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Bonnet Island Estate Boho Beach Wedding

When a professional football player married a bohemian beauty by the coast in New Jersey, it was certain that the day would be special… Kristen & Gerrard’s love was effortless! On their wedding day, Kristen was a vision in her Watters gown and her eucalyptus crown. With clean whites, cool blue tones and nautical details, the day was overflowing with beachy vibes. K&G’s truest smiles and tear-jerking vows made this day one of our all time favorites. We can still feel the love! ~ love & light photographs 

Hair and Makeup by Make Me Up Eva

Catering by Merri-Makers Catering & Special Events

 

From the Bride… Our story began 5 years prior to our dreamy wedding day down on Long Beach Island, our favorite place that houses some of our most precious memories. We met our final semester of college and hit it off from the start. Gerrard has always been the charming one from day one and his smile and laugh is my absolute favorite.

We absolutely fell in love with Bonnet Island Estate after visiting and knew it would be the perfect place 
to celebrate our big day. Bonnet fit the beachy and rustic vibe we were looking for with plenty of space to make it creative in our own way. We chose a neutral color palette of light grey, white and navy with lots of greenery and white roses throughout. Wooden signs and favorites from New Jersey and Maryland complimented our day throughout many of our details.

Having both been athletes, and most of our party being athletes as well, we of course had to make our grand entrance first as Mr. & Mrs. with a football scene. We are both big sneaker heads also, so naturally as soon as we could, we traded in heels and dress shoes for our high top vans. Let’s just say our wedding parties were happy to join along with us and made the dance floor even more fun.

Our photographer, Jessa Schifilliti, captured the day perfectly with her team! We knew we were in the best hands and after talking through our vision, we let them take the wheel and do what they are best in the world at – capturing every moment of couples big days while keeping it stress free. There was so much love and laughter on our wedding day, and each photo radiates with the love and excitement we felt. She captured the dreaminess of the venue, every thoughtful detail and so many special
 moments that we continuously look back on and will cherish for the rest of our lives.

Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Videography: Darn Swell Media | Floral Design: Reynolds | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: The Bake Works | Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal | Catering: Merri-Makers Catering & Special Events | Hair & Makeup: Make Me Up Eva | DJ: Unforgettable DJ's | Wedding Venue: Bonnet Island Estate | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Calvin Klein

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A Romantic Winter Wedding at Park Chateau with Hundreds of Blooms

Whenever I see the name Lauren Fair in submissions, I know I’m in for a whole lot of wedding goodness. And today, she’s taking over the blog (and our Instagram account), so you can only imagine my excitement! Her weddings are filled with the perfect combo of moments and details that make for seriously inspiring soirées—ones you’ll want to pin every bit of. Case in point? This blushed and bloomed winter fete at Park Chateau, planned by Shannon Wellington Weddings. I’m betting there are hundreds of flowers layered into it, thanks to Fresh Designs. See it all here and stay tuned for more from Lauren later today!

Lauren and Tyler’s stunning winter wedding may have been one of the coldest days of the winter, but you’d never know it! Lush blooms and romantic design elements, combined with the soaring white architecture of their venue, created a stunning environment for their wedding day!

Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Cinematography: Willow Tree Films | Floral Design: Fresh Designs Florist | Stationery: Papertree Studio | Ceremony Venue: Park Chateau Estate | Reception Venue: Park Chateau | Makeup: Katie Nova Makeup | Hair: Dana Thomas | Planning + Design: Shannon Wellington Wedding

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One Weekend is All You Need to Plan That Dream Wedding

If we’re being honest, finding the right wedding venue can be a little tricky. It takes time, patience and maybe a lucky break or two. That’s why we are so excited for the 5th annual Wedding Show Weekend happening on March 10th and 11th. Hosted by the venue-finding geniuses at Country Club Receptions, it features over 35 country clubs and golf courses across the country (including three in New York and one in New Jersey). In other words? It’s your chance to find that perfect venue all in one weekend – for free.

We know there are a lot of wedding shows out there, but Wedding Show Weekend is different. It’s stress-free, convenient and free – and with two fab country clubs in New York and one in New Jersey, you’re sure to find the right venue for you and yours. Like one of the Wedding Show Weekend’s coolest venues, the Dyker Beach Golf Course. It’s a historic Brooklyn icon that opened over 100+ years ago and the elegant decor + 6,000-square-foot patio are awesome. Also on our love list? The Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses, aka, two Bronx treasures that originally opened in 1901. If you love anything and everything Art Deco, the ballrooms will floor you. Oh, and speaking of ballrooms – the Beaver Brook Country Club in Hunterdon County, New Jersey is a one-of-a-kind venue that can host 180 guests. Plus, the views are insanely gorgeous.

Whether you’re planning the celebration of a lifetime in New York or New Jersey, the Wedding Show Weekend is your one-stop venue shop with four country clubs and golf courses that are perfect for hosting your big event. Also perfect? Not taking weeks upon weeks to find that venue of your dreams and literally filling one amazing weekend with all of the locales you’ve been eyeing, so you can start planning. Not to mention the amazing vendors, on-site directors and tasty cuisine for you to sample.

Ready to meet the venue + vendor team that will make your dream day happen? RSVP for free on the Wedding Show Weekend’s website and start planning your two days of venue hopping. And be sure to visit their Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for even more inspiration.

Photography: Cherryville Photography | Photography: Matthew Sowa Photography | Photography: George Street | Photography: Photography By Alfonso | Photography: Ricky Restiano | Venue: MountainGate Country Club | Venue: MountainGate Country Club | Venue: MountainGate Country Club | Venue: MountainGate Country Club | Bridal Show: Wedding Show Weekend

Traditional Meets Modern For This Chic Summer Wedding Film

This wedding might just have it all: gorgeous gown, a beautiful combination of cultures, friends and family and plenty of sweet emotional moments galore. From the littlest of details (this Brides’ hair accessory) to the whole wonderful celebration, NST Pictures captured it all and we’re swept up in all these feel good vibes! Enjoy!

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From NST Pictures… It seems like it was always meant to be with Mary and Steve. After meeting at 13, they became immediate best friends although eventually drifting apart in college. It wasn’t until a reunion among high school friends in 2009 that they bumped into each other again and rekindled their friendship, with Steve finally confessing that he had feelings for Mary ever since they met. Five years of dating led to a beautifully designed wedding at Battello with elements of both Korean and Filipino traditions tastefully blended into their modern-day celebration.

