Ryan and Johnny’s wedding was filled with SO much love that it’s actually making me a little teary eyed. For when these two sweet souls said “I do” their big day proved to be something truly something special. The type of special that deserves to be celebrated, and here at SMP we’re beyond honored to share in the merriment. A commitment complete with Sugarland Bakery treats and endless romance, this beautiful celebration from Graham Terhune proves that love is in the details. See it all in THE VAULT!

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From the Newlyweds… Johnny and I have been together for 7 years. We committed ourselves to each other long ago, but wanted to wait to get married until we could do it legally in our home state of North Carolina. Finally, in 2014, we could. We set plans in motion a few months later for our fall wedding the following year.

From the beginning we knew we wanted a simple wedding surrounded by our closest friends and family. We live in downtown Raleigh and chose to stay nearby for our venue – the City of Raleigh’s Historic Mordecai Park. The park has it all, 100 year old oak trees and even older historic buildings. With such natural beauty, we didn’t have to add much. We let the historic beauty shine through. The color palette was simple and masculine. We wore shades of blue and kept everything else in natural browns and tans. An assortment of all white flowers brought in just a hint of traditional wedding.

For the day of, we got ready at our house alongside our dog Vino. He knew something was up and didn’t leave our side. On our way to the venue, we stopped at some of our favorite picture spots around downtown: Dorthea Dix Park, The State Capital, Fayetteville Street, and (to round out the night) the Boylan Bridge. We spent some time before the ceremony with our immediate family, taking photos, before heading a few steps away to the chapel, where our moms escorted us down the aisle. 20 minutes later, we were finally married, and then it was time to celebrate. The reception was in the park’s visitor’s center, a mix of old and new architecture, where we celebrated with a DJ, barbecue, and cupcakes. It was a blast!

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Photography: Anagram Photo | Event Planning: Chad Biggs Event Planning & Design | Floral Design: North Raleigh Florist | Cake: Sugarland | Catering: Southern Harvest Catering | DJ: Uniq Events | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Wedding Venue: The Raleigh Trolley | Boutonnieres: Two Guys Bow Ties | Photography - Assistance: Anna Routh Photography | Rentals: Party Reflections

I’m obsessing over the amazing Italian theme that permeates throughout this couple’s relationship. From the proposal on a gondola to their upcoming honeymoon in Italy itself, these two are sealing the deal in a deliciously fantastic fashion. And so it’s only fitting that their engagement pics, captured by Allen Tsai, were shot at a vineyard where they continue to get better and better… much like a glass of Italian vino – see them all in our VAULT right here!

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From the Bride-to-be… Our best friends worked together and thought Daniel and I would be great for each other and turns out they were right! Thanks to them, an outing in uptown and a few wonderful years of dating we are now getting married!

Before we say our “I do’s,” Daniel made it very easy for me to say “Yes” when he popped the question during a beautiful surprise gondola ride. The gondolier sang while we sipped on champagne and ate chocolates. The weather was amazing and Daniel gave me a lovely message in a bottle shortly before asking me to marry him.

We had well over one year before the wedding but no time was wasted to start the planning. We instantly fell in love with the same venues, set a date and when it came to our photographer I knew I had to have Allen Tsai Photography capture our memories. It took only one meeting for Daniel to agree and thanks to Allen we already have amazing engagement pictures and could not be more excited for our big day.

We chose to have our engagement photos taken at the Mitas Hill Vineyard because of its romantic setting, unique and gorgeous landscaping, and the food and wine there is simply amazing! We also felt that vineyard engagement photos would complement our wedding photos very well. We’re so lucky that we don’t have to travel far now to set foot on a beautiful vineyard in North Texas! Keestone Events provided the lovely bouquet with bright colors to complement all the greenery at the vineyard. We also loved the asymmetry and organic feel it had with a touch of modern to it.

Our first date was at an amazing Italian restaurant, we cook by the rule “you can never have too much garlic,” our proposal story was in a gondola so it makes sense that we are continuing the Italian tradition by getting married in an Italian villa and then honeymooning in Italy. Every love story is beautiful but ours is definitely my favorite.

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Photography: Allen Tsai Photography | Floral Design: Keestone Events | Venue: Mitas Hill Vineyard | Film Processing: Goodman Film Lab

Looking for the perfect Italian celebration to inspire your own nuptials? Well, look no further because Duepunti Fine Art Wedding Photography has delivered just that. The ultimate vineyard affair filled with sentimental surprises, this is one gallery you won’t want to miss. See it all unfold firsthand in THE VAULT!

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From The Bride…Kirill has never believed in destiny, neither have I. So much of our relationship is about coincidence and luck, that the story of how and why two people come together reminds us of a well ­orchestrated screenplay. By the moment we exchanged our first messages in Facebook, we realized that our accidental chat would change everything. It was the decision to stay instead of moving to another city to our shared love of traveling and hunger for new impressions, that finally led us to Italy. That became homeland for our hearts and creative minds.

Living between two countries helped us to bring up both ourselves and our relationships. Sometimes life is not only about discovering what you are passioned about and simply becoming the best, however this way might work. But the more interesting, thrilling and unpredictable choice is to take what you are good at and combine it with strongest point of the other person. Synergy of two people creates something greater than the their sum as separate parts. Thus after almost six years together, opening a studio and being tired of the routine we faced, we put our stuff in bags, figured a possible route, took the tent and left everything that seemed to be impossible to leave. Forty days on the way to freedom, forty days of traveling, forty days to define ourselves, ended up with a proposal among the hills of the wild medieval village Vetulonia. I was amazed how fast the destiny reacted on our sudden desire to escape from mediocracy.

We loved the spontaneity of our decisions and agreed not to dive into wedding fever for as long as we can. We really wanted to keep the feeling of lightness and ease through out the planning and the day itself.

