Any day we have a Simply Bloom wedding on the pages of SMP is a good day in my book, and it will only take on look at the pretty below to see why. Romantic, gorgeously captured and filled with heart-felt details – this gallery is basically my dream come true. See it all here.

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Every since I was a little girl I loved the color pink (blush pink in particular) and I love the color with gold. This was basically my inspiration. I am an avid lover of thrift store shopping and bargain hunting. Pretty much everything for the wedding was found in a local thrift store. Vintage couches, anything brass or gold, and anything Victorian. I was going for a “Marie Antoinette in Alabama”.

We found the venue together and it was not like the usual Southern barns you see in weddings down South. It was fairly new and was set upon 23 acres of beautiful landscape. The ceremony took place at St. Mary’s of the Visitation Catholic Church where Krzysztof and I were member’s of. We had a full mass and included 7 groomsmen and 7 bridesmaids. The church was beautiful on it’s own so decor was unnecessary. Finery’s Traci Rush and I got together and I was able to explain to her my vision for the reception and she was able to set everything up according to my plan. We had a cigar bar out under the “hay barn” where there were two gorgeous vintage sitting areas and an electric violinist playing during cocktail hour. The DJ played much techno since that was our favorite genre of music. And our Polish and Korean families danced together.

The incredible cake that I sketched up was put together by Slice at a Time and was a showstopper….she made it look exactly like I envisioned. An almost 3′ tall fondant, almond cake surrounded by ruffles and gold touches. And of course what “french princess” wouldn’t have a delicious macaron tower to go along with it? We also included a tea and coffee station for after our plated dinner (on vintage mismatched china) that included a full course of Polish cuisine, we loved being able to see all of our family and bridal party at the head of a 48 foot long head table centered in the barn. Our lengthy reception of 6 hours ended with us walking between our wonderful friends and family lighting sparklers. The videographer, I Do Flix did a remarkable job capturing what all we missed and our lovely and talented photographer, Vania Morris from Simply Bloom Photography took some amazing shots. We could not have asked for a better wedding. I finally married my Polish Prince and lived happily ever after.

Photography: Simply Bloom Photography | Videography: I Do Flix | Planner: Finery Boutique | Florist: 333 Designs | Wedding Gown: Mori Lee | Stationary: Colorhouse | Church: St. Mary Of The Visitation Catholic Church | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Angelo | Caterer: The Chef Next Door | DJ: Metropolitan Disc Jockey | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Barn: Hampton Cove Wedding Plantation | Baker: Slice At A Time | Bar Service: Premium Shakers | China Rental: Decorous Dishes | Photobooth Rental: Memory Maker Photobooth | Violinist: Winslow Davis

With the crisp, cool air of autumn right around the corner, I’m craving rustic barns, twinkling lights and dusky gray skies like you wouldn’t believe. And thanks to Krystal Kast, I’m getting my fall fix today with this cozy affair held at Fearrington Village. Complete with a couple adorable white belly-striped cows, a candlelit aisle and a wildly beautiful bouquet from Mary Stevens, it’s easy to get comfy in this gallery.

From Krystal Kast Photography… Erica and Matt met while working at the National Basketball Association. Their friendship grew into a relationship and after almost three years, Matt surprised Erica by proposing on the same spot they first met at the NBA offices. No wonder this couple sprinted to their “I do’s” and were one of the happiest couples to be married this year!

From the beautiful Bride…We got married on an absolutely gorgeous November evening in North Carolina. Our ceremony was outdoors in the peaceful gardens of the Fearrington, the ideal venue for our romantic and intimate wedding. During our ceremony, the sun set behind the fall foliage and a full moon rose high in the clear sky, allowing the candles to shine bright and cast a warm glow on our friends and family. The reception was in the charming Fearrington barn, which was elegantly styled in all white decor with pops of color from the stunning floral centerpieces arranged by Mary Stevens. Our friends and family danced the night away to Sol Fusion, a phenomenal eleven-piece band that impressed us with their powerful singing and entertaining mash ups. We enjoyed delicious food and cake, the latter designed beautifully with cascading roses in shades of fuchsia, ombre-styled. The guests bid us farewell with dazzling sparklers and then indulged in the locally-made Chapel Hill Toffee, their parting favor, on the way home. Most special day of our lives.

Photography: Krystal Kast Photography | Floral Design: The Fearrington House | Wedding Dress: L'Fay Bridal | Invitations: Smock | Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung | Makeup And Hair: Makeupforyourday | Grooms Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Ceremony Music: Arioso Strings | Bridal Jewelry: Kate Spade | Bride And Bridal Shoes: Nina | Ceremony And Reception Venue: The Fearrington House | Coorindation: The Fearrington House | Reception Music: Sol Fusion | Save The Dates: A Printable Press | Transporations: Carolina Livery

You know, not all that long ago I was placed firmly in camp don’t-mess-with-the-smore. It’s chocolatey, graham cracker-y, sticky perfection that simply doesn’t need to be tampered with. And then I started seeing all sorts of crazy versions pop up every which way. And I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve been converted. From ice cream sandwiches to popcorn and beyond, here are 15 awesome ways to eat the goods.

15 Ways to Eat a S'more

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15 Ways to Eat a S'more

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What happens when you take a rustic farm wedding and add a little Middle Eastern infusion? Sit tight m’dears, because you’re about to find out. Think Southern elegance with oh-so-sutble cultural nods woven in along the way. Beehive Events designed the florals, Jen Fariello snapped the pretty, and there’s even more to swoon sitting pretty right here.

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From the Bride… My husband, Ammar, and I were both medical interns, he in Oral and Facial surgery, and I in Obstetrics and Gynecology, in June of 2010 when we first met. We both worked intense hours in the hospital, and thought that it would be absolutely impossible to meet anyone special given those circumstances. However, one late Friday night we crossed paths while working in the Emergency Room. There was an immediate chemistry and after that, it was all history. The only major hurdle was that I was a blonde American, and Ammar was from a long line of Middle Eastern ancestors – would they accept me and my family, and would my family, in turn, accept Ammar and his family into their lives?

