was a custom menu from Heirloom Paper Co (who also created their wedding invitation suite, matchboxes, cocktail napkins, and asst. signage). The menu had each guests’ name in calligraphy at the top. Also at each place setting was a Swiss Chocolate, to honor Morgan’s Swiss heritage.
After the wedding reception wrapped around 11:30, guests went to the Motorcourt area in Sitting Bull, where we’d set up a cool Moroccan-inspired setting. We used lounge furniture in neutral colors, and then added pops of color with Moroccan rugs, lanterns, and lots of pillows from Found Rentals. Everyone had a blast at the after party and it went until about 3:00 am. Overall, the night went off without a single hitch. Morgan, Brendan, and their 150 guests had the time of their lives and people are still raving about how beautiful and intentional every detail was. Oh and they’re raving about Morgan’s dress!
Photography: Closer to Love Photography | Cinematography: Pixel Perfect Wedding Films | Wedding Dress: Badgley Mischka | Cake: The Butter End Cakery | Jewelry: Martin Katz | Makeup: Ernesto Casillas | Hair: David Stanwell | Calligraphy: Angela Interiano | DJ: Who's That DJ | Groom's Attire: Tom Ford | Officiant: Officiant Eric | Venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch | After Party Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Catering + Desserts: Contemporary Catering and Event Production | Coordination + Styling: Wish Wonder Dream | Floral Design, Custom Table, Tabletop Decor + Etched Stir Sticks: BloomBox Designs | Flower Girl Basket: Micheles Cottage | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Modern Rentals: Revelry Event Designers | Orchestra: West Coast Music | Photo Booth: Vox DJs | Rentals + Lighting: Classic Party Rentals | Stationery, Cocktail Napkins, Signage + Matchboxes: Heirloom Paper Co.
I dare you to find something, anything, cuter than the tiniest little mini me swimsuits to match chic grownup versions. It’s straight bananas how adorable it is. Just ask Giselle Bundchen. Whether you DIY your way to twinning or go with a brand that makes Mommy + Me matching a cinch, these suits are on point in the style department. From color blocking to stripes, crochet and kaftans too, play the matching game and prepare to melt the hearts of everyone you meet.
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One-Piece Swimsuits Way Sexier than Bikinis
Discover Your Perfect Sunglass Style
Try this Fresh, Dewy Makeup Look for Summer
In case you hadn’t heard, when it comes to your wedding, there are no rules. Ditch the bridesmaids, buck tradition, elope to Vegas — it’s your day and anything goes. So, this beautiful Bride, with her bold yellow wedding dress, is pretty much our hero. And after seeing every moment of her bright and fun wedding in The Vault (courtesy of Clean Plate Pictures) , she’ll be yours, too.
From Clean Plate Pictures…When my sister-in-law Helen asked me to photograph her and Sam’s London wedding, I was so honored and excited – I knew it would be an incredible day, and it was! The wedding took place in Sam’s contemporary art gallery, Assembly Point, and it was a super stylish, colorful love fest! Helen’s beautiful yellow dress and all the personal touches throughout the event were amazing. All of the decorations and flowers were put together by the couple and their friends and family. After a gorgeous ceremony with readings and songs, and a confetti-covered exit, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed cocktails in the gallery courtyard, then headed inside for an Indian feast. The speeches brought tears as well as much laughter, then the dancing began! The day was so bright and fun, just like these sweethearts.
Photography: Clean Plate Pictures | Floral Design: Floral Hall | Wedding Dress: Roksanda Ilincic | Bride's Shoes: Kurt Geiger | Catering: Ganapati South Indian Kitchen | Makeup: Thom Shaw | DJ: Imran Perretta | Groom's Attire: Reiss | Venue: Carol Hung | Groom's Shoes: Aquascutum
As if Jillian Harris‘ nursery wasn’t already cute enough, her pup Nacho Cilantro (who happens to be an Instagram star) has to go and make it off-the-charts adorable. Can you even handle?! This is definitely one darling room designed by one beautiful mama-to-be. Get the look below!
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This just might be my most favorite wedding ever. No, seriously – I mean it. Because not only are these two crazy about one another, but it’s also got a cavalier king charles, loads of champs, a touch of blue, mountainside setting AND custom cocktails. If all that doesn’t prove that Caroline and David had the best day ever then I don’t know what will. Oh, wait scratch that I do, and it’s in – The Vault.
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From Rebecca Rose Events…Caroline and David were married on September 19, 2015 on one of the loveliest late summer days in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The stunning canyon (the largest box canyon east of the Mississippi!) served as the stunning backdrop for their wedding day. Their outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner reception were crafted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for their 200+ guests to enjoy a day of fresh mountain air.
The new couple’s last name is Trautmann, so right from the start they thought it would be fun to introduce a playful mountain trout concept into our design plans. Hence their fun hashtag, #hookedontraut, and all of the subtle appearances of fishy trout artwork (including on guest welcome gifts, wood laser cut stir sticks, cocktail napkins, etc.)
Caroline loved the rich jewel tone blue color of the bridesmaid dresses – but it was initially a bit tough to incorporate because the rest of the color palette is so organic and earthy – with amber/gold tones, olive greens and browns, etc. To help provide a little balance, we added blue thistle and blue delphinium to the bouquets and floral arrangements and we loved the unique combination!
We designed the save the date and invitation suite to give guests a very literal preview of what was to come! The save the date includes a watercolor-style rendering of the Lonesome Valley canyon (the exact backdrop for their wedding ceremony) and the wedding invitation includes the exact flowers we used on the wedding day as well.
The ceremony took place in front of the canyon view, and then guests were ushered over to a beautiful grove of trees adorned with loosely strung bistro lighting for an outdoor cocktail hour. At dinner time, guests were seated under an open-air clear top tent, lined with fresh greenery and bistro lighting for a four-course dinner (yes – one course included trout!). Everyone watched the canyon transform as the sun set. Late night dancing took place inside Lonesome Valley’s Canyon Kitchen restaurant, which was transformed to host the party.
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Photography: Perry Vaile | Cinematography: Life In Rewind | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang, Beverly Hills| Cake: Artista Cakes | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstroms | Hair + Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne | Calligraphy: jill velez calligraphy | Band: A-Town A-List | Venue: Lonesome Valley | Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Music: Allergo Music | Event Planning, Styling, Floral Design + Event Production: Rebecca Rose Events | Getaway Car: Air Haven | Guest Transportation: Elite| Linen Rentals: Nuage Designs | Linen Rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental | Rentals (Tent, Chairs, China/Glassware/Flatware): Professional Party Rentals | Stationery, Gift Boxes + Invitations: Rebecca Rose Creative
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