The venue was chosen accidentally during the next weeks of traveling. Again the matter of luck. We were having aperitivo with our italian coffee partner at Relais Russiz Superior vineyard, when we both felt the same: “That’s it!” Hospitality and cozy spirit of the house reminded us about the time when we used to gather all together at one long table, chatting about nonsense until the sunrise. We decided to revive this atmosphere and build the whole day around the idea of enjoying time with our loved ones, accompanied by particular food of the region and refreshing Pinot Bianco.

For decoration we chose natural tones and materials: beige linen tablecloths and grey silk ripped ribbons, sewed by me and my mother, were seasoned by branches of eucalyptus, rosemary and brunia berries. Our ideas were implemented by very talented Marta Petrioli ­ Flowers Living, who shared our vision right away and made all floral decoration looks organic and consistent. The fragrance of roses and eucalyptus filled the air and intoxicated our hearts with dreams about wild nature and adventures.

When it came to wedding dress, I knew from beginning that it should be something unique. I was looking for simple shapes, clean outlines, weightless materials and sense of purity. A Long skirt from natural silk and a lace crop top, that were created together with Alexandra Grebneva, became my manifesto of freedom and piece of delight for Kirill.

We optioned not to see each other before the ceremony. The moment my dad was walking me down the alley, the moment of seeing Kirill coming towards me; swirl of emotions, reinforced by his hugs; the way he was holding my hand all way long through the ceremony; his pray with every single word turned into my tear of happiness. Blurred faces of guests all like in a fog. A Moment that we will never forget.

A few minutes after we were driving our Alfa Romeo Spider Cabrio to the seaside in order to do what we love most of all: escape from mediocracy among the waves, listening how monochrome ripples whispered the mystery of love. Desaturated sky bestowed some calmness and left some time for our thoughts. Having young and old generation together, mixture of cultures and traditions, fueled the day with endless vibes of honesty, home warmth and ease. The day ended up with wedding cake, despite it was impossible to cut the first piece because of waxwork edges, everyone bursted out laughing and it was remarkable end of the day.

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Photography: Duepunti Fine Art Wedding Photography | Floral Design: Flowers Living | Wedding Dress: Alexandra Grebneva | Bride's Shoes: Manila Grace | Catering: Società Gastronomica Friulana | Makeup: Alice Pontoni | Groom's Attire: Armani | Venue: Capriva Del Friuli

We love a neutral throw pillow around these parts. They are so incredibly versatile and go with just about everything. Kind of like the little black dress of pillows, so to speak. But if you are looking to add a little something to your neutrals in the new year, we’ve come up with three super easy DIYs (no sewing required!) to bring your throw pillow game to the next level.

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DIY Pom Pom Pillow

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Neutral throw pillow
Yarn in 1 or 2 colors
Scissors
Fabric glue
Pom Pom maker

Follow the instructions on the pom pom maker to make a pom pom. You’ll want to make at least 4 (they were so quick that we made 8!).

If you have more than one pom pom for each corner, knot their tails together about ½” away from the poms. Trim the tails to be about 1” long.

Reach your hand inside the pillow cover (you may want to remove the insert for this part) and grab one corner. Gently fold the corner in on itself a bit so that you can grab the tail of the pom pom and tuck it inside the corner. Dab some fabric glue on the pom pom tail and squeeze the corner closed for a few seconds.

Repeat with the remaining corners, then let dry for 1 hour until secure. Place the insert back in pillow, and voila!

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DIY Greek Key Pillow

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Neutral throw pillow
1” painter’s tape
4 yds of white ¾” twill tape
Scissors
Fabric glue
Measuring tape or ruler

Use the painter’s tape to create the framework for your greek key pattern. Tape a border around the edges of the case, 3 layers of tape wide.

Cut a piece of tape to be 2.25” long. Measure 3” from one corner of the pillow, then place the 2.25” piece of tape there, perpendicular to the tape border. Repeat on the other side of the corner. (Check out this similar diagram if you’re having trouble visualizing).

Repeat the tape marks on the first corner on the remaining 3 corners.

Lay out the twill tape along the painter’s tape outline, cutting at each corner to fit, to make the greek key shape. Fabric glue the twill tape in place and let dry 1 hour.

Remove the painter’s tape, and voila!

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DIY Glitter Heart Pillow

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Neutral throw pillow
Gold glitter iron-on paper
Scissors
Tape
Iron
Dishtowel
Sharpie

Draw a simple heart (or any other) shape on the clear backing side of the glitter paper. (You may want to draw one on a piece of paper first, cut out, and then trace to get a nice even shape).

Use the scissors to cut out the glitter paper heart.

Center the glitter paper heart on the pillow case. Cover the paper with a dishtowel and iron the paper onto the cloth (making sure steam heat is turned off on the iron). Let cool slightly, then gently peel off the clear backing. Stuff with pillow insert and enjoy your new holiday pillow!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Design & Styling: SMP Living | Event Planning: Amazon | Decor: Joann Fabrics

This classic D.C. fête? It’s like the Audrey Hepburn of real weddings. Timeless in every way and stylish to boot, it’s made even lovelier thanks to Floral & Bloom with Vicki Grafton behind the camera. See the full day inside The Vault, and if you’re new to SMP click here to discover the wedding style that’s just right for you!

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From The Bride…When my fiancé Sam and I first started planning our wedding nearly two years ago, we knew we wanted to immerse our Midwest family and friends in our new home of Washington, DC. Finding the perfect venue within the Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters was what finally brought our vision together. The space checked all of our boxes, including monument views, outdoor spaces and historical significance. The light and airy quality of the white marble building worked perfectly with the look that our photographer Vicki Grafton captures in her ethereal and romantic film photos.

Just as important as the venue was the food; we knew we wanted to include Sam’s Coptic Egyptian heritage into our very classic East Coast wedding day feast. We were lucky enough to find a caterer who shared our vision and presented us with a wonderful tasting of traditional Egyptian food, including Dolmas and Kofta appetizers, mixed with east coast favorites like Maryland style crab cakes. Lastly, a Baklava-flavored cheesecake was the perfect blend of cultures in lieu of a wedding cake.

