New Jersey Weddings

This wedding has been pulling at my heart strings from the moment I opened it. It’s a huge reminder of what is truly important. When this Bride received the heart-wrenching news of her father’s cancer diagnosis, there was no question she would move the wedding date so he could be there. With the help of Cassandre Snyder Events, the wedding went off without a hitch, and thanks to Judith Rae this family now has beautiful images that captured the beyond priceless memories. See them all here.

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During the quick planning process Cassandre met with Jen & Doug a few times and one of the things Jen was concerned with was that this wouldn’t feel like a real wedding because they were planning it within two weeks, during Christmas and new year season with a major snow storm (nor’easter). So Cassandre worked hard to create the invitations (just to make it formal) and they made sure they planned every detail just like they would plan for a wedding with 6 months or more to plan.

The sensitivity of this wedding and the idea of capturing candid moments between the bride and her father along with the groom and their family, friends and guests was one of the reasons Cassandre called Judith Rae to capture it all. For Judith, this was a sensitive topic as her father had just passed away with cancer in late November.

Thankfully, Jen’s dad was able to walk her down the aisle and enjoy this day with her, their family and closest friends. Pretty amazing wedding for us all!

Photographer: Judith Rae | Videography: Stomping Bread Productions | Planner: Cassandre Snyder Events | Floral Design: Cassandre Snyder Events | Invitations: Cassandre Snyder Events | Makeup & Hair: M Kouture Beauty Designs | Wedding Venue: Touch Of Class By Candlelite | Couple Portraits: Philadelphia Museum of Art | Lighting & Draping: JB Lighting Production

It’s hard to imagine anything better than a gorgeous fall wedding, but throw in some crazy cool art deco-inspired stylings and a Anna Maier Ulla-Maija Couture gown (via the amazing Gabriella New York Bridal Salon) and, well… awesomeness ensues, lovelies.  I’m talking vibrant florals from Janet Rosann Terman and all kinds of beautiful moments captured by Kate Ignatowski. See them all here. 

From Kate Ignatowski… B+B perfected elegance without going over the top – even in the way everyone felt – happy and excited, yet effortlessly relaxed. And I loved the touches of deco elegance in her invites, menu, and signage. It’s a perfect example of tying in a specific style without going overboard.

From the Bride… When we were looking at venues, it was really about capturing the perfect balance of outdoors and indoors – including having the indoor space feel almost like it was outdoors. When a friend, who is one of the club’s founding members, showed us around the property, the decision was basically made for us. We loved the classic, elegant design of the space as it wasn’t too flashy or showy. We loved the outdoor ceremony space and the grounds of the property, and then the indoor travertine room, which is all glass, brought the outside in for the reception. Ben and I both love a mix of modern and classic, soft elegance, so combining modernity in our clothing and in our choices for flowers (in picking low arrangements featuring vandas and lots of candlelight) with a nod to deco elegance it all came together to reflect what the two of us love – and those qualities are reflected in each other. Finally, we really focused on a palette of crimsons and burnt oranges to reflect the beautiful fall elements surrounding us – the colors of the season are something we absolutely love.

Photography: Kate Ignatowski Photography | Wedding Coordinator: LeeAnn DeKalb | Florist: Janet Rosann Terman | Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup Artist: Stacie Ford Weddings | Hair Stylist: Styles On B | DJ: Scratch Weddings | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Rabbi: Ruth Gais | Ceremony Music: International Strings | Venue: TPC Sawgrass | Cake Artist: Lady M Confections | Groom's Tuxedo: Ralph Lauren | Wedding Dress Designer: Anna Maier | Wedding Dress Shop: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

I’m not trying to brag, but we sort of have this kicking off the weekend in style thing down to a science. And it’s beautiful shoots like this one from the talented team of Jenelle Kappe Photography and Dea + Bean that deserve all of the credit.  I’m talking stunning whimsical details meets a whole lot of hot air balloon inspired pretty.  It’s perfection, lovelies.  See it all in the full gallery.

From Jenelle Kappe Photography… For this styled shoot, we were inspired by one of the most magical and beautiful things one can think of: hot air balloons! We knew we wanted to incorporate hot air balloons into the shoot as much as possible without actually have a real one (we wish!). From the invitations to the centerpieces to the cupcake toppers, we wanted these amazing and colorful balloons to set the tone. Perhaps my favorite of all the details was the escort cards! Each guest’s name was printed on balloon-shaped cards which were stuck into mini Reese’s peanut butter cup candies for the basket!

We wanted to create an atmosphere that was casual, playful, fun, and a little bit rustic. We knew we wanted a natural setting for the theme, so we found Tatum Park in Central New Jersey and it worked perfectly to create the low-key, outdoor backdrop that we wanted. Against the park’s beautiful landscape, we layered in subtle vintage elements like the old picnic table and stacked crates for the dessert area, a mostly earth tone color palette with pops of pink and yellow, eclectic table setting and a unique play on the floral centerpiece with a crafted hot hair balloon. The stationery by Dea + Bean followed the idea of a playful and fun feel. The hot air balloon theme really came through and the design was unique and modern, not too serious.

