I’ve had the honor of meeting two of the lovely ladies who crafted this slice of beauty you’re about to devour. And their talent combined? It’s insane to the max. That’d be Tory of Smith + James Events at the planning and design helm and Valentina Glidden behind the lens. Every corner of this botanical whimsy at Franciscan Gardens is waiting to inspire, including paper pretties by Plume Calligraphy and tabletop perfection from Borrowed Blu and Plenty Of Petals. Dive into The Vault for more!

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From Smith + James Events…For this shoot, we were inspired by the garden venue nearby the Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Franciscan Gardens. The Mission is such a dreamlike venue, and we loved how the nearby Franciscan Gardens merged a sense of botanical whimsy with the Old World beauty of the mission. The juxtaposition inspired us to create a little bit of a moody, ethereal vibe.

Valentina Glidden has such a way with the camera. She’s so good at capturing the beauty in everything and is such fun to work with. She really has her own voice as a photographer and her own confidence instills confidence in the creatives around her. It’s an invaluable trait for a photographer.

Kasia with Plenty of Petals created such romance with this bouquet. We’re so not over the big dreamy bouquet craze yet and may never be! The way Kasia played with dimension and utilized different blooms in the centerpiece takes such a trained talent. We love a good oversized centerpiece and this one really made us all fall in love! We will never get enough of moody, romantic blooms.

Aileen with Plume Calligraphy is incredible. Give her a little inspiration and she’ll knock your socks off, every single time. Her delicate hand-written invitations are really in a class of their own. They make everything feel so soft and delicate, from the handmade paper to the little details in each piece she creates.

Jess Wilcox always knows how to make a model look her best, and our model Brittany looked absolutely stunning…which brings me to the dress! The Carol Hannah Coralia dress from her Siren Call collection totally blew us all away. The lines of the dress are gorgeous and the way it moved was truly spectacular.

This shoot was easy breezy and fun to create. It was so lovely to spend a day strolling around the Mission and taking beautiful pictures. I hope it shows how much we enjoyed putting it together!

Photography: Valentina Glidden | Event Planning + Design: Smith + James Events | Floral Design: Plenty Of Petals | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Hair + Makeup: Jess Wilcox | Calligraphy + Invitations: Plume Calligraphy | Venue: Franciscan Gardens | Venue: Mission San Juan Capistrano | Model: Brittany Christner | Model: Nick Steele | Rentals: Etablir Shop | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon | Tabletop: borrowed BLU | Veil: Veiled Beauty

There’s something about New York City that grabs my heart and won’t let go. No matter how many times I visit that place, the excitement and energy never quite wears off, and it only made sense these two New Yorkers set their Big Day in the magical city they call home. Dave DiRentis came on board to photograph from beginning to end, and I’m convinced this balcony moment is bridal portrait perfection. See even more inside The Vault!

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From the Bride… Steve and I met during our second week of college and were together for more than ten years before getting married. Well before we walked down the aisle, we felt like family. And for both of us, family always comes first. When it came to planning our wedding, we were so honored and grateful that the most important people in our lives would be with us to celebrate. From relatives flying in from Costa Rica and Korea, to friends and family joining us from all across the country, we wanted a memorable celebration for everyone.

As New Yorkers — Steve originally from Boston, we had heard about the iconic New York Botanical Garden for years. It felt like an oasis. From the moment we first walked onto the pristine grounds, we could immediately picture it filled with our loved ones. It was the quintessential New York City venue far removed from all of the hustle and bustle. The setting was perfect for us.

While I wasn’t someone who had planned my wedding since childhood, I had always pictured getting married in a church. Finding the perfect church was as important to me as finding the perfect venue. After visiting countless all around Manhattan, my parents came upon The Church of Saint Monica on the Upper East Side. It was beautiful and large enough to hold all of our guests, but as my father said, it felt cozy and intimate from the moment you stepped inside. He of course joked that they had found the church named after me.

I fell in love with my wedding dress the moment I put it on. It was unlike any dress my mother or I had ever seen before, and it was exactly what we were looking for. It was classic and unique, perfect for a summer wedding at the Botanical Garden. One of my favorite details of the day was the handmade cathedral length veil that I borrowed from my sister-in-law (and matron of honor) Olivia. She lent it to both me and our sister-in-law Stephanie, so we all wore the same veil on our wedding days. Having grown up with two older brothers, you can imagine how special that was!

