Style Me Pretty: Wedding Blog for the Style-Obsessed Bride

Why You Should Have the Engagement Ring Conversation

Confession time. We have met so many women who haven’t loved their engagement rings and ended up either exchanging it or simply pretending that it was what they had always wanted for fear of hurting their soon-to-be. Enter: The Engagement Ring Discussion.

Platinum Rings clockwise: Ritani, Brilliant Earth, Single Stone, Single Stone, Single Stone

Having the discussion ahead of time is basically your own little insurance policy that you will get pretty darned close to the ring you’ve always dreamed of (or at the very least, a ring that you really like to look at every. single. day). Yes, a little less romantic than the idea of a rom-com worthy surprise but infinitely more practical and oftentimes, just as meaningful. Not convinced? Here, let us help. Read below our 5 tips on why you should have this conversation, and what types of things you should consider.

Platinum Ring: Single Stone

#1. Your Ring Stands the Test of Time

We all have that something in our home or closet that we purchased because we either saw someone else we admired with it or we wanted to fit within a trend, and we then realized after bringing it home that it really just isn’t a true extension of ourselves.

Think of this purchase as a metaphorical lesson for your wedding rings. Your ring will be with you through the ordinary and milestone moments of life…forever. You want to look down on your left hand in years to come and be proud of the life you have built in addition to being in love with the style as it is an outward symbol of your life.

So, have that initial ring discussion because your wedding rings will be your eternal symbol of love that you wear on the outside for all to see! If you aren’t totally sure where to start (or even if you are), grab your partner’s hand and head to the jeweler where you can take some of your favorite shapes and styles for a mini test drive. Make sure you are open and honest about what you love and what you don’t love. Together, find a ring that makes forever, look good.

Platinum Ring: Single Stone

#2. Determine the Right Level of Involvement

Think of it like this: you would never buy a home, car or anything else that costs a significant amount of money without researching it, talking about it, going through the ins and outs together. While tradition has always lent itself to the surprise of the engagement ring, there is by no means a single way to approach this purchase.

Assuming you’ve had the “let’s get married” chat already, discuss with your partner how you’d like to approach the engagement ring buying process. What kind of details and involvement does the proposer want? Do you go ring shopping together, or would the proposer rather be given some direction on the side? Do you go through finances together to determine an appropriate budget, or is that left up to the proposer? Is there a part of the diamond quality that you wouldn’t mind sacrificing to receive a certain carat weight? And so on.

No matter what level of involvement you have in the ring purchase, it is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the different aspects of the ring and ring buying process to know what information to consider. For starters, take a look through an engagement ring guide, consider creating and sharing a Pinterest board, surf through sites like Brilliant Earth (totally ethical sourcing), Ritani (incredible customization) or Single Stone (hello vintage and one of a kinds) to peruse ring styles and places to purchase.

Platinum Rings clockwise: Single Stone, Single Stone, Single Stone, Single Stone, Brilliant Earth, Brilliant Earth

#3. Your Other Half Gets You…but Can’t Read Your Mind

Your partner gets you, of course. But getting you doesn’t necessarily translate into knowing the type of ring that you’ll love. Getting you doesn’t inform the proposer of your dream diamond shape, or that you want a classic rather than glamorous ring, or that it is important that there is a touch of personalization on the ring. Which also means that maybe your other half doesn’t know that the metal choice is just as important as the style of your ring.

Of course, the shape and style of the engagement ring is important, but don’t forget to be clear on your metal choice when you have your engagement ring discussion. No other metal has the durability and strength that platinum has. If your dream ring is not platinum, the diamond should, at the very least, be set in a platinum crown. A platinum crown is important because it keeps the gemstones safe because unlike gold (white, yellow or rose), platinum prongs will stay securely against the stones where the jeweler placed them. Plus, a platinum crown will make the diamond sparkle far brighter than any alternative because platinum is a naturally white metal that doesn’t cast any color into the diamond or gemstone.

Platinum Rings clockwise: Ritani, Brilliant Earth

#4. Ease the Proposer’s Nerves

An engagement encompasses a variety of conflicting feelings from excitement to nervousness to anxiety. There will always be a natural level of the later two, but you as the ring recipient can help calm some of the nerves by having a ring conversation and sharing ahead of time that it is a purchase you’ll love. Make the proposer feel confident in his/her choice in ring by providing him/her with key features that are important to include or exclude in the ring. This conversation will give the proposer confidence, and will, in turn, allow him/her to focus on the joyous part of this occasion.

Platinum Rings top to bottom: Ritani, Single Stone, Single Stone, Brilliant Earth, Single Stone, Ritani

#5. The Engagement Ring is the Start to YOUR Story. Make it Yours.

Traditionally, it is understood that the boy buys the ring- he gets down on one knee and she says. “yes.” But, times are changing, and traditions are evolving. While the sentiment around engagements is still romantic and lovely, the process is not a one size fits all one. Maybe “she” wants to be the one to propose to “him”, or maybe there isn’t a “him” or “her” at all.

Your engagement ring doesn’t have to have a diamond; maybe it is just a simple platinum band with your birthstone faceted on top. There are no rules on how one must get engaged, but make sure you keep communication open and have that Engagement Ring Conversation so that you will wear your symbol of love with pride.

Pizza Was the Guest of Honor at This Birthday Bash

First birthdays are a thing to be celebrated and so to is pizza. Combining the best ever food group with an Italian themed birthday, But First, Party! crafted the best shindig to celebrate numero uno. There’s red gingham, a strong balloon game by Bonjour Fete, color palette approved florals by Earth Baby Flowers and the cutest ever leading man. What more could you want? Perhaps gelato? Yep, it has that too. See the full celebration captured by Tiffany Amber right here!

When Lincoln’s parents, who adore the Sicilian coast, approached us about creating a ‘Numero Uno’ first birthday we couldn’t help but shout, “That’s Amore!” His mom, Laura, knew that she wanted to reference everything their family loves about Italy, including lots of pizza, but to do so without all the cheese. Well, cheese on the pizza, but no cheesy decor!

So, we centered our designs around Italian landmarks, incorporating them into the invitations and the cityscape cake, and subtle hints of classic Italia like the red gingham found throughout the party in the ribbon tied to favors, on the plates and with the bistro table moment.

The Vespa was another iconic Italian nod, that floated over the dessert table and sat atop the cake. The food was the star of the show here, Heirloom LA really brought the taste of Italy to Los Angeles with their gorgeous crostini stations, piled high with Italian meats and cheeses, as well as their bruschetta platters, grilled flatbreads, and tomato risotto.

