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!

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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 |

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 Weddings…A 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!

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!

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From Craig Paulson Photography…On 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

If you’re anything like us, the perfect night at home includes sweatpants, a tall glass of wine and a good old “Say Yes to the Dress” marathon. So it’s safe to say we were beyond excited when we crossed paths with the one and only Randy Fenoli — fearless Fashion Director of Kleinfeld Bridal, SYTTD star and honestly, every bride’s BFF. No one knows how to pick a wedding gown better than Randy, so sit back, pour yourself some vino and tune in for his top 5 tricks of the trade!
 
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Bonus: 15 Blushing Brides Who Said “YES” At Kleinfeld!

SMP Brides Who Said Yes to a Kleinfeld's Dress

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SMP Brides Who Said Yes to a Kleinfeld's Dress

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If you need a little reminding just how fun a pink, gold, confetti, and sparkles can be, let me introduce you to Megan and Louis. This Austin couple fully embraced all of the above for a whimsical garden party wedding with the help of Westcott Weddings, Bristol Lane Florals, and Jessica R. Crowell just to name a few. The incredible Sophie Epton photographed, and in our opinion, this is a gallery best viewed with champagne in hand. Cheers, Megan and Louis!

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From The Bride…I didn’t know when Louis proposed it was going to open up a world to me, a world where we were not only planning a wedding but also meeting life long friends and securing my roots in Austin, Texas. I’m fairly new to this city and didn’t have a circle yet, and little did I know the journey of planning my wedding would lead me to all of these places! I fell into the wedding planning not really knowing what I was doing but fortunate enough to have crossed paths with the most incredibly talented people who quickly became my dream team.

My first meeting was with Sophie Epton Photography, and from the moment we met I knew she was going to be our photographer. I had done a little research on Sophie and was blown away with her work, and when we started chatting I was as impressed with her down to earth, inviting personality! It felt like we had already been lifelong friends, we had similar visions of what weddings are and what they should look like. I remember her asking me if I was looking into a wedding planner, which I had been. She suggested Ellen from Westcott Weddings, which ironically enough I had a meeting scheduled with the next day! Meeting with Ellen had a similar feeling…she was warm, gracious, and sweet. It felt like I was having a conversation with my best friend about my vision for our wedding. We bonded over our love of sprinkles, glitter and confetti, which to me are the three things that make this world go round! I knew Ellen was going to take my inspiration of a whimsical garden party and make it a reality.

From there, Ellen put me into contact with the rest of the ladies who would become my dream team! Meredith from Bristol Lane did our florals, and her visions and creations are incredible; Meredith’s love for cultivating relationships is what makes her so special, and I knew what she created for me would be extraordinary and perfect for our day. Jessica from J.Ro Cro Arts & Lettering designed the most whimsical invitations and signage. I had spoken with Jessica over the phone for our initial consultation, and a few days later while I was out running errands, I was checking out and handed over my credit card. The cute girl behind the counter looked at the card, looked back up and me and said “Megan? I’m Jessica, I’m doing your invitations. We spoke on the phone!” Basically, what’s behind all of this is each of these women were meant to come into my life, it was meant to be that these were the people I would go on the journey with and I couldn’t have asked for anything or anyone better. When looking for your perfect team of vendors to make your vision a reality, make sure to choose people who you trust. I conveyed my vision to all of them of what I was wanting and then said “do your thing!” That was the best decision I made, and the result was a day that was completely us and completely perfect!

We had a fairly small and intimate wedding celebration…we wanted to be able to look at each guest and give them a specific reason why they were there. We wanted our friends and family to feel as special and as loved as we did! Our wedding was a celebration of them, and we wanted to thank them for the love and support that has built a foundation that Louis and I are able to stand on and start our life together! Louis and I did a first look, which gave us the unique opportunity to see the vision come together! It’s pretty incredible to look over and see the set up of the tables, florals and just see how hard everyone was working to make it special for us.

