Extra Petite is not only one of our favorite local Bean Town fashion bloggers but she also knows a thing or two about chic getaway style. Have a peek at her collection of travel musts from killer flats to a suitcase we now all have at the top of our wish lists. And be sure to follow along today as she takes over SMP Living’s instagram!

Getaway Style

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Getaway Style

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Indulge Your Wanderlust…

Travel to Cinque Terre | The Top Travelers of Instagram | Tips for Traveling Like a Pro

Calligraphy: Lauren | Source: Extra Petite

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Petit Bouquet

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Our happy place?  Beautiful photography.  Those kind of stop-you-in-your-tracks images that capture every moment + feeling + look, all while expertly telling your true love story.  Its exactly the type of images we see time and time again from Craig Paulson Photography, and the reason we fan girl out when we happen upon one of this boutique studio’s brilliant weddings.  Scroll below for a look.

Based in New York City for over 15 years, Craig Paulson Photography specializes in destination and NY wedding photography.  Which means that whether you’re saying “I do” in a fabulous loft space in Tribeca, or jetting away to a tropical locale, Craig Paulson’s talented team of photogs will be on hand to capture every second of your Big Day perfectly… and organically.  I’m talking highly trained photographers known for fusing modern portraiture with classic photojournalism, giving you those timeless photos you will treasure for always.

Craig Paulson Photography is always striving to tell your story in the most unobtrusive way possible… unless you need an emergency dress mender or someone to calm down your flower girl’s meltdown. They are pretty skilled at that, too.  They also have an ah-mazing Studio Manager who will help facilitate your timeline, permits and payments. Plus, they’ll even help with vendor recs, or come along to your dress fitting.  There isn’t a moment of your Big Day Craig Paulson Photography won’t be a part of, which is why they are so very, very unique… and very, very awesome.

Contact Craig Paulson Photography today to make an appointment to stop by their studio to chat all things wedding. They’ll walk you step by step throughout the process and even introduce you to their sister company, The Album Room, for that perfect keepsake.  You’re going to adore them, SMPers. We can guarantee you that.

It’s nearly March 1st, and in my mind, Spring is basically here. So who better to ring in the new season than wedding industry wonders, Joy Proctor, Kelly Kaufman, and Jose Villa? They came together for an inspiration shoot that’s one of the prettiest things you’ll EVER see (can you say, dream bouquet?) and these images in The Vault are going to be upping our #weddinggoals in a serious way.

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From Joy Proctor Design…The inspiration for the shoot was the mouthwatering combination of lilac and blush. The effortless femininity created by the mix of the two colors was something we just loved, and wanted to present in an elegant way, without being overly sweet.

Love Jenna Calligraphy did the incredible hand painted invites and paper goods. Her whimsical calligraphy paired with the dreamy color palate truly made the paper come alive.

The intricate gown by Inbal Dror was a nod to the old world charm of the venue. Traditional in its long sleeves, with a feminine and romantic deep back, it was truly the gown of whimsical bride who still longed for tradition in her wedding. The delicate crown a top the brides head was another nod to the old world venue.

The beautiful cake by the one and only Maggie Austin was truly the star of the show. Hand painted florals made to match the flowers in the centerpieces and bouquet were a true work of art. The aged patina of the venues walls inspired the frosting on the body of the cake.

The silver flatware from Small Masterpiece, is truly stunning and adds instant elegance to any place setting. It was important for us to keep the look feminine and fresh, without sacrificing any elegance or sophistication. The fine silver flatware complete with knife rests, was the perfect way to do that. Jason from Small Masterpiece set the table with white gloves, measuring everything before placing the china and glassware. It is truly a level of detail and service from another era.

The florals were truly our ambassadors of color. Kelly Kaufman using the most incredible selection of clematis, sweet peas, hellebore, garden roses, ranunculus, lilac and other spring flowers to hint at the whimsy of the look. I wanted to label the florals as a study of sorts so show how incredible the selection truly was, and how many incredible florals went into such beautiful arrangements.

Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Event Design: Joy Proctor Design | Styling: Joy Proctor Design | Floral Design: Kelly Kaufman | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Cake: Maggie Austin Cake | Invitations: Love Jenna Calligraphy | Jewelry: Trumpet & Horn | Hair + Makeup: Amy Clarke | Venue: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa | Chair Rentals: Archive Rentals | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Table Setting: Small Masterpiece [ We Set The Table ] Los Angeles & New York | Table Top Design: Kate Holt Creative | Veil: Twigs & Honey

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Joy Proctor Design

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Current mood?  Happy.  The sort of happy that goes hand in hand with a day spent basking in the beauty of the newest bridal collection from Lela Rose.  Think flattering silhouettes, intricate, handcrafted details and stunning fabrics that are beyond luxurious.  It’s the perfect juxtaposition of refined elegance and modern whimsy and we’re celebrating with a little swoon-fest… bubbly totally optional, of course.

Whether you consider yourself a classic bride with a love for all things traditional, a sassy + contemporary lady who can’t wait to say “I do” in the most unconventional way possible OR a marrying with your toes-in-the-sand type of gal, the Lela Rose Bridal Collection is overflowing with options that are so, so perfect for YOU. From fairy tale-esque ball gowns that are rich in refinement to sheaths that are the definition of simple elegance to lace numbers that give an entirely new meaning to the word romance.

Known for her unique aesthetic and a design philosophy that is rooted in hand-finished apparel, each Lela Rose gown pairs impeccable quality with beyond beautiful fabrics and exquisite use of detail. Which means that dress of your dreams is, well… right here in Lela Rose’s collection of gorgeous.  To say we’re in love would be a serious understatement… we’re obsessed.