But the real crowdpleaser was their signature lasagna cupcakes, they even made mac-and-cheese versions for the kiddos. Speaking of the kiddos, they couldn’t get enough of the spaghetti and meatball cupcakes from Sweet and Saucy or the many flavors of gelato they had to choose from at Monaco Gelato’s little cart! Ciao!

Serendipity + Fate Leads to This Romantic Wedding at Cairnwood

It all began the summer of 2003… Sounds like the perfect intro for a romance novel, right? And although Katy and Hunter’s romance is a mere fifteen years old (about the age they were when they first fell in love!), their story, as well as their wedding day, is packed with personality and filled with so many delightful details. All captured to utter perfection by Lauren Fair Photography! Do read on…

From the Bride… Our story began in the summer of 2003. We met on the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey as teenagers and made things ‘official’ at the end of that summer. Our young love only lasted about three weeks into the fall (living a staggering 40 minutes apart was tough!) and we sadly parted ways. Ten years passed… we graduated from different high schools, went to different colleges and started our post-graduate careers in different states…

In 2013, we met again at the wedding of our only mutual friend. Now, we like to say that serendipity and fate brought us back together. We simply took a “10 year break!”

After two and a half years together, Hunter proposed with the help of our Corgi, Waffles, on a perfect night in our new home.
We both grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia so we knew immediately that we wanted to find the perfect venue outside of the city. My family had attended a wedding at Cairnwood in 2013 (right before we reconnected!) and I instantly fell in love with its stunning, dreamy beauty. Once we became engaged, we set a date and started dreaming up our perfect day.

The goal for our wedding was timeless, classic style with hints of our personalities shining through. My Father’s side of the family is from England (my Great Grandmother was born in London) so an affinity and love for the royal family was passed down from generation to generation. Overall, we wanted to be able to look back at our big day at any time, during any year and feel like we could throw the party all over again the next day. We wanted it to stand the test of time!

We used a neutral color palate of white, ivory and dove gray complimented by greenery, gold tones and hints of classic black. My Mom and I both share a deep love for fresh flowers so we had the best time planning an English garden of florals throughout the reception venue. From banisters to mantels, tables and beyond, we started to joke that if there was a surface — we found a way to cover it in florals — thanks to the amazing team at Robertson’s Flowers and Events!

White roses, hydrangea and peonies were our star flowers and we loved hearing our guests rave about the sweet floral aroma that surrounded the entire reception. Our favorite piece was the stunning 24-foot floral runner that ran the entire length of our barn wood head table – a perfect mix of my classic taste with Hunter’s love for rustic details.

I’m all about the details so we loved working with small boutiques and artists to create personalized additions such as a custom watercolor illustration of our love story to signage with classic calligraphy to gold embossed cocktail napkins, a wood sign for Hunter’s classic whiskey bar and even tiny carrot cake cupcakes for dessert — both Hunter’s and my favorite dessert!

Although we threw a traditional white wedding, we heard from everyone that our wedding felt unmistakably like “us” and provided a beautiful, romantic evening filled with laugher (and LOTS of flowers!) to celebrate our journey with family and friends!

We just got Katy and Hunter’s trailer film from n.s.t. pictures today! Perfect timing. Please, take a few precious minutes and watch the day, and the love, unfold! You’ll leave with a smile on your face – guaranteed.
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/280948728 600 338]
For more pics from Katy and Hunter’s wedding, head over to Lauren Fair’s Blog {right here} Thanks to all for sharing!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Lauren Fair Photography

View Portfolio

Intimate Grecian Wedding with 16 Guests at the Beach House Antiparos

Looking back at my 200+ person wedding, I probably wouldn’t change a thing. That said, seeing these exquisitely intimate weddings come across our desks, you can’t help but long for the sweet simplicity that each so beautifully conveys. Where the handful of guests are spoiled rotten and the bride and groom have the luxury of quiet and laid back elegance. Such is the case with this absolutely breathtaking Grecian affair that White Ribbon Boutique Events planned and Anna Roussos photographed to perfection. Scroll down & click here to see even more.

From White Ribbon Boutique Events…Small weddings are our favorite. And it seemed like the perfect fit when we met London based, Jess and Ryan who were dreaming of having an intimate wedding of 16 in Greece. The South Korean – born bride and New Zealand – born groom met on their first day at university. They had been together almost 10 years when Ryan proposed on top of a hill overlooking Dubrovnik at sunset.

Greece is their favorite place in the world so they decided this was the perfect location for their wedding day. They love everything about it from the food to the scenery to the architecture and way of life.

So, we recommended to them a small, quaint island on the dazzling Cyclades named Antiparos. Being a non-traditional couple, they wanted a low key celebration with an intimate ceremony by the beach followed by meze-style cocktail hour during sunset and an amazing long dinner without speeches or a wild party after.

As both Bride and Groom are creative souls, the process of the planning was a breeze. They loved attention to detail and they even custom-made by hand their own invitations, menus and place cards.

Our vision was aligned perfectly from the start so this project turned out to be one of our personal favorite.

From the serene cove where we set the private dinner of 16, the beautiful florals adorning the wedding table, the ceremony setting on the sand but mostly the kindness and love streaming from of all the guests that day made this an unforgettable experience for all those involved.

Planning a Destination Wedding in Italy By Yourself from California ~ at Villa Magia!

From the Bride… Planning our wedding was the most fun, rewarding and exciting project I’ve worked on in my entire life. And now that it’s over, I miss it dearly! My advice for those planning? Cherish each and every moment! Because once it’s over, I guarantee you, you will want to relive it all. Even those minute decisions that took so much longer than they should have. I remember spending an entire Sunday analyzing ribbon length for the bouquets… yikes! A few pointers: #1 Fall in LOVE with your photographers! That’s what Jeff and I did with Peter and Veronika Photography. #2 Give yourself plenty of time for photos… lighting is so important! #3 For goodness sakes… wear comfortable shoes!

One of the most important decisions Jeff and I made was in choosing our photographer. We narrowed it down to a list of seven, and then ranked their portfolios individually (privately). Needless to say, when we compared our lists, and had both chosen the same photographer, we were thrilled! Peter and Veronika ranked as our number one, hands down. We also loved the idea of using our engagement shoot as a time to make sure Peter and Veronika would be right for us on our wedding day. Needless to say, they were all that and more, which made hiring them for our wedding one of our easiest decisions.

