Carissa and Daniel’s wedding is the perfect blend of the rustic chic and girly glamour. Marrying the magnificence of the outdoors with elegant indoor details, it’s moments like this that’ll steal your wedding loving heart. A day complete with Beat Train tunes and pretty pink gowns, READYLUCK captured every moment to share and we’ve got it all in THE VAULT!

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From The Bride…We wanted our wedding to have a “home-y” feeling. Super cozy and romantic. Our color palette was a crisp and clean yet soft feeling. We went with a soft blush for the bridesmaids and a clean, sharp slate for the guys. The flowers were whites and greens, a fresh and clean and crisp feeling. I had this amazing half-flower crown that was so beautiful. The venue, Bedford Post Inn, is the most gorgeous place with every single detail thought out and perfectly decorated. The linens that were used, the furniture in the venue- the whole vibe was EXACTLY what we were looking for. We wanted all of our friends and family to feel right at home, yet still a formal event.

We were stuck on party favors- everyone always has little things that just get thrown away and it’s such a waste of money (in our eyes) so we saw this awesome idea on Pinterest. We bought succulents and terra-cotta pots. We dipped the pots in gold paint (just the bottoms) and stuck a flag with every guests name / table #. This was a great 2-in-1 idea for place cards & favors. I was happy with how they came out!

My favorite moment of the entire day was right before I walked down the aisle, I looked out of the window and saw Daniel, all ready, with the guys heading to the altar. It was such an unreal feeling to see him and feel this connection of stability and happiness. It was perfect.

My absolute favorite element of the wedding was the flowers. THEY WERE TO DIE FOR. Fleurish was fabulous. Understood and executed my vision exactly. Being a creative person, myself, my ideas are always flowing and all over the place. Somehow they figured me out and totally killed it.

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See even more head-turning trends here!

Photography: Readyluck | Floral Design: Fleurish Florals | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: The Pastry Corner | Catering: Chef Michael White | Hair + Makeup: Entirely You | DJ: Beat Train Productions | Groom's Attire: Theory | Officiant: Pastor Kevin Bordeaux Of Thrive Church | Transportation: Leros Limos | Venue: Bedford Post Inn | Photography - Assistance: Readyluck

I don’t think any DIY arsenal is quite complete without the addition of gold leaf. Gold leaf makes everything better and can take you from blah to beautiful in minutes. A magical thing it is. Case in point? These gold-cornered beauties that’ll have you digging in the photo archives just to fill them so you can make more for your gallery wall. Get the deets below!

White picture frame
Gold leaf adhesive size
Gold leaf sheets
Sealant
Masking tape
Ruler
Foam paintbrush
Paintbrush

Remove the glass, picture, and backing from the frame. Mark off the gold corners by wrapping the frame with masking tape (we measured 2” from the corner for the smaller frames and 3.5” for the larger frames).

Paint the corner of the frame with a light coat of adhesive. Repeat on remaining corners and lay a piece of cardboard or plastic bag to dry. Let dry 10-15 minutes until tacky.

Gently press on a sheet of gold leaf over each corner. Press on more leaf until each corner is totally covered. Use a dry paintbrush to brush off the excess leaf.

Paint a thin coat of sealant over each corner and let dry ½ hour.

Peel off the masking tape and pop the glass, picture, and backing back into the frame. Voila!

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Ikea Hack: DIY Gold Leaf Entry Table

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Design & Styling: SMP Living

‘Tis the season for saying “YES!” to the one you love, and now that you’re officially tying the knot, it’s time to let your nearest + dearest know just when to get their party on.  Enter Wedding Paper Divas, the place that knows everything about saving the date in style with seriously stunning paper goods AND a sitewide sale for 30% off.  Say it with me, loves: awesome.

With Wedding Paper Divas, finding the right Save the Date has never been easier with a crazy cool lineup of beyond gorgeous options that are as unique as you are.  Think everything from chic magnets to fabulous coasters to heart-shaped pretties that are as sweet as they are sassy…. just to name a few.  Not to mention that with Wedding Paper Divas, you can customize fonts and colors, so adding that touch of personality is super simple AND super pretty.  And don’t even get me started on their foil-stamped and shimmer options…

From letterpress beauties to laser-cut options that will leave ALL of your guests talking, Wedding Paper Divas has a Save the Date that is more than perfect for you and your big day.  Head there NOW to take advantage of their sitewide sale (30% off EVERYTHING through 1/26/16) and start perusing all of the pretty, and don’t forget to check out their endless array of high-quality and cost-effective invites and thank you notes for a totally cohesive look from start to finish.

Oh, the task of assigning where your guests will sit as you wine and dine after your vows. Aunt Mary can’t be near Uncle Frank, but Uncle Frank must be by cousin Ben; the “rules” and requests could go on forever. But we’re all about making wedding planning fun, not stressful, and that includes removing the drama from the dreaded seating chart creation. Here’s our top 10 tips for making it easy as can be!

