Winter is one of those seasons that is cozy and beautiful without even really trying, which is why hosting your “I do’s” smack-dab in the midst of a snow-filled wonderland is such a great idea. But how to make it extra amazing? Well, today we’re teaming up with our friends at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino for some tips + tricks on doing just that. From yummy s’mores to rich hues, we’re counting down the guest-impressing list right here, right now.

TIP ONE: TREAT YOUR GUESTS TO TASTY SURPRISES

One of the reasons we love winter weddings so very, very much is all of the creative touches you can add to your ceremony + reception. And that includes yummy treats for you and your guests. Start by welcoming your nearest + dearest to your “I do’s” with a hot-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookie and skip the pre-ceremony cocktails and offer up a hot cocoa bar instead. Hint: Rock candy sticks are the perfect stirrers. Sooo good.

TIP TWO: EMBRACE WINTER COLORS, PATTERNS AND TONES

Winter is the season for luxurious hues with deep jewel tones, silver, gold and lots and lots of sparkle leading the pack. So incorporating these beautiful tones into your Big Day? A total must. Try adding a kick of color to your attire (hello, shoes), then focus on glamming up your ceremony + reception decor. It’s going to look beyond romantic.

TIP THREE: ADD SOME S’MORES TO THE SOIREE

No winter wedding is complete without a tasty s’mores bar… that’s just a fact. So when choosing the perfect venue to host your celebration, ask about fire pits like the ones at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. Your guests will LOVE whipping up those tasty treats fireside under the stars, complete with cozy blankets and the s’mores kits you had waiting in their rooms. It’s the perfect welcome to the weekend.

TIP FOUR: MAKE YOUR WELCOME GIFT A HELPFUL ONE

And speaking of welcome gifts… there’s nothing nicer than a sweet little bag of goodies for your guests when they arrive for the party of the century. We suggest including lip balm, hand warmers, custom earmuffs and a small whiskey bottle to keep your nearest + dearest warm throughout the entire party.

TIP FIVE: MAKE THE WEEKEND OR DAY EASY ON YOUR GUESTS

We all know winter weather is a little unpredictable, so choosing just ONE venue for the entire weekend is, well… the easiest way ever to accommodate all of your guests. I’m talking a sweet spot like Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, so your nearest + dearest can ditch running around town and really relax. Think a full-service salon and spa, on-site catering and restaurants, late-night activities and even in-house babysitting for the littles. We call that completely no stress.

SIX: DON’T SCRIMP ON PHOTO TIME

Your wedding day will go by in an absolute blur… trust us. So setting aside some real time to capture images of you + yours in your very own winter wonderland is key. And so is choosing a venue that will make the perfect background for all of those amazing shots. Think snow-capped mountains, sparkling icicles and oversized Evergreens. (Hint: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino has all of that.)

SEVEN: ADD WINTER WARMING DETAILS INTO YOUR FASHION

The best part about winter weddings? The fashion. Think brides rockin’ faux-fur stoles, bridesmaids with the cutest earmuffs and groomsmen in dapper tuxes. And winter fashion isn’t just stunning to look at – it’s pretty convenient, too – with hidden pockets for storing cell phones AND lipstick. Want to really set the mood? Buy your bridesmaids each a pair of cozy boots as a special gift. They’ll love you for it.

EIGHT: SAVE SOME MONEY ON FLOWERS

We love a beautiful bouquet, and when it comes to decorating your space in style, winter greenery and bright red berries is definitely where it’s at. Avoid those out-of-season floral costs by getting creative with year-round plants, then add the aforementioned seasonal elements to really make your centerpieces POP.

NINE: UPGRADE YOUR ARRIVAL

Three words: horse drawn sleigh. It’s romantic, fun and the best way ever to arrive at your reception when the ground is covered in snow. Your guests are going to love this one.

TEN: SAVE MONEY ON THE HONEYMOON

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino may be the world’s best place to host your winter celebration, but when it’s time to grab your love and rush off to paradise for your honeymoon, they have that covered, too. That’s because when you host your Big Day at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, you can earn up to five free (yes, FREE) honeymoon nights anywhere in the world. Learn more about it here.

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From the awe-inspiring Lake Tahoe to the snow-capped Sierra Mountain range in the distance, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is THE place to celebrate your “I do’s” in winter wonderland style. Think an elegant lake-view ballroom, icicle-clad cottages and snow covered everything. It’s romance times about a million with a talented staff just waiting to host your dream soiree. Oh, and those summer, spring and fall weddings? They can handle that, too. Contact them now to start planning those magical moments.

Photography: Suzie Dundas | Photography: Theilen Photography | Photography: Theilen Photography | Photography: Torrey Fox Photography

You spend countless hours shopping for just the right dress, so it’s only fitting to make sure “the one” is properly documented on the big day. You’ll get countless images IN your gown but it’s worth planning for the shots before you even slip it on. Forward to your photographer and you can thank us later!

The Getting Ready Shot

Show off that bridal glow the morning of your wedding with a photo holding your dress. You’ll want that as a moment to always remember and bonus points if you’ve got a cute robe worth capturing.