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Photography: BlueSpark Photography | Cinematography: NST Pictures | Floral Design: Stems Brooklyn | Ceremony Venue: St. Mary's Church | Reception Venue: Battello | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Entertainment: LJ Productions | Traditional Garments: Bidulki Judan Inc.

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All the Best Dressed Awards Go to This Wedding

Every single member of the bridal party at this stylish New Jersey affair captured by Sophie Kaye Photography looked red carpet ready. The bride’s attendees were dressed in pure white, each choosing a dress most suited to her own style. The groom’s attendees, a mix of men and women, contrasted the bridesmaids by wearing chic, all-black attire, while the groom looked absolutely dashing in a velvet jacket by Hugo Boss. And finally, the pièce de résistance was the bride in her champagne gown and veil by Lee Petra Grebenau, paired with stunning red velvet Jimmy Choos, sleek waves by StylesOnB, and a dewy, natural face by Stacie Ford Weddings. It’s official – this wedding wins all the best dressed rewards.

Colors
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From Sophie Kaye PhotographyThis wedding was the epitome of elegance and European charm. The bride and groom, Aileen and Phil, created a truly incredible event at the brand new Park Chateau Estate, mixing their love of editorial fashion and family tradition. Dressed in a stunning champagne bejeweled gown by Lee Petra Grebenau with a matching veil, Aileen dressed her group of closest friends in white for an amazing twist on the traditional wedding party look. Phil wore a velvet blazer and surrounded himself with his own party – of both men and women – in sleek black attire. With incredible over the top florals, each girl carried a stunning cascade of white blooms.

The ceremony took place in the beautiful, on-site chapel. Each seat was decorated with a handmade program by calligrapher Michaela Mcbride. The ceremony involved multiple moments with involvement from family and friends before releasing everyone out to the incredibly decorated reception space. Adam Leffel Productions brought the incredible venue to life by installing magical tree-like structures on the dinner tables, dripping with golden flickering candles. Each display was truly an incredible sight, including the head table which was surrounded by an amazing arch of florals. They really were truly amazing, transforming the french-inspired venue into a whimsical forest.

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Photography: Sophie Kaye Photography | Floral Design: Adam Leffel Productions | Wedding Dress: Lee Grebenau | Invitations: Michaela McBride Calligraphy | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: Natural Sapphire Company | Makeup: Stacie Ford Weddings | Hair: Styles On B | Favors: Glaze Artisan | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Park Chateau Estate | Bridal Boutique: SPINA | Veil: Lee Grebenau

Who Knew Views Like This Existed in New Jersey?!

Rural and Jersey are not typically synonymous but this classic affair is about to flip all of your preconceived notions upside down. From rolling hills and picturesque vistas to the stately backdrop of Natirar, this romantic celebration planned by DM Events, with insanely gorgeous florals by Bride & Blossom, and images by Sally Pinera is Jersey at its finest.

From Kate and Chase… Our first date took place at McCarren Park in Brooklyn, NY. Chase, an actor, lived in Greenpoint and I, a musician, was living in Williamsburg. When I saw Chase (tall, dark and handsome) approaching me with his bicycle, red converse shoes, and a smile that could move mountains – I turned around, panicked, and started walking the other way to compose myself. Surely this man was too handsome to be anything other than a mirage. Shortly thereafter my phone rang, and it was confirmed that Chase was not, in fact, a mirage, and he was just as sweet as his smile. He swept me away, and has every day, since.

Chase laughs when re-imagining Kate spinning around and heading the other direction. When I first saw Kate, I thought she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Conversation was so natural and it felt like we were on the same wavelength during our entire first date. As we started to get to know each other I discovered how thoughtful and kind Kate really is. For awhile I thought she was too good to be true, but soon realized she was the real deal. I knew meeting Kate meant it was the end of my days as a bachelor.

We always talk about how our first date was the best date we’d ever had. Effortless and unforgettable. We lost track of time and soon enough, realized we’d spent nearly an entire day together. We’ve been together for about three years and much like our first date, time flies when you find real love. Chase proposed to Kate on the Brooklyn Bridge in September 25th, 2016 and they were married at Natirar on September 3rd, 2017. Shortly after getting engaged, Chase and Kate visited Natirar and fell in love with the location.

Although they were living in New York City, Chase grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and Kate grew up on a farm in the NJ Countryside, so a natural setting was more desirable than a city setting. The natural landscape, gorgeous countryside views from Natirar Mansion hilltop, farm to table restaurant and cooking school (90 Acres) and the rustic elegance of Natirar were all factors confirming that it was the venue of their dreams. The fall season was so popular at venues they had visited, so they took advantage of the Labor Day long-weekend and secured one of the last open dates at the Natirar Mansion.

They couldn’t wait to start planning their special day. Kate’s creativity and vision flourished along the way as every detail was imagined and brought to life. Chase contributed with incredible big picture ideas. Together, Chase and Kate, lived the day of their dreams, with their incredible team of creatives and vendors. Our wedding day itself was a dream come true. It was cloudy that morning, and just as our party began walking down the aisle, the skies actually(!!!) parted and the heavens opened, allowing the sun to shine down for our ceremony. It was surreal, miraculous, and heavenly – like our love was being blessed from up above.

Photographer: Sally Pinera | Videographer: Christian Oth Studio | Florals: Bride & Blossom | Invitations: Lion in the Sun | Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair and Makeup: The Luxe Beaute | Groom's Attire: Alan David Custom | Venue: Natirar | Bridal Shoe: Aquazzura | Bridal Veil: Daphne Newman Design | Bride Gown: Liz Martinez (by Kinsley James) | Bride's Hairpiece: Naturae Design | Ceremony and Cocktail Muscians: Highline String Quartet | Day Of Stationery: Lichen Ink | Photobooth: Sweet Booths | Planning : DM Events & Design | Reception Music: The Loyales | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Wax Seals: VenusEnvyPaper

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We Found Your Venue If You Are Wanting Backyard Wedding Vibes

Backyard weddings are our jam, but if you’re not too keen on hosting your Big Day celebration at your own abode, we’ve got the perfect solution: Sole East Resort. Think of it as your home away from home with everything from gorgeous gardens, bamboo archways and a fire pit perfect for roasting post-nuptial s’mores. It’s that backyard vibe we absolutely adore meets a talented events team that will handle every jaw-dropping moment. You seriously can’t go wrong.