It’s hard to choose just one favorite moment, because the day came together with so much love and joy that it was impossible not to smile! We were surrounded by people who love and support us, friends who have become family, family who are our friends and feel so honored to have them share in our special day. We are incredibly thankful for a wonderful wedding team who made our dream into a reality and who have become cherished friends.

From Westcott Weddings…From the moment I met Megan, I knew I was going to love working with her. She is so kind, genuine, and full of joy. And I think that’s the biggest takeaway I have from both the months we spent planning and her + Louis’s big day–so much joy! Throughout the planning process, I affectionately referred to Megan as my “pink, confetti, and sparkles bride,” and I think we were able to deliver on all three counts for her wedding. Working together, we used a color palette of “elevated pinks and golds” to create a happy, garden atmosphere, perfect for a spring wedding.

She and Louis were married in front of 65 of their closest friends and families, beneath strands of bright floral garlands. From there, guests gathered in the courtyard for drinks and appetizers. We served dinner from the P. Terry’s food truck–a perfect piece of Austin to share with their out-of-town guests! Once guests had grabbed their burgers, they dined together at family style tables outfitted with vintage china, sequin runners, and bright, beautiful blooms under strands of twinkling lights. After dinner we moved inside for dessert (all beautiful, delicious, and dusted with gold glitter!) and dancing.

I’m so thankful to the incredibly talented team who pulled together to make Megan and Louis’s day come together so beautifully! So many congratulations to the happy couple!

Photography: Sophie Epton Photography | Floral Design: Bristol Lane Florals | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Rings: Rosados Box | Catering: P. Terry's | Catering: DNA Events | Hair + Makeup: Makenzi Laine | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Mercury Hall | Bride's Sandals: Bella Belle | Chair Rentals: Sweet Sunday Events | Cocktail Hour Catering: Tiny Pies | Desserts: Green Lily Bakery | Earrings: ILioniti | Event Planning + Styling: Westcott Weddings | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Groom's Shoes: Cole Haan | Invitations + Signage: J.RoCro Arts + Letters | Lighting Design: Intelligent Lighting Design | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Ribbon: Silk and Willow

You’ve probably figured out by now that when the geniuses over at Allure Bridals send us some pretty to peruse, we celebrate.  So today we’re grabbing our finest bottle of rosé and diving head first into this dreamy shoot set against a stunning Pacific Northwest setting.  Think the hottest styles from Allure Bridals’ Fall 2016 Collections with a side of fairytale.  Scroll on to fall in love with every last one.

Finding the right gown for your Big Day is sooo important.  We get that… and so does Allure Bridals. Which is why they craft some of the most beautiful gowns you will ever lay your eyes upon.  I’m talking everything from mesmerizing fit and flares to breathtaking ballgowns to sheaths with a side of sexy that will definitely make you feel ah-mazing.  Not to mention that each gorgeous design is skillfully crafted using the finest of fabrics, like beaded + gilded lace, English net and rich satin.  Add that to an entire world of intricate details and show-stopping silhouettes and you’ll most definitely find THE ONE.

Sooo ready to find that gown of your dreams?  Visit Allure Bridals TODAY to peruse every beautiful number from their Allure Bridals, Allure Romance and Allure Couture collections. They’re beyond.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then (for many modern couples) comes the mini-moon. There’s lots of reasons why an extravagant honeymoon immediately after the wedding might not work and that’s where this smaller-scale getaway comes in. Our friends at Secret Honeymoons are here to help you figure out what mini-moon style suits you best and from cross-country road trips to easy, breezy beach escapes, they’re sharing expert advice to get you started.

Discover Your Perfect Mini-Moon?

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Discover Your Perfect Mini-Moon?

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Why We Waited To Take Our Honeymoon (And Didn’t Regret It!)