To achieve a bohemian and low-key vibe, we needed a couple who didn’t take themselves (or their wedding day) too seriously! These two are dating (but not married) and their easy-going personalities and love for each other made it effortless to capture looks of adoration. We chose to dress them pretty casually, each with two looks, one of them barefoot! Courtney looked naturally gorgeous in an off-white crochet lace dress, floral crown, and natural, minimal makeup for look one, and a flowy, white, crisscross back dress with a statement necklace for look two. John donned suspenders, denim jeans, and bow-tie for his first look and red slacks and navy gingham shirt for his second look.

Photography: Jenelle Kappe Photography | Flowers: Whole Foods Market Preston | Dress: Urban Outfitters | Desserts: Whole Foods Market Preston | Invitations & Paper Goods: Dea & Bean | Location: Tatum Park

Traditional with a touch of bright pink is always an amazing combination, but pair that up with a fabulous locale like The Ashford Estate and all bets are off, lovelies.  This is one crazy cool wedding.  I’m talking beautiful blooms by Petal Pushers and Magnolia, an adorable bride and groom and one heartwarming moment after another captured by The Studio Photographers.  See them all here.

On a mid-summer July day, you never would have thought the day would turn out so perfect! Welcome to the nuptials for Ally and Chris, Massachusetts residents who returned to the bride’s home state to tie the knot. Inspirations were a natural elegance, soft colors, vintage inspiration- leave out the bling (maybe just a little)! Guests were greeted at the Barn Chapel of the Ashford Estate with fresh juice in mason jars, program fans, and handkerchiefs for the ladies to keep cool in this non air-conditioned space. Luckily the temperature stayed tolerable and the rain and clouds parted just as the ceremony began. Guests also were entertained by a string trio playing the couple’s favorite tunes like “Don’t stop Believing” by Journey and some Grateful Dead re-creations. Celebrant Beth Palubinsky created a unique ceremony filled with personal touches and a hand fast ceremony where the couple’s mothers wrapped their hands symbolizing their union.

Guests were escorted to the cocktail hour in the Ashford Estate Atrium with Passion Fruit Martini’s. Favorites included a seafood raw bar with crab claws, oysters, chilled gazpacho with shrimp, raw tuna flat bread with truffle oil and a risotto station. Main Street Fine Catering was able to meet all requests and expectations.

The bridal party entered the reception dancing to Prince and the rest of the night was magical. Entrée options of mahi mahi or filet mignon were a hit. The party went for house dancing to a 10-piece band, Night Moves.  Special touches: in place of guest books, table numbers were mini guest books for the couple to open at every anniversary. Dessert bar with passed desserts like iced pops and mini milk shakes.

It was the best night of their lives!

Photography: The Studio Photographers | Cinematography: Northeast Horizons | Flowers: Petal Pushers | Flowers: Magnolia | Wedding Dress: Priscilla Of Boston | Bride's Shoes: Parisxox | Bridesmaid Dresses: L'elite Boston | Catering: Main Street Fine Catering | Makeup: Danielle Garcia | Hair: Christina Mancuso Of Zomparelli | Lighting: Fennelli Design | Band: Craig Scott Entertainment | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Celebrant: Wedding Wire | Estate: Mallard Island Yacht Club | Flower Girl & Bridesmaid Dresses: L'elite Boston | Programs: The Paper Source

In my humble opinion, a wedding should be all about the following: the love between a couple, good music and amazing food. When it comes to checking the latter off your list, look no further than A Taste of Distinction. For over 30 years, they have been catering incredible events with fresh, local sourced, seasonal food. Is it lunch time yet?! 

Custom designing menus for their clients, A Taste of Distinction not only offers mouthwatering food, but also event design, coordination + styling for unique weddings and events! These ladies handle it all — literally — from the tables + chairs down to the sweets table! Their love for food and magical events translates into every single job they do, no matter how big or small!

A Taste of Distinction also boasts a gourmet-to-go shop featuring fresh, amazing foods and specialty sandwiches in their Pomona, New York location. Seriously, yum! For more information on how to book A Taste of Distinction for your big day, head over here! 

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Time to celebrate this amazing sunny weather with an introduction to The Farm on Adderley and the NY Smile Specialists.  Up first?  The fabulous Brooklyn eatery that is all about providing you and your guests with locally sourced yumminess for your Big Day.  Think in-house and off-site catering, customized menus and food that will literally make your tastebuds happy.

From The Farm on Adderley… We have worked hard to build strong relationships with local farmers and we believe that food tastes best when it’s in season. This is our focus at The Farm on Adderley and what we bring to our events, both in-house here at the restaurant and off-site, too. We don’t do cookie-cutter weddings. Instead, we work with you to customize a menu and plan that suits you and your guests. Limiting ourselves to a handful of catering events each year allows us to focus on each event as if it is the most important day of your life, which it is!

