Summer Wedding Essentials For Your Guests To Beat The Heat

There is no denying that summer is a great season for weddings, but sometimes keeping your guests comfortable in rising temperatures can feel like an uphill battle. We’ve got some helpful tips and tricks to help your guests beat the heat!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Oliver Fly Photography

1. Keep it Indoors

No matter where in the world you’re getting married, if it’s summer, chances are it’s going to be hot! The easiest way to ensure that you and your guests are as comfortable as possible is to have your entire wedding indoors in a space that has air conditioning. We know that sounds easy in theory, but depending on the size of your venue, this could get tricky. If you haven’t locked in your venue yet, express your concerns about the heat to your wedding planner and search for a venue that has enough space inside for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. If you already have your venue and it isn’t possible to host the entire wedding indoors, consider doing a “flip”. A “flip” is when your planner and their team transform your ceremony location into a reception space, preferably while your guests are enjoying cocktail hour elsewhere. This technique will ensure that your guests are in a climate-controlled space for the majority of your wedding and only have to brave the elements for a brief window of time.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Katie Lopez Photography

2. Keep them Hydrated

It’s always important to make sure that your guests stay hydrated, but even more so if your wedding is outdoors. Make sure that water is available during every part of your wedding. For the cocktail hour, and the reception, this is easy because your caterer will likely have waitstaff passing or refilling drinks, or guests can help themselves by going to the bar. Don’t forget about the ceremony. Depending on what time your guests arrive at your ceremony location, they may be outdoors for an hour or more by the time cocktail hour rolls around! Consider having a water station near the entrance where guests can help themselves to a small bottle of water or perhaps some fruit infused water on ice. If the thought of having your guests sipping bottles or even glasses of water during your ceremony makes you cringe, ask your caterer or wedding planner if they can arrange to have the waitstaff collect the glasses or bottles fifteen minutes before the ceremony begins–win, win!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Sophie Epton Photography

3. Get Shady

If any portion of your summer wedding is being held outdoors, it’s important to throw shade (in a good way). Some shade may be built into your venue like an awning or an overhang. If your venue does not provide shade naturally – bring it in. Shade comes in many different shapes and sizes depending on your needs. Umbrellas and tents are great coverage options for larger outdoor spaces. To make sure that you have all of your guests covered, you may even consider giving out parasols that can function both as a shield from the sun and a sweet wedding favor!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Luna de Mare Photography

4. Fans

Fans are a great way to keep the air circulating, minimizing the impact of soaring temperatures. If your venue is designed for outdoor ceremonies, like a patio or a courtyard, they may have fans built-in. If not, talk to your wedding planner about renting fans. Electric fans will offer your guests the most airflow, some may have mist capabilities (which is a definite plus). Paper fans are another great way to help your guests stay cool. Some printing companies even offer packages where they print your wedding program onto fans–you gotta love a 2-in-1!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Jose Villa

5. Get a Late Start

Timing is everything when planning a wedding. For summer weddings, we always recommend starting later in the day when things have cooled down a bit. Consider having your ceremony just before sunset and your reception in the evening. The photos of the sun setting while you’re exchanging vows are guaranteed to be swoon-worthy and your guests will be SO grateful!

PHOTOGRAPHY | Rebecca Yale Photography

6. Offer Transportation (even if it’s walking distance)

Standing or sitting outside can be rough if it’s hot, walking is even tougher. Even if your ceremony and your reception are what you would normally consider “walking distance” from one another, we recommend providing transportation for your guests between the venues. It can be something as simple as golf carts or a shuttle. Your guests will be thankful that you spared them the walk.

PHOTOGRAPHY | O’Malley Photographers

7. Tone Down the Dress Code

If you’ve got your heart set on an outdoor summer wedding, opt for a less formal dress code, like dressy casual or just plain casual. This allows your guests to dress comfortably for the weather, rather than having to suit up in the sweltering heat. Encourage the men to wear light fabrics like linen and cotton and the women to wear comfortable sundresses or dressy separates.

PHOTOGRAPHY | George Pahountis

8. Frozen Refreshments

What better way is there to keep your guests cool than serving frozen cocktails? From margaritas and piña coladas to champagne with a popsicle garnish–these frozen treats are sure to help your guests cool off. It’s a good idea to offer one or two non-alcoholic options to make sure that none of your guests feel left out of the frozen festivities.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Amanda K Photography

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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A Breathtaking Waterfront Wedding in Blue and White

Welcome to a wedding celebration that will sweep you off your feet and transport you to a dreamy day on the water. Done in soothing hues of blue and white, every detail has been meticulously crafted by Anna Lucia Events to create an ambiance of pure enchantment. Love and beauty intertwine to create an unforgettable experience with extraordinary floral design by Velvet And Twine. Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating imagery by Hunter Ryan Photo and watch the celebration unfold in the full gallery.

Sophia and John met at Florida State University in 2013. Six years later, John got down on one knee to propose during a walk on Ponte Vedra Beach in October of 2019. Sophia said, “The next thing I see just up the beach,” she says, “are both of our entire immediate families, together—cheering, smiling, and joyfully celebrating our love and ever-growing familia.”

The couple wanted to plan a wedding centered around the idea of “La Familia,” a motto used by the late Priest who married Sophia’s parents. He said, “As I think on everything I have witnessed in my priesthood, it is clear to me that the person we become in this world can always be traced to our experiences in the family.” “La Familia” has been the motto of Sophia’s family – and was the central theme of their wedding weekend. With “La Familia” as the theme – It was only fitting that the couple decided to hold their reception at Sophia’s grandparents’ waterfront estate. “I couldn’t ignore my dreams of having an outdoor wedding reception in a picturesque setting like that of my family’s home.”

The venue being so special to the couple – they had a custom sketch drawn, dubbed “Casa Abuelos,” or “grandparents’ home,” for their the save-the-date and details cards, and a personalized crest that reflected the home.

“I have an emotional, purposeful connection to my reception venue,” she says. “It’s a special place where I have made so many unforgettable memories while growing up—it is home to numerous celebrations and family gatherings, high school proms, graduations, and anniversaries.” Since they would be completely transforming the grounds for their wedding and creating an entirely new “look” at the home, the couple also chose to have their engagement photos captured there too. John wore heirloom cufflinks from his grandfather, also named John. He proposed to his wife (John’s grandmother)—also named Sophia—exactly 60 years before their grandson presented his bride with her engagement ring. The bride donned a custom Madrid-Rosaline veil with blusher. “Though blushers aren’t used often these days, I always imagined my father lifting it back as he presented me to my husband! I appreciate this traditional element,” she says. “It was such an honor to wear the most exquisite diamond solitaire earrings that belonged to my late Abuelita, my great-grandmother from Cuba.”

Keeping with tradition, Sophia and John’s saw each other for the first time at the aisle. But Sophia wanted to have a special moment with her father before the ceremony. They shared a father/daughter “first look” on the staircase of their family home. “His first words, ‘You look stunning,’ melt my heart just as much today. I cherish the sweet memory of us driving to the chapel, before the greatest man in my life would present me to the man of my dreams.”

Sophia and John selected the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Jesuit High School—the alma mater of the bride’s father, uncle, and cousins. “This was the easiest decision we had to make—we are both Roman Catholic and our entire families are all devout Catholics, too!” Sophia and John chose a blue-and-white color palette. For the overall design…”We drew upon the existing beautiful architecture and overall feel of the house—it was already all there!” says the bride.

“The incredible cane-wrapped, four-sided bar, positioned around the grand oak and illuminated by chandeliers woven into the greenery, had a truly magical, ethereal feel,” says Sophia. “It was the original inspiration for our reception vision and was truly my favorite design element!” A nod to the bride’s Cuban heritage – The couple’s signature drink featured at the bar was a Cuban mint mojito. The couple’s planner Anna Lucia Events, designed the escort wall that matched the transom window over the front door of the home. Glass and chinoiserie bud vases held a variety of white blooms with each guests escort card. Flowers used were pure perfume garden roses, orlaya lace, larkspur, ranunculus, stock, majolik spray roses. Their cake was displayed on a hand-stitched blue and white linen, “a familial treasure my great-grandmother brought to America from Cuba,” says the bride. The pool area was transformed into a dance floor; the stage and backdrop built were secured over the water. “I bet most of the guests never knew they were dancing over a pool!” says Sophia. Late-night snacks were served on the patio from their custom “La Ventanita,” or “little window,” says Sophia. “It was a nod to the nostalgia of the go-to-hub for conversation within the Cuban community. It was fun to highlight a little bit of tradition of evenings when Cuban friends would gather around with great conversation and authentic Cuban food.” After guests grabbed a ‘Cuban’ from La Ventanita – they danced the night away as the band switched to Latin music. The bride said, “The dance floor was filled the entire night and our guests loved dancing to the Latin vibes!”

The newlyweds exited their reception from Casa Abuelo’s via boat – as guests waved sparklers.

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Hunter Ryan Photo

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Garden Oasis Dreams for this Springtime Backyard Wedding

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The wedding colors were blue, yellow, green, pink, and white.

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Natalie and Michael’s wedding combined some of their favorite things — eating outdoors in gardens, cozy bookstores, and cheerful colors. The place settings with vibrant, colorful plates and glassware were a bold and beautiful detail of the reception space; they stood out perfectly on the long, big tables where everyone could easily sit and dine together. This couple had a few fun specialty cocktails for their guests planned for the night, and the celebration ended with a beautiful sunset right off the dock.

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Natalie and Michael met at the library as juniors at the University of Mississippi. They quickly bonded over their shared bookish interests and made plans to study together several times throughout the next few semesters. After a few years of dating, Michael planned an elaborate surprise proposal on Hilton Head Island. He invited Natalie’s parents to join them, and they all ate at one of Natalie’s favorite restaurants. Afterward, Michael had a surprise sunset proposal on the dock waiting for Natalie.