I started wedding planning a year and a half before Jeff and I were engaged. No judging! We had been dating six years, lived together; it was just a matter of time and a girl gets excited!! Also, the fact that I had my heart set on a destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast, well, there was a lot of research to be done to determine the feasibility of that dream. And planning a wedding in Italy, from California, without a planner takes a lot of time, like an obscene amount! You really have to enjoy putting in the research, which for me, I found to be incredibly fun and one of the most meaningful aspects of the wedding journey.

Jeff and I also started chatting with our closest friends and family about their thoughts on a destination wedding. These early chats were the key to the great turn out at our wedding; pretty much every guest we invited attended. Once we were engaged, it was officially planning go time!

The vision for our wedding was inspired by our wedding venue, Villa Magia. Built in the 18th century, its timeless beauty and sweeping views took our breath away. We wanted a venue in which every guest would arrive and be completely awestruck by the views and beauty around them.

On the wedding day itself, the ceremony was our favorite part of the entire day, which was a surprise to us. Jeff and I had coordinated our vows in advance so they would be similar in tone, length and structure. We also had a meaningful instrumental song play in the background during the vows, to add to the emotion. The mixture of music, setting, emotion and tone brought tears to all. It seemed too good to be true.

We then had an hour and a half cocktail party on the pool deck at the villa. We were so thrilled to hire a local accordion/bass duo that played traditional Neapolitan music during this time.

I drew design inspiration from Joy Proctor (from Style Me Pretty!) and even Marie Antoinette. Our goal was to have our wedding feel as timeless as possible, with neutral colors, lace, ribbons, vintage tabletop pieces, tapered candles, calligraphy, vintage stamps, handmade paper, and a ten person big band that played from dinner until the end of the night.

One of our favorite wedding moments was when everyone sat down to dinner. Sweeping views all around us, beautiful candlelight, the big band kicking off; watching all of our guests smile with absolute delight and amazement was something we will never forget. The pinnacle of our happiness came when guests thanked us for giving them “the best event they will ever go to in their lives.”

SOOOO much more of Jeff and Elaine’s wedding from Peter and Veronika on their blog ~ right HERE!

If you’re not totally convinced how awesome their photography is ~ take a look at Elaine and Jeff’s TWO engagement shoots:

~ Romantic Engagement Evening in Ravello ~

~Sunrise Engagement Shoot in Positano~

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Joy Proctor Design

View Portfolio

A European Inspired Wedding Shoot at New Jersey’s Jardin de Buis

With the feel of a romantic European Garden and the inspiration of “Love Birds”, this photo shoot is layered with florals by Max Owens Design, elegant styling and design by Veronica Rogers and more gorgeous images than could possibly fit in one little post all captured by Bonnie Sen. Peruse the gallery for more inspirational looks right here!

From Veronica Rogers… This editorial was inspired by deGournay’s beautifully intricate bird drawings. I wanted to create different scenes that played on the theme, “Love Birds”. Each scene connects to this theme in various ways and gives brides inspiration on how to take a theme and incorporate it into the styling of their wedding day. I loved pushing some boundaries in the styling to encourage others to push boundaries and to not just stick to what is trendy. From the bird inspired make up by the amazing Anna Breeding to the love nest designed by genius florist, Maxine with Max Owens Design, to the birds present in the background of many of the shots- real beauty can be created when we forge our own path and push boundaries and try new things. I was also very inspired by the location of our shoot – Jardin du Buis is an exquisite venue outside of New York City designed impeccably by the owners as a European-inspired getaway. Bonnie Sen, our photographer, really captured the essence of this shoot absolutely beautifully.

The Secret to a Pinterest/Instagram Worthy Wedding Photograph

You know those wedding photographs that you see all over the internet? The ones from Pinterest or Insta that get shared and liked a million times, where the sun is setting just so, the dust of the day turns to sparkles and the romance and love and windswept perfection seems almost too flawless to be real? Well, guess what. It’s probably not what you think. With timelines to manage and places to be and people to accommodate, those beautiful portraits usually don’t come from the actual wedding day. They are captured after the I-do’s in an easy and relaxed Post-Wedding session. And Rebecca Yale – one of those amazing photogs behind some of the most beloved images that you’ve probably already pinned – is here to share just how wonderful it can be to wait a bit to get your couple session accomplished, with stunning images to boot.

1. You can get those WOW worthy Pinterest shots without messing up your wedding day timeline.

From Rebecca Yale Photography… “So many of my clients see beautiful wedding portraits all over Pinterest and Instagram and want to incorporate many different venues and ideas into their wedding day, which can be hard to fit into the wedding day timeline! The perfect remedy? Putting on your dress and tux again after the wedding and hitting the town, getting the chance to celebrate with the love of your life all over again in the most beautiful and romantic spots you can dream of! Britt and Adam did just that choosing to do post wedding portraits on the beach in Malibu and up in the hills on the iconic Mulholland Drive.”

2. You can stay hyper focused on the actual celebration.

From the Couple… On our wedding day, we decided to focus purely on the celebration. Then, we did a post-wedding photo session, with the enormously talented Rebecca Yale, to ensure there was enough time to venture around Los Angeles. El Matador beach in Malibu made for a relaxed vibe with Mulholland Drive and sunset city views rounding out a fun day of adventure.”

3. You can incorporate meaningful places, spaces and props into your photos.

“I (the groom) brought my 1967 Oldsmobile 442 to spice up some of the shots. The backdrops were ideal compliments for us — Britt, a transplant from Chicago and myself, a California native — and Rebecca was the perfect professional behind the camera to capture the day.”

4. You can actually relax. Which always means better shots.

There are no guests waiting, no timeline musts, not nervous jitters. Just you and the camera. And maybe a glass of champagne. Plus, you already know your photographer really well so you are far more comfortable with getting photographed than ever before. Which is such an important element to getting the perfect shot.

5. You can take your time, have fun and get a little dirty.

You can go where the sun takes takes you, at the perfect “magic hour” moment, you can walk barefoot in the sand without fear of ruining your dress, you can dance and jump and play and really get photographs that sparkle. Having a portrait session after the Big Day means that you have the time and space to get those very shots that you’ve seen all over Instagram or Pinterest. And if we haven’t convinced you in words, the images that Rebecca shot most certainly will.

