Take everything you think you know about romantic weddings and kick it up a notch with soft pink hues, the fab stylings of All-Set and lush blooms from Allure Event Designs and you’ll land squarely on this pretty party captured by Josh Elliott.  It’s what I am calling romance times a thousand, and it’s all set against a breathtaking Firestone Vineyards setting.  See it all in the full gallery.   

And a gorgeous film from 618 Studios… 

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From the Bride… Kie and I met only once in college during our sophomore year at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Our paths did not cross again until after graduation in 2008, when Kie coincidentally started working at Tolosa Winery, where I had been working and pouring wine in the tasting room. The time working together really cemented our friendship which turned romantic pretty quickly when, as Kie likes to say, “we both came on the open market.” Kie and I continued working at Tolosa, while secretly dating, and after the harvest in 2009 he was offered the position to begin selling Tolosa wine in Southern California. We both decided we were not willing to start a long-distance relationship, so I moved down four short months later.

While we were dating, Kie took me on our first big trip together to visit his family’s ranch outside of Livingston, Montana in a place called Paradise Valley. From the very moment I stepped foot onto this majestic property, I imagined us saying our vows under the old cottonwood tree on the ranch. We weren’t engaged yet (not even close!), but when Kie did propose a few years later, I told him my dream of having our wedding there, and of course he was on board. Our plans were interrupted when a tragic forest fire claimed thousands of acres in Paradise Valley, including a majority of his family’s beautiful ranch and barn. I did not think any other venue could compare to this magical place, so it was quite a struggle to find another wedding site that we were happy with. We started in Northern California (where I was born), looking into my grandma’s property in Los Gatos, then to Saratoga and at one point got so frustrated we thought about having our wedding in Hawaii with just our close families.

Once the search returned to our roots on the Central Coast, I recalled a story from my Aunt Cathy where she attended the most beautiful wedding at one of Firestone Vineyard’s properties, and she had told my mom that I one day needed to get married at this spectacular vineyard (I was only 12 years old at the time!). Remembering this, Kie and I decided to spend a weekend visiting different properties from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. We ended our day with a tour of Firestone Vineyard in Los Olivos. The feeling of “this is it” hit us immediately. Shortly after, we booked our wedding date, picking the weekend of the full moon in August, and the wedding planning began!

The design and aesthetic of our wedding was ever-evolving throughout the planning process. My wedding designer and planner, Heather Ferrai of All-Set, who also happened to be one of my best friends from college as well as a bridesmaid, helped me transform our wedding from rustic vintage chic to romantic whimsical glam. Our fairytale began when my father and I pulled into the ceremony site in a 1933 Studebaker as the sweet sound of Ella Fitzgerald serenaded us down the aisle. With a crystal chandelier hanging from the oak tree and surrounded by vineyards, my Uncle Kent performed our ceremony and we said those famous words to make it official. The reception was held in a breathtaking courtyard set against an ivy-filled wall, with speeches, dancing and delicious Central Coast fare. The tables were dripping in a champagne satin linen, custom calligraphy table numbers and menus, along with mercury glass votives. I chose flowers in shades of pink, white and cream with garden fresh greens. The focal point of the reception was our elegant three-tiered buttercream ivory cake atop a nude sequin table linen – a truly enchanting evening.

It was so wonderful to have the support and help from our parents, my sister and bridesmaids, as well as one of my best friends who, along with our incredible vendors, transformed our dreams to reality.

My heart just bursts reflecting back on this day. It was unreal. Of course, knowing I married the man of my dreams makes it that much better!

Photography: Josh Elliott | Videographer: 618 Studios | Floral Design: Allure Event Designs | Cake: Decadence Fine Cakes & Confections | Invitations: Mount Tabor Park | Ceremony Venue: Firestone Winery | Reception Venue: Firestone Winery | Catering: Pure Joy Catering | DJ: AMS Entertainment | Hotel: Hotel Corque | Classic Car: Classic Motoring Car Rentals | Month Of Coordinator: Sealed With A Kiss Events | Signage: Corrine Marie Designs | Wedding Planner & Designer: All-Set

To this Mid-Atlantic resident, the Outer Banks are synonymous with gorgeous beaches, incredible venues and dream destination weddings.  And thanks to the Outer Banks Wedding Showcase hosted at Sanderling Resort on March 14, 2015 from 11am-4pm, now’s the time to check out this incredible locale for yourself!

This exclusive event is open to any couple interested in getting married at any venue on the Outer Banks, and for this weekend only, the Sanderling will be available only to Wedding Showcase guests! Featuring Beauty Bar’s Jane Iredale, live entertainment by wedding band Six Stylez, 12 uniquely designed tablescapes spread throughout the gorgeous grounds, beach ceremony set-up ideas as well as boudouir and pogo stick photo sessions, this event cannot be missed.

For the full list of featured vendors and showcase events, head over here. And now for some serious excitement — one lucky reader will win a one night stay and two tickets to the show!

The Prize: A one night stay (March 13 or 14) at Sanderling Resort and two tickets to the show (value $299). 

To Enter: Comment on this post with why you want to say “I Do” in the Outer Banks!

To Win: One winner will be selected at random and announced in SMP’s Social Hour on Friday, March 6, 2015.

Terms & Conditions: Can all be found right here.  Good luck my dears! xoxo

Fact: Lane Dittoe is a genius. And when he teams up with the crazy talented Crosby + Jon at Rosewood Mayakoba? Consider the results perfection in paradise. Starting with the ethereal saltwater hued gown, to the oceanfront accented with Krista Jon blooms, every detail in the gallery will have you dreaming for days, and you can join me in doing so right here.

From Archive Rentals… Real Couple Nicolas & Melina chose Riviera Maya for their this shoot since this was the place they had met two years earlier on vacation. Nestled along the white sandy beaches of beautiful Mexico, and only a short flight from anywhere in the States, lies the Riviera Maya, encompassing three popular destination honeymoon spots: Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. With warm weather year round, turquoise oceans, beautiful resorts, it’s no wonder couples are choosing to marry in this Caribbean destination.