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Natalie wore a simple, yet elegant Carol Hannah ballgown with a square neckline, tied front, and horsehair-braid trim. “My dress is Carol Hannah. My mom and I spent a weekend in the fall looking for dresses and fell in love with the designer at a bridal boutique called The Sentimentalist in Atlanta.”

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Michael bought his classic black tux in Jackson, Mississippi, at a menswear store called The Rogue.

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During cocktail hour, Shaken & Stirred Mixology served three signature cocktails: March Nocturne, Rapier, and Buerre D’arachide. Guests then ate a plated dinner provided by Signature Catering.

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The decor featured pastel florals, colorful plates, and glasses, reminding Natalie of springtime and some of her favorite memories: “I wanted a combination of some of our favorite things: eating outdoors in gardens, cozy bookstores, and cheerful colors. I have a favorite bookstore in Sydney, Australia, called Ampersand, which combines these three perfectly. I spent many hours sipping cappuccinos outside in pretty china teacups and wandering through the many levels of the store decorated with colorful antiques. I love in period pieces when people dine outside with real place settings instead of how we normally do it now with plastic forks and a stack of paper napkins. For the reception, I wanted everyone to sit down and dine together at big tables with conversation, food, and drinks flowing.”

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The couple chose not to serve cake, instead celebrating and toasting their guests with a champagne tower.

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Michael: “We entered the ceremony all together instead of the groom and bride separately. Natalie and I were both escorted by both our parents and entered the ceremony on different sides.”

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BBJ La Tavola

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Emerald Empire Band

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A Disney Fairytale Wedding in Marbella, Spain

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Katie and Jon’s wedding was a stunning affair that was filled with personal touches and unique details. One of the standout elements of the wedding was the choice of colors, which were pink for the decoration and white for the bridesmaids’ dresses. This color scheme added a lovely touch of elegance and sophistication to the entire event.

The use of pink in the wedding decoration was particularly striking, with the color featured prominently in everything from the floral arrangements to the napkin accessories. The hanging flowers and pink accents throughout the venue added a touch of romance and whimsy to the overall look and feel of the celebration.

In contrast, the bridesmaids’ dresses were all in white, which created a beautiful contrast against the pink decorations. The white dresses were chic and sophisticated, with each bridesmaid adding their own unique flair to the overall look. The matching white floral arrangements tied everything together perfectly, creating a cohesive and polished aesthetic.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The bride, Katie, paid great attention to detail in the design of her dreamy Marbella destination wedding. She had a clear vision of a Disney fairy tale wedding, and the decor reflected this with a heart-shaped theme and plenty of pink. Pedro Navarro, the talented florist in Spain, created stunning floral arrangements, including hanging flowers, which added to the magical atmosphere.

In addition to the florals, Katie incorporated personal touches into the decor, such as mirror gold name places, baby pink napkins, and plates. These small details tied in perfectly with the overall theme and added a touch of elegance to the already beautiful setting.

Overall, the design and vibe of the wedding was enchanting and romantic, with a touch of sophistication. Katie’s attention to detail and vision for a fairy tale wedding came to life with the help of talented vendors like Pedro Navarro, creating an unforgettable and magical celebration for the couple and their guests.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Katie and Jon’s love story began at the gym, where they both worked out at Hale County Club. After two years of knowing each other, Jon finally asked Katie out. Little did she know, their relationship would soon take a major turn with a surprise proposal.

Initially planning to propose in Dubai, the pandemic and the arrival of their baby forced Jon to come up with a new plan. He decided to pop the question in an escape room in Manchester, a place they had enjoyed for fun in the past.

Recalling the proposal, Katie said, “I thought nothing of it. I get so into the game that I was oblivious to all the clues, such as the padlocks with the numbers of the date we met. In the final 30 seconds of the game, I wheeled down the chest to beat the room and there was the ring.”

It was a clever and unique proposal that perfectly suited the couple’s love for fun and games. Jon’s creativity and thoughtfulness showed just how much he knew and loved his soon-to-be wife.
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]atie looked absolutely stunning on her wedding day, wearing not one but two breathtaking Berta dresses. For the ceremony, she wore a fishtail gown with a long veil, which was truly a showstopper. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and the veil added a touch of elegance and grace to her look. Katie shared, “I always knew I wanted a Berta gown, I fell in love with the fishtail shape and the way it made me feel.”

For the evening reception, Katie changed into another Berta dress, which was more chic and sophisticated than her ceremony gown. She even had the train and lining removed, creating a daring see-through look that perfectly matched her fun and flirty personality. She revealed, “I think the seamstress thought I was mad butchering up a Berta gown. But I knew I wanted something sexy for the evening and the see-through fabric was perfect.”

Katie’s choice of dresses perfectly captured her vision for her wedding day, and she looked like a true princess in both of them. Her attention to detail was evident in every aspect of her attire, from her stunning jewelry to her perfectly styled hair and makeup.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridal party’s outfits were also a standout feature of the wedding. The bride had nine bridesmaids, including her mother who was the matron of honour. Speaking about her mother’s attire, the bride said, “My mum wore a wedding dress too; a Berta with the train cut off. Most people think this is crazy, but we like to be different.” The rest of the bridal party wore Pretty Lavish dresses in white, which complemented the bride’s chic and sophisticated number for the evening. The overall effect was stunning and cohesive, with the white dresses providing a clean and classic backdrop to the pink and gold accents of the wedding decor.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen at the wedding were all dressed in classic black tuxedos with bow ties, providing a sharp and sophisticated look for the occasion. The groom himself stood out with a unique twist on his attire, opting for a white dinner jacket instead of the traditional black custom designed by The Bespoke Tailor. This choice added a touch of elegance and individuality to his overall look, while still complementing the classic style of the groomsmen.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Let’s talk about the delectable food and drinks served at this stunning wedding. The couple opted for a gourmet menu that included some truly delicious choices.

One highlight was the perfectly cooked asparagus, beef fillet and lobster for the main course, which was a lovely addition to the meal. And what’s a wedding without a mimosa? The guests enjoyed sipping on this classic brunch cocktail during the reception.

Overall, the food and drinks at this wedding were nothing short of perfection. The couple and their guests were undoubtedly satisfied with the incredible culinary experience.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]As we step into the world of Katie and Jon’s wedding, we are immediately enchanted by the breathtaking floral and decor elements that adorned their celebration. Orchids, roses, white peonies, and almond flowers cascaded from the ceiling in a whimsical and romantic fashion. The stunning floral arrangements by Pedro Navarro perfectly complemented the wedding’s color scheme, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the overall design.

The combination of floral and decor elements created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with the pink and white hues of the flowers complementing the gold accents found throughout the reception space. From the mirror gold name places to the baby pink napkins and plates, every detail was carefully chosen to enhance the wedding’s theme and create an unforgettable experience for the happy couple and their guests.

The result was a truly magical wedding that captured the essence of a modern fairy tale, with floral and decor elements that left everyone in awe. Katie and Jon’s celebration was a true representation of their love story, and the attention to detail in the floral and decor elements only added to the magic of their special day.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The sweet finale of any wedding is undoubtedly the cake, and Katie and Jon’s nuptials were no exception. The couple opted for a stunning four-tier cake with a floating heart, tying in with the heart theme that was prominent throughout the wedding, including Katie’s heart-shaped engagement ring. The cake was a gorgeous centerpiece at the reception, with its elegant design featuring delicate floral detailing and soft pastel hues.

However, a slight mishap occurred when the top tier of the cake fell off due to the heat. Despite the unexpected incident, Katie took it in stride and was incredibly laid-back about it. As she put it, “I was very chilled about it, but I think people expected me to be upset.” Nevertheless, the mishap only added to the charming and unforgettable memories of the day.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The bride recalls feeling nervous as she waited with her bridesmaids and the children at the top of the staircase. Her father tried to slow her down, but her adrenaline was pumping, and she was eager to get down the aisle. As the violin started playing, the bride was able to relax and enjoy the moment. The wedding march was A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman, which set the perfect tone for the ceremony. The bride also shared that the reception was filled with lively music, including a live performance by Ella Shaw, a runner-up on Britain’s Got Talent. The couple’s first dance was to an acoustic version of Diamonds, which seamlessly transitioned into a fast-paced rendition of the song. The newlyweds and their guests danced the night away, creating memories that would last a lifetime.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The heart-shaped theme was a prominent element throughout the wedding, as it held significant meaning to the couple. The bride’s engagement ring was in the shape of a heart, and so they incorporated this symbol into their wedding day in various ways. The wedding cake was a four-tiered masterpiece with a floating heart, and hearts were also scattered throughout the floral arrangements and decor. Even the readings during the ceremony and the music played at the reception were chosen to reflect this theme. It was a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the love shared between the newlyweds.[/field]
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EDEN LUXE Bridal

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The 6 Best Setting Sprays to Ensure Your Wedding Makeup Makes It to the After Party

Even if you’re hiring a professional makeup artist, there is one item in your arsenal that every bride needs…a seriously good setting spray. We’re going to start at square one because some brides haven’t even heard of setting spray or have never used it, so if you’re a makeup pro/tutorial queen feel free to skip ahead to the recs. For the rest of you…class is in session. Setting spray is a transparent mist that helps keep your makeup from running, smudging, settling, and melting throughout the day. We’ve all been there. You look fire when you walk out the door only to come home to a horror movie version of what you once were looking back at you in the mirror. But no one wants that immortalized in wedding photos. Plus there are so many more obstacles, both physical and emotional, that you and your makeup will have to overcome together on your big day. So give yourself and your portraits a fighting chance and invest in a good setting spray.

KT Merry Photography

How To Use Setting Spray

There’s everyday makeup and then there’s wedding makeup–two totally different looks with completely different objectives. Wedding makeup will have more layers, more contouring, and overall more color to ensure that you POP and look as flawless as possible in your high-def wedding photos and video. Setting spray works to keep all of those elements in place through sweat, happy tears, and drastic temp changes. Think of your face as a canvas. While you could just apply a varnish when you’ve finished your masterpiece, to seriously prolong the life of your makeup look, you can actually apply setting spray after each step to really lock it in. You get your base done, spray…you finish your eyeshadow, spray…eyeliner, lashes…you get the idea.