Sole East Resort has always been one of our fave Hamptons venues, and it’s not just because of the sweet Tudor charm and their 70 gorgeous guest rooms. Their accommodations are amazing and their onsite amenities make it the perfect place to relax and play with your friends and family. From their heated pool to their fab Montauk locale to their awesome (+ full-service) Backyard Restaurant, it’s the best place ever to spend a weekend celebrating you and yours. Gather your friends around the fire pit after your rehearsal dinner, take a 5-minute walk to the beach the morning of your Big Day to ease those butterflies and host your last hurrah with a goodbye brunch the morning after your nuptials. They literally have everything covered – and it’s all with that laid-back charm we love so much about the Hamptons.

Sole East Resort isn’t just the perfect place to tie the knot, they have the perfect staff, too. From planning your rehearsal dinner to coordinating your big moment to everything in between, the Sole East Events Team has you totally covered. Our advice? Shoot them an email pronto (events@soleeast.com) to get started planning your amazing nuptials. That backyard wedding you’ve always wanted is waiting – and there are still a few prime May and June 2018 dates available (with generous discounts!) if you’re last-minute planning!

Photography: 4Eyes Photography | Ceremony & Reception : Sole East Resort

A New Jersey Wedding (With a Little Southern Flair) at an Historic Inn

What happens when a Jersey girl meets a Southern gent on Tinder? You get a wedding with the best of both worlds at an historic New Jersey inn with special Southern touches throughout. With gorgeous makeup by Make Me Up Eva and beautiful photos by Idalia Photography, this wedding has a little Jersey (hello, gorgeous glittered Jimmy Choos!), a little Alabama (that seersucker ring bearer outfit!) and a whole lot of love. Check out their love story below and jump into the full gallery here.

From the bride:

Taylor and I met through Tinder and had our first date at a divey commuter bar in Penn Station. It may not have been the most glamorous start (and it was only 20 minutes long because I had to catch a train), but I knew right away that he was special.

Taylor is incredibly thoughtful, and he planned the most amazing proposal. We were just sitting around at home on a Friday night when Taylor casually suggested we go out to dinner in our neighborhood. When we arrived at the end of the subway platform, he got down on one knee and proposed. Moments later, the next subway car rolled up and I was shocked to see that it was filled with our friends and family! Taylor’s friend filmed the whole thing, and there was even a small camera in the ring box itself.

Being a planner, I wanted to visit wedding venues soon after the engagement. We selected the historic Molly Pitcher Inn as our venue because I had always thought of it as a beautiful, elegant place to celebrate a special occasion. Plus, it had a gorgeous promenade right on the river for our ceremony and cocktail hour (despite terrible weather forecasts leading up the wedding, the rain held off and we were able to be outside).

I always knew I wanted gray as one of our colors and Taylor suggested green as our other main wedding color; the gray and green really popped when we added touches of peach and metallic as accents. It also lent itself to lush, natural greenery for our florals. We knew that right away that we wanted round garlands as our table centerpieces, and decided to expand that idea into a large floral wreath that provided a gorgeous background for our ceremony.

Our main inspiration was sharing our love story – we wanted the day to feel personal, and for our guests to come away from the wedding knowing more about us. Some of our favorite personal touches included having close friends announce the reception entrances and special dances, walking down the aisle to a song composed and recorded by Taylor, our locally-sourced olive oil favors, and writing our own vows, which we heard for the first time during the ceremony.

I love to craft, so I made escort cards using white tiles, and created most of the paper elements and signage, including the menus, ceremony programs, table numbers, and more. We also brought some items straight from our home for the decor, such as our light up LA & T initials and the lightboard message sign.

One of the first things anyone learns when they meet Taylor is that he is proud to hail from Alabama; since the wedding was taking place in my hometown, we wanted to honor his Alabama roots by incorporating some Southern elements into the festivities. We kicked things off the night before the wedding with yummy BBQ food at our rehearsal dinner.

My adorable godson Logan was our ring bearer, and he looked like a little Southern gent in his saddle shoes and custom green seersucker suit. Speaking of seersucker, our bourbon-based signature cocktail was called “The Seersucker” and featured green and white striped straws with handcrafted metallic flags. Taylor’s mom baked cheese crisps (one of his favorite Alabama snacks) that each guest received in the welcome box, along with favorite candies from the bride and groom.

While I couldn’t wait to try our funfetti wedding cake, the treat that Taylor was most excited about leading up to the wedding was his groom’s cake, which was a huge chocolate chip cookie cake in the shape of Alabama! The cake featured different landmarks and towns that are meaningful to Taylor.

We kept the Southern theme going right through the end of the night, with “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Livin on a Prayer” (which I like to think of as the unofficial anthem of New Jersey!) closing down the dance floor.


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Photographer: Idalia Photography | Wedding Coordinator: Kate Krug | Florals: Darryn Murphy Designs | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture | Invitations: Art Paper Scissors | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | Makeup: Make Me Up Eva | Hair Stylist: Hale Koa phineas Estate | DJ: Aria Melody DJ | Groom's Suit: My Suit | Groomsmen's Attire: Menguin | Bridal Shop: St. Pucchi | Cake & Groom's Cookie Cake: Sugarush Bakery | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Molly Pitcher Inn | Fragrances: Atelier Cologne | Olive Oil Favors: Carter & Cavero | Ring Bearer's Seersucker Suit: Brenda Rathbone | Ring Pillow: Alexandra Ferguson | Seamstress: Zatsarina Fashion | Vow Notebooks: The Printable Gal

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This Venue Takes Garden Affair to a Whole New Level

It was love at first sight when this Bride happened upon the natural beauty of Jardin de Buis. Filled with antiques, romantic gardens, and the prettiest greenhouse, it is a little pocket of European beauty in the wilds of New Jersey. Add in a gorgeous, rounded arch and plush blooms by Lara Clare Design, and that greenhouse proved the perfect spot for their wedding celebration. Captured by Lauren Fair Photography, have a look at the true beauty of romance among the flora.