Contact Lela Rose TODAY to begin that journey towards the dress of your dreams.  And be sure to follow her Blog, Facebook, Instagram (here and here), Twitter and Pinterest for even more inspiration.  Happy shopping, loves.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Petit Bouquet

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Plants are a must in my book but not all are created equal. Just like a great cozy sofa or that perfect white paint, finding your house plant soul mate can take a little digging. Boho, classic, glam girl… you all have your favorite greenery and this little roundup will lead you right to the ideal house plants for your style. Some don’t even require a green thumb. Preserved boxwood anyone?

Find Your Plant Soulmate

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Find Your Plant Soulmate

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Cultivate Your Inner Green Thumb…

10 Plants You Can’t Kill | DIY Gilded Garden Markers | Tips for an Indoor Herb Garden

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You may recognize this brown-eyed beauty as the one that’s usually behind the lens, but today Nicole of Sorella Muse is stepping out from her role as photographer and into the role of blogger Bride! She’ll be sharing her journey down the aisle (you guys, she’s eloping in ITALY!!) and to say that we’re beyond excited would be the understatement of the century. Scroll to know all about this lil’ lady below!

Nicole of Sorella Muse… Hi SMP brides! I’m Nicole, a fine art wedding photographer based in Northern California. As someone in the wedding industry, it’s so fun to be joining the bride tribe! When I launched my business four years ago, I checked Style Me Pretty every single day for inspiration, so I’m thrilled to be sharing my wedding planning journey here over the coming months.

Though I love to document love, I was certainly not looking for it when I met my fiancé Daniel in the fall of 2013! I was in my mid-twenties and I just wanted to have fun while dating in Los Angeles. As Daniel likes to remind me, I even forgot about our first date! We were supposed to get coffee in Santa Monica, and 15 minutes beforehand I had to text him that I had failed to put the date in my Google Calendar and was at least an hour away from the cafe. Luckily I was shooting an event that night in Santa Monica, so I asked him to meet me for drinks afterwards at the Viceroy. He thought it was a “pity date” but gladly took it anyways. Three hours in, and we just could not stop talking.

We fell for each other swiftly and completely. Our third date was like a page out of The Notebook—we spent the day laughing, talking, holding hands at the beach and then kissing in the waves. I remember thinking, this can’t be real! On another early date, I told him my favorite poet was Pablo Neruda. Without skipping a beat he started reciting—in Spanish—my favorite Neruda poem. How does that even happen?! Meeting someone who is so deeply my match, someone with a generous spirit who loves literature and traveling as much as I do, makes me feel blessed beyond measure.

Daniel proposed a year to the day we met. I thought everything romantic that was planned was for our anniversary! We arrived for a weekend at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco and there were gorgeous flowers, fancy chocolates, and champagne waiting in the room. Then he played Spanish guitar for me while I sat beside him feeling so in love. We walked to a park to find a bench to journal together (we both love to write!) but all the benches in the park had people sitting on them. I kept saying, it’s fine, let’s go sit there. But he persisted in looking for somewhere more private, which I was so confused by. Finally he found a rock beneath a tree and said, let’s sit here. Once we crawled up onto this massive rock, he handed me an Italian leather journal with our initials and said, Will you marry me? Inside, on the first two pages, there were two poems written out in calligraphy, and on the following pages, he had written me a beautiful love letter. It was like something out of a Jane Austen novel. Since then, we have been writing each other letters back and forth in the same leather journal as a record of our engagement.

We had decided on a trip instead of a ring before Daniel proposed. We traveled to Spain and Morocco for two incredible weeks, and I’m still so glad we chose to celebrate our engagement in a way that fit us perfectly. Daniel also donated funds to have a water well built in Cambodia, which we later visited while traveling in Southeast Asia. I was so moved that he had found this charitable organization doing remarkable work and made our engagement story about something bigger than ourselves.

With our love of travel adventures, it has come as no surprise to our nearest and dearest that we are throwing an intimate destination wedding weekend! I can’t wait to share my bride to be perspective as a wedding photographer, the process of planning a destination wedding, how we chose our budget priorities, and everything else along the way!

Photography: Kristina Adams Photography | Blogger Bride: Sorella Muse

We dare you not to fall head over heels for this headboard. It’s the show stopping piece behind blogger Amanda Holstein of Advice from a 20 Something’s gorgeous bedroom. All white with touches of blue and pretty bohemian details, this San Francisco studio apartment is loaded with cozy. Get inspired to craft your own boho retreat with the full tour captured by Andrea Posadas in the VAULT.

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A tour of blogger Amanda Holstein’s cozy, bohemian-inspired bedroom. Amanda is the blogger behind Advice from a 20 Something and has created a calming bedroom area in her San Francisco studio apartment, featuring a mix of blues, whites, soft textures, and bohemian accents.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Bed Area

Headboard: Urban Outfitters
Bedding: Anthropologie
Pillow Shams: Anthropologie
Indigo Dyed Pillow: Urban Outfitters (no longer available, similar here)
Throw Blanket: Anthropologie
Moose Head: Etsy
Dog Bed: Dash & Albert

Side Table Area

Side Table: West Elm
Lamp: Target
Lamp Shade: Target
Macrame Hanging: Etsy (similar here, here, here, and here)
Succulent: DIY
White Bowl: Bijou Candles
White/Gold Tray: Fringe Studio (similar here)