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Why Buy Your Own?

Yes, your makeup artist will bring setting spray, but your wedding day is not a day for experimentation. The last thing you need is to have a reaction to their setting spray and break out all over your face moments before your ceremony. So, unless you know the kind they’ll be using and have tried it (and liked it) before, it’s always safest to experiment in the lead-up to your wedding so there are no surprises. You can keep it on hand and reapply throughout the day as necessary. Plus, it’s a good idea to have one that you like at home for big events or to take with you for your honeymoon.

KT Merry Photography

While they all help you get better wear out of your makeup, there are different setting sprays for different occasions, different types of weather, different skin types, and different finishes. Here are 6 of our favorites.

Best Glow

e.l.f Dewy Coconut Setting Mist

Dewy is in, especially when it comes to bridal makeup. Now, most setting sprays have a matte finish, so finding one that can hold your makeup in place but still give you that dewy glow is a big ask, but we’ve got just the one! e.l.f’s Dewy Coconut Setting Mist has a coconut-infused formula that smells great and actually works to hydrate your skin while you wear it.

Photo | e.l.f.

Best For Oily Skin

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray Matte

So many of us struggle with oily skin, especially under layer upon layer of makeup. This water-based setting spray lets your skin breathe and won’t clog your pores. It works instantly by absorbing oil and reducing shine giving you a perfect matte finish. And get this…it lasts up to 16 hours!

Photo | NYX

Best Illuminating

Iconic London’s Prep Set Glow Hydrating Spray

So you don’t just want to glow? You want to sparkle. Say less. You’re going to need a shimmer setting spray. These 2-in-1 formulas can be a bit dicey but this one has over 2,000 5-star reviews on Sephora. There’s even a bronzing option!

Photo | Iconic London

Best For Humidity

Urban Decay Allnighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

We all hope for beautiful weather on our wedding day, but be it rain or humidity, there are some things we simply can’t change…but we can plan. Urban Decay Allnighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray gets our vote for the best overall too (in case you were wondering). Urban Decay’s patented Temperature Control Technology actually lowers the temperature of your makeup and it’s WATERPROOF!

Photo | Urban Decay

Best Blurring

Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Makeup Setting Spray

Who doesn’t want smooth airbrushed skin on their wedding day? While this setting spray may be lightweight, it’s definitely a heavy lifter where makeup is concerned. It gives skin a beautiful smooth satin look and gives your makeup an excellent hold. If you’re planning on doing your own makeup, this setting spray will also level up your look and give it that professional airbrushed finish.

Photo | Charlotte Tilbury

Best For Sweat

Tarte Shape Tape Stay Spray Vegan Setting Spray

Everybody sweats (some more than others), especially on their wedding day. From nerves and soaring temps to endless layers of synthetic fabrics and shapewear there’s no shortage of reasons to want a sweatproof setting spray, in fact, we highly recommend it! This refreshing cucumber-scented setting spray is waterproof, sweatproof, and transfer-proof.

Photo | Tarte

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A Team Of All-Star Vendors Came Together To Gift A French Castle Wedding To Pandemic Frontline Workers

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Kirsten requested a color palette of greens and creams with a gold accent color and they were reflected in all the details of the day – all gifted by the generous suppliers involved.

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As wedding planners, we are constantly searching for incredible venues, and Chateau de Bonneval certainly exceeded our expectations the moment we first saw it. Privately owned by Geraud and Marta de Bonneval, it has been in the Bonneval family for over 1000 years and is steeped in history. Open to a select number of intimate weddings each year; the chateau is a perfect setting for a romantic French wedding with a cobbled courtyard with twisted stone pillars, which we drenched with fairy lights for the wedding breakfast, which was served on circular tables with Kirsten and Ali seated at a sweetheart table. Inside are several staterooms with hand-painted murals on the ceilings and hand-carved detailing around the doorways. The tablescape continued with delicate green tapered candles, green linen knotted napkins, and a personalized iced cookie table plan commissioned by event designer India Bottomley. After dinner, the guests retired to the lawns in front of the chateau, where an open-air dance floor with a fairy-light canopy awaited them. After a quick change into their dancing shoes, Kristen and Ali danced the night away under the stars. The magical day was captured by award-winning photographer Anneli Marinovich Photography and videography by Matthias Guerin.

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The love story of Kristen and Ali will bring tears to your eyes as they overcame so many obstacles in the quest to get married. When Aliaskar spotted Kristen on the first day of medical school in Philadelphia, he said, “Time moved in slow motion, and music played” when he saw her face. Following two months of asking friends to introduce them, he arranged a first date with homemade crepes and a Disney movie — a surefire way to win over a pediatrician! Kristen describes how she knew Ali was the one as he made her life better every day through millions of small gestures. Their personalities are infectious, and even when they face the toughest of situations, they would still share private jokes and laughter. When Ali left to study on another campus, their love shone through even though they had a long-distance relationship and the struggle of working their way through med school. They adopted the cutest dog, Winston, who further proved the seriousness of their commitment to each other. However, from different religions and backgrounds, there was some difficult family feedback, but they continued to snatch moments together during their grueling schedules. When Covid hit particularly badly at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, where they were both completing their medical studies, they were dedicated to their cause and became crucial members of the medical teams who did their utmost to save lives as the pandemic raged around them. Their families could only watch on from a distance, hoping and praying they would be safe from the virus themselves. At the same time, the world locked down, and we watched on in horror as medical professionals shared the reality of the pandemic in their clinical settings. Feeling helpless, the team at Best Events Company came up with an idea to bring some light to a couple working on the front line of the pandemic as a small way of thanking them for everything they were doing. The idea of the giveaway wedding was born. The concept was met with immeasurable positivity within the industry, and a team of industry-leading vendors gathered to bring the project to life. Each and every vendor generously donated their time, products, and energy to say a huge thank you to the winning couple. The giveaway was launched with the team expecting a few hundred applications. With over 3,000 entries and countless interviews with shortlisted couples later, Kristen and Ali won the prize and were invited to meet some of their team virtually. Needless to say, there were tears all around as the couple couldn’t believe they would get married in a French chateau with an incredible list of vendors on board to create a true fairytale-worthy wedding for them. A date was set, and everything was on track when Covid forced us to postpone the original date of their wedding. But finally, in May 2022, the couple celebrated their big day, surrounded by their loved ones in France!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Self-professed fashion addict Kristen chose an exquisite wedding dress by Monique Lhuillier, with forest green embroidery. The gown was paired with Bella Belle shoes, which the company gifted. She wore a stunning necklace and earrings gifted to her by her husband’s family, and her classically elegant hair and makeup look was created by the talented French HMUA Alexia Bigaud-Morin.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Kristen’s bridesmaids were Ali’s sisters and her best friend. They all chose their own neutral-coloured dresses.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Aliaskar wore a stylish cream tux, and his groomsmen wore black. All the alterations were carried out by his mother, who is a tailor.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Dinner was a delicious BBQ (hog roast) followed by homemade desserts and lots of champagne to toast the happy couple, who were beyond grateful for all the hard work provided by the generosity of the vendors.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Floral design by Le Coeur Sauvage Florist made the most of the romantic color palette of greens, creams, and gold. Divine stationery designed by Louise Richardson Stationery, and golden calligraphy wedding vows by Crimson Letters added a touch of nostalgia to the day.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The cake was a simple naked cake gifted to the happy couple by Chloe Belles Cakes. The cake cutting took place under the stars right before the first dance.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Their intimate ceremony took place outdoors in front of an ancient wishing well at Chateau de Bonneval.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

The unique story behind this wedding: During the height of the pandemic, a group of wedding suppliers (including myself) ran a competition to say thank you to healthcare workers, who worked tirelessly during the pandemic. We had over 3000 entries with the prize being to win your dream wedding (where all the suppliers gifted their services & products). Kristen & Ali, two selfless doctors from NYC who were entered into the competition by a friend, ended up winning and they were such worthy winners! Their wedding took place 17 of May 2022 at Chateau de Bonneval in France.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

