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Why We Still Love The Flower Crown (And How To Make Your Own)

We’ll be the first to admit it — flower crowns have been around town. But that doesn’t mean we love ’em any less! Contrary to popular belief, a halo of heavenly blooms isn’t just for the boho bride or flower child anymore. From traditionalists to color-cravers, we firm believers that there’s a flower crown soulmate for every bride! Don’t believe us? Go ahead and try not to fall for these beauties below…

Why We Still Love Flower Crowns
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Why We Still Love Flower Crowns
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Next Up: DIY Your Own Flower Crown!

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Craving More Crowns? Follow This Board on Pinterest

20 Dream Bathrooms Bigger Than Your First Apartment

Most of us have bathrooms that are equal to a small closet. And while I’m thankful for two little bathrooms tucked inside my home, I still dream of a big soaking tub and a walk-in shower room to call my own. This little roundup is filled with baths that are big. Bigger than my first apartment kind of big. And they check that dreamy box too. Start dreaming of bathrooms you could live inside right here

Larger than Life Bathrooms
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Larger than Life Bathrooms
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In a fixer-upper sort of mood? Tackle that ugly sofa next…

A Glamorous Ballroom Affair with a Hint of Rustic Style

I knew I was going to love this wedding the moment I read the gorgeous bride’s description.  I mean, a moody, glam, ranch look? She’s speaking my language.  From the golden glitter dotting every table to the cowhide accents to the ghost chairs in a decidedly sweet garden setting, every last moment planned + designed by Bird Dog Wedding is absolute perfection.  Head to THE VAULT for a full day of beautiful images captured by Shaun Menary and prepare to be amazed, my friends.

From the Bride… For me, I needed three things on our wedding day: the perfect planners, the perfect photographer to capture it all, and originality. I knew that I had to have our wedding ceremony at Hotel Saint Cecilia long before I was ever engaged. I’m a lover of design, architecture, and original styles, and this place is filled to the brim. You add to that the most fabulous planners and people in Emily at Bird Dog Wedding and Shaun and Shannon Menary of Shaun Menary photography, and I was set from the beginning. I wanted all my bridesmaids in emerald green, gold, white or black, and I didn’t care which combination. I loved giving them the freedom to show their personalities in the dress they chose. I decided on no bouquets (except for mine of course!) and replaced them with flowers in their hair or flowers tied around their wrists. This way whoever was not at the ceremony would know who my people are the rest of the evening!

We chose to have our reception at the fabulous Hotel Ella featuring Goodall’s restaurant and my favorite hotel bar in Austin, the Parlor Bar. Talk about another design dream of mine. Kat Kinney and her team helped create and plan the best dining and reception experience ever. If you haven’t been, go. Now!

I chose black and white, emerald green, gold, cowhide, deer antlers, lucite, and shearlings to be the main staples of our day. Kind of this moody, glam, ranch look. Is that a thing? (Pinterest helped a lot.) I wanted every thing that we created to speak to the next from the details on our invitation to the place settings and decor. And what better way to make everything pop than with Carly of Margot Blair Florals! Also one of the coolest people I’ve ever had the chance to work with. It was so important to me to have this wedding reflect Brian and me, find ways to be truly original, and have everyone that comes relax and enjoy themselves. Emily and Celeste of Bird Dog Wedding made that a reality!

Looking back I have two favorite things about that day. One was getting ready with my bridesmaids in the suite (as cliché as it is, it’s the truth). Not a worry in the world, listening to records, sipping on chardonnay, taking photos on polaroids I gave them all the night before and just enjoying each other. The other was my bouquet. The floral combination and black ribbon to the floor, I died. Bravo, Carly! Oh also, marrying my husband, obviously.

For planning brides – have people you genuinely like help you plan, photograph, do makeup, do florals, etc. Spend the time to find the RIGHT people that understand you and what you want. There was truly nothing better than having a team of people around me that I trusted completely and that got me. I loved going to every meeting because it meant I got to catch up with each of them and hear about their days! I had a new group of friends after, and that’s pretty special.