Dresser Area

Dresser: Craigslist makeover
Knobs: Anthropologie here and here
Mirror: Soft Surroundings
Dream Catchers: Urban Outfitters here and here
White Ceramic Planter: Urban Outfitters
Coral/Gold Planter: DIY
Gold Candle: Anthropologie (similar here)
Geode: Z Gallerie
White Bud Vase: Jonathan Adler
Hanging Plant Holder: Urban Outfitters
Sheepskin Rug: Etsy
Antler Jewelry Holder: Etsy
Stool: Urban Outfitters

Photography: Andrea Posadas | Styling: Advice From A 20 Something | Cakes: Etsy.com | Decor: Z Gallerie

All backyard weddings should be like this.  Totally romantic, filled to the brim with gorgeous and boasting a due that is the definition of the cuteness factor. (I heart high school sweethearts.) Think lush florals from Poppystone Floral Couture, crafty DIY details, the stunning stylings of Quintana Events and beautiful images from Josh Gruetzmacher.  Find your happy place in THE VAULT right here.

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From the Bride… Most of our wedding inspiration came from our guests and our surroundings. Once we made our guest list we realized that most of our friends and family are super energetic and fun-loving people. With this in mind, planning our wedding started to feel more like we were planning a great, big party for all of our favorite people. Thinking back to some of our favorite memories that we had shared with everyone, we noticed that many of these took place outside, on sunny days, in our beautiful hometown of Marin County. This made it clear to us that our wedding should be a cheerful, outdoor celebration that we would all be smiling about for a long time. Fortunately, my parents’ backyard was the perfect venue for what we had in mind. The big open lawn, small grove of fruit trees, and blossoming garden set the stage for what ended up being the most fun and memorable days of our lives.

For our décor we wanted to highlight the natural beauty of the space so we stuck with neutral base tones with pops of bright colors. We wanted to keep it simple and fun yet elegant so it wouldn’t feel too much like just a “backyard” party.

It is funny to think about, but when Jack finally got up the nerve to ask me out in high school, it was at a party that my parents were throwing in the very same backyard that we would use for our wedding venue. By a strange coincidence the date of our wedding was also exactly 10 years before our first date (we found the ticket stub from the baseball game to prove it). By deciding to get married in my parent’s backyard, we felt like we really brought our love story full circle, and were really able to use the setting and some personal details to make our wedding about “us”. 

Because we opted for a backyard wedding, this meant that we had to do a lot of work ourselves to get everything ready. Luckily we had a TON of help from friends and family. For much of the year leading up to the wedding, both of our families worked on building a trellis for our ceremony, building tables for our wedding party and even laying bricks for our reception area. Meanwhile, our moms and a handful of family friends spent countless hours hand-painting signs, planting flowers, and pulling weeds to make our garden look perfect. It wasn’t glamorous work, but by the time our wedding rolled around, we had poured our heart and souls into building a flawless wedding venue with some of our favorite people and it made the whole day so much more special.

For the wedding itself, there were several details that made our day extra special for us. For instance, we set up a side table that had jars of jam for guests to take, which my mom had made from our own fruit trees. We ate our first dinner as a married couple at a beautiful redwood table that our dads hand-built for us as a wedding present. We also had Jack’s dad officiate our ceremony, which made this a personal and sentimental highlight of the day.

On the day of our wedding it was really important to us to spend a few minutes by ourselves soaking in the specialness of the day. This wasn’t something that we planned but something we both agreed to ahead of time. As it turns out, one of my favorite memories is from the reception when Jack and I left the dance floor for a few minutes to watch the party from afar. We got to spend a few minutes just the two of us watching friends dancing, family members laughing, and everyone together having an amazing time. This moment stood out because we both took time to appreciate how special this occasion was and how genuinely happy we were to finally be married.

My biggest advice is to let your friends and family help when they want to. It took me a while to delegate and let go of the control, but once I did it relieved a lot of stress off me and turned out more beautiful and perfect than I could have ever imagined. Also, try not get too caught up in what you think you should be doing and instead do what you want. I was pretty obsessed with my checklists and design planning and it really stressed me out because I wanted it to be “perfect”. In the end all that really mattered was that we were married!

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See more Backyard Weddings in THE VAULT!

Photography: Josh Gruetzmacher Photography | Cinematography: Michael Bromberg | Event Planning + Design: Quintana Events | Floral Design: PoppyStone Floral Couture | Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel | Invitations: Anna Marks Photography | Bride's Shoes: J.Crew | Bridesmaids' Dresses: After Six | Catering: Sage Catering | Hair + Makeup: Tammy Son | DJ: Stylus Entertainment | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: At Home | Hair Accessories: BHLDN | Invitations + Stationery: The Paper Source | Photo Booth: Magnolia Photo Booth Co. | Pies + Dessert: Aimee George | Rentals: Bright Event Rentals

Beautiful in every sense of the word, this intimate desert elopement is just so incredibly special. The images from Gaby J Photography are just pure works of art, and the love this gorgeous couple shares just seems to seep through the screen. It leaves us with a gallery that is too good to pass over, and you can see it all in the VAULT.

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From The Bride…I proposed to Sian in Rome in front of the Trevvi Fountain. One of the benefits of being a bride, marrying a bride is having two sets of rings. So it was a matter of who is going to be the first to propose. And when in Rome..