THE ENTRY THAT WON OUR HEARTS: Tell us more about the couple: I’ve known Kristen and Aliaskar since they met during their first year of medical school in Philadelphia, and they have always been meant to be. The way Ali tells it (very sappily, I may add), he saw Kristen on the first day of medical school from across the lobby, and while he doesn’t say that he knew she was “the one,” he always talks about how “time moved in slow motion and music played” when he saw her face. He proceeded to ask all their mutual friends to introduce them. Finally, two months later, after a first date featuring homemade crepes and Disney movies (a plus for a future Pediatrician), he got the girl. While Kristen does not describe their first meeting quite as sappily, she describes knowing Ali is the one because of the million little ways he makes every day of her life better. I have never spent a day with them where they are not laughing together and making inside jokes, regardless of what they are going through or if they had spent the previous 5 minutes fighting. After being together for a year, Ali left for a different clinical campus and they spent a few years in different cities, which was not particularly easy while going through medical school. Through this time, they learned how to prioritize each other and their love, and most importantly, they adopted a dog that Kristen refuses to acknowledge may love Ali more. Now over five years later, after couples-matching into Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, they are doing life together in NYC. Their relationship has overcome many obstacles, the biggest of which is their different religious backgrounds leading to family conflict. The heartache they have been through to stay together is hard to describe-from threats of disownment to holidays spent apart and shifts in how they relate to their family. On top of this, they deal with typical resident issues like working opposite schedules 80-100 hours a week. Like Romeo and Juliet, they are forbidden, star-crossed lovers who continue to fight to be together (albeit with a happy ending!). Time and time again, I have witnessed their sacrifices in their personal lives and professional lives for each other and for their love. Because of their family situation and with the additional stress of insurmountable debt from medical school, planning a future together and a wedding has been close to impossible. Rather than their dream wedding, their discussions have shifted over time to city hall. They don’t need a dream wedding in order to be perfect for each other, but I don’t know another couple who deserves a fairytale ending more. Tell us about the work they do: Kristen is a Social Pediatrics Resident, and Aliaskar is an Internal Medicine Resident, both at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. The Montefiore system serves primarily low socioeconomic patients. Most of Kristen’s patients live in the poorest congressional district in the country. COVID has hit NYC harder than anywhere in the U.S., and patients in the Bronx at Montefiore have been disproportionately affected due to their health inequalities, chronic diseases, and low socioeconomic status. At this time, Bronx patients are twice as likely to die from COVID compared to other NYC residents. Their hospital has been featured in New York Times articles and 60 Minutes due to how severely they have been hit by the COVID epidemic. Kristen and Ali are like other doctors in training, ubiquitously known for being overworked and under-paid. All things in the hospital that fall through the cracks fall onto them as residents. Due to the severity of the COVID outbreak at Montefiore, Kristen has been pulled from taking care of children to taking care of adults (a challenge no Pediatrician has wished on themselves). Ali’s program has taken the brunt of the epidemic, forcing them to work longer hours with fewer breaks. The cafeteria, lecture halls, and office spaces have been converted to patient rooms – quadrupling his usual patient load. While they fight COVID on the front lines, they receive daily phone calls from family members begging them to quit their jobs out of fear. But quitting is not an option now when they know that patients will die without them and their colleagues. It is impossible to describe what it is like practicing medicine in NYC right now. There are constant overhead alarms echoing “CODE BLUE, CODE BLUE,” a signal that Ali’s team needs to run immediately to rescue a patient who is on the precipice of death. They do this day in and day out despite having little personal protective equipment, low ventilator supplies, and low medication supplies. While it sounds like a cheesy movie, in the stress of the COVID pandemic, Ali and Kristen know more than ever how important their love for each other is. While they planned on getting married at city hall this summer, I know they now have nightly conversations about wishing they could get married sooner because of the expectation that one of them will likely get sick. However, because of their work schedules, this is not a possibility for them either. After all they have sacrificed for each other and for all their patients, this giveaway would give them a light to look forward to – a chance to have their dream wedding when they commit to fighting together forever.

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A Spectacular and Enchanting Summer Wedding in Romania

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]As soon as we started planning our special day, we knew we had to create a mood board that perfectly captured our unique vision. I took charge of the décor and colour palette, carefully curating every detail to ensure it felt authentic to us. We scoured the internet for hours, searching for the perfect elements that would make our wedding unforgettable. Choosing the colour scheme was one of the toughest decisions we had to make, as I have a chameleonic taste and love so many different styles and colours. In the end, we opted for a bold and whimsical feel, combining elegance with a timeless charm. We chose an array of ivory, cream, and pink blooms, accentuated with deep rosewoods and burgundies, to create a floral display that was both classic and untamed. The combination of flowers and foliage created a harmonious scheme that perfectly represented us and our buoyant approach to life. The result was breath-taking and provided a captivating contrast to the natural landscape that surrounded us, delighting both us and our guests. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Like many women, I had always dreamed of a wedding day that was completely unique and special. Our love story began over a decade ago, and when my husband proposed during our travels in Africa in a Serengeti Maasai tribe, we knew that we had to create an equally unforgettable experience for our big day.
To celebrate our diverse backgrounds, both in London where we reside, and in Transylvania where our roots are from, it was important for us to have two weddings. Our intimate ceremony in London was modern and chic, while our grander ceremony in Transylvania was filled with breathtaking landscapes and romantic charm. Both celebrations reflected our personalities and our love story.
Since our guests were coming from all over Europe, we chose Transylvania as our destination for its cultural significance and potential for a great vacation. We worked tirelessly to brainstorm every detail to create the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor elements, natural landscapes, and thoughtful touches that would make our day truly unforgettable.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]On our special day, I wanted to make a statement with my bridal style, so I chose two stunning attires. My daytime and evening dress was a British-crafted, semi-bespoke ‘Sassi Holford’ dress that everyone adored. The dress came with two options of removable sleeves and pockets, and it was out of this world! It had a subtle yet different and elegant design that was both classic and chic. The delightful texture of the organza and the graceful blush tone added dimension and interest, and I paired it with some dazzling and fashionable ‘Amina Muaddi’ heels and a delicate handcrafted pearl Headband that completed my refined bridal look.
For the night, I wanted to go all out and dress like a true party rockstar. I chose the decadent ‘Taller Marmo’ feather dress that screamed fabulous and chic and paired it with my ‘Aeyde’ cowboy boots and some incredible ‘Jennifer Behr’ earrings that elevated my style and embellished my look. With these two stunning attires, I felt like a queen and had such a blast celebrating my special day in style.
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Our wedding was all about celebrating individuality, and that’s why I had a unique vision for my bridesmaids’ dresses. We decided to go for a mismatched look that showcased each woman’s unique style while still being colour-coordinated and made of similar material. Each bridesmaid wore a dress that was different in style, but they all looked stunning and complemented each other perfectly. This approach allowed for authenticity and a personal touch, ensuring that each woman felt comfortable and beautiful in a dress that was just right for her. The result was a beautiful and cohesive look that highlighted the unique personalities and styles of each of my wonderful bridesmaids.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]My husband was on a mission to find the perfect blend of tradition and personal flair for his wedding attire. He desired a look that would stand the test of time while also reflecting his unique style. He settled on a classic tuxedo with a bespoke ‘Kingsmen’ ivory jacket that complemented his body type and fashion sense flawlessly. To add a touch of personalization, he adorned himself with a bow tie and custom-made ‘Tateossian Cufflinks’ that were specially crafted to symbolize us – the Moon for me and the Sun for him. He completed the outfit by adding the ‘Omega Seamaster’ watch, to achieve the iconic ‘James Bond look’.

As the evening festivities drew near, he wanted to match his outfit with mine. He switched into a full black tuxedo that perfectly matched my ‘Taller Marmo’ dress. The end result was a stunningly stylish and sophisticated look that captured our personalities and made us feel graceful and poised on our big day.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]A wedding is never complete without delightful food and refreshing drinks. We wanted our guests to relish every moment of our celebration, which is why we made sure to offer a wide variety of options. Upon arrival, everyone gathered on the terrace to bask in the sun, listen to live jazz and savour delightful cheeses, paired with our favourite Prosecco, locally crafted in the region. Handmade ice-cream was also served to complement the warm weather. In the marquee, guests were treated to a four-course menu, each dish customized to their liking. From Starters and Seafood to Main Courses, Traditional options, and Desserts, our caterers made sure to cater to everyone’s taste buds. As the night progressed, we surprised our guests with homemade burgers and fries, which were passed around the dance floor as a late-night snack.
We also made sure that our guests had plenty of options when it came to drinks. Our open bar served our favourite Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir, as well as traditional drinks like ‘Visinata’. We even had a specialist bartender and cocktail maker, who whipped up our signature cocktails, including our go-to drink at Soho House, the spicy Picante.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]I was determined to make our florals and décor the most breathtaking we had ever seen. To me, this was the key to transforming the venue and its surroundings into a dreamy wonderland. It was like a project I typically work on, where I had to infuse layers, definition, and beauty to bring meaning to the space. While some people may overlook the importance of such details, they were crucial to the ethereal look we desired. Working in close collaboration with our talented florist team, we created a whimsical and charismatic aesthetic. Our only limitation was the budget, but if we could have, we would have gone above and beyond. We selected versatile flowers, ranging from classic to bohemian styles, and focused on colours and florals that exuded elegance and left everyone in awe.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Ah, the infamous wedding cake – finding the perfect baker to bring my vision to life was no easy feat. I had a precise idea in mind – a balance of flavours, textures, and of course, stunning visual appeal. The end result was a towering 1.7 meter cake adorned with delicate 3D flowers and infused with a blend of our favourite flavours. Each bite was a taste of pure heaven – fresh, sweet, and perfect for a summer celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Our Christian religious ceremony was a beautiful and intimate event that captured the essence of our love. Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the venue’s lush greenery and shimmering lakes, we exchanged our vows under the gentle shade of majestic acacia trees. Every detail was carefully considered, from the exquisite floral arrangements to the breathtaking arch adorned with wispy blooms that created a romantic focal point. As we made our way down the aisle, the Quartet played Coldplay’s iconic ‘Viva la Vida,’ a song that held a special place in our hearts and perfectly captured the growth and transformation of our relationship. It was a moment that we will cherish forever.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The atmosphere during our preparations was truly dreamy. We were staying at the beautiful ‘Villa Katrina’, a charming boutique villa located in Brasov. The property is steeped in history, and there is a fascinating story behind it. Legend has it that Katarina was the lover of Dracula himself, and the villa is now a historic symbol of true love and romance. Being in such a special place, surrounded by its unique history, added an extra layer of magic to our already special day.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Our two adorable miniature poodles, Maya and Marley, stole the show at our religious ceremony as they proudly carried our wedding rings down the aisle. Having them with us on our special day filled us with immense joy and made the celebration even more unforgettable!
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]We strived to make our wedding a true celebration of love and happiness, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that it was an unforgettable experience for us and our guests. From the start, we had envisioned a night filled with unique and personalized touches, like the custom neon sign featuring lyrics from our beloved first dance song, “You’ve Got the Love” by Florence + the Machine. Despite the challenges of rehearsing our dance moves, we put in the effort, and it paid off as we hit the dance floor with our guests, fuelled by the energy of our amazing band. It was a night of pure joy, laughter, and dancing that we will always treasure in our hearts forever.[/field]
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A Timeless Multicultural Wedding in the Texas Hill Country

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Yvette and Josh’s wedding day consisted of beautiful blues, cream, and greenery. With the venue space of The Preserve at Canyon Lake, you do not need to worry about much embellishment. These colors were the perfect compliment to the already beautiful space.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The details and flowers were important to Yvette and Josh on their day. The wanted a very classic look, and with the space of The Preserve at Canyon Lake already providing that, they wanted to take special care in what they added. Yvette’s orchid bouquet was the perfect touch in this classic look. There were touches of blue throughout the reception, such as the seating chart and the white and blue Turkish boxes on each place setting that were favors from the bride and groom. There were also touches of blue on the table from the different ribbon colors on the escort cards, which signified what meal each guest would get.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”][/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaid dresses were Yvette’s ‘something blue’ for the day, and we loved the way they complemented the classic white and green color scheme.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groomsmen wore very traditional navy blue suits rented from The Black Tux.