Photography: Shaun Menary Photography | Floral Design: Margot Blair Floral | Wedding Dress: Second Summer Bride | Cake: La Victoria Bakery | Invitations: Gold Fox Paper | Reception Venue: Hotel Ella | Bride's Shoes: Arte Latica | Makeup: Donna Bruns | Hair: Salon Hush | DJ: Johnny Bravvo | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Event Design + Coordination: Bird Dog Wedding | Furniture Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Saint Cecilia | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: Annie Ray | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals | Transportation + Getaway Car: Transportation Consultants

Steal These 8 Blogger Looks for Your Weekend Uniform

When it comes to weekends, there are plenty of occasions that call for fitting style moments, whether it’s a Starbucks runs, a farmer’s market trip or getting fancied for date night. We’re looking to some of our favorite fashion bloggers to see what they don on their days off! Which one will you choose for this weekend?

We're Stealing These 8 Blogger Looks for Our Weekend Uniform
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We're Stealing These 8 Blogger Looks for Our Weekend Uniform
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Glamorous Waves from Start to Finish

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More Fashion + Beauty Inspiration This Way…

10 One-Piece Swim Suits Sexier Than a Bikini
12 Fitness Classes to Get Your Booty Bikini Ready
5 Haircare Rules Every Girl Should Know

NASCAR Team Owner Ties the Knot in a Glamorous City Wedding

This, loves, is what total glamour looks like.  Think a dashing groom (NASCAR team owner, Anthony Marlowe), his stunning bride and an epic Chicago setting all coming together to create one of the most mesmerizing days you will ever see. (Seriously.) Press play for every beautiful moment captured brilliantly by Amor In Motion.  It’s a must-see.

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From Amor In Motion… Anthony Marlowe, NASCAR team owner also recognized among the “Youngest CEOs Under 30” as featured on Inc. Magazine’s List of “Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies” marries the DASHING fit-to-be a princess, Julia Dirks.

An urban city wedding with timeless glamour and luxury. White, off the shoulder Calvin Klein bridesmaid dresses, all-white peonies and roses, men decked out in the finest of Vera Wang tuxedos in the immaculate historical architectural beauty of Chicago, the Field Museum, is what it took to pull off this timeless, classic, romantic wedding.

Photography: Nakai Photography | Cinematography: Amor In Motion | Event Planning: Kensington Floral And Events | Floral Design: Kehoe Designs | Wedding Dress: Dimitra's Bridal Couture | Cake: Vanille Patisserie | Stationery: Ashley's Custom Stationary | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Calvin Klein | Catering: Food For Thought | Makeup: Makeup By Kimberly Patterson | Hair: Shelby Doehrmann | Lighting: Frost Chicago | DJ: Joe Maz | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang | Venue: The Field Museum | Ice Sculpture: Alexander's Artic Ice | Master of Ceremonies: Ben Quam | Reception Music: The Cover Girls

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Raise Your Glass Because this German Wedding is Worth Toasting

Thanks to an Oktoberfest adventure while studying abroad, I tend to associate Germany (specifically Munich) with lederhosen and steins of beer. But with this summer wedding, I can now associate the country with lots of pretty. Yes, there’s lederhosen and beer, but there’s also a beautiful ceremony and sunset portraits in a wheat field. See it all from Michael And Carina Photography in The Vault!

From Michael And Carina PhotographyElke and Max are high school sweethearts. Their wedding took place in the middle of summer in the German countryside near Munich. They said their vows in a historic airy town hall with high vaulted ceilings and subtle gold tones. We spent the sunset running across wheat fields. When the sun had set, everyone celebrated the night away in a historic German Inn, with good food and beer – of course!

Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Floral Design: Bluetezeit Neufahrn | Wedding Dress: Dimitra Brautmode | Invitations: Artoz | Ceremony Venue: Standesamt Ismaning | Reception Venue: Hotel Landgasthof Hofmeier | Bride's Shoes: Vera Sposa | Jewelry: Vintage | Catering: Hotel Landgasthof Hofmeier | Hair + Makeup: Schoenmich | DJ: Richard Baumann | Favors: Guzzie Bonbon Manufaktur | Groom's Attire: Hirmer Herrenmode | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Hair Accessories: Handmade & Vintage | Piano Music: Clarin Merk

This is What Happens When You Let Your Best Friend Plan Your Wedding

When your best friend happens to work at Ooh! Events, not only will wedding planning actually be fun, but you’ll also have one gorgeous big day. With Lowndes Grove as a backdrop and Virgil Bunao behind the lens, every detail of this wedding — from the Twobirds Bridesmaid dresses to the pretty purple flowers and the Bride’s beaded Lazaro dress— shined. See it all in The Vault!

From Ooh! EventsChar is my best friend from childhood (since we were in the 3rd grade) so when she got engaged I offered to plan her wedding. She and David had some ideas that were really important to them: a fun band that could make it feel like a “party” environment and a blush, lavender, cool tone color palette. Char’s mother was very in tune with the design and we worked tirelessly to come up with an eclectic layout that accommodated a huge, 250-plus person wedding. Ultimately, the December day at Lowndes Grove turned out to be 80 degrees and beautifully sunny! It was perfect!

Char and David met while she was visiting her friend Beverly (also a bridesmaid) in New York for NYE. David was living in DC working in technology there and Char was in Charleston in PA school. She visited him in DC a handful of times after hitting it off on New Years Eve and eventually David moved down to Charleston, which is home for him, to be closer to Char. After dating for about 3 years, Char started a rotation in Hawaii. She moved down there at the start of 2015, and on NYE (a date that was so special to both of them) David popped the question on a beach in Hawaii.

Photography: Virgil Bunao Photography | Cinematography: Life In Rewind | Event Planning: Ooh! EventHaus | Floral Design: Out Of The Garden | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Invitations: William Arthur Fine Stationery | Bride's Shoes: Louboutin | Jewelry: Sara Gabriel | Bridesmaids' Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid | Catering: Fish Restaurant | Makeup: Prime Time Pretty | Hair: UpDo Charleston | Band: EastCoast Entertainment | Bow Ties: Brackish Bowties | Ceremony Music: Classical Charleston | Venue: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Cocktail Hour Music: Seth G. | Junior Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Rentals: Polished | Rentals: YOJ Events | Rentals: Event Drs | Rentals: Technical Event Company | Rentals: Snyder | Veil + Necklace: Family Heirloom

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
This Engagement Shoot Is What Love Looks Like

See these smiles? Yeah, that’s real. That’s genuine joy right there if I do say so myself and I can’t get enough of it. Dana Fernandez is my hero today, capturing these cuties in Cabo; if you’re in need of a mood boost, head right over to our Vault and you will not be disappointed.

From the Bride-to-be… We chose to do our engagement shoot in Cabo to capture our love for the beach and travel. Matthew and I have been to Cabo a handful of times together starting early on in our relationship. It is a very meaningful place for us where we have shared many fond memories and will continue to do so. To further emphasize our love of exploring the world together, Matthew is wearing a pair of shoes we got on a trip to Germany. We also love getting dressed up so we went all out with a suit and gown. Taking the photos was paired with a weekend spent in Cabo with both of our parents and Matthew’s aunt, Dana (the photographer ), which made it truly unforgettable!
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More engagement inspiration here!

Photography: Josh & Dana Fernandez | Gown: Rent The Runway | Suit: M Penner | Film Lab: The Find Lab

10 One-Piece Swimsuits Sexier Than a Bikini

Gone are the days when one-piece swim suits were for mama’s-to-be and girls who hadn’t hit puberty yet. They’re sexier than ever now, featuring cutouts, deep V’s, lace and crochet with skin peeking in all corners. And I think I might be investing in one of my own this summer. Tell us which one you love and would make you feel like a beach babe in the comments below!