Say hello to your new favorite engagement session, because this pretty lil’ portrait? It’s got a little of everything. A sweet fluffy pup, a handful of good girlfriends, and of course Hello Blue Photo behind the talented lens capturing it all. Get in on the fun (and be sure to favorite a few) via The Vault!

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From The Bride…I wanted our photos to reflect who we are as a couple, but also be timeless at the same time. We both love the outdoors, as well as the beach. I love magical garden environments, flowers, cool mountains, rocks, succulents, pretty much anything outdoorsy. We are getting married at Terrain, the Anthropologie wedding venue in Philadelphia, and am envisioning a very boho-garden inspired wedding, so thought would be great for the engagement session as well.

From Hello Blue Photo…The couple also wanted their dog, Chloe, because she is such a big part of their lives. They even had a floral collar made for her for the session. Ryan and Sara were so laid back, and super easy to shoot! Their chemistry really came through on the film, and they were thrilled with how they turned out.

One of my favorites parts about the session was that Sara brought basically her “Girl Squad” with her! She had Aimee, a childhood BFF and her make up artist, doing touch ups on her hair and even changing her lip color throughout the session which was amazing for me, because her make up was perfectly on point the entire time! And, she also brought another BFF to help take their dog, Chloe, on walks and entertain her when she wasn’t needed! The girls brought champagne to kick off the session and help the couple relax which ultimately made for an easy, super romantic, cuddly session! I wish I had Sara’s #girlsquad to follow me around everywhere!

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Photography: Hello Blue Photo | Makeup: Aimee Levi | Location: Newport Beach Back Bay | Floral Design: Every Bloomin Thing | Film Processing: Pro Photo Connection | Floral Dress: Free People | Hair: Bellevie Hair

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Petit Bouquet

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I’ve been scouring blogs for inspiration for over a decade (feels like longer!). From recipes to fashion and life lessons to DIY. But quite possibly one of my favorite features to read are home tours. Call me a creep if you want, but don’t lie, I know you’re a lurker too. Because virtually stepping inside someone’s home is today’s version of a cocktail party. So, grab a drink and get pinning these blogger home styles!

10 Ways To Style Your Home Like a Blogger

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10 Ways To Style Your Home Like a Blogger

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8 Celebrity Blogger Looks You Should Steal

When you know, you know, and these two knew after three months. And being wedding photographers (the duo behind the amazing Sally Pinera) they also know the importance of capturing life’s memories and moments so they had the talented Joel Serrato work his magic in the Los Olivos hills. And oh are we glad they did because the results? The speak for themselves – all in our Vault right this way!

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From Sally Pinera… Robert and I met through a surprise brunch date via our Cupid friend. Popovers, butter and coffee had us going in the city of New York that day. And an hour of brunch turned into an all day event! Three months later, we found ourselves saying “I do” and starting our adventurous life together. As wedding photographers, we knew the importance of having our life photographed so that we can cherish each and every milestone, moment and memory. We are so happy to have had Joel photograph us in the beautiful hills of Santa Barbara.

Keep that love alive! Anniversary inspiration this way!

Photography: Joel Serrato Film Photographer

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Joel Serrato Film Photographer

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This celebration is everything. Reason being? It’s got a little something for everyone. A floral filled ceremony dreamed up by Victoria Canada Weddings & Events. A stunning Bride. An awesome ceremony sign. We’ve got all that and more (like those Wildflower Linens) and it’s all thanks to the love that Scott and Corey share. Elyse Hall Photography captured their best. day. ever. and we’ve got it all in The Vault!

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From Victoria Canada Weddings And Events…I met Corey while planning her sister’s wedding so when Corey got engaged I was thrilled to be asked to join their wedding planning team! Scott proposed to Corey in Santa Barbara and that really drove the feel of the event. El Chorro Lodge is nestled in Paradise Valley, Arizona and has a distinct Spanish feel. Corey and Scott wanted their wedding to be beautiful but relaxed. This also exemplified them as a couple. They were always so warm and friendly, every vendor fell in love with them!