I vividly remember the moment when Steve and I first walked through the doors into our reception. We were both completely blown away. The room was glowing with candles and the energy was palpable. Westchester Floral designed the gorgeous centerpieces that were lush with vendela and sahara roses, snapdragons, hydrangea, and tall orchid lined willow branches draped with hanging votives. Hank Lane’s Dane Wright Band was simply exceptional — the best wedding band we have ever heard (just look at the photos)! The band had our guests out on the dance floor within the first minutes of our reception, and they played non-stop into the night. Our wonderful photographer Dave DiRentis, who also shot my bother’s wedding earlier in the summer, perfectly captured every moment of the day.

Last but certainly not least was the food! Renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr catered the entire event. Cocktail hour was complete with two exquisite asian and Mexican stations (a la Starr’s NYC restaurants, Buddakan and El Vez) and passed hors d’oeuvres including korean pork belly sliders, lobster mac and cheese bites, and petite filet mignon with caramelized onions. The four course meal, including a pomegranate grapefruit sorbet intermezzo, was topped off with dulce de leche and salty caramel and chocolate wedding cake. Dessert tapas including mini vintage milk bottles with cookies, chocolate truffles spiced with coconut rum, and graham cracker s’mores were passed around the dance floor. To cap it off — after a night full of dancing — guests took mini bags of freshly popped popcorn for the road.

As with everything else in our lives, our family and friends are what made our wedding day so special. From every detail both large and small— our 18 person wedding party, plus 9 flower girls (!!), the beautiful programs designed by my cousin Nicole, and the place cards that were impeccably calligraphed by my Tia Igen — nothing would have been the same without them. It truly felt like a dream. If only we could do it all over again!

Photography: Dave Direntis | Cinematography: Lexoria | Floral Design: Westchester Floral Decorators | Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique | Invitations: Write On Larchmont | Ceremony Venue: Church Of St. Monica | Reception Venue: The New York Botanical Garden | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: STARR Catering Group | Hair: Vu Hair New York | Band: Hank Lane Music | Programs: Nicole Rim

Let’s talk dream houses. No two are the same, granted, but most have a few key elements that make them dreamier than your standard abode. This number designed by Susan M. Jamieson checks every last box. The architecture is insane, the views dazzling and the kitchen and bathrooms totally on point. Have a look at how Alys Beach does fantasy living. Hint: It’s good. Really, really good.

1. The Kind of Kitchen that Stops You Dead in Your Tracks

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Go ahead and check that off the list. This all white kitchen is a stunner and loaded with natural light. See more white kitchen inspiration here!

2. An uber cozy and serene bedroom

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That headboard had us at first glance. It’s the perfect shade of blue for an all white, flooded with natural light kind of bedroom like this. See more dream bedroom all-stars here.

3. Killer Lighting

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Lighting is so key to a well designed home and this one has the prettiest specimens at every turn. I mean this one? Dying. Check out a roundup of killer lighting that’s also under a hundo here.

4. The kind of tub you can spend the rest of your days in

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I don’t really think this needs much explanation. Instead can we all just take a little moment to reflect on how insanely good that tub is? More pretty bathrooms (and tubs!) this way.

* Bonus points for a stand-out set of bunk beds

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This isn’t technically one of our five musts for a dream home but it certainly gets bonus points for being so dang cute. Built in bunk beds for the littlest members of the clan. We have a whole bunch of inspiring rooms for the kiddos this way!

5. Alfresco Dining with a View

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This is a must. Maybe number one. Dining in the open air while looking at a seriously gorgeous view is a dream home necessity. Get inspired to host a little outdoor shindig with these alfresco parties.

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Architect: Alys Beach | Architect: Khoury Vogt | Builder: Alys Beach | Interior Designer: Susan M. Jamieson | Location: Alys Beach

I’ve always thought having a wedding on New Year’s Eve is pure genius. It just calls for a fabulous party. And this gorgeous couple took fabulous up a couple notches with their chic-as-they-come soiree captured by The Youngrens. Part Gatsby and part gorgeous, this gallery shows how a New Year’s Eve wedding should be done. See even more in the VAULT.

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From The Youngrens…Matt loves sports, Dana loves dogs. If it weren’t for Match.com these two would never have crossed paths. They met one evening for drinks and the rest is history! After two years of dating, Matt proposed and The Park Hyatt Aviara Carlsbad was the venue for a spectacular NYE wedding. After a week of rain and freezing cold weather, Southern California did not disappoint. The evening wedding was held outside on the Palm Courtyard which was enhanced by a candle lit isle and an arbor covered with tulips, peonies, roses, and various other flowers in shades of white and cream.