Before we moved to Washington for Sam’s surgical residency, I had actually worked for a wedding consulting firm in St. Louis, MO. So, instead of hiring a planner, I decided to do most of the design work myself. I started with our wedding invitations and found a wonderful little shop in Alexandra, Virginia which allows you to use their presses to print your own letterpress designs. What would have been too expensive of an option before, now turned out to be affordable and fun. Sam and I had a great time learning how to set up the presses!

I continued to add personal touches to the wedding by assembling out-of-town welcome bags filled with D.C. favorites, creating a one of a kind guest card display for cocktail hour and even making sure our favorite fur child was represented on our special day. Sam got in on the planning by crafting our own signature cocktails, an activity that I’m happy to say took up several of our Saturday nights leading to the big day.

My favorite custom project for the wedding was by far my wedding dress. After I met Matthew Christopher at a trunk show, his team and I exchanged dozens of emails over several months in order to bring my dream dress to life. I could not have been happier with my beautiful custom dress; it was perfect for our East Coast Orthodox wedding.

From beginning to end, our wedding day was more than we could have hoped for. The classic D.C. style married perfectly with our traditional Coptic ceremony, and our guests had a wonderful time experiencing the city that Sam and I have come to call home.

Photography: Vicki Grafton Photography | Floral Design: Floral & Bloom Designs | Wedding Dress: Matthew Christopher | Invitations: Old City Press | Ceremony Venue: St. Mark Orthodox Church | Reception Venue: DAR Continental Memorial Hall | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Occasions Caterers | DJ: Derek Romanoff | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Earrings: Kate Spade | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Erin Braun Design has officially made our wedding day dreams come true. For not only did she help Douglas and Jeanny plan the ultimate black tie affair, but she also was on hand every step of the way to ensure this day went off without a hitch. From ceremony to reception this stunning fete is sure to delight, and thanks to the ever so talented Christina Zen we’ve got it all to share in THE VAULT!

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From Erin Braun Design… Douglas and Jeanny were married on May 24, 2015 at Boscobel House & Gardens in Garrison, New York just a few miles from the bride’s childhood home. The historic 18th century estate, the winding garden paths and orangery, the hundreds of peonies and roses in full bloom, and the most breathtaking view of the Hudson River Valley was the perfect setting for this black tie Springtime soiree. Jeanny and Douglas described their vision as elegant, warm, and personal with an artistic simplicity. They dreamed of an impeccably executed event with an inviting and memorable atmosphere for their guests. With two sail cloth tents, rich rose gold and custom champagne linens, tufted white linen lounge furniture mixed in throughout the grounds, and the incredible talents of not one but two renowned groups of musicians, that is what they got and so much more! Representing the season and using small purveyors to incorporate the exceptional bounty that the Hudson Valley has to offer was important to Jeanny and Douglas. Guests were wined and dined with a gourmet garden to table four course meal using the freshest local ingredients. Lush seasonal blooms of clematis, peonies, and ranunculus highlighted the color palette of whites, fresh spring greens, peach, the softest shade of blush and touches of rose gold and gold metallics. Hundreds of floating white candles, hand dyed peach watercolor ribbons, and trailing asymmetric garlands of smilex were just a few of the accents on the long banquet style tablescapes. Couture made traditional gowns for both mothers, a larger than life display of hand made and hand painted paper flowers was a backdrop for the escort cards, and custom intricate laser cut wood fans for the ceremony were all incorporated into the day to represent both of their Korean backgrounds. Growing up in upstate New York, one of Jeanny’s fondest childhood memories was gazing at the incredible night skies. As guests watched the sunset over the Hudson River, the surrounding grounds were slowly lit up by hundreds of tea light candles to reflect the vast starlit sky and a favorite hometown memory!

From The Bride…Growing up in upstate New York, I always imagined how beautiful the Hudson River would be as a backdrop for an outdoor wedding. Today, I am still overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness that it was the backdrop and setting for mine. It was truly a childhood dream come true. Not only was the setting and weather perfect for the wedding, but the help my husband and I received that day and the months leading up to making it an event to remember in the fondest ways was absolutely the very best help anyone could ask for. The vendors all were so professional and worked well with each other to accommodate Douglas’ and my wishes, I must also mention how all the vendors – from the fantastic caterers, to the great ceremony musicians, to the exceptional band, to the amazing photographer – all thanked me for finding Erin Braun! Erin Braun was a godsend to me and Douglas, and I cannot express enough how much she made our wedding planning and the wedding day so remarkably smooth and genuinely enjoyable. I loved working with Erin from the very day I met her, and her sincerity, calming demeanor, sense of humor, vision, and professionalism stayed so constant throughout the entire planning process. Erin wears many hats; not only did she reach out to and manage logistics and timelines with all the vendors, she also designed our invitations, custom-made our gorgeous art installation escort card display, created the reception floorplan and seating lounge, and even hand-sewed my dress when it teared after the ceremony! I remember that moment, as well as the intricate details that showed how much care went into showcasing touches personal to me: my favorite flower at each place setting, the use of flickering lights in the grass to echo the night sky, the time carefully allotted to surprise my grandmother with her favorite song – to which she brought our guests to their feet when she grabbed the mic! I will always remember the wedding day as being the happiest and most special day, when my husband and I were showered with so much love and surrounded by such warmth in good company. I will also always be thankful to all those that made the day as wonderful as it was, and especially Erin for making wedding day dreams come true and for Christina for perfectly capturing every moment of a dream to cherish forever.

