From the DIY invites (painted by the bride!) and gorgeous garden bouquets to the Groom’s classic Navy uniform and gorgeous photos from The Ganeys, this Florida wedding day is all kinds of pretty. And the passed hors d’oeuvres instead of a sit-down dinner make it all kinds of fun, too. See it all in The Vault!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From The Ganeys…Every aspect of Tommy and Rachel’s wedding day left a smile on my face. There was a special romance that lingered through the air, and it was truly magical to watch the day move along.

To set the tone for this gorgeous garden wedding, Rachel meticulously painted her own invitations and welcome map – as well as other signage for the wedding.

Rachel opted to get ready at her parent’s condo along the river. The natural light poured into the room. Rachel and her bridesmaids wore matching robes and enjoyed sipping on their coffee and popping champagne while Studio Bride worked along on their up-do’s and flawless makeup. Rachel’s mom and Natalie, her maid of honor and sister-in-law, helped put Rachel into her gorgeous beaded, illusion back gown. Rachel wore her grandmother’s stud earrings and Natalie’s drop pearl earrings.

The bridesmaids donned their mismatched blush dresses. I loved the variety and how they all complemented each other so well! They all carried beautiful, lush, organic bouquets flowing with greenery and garden roses made by Anything with Plants.

The ceremony took place right along the St. John’s River at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Guests found their seats as they were serenaded by Alex Peramas, a musician that Tommy and Rachel had stumbled upon twice – in two different cities! The first night they heard him play was the night they exchanged their first “I love you’s,” so when they recognized him a second time, they knew it was meant to be and they asked him to play at their wedding.

The ceremony was short and sweet, led by Rachel’s uncle. Tommy was so excited to see Rachel for the first time – it was just adorable! Tommy wore his grandfather’s watch and wedding band. The band was previously engraved with his grandparent’s names and wedding date. There was just enough room to squeeze in “R&T 2016″ to symbolize the second marriage that it would fulfill and represent.

To honor Tommy’s service in the Navy, Rachel and Tommy walked through a sword arch presented by other members of the US Navy, US Air Force, and Australian Air Force during the recessional.

Rachel and Tommy’s wedding was timeless and classic with a gorgeous, neutral color scheme. Pops of blush and gold added interest and glam to their decor. Instead of a traditional sit down dinner, the guests enjoyed endless heavy hors d’oeuvres such as mini sliders and hot dogs, crepes and tomato soup shooters, and Chinese takeout. To top it off, they had a dessert table fit for a king and queen. Guests mingled in the museum while enjoying the art and others enjoyed dining al fresco under the cafe lighting (be still my heart) and tiled dance floor.

At the end of the night, Rachel changed into her honeymoon romper, and she and Tommy exited through a cloud of bubbles onto their getaway tandem bicycle! So adorable!

Photography: The Ganeys | Floral Design: Anything With Plants And Flowers | Wedding Dress: Alfred Angelo | Cake: Alleycakes Bakery | Bride's Shoes: Pour La Victorie | Catering: Chef's Garden Catering And Events | Hair + Makeup: Studio Bride Artistry | Band: Radio Love | Ceremony Music: Alex Peramas | Venue: The Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Framed Calligraphy Print: Shannon Kirsten Illustration | Invitations + Signage: Creative Freedom Design | Robes: Sandy Waters Store

I’m not surprised this Bride has a background in fashion – just take one look at that dress! But the glamour didn’t stop there – it continued throughout her Gatsby-inspired celebration – and Ciro Photography captured it all! Head to our Vault to see all the dress pics and more from this Long Island summer soirée!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Moses and I have known each other since high school, but our story really started after college. Superbowl ’93 and ’94 rivals brought us back together, after many conversations of who has the better team. Go Bills!

Before getting engaged, I never imagined what my dream wedding would be like. Moses and I both have a love for 1920’s Gatsby fashion, so we knew we wanted our wedding to have that feel. We did a lot searching online for the perfect venue and after many visits to other venues, we finally found the Bourne Mansion. The Bourne Mansion used to be the Singer (sewing) family’s mansion and since I went to school for fashion in New York City and we wanted our wedding to feel like a big Gatsby party, it was a perfect match.

Getting married in New York opened up our options to some amazing vendors. First, our band, the East Coast from OmniPop Talent Group. OmniPop Talent Group was so great to deal with, extremely communicative and made the process incredibly easy and the East Coast band made our wedding! We got so many compliments and praise about their performance. Secondly, our florist, Flowers By Brian, made our venue come to life. The arrangements were stunningly beautiful. Last but certainly not least, our photographer, Rich Ciro from Ciro Photography who captured our day so beautifully. As we were going through each picture we were brought back to the moment and got to relive the day! We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. His attention to detail in refining every single picture is amazing. And not to mention the thoughtfulness and artwork that was brought to each picture.

Photography: Ciro Photography | Floral Design: Flowers By Brian | Wedding Dress: Brides by Demetrios | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Makeup: Paul Anthony Aesthetics | Hair: Salon Posh | Band: Omnipop Bands | Venue: Bourne Mansion

This wedding officially debunks the myth that “beach weddings” and “total glamour” can’t go hand-in-hand. Opting for a white-on-white color palette that embraces monochromatic elegance, I’m pretty sure this is the wedding Cinderella would have if she married in Jamaica. Plus that Galia Lahav gown? Don’t even get me started. Bravo, Ether & Smith for the photos our entire team can’t stop talking about.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… Our wedding was inspired by the beauty and simplicity of all things white. Our guests were greeted upon their arrival with a wonderful welcome bag with a few of our favorite things (Sugarfina Champagne Bubbles anyone?)- the most raved about was the “Adam + Kara Sippy Cup”. There wasn’t one thirsty guest on the island! Inspired by the monochromatic colors similar to our home, we wanted our wedding to exude timeless sophistication. From the all-white rose and peony bouquets to the blush-pink bridesmaids we fell in love all over again. Our sunset ceremony was truly heaven and our steel-drum band cocktail party got the party started as we danced the night away as husband and wife.