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Royal Fig Catering provided the catering, including idealistic summer eats such as duck pastor tacos, peachy green salad, and ceviche served on plantain chips. Miniature cheeseburgers were served as the perfect late-night bite. Bartending was provided by The Preserve at Canyon Lake venue and included a full bar with His and Her signature cocktails.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Yvette wanted timeless white flowers with greenery which Evember did a fantastic job of bringing to life throughout the ceremony and reception space. Yvette carried a bouquet of white cascading orchids which looked so elegant with her dress.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake designed by Cakes and More was a gorgeous four-tier, white cake adorned with orchids and roses. The cake was the perfect centerpiece for the delicious dessert table provided by Asukar.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

To honor the Bride’s family’s heritage and Spanish-speaking family members who have traveled from the Dominican, the couple opted for two officiants – one English-speaking officiant and one Spanish-speaking officiant. Half of the ceremony took place in English, and half of the ceremony took place in Spanish. A string quartet set the mood for the wedding as guests arrived for the ceremony and continued to entertain guests through cocktail hour.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Yvette and Josh incorporated their cultures in multiple ways throughout the reception. The couple had Asukar make desserts from both of their heritages, including Nigerian puff-puffs, Italian cannolis, and Dominican guava turnovers, in addition to the beautiful four-tier cake. They also had multiple musicians for the reception: a DJ to play the traditional wedding music everyone knows and loves, as well as a Nigerian musician for the groom’s heritage and a Salsa Merengue band, to bring in the bride’s heritage.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

To honor the bride’s heritage, they had a Hora Loca which is a tradition where they bring out props, confetti, and noisemakers and celebrate on the dance floor. Some of the dance floor props included flags from their heritages as well as Texas flags, traditional Dominican hats hand painted by Yvette’s uncle in the Dominican Republic, feather boas, and light-up wands. It was so fun to see everyone celebrate with the couple as the night ended!

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Effortlessly Chic Telluride Wedding at the Peaks Resort & Spa

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Whites, greys, leathers, pinks, pale blue[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]
The design for Madison and Daniel’s October nuptials was greatly inspired by the couple’s personal style – effortlessly chic & totally timeless.

The wedding invitation set the stage for a luxe destination mountain wedding weekend. Guests received a custom oversized invitation of handmade, deckled paper embossed with an image of the San Juan Mountains. The leather-like envelope liner donned a custom sketch of the resort view, complete with the quintessential Telluride gondola.

The Aspens were blazing at peak season change for their rooftop ceremony. It was the perfect setting. Garlands of lush florals lined the aisle, with a spectacular arch serving as their ceremony backdrop. We wanted every piece of decor to compliment the picturesque setting around us, while still embracing the couple’s luxe style.

Madison’s Monique Lhuillier Wish ball gown served as inspiration for their idyllic seated dinner. The vibe was romantic, with a touch of glamour. We selected the table linens, cake design, even the florals chosen for the arrangements with the delicate lace applique as our inspiration. Another beautiful floral arch framed their sweetheart table. It was a sweet nod to the ceremony and a beautiful focal point for the room.

The reception theme was Mountain Maximalism. Guests danced the night away under hundreds of upside down blooms that were carefully installed within the existing crystal teardrops of the ballroom. Light up cowboy hats gave a southern flare to the dancing & kept the party going while Madison changed into her stunner second outfit – a lace Nadine Merabi jumpsuit with sky high platforms.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]The pair are from Baton Rouge and met in college their Freshman Year. They were engaged in August of 2021 at City Park in New Orleans.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Madison wore the beautiful Wish ballgown from Monique Lhuiller with a removable high neck long sleeve top to transition from formal to party[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids were beautiful in high end Amsale dresses that were a pale pink in color. The gowns were paired with a gifted tasselled furry coat that Madison gifted her girls to wear for portraits and as the night cooled down in the mountains.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen all wore black tuxes, and the groom wore a white coat and black bottoms for a fashionable and classy look! [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The Cocktail hour had passed appetizers and drink options from their signature cocktails of a peach bellini, moscow mule or dirty martini. The reception dinner was a seated dinner.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]No detail was missed in regards to florals, their reception space, ceremony space, bar and cocktail hour. The ceremony aisle was lined with a full meadow only allowing guests to enter from the outside of the aisle. The Aisle runner was monogrammed with their new last initial of “G” for Guilbeau, leading to a circular full thick floral arch with a beautiful fall mountain backdrop of yellowing aspens and the San Juan Mountains.The pair had a wood half circle floral-decorated cocktail bar and lounge during cocktail hour. The reception space was kept neutral and classy with lots of florals and neutral colors, and another floral arch surrounding their sweetheart table at the top of the room, as well as their cocktail bar. A separate room for the band and dancing included a ceiling full of hanging blooms that mimicked their aisle runner meadow for their guests to dance under all night long.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The 3 tier cake by Kelly Gray Cakes featured delicate sugar flowers on a textured table of florals. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]A string quartet played as Madison walked down the aisle, during the recessional, and during cocktail hour as entertainment for the guests.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Midway through the evening, Madison changed in to a Nadine Merabi jumpsuit to dance the night away in and enjoy a new look in a lace one piece jumpsuit.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The band ended up allowing Madison and her bridesmaids to Karaoke late in to the evening with a few songs which was so much fun and had the crowd going in their party favor cowboy light up hats[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The pair ended the night with a giant celebratory cold spark exit, surrounded by their guests, for an epic end of the night photo! [/field]
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Garden Party Wedding With Coastal Flair On Martha’s Vineyard

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, powder blue, navy[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Inspired by family memories on the vineyard, the couple’s mutual love of sailing, and the beauty of summertime florals, this wedding brings an elegant twist to a coastal wedding. The decor was rich in textures, from wicker lamps hanging from the sailcloth tent to the rattan lanterns and candle votives. The cocktail hour and reception were decorated with linens in printed coastal blues, elegant ocean-colored dinner wares, and the prettiest coordinating sky-blue chairs. Emily’s parents both helped design the stationery using her father’s sketches and her mother’s attention to colors. Being that Robby is a corn hole enthusiast, the couple created personalized corn hole boards for guests to play at their reception. Undeniably, even the playful activities surrounding their wedding weekend are elegant. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]A mutual love of sailing brought this couple together and inspired their elegantly nautical wedding on Martha’s Vineyard. Emily and Robby met during their freshman year on the Boston University sailing team. They spent ample time together as teammates and close friends, which naturally blossomed into a relationship. They were engaged on the beach at Chatham Bars Inn, the same place where Robby’s parents were married. Ever since Emily was little, she imagined getting married on Martha’s Vineyard, so the coastal wedding planning began![/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]”I always had my heart set on a wedding dress with a full skirt. I wanted to feel like a princess on my wedding day, but I still wanted my dress to be simple, elegant, and classic. I got my dress at Designer Loft NYC and it was designed by Aire Barcelona. On my wedding day, I also wore my Nana’s earrings, which meant the world to me. This was a small, beautiful reminder that my Nana was there with me in spirit and that she would have been proud.”[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Guests dined on fresh summer salads and a plated dinner by V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons Catering.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]”We loved the beautiful flowers, rattan lanterns, rattan candle votives, and table linens.
Our favorite wedding day details were the table cards and the cornhole boards because they were so personal. My dad drew all of the images for the table cards, and each table was named after a special place on the island, bringing back childhood memories. At our cocktail hour, we had personalized corn hole boards that had our own sailing burgee that Robby created with the letter “G” for Gearon. Robby is a corn hole enthusiast and has shared so many fun memories playing corn hole on Chappy!”[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Emily and Robby served a traditional, white-tiered cake with fresh flowers on top, using a custom-engraved serving set with their names and wedding date.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]”Ever since I was little, I imagined getting married someday on Martha’s Vineyard. While planning the wedding, we were inspired by family memories on the vineyard, our love of sailing and being near the ocean, and beautiful summer florals. We planned an outdoor garden party wedding with coastal elements throughout.”
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]”My parents also designed all the stationery. My mom composed all the stationery, helped me choose colors and fonts, and came up with the idea for the awesome folding activity card. My dad sketched all of the icons for the stationery, including the Old Whaling Church, their house, the catboat we sailed on for the Welcome Party, and all the symbols on the weekend timeline.”[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]”After a very thorough search for chair rentals, we found light blue metal chairs from Amazon. After they delivered, my dad and Robby worked together to assemble them all, and we all laughed as we looked at the stacks of 120 chairs inside the living room of my parents’ house in Edgartown. Even though it was a bit “crazy,” it was worth it! The chairs were unique and looked perfect with the blue bridesmaids’ dresses, stationery, and table linens.”[/field]
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Designer Loft

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This California Wedding Has The Coolest Seating Chart Made Of Customized Saki Cups

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were white, ivory, and champagne.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Jenna’s vision was to embody a classic, old-world European vibe while still embracing the setting of oceanside Pacific Palisades. She wore a delicate fitted lace train with a modern touch of detached sleeves, and her bridesmaids complimented her in buttery champagne charmeuse slip dresses from Bella Bridesmaids. The groom and groomsmen kept it classic in sharp black tuxedos from The Black Tux. Jenna chose all-white flowers with minimal greenery paired with bold European candelabras to embody a chic, minimalist Rococo vibe. Overall, she wanted the event to be soft and classic, but with touches of muted modernity.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Brendan proposed to Jenna on July 17, 2021, beachside in Amagansett, New York, while on a family vacation. Her engagement ring was her dream ring – a stunning oval solitaire, later paired with a custom-made emerald cut eternity band. Brendan’s family helped coordinate and watch the surprise proposal while her parents were Facetimed in from California.