1. Be Organized:

As with all wedding planning tasks, it helps to be organized from the get-go. Having a chart of the invitees and a spot to record all their incoming RSVP responses helps to make the whole seating chart process easier from the start.

2. VIPS First:

There are some guests you may know where you’d like to place them no matter what – map out your seating format and place them in their respective spots right away. These are the non-negotiables and having them in place sets the guidelines for all others.

3. Nearest + Dearest:

This is you and your new spouse’s special day, so forget any old school rules and place those who you really want closest. Whether it’s your parents, your siblings, the wedding party or just you and your love at a sweetheart table, stay strong in your decision. It’s your event, you should be allowed to sit with whoever you’d like.

4. Easy Peasy Packs:

Sit similiar sourced groups together; it’s easy and practically guaranteed a success. College buddies go together, as do high school besties, work colleagues and more. Cousin’s table? Perfect. By starting with this approach, a huge quantity of your guest list is taken care of!

5. Special Singles:

Forgo the cliche single’s table. Have guests that are coming solo? Be considerate and sit them with someone they may have something, anything, in common with or at least place them at a table with some of your friendliest and most welcoming pals.

6. Gramp Camp:

Keep the grandparents, and their physical abilities, in mind. No need to make Grandma, in her walker, hike all the way to the back of the venue. Making sure any wheelchairs are able to move about easily, and ensuring Grandpa is seated at a spot where he can hear the speeches is 110% worth it.

7. Family Ties:

Don’t separate couples or families, unless you’re doing a kid’s table. You may think everyone wants to mingle with all, and while your celebration may be super social, no one really ever wants to be separated from those they traveled and came with.

8. Overcrowding Unneeded:

Don’t overstuff a table. No one needs their elbow in their neighbor’s salad course. It’s just not worth it.

9. Say No to Free Reign:

Don’t give up on a seating chart; you may feel tempted to toss seating assignments out the window, but to avoid the risk of musical chairs and unnecessary interruptions, stick with assigned seats. Especially with larger guest counts, it’s essential to maximize all available seating space and your venue to it’s best ability.

10. Best Behavior:

Avoid obvious drama whenever you can (no need to put two ex’s next to each other) but don’t stress about it too much. Your guests are adults for the most part, and they have been invited to celebrate with you. They should be able to be polite for the length of dinner service and can always step away during dancing. It’s not worth your stress and anxiety so make your seating decisions and move on to the next fun task ahead!

Seating Chart Done? Onto gorgeous tablescapes!

Best Tablescapes of 2015

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Best Tablescapes of 2015

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Hello, lovely ladies! Liz here from Sprouted Routes and today I’m talking about one of my favorite topics: skincare. I’m on a mission for clear, smooth, wrinkle-free, evenly colored, radiant skin, and for my wedding? All of that becomes even more important! Which is why I reached out to Marie Veronique skincare to to share a few of their go-to, make-at-home mask recipes to help me achieve that bridal glow. 

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For even more tips on achieving gorgeous glowing skin, head over to Sprouted Routes, where I’ll be sharing my favorite healthy, skin-nourishing recipes!  

Detox Mask

Ideal for for acne-prone or problem skin. The charcoal in this mask pulls toxins from the skin, as does clay. While the apple cider vinegar keeps skin at a low pH, which discourages unfriendly, acne-causing microbes.

• 1 tbsp ground oatmeal (use a coffee grinder or food processor)
• 1 tbsp rice flour
• 2 tbsp clay (use either rhassoul clay, bentonite clay or Fuller’s earth, all available online)
• 1 tsp charcoal
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Enough green tea to make a smooth paste, about 1/2 to 1 cup (using 1 tea bag to 1 cup hot water)

Mix all dry ingredients together, then add ACV plus enough water or green tea to make a smooth paste. After cleansing with cleanser of choice, apply to skin and leave on 10-15 minutes. Rinse with plenty of water. You might need a gentle oil cleanser to make sure you remove all the charcoal/clay. This mask is somewhat drying, so follow with an oil blend moisturizer or sunflower or safflower oil. For troubled skin, use 2-3 times per week. As skin clears, taper off to 1 time per week.

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Soothing Mask

Ideal for dry, irritated or rosacea-prone skin. The probiotics in yoghurt will rebalance the skin microbiome, and since most irritations have their origins in microbial imbalances this is a good start towards clearing up dry, flaky, irritated skin. The honey is moisturizing, and the green tea is anti-inflammatory.

