Boy do we have a treat for you, ladies and gents… today’s real wedding is a special one to say the least. For those of you who don’t already know about Chris Norton and his inspiring story, he is a former college football player left paralyzed after a game accident when he was 18 years old. Doctors gave him a 3% chance of ever walking again, but Chris was determined to walk for two milestones: his MBA graduation (4 yards), and his wedding (7 yards). Against all odds, he accomplished both – with his dream girl by his side. Now parents to seven children, Chris and Emily’s incredible love story truly brings us to tears. Read on for an interview with Chris and Emily, as they talk to us about the details of their wedding day, what’s next for them, and their recently released documentary, 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story. 

To see all the photos from their beautiful wedding day planned and designed by GRO Floral and Event Design – check out the full gallery, all taken by Sarah Kate!

1. How did you two meet?

Chris: We met online initially. I formed a deep connection with her right away because she wasn’t afraid to ask me vulnerable questions about my injury. Emily is not a surface level person, she wants to understand people on a deep level. Then we met in person at a public place in Ames, Iowa. I think my jaw dropped when I first saw her in person as she was even more beautiful than her pictures.

2. What do you admire most about each other?

Chris: What I admire about Emily is how selfless she is. She will do anything for those she loves and even strangers that need someone. How she is able to connect, love, and give her time to others in need is inspirational to me. The way she takes care of our whole family is incredible. Also, I admire her morals and values. She knows who she is and what she believes in and will always do what is right, never compromising her values. What’s amazing about that is she has been like that since high school. The standard she sets to live a life of strong values for our family has made us all into much better people.

Emily: What I admire about Chris is how hard of a worker he is. He’s constantly working to get better, be a better dad, husband and friend. He works so hard to make others’ lives easier with the things that he learned through his struggles. I love how he was able to not let his injury define him in a bad way but was able to use it and not only make himself better but the people around him. Something that I also really admire about Chris is how he started a foundation to help others with neurological disabilities and does motivational speaking to help others. He’s the most determined person I know.

3. When did you know he/she was the one?

Chris: I felt like Emily could be the one after the first night of meeting. She had the looks, intelligence both academically and socially, a passion to serve others, and the morals and values I would want in a wife. She is the total package and I felt like she was way out of my league! I was in love instantly but tried to play it cool lol.

Emily: From the very beginning we had an instant connection A few months after I met Chris, I knew he was the one when I just felt this peace that if I was with him that we would get through anything life threw at us. We both really wanted to help others and make this world a better place. Chris had faith in God and great morals and values. I knew we would be unstoppable together.

4. If you could give one piece of marital advice, what would it be?

Chris: Put God in the center of your relationship and to always put in the work to keep a strong relationship. Life is constantly changing whether it’s with family or career but to keep each other a priority is important and something you have to always work at.

Emily: Put God first in your relationship. Pray together every day. Relationships take a lot of work and you have to constantly work at it. Communication is so important. Make sure to handle things head-on and not brush them under the rug because it always comes out.

5. Favorite part of your wedding day?!

Chris: Sharing communion together and looking up at the clouds. We went behind the altar and had our backs to our guests. It felt like we were the only two people in the world at the moment. I was filled with so much peace and joy.

Emily: It’s hard to pick just one favorite moment from our wedding day. A few moments that were really special were when Chris and I just took some moments for us. Just like Chris explained, the moment we took communion was very special. We also snuck out of the reception for a few minutes and sat under the stars. We got that advice from somebody to take some time for you to sneak away where it’s just the two of you because there’s always so much going on and we’re so glad we did because those moments were really special, meaningful and something I will always remember. The wedding walk was also such a special moment. It was pretty cool to accomplish something that we had worked so hard for together as a married couple. We wanted to do the wedding walk to help others know that no matter what you go through there’s always hope, God is always with you and when you go through hard times you just have to keep taking one step at a time.

6. Tell us about the design details of your wedding! Any sentimental or DIY touches included in the decor?

Chris: There were so many design details that I don’t know where to begin thanks to Fotolanthropy enlisting the help of GRO Floral and Event Design to create our dream wedding. One of my favorites they created was an aisle walkway for Emily and I to walk seven yards with the words “Above All Else Love Each Other Deeply.” These seven words were each separated by one yard so I knew exactly how far to walk down the aisle to reach my seven yard goal. 

The guest sign in was this beautiful Bible and the guests wrote their name next to their favorite verse. Also, Emily loves the piano and wanted one at the wedding. Instead of getting a large grand piano on the lawn of the golf course, which would have been a nightmare and would have needed tuning, GRO designed a faux grand piano that would sit on an electric keyboard. It was incredible. The flowers were breathtaking. They put a chandelier above the spot we were married and then gifted us the chandelier to have in our home. The attention to detail they have was unreal. Plus, they organized the whole wedding which made it so Emily and I didn’t have to worry about anything other than enjoying the day.

7. Talk to us a little bit about your new documentary – 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story. What do you hope others will take away from it?

Chris: My hope is that my documentary gives people the courage to choose faith over fear, to see your abilities and not a disability, and to recognize your blessings instead of what you don’t have. The miracle of fostering and adopting. That you are capable of so much more than what you realize. It’s also been amazing to see how people have been inspired to be a better parent, sibling, friend or spouse as a result of watching the film. 7 Yards showcases how instrumental my support system was for me to get to where I am today.

8. What’s next for you two?

Chris: Right now we are parents to seven kids so our main priority is raising our kids to know they are loved, special and children of God. We hope another adoption will take place in 2021. I will continue to inspire and show people how to overcome obstacles and uncertainty through my motivational speaking business and video courses. I also hope to grow my nonprofit, the Chris Norton Foundation, and expand my wheelchair camp for kids with physical challenges and their families.

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From Jodi at Fotolanthropy… Chris and Emily Norton’s wedding was literally years in the making. Not because of all the planning, but rather because of all the practice. Chris was paralyzed playing college football and told he would likely never walk again. He chose to believe in faith and after years of physical therapy and training, he successfully walked across his college graduation stage with his then fiance (Emily) by his side. Shortly after, the couple set the ambitious goal to walk seven yards, side-by-side down their wedding aisle together. They spent hours each week for years practicing their walk, with Emily even wearing a “practice wedding dress” at times. Eventually a wedding date was set and they practiced even more. Their wedding walk was worth fighting for and an accomplishment that they hoped would symbolically represent all they’ve endured and what they can do together.

The couple chose to get married on the sunny Abacoa Golf Course in Jupiter, Florida. It was a beautiful outdoor location and the perfect setting for the wedding walk they had planned at the end of the ceremony. The wedding day was designed and coordinated by the renowned Nathan Johnson of Dallas-based GRO Floral and Event Design. He used 1,500 hydrangea, 200 stems of orchids, 100 stems of tulips, 1,000 roses, and 1,000 stems of stock to transform their ceremony and reception into the wedding of Chris and Emily’s dreams. In addition to a stunning floral altar that featured a hanging chandelier, Nathan’s showstopper at the ceremony was an aisle he specifically designed for the wedding walk. Made of acrylic, it was level enough for Chris to walk on, but also beautiful to look at. Taken from scripture, the seven-word phrase, “Above all else love each other deeply” was written on the aisle with each word being separated by one yard.