From Crosby + Jon… There’s something so romantic about a ceremony on the sand with just a bride & groom, and these photos prove it.

We were inspired by the romantic elements of the Riviera Maya. The Carribean Sea, the soft white sand, the vividly colored flowers speckled amongst the lush, green rainforest. We wanted to evoke the relaxed, yet refined atmosphere of the Rosewood Mayakoba in her dress, hair, makeup & floral design. The groom looks casually cool, yet sophisticated, amongst the cool architecture of the Rosewood Mayakoba.

Rosewood Mayakoba was our first choice because it is truly the definition of paradise. It is one of our favorite places to work because the property is romantic, secluded and stunningly beautiful from every angle. But more importantly, the wedding team at Rosewood is beyond exceptional. They treat guests with such care and attention, everyone feels like a VIP.

And what a romantic day it was! Nicholas and Melina couldn’t keep their hands off each other… smooching and holding hands between shots. Lane Dittoe photographed the day and captured their love for each other in a natural, breathtaking way.

Our designs for the day were inspired by the bright, sunny hues of Mexico, using shades of blue, orange, mango, turquoise, yellow and pearl. We found local florals, which were artfully crafted on-site by Krista Jon and her team. For decor we turned to Archive Mexico for a beautiful collection of rustic wood furniture combined with brightly colored plates, linens, & accessories.

The real showstopper, however, is that blue-hued dress! R-Mine blew us and Melina away with the pastel sky blue ceremony gown that so perfectly evoked the serene vibe of the Caribbean sea. In the end, the couple be more pleased with this day and their photos. Everything was perfect. The dress, the couple, the Caribbean… All were absolute magic!

Photography: lane Dittoe fine art wedding photographs | Event Design: Crosby + Jon | Event Planning: Crosby + Jon | Floral Design: Krista Jon | Dress: R-Mine Bespoke | Catering: Rosewood Mayakoba | Hair & Makeup: Styling Trio | Venue: Rosewood Mayakoba | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Tabletop: Archive Rentals

I am aching to visit New Orleans and this wedding right here (and this stylish bride) captures why I’m so obsessed. Moody and romantic, rich in history and always ready to party, this wedding, like its host city, is full of personality. Anne-Claire Brun‘s photos are spilling over with this eclectic energy and until I’m able to escape to the Big Easy for a weekend, her pics are where I shall remain.

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From Anne-Claire Brun… First, did you know that when you get married in New Orleans, they have this thing called “Second Line” at the end of it? It consists in having your entire wedding party and a band (a brass band) going out of the venue and around the block (so it’s basically a parade.) The bride and groom twirl an umbrella and a handkerchief in the air… And all the guests dancing and laughing while people walking by wave and congratulate the bride and groom…

The venue Race and Religious was incredible, so much character! And the girls (Brooke especially) from Southern Charm Weddings in Louisiana did a wonderful job.

I’m in love with the soft palette of colors for this wedding!

From the Bride… Nick and I met through mutual friends in the summer of 2002. I was 15 and had just finished my freshman year of high school and Nick had had just turned 18 and just graduated high school. We became friends and then started dating, although neither of our parents were thrilled at the time given the age difference. Little did we know then, that we would one day be engaged and getting married. We went our separate ways for a while in our early 20s, but always stayed in contact with one another and eventually moved in together in 2011.

One day, we were in California visiting my little brother who was doing an internship in LA. We decided to take a road trip up the coast along Route 1 to San Francisco and Napa Valley with a stop in Big Sur. We got to Big Sur just before sunset and Nick pulled to one of the viewpoints on the side of the road so that we could watch the sunset among the cliff. We could hear seals barking down below and the surroundings were just breathtakingly beautiful. I started to complain about it getting cold and wanting to head to our hotel for the night…that’s when Nick asked me to marry him (a few minutes earlier than planned, due to my whining…which I do regret now)!

For the planning process, we were lucky we had a great wedding coordinator, Brooke Casey of Southern Charm Weddings Louisiana, to help us. She made the planning process seem as seamless as possible. She also kept us on track with a timeline and reminded us of things we didn’t even think of that are in fact integral parts of the wedding planning process.

We had a destination wedding which we thought would make things easier, but wedding planning is never really easy as we now know. The fact that we did have a smaller list of attending guests did make some of the wedding planning tasks easier than if we had done a bigger ceremony and reception.

We went with a romantic, vintage New Orleans traditional theme. We really took the vibes of our venue, Race and Religious, as our inspiration. There is so much character to the venue that we decided it was best to let our wedding take cues from the venue’s eclectic charm rather than the other way around. I couldn’t have imagined a better backdrop for our day.

There were so many of my favorite moments that day it’s hard to say which one was best….

Having all my best girlfriends by my side keeping me from being a nervous wreck while getting ready was one… When Nick first saw me when I met him down the aisle… When we snuck away to a corner for private moment to just enjoy each other and eat some food… The father-daughter dance with my dad when he told me the emotional meaning for him behind the song we had picked , “In My Life” by The Beatles… Seeing all my closest friends and family having as amazing a night as we were, and last but not least, the Second Line band!

My advice for couples would be don’t stress the small stuff. Things will go wrong, they always do, but those are the things you won’t even remember the day of or they will be the things that make for a great story later on.

Also, don’t let anyone’s opinions or input influence what you want for your day. Always stick to your guns and initial ideas. At the end of the day, it should be you and your bride and groom’s personalities that shine through, no one else’s. And most importantly, at the reception, don’t forget to eat!

