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This Wedding Proves Rose Gold Is Here to Stay

Three words: rose gold sequins. Did you catch that? I said ROSE. GOLD. SEQUINS. If that doesn’t hook you then maybe these pretty lil’ Plum Pretty Sugar robes will do the trick. Because this wedding? Well, it’s everything. Filled with darling DIY’s and a few sorority sisters, Kate Supa captured it all to share in The Vault!

Colors
Settings
Country Club
Styles
Whimsical

From the Bride + Groom…The couple met on the bride’s 25th birthday in gorgeous downtown Savannah, Georgia. Fate brought them together when the bride, in town for an 8-week internship, literally bumped into the groom, who was visiting his brother just for the weekend. The night they met, Autumn secretly told her best friend she hoped it wouldn’t work out or her name would become “Autumn Woods”, her favorite Yankee candle scent. Little did she know, they would spend the next 10 months in a long distance relationship, as Autumn returned to Kentucky to finish her doctorate in physical therapy, and Erin returned to the U.S. Coast Guard town of Wilmington, North Carolina. Two years after their chance meeting, he got down on one knee in front of St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana and she said yes. They celebrated the night away at a surprise engagement party with family and friends on a rooftop in the French Quarter.

Autumn Lynn Abraham married Erin Fallon Woods 1 years later on April 23, 2016 at the breathtaking River Landing River Lodge in Wallace, North Carolina. The days leading up to the wedding were wet with heavy rains, but then the clouds opened up the morning of the 23rd for a beautiful spring day. Autumn got ready in The Falls Suite on the top floor of the River Landing Clubhouse, while Erin joined his groomsmen, family, and friends at the Hawthorne Cottage beside the clubhouse. Erin’s groomsmen were his three brothers, Cory, Garrison, and Jared Woods, all of whom are also in the U.S. Coast Guard. Autumn was of the calmest brides, enjoying a mimosa with her maid of honor and younger sister, Amy Abraham and her two best friends and sorority sisters, Alyssa Potter and Courtney Guilfoyle (who was 21 weeks pregnant and enjoying a sparkling cider!). The bridesmaids shined in their rose gold sequin and ivory chiffon gowns, with the maid of honor’s dress completely covered in bold, rose gold sequin. The bridesmaids’ gifts included their Plum Pretty Sugar robes and rose gold and crystal earrings purchased from Etsy to match the bride’s jewelry. With such statement dresses, the bridesmaids carried simple, yet classic baby’s breath bouquets wrapped in blush-colored ribbon. The bride’s bouquet was adorned with a rose gold locket holding a picture of her father, who passed when she was 7 years old. Her father would have celebrated his 57th birthday exactly one week prior to the wedding.

The pillows displayed at the River Lodge, handmade by the bride and favorite crafted detail, contained excerpts from love letters her father had written her mother while overseas protecting our country as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. These pillows were presented to her mother as a surprise gift at the reception. And of course the bride also included pillows with excerpts of love letters Erin had written her to remind her that time nor distance could affect his love for her. The groom also participated in a rather large DIY project, as he built the arbor that he and his bride married under. Thank you to Steve at High Performance Lighting, for supplying a chandelier to hang from Erin’s impressive arbor. The intimate ceremony, which took place on the sand bank between the River Lodge and the flowing Cape Fear River, was performed by Erin’s father, Philip Woods, as the bride’s mother, Annette Abraham, gave her away on behalf of herself and the bride’s father. This wedding was most certainly a family affair, as Erin’s nieces and nephews played the perfect flower girls, ring bearer and usher. The flower girls’ dresses were handmade by their mother, and they sprinkled white rose petals from their hand-decorated copper pales with streaming blush, ivory, and champagne glittered ribbons. The ring bearer refused to put down his briefcase for hours leading up to the wedding–his badge made by the groom detailed him as “Ring Security”, a job which he took very seriously.

Guests found their seats for dinner according to the DIY mirror seating chart put together by the bride and her maid of honor. The tables were covered with blush linens and glass beaded chargers rented by CE Rentals of Raleigh with the head table covered by a blush tulle with gold thread linen. The cake and cocktail tables were covered by copper sequin linens. This Carolina Lodge wedding was the first in Wilmington to use the rose gold silverware rented by Party Suppliers. The florist, Ally Favory, placed a single sprig of bay leaf to accompany the menu on each place setting and supplied mercury glass candle votives to the tables. Centerpieces were made of white hydrangea, feather eucalyptus, gunny eucalyptus, privet berries, magnolia greenery, and sprinkles of white spray roses, lizzianthus, and freesia in assorted mercury glass vases. Carolina cuisine known as a low country boil was served buffet style. The cake details were also a first for an eastern NC wedding, as the rose gold dust for the decorative rings was specially made for the occasion. Chandeliers hung above the bridal table and dance floor along with strands of white edison lights. Guests signed the personalized Kentucky bourbon barrel top in honor of Autumn’s home state. Champagne toasts were given by the maid of honor, best man, and mother of the bride, who spoke for herself and Autumn’s father in welcoming Erin to the bride’s family. Following the toasts, the guests danced the night away and a surprise guest appearance was made by Autumn and Erin’s 5-year-old goldendoodle, Annie Oakley. At the end of the night, the bride and groom made a romantic sparkler exit.