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The renowned Netta Benshabu designed Jenna’s wedding gown. It was constructed of delicate lace and floral appliques, adorned with hints of sparkling beads over a slightly exposed corset bodice. While utterly romantic, it brought bold touches with a sheer plunging back and completely detachable knuckle duster sleeves. The dress radiated effortless chic beauty.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids’ dresses were the perfect subtle compliment to the bride’s gown. The soft, silky champagne charmeuse paired effortlessly with the bride’s textured glittering gown.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groom and groomsmen were pictures of timeless men’s styling, wearing sharp black tuxedos and bowties from The Black Tux. It was important to the couple to adhere to black tie attire, a level of formality rarely exercised anymore.

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Bel Air Bay Club provided all the catering, from the delicious food to the refreshing drinks. Appetizers included fresh seafood, like coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce and ahi tuna crips with wasabi cream, fitting to nibble on while taking in the breathtaking 180-degree coastline view. Guests sipped on crafted specialty cocktails selected by the couple – a tangy Skinny Margarita for her and a classic Old Fashioned for him. For dinner, guests dined on a choice of tender short ribs or flavorful miso-glazed Hawaiian Onaga.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The florals and rental decor were the most important elements to the bride. She endeavored to transport guests almost to another era, one that was rich in formality and romance. She didn’t want to compete with the stunning venue and its unobstructed ocean view, one of the main reasons they picked Bel Air Bay Club. Their talented florist, Karla by Flowers by Cina, executed the goal flawlessly. Instead of utilizing any manmade structure, she artfully placed hundreds of individual, reflexed white roses on either side of the aisle, creating a whimsical path out of a fairytale. The magical rose-lined aisle led to a crescent floral nest, growing organically from the ground, seemingly entwining the couple as they exchanged their vows. The reception was just as magical as if guests found themselves in a romance novel. Guests sat in plush upholstered chairs from MTB Event Rentals at tables draped in ornately embroidered linens from BBJ La Tavola. Letterpressed menus printed on fluffy handmade paper sat atop gold-rimmed chargers from Premiere Party Rents. Instead of typical tall arrangements, the florist designed modern groupings of long-stemmed white roses at varying heights. The center of the table was the focal point, consisting of tall European crystal candlesticks delicately draped with white phalaenopsis orchids. The candlelight was abundant as if it were the only light source illuminating the space.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake provided by Vanilla Bake Shop was as whimsically romantic as it was delicious. Its tiers were wrapped in delicate sheets of ivory fondant with hand-torn edges, giving the illusion of delicately torn paper.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The bride walked down the aisle to the quintessential Wedding March by Wagner. Their officiant, Reverend Clint Hufft, started the ceremony honoring lost loved ones, including the bride’s father, who passed away at the beginning of the planning process. A single, long-stemmed white rose was placed on his seat. Rev. Hufft spoke of the key to love, how it lies within us all, and how ‘marriage is being in love for the rest of your life.’

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

One of the most memorable details of the wedding to the bride, which was also a crowd favorite, was the seating chart sake wall fabricated by Love this Way. The bride is half Japanese, and wanted to honor her heritage with individual sake cups, adorned with etched golden mirror charms with each guest’s name and table number, made by Marcela from Simply Stated Stationery.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The stationary was also a very special element to the bride. She chose pillow soft handmade porridge paper that was letterpressed with tonal and bronze inks. The save the date featured a custom line sketch of the venue. Each element embodied artful craftsmanship seemingly lost in today’s world. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Lush Spring Romance in the South of France

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Happening in the countryside of the South of France, the wedding colours of pink and green were in perfect dialogue, embellishing the beautiful Castle Robernier, built in the XVII century, situated 40 km from Saint-Tropez. Happening in the middle of spring, the colors and the endless amount of flowers were reminding us of the awakening of nature in this time of the year. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The sleeping giant of a castle was the perfect place to celebrate Sydney and Cyril’s destination wedding. People came from France, Switzerland, Austria, and beyond, creating a various and rich celebration.

Everything was meticulously thought by Aava Wedding, the wedding planner and Miss rose, the floral designer.

The bride and the groom got ready in the gorgeous rooms of the Castle before going to their wedding ceremony in the Eglise Notre Dame de Correns, about 13 minutes away by car. We then did the portrait session in front of the castle, before the guests arrived.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Designed by the talented and lovely Francesca Piccini, the dress was worth a fairy tail. Its ethereal and fine cape made it look eternal and the sleeves gave such beauty, it was a never seen elegance.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The luxurious blue worn by the bridesmaids reminded everyone of the colors of the Côte d’Azur and its crystal blue water. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The food had an amazing take on local cuisine, giving everyone the experience of a French dinner. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The flowers, thoughtfully put in every corner, elegantly accompanied the event and gave everyone peace and freshness. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding was the cherry on the pie of the attention given to French culture. A cake made out of profiteroles filled with creme patisserie and carefully coated with crispy caramel.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The car, a very unique one, was also a big part of the wedding. Beautifully embellished by the flowers, it was a great joy for everyone seeing the newlyweds leave in this piece of history. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The next day, everyone was invited to partake to the brunch, also happening at the castle. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Toile Elegance in the Heart of Northern California at Park Winters

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]French blue, white, cream, blush, natural greenery, silver [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Lisa and Mark were looking to create the look and feel of a classic french chateau while incorporating California’s farm to table specialty. They were looking to create a look of simplicity and elegance and a feel of a French garden party, becoming LaPointes and all it was only fitting to throw a host a French style wedding. Since the wedding was in the summer we wanted to keep the colors light and playful with touches of silver to bring in the elegance. It was important to Lisa + Mark that every detail felt special and hand-picked. With only 50 guests, their focus was on creating an intimate atmosphere and to create a unique experience for their guests. The couple lives in Minnesota and along with their closest family and friends, everyone made the long journey to California to celebrate. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Mark and Lisa met in college and have been together for a decade. Mark proposed to Lisa downtown Minneapolis near their home along the Mississippi River. It was an amazing spot with the gorgeous Minneapolis skyline and the river in the background. Mark hired a photographer to capture the moment. After all those years that moment was something truly magical. Now, when they go for evening strolls downtown along the river they get to stop at the same spot and cherish the moment all over again.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Lisa wore a classic A line gown with structured neckline by Rita Vinieris.

Quote from Lisa:
I was looking for something simple and elegant. I wanted to feel beautiful and bridal. This dress was perfect, allowing me to feel beautiful and comfortable. The A-line is something that I have never worn before, I loved spinning around watching the bottom float around me. It also had POCKETS! It was a no-brainer after that.
[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]To play off the blue and white themes, the bridesmaids wore a collection of toile print bridesmaids dresses and jumpsuits from Reformation.

Quote from Lisa:
I wanted my bridesmaids to have the freedom to find a dress style that they felt confident in. Not everyone’s bodies are the same so why should the dress? But I wanted the dresses to be cohesive. Once we settle on our vibes for the wedding, I felt like lights blues and white flowers fit the elegantly, light, and airy, french wine country atmosphere we were going for. My bridesmaids loved them. They are comfortable and great to wear on a hot California day, and unlike other bridesmaid dresses… they can wear it again. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The gentlemen were donning black tuxes for a classic elegant look.

Quote from Mark:
Lisa has always been the creative and colorful half of this partnership. My favorite ice cream, on the other hand, is plain vanilla (which is still top tier, by the way). That contrast in our styles, with respect to fashion and general demeanor, has helped both of us grow and expand our perspectives on life. I thought it was only fitting to express that through the guy’s attire by wearing crisp, black tuxedos to match Lisa’s and her bridesmaids’ elegant dresses…

Who am I kidding? I just wanted to dress up like James Bond.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]At cocktail hour guests enjoyed bites of Edamame Falafel and Hot Chicken with Waffles as well as a Cheese & Charcuterie Station. Lisa + Mark decided on refreshing His and Hers cocktails because it would be a warm summer day. The “Hers” was a classic Aperol Spritz served with an orange slice garnish and the “His” was a traditional and always a summer favorite, the Mojito. Their plated dinner service started with a Farm Greens Salad consisting of honey shallot dressing, roasted walnuts, goat cheese, and stone fruit. Entrees were a choice of Prime New York Steak served with smokehouse jack gratin, tempranillo beef jus, and summer squash or King Salmon served with wild rice pilaf, miso honey glaze, baby bok choy, and eggplant. Park Winters has a large farm on property and all of the vegetables are harvested fresh for each wedding. Lisa + Mark fell in love with the Farm to Table aspect and guests were truly impressed by the outstanding quality of the meal. In addition to wedding cake, Palette Cakes provided hand-painted sugar cookies that depicted sprawling fields and flowers. They were almost too beautiful to eat! A fun moment shared by the couple was pouring a champagne tower with their favorite bottle of Veuve Cliquot. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The wedding elevated the inherent garden vibes of Park Winters by incorporating a variety of garden roses, with lots and lots of hydrangeas in varying tones. The key color was french blue and it carried the design through all the details. Touches of blush and pink were added to create more visual interest. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake by Palette Cakes was truly a work of art. Kellie took Lisa’s favorite flower – the Hydrangea and brought them to life as sugar flowers in the perfect shade of dusty blue. She paired those with blush sugar roses and more white hydrangeas to create an elegant and dainty statement cake. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Live musicians greeted guests at they entered the ceremony space. The wedding party walked down the aisle to a live instrumental of Wildest Dream by Duomo. Then Lisa and her father walked down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. Lisa and Mark walked down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife to “This will be (An everlasting love)” Their first dance song was very special to them as it was written by their close friend, Pink and Green by Ryan McCartan. Ryan didn’t know they had chosen his song as their first dance and was completely surprised when he heard it playing! After the dance was over he ran up to give the couple a big hug and celebrate such a sweet moment together. The father/daughter dance was a more unusual song choice but it had guests standing and clapping along to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Mark and his mother danced sweetly to “In My Life by the Beatles”

