I dare you not to fall head over heals for this sweet, sweet couple. It’s downright impossible when you take one look at their 31st anniversary images shot by their daughter, Michelle Boyd Photography. And the setting makes it all the more sweet. With their hill country land as the backdrop, these two read heart-felt love letters to each other and kissed their way through one of the most heartfelt photoshoots we’ve come across. If that’s not a perfect Valentine’s combo, then we don’t know what is.

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From the Photographer… While it’s incredibly special to photograph my clients everyday, this session has a dear and very tender place in my heart. Throughout my life I’ve told my parents that I hope I can love my husband just half as well as they love each other – because then I know we’ll have a beautiful marriage. My parents, Marcel and Missy, have been married for 31 years, and been together for even longer than that. My mom worked in a country western clothing store, and my dad walked in one day and, as they say, the rest is history. They lived overseas for many years, and were married at the registrar’s office in Norwich, England, and had a small party afterwards with a few close friends. Thirty-one years later, my parents are building their forever home in the quaint and charming town of Bandera, TX. The best way I can describe the area is that it’s a photographer’s hill-country heaven! Rolling hills, golden sunsets, and beautiful trees that my parents planted themselves. I thought it would be so fun to celebrate my parents’ marriage on the land they’ll live on forever, and so I chatted with my mom about doing a little “vow-renewel session,” or simply an anniversary session. We found a dress (two, actually!), and they both wrote letters to each other that were beautifully transcribed by Samantha of Wondrous Whimsy. Here’s what my mom had to share about the experience…

“We didn’t really have plans to actually re-new our vows, just to celebrate a milestone anniversary. When Michelle suggested we re-new our vows and commemorate the occasion with her beautiful photographs, we knew it was something that would mean so much to both of us. I don’t like to get dressed up. I’m more comfortable in flip flops and shorts out working in the yard. So when Michelle suggested we do this all out, I wasn’t really convinced right at first. Then we went dress shopping. In 1985, we got married in a registrars office while living overseas in England, it was a very small affair with a few friends, and I didn’t have a wedding dress for the occasion. So when we initially went to shop for a dress, I wasn’t planning on a long fancy anything. Then I put on the dress and immediately it brought tears to my eyes… And to Michelle’s. You can say you never had those dreams of a beautiful dress, that you’re not into that kind of girly thing, BUT…. I felt so special in that dress. Then there is hair and makeup. I had never had my hair and make up ‘done’ before, but I allowed myself the indulgence, and it was truly magical. Not that the makeup made me look different, it was so natural it looked like me, but the difference was it lasted all day, my hair stayed in place forever, and in pictures it looked so flawless… God has blessed my husband and I with two beautiful children and a wonderful son in law. But even before that, He blessed us with each other. Over the past 30+ years, He has kept us strong in each other. Life is too busy. It was so amazing to be still for a moment in time and celebrate God’s blessings in our marriage and in our family, and to have all of them there with us meant so much to us. I am very blessed to have a daughter whose heart is bigger than the sky and who is so passionate about what she does. I am also blessed to have a daughter who also happens to be a photographer. You never know where this life will take you, but through her photographs, we will remember the love and commitment my husband and I have for each other and the beautiful blessings of family.” –Missy

Photographing this session reminded me, yet again, of how important it is to celebrate your family. It was an absolute joy to spend time with my parents, and to allow them to just celebrate what an accomplishment 31 years is! This is a day I will never forget.

Photography: Michelle Boyd Photography | Florals: Bristol Lane Florals | Hair & Makeup: Crown of Glory | Calligraphy: Wondrous Whimsy | Wedding & Evening Gowns: BHLDN

Someone recently asked me if I would have done anything different on my wedding day. The only thing? I would have hired a cinematographer. I love, love, love my wedding photos, don’t get me wrong—but there’s something so wonderful about having the laughter and happy tears in motion too, and this film from Reel Eyes Media hits it home. High School sweethearts surround by their friends and family (and bridal party of 16!)—what more could you ask for?

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From the Bride… Robbie and I went to the same high school in Fresno and had a few classes together. We engaged in playful banter, but outside of math class, we didn’t really hang out. Robbie was a year older (and cooler) and graduated before I did. We didn’t see each other for 12 years.

We “remet” in 2012 at a mutual friend’s party in San Francisco. We happened to both be with dates, but we basically just fell in love with each other and ended up leaving together! We had a long distance relationship for a year and half, before Robbie made the big move out of his hometown that he’d never left so we could be together.

Robbie and I fell for each other because of our adventurous personalities and zest for life, we think we’re a team of explorers. Holly Farm is beautifully overgrown with a jungle/garden feel with many nooks to get lost and wander in. It’s truly a magical experience. You step into another world. We chose Carmel as a location because that was our first weekend away and where Robbie first said I love you to me (we’d been dating three weeks!).

We’re both amazed by space exploration so we used table names such as “Rocket Man” and “Cosmic Rays”. We had a draw your own constellation chart as a “guest book”, a telescope, and globe. We used antique candelabras to go along the long tables with long garlands for a midnight summer’s dream feel.

On the bar we had a sign that read “What’s Your Spirit Animal?” to inspire conversation. And an Alice and Wonderland Quote on display that read “Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.” Colors were all over the place actually. Just all bright and uplifting (mainly blues, greens and yellows), which is what we were going for. The ceremony musicians played the theme song from Pride and Prejudice when I walked down the aisle. Overall, we were going for wild and beautiful!

We had our closest friends from childhood, high school, college and beyond. I had a bridal party of 10 with my little sister as my maid of honor. Robbie had six groomsmen with his little brother as the best man. They both gave hilarious killer speeches! My grandfather and I danced together, one of my favorite moments. Everyone had blast, drank and ate a lot, (the churro bar was out of this world!)