10 One-Piece Swimsuits Sexier Than a Bikini
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10 One-Piece Swimsuits Sexier Than a Bikini
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Beach Waves

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More Beachy Inspiration this way…

Don’t Forget To Do These 15 Things Before You Leave for a Getaway
10 Best Beach Reads

How to Pack for a Week in a Carry On

Why Desert Chic Weddings Are The Next Big Thing

Garden party weddings, urban rooftop weddings, intimate oceanside weddings – we’ve pretty much seen it all. But the trend that should be on every bride’s radar right now are weddings with a desert chic twist. *Enter* this inspiration shoot that could convince any couple a wedding in the sand dunes is the only way to go. Chloe+MintSeniman CalligraphyHint Of Chic, and Tenth & Grace are a few of the vendors who made it happen, and there’s more pretty in The Vault.

From Tenth & Grace… I can’t think of a more intimate yet epic location to exchange vows than these beautiful sand dunes near Santa Barbara, California. The inspiration for this shoot came from the dunes themselves, so we designed a color scheme reflecting the soft, pastel colors of the dunes at sunset. Our bride and groom walked on the dunes together in quiet solitude before exchanging vows moments before the sun dipped below the horizon.

Chloe+Mint and Hint of Chic worked collaboratively to design and style this elopement, including the most luxurious springtime bouquet, and the gown from Carol Hannah Bridal moved beautifully in the wind. Seniman Calligraphy crafted gorgeous handmade vow books for our bride and groom. We hope this shoot will serve as inspiration for couples looking for a romantic and intimate location for a breathtaking elopement.

Photography: Tanya Menoni | Event Design: Chloe+Mint | Event Design: Hint Of Chic | Floral Design: Chloe+Mint | Floral Design: Hint Of Chic | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Stationery: Seniman Calligraphy | Bride's Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Susie Saltzman | Makeup: 805 Makeup | Hair: Laura Rocha | Calligraphy: Seniman Calligraphy | Groom's Attire: Friar Tux | Venue: Santa Barbara | Ribbon + Silk: Silk and Willow | Veil: Carol Hannah

How To Make a 1950’s Kitchen Remodel Feel Like a Chef’s Paradise

We know Jen as the graphic design powerhouse behind SMP and also because she has a really cute dog. But little did we know that behind Jen and her really cute dog Hoku was this fabulous kitchen remodel. Jen and her husband have been busy bees remodeling their 1950’s kitchen (on a budget, no less) into something that can best be described as a brass and white cooking haven. See even more here.

This is the space where David and I cook our favorite one-pot meals together every Sunday, where we share the quick “how was your day?” and where Hoku appears at the drop of a hat when he hears the sound of vegetables being cut on the chopping block.

Our goal with the kitchen was to give it the best facelift possible without breaking the bank. David and I aren’t crazy chefs and all we really wanted was a space that was clean and comfortable.

The kitchen cabinets are all original as is the butcher block and cooktop. The cabinets got a fresh coat of paint, new hinges and hardware. Stripping four layers of cruddy old yellow paint off the cabinets was probably my least favorite part of the process as it involved two full weekends of breathing in heavy fumes and applying a strong stripping agent that came close to burning the skin off our hands. But it was worth it…I think. We also got rid of all the dark green 50’s style square tiles, replacing it with a 2″x8″ marble subway tile backsplash and white quartz countertop.

Shopping for appliances was another ordeal. We had no idea how difficult it would be to find appliances to fit small 50’s kitchens, namely the fridge and the gas wall oven. After extensive research, we literally found the only fridge in existence (that was available in the US and wasn’t some super fancy expensive appliance that had to be imported from Germany) that would fit our shallow 24″ counter depth and other very specific old school kitchen dimensions. It was one of those scary big purchases that we had to just buy blindly from an appliance store in New York without seeing the actual thing in person because it wasn’t available locally, so we crossed our fingers and hoped for the best. Luckily, it all worked out perfectly. So, thanks Summit, for being the brand that no one’s ever heard of that also looks out for those of us with tiny kitchens!