• 2 tbsps full-fat organic yoghurt (heck to see that your yoghurt contains a variety of live bacterial strains. If you’re allergic to dairy use a yoghurt made with almond milk, rice milk, coconut or soy)
• 1 tsp ground oatmeal (use a clean coffee grinder or food processor)
• 1/4 tsp raw honey
• 1 tbsp green tea (made using 1 tea bag in 1 cup hot water)

Mix together all ingredients, adding more yoghurt if necessary to make a smooth paste. After cleansing, apply to skin and leave on 10-15 minutes, then rinse. You can follow with yoghurt as a moisturizer: massage about 1/4 -1/2 tsp into face and leave on overnight. [dotted]

Balancing Mask

Ideal for oily or combination skin .The clay reduces surface oil and refines pores, while honey keeps the skin from drying out too much. Green tea and oatmeal are anti-inflammatory.

• 1 tbsp ground oatmeal (use a clean coffee grinder or a food processor)
• 1 tsp French green or bentonite clay
• 1/2 tsp raw honey
• For combination skin: 3 tbsp full fat organic yoghurt (check to see that your yoghurt contains a variety of live bacterial strains. If you are allergic to dairy use a yoghurt made with almond milk, rice milk, coconut or soy)
• For oily skin: 3-4 tbsps green tea (or enough to make a smooth paste) + a dash of apple cider vinegar

Mix together all ingredients, using yoghurt if you have combination skin and green tea and apple cider vinegar if you have oily skin. After cleansing, apply to skin and leave on 10-15 minutes. Rinse with plenty of water. You might need a gentle oil cleanser to make sure you remove all the clay. If you find the mask somewhat drying, follow with an oil blend moisturizer or sunflower or safflower oil, or a thin layer of yoghurt. For oily skin, up 2-3 times per week. For combination, use 1 time per week.

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This way for more glowing skin tips!

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Follow Liz’s Journey down the Aisle

Meet the Bride + Engagement Session | Tips on Glowing Skin

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Recipes: Sprouted Routes | Skincare: Marie Veronique

When the winter temps dip below freezing, I seek anything that can be preceded by the adjective, cozy. Fireside evenings, chunky throws and especially comfort foods. And I don’t change up that attitude one bit when friends come for dinner. In fact, I amp up the comfort food factor. From melt-in-your-mouth bites to savory pasta dishes, here’s a winter menu that’ll have your guests inviting themselves over.

Ultimate Winter Dinner Party Menu

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Ultimate Winter Dinner Party Menu

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Get more ideas for your recipe book here!

With a subtle splash of prep (hello, navy and white stripes!) and a whole lot of pretty, this Oklahoma City garden wedding is as fresh as the crisp fall air. From the beautiful, cascading florals and the very adorable pup to the Bride and Groom’s emotional first look and the F. Scott Fitzgerald quote that will make your heart melt, this day from Emily Ann Hughes is the perfect combination of casual elegance and traditional beauty. See it all in THE VAULT!

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From Emily Ann Hughes… Teresa and Andrew’s day was absolutely perfect! They had their wedding on a gorgeous fall evening, with the ceremony taking place in a beautiful, intimate garden. They planned so many dreamy details, while still being relaxed and focused on the celebration of their marriage. One of my favorite moments of the day was their first look, which was full of sweet emotions and neither could stop smiling.

Teresa had amazing design and thoughtful details, created by Haleigh with XO Events and Design. She made beautiful, hand lettered signs for the ceremony and reception, as well as stunning place settings and name cards of gold and blue.

The florals by Juniper Designs were to die for. She assembled the perfect, fall color palette with gorgeous autumn blooms. My favorite detail was a canopy of flowers draped over the arbor where Teresa and Andrew said ‘I do.’

Teresa and Andrew are one of the kindest, loving couples I have had the honor of working with. They are an inspiring couple and I am very thankful I was able to be their photographer. Watching them celebrate with all their loved ones was a beautiful event to witness and I couldn’t be happier to have captured this special day for them!

Photography: Emily Ann Hughes | Event Design: XO Events & Design | Floral Design: Juniper Designs | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: Amy Cakes | Invitations: Touies Design | Bride's Shoes: Tory Burch | Catering: C2 Catering | Hair: Molly McGuire | DJ: Bob Pursell | Venue: Coles Garden | Bridemaids' Makeup: Chelsey Ann Artistry | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints

Can we just say how PERFECT these two are together!? Talk about a match made in heaven, for not only does this perfect pair share the first same name (ah-mazing), but their Alice In Wonderland themed celebration is sure to have your heart beating right out of your chest. A fabulous celebration complete with teacups, floral necklaces, and magical merriment a la Divine Weddings & Events. Kat Willson Photography captured it all to share and we’ve got it in THE VAULT!

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From Divine Weddings & Events… Robin & Robin – yes their names are the same! – had a beautiful spring Alice in Wonderland themed wedding. Soft pastels, garden flowers, and the right touch of whimsical details that are still elegant and timeless.

The seven bridesmaids carried a variety of florals – either a bouquet, a wreath, floral belt or floral necklace. Such memorable details!