Photography: Michelle Warren Photography | Videography: Reel Eyes Media | Coordination: Swoon California | Florist: Laughing Gal Floral | Wedding Dress: Katie May | Cake: Layers Sensational Cakes | Catering: La Creme | Hair and Makeup: Julissa Garcia & The Refinery | DJ: DJ Antonio | Grooms Attire: Calvin Klein | Officiant: Brian Lyke | Wedding Venue: Holly Farm | Hair/Makeup: Kim Larson | Paper Products : Lucky To Be In Love | Wedding Veil: Untamed Petals

This celebration is the epitome of dreamy garden wedding with the prettiest color scheme to boot. It evokes all the beauty of Fall with lush, layered blooms by Amanda Burnette, garland infused everything, cozy, family-style tablescapes and loads of gorgeous imagery by Ashley Cox Photography. See why Fall weddings are some of our absolute favorites with even more in the vault.

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From the Bride… Ross and I met at a mutual friend’s going away party here in DC, in early August 2014. He had sauntered over to our group to chat with our friend about her upcoming trip to Zimbabwe and pretty soon it was just the two of us talking and flirting for the rest of the evening. Right away I was charmed by his wit, intelligence, and adorable accent (he’s South African). Not much has changed! A year and a half later, as 2015 started to come to a close, we began talking more earnestly about what kind of wedding we’d like and both felt that an intimate garden wedding seemed to fit our style best – someplace home-like, where guests could stay the night and chat into the wee hours of the morning. We wanted it to feel like a retreat, with some fun activities planned (hello wine tour!) as well as free time to relax. When we visited The Clifton Inn, outside of Charlottesville, we knew it was the perfect fit for us – an easy distance from DC, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, with an understated elegance and romantic charm. We wanted everything to feel natural but not overdone, and kept that theme in mind when deciding on the other details – from our simple and classic wedding attire, the lush and loose floral design, and a family-style meal served on long king tables. Like any modern bride, I definitely referenced Pinterest for ideas, but once the overall look was established, left many of the details in the capable hands of our amazing vendors. Early on I knew that I wanted to teach myself calligraphy and create all of the wedding paper products, from envelope addressing to the seating chart. The invitation design was a family affair – Ross and I collaborated on the invitation design and his talented mother created the custom watercolor for us, which we used throughout the wedding. However, what I didn’t expect in learning calligraphy was a love for the craft that has grown and developed into a new business for us! One of the more special and bittersweet moments of the day was walking down the aisle with my mom. My father passed away when I was in college, and having my mom next to me was both a moment that reflected our strong relationship, as well as kept him in my thoughts as I went to marry the love of my life. We honored my father in the ceremony by talking about his kind spirit and love of horticulture, which seemed duly appropriate as we said our ‘I do’s’ in the garden. The result was an unforgettable day that perfectly reflected us and our loving community of friends and family.

Photography: Ashley Cox Photography | Floral Design: Amanda Burnette | Wedding Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Hair + Makeup: Daphne Latham | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Wedding Venue: The Clifton Inn | Bridesmaids Dress: Reformation | Bridesmaids' Dress: Asos | Calligraphy + Design: Lacquer | Month of Coordination: Rachael McKenzie Events

There’s saying “I do” in paradise, and then there’s saying “I do” at Morada Bay in the Florida Keys. The former is always awesome, but the latter? It will rock your wedding world. From the crystal blue ocean backdrop to the uber-talented staff to the laid-back charm that bursts from every moment, this is a place where celebrating your nuptials is the epitome of dreamy. Scroll to learn more.

Located in the heart of Islamorada, Florida, Morada Bay is the sort of casually elegant resort you and your special someone have been looking for. From their amazing restaurant options (hello, Morada Bay Beach Cafe and Pierre’s Restaurant & Lounge) to their talented staff to their luxurious accommodations you’ll never want to leave, Morada Bay is that sweet locale where everything you’ve ever wanted really and truly becomes reality. I’m talking “I do’s” with your toes in the sand followed up by a seaside reception with the salty breeze in your hair. It’s absolute magic.

Whether you dream of a small, intimate celebration or something much larger, Morada Bay can accommodate you AND your guests with their stunning venue options and talented staff that happens to know everything about hosting the world’s most fabulous wedding. They’ll even refer you to the perfect vendors to make your day come together, plus walk with you step by step on the day-of to guarantee a celebration that goes off without a hitch. Oh, and did I mention the amazing weather and activities you can find in the Florida Keys? Sooo fun.

Contact Morada Bay TODAY at 305-664-8414 or events-catering@moradabay.com to start planning that wedding meets vacay of your dreams.

We learned some pretty hair tricks to get into the Valentine spirit on Friday, and now we’re ready for the finishing touches, just in time for our romantic dinner date this evening. In the spirt of all things sweet, this “Chocolate Smokey Eye” tutorial by Face Time Beauty Concierge is the perfect little piece to amp up your look for a special celebration. You Look Lovely Photography captured it all step-by-step, making it as easy as can be… now, if only your chocolate souffle plans were as simple…

Some people opt to do a smokey eye before any other makeup is completed but we actually prefer to begin with a completed face before starting a smokey eye. It is much easier for us to envision how heavy the smokey eye should be if we are able to consider the perfected complexion. In this tutorial, we started with a “completed” face and have swept a soft layer of translucent powder over the eyelid for blending purposes.

Sweep a tan/beige over the entire lid and a bit above the crease. Be sure to choose a color that is not too dark. A beige hue with a hint of pink can brighten up the eye and be a great base.

Pick a darker brown (this is where the “chocolate brown” hue comes in handy) and focus on the sideways “v” of the eye in the outer corners. For example, sparingly sweep the chocolate brown from the outer corner inward and a touch above the crease line and then brush back to the outer point of the “v” and down towards the lash line. This gives the eye definition and depth.