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Photography: Christina Zen Studio | Cinematography: Orange Films | Coordination: Erin Braun Design | Floral Design: Stems | Wedding Dress: Junko Yoshioka | Cake: Main Course Catering | Bride's Shoes: Anthropologie | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Main Course Catering | Hair And Makeup: Sachiko Yanase | Band: Heartbeat Dance Band | Groomsmen Attire: Baldwin Formals | Ceremony Music: Appassionata Players | Venue: Boscobel | Bridesmaids Hair And Makeup: Iris Makeup and Spa | Furniture Rentals: Bridge Props | Invitations & Stationery: Erin Braun Design | Linen Rentals: Nuage Designs | Photo Booth: Modern Photo Booth | Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. | Tent & Party Rentals: Events Unlimited Party Rentals

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Newly engaged? Congrats, lady! Welcome to the wonderful world of weddings and most importantly the SMP family because darlings we have some ah-mazing tips to share. First up, we’ve asked our newly engaged and recently married editors to share a few tips on how to make the transition from girlfriend to fiancée a breeze. Click the slideshow for more and get started on that Pinterest board via THE VAULT!

You're Engaged, Now What?

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You're Engaged, Now What?

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We just rounded up our favorite real weddings from 2015, but I’m already calling this as a hands-down favorite of the coming year. No surprise when vendors like Jose Villa, Joy Proctor, Sarah Winward and TEAM Hair & Makeup are involved. Inspired by the bride’s blush Carol Hannah gown, every detail is more dreamy than the next, and we couldn’t be more honored to house it in THE VAULT.

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From Joy Proctor Design… Ruxandra and Scott fell in love with the unique charm of Sunstone Villa and knew immediately that it would be the perfect backdrop for their intimate wedding. Surrounded by 40 their closest friends and family, they exchanged vows in front of the beautiful Villa. Ruxandra’s blush Carol Hannah gown inspired the color palate of blush and rose, which complimented the natural colors of the location.

Guests were greeted with refreshing herbal lemonades, and seated in beautiful weathered cane back chairs. After entering in a vintage car, Ruxandra was escorted up the olive lined drive by her brother. The aisle was lined with clusters of potted plants and floral arrangements in stone estate urns. After exchanging their vows, guests were invited through the house to cocktail hour, held on a patio surrounded by planted herbs, olive trees and lavender. Soft linen sofas and lounge furniture made for an elegant, yet relaxed cocktail party.

Making their way to dinner, guests found their seating assignments on silver trays and plant filled drawers on an antique cabinet. The intimate al fresco dinner was held around a beautiful oak tree, from which multiple chandeliers hung in a cluster. Long wooden tables with beautiful linen runners were adorned with beautiful gardenesque florals and votive candles. Linen napkins wrapped in vines sat atop ironstone chargers with the dinner menu right below. Serenaded by a sweet D’Jango Reinhardt style band, guests danced under the stars and celebrated the beautiful couple.

Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Wedding Planning & Design: Joy Proctor Design | Floral Design: Sarah Winward | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Cake: Decadence Fine Cakes & Confections | Catering: Whoa Nelly | Hair And Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Band: The Leftover Cuties | Officiant: Father Jerry Bellamy | Ceremony Music: Sam Adams | Transportation: Eos Transportation | Venue: Sunstone Winery & Villa | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: The Tent Merchant

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Photography

Jose Villa Photography

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Joy Proctor Design

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Stars—they’re just like us! Well, at least when it comes to when they get engaged (if only the rings were the same, too!). The holiday season marks the unofficial Proposal Season, and not just for you real brides (p.s. congratulations!). Some of your favorite A-listers also got the Proposal Season memo, and based on those rocks, we cannot wait to see the weddings!

Celebrity Holiday Engagements

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Celebrity Holiday Engagements

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Best + Biggest Celebrity Weddings of 2015 | All the Pretty from Sofia Vergara + Joe Manganiello’s Wedding | DWTS Lindsay Arnold’s Big Day

When you decide to say your I do’s at a charming French Chateau in modern Gatsby-Inspired style, a gold dress like this one? Well, it only makes sense to rock a beauty like that. And the Bride? She got that “red carpet worthy” look she wanted, and oh does she glow. With planning by Fête In France, the entire day (including a fireworks display!) went off without a hitch and Lauren Michelle captured all moments that live in THE VAULT.

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From Fête In France… From the beginning Krystal knew that she wanted a modern take on a Gatsby-inspired wedding. With this in mind we set out to make the entire reception sparkle with crystal chandeliers and spheres installed for the occasion, transparent Starck chairs and custom gold sequins table linens. The floral arrangements incorporated crystal vases and pink feathers to add even more glamour to the affair. The design theme was given its final flair by hand-painted signage Gatsby fonts done by the very talented Studio French Blue.

From the Bride… In hindsight the word that our friends and family most commonly use to describe our wedding is a “fairytale”. I certainly did not set out with that ambition and in fact I never had a “dream wedding”, but sometimes the best things in life are unexpected and surprising.

Rob and I were an unlikely couple. Having grown up on opposite sides of the world and from vastly different cultural backgrounds, it was inconceivable that our paths would cross. However, fate or providence had other plans in store for us. Our careers brought us to Hong Kong and it was in this city, a place we now call home, where our lives would be changed forever. I remember the night we met, a chilly evening in January 2011. I was out with a few friends when I bumped into a colleague at a local bar. I distinctly remember his instructions, “don’t move, there is someone I want you to meet”.

I was immediately drawn to Rob’s confidence, boyish charm and warm smile, though in that moment I never expected that he would eventually become my best friend and life partner. Over the years we have had the opportunity to travel the world together, sharing many adventures and new experiences. It was on one such trip, in a secluded bay along the Great Ocean Road in Australia, where Rob asked me to marry him. It was without a doubt that I said yes.

Coming from a large family, Rob had always envisaged having a big, traditional wedding. On the other hand, I was a reluctant bride and had always imagined eloping. After much debate and consideration we finally agreed to host an intimate affair.

Three things were a certainty – it would be a destination wedding, we wanted a huge party with our families and best friends, and Lauren Michelle would be our photographer. I knew Lauren from growing up in Sydney and have always been in awe of her talent. Whilst our careers have taken us to different parts of the world, I could not have trusted anyone more to capture the love, spirit and style of our wedding.