Full of glitz and glamor the black tie event, organized by Susanne Duffy of Crown Weddings was off with a bang! Dinner, which was served on clear, gold beaded chargers with paper clocks underneath was a great reminder of the NYE celebration yet to come. Centering on each table was another spectacular floral design with draping crystals and glowing globes from Bethany at Splendid Sentiments. The head table, which seated Matt and Dana’s closest friends, had a forest of trees, full of greenery and more flowers all in shades of white and cream, draped with crystals and candles.

Midnight was spectacular! Confetti canons, party hats, poppers, blowers, gold, silver, and black balloons covered the dance floor so when Mick “British DJ” counted down to midnight the guests went wild and the party was hopping till 2am. What a fantastic way to ring in a new year, celebrating with friends, blending of two families, and of course, the marriage of Matt and Dana!

Photography: The Youngrens | Coordination: CROWN WEDDINGS AND EVENTS LLC | Floral Design: Splendid Sentiments | Stationery: Brightly Designed | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Hair + Makeup: A New Twist 4 U | Venue: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa | DJ + Lighting: Elite British DJ | Linen Rentals: APR Fine Linens

Wanting to bring their love of the outdoors in, this darling duo turned to a talented team of vendors to bring their spectacular vision to an awe-inspiring reality.  Think gorgeous floral creations from HMR Designs, a stunning Anne Barge gown from Fabulous Frocks Of Alexandria and brilliant captures from the always-amazing Cristina G Photography.  All set against a breathtaking Ivy Room backdrop, this, loves, is an absolute must-see.  Head to THE VAULT for more.

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From The Bride… I am a romantic at heart and appreciate historic buildings not only for their architecture but for the stories they tell us about the people who lived or worked in them. When Mike and I decided to get married in Chicago, I wanted to find a space that told a story and to which I could bring what I love the most, nature. I find timeless beauty in the simplicity of plain wood, grass and fresh flowers. I imagined how beautiful it would be to have a candle lit dinner, in the woods, surrounded by people we love. That image inspired every detail of our wedding reception, from the white flower and green foliage garland centerpiece to the candle lit wood plank chandeliers and the three wedding cakes simply decorated with soft fondant ruffles, small flowers or light gold paint.

That same vision was the inspiration for the dinner menu. I wanted to offer our guests an exquisite plant-based (exclusively vegan) menu that would highlight the flavors of fresh vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Our wedding turned out better than I imagined. Old and new friends met in a space where Mike and I felt joy, as although we met at work we truly bonded running outside… along the Charles River in Boston.

Photography: Cristina G Photography | Floral Design: HMR Designs | Wedding Dress: Fabulous Frocks of Alexandria | Stationery: Mi-Te Print | Hair + Makeup: Sonia Roselli | DJ: Style Matters DJs | Officiant: Spirited Weddings | String Quartet: Dolce Strings | Venue: The Ivy Room at Tree Studios | Bridal Boutique: Fabulous Frocks Bridal

Ooh La La Designs took the words right out of my mouth when she said, “from the loose florals and the cherries ripe for the picking on the trees to the perfect dress designed and created by the bride and her mother, this couple’s wedding celebration was the epitome of a Niagara Wine Country wedding.” See every pretty moment from Jennifer Xu Photography in The Vault!

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From Ooh La La Designs…From the loose florals and the cherries ripe for the picking on the trees to the perfect dress designed and created by the bride and her mother, our couple’s wedding celebration was the epitome of a Niagara Wine Country wedding. The bride and her bridesmaids began the day getting ready in a quaint waterfront cottage before the bride and groom saying their vows amongst the pear trees in a perfectly timed summer sun shower.

The reception tablescapes were one of my favorite organic designs thus far. They featured lush runners of moss on live edge tables, loose floral in gold mercury containers and a myrtle sprig at each setting.

The bride was careful to include meaningful details throughout her entire day, including making her own stationery and hand embroidering a saying in honour of the bride’s late father on her dress which rested over her heart. The 3 day festivities focused on family, food and creating memories for all.

Photography: Jennifer Xu Photography | Event Planning: To A T Events | Floral Design: Ooh La La Designs {floral & style studio} | Wedding Dress: Handmade By The Bride And Her Mother | Stationery: Designed By The Bride | Bride's Shoes: Nine West | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Zara | Hair: The Hair Gallery | Groom's Attire: Studio Suits | Venue: At Home

Take an awe-inspiring locale like Secrets Playa Mujeres and add in a darling duo with a love of all things fuchsia and the results are amazing.  I’m talking breathtaking blooms, a stunning seaside ceremony and a dance ’til you drop celebration in a ballroom that was simply made for partying.  It’s total glamour meets classic beauty and you can see it all captured by Melissa Mercado in THE VAULT.

