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Saying “I do” in the Nation’s Capital? THIS is your venue.

There are seriously stunning, sophisticated weddings… and then there are the weddings you have at The Westin Georgetown, an entirely new level of glam ballroom soirees.  Think a luxe locale smack dab in the middle of Washington D.C.’s West End, versatile venue space and customizable wedding packages that are everything you’ll ever need. Need proof? Just ask Jordan and Melyssa, who hosted the ultimate dream day.

With up to 4,500 square feet of event space and room for 180 guests, saying “I do” at The Westin Georgetown is, well… sort of a no-brainer.  I’m talking a drop-dead gorgeous Promenade with hardwood floors and insanely beautiful views, a European-inspired Courtyard perfect for cocktails under the stars and a glamorous ballroom that hosted a navy blue and silver soiree for college sweeties, Jordan and Melyssa.  From their lush florals to their beautiful reception lighting, their sophisticated affair was all sorts of mesmerizing.

Start planning your dream day by contacting The Westin Georgetown NOW, lovelies.  And don’t forget to ask about the never-ending options of yummy customizable cuisine from The Westin Georgetown’s Executive Chef William Taylor. Trust us, this is one decision you need to make.

Photography: Samshots Photography | Cake: Sweet Ladies Bakery | Hair: JKW Beauty | Lighting: PSAV | DJ & Photo Booth: Bialeks Music | Floral Design & Chuppah: Elegance & Simplicity, Inc.

Peek Inside a Blogger Turned Bride’s Classic Southern Wedding

You know her as blogger Taylor-Rae over at Style Souffle, and we’ve already peeked inside her girly-chic bridal shower. Today, we’re coming full circle because Kristin Byrum Photography is sharing the images from her wedding, which brought a sense of European charm to the South. Set at the Duke Mansion, it’s black-tie classic in every way and we’re thrilled beyond words to bring these pretties to The Vault.

When, after five years of dating, it came time to plan their wedding, there was no question that it would be a black-tie affair, and have the feel of another time. In fact, Taylor-Rae and Justin had just the place in mind: a historical mansion in their hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. The property had the exuded the European charm they had in mind.

On July 4, 2016, the couple exchanged self-penned vows under an arbor adorned with topiaries, trailing ivy, camellia foliage, white hydrangeas and soft blush peonies. Set under a large oak tree, a string quartet filled the gardens with melodic, traditional tunes. The processional was, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, the bride entered to Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” and the newlyweds recessed to Bruno Mars’ “Marry You.” They shared their first dance to “First Dance” by Corey Smith. Following the ceremony, guests gathered in the grand foyer where they enjoyed good conversation over specialty cocktails and butler passed hors d’oeuvres. With a nod to the Italian theme, the couple chose Peach Bellinis as the signature beverage that evening, along with an open bar serving an assort of wine, beer and liquors. Upon arrival, out of town guests were greeted by a wooden box filled with cheese and crackers, decadent chocolates, champagne, almonds and a pocket size cigar tin. A “wedding-recovery kit” containing mints, mouthwash, aspirin, and an Emergen-C pack were discretely hidden in a “happily ever after” satchel too.

Taylor-Rae showered her bridesmaids with hand-crafted robes from Piyama, an Australian boutique, and beautiful monogrammed pendant and pearl earrings to wear down the aisle. Her own getting ready robe matched her attendants’ but was all-white with delicate lace details befitting of a bride. Following cocktail hour, guests found their seats with the help of a hand-calligraphed lucite seating chart that was suspended in one of two archways that bookended the canopied courtyard where dinner was served.

At the plated dinner, each place was set with white Anthropologie china, gold flatware, and a calligraphed menu with the couple’s crest at the top. Centerpieces consisted of an array aged whitewashed terra-cotta vases in a range of sizes, filled with white and soft blush flowers including gardenias and sarah bernhardt peonies, Juliet garden roses, sweet peas, and hydrangeas. The arrangements were full of green ivy and camellia foliage for texture.

The three-course dinner began with “Watermelon Wedge and Arugula Salad”, followed by either Grilled Airline Chicken or Cold Water Salmon, Shiitake and Mushroom Risotto, and a dessert of delicious wedding cake & limoncello imported from Italy. The three-tiered almond cake was covered first in cream cheese frosting and then fondant, and topped ivy and minimal floral details based on the European elegant theme. Following dinner, and the cake cutting, guests gathered in the grand ballroom for bridal party introductions and an evening of dancing to the national live band, Sol Fusion.

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Don’t Miss Taylor-Rae’s Bridal Shower!

Photography: Kristin Byrum Photography | Videography: CPD Films | Event Planning & Design: Love & Honey | Flowers: Lily Greenthumb's Wedding & Event Design | Stationery: Elle Dee Designs | Wedding Bands: Diamonds Direct | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Brideside | Hair & Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne | Calligraphy: Darling Devotion | Groomsmen's Attire: Kenneth Cole Reaction | Bride: Taylor-Rae (@stylesouffle) | Bride's Gown : Hayden Olivia Bridal | Bridesmaids' Robes: PIYAMA | Ceremony/ Reception Venue: Duke Mansion | Draping, Tent, and Lighting: Party Reflections | Furniture Rentals: Old South Vintage Rentals | Place Settings (china/ flatware/ drinkware) : Anthropologie | Vintage Stamps: Verde Studio

An Aqua-Infused Garden Wedding That Will Make Your Hearts Happy

Say goodbye to the days of awkward aqua hues (I’m looking at you, 1980’s) and hello to a new version of one of your fave colors.  It’s the POP of pretty that’s making this wedding sing, along with beautiful details from A Swanky Affair and gorgeous blooms from Tre Bella Florist.  Fall in love with every colorful moment captured by Casey Rose Photography in THE VAULT.

From Casey Rose Photography… When Ben, an attorney in NYC, planned his proposal to Leah, a lawyer in the same firm whom he had met at Duke Law School, he knew it had to be memorable. He decided to trick her into coming to his family cabin under the guise their was an emergency at the house. Being more of a city girl, Leah hated the cabin and dreaded making the journey in the freezing winter temperatures, but agreed to go with Ben. When they arrived, Ben had a surprise picnic awaiting them. Even at the site of the candles and champagne, Leah still thought it was for the workers who were supposed to be coming to help with the fallen tree emergency. She couldn’t understand why Ben would choose to propose in a setting that was not her favorite place.