If needed, grab the soft beige or tan color used in step #2 to soften the chocolate brown (this is helpful if you want to soften the look). Also, use a gold or silver tone (the brighter you go, the more contrast) right in the center of the lid to reflect light for illumination.

Use the chocolate brown shadow to create a soft, smokey line on the bottom lash line. Be sure to blend this so the powder disperses and the line does not read too harsh. Draw a thin line of black or deep brown kohl liner on top lash line and use a brush to blend (we love the eyeliner by the new Estee Lauder line, Estee Edit). The idea is to get the darkest hue closest to the lash line and then for the depth of color to disperse as it gets closer to the brow.

Photography: You Look Lovely Photography | Hair + Makeup: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Venue: Face Time Beauty Concierge | Flower Crowns: Crowns By Christy | Robes: Girl and A Serious Dream

Valentine’s Day is kind of a big deal around this corner of the Internet, and there’s no better way to kick off this day o’ love than a wildly romantic bridal session. With Paris playing backdrop, Kristin Sweeting’s images prove you don’t have to wear a white dress to look (and feel) every bit the bride. Hop to the gallery for more glimpses of this red hot bridal session done right.

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P.S. How to Celebrate Valentine’s This Year!

Valentine's Date Ideas

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Valentine's Date Ideas

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Photography: Kristin Sweeting Photography | Dress/Jacket: Leanne Marshall | Invites: Olive Juice Press

A french inspired fête in the middle of Texas? Yes, please! This beauty blends two cultures in the prettiest of ways with a stunning color palette and details that have the feel of an alfresco affair in France. Planned and designed by Lindsey Zamora, along with gorgeous florals by Pollen Events and all that beauty captured by Becca Lea, hop on over to the vault for so much more.

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From the Event Designer… It is always my goal to create and plan an event that is uniquely personal to my clients as a couple. Catherine and Vishal hired me about nine months prior to their wedding because Catherine was feeling overwhelmed, as most brides do, about the wedding planning process. This multi cultural Indian/American wedding was more American in style but it was still important to my clients to bring in some traditional Indian elements. Nature and the outdoors were very important and we found a private residence to host their event. The Wedding took place during the Fall season in Texas. When Catherine and I had our creative meeting, she told me about her dream of an outdoor fete that was “very French”. She gravitated towards dusty blue and blush colors, which seemed a bit spring, in my opinion. After some deliberation we decided that pops of cranberry would accent the color palette well and fit in with the Fall season. Deep red also a symbolizes love in Indian weddings which was a great way to infuse the two cultures together a bit more. After months of designing, planning and much anticipation Catherine and Vishal were married under the most beautiful floral chandelier in front of 120 friends and family. They later dinned, laughed and danced the night away under festoon lights. Both, Catherine and Vishal are such beautiful people both inside and out and I so loved working with them to plan and design their wedding day!

Photography: Becca Lea Photography | Event Planning + Design: Lindsey Zamora | Floral Design: Pollen Events | Wedding Dress: Truvelle | Cake: The Cake Guys | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaid dresses: Donna Morgan | Catering: Urban Crust | Hair and Makeup : Q Makeup & Hair Artistry | DJ: Le Force Entertainment | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Officiant: Alternative Wedding Services | Bridal Boutique : a&be bridal shop | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Ring Dishes: Luca & James

It’s no secret that we fully embrace all things pink at Style Me Pretty year round. But when Valentine’s Day comes around? We like to take it up a notch. From the prettiest blush wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses to bouquets and cakes. And today, we’re adding shoes to the list. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

Pretty in Pink Shoes

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Pretty in Pink Shoes

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When all is said and done, your wedding day is going to be one of the best days of your life — you’ve got the man (or woman), you’ve got the dress, and you’ve got every little detail planned to perfection. And because you don’t want to look back on the big day with any regrets, we’re sharing the advice of real brides and grooms who took to Reddit to keep others from making the same mistakes.

“I regret being so stressed out during the planning process… at the end of the day the whole thing turned out perfect. I also regret never wanting a wedding in the first place. My husband was the one who wanted the ceremony and reception and I just wanted a city hall ceremony and dinner after. So glad we went when my husbands choice because I loved every minute of that day.” —baby_blue_bird

“I wish I had asked the officiant to tell people to put their cellphones away. We have so many lovely shots of the ceremony but in every one there are people in the background holding up cellphones so you can’t see their faces.” — alexgodden

“I think I would have rather taken our $1,000 that we put into it and gone on a mini vacation.” —RealHipsterGlasses

“I regret letting my stress show during the wedding. No one would… listen and I was really bad at hiding how frustrated I was. And I regret trying SO HARD to stay exactly on schedule and fix things myself that I missed time with guests.” —awfulatmakingnames

“Getting so worked up right before the ceremony. I hardly remember a thing about it because I was so close to fainting through half of it. Take a breath, take another. Don’t rush around trying to get everyone in the right place because something will mess up. It’s going to happen, and the sooner you accept that, the less of a big deal it seems.” —Majikone

“I regret not asking for help during the planning process. If people want to help, let them and trust them to get it done. I can be a bit controlling with this stuff so no one wanted to get in my way so I needed to let people in more instead of feeling alone and stressed.” —mickeyfartpants

“The stress, the fights, the silliness but also not standing up more for myself. But when it came down to it everything was perfect looked great and those stupid things didn’t matter, just caused issues for the future. But thankfully I married the right man and he stands by me.” —atibabykt

“Not a bride but a recent groom. I regret not having the priest not announcing ‘No photography’ at the beginning of the service. We have some awesome shots ruined by people sticking their heads out in the isle while she was walking down.” —incubus512

“I wish I would have broken in my shoes. They were flats, so I didn’t think they needed breaking in, but by 10pm (after wearing them for 7 hours) they started forming a blister on my heel.” —Use_the_Loofah

“Shit went to hell at my wedding… My regret? That I didn’t say fuck it and get super drunk like the rest of them and just enjoyed it. All I look back on is what went wrong, all the guests look back on is what a party it was. And my dress. Dang thing was too poofy.” —Kcolby

They say find the venue first and the rest will fall into place. So now that you’ve signed on the dotted line for the world’s coolest spot to throw a wedding, it’s time to focus on the most important piece of clothing you’ll ever wear: your dress. But how do you narrow down the look that will work best with your locale? Well, Madison James is here to help. Think rich new fabrics + unique designs that are perfect for you, no matter your venue style. Scroll for tips on choosing the right one.