Check out The Farm on Adderly on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

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You’ll never smile more than you will on the day of your wedding.  And guaranteeing that perfect photo-worthy smile?  The “painless dentistry” specialists, NY Smile Specialists.  Think teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, Invisalign and cosmetic reshaping all at the hands of Board-Certified Prosthodontist, Dr. Robert C. Rawdin.  You’ll look amazing.

From NY Smile Specialists… Every bride wants to be beautiful on their wedding day. So start with the most important accessory of all. Your smile!

Plan ahead. Some brides (and grooms!) may only need whitening. Others may require more involved, more time consuming procedures – like cosmetic reshaping, bonding, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, Invisalign, or combinations of these. Make sure you have the time you need for the services you need.

New York Smile Specialists, a celebrity Manhattan dental practice, is the office of Dr. Robert C. Rawdin, a recognized leader in cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry.  Dr. Rawdin is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist, the specialty that focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth with an emphasis on natural esthetic beauty.

Very few dentists in the country have achieved the level of training that Dr. Rawdin has – even fewer are Board-Certified Prosthodontists. His patients benefit from his technical expertise and artistry whether they need simple or complex dental care, based on an individual, customized treatment plan. Dr. Rawdin will evaluate the attributes of what makes a smile beautiful – color and shape of teeth, arrangement and alignment, and the health of gums.

New York Smile Specialists is a welcoming, friendly, high-tech office with views of Central Park. The practice utilizes the latest advances in cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry to make the process of creating a beautiful smile much easier for patients. Patients love that Dr. Rawdin has the ability to offer CEREC – technology that makes it possible to have a crown done in one day – minimizing the number of appointments. Patients also love Dr. Rawdin’s calm and comforting, gentle manner, often remarking about his “painless dentistry”.

So while you plan your big day, remember, nothing compares to the glow of a natural looking, healthy, radiant smile. It makes every photo of any bride more beautiful.

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Welcome to the family, The Farm on Adderley and the NY Smile Specialists!  We are so happy to have you! xo

There are pretty blooms, and then there is the gorgeousness happening in this NJ wedding: a floral fest of awesome crafted by Occasion9 with vibrant peonies and billy balls taking center stage.  Add to that an adorable bride and groom (high school sweeties) tying the knot against a beautiful modern meets rustic setting and this, loves, is the perfect Friday.  See it all captured by Shannen Norman right here.

And a sweet film from Cord3 Films…

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From the Bride… My high school sweetheart and I wed on June 22, 2013, after 12 years of dating and a one year of engagement. We were blessed to have had family and friends from all over the globe to celebrate with us, so our vision from the beginning was to keep the celebration fun and intimate. Living in NYC, we were looking for a nearby venue that would be a breath of fresh air from the city. Our venue was the third one we saw, and we instantly fell in love with the mix of greenery, rustic details, and modern urban vibe. We loved the idea of having a combination outdoor/indoor daytime wedding to take advantage of the beautiful summer scenery and the comfort of dancing indoors. This would allow our guests to feel comfortable moving around and enjoy the beautiful surrounding area.

Our wedding was in late June, so we wanted to celebrate the natural colors and vibrancy of the season with warm yellows, blush pinks, bright greens, and rich purples. The flowers chosen, such as billy balls and peonies, were lively and varied in textures and colors to create a sense of natural lushness. As a graphic designer by trade, I took it to heart to DIY, and designed and assembled the invitations, menus, programs, favor tags, and guestbook, and hand-cut and painted the burlap table numbers for a personal touch. We selected natural wood centerpieces to bring the outdoor feeling indoors, and placed peonies around the centerpieces for a more natural look. We also paint some of the mason jars different colors for variety, and chose miniature honey jars that said “Love is Sweet” as our favors.

Our outdoor ceremony was perfect for us because the wooden roof made it feel very private, while still allowing us to enjoy the beautiful blue sky and greenery all around us. We made some other decisions to keep the ceremony simple and natural, such as forgoing a runner to allow the natural stone to shine through, and keeping the flower arrangements in the aisles to simple ribbon-tied bouquets on Chiavari chairs. The yellow backdrop also added a very happy pop of color, and it complimented the girls’ eggplant J.Crew chiffon dresses and Kate Spade necklaces. The boys were outfitted in light gray suits and gingham bow ties from Etsy. The groom is an avid basketball fan, so their glasses in their pockets was a nod to the NBA off-court fashion trend.

The dress I wore was the love child of an Alfred Angelo dress and my own dreams. For months my streamstress and I altered the top of the original dress until we ended up with a strapless, organic, floral-lined top. The ruffled bottom portion of the dress complimented the lightheartedness and casual tone of our summer wedding, and it was perfect for dancing the day away!

After the dancing, touching speeches, endless silly photo booth pictures, all filled with much laughter, finger-licking food, and a few tears of joy, we made our way to the outdoor fire pit to make our own s’mores. At the very end of it all, our guests literally surrounding us with their love as we all danced our last song together in the middle of the dance floor.