The Up Close Detail Shot

You agonized over choosing just the right dress, so make darn sure your photographer captures all the little details that make your gown so special. Intricate beading, antique lace – whatever the detail it’s worth a close-up.

The Classic Hanging Shot

This photo captures your gown in all its glory. Make sure you’ve got a simple, uncluttered backdrop and a pretty hanger on hand to set the scene just right.

Paired With Accessories Shot

A wedding dress makes quite the stunning backdrop to overlay with your shoes and accessories. It’s another opportunity to see the details of the gown and showcase how the full fashion look works together.

Paired With Bridesmaid Dresses Shot

You’ll surely be getting photos with your ladies in their gowns, but don’t forget to take an image of the dresses all hung in a row. Especially for the mismatched bridal party, this is a fun way to how complimentary gowns play off one another.

If you’re considering an elopement, can I persuade you to just DO it? Or, I should say—will you let Melia Lucida persuade you with these gorg captures? My husband and I almost did, and this day of love at Haiku Mill is exactly why. A day for just the two of you that can still be filled with so much pretty. Can you believe the Bride made her own dress? Wowza. I’m amazed. There’s more in The Vault to nudge you pretties.

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From Melia Lucida… This was a secret elopement for a Canadian couple who did not want the stress and attention of a wedding at home. The bride designed her crossover bollywood skirt (with pockets!) and top with a Vancouver designer and it was handmade in India. Her shoes were nude patent leather Valentino flats. The ceremony was on a rainy December morning in Haiku but the couple stood under the glass of the mill for an thoughtful ceremony by Meredith. Soon after the conclusion of the ceremony the couple’s first dance song began to play and while they danced the mocha cake was laid out beautifully with candles and a gold serving set the bride had purchased at West Elm. After a few photos around the Mill, which is a wonderful combination of lush Hawaiian garden and antique Parisian accents, the bride and groom enjoyed lunch at Mama’s Fish House in Paia while it rained heavily – by the time lunch was over the rain had cleared and they took a few more photos at Ho’okipa beach which provided a misty soft grey ocean backdrop with hardly anyone else around.

Photography: Melia Lucida | Event Planning: Lindsay Miller with Elements Luxury Events | Floral Design: Teresa Sena Designs | Jewelry: Leah Alexandra | Hair and Makeup : Meili Autumn Beauty | Officiant: Meredith Richmond | Venue: Haiku Mill

I’m kinda freaking out about this color palette; the dove gray bridesmaids’ dresses, the creams, the greens and those pops of burgundy. I would never have thought of this creative combination but it works oh so, so well. And Luna de Mare Photography captured it from every angle, on every detail and every moment of this intimate al fresco wedding. See it all – and get on board with these stunning shades – in our Vault gallery right this way!

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From Luna de Mare… Sherilyn and Alex were married on the grounds of Calamigos Equestrian, near stables housing majestic and beautiful horses. One of them even making a debut, long enough to pose with them during portraits.

Sherilyn decided on neutral tones for nearly all her elements, and introduced deep hues of burgundy and lush greens which were incorporated into the florals for contrast, for her warm, inviting and intimate wedding.

Guests mingled outdoors on the veranda during cocktail hour, and made their way into the reception shortly thereafter, awaiting the introduction of the new Bride and Groom.

Each of the paired attendants danced their choreographed way into the room filled with laughter and anticipation until finally the grand entrance, where the couple were greeted by boisterous welcomes and cheer. It was so much fun witnessing and capturing their beautiful day!

Photography: Luna de Mare Photography | Videography: Etcetera Productions | Floral Design: Vickie's Flowers | Cake: Porto's Bakery | Groom's Attire: High Society | Bridal Boutique: Shin Bu Bridal | Bride's Hair + Makeup: Jackie Su | Bridesmaids' Makeup: Yuri Sinata

Planning an engagement session is no small task. You may find yourself stressing over the perfect location, deciding what to wear, and of course, who to photograph all the fun. Well sit back and take notes from this couple who chose a concept a bit out of the box – a wintertime engagement session in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Tenth & Grace came along to capture and to say we’re obsessed is a massive understatement.

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From Tenth & Grace… Oklahoma is not known for its mountains, but Mount Scott in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a special spot that rises above much of the flat landscape in this state. It was such a picturesque spot for this winter engagement session! These two are getting married in Texas this spring but decided to venture into Oklahoma for their engagement session due to the unique scenery and stunning views. Leslie with Everly Alaine Florals created a beautiful bouquet that really complemented the cool tones of the mountains in December.

Photography: Tanya Menoni | Bouquet: Everly Alaine Florals

From first glance at that dress straight through to the reception, this wedding is all about the romance. Crafted by NYC Flower Project along with the image after gorgeous image by Sophie Kaye Photography, it’s awash in white with candles dotting the landscape and a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. And that, my friends, is the recipe for a truly beautiful day.