GLAM HOTEL IN THE CITY

We’re never ones to turn down an invitation to a fabulous city wedding and when it comes to the detail we love the most, hands down, it’s the gown. Go for something seriously striking from The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James, like a mermaid style with contrasting beadwork, a ruffled tapered skirt with an illusion lace neckline or a feminine number (hello, keyhole back) that really shows off your curves.

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SEASIDE AFFAIR

We’re all for saying “I do” with our toes in the sand, but just because the waves are crashing nearby doesn’t mean you can’t get your fancy on.  For destination soirees, try a style from The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James that is equal parts chic AND minimalistic, so that the true beauty of the landscape – and YOU! – can really stand out.

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GLITZY BALLROOM

You may be one part boho chic lady and one part traditional enthusiast, but now that you’ve chosen a luxe ballroom to celebrate your nuptials, really focusing on a look that embodies all of that glitzy glamour is key. The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James are chock-full of fabulous options, but we suggest a mermaid silhouette with ruffles galore to really make a statement.

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VINTAGE MANSION

Vintage-inspired nuptials are all about the pretty details, so now that you’ve found that Jane Austen-esque mansion perfect for your “I do’s”, we’re all about finding a gown that is covered in soft french lace and boasts subtle, yet drop-dead gorgeous touches. Think crystal beading and delicate straps and you are sooo on the right track. (Hint: The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James have all of that.)

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GARDEN PARTY

Tying the knot surrounded by beautiful flowers is the equivalent of a modern day fairy tale, but the awe-inspiring surroundings shouldn’t be the only thing that leaves your guests talking. With the new Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James, you’ll find a whole host of amazing gowns that will work perfectly, but we’re totally on board with a haute couture design dripping in beautiful flowers with a stunning architectural train.

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PREPPY COUNTRY CLUB

Preppy country club weddings? Sort of our jam here at SMP. And when it comes to choosing a gown for those traditional meets stripe-filled celebrations, we say stick with the classics. Think anything from A-line beauties to sweet flowy numbers to fab fit and flares. Our fave? A silky smooth Mikado gown with a breathtaking trumpet skirt from The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James… it’s awesome.

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Whether you plan on celebrating in grand style on a rooftop in the city or simply want to say “I do” to the one you love while feeling the warm ocean breeze in your hair, The Spring 2017 Collections from Madison James have a venue-perfect gown that will make your hearts sooo happy. Head to Madison James today to find your dream gown… you’re going to love them all.

Let’s be real, one of the best parts of the wedding is when it’s over and you can jet off on your dream honeymoon. Sure, romance awaits in Paris or adventure in South Africa, but what’s new and hot in honeymoons? Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato, is here to share the five hottest honeymoon destinations of 2017. So, grab your passport and your honey, and darling, let’s be adventurous!

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FINLAND

Finland is a natural beauty. Explore it’s snow covered landscape in the winter and marvel at the Northern lights or get great lake views and green forestry in the summer. Finland is also in the heart of other Scandinavian countries that are easily accessible (such as Stockholm and Helsinki). This means quick visits to bustling cities amidst a secluded wedding ceremony are very much possible. Not yet as popular as other parts of Scandinavia, Finland benefits from far fewer crowds but just as many delights.

While there, we recommend staying at the friendly HavsVidden hotel — you won’t be disappointed with the incredible Baltic Sea views at this stylish & chic eco-friendly hotel. While there you can sail down from various Scandi seaports or board a super short flight from Stockholm or Helsinki into Mariehamn, where you’ll be driven a scenic 45 minutes up to HavsVidden, just off the Havsviddsvägen trail. Bursting with open-air activities both on and off shore, the HavsVidden is prepared for everything from incredible wreck-diving to unforgettable wildlife and nature experiences.
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VIETNAM

Vietnam is amazing for a couple with a palette for flavorful cuisine. Offering some of the most sensational food, have a stunning beach wedding along one of the many sandy beaches and bask in the culture inspired by a bit of French elegance. The region also has beautiful jungles, dreamlike waters and majestic mountains waiting to be explored. Not to mention, the cost of hosting an extravagant wedding is a lot more manageable here. If you’re looking for things to do with guests during downtime, trips to the temples of Cambodia or strolls through the urban centers of Vietnam can’t be missed.

For ultimate rest & relaxation post wedding, look no further than Song Saa — a picture perfect beach, exquisite tropical reef and an unspoiled virgin rainforest all set on a couple of little known islands floating in the Gulf of Thailand. Made up of not one but two islands connected only by a footbridge, Song Saa means ‘The Sweethearts’ and for those of you looking for the perfect honeymoon, this is just the place.
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OMAN

Oman is an excellent honeymoon spot — a sandy playground rich with sand dunes and culture, this Arabian oasis is great for an intimate retreat. The region itself is relatively unknown to the average traveler — this means you’ll have charming beaches, lively souks and magnificent dunes to explore all to yourself. Some fantastic hotels that can’t be missed include The Chedi Muscat, Al Bustan Palace and Sahab Hotel. Make sure to make your way to Muscat, the capital of Oman, to explore all the rich culture that this city has to offer. Visit the Grand Mosque for it’s remarkable architecture, before you head over to one of the oldest markets in the Arab Would, Mutrah Souq, and stop in for lunch with an unforgettable view at the Mumtaz Mahal.
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URUGUAY

Uruguay is also great for the honeymooners that want an authentic South American experience. It boasts quaint colonial towns, hip costal villages and amazing vineyards. Uruguay is also quite lively — lounge away the days and go out for a real party experience at night.