The colors of the wedding were blush, rose gold, and ivory. Autumn designed the wedding with the goal of tying in both her and Erin’s styles by combining the pastoral outdoors with elegant, illuminous colors. With 56 people in attendance, the bride and groom spent <$20,000 on the intimate event. The favors were homemade wine (South African Pinotage) and custom wine glasses.

From the Bride… My one piece of advice that I could give brides-to-be is not to overlook your future husband’s style, skills and creativity. They may surprise you with an immaculate arbor, ring bearer “security badge”, or tasty homemade wine, like mine did!

Photography: Kate Supa Photography | Floral Design: Ally Favory | Wedding Dress: Donna Salyers Fabulous Bridal | Cake: One Belle Bakery | Invitations: Minted | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: STORENVY | Catering: Mad Boar Restaurant | Hair + Makeup : Beauty Bar Boutique | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | DJ: Louis Gonzalez | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Officiant: Philip Woods | Ceremony Music: Justin Hoke | Arbor: Erin Woods | Bridal Jewelry: Treasures570 | Bride's Robe: Etsy- Piyama Bridal | Bridesmaids' Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Ceremony + Reception: River Landing | Flower Girls' Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Linens & Chargers: CE Rentals | Photography - Assistance: Amy Jo- The Paper Unicorn Photography | Silverware: Party Suppliers & Rentals

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Love rose gold as much as we do? See Gorgeous Rose Gold Engagement Rings below

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Easton Events Shares Their Must-Know Wedding Day Timeline

Your wedding is a whirlwind of activity and emotion, and to prevent essential details from falling through the cracks, we’re big fans of creating a timeline to guide you through the chaos. And while you may have all the major milestones (vows, first dance) already on there, the ladies of Easton Events are filling us in on their 10, easily forgotten but oh so important, items to include on that timeline of yours!

10 Things Not To Forget on Your Wedding Timeline with Easton Events!

Posted by Style Me Pretty on Monday, June 13, 2016

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Your Pre-Wedding Checklist
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Your Pre-Wedding Checklist
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
I Unplugged For My Honeymoon + It Was The Best Decision Ever.

My hubby and I just recently celebrated our first anniversary and while we spent the occasion looking back on our wonderful wedding, we also found ourselves daydreaming about the honeymoon that followed. Simply put, it was amazing. And one of the main reasons it was so spectacular was that my cell phone was not included. Other than using the camera to capture some special moments, my cell phone was not touched, looked at or even thought of – and I’m certain you need to do the same.

Not only have I had my work email on my cell phone for years now, but like most everyone else in the world, I live and breath with this beast we call our phones. From Instagram to Snapchat, to tracking our steps, breaths and zzz’s, not to even mention the endless texts, it’s not far-fetched to call our cell phone the third wheel in many relationships. I refused to let that happen on our post-nuptials getaway.

When I look back on that week, I remember reading on the beach as my new husband scuba dived in front of me. I remember the sunsets and the conversations we had together – not with friends via Facebook updates. And I remember how when I returned to reality, I felt refreshed. So when people ask me for my own bits of wedding wisdom, I’ll continue to jump ahead to post-party, and encourage them to put down their phones and be present as they kick off their marriage together. Trust me, it’s worth it.

SMP Editors' Honeymoons
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SMP Editors' Honeymoons
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Even More Honeymoon Inspiration!


Italy here we come! | Bora Bora is Calling | How to pack everything in a carry on

This Southern Bridal Party Proves the More the Merrier

With a bridal party of 20 (!!) these sweethearts prove that their celebration was about the more the merrier. A truly Southern affair filled with tradition, a historic cake topper, and heirloom linens, Jacqui Cole Photography captured it all to share and we’ve got it waiting for you to pin in The Vault!

From Jacqui Cole PhotographyThis beautiful couple wed in the bride’s home town of Macon, Georgia on February 27th 2016. Almost 400 guests attended their wedding, from all over the country, which really goes to show what kind souls they both are! The bride’s family own a pecan farm, so they chose subtly incorporate the pecan motif on many of the paper goods and guest welcome bags. Guests were even gifted a little packet of the families’ very own pecans!

While many of the wedding day moments were centered around traditions, the unique touches that were included really made their wedding one to remember. The couple chose to enjoy a first look to really maximize the time they could spend together on their wedding day. With a bridal party of 20 they also wanted to make sure they had a enough time to enjoy the day with all of their friends!