Secondly the gas wall oven. Did you know that the gas wall oven is basically obsolete? Seriously they are all electric now. If you’ve ever searched for wall ovens on homedepot.com, you probably started off with like maybe 300 options, but after selecting “gas” and 24″ widths, guess what? You end up with ONE option. 

A couple weeks before we were to install our oven, Home Depot gives me the biggest heart attack by announcing that our only oven option in existence was discontinued and no longer available. (The alternative? Pay $3000 to upgrade our circuit breaker box to handle an electric oven, which was not an option.) I panicked and cried and scoured the Internet to no avail. Luckily our handyman was kind enough to call a local appliance store on our behalf only to find that they had one unit left. It was a bold stroke of luck and we made a mad dash to the store to pick it up. So yes, for all intents and purposes, we feel like we got the last 24″ Maytag Gas Wall Oven with Delayed-Start Control ever.

In the end, we couldn’t be happier with the results. Is it the ultimate chef’s kitchen to end all kitchens? Not really. The drawers aren’t those amazing soft close drawers, let alone have any tracks at all. The “vintage” cooktop is impossible to keep clean. The glass cabinet doors were a DIY job by a previous owner which has a ton of scratches and doesn’t even align with the inside shelving. But you know, it’s a little thing we like to call “character.” And after living without a kitchen for months, finally having a kitchen at all and one to call our own just feels like a dream.

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Fridge: Summit | Faucet: Delta | Sink: Vigo | Light Pendant: Schoolhouse Electric | Water Kettle: Smeg | Toaster Oven: Breville | Cooktop: “Vintage” Kenmore (original to the house) | Gas Wall Oven: Maytag | Microwave: Panasonic | Backsplash: The Tile Shop | Cabinet Pulls: MyKnobs.com | Paint: Benjamin Moore “Oxford White”

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More gorgeous white kitchens this way…

White Kitchens
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White Kitchens
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Photography: Jen Ha

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Love Marble + Gold? Try One of These Chic Home DIYs!

In the design world, neutrals are queen right now and the one combo that cozies right in with that look? Marble + gold. From beach houses to elegant chef’s kitchens to french country farmhouse, it’s simply a fresh, clean and timeless pairing. Can’t afford a massive island made of straight marble with gilded lighting overhead? Put on your I-can-make-that hat and try out one of these chic home decor DIYs! Also, catch Abby chatting about this trend on this morning’s TODAY Show segment!

Get the DIY: Ikea Hack Mini Bar Cart

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Get the DIY: Ikea Hack Gold + Marble Bookshelves

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Get the DIY: Marbled Side Table

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How to Gold Leaf Anything

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Mad About Marble
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Mad About Marble
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Find more Home DIYs this way!

An Infinity Pool Ceremony Mirrored This Couple’s Endless Love

Prepare to embark on a visual journey, because Louise and Lars’ wedding? It’s beyond. From the hint of Tuscan details, the Bride’s beautifully boho gown, this celebration had got chic written all over it, but the best part? They had their ceremony poolside and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The incredible Katie Grant Photography was on hand to capture it all and we’ve got it waiting in The Vault!

From Katie Grant PhotographyRefined bohemian is a hard style to pull off…but that’s just what Louise and Lars successfully did in their extremely elegant, slightly bohemian, relaxed (yet formal) destination wedding on Waiheke Island. With a hint of Tuscan and a touch of Boho-Chic, this wedding was a visual feast. Lengths of lush olive branches lined the tables and walls of the venue, as well as starring in the dainty floral bouquet, boutonnieres and sweet floral crowns by Leaf & Honey. Louise was stunning in her Rue De Seine boho wedding gown and was complimented perfectly by a formally clad Lars in his dashing tux. The ceremony stole the show as the couple said their vows in front of a stunning backdrop of wild New Zealand islands and bays. It was a glorious, sunshine filled day that reflected the natural beauty and wonder of Waiheke Island…from it’s crystal blue bays to its wild, rolling hills- it is one of the most picturesque places in the world.