Amazingly, it all went swellingly well. We were engaged several months later in Charlottesville, Virginia at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Ammar proposed on the front lawn of Monticello after a fresh snowfall, and it was absolutely magical. We have a mutual love for the Charlottesville area as we both attended the University of Virginia as undergraduates, and we return frequently to enjoy hiking in the Blue Ridge mountains, touring cideries and wineries, and attending college football games with family. We drove back to nearby Richmond, Virginia, where we were now Chief Residents in our respective fields, and immediately started planning our Charlottesville wedding.

We love the outdoors and Virginia history, and wanted a wedding venue that would showcase both of these. We toured many of the area’s wineries and cideries and ultimately fell in love with the beautiful Castle Hill Cider, which is situated on the Castle Hill Plantation in Keswick, Virginia. We loved the rustic feel of the venue, and it’s simple and beautiful setting beneath the Blue Ridge mountains. Our wedding took place in July, and we wanted our colors, pewter, rose, and soft coral, to be subtle and beautiful, not taking away from the beauty of the natural surroundings and fitting well with our vintage, rustic/chic style.

It was very important for us to incorporate both of our cultures in the wedding. We had a traditional Arabic ceremony on Friday night, just before our rehearsal dinner where we sat at an Arabic sofrah table, adorned with items that represented wishes for a happy, healthy, loving marriage and life together. We feasted over a traditional Middle Eastern dinner while a musician played live music with an oud. After dinner, the women enjoyed a traditional henna ceremony. Our wedding at Castle Hill Cider was more classically American, though we wrote our own wedding ceremony and vows, incorporating readings from both the Bible and the Qur’an as well as poetry that was sentimental to both of us. We were married under the shade of the linden trees, where hanging vases of fresh flowers blew gently in the Summer breeze. The cocktail hour took place in the linden grove, and then the guests proceeded into the barn.

After dinner and some dancing, a belly dancer appeared and performed a sword dance as well as traditional dance. Wedding cake was served along side an assortment of Middle Eastern pastries. We gave guests traditional packages of Jordan almonds, packaged in parcels of seven pieces to represent good luck for the newly married couple. We finished off the evening with a traditional Arabic dabke dance and a sparkler exit – we drove off in white 1940 Packard limousine and had a beautiful ride through the Virginia countryside with the windows rolled down and the sweet smell of blooming honeysuckle blowing through our hair. The night would not have been complete without kissing Thomas Jefferson’s statue at the University of Virginia Rotunda.  

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Photography: Jen Fariello Photography | Floral Design: Beehive Events | Videography: Kirby Martin | Hair: Lucas Shaffer | Catering: Sandy Motley | Event Planning: The Event Company | Invitations: Paper On The Avenue | Cake: Cakes By Rachel | Wedding Dress: Ines DiSanto | Bridesmaids Dresses: Lula Kate From Bella Bridesmaids | Headband + Bracelet: BHLDN

There are so many moments captured by Ayenia Nour Photography of this gorgeous wedding planned by Exquisite Affairs Productions I adore, but there are two that truly make me weak in the knees. First, is that ceremony setting. It’s beyond and will probably day in my dreams for days. Second, is the way these two look at each other. Obviously, there is so much more to swoon over, but a Groom that looks at his gorgeous Bride that way always wins in my book.

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After deciding we waited long enough to get married, we booked and planned our wedding in less than 3 months! I had a vision of the venue style I wanted, I was looking for a clean modern look with outdoor option. With one look at the newly renovated room at Chateau Briand, I was sold! The outdoor area provided a romantic aisle to meet my groom.

Pinterest helped me find inspiration and organize ideas. I tried to stick to a timeless style. Lucky we had the support of our talented family and friends. My mother-in-law addressed all of our invitations with her calligraphy. A dear family friend brought my bridal vision to life, first by creating a headband out of a piece I found, then by shifting the belt on my dress. I wore my sister’s handmade cathedral mantilla veil to complete a classic look. To stay connected throughout the day, I held my grandmother’s handkerchief with my bouquet, pinned with her photo charm.

No wedding is complete without a few DIY projects. My card box was a group effort to create the look of a draped veil. My sister is a “day of” wedding coordinator and quickly had recommendations for vendors. Photographer Ayenia Nour and videographer 15 Minutes of Frame, captured the love we felt that day. Under a tree planted for his grandfather, at Corey’s parents historic Long Island home, I had my first look at my handsome groom, followed by photos around the beautiful southern looking grounds. It was a day we will never forget.

Photography: Ayenia Nour | Event Planning: Exquisite Affairs Productions | Floral Design: Flowers by Burton | Wedding Dress: Kleinfeld Kollection - Alita Graham | Bride's Shoes: Nina | Make Up: Nicole Sievers Makeup Artistry | Limo: Camelot Specialty Limo | Venue: Chateau Briand | Video: 15 Minutes of Frame

Now that you’ve had a chance to pore through six of the most gorgeous weddings we could find, it’s time to round out Wedding Wednesday with just one more delight.  NLC Productions designed this colorful, fresh take on the wine country affair, and thanks to Michael Costa we get to swoon every last bit. Get started here.

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From The Bride…Kyle and I met ten years ago at the University of Southern California. My roommate brought me to a party one night, telling me that she had a feeling I would really like this nice guy Kyle from Kansas City. From the first time I saw him sitting on an air mattress and strumming Radiohead songs on his guitar, I knew my roommate was right.

During the years that we lived together in Los Angeles, the Santa Barbara Wine Country became our very favorite weekend destination to escape from the city. Although we have since relocated to New York City, Kyle and I decided to return to Southern California for our wedding as it represented a place of happiness and many fond memories for us, not to mention the ideal weather. We chose Stanford Winery & Vineyards in Lompoc for our wedding venue because of its rustic beauty and incredible flexibility that the property offered.