Living in the UK, we didn’t want any part in the glamorous over the top wedding. That’s just not us at all. Going against our code however, we planned for something at home but the constant clawing of making everyone happy, made us feel worse. We scrapped that whole idea after being invited to our friend’s wedding in Las Vegas. So on a whim here we are researching everything there is to know about a low key elopement in Las Vegas. We both wanted something really different and the dry lake bed in it’s secludedness was perfect! We had the best of both worlds, intimacy in the desert & the twinkling lights of Vegas. We wanted our day to be fun and stress-free. By doing so, we both had 6 stacks of pancakes and waffles as soon as we woke up. Got pampered by getting our hair and makeup done. Followed by bringing a bottle of champagne and Bouchon’s finest macarons for our “first cake.”

My advice would be that it is one day in your life so make sure it’s the way you want it to be. Not all the other people who may be attending. We loved the fact it was just the two of us there.

Photography: Gaby J Photography | Wedding Dresses: Ocean Bridal | Hair + Makeup: Ciel Spa At Sls | Officiant: Peachy Keen Unions | Venue: El Dorado Dry Lake Bed | Macarons: Bouchon Bakery

Classic, elegant and with the perfect hint of southern charm – this Oklahoma wedding at the Golf Club Of Oklahoma is one that will easily stand the test of time. But what I love the most about this gorgeous wedding is the Bride’s sweet words below on the importance of the ceremony to this couple. That they planned as much for the ceremony as the reception. And that makes my heart beat a tad faster on this Monday morning. See even more from Amanda Watson Photography here.

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From The Bride…Growing up visiting my extended family in South Carolina solidified my affection for southern charm. Kevin proposed to me at the picturesque Middleton Place Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina. Kevin and I both currently reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma, my hometown. As wedding planning was underway, we realized it was more important for Kevin and for me to have our wedding in Tulsa where more family and friends would be able to attend.

At first it was difficult to find a venue in Tulsa that had exactly what we were looking for, but we found just what we envisioned at the Golf Club of Oklahoma. The Golf Club of Oklahoma is particularly special to me. My family has gone there for years and I have many memories of holidays and special events spent there with my grandmothers in previous years, who both passed away years before the wedding.

I’ve always been more interested in styles that are classic rather than trendy. I knew I wanted a classic and elegant wedding with a hint of southern charm. My sister, Tiffany, was my Maid of Honor. She studied event planning in college and truly helped make my vision come to life. It was truly special spending time wedding planning with my mom and my sister. It wouldn’t have been done without them.

Our wedding day was August 1, 2015 and it was more than I could’ve ever hoped for or imagined. It’s incredible how much time, energy, thought and personal touches go into a single day to represent and reflect a decision of a lifetime. Kevin and I noticed that the typical wedding ceremony is often overlooked or rushed so we probably spent as much time planning the ceremony as we did the reception. We wanted the focus of the ceremony, and our wedding day, to acknowledge God and our thankfulness to Him for the gift of marriage.

The ceremony was held outside overlooking the 18th green of the golf club and the lake. It is very risky to have an outdoor ceremony in Oklahoma in August. The weather is typically in excess of 100 degrees that time of the year and yet the shaded canopy of trees gave our guests a comfortable temperature in the mid to upper 80s. The weather was sunny, clear blue skies with a light breeze.

As previously mentioned, Kevin and I wanted our wedding day to be focused on our faith and for the day to be a testimony of God’s faithfulness to us. One of my favorite moments during the ceremony was when we were able to read our personal vows, take communion as we were prayed over by our parents, and spending the day surrounded by our closest friends and family.

Our reception took place inside the Golf Club. The reception was so much fun and filled with everything from a plated dinner, photo booth, dance floor, and even dippin’ dots as an evening snack. We wanted every detail to reflect our personalities, style and fun!

We are so thankful to have Amanda Watson Photography capture all the details of our wedding day. She knew I wanted to channel a timeless look for our wedding day and she captured it perfectly. All of our vendors helped make our wedding dream into a reality and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Photography: Amanda Watson Photography | Cinematography: Redeemed Productions | Floral Design: The French Bouquet | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Invitations: Crane & Co. | Stationery: You're Invited | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Prim | Calligraphy: Prairie Letter Shop | Venue: Golf Club Of Oklahoma | Rentals: Party Pro Rentals

How perfect is this museum engagement session?! I mean, what’s more romantic than strolling a modern space admiring the one you love like THEY’RE the work of art? Uhm, I’m going to go out on a limb and say nothing. Take this darling duo’s day as proof. It’s the sweetest little stroll we ever did see and thanks to the mega talented Rhythm Photography it’s all waiting in The Vault!

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From the Bride-to-Be… The day that Herman proposed to me was the most memorable day of my life. We took a trip to Portugal and we went to visit Cabo da Roca, the most western point in Europe. When we got to one of the most scenic points Herman suggested that we take a selfie. I wasn’t suspecting anything at that time because we were just taking a selfie! He told me to check the photo to make sure it was okay (still wasn’t suspecting anything yet). And when I checked it, to my surprise, in the selfie he was holding a box with the ring beside me! I don’t know how I didn’t notice that while taking the photo! I couldn’t believe it at first and then he went down on one knee and proposed to me!

For our engagement photos, I wanted to do something different and unique. We both love architecture and we found the perfect place for our photos – Aga Khan Museum! It was really modern, sleek and very us!

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More Engagement Inspo Here!

Photography: Rhythm Photography | Wedding Dress: Felichia Bridal | Hair + Makeup: Satine Makeup & Hair Styling Studio | Venue: Aga Khan Musuem

St. Barths was a big contender for the hubs and I when researching honeymoon spots. Albeit, we chose Anguilla (it’s neighbor), but I’ve still got this beautiful island on my wanderlist—especially after perusing this tropical fete from Erin H. Photography. Complete with a lace-drenched Bride and views like this, you can’t go wrong with a sandy stroll through The Vault.

