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How to Choose an Iconic Wedding Gown

Take a trip through the world’s most celebrated weddings and there’s one thing that always stands out: the gown. Princess Kate. Grace Kelly. Amal Clooney. Those ladies knew how to rock an enduring classic that people are still talking about. So how do you choose a dress that is just as timeless? Our friends at BHLDN are here to help. Scroll for tips on selecting that iconic dream gown.

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So what exactly makes a wedding gown iconic? Style. From the detailing to the fab color choices to the silhouettes that fit your body just so, it all comes together to create a moment that will stand the test of time… and then some. And with BHLDN’s newest collection of drop-dead gorgeous wedding gowns, bridesmaid styles, Mother of the Bride + reception dresses AND accessories, making that statement has never been easier… or more stylish. Think you + the dress of your dreams strutting down the aisle to the one you love in a look that is just as stunning as the one your fave celebrity wore. We are sooo on board.

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Truth be told, we’ve seen a lot of breathtaking gowns in our day, but when it comes down to picking favorites, we can’t help but remember some of those iconic gowns of years past. Lucky for us (and you) BHLDN’s newest collection features breathtaking styles that will give you that look and feel you’ve been drooling over. From the minimalistic + oh-so-chic Heather Gown (which seriously reminds us of Solange Knowles’ stunner) to the romantic with a twist Eira Gown (for those of you drooling over Amal Clooney) to the classic look of the Rhea Bodysuit (hello, Kate Middleton) to the boho luxe Kai Gown (which would totally make Kate Moss jealous).

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From the seriously breathtaking details to the silky soft fabrics to the styles that will leave all of your guests talking, BHLDN’s newest collection is everything you’ve ever wanted… for you AND your bridal party. Head there now to peruse all of the beautiful options and check out the giveaway below for a little something extra special.

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What: BHLDN is giving away a stunning Arboreta Bracelet! (Value $289)

Who: One lucky winner, chosen completely at random, will be chosen on

How: To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us which BHLDN style is your favorite! (Ex: I love, love, love the Kai Gown!).

When: The winner will be announced right here on SMP on 1/13!

For Terms & Conditions: Click here. Good luck!

A Pro Surfer’s Tips For Staying Healthy While Wedding Planning

Carissa Moore is a professional surfer with some impressive titles under her belt, but she’s also a bride-to-be gearing up for her biggest day yet. She’s marrying her love, Luke next December and the while the wedding planning journey comes with its share of stress, she’s sharing insider tips to keep your mind, body, and soul in total check.

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How to Stay Healthy While Wedding Planning

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Eat Well

I start my day off with something light and then have an energy drink before my workout! Life gets hectic and an extra kick of energy can save any day if I need a pick-me-up! I also make sure to eat lots of veggies and protein.

Breathe

Enjoy the moment. Make sure that when things get stressful or overwhelming you remind yourself why you are doing all of this. LOVE.

Stay Active

Find time for yourself. Staying active keeps my body and mind happy. When I’m not surfing I love to mix in some yoga and boxing.

Connect With Your Partner

Keep the connection with your partner strong. When I’m happy and in love, I feel better about myself and more motivated to stay on track.

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Bonus! 7 Ways to Never Miss a Workout Again

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Saturday Morning Movie: Whimsical + Romantic Winter Wedding

This Bride dreamed of a snowy wedding and that’s exactly what they got – and much, much more. Infused with a whimsical, vintage vibe, this winter wedding is all romance and love, from the sweet speeches to the beautiful moments between the newlyweds. And lucky for us, Luminance Wedding Films captured it all, complete with a soundtrack that is making us very, very happy this Saturday morning. Sit back, relax and soak it all in :)

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From Luminance Wedding FilmsThe lovely couple that is Melanie and Connor exchanged their vows inside the charming chapel of Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town and danced the night away in the sweet, vintage styled ballroom. Melanie wanted a snowy wedding and her wish came true, as the sky burst open with the most dazzling flakes the night of the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner took place at The Los Poblanos Organic Inn and Farm where friends and family exchanged their congratulations and heartwarming toasts during a soft candlelit dinner with snow falling outside the window. What a backdrop to this magical evening!