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From Melissa Mercado Photography… After Ben proposed at sunset on an island off of Key West, Florida, Rori knew she wanted a destination wedding to celebrate their special day on the beach with their closest family and friends. Rori is a hotel interior designer so color and details were very important parts of the wedding planning. Ben is a lawyer so he went along with all of Rori’s choices saying, “Yes, I think that looks fantastic!” They planned their dream destination wedding at Secrets Playa Mujeres, off the coast of the Caribbean Sea. They chose the gorgeous Secrets Playa Mujeres Resort, an all-inclusive, adults-only resort overlooking white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

On the day of the wedding, Rori looked absolutely stunning in her white, sweetheart neckline and scalloped wedding gown. Her bridesmaids wore floor-length lilac gowns holding large bouquets of white orchids and pink accent flowers. Ben looked just as handsome in a sleek gray suit while his groomsmen sported navy suits.

Their intimate ceremony was held beachside, with stunning views of the sea. A wooden sign that read, “Welcome to Our Wedding” led the way for them to say, “I do!” Tiffany white chairs, a white ethereal canopy and a delicate hanging chandelier set the perfect backdrop along with the blue waters. Following the ceremony, their guests were greeted at a tropical-glamour themed reception with metallic gold and colorful accents. White table cloths, mercury glass candle holder and fuchsia floral arrangements adorned the tables. Their unique table signs were names of symbolic places to their relationship like their hometowns and the place they got engaged… such a personable touch!

It was an absolute pleasure to capture Rori and Ben’s magical day… here’s to an exciting new chapter in their lives!

Photography: Melissa Mercado Photography | Wedding Dress: Moonlight Bridal | Bride's Shoes: Macy's | Band: Flashback Band | Venue: Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort | Bridesmaid's Gifts: Kate Spade | Groom's Shoes: Bristol And Bull

It should come as no surprise that this Washington D.C. The St. Regis Hotel wedding is absolutely gorgeous, especially when you consider the incredible team of vendors behind it like With Love And Embers and Amie Decker Beauty. From the beautiful Bride’s timeless ballgown to the timeless blush, white and gold color palette, this day is definitely a classic. See it all in The Vault!

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From With Love And Embers…Julia and Kyle’s wedding was a beautiful classic wedding set in Washington DC at the stunning St, Regis hotel. Their ceremony was outside in the courtyard surrounded with their closest family and friends. Their reception was inside, in the beautiful ballroom filled with warm uplighting, beautiful floral center pieces and a band to keep their guests dancing the night away.

Photography: With Love & Embers | Event Planning: Bright Occasions | Floral Design: Amaryllis | Wedding Cake: St. Regis, Washington, DC | Stationery: The Dandelion Patch | Hair + Makeup: Amie Decker Beauty | Band: The Adrian Duke Project | Officiant: Ceremony Officiants - Rev. Laura Cannon & Associates | Venue: St. Regis, Washington, DC | Linens: BBJ La Tavola

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Makeup Artists

Amie Decker Beauty

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Crazy about color? Why not take note from this saturated celebration at The Addison and consider rich emerald hues for your Big Day. Complete with darling details and regally elegant scenery, it’s the ultimate ode to elegance and thanks to Rach Loves Troy we’ve got it all to share. See it all in The Vault!

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From Rach Loves Troy… This beautiful day is the combination of incredible taste, gorgeous details and thoughtful touches. Our bride Kelsey really knew what she was doing when choosing the colors,style and feel for her winter wedding in florida. They were the perfect compliment to the winter season and could not have blended any better with their venue The Addison. Her emerald dresses and gorgeous flowers were gorgeous but the true beauty was the thoughtfully curated details Kelsey put into her day. Such has having lace from her mothers wedding dress made into the sleeves of her dress and a beautiful pin of her grandmothers on her bouquet. It was touching and beautiful and all about family and marriage. Exactly what a wedding day should be.

The love felt in the room was incredible and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when these two said I do and were married by one of their best friends. All this and then they began their reception with a “Sparkler first dance” It was definitely one of the most magical moments I have ever been so lucky to capture at a wedding .