Another incredibly special part of Chris and Emily’s wedding involved family. Emily has long had a heart for helping youth and despite Chris’ injury, the young couple chose to say yes to being foster parents. Their foster children, including an older teenager and sibling set of four sisters, all served as members of the wedding party.

Chris and Emily’s story of determination is profiled in the much-anticipated documentary, “7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story,” that is available now on Apple TV and Prime Video. Footage from their ceremony is featured poignantly in the film, allowing viewers to take in exactly how meaningful their wedding was. Video of the wedding walk has been viewed on social media more than 25 million times, capturing hearts around the world.

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Petit Bouquet

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We’re strong believer that family-friendly homes can be the most fun because they bring in practicality, functionality and a whole lot of playful elements and colors. This Craftsman home, designed by Kati Curtis with photographs by Scott Frances – does just that and then some — but with a dash of totally enviable elegance. Take a look!

A young family swore they’d never leave New York City after Rumson interior designers Kati Curtis Design renovated their New York City apartment. Until… a few years and two children later. Where, on the Jersey shore they found their dream home. And, once again, called Kati Curtis Design. KCD quickly mobilized.

In only 9 months, the tired and dreary 1990’s Arts and Crafts home was resurrected into a remarkable and revitalized tour de force. With sensitivity to the architecture of the home, KCD seamlessly mixed the family’s contemporary lifestyle with classic details: dark wood floors were lightened, as was the outdated dark woodwork.

Furniture choices supported all-season living, and coming from Manhattan, open space was a paramount importance (of course!). KCD’s design allows for large family gatherings and parties on the main floor, while a playroom on the 2nd floor gives the children a wide-open play space all their own.

Leaving Manhattan for a home on a private beach, with unobstructed views of the Navesink River, was (fairly) easy; KCD’s design, which captured the spirit of this family in this beautiful home, made it possible. Leaving the City for the suburbs was a hard decision for this family, but KCD incorporated all of the conveniences of City living into the design of the home. A home office, home gym and yoga room, separated playroom and outdoor pool provide everything they needed for their new lifestyle.

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Creating a healthy home was a priority for them, and KCD used all non-toxic finishes throughout the home, Greenguard certified cabinets and counter tops, and FSC certified woods in their millwork and furniture. Water-based finishes and natural materials were used throughout. An infrared sauna for detoxing was installed where an existing bathroom was and the basement was converted into a home gym and yoga studio. A large TV streams Zoom yoga classes so our clients never have to leave!

Photography: Scott Frances Photography | Design: Kati Curtis Design

Get ready for sophisticated elegance at its finest. With a black and white color scheme, clean lines, and a backdrop of downtown San Diego this wedding inspiration is checking all the boxes. Amorette Events Co designed a day filled with glamorous touches, and Bloom Theory filled it with white floral moments that wow. You can feel the romance in the imagery by Erica Streelman Photography. Visit the full gallery to fall in love with every last detail.

From Erica Streelman Photography… Our vision for this editorial gathered some of the most talented vendors from the San Diego wedding market to create a dreamy scene of glamour and romance amongst the stunning backdrop of downtown San Diego.

We were striving for a fashion-forward aesthetic infusing modern lines and just a touch of the old world to wow. A couture-inspired gown by Lihi Hod, a clean, flawless bridal beauty look by Beauty Bespoken, and artisanal florals by Bloom Theory Design are just a sampling of the talent included in this gallery.

Calling back on the imagery evoked through city life, our take on modern luxury is one of deep love for finer details and a new take on elevated romance.

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Erica Streelman Photography

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It’s hard to believe that the below editorial took place in a small city in Florida because when you start scrolling you will be transported somewhere in the Northwest! With not a palm tree in sight, White Rock Canyon offers you a destination-like feel with its beautiful views and industrial space. Ever After Vintage Weddings designed a bit of perfection with a modern, yet romantic shoot mixing bold and soft elements like pastel colors and leather details and a mix of florals (both fresh and foraged!) Every bridesmaid even had a different bouquet – which I think needs to be a trend starting, now! Terrie Images captured all of this magic and I promise you, you’re going to want to see it all! Take a look below and let me know your favorite detail!

From Ever After Vintage Weddings…In a small city within Central Florida, there is a venue called White Rock Canyon.  Upon arrival, your mind is instantly transported to the Northwest.  There are no Palm trees here, and there’s nothing flat or Florida like at all about it.  This sleek industrial-style venue is a blank canvas for couples to handcraft their one-of-a-kind day.  The perfect destination spot for a Floridian without having to leave home.  Inspired by the raw and natural beauty of the venue, our vision was for a fine art style that communicated both modern romance and earthy elements.  We wanted our colors to reflect natural elements like branches, layers of the earth, rock, dirt, clay, and leather with a touch of romantic muted tones like a warm evening sunset. 

To add in a touch of fine art we included a bit with a monochromatic and ombre feel within the bridesmaid’s florals, dresses, and boutonnieres along with other various elements.  We also kept a minimalist design in a few of the elements to help blend and soften things.  The florals included a mix of both fresh and dried elements with earthy textures like Pussy Willow and Curly Willow Branches.  The ceremony arch was made from a mix of both fresh, dried, and foraged materials that were inspiring and natural.  To complement the venue, elements of limestone were added at the ceremony area as well as captured within the details.  For every bold element, a soft one was added to maintain balance.

Every vendor involved brought all their talent and gave so much of their time ensuring everything was just perfect.  With a variety of elements, Ashley and her team at Love Lee Lane did an amazing job making sure everything ran smoothly and worked personally with our bridesmaids and the couple to work out all the details prior.  Isabel O’Neil Bridal and Bella Bridesmaids went above and beyond dedicating so much time to coordinating the dresses that complement each lady as well as our theme and color palette.  Seeing everyone in their dresses, bouquet in hand afterward was a dream!  Citrus Press Co. and The Pink Mixer Baking Co. did an amazing job taking the inspiration photos provided and coming up with a sleek design that reflected our desire for something minimalist and organic, but yet also more modern and romantic.  It was also fun to see how subtle hints of layers can be found in both designs.  The leather seating chart was definitely a favorite element as well, which offered a more modern take on what is usually a more rustic concept. The head table was dressed in a flowing blush velvet with a dusty shade of lavender napkin and sleek organic place settings.  Everything came together so nicely and the day ended with a beautiful sunset.