Photography: Anne-Claire Brun Photography | Event Design: Brooke Casey Weddings | Event Planning: Brooke Casey Weddings | Floral Design: Nola Flora | Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller | Bakery: Flour Power | Cake: Flour Power | Invitations: Forever Fiances | Ceremony Venue: Race And Religious | Reception Venue: Race And Religious | Bride's Shoes: Vintage Lace Shoes Previously Worn By Mother Of The Bride For Her Wedding | Necklace: Great Maternal Grandmother’s Vintage Crystal Teardrop Necklace | Rings: Tiffany & Co. | Caterer: Brack May | Make Up: Ashley Sievert Beauty | Hair: Glow Hair & Beauty Bar | DJ: Aaron Lane Pro DJ Entertainment | Favors: Sucre | Groom's Attire: Perry Ellis | Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies | Transportation: Alert Transportation | Bracelet (vintage Crystal): Thrift Store | Cigar Roller: New Orleans Cigar Factory | Second Line Band: Kinfolk Brass Band | Sno Balls: Imperial Woodpecker Snoballs

Between her booming blog and her two adorable kiddo’s, The Fashionable Hostess certainly has a lot on her plate. To get her motivated for all of the work she plans to be doing, she wanted to give her desk a makeover. One, so that it looks and feels more like her and her brand, and two, because she is oh so inspired when she has pretty things to look at. Aren’t we all?

After checking out how amazing her workspace looks now, take a peek at how far she’s come!

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Photography and Design: The Fashionable Hostess | Decorative Accents: Marshalls

Loved ones gathered at Windsor Mountain for a weekend filled with waterfront adventures and a laid back spirited affair. From hand-dyed napkins, to heirloom antlers, to the hand painted invitations, to Wild Folk Studio blooms crafted by the Bride herself, every aspect was rustic chic perfection. Complete with laughter filled vows and a sweet walk down the aisle, Cambria Grace captured every moment here!

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From the beautiful Bride… Mark and I wanted our magical forest wedding to be a celebration of the community we created together, our friends and families, not just us. The idea was to have a place where everyone could stay for the entire weekend, have adventures, campfires, and get to know each other. Since we spend a lot of time in New Hampshire camping and hiking, we also got engaged in the White Mountains, a summer camp was the perfect fit. We were going for a laid back, non-traditional, but spirited vibe; a weekend that genuinely reflected us, and that’s exactly what we achieved.

Every aspect of our wedding was created, designed and built by us or our friends and family. Since I am a floral designer in Boston, I decided to do all of my own wedding flowers, with the help of some good souls that were willing to get a bit dirty. I transformed the reception area from a camp dining hall to a magical forest wedding with wild, nature inspired floral arrangements in wood bowls, hundreds of feet of garland draped from the ceiling, and warmed up the space with locally made tapered candles in vintage brass candlesticks. I wanted the napkins to look worn and be different shades of blue. The only way to achieve this look without breaking the budget was to hand-dye the napkins. The finishing touch on the tables were antlers that belonged to Mark’s grandfather.

Many of our loved ones contributed to making our wedding weekend exceptional, from my sister-in-law Megan hand painting our wedding invitations, to our friend Jon marrying us, to our friend Brooke waking up before the sun to help me with florals. And that’s just to name a couple. It was truly a collaboration.

We lucked out with the most beautiful 80 degree fall weekend, while the leaves were in full color. All of our guests were able to take advantage of the waterfront. We swam, kayaked, and canoed.

One detail that was really important to me was to walk down the aisle by myself. My older brother, Alex, passed away when I was in college, and I always envisioned him walking me down. It was my way of honoring him. I was incredibly nervous to walk alone, but I knew he was there with me. Mark met me towards the end of the aisle and walked me the rest of the way.

I remember our ceremony being full of laughter.. Mark made a joke during his vows even though everyone advised him not to. It was hilarious, and perfectly reflects who we are as a couple.

After our wedding reception we had our friend Brendan’s band play a late night show in the camp dance hall. Little did I know Mark had a surprise for me. He jumped on stage and sang with the band “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis. I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry. I did a little of both. It was with-out- a-doubt the most romantic act he has ever done. It was brilliant, and I’m so happy it was caught on tape.

Our absolutely favorite moment for the both of us was watching our worlds collide, and everyone having such a good time. It was a very surreal experience.

Photography: Cambria Grace Photography | Floral Design: Wild Folk Studio | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Invitations: Megan Hanley + Wild Folk Studio | Rings: Erie Basin | Hair & Makeup: Kacie Corbelle | Bridal Boutique: Everthine Bridal Boutique | Bride's Bracelet: Cat Bird | Bridesmaid Dress: Zara | Camp: Windsor Mountain Summer Camp

How do you top off a destination wedding extravaganza from rehearsal dinner to ceremony to oceanside reception? A festive beach bonfire – that’s how. As a farewell for guests who traveled far and wide to celebrate, Michelle and Geoff along with Stefanie Miles planned a casual gathering on the sand complete with local cuisine, pretty Bows and Arrows blooms and fire dancers. See it all from the lens of Ryan Ray.

From Stefanie Miles… Many guests stayed at Flor De Cabrera during their time in Cabrera, and so we continued the celebration under the low palms on the secluded Flor De Cabrera beach the day after the wedding. In keeping with our goal of providing quality, memorable experiences for each of our 35 guests, this traditional Dominican fare dinner was made extra special with beautiful tables and florals set up under an intimate canopy of trees and strung lights, lounge areas that were laid out in the sand, fire dancers, and a sweet musical trio.

From The Bride…The day after our wedding we hosted a beach bonfire dinner that really was the perfect gesture of hospitality to end our destination wedding. It was wonderful to gather together to share a meal, exchange stories, and say our goodbyes. The entire weekend had been a series of unexpected, beautifully executed surprises from our team of vendors and this dinner was no exception. It left me feeling so content knowing that Geoff and I had successfully been able to use our wedding as an opportunity to serve, honor, and thank our guests for their love and support throughout our journeys to finding each other.

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Photography: Ryan Ray Photography | Videography: Candlelight Films | Florals: Bows and Arrows | Stationery : Ladyfingers Letterpress | Hair & Makeup: Amy Clarke | Venue: Flor De Cabrera | Design, Planning & Production: Stefanie Miles Events | Linens: BBJ La Tavola

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If you’re looking for the quintessential California wedding, look no further. This Napa Valley celebration hits every note, from epic farm-to-table feast to romantic winery views. Onelove Photography captured every inch of this summer soiree and I predict these pics becoming the new go-to source for all those seeking some rustic west coast wedding inspiration.