Photography: Katie Grant Photography | Coordination: Waiheke Island Wedding and Events | Floral Design: Leaf & Honey | Wedding Dress: Rue De Seine | Bride's Shoes: Louboutin | Venue: Waikopou

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
11 Things NOT to Do the Week Before Your Wedding

You’ve been planning this day for months (and dreaming of it for even longer) and the countdown has finally reached the single digits. Everything is falling into place and you have a backup plan for any potential mishap, so now is not the time to change up your hair or lay out in the sun for some extra color. Avoid these 11 common mistakes, and it will be smooth sailing until the big day!

What NOT to Do the Week Before "I Do"
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What NOT to Do the Week Before "I Do"
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More Advice for the Savvy Bride-to-Be

The Ultimate Planning Timeline | 15 Guests You Don’t Have to Invite | What’s Your Wedding Style?

Your Must-Have Wedding Survival Kit with Johnson & Johnson

From your bachelorette party to engagement celebrations to wedding day and honeymoon, being prepared is key.  Which is why we’ve teamed up with Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. to bring you a Wedding Survival Kit that will help you handle those unexpected moments with total ease. Think Compeed Blister Cushions, Neosporin and Band-Aid Bandages.  Stumbling around in high-heels that cause pain on THE Big Day just doesn’t need to happen. We’ve got you covered!

Dancing the night away to celebrate your “I do’s” is the only thing you need to worry about on your wedding day.  That’s why we’re sharing a lineup of fab products that will save the day when emergencies strike. Bridesmaids complaining of blister pain? Give them Compeed Blister Cushions (found only at Walgreens) and they will be ready to go.  This survival kit must-have that stays on all day to get you down the aisle and enjoy the dance floor, pain free. Small cut from a flower bouquet or wedding prep DIY activity gone wrong? Have the new Neosporin + Pain, Itch, Scar on hand, which minimizes the appearance of scars. We also love the clear Band-Aid Water Block Bandages to cover and protect any scrapes. These essentials should help keep the party going… for you AND your guests.

Having a Wedding Survival Kit handy is always a good thing.  We also suggest tossing in some serious beauty essentials (read: bobby pins, nail polish and mints), then filling your bag with Johnson & Johnson must-haves.  Trust us, it will keep your parties going loooong into the evening.

Essentials_Text

Compeed Blister Cushions
Neosporin + Pain, Itch, Scar
Band-Aid Water Block Bandages
Band-Aid All-in-One Adhesive Gauze Pad
Nail File
Dry Cleaning Pad
Oil Blotting Paper
Fashion Tape
Mints
Nail Polish
Hair Spray
Lint Roller
Safety Pins
Bobby Pins
Hydrating Spray
Lipstick
Small Scissors
Spot Remover Stick

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

Sponsored-Post

What This Bride Wore to Her Engagement Session Will Give You Happy Tears

This isn’t just a pretty engagement session. Yes, with its panoramic San Francisco views and gorgeous duo, it is absolutely beautiful. But, it’s also so special. Why? Because the Bride-to-be wore the same dress her grandmother wore to marry her grandfather more than 60 years earlier. Read the sweet story below, and then head to The Vault for photos from Lori Paladino Photography that will give you all the feels.


From The Bride…Ever since I was a little girl, I have admired the photo of my grandmother in her wedding dress. She had selected the light tulle fabric and simple design of the dress so that she could pack it in her bag as she flew to Germany to marry my grandfather at the end of World War II. When I tried the dress on 60 years later it was still light and airy, yet slightly faded, but just as special. I knew right away I wanted to wear it for our engagement shoot.

Sean and I briefly met over five years ago at our university alumni event, then serendipitously ran into each other the following weekend at a bar in San Francisco, where we both live. He asked me on our first date that night, and four years later proposed in wine country. As we started planning our wedding in the Sonoma Valley, we knew wanted our engagement photos to capture a different side of San Francisco and highlight my grandmother’s amazing dress. We chose not-so-typical scenes of the city, that locals may easily recognize, and that have special meaning to us. We twirled on the roof of our apartment building, overlooking our hometowns in the East Bay, and walked the steps of our favorite street, before wrapping up among the beautiful trees of the Presidio. It was such a fun day for us, and the photos made for the best surprise for my grandparents on the eve of their 60th anniversary!