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From The Bride…We chose St Barths because, for us, there was no other wedding destination option. We took a day trip to the island 2.5 years ago when we were first falling in love and had traveled to St. Martin for the week. The day we spent in St Barths was magical and foreshadowed our deeper commitment; I was wearing a white dress, he picked me a wild flower bouquet, we found ourselves wandering into a small white chapel and separately silently entering into a meditative/contemplative state. Subsequently we came to refer to the day as our symbolic wedding. The island is breathtakingly beautiful but it’s more than that to us.

The most memorable moment was during the ceremony when we were serenaded with Ave Maria. There were so many memorable moments though: Driving away from the church and cruising through town with our “Aprés Mariés” sign on the back of the car. Seeing the exquisitely beautiful reception dinner area lit up by candles and the moonlight as we were taking our first dance. The brief rain shower during reception that wasn’t enough to diminish the beauty of the day, but just to cool us all off before dancing and give us an extra sprinkle of good luck. Dancing after dinner. The brunch at Nikki Beach the day after the wedding and how wild it got, dancing on tables, wedding cake, food. Oh, the food throughout the entire event…

Our wedding planner was Nelly Roussel of Gold’n Guest St Barth and she did an amazing job. Guests stayed at the Manapany Resort and reception dinner was held at the Fellini Restaurant at Manapany. We brunched at Nikki Beach the following day.

If planning a destination wedding you must have a wedding planner who is impeccable, flexible and can see your vision even better than you can. That’s what we had and the result was beyond what we could have even imagined. Finally, have an amazing photographer to document every detail with efficiency and an artistic eye to capture the beauty and magic so you can relive it forever.

From The Groom…My wife said it all! I am a Blessed Soul to call Emily my own, and I, her’s…

Photography: Erin H. Photography | Event Planning: Gold'n Guest | Floral Design: Bloomy | Ceremony Venue: St Bartholomew's Anglican Church | Reception Venue: Manapany | Catering: Nikki Beach | Makeup: Makeup By Idalmi

I’m the type of girl who will probably spend a good chunk of my wedding budget on the florals, and this Charleston day planned by Mingle Charleston Event Planning is precisely why. As the incredible Perry Vaile says, the “old, vibrant florals from Wildflowers were the showstoppers for the day.” One look in The Vault, and you’ll see what she means. From the bright bouquets to the whimsical hanging flower wreaths, the flowers make this already gorgeous day that much more beautiful!

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From Perry Vaile…Katie’s vivacious personality lent itself to the design of her wedding day – bold, vibrant florals from Wildflowers Inc were the showstoppers for the day, while the eclectic patterns and textures she incorporated throughout added an air of personality in every corned. The couple wed in front of the main house (the same gates Noah crashed into in his search for Ally in the Notebook!), and spent some alone time together beneath the oaks and Spanish Moss before celebrating nearby with their reception. A beautiful gold-foil cake twinkled in the reception space, large seating for cocktails enticed guests outside and the Boone Hall Cotton dock set the stage for a night to remember.

From the Bride… My husband and I fell in love in Charleston, South Carolina and have always known that we wanted to get married there. We wanted a venue that portrayed everything that the “Lowcountry” embodied to give our guests (some from up North) the full southern experience. This is why we loved Boone Hall Plantation- the gorgeous avenue of oaks and the rustic barn on the water just screamed old Charleston!

When it came to our wedding inspiration, my husband and I are a mixture of classic and bold. This is why we decided to go with classic linens and black tie attire but bold, bright flowers in a non-traditional setting. Megan at Mingle events was integral in pulling our vision together.

Our most unique wedding detail was probably our hanging flower wreaths. I had seen a picture in a magazine of hanging flower pots at a wedding and knew I wanted to create a similar look. My mother-in-law and I found the perfect “wreaths” that could be filled with flowers. Wildflowers Inc. did an awesome job on them and we received so many compliments!

When it comes to photographing the bright vibrant colors we wanted, we knew that Perry Vaile Photography was a must. Her photos are bold, dreamy, elegant and at the same time very natural and organic. Plus, she too got married at Boone Hall! It was meant to be.

In the end, what we cherished the most was how so many family members took part in the little details that built our big day. My engagement ring and tennis bracelet were from my grandmothers, the hanging wreaths and directional “tree” were ideas and creations from my in-laws, my mom picked out my wedding dress, my aunt helped sew pillows for the lounge area and my father had a huge influence on the music; Motown and lots of Bruno Mars! As my father said in his wedding speech, “There are only three things that matter in life; faith, family and a few good friends.” We believe this wholeheartedly and because of them, it was the best day we could have ever imagined.

Photography: Perry Vaile Photography | Event Planning: Mingle | Floral Design: Wildflowers Inc. | Catering: Duvall | Hair + Makeup: Ash & Co. | Band: The Adrian Duke Project | Venue: Boone Hall Plantation | Rentals: Snyder

I think I need to relocate to the Cali coast. This shoot just put me over the edge and I’m ready to take the leap because these pics captured by Nicole Clarey Photography are just that good. Add in Beijos Events, Milieu Florals, Found Rentals and Borrowed Blu and this scene is straight out of our whimsical wedding dreams – brought to life by Anna Lord Studio. Fall in love with this coastal beauty in our Vault here!