Stay in Playa Vik Jose Ignacio, one of the extraordinary contemporary art hotels owned by Alexander Vik. Standing above the shores of Playa Mansa at Jose Ignacio your oceanside retreat awaits you. Take a stroll along the endless beach to find a restaurant that serves the freshest fish daily or have a bonfire on the beach with friends before returning to dine at Parillero under a ceiling made of canes. If quirky architecture is your thing, take a 10-minute drive along the coast to Puente Laguna Garzón, famed for its circular shaped lagoon crossing. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, who also lays claim to London’s Walkie Talkie, the structure allows people to enjoy the panoramic views by slowing the speed of cars.
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FRENCH POLYNESIA

The islands of French Polynesia provide the ultimate escape for romance and relaxation. Golden beaches, sun and sea are just par for the course when vacationing here. Spend your days lounging in your own private villa and your nights sipping on cocktails in a hammock. Your honeymoon is guaranteed to be an amazing trip with picturesque views and tranquility.

For a taste of island bliss, stay at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort nestled in the island of Moorea where you can head to the crystal clear ocean to take in some water sports or sit on the private deck of your over-water bungalow as you sip champagne with the accompaniment of the serene sunset view. The St. Regis Bora Bora and Le Taha’a are also amazing. The tropical paradise of Bora Bora offers lush jungles, turquoise seas, and pristine coral reefs – everything is ripe for exploration. Le Taha’a has white sandy shores leading to tropical lagoon waters, stunning views of surrounding Polynesian islands and sunsets melting into the horizon.
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Wherever Greg Finck points his lens, pretty is bound to follow. Case in point? This Istanbul, Turkey wedding that combines cultural beauty and classic romance for a day that’s sure to inspire. Have a peek at the photos and don’t miss the bride’s perspective on destination wedding planning below.

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From the Bride… My husband and I got engaged on our 8-year anniversary, in Bodrum Turkey. He is Jewish Turkish (though was born in Switzerland and grew up in London), while I am Christian British (born in Belgium and grew up in the Turks and Caicos Islands). With all these factors at play, we had thought for a long time where we would get married and what type of ceremony we would have. As we both deeply respect each other’s culture and religion, we decided to have a ceremony that would combine both.

There are a number of reasons why we chose Istanbul rather than any other location, but the main reason is because it is a country I have come to love since I met Igal, and we wanted to share this with family and friends who didn’t know it. Not even my siblings had been! It is a magical place. It did, however, turn out to be a much more stressful choice of location than originally planned. In the months leading up to the wedding, there were a number of terror attacks in Istanbul, including the bombing of the international airport. I wondered about the safety of our guests, whether anything else would happen and if it was a good idea to go ahead as planned. I know that all weddings are emotional, but the run up to ours felt especially so. The flood of emails and phone calls from family and friends who told us that they would be there come what may, made Igal and I feel loved and supported beyond belief. And so the wedding went ahead as planned.

After researching a huge number of venues across Turkey, we visited Esma Sultan and fell in love. It was the perfect combination of old and new. We had been looking for somewhere with some history, but that was also modern and a bit different. Esma Sultan is exactly this. It is an old mansion originally built in 1875 and gifted to Esma Sultan, the daughter of an Ottoman Sultan. In 1975, it was destroyed in a fire. It has since been redeveloped, keeping its original brick exterior and a new glass and steel structure on the inside. It sits on the edge of the Bosphorus, next to the Ortakoy Mosque and overlooking the Bosphorus Bridge. Having found our venue, I was able to properly start planning.

My color palette was the palest of pink/blush, gold and white/cream. My flowers of choice were peonies, hydrangeas, baby’s breath and roses. My dream for the ceremony was to have a chuppah with draping flowers and white chairs lined with baby’s breath. For dinner, my mum and I wanted pale pink tablecloths and a centerpiece of smaller flowers and twinkling candles. Instead of numbers for the tables, Igal and I created doubled sided images with photos of us in different cities around the world. This way, everyone was sat in a ‘place’ rather than at a numbered table. Because of Igal and I’s international background and friends, we tried to weave in an international theme. I think the wedding planner described my vision as very romantic.

As I am quite a sentimental person, I wanted to have with me on the day, items from ‘my people’. My best friend bought me my blue garter, my sister bought my sparkly ‘I do’ blue underwear, I borrowed my mother’s earrings and wore my grandmother’s old locket, and of course my necklace and ring from Igal. We also wanted to give everyone we loved a role to play on our day. My sisters signed our marriage certificate and ketubah, my brother was the MC, Igal’s brother was best man, family and friends were our bridesmaids and ushers, our mothers did readings (which are ones that my mum has had on the wall in our home for as long as I can remember), our whole family walked down the aisle, and I made my two best guy friends ‘honorary ushers’ as they would have been bridesmaids if they were girls!

There were also a few fun Turkish details and traditions that we included. While the guests waited for us to arrive, the amazing whirling dervishes performed. Igal and I then entered followed the sound of six drummers who came in before us. This is traditional at Turkish weddings and made for a very fun entrance!

At Jewish weddings, everyone gets up and does the horah once the bride and groom have entered the room, but before you sit down for dinner. The drums created an upbeat atmosphere to get everyone on their feet. Seeing my parents and brother be lifted up on chairs was one of my favorite moments of the wedding. As they are not Jewish, this isn’t a tradition they know, but they had big smiles on their faces. Because of where and how Igal and I grew up, we had about 230 guests at the wedding from around 40 countries, and seeing everyone experiencing and enjoying something new was a highlight for us. In fact, we both agreed that sitting back and realizing that all of your favorite people are in one room, getting along and having a good time was just the best feeling.