From the bride…Kevin and I got engaged in December of 2015 and planned our wedding for a little over a year and a half. While venue-hunting, our two requirements were to find a space that would comfortably accommodate an intimate guest list of 90 and a space that felt natural and beautiful to us. We searched for about two months until I stumbled upon a photograph of a greenhouse at Jardin de Buis in a magazine and was instantly enthralled. I immediately reached out to the owner of the property and arranged a visit. Our first visit to Jardin de Buis was in the cold of February and even though all the trees were bare and the nothing was in bloom just yet, we fell in love. The best part of Jardin de Buis is the beauty in the simplicity of the space – nothing felt too styled or planned, everything was placed organically and magically, from the thriving greenery to the scattered antiques. It all came together so beautifully on it’s own and we knew we had found our dream venue to tie the knot. We were excited about the idea of working with different vendors to really customize the space for our wedding. We also loved the idea of having our ceremony and reception on the same site and Jardin de Buis easily accommodated both aspects of our wedding celebration. We loved that our ceremony was on one side of the property and guests could take a short walk through a garden to Orangerie and greenhouse for cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. Dinner in a greenhouse under string lights? We were sold!

Once we found our venue, the rest of the wedding planning came together organically. The venue choice really set the aesthetic for the remainder of our wedding planning and thats when the planning process became really fun! Besides the venue, our second biggest priority when booking vendors was the photographer. Finding the right photographer was equally as important to me as finding the right venue. I knew exactly what type of photography style I was looking for and immediately reached out to Lauren Fair. When we spoke for the first time, we instantly clicked – she just got us! We really wanted capture our wedding in more ways than one, which is why we chose to hire a videographer as well. Luckily, I met Kristen Ryan through college and had always admired her work. I remember watching her wedding videos with tears in my eyes and knew that one day when I got married I would have to have her capture my wedding. It was really important to chose vendors who immediately picked up on the vision we had for our wedding – this made the planning process so easy and fun. It also made us feel so comfortable and at ease. We worked with Laura Clare Design to come up with a color palette and floral aesthetic. Since our wedding was greenhouse-themed, I really wanted to keep the colors neutral and earth-toned to compliment our surroundings. We went for a floral palette of only green and white and we wanted the florals to be loose and organic. Rather than using tall table centerpieces, we chose to garnish the dinner tables with oversized garland full of textured greenery, luscious white flowers and succulents. Laura Clare also designed the most beautiful rounded floral archway for us to get married in front of and lined our isle with white rose petals.

We were so lucky to have full access to the antiques at Jardin de Buis and we spent the night before our wedding at the venue moving furniture, decorating and getting everything in order. It was all fun, but it was also one of those moments we laugh about now because it’s so easy to go overboard with last minute ideas when you are your own wedding planner! On the day of our wedding, I was overwhelmed with such pure joy and gratitude. I couldn’t believe our wedding day had finally arrived and we were soon to be married in front of all our family and friends. I couldn’t wait to see Kevin and I couldn’t wait to see our guests arrive! The owner of the property was kind enough to open up her home so that my bridesmaids, family and I could get ready on site. We had such a fun morning listening to music, relaxing and getting all glammed up. In between hair and makeup, I kept sneaking outside to check on how the vendors were setting up. Everything kept looking more and more beautiful by the minute, the sun was shining, and I was counting down the minutes until it was “go” time. One of my favorite memories of the day was gifting my parents and bridesmaids special gifts and heartfelt written cards. I think we all shared tears in the moment and it was such a special send off before I left to meet Kevin for our first look.

Kevin and I decided to have a first look for many reasons but mainly we wanted to take the pressure off of our cocktail hour and be able to spend more time with guest who traveled near and far. When I was walking up to Kevin, I felt such a rush of excitement, I just couldn’t wait for him to turn around! We both were expecting tears, but during our first look we were just so happy and excited we couldn’t help but smile the entire time. We chose to write our own vows to each other but instead of reading them during our wedding ceremony, we chose to read them to each other in private, after our first look. This was one of my favorite memories from our wedding day. It was so special and intimate and it set the tone for us walking down the isle. It also kept our ceremony fun and light-hearted. We couldn’t stop smiling through the entire ceremony!

Our cocktail hour was held around a reflecting pool in between two greenhouses connected by an Orangerie. It was magical! I felt that our venue was really a treat for our guests – we wanted our guest to feel as though they were transported into Europe for an evening. We loved that the space was combination of rustic, chic and organic. It left us a lot of room for creativity and we chose to keep the decor simple to compliment the natural space we were in. Long, family-style dinner tables covered in crisp, white linens, white and green florals, string lights, hanging ferns, oversized planters overflowing with greenery, succulents and candles in storm jars filled the space. After cocktail hour, we entered the Orangerie and had our first dance to ‘Sea of Love’ by Cat Power. We chose to favor reach guest with a mini succulent plant that housed their name/table card. Surprisingly, we somehow kept dry eyes throughout most of the dinner until it was time for speeches and toasts. Then there wasn’t a dry eye in the greenhouse! We will never forget the feeling of how much love we felt surrounding us in the greenhouse during our dinner.

We repeatedly heard the same advice from everyone: enjoy every moment of your wedding day because it goes by in the blink of an eye. That advice is SO true and I’m glad we listened. We were so pleased with all of our vendors – each did their own part to make sure our wedding day was exactly how we imaged. day was so incredible and went by so fast it was a blur – we barely got to eat we were so busy having fun! After dinner, I threw my floral crown on and Kevin and I danced the night away until we had our sparkler exit. Our wedding day was truly a dream!

Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Videographer: Kristin Ryan | Floral Design: Laura Clare Fine Floral Design | Ceremony Venue: Jardin De Buis | Reception Venue: Jardin De Buis | Hair & Makeup: Jenielle Jensen + Lauren Senese | Dress boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Paper Goods: Paperless Post

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7 Honeymoon Locales You Have To See To Believe

We’re true believers that honeymoons are an absolute necessity – whether that means taking a weekend excursion to your fave city or jetting off for a 14-day stay in paradise, that post-wedding relaxation basically needs to happen. But if you’ve found yourself at a loss on just where to celebrate, we’re making it easy. Check out seven of our favorite locales for the best kind of newlywed vacationing.

SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA

Why we love it: Other than the fact that it’s totally convenient (read: no passport or foreign currency required), the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is the perfect combo of laid-back, post-wedding relaxation and fun activities that will keep you and your love basking in the sun. Take a scuba lesson or two, attend the nightly cliff dive ceremonies at sunset or spend your days golfing the Ka’anapali’s Royal and Kai courses.