The next morning Melanie slipped on her stunning, vintage beaded gown and topped her look with a fur stole. Connor made for a dapper, handsome groom in his grey colored wool suit. They are truly a couple whose fashion sense rocks that of Old Hollywood Glam. Their winter white wedding was just as gorgeous as this couple. This is a rock solid union and one that will last for all of eternity! Cheers to you both and may you have a thousand more snowy anniversaries!

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Photography: Ben and Carissa Moore | Cinematography: Luminance Wedding Films | Cake: Simply Sweet by Darci | Ceremony Venue: Hotel Albuquerque | Reception Venue: Hotel Albuquerque | Hair + Makeup: Lisa Trusty | Band: Vanilla Pop | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Los Poblanos Inn And Cultural Center

15+ Must Have Registry Items for the Kitchen

Hello, Brides! It’s Ali Hollins here from Love You, Mean It! One of the things that my fiancé, Ben, and I love to do together is cook. Let me start by saying that we are both still learning! Once we started cooking more often, we quickly learned that there were so many tools that we still needed. That’s when I decided to partner with William-Sonoma to find the must-have items for our very first kitchen!

When we went to Williams-Sonoma to register, one of the first things we knew we had to have was the KitchenAid® Pro Line® Copper Stand Mixer. Not only is it powerful and have endless add-ons, but it’s also absolutely gorgeous. It quickly jumped to the top of our list! I love to bake everything from muffins to cakes and have always dreamed of owning a KitchenAid stand mixer of my own. The copper finish really stood out to me and I knew that it would be a focal point in our kitchen forever.

Another thing that Ben and I love to do together is entertain. I most look forward to the nights where we have friends over for dinner. Personally, I believe that a great dinner party always starts with good cocktails! I love the open kitchen tumblers because they’re a versatile size for any mixed drink or cocktail you’re serving. Not only that, but they can be used for so much more than just drinks! I even use mine for small flower arrangements or to hold vegetables for dipping! Just like the tumblers, the Encore wine glasses are the perfect sleek, yet durable, wine glasses to have on hand for entertaining. If there is one thing you over register for, it should be wine glasses. I’ve found you can never have too many!

When I know friends are headed our way, I love to tie everything together with pieces from the Marble and Copper collection. I always use the ice bucket and wine bottle coaster for the drinks. Once everyone has a drink in-hand, I love to start with a cheeseboard on our monogrammed board and include the coordinating cheese knives. These pieces are ones I know we will have forever. Not to mention, they also elevate our serving wear from what we use every day.

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Registering soon?

Take a look at our favorite pieces for cooking and entertaining from Williams-Sonoma here!

Registry Essentials from Love You, Mean It!
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Registry Essentials from Love You, Mean It!
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Blogger Bride: Ali Hollins

Allison Hollins

Blogger Bride
#SMPWedding101 – How to Maximize Your Time With Your Wedding Photographer

You may be married for years and years but when it comes to capturing that special moment when it all begins, you have just that one day with your wedding photographer. You don’t want to waste even a minute of your time together so we tapped into Jonathan Hanson’s expertise on how to make the absolute most of your time on that special day. From prepping and planning ahead of time, to getting your nearest and dearest to help, here’s the inside scoop!

1. CREATE A TIMELINE

Create a timeline and go over it with your photographer in advance. This will help keep your day on track and give ample time to prepare for what’s ahead. We, as the photographers, like to follow up a few days before the wedding as all of the last minute details are being finalized.

2. MAKE A LIST OF MUST-HAVES

Include a must-have photo list of the family pairings you’d like to take during your family/bridal party photos and include it with the timeline. Organize the portrait list by groupings, largest to smallest for each family. This will increase the efficiency of the groupings especially if your shot list is on the longer side. Instead of chasing down Aunt Rita for her picture, have everyone involved with photos meet at a pre-arranged location and designate a friend of the family to assist.

3. FOLLOW THE LIGHT

The time the sun sets will depend on the season but getting photographs during the last hour of the sunset, also known as the “golden hour”, will give you some of the best results. Set time aside to shoot your portraits when the light is at its most flattering stage. We love shooting portraits during the golden hour, but we always try and take couples out to use the dreamy twilight after the sun has set when possible as well.

4. LIMIT PREPARATION COVERAGE

Limit preparation coverage to the last hour when your hair and makeup are being finished. You’ll look and feel your best which will come through in the images. You’ll also save yourself from getting redundant pictures and frees up time for your reception coverage.