The cake took on a pretty Alice in Wonderland theme with garden touches of roses and moss, but had some elegant glamour as well with some added sparkle and the gold scripted Eat Me topper.

The reception looked stunning in the Crystal Ballroom of the Fort Garry Hotel – a black and white checkered dance floor worked so well with the theme. Striped linens and rose topiary centerpieces brought it all together. And if guests so inclined, tea and cookies from the tea bar.

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See even more head-turning trends here!

Photography: Kat Willson Photography | Event Planning: Divine Weddings & Events | Florist: Academy Florist | Wedding Dress: Couture Bride | Wedding Cake: Jenna Rae Cakes | Stationery: Robin Egg Blue Design | Reception Venue: Fort Garry Hotel | Bride's Shoes: Dillard's | Bridesmaids' Dresses: 7th Avenue Fashions | Hair + Makeup: Grace Hill Salon | Lighting: Elite Lighting | Band: Danny Kramer Dance Band | Groom's Suit: Hanford Drewitt | Officiant: Sheryl Hunnie | Ceremony Music: Edouard Lamontagne | Cinemetography: Pantel Photography | Dance Floor: Swank Event Rentals | Linens + Chairs: Planned Perfectly | Rentals: The Floral Fixx

If you thought 2015 was the year of Marsala, think again because Natashia Nicole Photography is here to prove otherwise. A daydream drenched in rich red hues, this is one gallery sitting so pretty in THE VAULT we just had to share. Scroll for more and save a few to those Pinterest boards!

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From Natashia Nicole Photography… This inspiration shoot came about from a personal need to show darker tones in wedding decor. We wanted to show couples that darker color pallets can be just as stunning as neutrals. It was inspired by the pines and forests that Wisconsin is known and loved for, and the style was influenced by the whimsical fairytales we all grew up with. Marsala, burgundy, and gold were the primary colors, accented with lush greens and vibrant reds. Antler decor added to the woodland inspiration, as did the moss cake table runner and the vintage mantle. The shoot took place on a beautiful evergreen farm in Wausau, Wisconsin.

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See even more head-turning trends here, and more Marsla inspo below!

Marsala Berry Inspo | Vintage Chic Marsala Inspo | Marsala Inspired Bridal Shower

Photography: Natashia Nicole Photography | Event Design: Allison Feltz | Event Planning: Merren Events | Floral Design: Inspired By Nature | Wedding Dress: Borrowing Magnolia | Wedding Dress: Elegant Occasions, Mori Lee | Cake: Jenny's Cakes | Jewelry: Bling Jewelry | Makeup Artist: Mai Chee Moua | Hair Stylist: Meghann Heindl | Mens Attire: Campbell Haines Menswear | Paper Goods: The Vintage Inkwell

If a canopy of palm trees and endless sun are on your Big Day wish list, look no further darlings. Omni La Costa is your one stop shop for not only a beautiful scene, but an incredible planning experience, too. Your dedicated wedding specialist will collaborate with your coordinator to achieve your dream wedding and so much more. We’re counting the ways we love Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and their North San Diego location today!

Whether you’re planning a wedding, rehearsal dinner, shower, or celebratory brunch, Omni La Costa will blow you away with their wide variety of accommodations and atmospheres to fit your style and backdrop for any event leading up to your special day.

Pretty impressive right? Those panoramic views get us every time. Also, did you know that when you book your wedding at any Omni Hotels & Resorts property you will receive a complimentary honeymoon stay at one of 14 premier resort destinations? A sweet package that seals the deal for us. Get started here to craft your very own Omni La Costa wedding experience and don’t miss this unbelievable giveaway below!

Ten couples will win two nights of world-class accommodations at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Package includes:

Two nights at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Customized amenities
Welcome cocktails and appetizers
Dinner in one of the luxury ballrooms
Your choice of spa/golf/tennis/yoga activity

You will have the opportunity to see a variety of inspirational wedding setups, and meet our wedding specialists and see if Omni La Costa Resort & Spa could be the right venue for your special day!

Leave a comment below by January 31, 2016 and let us know why Omni La Costa is your ideal wedding location for a chance to win!

Please note transportation to and from the resort will not be provided.

Venue: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Get your tissues ready, because the reason this couple chose Newport’s Castle Hill Inn to host their wedding is sure to bring a tear to your eye. But as soon as you see this Bride and Groom’s love and all the pretty details from Eventfully Planned and Sayles Livingston Flowers, the only tears you’ll be shedding will be tears of joy. See it all—from the maple syrup favors (he’s Canadian!) to the gorgeous Romona Keveza gown—from Erin McGinn in THE VAULT!

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From Erin McGinn…Katherine and Chris’s wedding had a fun garden party vibe, with vibrant kelly green, nautical navy, and sweet pink touches, all carried together with a custom crest monogram created by Penmagic and appeared on everything from the invitation to cocktail napkins and the bar.