What you can’t miss: SPG Weddings’ Honeymoon Wishes. It’s a honeymoon registry service that allows your family and friends to gift amazing entertainment and activities for you and yours, like beachside luaus, snorkel cruises and sunset cocktails on a sailboat. You’ll love the awesome itinerary, and your guests will love knowing they contributed to all of the fun.

W PUNTA DE MITA  

Why we love it: Located right on the beach in Mexico’s IT city, W Punta de Mita will blow you away with their gorgeous decor that is one part modern chic and one part cultural artistry. Trust us: the design alone makes for one amazing stay with vibrant colors and unique decor dotting literally every inch of space. Oh, and the rooms? The views will have you never wanting to leave.

What you can’t miss: The world-famous restaurants. Think Southeast Asian cuisine at Spice Market, live cooking stations at Venazu, adult ice cream (!) at WET Deck’s poolside restaurant and signature ceviche at Chevicheria, a converted 1950’s Chevy truck. And if you want to keep thing ultra-private, make reservations at the exclusive MESA1 with your very own personal chef that will design a seven-course tasting menu just for you.

THE ST. REGIS BORA BORA RESORT

Why we love it: Honeymoons are for relaxing and escaping it all, and if you’re looking for the perfect spot to lay back on the beach and do just that, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is IT. This French Polynesian hot spot is all about soaking in the sun… AND partaking in some of the most unique activities on the planet. We’re all for renting an Aquabike Underwater Scooter, visiting a Pearl Farm or checking out the resort’s private Lagoonarium when you’re not lazying it up in paradise.

What you can’t miss: Their overwater villas. You can literally sleep, eat and relax in luxurious amenities perched right above the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. It’s awesome.

LE MERIDIEN TAMPA 

Why we love it: This boutique hotel used to be a federal courthouse, so you know the architecture is awesome. On top of that, the Le Meridien Tampa’s Unlock Art™ program gives guests FREE access to some of Tampa’s best galleries and museums by just showing your room card. Which means you can spend your day soaking in the creativity and culture, then head back to the hotel for an amazing meal at one of their yummy restaurants.

What you can’t miss: Their Bicycle Programme. With an entire city to explore (and a list of amazing museums to visit), you can rent a bike, helmet and lock for just $8/hour.

THE WESTIN NEW ORLEANS CANAL PLACE

Why we love it: The French Quarter is just steps away, but that isn’t the only reason we adore this gorgeous hotel in the heart of New Orleans. From the stunning architecture to the awesome Mississippi River locale to their Make a Green Choice program, you’ll love all of the fab amenities of The Westin New Orleans Canal Place, plus their proximity to Bourbon Street. Not to mention all of the amazing restaurants New Orleans has to offer… there’s a reason it was named the top food and wine destination in the United States.

What you can’t miss: If you love to get your fitness on, you honestly couldn’t pick a better location. With a  WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio located right on property and state-of-the-art equipment, you don’t have to miss your daily sessions. Plus, their RunWESTIN™ program allows you to soak in all of the sights New Orleans has to offer with custom running maps of the area, plus a towel and bottle of water for cool down.

SLS LAS VEGAS, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO RESORT 

Why we love it: Anyone who has ever been to Vegas knows that it’s a city that literally never stops, so the list of fun-filled activities? Basically endless. The SLS Las Vegas, A Tribute Porfolio Resort puts you smack-dab in the center of it all with an amazing locale on The Strip and access to all of the gourmet restaurants, theaters and sightseeing you’ll want to take it. Get ready to go, go, go, then head back to your seriously stylish room for some rest and relaxation.

What you can’t miss: The Foundry. Vegas’ most talked about venue, this unique space hosts some of the greatest entertainers in the world – from comedians to bands you can’t wait to see. Plan your honeymoon around their awesome lineup and you’ll be SO happy.

THE WESTIN GOLF RESORT & SPA, PLAYA CONCHAL

Why we love it: If your dream honeymoon description includes the words seclusion and tranquility, then The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal is right up your alley. We never turn down a chance to spend a romantic evening seaside with a glass of bubbly in hand, and this resort takes it to an entirely new level with all-inclusive benefits.  Plus, with a plethora of water sports, the championship Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and the easy access to Costa Rican National Parks, you can mix in some much-needed adventure.

What you can’t miss: The Royal Beach Club. Newly renovated and for adults only, the Royal Beach Club is all about above and beyond service with everything from premium cocktails to exclusive breakfast + lunch service to access to a private pool and super luxe accommodations. You’ll even get preferential reservations to all of the resort’s fabulous restaurants, spa, tennis and golf.

Contact SPG Weddings (@SPGWeddings) to start planning your dream getaway with your loved one… and don’t forget to ask about how you can earn FREE honeymoon nights when you host your wedding at one of their fab locations.

This Spring Wedding Is Bursting with the Prettiest of Petals!

Are you ready to go gaga with some gorgeousness right here? We’re talking over the top florals folks. These blooms are bursting in beautiful shades of pink and lavender and we’re going pic by pic, soaking up every single pretty petal. Twisted Willow Flowers is the force behind these flowers and with Love & Light Photographs’ images, we’re able to look at them as long as we please. Add in between sleep and awake’s film and it’s safe to say we’ll be hanging out with this wedding for the foreseeable future…

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From the Bride… We knew we wanted a blend of tradition with a pop of fun for our wedding. When we visited The Ryland Inn, we knew immediately that was where we would be married. It offered elegance and class while incorporating a fun rustic twist. We approached the style of the wedding in the same way with one must-have – a setting which enabled our friends and family to celebrate our love and union, while at the same time celebrating the love and appreciation we have for them by hosting a celebration that would thank them for the support they provided us with throughout the years. Fantastic food and good music were high on our priority list. The Ryland Inn and our Hank Lane band did not disappoint. Our dinners (which we actually ate!) were just delicious and our guests danced the night away to our band, Spotlight.

There were personal memories sprinkled throughout the day such as Matt surprising me with my grandmothers engagement ring reset into a necklace (which I wore), photos on my bouquet of my grandmother and my parents each on their wedding days, and a walk down the aisle with my father to a string quartet version of the song he danced to with my mother at their wedding over 40 years ago – Here, There, and Everywhere by the Beatles. It was just perfect.