Photography: Shannen Norman Photography | Floral Design: Occasion9 | Wedding Dress: Alfred Angelo | Cake: Palermo's Bakery | Bride's Shoes: Ann Taylor | Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co. | Wedding Bands: Tiffany & Co. | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Hair & Makeup: VickyC5 | DJ: A Perfect Blend Entertainment | Bow Ties: StellaEMHaberdashery | Groomsmen Attire: Macy's | Hotel: The Westin Governor Morris | Wedding Venue: Stone House At Stirling Ridge | Bride's Accessories: Ryan Seacrest Distinction | Bridesmaid's Necklaces: Kate Spade | DIY materials: AC Moore | Date Banner: Butterfly Above | Favor Jars: David's Bridal | Groomsmen Shirts: J.Crew | Guestbook: Snapfish | Honeymoon: Ever After Honeymoons | Mason Jars: Amazon | Name Banner: Minted | Printer: Vista Print | Tailoring: La Tailor | Video: Cord 3 Films | Wooden Centerpieces: Save On Crafts

Now THIS is a crazy cool way to spend the morning of your wedding.  A sweet bridal luncheon with your besties, filled to the brim with vibrant florals and yummy treats, followed by an awesome stroll on the beach.  It’s the perfect way to start your day, and when it’s orchestrated by a talented team of vendors including Viburnum Designs, The East Coast Bride and Sweet Tease (to name a few), well… even better. See every last beautiful moment of inspiration captured by Cassi Claire right here.

From Cassi Claire… The fabulous ladies behind The East Coast Bride planned and hosted this “Bridal Luncheon” as inspiration for brides looking for a fun way to get dressed and ready on the morning of their wedding with their bridesmaids and also thank them for being a part of their big day!

The girls start off their morning with hair and make-up. Once they are all dressed, they enjoy a beautifully decorated lunch together (filled with laughter of course!). Then, the girls all head to the beach for some memorable photos together and bridal portraits!

Photography: Cassi Claire | Event Styling: The East Coast Bride | Catered Lunch: Sweet Tease | Custom Hand-Stamped Pink Panels: Divine NY | Dessert Table: The Girl Next Door Cakes & Celebrations | Floral Artist: Viburnum Designs | Location: Private Residence | Make-Up Artist: Blush | Plates & Aqua Mason Jars: Hale Koa phineas Estate

I must admit, I’m having a full-on I-wish-I-was-still-a-bride moment right now because of this amazing Birnbaum & Bullock Couture sample sale coming up on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 until Wednesday, May 21, 2104! This event, my dears, is not to be missed!

This spring bridal sample sale will feature stunning gowns from Birnbaum & Bullock Couture, Robert Bullock Bride and the Steven Birnbaum Collection. With all dresses priced at $500 and up, and a range of sizes and styles to choose from, you just may find the dress of your dreams at a fraction of the price!

Running for two days only, May 20, 2014 through May 21, 2014 from 4pm until 8pm, the Birnbaum & Bullock Couture sample sale will be held at 151 West 25th Street, 2nd floor. To make your appointment, call 212.242.2914 and for more information head over here. Happy dress hunting, my dears!

Obsessed doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about these adorable Alexandra Grecco tulle skirts. Releasing her first collection in 2010, Alexandra Grecco creates heirloom-quality pieces that are as nostalgic as they are timeless. Ready to fall even more in love with these pretties? Just take a peek below.

Finding inspiration in the designs and years of the past, Alexandra Grecco’s 6-layer tulle skirts are perfect for unique bridesmaid attire or a romantic engagement photo shoot! Based in Brooklyn, the company crafts all of its pieces right in NYC’s garment district.  Beautifully made, the skirts are fully lined and layered for a perfect fit and have a lovely silk waistband. Available in two different lengths in sizes 00-12, as well as in a gorgeous selection of colors, there is really nothing sweeter.

Alexandra Grecco regularly offers a 15% discount when purchasing three or more tulle skirts, but for our lovely readers, she’s offering 25% off any quantity with code stylepretty! Offer valid until May 28, 2014. 

The Prize: A lucky reader will win a gorgeous tulle skirt from Alexandra Grecco! (value $188)

To Enter: Comment on this post with how and where you’d wear your Alexandra Grecco tulle skirt!

To Win: One winner will be selected at random and announced right here on Friday, May 23, 2014

Terms & Conditions:  See them all right here. Good luck my dears! xoxo

Photo Credits: Ivory Tulle Skirt Couple : KT Merry | Ivory Tulle Skirt Photo: Atlantic Pacific

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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We see blush pink weddings quite often on the pages of SMP, but this modern affair give the popular color palette a completely fresh spin. Think the perfect union of sleek + streamlined and soft + feminine, all made possible by A-team vendors like Designs By Ahn, Remixologists, CLY Creation and Fred Lee. Have a peek in the gallery and don’t miss the film waiting down below!

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From the Bride… To celebrate our first anniversary as a married couple, I thought it would be meaningful to dedicate a post to my husband. As this blog was a huge source of inspiration for us, I thought this would be the perfect outlet to show my appreciation to him for being able to carry out the vision I had for our special day.