The ceremony floral was nicknamed the “hug” because the floral piece had a rounded effect. In essence it felt like they were being hugged with flowers. It was the perfect space for them to say their vows handwritten in custom books as keepsakes.

The Reception was draped in a sheer drape that was a ballet slipper pink. Gobos were layered onto the ceiling to provide light and ambiance. Delicate floral was hung from the existing trio of chandeliers as well as added to the space with other crystal pieces. The entire atmosphere was light and bright but warm and romantic. There was a subtle beauty to the wedding that still felt special and glamorous. This was evident from the gorgeous wedding dress with illusion details to her white Christian Louboutin heels.

From The Bride + Groom…Scott a Michigan native and Corey a long way from her home in Arizona met in Biology class while both studying Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. Corey was a member of the Michigan Dance Team and Scott was a member of the football team. They began dating in 2009 and have spent a portion of everyday of these last 6 years together ever since. They currently reside in Scottsdale, Arizona with their 1 year old Golden Retriever, Chesney. Corey will graduate Medical School in May 2016, and Scott works for EXOS, a leader in human performance.

Scott and Corey chose The Historic El Chorro Lodge for their wedding venue for the stunning views of Camelback Mountain and the rustic/intimate feel of the reception space. It doesn’t hurt that the food and service is first class and absolutely incredible. Corey wanted to go with a monochromatic white “desert beach” theme. It was a requirement for the decor to include overwhelming amounts of floral and Petal Pusher delivered! The esthetic very much represented them as a couple; romantic, soft, elegant, and easy. They wanted our guests to be comfortable, enjoy great food and drinks, and dance all night to an amazing band. After almost 2 years of planning the team of vendors led by Victoria Canada provided just that and more and the compliment of the night was “you look so relaxed”, exactly what they hoped their guests would say! The whole day came and went as if it were a dream, and as Scott and Corey exclaimed, “we only wish we could do it all over again!”

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Photography: Elyse Hall Photography | Cinematography: No Box Films | Floral Design: Petal Pusher | Wedding Dress: Jacinda Gown By Watters | Cake: La Dolce Pesca | Invitations: Celebrations in Paper | Bride’s Shoes: Louboutin | Makeup: Courtney Montes And Oscar Andujo | Hair: Emily Lopez | Lighting:Karma Event Lighting | Band: The JJ’s Band | Officiant: Matt Nathanson | Ceremony Music: String Serenade | Venue: El Chorro | Bridal Boutique: Mariée | Cocktail Hour Music: Applause Production And Entertainment | Drapes: Quest Drape | Event Styling + Coordination: Victoria Canada Weddings and Events | Linen Rentals: Wildflower Linen | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

I dream of traveling to Lake Como, the Italian city synonymous with beauty and glamour. And this wedding, captured by Thecablookfotolab, embodies all the luxury and romance that is Lake Como. With a romantic ceremony overlooking the lake and an al fresco reception on the Villa LaCorte Del Lago’s gorgeous grounds, this destination wedding is the very definition of la dolce vita. See why in The Vault!

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From Thecablookfotolab…Autumn on the Como lake is as beautiful as summer. Or even more beautiful? It’s not as hot as in summer and you can breathe normally) I think that the real fall in Italy starts much later, in the end of October. And before it it’s the most pleasant and lovely time “after summer”.

Alevtina and Timur are a wonderful couple! They are super calm and super romantic. To tell the truth, I’ve never seen such a calm bride. Calm and sweet, that’s how I can describe her. They chose the perfect location: villa “La corte del lago” that is situated exactly near water on the lake Como. I loved the ceremony, the bride going down the alley backlighted with sun, the elegant and simple decor, the aperitif on the terrace facing the lake and the dinner with one long table. I felt so cozy there, like it was the wedding of one of my friends. That’s the kind of weddings that I really love doing.