Then Ben told her that he chose that location because it represented everything that made Leah uncomfortable. He wanted her to know that even in darker days – he would always stand by her side. He knew marriage was never easy, but always worth it and he couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his days with her.

When it decided to rain every day before the week of their planned outdoor garden wedding, Leah and Ben were content with their Plan B. They knew that even in darker days, their marriage and vows would be the focus of the day. Their positive attitudes were rewarded by sunny skies for the entire morning and afternoon of their wedding. When the final picture was taken, a clasp of thunder and lightning greeted them in celebration and as all the guests and wedding party ran to the tent, they knew they had the most perfect day.

As Reverend Malcolm Roberts said in his blessing, “If you don’t believe in miracles, all you had to do was witness the end of Leah and Ben’s vows.”

Photography: Casey Rose Photography | Cinematography: Jon Clark Weddings | Coordination: A Swanky Affair | Event Planning: A Swanky Affair | Floral Design: Tre Bella Florist | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Details Cake Design | Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal | Catering: The Catering Company of Chapel Hill | Hair + Makeup: Onloktion Makeup Artistry | Lighting: Get Lit Special Event Lighting | DJ: Bunn DJ Company | Groom's Attire: Ermeneglildo Zegna | Officiant: Rev. Malcolm Roberts | String Quartet: Elegant Ensembles | Transportation: Eco-Style Transportation | Hotel: Kings Daughters Inn | Venue: Sarah P. Duke Gardens | Film Processing: Indie Film Lab | Ice Cream: The Freezing Pointe | Rentals: Party Reflections

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Sparkles From Top to Bottom for This Elegant Meets Boho Chic Bash

While they may be one adventurous couple (we’re talking around the world travels, underwater photography and sharks) when it came time to say “I do” they settled on Chapel Hill and the comfort that only home can bring. They decked out Fearrington House with sparkles from top to bottom and extended that style all the way to the Bride’s beautiful Jenny Peckham dress. Graham Terhune captured all and we’re positively smitten with this daring duo who also appreciate the beauty of home base.

From the Bride… My husband and I are from opposite corners of the globe (he’s from Melbourne, Australia, and though I was born in Korea, I grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina). We met in 2008 in Roatan, Honduras where I was living at the time. Our journey over the past eight years has been filled with global adventures due to the fact that our long distance love affair gave us a great excuse to travel. As an underwater photographer, I eventually made him into a sort of muse, placing him next to sharks, coral walls and deep wrecks in places like Fiji, Micronesia and the Bahamas. And so though it would have been fitting to have a destination wedding, we decided that, with the overwhelming world of possibilities out there to choose from, that we would celebrate our story in Chapel Hill. A modest university town, we figured it was a fitting place for restless travelers to put their feet up for a week or two, eat a few home cooked, Southern meals, and inhale the North Carolina spring in a place that most would never have an excuse to visit otherwise.

But for us, it was truly the people who made the wedding memorable. We had friends and family in from all seven continents (including a bestie who jumped off an icebreaker coming from Antarctica and onto a flight to North Carolina). It was a melting pot of ethnicities, backgrounds and interests, all thrown together in Fearrington’s barn that was adorned with eucalyptus (in celebration of my Australian husband), sparkly linens (in concert with my obsession with sparkles, which is also evident from my dress), and twinkly lights. And to top it all off, the band was killer, and as they closed out the evening with “Purple Rain” (Prince had just passed, but the song had been requested a long time before, because it is my favorite), the entire wedding party circled around us. And when the song finished, everyone collapsed onto us into one, giant, hug, ending a most magical night with some our best friends from around the world.

Photography: Anagram Photo | Event Planning + Design: Kast Events | Floral Design: The Fearrington House | Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham | Catering: The Fearrington House | Hair + Makeup: Ashley Mooney | Band: Skinny Bag of Sugar | Venue: The Fearrington House

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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The Bride Wanted an Epic Dress, and this Gown Totally Delivered

Growing up in rural Kenya, Jessica used her allowance money to buy copies of British Vogue and escape to a world of fashion and glamour. And when dreaming of her wedding day she said, “I always knew when I got married I wanted to have an epic dress.” Luckily her all lace, long sleeve, plunging neckline Berta gown completely fit the bill for the ultimate celebration with her love, Eric. Almond Leaf Studios captured the images and film you mustn’t dare miss.

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From the Bride…Inspiration. For our wedding my biggest inspiration was timeless elegant glamour. I wanted things to be soft, romantic, clean, classic, grand and effortlessly gorgeous. When choosing different stylistic elements for the wedding I wanted to make sure everything I chose was timeless, chic, beautiful and not a fad or a trend. I love the way that you can still look at Grace Kelly’s wedding dress 60 years later and fall in love with it over and over. Stylistically I love things that are clean, elegant and timeless like Jackie Kennedy and Coco Chanel. There is something I have always loved about a bride wearing a classic white lace gown and a groom wearing a classic black tuxedo on their wedding day. It is timeless and never goes out of style.

I am very decisive when it comes to things I like or do not like. I only tried on two dresses. I only visited one venue. I do my research and go with my gut.

Color Palette. My color palette was clean and classic. I wanted everything to be neutrals. I chose black, white, charcoal, ivory, champagne and gold as my colors. All my stationery was in shades of grey, pearl ivory Crane Lettra, charcoal letterpress, gold foil and gold wax seals. I specifically told my florist I wanted white flowers and white flowers only – but to include lots of greenery too. The bridesmaids wore breezy, elegant champagne dresses with sparkly earrings and belts for that little bit of extra glam.

Dress. I wanted my dress to be dramatic, romantic and memorable, but not gaudy or over the top. I fell in love with the Berta dress when I saw it online. I knew it was the one. The details on it were exquisite. I loved the deep V neck with pearl beading almost down to my belly button, the dramatic lace train, the bare back, the pearl beading detail on the end of the sleeves, and the sentimental value of the fact that it was hand made in Israel.

I grew up in Africa. I went to school at an American boarding school in Kenya and every month I’d save up my allowance to buy a copy of British Vogue magazine and just pour over the pages – It was my little escape – A little bit of glamour to dream about while living in rural Kenya. I always knew when I got married I wanted to have an epic dress.