Our ceremony was a story of us. It detailed the story of how we met and Michael, our officiant, kept it light hearted and it’s exactly what we wanted. It was important to us to share our story with our loved ones. We opted to write our own vows and I’m so glad we did. It allowed us to use our own words and make our own promises, which is what the entire day was all about.

Amanda, from Twisted Willow Flowers executed my floral vision perfectly and fully embraced the idea of adding kumquats to the arbor and centerpieces for a little fun surprise! All of the details were captured flawlessly by Love & Light Photographs and documented perfectly by Between Sleep & Awake. They helped to bring our vision to life and the day was more than I ever could have dreamed it would be. We both feel very blessed and so thankful to have been able to truly have the best day, ever.

My advice to brides would be to embrace any glitches while wedding planning as an opportunity. My original dress order had to be canceled two months prior to the wedding and while it wasn’t ideal – I looked at it as another chance to go dress shopping! I went to a new bridal salon, Gabriella Bridal, and they were just amazing. They directed me towards dresses that could be ordered in time and worked effortlessly to follow up and make sure everything was perfect. The dress I ended up choosing was a Bliss Monique Lhuillier dress and it was classic and timeless, and my colorful bouquet added the pop of fun that I wanted and it was just the right amount. At the end of the day, the bump in the road ended up working out for the best and yours will too, xxoo!

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Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Cinematography: Between Sleep and Awake | Event Planning: EVJ Wedding Co. | Floral Design: Twisted Willow Flowers | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Palermo's Bakery | Invitations: Holland Designs | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Jeanine Mangan Makeup Designs | Hair: Pink Comb Studio | Band: Hank Lane Music | String Quartet: Highline String Quartet | Wedding Venue: Ryland Inn | Ribbon on Bouquet: Frou Frou Chic

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We Have the Secret To the Perfect Garden Wedding

If you dream of a wedding filled with cherry blossoms, daffodils, forsythia and hydrangea, you’re definitely not alone. The question is – where exactly to host this bloom-filled wedding, and when? We’ll let you in on a little secret. Before the Montauk summer crowd gets crazy, May and June are the perfect months for that garden party you’ve always wanted. And Solé East Resort is the perfect locale to host.

If we’re being honest, outdoor weddings are some of our favorite ways to say “I do.” We’re always down for a ceremony smack dab in the middle of a garden paradise, followed by a tented reception… or an al fresco celebration under the starry night sky. Which is just one of the many reasons we love Solé East Resort – not to mention their gorgeous manicured lawns, amazing Backyard Restaurant and fabulous pool, complete with St. Tropez lounge beds. And when you book your Big Day during those breathtaking spring months, you’ll even get pre-season room rates for your guests. That’s a win-win in our book.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and say “I do” amongst the beautiful gardens at Solé East Resort, call 631.668.2105 or email info@soleeast now to start planning your dream day. And don’t forget to ask about the Spring 2018 Wedding Discounts for available May and June dates.

Venue : Sole East Resort | Mark Kopko Photography: Mark Kopko Photography

5 Reasons Why This Mendocino Coast Resort Is For You

If we’re being honest, choosing the Heritage House Resort to host your wedding celebration needs no explanation. But if counting down our list of Top Five Reasons Why this resort is absolutely amazing means spending some time with one of our fave venues ever, well…. we’re all for it. Scroll to find out why this is THE perfect place for you.

1. THE VIEWS

There are stunning views, and then there are the stunning views at Heritage House Resort. Which means you’ll be saying “I do” with breathtaking cliffs and the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. Sound appealing? Just wait until you see it in person… It’s awe-inspiring.

2. THE FOUR STAR AMENITIES

We love the Northern California coast for its insane beauty, but staying at a resort that offers up luxe amenities is important, too. Heritage House Resort is known for its Four Star amenities – with everything from ocean view rooms to an amazing restaurant to a relaxing spa on its menu.

3. THE VENUE OPTIONS

Saying “I do” seaside means something entirely different at Heritage House Resort, and when it comes to picking the right spot to tie the knot on their gorgeous property, you have a lot of options – from a beautiful meadow to a sweet gazebo. (We’re sort of obsessed with the Deer Field Meadow by the ocean bluffs.) Just remember – whether you’re planning on throwing an intimate party or a larger soiree, they can handle it all.

4. THE AWARD-WINNING CUISINE

No wedding is complete without a stellar menu, and Heritage House Resort certainly won’t disappoint when it comes to a tasty celebration. Their culinary team will create a custom menu using local, fresh and sustainable produce, so you know it’ going to be good. And your guests will never stop talking about it.

5. THE SPA

Every bride, groom AND bridal party deserves a little pampering, so we couldn’t leave out the luxe offerings of The Spa at the Heritage Hotel. From relaxing massages to a bridal pampering package, they’ll have you looking (and feeling!) like a true princess before you walk down that aisle.

Whether you’re hosting a small wedding celebration for just a few close members of your family or a larger party for all of your family and friends, contact the talented staff at the Heritage House Resort to start planning that dream wedding weekend.

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Any bride who books a stay or ceremony at Heritage House Resort and mentions Style Me Pretty will receive a bride pampering package, including a spa certificate with champagne and a local cheese platter upon arrival, plus an upgrade to a Ocean View Room!

Photography: Lauren Alisse Photography | Photography: Holly Shankland Photography | Photography: Cyoung Photography | Hotel: Heritage House Resort

This Is What Dress Dreams Are Made Of

Well, I don’t need to look any further; I’ve found the wedding dress of my dreams. This Marchesa masterpiece is stunning, no if’s, and’s or but’s about it. The only thing giving it a run for its money is the beautiful bride wearing it. And she wore it oh so well for her summer celebration, put together by Proud to Plan and with florals by A Garden Party. Alison Conklin captured all – come on, does it get any better than this!?

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From Alison Conklin… Beautiful tented wedding in the bride’s parents’ front yard – the wedding had a sophisticated ease to it and the bride’s gown was amazing!

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Photography: Alison Conklin Photography | Event Planning: Proud to Plan | Floral Design: A Garden Party | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Cake: Cake Life Bake Shop | Invitations: Moira Ink | Ceremony Venue: Trinity Episcopal | Reception Venue: Parents' Home, Moorestown, NJ | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy Group | Catering: Birchtree Catering | Band: Jukebox Bandstand | Groom's Jacket: Alan David

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An Autumn Wedding Set by the Sea

Dan and Bridget often joke that they fell in love on the way to Cape May so there couldn’t have been a place more fitting to host their special day. Inspired by the idea of “Fall by the Sea” they incorporated a palette of rich seasonal hues alongside misty ocean blues for a juxtaposition that worked to perfection. Rachel Pearlman told the story through her lens and it’s a celebration (and a love story) you don’t want to miss.