Photography: Rach Loves Troy | Event Design: Daniel Events | Floral Design: Daniel Events | Cake: Earth And Sugar | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Watters | Hair + Makeup: Hair And Makeup I Do | Wedding Venue: the Addison

Dover Hall Estate just jumped up to the top of my favorite venues list (and let me say, this list is not easy to get onto) but after seeing (aka staring at for an extended period of time) these pics by Virgil Bunao, I’m sold. Stately and elegant, it was the perfect backdrop to this winter wedding, planned by the team at Dover Hall Estate, and it’s giving me all sorts of happy feelings. See it all in our Vault right this way…

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From Virgil Bunao… Alexandra and Brock were a couple I couldn’t wait to work with; and I was so excited to be headed for Dover Hall, a stunning Tudor-style manor in the countryside of Virginia. This wedding was nothing short of epic; from the numerous wedding party decked out in perfect wintry tones, to the vast landscapes, and finally, an integration of the couple’s favorite show – “Game of Thrones” – in their wedding invitations. Even one of their hashtags was “winter is coming”! It was an added bonus that Alexandra and Brock were such a fun, laid-back couple. They were welcoming from the start and for me, those are the best kinds of weddings: families that just relax, have fun, and enjoy the festivities. It makes the pictures turn out so amazing.

Transforming this place into what Alexandra and Brock wanted was no easy feat; hats off to Missy for creating beautiful florals that gave the feel of winter with whites, blues, and grays, while staying elegant. I also am glad that Jennifer was there for making sure the day went smoothly and kept the production moving well. I’m so happy to have worked with this team of vendors, and I’m just as happy to have been part of Alexandra and Brock’s wedding day. I couldn’t have met a more gracious couple, and I hope our paths cross again one day!
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Peruse more Virginia weddings here!

Photography: Virgil Bunao Photography | Videography: Ginger Topham | Event Planning: Dover Hall Estate | Floral Design: Missy Buckingham | Wedding Dress: Christos | Cake: Cakes By Graham | Invitations: Page Stationery | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Mosaic Catering & Events | Makeup: Elle Style Studio | Hair: Elle Style Studio | DJ: Ben Felton | Bow Tie: Tom Ford | Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren Black Label | Wedding Venue: Dover Hall Estate | Bridal Boutique: Amsale | Cake Pops: Candy Valley Cake Co. | Ceremony Musician: The Silverleaf String Quartet | Donut Truck: Chante Cutter | Paper Goods: By Invitation Only | Reception Musician: EastCoast Entertainment

The pièce de résistance that inspired this pretty little roundup (and the one I’ve been saving my pennies for) is this beauty. I’m hooked on the bone-inlay trend and there’s no turning back. From trays full of charm to a conversation-starter console, we think you’ll agree that bone-inlay is here to stay.

10 Reasons We Think You Should Splurge on the Bone-Inlay Trend

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10 Reasons We Think You Should Splurge on the Bone-Inlay Trend

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More Home Inspiration Right Here!

10 Ways To Transform a Room for Under $100!
A Pinterest-Worthy Kitchen Starts with This Colorful Trend
Family-Friendly Beach Bungalow Home Tour

If you consider yourself a serious floral lover – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t? – this wedding is for you. Starting with a cascading bouquet followed by one incredible ceremony arch, and ending with tabletop florals fit for a tropical reception, this entire day is a Bows + Arrows masterpiece. They styled a destination celebration set in Vieques, Puerto Rico infused with a mid-century vibe, and sourced their blooms straight from the island locals and land. NBarrett Photography captured the gallery, with lots more to see in The Vault.

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From NBarrett Photography…Willie and Maria’s destination wedding weekend was filled with memorable experiences for friends and family set in the un-touched tropical island of Vieques, Puerto Rico with pristine beaches, wild horses, and the incredible bioluminescent bay!

The wedding was designed with a Tropicana vibe, think mid century tropical glamour. The bride and groom wanted to convey a low key/high end vibe. Inspiration was gathered from 1960 Caribe Hilton and Palm Springs as well as the sleek modern lines of mid century interior design.

The Punta Mulas Lighthouse was the beautiful sight of the ceremony and reception. It’s quaintly nestled off the Vieques main port, North if Isabel Segunda. “Faro Punta Mulas was built by Don Juan Puig Cerber in 1895, and it was restored in 1992. As you walk up you will enjoy a beautiful vista of Isabel II, and the colorful boats of fisherman along the beautiful blue waters. You can watch ferry arrive, and in the distance enjoy the views of the main island of Puerto Rico and the sister island of Culebra. El Faro Punta Mulas is now a small museum, which exhibits a collection of artifacts and photos of the island’s history, the natural history of the coast, and marine time history.”

For the flowers, Bows + Arrows wanted everything to feel fresh and “of the land”. They sourced much of the flora from the land, foraging and working with the locals to buy straight from their gardens! Native floral included bougainvillea and queens wreath.