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Photography: Terrie Images | Design: Lettering Lou | Event Design: Ever After DeAnn | Event Planning: Love Lee Lane | Floral Design: Ever After DeAnn | Wedding Dress: Isabel O'Neil Bridal Collection | Cake: The Pink Mixer Baking Co. | Invitations: Citrus Press Co. | Ceremony Venue: White Rock Canyon | Reception Venue: White Rock Canyon | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Beauty: Nereida Padilla | Beauty: Makeup by Janice Bigio | Beauty: Maria Elena | Rentals: Traditions Rentals | Rentals: Over The Top Linens | Rentals: Flock Decor

So many of us dream of renovating an older home. One with good bones and stories of generations past baked into the very floorboards beneath. Where families have grown, love has outlasted time and the pure workmanship is something to awe inspire. Honoring the old while embracing the new is exactly what Emily Davis Interiors and Our Haus Studio set out to achieve with this stunning renovation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. If you love older homes and crave the beauty of vibrant color, this is a home tour you are not going to want to miss. Photography by Kacey Gilpin.

A full scale renovation was in the cards after this family of 5 found their forever home in the Bren Rose Neighborhood of Tulsa, Okla. The architecture & location were perfect, but the interior left much to be desired. Outdated finishes and a layout that didn’t work for a growing family might have scared many off, but the family, with the help of Emily Davis Interiors, didn’t flinch at the challenge.

“The goal of this project was very straightforward,” says Emily. “To create a fun, timeless home for their family while maintaining the character of the historic structure.”

But historic doesn’t have to mean boring, and this home illustrates that perfectly. Vibrant paint colors and wallpaper were used throughout. “The painter definitely gave us the side eye for a couple of choices, but we won him over in the end!”

Another element that was very important to the homeowners was to incorporate antique pieces, and you will find them in every room of the home. “They just bring so much life & patina to a space! Rooms feel flat without them.”

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The outcome of this project is a home that has an open enough layout for modern family life but enough separation of spaces to be able to make a distinct design impact in every room of the house. “I love this project! It is the perfect example of a family staying true to their own style & not worrying about what other people have in their homes. We designed their home for them, and that is such a fun thing to experience!”

Photography: Kacey Gilpin | Design: Emily S. Davis | Architect: Our Haus Studio | Bathroom Fixtures: Delta | Contractor: Truco Development | Entry & Powder Bath Mirrors: Serena & Lily | Nursery Wallpaper: Serena & Lily | Nursery Wallpaper: Serena & Lily | Orchids/Moss/Greenery: Orchid & Olive | Pillows: Little Design Co. | Rugs: the Loom & Co.

Claudia & Luca of Rossini Photography are an award-winning husband and wife team of Fine Art wedding photographers based in Italy. For more than a decade they have been photographing exclusive international weddings across their beautiful country, and know the ins and outs of all the most iconic locations in Italy, from the Lake region to Venice, to Tuscany, to the Amalfi Coast. Today they will share with us their insider tips on one of the most desired Italian regions for weddings: Lake Como.

What are the best venues in the Como area to get married?

Lake Como has many incredible venues to host a gorgeous wedding: the magic setting of the lake, the amazing historical villas, and the charming “dolce vita” atmosphere will make it an unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests. This is our top ten favorite venues on lake Como you should definitely check out if you are planning your Lake Como wedding:

1. Villa Balbiano
2. Villa Sola Calbiati
3. Villa Erba
4. Villa Pizzo
5. Villa Pliniana
6. Villa Balbianello
7. Villa D’Este
8. Villa Regina Teodolinda
9. Villa Monastero Pax
10. Villa Vittoria

When considering a venue, what do couples need to think about for the most dreamy photos?

The most stunning venues on Lake Como, in our opinion, all have some key factors that place them in our top “picture perfect“ list:

1) Terraces with striking lake views are the perfect setting for a picturesque ceremony and cocktail party.
2) Traditional Italian-style gardens ending directly in the lake waters, decorated with statues and fountains, which are amazing backdrops for memorable photos.
3) Direct boat access, which allows the bridal party to really make an entrance before the ceremony and then the newlyweds to easily escape on a romantic boat ride at sunset, to take some breath-taking couple photos with us!
4) Large and bright luxury suites for the bride and groom to have their getting ready photos taken before the ceremony.
5) Gorgeous dining salons with original all frescos on the walls and ancient chandeliers, which will make a back -up plan B as stunning as the original plan A (not only in your memories but also in the wedding album!)

Which is the best hour for a boat ride?

The best hour for a boat ride is with no doubt golden hour: as photographers, all we want to do is capture that magic warm and soft light in our photos! However, there is a crucial thing to keep in mind when planning your couple session on a boat: Como Lake is surrounded by mountains, which means that sun will hide behind the mountains much earlier than the official sunset time that you can google. In other worlds, if sunset is at 8pm, the lake will have already gone in shade at 7pm, which means that the perfect time for a boat ride will be from 6 to 7pm. Remember this when planning your timing of the day, if not you will miss the perfect light in your photos!

When renting a boat on Lake Como, we would suggest hiring a vintage Riva: they are the most iconic boats you can find on the Lake, and definitely the most beautiful to be photographed! A great company that hires different models of Rivas is Como Classic Boats.

When going on a boat ride, we suggest the bride leave her veil behind, the wind will just be too much and the veil will make her feel uncomfortable! It’s always useful to bring something warm and cozy to cuddle up in, like a pretty shawl. Sometimes the bride and groom like to bring along a pair of cool sunglasses so that we can take some more candid and relaxed photos! Finally, something that definitely shouldn’t miss during a boat ride is a bottle of cold champagne for a romantic toast on the boat!

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Photography: Rossini Photography | Cinematography: Gattotigre - Destination Wedding Videography | Cinematography: Marco Abbatangelo | Event Design: Privitera | Event Planning: Sabine Wedding | Event Planning: Distinctive Italy Weddings | Event Planning: Varese Wedding | Event Planning: Varese Wedding | Event Planning: Bespoke Unique Weddings | Event Planning: The Lake Como Wedding Planner | Floral Design: Figli Dei Fiori | Floral Design: Il Profumo Dei Fiori | Floral Design: The garden of love | Wedding Dress: Melania Fumiko | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: La Torteria | Cake: La Torteria Como | Invitations: Beautifuletters | Reception Venue: Villa Monastero | Jewelry: Nea Milano | Groom's Attire: Sanvenero | Wedding Venue: Villa D'Este | Wedding Venue: Villa Del Balbianello | Wedding Venue: Villa Lario | Wedding Venue: Villa Regina Teodolinda | Wedding Venue: Villa Carlotta | Beauty: Daniela Guanziroli | Beauty: Chiara Mari | Beauty: Dani Madeline | Location: Villa Balbiano | Rentals: Lithonia Events Tables and chairs | Rentals: Galli Boat Service | Rentals: Menaggio Water Taxi | Rentals: Lake Como Boat | Rentals: Como Classic Boats

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Petit Bouquet

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The Heritage Collection

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Although they sound kind of the same, wedding decor and wedding accessories are actually pretty different. Generally speaking, decor is a category that will have a formal delineation in your overall wedding budget – usually around 7-10% of the total spend. Whether they’re signs, strings + strands (garland and ribbon are some of our faves), or creatively-styled installations, the decor has a purpose – and that’s to help elevate your vows and curate a vibe for the day, from start to finish. Guests can’t miss decor, it’s all around them: accentuating the bar at cocktail hour, embellishing the reception tables during dinner, dialing up the festive factor of your photo booth, etc. But with accessories, the impact is a lot more subtle; here, you won’t be looking to make an impression as much as wanting to add special finishing touches to the entirety of your wedding timeline. That’s right, Style Me Pretty’s wedding accessories take a bride from newly-affianced to ready-for-the-aisle, all while celebrating ‘happy tears’ that are bound to stream in between.