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From the Photographer… Set in the gorgeous Liberty House Restaurant overlooking the Manhattan skyline, Ruth & Irvin said their vows and wed surrounded by their closest family and friends. The day was wonderful despite the winter weather – a combination of a classic New York ceremony with details brought in via the bride and groom’s culture and religion. Neither Ruth nor Irvin let the rain stop them from beautiful outdoor couple photos behind their venue, with an amazing backdrop of New York City, and were smiling the whole time. Outfitted in a stunning BHLDN gown of the palest petal pink, Ruth opted for timeless hair and makeup. They married under the glow of string lights as the sun set, and shared their first kiss (that they had saved for their wedding day!)

Their reception was one of the most beautiful i’ve ever photographed, tables dressed in soft white and green with fresh florals and hundreds of candles. I always recommend my couples include a lot of ambient light in their reception and this couple went all out – illuminating the room from both the inside and out which made for some incredible photos. Ruth changed into a gorgeous short reception dress, also from BHLDN, that she had worn a few months before for her engagement photos. Irvin’s brother serenaded the crowd for the beginning – singing for the couples first dance and parent dances. After the toasts, which left everyone laughing, a live band took over for the rest of the night. It was truly a wonderful celebration and I was thrilled to end 2016 with such an amazing wedding.

Photography: Sophie Kaye Photography | Floral Design: NYC Flower Project | Cake: Carlo's Bakery | Hair and Makeup: Ai Love Hair | Band: Silver Arrow Band | Ceremony Dress: BHLDN | Liberty House: Liberty House Restaurant | Photography - Assistance: Leah Coppotelli | Reception Dress: BHLDN

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Silver Arrow Band

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Nobody, and I mean nobody, designs a wedding quite like Easton Events and this beauty of a day is the perfect example. Wanting a more intimate feel to the reception space, they brought in 30-foot trees for a cozy, woodland vibe…but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Design, The Left Handed Calligrapher, La Tavola and so many vendors brought their A-game to Jen and Shane’s wedding design and the payoff was major. See it all through the lens of Katie Stoops below.

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From Easton Events… Jen and Shane, both law school students at the University of Virginia, wanted their wedding to be a relaxed celebration with friends and family. The key components that were important to Jen included residential accents, touches of copper and rose gold and a nod to her family’s Colorado background. Cowhide rugs, reclaimed wood, succulents, lush woodland florals, and blue and gray tones mimicking the Rocky Mountains were a few of the décor elements that we so loved adding to the overall design.

In order to make the reception space feel intimate, which can be a difficult task for stationed dinners in large open rooms, we brought in 30+ ft trees, which provided a major impact. Additionally, this helped separate the dining and dancing into two separate areas. Her printed suite designed by Rock, Paper, Scissors and calligraphed by The Left Handed Calligrapher was another special detail. The inner envelopes of the wedding invitations were hand tea stained providing a very natural and organic feel to the full suite. Bad weather loomed in the forecast all day, so last minute, we added a Sperry Tent to the ceremony site and décor.

Photography: Katie Stoops Photography | Videography: Naz Films | Event Design + Styling: Easton Events | Floral Design: Southern Blooms | Wedding Dress: Lela Rose | Cake: Favorite Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Pippin Hill Farm | Reception Venue: Pippin Hill Farm | Catering: Pippin Hill Farm | Makeup: Anna Breeding | Hair: Moxie Hair & Body Lounge | Calligraphy: The Left Handed Calligrapher | Band: The Adrian Duke Project | Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Peter Richardson | Ceremony Chairs & Tabletop: Festive Fare | Ceremony Tent: Skyline Tent Company | Cocktail Tables: AFR Furniture Rental | Event Production: Easton Events | Food Truck: Carpe Donut | Lighting & AV: Blue Ridge AV & Lighting | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Lounge Furniture: Beehive Events | Printed Materials: Think Rock Paper Scissors | Printed Materials + Details: Think Rock Paper Scissors | Welcome Box: Marigold & Grey

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Event Planning

Easton Events

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We all know romance is the key ingredient to any successful wedding, so in honor of the official month of love, googly eyes and chocolate, we’re teaming up with Wedding Paper Divas to count down 24 of our fave romantic paper goods. From classic beauties to rustic pretties, we know Wedding Paper Divas has a Cupid-infused invite perfect for you and yours… no matter your style.

Drooling over Wedding Paper Divas’ lovely invites is a regular occurrence around these parts (even for those of us who have, ahem, long since tied the knot), but narrowing down 24 of our fave romantic stunners? That’s a new reason to party. And whether you are looking for the perfect way to set the stage for your vintage affair or simply want to let everyone know boots are required for your rustic celebration, Wedding Paper Divas has one gorgeous invite after another to choose from, plus a fab collection of other necessities you seriously can’t live without. (Hint: Save the Dates and reception decor.)

From amazing style options in foil-pressed (hello personalized foil!), letterpress, laser cut and thermography to beautiful, guest-impressing details (see: free address printing) to sweet invites boasting your smiling mugs, Wedding Paper Divas has a lock on just what you need to make your stationery suite POP… and all with a side of romance. Plus, each awesome invite is customizable when it comes to fonts + colors, so letting your unique personality shine through is easy AND a total must.