Quote from Lisa:
The father daughter danced with my dad. Since I can remember, at every wedding we went to my dad would request “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” . He loved singing along and dancing his heart out at weddings to that song. So that was our father daughter dance. It’s not your usual father-daughter song. Which is why I love it. We choreographed the dance with “Maya Moves”, who I found through the “Betches Brides” podcast. She was amazing and patient with us to create a once in a lifetime moment with my dad. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]A custom monogram donned their welcome bags, items in the bag such as cups and treat bags, and more.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Lisa, the bride, owns her own small bakery business, called “LaPointe Bakery” and she made all the cookies for the welcome bags.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The bride and groom danced to one of their dear friend’s songs for their first dance. Their friend, in attendance, had no idea that they would be dancing to it and he was ultimately very surprised. [/field]
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For membership information, click here

Carly Saber Events

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Cedar Lakes Estate Woodland Weekend Wedding

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were a mix of light pinks, peaches, champagnes, yellows, summery greens, and whites.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Every couple has non-negotiables for their wedding day — the things they absolutely wouldn’t go without. For Allie and Joe, it was having a fun, intimate weekend-long wedding with friends and family. What is more fun and more intimate than a camp-like getaway at Cedar Lakes Estate, where all guests stayed on-site in cabins? Another aspect that Chelsea, owner of Pearl Weddings & Events, was sure to incorporate into their big day was the bride’s dream to say “I Do” among evergreen trees. Lastly, it was very important that the wedding design, venue, and florist were working with sustainability in mind. We carefully selected a venue, the composts, a florist that grows her own and sources local flowers and designs sustainable, and we worked with a plantable paper stationery designer.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Allie and Joe got engaged in July of 2019. They were staying at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, for a weekend getaway. Joe proposed to Allie during the sunset, her favorite time of day. During their wedding ceremony, the couple was surrounded by their friends and family and became husband and wife as the sun set. The bride told Chelsea Suddes, wedding planner and designer that it was the most magical and sacred moment in her life and she will never forget it.

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Allie’s chic and minimalist wedding dress was from Lovely Bride in NYC. It was a classy, elegant floor-length gown with full skirts and a romantic train delicately trailed after the bride. It had a structured off-the-shoulder design that gave it a modern, playful vibe that was perfect for this weekend wedding.

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The wedding party itself was the three siblings of the bride and groom because they had too many friends! So the bride and groom invited all of their friends to get ready together. The bridal party even did a first look together! For bridesmaid dresses and that of her dear friends, the bride’s only requirement was that the dresses were floral patterns. She wanted the bridesmaids to be able to express each of their unique styles. The result was a stunning bridal party whose individual personalities were able to shine while complementing the overall design of the wedding.

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The only members of the actual wedding party were siblings of the couple and were classic dark suits with simple neck ties, while Joe wore a classic bow tie.

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The catering was taken care of by the venue,Cedar Lakes Estate. There was a welcome dinner on Friday catered with warm southern food and a s’mores station for dessert. Saturday started with a wonderful rise and shine breakfast. Sandwiches were the only logical lunch option for Saturday’s pool party. At the wedding, there were passed appetizers of roast lamb loin and brie and fig grilled cheese, the name a few. The reception dinner was family-style beef tenderloin, and wild salmon with delicious sides. Dessert featured warm chocolate cookies with milk, bite-sized carrot cake, and lemon curd tartlets. In lieu of signature cocktails, the couple did a suggested cocktail of their version of a bay breeze. The late-night after party was college themed with red solo cups and the classic late-night college snacks like sliders. After a wild night of celebrating, guests left after enjoying a scrumptious Sunday brunch.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

We wanted the wedding atmosphere to be elegant but not over-stated — sweet and delicate like the bride. When designing, we had a big focus on every detail, no matter how small, to create a design that had impact. A perfect example of this was the flowers by Ailish Floral. Ailish was specifically chosen because she only uses local and sustainably grown flowers. They were the perfect mixture of delicate, wild, soft, and summery. Ailish combined cosmos, dahlias, garden roses, zinnias, and more into works of art that complemented the wedding’s color palette of shades of light pink, peach, champagne, yellow, white, and summery greens.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Allie and Joe’s wedding cake was everything that they could have wanted. Overstate and over the top wasn’t their style, and so was the simple, sweet, and delicate two-tiered vanilla cake by Cedar Lakes Estate with fresh flowers that matched the bride’s bouquet. And to top it all off, literally, was a topper in a delicate wooden script of their now shared last name.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

At the ceremony, there was a single piano player from Metropolitan Players. The family processional was to the instrumental version of A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. The bride walked down the aisle to the light and delicate Debut by Mélanie Laurent. The Recessional was an instrumental version of the lively You Are the Best Thing by Ray Lamontagne. During the ceremony, along with a unity tree planting ceremony, the couple’s family did a ring-warming ceremony where the parents of the couple held the wedding rings in their hands and imbued them with all their love and wishes for the couple. For the reception, there was an eight-piece band. Everyone danced and sang along to lots of the ’90s and ’00s throwbacks, modern pop, and some classic oldies. Allie and Joe’s first dance was a version of Can’t Stop Falling in Love by Haley Reinhart.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Allie and Joe’s wedding was a weekend extravaganza! The couple invited all their friends a family for a three-day weekend getaway to celebrate, dubbing the occasion “Camp Velli.” The entire weekend was an elevated camp experience for adults to celebrate the love of Allie and Joe. All guests stayed on the property and slept in cabins. The first day was the welcome party, where everyone gathered together to hang out. The second day was a pool party where guests could hang in a pool or swim in the lake. There was an inflatable “blob” that guests jumped onto and were launched off of into the water. There were other fun camp-like activities like bracelet making and outdoor games like corn hole. The third day was the big day when Allie and Joe said their vows.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The pressed florals of the pink seating chart and the clear table numbers added the perfect touch to this woodland wedding. What makes them even more special is the fact that they were done by the bride’s mother! The seating chart itself was put together by Rent Pearl, sister company of Pearl Weddings & Events.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

All the stationary for the wedding, the invites, weekend itinerary, and even the paper that the couple’s vows were written on was all made from seed paper from Whole Weddings, meaning that it could be planted. Allie and Joe read their vows to each other in private during their first look. Right after the couple said “I Do,” they participated in what is called unity tree planting ceremony and planted vows in a pot that will grow as they spend the rest of their lives together.

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A Timeless Black and White Wedding In Seattle

When it comes to weddings, there’s something undeniably captivating about the timeless combination of black and white. The elegance, sophistication, and sheer beauty of the day was expertly planned by Sinclair and Moore to create a more than memorable affair. Through their incredible imagery O’Malley Photographers takes us on a breathtaking journey of the sweet celebration of love, take a closer look inside the full gallery.

From O’Malley Photographers… Weston and Makenzie had a gorgeous, quintessential Seattle wedding, getting ready downtown, taking photos on the gorgeous Puget Sound waterfront and saying “I do” at the historic Union Station building surrounded by their friends and family.

Guests wined and dined on the area’s finest food and drink and, once dinner wrapped, had an epic dance party– exactly what the couple hoped for!

Sinclair and Moore designed and planned the beautiful, black-tie event to perfection.

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Event Design

Sinclair & Moore

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A Breathtaking Ashford Estate Wedding Illuminated by Lush Greenery and Candlelight

This elegant wedding at Ashford Estate is absolutely breathtaking. Aside from the gorgeous details, what made this celebration truly extraordinary, was the presence of the couple’s sweet son. Every moment was meticulously planned and designed by Copper + Chloe to create an atmosphere of enchantment. Floral design by From Peonies to Paintchips brought the couple’s lovestory to life, and Jessa Schifilliti beautifully documented the joy that radiated through the celebration. Visit the full gallery to watch the whole day unfold.

From Jessa Schifilliti… Daria and Michael married in May at the beautiful Ashford Estate. With their planner, Copper + Chloe by their side they dreamed up a day filled with copious amounts of peonies and roses, whites and dusty pinks, and diamonds galore. Daria’s family owns Bentley Diamond where Daria thrives as a business woman and diamond connoisseur. You will notice the custom linen box of diamonds to keep all her precious heirlooms together while she made the impossible decision on which jewels to choose to wear on her wedding day.

Although diamonds are a girl’s best friend, the true star of the day was their baby boy who inherited the family name of Bentley, of course. His smiling face walking down the aisle as the ring bearer was a moment to remember. Every guest was clapping and roasting with laughter as Daria and Michael smiled proudly at each end of the aisle. The intimate ceremony space was covered in lush greenery and glowing candles which set the most romantic setting for Daria and Michael to say their vows with their little boy looking on.

The Ashford Estate was glowing with light that day so we were spoiled for choice with all the locations we could capture. Dara started the day with a romantic Berta gown and then changed into a Martina Liana for a chic look for the second portion of the day. The reception room sparkled as it was still bright out for their first dance. Daria and Michael could not stop smiling the whole day through, but Daria smiled extra wide when she slipped on her Nadine Marabi party dress and hit the dance floor! The day from beginning to end was flawless, and I am so happy Daria and Michael had their dream wedding to start off their wonderful lives together!

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Ditch the Stick, These Are the Best Tinted Lip Balms for a Photo-Ready Wedding Day Kiss

Every makeup artist and photographer will tell you that everyone looks better in photos with a little color on their lips. But, with the “no makeup” makeup look dominating our feeds, more and more brides are struggling to find a balance between their everyday makeup and their look for the big day. Too much and it feels like it’s caked on and too little and it seriously won’t even show up in photos, especially when it comes to what you put on your lips. You need something to make your lips pop, something that lasts all day and won’t smear, and something that leaves your lips kissably soft (bonus points if it tastes good). Is that asking for too much? If you’d have asked us a few years back, the answer would be yes, but thankfully almost all of your favorite beauty brands now have their own take on tinted balm. Here are a few of our faves that check all of the boxes.