If you’re following us, you might say “why do I need accessories if they’re just going to fly under the radar of my guests?” It’s true, a lot of these items might not even cross your party goers’ minds, but that’s OK, if they bring you and your bests joy – even if it’s behind the scenes on the morning of your wedding or in your bridal suite – that’s all that counts! If it involves your flower girls and ring bearers, though, we can totally count on the accessories bringing lots of “AWWWS” from the audience when the kiddos are walking down the aisle… Just saying! 

Photo by Blue Rose Wedding Photography

Accessorize your day with these doses of delight.

Hang up that dress or tux in style and step out with a little secret on your sole.

This day is a big deal and so is the apparel you’ll be donning. So, put up signs that give you those celebrity green room kinds of vibes (even Beyoncé probably puts a ‘primping in progress’ sign up before her shows #itswhataqueendeserves, after all) and let your ensembles hang perfectly before it’s time to get dressed👌. If you’re still on the hunt for something blue, our ‘I Do’ handkerchief in powder blue is so lovely – as are our ‘I Do, Me Too’ Shoe Decals. 

Photo by Natalie Bray

Arm your entourage with their own aisle+altar accoutrements.

You won’t want to be approaching the aisle with nothing for him to carry the rings on and/or her to hold her flowers in. Not to mention, Photoshopping pouts and tantrums out of pre-ceremony captures isn’t a perfect science yet. That’s why we say keep those tinies smiling with his and hers props – a precious pillow for your boy with the baubles and a beautiful basket for your girl with the petals!    

Photo by darini images

And for your bridesmaids, effective tear-blotting doesn’t have to come from Kleenex cushioned in their cleavage. We happen to love the way our Style Me Pretty tissues fit in clutches or fold and blend into the ribbon wrapping of their bouquets. You know, for when they need some extra help ‘keeping it together.” If you have a little extra to spend (especially if you’ll be doing a smaller minimony or micro wedding), both varieties look beautiful atop ceremony chairs. Your guests will be so appreciative! 

Style your cards and guest book table in a way that gets it done.

And by that, we mean not letting your guest registry go untouched. Now, there’s not really an easy way to have your friends and fam ‘follow the yellow brick road’ to this area of your reception – but gold touches attract attention. We’re fans of a gilded vignette, complete with a gold-handled card box and a gold-dipped guest book: they’re just too pretty for guests to pass up!

Photo by Rachel Solomon Fine Art Wedding Photography

Shop the full Style Me Pretty shop now, because every love story looks good with some wedding accessories! 

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Natalie Bray Studios

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No flowers? No problem! Jen and Peter requested no blooms at their wedding reception and the result is absolutely breathtaking. With the help of Kathleen Deery Design, they filled their tented affair with foliage, branches, and candles on ceramic pedestals for a look we’re falling in love with. Jenny Schneider Events planned every last detail to perfection, and Melanie Duerkopp Photography captured all the magic in her beautiful imagery. Head to the full gallery for a closer look.

From Jenny Schneider Events… Jen and Peter’s celebration took place at her family’s home nestled in California’s wine country. With a first look in the vineyard, the couple exchanged vows framed by blooms designed by Kathleen Deery Design.

The tennis court on the property was transformed into a beautiful tented reception. The bride requested no flowers so we used branches and various types of foliage, plus a few non-fussy hellebores.

Candles on ceramic pedestals dotted the length of the dinner tables and beautiful place settings were the perfect tone for this natural setting. Sometimes the simplest of designs is the most elegant. The festivities concluded with an epic dance party!

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Photography: Melanie Duerkopp | Videographer: Weddings on Film | Event Planning: Jenny Schneider Events | Floral Design: Kathleen Deery Design | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop | Catering: Sage Catering | Lighting: Illusions Lighting | Band: Elan Artists | Attire concierge: The Wedding Detailor | Beauty: Beauty by Jasmine Chan | Paper: Aerialist Press | Rentals: Standard Party Rentals | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Rentals: Hensley Event Resources | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | String trio: Synchronicity Strings | Tenting: Zephyr Tents

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The Wedding Detailor

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Petit Bouquet

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Spring is in the air with this darling, perfectly perfect first birthday party! From the floral design to the adorable cake, the ponies to the pink parasols, every last detail was filled to the brim with charm and Southern style. Thus, it will be no surprise at all that the guest of honor is none other than sweet little Edie, whose mom Beth, is one half of the dream team at Palm Beach Lately! Read on to see how the beloved bloggers throw a magazine-worthy party for their favorite girl! Photos by Shea Christine.

We celebrated Edie’s 1st birthday at one of our favorite new places in town, White Trail Club. There is something so special about this club and the mix of a boutique nursery and beautiful grounds to host private events made for an especially lovely backdrop for our Spring garden theme. 

Laura and Sarah from The Petal Creative brought my vision to life of enhancing the rose garden into something dreams are made of.

Southern Belle’s Cakery made a delicious cake with her custom printed crest to match the custom printed crest cookies. And a little smash cake of course!

Monogram Mary embroidered mint aprons with the custom crest and printed custom color cups with the crest too.

Mimosas, rose and beer were available for the adults on the adorable Boozie Bluebell, our new party essential. White Trail Club organized a horse for horseback riding and a little petting area for bunnies and chickens. The animals were definitely the hit of the party! White Trail Club also set up a creative play area with “clean” gardening and a bee hive station.

The Petal Creative ladies made the cutest floral favors with assorted roses with hang tags by Lovely Little Party that said “Thank you for helping me bloom.”

We also added greenery and roses to the trellis and added florals to her Eddi’s highchair. Long tables and picnic benches from Atlas Event Rental were set up in the lawn and The Petal Creative lined them with assorted flowers in bud vases.

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Wellington Hospitality Group made the most delicious Brunch boxes for the kids and adults that featured quiche, caprese salad, pumpkin muffin and other yummy treats. The kids had adorable sandwiches cut into heart shape with granola in the shape of a butterfly and fruit. 

All in all, it was a beautiful day for a beautiful girl! 

Photography: Shea Christine Photography | Event Design: Palm Beach Lately | Floral Design: The Petal Creative | Dress: The Avenue | Cake: Southern Belles Cakery | Catering: Wellington Hospitality Group | Banners and hang tags: Lovely Little Party | Cocktail Cart: Boozie Bluebell | Crest: Elen Sketches | Cups and Aprons: Monogram Mary | Girls' Dresses: Bella Bliss Clothing | Location: White Trail Club | Picnic Benches: Atlas Event Rentals

When it comes to the ‘look and feel’ of your wedding day, sometimes you just know what you want in advance, or sometimes once you choose your venue, it all falls into place. Courtney of Courtney Bowlden Photography wanted to showcase this at The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle which has a woodsy and outdoorsy aesthetic, which then translated into the rest of the details from natural colored florals by Leigh & Mitchell and a stunning view of the water. With the help of Harlow Events, this beauty of an inspiration shoot came to life, with the showstopper being the stunning Idina bridal gown…I mean those sleeves are EVERYTHING!