As for the dress – I wanted to look “red carpet worthy” on the big day. When I met Noel Chu for our initial consultation I was yet to try on a single wedding dress. However, based on Noel’s extensive portfolio I was confident she would bring my vision to life. I worked with Noel for a year to design, create and refine this couture gown. With each bead, sequin and crystal sewn by hand, her craftsmanship and the final product truly exceeded all expectations.

After narrowing our search for venues to France, Chateau De Varennes was recommended by a close friend. After doing some research online and speaking to Sonia, I felt completely at ease and knew this was the place for us. Varennes was the first and only venue we considered. With guests travelling from four continents, we wanted to make their trip memorable and be able to spend quality time with all our loved ones. I knew that planning a wedding from a different country and time zone would be a challenge so I enlisted the support of Fete in France. Anne led us through every step of the process, including styling and planning 4 days of events.

We commenced the celebrations with a Rehearsal Dinner in the idyllic town of Beaune on Thursday and enjoyed a bicycle and wine tour through picturesque Burgundy vineyards on Friday morning. Most of our guests arrived for the Welcome Dinner on Friday evening followed by the wedding on Saturday, both hosted at Chateau De Varennes. On Sunday we had a casual and relaxed brunch at a local hostellerie before bidding our guests farewell.

One of the most distinctive parts of the wedding was the ceremony. Pierre-Henri from Gracefully invested several months into crafting and delivering a personalised ceremony that deeply reflected our characters, background, cultures, beliefs and values. He had many creative ideas to ensure our ceremony was unique and engaged our family and friends. Rob and I each selected a close friend to share their perspectives on our relationship and the impact we’ve had on one another. It was heartwarming and also very entertaining. The ring ceremony was also a highlight. Prior to the exchange of rings, the rings were passed around our guests and each had to say one word to celebrate our union. There were definitely some surprises and many laughs shared.

The most spectacular moment of the wedding was the fireworks display. The fireworks were a hit with the guests and there are few times in our relationship where I have seen Rob more excited. They certainly set the tone for the dancing and late night party that followed. We are so thankful to our guests for not only making the journey but bringing the party to Burgundy (you know everyone is there to have a good time when all the tequila is gone by 8pm)! The photos and video perfectly capture the essence of our wedding and bring back many special memories. We hope you enjoy sharing them with us.

Photography: Lauren Michelle | Cinematography: Studio Artifice | Coordination: Fete in France | Event Planning: Fete in France | Floral Design: Sol Y Flor | Wedding Dress: Noel Chu Atelier | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Laurent Peugeot | Makeup: Annette Thornton | Calligraphy: Studio French Blue calligraphy + design | DJ: AVDJ | Celebrant: Gracefully | Venue: Chateau de Varennes | Bride + Bridesmaid Robes: Wedding Prep Gals | Bride’s Fur Cape: Flemington Furs | Ceremony + Cocktail Band: Scarlett Entertainment | Chandeliers + Lighting: Phos | Favour Bags: Wedding Chicks | Groom’s Shoes: Dominique St Paul | Live Sax: Ben Jammin' | Signage: Studio French Blue calligraphy + design

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Fete in France

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S’mores are definitely on our brain. It might have something to do with this forest birthday celebration infused with our favorite campfire dessert. But this S’mores Dip, crafted by The Shift Creative is blowing all previous large fire needed notions out of the water. With a skillet, an oven and about 15 minutes of time, you can dive graham cracker first into this pan of goodness.

Erin LepperdS'mores Dip

prep time 5 Minute/s

cook time 11 Minute/s

total time 16 Minute/s

Serves 0Ingredients

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups marshmallows, divided
• graham crackers for serving

Instructions

1. Combine chocolate chips, milk and 1½ cups of marshmallows in a sauce pan. Heat over medium low and stir until melted and smooth.
2. Pour into an oven safe dish and top with remaining marshmallows.
3. Broil 1 minute or just until marshmallows are lightly toasted.
4. Serve warm with graham crackers.

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Photography: Ally Twitchell | Design and Styling: The Shift Creative | Recipe: from Spend with Pennies

Registering for your Big Day?  So. Much. Fun.  But let’s be honest… it’s also a little stressful.  And while everyone you know is giving you some well-meaning advice on exactly what you need, we thought we’d turn to the experts at Zola Registry to streamline the process a little.  I’m talking ah-mazing registry secrets that will totally help you start that new life together. Let’s get started!

Secret #1 – A Little Personalization Goes a Long Way

Creating a meaningful registry is key… and also adds a special touch of excitement to your Big Day that your guests will love to see.  Think a sweet welcome message for your nearest and dearest + cute little notes on each item, so everyone can learn all about your big plans for the gifts they purchase.  Not to mention that with Zola, you can mix and match your favorite items from a variety of locations; from crazy cool gifts to amazing experiences to fabulous honeymoon + cash funds.  Which means that there is literally something for everyone on your guest list… and we think that’s awesome.  Ready to get started? Check out Zola’s Registry Checklist and Starter Collections for inspiration here.

Secret #2 – Group Gifting is Your New Best Friend 

With Zola, registering for those fabulous out-of-the-ordinary gifts is easier than you ever imagined with their amazing Group Gifting option.  I’m talking everything from larger items like sofas and bar carts to cash gifting, so your guests can team up to fill your home with those pricier items that are beyond meaningful.  Plus, they can even contribute to honeymoon excursions, so you can snorkel until your heart’s content or enjoy that couples massage while relaxing with mimosas.  It’s just one of the reasons a registry with Zola is so spectacular.

Secret #3 – Going Mobile Will Save You Time

You can spend your day bouncing from store to store to complete your registry, or you can curl up in your yoga pants with a comfy blanket and a delicious glass of vino and do it ALL in the comfort of your own home.  That’s the beauty of Zola, loves.  From their easy-peasy website experience (click here) to their iPhone and iPads apps (here), curating your dream registry has never been easier… or more fabulous. There’s even a barcode scanner, so that you can add items to your registry anytime you choose, plus browse gifts in 3D settings with their crazy cool 360° Feature.  Oh, and there’s a timeline to totally keep you on track. We love that.