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From Nicole Clarey Photography… Maybe it’s the sunsets or the rocky cliffs or that coastal breeze, but there is something magical about the California coastline. We pulled inspiration from these elements from the color palette to the textures, creating a whimsical and simplistic shoot highlighting Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year: Rose Quartz and Serenity. The girls from Beijos Events found the perfect accessories from Found Rentals to incorporate that “beachy” feel, (we died for that driftwood table!) but giving it a more sophisticated look while still adding their boho touch. The florals were the icing on the cake, and let’s be honest, those Proteas are to die for!

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Peruse more California inspiration here!

Photography: Nicole Clarey Photography | Cinematography: Anna Lord Studio | Event Design: Beijos Events | Floral Design: Milieu Florals | Wedding Dress: The Dress Theory | Cake: SusieCakes | Stationery: Prim & Pixie | Shoes: BHLDN | Jewelry: Love Tatum | Hair + Makeup: 10.11 Makeup | Calligraphy: Yours Truly Calligraphy | Venue: Dana Point | Macarons: Le Mignon Macaron | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Tableware: borrowed BLU | Wood Cutouts: The Duo Studio

I love a bride who’s not afraid to add a dose of glam to a rustic wedding. And this New England beauty did just that starting with her Sarah Seven dress that’s a sparkly touch of gold. It was the perfect point of inspiration for A Family Affair Maine to infuse on-trend design moments into the setting’s natural beauty, from sequin tablecloths to Anticipate Invitations’ watercolor suite, and every detail in between. White Loft Studio captured the full gallery all waiting in The Vault.

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From the Bride… Sigh, where do I even begin? You’ll have to forgive me, as I’m still adorned in my blushing, awe-struck wedding day goggles. Absolutely every second of our wedding day proved to be my favorite moment…in life. If I were hard-pressed to highlight just a few special aspects of our favorite day, they’d be as follows:

Personal Moments

Every bride dreams of that tearful moment when she takes her husband’s hand in marriage, and subsequently gains a loving mother. Unfortunately, Jace lost his beloved mother, Ronda, 10 years ago to cancer. I was never afforded the honor of exchanging a mere hello, reminiscing over fond childhood memories, shrieking in excitement over our picturesque engagement or wedding day details, or exchanging a sincere ‘thank you’ for the amazing man she raised and gifted to me. In my heart of hearts, I know that if Heaven weren’t so far away, Ronda wouldn’t have missed a beat throughout the duration of the wedding planning process. In efforts of carrying along the amazing spirit of Ronda in our special day, I collaborated with our amazing wedding planner, Paula, and florist, Carolyn, from the beginning, ensuring that the front row bench be dedicated in her honor, saving her a front row seat adorned with her picture, a hand-painted name plate (i.e. saving her seat), and floral garland. I had also collected a piece of blue fabric from a piece of her clothing to have sewn into my dresses (i.e. something blue) in the shape of heart.

This entire process was captured on film by a close family friend at one of my dress fittings and gifted to Jace and his dad (as I pinned a replica of the heart sewn in my dress into their suit jackets) at the ceremony site prior to walking down the aisle. I really wanted them to have that special moment, raw, emotional, uninterrupted, together with Ronda prior to the mayhem of wedding festivities. The surprise was pulled off without a hitch and brought to complete fruition when Ronda’s “saved seat” at the reception was revealed at the end of the evening. I have no doubt that she was ever-so present in our special day.

Vows + Ceremony

We wanted our ceremony to be intimate and most of all, us. We poured ourselves into every heartfelt word of our ceremony, from the heartfelt ceremony script to our tearful (with sprinkles of sarcastic inside jokes) vows. One of Jace’s dear friends, Nathan, performed our ceremony. As if that wasn’t sweet and special enough, Jace’s dad, Ronn, was the best man. So much love in the small timeframe of 30 minutes!

Custom Monogram

Every wedding detail, from our initial save the dates, to our custom, ceremonial backdrop, adorned our monogram of love-struck, intersecting arrows (a clever nod to our serendipitous, travel-crossed paths) encompassed in our initials. To date, such arrows adorn the walls of our bedroom, quaintly placed over bed, as a constant reminder of our fateful love story.

Guest Seating Chart + Table Cards

Our seating chart, created in collaboration with our amazing invitation designer, resembled a Departure Flight Board (in reference to our initial meeting at baggage claim). Each table was adorned with a destination-themed table card (i.e. labeled by airport code, such as LaGuardia = LGA) of important and/or significant destinations over the course of our relationship, highlighting hand-painted watercolor skylines and brief descriptions of the significance of every location to us.

Lobster Bibs

No Maine weekend is complete in absence of a traditional, New England lobster bake and coordinating accessories. Our lobster-bake chic rehearsal dinner was hosted on the premises of the Barn at Flanagan Farm where every wedding guest received handmade Welcome Bags (i.e. including Maine Magazine; personalized thank you notes; lobster cookies; monogram koozies, custom-designed, keepsake lobster bibs; and ‘Welcome to Maine, y’all!’ gift tags).

North Meets South Food + Drinks + Details

Think fried chicken and waffles meets miniature lobster rolls; a Texas Twisted Tea (i.e. bride signature drink) meets a local Blueberry Mojito (i.e. groom signature cocktail); miniature TX pecan pies vs. traditional ME Whoopi Pies. Greeted with wedding invitations adorned with “Welcome to Portland, Y’all!” to a signature beer from every important location significant to us as a couple, Jace and I aspired to infuse our favorite aspects of our Southern homage meets Northern living in our big day.