Photography: Greg Finck Photography | Cinematography: Ufuk Sarisen | Event Planning: Davet Creative Group | Floral Design: Davet Creative Group | Stationery: CHATHAM & CARON | Bride's Shoes: Tribut Ives Saint Laurent | Rings: Gumuchian | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Catering: Esma Sultan | Calligraphy: Quill London | Groom's Attire: Vakko | Wedding Venue: Esma Sultan | Accommodations: Armaggan Bosphorus Suites | Assistant Photographer: Marie Film Photographer | Bride's Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Robes: The Little Love Bird | Flower Girls' Dresses: Amaee Accessories | Ketubah: Jennifer Raichman Ketubah | Music, Sound & Lighting: Mix Music | Ring Box: The Mrs Box

Oh, Sonoma, you get me every time. You know just how to make those winery weddings shine in the prettiest of sunlight, and today’s fete from Milou and Olin is absolutely no exception. Every moment of this day was graced with a sun-soaked, vineyard backdrop like this. Wedding dreams? I’d say so. See more in The Vault!

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From Lucinda, the Bride… Lucky and I met at work, and were together for more than seven years when Lucky decided to get down on one knee. Our engagement was very romantic and every girl’s dream (will…at least mine). Lucky surprised me with a trip to Cabo (I thought we were going to Phoenix, AZ for work and we were literally in the Phoenix airport when Lucky gave me my plane ticket to Cabo and off we went). During our first night in Cabo he proposed to me during a private beach dinner.

Being from Colorado, we love being outside and really embrace the beauty of scenery. On top of embracing nature, we also share a passion of wine, so when it came to choosing a place to get married, it was very clear that wine country in California was perfect for us. Being out of state, I knew I couldn’t pull the wedding of our dreams off alone, so I found our wedding planner Lindsey Nickel, at Lovely Day Events. I would highly recommend future brides that are planning a destination wedding to use a wedding planner, we have never regretted that decision. I don’t know what we would have did without her. Lindsey did an amazing job and we couldn’t have put together the wedding we had without all her help, suggestions, and mastermind. She kept things stress free for us and literally took care of everything (she was the first person at the venue on the wedding day and the last one to leave). By having a wedding planner, our guests (and us) were really able to let loose and have a great time. We are still getting compliments from our guests on how this was the most beautiful and best wedding they have been too and the most fun they have ever had at a wedding, which is awesome!

During the wedding process, our goal and inspiration was for the wedding to be elegant, romantic, fairytaleish, and as much fun as only one could dream. During the planning process, I think if future brides pick the couple items that matter the most and focus on those. There are a lot of things to do during the planning process and things will not go as planned and letting things go and having someone help is key. With having a wedding planner, I knew I was staying on track and that things were being taking care of (during the planning process and the day of the wedding).

One area that was important to us was the venue, we knew the venue would set the vibe for the wedding. When we toured Gundlach Bundschu Winery there was an instant connection for us and we feel in love and felt at home. Not only was everyone there so hospitability (and they are every time we go!) it is a family owned, which is something else we were looking for (we didn’t want to me a number). The area where they host weddings is secluded and breathtaking surrounded by the vineyard and wine cave. It was perfect and exactly what we were looking for.

The actual wedding day, not going to lie, was the longest day. The time until the ceremony took forever – even the ceremony took forever. During the day, I was extremely nervous. Not because I was getting married but because I don’t like being the center of attention, and having everyone looking at me made me anxious. In order to help that, I was told to find Lucky and not look away, which I did and it took some of the pressure away… I felt like it was just Lucky and me. As slow as the day and ceremony took, the reception went lightning fast! Definitely try to take a deep breath and really embrace the moment, it is an awesome feeling being surrounded by people who love and care about you.

Since we had a destination wedding, we were hoping our guests would use this as a long weekend getaway, which people did. We had around 40 people travel to our wedding. People starting arriving on Thursday (the wedding was on a Friday) and the last group left Sunday evening. We loved this as it gave us more time with our guest and it took the pressure off at the actual wedding. We didn’t feel the urgency to make rounds because most of the people we had spent time with before the wedding or we would spend time with them after the wedding. This means our special day really lasted four days as we had events each day (wine tours, tastings, brunch, etc.), which is different than a traditional wedding near your home where everyone shows up for four to six hours and then it is done. Happy wedding planning, and enjoy every moment of it, it’ll go super fast!

Photography: Milou + Olin Photography | Event Design: Lovely Day Events | Event Planning: Lovely Day Events | Floral Design: Wine Country Flowers | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Cake: Crisp Bakeshop | Invitations: Sweet Zion Paperie | Catering: Park Avenue Catering | DJ: AMS Entertainment | Officiant: Weddings of Heart | Transportation: Woody's Wine Tours | Wedding Venue: Gundlach Bundschu Winery | Hair and Make-Up: Bella Bridal Hair & Makeup | Rentals: Bright Event Rentals

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Bella Bridal Hair & Makeup

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Tis the season for radiant reds, romantic gestures and festivities galore. Valentine’s Day is a day away and we’re in the mood to be surrounded by love and beauty – and just like that, Hello Blue Photo delivered this gem on our doorstep. With Rancho Las Lomas playing host, it’s a California winter wedding to remember – and perfect for putting us in the best mood for V-Day (these bridesmaids’ dresses!). See it all in our Vault right this way!

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From the Bride… Since I can remember I have always dreamed about having a winter wedding. My fiance and I also very much enjoy the winter seasons and all that goes along with it such as snowboarding, Christmas and snuggling together next to a warm fire. This was a large influence on deciding the type of wedding we wanted.

Our original idea was to get married in a snowy location, however guests would have had to travel too far or weather would have been too much of a concern for guests traveling up the mountain.