From Courtney Bowlden Photography…The Edgewater Hotel is a famous hotel in downtown Seattle but my team wanted to show that it can also have a high-end wedding look to it. It has a woodsy and outdoorsy aesthetic to it so we wanted to showcase that as well as show a luxury look to it as well. 

My wedding advice is when looking for a wedding venue, you should go in knowing what kind of decor and vibe you want. The venue can either help the overall look and compliment it, or it could go in the opposite direction.

With this venue, because it already had a woody and natural look, we wanted to accentuate that by the details we included in the wedding. This real-life couple met when the ‘bride’ was working as a waitress at a restaurant!

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Photography: Courtney Bowlden | Event Planning: Harlow Events | Floral Design: Leigh Rice Design & Flower Co. | Wedding Dress: Idina Bride | Cake: Birch Bakes | Invitations: Blake Designs | Wedding Venue: The Edgewater Hotel | Beauty: Kayla Kollection Bridal Beauty | Rentals: CORT Party Rentals | Rentals: Vintage Ambiance

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When it comes to wedding inspiration, it just doesn’t get more timeless than this… Today’s stunning styled shoot from Rose Andrew Events is your personal guide on how to incorporate personalized details into your wedding design while keeping the overall look and feel effortlessly ageless. Jacqueline Benét Photography was behind the lens capturing every last detail to perfection. Classic brides, head on over to the full gallery to fall head over heels in love with this black and white affair.

From Emily Muddiman of Rose Andrew Events… “I often see couples who want their wedding to feel classic and timeless but are afraid to incorporate personal touches.. And to that I say “What is more classic and timeless than your love?!” Our team created a beautiful editorial to illustrate how even the most unique details can be used to create an absolutely timeless event. Our initial inspiration for this editorial was the custom toile pattern that Crystal of The Fancy Cat Studio created. It featured elements and scenes that were meaningful to our couple— from their award winning pup, the spot our groom proposed, to their first home! From there, we incorporated the toile throughout the event.

From Crystal… “We incorporated that toile into a few key areas of the day. First, for the invitation suite, we went with a simple design, which was then enhanced with elements like the vintage art piece (a nod to our bride’s career as an art curator) and vintage postage to reflect their love of traveling! Their beautiful suite was sent out in a custom wrapped invitation suite box which made for a memorable moment as guests received it in the mail. We also had the toile printed as custom linens for the cake table! Lastly, we had wrapping paper made to wrap favor boxes that were placed at each attendant’s seat as well as in our curated gift boxes! It was absolutely spectacular to see the print that was created specifically to capture our couple’s love story carried throughout the event.”

Another key area to tie in personal touches is with a beautiful escort display. Our bride and groom travel the US participating in dog shows with their pup, Baxter! We utilized Baxter’s “Best in Show” trophies and turned it into a beautiful and unique escort display for our guests to find their seats— complete with award ribbon style placards! Lastly, one of our favorite ways to incorporate personal elements is with curated gift boxes for your guests. Our inspiration featured thank you booklets lasered with a custom venue sketch by The Fancy Cat Studio, an etched bottle of wine, toile wrapped macarons, our bride’s favorite candles, local tea and honey and the perfume our bride wore on her wedding day. Gift boxes can be simple or elaborate— the act of curating a beautiful welcome gift for your guests creates such a thoughtful opportunity to make your guests feel special and help them remember your day forever! Our ceremony was set on the porch of the beautiful Rainier Chapter House in Seattle, WA. The venue was modeled after George Washington’s Mt. Vernon home and set the tone for the classic fête. Large lush arrangements of fluffy white blooms ornamented the altar and reception space. The tables featured rich textured linens paired with gold rimmed china, modern gold flatware and opulent glassware. We adorned the table tops with lush centerpieces, warm votive candles and beautiful candelabras to add drama to the timeless design. The cake, perfectly created by Missy of Missy Lee Cakes, featured tall opulent tiers, blooming sugar flowers and a fondant monogram that mimicked the one created by The Fancy Cat Studio. For the wedding look, our bride wore a stunning Louvienne gown. Paired with her encrusted Manolo Blahniks and gifted diamond earrings, her bridal ensemble was feminine yet grand. She carried a lush bouquet of garden roses, peonies, and budding pieris. Our talented Hair and Make-up artist, Jen Lagers, styled her hair into a chic, low updo and adorned her bun with two pearl pins by Riot of Flowers. Standing beside her, our groom wore a classic black tux.

TIP from Rose Andrew Events

“The escort display is the first thing your guests will see when they enter the reception and will set the tone for the rest of the wedding day experience. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box and have fun with it! You want your guests to be reminded of your love over and over again throughout your wedding day!”

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Photography: Jacqueline Benét Photography | Event and Floral Design: Rose Andrew Events | Gown: Lovely Bridal Shop | Cake: Missy Lee Cakes | Stationery: The Fancy Cat Studio | Tux: Men's Wearhouse | Vintage Car Rental: British Motor Coach | Venue: Rainier Chapter House (DAR) | Hair and Makeup Artist: Jen Lagers | Linens: CORT Party Rentals | Models: McKenna and Turner | Rentals: Alexander Party Rentals | Specialty Rentals: Vintage Ambiance

Set in a magnificent forest, The Château de Bouthonvilliers sets the scene for this utterly enchanting French wedding. Filled with charming details, Vivian Lyttle Events created a day that perfectly encompasses everything we love about the French countryside. Every inch of this inspired day wows, from the outdoor ceremony filled with florals to the reception table covered in free-flowing floral arrangements lovingly created by Janna Brown Design. The effortless beauty of the event is perfectly captured in the breathtaking images by Lisa Catherine Photography. Fall in love with all the details in the full gallery.

From Lisa Catherine Photography… This elegant European wedding is inspired by the lovers of France and how truly deep they emit their love for one another, the natural and effortless beauty adorned by French women and men, and the beauty of the French countryside.

Chateau de Bouthonvilliers was the perfect backdrop to set the Autumn outdoor ceremony against adorned with florals by Janna Brown Design and styling by Vivian Lyttle Events. The morning started with lingerie portraits in the garden and then our stunning bride, Mailys, wore a gorgeous gown from Alon Livné White from Vivienne Paris Bride. Our handsome groom, Romain, wore a classic navy suit from Chris Von Martial.

The perfect wedding day included an intimately styled table surrounded by florals, a stunning blush cake by Synies Paris and champagne toast, and a Vespa getaway to delight their guests. There is something about France that makes the food taste better, clothing more luxurious, beauty more effortless, and love speak louder.