Secret #4 – Psst… You Can Change Your Mind

So you registered for that bright red duvet cover, but now you’re thinking that an all-white bedroom is more your style.  No worries, it happens.  And with Zola, you can change your mind without standing in line at customer service.  Their Online Gift Swap is an insanely clever tool that lets you exchange your gifts before you even receive them OR convert them to credit to be put to use elsewhere. (Check it out here.) Which means that dream home you are planning will stay intact, even if you change up that paint color pre-wedding. Plus, Zola offers Control Shipping, so you’ll be notified when a gift is purchased and can totally decide to ship it now or hold for later.  It’s genius.

Ready to start your totally personal + seriously stress-free + absolutely convenient registry? Head to Zola NOW, and thank us later.  (And psst… don’t forget to follow Zola on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for even more registry inspiration.)

Style Me Pretty readers will receive $25 to spend on Zola when they set up their wedding registry on Zola!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Petit Bouquet

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If you’re one of the newly engaged stumbling upon this place of pretty, let me officially extend a big, warm welcome! Around here, real weddings are kind of our jam and this watercolor beauty photographed by When He Found Her is the perfect example. From the seating chart to the table numbers to the adorable couple themselves, it’s all the makings of a SMP wedding, and you can find lots more in THE VAULT.

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From The Bride… Jordan and I met at work. The first thing he asked me when we went for our initial ‘get to know you’ coffee was, “so Eileen, you married? You got kids?” Jordan proposed while we were vacationing in Greece, which coincided with our dating anniversary. On that day, we went to dinner, then we decided to watch the famed sunset in Oia, Santorini. We found a private spot by walking atop a stone wall, next to a secluded little church. Jordan ended up proposing at sunset, at a spot overlooking the Aegean Sea.

For the wedding, we wanted an outdoor venue, where our guests could feel like they were on vacation, if only for half a day. We also liked being by the water and we also wanted to avoid the big-box-style wedding hall. We found our ideal venue in Holcim Waterfront Estate, in Mississauga, Ontario. It’s a restored, 1930s mansion overlooking Lake Ontario. We were able to rent the entire grounds for the day, giving us and our guests privacy, and an opportunity to freely roam and visit the lake.

Our wedding theme when planning the style elements was an idyllic, intimate evening spent among the roses in Christian Dior’s garden. For our photography, we chose Reid Lambshead of When He Found Her. We loved his aesthetic and the rich quality in his film photography. We loved how he was able to capture the emotions permeating the day. Consistent with our garden theme, we wanted to bring the outdoors inside. Our centrepiece featured cascading, ombre florals in mercury glass, atop wooden risers and surrounded with mercury votives. Our colours were jewel tones in various shades of red, blush and white with a bit of foliage. I love all kinds of roses, such as garden roses, cabbage roses and spray roses; and similar to a French garden—a little bit undone.

My dress was by Vera Wang. The dress is meant to evoke a cascading waterfall, with no visible seams, it’s made with silk, tulle and organza. I wanted shoes I could wear again, and not ‘bridal shoes’.

I let my bridesmaids choose their own dresses. I wanted them to wear something they felt comfortable and beautiful in. My only criteria were: shades of blush, no jersey and no satin. One of my bridesmaids even borrowed her dress from a friend! For a bit of an edge, my bridesmaids wore statement jewelry from J. Crew. My necklace was a last minute decision, from BCBG, and my headpiece was by Jenny Packham (Tesoro II headband). We all wore gold temporary tattoos by Lulu DK.

Jordan decided to go with a bespoke midnight blue tux from Toronto suit makers Garrison Bespoke. Similar to the ladies, Jordan asked his groomsmen to choose their own suits, provided they were black or navy blue.

We did our save the dates online, via Paperless Post. Our wedding invitations were custom made by a wonderfully talented watercolour artist and stationer, Gemma Milly, who is based in the UK. She painted our venue on our invitations, which was a nice personal touch. Guests were asked to RSVP online at a wedding website that I created. The other items were created by me. I hand painted and calligraphed the name cards, and created the board that they were pinned to.

We gave our guests little glass bottles of maple syrup. This was very personal to us as they came directly from the maple syrup farm that Jordan’s grandma grew up on, in Quebec, Canada. It’s still family-run to this day.

Photography: Will Reid Photography | Cinematography: Raw Media | Floral + Event Design: FOS DECOR CENTER | Wedding Planning: Paige Lewis Events | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Invitations: Gemma Milly | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Rings: Mayur Dave | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alice & Olivia | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: Edge Hospitality | Makeup: Natalie Matias | Makeup: Rebecca Kupferstein | Hair: Bridezilla Beauty | DJ: DJ Emporium | Groom's Attire: Garrison Bespoke | Officiant: The Meeting House | Ceremony Music: Peter Han | Venue: Kariya Park | Groom's Shoes: Ferregamo | Groom's Watch: Tag Heuer | Hair Accessories: Jenny Packham | Maid of Honour Dress: Marchesa | Place Cards & Menus: Eileen Tan | Popsicles: Philip's Ice Pops | Temporary Tattoos: lulu dk | Veil: Twigs & Honey

This 3rd birthday celebration is the culmination of a photographer mom with a fab eye for design and a venue near and dear to the family’s heart. That mom is Shannon Von Eschen and with the help of Ashley Nicole Events, she crafted a third birthday celebration at the family’s tree farm with loads of greenery from Bare Root Flora and s’mores front and center. Basically it’s every kid’s dream and maybe a few grownups too (ahem, me). Head to the vault for even more.