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the grand Macon Terminal Station where they enjoyed cocktail hour with classic southern hors d’oeuvre passed around. The couple incorporated many unique and personal touches to their wedding day. Lauren Summers Hodgens did an incredible job of planning and incorporating the sentimental southern traditions within the wedding day. It was extremely important for this bride and groom to include their families rich history and traditions. The cake topper was from the bride’s parent’s wedding cake and some of the linens were actually from her grandparent’s wedding! The florals were loose, organic and incorporated many natural green elements. The true statement of the reception was the incredible historic train station!

It’s clear to see the Mr&Mrs had a blast at the reception! The Voltage Brothers band was absolutely incredible and we even found the bride and groom up on stage during the night! They exited their reception to a beautiful vintage car and rode away waving thanks to all their guests. This wedding was such a joyful, beautiful day that was such a joy to capture – I couldn’t be more thrilled for the new Mr and Mrs!

From the Bride… We envisioned a traditional, elegant, Southern occasion surrounded by all of our closest family and friends who encouraged us along the way. We didn’t have a color theme or palette but rather we wanted everything to tie back to the idea of family. The wedding weekend began with the bridal luncheon at the bride’s childhood home. Minutes before guests began arriving, the bride and her two sisters spent time reliving their mother’s of wedding thumbing through her album their mom. As guests began arrived, the bride’s aunt played the piano from sheet music the bride’s grandmother once used to play the organ in their small town for weddings. At the luncheon, each table told a family story – the bride collected beautiful, special heirloom pieces and mixed and matched with the groom’s family. For instance, china from her grandmother, silver from his, napkins from his great grandmother and vases from the bride’s mother all told a story of two families coming together to celebrate the occasion. A little place card on each table told the story of the pieces.

On their wedding day, the bridesmaids came back to the bride’s childhood home to be surrounded my memories, laughs and a few tears.They married in the church where the bride grew up and the pastor was a longstanding figure throughout her childhood. The bride wore her mother’s veil made of Brussels lace her mother purchased while living abroad more than 40 years ago and her two younger sisters plan to wear it as well. The bride also carried a handkerchief that the groom’s maternal grandmother carried during her wedding – the bride and groom married in the their 60th year of marriage. During the reception, the groom’s grandparents danced to the song “May I Have This Dance?” that reminded them when they met at a dance 60 years ago in October. 

There were so many happy tears shed – tears of joy, appreciation, admiration. The whole weekend focused on love, happiness and genuinely bringing together all the people who made us the people we are today – a memory of the totally overwhelming love and support is what we will always remember.  

Our weekend would not have been possible without our wedding planner who is the most kind, selfless, creative, organized person we know. When we got engaged, we knew that we wanted her to help. She kept our best interests always at the forefront of her mind and navigated others with poise and grace always stopping to ask, “Is this what you want in your heart? Does this feel good to you?” Reflecting back on our engagement experience, she allowed us to focus on one another and our loved ones while she quietly handled the details. 

One piece of practical advice I received was to look for occasion outfits (like for a luncheon, shower or party) when you are in the mood and light years before you need them. It makes the experience fun, takes the pressure off and of course you never find something when you need to! More sentimental advice is choose a few things that are important to you and prioritize them. For me, it was this element of family and that helped guide the other pieces of our planning.

Photography: Jacqui Cole Photography | Event Planning: Lauren Summers Hodgens | Floral Design: Mary Pinson Flowers | Wedding Dress: Matthew Christopher | Cake: Lisa Mae Cakes | Invitations: Arzberger Stationers | Catering: Two’s Company | Hair + Makeup: Amanda Jane Salon | Lighting: Tom McCampbell MMI | Band: EastCoast Entertainment | Venue: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Beverage Services: Vineville Beverage | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Tent Rentals: Macon Tent Rentals

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Every bridal party needs a good emergency kit – see our tips below!

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They Walked Down the Aisle to Kanye – It Doesn’t Get Cooler Than This

There’s no doubt in my mind these two were the cool kids in school. And they carried that vibe all the way into their wedding day infusing it with their personality and lots and lots of chic style. From the super fabulous DIY details to the colorful bridesmaids (thanks to Weddington Way), every single beautiful bit rocks it out of the park. Betsi Ewing snapped away and our Vault sparkles for it!

Colors
Settings
Urban Space
Styles
Modern

From the Bride… When we started off planning our wedding, we talked about the ‘best weddings’ we had ever attended, and we couldn’t remember details like the cake, floral arrangements, or stationery. The best weddings were a great group of people dancing and celebrating together!

So we scrapped the idea of spending a ton on designer gowns and bouquets, and enlisted the amazing DJ Major Taylor, found a venue in the west loop with a BYOB policy for all of our craft beer and champagne needs, and threw a party. I made most of the decorations out of recycled bottles and paints, a lot of twine and hot glue. We bought flowers from TJ’s and had a bouquet-making party in my backyard the day before the wedding.

We used wedding favors to incorporate bikes and our dog Rudie (her face was on the m&m’s), kept the ceremony short, sweet, and meaningful, and walked down the aisle to Kanye. Basically, a very ‘Ally and Rob’ wedding. We had a blast and still have guests telling us it was the best dance party they have ever been to!