Destination Setting

Any moment spent in Maine is a moment well spent in our self-proclaimed ‘happy place’ – they don’t refer to Maine as Vacationland for nothing! Therefore, when we began the wedding planning process, we knew that we wanted the occasion to encompass more of an extended family/friend vacation feel. Over 95% of our guests had never experienced the beauty of Maine prior to our destination wedding – it now sits at the top of their destination travel list.

Photography: White Loft Studio | Floral Design: Snell Family Farm | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Shoes: Kate Spade | Rings: Leo Carroll Jewelers | Catering: Home Catering | DJ: White Label DJs | Venue: The Barn At Flanagan Farm | Bartending: Maine Mixologist | Event Planning, Design, And Specialty Rentals: A Family Affair of Maine | Event Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals | Groom's Suit, Bridesmaids Dresses, Groomsmen Ties, Best Man's Su: J.Crew | Groomsmen Custom Pants: Suitable | Hair And Make-up: Portland Hair Co | Invitation And Day-of Paper Design: Anticipate Invitations | MOH Dress: Amsale | Musicians - Ceremony And Cocktail Hour: Pete Kilpatrick | Veil: BHLDN | Wedding Cake And Lobster Cookie Favors : Nothing Bakes Like A Parrott

I’m a firm believer that some of the most important items in a woman’s beauty arsenal are the ones that don’t actually cost all that much. We can’t live without our beauty splurges of course, but more often than not it’s the little tools that help pull it all together—from extra mascara wands to brush out those lashes to a simple makeup setting mist. Make sure your beauty bag is stocked with these buys under $10!

10 Beauty Tools Under $10 To Perfect Your Everyday Look

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10 Beauty Tools Under $10 To Perfect Your Everyday Look

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More Beauty Must-Reads

Jouer Cosmetics Studio Tour | Beauty Splurges | Straight Hair How To with Bangs

Trends come and go, but classic is forever. And Lyndsay and Nate’s big day in Hamilton, New Jersey is precisely why. The Bride’s made-for-twirling Hayley Paige ballgown, the bouquets of fluffy pink peonies, the Groom’s classic tux, and a sparkler exit? It doesn’t get much better than that. See all the beauty captured to perfection by Love & Light Photographs in The Vault!

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From Love & Light Photographs…Lyndsay & Nate’s wedding day in one word was classy. I think sometimes we get so caught up in trends we forget how great a black bow tie is and that simple puffs of peonies can be more than enough to make your wedding feel effortlessly chic. From the second the Love & Light team arrived, Lyndsay was grinning ear to ear with anticipation for the day. The day-of coordination by Creations by Christine Events was so helpful making the day go smoothly and without even one hiccup. Lyndsay loves horses, so after the ceremony we stopped at this stable on site and captured the wedding party there and I love how handsome the building looks as a backdrop! Lyndsay’s sister-in-law Amanda owns Little Miss Mrs and she designed the invitation with perfectly fit the day. She incorporated a little horse shoe on the string on each invitation and had Jessica of Simply Jessica Marie create a watercolor peony bouquet to make the invites feel even more personal. I love each and every detail that fit seamlessly into their day! Nate held Lynsday’s hand the whole night and the two danced to their awesome band Brian Kirk and the Jirks until it was time for their epic sparkler exit! Thank you so much to Lyndsay & Nate for having L&L there to capture your day, we loved every second of it.

From Creations By Christine Events…Lyndsay & Nate’s wedding day was simply magnificent. The love, support, respect and admiration they have for one another was clearly exhibited before their family and friends on June 13, 2015. It was an honor and privilege to assist them with their wedding planning.

Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Event Planning: Creations By Christine Events | Floral Design: Jardiniere Fine Flowers | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cupcakes: Sweet Spot Bake Shoppe | Invitations: Little Miss Mrs | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Hair + Makeup: Beauty On Location | Band: Brian Kirk And The Jirks | Groomsmen Attire: Ralph Lauren | Venue: Hamilton Farm Golf Club | Watercolor: Simply Jessica Marie

Call it the James Bond effect, but if you ask me, there is nothing better than a handsome man in a well-cut tuxedo or suit. Whether it’s a classic black-tie, preppy seersucker or cool plaid, every man looks dapper and dashing in a tailored suit. So, today we’re honoring the most stylish grooms on our Pinterest, and hopefully giving yours some sartorial inspiration!

swanky + suave

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modern (gentle)man

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refined rustic

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classic with a twist

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always in style

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Officer and a gentleman

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hello, handsome

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head to Pinterest for even more style inspiration

We are currently adding this to our list of must try cocktails. It’s a list that’s ever growing but hey, that’s what weekends are for right? Tackling that mounting sips list will be even yummier with the help of Lauren Kelp’s Grapefruit and Thyme Gin & Tonic. It’s fresh squeezed grapefruit and gin gussied up with a sprig of thyme. Yum! Grab the easy peasy details below.

From Lauren Kelp… This concoction is the Grapefruit and Thyme Gin & Tonic and my, oh my, is it divine! Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, a sprig of thyme, and some delicious gin is just what you need to kick off a celebration. So my friends, grab a seat, scroll down, and enjoy!

Erin LepperdGrapefruit & Thyme Gin and Tonic

prep time 5 Minute/s

cook time

total time 5 Minute/s

Serves 0Ingredients

• 1.5 ounces (or 1 jigger) of gin
• One grapefruit
• Tonic
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Ice
• Shaker

Instructions

1. Cut half of your grapefruit in half & squeeze it into your shaker. Add in a handful of ice & a few springs of thyme.
2. Shake until cold & pour into a your favorite festive glass. I like coupes, cause they make me feel fancy
3. Cut the other half of your grapefruit into wedges, add wedge and sprig of thyme for garnish.
4. Sip, serve, repeat!