From The Bride…For us it was a long journey across cities, countries and continents. What a better place to start than London, back in the spring of 2011 we met during one of my short trips. It’s a small world and of course we already had a few friends in common. Friday night at its best in Chelsea and we found a common language straight away. Perhaps I was too nice and willing to listen to all that clever stuff, however kindness and genuineness gave away that special person. Afternoon walks and “feeding” squirrels in the Regents park started our path to friendship. But it was not straightforward, he already signed to reallocate to Singapore and as we have met once more in Moscow, we were both afraid this was the last time. But we were determined to stay in touch, even across thousands of miles. Through the year there were many conversations about everything going on to the very early hours in the morning, mind the 4 hour difference.

As destiny had it, I mentioned a planned trip to Austria with my friends. Little did I expect, he flew over from other side of the world to join me. What choice did we had but to fall in love over the New Year celebrations in the snow? Happiness came with a pinch of salt as it is really hard to be in the long distance relationship. How could have I resisted to fly over to see him in Singapore and get away for a week in remote island in Borneo? We had to make it work on the long term and we did…

More challenges were ahead of us to overcome. First reallocation, living together, then finding a career path in the new city, and many others. But we always stuck together and made our home in Singapore. Three years after we met, a dinner at Brasserie Les Saveurs at St Regis, it was almost empty with only jazz band sharing their passion for music. Of course I said “yes”, there was no need for anything as I felt complete, happy and ready to star our new journey.

Now it made all the sense to plan a destination wedding. Given our families are in Moscow, lots of friends in London and colleagues in Singapore, Europe offered best middle ground. By luck we struck an offering of weddings in Italy and I remembered of my amazing ex colleague, Asya, that became a wedding planner in Italy at ItalianEasyWedding. It took us a year to put everything together, with of course a lot of help from Asya, who was the most understanding and supporting person ever! We have picked mid-September, at Corte de Lago, lake Como. Just 6 month before the wedding we managed to travel to Milan together and met all people involved the process in person. It was a relief that Villa was perfect, especially as we could have all of the family staying over the weekend. The florists easily was on the same page with ideas that I had in mind. Food…There is just no point in describing, it’s Italy. Of course you can’t leave Milan and not to go shopping.

It was a truly special day! All of our dearest people in the whole world came together to celebrate one of the happiest moments in our lives. Looking back it felt like it all went too fast but we were definitely enjoying every minute and for sure will remember that day for many more years to go.

From Italian Easy Wedding…We have started with the preparation of this sophisticated wedding about 1 year and a half before. The bride Alevtina wanted some special location, the one with not only nice villa and view, but also with the beautiful territory – not very small and not too big, where you can divide zones for the welcome, aperitif, ceremony and dinner. Surprisingly, the villa chosen was the one, we did’t visited personally together with the bride. So I was very worried if the couple would like it or not, as they have seen it in real only one day before the wedding. I was happy they loved it!

All the flowers and decor chosen were in blush, light pink and ivory colors in style of elegant shabby chic. The arch was made of whitened wood and hints of flowers together with the lanterns with the falling garland on the way of the bride. We made a long imperial table for about 60 guests facing the lake in front of the villa. At the beginning it was hidden from the guests’ eyes with the nice fabric, which we opened just before the dinner. For the cut of the cake the guests were waiting the couple making a corridor with the sparkles in their hands. These simple but bright and happy things add additional magic to the moment.

Photography: Thecablookfotolab | Event Planning: Happy Moments Collector | Floral Design: rattiflora | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Bride's Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana | Rings: Tiffany & Co. | Groom's Attire: Z by Zegna | Venue: La Corte Del Lago | Groom's Shoes: Church's

I’ve had the unique pleasure of visiting Pippin Hill Farm and let me tell you, it’s my happy place. So it’s kind of a no-brainer that couples flock to this divine establishment to relish no only to delicious food and refreshments, but also their pup friendly property. Which was perfect for this sweet pair, for they invited the talented Kim Stockwell Photography to captured their e-sesh with one special guest in mind. Their dear dog Dixie. More in The Vault!