Venue. I had always wanted to get married in the south of France or a village in Italy but the minute I visited the Duke Mansion I instantly fell in love with it’s old world southern charm and glamorous feel. It was grand but it was also so warm, intimate, romantic and cozy. I loved the stately large white walls of this gorgeous historic site, the wrought iron fences and light fixtures, the stone fountains and terraces and the lush rose gardens. I was so excited to host both of our families in this classic Southern Charmed mansion in the heart of the city that we fell in love in – a city that is an integral part of our love story.

Personal Touches. Even though I wanted a big glamorous wedding, at the same time I wanted to make it very dear and personal. I wanted to make sure everybody had a blast and felt like they were there to celebrate our love. I worked hard over the course of 18 months to add a lot of personal touches to the wedding. I made and designed all the stationary myself; almost entirely by hand. (with the exception of the letterpress and gold foil stamping, done by the amazing people over at Crayton Heritage Letterpress) We wanted to make sure each guest felt contacted personally by us. I hand sketched our welcome sign, we hand-stamped coffee and tea favor bags. My mom and dad hand painted the table numbers and bride and groom chair signs. The antique silver candle sticks were used at my parent’s wedding, and the champagne glasses we used to toast the cake cutting were the same ones my parents used at their cake cutting 30 years earlier. We even had our whole family (fresh off the plane from California) hand paint gold accents on olive branches (a symbol of peace and love) for everyone’s plates the day before the wedding. It was such a fun group effort and made everyone feel included in some part of the wedding.

Photography: Almond Leaf Studios | Cinematography: Almond Leaf Studios | Event Design: Love & Honey | Floral Design: Lily Greenthumb's Wedding & Event Design | Wedding Dress: Berta | Cake: Wow Factor Cakes | Invitations: Bride | Bride's Shoes: Guiseppe Zanotti | Rings: Diamonds Direct | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Hair + Makeup: Beauty Asylum | DJ: Split Second Sound | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Officiant: Bride's Dad | Ceremony Music: Andrea Mumm | Venue: Duke Mansion | Bridal Boutique: Anjolique Bridal | Bride's Earrings: Ambrosia Bridal | Bride's Necklace: Jane Basch | Bride's Robe: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Jewelry: Nadri | Bridesmaids' Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Flower Girl's Dresses: J.Crew | Flower Girl's Flower Crowns: Stony Run Studio | Groom's Shoes: Cole Haan | Groom's Watch: Skagen | Invitation Letterpress: Crayton Heritage Letterpress | Mother of the Bride's Dress: Adrianna Papell | Mother of the Groom's Dress: White House Black Market | Photo Booth: InFocus Photobooths | Pocket Squares: Target With Monograms By EmbroidMe | Ribbon: Flower Seed Paper

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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A Bridal Shoot You’ll See Tonight on HGTV!

HGTV lovers, keep an eye out for this pretty photo shoot during Audra Krieg Photography’s home renovation episode tonight at 9pm EST. The camera crews captured her in action while working with a team of awesome vendors to bring this rustic, beachy editorial to life. More waiting in The Vault!

From Audra Krieg PhotographyGetting married on the Outer Banks is a completely unique experience. From lush sand dunes to top of the line vendors, you truly can plan a dream wedding. Heart of Harlow coordinated the styled bridal session of Caton’s dreams and we are in awe of the beautiful golden light and sparkling Atlantic ocean! We love the rustic beach vibe behind this bridal session and the beautiful seaside teepee is what boho dreams are made of!

Photography: Audra Krieg Photography | Styling: Heart of Harlow | Floral Design: Flower Girls OBX | Invitations: Mint & Lovely Studios | Hair + Makeup: Glimmer Hair And Makeup Of The Outer Banks | Coordination + Styling: Heart of Harlow | Hand Lettering: Heart of Harlow | Linen Rentals: Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals | Menus: Mint & Lovely Studios | Signage: Lovely Retro Renos | Table + Chair Rentals: Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

Sparkly Mountain Destination Wedding

A wedding weekend that also doubles as a vacation for the newlyweds? Total win-win. Just ask this lovely pair who planned the perfect party for their nearest and dearest. With Melissa Schollaert Photography on hand snapping up every sweet second, we’ve invite you to escape the ordinary and peruse the pretty via The Vault!

From the Bride + Groom…When we started to plan our wedding, we decided we wanted to have a destination wedding. Both of us are not originally from Atlanta, so we wanted to find another location where all of our guests could come together and the weekend would not just be fun for us but also for our guests. A friend of ours recommended Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC. Neither of us had ever been to Highlands, so we decided to make a trip up there for Amanda’s birthday to check it out. Immediately when we arrived in town we loved the quant cute feel of Highlands. Then when we met with the Old Edwards’ Wedding Events team and toured their beautiful Farm property, we knew this was the perfect place. Not to mention, the cool mountain air for an August wedding.

Next to selecting our Wedding Coordinator, Sarah Beth Thie from We Tie the Knots. After speaking with Sarah Beth for this first time, Travis and I immediately felt at ease and knew she was the perfect person to help us bring all of our thoughts and ideas together and help us plan our perfect wedding weekend.

For our wedding we wanted to ensure we captured the beauty of Highlands and Old Edwards. We decided on the color scheme of blush, cream, and green. We tied all of this together through our beautiful flowers of hydrangeas and roses by our florist Chelsea Floral Designs to our invitations, napkins, and koozies from Hi Note. Even to our Welcome Bags made of burlap with a cream handle by A Signature Welcome.

We also wanted to ensure our wedding incorporated special touches…

Amanda’s dad is a huge cigar fan, so we decided to give him a surprise cigar bar at the wedding. With the help of Hi Note, we even added wooden signage to give it that extra special “manly” touch.

We are huge fans of the song Cruise by Georgia Florida Line. Travis happens to be friends with Jessie Rice who co-wrote Cruise. We contacted Jessie prior to our wedding and asked if he would sing it at our reception along with our band Atlanta Showstoppers. He graciously accepted. Jessie and the Atlanta Showstoppers, along with one of our groomsman, Kyle (singing the Nelly version), provided a moment at the reception that everyone in attendance will never forget.