5. LIMIT CEREMONY COVERAGE – BY GUESTS

The ceremony is an exciting and meaningful part of the day. In the moment, guests can unknowingly get in the way of the professional photography while trying to get their Instagram shot on their own phones. Requesting your guests to limit their photography during the ceremony can help prevent you from losing important moments to a sea of digital screens. We suggest making a note in the ceremony program.

6. HAVE A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER

Look for photographers who include an additional photographer on the day of. The extra photographer can provide coverage of the groom’s preparation time and start the cocktail hour coverage while your main photographer shoots the family pictures and bride and groom portraits.

7. UTILIZE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER’S STRENGTHS

Utilize your photographer’s best abilities and give them creative freedom to do what they do best! It’s important to let them know what you like about their work because it can help give them an idea of what you’re drawn to visually. Working with a photographer who has a background in photojournalism and/or commercial photography can be advantageous because they know how to give you that chic, magazine quality look if that’s what you’re going for.

50 Amazing Emotional Moments
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50 Amazing Emotional Moments
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ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…  

Williams Sonoma
Justin Alexander
Animoto
Ada Diamonds

We’re excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don’t miss out!

THIS WEEK’S DISCOUNTS…

For our California Brides… Discount from The Ranch at Laguna Beach

For our New England Brides.. Discount from Long’s Jewelers and don’t miss the Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show this Sunday, January 8th – and this giveaway for wedding bands!

For our Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design, and giveaways from NST PicturesOLLI STUDIO and Sole East Resort!

For our Southeast Brides… Discount from The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village and giveaway from Courtyards & Cobblestones!

Trunk show news!

Don’t miss the Rue De Seine trunk shows at the following Lovely locations: Washington DC Jan. 6th – 8th | Charleston Jan. 13th – 15th!

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Photography Advice: Jonathan Hanson Weddings

Proof a Garden Party Wedding Doesn’t Have to Be Outdoors

Leave it to Erin McLean Events to plan and design a garden party-style wedding…and to do it all in just 8 weeks. With the use of cascading greenery and metallic accents, she transformed a classic ballroom into a reception any guest would die to attend. Laura Gordon photographed and you can dive right into the gallery this way.

From Erin McLean EventsCelia had her heart set on an outdoor wedding, but planning for an August wedding day made that dream seem a little out of reach. Not only that, but because of Adrian’s medical school schedule, we needed to plan this wedding in a little less than 8 weeks! Never fear, why don’t we create an enchanted garden party in the iconic Hill Ballroom at Carolina Inn? Celia and Adrian were sold, so after being married in the newly reopened Duke Chapel in all its restored glory, they would dance the night away among flowing florals, glowing tablescapes, and the incomparable sounds of The Sleeping Booty Band.

Introducing blush tones ranging from the palest pink to soft ivories, paired with cascading greenery and metallic accents, the ballroom transformed into a lovely look never before created. With the addition of boxwood bars, barely golden chiffon runners, and a cake oozing with lush blooms, Celia and Adrian’s vision for an outdoor wedding day came alive indoors.

We brought in a crisp white dance floor and staging to bring the look together and of course provide ample room for celebration once Sleeping Booty Band kicked off the night!


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Photography: Laura Gordon Photography | Cinematography: Jeff Brewer Films | Event Design: Erin McLean Events | Event Planning: Erin McLean Events | Floral Design: Lily Greenthumb's Wedding & Event Design | Cake: Ashley Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Duke Chapel | Reception Venue: Carolina Inn | Hair + Makeup: Makeupforyourday | Calligraphy: Well Addressed Calligraphy | Entertainment: Sleeping Booty Band | Rentals: Themeworks Creative | Rentals: CE Rental | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Rentals: I Do Linens

Williams Sonoma, kate spade new york and a NYC Giveaway!

When Williams Sonoma announced they were partnering with kate spade new york for a new collection that is equal parts colorful, vibrant and classic, we got a little excited. So on January 12th, Abby Larson is heading to NYC to co-host an event that is all about celebrating their newest + chicest dinnerware. Can’t wait to hear allll about it? No worries. We’ll be sure to fill you in on every juicy detail, but in the meantime, scroll below for a GIVEAWAY… and a sneak peek of all of the fabulousness.