Valentine’s Day may be the official day of romance, but your wedding should, and will, take the cake. Visit Wedding Paper Divas TODAY to channel that l.o.v.e into your paper suite.

“What could be more romantic than a Valentine’s Day elopement?” That was the question that sparked this shoot kissed with color and a touch of whimsy. It’s the kind of inspiration that could easily translate to a Galentine’s Party, Bridal Shower, Wedding Day and beyond, and thanks to our girl, Lucy Munoz you’ve got an entire gallery to explore. Scroll on and let the pretty party begin.

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From Lucy Munoz… Our Valentine’s Day-inspired elopement took place in sunny Palm Springs. We wanted an open and vast landscape that complemented our colors and theme. We thought, “What could be more romantic than a Valentine’s Day elopement?”

Our real couple, Regina and Oscar made it super easy because they are truly, madly, and deeply in love! Alpha from Sweet Fuss gave Regina wavy locks and a fresh and natural glow. Regina is wearing this amazing gown from designer Stello (who was a former contestant on Project Runway). Our invitation suite is made by Alice of Lace and Lettering who creates the most gorgeous invites. The florals were made by Blue Ladder Botany. She created a bountiful arrangement which included orchids and overflowed with pink, blush, and red hues. Our cake was made by Elise cakes. We wanted a two-tier cake that was simple and sweet and one we felt that would complement the florals.

This shoot had everything we were looking for–a day filled with love, laughter and everything we’d hope for if we were eloping on Valentine’s Day!

Photography: Lucy Munoz | Floral Design: Blue Ladder Botany | Dress: Stello | Cake : Elise Cakes | Stationery: Lace & Lettering | Shoes : Alejandra G | Hair + Makeup: Sweet Fuss Hair & Makeup Artistry | Scans: The Find Lab | Tablescape Rentals: Cherished Rentals

This black tie affair doesn’t shy away from an abundance of garden roses. They’re everywhere courtesy of The Hidden Garden and with stunning floral details planned by Pryor Events and captured by Rebecca Yale Photography, it makes for a magical garden celebration set against the elegance of The Hotel Bel-Air. Get cozy with the full wedding right here.

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From Pryor Events… Julie and her Mom Pam were involved in every aspect of planning. They wanted the wedding to be gorgeous and timeless but not feel overdone. Invitations incorporated a custom branch motif with warm grey letterpress on thick cotton paper. A bright floral liner set the tone for the wedding’s décor. We incorporated the small detail of the branch throughout their wedding. Julie and Michael’s ceremony was held by the stunning Swan Lake. Most couples get married under the hotel’s gazebo but for a lovely twist Julie and Michael were married under a custom Birchwood chuppah by the grotto amidst the foliage of the hotel. We enhanced the garden setting with natural florals and greenery to maintain the organic beauty of the hotel. Ceremony chairs were wrapped in climbing vines and florals, which continued onto the Chuppah. Their ceremony took place after sundown, therefore lighting played a key role. The ceremony was dramatic but not overdone and it was incredibly romantic. Shades of blush, peach and grey continued in the ballroom flowers, linen and chairs. Oversize cafe au lait dahlias were placed throughout the decor, including on each guests’ place setting to carry the garden feel into the reception. Dinner began with heirloom pumpkin and almond tortelloni and finished with strawberry pavlova and several flavors of wedding cake. A warm white dance floor with custom lighting and an amazing band inspired endless dancing.

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Videography: BlueCat International | Coordination: Pryor Events | Flowers: The Hidden Garden | Wedding Dress: Mark Zunino | Wedding Cake: Hotel Bel Air | Invitations: William Ernest Brown | Lighting: Images By Lighting | Band : The Higher Ground | Favors: B. Toffee | Bridal Stylist: A Stitch In Time | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: The Bosco | Rentals: Town And Country

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Photography

Rebecca Yale Photography

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I was thissss close to doing an all white wedding (paired with champagne hues) and this Dallas affair from Mint Photography is exactly why. It’s classic. It’s timeless. And oh, is that my favorite kind of wedding my friends. Just one look at The Vault and you’ll be ooh-ing and ahh-ing too, I assure you.

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From Mint Photography… Kristi and Brent had an amazingly elegant winter wedding in Dallas. Kristi chose to keep the color scheme crisp with all white florals, and gorgeous white bridesmaids dresses. The outcome was stunning! We loved so much about this wedding, but what we especially love is that despite the rainy and chilly weather we were able to still capture beautiful naturally lit images! We always hope that our clients will trust us to capture cohesive images despite obstacles and we think this wedding shined even without a sunny day! P.S. How about those adorable pups and that custom hand painted bottle of Jo Malone! Obsessed.

From the Bride… In another life my twin sister and I would have been wedding planners. Instead, we are both dentists who throw a lot of parties for our friends and family. We’ve had a love for cake, parties, and design since we were little. I’ve always been extremely particular and detail oriented. White or as I say “cream” has been my favorite color since I was a little girl so much so that my furniture, car, and puppy are all white. White long stem roses are my favorite flowers and the winter holiday season is my most favorite time of year. The idea of all white roses and a winter wedding was a very easy decision for me. I did a play on the Christmas song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of Year” in reference to both our marriage and the holiday season. It was all the little details that I spent countless hours planning with the help of my twin sister. It was incredibly important to me to have personal touches that made the day special for not only me. but my husband and all of my family and friends.