From The Bride…Our focus was always on a fun celebration of marriage, love and happiness with our friends and family. As I’m Irish Catholic, I have a huge family on both sides (26 first cousins!). My family always had an open door policy when I was growing up and welcomed everyone in the neighborhood over at any time. I have continued that tradition in our new house in Chicago and we are always entertaining whether it is a summer bbq, hosting bachelorette parties or our now annual Christmas extravaganza. We wanted the wedding to be a big gathering of everyone we love most in the world!

My mother passed away when I was 21 and Newport was always a special location for her and our family. She attended college at Salve Regina and my parents were married in Newport in the middle of a snowstorm in January. We still have family and friends in the area and return every year to visit. Newport will always have a place in my heart and I couldn’t wait to share it with Chris when we started dating.

I always wanted to get married in Newport and follow in my parent’s footsteps. I chose our venue (in my head!) when I was with my father at an event at Castle Hill. It was the year after my mother passed away and we were there for a research benefit for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute where she had received treatment. I remember looking across the lawn and falling in love with the ocean view and charm of the Inn. When it came time to look at venues for the wedding, we did not even bother to look at other places as I had my heart set on Castle Hill for years. I read somewhere that it was a trend in 2015 to “personalize weddings” and I thought that was the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. How could a wedding not be personalized? When I originally thought about the wedding and style, I wanted it be reflective of us as a couple and be a fun and unstuffy event. For example, I wanted the cocktail hour to have a slider bar and late night grilled cheeses. I want people to be able to wear whatever they wanted and be comfortable. I want everyone to dance the night away to Motown classics and take cheesy photos in the photo booth and leave with a big smile on their faces!

Chris is from Vancouver, Canada so we also wanted to make sure we brought in some of his style as the wedding was held in Rhode Island. To showcase his love of the outdoors and camping, we will have smores outside on fire-pits. We also brought in mini bottles of maple syrup as favors that included tags that directed guests to their seats. He has memories of tapping the sap with his grandfather and making maple syrup as a young boy. If anyone has seen Chris at another wedding, they also know he loves air guitar so we have blowup guitars to pass out on the dance floor so everyone can mimic his signature move.

I’m not a crafty person but was saved by one of my girlfriends who provided all of our DIY items as a wedding gift including cocktail napkins, koozies, straws and all of the signs. I found our paper & calligraphy vendor on Etsy and Brenda at Penmagic saved the day. In additional to the save the date Newport maps and invitations, she designed a special crest for us incorporating our initials. We used this crest as a beginning design point for all different items including napkins, the program, thank you cards, table numbers and it was even screened onto a flag that was given to us as a gift.

Photography: Erin McGinn | Cinematography: JB Horn | Event Planning: Eventfully Planned | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza Legends | Cake: Confectionery Designs | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Band: Sweet Tooth And The Sugar Babies | Ceremony Music: Chris Phillips | Transportation: Viking Tours | Venue: Castle Hill Inn | Bridal Boutique: Ultimate Bride Boutique | Invitation + Paper Design (including Crest): Penmagic Cards | Lighting + Decor: Exquisite Events | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

I grew up in the country, in a home surrounded by trees, and I must say, after seeing these pics by Peter and Veronika, I’m slightly regretting not taking my own engagement pics in my backyard. With the gorgeous natural light poking through the forest ceiling, it creates an intimate, ethereal space that’s an absolute dream – see the romance and these lovebirds in our VAULT right this way!

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From Peter and Veronika… We love sunrise. When Petra suggested that they would like to have their engagement session taken during the sunrise we were so happy. There is something magical during the sunrise. Everything is waking up, you can literally feel that something new is coming. Also the atmosphere on the photo shoot is different than during the sunset e-session so the photos look different as well.

Petra and Denis both love nature. Petra used to go mushrooming with her grandfather when she was a little kid. It has special meaning for her. And this is very important – we love when our clients add something special for them to the photo shoot!

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More romantic engagement inspiration here!

Photography: Peter & Veronika | Floral Design: Atelier Papaver

Some weddings don’t fit into just one single “box.” Rustic. Modern. Classic. Whimsical. Some weddings perfectly blend those categories for a style mashup all their own, and this celebration is a prime example. It’s natural and organic with greenery galore, but also sleek and minimalist with contemporary edge. It all comes together seamlessly, and there’s more to see in The Vault from 2 Brides Photography.

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From 2 Brides Photography…It was such a pleasure to photograph Sandra and Gabriel’s visually lush outdoors wedding at Ekensdal. Their wedding was super relaxed, fun, and filled with adoration. The bride and groom are the sweetest people ever and they were so laid back, it really felt like we were family. The bride got ready together with her bridesmaids at Ekensdal and the guests and the groom arrived by boat just before the ceremony. The ceremony was heartfelt and lots of music were played by amongst others, the groom’s sister. During recessional the guests tossed rose petals and cheered for the newlyweds, the bride was simply glowing, a very romantic moment.