Our ceremony took place on the lawn behind the barrel room with the picturesque Sanford vineyards and Santa Rita hills as a backdrop. Guests then moved to the patio and barrel room for a cocktail hour with a mini wine tasting flight and hors d’oeuvres. For dinner, we worked with NLC Productions and Seasons Catering to develop three incredible stations to reflect our favorite foods from New York, Kansas City, and Southern California. For dessert, a variety of mini cupcakes from Enjoy Cupcakes were served and guests were also invited to cook s ’mores on the back patio. The whole party danced up a storm in the open air patio surrounded by the enormous steel wine aging tanks. Guests took home a wooden flash drive customized with our initials and a playlist of our favorite songs played at the wedding.

We couldn’t have asked for a more proactive and talented team of artists to help us plan this wedding from across the country. NLC Productions truly inspired us with their ideas and execution and somehow managed to make the Sanford property even more gorgeous than it already was. We had a blast developing our menu with Seasons Catering and their staff couldn’t have been more pleasant. Although we are typically a camera shy couple, Michael and Anna Costa Photography helped us feel perfectly relaxed and captured so many stunning memories from the day. And Luna Bella Hair & Makeup made the women in both of our families feel natural and beautiful throughout the day.

Photography: MICHAEL + ANNA COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY | Coordination: Donna Romani Events | Event Design: NLC Productions | Floral Design: NLC Productions | Cake: Enjoy Cupcakes | Ceremony Venue: Sanford Winery | Catering: Seasons Catering | Lighting Design: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Linen Provider: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Being deep in the throes of matron of honor duties for my sister, I know all too well that bridal shower inspiration is a total necessity. I scoured SMP when planning my sister’s big bash looking for just the right color palette, small bites and theme that was pretty without being too themey. And I can safely say that this Bridal Brunch of We Create & Co. nailed it. See all the fun details captured by Brookelyn Photography right here.

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From We Create and Co… Typically brides don’t plan every aspect of their own bridal shower, but all bets are off when the bride is owner of an event design & floral company! I was happily involved in every detail of the planning and creating process!

I wanted a casual but chic Brooklyn brunch with my closest ladies and was inspired by one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, iCi, French for ‘here’. iCi is a French country kitchen that works closely with local farmers, cheese mongers, butchers and fisherman from the New York area to create incredible dishes that are simple yet delicious in an ethical and sustainable way. Mouth-watering dishes such as Mini Brioche French Toast smothered in homemade syrup and fresh fruit are passed around family style at the long dining room table located on the Parlor floor of this 19th century Brooklyn brownstone. Walking into this sun-drenched space of original decorative moldings and elegant chandelier, I felt as if I was being welcomed into someone’s home, which is exactly what I wanted my guests to experience.
My French Country vision started with a fresh neutral base of white and ivory then added a homey rustic element with Kraft paper details throughout. Clustered jars of planted green ivy ran the length of the 20ft dining table with pockets of blush tulips pouring out of large milk-white pitchers.
My guests were welcomed to their seats with custom-made tea cup and saucer gifts at each place setting. Tucked inside the cups was a stamped tag of each guest’s name along with a note from both my and my fiances mom thanking everyone for being a part of this special day. We used a combination of textured papers, hand-stamping, and other printing techniques to create a truly unique and custom suite of paper stationary and decor. One of my favorite personal touches was the ‘Haute Couture’ game. Each guest received a fashion model template and was asked to sketch a “high fashion bridal look” for my big day, included were swatches of fabric and decorative paper that could be attached to further customize the wedding dress design. My friends and family created some beautiful looks! And while I could only choose two winners, I wish I could have actually worn most of them!
The brunch ended on a sweet note as we encouraged guests to bring home leftover goodies from the dessert table using custom-made to-go boxes provided near the exit.
Our amazing photographer, Brooke, captured the day perfectly. From every decor detail to the moment I watched a recorded message from my future sister-in-law and Maid of Honor who was in Prague at the time. I look back on the photos and see not only the beauty of what we created to fill the room but of the people and moments in it. The smiles, laughter and love pictured are infectious!

Photography: Brookelyn Photography | Event Design: We Create & Co. | Floral Design: We Create & Co. | Cake: Artopolis | Invitations: Kate's Paperie | Hair & Makeup: The House Of Makeup | Dessert Bar: Clementine Bakery | Restaurant: ICi Restaurant

If ever there were a fairy tale by the sea, this would be it. Inspired by a washed ashore mermaid bride and a handsome shipwrecked groom, every inch of this sandy shoot is covered in a laid back beach-y vibe fit for seaside lovers. Tamara Menges Designs‘ wild florals float with the wind and Jen Rios Weddings pulled every pretty touch together seamlessly. Drift away in all the romance here.

From Archetype Studio…The inspiration started with a vision of a handsome “shipwrecked” Groom who elopes with a stunning mystical mermaid. We wanted to evoke a sense of romance mixed with classical beach elements. Our tablescape was set on an antique chest that may have washed ashore with our mermaid bride. We created a gorgeous floral runner with shells and a silvery fish net mixed in. The place settings were a mix of old and new – the plates from Anthropologie that resembled the inside of an oyster shells and vintage flatware and glassware that could have perhaps been found in the chest with other treasures. Our Bride and Groom announced their nuptials by sending their loved ones a message in a bottle and inviting them to a reception later in the year to celebrate. Our mermaid bride wore a gorgeous Enaura gown with sparkly scallop detail evoking a similar pattern to a mermaid’s tail. Her long flowing hair and glistening skin was perfectly styled to give her that fairy tale look. 