My husband is the president of Dallas Safari Club Conservation Society and is a passionate and avid water fowl hunter. I had our party favors made by a local Dallas chocolatier which was special in itself as we both met and have a love for Dallas. Our party favors served as both a place card and favor, but most importantly as a personal touch of my husband. The party favors were gold dusted chocolate mallard ducks and turned out beautifully! Additioanally, his groomcake had our bird dog, Duckie, made of icing with a duck and our wedding videographer was actually a dear friend who films for Safari Classics, a hunting show.

We included our grandparents who celebrated with us from above by having a table at the reception in honor of each of them. A table was named for each of them and included their picture as well as a number to help with the seating chart. It was a really special way to pay tribute to them. Also, my grandparents’ wedding cake topper from 1947 was on display at the wedding. Lastly, our welcome boxes for out of town guests included gingerbread men cookies that my twin and I made from my grandmother’s cookie cutter and recipe since that was something we always did with her during the holidays.

For my bridesmaids, I treated them to a bridesmaid lunch at a quaint French restaurant. I did a play on “Cheers to Buds” and gifted them with a beautiful ornament of each of their dogs and earrings (ear buds) for the wedding since our fur babies are like our children to us.

The detail that was truly so special to me was my gift to my maid-of-honor and twin. I gifted her with a “twin ring” that I designed and my husband’s close friend who is a diamond dealer created for both of us. I had the stone taken out of old rings that we both had when we were little girls, but no longer wear, set in an intertwined diamond rose gold band to represent our lives that have been completlely intertwined. The stone happened to be a blue topaz which made our matching rings more special as topaz is the state gemstone of Texas where we are from. When I got engaged, my twin wanted a diamond ring to wear too. Now, my twin has her own diamond ring and a something blue. The rings will become heirlooms that we are able to pass on to our children for their weddings. She loves her ring and lights up telling everyone about the story behind it.

Other small details included a custom monogram that we used everywhere from stamps, wax seals, welcome boxes, menu cards, and programs. Instead of a photo booth, we created a photo back drop with Christmas tree where my photographers took family holiday pictures of our guests. We gifted our guests with these pictures for them to use for their Christmas cards if they wished. I love receiving Christmas cards so this was special for us to do since it’s not often that you have professional photographers available to snap family pictures!

One really unique thing about our wedding is that our wedding vendors are not only Dallas vendors. Our vendors are from all over Texas! Being that my twin and I have a love for cake, we fell in love with The Cake Stand, a bakery in McKinney, Texas when we stumbled across the bakery while doing a rotation in dental school. We’ve been getting all our cakes from them for years now, and I can’t tell you how many people comment on their cakes! All of my invitations were created by Emmalie Welstead from Crop Paper Scissor in Waco, Texas where my twin and I are from. She is amazing. She executes everything perfectly, and is the nicest person to work with. Our photographer is from Austin, Texas. Kelly from Mint Photography is incredible, and so easy to work with. She helped in so many ways beyond photogarphy on my wedding day. I spent a lot of time selecting my vendors and making sure that their personality and style matched my vision.

For our wedding I envisioned an all white winter wedding that was classic, elegant, and grand yet simple and not over the top. All of the special details and personal touches that Lacy and I planned truly achieved that vision and made the day filled with love for everyone.

Photography: Mint Photography | Videographer: Cameron Kuezner | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza | Cake: The Cake Stand | Invitations: Crop Paper Scissor | Ceremony Venue: Highland Park Presbyterian Church | Reception: The Room On Main | Rings: Davenport Diamonds | Bridesmaids Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Cn Catering | Makeup: Elan Makeup Studio | Hair: Osgood Oneil Salon | Band: Cover Down Band | Grooms Attire: J. Hillburn | Bridal Earrings: Gift from mother from London | Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Coordinating: The Avery Grace | Film Scans: Richard Photo Lab | Floral : Something Pretty Floral | Getting Ready + Details Location: Hotel Crescent Court | Photography - Assistance: Claire Casner

April showers bring May flowers, just in time for Pippa’s May 20th wedding date. True to tradition, Pippa is planning a church ceremony followed by a reception at her family home in Bucklebury, England and you better believe she’s going to bring her style A-game. Sneak a peek at the details our editors are predicting and while you’re at it, have a look back at her big sister’s royal nuptials here.

Pippa Middleton Wedding Predictions

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Pippa Middleton Wedding Predictions

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What to Expect at Pippa’s Wedding

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Steal Her Ring Style

Brilliant Earth | Rahaminov Diamonds | Marisa Perry

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Did you know that pomegranates are considered the best of luck in Greece? Did you also know that they make for gorgeous wedding decor? One luck at this gorgeous inspiration (and that dress!) from Lorraine Young + Adrian Wood Photography and you’ll quickly jump on the destination Corfu bandwagon. Carve out some time for this beauty with even more in the vault.