When we saw the Grand Salon (at Rancho Las Lomas) with its beautiful double-sided fireplace and overall warm feel of the room, we thought it was perfect! Not only did we love the reception room, but the location itself is beyond breathtaking. Everything about the location made us fall in love with the venue.

The very first photo I pinned (on my Pinterest board) was a photo of my bouquet. This was my inspiration for everything – the color palette, the theme for the wedding, the flowers and the décor. From there I chose a color palette of deep reds, golds, blushes and browns.

I love light and air-y style photography, which seemed to be the style of Hello Blue Photo too. I chose to reach out and meet with her. From the moment I met Christina, I knew she was the best! Right off the bat she seemed super personable and like she completely understood what I was looking for in a photographer. She really went above and beyond for us!

Shortly after we met with and hired Christina for photography, she shot our engagement photos. I was so blown away with how amazing the photos came out! I have gotten SO many compliments on them! Christina really understood my personal aesthetic and truly put her best effort into taking our pictures and making us feel completely comfortable. We felt like models for the day after our engagement session because that is exactly how she makes you feel. I just remember looking back and thinking “WOW that was so fun!”

After our engagement shoot we couldn’t WAIT to have her photograph our wedding. Sure enough Christina, along with her fantastic assistant Kristina, came through and our wedding photos have come out beyond our expectations! We could not have imagined a better photography crew to have on our big day. This was one of our best decisions we made! Christina also sent us a list of her recommended vendors, which was super helpful! So not only was she a wonderful photographer, but basically acted as a wedding planner for us as well. She truly goes above and beyond her photographer role, and we SO appreciated that!

Photography: Hello Blue | Videography: Love Is Cinema | Floral Design: La Petite Fleur Glendora | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Catering: Giracci Vineyards Farms | DJ: DJ Pros | Wedding Venue: Rancho Las Lomas | Bridal Boutique: Le Marriage | Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridal Veil: Bella Tiara | Make Up Artist: Design Visage

Ladies, I know the idea of a boudoir session can be intimidating—I felt the same way. But thankfully I overcame my shyness and did a quick session on my wedding day before meeting my groom. And you know what? It made for THE sweetest (and sexiest) gift for my Mr. the following Valentine’s Day. Case in point? These alluring images from Lisa Blume, styled by Atrendy Wedding with beautiful blooms from Holly Heider Chapple. Let the full gallery convince you even more.

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As much as we spend winter anticipating the new life of spring, a bride spends her morning anticipating the coming union with her groom. Years of dreaming, months of planning, the moment is finally almost here. Giving of yourself to someone for the rest of your life. That eager anticipation yet calm assurance was our inspiration for this shoot, shot in the gorgeous Goodstone Inn. Rather than designing details and props, we focused on the bride. Simple. Sensual. Natural. The greens in the room and the ivy outside inspired a neutral color palette. Soft lighting added a sense of elegance and grace. We chose lingerie and accessories that didn’t distract but enhanced the bride’s natural beauty and blended in to her surroundings.

Photography: Lisa Blume Photography | Event Design + Planning: Atrendy Wedding | Floral Design: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD | Wedding Dress: Temperly London | Shoes: Emmy London | Makeup: Amie Decker Beauty | Hair: Elegant Hair by Giselle | Venue: Goodstone Inn | Cover up & Necklace: Gibson Bespoke | Crown, Veil & Hair accessory: Melinda Rose Design | Earrings: Heidi Elnora Atelier | Garter: Heidi Elnora Atelier | Lace top: Heidi Elnora Atelier | Model: Katarina Pavic | Shoulder Necklace: Heidi Elnora Atelier | Vintage Robe: Gossamer

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Amie Decker Beauty

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Blending bright florals, modern prints and a yummy signature cocktail, this brunch party celebrated friendship, birthdays and really good food. Masterminded by Amber Weir along with blooms and corsages by Stella Bloom Designs and lots of gorgeous flower-filled shots courtesy of Lavender & Twine, get the low down on hosting your own perfectly brunchy soiree.

From Amber… As a Santa Barbara based Event Designer, I realized that I had never had the opportunity to sit down to a table that I had designed. Having an upcoming birthday, I decided to pull together an all star team of local vendors to treat my girlfriends to a decadent brunch, highlighting local food, drinks, and style.

I wanted my guests to feel pampered the moment they walked in, and gave each a chic floral corsage, Municipal Winemakes Sparkling Shiraz, and a Graperfuit Sage Cocktail. Seasons Catering put together a menu highlighting local farms and fresh seasonal ingredients – vibrant in taste and color.

We sat down to seasonal berry bowls with honey ricotta and homemade granola. We then brunched on a buffet of Grapefruite frisee salad, Dicken’s Bread toast with Pea Puree, frittata of mushrooms, leeks and goat cheese, asparagus with smoked salmon bundles, and rounded out by homemade muffins and scones with marmalade and whipped cream. The food was not only delicious but visually stunning.

For the overall design, I wanted to the space to feel fresh and modern with a balance of masculine and feminine details. I paired leather butterfly chairs with indigo mudcloth, geometrical print tablecloths with rich abundant pink tone florals. Copper, leather, and terra cotta elements rounded out the look.

My design would not have been complete without thanking my guests for their love and friendship. Thank you notes done in hand calligraphy were tucked in each napkin and individual place cards adorned each fork. The brunch was truly a celebration of love, friendship, and the city we call home!

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Best Brunch Cocktails

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Best Brunch Cocktails

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Photography: Lavender Twine | Event Design: Amber Weir | Floral Design: Stella Bloom Designs | Catering: Seasons Catering | Calligraphy: Sophia Loves Letters | Baker: Dicken's Bread Company | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Private Lounge: Seasons Catering | Rentals: Party Pleasers | Wine: Municipal Wine Makers

This couple celebrated the Chinese New Year with an epic wedding full of tradition and elegance! With flawless florals in all shades of red and pops of gold, the evening fully encompassed romance and love. Every single detail of the day of captured perfectly by Amalie Orrange Photography. Read their sweet love story below, told by the groom!