Photo | Troy Meikle

Dior Addict Lipglow

Available in the most shades (23+) including a green shade that changes to your perfect shade as it interacts with your body’s natural chemistry, Dior’s Dior Addict Lipglow is our favorite tinted balm on the market. The color balance is just right, it stays on without being too sticky, and it even leaves you (and anyone you may be kissing) with a nice minty tingle. As far as shine goes, this one leans more matte, so it’s perfect for the bride that wants some tint without the glossy look.

Photos | Dior

Glossier Balm Dot Com

We love a multifunctional balm and this one from Glossier is super versatile. It’s available in 9+ shades and you can use it on lips and skin. We recommend choosing one of the more pigmented shades for your big day so that it shows up in photos, but everyone could use a subtle balm for everyday use, so why not stock up?

Photo | Sephora

Photo | Glossier

Nars Afterglow Lip Balm

This collection of tinted balms by NARS are so sexy, a lot of their names are NSFW. Their perfectly sheer and leave you with a rosy kissable pout. This is another one that can be used on the cheeks and the lips, so let yourself get a little carried away.

Photo | Nars

Photo | Mecca

Chanel’s Les Beiges Lip Balm

One of the more potent tinted balms that we’ve come across, Les Beiges Lip Balm by Chanel is perfect for brides that use their lipstick like a comfort blanket. It’s got enough pigment to make your lips pop but a smooth balmy finish to give you that barely-there feel.

Photos | Chanel

Jones Road Miracle Balm

Known for its all dewy all the time attitude, Jones Road (the sequel to Bobbi Brown) has a ton of balm options, but their Miracle Balm is our fave. Perfect for dry skin and lips this all over balm will work wonders for winter wedding brides. There are 9 different shades. Some look best on lips and cheeks while some function more like highlighter and don’t be afraid to layer them.

Photos | Jones Road

Winky Lux Flower Balm

If you’re on TikTok, you’ll remember this baby from a while back. Its viral moment may have come and gone, but we didn’t forget. This magical balm goes on clear and then changes color to your perfect shade thanks to its PH-matching technology. Of these balms, this one is definitely the lightest wear and turns to an almost oil-like liquid as soon as it interacts with your body heat, so it almost feels like a lip stain. It comes in three different undertones–purple, blue, and pink, so choose the one that suits you best.

Photo | Winky Lux

Clinique Almost Lipstick

Don’t let the name fool you, this is definitely a balm. It’s sheer and light weight and just tints your lips ever so slightly. It comes in two versitile shades, Pink Honey and Black Honey. The deep black honey shade has recently gone viral. And though it’s not what the makeup artist is rumored to have used on set, it’s definitely giving Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, so it’s easy to see why everyone’s so obsessed.

Photos | Clinique

Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint

This is as close to colorless that we would recommend going for your big day, any less and it won’t show in pics. Bobbi Brown’s Extra Lip Tint is perfect for brides who want to look their best and smooth their overall lip color but would feel too “done up” in anything more.

Photos | Bobbi Brown

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balm

Alot of the tinted balms lean into the pink and red families, so we love the range of shades (10+) available in Charlotte Tilbury’s Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balm collection. If your lip undertone naturally leans towards orange or purple this is the tinted balm for you. Plus, the Hyaluronic acid that’s worked into the formula leaves your lips looking plumper and more hydrated and is actually shown to reduce signs of lip aging over time. Pro tip: Use any of these balms with a lip liner in the same shade as your natural lip color for a fuller pout.

Photos | Charlotte Tilbury

Pat McGrath Labs Lip Fetish Sheer Colour Lip Balm

Known for their unrivaled ability to sparkle, we’re always a fan of Pat McGrath Labs, so we were excited to see what they brought to the table as far as tinted balms, and they didn’t disappoint. We love the lightly blurred texture with a subtle sheen of this balm that gives lips that sexy just-been-kissed look.

Photos | Pat McGrath Labs

Texture Took Center Stage at This Wine Country Wedding

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, greenery, blue, peach/pinks[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Ali & Michael’s wedding featured lush florals, a classic white and green color scheme for the ceremony and pops of color for the reception.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”][/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore various shades of blue and incorporated some fun texture and prints. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Field to Table Events created a delicious family style dinner for guests to enjoy al fresco under the heaters. Likewise, Copper & Chloe crafted custom cocktails – a “potentially spicy margarita” and a “paper plane” with bourbon, amaro nonino, aperol and lemon.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The ceremony featured a classic white color scheme with lush florals and greenery, while the reception included muted blue tones with pops of color throughout. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]A small wedding cake was complemented by various desserts and pastries. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

BBJ La Tavola

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A Romantic Editorial in the Italian Rain at Villa Pizzo

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]From the Planner – “I chose a blush and gold palette to compliment the natural backdrop and enhance the architecture and artifacts. There are so many wonderful elements to work with at Villa Pizzo, from the stunning décor, ornate chandeliers and gilt-framed pictures and mirrors. I added the tapered candles, both straight and twisted to add a soft romantic light as well as an ethereal feel and chose a combination of brass candlesticks in a variety of styles and heights to offset the stunning floral arrangements by Blue Gardenia.”

“The beautiful bespoke place cards, menus, and personalized napkins were designed for us by @baboocheuk⁠. These are die-cut handmade paper place cards with fine velvet ribbon and an antique rose design wax seal finished off with gold calligraphy.⁠”

From the Chef – For the cake, I was inspired by current European trends that included soft, warm textures that were perfectly complimented by the romantic florals
For the food, I was inspired by the local flavors and traditions of Como. Fresh seafood, citrus, and produce combined with rich olive oils, honey, and robust herbs [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Pink, Green, and Gold[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]Villa Pizzo – A lakefront villa rich with history nestled in the charming village of Cernobbio. A short drive from Como center. The villa was built in the 17th century – and is surrounded by vast gardens, walkways, and stone balconies. Arriving at a large stone gate, the drive down to the property truly feels like you’re transporting back in time into a world of beautiful artistry. The villa has this refined sense of luxury, it’s charming & inviting. The lush gardens seem to go for miles as you wander through the walkways & tree-lined paths.

Within the Villa’s charming gardens that surround and stretch alongside the lake, one can enjoy the beauty of century-old shrubs and trees, cypress boulevards, a botanical gallery of yews as well as an Italian garden with its baroque fountains.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]For the ceremony part of the editorial story, Cynthia wore a lace Marchesa gown, which creates a romantic & nostalgic energy to match the rich history of the scenery & Villa. It was the perfect blend of texture, old world elegance, with a touch of modern elements like her matching cathedral cape & white loubitons. Her reception dress mirrored that beautiful old-world texture but with a soft, dream-like energy by Manuel Bilancia Couture. Each dress had its own unique detailing that was so beautiful to photograph.[/field]
[field title=”Bridal Party”][/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]⁠Our bouquet was a simple blend of roses and astilbe. I love the way the astilbe reflects the delicate floral detail of the lace too, a match made in heaven.⁠ The ceremony florals were a gorgeous installation of roses that created a perfect blend of greenery, and natural textures to complement the romantic atmosphere.[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]The overflow of gorgeous pink roses & greenery cascading around the stone balcony overlooking the lake created such an expressive setting for exchanging vows and celebrating. For the reception, the tablescape created a soft, relaxing & romantic aesthetic that I felt went perfectly with the energy of the whole Villa, & atmosphere.

The rain was of course, unplanned, however, brought a beautiful romance to the entire shoot. It presented a challenge, yet somehow still made for such a nostalgic and unique atmosphere on Lake Como. Weather can be notoriously unpredictable on wedding days, but it’s always important to have an open mind and embrace what the day brings you because it still all comes together, and the story becomes truly your own.[/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”][/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

TheLockharts

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Babooche Calligraphy

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Timeless Lake Tahoe Wedding Giving All the Best Early Fall Vibes

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Green, White[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The design was very natural and fit the surroundings perfectly. The couple and their family has been visiting Lake Tahoe every year for as long as the bride can remember and this location held such a special place in their hearts and memories. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Sarah’s beautiful A-line floral gown featured a v-neck front and half button back.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore beautiful emerald green full length gowns, each in their own cut to compliment each maid. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom and all groomsmen and family members wore Black tie tuxedoes. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Sarah and David’s wedding was deliciously catered by one of Lake Tahoe’s premier catering companies As You Wish Catering. The couple hosted a plated dinner of Filet Minon and Grilled Sea Bass. Signature cocktails included
“Her’s”- a Virgin Moscow Mule and “His” Boulevardier – a Whiskey based- Negroni cocktail [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The brides bouquet was made up of beautiful blooms including, anemone, butterfly ranunculus, lisianthus, scabiosa, and Dahlias all in white. Bridesmaids carried smaller versions of the same. The ceremony chuppah was made from birchwood branches adorned with florals at every corner. Incredible hanging smilax vine greenery from the tent celling above the tables at the reception brought the “outside in” and complimented the garlands on the tables and chairs. The Live floral bar display was such a gorgeous way to incorporate the floral design into the other areas of the venue that guests would be experiencing. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The couple had a gorgeous wedding cake adorned with edible wild flowers, and a dessert bar including a peanut m&m’s candy station, Tahoe House Bakery Cookies (Swiss Kisses and Bear Sugar Cookies), and selection of 4 types of wedding cakes including; Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing, Lemon cake with raspberry gelee, Vanilla Cake with lemon curd, and Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The couple partied the night away with 70’s and 80’s cover dance band Mercy & The Heartbeats. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The couple included a “Message in a bottle” station where guests could write words of encouragement or a fun greeting on a scroll and drop it in a corked bottle for the couple to read on their one year anniversary.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The escort card display was the centerpiece of design for this wedding including hand tied, calligraphed cards with table numbers written on individual leaves for the guests to find their seats.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Drink stations like “Dave’s Whiskey bar” and Cosy lounges were set up around the dance floor for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour and reception.[/field]
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