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From the Wedding Planner… The fine art editorial was made to keep us inspired through the early winter and the colors where very much inspired by the time of year but as we began to design we soon saw that the colors palettes are perfect for almost any time of the seasons combined with the venue which offers great timeless , and unique architecture embedded in natural landscape designed by skinner and skinner a renowned British architect Dominic Skinner who has designed some of the most glorious villas in Corfu.

Pomegranates took a very big part in the styling. They are a valued Greek tradition around new year eves in Corfu where you smash the pomegranate in the front of the house outside. The Greek’s believe the pomegranate symbolizes Good luck , good health ,fertility, regeneration and prosperity. The shoot was to reflect romance and elegance something I feel Corfu always delivers. The detailed features of the shoot where composed of antique furnitures and table scape with soft flowing cloth , rich red florals and detailed cutlery and plate wear with crystal glass wear with elements of brass candle sticks.

The gorgeous wedding dress was chosen for its handmade delicate floral detail and gold beading. Fine calligraphy stationary was styled around the color tones and elegant design. The cake was designed for the shoot and real flowers where added because I love fresh flowers on weddings cakes. Big thank you to all my venders involved and especially to our talented Editorial & Wedding Photographer Adrian Wood for capturing it beautifully with luminous, timeless and authentic images using luxury professional film cameras.

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Photography: Adrian Wood Photography | Cinematography: WedColors| Event Design and Planning: Corfu wedding planner | Floral Design: Rizos Gardens | Venue: Kardaki Estate by Skinner and Skinner | Venue: The Harbour House | Accessories – Jewelery: Oxette & Iosir Corfu | Backstage Photos : Sotiris Tsakanikas | Cake Designer: Cake Boutique | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Hair & Make-up Artist: Aurelia Luxury Mobile Spa | Rentals: White Lilac | Stationery & Calligraphy : Atelier Invitations | Wedding Dress Designer: Madebride by Antonea

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And the way to a woman’s? Chocolate. So this Valentine’s Day, we’re combining the two with these 50 mouthwatering, better-than-you-know-what chocolate desserts. From cakes to cookies to cocktails and more, these desserts are what dreams are made of, and so much better than your typical box of chocolates! A very happy Valentine’s Day indeed!

Mouthwatering Chocolate Desserts

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Mouthwatering Chocolate Desserts

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Classic city weddings will always have my heart. Always. And when they just so happen to include the dreamiest Vera Wang cap sleeve gown and a horse-drawn carriage ride, you can be certain it’ll land on my favorites list. Samantha Helmig of Shannon Gail Weddings and Events was the creative genius behind this timeless celebration and Brett Heidebrecht photographed from start to finish. Have a look this way in the gallery.

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From the Bride… Ross and I always knew we wanted a destination wedding of some sort and with my parents living up in Chicago, Ross proposing in Chicago and it being one of our favorite cities to visit, we decided to start making plans there.

Fact: The weather in Chicago in mid-April rarely ever cooperates. From the beginning, we always expected the worst and prayed for the best. So you can imagine our excitement and relief when we awoke to a beautiful, 75-degree sunny day. Apparently, the weather does cooperate, sometimes, in this city!

The morning of the wedding, my wedding party and I were able to eat, drink and relax in our robes before getting started with hair and makeup. I was extremely calm and giddy all morning until that moment when the dress and veil went on, and all eyes were on me. Suddenly, everything became very real! As I prepared to go up to the rooftop to greet Ross for our first look, the nerves had definitely set in. But the moment we finally locked eyes the only thing I could think about was how truly lucky I was to be marrying this incredibly amazing man!

After laughing, crying and taking a few pictures, we headed down to the hotel lobby to join our wedding party. We all hopped on a bus and headed towards Fourth Presbyterian Church for pictures in their courtyard prior to the ceremony. Just like every other aspect of the day, the ceremony was perfect. The church itself is absolutely stunning and our Reverend, Shannon Kershner, was beyond amazing.

We walked out of the church to bubbles (sort of) and all of our friends and family cheering. Once we made it down the steps of our church, my parents had one last surprise for us. Around the corner was a beautiful horse-drawn carriage, just like the one from our engagement! This allowed us to ride around by ourselves for a while and really take it all in, before heading back to the hotel for the cocktail hour and the reception.

The most important things to us when planning this day were the venue, food, drinks, and the band! TheWit was everything we ever wanted in a venue. From the hotel itself to the views it offered, the roof top bar, the reception room, the food and the staff (especially Brittney Epstein, the Senior Social Catering Manager), we could not have picked a more perfect venue. Then once The Stu Hirsch Orchestra started playing, I don’t think a soul sat down for the rest of the night (including my 84-year-old grandmother!).

Overall, everything about April 16th was perfect and very special to both of us. Ross and I can both honestly say that this was the best night of our lives!! We were surrounded by our family and closest friends, most of whom traveled long and far to show their support and love for us. The best part is that we realized the wedding is just the beginning! Brett Heidebrecht, as always, did an amazing job capturing all the memorable details and emotions in all of the photographs. We were so lucky to have him capture the essence and fun of our wedding day!