Photography: Lori Paladino Photography | Venue: City Hall

8 Things To Avoid if You Want Open Shelving

How many of you have drooled over open shelving on Pinterest? A pretty space for cake stands and cute glassware from Anthropologie? Yes, please! But going for that minimalist look can also have some consequences if you don’t have the design approach. So, if you’re looking to showcase some of your beautiful pieces in a wow way, here are 8 things to avoid!

Avoid that cluttered feeling by sticking to a neutral or similar color palette.

Steer away from overloading on any one texture, metallic or theme. Have a few pretty copper pieces you want to show off? Balance them out by placing on varying shelves and pairing with contrasting pieces. The brass, wood and blush combo above is a winner.

Don’t forget to look beyond aesthetics. Incorporate some conversation starters! Whether that’s a piece of DIY art you made or grandma’s antique tea pot.

Avoid having all of your pieces the same height. A bit of variation will help the eye flow seamlessly from one shelf to the next.

Don’t forget to make your open shelving work for your specific needs! Open shelving shouldn’t just be about aesthetics, but efficiency too. Try to place items you use on the lower shelves and let your fancier pieces live at the top!

And alternately, don’t solely use your shelving for daily items! Sure, we all need plates and glassware on the daily but the whole point of open shelving is to show off your pretties too.

Also avoid placing your shelving in high traffic areas where items might get knocked or bumped off by a rogue elbow. If you want to incorporate open shelving into a kitchen reno but it’s just not working? Try opting for a section of glass-front cabinetry.

Don’t rely solely on open shelving in your kitchen. Especially if you’re renovating, be realistic about the fact that there are just some items you won’t want out in the open. Just because you saw a gorgeous kitchen on Pinterest with all open shelving and no cabinetry, doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Have the best of both worlds!

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10 Ways To Avoid a Shelfie Disaster
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10 Ways To Avoid a Shelfie Disaster
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How to Always Be Entertaining Ready

Three-Stone Rings for Three Times the Pretty

When it comes to engagement rings, more is definitely more — why have just one diamond when you can have three?! Even if you’ve always thought you were a solitaire diamond ring kind of girl, this three-stone stunner captured by Jose Villa Photography is pretty enough to change your mind. Get the look and see more beautiful three-stone rings below! Trust us, your left hand will thank you.

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Get the Look

Tacori | Brilliant EarthDe Beers

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More Beautiful Three-Stone Rings to Love

Gorgeous 3-Stone Engagement Rings
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Gorgeous 3-Stone Engagement Rings
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The Devil’s Chocolate Cake Recipe that Will Cure Any Bad Day

I’m pretty sure, no scratch that—100% positive that this is the prettiest cake I’ve ever seen. And if someone served me a slice of this on a bad day? Well, it would be a bad day no more my friends. Not to mention it would be fab to celebrate with on a good day, too. Think birthdays, holidays, or just any old Wednesday—because this will be happening in my kitchen soon. Recipe from Cake by Annie below and you can indulge in more here in The Vault with imagery by Kirill Bordon Photography!