More modern inspiration this way!

Photography: BETSI EWING STUDIO | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Bride’s Shoes: Designer Shoe Warehouse| Jewelry: Grandmother’s ring for “borrowed + blue” | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Weddington Way | Catering: Food for Thought | Makeup: Tricia Clarke | Hair: Christina Crosthwaite at Fringe Salon | DJ: Major Taylor | Groom’s Attire:BLVDier | Venue: Room 1520 | Ceremony Diamond Backdrop: DIY by bride, friends + family | Floral Design + Decor: DIY by Bride, friends + family | Photography – Assistance: Britography

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Discover the Fashionable Faux Pas Approved by Karlie Kloss

I’m pretty sure Karlie Kloss looks drop dead gorg in anything she wears. But the fashion faux pas that is now being coined fashionable? Oh, she rocks it. We’re talking about the Canadian tuxedo my friends. She gives a whole new meaning to the term with this look below. What do you think—would you dare to wear double duty denim?

When in Canada, do as the Canadians. #CanadianTuxedo

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Hoedown Rehearsal Isn’t Complete Unless You Have a Mechanical Bull

Readers, it’s time to saddle on up – because this rehearsal dinner is anything but your average shin-dig. Complete with a mechanical bull, lively line dances, and cowboys, it’s an all-fired celebration from A Savvy Event that’s sure to surprise. And if you think this is good, just wait until you see the wedding that followed suit. Until then, see the rest of this party captured by Jessica Burke in The Vault!

Photography: Jessica Burke | Event Planning + Design: A Savvy Event | Catering: Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch | Location: Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch

The Fancy Upgrade Your Summer Cocktails are Begging for

This collection of DIY’s is the whole reason you shouldn’t underestimate the power of the ice cube. One look at this flower infused version or perfect for iced coffee cubes and you’ll never go back to the regular old stuff again. Booorrring. So do your summer sips a favor and infuse them with ice cubes that are anything but boring. And check out more summer cocktail ideas right this way.

10 Ways to Up Your Ice Cube Game
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10 Ways to Up Your Ice Cube Game
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Grab all the entertaining goodies you need for a Summer of Soirées…

Adorable Baby Boy “Walks” Down the Aisle to Wait For Mom (The Bride!)

If you think you’ve seen all the wedding cuteness out there, you better think again because this baby boy is about to make your heart explode. Dad (the Groom) carried him down the aisle to wait for Mom (the Bride), who couldn’t have been more radiant if she tried. Sposto Photography captured every sweet moment and we can’t get enough.

From Sposto PhotographyKevin and Loren’s wedding was a dream! The blush and mint combination matched with the garden-esque estate really brought the color story to life! Loren and her bridesmaids got ready together in the beautiful bridal suite offered by the venue. Her backless Allure gown was so lovely featuring a lace train and a fingertip length veil.

The couple was married under a birch arbor adorned with floral delicacy surrounded by their friends and family. Their vows were heartfelt and emotional, celebrating their love and their son who Kevin walked down the aisle just before Loren’s Dad walked her down the aisle.

Dinner was served alfresco under market lights that came on just as the stars came out. Kevin, an accomplished mixologist, created a signature chili mango cocktail for the guests to enjoy and the night concluded with a gelato station! It was such a fun party filled with laughter and excitement.

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Photography: Sposto Photography | Floral Design + Rentals: Casi Cielo Events & Flowers | Venue: Gerry Ranch | Catering: Command Performance Catering | Bridal Boutique: Bridal Elegance Salon | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Allure Bridal | DJ: DJ Mikey P | Hair: Jamie Rose | Makeup: Sarah Weeks | Bride’s Earrings:J.Crew | Bride’s Shoes: Sam Edleman | Gelato Station: Paradis Ice Cream | Ring: Jewel’s by Grace | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Groom’s Attire: Klein Epstein & Parker

The holy grail gown: A bridesmaid’s dress that’s chic AND affordable!

Being a bridesmaid is an absolute honor, and I’ve been lucky enough to stand beside my besties on more occasions than I can count.  But if I am being totally honest, when it comes to finding that perfect dress, I wish it were a bit easier.  And that’s where the sweet online boutique Revelry comes in. Think super stylish + cost-effective gowns that you will sooo wear again. Guys, it’s genius.

In my 37+ years, I’ve worn a lot of, umm… interesting bridesmaids gowns.  Think Beverly Hills 90210 circa 1999… and I’m not kidding.  So when I first spied the beautiful frocks at Revelry, I couldn’t wait to tell all of my newly-engaged friends.  I’m talking a stunning collection of tops, skirts and dresses that are beyond awesome, all founded by a group of ladies that know everything there is to know about re-wearable styles that will complement everyone in your bridal party.  From their ultra-feminine details to the luxe fabrics like chiffon, tulle and sequins to their crazy cool array of sizes (0-32!) at absolutely NO extra charge.  Not to mention that each style in the collection ranges from $50-$175, so they are just as cost-effective as they are gorgeous. I am sooo on board.