We are beyond thankful that we got to be there to witness their union and to celebrate together with Sandra and Gabriel, the entire day was just enchanted. Also, Mattias at Ekensdal, floral designer Linnéa at The Wild Rose, and stylist Elin from Elins Art Studio, are the best of the best to work with. They can create the most perfect setting for any style aware bride and we can not recommend them enough.

From the Bride…He proposed in London, Hyde park. Gabriel had secretly booked an appointment in advance at Tiffany’s later that day. The bride-to-be felt like a princess picking out the right ring and diamond.

We planned everything ourselves and we chose to have an outdoor wedding. As you know, you can not control the weather. We were nervous for weeks. We were really lucky having a rain-free day with some sun but with quite strong winds. Some of the outside details we had to remove due to the wind. We were also supposed to have sheets over the benches but they just blew away. (However it turned out even more beautiful without!)

When the wedding ceremony started. After months of planning we could finally let everything go and just enjoy. What wasn’t done didn’t matter anymore, and we realise that OUR wedding was actually beginning. The music began, the bridesmaids left one by one. A deep breath, I’m next, walking, and then the first look at each other. That was my favourite moment of the day.

We used Pinterest for inspiration, you can find almost everything there. Really easy to be swept away for hours. However we wanted a clean and unembellished feel to the day and we felt that inspiration for that was a bit harder to find.

The dinner with speeches and surprises was a delight and so much fun. We didn’t know anything in advance what was going to happen, except of course for the food and servings. Our toast master and toast madame had done such a great job planning everything without us finding out. Also, It’s a pure joy having people you like everywhere you turn and that they are there for you. Our best tip as far as planning a wedding is to don’t care about what you should or shouldn’t do or who you have to invite, this is your day. Just do as YOU like. Then take time to really enjoy.

Photography: 2 Brides Photography | Floral Design: The Wild Rose | Wedding Dress: Ida Sjöstedt | Bridesmaids' Dresses: H & M | Catering: Ekensdal Catering | Transportation: M S Evert Taube | Venue: Ekensdal Catering | Event Styling & Planning: Bride & Groom | Film Processing: Carmencita Film Lab | Floral Design Assistant: Elins Art Studio | Hair Accessories: The Wild Rose

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I haven’t stopped thinking about this party since I laid eyes on it. And while red was certainly not on my list of color loves before; this little splash is beyond. Consider me converted. Stunning red blooms by Flowerwild, natural mixed media, and modern architectural elements all came together for the house warming party of the century designed by Park & Grove. See so much more captured by Michael Radford in the VAULT.

We produced this party for a client of ours who’s currently building a gorgeous new home in Beverly Hills. He wanted to host an evening that brought together the various artists & designers involved in the project, as many of them hadn’t nor would ever meet, and also to thank them for their involvement and hard work. He wanted to pay homage to their individual creative talents and also honor the concept of design as a whole by showcasing every element of the event (décor, food, music, etc.) as art.

From there, we were tasked with the responsibility of finding a way to bring this concept to life. We knew we could create a beautiful party, but we wanted to make it personal which was difficult with such a diverse group. With so many different talents in the room (architects, jewelry designers, interior designers, sculptors, etc.), our first goal was to come up with an overall event theme that spoke to all of them.

We decided to use the house itself, as it was in fact the one thing they all had in common. We reviewed the blueprints, design boards and commissioned art pieces for the new house and saw everything was very sleek and modern, but was heavily influenced by traditional European architecture and design. The mix of traditional and contemporary influences led us to the theme of “old meets new” which was especially fitting as the dinner took place on the patio of his current, soon-to-be “old” home.

For the tabletop design, we wanted to use a mix of different textures to represent the new house in a variety of old (ceramic, leather, metal) versus new (lucite, glass, porcelain) materials. We brought in concrete dining tables and sleek white dining chairs from Blueprint Studio. The tabletop featured a gorgeous set up of Ark rentals – we used their copper chargers and napkin rings, ceramic china and lucite flatware.

We didn’t want traditional centerpieces so Kate from Flowerwild created the most stunning table installations, using a combination of florals and mixed media. Delicate blooms were woven into a tapestry of architectural materials including paper skeletons, metal, marble, smoked glass and ceramics.

In lieu of traditional paper goods, we worked with Papel Paper & Press to create something a bit unexpected. The place cards were marble tiles, calligraphed with each guest’s name and the dinner menu and evening program were all bound in beautiful custom leather “artist’s journals,” debossed with the event date.