We all know that whatever Williams Sonoma touches turns to gold, and this new partnership with kate spade new york is simply beyond. Think a beautiful Sadie Street Dinnerware Collection that is just the right amount of prep, color (hello, black, grey, blush and turquoise) and traditional details that can be dressed up or down as the occasion allows. It’s etched glassware meets amazing price points meets an aesthetic that will most definitely wow every. single. one of your guests. We’re sooo ready to celebrate this.

Whether you’re looking to add a little glamour to your abode, or simply want to spice up your tablescape for the new year (read: all of us), Williams Sonoma’s newest kate spade new york collection is exactly what you need… we promise. We’ll be back to share even more about this stunning collection after our January event, but that giveaway? It’s happening NOW, my friends.

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What: Win the ultimate trip to New York City from Williams Sonoma, kate spade new york and Style Me Pretty! The winner will receive airfare, hotel accommodations, a $1,000 shopping spree at kate spade new york, dinner for two (2) at Marta, acclaimed restaurant of Williams Sonoma Chefs’ Collective member Nick Anderer, and a collection of the new Sadie Street Dinnerware!*

For Terms & Conditions: Click Here

To Enter: Click Here

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Michigan Surprise Beach Proposal

This beautiful gallery really needs no introduction. A surprise proposal, with an adoring groom-to-be and his gorgeous love. Photographs that will make you tear up by the incredible Tiffaney Childs. And a sense of magic that just leaps right off the page.

From the photographer… When David contacted me about photographing his surprise proposal to Kier, he was so nervous and excited as we talked over the timeline. Kier had no clue what had been planned for months prior to her seemingly innocent girls day out with her sister and girlfriends to a local winery.

David made all the signs, had Kier’s talented sister paint the meaningful lyrics on them, and set them up a path on the beach for Kier to follow when she arrived with the girls. The sun had been behind the clouds all day, and it was a bit chilly, but when Kier found that first sign on the path, the sun peeked out and seemed to shine for the two of them.

It was so emotional watching them both absorb the shock of this perfect upcoming moment. David got down on one knee while Kier wiped away tears of joy and instantly said yes. The excited laughter and kissing that followed was a joy to watch.

Kier’s sister and friends watched from a sandhill and ran down to congratulate and hug them. We quickly headed down towards the water to take some beautiful photos of the two of them while they were both still reeling with glee. Her sister and friends had brought some cute decorated glasses for a quick toast to them on the beach. The sun set over the water as they cuddled and giggled to themselves about getting married.

This was one of the most perfect proposals I have ever had the privilege of capturing.

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Photography: Tiffaney Childs Photography | Calligraphy: Brooke Brinkley | Jeweler: James & Sons

Bridal Perfection on the Tuscan Countryside

People always ask me what I would have done differently if I were to be given a wedding re-do. Well, I’d start with the guest list. 200 people – many of whom I didn’t even get a chance to say hello to – filled our ballroom and while I loved the support and the pure love that permeated the day – a wedding built for two would have been just as magical. And this one, crafted by Chiara Sernesi of Weddings in Tuscany, with photos by Esther and Gabe, is as spectacular as they come.

From the vendors… Tuscany is one of the most popular elopement destinations in Italy. Most of couples get marry during the summer months, but the Fall season has its own advantages, namely in the lack of crowds and tourists and in the beautiful colors of the landscape. And that was my first thought when Esther and Gabe, the talented husband and wife photographers from The Bell Weddings, contacted me for a shoot in Tuscany.

The gown from the Atelier of Marianna Lanzilli , the beautiful shoes from bella belle shoes that paired with the dress so perfectly The table and its warmly coloured palette, the flowers that Gianluca from Heaven Flowers crafted, the venue and its delicately hued wall whose nuances elegantly match the color of the season in a harmonious symphony.

I used the Fall palette of the season with browns and neutrals being the the prevailing tones, along with shades of red from the vineyards and the foliage, lilac and pastel for the sunset and greens which you can find throughout Tuscany. The bride’s golden dress added a magical finality to the look. And, Esther and Gabe’s attention to details and eye for creative shots is something to be envied.