Our photographer, Melissa Schollaert, helped us add a special touch of her own. On our wedding day, we noticed Melissa was also taking photos with an old Polaroid camera, but we were not sure what they were for. As we were about to leave in our getaway car, Melissa handed us a box. Inside the box were the Polaroid photos. This immediately touched our hearts and to this day are our favorite photos.

Lastly, to our favorite memories from our wedding weekend…(1) Seeing each other for the first time as the doors opened and Amanda started to walk down the isle leading to tears of joy from Amanda and a big huge smile from Travis. (2) To having everyone we love in one place together all weekend and seeing their smiling faces.

From Melissa Schollaert PhotographyAmanda & Travis’ mountain destination wedding was full of fun, gorgeous summertime blooms and an elegance that wove itself throughout every detail. Their guests enjoyed an entire weekend of fun in the town of Highlands with a Welcome Party, Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding Celebration at the farm. Their cream, grey and light pink details throughout the stationery and decor perfectly suited the venue. Two of my favorite details were the custom wooden signs and the welcome bags. Every detail was coordinated and designed to flow together and incorporated their wedding logo, colors and graphic elements. They had one of the most fun wedding parties, and they really showed off their talents at the reception. One of their friends who co-wrote “Cruise” by Georgia Florida Line got up and sang the song and the guests went crazy! Even one of the groomsmen joined him during the middle of the song for a completely improvised rap duet interlude and the band just flowed with it. It was one of the most fun receptions I’ve ever had the capture of photographing!

Photography: Melissa Schollaert Photography | Event Planning: We Tie The Knots | Floral Design: Chelsea Floral Designs | Cake: Creative Pastries By Sid | Catering: The Old Edwards Inn And Spa | Hair + Makeup: The Old Edwards Inn And Spa | Band: Atlanta Showstoppers | Venue: The Old Edwards Inn And Spa | Stationery + Signage: Hi Note | Welcome Bags + Favors: A Signature Welcome

A classic southern affair with a side of prep? Sign us up!

What do you get when you combine a beautiful, Kate Spade employee bride with a handsome groom with a love of all things classically southern? My new favorite wedding.  Think stunning florals by Blossoms Events, the gorgeous stylings of Calder Clark Designs and a magical Forest Creek Golf Club setting.  See every preppy meets traditional moment captured by Nancy Ray in THE VAULT, then press play on the sweet film from Heart Stone Films below.

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From Nancy Ray Photography… This lovely wedding took place in Pinehurst, NC. The bride, Brynne, worked at Kate Spade corporate at the time of the wedding, and the groom worked as an investment banker at Credit Suisse. The couple met at Stanley’s Bar in Chicago, where they got to know each other over beers and danced the night away!

Both the bride and groom are classicists, but as you may guess with her work experience at Kate Spade, Brynne had a slightly preppy side as well. They wanted their wedding to be traditional but fresh, and to mesh with the surrounding greenery and scenery of Pinehurst. One of the bride’s favorite design elements that Calder created was a custom bar featuring latticework and trailing clematis.

Photography: Nancy Ray Photography | Cinematography: Heart Stone Films | Event Design: Calder Clark Designs | Floral Design: Blossoms Events | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Ceremony Venue: The Village Chapel | Reception Venue: Forest Creek Golf Club | Hair + Makeup: The La La Girl | Band: The Adrian Duke Project | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
They buried a bottle of bourbon to keep the rain away… And it worked!

Here at SMP, I learn something new everyday.  Today’s lesson? Bury a bottle of bourbon at your wedding site and you’ll keep the rain away, regardless of the forecast.  It’s the sweet southern tradition that this gorgeous bride’s father followed to a tee, and guess what? It worked. What followed was a rainless celebration with lush blooms from Tre Bella Florist, a stunning cake from Ashley Cakes and a whole lot of pretty from Erin McLean Events. See it all captured beautifully by Nancy Ray in THE VAULT.

From Erin McLean Events… In the two weeks leading up to their wedding day the forecast was calling for a 100% chance of rain throughout the day on Saturday. Lauren was so worried that the day would be dark and dreary. Little did I know, her dad had visited the ceremony site four weeks prior and buried the traditional bottle of bourbon as tradition calls to do for no rain. The morning of the wedding, the forecast was still not encouraging. Not only did it not rain a drop until all the guests were safely into the reception space for dinner, but we were treated to the most incredible rainbow across the sky above the Carolina Inn. It was an incredible nod from heaven that was shining down on Lauren and Ben on their special day. Ben and Lauren’s father dug up the bottle as a reminder for the couple to keep and know that yes, those old wives tales, dear to all our Southern hearts, do still work their magic.

This wedding was laced with sweet southern nods – from the food to the mint julep inspired centerpieces, and of course the crowd pleasing late night snack – Chick-Fil-A!

Photography: Nancy Ray Photography | Event Design: Erin McLean Events | Floral Design: Tre Bella Florist | Wedding Dress: Traditions By Anna | Cake: Ashley Cakes | Ceremony Venue: University Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: Carolina Inn | Hair + Makeup: Makeupforyourday | Calligraphy: Well Addressed Calligraphy | Band: EastCoast Entertainment | Transportation: Carolina Livery | Live Painter: Dan Nelson Art | Rehearsal Dinner: The Fearrington House | Rentals: CE Rentals

The Ultimate Anniversary Gift? Why a Puppy of Course!

Alright newlyweds it’s time to take note, because the paper anniversary just got a lot more memorable. Just ask Philip and Shelby who celebrated their first year of wedded bliss with a golden surprise – a golden-doodle to be specific. It’s beyond adorable and thankfully Brittany Brock Photography has captured it all for us to ooh-and-awe over in The Vault!

From Brittany Brock PhotographyPhilip and Shelby were married last year in Nashville, TN. Because where else do you get hitched when you were the reigning Miss Tennessee 2013! There plans to celebrate their anniversary were originally just to lounge around with friends and family, but when the family arrived, including me, we met precious golden-doodle Amelia who had just joined the family that morning! Philip had picked her up in Atlanta that morning and everyone immediately agreed she was the perfect pup and as such we should throw together and impromptu picnic/photo session to celebrate. This shoot reminded my that not everything has to be a “styled” shoot that’s thought out to perfection. Sometimes the best memories are made, and captured, when you run to Trader Joe’s to buy flowers and make your own floral dog collar while your family laughs as you stab yourself with floral wire! Anniversary’s Matter! So whether you DIY a picnic or just capture the day with your iPhone make it a point to have something documented you can look back on!