Initially, as a bride, I was overwhelmed with the amount of choices and felt that I wasn’t able to have a sense of an overall theme for the wedding. It started out as a process of elimination, as I came to realize more of what I didn’t want. In terms of choosing a theme, prior to being engaged I always thought I was so confident in what I wanted. Yet, I came to realize that my choice of rustic flowers didn’t tie in with our modern venue, and although there were many individual designs I had in mind, it didn’t necessarily mean it all tied in together.

Ultimately, our venue was our biggest dilemma and although I had envisioned it to be in NYC we needed it to be in NJ where it would be closer to our church. Our options felt limited and frankly, the ones that were a realistic possibility felt a bit outdated and gaudy. I almost lost all hope in finding a venue until my husband told me he had found a place that was close to the city, yet still within distance to our church. I always wondered how a bride was to know when she found “the one” in terms of venue, dress, etc., and I can say with certainty that as soon as we saw our venue, there was no point in looking any further. The Maritime Parc is a newly built space located on Liberty State Park where the greenery of NJ is set against the backdrop of the city skyline. The interior of the building reminded us of the Guggenheim Museum, which we thought was appropriate as my husband proposed to me at MOMA, where we had our first date. This venue also was a clean, blank canvas where we could really tailor it to what we wanted.

Thankfully, I had my husband’s guidance and practicality in terms of not getting too emotionally involved in the endless decisions. In the end, it was he who ended up choosing the bridesmaid dress, flowers, many of the vendors, etc. Once we established that he had the better judgment, I focused my efforts in making our wedding more meaningful by involving and enlisting help from our close friends and family. My college roommate who majored in opera sang for our dance while another friend took our engagement pictures. Not only that, but with huge help from friends, we made a video to surprise my husband during the reception. I had filmed scenes at our college campus and all the places that meant something to us in the city of Boston where we first met. (Who knew a 5 minute video would be such a labor of love?)

The night before our wedding, my husband and I promised each other that whatever hiccups we may encounter on the actual day, we would put it behind us and enjoy every moment of it. We told ourselves we wouldn’t lose sight of the reason we were getting married in the first place. And thankfully enough, everything went smoothly and we had such a blast. I’m certain it was because of our bridal party and vendors who played a key role. In the end, you also have to remember to leave it up to the vendors to do their job best. This was such an unforgettable experience for both of us and I’m grateful that my husband took the reins in playing the “bridezilla” role. Just as he was able to connect the dots in terms of my vision, I’m confident that our relationship will continue to strive where our strengths and weaknesses complement one another.

Photography: CLY Creation | Videographer: Fred Lee | Floral Design: DESIGNS BY AHN | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Invitations: Minted | Reception Venue: Maritime Parc | Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Makeup: Frieda Barnett | DJ: Remixologists | Grooms Attire: Hugo Boss | Photobooth: We Love Photobooths

Now this is how you celebrate the beginning of May: with a sweet introduction to Cody Raisig Photography and HowAboutWe.  Up first?  The amazing Cody Raisig, a talented photographer who happens to know a thing or two about capturing those special moments between you and yours on your big day.  Think one gorgeous image after another that will completely take your breath away…

From Cody Raisig Photography… I realize that authenticity is the ingredient for elegant wedding images. So forget about the pretentious poses and embrace the unscripted moments and a small dose of relaxed portraiture, creating a breathtaking wedding photo experience.

Visit Cody Raisig Photography on Facebook, Twitter, tumblr. and Pinterest!

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As someone who is constantly looking for a new date night activity, I am completely obsessed with HowAboutWe.  I mean, who wouldn’t absolutely love an online service that handles all of those pesky date night details, leaving you and yours to just relax and have FUN?!?  It’s pure genius, lovelies…

From HowAboutWe’s Community Director, Jessica Tom… HowAboutWe for Couples helps make date night happen. Whether you’ve just started dating, just got engaged, or have been married for years, dating your partner is essential. We take care of all the details, so you can concentrate on the most important thing—spending time with each other.

Every date in our collection (seen here) is chosen for its quality and originality. Members get the best possible value on every booking, one free date a month, access to exclusive events, extras — like car service and flower delivery — and free personalized date planning for special occasions.

From waterfront yoga classes to exclusive chef’s tables to sci-fi robot-making workshops (check them out here, here and here), we’re here to help you discover and enjoy amazing dates. HowAboutWe for Couples is currently available in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and Chicago. Not in any of those cities? We also have a national version with dates delivered right to your door.

Signing up is free and members in our five cities get one free date a month! See our collection of free dates here.

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Welcome to the family, Cody Raisig Photography and HowAboutWe!  We are so happy to have you! xo

It’s easy to see why this adorable duo had a blast celebrating their engagement in Napa: wineries totally agree with them.  As do light-filled images captured expertly by Paper Antler and romantic bouquets from Clark’s Flower Shop (hello, peonies).  Together, it’s a combination that makes for one seriously gorgeous engagement session.  Take it all in right here in the full gallery.