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Photography: Esther and Gabe | wedding planner: Weddings in Tuscany by Chiara Sernesi | florist: heaven flowers | shoes: Bella Belle | hair and make up: WeddingAllOver | calligraphy: Nicnillas Ink | bride dress: Marianna Lanzilli | groom suit: Area2Rezzonico | hairwreath: Guinevere vines | villa : Villa Catignano

This is How You Plan Your Dream Wedding

There’s nothing we love more than grabbing our besties and hitting the town for a little bridal show action. And when that show happens to be the Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show, it’s a happier day than most. Think yummy treats, live music and a cake dive (!!) all happening this Sunday, January 8th. Mark your calendars and get ready to plan that day of your dreams.

The Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show is everything you’ve ever wanted in a bridal event… and so much more. I’m talking a one-stop shop with all of the areas finest vendors, plus some seriously cool happenings and awesome giveaways, as well. From the live fashion show to the Macy’s VIP entry bags (for the first 50 guests!) to the full bar filled with tasty libations, this is definitely one event you can’t miss. And did I mention the cake dive? I mean, this is going to be sooo awesome.

Whether you’re on the lookout for the perfect photographer, want to find that venue of your dreams or simply want to be inspired, the Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show is THE place to start planning. Click here NOW to get your tickets ($15 per person at the door or $10 online) and mark those calendars for a Sunday filled with wedding planning fun.

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What: The Wedding Day Expositions Boston Bridal Show is giving away matching wedding bands in their fabulous cake dive!

Who: One lucky winner will be chosen completely at random to participate in the cake dive at the upcoming Boston Bridal Show and four other lucky contestants will be chosen live from the audience. All contestants will be cloaked in rain gear and wrestle through a GIANT cake provided by Montilio’s Bakery. Inside is a small box for the victor who will claim the pair of WEDDING BANDS as their PRIZE!

How: To enter to win a spot in Boston’s ONLY cake dive, submit your proposal/engagement photo by tagging @weddingdayexpos on Facebook OR @weddingdayexpositions on Instagram! #justsayyes

Pretty Pastels + Beautiful Gardens Make This Wedding Pure Magic

We’re major fans of fab vendors (they make our wedding world go round) but you know what else warms our hearts? When we hear statements like this: “My husband wins the award for best co-planner of the year.” Because whether it’s your wedding day or 100 days later, your best partner should be right in front of you. These two cuties created a pretty, pastel summer wedding that’s giving us plenty of inspiration, all thanks to Ether & Smith’s pics. See them all right this way!

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From the Bride… When Derek and I met in college, I knew right away that he was a keeper. We dated for eight years and spent much of that time in a long distance relationship as each one of us went through medical school and residency in different locations. Eight years later, he proposed to me on the same campus where we first met. Of course after saying “yes” I immediately began planning our wedding!

With Derek being from Los Angeles and me being from the San Francisco Bay Area, we both knew we wanted to stay true to our Californian roots with an outdoor, relaxed, and intimate event filled with the people we love. I envisioned a palette of blush, soft periwinkle blue, and brilliant greens to evoke the feeling of a gorgeous midsummer night’s garden party. Maravilla Gardens was the last venue we visited, but when we saw it, I knew it was the perfect location for us to tie the knot.

Both of us being detail oriented, we wanted our wedding to perfectly reflect us as a couple. We featured local beers from Vermont, where Derek went for medical school, and San Francisco, where the two of us have countless memories. For dessert, guests enjoyed one of my favorite Chinese sweets, egg tarts. We also chose each and every song for the entire wedding.

My husband wins the award for best co-planner of the year, taking the lead on booking our DJ, photobooth, and even chairs. My girlfriend and bridesmaid worked tirelessly to help bring our vision for our invites and all of the signage to life. Derek’s groomsman personally flew in all of our macarons and cake pops from his bakery up in San Francisco.

As we were still in a long distance relationship while planning our wedding, the weeks leading up to our big day were stressful, filled with last minute things to do. But on the day of our wedding, all of our hard work paid off – we have never gotten so many compliments! My favorite moment from our wedding was listening to my husband’s vows. Standing across from him on the alter, it hit me that I was finally marrying the man I can truly call my best friend and partner in life. Afterwards, we laughed, ate cake, and danced the night away under the stars. It was the best day of my life.

For my brides-to-be, never think it’s too early to do anything! The more you do in advance, the less you have to do in the weeks leading up to the wedding when unexpected tasks come up. Book vendors that you love. I read this so many times on SMP but it’s so true! You will breathe easier knowing you can trust the people you’ve hired to carry out your vision. Don’t be overwhelmed by all the ideas floating out there. Instead, focus on your relationship and be true to yourselves and your unique aesthetic as a couple. Enjoy the whole process, especially your wedding day – it will all go by too fast.