Photography: Brittany Brock Photography | Floral Design: Trader Joe's | Goldendoodle Puppy: Heaven on Earth Goldendoodles | Location: At Home | Picnic Basket: Target | Shelby's Dress: Boston Proper

A Vineyard Wedding Gone “Country Chic”

If you’re going to have a Southern wedding, The Vineyard at 37 High Holly is pretty much where it’s at. The beautiful setting played perfect backdrop to this ultra rustic day with a country chic vibe – flower girl cowgirl boots, included. Go see all the images from Sunshower Photography in The Vault.

From The Bride… Our unique country-chic wedding took place at The Vineyard at in Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, right near Highlands. The outdoor ceremony area is located within the vineyard and apple orchard, and the picturesque ceremony area is every bride’s dream. It poured rain on our wedding day and therefore the ceremony area was no longer an option for us, but they were able to completely and beautifully transform the pavilion to fit our ceremony inside there.

We had an awesome “Welcome Party” barbecue thrown by good family friends the night before our wedding so that everyone that came from all different locations was able to meet and mingle before the big day. The pavilion was adorned with beautiful sunflowers, dahlias, apples, candles, red-check tablecloths, and hay bales for a superb barbecue setting. Guests wore jeans, boots, and cowboy hats and enjoyed a live bluegrass band and catered barbecue food. 

The Vineyard owners, Jim and Deedee Vance did things above and beyond- building and creating all sorts of exclusive things for the wedding the next day. My mom handmade the intricate paper magnolias on our arbor we got married under, hand-cut all of the Mackenzie Childs paper pieces to fit on each centerpiece box on the tables, designed wood-grain wedding programs, and so much more. 

One of my favorite special touches of this wedding was when my 3 cousins (2 were groomsmen) rehearsed for months and sang and played the guitar to me and Quint’s favorite song, “Hey Pretty Girl” by Kip Moore as I walked down the aisle. The best part was that this was kept a complete surprise to the groom and guests until it happened, which made him very emotional. Followed by the first dance, father/bride dance, and the mother/groom dance, there was a special dance for the bride and groom accompanied by all couples married over 50 years on the dance floor. This was exceptional because both the bride and groom’s grandparents were married the same year and over 50 years.

There was a lavish dinner by Avalon Catering along with a dessert bar and everyone danced the night away in cowboy boots. There was a bouquet toss and garter toss and the garter was wrapped around a football for the groom to throw to the guys. The bride and groom were sent out with a sparkler exit by all of the guests and headed to the honeymoon to Nashville. 

Colors
Styles
Rustic

Photography: Amy Kolo Photography | Event Planning: I Do Events | Floral Design: Flowers by Aldo | Wedding Dress: Bellissima Bridal | Cake: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bellissima Bridal | Catering: Avalon Catering | Catering: On The Side Barbecue | DJ: Ken Markovitz | Band: Curtis Blackwell & The Dixie Boys | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: The Vineyard at 37 High Holly | Decor: The Vineyard at 37 High Holly | Decor: Ann Kohlmeyer + Kelly Williams + Deedee and Jim Vance | Party Rentals: Professional Party Rentals

Saying “I do” in the Outer Banks of North Carolina is EVERYTHING

Guys, I love ALL weddings… I really, truly do.  But, if I am being honest, it’s those seaside nuptials in paradise that really get my heart pumping. I’m talking miles of sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and, of course, a beautiful locale like the Sanderling Resort making every moment happen perfectly.  I mean, a vaca of a lifetime meets the ultimate wedding? Yes. Please.

Located in the oh-so-stunning Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Sanderling Resort is everything you’ve ever wanted (and more) for your Big Day. Think space for 15-180 guests, luxe accommodations and mesmerizing sunset views to add a little touch of romance to your festivities. From their ah-mazing venue options to their knowledgeable staff to their relaxing spa, the team at Sanderling Resort will turn your dreams into an absolute reality.  We promise you that.

Contact the Sanderling Resort TODAY to speak to one of their full-service event planners and begin planning your destination celebration.  We can’t wait to see you say “I do” in the Outer Banks, lovelies.

See Style Blogger Taylor-Rae’s Bridal Shower

Leave it to the ever-so-chic Style Souffle to have a bridal shower decked out in pretty. Beginning with a champagne-stocked bar cart and ending with a floral handpainted cake, it’s the kind of party that’ll perfectly kick off your own weekend festivities and we’re diving right in. More from Josh Deaton in The Vault!

From Style Souffle… First comes love, then comes marriage… but before that there are a few events along the way that every bride and groom-to-be look forward to experiencing. One of which is the bridal shower! Unlike Taylor-Rae’s soft-romantic, European countryside inspired wedding, this was the perfect opportunity to embrace her love for bright colors and beautiful florals in a Boho-Chic inspired bridal shower and luncheon. Her mom, a former corporate event planner, worked with a team of local vendors to bring the bride-to-be’s vision to life at the intimate party on May 15, 2016, at a family friend’s estate in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thirty guests celebrated the bride-to-be in a festive fête designed in pops of fuchsia, vibrant orange and mixed metallics.

Beautiful ombre watercolor invitations set the tone for the party and read, “Please join us to Celebrate Taylor-Rae with an Afternoon of Love and Laughter before the Happily Ever After.” The invitations matched the menu cards displayed that afternoon.

August Lily created arrangements of Tulips, Garden Roses, Carnations, Gerbera Daisies, Snap Dragons and Iris’ that were displayed on the mantle and throughout the house. A wide selection of foliage (including ferns, rose hips and ivy) were mixed in for texture to create a boho, natural vibe. Trademark of the theme, the bride adorned a beautiful flower crown that coordinated with the floral arrangements.

As guests’ arrived, they signed an adorable Minted “XOXO” print, which would later be displayed amongst the gallery wall in the brides office – who is Founding Editor of Lifestyle & Fashion blog, Style Souffle (@stylesouffle). Guests were also asked to leave a token of advice on slips of handmade paper infused with flower petals for the bride to read on her wedding day!