From the bride… Dan and I met in Sea Isle City, New Jersey where we both had been renting shore houses with our friends. The first time we met, Dan ended the night with a slow dance, setting the scene to Van Morrison’s ‘Into the Mystic’ and asking me to look up at the stars. His romance and charisma swept me off my feet and many dates would quickly follow in Philadelphia, where we both lived.

The amount of mutual friends we shared made it hard to believe we had never met before but we both believe the timing was everything and we weren’t meant to cross paths until we did!

It was our second summer as a couple when Dan and I visited Cape May together. It immediately became a special place for us and since we met in Sea Isle, had dates in Ocean City, and nights out with friends in Avalon, we began to sing to each other the song, “on the way to Cape May, I fell in love with you”, as it’s true to our story in so many ways.

After becoming engaged, our ‘theme’ quickly became ‘Fall by the Sea’, and my design inspiration foremost came from my parents’ wedding day. My parents used dusty blue as a focal color and I had always admired it since I was a little girl. I incorporated coastal aspects to play off the setting of the town; blue watercolors, shells, and drift wood. Pearls were the main detail in honor of my grandmother and also happen to be my birthstone. We accented with shades of greenery, burgundy, and ivory to complement the vineyard.

It was important to personalize our day as much as possible, so we had a custom logo design created in hand writing. A rustic, wooden sign was hung outside our church and read: ‘We’ll end up hand in hand, somewhere down on the sand, just me and you’ (Zac Brown Band – and our first dance song!).

We choreographed our first dance to a Zac Brown/Van Morrison rendition of Into the Mystic, and Dan surprised me at the end of the night with a serenade along side The Corner Boys & Co.!

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Photography: Rachel Pearlman Photography | Cinematography: Shawn Fisher Productions | Event Planning: Jersey Cape Weddings | Floral Design: Petal + Paper | Gown: JLM Couture | Invitations: Just Be Studio | Reception Venue: Willow Creek Winery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Hair + Makeup: Shimmer By Taffeta Hair Makeup Design | Calligraphy: Charlie Whiskey | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Framed Coordinates Calligraphy: Lewes Lettering Co. | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar

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Rain Brought This Wedding Inspo Inside + It Couldn’t Be More Gorg

When it began raining during the Lauren Fair Photography Workshop, the team of talented vendors moved the shoot inside the greenhouse at Jardin de Buis and the result couldn’t have ended up more gorgeous. The Bride looked stunning against the ample greenery in her glittery gold gown from Lovely, sweet shoes by Bella Belle, and loose waves styled by True Beauty Marks. Plus, the rainy day created the most perfect lighting when diffused through the greenhouse glass for an intimate and romantic reception. Luckily for us, Lauren Fair shared all the pretty, which proves a rainy wedding day just may be a blessing in disguise.

From Lauren Fair Photography… The grounds of Jardin de Buis in Pottersville, New Jersey transport you to the French countryside in the best way. With dreamy greenhouses, gardens, a reflecting pool, and an orangerie, even the rainiest day is still stunningly beautiful.

This April, we hosted our Lauren Fair Photography workshop at Jardin, and it ended up pouring rain the entire day! With the original shoot planned for outdoors and dinner next to the reflecting pool, we moved everything indoors and ended up with the dreamiest greenhouse inspired photos.

For this wedding shoot, we wanted to use all seasonal and fresh local florals, and it was the perfect time to embrace all the lilacs blooming! Lovely Bride NYC sent us the most beautiful Chosen by One Day gold shimmer gown, and our incredible real couple, Brianna and Chris, were the sweetest, most in-love and wonderful model couple!

We hope this inspires couples to incorporate beautiful color and seasonal elements into their wedding days! To hear more about Lauren Fair Photography’s upcoming workshops, click here.

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Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Event Design: Oleander | Styling: Sandpiper And Co. | Floral Design: Oleander | Wedding Dress: Chosen by One Day | Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: BHLDN | Rings: L Priori Jewelry | Hair + Makeup: Gina Kay - bespoke beauty | Venue: Jardin De Buis | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Chairs: Vision Furniture | Paper Goods: Sandpiper And Co. | Table Rentals: Oleander

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This is How You Rock Sequins on Your Wedding Day

Meeting the love of your life on vacation doesn’t just happen in the movies and this celebration is the living proof. What started in Bermuda ended in a fashion-filled wedding in New Jersey complete with two gorgeous gowns and a myriad of steal-worthy accessories. Sequined jacket, we’re looking at you. Pore through the gorgeous details captured by Michelle Lang Photography right here.

A few years ago, In the month of July, two families set out for a week long beach holiday in Bermuda. Little did anyone know, what that week would mean for the rest of their lives. Determined to meet her mystery man seen from afar, Hillary spent her time looking for Kevin, (soon after, becoming a firm believer in love at first sight.) Even by first meeting, it was clear that it was the start of something really important happening in each others lives. Long story short, girl meets boy, fell in love, finally moved to NYC by way of hometown Kansas City, never looked back, and the rest became history. Kevin proposed to Hillary while takin in a beautifully storm sky over lower Manhattan, from an observation deck at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Following an unforgettable engagement, a whirlwind called wedding planning began. Their inspiration was to create an awe-inspiring, ethereal getaway from the city. They wanted to take their guests away from the normal stresses of life and have it be filled with laughter and merriment. Hillary added in her personal love of fashion by incorporating two unique wedding gowns and a number of accent pieces. An extended bridal portrait session showcased her fashion filled bridal style.