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From One Love Photography… This couple loves Calfornia for it’s culture: live folk music, wine and fresh produce, and wanted to showcase this at their wedding. It was all about the food! Guests were greeted with Spiked Strawberry Lemonade. Signature drinks were Greyhounds and Cucumber Collins, along with a Fine Scotch Bar.

From The Bride… Wine country is really special to us as a couple, so we didn’t want to do anything too flashy to overshadow the beauty and simplicity of that region. We picked all local wines and beers, and the food was farm-to-table. We are city and country so there was an elegance to a lot of the elements in the wedding while keeping the overall vibe down to earth. Adding the live Bluegrass band and having our first dance be a George Strait song while dancing in the dirt in Jimmy Choo’s and eating fresh oysters is a perfect example of how we tried to compliment various sides of our personalities and who we are as a couple.

Our venue had a balcony that overlooked our cocktail area and after the ceremony we headed up there to do a quick toast. First we spent about 10 minutes alone relishing what had just happened. Once we stepped on to the balcony it was so fun and touching to look out over all of the people we love most in the world.

Also our first dance is absolutely burned into memory, every second of it was delicious to just be completely wrapped up in each other and the moment.

Photography: onelove photography | Videography: Matter Video | Wedding Dress: Suzanne Neville | Jewelry: Wedding Atelier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Caterer: Off The Beaten Path Weddings | Hair And Makeup: Bella Bridal Hair & Makeup | Calligraphy: Kirby Salvador | DJ: Mount Tabor Park | Groom's Attire: Aksel Paris - Custom Suits | Event Coordination And Design: Off The Beaten Path Weddings | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

One bit from this couple’s sweet writeup really stuck with me: “Making each other laugh, pushing each other to be better and remembering to enjoy every moment together is a big part of our daily job.” Every inch of that statement is what a relationship and marriage should encompass, and it’s absolutely radiates from this duo’s gallery of gorgeous from Judy Pak.

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From The Couple…Brought together by the love of family, food and travel we have spent the last 5 years discovering the world together. In search of adventure, we packed our things and made the 3,000 mile journey from Seattle to our new home in the Big Apple. In New York, while struggling to establish ourselves, we fell in love all over again. Making each other laugh, pushing each other to be better and remembering to enjoy every moment together is a big part of our daily job. In the spring of 2014 we were engaged in Central Park with our family and friends there to celebrate with us. We will be married at the Metropolitan Building in Long Island City on September 13th. We are so excited to spend our lives with each other. Together, everyday is a new adventure.

Photography: Judy Pak Studio

Destination weddings are no easy feat, but with Stefanie Miles by their side, Michelle and Geoff manged to treat themselves (and all 35 guests!) to the day of a lifetime. From the oceanside ceremony to an al fresco reception, they made certain their intimate day was chock-full of beauty and Ryan Ray captured every last bit. See it all right here, and set aside three minutes for a look at the entire stunning event documented by Candlelight Films.

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From The Bride… For the planning of our wedding, Geoff and I handed over most of the decision making power to Stefanie Miles. I spent a lot of time with her describing how my love with Geoff made me feel, and asked her to translate that into a vision for our celebration and creating an unforgettable experience for our 35 guests. By not getting too caught up in the details of planning a wedding, we were mentally and emotionally available to focus on creating memories with each other and with our guests. When the day finally arrived, Geoff and I were able to fully live and savor each moment and detail for the first time along with our friends and family. With each surprise, I was continuously overwhelmed with peace, elation, and gratitude. The best way I can describe the experience is that I was living in a dream. Everything was indescribably beautiful, yet also felt incredibly genuine. I knew that each detail had been inspired by our love for each other and our love for our guests.

Casa Kimball was an already stunning property with its impressive architecture and boundless views of the ocean, but our vendors added the perfect elements that elevated the magical atmosphere. There were really too many perfect moments for me to put into words and it brings tears to my eyes even thinking about them to this day. I have never been the type of person who expected my wedding day to be my “best day ever”. There were so many joyful moments with my husband where I had experienced more happiness than I thought was possible, and I did not think that a single day could take claim to being the happiest of them all. But sure enough, by the end of the experience I knew for certain that it had been the best day of my life.

One of the most unexpected joys of having a destination wedding was the love, support, and friendship that I experienced from our dream team of vendors. Our intimate wedding was all about love and people, and it was incredibly special for me to have our wedding vendors be a part of that. They were able to spend time with us and our guests and their presence was a wonderful addition. When you take the time to get to know and care about the people to whom you are entrusting many important aspects of your wedding, you gain the special experience of knowing that all of their hard work was inspired because they care about you in return. Each of our vendors served and supported us far beyond the scope of their services, and there will forever be a special place for them in my heart.

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Photography: Ryan Ray Photography | Videography: Candlelight Films | Coordination: Felicita Garcia | Wedding Dress: Anna Maier/Ulla-Majia Couture, Laetitia from Marina Morrison | Cake: Reposteria Dilaflor | Catering: D’Arias Catering | Hair & Makeup: Amy Clarke | Groom’s Attire: J Crew | Chargers:Posh Couture Rentals | Event Planning & Design: Stefanie Miles | Florals: Bows and Arrows | Linens: La Tavola | Paper & Calligraphy: Ladyfinger Letterpress | Wedding Venue: Casa Kimball

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When your mom is as stylish as Lexi of Glitter, Inc., it’s a given that your nursery is going to be one of the most impeccably styled spots in town. And from the first bonjour captured by Diana Zapata, to the tutu-filled dressing rack. this french-inspired nursery of baby Scarlett is a little girl’s (and a big girl’s) dream. See the full nursery tour in all its black, gold and blush glory right here.

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We couldn’t believe how lucky we were when we found out we were having a baby. Decorating our little girl’s room was just the icing on the cake.