Rather than having a seated luncheon, guests helped themselves to a selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by Dean & Deluca, which included: shrimp with lime dressing, tea sandwiches, tuscan bean dip, cajun crab cake bites, a variety of tossed salads and antipasto platers. A handpainted cake by WOW Factor Cakes was the centerpiece of the dessert table. Fresh fruit, macaroons and truffles were also offered.

The weather couldn’t have been better that afternoon, and everyone eventually found themselves setting by the pool for a fun guessing game with questions selected specifically for Taylor-Rae and her groom – who made a surprise appearance! All in all, it was a lovely shower and Josh Deaton was there to capture it all on film!

 

Photography: Josh Deaton | Floral Design: August Lily Florist | Cake: Wow Factor Cakes | Stationery: Swoozie's Denver | Catering: Dean & Deluca | Bride: Taylor-Rae (@stylesouffle) | Location: Taylor-Rae (@stylesouffle)

Even More Bridal Shower Ideas!

Bridal Shower Details
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Bridal Shower Details
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A Hanging Dessert Bar = Wedding Goals

I have a theory and it goes a little something like this: dessert calories don’t count. That is, so long as said dessert calories are served suspended in the air. Which is exactly the type of guilt free indulgence you’ll find in The Vault courtesy of this stunner of a celebration. Filled with so yummy sweets and delightful details, Michael And Carina Photography snapped every blissful moment to share!

From Michael And Carina PhotographyThe pastel color palette and elegant setting made for a beautiful wedding to document. Due to rain on their wedding day, the ceremony was moved to the tent, which was styled so beautifully by C&D events and transformed into an intimate and romantic setting.

Photography: Michael And Carina Photography | Wedding Dress: Savvi Formalwear | Invitations: Minted | Bride's Shoes: Nina | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering: Durham Catering Company | Hair + Makeup: Perfection By Patricia | DJ: DJ Spin | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Venue: The Merrimon Wynne House | Event Planning + Floral Design: C & D Events | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Reception Floral Design: Tre Bella Florist | Rentals: CE Rentals

A Cozy Inn Wedding That Would Make Any Gilmore Girl Jealous

An sophisticated, cozy chic Inn celebration that would make your favorite sitcom stars jealous (we’re looking at you Rory, Lorelai, Sookie St. James) – check, check, check. With Graham Terhune Photography behind the lens documenting and Inkspot Crow Films recording it all to share, we’ve got Preston + Lydia’s perfect party waiting for you to pin in The Vault! P.S. Find your dream wedding team via here!

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From The Bride…Preston and I met in Atlanta through mutual friends in 2012, but our relationship began on a lake in the North Georgia mountains in August 2013. Since that time, we have shared countless weekends and memories in the mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina with each other and with our closest friends and family.

We got engaged in July 2015 in Asheville, North Carolina and quickly decided that we wanted to get married in the beautiful mountains that mean so much to us. Having visited The Farm at Old Edwards before, we knew it would be the perfect setting for us and that the 150-180 guests we were anticipating would be comfortable with plenty to do and places to explore over the weekend.

The team at Old Edwards guided us throughout the entire process which made all of the small decisions incredibly easy to make, especially since we were determined not to stress over the details. The best advice we have is to work with photographers and videographers whose style aligns with your own. We lovingly refer to Graham and Samantha Terhune (Graham Terhune Photography) and MacKenzie and Philip Henry (Inkspot Crow Films) as our dream team. Looking back at the moments they captured has allowed us to relive so many special moments and to enjoy others that we missed throughout the wedding weekend.

Photography: Anagram Photo | Cinematography: Inkspot Crow Films | Floral Design: Floressence Flowers | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Creative Pastries By Sid | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | DJ: Ben Felton | Venue: The Old Edwards Inn And Spa

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More inn-spired weddings below!

Gilmore Girls Inspired Wedding Ideas
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Gilmore Girls Inspired Wedding Ideas
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Purple, Gold, and Boho Glam. See the Wedding That Pulled it Off!

Ivy Robinson, you’ve done it again. This time around you’ve designed a wedding that puts a fresh spin on bohemian glamour, with details like a tassel chandelier, gemstone invites, and a tented reception space that’s the very definition of cool. Brides, do yourself a huge favor and head straight to the gallery by Allison Kuhn followed by a viewing of the beautiful clip from Heart Stone Films.

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From Allison Kuhn PhotographyThis wedding was a twist of bohemian glam and a fresh theme at The Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. The purples, whites and golds pulled together nicely among Jessica’s tassel chandelier, gemstone invites and abundance of florals styled by Ivy Robinson Events. Jessica and Michael shared exchanged vows that they wrote. Jessica designs, creates and sells jewelry, so incorporating gem stones was an element she really wanted to implement, including on her cake topper. Bohemian Ink collaborated with Ivy Robinson Events to create this bohemian glam theme come to life.

Photography: Allison Kuhn Photography | Cinematography: Heart Stone Films | Event Planning + Design: Ivy Robinson Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Barbara Pedwell-Dearborn | Cake: The Wow Factor Cakes | Stationery: Atheneum Creative | Hair + Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne | DJ: Split Second Sound | Venue: Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge | Calligraphy + Signage: Bohemian Ink | Decor: Bohemian Ink | Photography - Assistance: Colleen Geohagan Photography | Rentals: Eventful Rental | Rentals: Party Reflections | Rentals: Crush Event Rentals

We’re Dreaming of Carolina Coasts After This Romantic Wedding Video

It’s Monday and let’s be real… none of us feel like doing a whole lot right about now. We’re still setting into the day, drinking that (3rd) cup of coffee. And take your time, there’s no rush. Because we got a gem of a wedding video for you to help further procrastinate with. Thanks to Light Cannon Films, let’s transport ourselves to the beautiful North Carolina coast and fall in love with these cuties. Monday just got much better, didn’t it?

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From Light Cannon Films… Thank goodness for sunny Novembers here on the North Carolina coast! Thomas and Chelsea’s wedding was so warm that the fuzzy blankets they had bought for their guests in anticipation of wintry weather ended up just being sweet favors for everyone to bring home for colder days.