Photography: Brett Heidebrecht Photography | Event Planning: Shannon Gail Weddings and Events | Floral Design: Mangel Florist | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Ceremony Venue: Fourth Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: The Wit Hotel | Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Hair + Makeup: Sonia Roselli

Having a location for beautiful bridal portraits was a must on my wedding list and today’s fete from Brklyn View Photography proves exactly why. The Untermyer Garden Conservatory was THE perfect spot for Alice and Mike’s snaps and you can find them all right here in The Vault!

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From Brklyn View Photography… In a bustling office in New York City, Alice and Mike worked indirectly together on the same financial team. She liked him, he liked her and after a few months of getting to know each other, Mike handed her a pink envelope and discreetly asked her out. They’ve been together ever since – so romantic! Along with their families, they put together an elegant and stylish wedding at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club. Alice got ready at her childhood home along side her sister and best friends. The Bride wore a stunning lace gown by BHLDN and a pair of blue satin, crystal encrusted Manolo Blahnik shoes (LOVE!). Inside St. Joseph’s Church, Mike waited patiently for his beautiful Bride to walk down the aisle and finally become his wife. Overwhelmed with emotion, both the Bride and the Groom shed tears exchanging their sacred wedding vows. After their ceremony, we visited the breathtaking Untermyer Garden Conservatory for their portraits and bridal party photos. Alice’s bridesmaids wore floral printed dresses from Plum Pretty Sugar with bouquets filled with shades of white and pink june roses by Violet and Verde. At the reception, guests were treated to cocktail hour overlooking the Long Island Sound before dancing the night away under the twinkle lights inside the ballroom. It was only fitting to send off this amazing couple in style with a super fun sparkler exit. Alice and Mike are two of the sweetest, most kind, thoughtful, and wonderful couples I’ve had the honor of documenting. Their wedding was filled with so much love and laughter that it was hard to leave at the end of the night. Wishing the Bride and Groom a lifetime of love and happiness!

Photography: Jainé Kershner Photography | Videographer: NST Pictures | Wedding Coordinator: William Reid | Floral Design: Violet and Verde | Invitations: Julie Song Ink | Ceremony: Church of St. Joseph | Reception Venue: Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht | Brides Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Plum Pretty Sugar | Makeup Artist: Maison Rouge | DJ: Beat Train Productions | Bridal Party Photos: Untermyer Garden Conservatory | Brides Dress: BHLDN | Photobooth: Shake Share Media | Wedding Band: The Bailsmen

After all the vows have been said and the celebration has been had, finding a way to memorialise your Big Day is key. Enter Nulab and their crazy cool Nuovo Albums, an absolutely stunning way for your photographer to preserve all of those memories in a timeless heirloom piece. Think true lay flat albums, gorgeous paper types and an entire world of layout options. THIS is how you preserve those special moments.

Remember the days when you would print picture after picture and spend hours scrapbooking them away in an album that was basically the opposite of lay flat? Us, too. Which is why we’re so crazy obsessed with Nulab’s Nuovo Albums, a personal and customisable way to share your Big Day with everyone you love. From their fab range of premium + bespoke paper stocks (Lustre, Matte, Gloss, Metallic, Pearl, Art Paper, Canvas) to their cutting edge binding technology to their amazing splicing technique that will allow you to open your album hundreds of times without it affecting the spine (no stress or cracks), you’ll be enjoying your personal moments for years to come. Nuovo Albums make it easy for your photographer to create your wedding album with their easy online tools, aka, the best and simplest way ever to craft an album.

Backed by an amazing Lifetime Guarantee, Nulab’s Nuovo Albums are all about taking those memories offline and putting them back in your hands, so you can actually feel the joy again and again… exactly the way it should be. Talk to your wedding photographer today about getting your own Nuovo Wedding Album to create those keepsakes with the highest-quality images you’ll ever see. They won’t fade, are fingerprint and dust proof and will always convey the vision you AND your photographer had in mind during your celebration. You’re honestly going to love them.

We all know the saying April showers bring May flowers. Well this wedding is incorporating all of that into one crazy pretty celebration. With a stunning Bride made picture perfect by TEAM Hair and Makeup and the design of TOAST Santa Barbara, those gray, drizzly skies were met with a springtime infusion of florals and a sea of candlelight. It’s all moody elegance and cozy charm captured by Lacie Hansen, plus even more in the vault.

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From TOAST… They say it’s good luck to have rain on your wedding day, so when you live in California where there’s a never-ending drought, it must mean something extra special to get that day full of drizzle! Stephanie and Kevin wanted a day that would feel unique to them and their style as a couple and to create a warm and fun atmosphere for their guests. They decided the incredibly beautiful Villa Sevillano would be the perfect place to host their friends and family. With its lush gardens and Italian architecture, it set the tone for an elegant and intimate weekend.