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup + Hair: Makeup Therapy

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Rebecca Yale Photography

View Portfolio

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Wedding Where #EastMeetsWest

Y’all know how much we love everything Michael and Anna Costa Photography sends us! But when they share a two-weddings-in-one-day #EastMeetsWest celebration at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort (previously known as the Fess Parker Doubletree) with us… well, we’re just sayin’… there’s some really awesome moments to be seen! See the full gallery here.

From Michael and Anna Costa Photography… What’s better than a Santa Barbara wedding in October? How about TWO weddings on the same day… With the same couple! That’s essentially what Katie + Unni’s “East meets West” wedding was. The joining of two cultures and families with two different traditions into one wedding ceremony.

Unni, coming from an Indian background, brought the flavor and flare that only a true Indian wedding can bring. It all started with the singing and dancing of the Baarat as the groom entered atop the shoulders of friends and family with the sparkling Pacific in the background. As the ceremony continued it presented the many millennia-old Indian wedding ceremony traditions and customs rich with meaning and symbolism. And from Katie’s side, the reading of vows and exchanging of rings rounded out this multicultural union.

Afterward the couple changed out of their Indian attire and into their Western outfits. Katie donned a beautiful, whimsical lace and tulle dress and Unni a dapper suit with black bowtie.

Arriving in style to their Santa Barbara Historical Museum reception, they proceeded to celebrate with friends and family under warm market lights, the twinkling stars above and love all around.

You can see even more of this gorgeous day on Michael and Anna Costa Photography ‘s blog right HERE!

The Grandeur House Wedding with a Modern Farmhouse Style

Y’all. This is the first wedding, in ten years, that I felt like the full gallery of photographs told the story FAR better than the post you are about to read. The precious first look, the adorable and clearly in love group of girls, the sunkissed portraits and the pure joy that pores out of every image is proof that happy girls and happy boys are the prettiest of people and make for an infinitely more beautiful wedding. So do your self a favor and take a peak at the gallery right after you read the story below. This couple made love and fun and joy the primary focus of the day and thankfully for us – Erin Wilson was on hand to capture each and every adorable moment. Oh and the gorg design by Planner Natalie Scott and Florist Magnolia Belle weren’t too shabby either. To say the least.

From Erin Wilson, Photographer…This has to be one of the most fun weddings I’ve ever photographed. Victoria is the kind of bride who is laid back, sweet and always has a huge smile on her face. She has a classic but modern style and hers and Jacob’s wedding represented that so well.

They went with a beautiful all white farmhouse venue that is brand new to Arkansas. The venue is nestled into beautiful farmlands right outside of Little Rock and was perfect for their classic modern style. Their amazing wedding planner and florist created a stunning floral filled wedding with a neutral color palette and tiny special details to made it unforgettable.

The day started with the girls drinking mimosas and helping Victoria get into the cutest crop top two piece wedding dress I’ve ever seen. It fit her so perfectly. Victoria and Jacob had the most precious first look filled with tears and hugs.

We took portraits all over the beautiful land and prepared for their ceremony. The guests were greeted with the most lush floral arbor as the sun was setting over Victoria and Jacob’s beautiful vows while a live painter captured their wedding ceremony.

After the ceremony the wedding guests enjoyed charcuterie and drinks as the sun was hitting the tree line and then were escorted in for dinner.

During dinner Victoria and Jacob performed the sweetest choreographed dance in the ballroom of the farmhouse surrounded by a dance floor lined with flowers and all their guests cheering them on. The sun was finally gone and Victoria, Jacob, their family and friends danced the night away and had so much fun.

It was Cinco De Mayo so they brought out flashing lights, sombreros, sunglasses, confetti and a late night nacho bar. It was so much fun we didn’t want the night to end but Jacob and Victoria said their goodbyes and were sent off with sparklers and the prettiest vintage white car. I love how the day flowed and their details fit their personalities so well. One of the most beautiful and fun days ever!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Erin Wilson Photography

View Portfolio

A Classic Home in the Burbs With Some Serious Edge

Whether you’re Team Neutral or Team All Out Color, this home designed by Lori Paranjape has a little something for everyone. Buffalo check wallpaper, a vibrant green powder room and the lightest, brightest kitchen space are all on the agenda. Peak inside this Chicago burbs home captured by Aimee Mazzenga that is giving classic bones a modern spin.

From Lori Paranjape… I had the pleasure of designing and building a house for a super cute couple who was moving from city living in downtown Chicago, to the posh suburb of Hinsdale, IL.

The house, like the couple, is classic with a really crisp edge. The goal while we build was the blur the line between a new construction and the stately neighboring homes that have been around for decades.

The bones of this 8000sqft beauty are truly classic: thick moldings, built-ins, white kitchen, timeless bathrooms. But the decor walks a line that borders on modern.

Photography: Aimée Mazzenga | Interior Design: Lori Paranjape

Joyful Wedding at Cannon Green in Charleston

From Kelly Golia Events… If one phrase could sum up Abby and Garrett’s charming Charleston wedding, it would be “sentimental joy” — which is especially fitting because the bride’s middle name happens to be Joy! Emotions were soft and sweet as memories of Abby’s late mom were present throughout the day, and laughter could be heard in every corner of Cannon Green. Abby happens to be legally blind and cannot see color, so every detail incorporated not only soft, southern-inspired hues, but texture, pattern, and even scent so that every tiny moment could be enjoyed by all. ~ photography from Rachel Craig Photography

The entire day appealed to guests’ every sense – the gorgeous southern backdrop of the city of Charleston and every thoughtful detail were enchanting sights. The scent of citrus incorporated into the floral arrangements enticed guests throughout the evening, and the impeccably prepared cuisine of Cannon Green satisfied every palette.

From the custom water color pattern incorporated into the invitation suite and menus, to charming details like brass pineapples on the seating chart and detailed ceramic table numbers, every element of the day was reminiscent of all things that make Charleston so, well… Charleston. And who could forget the adorable peach-colored vintage bus that escorted guests to and from the venue?

Most of all, Abby and Garrett’s love and respect for one another were felt so strongly in every detail and moment of the entire day, and their wedding was one that will not soon be forgotten by anyone who was there to celebrate with them.

See more of this delightful day from Rachel Craig Photography in the full gallery!