Our advice to planning couples is to remind yourselves along the way the reason for getting married. Be sure to have moments and days (yes a whole day!) where there are absolutely no wedding-related conversations with each other. Try not to stress (easier said than done), be sure to prep. Yourselves mentally and physically with exercise, yoga or a regular work-out routine and most importantly clean eating. Not only will you not fatigue or get sick prior to, during or after your wedding, but you will have the energy to do it all- literally!

Photography: Ether & Smith | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design | Shoes: Louboutin | Jewelry: Elsa Corsi | Bridesmaids' Dresses: The Bridal Boutique | Calligraphy: Justine Ma: Design + Hand Lettering | Tuxedo: suits by curtis eliot | Planning/Styling: Bride + Sandals Resorts | Resort: Sandals Whitehouse Jamaica | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar

Designing the ultimate dream space is hard enough but when you find out you’re expecting during that process, things can get a little interesting. Emily and Aaron found out a baby was joining the party soon after starting their NYC apartment design with Homepolish’s Colleen Siddig (who was also pregnant!). Plans quickly changed and a sweet nursery was added to the grand finale. See how this apartment got the chicest of makeovers in a mere 9 months in the VAULT.

Initially, Colleen was helping the couple hone in on their aesthetic to make a sophisticated space, awash in white and reminiscent of an airy California aesthetic. Just a few weeks into the process, however, the couple found out they were pregnant. Emily confides, “In fact, Colleen was one of the first people to know I was pregnant.” And when she shared the news with Colleen, she had news of her own. Colleen was expecting as well!

Emily and Aaron moved into a larger apartment in TriBeCa in preparation for the baby. Then, it was a race against the 9-month clock to get everything set.

Emily and Aaron are ardent collectors of art and art books. As Colleen says, “Emily and Aaron have traveled quite a bit, so they already had a nice collection of pieces that had personal meaning.”

“I tried to blend in other new pieces that felt natural with their existing collection. This extended into the nursery where we opted for art that wasn’t too ‘baby’ and can stay with Scarlett as she grows.”

Neutrals were key in the bedrooms, according to Colleen. “Emily loves white and in the bedrooms we used a lot of it… On furniture, upholstery, bedding, rugs, and walls.”

“We balanced it by layering in plenty of different neutral textures and shades of off-white, and a limited amount of color, so it didn’t fall too flat.”

The nursery was the final piece, and they had to pull it together rather quickly. A cute wall hanging decorates the area above the crib. We imagine it gives baby Scarlett good dreams. And for mommy Emily, a comfortable daybed is the perfect place to rest with the baby. And that giant headdress art piece is a great touch too.

Photography: Homepolish | Design: Homepolish

When it comes to your Big Day, hiring a cinematographer is a total MUST… but winning a cinematography package from one of the best in the biz? Even better. Which is why we’re beyond excited to announce the giveaway to end all giveaways – an all-inclusive cinematography package from NST Pictures! Break out the bubbly and scroll below for the deets. This is going to be awesome.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/150671249 600 338]
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/147425410 600 338]

Known for their amazing artistic approach, NST Pictures has perfected those movie-like short films of your Big Day down to an absolute science.  Which means that all of those crazy wonderful moments that fly by in a complete blur (it happens) will be preserved from multiple angles in HD footage WITH beautiful music that will most definitely bring tears to your eyes… they’re that good.  Oh, and did I mention their fabulous giveaway? Think everything from full day coverage with two cinematographers to a fab trailer film to breathtaking HD digital film links.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/152484744 600 338]

Contact NST Pictures TODAY to preserve your big moment on film with packages that start at just $1580. Then be sure to enter the giveaway below, because, well… it’s EVERYTHING.

WHAT: NST Pictures is giving away an all-inclusive wedding cinematography package to one lucky couple! The package includes full day coverage with two cinematographers, a trailer film, a feature film, a rough cut of your ceremony, first dances and toasts, USB copies and HD digital film links!

HOW: To enter, and for all terms and conditions, CLICK HERE.  Good luck, lovelies! xo

There are anniversaries, and then there are anniversaries set amongst the Tanzanian landscape at the Serengeti Bushtops. The former is the incredible celebration we’re about to unfold. Designed by Joy Proctor and photographed KT Merry, it’s all the reason you’ll ever need to begin planning an African honeymoon, anniversary, or “just because” trip with the one you love. Peek back at part one or dive straight into the gallery right this way.

“Vicky and Jon chose to spend their anniversary

surrounded by the magic of the African wilderness.”

-Joy Proctor Design

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

[dotted]

From Joy Proctor… After their wedding, Vicky and Jon chose to spend their anniversary surrounded by the magic of the African wilderness. Inspired by the beauty of the Tanzanian landscape and organic details of the Serengeti Bushtops they took a small plane into the remote camp and brought along photographer KT Merry Photography to capture their adventure. Setting out on the first day they gathered their backpacks, binoculars, and hats and headed out to see the animals. After a picnic lunch under a tree, and a long drive around the reserve they headed back to camp to get ready for a beautiful, candlelit dinner. Changing into a flowing Elie Saab gown and a clean suit, Vicky and Jon enjoyed dinner surrounded by candle lanterns.

[dotted]

Photography: KT Merry Photography | Shoes: Rag & Bone | Bride’s Company: Alchemy & Co | Design + Styling Direction : Joy Proctor Design | Hat : J.Crew | Hatbox : Trousseau & Co | Khaki Shorts: Theory | Location: Serengeti Bushtops | Long Beige Skirt: Elie Saab | Menu : Julie Song Ink | Olive Green Gown:Elie Saab | Purse : Mulberry | Silk Shirt: Equipment | Silk Top: Isabele Marant | Silk White Skirt: Theory| Throw : A Piece Apart | Travel Agent: Frosch Travel | White Robe: Salua Lingerie | White Shirt:Hickman & Bousfield

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

Photography

KT Merry Photography

View Portfolio

Joy Proctor Design

View Portfolio

Makeup brushes are like a foreign language spoken only by industry pros and beauty die-hards. But we’re here to bridge that gap with a little cheat sheet if you will. Learn how to build your makeup squad with the 10 brushes you need to pull off any look your heart desires. So go ahead and fulfill your #squadgoals with these beauty tool essentials and get a flawless makeup look each and every time.