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After a beautiful four-course seated dinner by Heirloom LA, guests went back inside the house to enjoy a performance of a few songs from our client’s favorite musical Hamilton, which is a smash hit on Broadway right now. We built a stage and transformed the living room into a lounge with the help of R. Jack Balthazar where guests sat, watched the show and indulged in delicious cocktails from the Roger Room and an incredible Heirloom LA dessert spread.

A huge thanks to Michael Radford for capturing the evening so beautifully – it was truly one of our favorite events thus far!

Photography: Michael Radford Photography | Floral Design: Kate Holt Creative | Catering: Heirloom LA | Lighting: Images By Lighting | Event Styling/Coordination: Park & Grove | Rental: Kate Holt Creative | Rentals: Town And Country Rentals | Rentals: Blueprint Studios

Attention Brides-to-be, your perfect gown is waiting. Mark that calendar because Bridal Reflections has delivered your dreams into one gorge reality. That’s right, the totally jaw-dropping boutique is hosting the ultimate Solo Merav Fashion Show + Trunk Show on February 4th-7th! With a lineup of specially priced gowns, this is one event that you won’t want to miss, RSVP by calling (212)-764-3040!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity, as you dear readers are cordially invited to Bridal Reflections Solo Merav Bridal fashion show on February 3rd at 7pm. With over 20 years of experience, the Solo Merav collection is the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Delivering the highest quality imaginable, meticulous stitching and attention to details, these gowns are serious a living work of art. This event will be followed by a Solo Merav Bridal trunk show February 4th-7th.

To RSVP for these special events please contact Cristina DeMarco at (212)-764-3040. Be a part of this special event!

Address: 260 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10001.

Wedding Dresses: Merav Solo | Bridal Salon: Bridal Reflections

If I were to do my wedding again, St. Maarten or St. Barth would be at the top of my wish list and I’d be calling As You Wish to do it all; with their combination of chic French and American-inspired style, I’d be safe in their hands, with only thoughts of the sparkling sea to fill my mind. You see, it’s a fact: As You Wish taps into the Caribbean magic to create intimate, timeless weddings straight out of a fairy tale.

Sarah Allen, the American force, and Chantal Vernusse, with the French flair, came together in 2014 to create As You Wish and have since gone on to partner with a team of creatives. With over 15 years of event planning and interior design experience, Sarah and Chantal know how to tell your love story and take away all the stresses that a destination wedding often incurs.

St. Maarten, one gorgeous island with two countries, French and Dutch, is an ease to get to, with an international airport with direct flights from the United States and Europe. And St. Barth? The definition of luxury and pure bliss. These islands are what you imagine when you dream of paradise; a wedding on their shores is almost too good to be true… but with As You Wish those dreams become reality.

Wedding Planning + Design: As You Wish | Venue: St. Barth, Eden Rock | Photography: Francesco Amiaud | Photography: Old South Studios

My husband and I wrote our own vows, and let me tell you it wasn’t easy (but it was SO worth it)! Months leading up to our Big Day I kept stressing about writing the perfect prose, but then I realized – all I had to do was be honest. The toughest part about writing your own vows is finding a jumping off point, which is why we’re sharing a few tips on how to get started below!

Tips on Writing Your Vows

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Tips on Writing Your Vows

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Love letter inspiration | Vow Renewal | Tips for a memorable reading | How to Not screw up your wedding toast | Maid of Honor Speech Tips

Get ready to see the ultimate DIY wedding, because this Bride? Well she’s a powerhouse of passion and the pretty she created is undeniable and unstoppable. Studio Something Photography was behind the lens snapping up every second of loveliness and our Pinterest boards are eternally grateful that it’s all just waiting to pin via THE VAULT!

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From the Bride… My favorite moment of the day (besides becoming husband and wife) was when my groom made his entrance on a vintage bike. He was reluctant to do it at first, but he did it! And everyone loved it. Pretty much everything about our day was DIY. In regards to my dress, I was pretty set as to the style that I wanted, which is lace. The first time I came across the Loren Dress, I knew immediately that it is the one. I had a look at many other designs for about a month or two, nothing really strikes me and finally decided on this one. It is simple yet intricate, and it represents who I am. So we booked our flights from Sydney to Gold Coast for the fitting and locked it in.

Some advice for other couples planning a wedding – I do not recommend DIY weddings unless you are an experienced, organized and hands on person. It is very tiring, before and during the wedding day. Leave it to the professionals if you can, unless it is something that you enjoy. To me, it is worth it and very satisfying in the end, receiving compliments from family and friends.

Plan way ahead, so you don’t stress yourself out too much. There will always be hiccups along the way, so planning ahead leaves you ample time to resolve any issues down the track.

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See even more head-turning trends here!