Photography: Koby Brown Photography | Design: Jen Rios Weddings | Floral Design: Tamara Menges Designs | Wedding Dress: Mia Bridal Couture | Wedding Dress: Mia Bridal Couture | Makeup And Hair: Beauty And The Blush | Calligraphy: The Weekend Type | Men's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Beach: Constance Dryden-Island Flowers | Bride Model: Brittany A Wendl | Film Scans: Richard Photo Lab | Groom Model: Thomas S. Mackie III | Headbands: Mia Bridal Couture | Nautical Accessories: Nautical Antiques Galveston Tx | Plates: Anthropologie | Vintage Rentals: Cru Vintage Rentals

From the second I saw the bride’s bouquet of all-white orchids, I knew we had a classic wedding on our hands. But if you think you know what’s coming next, think again because this affair is classic with a perfect twist. It’s the ballroom reception gone totally glam thanks to Platinum Weddings By Kerrie and our dear friend Jasmine Star didn’t miss a beat. Click here for so much more!

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From The Bride… Quintan and I met during a rare snow week in Dallas, TX in February of 2011- the same week the Superbowl was in Dallas. Since businesses were shut down and our offices were closed my girlfriends and I went to a well-known Dallas restaurant (Mi Cocina) for lunch and a few Mambo Taxi’s (Margarita’s). Quintan also happened to be there with a group of his friends and in the empty restaurant the waiter decided to sit our two tables right next to each other. After a few margaritas Quintan and his friends decided to break the ice with a few jokes and by the end of the night our tables were pushed together and everyone was getting to know each other. Quintan introduced himself to me early on and we had an immediate connection and spent the rest of the day getting to know each other and drinking a few too many margaritas. The best part is that most of our friends who were there that first day were bridesmaids and groomsmen in our wedding.

When Quintan and I were dating we would visit my parents in California and would stay at Terranea Resort while we were there. We loved spending time at the resort and it sort of turned into our favorite quiet spot to get away and spend quality time with each other. On February 2nd, 2013 (the same day we met 2 years earlier) during an impromptu trip to Terranea he proposed in our favorite ocean side villa in front of the fire pit. He played our favorite song (“Cinema” by Jason Evigan) and said some of the nicest words I have ever heard – even though I cried through the entire thing! After we toasted with champagne and a beautiful bouquet of flowers was delivered to our room. Quintan knew how important my family was to me and knew that when he proposed the first thing I would want to do is tell my mom all of the details. He had asked my father for permission to marry me the day before and arranged for them to come meet us for dinner after the proposal. Later that night we went to The Strand House in Manhattan Beach and had dinner with my parents and toasted and celebrated the rest of the night.

I am not a big fan of color – I love neutrals. So the color scheme for the wedding was easy – all white everything! I wanted the look to be elegant, classic and timeless but also contemporary and fresh. I wanted the inside of the reception room to be a white wonderland with flowers galore and the furniture to be sleek, white and contemporary with a lounge feel. The venue was easy because we had so many memories there, we got engaged there and most importantly it was in my hometown, which was important to me.

We had a very traditional Catholic ceremony. We got married at St. John Fisher Parish, which was the church I grew up going to. A few years ago the church decided to build a brand new parish and we were the first couple to be married in the new church. The ceremony was also very meaningful to us because the priest who performed the ceremony (Father Julio Giulietti) is a good friend of our family and married my parents 29 years ago.

The reception was special because it just looked breathtaking. There was an overwhelming amount of white flowers (hydrangeas and orchids – my favorite), which set the mood. The band (Rembrant) was the biggest hit of the night and kept the party going and our guests dancing. The first dance was special to us because we danced to “Cinema” the same song Quintan played when he proposed. The best part was just having all of our closets friends and family in the same place at the same time. I wanted a simple, sleek all white wedding cake accented by a few white flowers. I liked the square shape because I thought it looked a little more modern. The cake was vanilla beach and made by Vanilla Bakeshop.

We also had a groom’s cake, which is more of a southern tradition. The cake was chocolate peanut butter and was hunting themed. One of Quintan’s favorite hobbies is duck hunting and he has a hunting dog – a labrador retriever named Jade – who goes with him. The groom’s cake was a tribute to Quintan and to Texas. On the top of the cake there was a chocolate lab with a duck in his mouth. Quintan loved it!

Photography: Jasmine Star Photography | Wedding Planner: Platinum Weddings by Kerrie | Floral Design: Nisie's Enchanted Florist | Invitations: Paper Plane Paperie | Ceremony Venue: St. John Fisher Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Terranea Resort | Bridesmaids Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Lighting: LSM Entertainment | Band: Rembrandt Fine Artists Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Transportation: California Coastal Limousine | Beauty: Beauty And The Beach | Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier | Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Chargers: Classic Party Rentals | Chiavari Chairs And Dance Floor: Chiavari Chair Rentals | Linens: Wildflower Linen | Rental Furniture: Hire Elegance | Wedding Cake And Favors: Vanilla Bake Shop

Though it may feel like fall in and around blogland, around here we’re still soaking up as much of the warmth of summer as physically possible. We’re sucking back seasonal beverages, dining al fresco, and indulging in ice cream delights. I mean, can you blame us? With Have a Yummy Day sending us delicious recipes the likes of these ones, we’re happy to pretend it’s summer all year long!

Jacquelyn ClarkDulce de Leche Ice Cream SandwichesCaramel ice cream tucked between chocolate cookies and drizzled in chocolate sauce.