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WILLIE’S VOWS TO MARIA…

Maria Teresa Rodriguez,
I, William Burton Binnie,
offer you my blood and my bones,
my flesh and my collection of souvenir pens,
the one’s with the parts that move when you tilt them.

I stand before you today,
surrounded by our absolute dearest friends and family,
to offer you my heart and my soul,
and the other guts no one ever talks about, like the gall bladder,
as well as my perpetual and infinite love.

What I’m trying to say is:  I give you everything I am,
not just the one or two organs people usually mention.
My hope is that our respective minds, bodies, and souls will continue to join together, becoming one, not in a literal way, forming some mutant hybrid creature,
but in the figurative way, forming a sacred bond of eternal and everlasting love.

I promise to always care for you when you are unwell,
to carry you when you are weary,
celebrate you, cherish you,
and try to offer critical analysis of your writings,
even when I do not fully understand  all of the concepts, the big words, 
or the small words that mean other things in a theoretical context.

I take you as my wife, to love you and hold you as long as I shall live,
despite being an left-handed person,
who, statistically, die earlier than the right-handed majority.

I shall always be your sidekick in adventure,
your consoler in despair, and backup vocals when the stereo is playing Puerto Rican music I only yet know mostly phonetically.

You are the salsa to my chip and the bean to my rice, 
my best friend, my greatest critic, and the love of my life.  
I was lost until I met you. I owe you my life, today and always.
Además, voy a mejorar mi español. Te amo, ahora y siempre.
 
I offer myself to you as your husband.

Me ofrezco a ti como tu esposo.

MARIA’S VOWS TO WILLIE…

William,
I stand here today to affirm my deepest love for you,
to cherish and commit myself to you forever.
I treasure you now and always as my companion,
and vow to love and care for you,
to be a true and loyal friend,
to actually refill the Brita pitcher after I’ve served myself a glass of water,
and to encourage, cherish, and honor you,
in sickness and in health,
through sorrow and success,
for all the days of my life.
 
I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become.
I love you infinitely and unconditionally,
and I promise to listen to you and to learn from you,
to support you and stand by you through all that life may bring us.
 
You like to say I’m ever the optimist
But it is that with you, the world is full of wonder and promise
of finding beauty and humor everywhere.
Life is wonderfully intriguing with you.
It is a constant adventure,
one that I will happily share with you as long as we both shall live.

I promise to always care for you,
to be your loyal proofreader and ad hoc studio assistant,
and your steadfast sous chef  
to respect you and celebrate you forever.

You are the warmest soul, my greatest friend, my favorite conversation.
You are everything.
Me ofrezco a ti como tu esposa.
I offer myself to you as your wife.

Photography: N Barrett Photography | Coordination: Restaurante Bili | Wedding Dress: Nordstrom | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Jewelry: Heirloom | Catering: Restaurante Bili | DJ: DJ Paul Gonzalez-Chavez | Venue: Punta Mulas Lighthouse | Bridal Boutique: Nordstrom | Event Rental: Arquetipo | Floral Design + Styling: Bows and Arrows | Invitation Design: Willie Binnie | Invitation Printing: Boxcar Press

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Bows and Arrows

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They say when you know, you know, and when this gorgeous Bride found Windrift Hall, she booked it for her small summer wedding in the country—two weeks before her handsome Groom got down on one knee! And with the help of amazing vendors like Divine Light Photography, Designs By Ahn and Sperry Tent, their sweet wedding came together perfectly. See all the pretty in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Ben and I met at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, became friends, and started dating a few weeks after. We fell quickly in love and knew this was it, so we dated very intentionally for over a year. During that time, we talked a lot about what we wanted in our lives, our marriage and wedding. We actually booked our wedding venue two weeks before we got engaged! While I knew we would be engaged in the Spring, Ben still managed to surprise me with his Washington Square Park proposal. He recruited our friends to hide in various places in the park to take pictures of the proposal, and afterwards, we cabbed over to his Midtown apartment where our families surprised us with a celebration brunch.

We both liked the idea of a small summer wedding in the country, somewhere that would feel like a restful retreat from Manhattan, where we lived. One night I Googled and found Windrift Hall, a restored 1790s manor house in Hudson Valley, just two hours north from us. The house was filled with stunning antiques, overlooked a private pond, and was surrounded by acres of grass and wildflowers—it looked straight out of a Jane Austen novel! The next weekend, we drove up for a visit, fell in love with the place, and put down a deposit to seal the deal. We rented Windrift Hall for three nights, which left plenty of time for our families to stay together, enjoy the property, and set up the wedding.