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Photography: Lisa Catherine Photography | Event Planning: Vivian Lyttle Events | Floral Design: Janna Brown Design Co | Gown: Alon Livne White | Cake: Synies | Stationary: Shasta Bell Calligraphy | Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes | Rings: Aimee Kennedy Fine Jewelry | Hair and Makeup: Bespoke Beauty | Tuxedo: Chris Von Martial | Venue: Chateau Bouthonvilliers | Boutique: Vivienne Paris Bride Featuring Alon Livne White | Film Lab: Photo Vision Prints | Lingerie and Accessories: Second Dance Bridal | Rentals: Maison options | Scooter: Ride in Tours | Styling Board: Locust Collection | Table Linen: Simply Beautiful Decor | Veils and Accessories: Blair Nadeau Millinery | Workshop Host: Katie Nicolle

Any party that has the word Wild in it, is a party where I want to be. And this little number, whipped up to celebrate the cutest twinsies on earth, is all spunk and style. Using a bright, poppy color palette and pom-poms for days, Mom – who happens to be the lead behind the incredible event design firm, A Good Affair – set the ton for a day filled with food, fun and a good ole fashioned walk on the wild side. Photography by Jessica Mangia.

Designing parties for a living is my passion so when it came time to decide on my twin’s first birthday I had so many ideas of what I wanted to do! I wanted to create something colorful and not a typical boy themed party. Having twins has truly been WILD so it was only fitting to create a “Wild to be One” theme! Rancho Las Lomas was the perfect backdrop for this epic party.

I started with wild animal figures and handmade party hats and strung wool pom pom garlands in all the bright colors! Custom invitations by my good friends at East Six were chic and playful.

The dessert table was filled with 7 birthday cakes topped with the cutest cake toppers and pendant garlands from Sugar Hippo Design (the cutest Etsy seller!). Each cake was made by my dear friend and favorite cake designer, Brooke with Simply Sweet.

I made a custom backdrop with animal print wallpaper and pom pom garlands and balloons. 24 Carrots Catering served delish childhood favorites- sliders, fries, fruit skewers, yogurt parfait bar (the boys LOVE yogurt and fruit!), and pretzels with warm cheese dip.

We caffeinated tired parents with the Conscious Bean’s gourmet lattes and cappuccinos which they sipped in a cozy, boho-inspired lounge, set under our handmade art installation.

Zebra balloons and a darling kid’s dining area were just some of the other adorable touches. All in all, it was a sunshine-filled day of fun for my two adorable Wild Ones!

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Photography: Jessica Grazia Mangia | Florist: Little Hill Floral Designs | Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | Venue: Rancho Las Lomas | Backdrops, Ceiling Installation & Party Animals: A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production | Balloon Decor: Stars Above Balloons | Balloon Twister: Twisties Balloons | Cakes & Desserts: Simply Sweet Cakery | Coffee Cart: Concious Bean | Furnishings: Found Rental Co. | Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booths | Planning, Design & Production: A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

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Petit Bouquet

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A few of the industry’s very best came together to create today’s fairy tale shoot at Greystone Mansion planned by Detailed Touch Events with styling by Type A Society. The inspiration? Edgar Degas, a French impressionist artist known for his pastel drawings. Every detail you see in the full gallery was chosen with creative intent, from the lavish yet delicate stationery to the feminine blooms by Wilder Floral Co. Lucky for us, the genius that is Jose Villa was there to capture every steal-worthy moment! Prepare for your Pinterest page to get a major upgrade…

From Detailed Touch Events… “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see,” Edgar Degas. The overall design and creative vision for this shoot was inspired by artist Edgar Degas who was a French impressionist artist known for his pastel drawings. I brought on the amazing film photographer Jose Villa as well as my styling mentor Carrie Moe of Type A Society. That is when this dreamy shoot came to life. Greystone Mansion was the perfect sophisticated backdrop for this artistic shoot. 

Every design element was chosen with creative intent. Degas was influenced by femininity and he was known for using ballet dancers in many of his art pieces. We infused the pastel color palette into all of the design details from the opulent stationery produced by Yonder Design to the artistic cake created by Jasmine Rae Cakes. Ballerina pointe shoes were incorporated in the flat lays as well as the ballet flats and the bridal heels that were adorned with tulle to mimic a ballerina tutu. Chalk was used in the ring detail shots as a subtle nod to Degas. One of my favorite artistic moments is when we incorporated the beautiful art piece from JRD. Degas was an innovator and we wanted to represent this in the bridal fashion choices. We started with the bridal lingerie that was overly feminine, girly and playful. 

The first bridal gown has a structured see through bodice with delicate embroidery and a full tulle skirt which reminded me of a prima ballerina costume. We played to that delicateness with a very soft pink makeup look as well as a loose, undone pony. The second gown with the paper crown was a handmade art piece. It was important to incorporate true artistic touches in this shoot to show innovation and creativity. The ceremony bridal gown with the bows embellished on the shoulders played back into the lingerie piece from earlier. We switched the hairstyle to a modern version of a bun. For the table design, we layered different textures and elements for visual interest much like a painter would layer elements into a piece of art. To accomplish this look we started with a lush velvet linen in lilac from La Tavola, layered with modern yet intricate pieces from The Ark. The table was finished with off with luscious blooms from Wilder Floral Co.

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Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Cinematography: Anna Lord Studio | Event Planning: Detailed Touch Events | Styling: Type A Society | Floral Design: Wilder Floral Co. | Wedding Dress: Lee Grebenau | Wedding Dress: Naeem Kahn | Cake: Jasmine Rae Cakes | Stationery: Yonder Design | Jewelry: Jennifer Behr | Rings: Trumpet & Horn | Wedding Venue: Greystone Mansion | Art Piece: JRD Artshop | Beauty: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Dress Shop: Spina Bride | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Lingerie: Tres Sur | Paper Gown: Stephen Lewis Designs | Rentals: The Ark Event Rentals

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Photography

Jose Villa Photography

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Detailed Touch Events

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Petit Bouquet

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Modern elegance, bougainvillea bloom, rattan pendant lights and epiccc Pacific ocean views… umm, need we say more?! Today’s inspiration shoot planned by Array Creative Design is bringing us to the warm and sunny California coasts at the Montecito Club. Ella & Louie absolutely blew us away with their modern take on seaside ceremony decor that’s about to blow up your Pinterest feed. Dying to see the details? The full gallery is just a click away, all captured to perfection by Pinnel Photography.

From Pinnel Photography… Located in the hills of Montecito overlooking the pacific ocean, the Montecito Club brings the vibe of the Mediterranean to Southern California. This luxurious Santa Barbara property offers stunning coastal and mountain views, lush landscapes, and historical architecture.  

This chic wedding photoshoot was inspired by the vibrant and colorful gardens of the Montecito Club and the American Riviera in Santa Barbara. With its lush gardens decorated with bougainvillea, olive groves, and Spanish mission style architecture, it’s the perfect setting for a couple looking for classic elegance combined with a modern mediterranean feel in Southern California, especially as destination weddings are put on pause. 