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From Kim Stockwell Photography…Christina & Andrew have a fall wedding in Richmond Virginia planned but they knew they wanted to schedule an engagement session as soon as possible that would include their beloved dog Dixie. Sadly Dixie is terminally ill and may not be there for their big day, so capturing her was extremely important to them. We focused on a relaxed dog friendly engagement session at the gorgeous Pippin Hill in Charlottesville, Va. Christina arrived looking stunning in a perfectly tailored dress & Andrew was causal yet refined in a salmon button down with khakis. Christina & Andrew sat on a blanket on the hill & enjoyed their wine as Dixie laid next to them enjoying the gorgeous weather we had. It was the perfect day that provided the most beautiful images for them to treasure their sweet Dixie.

Photography: Kim Stockwell Photography | Event Planning: LK Events and Design | Dress: Banana Republic | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Location: King Family Vineyards | Location: Pippin Hill Farm | Shirt: Banana Republic

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Tips to Look Your Best at Your Engagement Session

When the wedding day starts with the Bride and her maids getting pampered and pretty in Plum Pretty Sugar robes,the stage is set for a gorgeous day. And this Palm Beach wedding from Wedding Nature Photography is all kinds of beautiful. Think: garden roses in full bloom, a garden ceremony with a view and a surprise visit from one very colorful guest. See this, and so much more, in The Vault!

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From Wedding Nature Photography…Whether you’re a true bohemian Bride, or simply looking to add a touch of organic natural feel to your own affair, decorative details of this wedding are sure to inspire. Jessica and Carlos wanted a very open feel to their natural light wedding. Everything they loved about each other and their relationship was reflected in the planning and at the wedding day. Naturally, being outside for the ceremony and reception was what they were going for. They were literally obsessed with their wedding venue, sophisticated beachfront The Palms Hotel and Spa. With the softest, most ethereal natural light that creates feeling of serenity plus romantic outdoor setting of the hotel this darling wedding is the epitome of Florida’s sweetness. Flowers and greenery were very important to the pair. Little touches of flowers and soft pallet color were everywhere you looked. Pinks, whites and green, stood out all over. Everyone could see how much care and attention Jessica and Carlos put into the details of their day. Jessica’s stunning bridal bouquet highlighted an assortment of ranunculus and lovely garden roses with a pop of pale pink wrapped in white ribbon. Jessica made a truly beautiful bride in her white wedding gown and her bridesmaids wore soft blush dresses, which was perfect with all of the greenery of this natural light wedding. Clean lines, white backdrops, crisp and tender florals plus natural style put everyone in one really fantastic mood. An elegant two tier white cake was decorated with charming blush garden roses and topped with custom Mr. & Mrs. Rivera golden sign in cursive metal that was another cute inspiring idea to personalize your wedding. This natural light wedding was filled with delicious food, a stunning venue, superb lighting and good music, funny speeches, and warm embraces from friends and family. Their wedding day was for sure the one to remember – the day their life started together, as one. Now married, they are enjoying every moment of this next chapter of their lives together!

From the Bride… When we started planning our wedding, we already had a vague idea of what we wanted and what we didn’t. Before we got engaged, we had already lightly discussed the topic, and it helps when you’re marrying your best friend because you already know “he or she definitely won’t like this”. We wanted it to be intimate, filled with our family and closest of friends, in a location that would make for amazing photos and with great food. After weeks of browsing for inspiration and locations, we decided a romantic garden wedding at the Palms Hotel and Spa was the way to go. It’s local, surprisingly quiet for a hotel in Miami Beach, has a timeless vibe and already beautiful on its own. I remember telling my husband “this one is the one” after our first visit, and he agreed. Once the venue was set, the rest of the planning was focused on what would match the theme and location.