The Only Makeup Brushes You Really Need

View Slideshow

The Only Makeup Brushes You Really Need

View Slideshow

[dotted]

[dotted]

Find more beauty inspo right this way…

5 Ways to Rock Colored Eyeliner
Try this Dewy, Fresh Faced Makeup Look
6 Steps to a Flawless Red Lip

We have a major crush on this adorable duo. Why, you ask? They chose to have their first dance to N*SYNC’s “This I Promise You,” because as the bride says, it “really reflects us because we both LOVE late 90’s and early 00’s songs and reminiscing our junior high/high school days, when pop love songs gave you all the feels.” And thanks to all the gorgeous photos from Kristina Adams Photography, we have all the feels, too.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/175188102 600 338]

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From The Bride…I always knew I wanted an outdoor wedding because I had envisioned my first dance to be under twinkling market lights with the sun setting in the background. When Nuri and I stepped onto Serra Plaza, I had a feeling this was THE venue when I saw the fountain, lights, and rustic beauty of this mission-styled place. As soon as the venue was checked off, I started putting together a Pinterest board of the feel and look I was going for: romantic, rustic, and elegant. With the natural tones from the buildings and tables from Serra Plaza, I decided to incorporate blush, gold, and a pop of a summer color like coral. Everything came together so perfectly in the end and I was truly able to have my dream outdoor wedding!

It’s so hard, but if I had to choose a favorite moment from the wedding, it has to be the first dance. It was such an intimate and romantic moment where I felt like I was in a movie, with everyone just fading in the background and Nuri and I were whisked away to our own little world to dance to one of our favorite songs. It was even more meaningful because we had my sister and his close friend singing the song. “This I promise you” by NSYNC really reflects us because we both LOVE late 90’s and early 00’s songs, reminiscing our junior high/high school days, when pop love songs gave you all the feels. From the white dance floor, to the beautiful chandeliers hanging above us and our favorite people around us, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect moment than this one.

Photography: Kristina Adams Photography | Cinematography: Etcetera Productions | Floral Design: Vickie's Flowers | Wedding Dress: Bella Wedding Brida | Invitations: Paperless Post | Catering: Top Catering | Hair + Makeup: Sherilyn Yi | Lighting: XL Entertainment Systems | Venue: Serra Plaza | Coordination + Design: Eastern and Gold | Desserts: Sweet & Saucy Shop | Portraits: Mission San Juan Capistrano | Rentals: Modest Peach

Wedding planning can bring out the crazy in anyone — whether it’s the bride, groom, bridesmaid, or the mother-of-the-bride. We’ve all heard stories of MOBs trying to live vicariously through their daughter to create their dream wedding, or hijacking the guest list to include everyone she’s ever met and liked. But with these 10 tips, we can promise there will be no Momzilla sightings on wedding day.

How Not to Be a Momzilla

View Slideshow

How Not to Be a Momzilla

View Slideshow

[dotted]

More Wedding Etiquette

Most Common Guest Faux Pas | Decode the Wedding Dress Code | 10 Signs You’ve Become a Bridezilla

When it comes to putting a twist on lime-lover cocktails, grapefruit is the winner. From a margarita turned paloma to a classic mojito turned sassy, and now, with the cocktail genius of Lyghthouse Cocktails, meet the grapefruit moscow mule. Get the recipe in just three easy steps below!

Melissa BaranGrapefruit Moscow Mule

prep time 2 Minute/s

cook time

total time 2 Minute/s

Serves 0Ingredients

• 6 oz. fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
• 3 oz. vodka (go the extra mile and add a summer kick by using Svedka Grapefruit Jalenpendo Vodka, like we did!)
• 6 oz. ginger beer
• Grapefruit wedges, for garnish

Instructions

1. Pour grapefruit juice and vodka over ice.
2. Top off glass with ginger beer.
3. Serve with grapefruit wedge.

[dotted]

[dotted]

See the full summer sendoff party inspiration here!

[dotted]

Photography: Alea Moore Photography | Hair and Makeup: Claudia Verduzco | Acrylic Menus: Phase 3: Marketing & Communications | Clothing: Planet Blue | Craft Cocktails: Lyghthouse Cocktails | Floral: Bloomin’ Bouquets: Unique Floral and Event Design | Glasses, Linen Napkins & Plates: Anthropologie | Handlettering: Hayley Cook Lettering | Name Cards: Host & Toast Studio | Planner + Stylist: BURKE | Design + Planning | Private Establishment: Uptown Buckhead Pool | Table: West Elm

While you’re obsessing over finding something to hang on the empty wall in your dining room, your house guests? They’re focusing on the little tidbits that matter to them and their stay with you. Like a clean and well-stocked bathroom or the fact that you took the time to pick up their special coffee creamer! Want to really impress your guests? Make sure you’ve got these 7 things nailed!

7 Things Guests First Notice When they Walk Into Your Home

View Slideshow

7 Things Guests First Notice When they Walk Into Your Home

View Slideshow

[dotted]

[dotted]

More ways to pretty up your home…

13 Ways To Dress Up an All-White Painted Room
15 of our Favorite Interior Design Books to Inspire a Gorgeous Home
10 Comfy Chairs for the Ultimate Reading Nook

This just might be my favorite wedding to date. Reason being? It’s rife with sentiment. From the bride’s mother doing her makeup, to the sweetest first look, to a breathtaking ceremony overlooking the gorgeous landscape of Santa Fe (and don’t even get me started on those ceremony blankets!) every detail has got me seeing heart eyes. Captured by Callie Manion Photography, you can see it all in The Vault!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Callie Manion Photography…I am so excited to share with you this intimate spring wedding that took place overlooking the gorgeous landscape of Santa Fe, New Mexico!