Revelry is a brand that just gets you, and they use college students and best friends as their models, so you can see just what you and your bridal party will look like… for real.  They’ll even send you a sample box to try on dresses at home, which also includes a book of 3×5 fabric swatches of every color offered, a complimentary measuring tape and a how-to measuring guide, which makes everything sooo easy.  I mean, trying on bridesmaid gowns while lounging around in yoga pants with your besties?  Everything about that is awesome.  Visit them NOW to get started.  And for all inquiries, please contact hello@shoprevelry.com and use code SMP50 at checkout for 50% off your sample box.

the-giveaway

What: Revelry is giving away FREE bridesmaid dresses for your ENTIRE wedding squad!

How: For Official Rules and to enter, click HERE. Good luck, loves! xo

Photography: Twinty Photography | Florals: Afloral | Jewelry: Kendra Scott Jewelry | Bridesmaid Dresses: Revelry | Balloons: Balloon Bar

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Rustic Romance with a Side of Barn Dancing

This one had me at hello.  Well, if I’m being honest, it had me at rustic romance with a side of barn dancin’, but you get the picture… it’s beyond amazing.  From the sweet, fresh-from-the-garden styled blooms to the gorgeous mountaintop setting to the bride’s Claire Pettibone gown with the prettiest ever back detailing.  See it all captured by heidi-o-photo in THE VAULT right this way.

From heidi-o-photo… Allegra and Joel chose this unique mountaintop resort for their wedding. The setting was gorgeous with trees and fields. The old barn strung with lights was perfect for late night partying. And their friends and family were able to camp at the resort and spend the weekend celebrating.

Photography: heidi-o-photo | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone | Catering: Paella Valencia | Makeup: Cheriene | DJ: Beck's Entertainment | Venue: Bailey's Palomar Resort | Rentals: SD Party Rentals

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Why You Need a Vintage Engagement Ring + 5 Secrets to Find the Perfect One

One of the biggest trends in engagement rings this season is the resurgence of romantic vintage-inspired details and antique rings. And when it comes to authentic, one-of-a-kind engagement rings with a rich history and timeless style, there’s no better place to look than Trumpet & Horn. They’re sharing with us why you should consider a vintage ring and the five secrets to finding the perfect one!

They’re Eco-Friendly

Vintage rings are the most eco-friendly choice when it comes to engagement rings. When you choose vintage, there is no extra mining or labor that is required to make a ring for you, so you can rest assured you are making a near-zero impact on the environment.

 

They’re Conflict-Free

Vintage rings, by their nature, are conflict-free. The conflict that “conflict-free” diamonds refer to began generally as early as the 1970’s. Rings that were already completed pieces before the 1970’s were not involved in the conflict in any way, which is a very easy and fool-proof way to guarantee that a ring is conflict-free.

They Can Be Less Expensive

Vintage rings can be less expensive because they require no extra mining or labor, so those costs are not passed on to the consumer. Sometimes, when newly made rings are very cheap (or cheaper than a similar vintage ring), it may be because the stones they use are poor quality, bought in bulk, and made into rings overseas in countries with labor laws that are less strict that the US, which drives down the price.

They’re One-of-a-Kind

Vintage rings are often one-of-a-kind or very close to it. Most new rings are made in big production runs to drive down the cost of manufacturing, so there are many rings that all look exactly the same that go to market. With vintage, many if not most pieces are one-offs. Especially with older vintage/antique rings, stones were chosen first and the settings were crafted by hand to perfectly fit the chosen stone(s).

 

They’re Works Of Art

Vintage rings are wearable works of art. They were hand-made by artisans (sometimes over 100 years ago!) without electricity and the modern tools that are used to churn out rings on a massive scale in today’s market. Each was lovingly crafted by an artist from design to completion, rather than computer generated and pieced together to make a completed product by many different teams, sometimes in several different countries. We believe this makes vintage rings extra special, like a little piece of art history that you can wear on your hand.

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What to Keep In Mind When Shopping

  1. Shop within your budget! Don’t ever let a salesperson pressure you.
  2. Ask lots of questions. If you’re hearing terms that you’re unfamiliar with, ask!
  3. Make sure the company you are buying from will let you return or exchange the ring if she doesn’t love it.
  4. If you’re shopping online, make sure the company is reputable and offers free shipping and returns.
  5. There may be vintage or antique stores in your area, which is a good place to start. See what style of rings you gravitate towards, and ask the salesperson if these rings are from a particular era or all have similar elements. Shopping online usually means a much bigger variety of rings to choose from, so do both.

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Plus, Everything You Need to Know About the Different Diamond Cuts

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Ring 101: The Cut

Ikea is giving us Major Outdoor Vibes and it’s all under $100

We usually have a running list of goodies to pick up at our next Ikea grand adventure and now that the sun is out that list is awash with outdoor essentials. Check out our must haves for infusing your alfresco spaces with some serious summertime vibes. And the best part? Every single one is under a $100. Cheap and cute. That’s how we roll. Shop the collection here…

Outdoor Steals under $100
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Outdoor Steals under $100
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Plus check out some of our Ikea Hack Faves!