Event designer and wedding planner, Erika Bellit of Array Creative Design created an elegant, contemporary tablescape with clean neutrals and crisp linens . Wicker lanterns from Elan Event Rentals hung above creating a warm, intimate ambiance. Ella & louie arranged abundant florals in a pink and fuchsia palette that decorated the table and a verdant bouganvillea ceremony space adorned the richness of the landscape. This design was made for a warm summer night of watching the sunset on the ocean horizon while enjoying an intimate celebration and dinner surrounded by your family and closest friends. To inspire those whose guest list may be smaller than expected, each detail was curated to elevate the space and impact the overall design, highlighting that an intimate gathering can be filled with stylish and meaningful details. It is the gentle reminder that though you may be reimagining your event, your design and details can be just as beautiful and impactful to express your style from start to finish. Los Angeles bridal boutique NWLA Bridal offered our bride a classic yet modern strapless gown by designer Reem Acra. Mar from TEAM Hair and Makeup created a natural and timeless look that was paired with minimal yet luxurious accessories by local atelier Sandy Moss Jewelry. 

This editorial was photographed by fine art husband and wife photographers, Pinnel Photography on both medium format film and digital. The Montecito Club property, with both mountain and ocean views, offers a unique opportunity for couples for their wedding photography. In addition to both mountain and ocean backdrops, there are many small nooks with amazing gardens and architecture all over the property. The Montecito Club is also very well located right between downtown Santa Barbara and Montecito, which offers the opportunity to explore other nearby locations to capture photos on the beach, downtown, or in the foothills. Also worth noting, The Montecito Club recently underwent an extensive renovation and this is the first time that it has been photographed since. Another unique feature of a wedding at the Montecito Club is that you can currently explore having small ceremonies and intimate dinners all over the gorgeous property while the Club is closed to its members due to covid, and is only open for small events.

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Photography: Pinnel Photography | Event Design and Planning: Array Creative Design | Floral Design: ella & louie | Stationery: Epoch Design | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Beauty: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Bridal Accessories/Jewelry: Sandy Moss Jewelry | Bridal Boutique: NWLA | Bride's Gown: Reem Acra | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Location: Montecito Club | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Rentals: Elan Event Rentals | Rentals: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | Styling Board: Heirloom Bindery

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TEAM Hair and Makeup

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Petit Bouquet

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Gone are the days of folded pages marking your spot in your bedside reading. Once you gift these photo bookmarks, you and your loved ones will never touch a page corner again. They’re the perfect gifts for Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas and moms too. So grab a camera, stick your little cuties in front of a white wall and get to crafting.

Photo of your little one
Photo paper
5 mil laminate pouches
Laminator
Black & white string
Pink yarn
Gold elastic cord
Scissors

Take a photo of your kiddo where their arms are up as if they are holding on to something, ideally in front of a blank wall- this will make it easier to see the edges when you’re cutting out the photo.

Print your photo on photo paper. You want your kiddo to be around 4-6″ tall so play around with the size you print at until you reach a size you like.

Cut out the photo of your kid along their outline, removing all background.

Laminate the photo in 5 mil laminate. Cut off the excess laminate (just be sure to leave a little extra room around the seal so that the photo stays waterproof). Use a knife or hole puncher to cut a small hole at the top, where your child’s hand is.

Make a few yarn tassels by wrapping yarn around your four fingers multiple times until you have a nice thick bunch. Cut the yarn along the bottom of your fingers.

Fold the yarn bundle in half over a length of black & white string. Tie a gold string around the yarn bundle, near the top, to make a nice tassel shape. Trim the ends of the yarn to be nice and even and you have a finished tassel. Having trouble picturing it? Check out this tutorial.

Make another tassel on the same strand of black & white string and tie the string through the bookmark hole and knot on the other side.

With stunning alfresco moments and personal touches that will steal your heart, this wedding amongst the vineyards is an absolute must-see. Tim and David enlisted the help of expert experience maker Harutyunyan Events to create a day that was equal parts romantic, elegant, and masculine. Wooden farm tables, gunmetal industrial chairs, and eclectic dinnerware were made incredibly elegant with the addition of beautiful deconstructed arrangements by Forage Florals. It was important to the couple to make their guests feel like family, and you can feel the love and happiness in the pictures from Todd Danforth Photography. Check out the full gallery to fawn over every last detail.

From the couple… We met while attending medical school together and started dating almost instantly! For the proposal, David surprised Tim with a PowerPoint presentation in their living room one Christmas evening. The slideshow contained photos together from over the years, but it was really the end of the presentation that took Tim’s breath away. David had asked several of Tim’s friends to each make a music video of what would be Tim and David’s first dance song, Herb Alpert’s “This Guy’s In Love With You.” He then got on one knee and popped the question.

We were married at Sogno del Fiore, a family-run vineyard and wine club, in Santa Ynez, CA. Early in our relationship, we bonded over wine, and one of our first experiences together was attending a wine tasting. A few years later, we visited California Wine Country for the first time and fell in love with the natural beauty of the Central Coast. We wanted our loved ones to experience the same feelings of awe and enchantment that we had shared together.

Our relationship grew in the setting of us both struggling to come out and accept ourselves. This meant learning to embrace all of the different colors and facets of our unique personalities as well as those of the vastly different people that shaped our lives. Our love grew strong in the setting of finding and embracing courage within each other; a quality that we didn’t even know we possessed. Here was the ultimate act of courage. Proudly displaying and juxtaposing every aspect of our lives and ready to stand and accept the consequences of such action come what may.

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Photography: Todd Danforth Photography | Florist: Forage Florals | Catering: Kitchen 12000 | DJ: JJ The DJ Events | Grooms' Attire: Bonobos | Wedding Venue: sogno del fiore | Guitarist: Aaron Copenhaguen | LBB Event Planning & Design: Harutyunyan Events | LBB Seating Chart: Peony & Plum | Menu & Signs Calligraphy: David Alajajian (Groom) | Pies: the bakery farmstand | Rentals: Ventura Party Rentals | School Bus: First Student | Vellum Menus: Details On Demand | Wooden Placecards: Fran Johnson House

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Peony & Plum

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Petit Bouquet

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Ready for something utterly romantic? This micro wedding inspired by the English countryside is checking all the boxes. Soft whites and pale pinks serve as the foundation of the day to create an overall feeling that’s tranquil, charming, and something special to behold. Beckon Events thought of every last detail, from drink service at the door welcoming guests outside through the wrought iron gates to the hidden dinner celebration tucked amongst the garden. Bella Blooms brought romance to life with organic flowing arrangements. The old-world elegance is perfectly captured in the imagery by Lauren Berry Photography. Get swept away by it all in the full gallery.

From Lauren Berry Photography… With whispering hues of blush and cafe au lait that are reminiscent of a vintage European countryside, this Old World-inspired editorial made one feel as if they were transported, even in the midst of Greenville, South Carolina. The Venue at Falls Park, located in the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown provided the unexpectedly perfect setting for such an occasion––complete with an intimate garden patio, overflowing with creeping greenery along the stone walls and iron gate perimeter.