Delanie & Brent are some of the sweetest people I’ve met and their wedding day was full of love, romance, and small, yet significant details. They knew all along that they wanted to have a very small ceremony and were so happy to have only their closest family and friends watch as they—Delanie, Brent, and their son Hudson—were united as a family at last.

I was so touched by all the thought that went into the planning of their wedding, even though they had a very short engagement. More than anything, Brent & Delanie really wanted the day to have meaning. They chose Santa Fe for the location because the city is really meaningful to the groom’s family, and instead of renting out an unknown location, they used a close family friend’s property up in the mountains for the event! Delanie honored her family by wearing jewelry passed down to her from her mother and grandmother, and carried her grandmother’s handkerchief with her throughout the day.

The intimate moments when Delanie was getting ready were made even more special by her own mother doing her makeup & hair. The bond they share is really sweet and I love how involved her mom was on the wedding day! Delanie also asked her to put on her shoes and wedding dress for her, while her maid of honor secured her gorgeous Twigs & Honey hair piece in her hair. Delanie made such a gorgeous bride in her BHLDN wedding dress and Betsey Johnson heels!

One of my favorite parts of the day was Delanie & Brent’s First Look. Their reactions were so pure and genuine as they read love letters to each other, standing back to back, before turning for the reveal. It was such a special moment for the two of them to be alone, hold hands, and pray together, before the ceremony took place.

We took their bride & groom portraits immediately following the First Look. The backdrop was truly stunning! And Delanie & Brent wanted the day to be significant for their son, Hudson, as well, and they made sure to have their portraits involve him too!

Their ceremony was breathtaking, overlooking the gorgeous landscape of Santa Fe! The floral arrangements were by Leslie of Everly Alaine Florals, and as usual she absolutely knocked it out of the park. Delanie wanted really lush arrangements with lots of whites, creams, and greenery. Leslie’s arrangements were stunning and brought so much beauty to this small and intimate affair! And because the wedding took place high up in the mountains of Santa Fe, the air was still a bit chilly during their ceremony. The bride & groom thought ahead and left each guest with a cozy lap blanket to use during the ceremony, which also doubled as the most beautiful (and useful!) favors!

After the ceremony ended, the guests were able to join the happy couple inside for the most romantic and cozy dinner. Lit by candlelight, the guests enjoyed exchanging stories about the couple and talking late into the night.

When asked to give some words about her wedding, Delanie noted, “We have overcome so much together. Our story is truly about resilience and never giving up on love. Hudson is our greatest blessing and this marriage is not just a two person love story–but we really are most excited about giving roots to our family.”

Photography: Callie Manion Photography | Floral Design: Everly Alaine Florals | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Invitations: Liv For Designs | Bride's Shoes: Betsey Johnson | Venue: Private Estate in Santa Fe, NM | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Hair Accessories: Twigs & Honey

For Vicky, the decision on where to honeymoon was easy. The itinerary? A homecoming safari in Africa. The final destination? Setting up camp at Serengeti Bushtops. The outcome? Downright dreamy. Bringing along the incomparable vision of Joy Proctor and talented lens of KT Merry Photography, we’ve got it all (including an Africa excursion packing list) waiting for you below! P.S. stay tuned for Part II

Africa evokes a deep recognition, an inexplicable

yearning to return. The place which still has what

most of the world has lost. Space. Roots. Traditions.

Stunning beauty. True wildness. Rare animals.

Extraordinary people. The land that will always

attract those who can still dream.

Outings brought new and different

paw prints, rare sightings, and lessons

about the order and balance of nature.

From Vicky, the founder of Alchemy & Co., creators of unique experiences and bespoke designs… Though I live in New York, Africa holds a very special place in my heart. It is not only where I grew up and the source of my fondest childhood memories, but also my favorite travel destination. Every trip feels like a homecoming. It is also an opportunity to experience a wild beauty that is both inspiring and grounding. This adventure was one I was eager to share with my husband.

We landed in Kilimanjaro, and from there, Jon and I flew in taxi-like bush planes over the Serengeti to the Koga airstrip. Looking out the window of our small plane, we witnessed herds of wildebeest crossing the waters of the Mara River. Each year, over a million wildebeest make the Great Migration across endless plains, from Tanzania to Kenya, as their internal compasses guide them to chase the rains in search of food.

Little did we know, this sight was just one of innumerable unforgettable memories. Each day’s outings brought new and different paw prints, rare sightings, and lessons about the order and balance of nature. Amidst the necessity of survival, there is also simplicity to life there: eat to live, rest to recover.

Our guide for the trip, Ahmed, deftly tracked animals while teaching us about their behaviors. Being the son of a guide, Ahmed had learned from an early age to read the rhythms of the land and the animals. On our first afternoon, he tracked two families of elephants crossing a river from opposite banks. Led by wise matriarchs, the families cautiously approached the water to quench their thirst and cool themselves. The young calves were the first to rush forward to greet each other; the adults were more formal in their greeting, extending their trunks out like handshakes. We were surprised to learn that elephants blow air into each other’s mouths. Their receptors are so sensitive that they are able to detect each other’s genetic make-up and determine whether they are related or not. Elephants’ intimidating size and strength belie their deep empathy and social grace: mothers are so in tune with their calves that they touch them every five minutes to ensure they are comfortable.

During an early morning game drive, we came across a large pride of some 20 lions sunbathing on a giant rock. The pride included lion cubs of all ages. Despite their youth, the cubs fearlessly explored the world around them, sometimes crouching mischievously in the long grass to pounce on unsuspecting siblings. We saw a mother lioness affectionately grab her cub by his tail as he played on the rock. We also came across a mother cheetah hunting her prey. We watched her quietly stalk a gazelle, and then suddenly break into gracefully powerful strides as she easily caught her target. She then brought the breakfast back and kept lookout as her three cubs eagerly feasted.