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More Girly Cocktails to try…

Blackberry Thyme Sparkler | Rosé Wine Slushy | La Rosette

Photography: Lauren Kelp | Recipe And Styling: Lauren Kelp

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was lucky enough to experience the magic of Lake Tahoe first-hand. But even if you’ve never been, you can experience the magic thanks to these gorgeous images from Bret Cole Photography. With a stunning lakeside ceremony, a breathtaking Oscar de la Renta gown and beautiful design details, each moment of this day planned by Summit Soiree is totally pin-worthy! See all the pretty in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Mike and I had been together for nearly three years when we got married, but our story started long before then. Our fathers met in drafting school before Mike and I were born, and our parents quickly became close friends. Mike and I were born a few years later, just 11 days apart. We even have a photo together when we were just a few months old. (During our engagement session with Bret Cole, who also beautifully shot our wedding, we recreated that baby photo and it later helped us win an all inclusive honeymoon to St. Lucia through a San Francisco Bay Area Cutest Couple Contest!)

Mike’s family moved away when we were very young and our families slowly drifted apart, so Mike and I didn’t know one another growing up. It was the summer after our senior year in high school when Mike saw my graduation photo on his fridge and decided after years of hearing stories about our families, he wanted to meet me. He was attending college near my hometown in Texas, and reached out to see if I wanted to go out to lunch. I agreed and a few weeks later we met; even though it was the first time we remember meeting, it felt like we had known each other forever. We became instant friends. I was leaving for college a few days later, so we were soon apart again.

We kept in touch over the next four years of school through email and the occasional short visit. After graduation, I moved across the country to take an art director position in San Francisco and Mike took a job as a navigation officer on a ship supplying the Navy, and was at sea continuously for 257 days. We’d often chat online about the interesting places Mike visited during his travels all around the globe, and I would tell him about adjusting to life in a big city.

One night I was complaining about a horrible date I had just been on, when Mike decided that he was going to take me out on a proper date when he got off the ship. When Mike returned home from Japan, he stopped in San Francisco and did exactly that. Later on Mike told me before we said goodbye that night, he had already decided to move to San Francisco to see if anything could happen between us. Two months later Mike moved from Texas to California, and we moved in together a few months later. After year and half of dating we were engaged.

When we began planning the wedding, Mike and I wanted it to be a reflection of both our personalities. Once we arrived at the historic Hellman-Ehrman Mansion in Sugar Pine Point State Park, we knew we had found our venue. The mansion was full of early 1900’s charm and beauty, and sat on top of a hill with a breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe. The towering pine trees created the sense of being completely secluded in the forest. It was the perfect combination of Mike’s love of the outdoors and my personal style.

It was important to me to create timeless, elegant wedding we could look back at years later and still admire. We chose a muted, yet sophisticated color palette and carried it through all aspects of the wedding. I designed a custom wedding stationery suite that was sealed with our wax embossed monogram. Many of the stationery design elements were also used in other pieces of the wedding, including our wedding website (aubreyandmike.com), signage, programs, menus and favors, for a consistent look and feel leading up to and during the festivities. We even decided to have a label with our monogram on a bottle of pink champagne we had guests sign in place of a traditional guest book. On a future milestone anniversary, we plan on opening the bottle to celebrate the day.

When it came time to decide on the pieces we were going to bring in for the big day, we took cues from the mansion itself using Victorian settees and chairs for cocktail seating, and tableware with a slight southern vibe as a nod to our upbringing. One of my favorite pieces of décor were the gorgeous, dark walnut pews that were salvaged from a church in Wisconsin built in the late 1800’s. The pews were brought in for seating for our lakefront ceremony, creating the perfect setting to exchange the personal vows Mike and I read to one another.

As I walked down the aisle I carried a few special mementos to honor family members. My something old was a beautiful diamond ring that belonged to my grandmother and my something borrowed was a delicate, white lace handkerchief my mom had carried on her wedding day as well, gifted to her by my great aunt. To finish out the tradition, my something new was a crystal, Oscar de la Renta brooch Mike gave me before the wedding that I pinned to my wedding gown, also designed by Oscar de la Renta; and my Manolo Blahnik satin pumps were my something blue.

The best piece of advice I received in the planning process from our wedding was to take a moment with your husband and stand off to the side and just observe and take it the moment; it will be your clearest memory of the night. For us it was looking at all our family and friends, many who had never met before that day, laughing and enjoying themselves at dinner with golden hour light seeping through the pine trees. It was everything we planned and more.

We had 30 of our closest friends and family attend the wedding. It was the perfect size; big enough to feel like a celebration, yet small enough that we had time to spend with every guest. Mike and I greatly appreciate everyone who helped bring our vision to life during the planning process and our guests that traveled near and far to be in the moment with us; it was a perfect day we will cherish forever.

Photography: Bret Cole Photography | Event Planning: Summit Soiree | Floral Design: Art In Bloom | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung | Catering: D'Lish Catering | Makeup: Edin Carpenter | Hair: Amber Jahn | DJ: Brian Hess | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Officiant: Reno Tahoe Ceremonies | Venue: Hellman-Ehrman Mansion | Acoustic Duo: Avalanche Music | Baby Sitting: All About Kids | Crystal Brooch: Oscar De La Renta | Embroidered Handkerchiefs: Molly And Mom | Invitations + Stationery: Aubrey Day | Rentals: Forever Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Camelot Party Rentals Nevada | Robes: Homebodii | Wedding Invitation Photo: Aubrey Day