prep time

cook time

total time

Serves 6Ingredients

• FOR THE DULCE DE LECHE ICE CREAM
• 1 can of condensed milk, boiled (if not available boiled, see recipe)
• ⅓ can of dulce de leche (in the ice cream)
• ½ vanilla pod
• 1 ⅔ cup milk
• 1 ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 6 egg yolks
• ½ cup caster sugar
• FOR THE CHOCOLATE FUDGE SAUCE
• ⅓ cup caster sugar
• ⅓ cup Golden Syrup
• ⅓ cup cream
• 25 g butter
• 30 g dark chocolate
• FOR THE CHOCOLATE COOKIES
• 150 g dark chocolate
• 225 g butter
• 1 cup muscavado sugar
• ¾ cup caster sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups wheat flour
• 4 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. FOR THE DULCE DE LECHE ICE CREAM
2. Boil the unopened can in a saucepan filled with water for 4 h to make a lovely caramel cream called dulce de leche. Keep adding water during the boiling. Let the can cool for at least a half hour before opening, or its contents may spurt out. Stir the contents into a smooth cream.
3. Cut open and scrape the vanilla pod. Boil milk, cream, dulce de leche, vanilla pod and seeds in a stainless steel saucepan. Whisk yolks and sugar fluffy. Pour the hot cream mixture over the yolks, and then pour everything back into the pan and stir. Simmer the mixture to 185˚F or until it starts to thicken under heavy whisking. Take off the heat, do not let it boil. Pour the mass into a bowl and let it cool. Sift and use an ice cream machine. Move the ice cream to a small, plastic freeze box, drizzle 1/3 of the dulce de leche thinly between the layers and put on a lid. Put the ice cream in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Serve the rest of the dulce de leche to serve with the ice cream.
4. FOR THE CHOCOLATE FUDGE SAUCE
5. Bring sugar, syrup, cream and butter to a boil. Boil for a couple of minutes. Take off the heat and stir in the chocolate.
6. FOR THE CHOCOLATE COOKIES
7. Set the oven to 350˚F. Roughly chop the chocolate. Mix butter, muscavado sugar, caster sugar, eggs and vanilla extract. Mix wheat flour, cocoa and baking powder and stir into the paste. Add the chocolate and mix. Divide the dough into 25 pieces and roll into balls. Put the balls sparsely on baking trays covered with baking paper and flatten them a little. Bake in the middle of the oven for 16-18 minutes. Let the cookies cool on a grate.
8. Serve the cookies with ice cream between and chocolate fudge sauce. Garnish with cherries.

Photography: Have A Yummy Day | Recipe: Have A Yummy Day

We might be a tad smitten with this Bride. Scratch that, a whole lot smitten. She takes gorgeous to a whole new level of confident beauty.And it shines bright in this elegant Los Olivos affair captured by Sorella Muse with a film by Rainbowfish Cinema. It’s the kind of wedding that melds chalkboard signage with communal seating and fresh blooms by Kaleidoscope Flowers; making the gallery a total must.

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From Sorella Muse… On a bright spring day last April, two of the most beautiful, spiritually grounded, kind, and generous souls promised themselves to each other beneath a large oak tree, with the rolling hills of Los Olivos behind them.

When you witness how Alex looks at Jess, you know that no woman should ever settle for less. They bring out the best in each other, and the best in everyone around them. Their mutual respect and admiration is an amazing example of what love can be.

Jess and Alex saw each other for the first time as she walked down the aisle, and they were both visibly overcome with emotion and joy. At the end of the ceremony, Alex jokingly fell backwards from the kiss in a hilarious moment caught on their wedding film, which is so reflective of his humor and the way he makes Jess laugh like no one else can. Their video was beautifully shot by Rainbowfish Cinema, and it’s truly a must-watch! It also captures part of the fairy tale that Alex wrote to Jess as a wedding gift, which was in equal parts romantic and silly, making everyone in the room laugh and cry while one of Jess’s bridesmaids read it aloud before everyone got ready in the morning.

Jess and Alex both have a great sense of style, so I knew from the beginning that their day was going to be stunning. It was a classic vineyard affair with relaxed elegance. Vibrant yellow gave a colorful pop to the wedding, with yellow, gray and white in the bridal bouquet, yellow tulips for the bridesmaids, and white hydrangeas, yellow tulips, and billy balls on the tables. Jess has an incredible eye for design, so creating their wedding came naturally to her. She recently launched an inspiring new venture, Haute Hope, a company that creates carefully curated gift boxes filled with items from socially purposeful and responsible brands. It’s so amazing to see someone following their passion and living in alignment with their values!

After wine and appetizers were served in the vineyard barrel room, guests found their seats at the long wooden communal tables (thanks to a cute chalkboard seating chart!) Jess and Alex wanted it to feel like an intimate family meal. So instead of being served or having a buffet, large dishes were set out on the tables family style, and guests passed them to each other. They worked with Pure Joy Catering to create an incredible feast, which was all the more magical thanks to the courtyard setting, complete with an ivy covered wall and illuminated by string lights.

A unique and super fun first dance to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye was followed by cutting the vanilla and brown butter cake with dulce de leche that bridesmaid Becky Reams made for them (it helps having a friend who also happens to have been on Master Chef Season 3!). In addition to their wedding cake, there were donuts piled high, since Jess and Alex can often be found in donut shops all over LA together.

As a photographer, I have never been so welcomed into a couple’s love story, which just speaks to the kind of open, welcoming, and gracious couple that Jess and Alex are. During our first coffee meeting (which went well over two hours since we couldn’t stop talking!) they told me so much about how they fell in love and their experience as an inter-racial couple as though I were already a close and trusted friend. Jess dubbed me her unofficial 7th bridesmaid and I even had the honor of giving a speech at their rehearsal dinner! Now that we are close friends, I can say that as gorgeous as their wedding was, it’s their marriage that is truly beautiful.

Photography: Sorella Muse | Videography: Rainbow Fish Cinema | Coordination: Wenda Evans | Floral Design: Kaleidoscope Flowers | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Becky Reams | Invitations: Alexis Clark Design | Ceremony Venue: Firestone Winery | Reception Venue: Firestone Winery | Bridesmaids Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid | Catering: Pure Joy Catering | DJ: DJ MoJoe | Favors: Moleskine Notebooks | Grooms Attire: Burberry | Bride's Reception Necklace: Stella & Dot | Brides Ceremony Necklace: Tiffany & Co. | Second Photographer: Jacquilyn Anderson

Tucked neatly in between Toronto’s best donut shop and one of the most delicious brunch spots around is the sweetest floral shop in all the land. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Sweet Wodruff on numerous occasions, and simply couldn’t pass up a chance to give the world a closer look. Because when a place is this cute? It simply needs to be seen. So we teamed up with Heidi Lau, and the results are borderline magical. 