DIY Cobalt Office Chair | DIY Mini Bar Cart | DIY Upholstered Bench

You’ll Never Believe This Wedding Wasn’t Their Original Plan

Melissa and David originally planned a destination wedding, but these two scrapped everything when their family needed the date pushed UP! In less than a month (you read right!) Melissa put together a day that looked so perfect you’d swear she spent a year planning. From the intricate Ketubah to the bride’s vintage fur handbag, Charity Maurer Photography captured it all to share in The Vault!

From Charity Maurer PhotographyMelissa and David share so much in common, their culture, their faith, and their love of family. Originally planning a destination wedding, these two scrapped everything when their family needed the date pushed up by over half a year! In less than a month Melissa put together a day that looked so perfect you’d swear she spent a year planning. In the shade of iconic Camelback Mountain, these two were wed at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, in Phoenix, Arizona. Combining their rich cultural heritage and their love of celebration, the details of the day were perfectly curated: from the intricate Ketubah to the bride’s vintage fur handbag, these two lovebirds thought of everything. But at the end of the day, amidst all the beauty and style, Melissa and David’s love was the most memorable. From the moments captured in their first look to their first dance as husband and wife, these two share a deep bond, and it was an honor to capture their decision to make it last forever.

Photography: Charity Maurer Photography | Dress: Carolina Herrera | Cake: The Royal Palms Resort and Spa Phoenix | Hair & Makeup: Kiana | DJ: Birkett Entertainment | Venue: The Royal Palms Resort and Spa Phoenix

They Said “I Do” Aboard a Sailboat and It was Absolutely Awesome

Nautical weddings are always amazing, but a nautical wedding aboard a sailboat in the beautiful Pacific Ocean?  Next level. From the absolutely stunning weather to the classic meets romantic stylings coordinated by Love Blooms Event Design to the movie-like first dance surrounded by crystal blue waters. See every moment captured by Momentous Image in THE VAULT.

From Momentous Image… On April 30th, I had the pleasure of shooting Angela and Tom’s wedding out at sea. It was an absolutely beautiful sunny day for a wedding out on the water, and we had the perfect sunset to cap off the evening!

All of the details of this wedding were simply gorgeous. The two got ready at the Chrysalis Inn and Spa in Bellingham, Washington.  The bouquet was made by the talented Theresa from Althauser Design. She was able to incorporate Angela’s grandmother’s gloves into the bouquet, which made for a truly special touch. Theresa also made a beautiful flower collar for Angela and Tom’s dog Oakley, who was able to attend the wedding on the sailboat with them as well! The bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses that fit the same general color pattern, and it turned out to be very beautiful and personal.

After the ceremony, the captain found a nice place to drop anchor in Chuckanut Bay, where the guests continued to celebrate, enjoy nice wine and take in the breathtaking views of the water and stunning sunset. The bride, groom and guests all lent a hand to raise the sails when the captain put down the anchor, which added some fun to the evening!

I have to say, ever since I got to say “I Do” myself in February, weddings have become even more emotional for me. There are a few moments that really stand out from this one:

First, the couple had their first look out on the dock near the water, which was such a special intimate moment between the two in a gorgeous location. It was so touching. Later, Angela began to shed tears during the ceremony, and I couldn’t help but get a little teary myself. And of course, the Father of the Bride’s speech was so personal and touching—there was not a dry eye to be found. I can’t imagine how simultaneously difficult and special it is for a father to see his little girl reach such a huge milestone in her life.

The two families were so wonderful together, and Angela and Tom are so clearly loved by all their family and friends. It was a beautiful occasion and I’m honored to have been a part of it.

Photography: Momentous Image | Coordination: Love Blooms Event Design | Floral Design: Althauser Design | Wedding Dress: Houghton Bride | Cake: Cake Creations by Kylie | Invitations: Coppia Creative | Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Catering: A Taste of Elegance | Hair + Makeup: Salon Tryst Bellingham | DJ: GMB Entertainment | Hotel: The Chrysalis Inn & Spa | Venue: Schooner Zodiac | Bridal Boutique: The Dress Theory | Photography - Assistance: Keisha Harvey | Robes: Monogram Mills

Tuscan Inspiration Meets Fresh-Picked Flowers in This Elegant Editorial

When we read that this editorial “was inspired by the intimacy of a Tuscan garden,” we were hooked, and the pretty photos in The Vault demonstrate why. With fresh-picked flowers from local farms, a stunning Hayley Paige gown and a romantic setting, this shoot from Jenny Haas Photography is a dream!