I knew from the start that I wanted something neutral, soft, and dreamy, with pops of black, gold, and subtle hints of very pale pink. I tried to be wary of keeping the design from getting too black (because goodness knows if I could paint the world in black, I would … or at the very least, throw a black leather jacket on everyone.) And black was a non-negotiable when I discovered the black-spotted crib sheets and the black and gold clothing rack. Keeping the room light and fun was a must, because a little girl was going to live in and love that room. The more modern white crib, dresser, and bookcase lent itself to a more playful space. I also always wanted the room to have a notable French vibe, something very Parisian and chic, with vintage touches. That was all mommy. I knew that travel and great vintage-inspired pieces had to find their way into the mix, and I figured roses would be the feminine flower touch of choice. The real trick was fitting everything into the very tiny former “office” without it feeling too overcrowded.

Today, Scarlett’s nursery is ever a work in progress. We’re always adding fun and quirky touches, and as she gets older, it’s toy central. We’re loving every second of it.

Photography: Diana Zapata | Design : Lex & Liv Design | Styling: Glitter Inc. | Blabla Knit Dolls: Layla Grace | Black and White Heart Knitted Blanket: Yarningmade | Board Inspiration: Lex & Liv Design | Bonjour Wire Script: Amazon | DIY Felt Nursery Banner: Glitter Inc. | Emily + Merritt Wardrobe Rack: Amazon | Glider Arm Chair and Ottoman: All Modern | Gold Globe: Amazon | Gold Moccasins: Amazon | Gold Prints: Lindsay Letters | Gold Sequin Hanger: Pearls And Pastries | Hand-painted Announcement Chalkboard: Beth And Borrow | Heirloom Moccasins: Freshly Picked | High Chair: Layla Grace | Hottsie Dottsie Fitted Crib Sheet: Amazon | In Bloom Book Collection: Amazon | Intaglio Dresser: Amazon | Leather Triangle Mobile: The Alison Show | Metallic Pandan Bins: Amazon | Mid-Century Bookcase: Dwell Studio | Mid-Century Crib and Dresser: All Modern | Pebble Pure Crib Mattress: Layla Grace | Pink Piano: Amazon | Sheepskin Rug: Amazon | Souk Wool Rug: Amazon | Tassel Garland: Studio Mucci | Tissue Paper Flowers: Lovelyfest Goods Etsy Shop

If you are anything like me (and I know you are), you’ve been spending your entire morning obsessing over those drool-worthy gowns that walked the red carpet at the Oscars yesterday.  Well, lovelies, add another bundle of beautiful to that list of wow gowns, because Madison James is introducing their first ever special occasion collection and, just as expected, it’s beyond awesome.

Absolutely gorgeous, the new Madison James collection is overflowing with rich embellishments, delicate laces and intricate beading.  It’s that sort of red carpet worthy look you’ve been searching for that also happens to be perfect for any of those special wedding events you have on your itinerary.  Think formal engagement parties, luxe rehearsal dinners and everything in between.  Not to mention that fabulous reception change that will leave all of your guests talking.

Amazing colors, stunning details and fabulous silhouettes… visit Madison James NOW to find that dress of your dreams.

Designer: Madison James | Fashion Sketches: Katie Rodgers With Paper Fashion

Set amongst the enchanted Malibu mountains and sprinkled with glowing chandeliers, this enchanted forest fete from Sara Lucero and Amari Productions is captivating to say the least. Because when the Bride’s mother owns a lighting company, Mi Casa Lighting, drenching your Big Day in gorgeous chandeliers is a must. Coordinated beautifully by A Signature Wedding, every piece fits together like a perfectly pretty puzzle.

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From Sara Lucero…George is an East Coast boy and Angelica was born and raised on the West Coast, but they fell in love in Chiacgo and now have their lives there together. The wedding day was mixed with ivy league quality details and a laid back southern California charm… and it was absolutely perfectly beautiful.

From the beautiful Bride…Walking towards my husband that day at Calamigos Ranch, I felt a deep sense of peace and ineffable bliss that will stay with me forever. The beauty of the surroundings granted me a sensory experience unlike any other; the sight of the sunshine peaking through the trees with the majestic Malibu mountains in the background, the sweet fragrance of flowers and sweet scented herbs that filled the air, the gentle sound of the Spanish guitar playing in the background, the palpable outpouring of love from our loved ones, all beautifully coalesced to amplify, and make tangible, the feeling of the abundance of life and love in our lives.

From the onset, we knew we wanted our wedding to reflect our relationship; easy, natural, simple, serene, and whimsical. An “enchanted forest” theme seemed fitting. Primary petals helped the enchanted forest come to life with lots of beautiful greens, like olive and eucalyptus, for a minimal feel. We believed that the natural surrounding was beautiful as it was and wished to only minimally enhance nature.

My mothers store Mi Casa Lighting, provided the 12 chandeliers that decorated the ceremony and reception, and that added the “enchanted” to the “enchanted forest” theme. The cloudy blue bridesmaid dresses contrasted perfectly with the abundance of green and were reminiscent of of the beautiful brightness of the sky. Following the ceremony, everyone danced the night away under a large canopy to Dashing Events tunes.

In the end, we could not have envisioned a more perfect day. Thanks to our wedding planner Monique at A Signature Wedding, and everyone else, our day was filled with much harmony, nature, love, happiness and laughter. Thanks to Sara Lucero and Amari productions for capturing our big day.

Photography: Sara Lucero | Videography: Amari Productions | Coordination: A Signature Wedding | Floral Design: Primary Petals | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: A Sweet Design | Ceremony Venue: Calamigos Ranch | Reception Venue: Calamigos Ranch | Lighting: Mi Casa Lighting | DJ: Dashing Events | Hair & Make Up: Fiore Beauty

After poring through their gorgeous rehearsal, I was kind of convinced it couldn’t get much better. But sure enough, cross the talents of Ryan Ray, Candlelight Films, Stefanie Miles, Bows and Arrows and Felicita Garcia, and you get a destination wedding that’s one for the books. Dressed in a palette of ivories, golds and creams set against the blue ocean waves this gallery is pure nuptial paradise and wedding day part two is just minutes away.