In the afternoons, we often drove to a giant boulder to enjoy a sundowner whilst drinking in the brilliant oranges and reds of the African sunset. At the end of each day, we returned to camp. Surrounded by the glow of campfires and hurricane lanterns, we exchanged stories from the day with other travelers. As we walked back to our tents, the river of stars in the Milky Way lit our path, reminding us of nature’s ability to inspire awe.

Our journey to the African plains was an unforgettable adventure. As Kuki Gallman aptly wrote, “It is Africa that, since the beginning of time, has evoked in travelers a deep recognition, an inexplicable yearning to return. The place which still has what most of the world has lost. Space. Roots. Traditions. Stunning beauty. True wildness. Rare animals. Extraordinary people. The land that will always attract those who can still dream”

 We owe a deep gratitude to the Bushtops Camps family; none of these experiences would have been possible without their gracious hospitality. And heartfelt appreciation to the incredible Joy Proctor for her creative vision. Lastly, an elephant sized thank you to the talented KT Merry and Chad Keffer, for not only artfully capturing our adventure, but also being our favorite co-conspirators.

[dotted]

                                               What to bring:

– Generous amounts of malaria pills

-Sunscreen

-Binoculars

– Earth toned scarves, hats, and sunglasses

– Minimal luggage (bush planes only allow 33lbs per person)

*Note: Avoid navy blue + black, Tse Tse flies are attracted to these colors*

[dotted]

Photography: KT Merry Photography | Shoes: Rag & Bone | Bride's Company: Alchemy & Co | Design + Styling Direction : Joy Proctor Design | Hat : J.Crew | Hatbox : Trousseau & Co | Khaki Shorts: Theory | Location: Serengeti Bushtops | Long Beige Skirt: Elie Saab | Menu : Julie Song Ink | Olive Green Gown: Elie Saab | Purse : Mulberry | Silk Shirt: Equipment | Silk Top: Isabele Marant | Silk White Skirt: Theory | Throw : A Piece Apart | Travel Agent: Frosch Travel | White Robe: Salua Lingerie | White Shirt: Hickman & Bousfield

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

Photography

KT Merry Photography

View Portfolio

Joy Proctor Design

View Portfolio

If you don’t like being the center of attention, weddings can be a little tough. But these brides just came up with the perfect solution. After an intimate ceremony surrounded by immediate family and a few close friends, they invited 200 guests for dinner and an additional 50 “Wedding Crashers” to dance the night away with Toast & Jam. See every beautiful detail from Dabble Me This in The Vault!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Dabble Me This… Mike Ditka’s granddaughter Lauren tied the knot to the love of her life Mary Kate at an intimate ceremony and reception at Salvage One. Surrounded by their closest friends and family these two could not have asked for a better day to share their love together. Capturing Lauren and Mary at some of their favorite spots off Green Street in the West Loop you could tell LOVE ALWAYS WINS! These two were all smiles and there was so much excitement in making a commitment to each other. From the art deco dresses to the florals by Pistil + Vine to Salvage One’s vintage Chicago charm everything was simply divine. I simply love these two to pieces and know nothing but the best is in store for them!

From the Brides Lauren + Mary… Mary and I met in college (Illinois State University) her sophomore year and my freshman year (2007). We were friends for a while and started dating shortly after getting back from winter break. It’s been a lovely ride ever since. For our six-year anniversary we went skiing in Crested Butte, Colorado. Mary’s plan was to propose at this ski-in ice bar on the mountain (you have to take a blue run to get to the bar), but we soon learned that I wasn’t the biggest fan of anything steeper than a green run so the plan changed. Mary ended up proposing at the bottom of the mountain around a private fire over some drinks. I told her to STFU when she first asked; I thought she was joking for a solid minute. After the initial shock wore off I said yes and immediately started to cry. It’s what I do when I’m excited.

The vision was laid back, we wanted it to feel like a giant party and leave a lot of the stuffiness and corniness about weddings out of our day. As far as a feel, it definitely had a fall feel to it, we got married on October 24th. As for the colors, we told our bridesmaids to wear any form of gold and sprinkled that into the invitations and elsewhere. Lots of golds, and blues and white pumpkins. Mary’s mom is sort of obsessed with white pumpkins and wouldn’t hear about a fall wedding without them. We had 20 guests for the ceremony, 200 guests for the dinner and an additional 50 official “Wedding Crashers” joined us after dinner. We actually sent out official “crasher” invites and it was the best idea we had. They helped pack the dance floor, drink up the booze and celebrate into the early morning hours.

For the venue we told our planner, Lindsay Green the feel we were looking for and Salvage One was the first venue she took us to (talk about killer wedding planner instinct). After that nothing else compared, we just kept going back to Salvage One. It was gorgeous, and unique and everything about it was a conversation piece. Exactly what we wanted. The ceremony was short, sweet, small and private. Mary isn’t great with being the center of attention so the ceremony was definitely her biggest concern. We ended up only inviting immediate family and a couple of very close friends. In total I think it clocked in under 5 minutes: Our parents walked us down the aisle while Mary’s brothers played Van Morrison’s ‘Sweet Thing’, a close friend married us, our dog (it’s a lesbian thing) was the flower girl and even in front of a small group of our closest confidants Mary messed up the vows. Everything about it was lovely and down to earth.

So many special things: In lieu of speeches we had Mary’s great uncle give an old English toast. The crowd got super into it and I swear we made that venue shake. It was one of the highlights of the night. Also, instead of a traditional first dance we invited all of the guests to get up and share in our first dance together (Otis Redding’s rendition of Sam Cook’s ‘Wonderful World’). It was a great way to get everyone on the dance floor, and because our DJ, Toast & Jam, was legit the best and made it impossible for anyone to leave the dance floor after that. We mentioned the wedding crashers earlier; they brought new energy to the party as they started showing up. It allowed us to invite friends that we love and care about that we couldn’t invite for dinner because of seating capacity. It was an incredible feeling to have everyone that we love in one room to celebrate.