From Jenny Haas PhotographyI was inspired by the intimacy of a Tuscan garden. The colors were soft and neutral so they didn’t compete with the surroundings–The fabric on the table was cut long and had a natural flow to add a romantic flair to the table scape which was complimented with tarnished silver pieces to continue the muted color palette. Leah looked stunning in one of Hayley Paige’s new gowns from Hyde Park Bridal in Cincinnati.

Our flowers were inspired by the season, sourced entirely from Ohio flower farms and a few foraging adventures. The natural curve of the branches gave form and movement to the bouquet and arrangements. The textures of the apple blossom and lilac provided a gentle contrast with the soft and romantic anemone and ranunculus blooms. The aroma was divine…apple blossoms, lilacs, the hint of lemon in a local ranunculus.

Photography: Jenny Haas Photography | Floral Design: Linger Flowers | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Cake Hope and Love | Invitations: Kelsey Malie Calligraphy | Bride's Shoes: Steve Madden from Von Maur | Makeup: Rachel Lisa | Hair: French Twist | Groom's Attire: Banana Republic | Bridal Boutique: Amanda's Hyde Park Bridal

This Colorful Bohemian Wedding Will Have You Seeing Red

I’ve always considered myself a neutral loving lady, that is until I saw this pretty lil’ celebration from Kelli Lynn Photography. Filled with saturated blooms and pretty pops of color, it’s enough to convert even the starkest color fearing femme to fall for a few fresh hues. See it all for yourself in The Vault!

Colors
Settings
Event Venue
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Bohemian

From Kelli Lynn PhotographyAfter meeting when Lauren was 16 years old and Aaron was 18, these two love birds dated 4 years when Aaron asked Lauren to marry him on top of a hill overlooking the property that Lauren grew up on in Eastern Kentucky. Lauren knew that she didn’t want to have a long engagement, so after Aaron proposed last fall, they set the date for April 23rd, 2016.

The week of this wedding, everyone prayed that there would be no April showers. The morning of the wedding, we were blessed with clouds, but no rain. With the wedding beginning mid-day and all photos being taken prior to the ceremony, an overcast morning was perfect! This sweet couple are dear friends of mine and when they asked me to photograph their wedding I was beyond thrilled. This bohemian inspired wedding was filled with beautiful florals and was full of color. Lauren wanted to incorporate a lot of flowers and greenery that would give a very natural and organic feel.

Aaron and Lauren’s love is so contagious and their wedding day was filled with nothing but joy and laughter! The couple, the wedding party, family and all the guests were such a pleasure to work with and makes my photographer heart so very happy!

Photography: Kelli Lynn Photography | Floral Design: Jewlies | Wedding Dress: Mori Lee | Wedding Cake: Paula Vega Cakes | Invitations: Lauren Young | Ceremony Venue: Bridges Christian Church | Reception Venue: The Old Post Office | Hair Stylist: Domonique Danielak | Groom's Attire: H&M | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints

Dripping In Rustic Romance, This LA Wedding Wins Our Hearts

This wedding right here hits all the right notes. Between the gorgeous Bride and the precious little ladies, to the ceremony and the reception dripping in rustic elegant romance (thanks to Vanessa Michelle Co.), we’ve got a winner on our hands from start to finish. But would you expect anything less when you have a team that includes 24 Carrots, Found Vintage Rentals and Seniman Calligraphy all coming together? I think not. Diana McGregor captured it all and our Vault is all the better for it!

From Vanessa Michelle Co… Jacqui came to us with a very specific vision, a breathtaking, romantic affair that felt like a beautiful family celebration. Her inspiration was gorgeous and we could not wait to bring it to life for her. She was one of our dream brides to work with and she knew exactly what she wanted.

We are always a fan of juxtapositions. So naturally the marriage of an amazing ballroom dripping with chandeliers, lush greens, yummy florals, romantic candlelight, and an elegant touch of wood made our hearts flutter!!! Details meant everything to our bride, so of course the details showered the entire space. Calligraphy, candles, vintage books, demijohns, wood pieces, gold accents, decanters, 8 foot menu, dessert table, and the donut wall all adorned the unforgettable space. They always wanted a memorable yet comfortable aesthetic that reflected what meant the most to them, marrying their best friend. The look on Jacqui and Kevin’s face when we revealed the reception to them was simply priceless and exactly what we hoped for. It was truly an honor to be a part of this day.

From the Bride… Kevin and I met years ago at a small birthday party. It was the first time either of us had ever dated someone outside of people we met from school and we both felt the excitement of something so new and fresh. As the years passed, we kept discovering new territory together; it felt as though we grew up together. Fast forward seven years and I can’t imagine spending my life with anyone other than with this person who I have shared so many memories with – the person who knows me better than anyone else.