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From the groom… We first met in college at the University of Florida. I thought that Nicole was fun, outgoing, and beautiful. As they say, the rest is history. We lived together in downtown Orlando. I was starting a new job and Nicole was finishing up Physician Assistant school. Her dad, George, came to live with us for a while and brought Nicole’s childhood dog, Burrito, with him. We had a good era with George and decided to adopt Burrito. Now we have a 15 year old “savage” chihuahua.

When Nicole’s job took her to The Villages, we decided to move to Winter Garden to shorten her commute. We have settled into this charming old citrus town about 20 minutes outside Orlando, which has a nice downtown area in which we live. Nicole, Burrito, and I are a happy family! Our story started in the fall of 2015, when I knew I wanted to propose to Nicole. She had hinted about rings and what type she wanted, but I had kept saying “next year”, and we hadn’t actually been to the jewelry store.

At Thanksgiving, I spoke with George and asked for his blessing, which he gave. I talked to Jeff and Matt too, who were both excited. I planned to propose on Christmas Day when we were in Atlanta with my side of the family. On Christmas morning I was really nervous. Nicole kept asking me why I was acting weird, and I tried to brush that off. I had the ring wrapped up in a box, ready to go. I attached it to our dog, Burrito, and tried to get him to walk the ring over to Nicole. Burrito, of course, got scared and went to go hide in a corner. My family (who all knew what was happening) kept saying that Burrito had a gift for Nicole and then he finally made it over there. Nicole didn’t know it was coming, since we hadn’t actually looked at rings and that we had been talking about “next year”. When she opened the box, I took it from her, said some words, then got down on one knee and asked her to marry me.

My parents, G’Pa, Uncle Steve, and Aunt Laura were all there and had the champagne ready. We FaceTimed with Nicole’s family, and it was a beautiful day.

January 28th, 2017 is New Year’s Day on the lunar calendar. When we saw that Chinese New Year came on a Saturday in the window that we wanted to get married, we had to choose it as our wedding day. It is an auspicious day. We had a traditional Chinese tea ceremony with both of our families as well to tie into our heritage. We will be celebrating the year of the rooster. If you were born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, or 2005 then you are a rooster!

Photography: Amalie Orrange Photography | Videographer : Seltzer Films | Event Planning and Design : Big Day Celebrations | Floral Design : Flowers By Lesley | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake : Party Flavors | Invitations : Minted | Ceremony : Mission Inn Resort | Bridesmaids dresses : Amsale | Hair & Makeup : Makeover Station | DJ: Our DJ Rocks | Officiant : Our simple ceremony | Bridal Boutique: Calvet Couture Bridal | Candy Buffett: Florida Candy Buffets | Draping : Classic Event Decorating | Linen: Over The Top Linen | Mirror signs with Calligraphy : Two peas Designs | Photo booth : Photo Booth Rocks | Rentals: A Chair Affair | Wall draping : Classic Tents and Events | Wedding rings : Bay Hill Jewelers

This wedding day…where do we even start? The castle setting, the gorgeous bride (who’s also a professional model) and the Pronovias gown made for a modern princess. Of course, our girl Julie Paisley brought her A-game behind the camera lens and the wedding gallery truly speaks for itself.

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From Julie Paisley… When the inquiry came in from Stephanie, all I saw was Oheka Castle and I immediately jumped up and down. This place is AMAZING. Hands down one of the most beautiful venues ever. Add in Stephanie and Chris who are drop dead gorgeous (Stephanie is a professional model in NYC and Chris is a Jimmy Fallon look-a-like – don’t you agree?) along with a beautiful day and I just couldn’t stop smiling.

I love Stephanie’s classic style, it was the perfect fit for such an impressive venue. Some of my favorite parts was the ceremony – I loved all the expressions and emotions, the family formals in the library – so incredibly classy and gorgeous and that Stephanie had her brothers as her “bridesmen”. It was definitely one for the books.

Photography: Julie Paisley Photography | Floral Design: ARISTON FLOWERS | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: OHEKA CASTLE | Invitations: Minted | Makeup: MAKEUP BY XIOMARA | Hair : Angela's Hair Design | Lighting : Prestige Event & Décor | Wedding Venue: OHEKA CASTLE | Ceremony Musicians: Cello NYC

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it has us feeling even more mushy gushy and lovey-dovey than usual! It’s time for romantic date nights – and our favorites are the ones that skip the crowded restaurants and take place in the comfort of our own home. And with all these essentials at your disposal, it’s guaranteed to be an evening of delicious cuisine and even better company – XOXO!

Register for the Ultimate Date Night

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Register for the Ultimate Date Night

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The Smart Bride + Groom’s Guide to Wedding Registries

SMP’s Wedding Registry ABCs | Unique Wedding Registry Ideas | 10 Must-Have Registry Items

Some girls wish for chocolates for Valentine’s Day, other for red roses and others for jewelry. Me? I wish I lived in this dreamy wonderland, with florals by Tulipina, wedding dresses by Kelly Faetanini, Francesca Miranda from Lace & Bustle and Floravere and lace robes from Girl With a Serious Dream. Thankfully, Rebecca Yale is letting me live out my fantasy with all her stunning photos in The Vault!

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Floral Design: Tulipina - Kiana Underwood | Makeup and Hair: Katie Nash Beauty | Blush Wedding Dress: Kelly Faetanini | Bridal Boutique: Lace and Bustle Bridal | Floral Student: Seductive for Beauty | Floral Wedding Dress: Francesca Miranda | Model: scout model and talent | Robes and Bollero: Girl with a Serious Dream | V Neck Wedding Dress: Floravere

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Photography

Rebecca Yale Photography

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