Photography: Dabble Me This | Event Planning: Lindsay Green | Floral Design: Pistil & Vine | Wedding Dress: J.Crew | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara | Catering: Jewell Events | Hair + Makeup: Salon Blue | Lighting: Frost Chicago | DJ: Toast and Jam | Hotel: Virgin Hotels | Venue: Salvage One | Pies: Hoosier Mama Pies

Glitter, gold and glasses of bubbly are always a welcome combo here at SMP, and when that glam package comes in the form of a stunning sailboat e-sesh from Simply Lace Photography, well… sign us up. From the beautiful bride’s crazy cool Le Chateau gown to the breathtaking cityscape that is Toronto, this is a gallery totally worth perusing. See it all in THE VAULT.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From the Bride… They say everything happens for a reason…especially when you least expect it and that is exactly what happened when Kyle and I first met. We unexpectedly met at the gym we both attended in June 2010. The first date Kyle took me on was the best date of my life and that night I fell in love with the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with!

Our proposal… It was New Years Eve, Dec. 31, 2014. We decided to have a relaxed NYE and just stay in, cook a delicious dinner and then go for a walk along my favourite trail where Kyle decided to pop the question! He took me by complete surprise…took out the most beautiful ring and my best friend asked me to be his wife. It was the best night of my life (so far)! NYE will always hold a special place in our hearts.

We are getting married next July at The Lake House in Pickering, ON. Our theme is “Nautical Glam.” We love being out on the water, so the venue just spoke to us as soon as we went and saw it! The advice I would give all newly engaged couples would be to start the planning process early! Give yourself ample time to book all the vendors you want (like an amazing photographer!), therefore you won’t get stressed and you will actually enjoy the planning process! Be realistic… know what you can afford and spend more of your budget on things you really care about. Finally, do some things yourself if you have the time… it adds such a special touch to your big day while saving some money! Most importantly, don’t forget to love each other and cherish every moment together and always remember why you are getting married in the first place!

We wanted our engagement photos to set the tone for our Nautical Glam wedding day! Bruna from Simply Lace Photography knew exactly what we wanted and we decided to do our photos on Kyle’s dad’s sailboat. Of course, the day of our engagement shoot, the winds were howling from the North and there was not a cloud in the sky… not the ideal conditions you want for engagement photos on a sailboat! However, Bruna handled everything like a pro despite never being on sailboat before! We are so lucky to have her as our photographer… our engagement photos exceeded every single one of our high expectations! We cannot wait for our big day and have Simply Lace Photography document our love story!!!!

Photography: Simply Lace Photography | Ring: Vera Wang | Makeup: Faces by Kayla | Hair: Natures Accolade Salon and Spa | Location: Toronto, Ash Bridges Bay Yacht Club | Sequin Dress: Le Chateau

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

Petit Bouquet

View Portfolio

You guys, this adorable couple first met when they were just four years old…I mean, how incredibly sweet is that?! Fast forward 25 years later and these toddlers are now totally in love and married in one of the prettiest ceremonies ever. With Eva Lin Photography behind the lens capturing every moment to share, we invite you to witness their new beginning in The Vault!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From The Bride…Would you believe me if I told you that the first time I met my husband is when I was 4 years old? Neither would my 4 year old self! But, fast forward 25 years and here we are…married! RK and I grew up together hanging out at our swimming club in the summer. Between pool games like running bases, sharks and minnows and red rover, we’d see each other from time to time at the club until we were 15…then our lives took different routes. I went to public school, he went to private school. I went to PSU for college, he played lacrosse at Hobart, I lived in Austin after graduating, he moved back to Pittsburgh. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I saw a picture of him at an old friend’s wedding and decided to reach out. A few weeks later, we met at a bar (I took my sister and brother-in-law for in-case-of-emergency-backup) and we ended up having a blast! From that moment on, I realized RK was incredibly special. He’s thoughtful, smart, funny, and his dapper looks definitely don’t hurt either. I truly felt happy being around him and I realized that I never wanted to lose that feeling…or him.

A few months (yes months!) RK and I were sitting on a beach in Cape Cod. He proposed on Little Beach, my favorite spot in the entire world and that day was something I’ll never forget. The sun was out, our emotions were high and he surprised me by flying our family and closest friends to Chatham for an engagement party! We laughed, drank and celebrated the day away and decided that May 14, 2016 would be our wedding date.

I’d like to think of myself as romantic with a healthy dose of flower child so for our wedding I wanted to create a theme that felt feminine, elegant, earthy and traditional. We picked Longue Vue Country Club for the ceremony and reception. Something about the drive through the lush and windy road that led to a beautiful stone building on top of a hill spoke to me. The mossy stone, the perfectly constructed archways, the beautiful blooming dogwood trees…it felt so right for the theme that we wanted to create. For my gown, I chose a silk chiffon skirt made my Antonio Gual and a custom halter top created by Jen Rocket studio. Because the skirt was such a standout piece, I wanted to create an elegant and classic silhouette for the top and decided to go with a low back halter. Jen saw my vision perfectly and produced a beautiful piece to wear. We kept the colors of the bridal party traditional with black Aubrey Hepburn-inspired Alfred Sung dresses and black suits for the men. Then, for pops of color I included pinks and golds to create a softer look. Flowers for my bridesmaids were leafy green floral with hints of white. My bouquet was bursting with parrot tulips, Iceland poppies, coral charm peonies, anemones, hydrangeas and soft trailing greenery. My flower crown was mostly greenery with hints of baby’s breath throughout. I kept my hair half up but incorporated lots of braids for texture adding a bohemian touch. The juxtaposition of traditional, feminine and bohemian detailing was what created the look that I was going for.