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As a mother who’s also a photographer, I tend to only want to throw parties that have an abundance of style, details, and a sense of over-the-top decor. So, even though Eli was turning THREE, I wanted to create a space that would not only bring our families together, but also tell a story and create a sense of “home.” I love curated spaces with clearly-defined color palettes and though I slept hardly at all the week prior, the whole day was worth it.

My husband and I own a tree nursery in Boulder so I chose to host his birthday party once again at “work” in an old barn on our property. The party was planned within one month’s time on my part, but because it was held at “work,” it was a bit easier than holding at a venue since I could prep, plan, style, and design it in-between clients and editing while still being with Eli during the day. (He was even able to nap in the next room while I set up all the decor!) But the best part about these parties I throw are how many family members of mine pitch in to bring my visions to life. My father helped me build almost everything pictured that’s made of wood. As a master carpenter, I’m lucky enough to have him work for me…so, when I have a vision, he can make it come to life using some old tree and his hands. I wanted this party to feel like you were deep withing a forest. So, along with bringing in 30 live Christmas trees (which, even for me as a tree farm owner, was harder than I’d though given that I needed them months before most lots are open), I wanted feel-good forest decor: A campfire with a s’more station, a bench with cozy blankets for sharing, a wall of ferns, a rustic, mushroom & fern cake, hand-made tree puzzles, a hot chocolate & cinnamon bar, and old, wooden tables covered in forest greenery with copper accents that highlighted the most perfect color palette of the great outdoors. The fire-pit, the tables, the wooden trays, the cake stand, shelves, candle holders, wooden figurines, the wooden crates, the picture frames, the wooden signs, and the tiny “DIY” evergreen trees, were all hand-made by my father.

My sister-in-law and mother made most of the delicious & styled “forest” foods for this party, while my grandmother (Eli’s great-grandmother), planted the wooden-log planter that sat as a centerpiece on the main table. She hand-picked each tiny fern-like piece and to this day, I cherish it! My close friend Robyn, with Bare Root Flora, custom designed smaller, wooden-stump pieces, and one very large planter of greenery and forest finds that decorated the dessert table. And my brothers spend long hours with me into the morning after work helping me set it all up…moving every last fern branch and evergreen tree into place.

The wooden candle-holder and mini trees, were all made from beetle-kill wood and older trees had had died in the flood at our tree farm. The “seats” for the tables were old stumps from trees at our nursery, and I used old drying racks of my mother-in-law’s to hold a string of Edison bulbs. A hand-made woodland animal–with interchangeable antlers!– sat at each table setting to greet the children who arrived, and after building their own tiny trees to take home, they “roasted” marshmallows and made s’more after s’more all afternoon.

The whole idea for this party started with an image I’d taken in Montana of a forest floor filled with pine-needles, ferns, and mushrooms blooming along the shadows of the fallen trees. From the simple joy a hike or just a walk through the forest brings, this vision came to life before my eyes better than I could have imagined! And though I hadn’t intended it to be as big of a hit as it was, Eli’s requested a fire pit at his “next party.”

Photography: Shannon Von Eschen | Event Design: Shannon Von Eschen | Event Design: Ashley Nicole Events | Floral Design: Bare Root Flora | Cake: Leaf & Crumb | Invitations: Lana's Shop | CreekSide Tree Nurery: CreekSide Tree Nursery | Fern Log Centerpiece: Martha Crabbs | Food Prep & Styling: Shannon Von Eschen | Name Cards: Lana's Shop | Signs & Drink Labels: Taryn Eklund Ink | Smash Cake: Martha Crabbs | Vintage Stamps: Verde Studio | Wooden Decor: Twigs & Treen

A rustic wedding at a gorgeous mansion sets the scene for party perfection; elegant, but unfussy, it’s the type of wedding you yearn to get an invite to and upon arrival, never want to leave. And we’re in luck because with Perpixel Photography’s images and Joseph De Leon’s film, we can do just that. If you need me, I’ll be oohing and aahing over all these pics in our VAULT for the next several hours – meet me here!

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From Perpixel Photography… This beautiful rustic wedding had an outdoor ceremony and reception with TONS of rustic details that include signage, seeds as party favors, blooms, and the most amazing cake display! Simply Sera Events transformed the Muckenthaler Mansion into an outdoor, garden heaven!

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Find more beautiful California weddings here!

Photography: Perpixel Photography | Cinematography: Joseph De Leon | Event Planning: Simply Sera Events | Floral Design: Mount Tabor Park | Wedding Dress: Mount Tabor Park | Catering: Colette’s Catering & Events | Hair + Makeup: Jackie Su | DJ: Mount Tabor Park | Officiant: Steve Choi | Venue: Muckenthaler Mansion | MC: Mount Tabor Park | Rentals: Create A Party | Vintage Rentals: Party Pieces By Perry

Y’all it’s official, Sara and Austin had the perfect wedding. From their organically elegant theme effortlessly put together by As You Wish Events, to the painstakingly gorgeous and whimsical setting, their “I Do’s” were simply divine. From an evening of merriment at the Dallas Museum of Art complete with Bella Acento rentals, to the Bride’s two-piece gown, Heather Hawkins Photography captured it in THE VAULT!

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From As You Wish Events…From the get go, bride, Sara, hoped her vows and the celebration that followed would evoke a certain aesthetic: organic elegance + simple romance. Sara and Austin’s September wedding was all of the things- meaningful, sweet, painstakingly gorgeous, fun, and indeed…full of organic whimsy, simple elegance, and dazzling romance. The pair said “I do” before two hundred and some of their beloved friends and family at Royal Lane Baptist Church’s altar and then rode to downtown Dallas staple, the Dallas Museum of Art, for an evening full of merriment.

Sara was a vision in her two-piece Monique Lhuillier gown, which she accessorized with a chunky, statement necklace after the ceremony for an additional, fun pop of color in her reception attire. Bridesmaids wore sparkly, seafoam-colored, floor-length dresses- the perfect complement to their neutral bouquets. Sara and groom, Austin, opted for a non-traditional “first look,” holding hands and sharing a precious (and tear-jerking) moment of prayer and sweet words from adjacent sides of the church’s brick wall before the ceremony.