From the start of the day, getting ready at a picturesque Figure 8 Island beach house, to their vows under a breathtaking sunset on the Intracoastal Waterway, there wasn’t a second of the Jones’ big day that wasn’t perfect… but their adorable personalities and quirky moments were what really made the day. Thomas missed his “I do” (by just a hair), and they might have slightly lost their balance while enraptured in their first kiss – those things are technically things gone wrong, but they make the whole picture oh, so much more right!

More wonderful wedding videos here!

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Cinematography: Light Cannon Films | Floral Design: Kim Fisher Designs | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Makeup: Rhiana Amber (bdesign) | Hair: Beauty Bar Boutique | Ceremony Dress: London 1912 Ellis | Reception Dress: BHLDN

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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A Million Reasons Why You Should Have a Wedding in the Mountains

This just might be my most favorite wedding ever. No, seriously – I mean it. Because not only are these two crazy about one another, but it’s also got a cavalier king charles, loads of champs, a touch of blue, mountainside setting AND custom cocktails. If all that doesn’t prove that Caroline and David had the best day ever then I don’t know what will. Oh, wait scratch that I do, and it’s in – The Vault.

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From Rebecca Rose EventsCaroline and David were married on September 19, 2015 on one of the loveliest late summer days in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The stunning canyon (the largest box canyon east of the Mississippi!) served as the stunning backdrop for their wedding day. Their outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner reception were crafted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for their 200+ guests to enjoy a day of fresh mountain air.

The new couple’s last name is Trautmann, so right from the start they thought it would be fun to introduce a playful mountain trout concept into our design plans. Hence their fun hashtag, #hookedontraut, and all of the subtle appearances of fishy trout artwork (including on guest welcome gifts, wood laser cut stir sticks, cocktail napkins, etc.)

Caroline loved the rich jewel tone blue color of the bridesmaid dresses – but it was initially a bit tough to incorporate because the rest of the color palette is so organic and earthy – with amber/gold tones, olive greens and browns, etc. To help provide a little balance, we added blue thistle and blue delphinium to the bouquets and floral arrangements and we loved the unique combination!

We designed the save the date and invitation suite to give guests a very literal preview of what was to come! The save the date includes a watercolor-style rendering of the Lonesome Valley canyon (the exact backdrop for their wedding ceremony) and the wedding invitation includes the exact flowers we used on the wedding day as well.

The ceremony took place in front of the canyon view, and then guests were ushered over to a beautiful grove of trees adorned with loosely strung bistro lighting for an outdoor cocktail hour. At dinner time, guests were seated under an open-air clear top tent, lined with fresh greenery and bistro lighting for a four-course dinner (yes – one course included trout!). Everyone watched the canyon transform as the sun set. Late night dancing took place inside Lonesome Valley’s Canyon Kitchen restaurant, which was transformed to host the party.

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Photography: Perry Vaile | Cinematography: Life In Rewind | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang, Beverly Hills| Cake: Artista Cakes | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstroms | Hair + Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne | Calligraphy: jill velez calligraphy | Band: A-Town A-List | Venue: Lonesome Valley | Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Music: Allergo Music | Event Planning, Styling, Floral Design + Event Production: Rebecca Rose Events | Getaway Car: Air Haven | Guest Transportation: Elite| Linen Rentals: Nuage Designs | Linen Rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental | Rentals (Tent, Chairs, China/Glassware/Flatware): Professional Party Rentals | Stationery, Gift Boxes + Invitations: Rebecca Rose Creative

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13 Reasons Why Hiring a Wedding Planner is Worth it

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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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This Wedding Proves Rose Gold Is Here to Stay

Three words: rose gold sequins. Did you catch that? I said ROSE. GOLD. SEQUINS. If that doesn’t hook you then maybe these pretty lil’ Plum Pretty Sugar robes will do the trick. Because this wedding? Well, it’s everything. Filled with darling DIY’s and a few sorority sisters, Kate Supa captured it all to share in The Vault!

Colors
Settings
Country Club
Styles
Whimsical

From the Bride + Groom…The couple met on the bride’s 25th birthday in gorgeous downtown Savannah, Georgia. Fate brought them together when the bride, in town for an 8-week internship, literally bumped into the groom, who was visiting his brother just for the weekend. The night they met, Autumn secretly told her best friend she hoped it wouldn’t work out or her name would become “Autumn Woods”, her favorite Yankee candle scent. Little did she know, they would spend the next 10 months in a long distance relationship, as Autumn returned to Kentucky to finish her doctorate in physical therapy, and Erin returned to the U.S. Coast Guard town of Wilmington, North Carolina. Two years after their chance meeting, he got down on one knee in front of St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana and she said yes. They celebrated the night away at a surprise engagement party with family and friends on a rooftop in the French Quarter.

Autumn Lynn Abraham married Erin Fallon Woods 1 years later on April 23, 2016 at the breathtaking River Landing River Lodge in Wallace, North Carolina. The days leading up to the wedding were wet with heavy rains, but then the clouds opened up the morning of the 23rd for a beautiful spring day. Autumn got ready in The Falls Suite on the top floor of the River Landing Clubhouse, while Erin joined his groomsmen, family, and friends at the Hawthorne Cottage beside the clubhouse. Erin’s groomsmen were his three brothers, Cory, Garrison, and Jared Woods, all of whom are also in the U.S. Coast Guard. Autumn was of the calmest brides, enjoying a mimosa with her maid of honor and younger sister, Amy Abraham and her two best friends and sorority sisters, Alyssa Potter and Courtney Guilfoyle (who was 21 weeks pregnant and enjoying a sparkling cider!). The bridesmaids shined in their rose gold sequin and ivory chiffon gowns, with the maid of honor’s dress completely covered in bold, rose gold sequin. The bridesmaids’ gifts included their Plum Pretty Sugar robes and rose gold and crystal earrings purchased from Etsy to match the bride’s jewelry. With such statement dresses, the bridesmaids carried simple, yet classic baby’s breath bouquets wrapped in blush-colored ribbon. The bride’s bouquet was adorned with a rose gold locket holding a picture of her father, who passed when she was 7 years old. Her father would have celebrated his 57th birthday exactly one week prior to the wedding.