From the Bride-to-Be… We decided to do our engagement session at a winery because Will popped the question on a trip to Napa last January. We spent our trip relaxing and drinking tons of celebratory wine! We wanted to try and capture how happy and in love we were on this trip via our engagement photos. Will brought his guitar to supplement the shoot. His amazing musical abilities are near and dear to both our hearts and I’m trying everyday to squeeze at least one song out of him the day of the wedding! I also brought some beautiful peonies that a local florist arranged for me, because, who doesn’t love peonies!

I can sum up our engagement session with you in one word… FUN! Aside from the drinking on the shoot, there was a relaxed and joking vibe that really carried us through the session with so much ease. Will and I had never been professionally photographed together before, so we had NO idea how the experience would go or really what we would even look like (stiff, awkward, etc)! Luckily the rain held out (because the team at Paper Antler is a good luck charm!) and the day actually ended up being beautiful and we received so many compliments on how amazing the lighting was in some of the shots.  Paper Antler perfectly captured our personalities in both a serious and fun way and also how in love and enamoured we are with each other.

Photography: Paper Antler | Flowers: Clark's Flower Shop | Dress: Issa | Shoes: Chloe | Suit: J.Crew | Vineyard: Old York Wine Cellar | Will's Shoes: Gucci

Ladies, mark your calendars for Sunday May 4, 2014 from 1-6pm, because Gabriella New York Bridal Salon is having their spring sample sale — and it’s not to be missed! The sale is first come, first to get the dress; and gowns will be priced up to 70% off! Amazing, no?! 

Carrying gowns from incredible designers such as Marchesa, Reem Acra, Jenny Packham, Legends by Romona Keveza, Amy Kuschel, Elizabeth Fillmore, Angel Sanchez, and more, the Gabriella New York Bridal Salon spring sample sale may just be your one-stop shop for the dress! No appointments are necessary, but be sure to get there early because it’s first come, first served! Gabriella New York Bridal Salon is located at 155 Wooster Street, Unit 3W, New York, New York 10012. Happy dress shopping, my dears!

Designers Pictured: Kelly Faetanini | Elizabeth Fillmore | Jenny Packham | Anna Maier-Ulla Maija

Cape May is one of the East Coast’s little gems that just so happens to make the perfect wedding backdrop. Exhibit A: these nautical nuptials that take “Cape May pretty” to a whole new level. Complete with a seafoam color and subtle, stripey details everywhere you look, this gallery from Caroline Frost is one lovely spot you don’t want to miss.

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From the Bride… The setting of this wedding took place at Congress Hall in historic Cape May, NJ. This is the oldest seaside hotel on the east coast and was a vacation spot for 4 of our US presidents, in which the building holds a lot of history. Bryan and I chose to have the wedding at Congress Hall because Cape May was always a spot that my mom and I summer vacationed together growing up as well as a frequent getaway I went with my college roommate to her family home. When I took Bryan down to see Congress Hall, he immediately fell in love with the venue as much as I did, with it’s picturesque scenery and timeless history of the hotel.

The inspiration for Bryan and my wedding was elegant and classic, I wanted it to look like it came from the pages of Vanity Fair or a Ralph Lauren ad. We kept the color scheme simple based on the unique room color of the ballroom, which was turquoise, by using a simple color pallet of navy and silver accents with all whitefloral arrangementsto pay homageto being by the ocean.

The day could not have been more beautiful and unseasonably warm for November 2nd down the shore — almost 70 degrees — and the energy of the wedding was just as bright and infectious! Surrounded by family and friends alongside our bridal parties made of up college roommates, cousins and childhood and NYC friends, the love was felt all around that day.Throughout the wedding, we wanted to be sure to add our own personal touches and included details such as our favorite drink, a Moscow Mule which was our signature cocktail called the ‘Gunderstruck’ a spin on Bryan’s last name of ‘Gunderson.’ The band’s playlist was especially important to us to include a variety of special songs to remind us of our relationship through the years together whether it was attending a Tom Petty concert at the Beacon Theatre in NYC, or our wedding song ‘Halo’ by Beyonce, which Bryanincludedon a mix tape for me before he moved to Colorado for a summer. Also, in lieu of wedding favors to our guests, we decided to make a donation to Memorial Sloan Ketering Hospital for cancer research in honor of my two Grandfathers and uncle that all passed away at young ages to cancer to celebrate them in spirit that day.

After two amazing speeches by my maid of honor since second grade, Amanda, and Bryan’s best man from high school at Delbarton, Ryan — who gave a whole new meaning to the word ‘speedbump’ — we were treated by a surprise guest appearance by my Dad as he played with our band one of my favorite songs by the group Chicago, which was the first concert we both saw together while he served in Operation Desert Storm as a Colonel in the Marine Corps. We couldn’t have asked for a better day filled with love,happiness and joy as we celebrated our union together as husband and wife