SMP: Sweet Woodruff has been kicking floral butt and taking names. What’s your secret?
Wow, thanks! No secret really. I just work really hard, care a lot about what I do and offer what I hope is great style & design.

SMP: Was there a specific incident that really made your business thrive?
It’s hard to point to a specific incident, but I think social media has played a major role in helping build the business and really changed how I approach our marketing strategies. The power of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter is really incredible. I am always amazed by the community that those tools create and the relationships I have forged over them.

SMP: What’s the most difficult part of owning your own brick and mortar shop?
I read somewhere that entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, not a 9-to-5 profession. I don’t think that could be truer! The most difficult thing for me as a store owner and as a small business owner is all the juggling and time management. I know I am definitely guilty of working myself to the point of exhaustion (ahem… it’s 1:05am as I write this) But owning a business can be hard! And I’m sure most small business owners could commiserate. Leading a balanced life and making time for myself, my family and my friends seems to be my biggest hurdle. But I am making small strides.

SMP: The most rewarding?
I am so passionate about what I do, and I truly love every bit of it. And I love what it brings people. I know it sounds corny, but seeing a bride cry on her wedding day because of something I’ve created for her… well that’s just so special.

SMP: One tip you’d give to someone following in your footsteps?
There is this quote by Ira Glass about being a beginner. I won’t try to paraphrase (I’d just butcher it! Haha) But look it up… it definitely got me through some hard moments when I was just starting out.

SMP: One thing you wish you knew when you first started Sweet Woodruff?
Oh man! There are so many things I wish I knew! Most of them about finance, accounting and running a business. I’m learning… slowly.

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SMP: Why do you think Sweet Woodruff has done so well?
Two things. First, building my business around my strengths and talents (and first understanding what those were). And second, being consistent with my brand and staying true to my style. I think those two things have been really key. In the beginning I had a hard time accepting that I wouldn’t be all things to all people, but I also knew that I had to be true to myself. Integrity is important to me. And while embracing my style and continuing to strengthen our brand hasn’t always been easy, I think it has paid off.

SMP: The best moment of your career so far?
There have been so many personal triumphs and milestones! The first day I registered my business. The day I quit my full-time corporate job to pursue this dream. The day I signed my lease to the shop. The day I opened the shop! The first time we were featured on SMP (I’m not sucking up! That’s true!) The time we were featured on Martha Stewart. But the best is probably the first thank you note I ever got from a bride saying how much she loved what we did for her wedding. It made me cry. There’s nothing that compares to that feeling!

SMP: Spill the beans: where do you see yourself in five years?
Right now we are currently in the process of opening a second location and satellite shop, which I am really excited about! So, professionally, in five years I see us with a number of satellite locations and a BIG HUGE wedding and event studio to run all of our beautiful weddings out of. And personally, I’m really excited to have a baby in the next few years… I can’t wait to have a family! That’s definitely on the list!

Photography: Heidi Lau | Studio: Sweet Woodruff

One day, focused on two sweet souls and their love for one another. That’s what this endearing San Francisco City Hall elopement from Coco Tran is all about. It embraces the quieter moments, the soft smiles of anticipation and deep affection these two beautiful people have for each other. And let’s face it, when you top that all off with a stunning bow-front Vera Wang dress? It’s a complete package of love.

From Coco Tran…A beautiful a special elopement between two of the sweetest souls. Bessie and Dean are two of the most endearing and fun loving human beings I’ve ever met. They are both young yet share so much love, joy, and wisdom about love. I have asked Dean and Bessie why they have decided to elope in the city hall instead of planning an large and elaborate wedding as they were first planning to, Dean graciously said to me, ” We feel that the marriage is more important than the wedding” .

Photography: Coco Tran | Videography: IQvideography | Floral Design: Dani | Wedding Gown: Vera Wang | Makeup And Hair: The Glamourist | Venue: San Francisco City Hall | Bridal Shoes: Valentino | Floral: Petals By Cary

This stunner my dears, is what we like to call rustic perfection served up with a side of boho-elegance. Splashed with a hint of whimsy in the blooms from Sunflower Creative, a gorg floral crown and a lace-detailed dress from BHLDN, it’s a countryside dream that has us wanting more. Have a look right here for all the beauty captured by Bellamint Photography.

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From Bellamint Photography…Julia and Heath’s day was absolutely perfect. Julia attended summer camp at La Foret as a child and just knew she had to be married there.

She is an incredibly talented girl who did her own calligraphy on the invitations, place cards, and seating chart tags. She is also the owner/ singer of Party Singers, so it was amazing watching her group Absolute Romance perform. They are head over heels for succulents, so they were everywhere! The florist included mini terra-cotta pots with fresh blackberries, pears, peaches, and artichokes in the centerpieces. The tables were filled with lace trimmed napkins, and mismatched glasses and silverware. She had her ring made by a dear friend, Corinne Simon. And That BHLDN gown!!!

Photography: Carrie King Photographer | Cinematography: Pure Cinematography | Wedding Planner: Day Planner Events | Floral Design: Sunflower Creative | Wedding Gown: BHLDN | Jewelry: Corinne Simon | Caterer: Cravings Catering | Makeup Artist: Magnifica Bella | Hair: Chloe Paige Beauty | DJ: Elite DJ | 2nd Photographer: Real Photography | Bluegrass Band: Rocky Mtn. Bluegrass | Dessert Truck: The Heavenly Dessert Truck | Linens: Premier Linens | Market Lights: Southern Charm Weddings And Events | Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth | Rentals: Chairished Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Allwell Rents | Rentals: Darling Briar | Rentals: Event Rents Denver | Singers: Absolute Romance A Cappella | Summer Camp: La Foret

Though the fresh and dewy makeup routine is typically reserved for the warm summer months, I tend to think it looks best late summer. Not only does it give your skin a little bit of a break, but it looks particularly awesome with the smallest hint of a tan! We turned to the talented Iris & Gold to show us how it’s done. With photos from O’Malley Photographers, this is one tutorial you don’t want to miss!