We only had four months to plan, but it was just enough time for us. I had a strong vision of an elegant, rustic outdoor wedding – something that was not too formal, but still tasteful. While brainstorming ways to make this wedding feel curated and personal, we figured out what were “must haves” vs. “nice to haves”, which helped us with budgeting. Then we created a Google Sheets project timeline, divided responsibilities, and conquered one task at a time. We agreed we would invest in photography, flowers, and renting decor that would enhance the natural environment, such as farm tables and antique furniture. We found cost-savings in other areas, like making our own reception playlist and going with a buffet dinner from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.

What made the wedding feel special were the personal details, and there are so many that I cherish! The vintage candlesticks we bought at a flea market in Hudson, NY…the distressed white windows that we used for table seating charts…my “something borrowed” vintage Tiffany earrings from my bridesmaid…the chalkboard signs that we hand painted…the herbs that my bridesmaids found in the garden and placed on every dinner plate…the black & white photos from Ben’s grandparents’ wedding, which fell on the same day as ours.

My favorite memories include spending quality time with our families the days leading up to the wedding: laughing over home-cooked dinners, canoeing in the pond, and talking long walks together. On our wedding day, my favorite moments were our First Look and when our pastor pronounced us husband and wife. I remember feeling so beautiful when Ben’s jaw dropped after seeing me in my dress for the first time, as he twirled me around. The overwhelming joy in finally making our covenant before God and becoming “one flesh” through our vows was indescribable. We both had “pinch me” grins on our faces and looked at each other thinking “I can’t believe I get to spend my whole life with you”. We were immensely blessed to be able to share our wedding day with friends and family, to witness before God, and dedicate ourselves to each other forever.

Photography: Divine Light Photography | Floral Design: DESIGNS BY AHN | Wedding Dress: La Sposa Detalle | Cake: Piece Of Cake | Catering: Dinosaur BBQ | Hair + Makeup: Kristian Torres | Venue: Windrift Hall | Rentals: New England Country Rentals | Tent Rentals: Sperry Tents

Would you believe me if I told you you’re going to start loving Mondays a little more? It’s possible friends. And this little Friday checklist is your ticket. So before you go picking out your happy hour cocktail and dreaming of getting some extra Saturday morning snooze time in, cross these to do’s off your list.

5 Things You Should Do Before Leaving the Office on Friday

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5 Things You Should Do Before Leaving the Office on Friday

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Create a gallery wall for your office

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Must-Read Interviews with Inspiring Boss Ladies!

Behind the Blog: The Fashionable Hostess
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Behind the Blog: Best Friends For Frosting

You know those mornings when you feel refreshed but your eyes just can’t seem to catch up? And you get the random (insensitive) co-worker that says: you look tired! Kiss those days goodbye pretties, because brighter, happier eyes are SO achievable with these five simple steps.

5 Simple Steps To Brighten Your Eyes in 5 Minutes

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5 Simple Steps To Brighten Your Eyes in 5 Minutes

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Get Gorgeous Hair in Minutes

5 Minutes To Perfect Party Hair
Effortless Beach Waves
Chic 10 Minutes Hairstyles To Try

I’m the first to admit that I’m not that cool, but these brides? They’re completely next level. From the fashion-forward risk-takers to the brave survivors who persevered, these women kicked some major booty on their wedding day and we’re taking note. So in honor of Women’s History Month, we’re raising our glass to ALL you amazing brides who’ve graced our pages. You inspire us beyond belief each and every day.

Celebrating the Coolest Brides

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Celebrating the Coolest Brides

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More Beautiful Brides

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Say “So Long” to Cookie Cutter Weddings with These Details

Trending: Feather Details | 30 Wedding Rules You Can Break | Must-Haves for Any Cool-Girl Wedding

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a thousand more times – Santorini is the most beautiful place on the planet. So hire the likes of the talented Nicholas Purcell Studio to capture some beautiful moments while you are on island? Well, that’s a no brainer. And this pretty little gallery of images is proof. See even more in the VAULT.

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Photography: Nicholas Purcell Studio | Venue: Santorini Secret | Photography - Assistance: Tristan Rebien

Say goodbye to your puffer coats and heavy scarves, loves. It’s spring time and that means breezy numbers paired with the cutest coats for every kind of outing. Whether it be a girlfriend’s bridal shower or a sun-shining Easter day, we’ve got plenty for you to choose from (and for every budget!).

The Cutest Spring Coats at EVERY price

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The Cutest Spring Coats at EVERY price

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More Spring Fashion Inspiration This Way!