Four Cooking Moments Every Couple Should Learn

I believe that there are certain things in life that every couple should learn before they get married. How to properly make a bed. How to say you are sorry. How to always remember to put the toilet seat down. How to host a little dinner for friends, make an incredible dessert, whip up a meal in under 30 and how to really do breakfast in bed right. You know, the basics. So that is what we’re sharing today. Those must-have moments that every couple should have in their arsenal. And we’ve partnered up with Cuisinart to make sure that you see just how awesome those very moments can be.

1. A QUICK & EASY DINNER PARTY FOR 6. Having friends over for a sweet but thoughtful dinner party is basically #newlywedgoals. But to do that, you really need a little bank of amazing recipes that are easy, that can be made ahead of time and that will be the perfect canvas for your crew to kick back, relax and make some good old fashioned memories. And yet, also the kind of recipes that makes your guests believe that it all comes soooo easy for you. Because it does. And for the first time ever, I’m giving you my top secret slam dunk dinner party recipes.

I use this little collection of recipes every time I get together with new friends because I know they make me look really good… without really trying too hard. And the single best appliance to make this happen? The 6 Quart 3-in-1 Cook Central® Multicooker by Cuisinart. To say I’m obsessed is the understatement of the century. It sautés, steams and slow cooks. All in one. Badda-bing, badda boom. Plus, it cleans up super fast and easily with a nonstick, dishwasher safe pot. Need proof? Just check out the pulled pork tacos that we made using this baby.

PULLED PORK TACOS
The best, easiest pulled pork recipe that you can make the day of or the night before.

Combine all of your spices, salt and pepper in a bowl to create a rub. Coat the pork pieces in the rub. In your multicooker, heat the oil. Brown all sides of your pork, working in batches if you need to. Place the browned pork back into the cooker and pour the orange juice around the pork.

Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is easily shreddable. Just before serving, shred the pork with two forks and pour a bit of the sauce on top to keep it moist.

*Make Ahead Tip: If you are making ahead, cook the pork per the instructions but don’t shred. Store with a bit of sauce in an airtight container and warm gently in your slow cooker. You can store the rest of the sauce in a separate container and even better, you can easily skim the fat off the sauce prior to reheating the pork and include it with your pork while you reheat it. SO good.

HOMEMADE TORTILLAS
The secret sauce to a meal your guests will always remember.

3 cups all-purpose flour | 1 teaspoon salt | 1 teaspoon baking powder | ⅓ cup vegetable oil | 1 cup warm water

In a food processor (naturally, I highly recommend the huge Elemental 13 Cup Food Processor from Cuisinart), combine the flour, salt and baking powder until well mixed. While running on low, add the water and the oil and mix until just combined – it will be a bit sticky but should be fairly solid. Place the dough on a floured surface and roll into a ball, using flour to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 16 equal portions.

Roll each portion into a ball and gently flatten with the palm of your hand. Lay a towel over the discs and let sit for 15-30 minutes.

Heat a dry skillet — or use the Cuisinart Griddler Five — with the griddle plates on high. While it heats, roll your dough out into individual tortillas – ours were 8″- 9″. You want them to be quite thin. Place the tortilla on your hot surface and let sit for 2 minutes – bubbles are a good thing. Flip and let sit for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and repeat with the rest of the dough.

*Make Ahead Tip: You can keep these in a sealed baggie at room temp for 5-7 days or you can make a whole bunch and freeze! You won’t regret it. They are guaranteed to make the whole taco thing a FAR better experience than store bought!

ELOTE…IN A BOWL!
This is the dish that people ask for when they come over. It’s SO flavorful and unexpected, a traditional dish in Mexico but a total treat to anyone who isn’t familiar.

Prepare your Cuisinart Toaster Oven baking sheet with foil. Cut the corn off the cobs and toss with the olive oil and a bit of salt. Broil in your toaster oven for 8-10 minutes or until your corn starts to brown. Keep an eye on it because it can turn brown quickly. I used Cuisinart’s Air Fryer Toaster Oven… talk about convenient!

While the corn is cooking, combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add the hot corn and stir to coat. Season with salt, pepper and cilantro to taste. This can be served cold, at room temp or warm (my personal favorite).

THE BEST GUACAMOLE EVER
It’s been repinned a billion times. Literally a billion.

Throw it all into your Cuisinart Food Processor and blend on low until you reach your desired consistency. Yep, it’s that simple. And the food processor does all of the work for you – the one I was using, from Cuisinart’s Elemental Series had a 13 Quart work bowl (giant!) so that you can actually make a ton of guac… bonus!

SPICY CHOCOLATE GANACHE SQUARES
You can make a batch of these little numbers and keep in the fridge for up to a month. Filled with whatever your heart’s desire – from caramel to ganache – I usually just lay them out on the table after dinner and skip the big dessert.

Finely chop all of your chocolate and mix together. Place 1/2 of it in a microwavable bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave again in 10 second increments, stirring between, until the chocolate is melted. Pour as much chocolate as needed into your candy molds. Holding the mold over a rimmed baking sheet, flip the mold over and tilt left/right/front/back to coat all sides of the molds and empty out any extra chocolate. If you’d like, you can use a bench scraper to scrape the top of the chocolate molds to get rid of any superfluous chocolate.

Place in fridge for an hour and transfer the melted chocolate (that fell onto the sheet pan) back into the microwavable bowl. You will use this to top your chocolate bites. Meanwhile, in a small pan – we used the GORGEOUS (seriously gorgeous people) Cuisinart Copper Pans that I literally leave out on my stove because they look so lovely in my kitchen – to bring the heavy cream to a boil. Place the rest of the un-melted chocolate, along with a full teaspoon of ancho chili powder into a heat resistant bowl.

Pour the heavy cream over the second half of the chocolate and let sit for about 5 minutes. Stir with gusto until you have a nice, shiny ganache. Remove the molds from the fridge and place a small spoonful of ganache into each one. Refrigerate for another hour.

Re-melt your remaining chocolate and pour on top of your molds. Quickly use a bench scraper or an offset spatula (or a knife) smooth out the chocolate and make sure each square is sealed. Refrigerate again until ready to serve!

* * * * *

2. AN ANYTIME DESSERT. Sometimes, dessert is the only thing that we really need. Having a great one in your recipe repetoire will ensure that you can whip it up for guests or ditch dinner entirely for a date night and share something sweet and epically delicious. This caramel apple tart is perfection. It’s warm and filling, it’s versatile and forgiving. It’s the one dessert that you should totally know how to make.

SALTED CARAMEL & APPLE FREEFORM TART
SO simple, so heavenly, so easy.