Our color scheme and linens changed a few times, along with what I wanted in a dress. When you’re planning your own wedding and binge watching “Say Yes to the Dress”, you can get pretty overwhelmed with the possibilities. Thankfully my husband is more down to earth than me, and we had decided early on a budget. Whatever we spent money on, we made sure it was something neither of us could do and that it looked top notch. Basically anything that was handmade, we made except for our “here comes the bride” sign, which we ordered from Etsy. We made our guestbook on Shutterfly using our engagement photos. I made the program fans, menus, table numbers, designed the place cards and the kid’s coloring books. We bought our picture frames from Ikea, an idea we got from Pinterest which is so useful. I even learned to mimic calligraphy with markers to design the hangers for the dresses and make a welcome sign on cardboard.

Because there were so many elements, the most nerve wrecking part was hoping everything we planned would actually look good together. On the big day, things couldn’t have been better. Everything just fell into place, and because we had a day-of-coordinator it gave us a chance to enjoy our day worry free. We kept a few secrets from each other, like how my dress looks, him in his tux and our vows until the big day which made the day just that much more exciting. When we had our first look, my husband was speechless with tears once he saw me in my gown. It’s a priceless moment, and we are just so thankful our day was filled with moments like those.

Photography: Wedding Nature Photography | Event Design: Beauty in the Making | Floral Design: Divine Design Flowers | Wedding Dress: David's Bridal | Cake: Ana Paz | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal | Catering: The Palms Hotel & Spa | Hair + Makeup: Kiss This Makeup | DJ: Rayo Sound | Officiant: Rev. Ted Church | Venue: The Palms Hotel & Spa | Linens: Contempo Linens And Event Rentals | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar

Lara and Pat’s wedding is more than just a myriad of pretty pastels, for once you dig a little deeper in The Vault you’ll start to see one reoccurring theme. That being? A muted palette offset with major elegance a la Mallory Joyce. Sounds pretty darn dreamy, right? Captured by the incredibly talented Sally Pinera, it’s a celebration that proves love is in the details and we’ve got it all waiting for you below!

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From Sally Pinera…This beautiful wedding was designed by Mallory Joyce. Set against rolling hills of Charlottesville, Lara and Pat got married at the Castalia Farm private estate with their festive wedding party. Rustic charm paired with the beautiful views of Charlottesville mountains is always a winning duo. Easy and simple design and a muted palette surrounded this wedding as this couple danced and loved the night away.

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Photography: Sally Pinera | | Event Planning + Floral Design + Event Design: Mallory Joyce | Invitations: Minted | Calligraphy: Joie De Vivre | Catering: C&O Catering | Cake: Favorite Cakes| Makeup: Carolyn Thombs | Hair: Brianna B Adams | Band: The Winn Jazz All Stars | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Reception Venue: Castalia Farm | Ceremony Venue: University of Virginia Chapel |

There’s saying “I do” in style, and then there is saying “I do” aboard The Duchess, an insanely gorgeous yacht that is equal parts fun AND sophisticated.  Think fabulous contemporary decor, a floating rooftop (!) and panoramic views of NYC that will wow every.single.one of your guests.  I mean, celebrating your newlywed status floating past the city you love? Sooo glamorous.

Whether it’s enjoying the newly built Duchess Lounge on the yacht’s second deck, sipping cocktails from their full-service bars or partying the night away on their oversized, hardwood dance floor, The Duchess has everything (and I mean everything) you’ve ever wanted when it comes to hosting your dream wedding. I’m talking climate controlled interiors, a state-of-the-art sound system (hello, live music or DJ) and outdoor furniture perfect for lounging.  Not to mention The Duchess’ sister property, Fish Bar, is THE place to host your rehearsal dinner, a fab cocktail party or even your reception.  We love them.