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Photography: Ether & Smith | Coordination: Maravilla Gardens | Floral Design: City Flowers LA | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: By the bride | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Jewelry: Nadri | Catering: Command Performance Catering | Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kang Makeup & Hair Artistry | DJ: GTZ Entertainment | Ties: The Tie Bar | Officiant: Michael Beecher | Wedding Venue: Maravilla Gardens | Baked Goods: M Cakes Sweets | Photobooth: Booth Twenty Four

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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A Wildly Beautiful Garden Wedding in the Middle of the City

Black tie affairs are a staple in New York City but pulling off a crazy elegant garden wedding in the middle of that bustling metropolis is another story entirely. Oh does Brooklyn Botanical Garden fit the bill. And all gussied up with elegant details from Oleander Floral & Events, it’s nothing short of perfection, despite the pouring rain. Peek at the full gallery of images by Lauren Fair + the prettiest film by Willow Tree Films below.

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From Lauren Fair Photography… Mary Catherine + Chris’s elegant summer New York wedding was perfection – such a stunning, clean color palette, incredibly in-love bride + groom and portraits in one of my favorite locations at Brooklyn Botanical Gardens – the desert greenhouse. Even though it poured rain, they were all smiles and kept the focus on all the joy surrounding them with the ones they love!

From the Bride… What was most important to Chris and I, was that everyone we loved could be there – Given that our entire extended families are local, we made it a black-tie New York City affair, and split the day between our two native boroughs, Manhattan and Brooklyn. First Presbyterian is one of the most beautiful churches in Manhattan, and was where my parents got married three decades before us. Brooklyn Botanic’s Palm House is the most incredible ballroom I’ve ever been in, and it served as the perfect backdrop for the clean, elegant, and whimsical atmosphere that Oleander Florals brought to life that day. What we will always remember about that night was dancing, jumping, singing and sweating, immersed in a sea of people that we couldn’t live without.

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Photographer: Lauren Fair Photography | Cinematography: Willow Tree Films | Invitations: Bella Figura | Reception Venue: Brooklyn Botanical Garden | Hair and Makeup: Face the Day NY: Makeup and Hair Services | DJ: Scratch DJ's | Florals and Design: Oleander Floral & Events

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Unicorns and Rainbows are What Party Dreams are Made of

This birthday bash is what dreams are made of. Sprinkles, unicorns and rainbows are at the center of the festivities crafted by Morgan Hutchinson of BURU for her lucky little lady. Plus she’s giving tips for crafting a balloon arch that slays without sending you to the looney bin in the process. Get your colorful party inspo with even more captured by Becky Kimball  in the VAULT.

For her daughter’s 4th birthday, BURU founder Morgan Hutchinson wasn’t going to forgo a big celebration – even though she was 37 weeks pregnant (!!). At her Salt Lake City, UT home, she created a rainbow-inpsired party complete with a pony, colored balloon arch, and a very pregnant mama.

I would start by saying that I truly believe most things on Pinterest are created exclusively for Pinterest – not necessarily for real parties created by busy mamas who will no doubt be making the project with the help of a toddler – which we all know is the opposite of a helper! Read below for my top three tips for creating a similar arch at your next party.

Perfection is boring and doing something identical to someone else is too! I like Pinterest for inspiration, but it’s important to put you own twist on it. For starters, this will make it easier to accept your work when it looks nothing like the Pin! For our arch, we didn’t have an easy way to create and hang the chicken wire in a full rainbow shape, so we went with a more abstract approach. Symmetry is TOUGH so if you can avoid it, I say go for it!

When following the directions, know when to give up and go it your own way. For the arch, it suggested using a low heat glue gun to attach the first layer of the balloons. We had crazy wind that day and it was drying the glue too fast for the balloons to stick (and taking forever!!). Rather than keep trying because “that’s what the instructions read”, I said forget it (or something like that) and starting using white duck tape and heavy packing tape that I had on hand. As I wrote above, consider a back up plan (especially if you are making the project in your robe only a few hours before guests arrive like me!)