After peeling and cutting the apples in half and removing the core, use your Cuisinart food processor’s slicing blade to slice your apples. Immediately put them into a bowl and add lemon juice, tossing the apples to coat.

Add the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg and stir to coat. On a floured surface, roll out your pie dough to about 1/4″ thickness. Move the dough to Cuisinart’s Air Fryer Toaster Oven baking sheet that has been prepped with cooking spray, oil or parchment paper. I absolutely love this baking sheet because it has high, thick edges to prevent warping and spillage. And I can throw it in my dishwasher for super fast and easy clean-up.

Pile the apples in the center of your dough and drizzle the caramel sauce on top. Fold the edges of the pie dough over the top of the apple mixture. Use a pastry brush to brush on the egg wash. Bake at 375 in the toaster oven for 18 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot with vanilla ice cream!

*Make Ahead Tip: You can make the dough up to a week ahead and keep in the fridge. The apple mixture can be made the night before and then assembled before guests come over. Just pop it in the toaster oven while you eat dinner and it will be perfectly warm and delicious in time for dessert! Oh – and did you catch the part about this toaster oven being an ‘air fryer’ as well… so darn cool!

* * * * *

3. A WEEKNIGHT DINNER. Yes, you should always have a good weeknight dinner in your toolbox. You should probably have a few more than one. This sheet pan dinner is just a foundation for the many, many ways that you can cook a complete meal using a single pan and the Cuisinart Toaster Oven. It’s only the beginning… but it’s a great start.

MAPLE SRIRACHA SHEET PAN CHICKEN WITH GREEN BEANS + POTATOES
There is nothing easier than a one sheet dinner for two made totally in a toaster oven. It’s simple, delicious and will give you plenty of time to catch up on your latest Netflix and chill.

Combine the maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce and garlic powder in a bowl. The night before – place your chicken in a large ziplock baggie and pour this marinade on top. Leave in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, just make it 30 minutes in advance of your dinner and marinate at room temp.

When you are ready to eat, place your marinated chicken on a prepared/lined baking sheet. Toss the potatoes and the green beans in olive oil, salt and pepper. Place them alongside the chicken on the baking sheet. Bake in your Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven at 400 for 15-20 minutes until your chicken reaches an internal temp of 160 degrees.

* * * * *

4. BREAKFAST IN BED. I’ve been married 13 years. I have 3 children. Breakfast in bed is officially a once a year kind of situation. Usually on my birthday or Mother’s Day. But not you. You and your love can have breakfast in bed ANYTIME. YOU. WANT. Revel in it. Love it. DO it.

BACON, EGG & CHEESE PANINI
This isn’t so much a recipe as it is a religion.

Whether you pile pita bread with bacon, eggs and as much cheese as you can (we used Jack) or you use buttered Challah bread, egg, prosciutto and avocado, the Cuisinart Panini Press (actually it’s official name is the Griddler Five) is worth it’s weight in gold for it’s ability to turn a boring sandwich into something the Breakfast Gods would be proud of.

All you need are two pieces of bread, heavily buttered and some filling. Place that little baby in your Griddler Five and cook until the cheese is bubbling out of the sides. That’s it. Heaven, simplified.

Now for the peach smooothie. Or any smoothie really because once you master the ratios of fruit/yogurt/liquid, you can basically have a perfect everytime smoothie whenever you want. We went for peach. 1 cup of frozen peaches, 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 Tbs Honey and 1/cup of Almond Milk all blended to perfection in your Cuisinart Blender…

… and now you have a breakfast that is worthy of lounging in bed for many many hours past your alarm clock. To maximize the breakfasting pleasure, include reading material, a really pretty tray and an adorable puppy or two. Optional, of course.

And there you have it, my friends. Your Field Guide to the only recipes you really need as a Newlywed. The recipes that will wow crowds and bring that homey warmth to your table that you crave. But here’s the thing. The food is truly just the icing on the cake. It’s the incredible appliances that Cuisinart so graciously let us use, that allowed us to make everything with ease – so that we could actually kick back and watch TV or read a book or have a glass of wine with the one we love. It’s cooking made so so easy thanks to the thoughtful design and intention behind every Cuisinart Product.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

A One-derful Summer Themed Birthday

When your mom is a celebrated cookbook author and the healthy eating chef behind Against All Grain, you can bet your birthday is going to include some seriously good eats. Think fresh fruit popsicles, the dreamiest charcuterie board and a gluten free cake. Also on the menu? A summery mix of first birthday details crafted by Charmed Events with images by Julie Cahill. See this sunny, happy party and the cutest birthday girl all right here.

From Leila of Be Inspired PR … Danielle is an inspiration for myself personally and for so many people around the world looking to find a better a way to eat and feed their families. Her cookbooks are some of the best I’ve ever used. When she asked our team to help her plan Kezia’s 1st birthday we knew we had to incorporate fresh fruits and bright happy colors that remind us of Danielle and everything she stands for!! We incorporated summer fruits, popsicles, and had to use cute sayings such a “Sun-body is one”, “Here comes the Sun, Kezia is One”, and “One in a Melon”. We couldn’t have pulled it off without one of the favorite San Francisco event planners, Frances Lui from Charmed Events. She’s a styling genius!!

Firestone Vineyard Wedding With Adorable Little Flower Girls

From the bride… From the beginning of planning our wedding day, my husband and I knew we wanted to get married on a vineyard in California’s Central Coast. It holds a special place in my heart because my family and I visit the area every year in the Fall. The style, decor and feeling of our special day came quite naturally to us both because we knew we wanted it to be classic, simple yet elegant and intimate. After touring numerous vineyards, we decided Firestone Vineyards was the perfect spot for us to say “I do.” ~photography by Hello Blue Photo

My Stella York dress was a showstopper, not only was it the first wedding dress I tried on, but also my “wildcard dress” that the ladies pulled for me at The Bustle Bridal Shop. It was a beautiful shade of dusty rose and had the most beautiful rose lace detail – I wish I could wear it every day!

One of our favorite moments of the day was our first look…

We decided to write each other a card and read it back to back before we saw each other for the first time that day. It was the perfect moment to reflect on the day and what was to come. It was so special and Christina ~ Hello Blue Photo ~ captured our excitement, love and energy so well.

Some of the more fun parts of our wedding included a San Francisco trolley to transport guests from the tasting room to the reception field, our quilt guestbook, the Oreo dessert bar, and the amazing white 1959 Austin Healey 100-6 we rode in.