Devil's Chocolate Cake RecipePastry chef Annie from "Cake by Annie" makes a Devil's food cake with a raspberry vanilla soak and raspberry butter cream, topped with dark chocolate ganache, pistachio and puffed millet bark, and chocolate raspberry cake balls.
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Serves 0Ingredients
  • For the cake:
  • Baking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups cooled coffee
  • For the coconut cream ganache:
  • 3/4 cup full fat Coconut Milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • 454 grams dark chocolate, chopped or grated into small pieces
  • For the raspberry swiss meringue buttercream:
  • 5 large (150 grams) egg whites
  • 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 sticks (340 grams) unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • ¾ cup freeze dried raspberries
  • ½ cup seedless raspberry jam
  • Few drops of pink or red gel food colouring
Instructions
  1. Cake:
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 8 inch round cake pans with baking spray. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
  3. Sift cocoa, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar into bowl. Whisk. Add the oil, milk, vanilla, eggs, and cooled coffee, and whisk until combined and smooth. Batter will be runny.
  4. Pour batter into pans. Bake 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Be sure to rotate the pans every 15 minutes.
  5. Let cakes cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes, before inverting them onto the rack. Let cool completely.
  6. Coconut Cream Ganache:
  7. Combine coconut milk and a pinch of salt in a saucepan on medium heat and bring to a boil. Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl and pour the boiling coconut milk onto the chocolate and let sit for about 5 minutes. Gently stir, until smooth and homogenous. Let it cool slightly, but not so long that it becomes thick. It should be pour-able. Pour or pipe the ganache over a COLD cake so that you don’t melt the buttercream. Encourage the ganache over the edge of the cake to achieve desired drips.
  8. Store any left overs in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an air-tight container. Gently re-heat in microwave as needed.
  9. Raspberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream:
  10. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine egg whites and sugar. Place bowl over a double boiler, whisking frequently, heat to 140°F to dissolve the sugar.
  11. Attach the bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whip until the meringue is thick, glossy, and the bottom of the bowl no longer feels warm, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  12. Switch over to paddle attachment and, with mixer on low speed, add the butter cubes, one at a time, until incorporated. Continue beating until it has reached a silky smooth texture. If the buttercream curdles simply keep mixing and it will come back to smooth. Add the vanilla, salt, freeze dried raspberries, jam, and colouring if using. Continue to beat on low speed until well combined.
  13. Keep in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let come to room temperature and re-whip in the mixer with the paddle attachment before using.

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Extras

Raspberry Pistachio Cake Truffles

3 cups of cake, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons of buttercream
Dark chocolate for melting
Chopped pistachios for rolling
Chopped freeze dried raspberries for rolling

Pulse cake scraps in a food processor to make fine crumbs. Stir buttercream into the crumbs and stir and squeeze mixture with your hands to combine. The mixture should not be wet, but just sticky enough to stay in shape when you form a ball. Pull out 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll into a nice round ball shape using your hands. Refrigerate the balls until firm.

Melt your dark chocolate in a shallow heatproof container and carefully dip your cake balls into the melted chocolate and roll them around to coat. Before your chocolate has set, drop your ball into a bowl of chopped pistachios or chopped freeze dried raspberries and roll them around to coat entirely. Allow cake truffles to chill in the fridge until chocolate hardens. Garnish your cake with your colourful truffles.

Puffed Millet and Pistachio Bark

Dark chocolate for melting
Chopped pitachios
Puffed millet cereal
Chopped freeze dried raspberries

Melt chocolate in a heatproof container. Pour the chocolate onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle chopped nuts, raspberries, and millet onto the chocolate randomly. Put the cookie sheet into the fridge to set up. Once the chocolate is very cold and firm, pull the cookie tray out and using a knife gently stab at the chocolate breaking it into shards. Garnish your cake with the chocolate shards.

Photography: Kirill Bordon Photography | Floral Design: JEvents Planning & Design | Cake: Cake By Annie | Calligraphy: Maurelle Calligraphy | Venue: Cake By Annie | Cutting Boards: Pacific Design Lab | Film Processing: The Find Lab

10 Things Not to Say to a Bride on Her Wedding Day

It’s safe to assume the average Bride will be stressed out on her wedding day — after months of planning, the day she’s been dreaming of is finally here. And as a guest, it’s your responsibility not to add to her stress. That means showing up on time, avoiding common faux pas, showing your love and support, and never uttering these ten phrases to the beautiful Bride (or Groom)!

What NOT to Say to a Bride
View Slideshow
What NOT to Say to a Bride
View Slideshow

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