Photography: Caroline Frost Photography | Floral Design: Cape Wind Florist | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Stationery: The Write Touch | Ceremony: Our Lady Of Angels Roman Catholic Church | Reception: Congress Hall | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Makeup: Melissa Silver/Jackie Caruso | Hair: Justin Moya | Band: Around Town Entertainment | Accessories: Nan Ramno Bridal/Family Heirlooms | Bride Shoes: Kate Spade | Groom's Shirt/Accessories: Brooks Brothers | Groom's Tie: Thomas Pink | Groom's Tux: Ralph Lauren | Groomsmen's Tux: Calvin Klein | Photography - Assistance: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Veil: Kleinfeld Bridal | Video: Go Pro | Welcome Bags: Designed By Mother Of The Bride

Spring is awesome, but you know what makes a sunshine filled day in April even better?  A meet and greet with the amazing Julian Ribinik Photography, a husband and wife photography duo who know a thing or two about snapping a pretty picture.  Think jaw-dropping images that will leave you speechless at every turn.  Oh, and did I mention the giveaway?  Check out their fabulous work below…

From Julian Ribinik Photography… Julian Ribinik Photography is in fact a husband and wife duo – Julian and Evgenia who shoot from unexpected angles in order to capture timeless stills that emphasize the NYC feel.  Their specialty is luxury weddings and Julian has been published in New York Magazine and The Knot Magazine.

Julian and Evgenia guarantee top quality photographs that will demonstrate beauty, inspiration and elegance, while focusing on capturing your memories.

They has a vision and passion and you will love what they do. Your satisfaction is their first priority.

The duo has been awarded The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” four years in a row – 2011-2014.

Follow Julian Ribinik Photography on their blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 

Julian Ribinik Photography is giving one lucky SMP reader an engagement session (up to 1.5 hours) anywhere in New York City (Value $499)!  To enter, leave a comment below telling us why you would love to have your engagement pics snapped in NYC.  A winner, chosen at random, will be announced right here on SMP on Friday, May 9th.  Good luck, lovelies!  For terms and conditions, click here. 

Rustic can be so much more than just a wedding in a barn. With a few key components, it can be elegant and timeless. Take, for instance, a long, elegant Bridesmaid gown, lace incorporated into the smallest of details (the jam favors) and one of the biggest (that gorgeous wedding dress!). This wedding is truly a melding of rustic and classic. Barn and chandelier. Pretty and more pretty. See it all captured by Michelle Lange right here.

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From the Bride… When Jason and I started talking about what we wanted in out our wedding, we agreed that we wanted something different from the everyday banquet hall.

When we first looked at Perona Farms, the barn that was on the property was in the middle of being renovated as a wedding venue and was still in the demolition stage. At first sight it was an empty barn, but Jason and I saw all the potential and beauty that the finished product would have and we knew it was the right place for us.

With the barn booked, the rustic theme flowed from there. I always knew I wanted a full lace wedding dress, and decided that lace should be incorporated throughout the wedding. In my search to find ways to further incorporate lace into the wedding, I found wedding invitations with a lace pattern as well as a burlap and lace table runner that I adored and that my future mother in-law offered to make for all the tables. We also tied lace on the lids of all the homemade strawberry jam jars as wedding favors.

My most memorable moment of our wedding would be getting to walk (or dance) down the aisle with my new husband. It was such a feeling of such bliss knowing that we were married and we had the rest of our lives ahead of us (not to mention a pretty amazing wedding reception). Our wedding was truly the most incredible day of our lives and there isn’t one thing we would change.

Photography: Michelle Lange Photography | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids Dresses: Here Comes The Bridesmaid | Hair & Makeup: Nicole Makeup And Hair | Wedding Venue: Perona Farms | Bridal Boutique: Maggie Sottero | Second Photographer: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer

Yellow is one hue that can seriously make you happy: it’s a vibrant, sun-filled color that adds a dose of awesome to any wedding it touches.  Throw in some rustic stylings, romantic florals from Bloomers ‘n Things and a bride and groom who literally can’t stop smiling and it’s glee-filled overdose in the best way possible.  See it all captured by Levi Stolove Photography right here.

From the Bride… It was my important to my husband, Marc, and I that our wedding blend traditional elements with some casual, rustic elements. The day began at my parents’ house, where my bridesmaids and I got ready. We held our ceremony a few blocks away at my childhood church, St. John the Apostle. It had significance to me and Marc because it was also the place where we first touched by shaking hands during the “peace” part of mass, over 10 years before our wedding day.

Following the traditional ceremony was a tented reception at Windows on the Water at Frogbridge. I think our guests wondered why we chose a venue kind of far from our church, but once they arrived they couldn’t stop asking how we had found such a beautiful place. The venue itself is gorgeous, with a large patio overlooking water for cocktail hour and a draped tent for our reception. Yet it was also simple enough that we could add our own touches to make it more personal. Our favorite project was the chalkboard seating chart we created using vintage windows from Etsy. The chalkboard theme was carried throughout our reception, using them for table numbers and signs. Our wedding didn’t really have a particular theme. We just tried to keep it simple, pretty, and full of yellow hues, a color we both love.

Our wedding day was full of smiles and laughter. In fact, the whole church was laughing when our priest mispronounced our last name during the big “I now pronounce you” part. Marc later told me that just moments before the ceremony began, the priest double checked with him on the pronunciation and had said it correctly! I love that you can see all of our happiness so clearly in our photos. It helped that Levi Stolove was our photographer and made our smiles even bigger with his warm personality.