How-to: Fresh & Dewy Makeup

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How-to: Fresh & Dewy Makeup

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PS: A BOLD EYE AND A PINK LIP

Photography: O'Malley Photographers | Make-up: Iris & Gold | Venue: Event Venue

A hiking engagement session? Pure genius. And when Amy Kiel Photography is behind the lens to capture all the cuteness, we get to reap the rewards. These two cuties get to walk away with images they will treasure for a lifetime, and we get a good excuse to spend our day falling in love with this gallery.

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I am so thrilled to document their wedding at the Monte Cristo Ballroom in Everett, WA.
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Photography: Amy Kiel Photography | Venue: Rattlesnake Ledge

We are pretty big fans of the blush hue around these parts, and when I say pretty big, I basically mean we are obsessed. There is just something so soft and romantic about that charming color, so when we see a shoot like this one from Carretto Studio and Michelle Moulden of Absolutely IN! Events where it takes center stage, we get a tad excited. Best part? That’s just the tip of the pretty iceberg, there is even more to see here.

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From Michelle Moulden of Absolutely IN! Events…This elegant styled shoot at the Longview Farm House just outside of St. Louis, MO was inspired by the juxtaposition of soft romance and vintage glam. We wanted to show that you can combine more than one style, texture, or color and still have a cohesive look – for example, the crystal rimmed chargers on the lace overlay was an unexpected combination that turned out to be so lovely. Carretto Studio photographed most of the session on film to capture all the soft colors and romance that we envisioned.

After our first walk through at Longview Farmhouse, we knew that a palette of blush pinks and silver tones would be the perfect fit, especially against the light, airy interior, white picket fencing, and lush gardens. Our cakes from Jilly’s Cupcake Bar, bridesmaid dresses from Bella Bridesmaid, and the paper goods from the lovely M. Haley Designs incorporated soft blush tones, as well as a few touches of glamour. Our bride wore a soft and romantic Judd Waddell gown from Fleur de Lis bridal boutique, chosen not only for its flowing silk organza and lace detailing, but also because Judd Waddell originally hails from St. Louis, where he attended Washington University.

The flowers by Barb from Bloomin’ Buckets were a show stopper. The florals were full and romantic, overflowing with different textures; the pops of dusty blue, pale yellow, and the dark center of the anemones added a layer of contrast with the rest of our colors. The bridesmaid blush dresses set of the soft tones of their bouquets, but I still can’t get over the bride’s bouquet’s gorgeous blooms, tied with soft pink ribbons and a band of sequins.

The jet-black Hillman with striking red interior was a personal favorite from the shoot. A gorgeous flower garland along the bumper incorporated the colors and romantic feel of our shoot. Combined with a beautiful couple (real life newlyweds!), the getaway car was a dream!
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This modern take on the classic farm wedding is equal parts fabulous Carneros Inn backdrop and crafty vendors like A Savvy Event, Poppystone Designs and Kate Webber behind the camera. All together they fashioned this clean lined, elegant white wedding with touches of pastel and an overall feel of laid back elegance. It’s gorgeous, especially if you have a weakness for a good, long farm table!

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Matt and Perry met at a small boarding school in Connecticut in 2006 and have been together ever since. They grew up alongside one another and always shared passions for art, food and travel. As best friends for over eight years, their relationship remained a constant through many changes: graduating from high school and college, moving from Connecticut to Chicago and finally landing together in Southern California.

Matt proposed to Perry in the fall and they set their wedding date a year and a half out to give them ample planning time. Although most of their family and friends are from New England, they had fallen in love with the West Coast. When faced with the decision of a wedding location, what better place for wine and food enthusiasts than the Northern California region of Napa Valley. As nature lovers, another important aspect was the ability to have an outdoor ceremony with no weather concerns.

In the spring, they traveled up to wine country to look at wedding venues for their dream wedding – touring beautiful vineyards and hotels. Their home base was The Carneros Inn, a recommendation from Matt’s parents. They had never felt more comfortable and relaxed in their lives and quickly realized – look no further!

They worked closely with their planner Kelly at ASE to bring their ideas into the big picture. In keeping with the architecture of TCI, the design theme was “modern farm.” Matt brought his love for simplicity and Perry mixed in romantic and ethereal vibes.

Perry especially implemented her style in the design of her wedding dress. Living in LA made gave her access to some of the most well-known designers – Monique Lhuillier, Morgane Le Fay and Claire Pettibone just to name a few. Trying on over 35 dresses, none were quite right. She had an undying love for the dresses of French designer, Laure de Sagazan, who unfortunately would require Perry to make multiple trips to Paris for proper fittings. In lieu of her dream Parisian dress, she decided she would custom design her own dress! Perry found a gorgeous vintage all-over beaded pearl bodice that she fell immediately in love with and sketched designs of how to incorporate her bodice into her dream wedding dress – after nearly six months of developing designs, fabric hunting for the perfect sinks and lace, fittings and adding special details the dress was completed. The finished product was a fitted silk charmeuse under layer with a flowing crinkled sink chiffon outer layer which parted down the middle and was lined with french lace. Perry’s favorite part of the dress was placed on the back of the charmeuse belt: the hand-made flower with silk chiffon petals and a center made of pearls from the bodice – finished this detail off with delicate ribbons of chiffon used for the skirt.

Along with Kelly, they curated a group of amazing vendors who collaborated to create the day that Perry and Matt envisioned. As a photographer herself, it was important for Perry to find not only a “wedding photographer,” but also an art photographer. She knew she had found the perfect match after connecting with Kate Webber over the phone. They shared a passion and love for photography and design and also discovered many connections they had while growing up in Connecticut. Kate captured artful as well as endearing moments, including a favorite of Matt embracing Brian, his best man and brother, and Layne, Perry’s maid of honor and sister, sharing feelings of excitement. Jarred with WCV also captured the intimate mood of the wedding through the medium of film – he was every easy to work with and made sure Perry and Matt felt at ease.