Christina made us and our wedding party feel so comfortable in front of the camera. We love her bright, airy and light style of photography — not to mention her sweet personality. I’m so glad she was able to capture all the special moments for us and we are forever grateful. Her professionalism and care for her clients is something that didn’t go unnoticed.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Stella York

Fall 2014

Spring 2017

EveryBody/EveryBride Fall 2017

Fall 2017

View All Collections

San Francisco Wedding at The James Leary Flood Mansion

My husband and I met in San Francisco. Despite having been at the same college, at the same time, it took thousands of miles to find each other. The way we met is a little scandalous – and I’ll save that for another day – though I do believe that the magic of the city, with it’s twinkling lights and rich culture, had everything to do with it. And this wedding – photographed to utter perfection by Sylvie Gil and designed by Shannon Leahy – manages to bottle that very magic up and transform it into a night with spectacular grace and unparalleled style.

From the bride… We started out working together in LA, I first met Hunter when I was an intern and then after I graduated college I went to go work on that team.

We became really close friends and when he moved up to San Francisco to get his MBA at Cal we stayed close. We eventually started dating long distance and once I finished my MBA at UCLA I moved up to SF and the rest just worked itself out!

Both of us love wine so we tried to take advantage of being so close to Napa and Sonoma (Sonoma being out personal favorite). One weekend in April we went up to get away for the weekend and after a wonderful day of wine tasting we went back to our hotel and he had a bottle of champagne brought up and proposed. I was very surprised, he did a good job keeping it a secret.

Being in San Francisco, the city that we really grew in our relationship was really special. The overall style of the wedding and special touches made it elegant yet surprising. The touches of black flowers in huge white and green bouquets, velvet table cloths, and the lighting were some of my favorite details.

We also had a small wedding party (my sister and cousin, and Hunters twin brothers) which made it very special and we got to spend more quality time with each other. It made the wedding feel more intimate.

There were so many memorable parts of the day. I think the time between the ceremony and the cocktail hour when Hunter and I got a moment to ourselves was really special.

We got to take some pictures at dusk on the balcony overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge which was really beautiful and peaceful. The cocktail hour was also beautiful and so fun being able to see most of our guests.

Surprise Proposal at Swan Harbor Plantation

From Hannah Lane Photography… Ainsley and Michael’s proposal was one of the most captivating, love-filled and joyful days that we’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of. Set up like an editorial shoot, our “bride” had absolutely no idea that this day was made for her. Leading up to the big day, we spent countless hours plotting with Michael…

We talked dates, details, locations… we set up everything perfectly behind the scenes, meanwhile talking to them both on the side, asking if they would “model” for us for an upcoming shoot. The most difficult aspect of the entire project was Michael’s schedule. He is an active-duty US Army Soldier and was off on a duty-assignment for the majority of the planning phase. Believe it or not, most of this proposal was planned in just two weeks!

We wanted to make sure that the details were not just beautiful, but uniquely them. With Ainsley’s background in architecture we included geometric accents and materials like wood, marble, metal and glass.

Also incorporated were the couple’s love of donuts, along with blue and purples, their favorite colors! We wanted them to look back on this day and not see it as a styled shoot that ended in a proposal, but THEIR styled shoot, specifically crafted for THEIR proposal.

Watching Ainsley and Michael interact all day was magical! Their love for each other is so clearly displayed in the way that they interact; holding hands every chance they get, stealing kisses and looking at one another in that “lovey-eyed” way, as Ainsley refers to it. This shoot is filled with love. It’s filled with beautiful flowers and personalized details. But most importantly, it’s filled with the promise of forever.

All of our amazing vendors showed up in a way that we couldn’t have dreamt of. All to make sure that this couple, who has spent years navigating different time zones and budgeting for plane tickets, had an amazingly special proposal that they would never forget!

Watch the surprise proposal unfold in this short film from Ivory Tree Weddings…

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/282547841 600 338]

A little bit more about Michael and Ainsley and their surprise proposal…

Q: So, this proposal?!

A: Michael: It was terrifying. I always tell Ainsley she terrifies me and she has no idea what I could be talking about but that day, it was on full display. My heart was pounding from the moment we woke up. I hardly remember the drive to Swan Harbor. I dang near forgot to take my shorts off before putting the suit on. But it was better than I had ever imagined. All I could focus on was memorizing every detail of her face when she turned around so I can go back to that moment in my mind. She was as beautiful as ever. Truth be told, I don’t actually remember her saying “yes” but the ring was on her finger and she still came home with me!
A: Ainsley: I always told him I’d cry. I’m surprised I didn’t! But I think it was because it took me so long to process what was happening. Since I had JUST taken the fake wedding bands off my finger, and this was a fake wedding photoshoot, I turned around and saw him on the ground on one knee and just assumed he was holding Hannah’s ring as part of the photo. Why that made sense in my head, I don’t know. Why would he be proposing if we had just gotten married? Beats me. But once I realized he had a different ring I was pretty excited. He told me he had something to ask me and I felt like I was going to faint so I was like “well ya better hurry up and ask it, before I fall over!” and he proposed. At this point I had already had my hand out like “why are you even asking just put it on already”. I don’t even remember saying yes. I just remember him putting it on my finger and being too gentle to push it over my knuckle so I had to fix it. Then everyone cheered. Strangely enough, it was kind of a blur. Thankfully we have it on tape!

Q: What was your favorite part, other than being engaged of course?

A: Ainsley: The absolute entire thing! I’ve just wanted to make him mine for a while now, so the fact that I know that is actually happening is the best feeling. I guess my favorite part would either be that it really was a surprise or that it happened when I was playing bride. Given that we both knew this day would come eventually, I was truly hoping he would actually take me by surprise and that I wouldn’t see it coming. He did.
A: Michael: The donuts…. I mean how happy Ainsley was the entire time. Before the proposal she was just so excited for the photo shoot. I’m glad I could take that excitement higher. She was beaming the whole time, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. And the donuts.

Q: You’re engaged! Do you have any plans yet?

A: Michael: We had a long drive back to Kansas after the proposal where we kinda talked over some rough details but mostly I think we’re just enjoying each other’s company. I just got back from deployment about a month before the shoot and we have a lot of time to make up for.
A: Ainsley: We don’t yet. We pretty much know who we want in our Bridal party. We think the ceremony should be early summer or fall because I get cold easily and he gets hot easily so we’re trying to find a happy medium where I won’t be shivering and he won’t be sweating. We think we want a military wedding. I know I want some lavender in there. That’s about it!