My favorite part of our wedding day was dancing at the end of the night. It was wonderful to just let loose with the man, the friends, and the family that I love. We could not have been happier with how our day turned out and would not change a thing about it.

Photographer: Levi Stolove Photography | Flowers: Bloomers 'n Things | Cake: Palermo's Bakery | Invitations: Bella Figura | Ceremony Venue: St. John the Apostle | Reception Venue: Windows On The Water | Bride's Shoes: Seychelles | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Groomsmen's Ties: Ben Sherman | Suits: Macy's | Bride's Dress: Christos | Bride's Jewelry: BHLDN | Groom's Tie: Penguin | Veil: Erica Koesler

I love a bride that knows exactly what she wants, and from the get-go this gorgeous Mrs. was on a mission. Think a CIA-esque cell phone strategy to start the ball rolling with her Mr. and a world of insanely beautiful ideas all coming to life in a stunning seaside affair at the Mallard Island Yacht Club. Yep, she’s awesome.  Check out the day captured by McKay Imaging Photography right here.

From the Bride… Sean and I have lived around the corner from each other our whole lives. We went to the same elementary school, middle school, and high school, but never crossed paths due to our four year age gap. Our mothers were friends, however, and played on sports leagues in our town together, one of which being the volleyball team where Sean and I would eventually meet!

I had just graduated college and returned home. My mom’s volleyball team, which consisted of my Mom, Sean and his parents, needed a setter and Mom had told the “McCormick Team” that she had a daughter that would would love to play! (My mom often exaggerates the truth.) I hesitantly joined the team because of course I thought I had better things to do. Little did I know that my new team would soon be my new family…  After that first game I was so sore I couldn’t move! This was largely due to the fact that I was showing off for the hottest outside hitter I had ever setted for. I started wearing earrings and mascara to games, which, of course, my mother still teases me about to this day!

One day, I finally worked up enough courage to tell my mom to hook me up with Sean, however she refused because she didn’t want it to interfere with her friendship with Sean’s mom. That’s when I took matters into my own hands and texted Sean’s mom pretending to be my mother! I told her all about how I thought that “my daughter” had a crush on Sean. She responded with, “I think Sean has a crush on your daughter too!”  Word FINALLY got to Sean; he asked me out, and if you ask him today, he’ll tell you that “I moved in and never left.” The rest is history!!!

My wedding was an absolute fairy tale, which of course would not have been possible without our parents. If I said I did the whole thing myself I would be lying because I had so much help. The vision was mine, but I put everyone to work. My grandma tied over 1000 bows. Sean’s parents hand cut yards and yards of burlap! My friend Alexis helped me design the whole ceremony and her and my friend Val woke up at 6 am to set it up the day of the wedding. My sisters went to every single dress fitting to make sure it was perfect, as well as directed the florist on how to spray paint each flower to get it the exact color. The bridesmaids made sure that everything went exactly according to plan. My mother was my sidekick and made all things possible. I can honestly say that nothing went wrong because to her “wrong” was not as option! My dad is the main men who got us the venue of a lifetime!  Almost everything was handmade, if not by me then a bunch of different shops on Etsy! We even made the flower girl headbands!

Photography: McKay Imaging Photography | Flowers: Michael's Florist | Wedding Dress: Park Ave Bridal | Wedding Cake: Moester's Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Mallard Island Yacht Club | Reception Venue: Mallard Island Yacht Club | Bride's Shoes: Nina | Lighting: Mystical Entertainment | Entertainment: Mystical Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Make-Up + Hair: Styling the Bride

Can I tell you a secret? It’s the smallest weddings that make my heart pound the hardest. As this beautiful wedding easily proves, there’s something so sweet about gathering a few of your nearest and dearest to witness the most intimate promise you’ll make in your whole life. And as long as you bring along an amazing photographer like Vanessa Joy, you’ll have those memories to share and to last a lifetime!

From Vanessa Joy Photography… Alicia and Gary’s wedding was so sweet and meaningful. We started the day with a first look right at the church. With just 12 people in attendance (including me and my assistant), they gathered for a small ceremony to declare their love for one another with just their close family to witness. It was one of the most intimate and precious wedding ceremonies I have ever had the privilege of capturing. Afterwards we had a beautiful session outside for photos in the incredible fall colors and weather. Even a few lens flare rainbows popped into their wedding photos! Their reception was at the Portobello Restaurant in a small private room with such unique style and rustic flair. This was definitely an affair I loved and was so happy I was able to capture their elopement wedding photos for them. I can just tell by the way they smiled and giggled with each other that they’re going to have an amazing marriage and I hope they show their children and grandchildren their wedding pictures someday!

Photography: Vanessa Joy Photography | Floral Design: Pink Dahlia | Wedding Gown: Casablanca | Hair And Make Up: Emily Wallis Gonzalez | Tuxedo: Ralph Lauren | Restaurant: Portobello