25 Floral Fashion Finds You Should Add to Your Spring Wardrobe
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12 Rose Quartz Fashion Finds To Add To Your Spring Style

Take everything you think about your typical backyard wedding and kindly toss it out the window. Because this backyard celebration at the couple’s own home features a fresh, modern approach by One Big Fish Events. We’re pulling out all the heart eye emojiis for the feather-infused floral design (a trend we predicted for 2016) and that Vera Wang gown? Don’t even get us started. Thanks to the incredible Lacie Hansen and IQ Videography for documenting this beauty of a day.

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From One Big Fish Events…Robert and Adela got married in the backyard of their modern Atherton home in the height of the summer. They wanted a simple wedding with great food and live music, so with the help of Hugh Groman Catering and the earthly sounds of the band, Goodnight, Texas they were off to a great start. Guests were invited to gather for pre ceremony cocktails on their back patio. His and hers signature drinks were offered, while the groom mingled and the band serenaded.

Once everyone had a drink in hand, the band paused while their event planner, Sadie Waddington of One Big Fish Events invited guest to gather under the shade of two gorgeous redwood trees for Robert and Adela’s exchange of vows. Guests stood, creating an aisle for Adela to walk down while Goodnight, Texas played their processional. The ceremony was framed by the amazing floral work of Ivanka Matsuba of Studio Mondine, who created a beautiful textured structure to back the couple.

The happy couple danced back down the aisle as newlyweds, Adela wearing a custom designed wedding band and Robert with a place holder drawn on by the bride with a sharpie during their ceremony. He had committed to tattooing his wedding band as a symbol of their permanent love at a later date..

Guest enjoyed Hog Island Oysters and Champagne, while they gave the couple a few moments to themselves. Guests were entertained by Magnolia Photobooth and watched Adela and Robert enjoy their first dance as a married couple. Only a few of the bride’s closest family were able to make the celebration, however, a touch of home was sent through a video of congratulations from Adela’s family, a wonderful and emotional surprise for the bride.

Guest dined under a fabric canopy with soft lighting bouncing from chandeliers, designed by Five Star Productions. Adela’s new last name is Stone, so the intimate gathering of guests were invited to find their names which were hand written by the bride on granite stones at each place setting. Menu cards were laid out at each setting and abundant, lush floral arrangements lined the table.

A few toasts were made post dinner, then it was time for cake and a collection of amazing trifles for dessert, all provided by Hugh Groman Catering. DJ Von at Sutherland Entertainment, brought the guests to the dance floor before heat lamps were set up around a cluster of patio lounge furniture for guests to relax into the evening. Guest went home with a CD of the band’s music generously shared by Goodnight, Texas, and the couple where given an autographed LP of their work.

Adela looked stunning in a Vera Wang dress and Robert wore a sharp grey suite with his signature converse low tops. Lacie Hansen captured the details of the day beautifully and IQ Videography produced a lovely recap of their special day!

Photography: Lacie Hansen | Cinematography: IQvideography | Event Planning: One Big Fish Events | Floral Design: Studio Mondine | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Hair + Makeup: Whittany Robinson | DJ: Sutherland Entertainment | Officiant: Friend Of Couple | Transportation: Lone Star Limos | Venue: At Home | Canopy: Five Star Productions | Catering, Beverage Services + Desserts: Hugh Groman Catering | Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Band: Goodnight Texas | Photo Booth: Magnolia Photo Booth Co. | Rentals: Hugh Groman Catering | Valet: All About Parking | Video Bus: Games 2U

Is there anything more romantic than a stunning lace bridal gown?  We don’t think so.  Which is why we’re dedicating our Thursday to soaking in the awe-inspiring creations from one of our fave designers, Maggie Sottero.  Think everything from bohemian sheaths to elegant ballgowns to fit and flare beauties that will make your hearts happy.  In love with lace?  Most definitely.

We heart Maggie Sottero… I think you all know that.  So give us a lineup of jaw-droppingly gorgeous gowns simply overflowing with elegant details + stunning lace and that love becomes an absolute obsession. From the scalloped sweetheart neckline of the Cadence to the show-stopping Rosamund to the dramatic open back of the Blaise, each and every design from Maggie Sottero will seriously wow… you AND your loved ones.  Not to mention that every beautiful creation is literally dripping in romance, which means that fairytale day you’ve always dreamed of is most definitely happening.  And you’re going to look awesome.

Whether you have a love for tulle and sparkles (hello, Geddes), dream of saying “I do” in a timeless ball gown with Swarovski crystals like the Luna or want to stun in a fabulous fit and flare like the Mercedes, Maggie Sottero most definitely has an intricately crafted gown for you.  Visit TODAY to peruse all of the pretty… we can’t wait to see which one you choose.