The ceremony was supposed to take place on a stone patio outside but as Pittsburgh weather goes, it rained so we said “I Do” inside the ballroom. We placed giant urns (two at the beginning of the aisle and two at the altar) filled with flowers similar to my bouquet and transformed the dining area into a beautiful floral space. Gold Chiavari chairs lined either side of the aisle and a sturdy gold chandelier hung above us. Music is a big part of my family so for the ceremony, I recorded and walked down to “When The Right One Comes Along” by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio with my father. I remember feeling so nervous and excited as my bridesmaids headed towards the alter one by one. Seeing RK standing there was the best thing and reminded me how lucky I was at that very moment to be marrying such an amazing guy.

To create a more personal feel, I enlisted the help of Jessi Evans from Orchard Made to design a flag that emulated the monogram on our invitations and hung at the archway where our guests were greeted. Inside, she also created a floral photo backdrop, a banner with one of our favorite quotes and two “here comes the bride” pennants for the ring bearers. These additional pieces truly transformed the space into that soft, romantic and bohemian feel that I was going for.
RK and I decided to do the tradition of cutting our 4 tiered cake before the first dance. The cake itself was stunning! Each butternut cream layer was given a different texture to produce a unique vision for our guests to enjoy. To add something a little extra we placed mini gold and white donuts around the cake. I have a thing for donuts so really this was just a personal request for me to enjoy even more sugar on the big day. Ha!

As the night went on, toasts were given by my father, Max, RK’s best man and my amazing MOH and sister Callie. One of my favorite parts of the speeches were how heartfelt each one was. Love is an amazing feeling and to celebrate with the people you care about most is something so special! As a gift, my father, a talented singer and songwriter wrote me my very own song…it was magical!

After guests enjoyed their meals, our band Jason Kendall Productions got the dance floor moving! I loved laughing, singing and generally having a great time with my best friends, RK and family. My skirt was perfect for dancing, so most of the night I was making myself dizzy by spinning it around!

After hours of fun, it was time to go. Our guests lined up under the stone archway and lit sparklers as we walked to our getaway car, a Rolls Royce Phantom. An overwhelming sense of joy and love filled my entire body as we said goodbye to our closest family and friends. Our wedding was a fairytale and although it was one of the best days of my life, I know there will be many more with my amazing husband RK.

To all of you future brides out there. Enjoy every second of your wedding day! It’s a reminder of how lucky we are to know what it feels like to love and to be loved.

Photography: Eva Lin Photography | Cinematography: ShoFilms | Floral Design: The Farmers Daughter | Cake: Vanilla Pastry Studio | Invitations: Nota Bene | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung | Makeup: Hannah Conard Beauty | Hair: Studio Booth | Band: Jason Kendall Productions | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: Longue Vue Country Club | Bridal Boutique: Glitter & Grit | Calligraphy + Signage: Jessi Evans Orchard Made | Donuts: Bella Christie & LiL’ Z’s Sweet Boutique | Halter Top: Jen Rocket | Silk Chiffon Skirt: Glitter & Grit

One place on my dream destination list that I’m just dying to cross off? You guessed it, Santorini. Until I find myself booking a ticket there, I’ll just stare at these stunning captures from Melanie Nedelko. Escape the ordinary and see it all in The Vault!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Melanie Nedelko…For me there is no other location for an engagement shoot that´s more beautiful and more unique than Santorini! This wonderful, quaint Greek island with its blue church domes definitely is one of the most gorgeous locations I’ve ever seen in real life. Pictorial wind mills, cute kittens and the most amazing sunsets await you.

It’s been a dream of mine for a long time now to explore this volcanic island by myself. So when I got an email from Selena and Jacob from L.A. this April where they told me about how they are going to travel Europe including Santorini for some weeks my heart just skipped a beat.

Shortly before their departure Jacob surprisingly proposed to Selena and it became clear pretty quick that they wanted to have an engagement shooting on Santorini. After traveling through Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro they arrived full of unforgettable impressions on the Greek island to meet me there.

I was more than just excited and ever since I met them in person I couldn’t wait for this day to come.

Jacob and Selena rented an amazing Airbnb Apartment and from its rooftop terrace we had this breathtaking view over the city Oia. We met early in the morning to start shooting. In the mornings this city is enjoyably quiet, only some fisher boats and straying cats cross your path through the charming alleys of Oia.

What else can I tell you…This engagement shooting was just incredible. Jacob and Selena interacted so lovingly and easily in front of my camera, it was a pleasure taking their pictures. I could have continued photographing them all day long if the sun hadn’t become to hot and tourists hadn’t spread out into the city. Within an hour Oia awakes and its bustle takes its usual course. 

I really hope that I may return to Santorini some day. Because if you have been there once, it is all over with you…This island won’t let you go again. But enough said – enjoy my pictures of an adorable couple and a stunning backdrop!

Photography: Melanie Nedelko | Film Processing: Carmencita Film Lab | Location: Greece: Crete & Santorini

I would write a mile-long intro about the chic warehouse setting or the styled hanging greenery but these sweet Brides said it best. “One day I imagine no one will remember the way our program looked, which pictures were hanging on the walls, or the taste of that brown butter sage sauce. But they (and we) will remember that we were together and oh so happy.” Dive into their joyful celebration from the lens of MORNINGWILD Photography.

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From The Brides…Our story spans the country, starting with Breanne on the beautiful Oregon coast where she grew up and Lauren in Massachusetts with her family. We were both finishing college in 2008 and unbeknownst to each other had each decided to answer our internal call to run away from home. We each knew we were looking to find ourselves, we just didn’t know we were also meant to find each other on that journey. We first met in Denver in October of 2008 and proceeded to spend our first year together the way all couples do – living, traveling, and working together while doing community service around the country. Our first kiss was in New Orleans and we measure our years together from that place and day, June 9th 2009 (just don’t ask who kissed who first). Seven years later, almost to the day, we vowed to be together for all the years to come.