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From Stefanie Miles… Casa Kimball is beautifully unique in it’s location, privacy, and architecture and we sought to create a design that would complement the stunning local white coral stone, and the effortless and minimal design of the property. We chose a palette of whites, ivories, golds, and creams to carry throughout the design (even into the bridal party attire) with minimal accents of ocean blue. With a 270 degree view of the ocean for the ceremony backdrop, less was definitely more in this beautiful environment. The bride’s love for peonies was no small feat to have imported in to the country, but we were blessed with some of the most beautiful blooms for their special celebration. The celebration lasted for hours with fireworks to cap off the evening, and an after-party in the infinity pool for an experience this sweet couple and their guests will not soon forget.

Photography: Ryan Ray Photography | Videography: Candlelight Films | Event Design: Stefanie Miles Events | Event Planning: Stefanie Miles Events | Florals: Bows and Arrows | Wedding Dress: Anna Maier | Cake: Reposteria Dilaflor | Catering: D'Arias Catering | Hair & Makeup: Amy Clarke | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Wedding Venue: Casa Kimball | Chargers: Posh Couture Rentals | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper & Calligraphy: Ladyfingers Letterpress | Venue Coordination & Production Assistance: Felicita Garcia | Wedding Boutique: Marina Morrison

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Bows and Arrows

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Once you spend more than a minute on this here blog, you’ll get that we are serious about our parties. So much so that we have a crazy good collection of themes and food ideas, cocktails and DIY’s too. Today we’re rounding up 30 of our favorite party DIY’s to date. They run the gamut in terms of ease and style but one thing is for certain, they are all part of the Best Ever club.

30 of the Best Party DIYs EVER

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30 of the Best Party DIYs EVER

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I believe a little dash of Southern charm can, and should, be added to every celebration, whether you’re in Mississippi or Montana. These southern California sweeties brought that flair to their rustic ranch wedding, and combined with Cali’s summer style, it made for one fantastic mix. Katie Shuler snapped it all and Amari Productions brought it to life, so we can start pinning the pretty details right here.

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From The Bride… My husband and I took on a lot of projects for our wedding. We got engaged on February 23, 2013, and because we specifically wanted a July wedding, planned our wedding a year and a half out in order to accommodate all of our DIY projects. It’s important to give yourself an ample amount of time if you plan on having a handmade wedding. Trust me – I was still doing projects up until about a day before our rehearsal dinner because of unforeseen events, i.e. three weeks of pneumonia for me (one month before gracing the aisle!) Thankfully, my handy husband and bridesmaids tackled several items on my to-do list during that time. Our proudest DIY projects include all of our wooden signage, hand painted by my Husband, and our tattered fabric American flag. These were our focal points throughout all three areas: ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

Both of us being, ironically, Georgia Peaches who met on the west coast, wanted to bring the south to California. One thing my husband and I have in common is the fact that we both moved quite a bit throughout our upbringing. We have each lived in several states and have family in different places throughout the US. This led us to our idea of hosting a celebration with a “family reunion” theme. Our tables were labeled by the different states we’ve lived in, with a personal fact about either of us on the back on the table marker.

The majority of our wedding guests traveled to be with us on our special day. We kept our numbers small in order to accommodate all family members, who were willing to travel, and just a few of our closest friends. This made for the intimate atmosphere we had hoped for. Being in July, we wanted to have an underlying patriotic theme, mostly carried throughout our color scheme of pale blues, lacy whites and blush pinks. We love country music and we love a down home good time! We wanted our ceremony to be traditional and sophisticated, despite our non-Church venue, and for our cocktail hour and reception to be a comfortable, playful backyard BBQ atmosphere. Overall, our day was filled with lots of laughs, sweet tea, lemonade and dancing to the tunes of The Drinking Cowboy Band! We even had true southern appetizers, such as hush puppies, mac-and-cheese and fried green tomatoes.

Photography: Katie Shuler Photography | Videographer: Amari Productions | Wedding Planner: Liz Beck Events | Florist: Flowers Annette Gomez | Wedding Dress: Hope Stanley | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bari Jay | Catering: Festivities Catering | Band: The Drinking Cowboy | Groom's Attire: A Better Deal Tuxedo | Venue: Los Peñasquitos Adobe Ranch House | Cake & Desserts: Elizabethan Desserts | Photography - Assistance: Wade Carr | Reception Dress: Tadashi Shoji | Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Abbey Party Rents

Maybe it’s the streamliner reception, the cafe lights adorning the scenery, or the fact that this Bride is one serious baker, but something is seriously special about this outdoor affair. Starting with the perfectly pink Petals, Ink. bouquets, to the couple’s sweetly sentimental vows, every moment Luxe Photography snapped up is sweet and sentimental. See it all right here!

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From the beautiful Bride… I first met Will through work. We worked at a large company of over six hundred employees in Austin, Texas. Will and I worked on separate floors but we worked on similar projects so we spoke over the phone quite often. After a few months of subtle flirting, I found myself developing a small crush on Will without ever having seen his face. I had started making up reasons to call him just so I could hear his voice. I decided that this was unacceptable and that I had to see what he looked liked once and for all. Once I did, it was all over for me. I fell head over heels for his boyish grin and puppy dog eyes. My small crush had turned into a full blown one.

Having never pursued a man before, I took my mothers wise advise “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”! I started baking treats like cookies and brownies every Friday to take down to his floor with the excuse “I just think we all should get to know each other better!” I of course went around and talked to everyone and passed out cookies so that I wouldn’t look too desperate, but I of course lingered a little longer at Will’s desk to make sure he knew it was all for him. After a few weeks of this he was mine!

Fast forward three years and we were engaged! Within a week of getting engaged, I fell in love for a second time with Laguna Gloria and booked it on the spot! I move fast when I know what I want! Being at Laguna Gloria is like being in a secret garden in Italy. The gorgeous house built in the 1920’s brings you back in time and the lake view makes one feel like you are in another country. It was the perfect outdoor setting that we were looking for and that I had always imagined.