Q: Anything else you want to share with us?

A: Ainsley: I want to thank thank thank thank everyone who made that day super special. And I want to thank him for being so invested in our relationship. For knowing me well enough to know what would have made me the most happy that day. For listening to me and believing in us even when our constant distance made everyone else lose faith.
A: Michael: I can’t thank you guys, Hannah and everyone else for helping put this together. It’s certainly one of those memories we will have for a lifetime.

New Orlean’s Ogden Museum of Southern Art Weding

I’m not sure there is a city in the world that can compare to New Orleans. A city that is so rich in history, so alive, so beautifully flawed where stories dig through generations and despite hardship and pain, continue to thrive in the most warm and loving way. And this wedding – photographed by Audra Wrisley and planned by Elle Ellinghuas – bottles up those very sentiments and infuses them with a sense of Joy you can literally feel.

“How did you fall in love with New Orleans? At once, madly. Looking back, sometimes I think it was predestined.” –Andrei Codrescu. Invitations by Rifle Paper Co.

From Audra Wrisley Photography… Claire and Patrick hosted a destination wedding in New Orleans this spring, expertly designed by Elle Ellinghaus with dreamy hues of pink, royal blue, and purples in a theme of Marie Antoinette’s garden.

The bride went to school at Tulane and grew up visiting her Grandparents in New Orleans, and she had always dreamt of a beautiful southern wedding in the heart of the French Quarter.

Claire and Patrick said “I do” in the St Louis Cathedral and hosted a second line, dinner and dancing at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

Their elaborate Marie-Antoinette inspired cake held traditional cake pulls for bridesmaids, and the couple gifted their guests traditional praline cookies at the end of the evening.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Photography

Audra Wrisley Photography

View Portfolio

EDEN LUXE Bridal

View Portfolio

Gallery 308 by the San Francisco Bay is a Dreamy Waterfront Wedding Venue

From Blushing Joy Events… Our vision for this inspirational editorial, was to create a modern, clean, and romantic look. We were drawn to the big open windows of Gallery 308, which allowed natural light to flow in and created the perfect setting. Gallery 308 is right by the water, so we were inspired to work with a dusty blue and yellow color palette. ~Photography by Jasmine Lee

Pineapple Petals Studio perfectly crafted floral arrangements, which reflected natural colors one would see around the ocean. The bridal bouquet was carefully tied with handmade silk ribbons, that Pineapple Petals Studio dyed themselves! This bouquet was the perfect accessory for our bride, who wore a beautiful and feminine Galia Lahav gown from Kinsley James Couture Bridal, an engagement ring from Gem Breakfast, with makeup and hair by Makeup by Q.

To create a cool-toned and clean table design, we opted for a Tuscany Ocean linen by La Tavola, with gold chargers and gold flatware to bring a more elegant look. White ceramic plates were placed on top of the chargers to bring in a more modern feel.

We gently placed handwritten name cards by Jianery Co., along with a delicate flower on the plate for a romantic touch. The dusty blue candle votives by Glassybaby were the perfect addition to this tablescape.

Etta Avenue Cakes prepared a 3-tier cake, filled with hand-painted blue florals.

We’d say this amazing team of vendors totally accomplished the “Oceanic Ethereal Wedding Inspiration” they envisioned! Enjoy so much more in the full gallery.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Galia Lahav

Le Secret Royal 2016

GALA NO.II 2016

Ivory Tower 2016

GALA NO.I 2016

Les Reves Bohemians 2016

GALA Collection 8

Make A Scene

View All Collections

Radiant Pops of Red For the Win With This Brooklyn Bash

I’m all for a good pop of color and these bursts of red are beyond perfect. With a vintage chic vibe, this Brooklyn wedding wows from start to finish with color and style, and Brklyn View Photography captured all the chic and sweet looks that make this a real winner. See it all here – and be prepared to start pinning pretty red bridesmaid dresses pronto (so good, right?!)!

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

From Brklyn View Photography… On a perfect day in Brooklyn, Jenna and Evan prepared to get married in front of their closest family and friends at 501 Union. Jenna is an artist by trade and designed the couples intricate and beautiful wedding invitations. The Bride wore a detailed lace wedding dress with a mix of vintage and modern flare adorned with her grandmother’s clutch, mother’s earrings and crystal encrusted headpiece. Jenna’s engagement ring is a stunner! The diamond and slightly ovaled shaped diamond is a family heirloom that Evan had created into her engagement ring – so romantic!!

The bridesmaids each picked our their own dress in similar vibrant hues of red and coral creating such a lovely pop of color among the bridal party. Stems Brooklyn constructed an incredible floral Chuppah that had a tropical twist.

For the couples first look, we walked over the Gowanus Canal to find a bit of greenery in Brooklyn which made for absolutely perfect portraits. Their Jewish wedding ceremony was filled with honored traditions, lots of love and even a few happy tears.

Simple and elegant touches decorated the reception space at 501 Union while guest enjoyed cocktail hour at the bar and danced the night away under the disco ball. It was truly a magical wedding day and I’m so honored to have been there with them to capture all the special and shared moments.

Ring the Pineapple Doorbell on This Blushing Pink Cottage

Think pink and pineapples and you are well on your way to dreaming up this blushing airbnb in Sacramento, Ca. Masterminded by Melissa Johnson of Best Friends for Frosting, it incorporates all the things she loves in one sweet little spot. The #SOBestFriendsForFrosting Airbnb is a fun and completely pinworthy extension of Melissa’s happy, happy brand. Take the full tour captured by Ashley Baumgartner and Andy Johnson below!

The #SOBestFriendsForFrosting Airbnb was designed to give the Best Friends For Frosting website’s viewers a real life experience of the brand. The Airbnb itself was named after the #SOBestFriendsForFrosting hashtag which has over 115,000 shares.

Front Porch

Pineapple Door Bell | Door Color: Kelly Moore Paint: “Skinny Dip” | Pineapple Door Mat | Plant & Porch Light: IKEA

Living Room

Dining Room

Dining Room Table & Chairs from IKEA | Brass Sputnik Chandlier | Bar Cart C/O Z Gallerie

Johnson combined her inspiration from the Best Friends For Frosting community and recent projects, to design each room herself. All elements of the home were crafted to reflect the popular and ever-growing brand.