Claire with Poppystone worked closely with Perry to evolve the wedding floral design; the style being California Farm Modern with emphasis on lavender, sage greens, ivory peonies and blush garden roses. Claire found an amazing iron arbor, which she decorated modestly with ivory garden roses. Claire designed a beautiful wreath of lavender and french herbs as a centerpiece at the reception. Because they had an exciting honeymoon in Tuscany planned, this influenced food choices and floral themes; such as potted lavender in terra cotta pots lining the aisle.

Photography: Kate Webber | Videography: Wine Country Videographers | Event Planning: A Savvy Event | Floral Design: PoppyStone Floral Couture | Wedding Venue: Carneros Resort and Spa | Invitations & Stationary: The Card Bar | Musicians: Laurent Fourgo | Photobooth: Magnolia Photo Booth Co.

Sweet as they come and equally as darling, this pretty wedding from Pennsylvania makes my heart do leaps. Every sweet moment captured by Photography By Lyndsey seems to be overflowing with thoughtful touches and so much love, and that, my loves, makes me weak in the knees. See why here.

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From Photography By Lyndsey…I can’t wait to share this beautiful outdoor farm wedding with you! The bride had every detail covered and used Etsy for a bunch of unique and personal touches to the wedding. Please read below for a recap of the day from the bride!

From the Bride…We knew right away that we wanted to do an outdoor wedding and when we found Lingrow Farm we fell in love. The beautiful gazebo by the pond was the perfect spot for our intimate ceremony and the barn provided indoor and outdoor space for the ceremony. We wanted the day to be relaxed and fun for us and everyone else!

My family stayed at the farmhouse on the property and my bridal party and I got there early the morning of the wedding. I wanted to use my regular hairdresser, Mia, for hair and makeup the day of and was thrilled when she said she would travel the hour out to the farm from her salon, Metamorphosis. The morning was a surprisingly relaxing with a mix of music and mimosas while we all got ready! The flowers arrived from Leechburg Floral Company and were exactly as I had pictured… a stunning mix of blue hydrangeas, green roses, and orchids wrapped with burlap at the stems.

As we stepped outside for our first photos we could only hope that the beautiful weather would last through the ceremony. As the bridesmaids were swept away my parents and I headed to the horse drawn carriage that would bring us to the gazebo. When we first got engaged Brian’s sister in law, Pam, joked about performing the ceremony. After at first laughing at the thought of it, we decided to actually have her do it and she set about getting ordained. It made it so much more personal to have someone who knew us standing up there with us at this very special moment. She was of course able to add some humor and personal antidotes as well!

After the ceremony the sun gave way to clouds just at the right time for photos to begin. The staff at Lingrow even brought us cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to enjoy while pictures were taken! Lyndsey and Mark from Photography by Lyndsey found so many amazing spots on the farm for photos and gave us so many beautiful memories of our day. They even made sure to get us over to the farmhouse for a quick photo shoot with our puppy, Dexter!

At the reception it was so exciting to see everything we had planned come to life. We strung the place cards by clothespins on twine outside of the barn. For the guestbook we wanted to have something that we would actually look at often to remember this day so we had each guest sign a piece of a puzzle that we would later assemble and frame. There were lights hanging throughout the barn and the tables were filled with white hydrangeas, blue mason jars, and floating candles.
The entire night was perfect. We cut our cake with the cake knife from my parent’s wedding which they had engraved with both of our wedding dates on it. Somehow my new husband and niece ended up with their faces completely smeared with cake! Everyone enjoyed the photo booth and props set up on the deck outside and we are so happy to have a photo album of all of those memories with messages from our friends and family. Guests took home the many jars of strawberry honey jam that my mom and I had made for favors and boxes of cookies from our cookie table!

We were so lucky to have such an amazing day to celebrate with all of our friends and family. We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who was involved in making this day exactly what we wanted!

Photography: Photography By Lyndsey | Coordination: Lingrow Farm | Floral Design: Leechburg Floral Co. | Cake: Cakes By Edit Herman | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Shoes: Nina | Jewelry: Treasures570 | Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal | Catering: Cakes By Edit Herman | DJ: Easy DJ Productions | Bridesmaids' Clutch: Nordstrom | Cake Tasting Forks: The Knot Wedding Shop | Ceremony Programs: Splash Of Silver | Clothes Pins: Etched In Time | Dog Cake Topper: AVArtwork | Dress Designer: Nicole Miller | Dress Shop: Glitter & Grit | Farm: Lingrow Farm | Garters: Lucy Bridal Boutique | Hair Accessories: Glitter & Grit | Placecards: DIY Wedding Templates | Puzzle Guest Book: Northern Owl Creations | Table Numbers: Borden Specifics | Tuxedo Shop: Men's Wearhouse | Wedding Dress Hanger: After The Ring

Some might say it’s a bit far to trek from Singapore to Provence for a engagement shoot with M&J Photography, but that’s probably before they’ve laid their eyes this gallery. It’s what happens when you take to the lavender fields of France in late June, and the photos have convinced me to book a trip myself. Congrats, lovlies!

From M&J Photography LTD…Singaporean couple John & Li Ping will get married this summer in their home city, but first they dreamed of having a pre-wedding engagement photo session in the lavender fields of Southern France. Late June in Provence was the perfect time!

The famous hill top town of Gordes was a stunning backdrop for some of the first shots of the day. Further photos were taken amongst the beautiful natural surroundings of the local area and the pretty pastel coloured towns that are like hidden gems in the Luberon Valley. As the sun went down, we had the most magical light just in time to finish off a perfect evening amongst the impossibly purple rows of lavender.

Photography: M & J Photography | Bride's Shoes: Charles & Keith | Groom's Attire: Frankie Chan | Venue: Gordes | Make-up Artists: Ylva Langenskiold | Pink Lace Dress: Love Bonito | White Gown: Taobao, China