Will and I got married under the Temple of Love surrounded by our closest friends and family on a warm June evening. The gazebo was tucked away on a lagoon with trees and water surrounding us. The beauty was further enhanced by the lush and vibrant pink bouquets adorning the gazebo. Our fairytale ceremony turned out to be exactly what we wanted. It was heartfelt, spiritual and intimate.

The reception was equally important to Will and I. Our main concern was for everyone to have fun and relax. We picked an amazing local band to get everyone up and dancing. I can still remember the moment the sun went down and the twinkle lights turned on, it felt like magic. After that, you couldn’t pull us off the dance floor! We did take a short break to cut the bride and grooms cake! I had decided to make the groom’s cake myself. After four years of baking, my simple cookies and brownies that I made for friends had evolved into more extravagant cakes that I charged for money. It only seemed fitting that I make his cake considering that’s how I won his heart. It took a lot of preparation and time the week before the wedding but it turned out to be my best cake yet. I even went so far as to make edible sugar beer bottles! I was so happy that I was able to create something so memorable and so perfectly catered to Will for the wedding since it was his day too!

I’m amazed how smooth the day went and how everything just fell into place. We had the best night of our lives and wish we could do it again. I’m so thankful we have beautiful pictures and video to look back on and remember our magical day!

Photography: Luxe Photography | Videography: Ryan Serr | Wedding Coordinator: Austin Wedding Planners by Rosa | Floral Design: Petals, ink. | Wedding Dress: Mayfair Bridal | Cake: Sugar Mama's Bakeshop | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Nordstrom | Catering: Pink Avocado | Makeup: Adore Makeup Salon | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Wedding Venue: The Contemporary Austin

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Royal Dukes Band

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A ballroom affair from Dishy Events, I am absolutely smitten with this gorgeous wedding. With just the right blend of elegance and whimsy, every detail has sent me into a perpetual daydream. I mean, just look at those stunning Sisters Flowers blooms. Complete with a meringue-esque cake and a garland wearing golden pup, every detail  from Jordan Brittley is darling and you can see it all here!

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From Jordan Brittley.. This St Louis ballroom wedding is dripping with stunning details for Nicole and Drew’s darling affair! You will fall in love with their yellow lab and just how much they love each other.

From the beautiful Bride… I have two memories that will forever be etched in my heart. The first is when the doors at church opened and I was about to walk down the aisle with my dad to see Drew for the first time. I was so overwhelmed with love between that moment with my dad, all of our friends and family present, supporting us and sharing our joy and finally arriving at the top of the alter and having Drew take my hand as we were about to begin the rest of our lives together. The other moment was when we got a sneak peek of the Ballroom at The Coronado before the reception began. It was just Drew and I. I remember feeling a burst of excitement and accomplishment that our dream of having a beautiful, intimate environment for the people that mean the very most to us, had finally come true! It was the best day of our lives!

Advice for future brides: Find 10 minutes! Take 5 minutes by yourself before the day begins to reflect on all the many wonderful things that have brought you to this day and take the other 5 minutes to be alone with your groom to soak up the day that was made for the two of you!

Photography: Jordan Brittley | Videography: Brian Gaadt Productions | Event Planning: Dishy Events | Floral Design: Sisters Flowers | Dress: Maiden Voyage | Ceremony Venue: St Raphael | Reception Venue: Coronado Ballroom | Shoes: Kate Spade | Jewelry: Genovese Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Maiden Voyage | Makeup: Makeup Artistry | Hair: Pixies Hair Design | Transportation: St Louis Trolley | Invitation: Vellum | Veil: Maiden Voyage

I’ve seen a lot of gorgeous Cancun weddings in my day, but never one done quite like this.  Think sophisticated gold hues, a stunning al fresco reception (complete with chandeliers) and a fun four day weekend with some crazy pampering.  This, my friends, is Cancun glamour to the extreme.  See it all captured by Ashley McCormick right here, and in the breathtaking film from Justin Clough below.  

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From Ashley McCormick… Lindsey and Jeremy were married at the gorgeous Le Blanc Resort in Cancun, Mexico. The pair loves to travel together, and having been to Cancun a few times throughout their relationship, they knew it would be the perfect destination spot for their intimate, 50 person wedding. Le Blanc is a gorgeous hotel that is all white, giving the wedding a modern and airy feel to it. Lindsey left no detail undone, flying over seven suitcases down with her “details” for their big day. One of the most unique details was their “kissing maracas”, meant for the guests to shake to make the couple kiss; a little nod to the country they were in.

From the Mother of the Bride… Before stepping out, I took a long look behind me. I could barely see her through the assembled wedding party who excitedly chatted in their flowing blush pink dresses and black tuxes with bow ties. The late afternoon sun was still bright in a cloudless sky and palm trees bowed to the warm breeze… it was Cancún, after all. My daughter, Lindsey, was about to marry her best friend, Jeremy, and I wanted to cherish the moment.

Finally I caught a glimpse of the beautiful bride. We were gathered in the resort’s lobby ready to proceed to the ceremony on a grassy area overlooking the ocean. Lindsey looked radiant… a bouquet of assorted soft-colored peonies in one hand and her father’s arm in the other. After 16 months of preparations, it was time to walk down the aisle.

Lindsey grew up in Wisconsin and when she moved west, I jokingly told her to “find a nice Midwestern boy.” And within a year she met Jeremy, who is also from Wisconsin! After four years of dating, he proposed to her during a Sunday morning hike through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve near their Arizona home.

They wanted a destination wedding because it offered more than just a day to celebrate, although, finding the right place took time. They explored tropical locations from the Dominican Republic to Jamaica. It was the all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancún that offered everything they were looking, so they set the date for April 26, 2014.