After attending so many of their friends’ weddings in the previous year, Stephanie and Kevin were looking for ways to make their wedding feel special. They knew they preferred the subtleness of neutral colors, grays and greens, they loved modern touches to accent rustic décor, and they loved the idea of creating a beautiful party for their guests. When we first met with them, we knew that we would have fun designing their celebration!

Stephanie wanted dark pops of color to come across in the design while still embodying the springtime lightness of an April wedding. We used shades of grey in her print material, beautifully designed and crafted by JayAdores, tied together with hand-dyed silk ribbon from Hanah Silk and a small black tag with the couple’s initials in gold. The same ribbon and tag were tied around each guests’ napkin at the reception to mirror the x-back rustic chairs and wooden farm tables. Black linen runners lined the tables, topped with a marble plank to tie in place cards calligraphed in gold on marble tiles! A tent was always part of the design since we knew the April months have colder evenings, so we dressed it up with string lights and chandeliers covered in greenery. The clear tent walls allowed everyone to take in the outside drizzle as they sat cozily inside the tent for their dinner prepared by DUO Events.

Photography: Lacie Hansen | Videography: Ellay Films | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Enjoy Cupcakes | Ceremony Venue: Villa Sevillano | Reception Venue: Villa Sevillano | Brides shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: South Coast Jewelers- Custom Ring | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Caterer: Duo Catering & Events | Hair and Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs, Inc | DJ: Michelle Pesce | Grooms Suit: Custom | Transportation: Limo Link | Ceremony Musicians: Santa Barbara String Quartet | Event Planing, Design and Floral: TOAST Santa Barbara | Grooms Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Printed Material : Jay Adores | Reception Musician : Michelle Pesce | Rental Companies: Otis + Pearl Partywares | Rental Companies: Classic Party Rentals | Rental Companies: The Ark Event Rentals | Valet: Blue Star Parking

You’ve procrastinated… I get it, trust me! It feels like Christmas just ended and now you’re scrambling to figure out a day to go out shopping for a Valentine’s gift. We’ve pulled together a list of winning gift ideas that he will surely love! Oh and all gifts are under $100, so you don’t have to break the bank to show him how much you care.

15 Gifts Under $100 He Will Love This Valentine's Day

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15 Gifts Under $100 He Will Love This Valentine's Day

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Stylish gowns, soft fabrics and beautiful hues are the key ingredients of any happy bridal party, but when you have a group of lovely ladies with all sorts of fab personalities, you have to take it a step further. Which is why we’re turning to the experts at Joanna August for some tips + tricks on mixing and matching, so those besties can really let their individualities shine through. Scroll to put together that gorgeous, eclectic and cohesive look.

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ONE: ONE STYLE, SEVERAL DIFFERENT LOOKS

Letting your girls rock their own individual styles doesn’t mean saying “goodbye” to that chic look you’ve always dreamt of. Nope, with Joanna August, there are so, so many wonderful options in gown choices (and I mean wonderful), your girls are certain to look dreamy AND feel comfortable, too.

Top Tips

• Choose a convertible dress that will look great on bridal parties large AND small. Joanna August’s Sammy will bring your look together with a full skirt, but allow your maids to choose from over 25 different options in tying the bodice.
• Keep it simple with Joanna August’s Sonya Top, a convertible top that can be worn with the V-neck in the front OR back. (Awesome.)
• Play with straps. The Joanna August Jennifer has straps that can be tied several different ways (think criss-crossed in the back, a halter or on the shoulders), so your maids will look cohesive in the same silhouette with just a subtle variation that will speak volumes.

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TWO: FIND A THEME OR DESIGN DETAIL THAT UNIFIES

Sometimes all you need for that mix and match look to come together is a sweet little detail that stands out in every gown. Think a uniform fabric or a certain stand-out detail, without getting too matchy-matchy. It’s what we call the definition of stunning and Joanna August has a plethora of different options to take your maids to next level pretty.

Top Tips

• Rope detailing is your friend. And when it comes to Joanna August’s stunning options in the Parker, Eleanor and Catherine dresses, it’s also one of the prettiest ways ever to dress your maids.
• Don’t be afraid of a little pleating. With the Joanna August Abby, Amber and Cindy dresses + the awesome Scarlette Jumpsuit (!), your ladies can really make a statement with their individuality, all while tying it all together with one single (amazing) detail.
• We love a good ruffle and when it comes to dressing your girls in romance, Joanna August’s Lolo dress is most definitely the way to do it right. (It’s fabulous.)
• Want a look that is a little bit sassy + sexy? Start thinking more along the lines of  spaghetti straps or cut-out detailing… that will most definitely do the trick.

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Ready to mix and match your way to the happiest + prettiest bridal party ever? Visit Joanna August today to choose the perfect gowns for you and your girls.  You’ll fall head over heels for the flattering silhouettes, beautiful fabrics and drop-dead gorgeous styles. We promise.

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Floral Design: Ellamah | Jewelry: Sarah Chloe | Hair and Makeup: Nicol Artistry | Venue: The Culver Hotel | Dresses: Joanna August

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Photography

Rebecca Yale Photography

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