Whether you plan on an intimate “I do” with eight of your nearest and dearest or want to host a sit-down dinner for 400, contact The Duchess TODAY to begin your journey to that dream day. Star gazing is totally included, my friends.

THE GIVEAWAY

What: The Duchess is giving away a romantic dinner for two at their sister property, Fish Bar! (Value $200, Gratuity Not Included)

How: Simply leave a comment below telling us why you love yacht weddings! (Ex: They are sooo unique!)

Who: One lucky winner, chosen completely at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, June 17, 2016.  For terms and conditions, click here.  Good luck, loves! xo

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Photography: Allan Zepeda (Image 2,4) + I Do Weddings (Image 1,3)

There’s something so romantic about a wedding held in your family’s backyard, and for this Bride that meant converting an overgrown meadow into the most beautiful ceremony backdrop ever. Along with Kristi Amoroso and Kathleen Deery the couple welcomed 250 guests to an at-home celebration, and Jose Villa was on hand to capture. Join us for a gallery you’ll never forget.

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From Kristi Amoroso Special Events…The bride and groom chose to be married at the bride’s family summer home in Geyserville, California. They transformed a wildly overgrown meadow into a grassy, serene ceremony space surrounded by trees and wildflowers. The dinner and dancing tent was placed in the back of the home, with an amazing view of the hills. The guest list of over 250 came from all over the country, and many stayed into the wee hours, where the party moved onto the tennis court for some old college games.

Some unique highlights of the wedding: a series of cakes were brought out by the catering staff, with sparklers on top; tambourines were passed and used during the early dances by the guests; a family friend lead the guests down a lovely winding path while playing the trumpet; the bride and her father entered the ceremony to John Denver’s Annie’s Song.

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Photography: Jose Villa Photography |Cinematography: Patrick Ang | Event Planning: Kristi Amoroso Special Events, LLC | Floral Design: Kathleen Deery Design | Lighting: Got Light| Tent Rentals: Zephyr Tents | Venue: At Home | Hair + Makeup: Wallet Wedding | Catering: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering | Band: Hip Service | Cake: Downtown Bakery | Transportation: Napa Valley Tours & Transportation

It may sound cliché, but a day at the beach is truly my happy place. I read that it is actually healing, too (I agree Tessa!). So much so that I’d just about put ‘packing a beach bag‘ on my resume. This little list includes everything you need for a successful day in the sun. Let us know in the comments if there’s anything else you pack!

The Ultimate Beach Bag Essentials List

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The Ultimate Beach Bag Essentials List

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More summer inspiration this way…

The Ultimate Pool Float Roundup
Take it all off… or Don’t! 50 of this Summer’s Hottest Coverups
The Perfect Summer Cocktail

Every diamond ring sparkles, but these beauties have an extra “wow” factor. With detailed profiles featuring surprise diamonds, filigree details and more, these rings are works of art from each and every angle. We won’t blame you if you can’t take your eyes off them — with so much pretty, we can’t, either!

360 Degrees of Pretty

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360 Degrees of Pretty

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More Diamonds — Because, Why Not?

The Best Ring for Every Zodiac Sign | Unique Engagement Rings | Quiz: What’s Your E-Ring Style?

We spent our morning talking all things beautiful skin with our friends over at Simple Skincare and now that we have our routine totally down, we’re turning to celeb makeup artist Gita Bass for tips on perfecting that fresh-faced bridal look that we all want, but aren’t sure how to get.  It’s a beauty breakdown with our fave lineup of skincare at the helm. Get ready to look your best.

10 Celebrity Makeup Tips You Need to Know NOW

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10 Celebrity Makeup Tips You Need to Know NOW

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Be sure to check out our handy timeline for prepping your skin for the Big Day, then head to Simple Skincare for even more tips + tricks on looking fabulous.  Perfect skin is just around the corner, loves… we promise.

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Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Hair & Makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty | Celebrity Makeup Artist and Simple Advisor: Gita Bass