Lindsey has exquisite style, so we knew everything would be exceptional, yet we were stunned by her impeccable attention to detail. It started with the invitation that arrived in a gold-lined, ivory envelope addressed in her creative handwriting. Inside she wrapped the ivory linen cards together in black grosgrain ribbon secured with a pearl-studded pin. Lindsey chose elegant calligraphy for the invitation that had details about the weekend’s festivities, resort accommodations, and activities including golf and spa treatments. There was also a link to the bride and groom’s website with information about booking flights and passports, profiles of the wedding party and their love story.

Upon arriving at Le Blanc, we were welcomed with champagne flutes filled with luxurious coconut milk. While seated at the check-in desk, the staff offered us warm neck wraps and every woman received a rose. It was impossible not to be distracted by the wall-to-wall glass doors framing a spectacular view of the infinity pool and stunning blue ocean! The adorably-kind butlers delivered gift bags from the bride and groom to every guest room before our arrival. Lindsey had stamped “LJ” in gold on the bags and filled them with little treats and necessities, plus some of the couple’s favorite things. An especially great idea was the covered cups with straws to use by the pool that she customized with “LJ” and a sparkly diamond ring sticker for the girls and a mustache for the guys. Also enclosed was a “Welcome to México!” packet printed on ivory linen cards and tied with pretty tulle ribbon. It included a schedule of the wedding events, helpful Spanish phrases, information about the resort and spa, and a sweet note from Lindsey and Jeremy.

The four-day celebration began on Thursday evening with the wedding rehearsal. On Friday evening, the Lindsey and Jeremy hosted a Welcome White Party on the beach. We all dressed in white, left our shoes behind and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and signature “white” drinks with gold foil napkins saying “Every great love story begins with a cocktail, at least ours did!” As the sun set, we lingered and mingled on the white, cushioned couches for hours.

The wedding was at 4 o’clock on Saturday afternoon.  Before the ceremony, Lindsey and Jeremy shared an emotional “first look.” They met in the lobby where its floor-to-ceiling white draperies provided a studio-like backdrop for photographs. After pictures with the wedding party and family, it was time for the wedding. Well, after the bridesmaids shared a private toast with Lemon Drop shots!

About 55 guests welcomed the bride as she walked down an aisle covered in pale pink and ivory rose petals. The accompanying music was Canon in D, a song Lindsey had grown up playing on the piano and dreamt about hearing someday as she walked toward her handsome groom. Lindsey and Jeremy shared individually-written vows and happy tears. After a sentimental blessing by the officiant, the new Mr. and Mrs. Riechers kissed and glowingly retreated hand-in-hand to Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend.”

While the wedding party took pictures and had fun with the videographer, guests were led to an outdoor minibar featuring bride and groom specialty drinks with blush/white or gold/white striped straws. Lindsey also had gold foil napkins reading “Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy and Lindsey Riechers.” When the wedding party joined the guests, we toasted the newlyweds with champagne. Before dinner everyone gathered in the lobby where Lindsey’s brother, Owen, surprised the couple by playing “River Flows in You” on the grand piano.

As we stepped onto the private terrace for the reception, the sunset was breathtaking. Guests were seated at round tables with gold sequined tablecloths and statuesque vases of peonies, roses and ranunculus. The lavender lighting and floating candles in staggered vessels created a magical atmosphere. On each gold-beaded dinner charger was a menu card rimmed in sparkling gold with place cards set in crystal, diamond-shaped holders. The bride and groom were seated with the wedding party at a large table. Vases wrapped in ivory silk bows held the bridesmaid’s bouquets. Lindsey and Jeremy planned their wedding to be black tie, yet they also wanted a touch of México. So they provided gold maracas decorated with tulle ribbon and a tag saying, “Shake this to make the Mr. & Mrs. Kiss!”

Following dessert, Jeremy made a loving toast to his bride and guests. Then suddenly the large, terrace double doors opened to a lighted dance floor and energetic music by Miami DJ Benji Solis. We all flooded the dance floor! In the terrace lobby, everyone had fun taking Polaroids for the guest book and writing in marriage advice, silly memories and good wishes for the newlyweds. On an adjoining table, black & white wedding photos of Lindsey and Jeremy’s relatives were displayed in antique gold frames. Midnight arrived much too soon!

The day after the wedding was set aside for relaxing in the warm México sunshine. Guests lounged by the pool or in beachfront cabanas, walked along the shore and took advantage of spa treatments.

On Monday morning Lindsey and Jeremy hosted a Newlywed Brunch in a secluded poolside area. There were platters of scrumptious pastries, fresh fruits, mimosas, hot or chilled coffees, and plenty of luxurious coconut milk! All of the food and service at Le Blanc was excellent — the staff always replied to guests with “It’s my pleasure!” We admitted to being spoiled for life!

Before leaving for the airport that afternoon, I looked back and cherished seeing my daughter with her new husband both so happily in love and ready to begin their new life together!

Photography: Ashley McCormick Photography | Videography: Justin Clough | Floral Design: Maya Floral | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Le Blanc | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Le Blanc | DJ: Benji Solis | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Audio/Visual: JSAV | Bridal Salon: Destiny's Bridal | Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Location: Le Blanc | Rentals: Le Blanc

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Bridesmaid

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Sometimes Mondays call for a heaping helping of pretty to really kick of the week, and today we are getting our fill of gorgeous thanks to this earthy inspiration shoot from Andrea Pesce Photography. Styled to perfection by Wright Events Services with stunning florals from Black Creek Flowers & Sweets and rentals from Paisley & Jade, this gallery is overflowing with the most fabulous textures and design moments, making the start to this week extra lovely.

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Photography: Andrea Pesce Photography | Event Design: Wright Events Services | Floral Design: Black Creek Flowers & Sweets | Wedding Dress: Tiffany's Bridal | Groom's Attire: Beecroft & Bull | Venue: Belle Isle | Bridal Headpieces: Ma's Mad House | Bride(Model): Shirley Chung | Calligraphy - Invitation & Menu: Sincerely Amy Designs | Groom(Model): JR Hadley - Boylan Heights Burger Bar Owner | Musicians: Mountain Larks | Rentals: Paisley & Jade | Wedding Favor - Manhattan Kit: Kitsy California