For the ceremony, pale mink and ivory-toned draping veiled the area at the front, and a lush floral installation was suspended from above. A plethora of neutral and blush-toned flowers and greenery were artfully placed along the floor at the altar, as well as at the back of the aisle to further entice the eye and guide the flow of visual focus.

The table was anchored by an organic flowing arrangement that seemed to grow from the base of the table. A blush, subtly patterned linen-draped the table and was accented with gold-rimmed tableware and opulent cut crystal glassware––tying into a traditional, Old World elegance. The resplendence paired with a relaxed, laissez-faire mood to create an intimate European garden euphoria that begged to continue late into the evening.

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Photography: Lauren Berry Photography | Event Planning & Design: Beckon Events | Floral Design: Bella Blooms | Stationery: Beckon Events | Brides shoes: Bella Belle | Rings: Hale's Jewelers | Calligraphy: Cotton and Cursive | Groom's Attire: Gregory's Formal Wear | Venue: Venue at Falls Park | Beauty: Bliss GVL | Bridal Shop: The White Magnolia | Bridal gown designer: Amsale | Draping: Berbank Rentals | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Professional Party Rentals | Rentals: Industry Event Rentals

With three little ones running underfoot, I can tell you that in this house…kids reign King. Even their bedrooms get more TLC (albeit, most of said TLC is in cleaning and making beds) than the rest of the house. Which is why I’m so thrilled to hear that the talented design duo behind beloved Newport Beach, CA-based Pure Salt Interiors, has launched a new kids decor line – called Little Salt – that will help solve those messy problems and it’s SO stinking cute!! Photography: Vanessa Lentine + Jessica Alexander.

Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln – the genius boss ladies behind Pure Salt Interiors – have designed interiors for the likes of Lauren Conrad, Madison Bontempo, Caelynn Miller-Keyes, and MLB star Anthony Rendon and his young family, thus they are well-tuned into the art of crafting chic spaces that even the most discerning clients find instagram-worthy. And today, the duo is sharing their top 5 tips for designing kids’ rooms that are equal parts form and function – with a heavy dose of gorgeous on the side!

PUT A LID ON IT. Kids spaces don’t have to be messy and cluttered if you follow our one simple tip: choose toy storage with lids – such as trunks, baskets and bins. Clutter is the antithesis of calm and with kids comes lots of stuff…choose various sized baskets with dedicated lids to keep the clutter contained and add a touch of sophistication to the space.

USE THE 60 / 40 RULE. 40% of the pieces you buy should last 10 years. Invest in pieces that are timeless both in style and in function—furniture that can be used at multiple stages of a child’s life, baskets that are high quality and will stand the test of time, pillows and accessories that would look equally chic in another room in the home. Instead of choosing a specific diaper changing table, choose a quality dresser that you can use for a long time and just add a topper for the diaper phase. If you choose an accent table for your nursery ask yourself if you can envision it as a side table once your child moves into a larger bed.

As you choose accessories, lean towards statement artwork that explores their personality, and lighting that feels fun and fresh, that will age with the children and be stylish across the lifetime of a child’s space. By being mindful of our choices we actually save time and money in the long run and it’s better for the planet.

DESIGN A PLAY ZONE. Create zones in kids’ rooms that allow them to make it their own: a corner of pillows, a toy kitchen set up, or a reading nook that will foster imagination and creativity while instilling responsibility and a value for taking ownership of their spaces. We love our playful decor options to create these zones, tailored to each child’s interests and personality.

THE CUDDLE FACTOR. We believe in playing up the soft furnishing options when it comes to outfitting a space for kids. That means rugs, blankets, and upholstered furniture, layered to feel cozy rather than cluttered. Our soft bedding is a great way to add personality through textiles, and can be substituted easily as a child grows and/or tastes change. When we introduce textiles and toys into a nursery or kids room, we ask ourselves … Would you want to cuddle with it?

LEAN INTO THE WONDER. Despite all our best efforts, where there are kids there will be an overflow of toys. For the ones we can’t contain—the favorite dolls and prized stuffed animals—we love pieces that look as good as they play. Our decor pieces that double as playthings are ideal for styling a put-together kids space that is always ready for a round of make-believe.

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PLANT SEEDS. We are big believers in the mantra that nature nurtures and we seed our love of flowers and plants in all of our designs – whether they are real or the best faux botanicals or plants available. Flowers and plants bring such a sense of life to a space, not to mention incredible health benefits, so we love working them into our designs wherever practical. But keeping them alive can be a big undertaking for kiddos. Our favorite way to foster a love for plants is to use dried flowers and stems for kids spaces. Allowing toddlers and kids the opportunity to make their own creative arrangements in their spaces is the best way to encourage and cultivate green thumbs. As kids grow we can then introduce hardy plants that they can take responsibility for watering and nurturing along with their goldfish.

Photography: Vanessa Lentine | Photography: Jessica Alexander

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Petit Bouquet

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My little guy has been delighted with tents since he was a few months old, so when his first birthday came around, I knew a special play tent would be the perfect gift. I love that this simple a-frame tent folds flat to tuck away. Plus, with no sewing or major power tools required, this DIY project is a breeze for even a beginning crafter. And if you want to make it in under an hour, just skip the paint!

(3) wooden dowels (1/2″ x 48″ each)
1″x2″ wood board (comes in 8′ lengths, get 2 boards cut into 4′ sections at the hardware store)
1/2″ spade drill bit
Drill
Painter’s tape
Foam paint brush
Acrylic or craft paint in a variety of colors
2 1/2 yards of patterned fabric (I found my star fabric at Joann’s)
Wood glue
Iron
3 yards iron-on velcro
Measuring tape
Pencil
Sandpaper
White paint marker

Measure and mark a line 4″ from the edge of one end and 1″ from the other on each piece of molding. Mark the center of each line. Drill a hole at each marked spot.

Lightly sand the edges and holes of the wood molding pieces.

Tape off a pattern of stripes on each piece of molding. Paint each stripe on all sides, let dry 1 hour.

Draw a series of triangles in paint marker on the front of each molding piece. I did triangles for about a foot long chunk in the middle of each piece. If you like you can cut a triangle shape out of cardstock or cardboard and use it trace the triangles to make nice even shapes.

Insert a wooden dowel into the bottoms of 2 molding pieces (the bottom side has the holes that are only 1″ from the end). Use a dab of wood glue to secure the dowel on both sides. Repeat with the other set of molding pieces.

Insert the third dowel through the tops of each molding piece, so that one set of molding is slightly in front of the other. Dab wood glue to secure one set of molding on the third dowel, but leave the last set free so that you can swing the tent open and shut.

Iron the fabric and cut to a 70″ x 36″ piece. One one of the short ends of the fabric, iron on the velcro strip. One strip right at the very edge of the fabric, and one strip about 4″ from that. Repeat to add velcro strips on the other end of the fabric.

Lay the fabric over the top dowel and loop around each bottom dowel, using the velcro to secure the fabric around the dowel.

| TIP | If you want to make this in under an hour simply skip the paint part and voila!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Design & Styling: Jess Blazejewski | Invitations: Michaels | Decor: Joann Fabrics