The reception’s decor turned out absolutely stunning. A farmstead-style head table, complete with billowing greenery and tall, full floral arrangements of crisp white + green blooms was a major focal point in the space. A unique floor plan was created to utilize a mix of cool and chic ghost chairs and formal upholstered dining chairs, accompanying various round and square dining tables for guest seating. Dessert was a simplistic, bright cake by Panini Bakery, adorned with dainty sprigs of greenery and a Groom’s cake, complete with tiny pennant flags donning the logos of the Groom’s favored sports teams.

A night of dancing kicked off immediately after dinner; the dance floor full of laughs, party props, and hilarious moves all evening long! Sara and Austin made their grand exit between rows of waving gold and white pom-poms and were swept away in a vintage, white Rolls Royce.

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Photography: Heather Hawkins Photography | Cinematography: Tyler And Lindsey | Event Planning: As you wish… | Floral Design: Bella Flora of Dallas | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Panini Bakery | Invitations: 5 By 7 Designs | Ceremony Venue: Royal Lane Baptist Church | Reception Venue: Dallas Museum Of Art | Rentals: Bella Acento

You guys, this wedding is SO good I’m having a hard time believing that it is in fact actually real. But alas, Santiago Murillo Photography is here to prove that wedding day perfection is more than possible, because with every capture in THE VAULT this special day will have us all dreaming of perfectly pretty moments for days on end.

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From Santiago Murillo Photography…From the moment I first met with Melanie and Jonathan, I could already picture their greenhouse wedding to be one of the most beautiful ones that I’ve had the pleasure of shooting. From the moment I stepped into the gardens of the Goldner Walsh, I instantly knew that this was was no ordinary wedding.

The entire venue is covered with such a variety of gorgeous spots, that I was initially so overwhelmed with how many great options we had for photographing their portraits. Starting from the simple, yet very elegant industrial design of the reception hall, to the carefully placed garden accents in the greenhouse, I immediately knew that due to it’s uniqueness, this wedding would be a perfect fit for Green Wedding Shoes!

Melanie and Jonathan were such an incredible couple to work with! Both are such gregarious charismatic people, which made my job much easier as every single photography truly depicted how much love they have not only for one another, but for every single person in that wedding. It was such a joy to be able to work with both of them! Their lovely presence in each image definitely made this wedding one of my absolute favorites!

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Photography: Santiago Murillo Photography | Floral Design: Goldner Walsh | Wedding Dress: Jasmine Collection | Cake: Amy Sexson | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Watters | Hair + Makeup: Andrew Marke Salon | Venue: Goldner Walsh

I’m not going to lie—I have a crush on Ben Higgins (how could you not?!), and I may or may not have applied to be one of the women vying for his heart on season 20 of The Bachelor. Sadly, however, I’ll be watching from my couch as Ben hands out his first roses on tonight’s premiere (on ABC at 8 p.m. EST). The only thing that will comfort me? These gorgeous red rose bouquets I’d happily accept for my wedding day, even if Ben isn’t the one waiting at the end of the aisle. P.S. Follow SMP on Twitter tonight as we live-tweet the premiere!

Romantic Red Rose Bouquets

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Romantic Red Rose Bouquets

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More Bachelor & Bachelorette Weddings to Love

Emily Maynard’s Surprise Wedding | Becca’s Mountaintop Elopement Photo Shoot | Desiree Hartsock + Chris Siegfried’s Wedding

Here at SMP, we’re big fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette—recapping the show every Tuesday morning is a favorite past-time amongst the editors, and not just because of the drama. We love getting caught up in the romance and fantasy of it all. So, to celebrate tonight’s season 20 premiere (8 p.m. EST on ABC), we’re rounding up our favorite Bachelor and Bachelorette moments featured on SMP! P.S. Follow SMP on Twitter tonight as we live-tweet the premiere!

8 Times SMP Loved The Bachelor & The Bachelorette

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8 Times SMP Loved The Bachelor & The Bachelorette

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More Bachelor & Bachelorette Weddings to Love

Emily Maynard’s Surprise Wedding | Becca’s Mountaintop Elopement Photo Shoot | Desiree Hartsock + Chris Siegfried’s Wedding

Want in on a little secret? In my book, Maine is magical. So yes, this wedding may have gotten a bit of a head start of my Maine-loving mind but it hit those expectations and continued soaring on past. With Hobart & Haven’s invites setting the scene and Nicole Baas capturing everything after, it’s a beautiful fall celebration that I’m happy to live in for the rest of today – join me in the VAULT right this way!

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From Nicole Baas… Nick and Danielle had the most beautiful, fall farm wedding in Maine with visual touches that were completely New England through and through. Nick’s family has a house in Maine in which Nick spent time growing up and, later, both Nick and Danielle spent time together in the summers as they fell in love. Because of their mutual love for Maine, once it was time to find a wedding venue, the choice was obvious. Inspired by the gorgeous colors of New England in the fall and the overall beauty of the Maine landscape, everything from their centerpieces to the florals had that beautiful, cranberry color palette. The venue itself was romantic to the core with apples falling from the most perfectly shaped trees, to the beauty of the active, on site horse farm and the barn that houses the horses. It was a perfect, Maine day to celebrate beautiful New England love.

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More New England weddings here!

Photography: Nicole Baas Photography | Floral Design: Lorina L’Heureux | Invitations: Hobart & Haven | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy After 6 Collection in African Violet | Catering: Above And Beyond | Makeup: Antoinette Lefevre at Beaucage | Hair: Antoinette Lefevre at Beaucage | Band: The Chicken Slacks | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Groomsmen's Attire: Charles Tyrwhitt | Venue: The Homestead At Rest And Be Thankful Farm | Accomodations: The Tides Beach Club | Bartending: Mainely Bartenders