I have always loved the look of botanicals and greenhouses and since living on my own become slightly obsessed with house plants. Lauren jokes that when she’s an old woman she’ll be surrounded by my years of collected house plants. We booked the warehouse because the venue told us that we could do whatever we wanted with the space. As a creative, I was sold! When planning our wedding Lauren and I cared the most about making the wedding feel like us and having the words and visual space truly mean something. We have been to weddings in the past that have it all, beautiful decor, delicious food, great music, but in the end felt like they were missing what truly made the event special. So we worked especially hard at creating a meaningful ceremony and a space that truly reflected who we are as a couple. In each home Lauren and I have lived in we have created a large gallery wall. Incorporating this into our wedding space felt so natural and true to us. For the past year we collected and curated what would be on our wedding gallery wall and we were so pleased with how it turned out. It really felt like home to us with nods to my Oregon Coast roots, our first home together in Maine, and all of our grandparents and parents who set the tone for our lives before us, and of course our favorite kitty, Hobbes!

I really wanted our programs to be unique so I decided to design them with space to copper leaf them at the top. I also made the confetti sticks and created the label for them. Lauren and I were thinking of quotes for the banner for so long leading up to the wedding and two weeks before the wedding, I saw the perfect quote. “We were together. I forget the rest.” by Walt Whitman. I loved that it would be hanging above our tables, with all our closest people gathered under it. One day I imagine no one will remember the way our program looked, which pictures were hanging on the walls, or the taste of that brown butter sage sauce. But they (and we) will remember that we were together and oh so happy.

Photography: MorningWild Photography | Floral Design: Luna Moss | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Jewelry: Marc Jacobs | Jewelry: Shashi | Jewelry: Kate Spade | Rings: Bario Neal | Catering: Forklift Catering | Makeup: Blush & Tryst | Hair: G20 Spa + Salon | Venue: Warehouse XI | Venue: Warehouse XI | Cake + Desserts: Oakleaf Cake Bake Shop | Confetti: Oh Happy Day! Shop | DJ + Band: Queue DJ | Donuts: Union Square Donuts | Invitations, Place Cards + Stationery: The Bride

Not only is this darling duo too cute for words, but their whole engagement shoot is pure effortless joy. Sailing through Santa Barbara, they filled Sally Pinera’s lens with smiles, kisses and laughter, making our Vault our one-stop shop for feel good vibes. Get in on all this goodness right here!

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Sally Pinera… Grace and David’s engagement was in the beautiful Santa Barbara coast. We set sail on a beautiful sailboat for an engagement adventure! Grace wore a beautiful Free People grey dress that complemented the neutral tones of the sailboat. David wore colors that complemented Grace and the beautiful coast of Santa Barbara. This session was filled with joy, love and so much fun! We cannot wait for their wedding coming this fall!

Photography: Sally Pinera | Dress: Free People | Hair + Makeup: Studio MM&B

This wedding breaks every “rule” in the book, and you know what? That’s exactly why we love it. Although their wedding was set in the English countryside, incorporating Brazilian tradition was important so the couple worked with Something Blue Weddings to create “a day which had lots of English elements but the party atmosphere of Brazil.” Read on to hear how they pulled it off and more from Julie Michaelsen in The Vault!

From Something Blue Wedding…When I first drove into the grounds to meet with Eduardo and Clareana for the first time I knew this wedding was going to be special. This hidden gem of a country home oozed English charm and was surrounded by the most spectacular manicured grounds I’ve seen at a private home. The house belongs to Eduardo’s grandfather and holds many special memories for them as a family, so to them was the perfect place to hold their celebration.

The houses’ grounds provided unrestricted views across the South Downs and their own herd of deer and sheep, it was breathtaking and the perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony. All the guests were sat bellow a flower draped stone walled pond with the blessing ceremony taking place at the top of the steps by their pastor. From here the guests were greeted on the formal lawns with a champagne reception and stunning canapés.

When it came to the marquee they didn’t want ordinary and they didn’t want drapes, I knew the perfect match would be PapaKata and as soon as I showed them their Sperrys it was decided. Clareana wanted all the tables to connect to symbolize all the families coming together which not only looked stunning but also was a beautiful sentimental element in the wedding. We kept the English theme by using traditional English flowers in the central garlands. Roses, hydrangea and peonies filled the wooden tables and spilled down the ends as if they were growing, to soften the light we also used 350 pillar candles on brass stands to highlight the flowers and gold bead charger plates.

To tie in with the Brazilian heritage of the guests some traditions were also adhered to. The first was the stunning way Eduardo and Clareana displayed their favurs to their guests, a mass of confectionary and cake flown over from Brazil adorned a table for guests to sample throughout the day.

As with all Brazilian weddings dancing plays a huge part and entertainment was certainly high on Eduardo’s list for the wedding, the Philosophy Band had the dance floor full from the start and they didn’t stop dancing until 1am when it was time to end. 

Share this gorgeous gallery on

 

From Julie Michaelsen Photography…This couple were an absolute joy to photograph, their natural and passionate love for one another was so beautiful and is so clear in their photographs. Their 8-month-old son was the star of the show, charming all with his gorgeous smile, so clearly the apple of the family’s eyes as the first grandson. The typical Brazilian charm, love and affection between family members at this wedding was visible through numerous cheek-kisses, tears of joy and of course enthusiastic dancing late into the night!

Photography: Julie Michaelsen Photography | Cinematography: Gorgeous Film | Event Planning: Something Blue Weddings | Floral Design: Sweet Pea Flowers | Wedding Dress: Self Portrait Studio - Azaelea Red Dress | Bride's Shoes: Schutz | Catering: Caper & Berry | Hair + Makeup: Sanni Sorma Makeup & Hair | Calligraphy: Judy Broad Calligraphy | Lighting: creative spark | DJ: Mal Williams | Band: Philosophy Band | String Quartet: Mal Williams | Venue: At Home | Chair Rentals: Co-ordination Catering Hire | Guest's Makeup: Lilian Komor | Invitations + Stationery: Papier | Marquee: Papakata | Photography - Assistance: Marni from Bai and Elle. | Tables + Outdoor Heaters: Stress Free Hire