Photography: Studio Something | Event Planning: Merren Events | Floral Design: Avery-Christine Golson | Wedding Dress: Grace Loves Lace | Reception Venue: Camden Town Farm | Bride's Shoes: Billini | Food: Street Sliders | Food: That Vintage Caravan | Food: Gelato Messina | Hair + Makeup: Mariane Make Up Hair | Wedding Favors: Ballmason | Groom's Suit: Montagio | Officiant: Jeannie Wan | Bowties: Gloiberry Via Etsy | Bride's Jewelry: Chow Sang Sang | Decorative Elements: Vintage Patina | Drinks Tags: Bags And Tags | Food Truck: Yang's Food Truck | Groom's Shoes: Pedro | Marquee + Teepee: Bedouin Tents | Printer: Trusted Print | Wedding Rings: Cartier

I’ve never been to Crete but if this destination wedding is any clue to what it’s like, sign me up for a flight pronto. It’s no wonder these New Yorkers chose this Greek island to say “I do” with its postcard-worthy views and an ambiance that takes over all who step foot there (or in this case, any of us who are lucky enough to view Anna Roussos’ pics and Olive Tree Films’ clip). Rock Paper Scissors Events took that energy and scattered it throughout this rustic elegant affair – and it’s all in our VAULT for us to enjoy!

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From the Bride… Living in New York City you meet a lot of people, but chances are those people never seem to quite catch your eye – with Anis things were different. From our first meeting things went fast, there was an instant attraction. It wasn’t about going out to a bar, or fancy dinners, it was about adventure, excursions and getting to know each other. I took a chance and decided to join him on a work trip to LA. I thought if we get along traveling so soon in our relationship it was something worth investing in. I was right. From then on out we spent every minute together. After we got engaged we knew we didn’t want to wait to get married. So six months to the day of our engagement we said I do.

We always knew we wanted to get married in Europe. Being Greek-American it made it a little easier for me to plan our wedding in a place that I was familiar with. We also wanted to make it easy for our guests flying from all over the world so Crete made the most sense. Ironically, Anis had been to Elounda before but I hadn’t.

Planning a destination wedding is not an easy task. Especially in the 5ish months we planned it in. Our wedding planners Helena and Paraskevi of Rock Paper Scissors were absolutely the reason why everything went so smoothly. Their vendors were top-rate and executed everything better than we imagined.

We wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. It was not only about us getting married, but about enjoying time with the people that meant most to us. We aimed to create a natural, intimate setting and a place where people could really have fun.

From Rock Paper Scissors Events… Elaina was definitely one of our most delicate and fancy brides. So elegant in her manners though completely aware of the style she was going for, she didn’t settle for anything but the best for her one big day. She wanted an organic and elegant feeling and we tried to embrace the magnificent Cretan surroundings and incorporate the absolute stunning views into our concept. And I think we did great! Elaina and Anis are a couple truly in love and along with their families and friends they got one great night of celebration and many more afterwards in the Greek islands. Crete is definitely a romantic destination and we hope that Anis and Elaina will live happily ever after.

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More dreamy destination weddings here!

Photography: Anna Roussos | Cinematography: Olive Tree Films | Event Planning + Design + Decor: ROCK PAPER SCISSORS EVENTS | Wedding Dress: Katerine Phillips & Annie Lewis | Invitations: Ceara Teixeira | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Venue: Elounda Mare Hotel | DJ + Lighting: music essentials | Furniture Rentals: Zazoo | Table Set-up Rentals: White Lilac

Hip weddings and the city of Portland go hand-in-hand. And the fact that this Bride and Groom chose to exchange their vows on a Middle School rooftop with killer city views is the coolest thing ever. The whole affair is a modern couple’s dream come to life, and Birds Of A Feather didn’t miss a beat. Psst: right this way for so much more.

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From Birds Of A Feather…New Yorkers Josh & Liz curated a casual, fun-filled day that reflected their love of minimalist design and fashion. Liz, who works for the shoe designer Matt Bernson, and Josh, a product designer, both have family roots in Portland so a destination wedding over the summer seemed a perfect fit.

Their ceremony on the roof of Washington Middle School showed off 360 degree views of the city on a perfectly sunny day, and they surprised their guests with a New Orleans style 2nd line processional to the reception venue, Cooper’s Hall. All 100 guests dancing down the streets of Portland was a sight to behold! Great food and tons of dancing filled the rest of the fun-filled evening.

Design-wise, Josh designed all the paper goods, and a family florist friend created the candleholders offset by simple succulent arrangements. Liz and her bridesmaids and flower girls all wore Matt Bernson shoes, naturally!

Photography: Birds of a Feather | Event Planning: Bright Night | Florist: Verbena Floral Seattle | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Ceremony Venue: Revolution Hall | Reception Venue: Coopers Hall | Bride's Shoes: Matt Bernson | Bridesmaids' Dresses: American Apparel | Catering: Coopers Hall | DJ: John Hislop | Brass Band: The Brass Roots Movement | Dessert: What's The Scoop | Hair/Makeup: Carrie Strahle