When it came to the wedding and decor, I was almost just as certain about what I wanted it all to look like and how I wanted it to feel. We wanted the wedding to be intimate, timeless and romantic. Candlelight and ambiance were everything so when we saw the Alexandria and the glow from its beautiful chandeliers, we knew it was our perfect venue. Aside from renting furniture, nearly all the decor were items we carefully curated or built ourselves over the course of planning. I wanted an elegant affair, but an approachable one so while I wanted it to be black tie with refined details, we added these homemade touches that felt very “us”. Every little piece had so much meaning to us so I was completely floored with emotion when I saw the way Vanessa executed it all together on our special day. It was absolutely magical and we couldn’t have dreamed of a more beautiful space to celebrate our shared lives with our dearest friends and family

Our favorite moments include ducking in the car as our driver accidentally drove passed Kevin before the ceremony, Kevin’s cocktail room speech welcoming our friends and family to our dinner table for the first time as husband and wife, and my dad’s surprisingly hilarious and endearing speech introducing our first dance.

More classic Cali weddings this way!

Acrylic Names: JennaandJulesdesigns | Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals | Catering: 24 Carrots | Late Night Food: Pizzania | Ceremony Music: Bolero Soul | Bow Tie: The Tie Bar | Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux | Desserts: Donut Snob | Calligraphy: Seniman Calligraphy | Envelope Calligraphy: Sixscent Stamp | Reception Venue: Alexandria Ballroom | Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Church | Photography: Diana McGregor | Makeup: Valerie Vonprisk | Robes: Stone Cold Fox | Flower Girl Dresses + Shoes: Tutu Du Monde | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BHLDN | Bride’s Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaids’ Rompers: Wild Fox | Transportation: Classy Chassis Rentals | Save the Dates: Seaside Press | Invitations: Emily A Howell Design | Additional Rentals: A1 Party Rentals | DJ: VoxDJs | Event Planning + Design: Vanessa Michelle Co. | Desserts: Mother of the Groom | Accomodations: Millennium Biltmore Hotel | Donut Board + Seating Chart: DIY Bride and Groom | Floral Design: Christy Villasenor, Honeycomb Affair | Wedding Dress: Edlin Dress by Watters |

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Ditch the Boring Bridal Shower and Plan a Tropical Bash!

Let’s be honest – sometimes a traditional bridal shower can feel a bit stuffy, so we’re embracing this fun, flirty inspiration from This Love Weddings and Jody Savage with open arms. They’re showing us how to infuse any celebration a tropical vibe, make-your-own mimosa bar and gold pineapple coasters included…and we’ll certainly cheers to that!

How to Plan a Tropical Bridal Shower
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How to Plan a Tropical Bridal Shower
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From This Love WeddingsA bride’s shower can be as stylish as her big day. Our goal for this shoot was to inspire maid/matron of honors and the bridal party hosting this special celebration to create a fun, bright and show stopping event. Gold pineapples, flamingos, bold pinks and oranges, fruity drinks (hello mimosa bar) and a talented team of creatives made for a stunning tropical themed bridal shower.

The bridal shower took place in Mystical Rose Gardens’ greenhouse turned event space thereafter we made way to the local conservatory, Como Park Conservatory for killer bridal party portraits. The day was beautifully captured by fine art photographer Jody Savage.

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Photography: Jody Savage Photography |Event Planning, Design + Styling: This Love Weddings | Floral Design: Studio Emme | Stationery: Jill Elaine Designs | Macaron Favors: Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe | Hair: Maconnie Dukuly | Makeup: Amber Budd Atelier | Bridal Boutique: a&bé Bridal Shop | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Rentals + Linen Rentals: Aprés Party and Tent Rental | Bride’s Shoes: Kelsi Dagger | Chair Rentals: Rudy’s Event Rentals | Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Matison Stone – Harley Dress | Maid of Honor’s Shoes: Mossimo | Maid of Honor’s Dress: Parker – Necco Shift | Maid of Honor’s Dress: Parker – Necco Shift | Frilloon: Shop Frilloon | Bridesmaid’s Shoes: Aldo | Venue: Mystical Rose Gardens | Ring Box:The Mrs Box | Engagement Ring: JB Hudson Jewelers | Location: Como Park Conservatory

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More Inspiration for the Party Planner!

DIY Simple Ombré Centerpiece

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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The Only Thing Supersized About These Oscar Nominees’ Wedding is Their Love

This Bride and Groom have very impressive resumés. She is SVP of Programming for HBO Documentaries and he is the brains (and body) behind the 2004 documentary “Super Size Me.” And their family-oriented wedding, photographed by Craig Paulson Photography, is impressively sweet. See all the heartwarming moments in The Vault!

From Craig Paulson PhotographyOn April 30, Morgan Spurlock married his girlfriend Sara Bernstein in a very private, family and close friends wedding at his own spread in upstate NY.

Sara was 8 months pregnant.

The Super Size Me director (the film that gave us a craving for McDonalds) has been with Sara for the last 8 years, so we’re sure her dad didn’t actually have a gun to his head.

Sara is the SVP of programming for HBO Documentaries and has been nominated for an Oscar. Morgan has also been nominated for an Oscar for Super Size Me.

As a close friend I was honored to be there and shoot for him.

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Photography: Craig Paulson Photography | Venue: At Home