The pillows displayed at the River Lodge, handmade by the bride and favorite crafted detail, contained excerpts from love letters her father had written her mother while overseas protecting our country as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. These pillows were presented to her mother as a surprise gift at the reception. And of course the bride also included pillows with excerpts of love letters Erin had written her to remind her that time nor distance could affect his love for her. The groom also participated in a rather large DIY project, as he built the arbor that he and his bride married under. Thank you to Steve at High Performance Lighting, for supplying a chandelier to hang from Erin’s impressive arbor. The intimate ceremony, which took place on the sand bank between the River Lodge and the flowing Cape Fear River, was performed by Erin’s father, Philip Woods, as the bride’s mother, Annette Abraham, gave her away on behalf of herself and the bride’s father. This wedding was most certainly a family affair, as Erin’s nieces and nephews played the perfect flower girls, ring bearer and usher. The flower girls’ dresses were handmade by their mother, and they sprinkled white rose petals from their hand-decorated copper pales with streaming blush, ivory, and champagne glittered ribbons. The ring bearer refused to put down his briefcase for hours leading up to the wedding–his badge made by the groom detailed him as “Ring Security”, a job which he took very seriously.

Guests found their seats for dinner according to the DIY mirror seating chart put together by the bride and her maid of honor. The tables were covered with blush linens and glass beaded chargers rented by CE Rentals of Raleigh with the head table covered by a blush tulle with gold thread linen. The cake and cocktail tables were covered by copper sequin linens. This Carolina Lodge wedding was the first in Wilmington to use the rose gold silverware rented by Party Suppliers. The florist, Ally Favory, placed a single sprig of bay leaf to accompany the menu on each place setting and supplied mercury glass candle votives to the tables. Centerpieces were made of white hydrangea, feather eucalyptus, gunny eucalyptus, privet berries, magnolia greenery, and sprinkles of white spray roses, lizzianthus, and freesia in assorted mercury glass vases. Carolina cuisine known as a low country boil was served buffet style. The cake details were also a first for an eastern NC wedding, as the rose gold dust for the decorative rings was specially made for the occasion. Chandeliers hung above the bridal table and dance floor along with strands of white edison lights. Guests signed the personalized Kentucky bourbon barrel top in honor of Autumn’s home state. Champagne toasts were given by the maid of honor, best man, and mother of the bride, who spoke for herself and Autumn’s father in welcoming Erin to the bride’s family. Following the toasts, the guests danced the night away and a surprise guest appearance was made by Autumn and Erin’s 5-year-old goldendoodle, Annie Oakley. At the end of the night, the bride and groom made a romantic sparkler exit.

The colors of the wedding were blush, rose gold, and ivory. Autumn designed the wedding with the goal of tying in both her and Erin’s styles by combining the pastoral outdoors with elegant, illuminous colors. With 56 people in attendance, the bride and groom spent <$20,000 on the intimate event. The favors were homemade wine (South African Pinotage) and custom wine glasses.

From the Bride… My one piece of advice that I could give brides-to-be is not to overlook your future husband’s style, skills and creativity. They may surprise you with an immaculate arbor, ring bearer “security badge”, or tasty homemade wine, like mine did!

Photography: Kate Supa Photography | Floral Design: Ally Favory | Wedding Dress: Donna Salyers Fabulous Bridal | Cake: One Belle Bakery | Invitations: Minted | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: STORENVY | Catering: Mad Boar Restaurant | Hair + Makeup : Beauty Bar Boutique | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | DJ: Louis Gonzalez | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Officiant: Philip Woods | Ceremony Music: Justin Hoke | Arbor: Erin Woods | Bridal Jewelry: Treasures570 | Bride's Robe: Etsy- Piyama Bridal | Bridesmaids' Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Ceremony + Reception: River Landing | Flower Girls' Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Linens & Chargers: CE Rentals | Photography - Assistance: Amy Jo- The Paper Unicorn Photography | Silverware: Party Suppliers & Rentals

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Love rose gold as much as we do? See Gorgeous Rose Gold Engagement Rings below

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Marriage Matters: 27th Anniversary Session + Advice For all Newlyweds!

When you celebrate 27 years together, you know what it takes to make a marriage work. And according to this beautiful bride, it’s a lot of love and determination… among sooo many other components.  Her sage advice is most definitely worth a read, whether you are tying the knot in the near future or just want to remind yourself why Marriage Matters oh-so-much.  Scroll below for her words of wisdom, then soak in her beautiful anniversary session captured by Wynona Benson in THE VAULT.

From the Bride… The last time my husband and I had our pictures taken, just the two of us with no distractions, was before we were husband and wife. This year, we accepted an invitation to do an anniversary session, little knowing what a choice experience it would be. Our photographer set the stage for surprise, intimacy, and warm expressions of feelings. By the end of our session, both my husband and I felt energized, vibrant and so in love. I will recommend an anniversary photo session to anyone. The photos will capture the love you feel on that day, lighting each day thereafter with a happy memory and the anticipation of many more happy days to come.

A wedding day is just the beginning of a challenging, but most rewarding journey, not a destination. In order to build a fulfilling marriage each partner needs to develop important qualities: commitment and trust, patience and perseverance, unconditional love and forgiveness, ingenuity and determination, selflessness and sacrifice, kindness and friendship, faith and hope. These qualities are not miraculously endowed as part of the marriage ceremony. With some effort they are woven into the very fibers of the couple’s relationship over time and through countless shared experiences. As a couple proactively creates happy memories (such as date nights, acts or kindness, traditions – daily and seasonal), they add to and reinforce the fabric of their commitment and love. When day-to-day life, mistakes, detours, tragedies, and such occur (as they do and will), it will serve each partner well to always, always keep in mind why he or she chose to marry, to remember the joy and excitement of falling in love, and to swallow the pride of what is wanted in a moment for what is wanted in the long run.

For newlyweds, learn what true, unconditional love really is and know that this is the fuel that keeps a marriage burning bright. Unconditional love grows as each partner chooses to “see” the other as he or she truly is and can become, beyond weaknesses and mistakes. “Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) We all, every one of us, makes mistakes. Rather than seeking to change your partner to fit your mold, change yourself first. Be sincere, humble, and yet confident in this process. Don’t hold on to guilt from the past (near or far). Guilt and baggage will not serve you well. Let it all go. Forgive yourself and your spouse. Begin the journey of each day right where you are and end each day with a loving embrace.

Photography: Wynona Benson | Floral Design: Mount Tabor Park | Venue: North Topsail Beach NC