Photography: Michelle Lange Photography | Cinematography: Generic Brand Human | Wedding Planner: Details made Simple | Floral Design: Jardiniere Fine Flowers | Cake: The Bernards Inn | Invitations: Smitten on Paper | Ceremony Venue: Historic St. Peter's Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: The Bernards Inn | Engagement Ring: Greenwich Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup: April Caruso | Hair: Sarah Greiner | Band: The York Street Hustle | Groom's Attire: Bonobos | Bridal Shop (Ceremony Dress): L'Fay Bridal | Bridal Shop (Reception Dress): Lovely Bridal Shop | Bride's Wedding Band: CVB Inspired Design | Earrings: Maria Elena | Groom's Wedding Band: Averie Art, Tel Aviv, Israel | Hair Piece: Twigs & Honey | Portrait Location : Frelinghuysen Arboretum | Wedding Dress - Ceremony : Alon Livne | Wedding Dress - Reception: Rue De Seine | Wedding Shoe: Jimmy Choo | Wedding Veil - Reception : Camilla Christine

This Is How You Effortlessly Incorporate Nature Into Your Wedding

Seeing just a few photos of Jardin de Buis, Claire Duran knew she had to create an elegant editorial in this space. With its unique greenhouse and orangerie, the European-feeling architecture of the home, and the impressive grounds, Claire’s goal was to complement and enhance the venue with the help of Belovely’s floral design expertise, incorporating the ample greenery and gorgeous natural surroundings in an elegant way. The result is effortless romance, photographed to perfection by Erika Brown, so check out the gallery for more inspiration.

From Claire Duran Weddings and EventsThe moment I saw images from Jardin de Buis in New Jersey was the moment I fell in love with it. I know I had to design for that space, no matter the four hour drive from Washington DC. And then I saw it in person, and my jaw simply dropped at the amazing beauty of the space, and the gorgeous private collection of its owner. This editorial intends to inspire the Bride who is excited to make a statement with her venue choice and who wants to incorporate nature into her wedding in a very elegant and sophisticated way.

The greenhouse, the house’s architecture, and the gardens gave us the perfect backdrops for such a combination of aesthetics. All we had to do was bring in the little touches that would complement all that was already going on, keeping a neutral color palette for the most part, and adding some strong pops of color to catch the eye, as seen with the cake and the shoes. Softness, simplicity, and delicate details were all in mind when thinking of the stationery, gown, hair, makeup, and accessories, and the bit of adventure and wildness would come across through the floral design.

When doing editorials, there’s nothing better than having a real couple as models, so we were delighted to have Erin and Vito model for us, as we get to see their genuine and deep love for each other in front of the camera, which at the end of the day, is what weddings are all about! Once it all came to life, it is thanks to the uber talented Erika Brown that we have these incredible images for us to always remember how much wedding beauty was collectively created that day!

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Photography: Erika Brown Photography | Event Planning + Design: Claire Duran Weddings And Events | Event Styling: Claire Duran Weddings And Events | Floral Design: Belovely | Wedding Dress: Flora | Cake: Sugar Lane Cake Shop | Stationery: CHATHAM & CARON | Ring: Melissa Tysons Designs | Makeup: Makeup by Sara Boyd | Hair: Lauren Clift for Alchemy of Hair | Accessories: Mint Lola | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Wedding Reception: Jardin De Buis

Inspiration For The Bride Who Loves Florals

Behind every great wedding is a great floral designer. And when said floral designer just so happens to be Putnam & Putnam? Get ready for styled blooms unlike any other. Along with Judy Pak behind the lens, they hosted a spring workshop for budding talent in the biz and the result is image after image of inspiration for a wildly romantic wedding day.

For our spring intensive workshop, we wanted to immerse students into a full day of abundant spring flowers and beautiful, old world surroundings. Each student focused on lush centerpieces then collectively on a large floral arch of flowering branches and garden roses. The venue for the workshop, Jardin De Buis in Pottersville New Jersey, is a playground of exquisite European antiques, lush gardens, greenhouses and enchanting architecture, transporting guests to the French countryside. Every detail made for a perfect day of flowers and creativity.

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Photography: Judy Pak Studio | Floral Design: Putnam And Putnam | Catering: add 1 tbsp | Venue: Jardin De Buis

P.S. How to try a little basic floral design at home… 

Three Tips For Looking Completely Natural In Your Wedding Photos

If you find yourself panicking over the mere thought of getting those engagement + wedding photos taken, know that you are not alone. Freeze face happens to the very best of us, and if you’re more than ready to conquer those awkward poses and staged kisses, the uber-talented Bethany Rees of DOLA Photography is here to tell us exactly how it can be done. Cozy on up for a lesson in oh-so-natural wedding photos below.

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

When it comes to capturing natural images, I love to keep couples moving and doing things, so that they almost forget they are being photographed. Even small amounts of movement can make photos look less posed and stagnant. It’s great when couples are up for whatever I ask, like leading one another through a field or walking quickly together down a set of stairs, trusting that I will always make them look good. Even if they are just standing in one spot for me, I’ll ask them to sway, almost slow dance with each other, so there is always movement. A good photographer knows how to give direction to get natural looking photos out of anyone, no matter what their personality is like.

IGNORE THE CAMERA

My style is also very photojournalistic, so outside of the time we do portraits together, I am constantly scanning the room on a wedding day looking for small moments – glances, laughs, hugs… those are the best candids. Sometimes I even hold my camera up and wait. I can see the photo in my head and I just need something small to happen, or someone to move into the frame to get it perfect, and it happens so quickly that if I didn’t already have my camera ready at my eye, I would miss it! For those photos I need people to ignore me – a lot of times when people see a camera they want to pose or smile, which is great, but normally my favorite candid photos happen when people are just being present, enjoying themselves at the party and ignoring me.

ENJOY YOURSELF

Consider doing something that is just for the two of you. It doesn’t need to be something major, but a small moment or activity together gives an opportunity for me to just document what you’re doing together in an unscripted way. Get coffee, have a glass of champagne together, go off and eat your cake while watching the sunset. Give yourselves extra down time in your wedding day schedule to really allow yourself to relax and for spontaneous things to happen. Those in-between moments are always some of my favorite and the most natural looking photos! For engagement sessions, too, I recommend getting your hair and makeup done so you are feeling fabulous and confident… treat it like you’re going on a fun date!

You want your wedding day to rock, so finding a photog that can ease your mind and help you feel natural in front of the camera is key. Bethany Rees, studio owner of DOLA Photography, is one of those talented photographers, using her years of experience to snap images that are modern, timeless AND gorgeous… and all with an unobtrusive and laid-back style that will sooo put you at ease. We are all kinds of obsessed with her photojournalistic style, and her ability to snap those moments you didn’t even know were happening. Do yourself a favor and contact her today for a wedding album filled with heart-tugging images you’ll cherish for always.

Photography: DOLA Photography