Give your toddler assistant a project that makes her feel important during the process (so you can actually finish!). While Brett (my fab hubby who supports all my ridiculous ideas) and I blew up all the balloons a few days ahead of time, we had Olive sort them by color and place in plastic bags. And, while I climbed up and down the ladder attaching the balloons with tape, Olive decorated the step ladder with said tape. Okay—so this wasn’t a productive task, but it kept her busy and I actually finished with enough time to throw on a dress before the first guest arrived!

Photographer: Becky Kimball | Private Home: Morgan Hutchinson

Seaside Wedding with Shabby Chic Style

If ever there was a wedding that brought Shabby Chic to a place of pure and total elegance…this would be it. The care and attention to details, the quiet luxury, the understated but chic sophistication are everything and the photographs from Olimb Photography? Breathtaking. Click here to see the gallery and scroll down to see the gorgeous video from Theory Y Design.

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From the bride… We didn’t just want to have guests coming from all over to enjoy just the wedding itself (we live in Chicago, family coming from Georgia, Indiana and Maryland) so we decided to make it a “wedding weekend”.  On Thursday we started with a welcome event dinner and dancing, a rehearsal dinner on Friday with all guests invited more dinner and dancing and then the wedding Saturday night. Three nights of celebrating is definitely better than one!

I chose to go with very light pastel colors- light pink and blue with silver accents. I wanted a beachy touch but not too cheesy “beachy”.  I really wanted a tent to have the wedding reception under to give a soft feel to the event, even though the Hilton told us it was not possible to put a tent on their deck. We searched and searched through tent companies and finally found one who was able to make it possible! I think it made a HUGE difference in the overall look and feel of the wedding.

I purchased small air plants and ordered sea urchin shells to place the air plants in (they turned out adorable!) We then attached thank you notes and placed them on the guests plates as a favor. We still have a few of them around our home that remind me of the special day! Also, we had a family friend who hand painted watercolor around each wedding invite to add a special unique touch.

Some of my favorite moments… Ryan (the groom) and I have a son (who was 9 months old at the wedding) and my twin sister, the MOH, has a daughter (who was 7 months old) who came down the isle as the ring bearer and flower girl in the most adorable wagon. We had purchased a simple wagon online and had the florist decorate it with baby breath. It was by far one of the most adorable moments of the ceremony. I think my husband may have gotten just as emotional about this as he did when he saw me coming down the isle. The groom’s parents surprised us with fireworks at the reception! They had no idea but I had always said (half joking) that I wanted to have fireworks at my wedding one day and they made it happen.

I wanted the flowers to overall be a very pastel look—the bridesmaids were mainly white and mine were white and light pink. I wanted to add a little messiness to them so we added eucalyptus leaves. We also handed out beach bags with beach towels, snacks, maps, weekend itinerary, etc. for each of the guests when they arrived at the resort for the weekend.

My gown was purchased at a store called Glamour Closet in Chicago. They sell sample designer wedding dresses, so I had to decided ASAP when I found the dress if it was the one or not, or else it may not be there when I went back. I was so happy with  my decision!

The cake was the chef’s special at the Hilton. We wanted a simple wave design for the cake and just had the florist add flowers to make it a little special touch.

My advice for other brides… stress as little as possible! It will all turn out amazing even if every detail isn’t exactly as you imagined.  And you’re the only one that’ll notice if something isn’t right. Enjoy the day and take everything in—it will fly by!


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Photography: Olimb Photography | Cinematography: Theory Y Design | Coordination: Kiss the Bride Wedding & Event Planning | Event Planning: Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort and Spa | Floral Design: Florals By The Sea | Wedding Dress: Kaitlyn Zelski | Cake: Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort and Spa | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort and Spa | Hair and Makeup: Serenity by the Sea Spa | Lighting: Florals By The Sea | Band: Rhythm Nation | Groom's Attire: Ted Baker | Hotel: Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort and Spa | Venue: Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort and Spa | Bridesmaids' Dress Boutique: Bella Bridesmaid | Furniture Rentals: Florals By The Sea | Groom's Shoes: Cole Haan | Invitations and Stationary: The Letter Bird, Brittany Armstrong | Linen Rentals: Nuage Designs | Tabletop Rentals: Florals By The Sea | Tent Rentals: Panache Tent & Event

Fairytale-Style Whimsy For a Fall Ranch Wedding

There are so many details to love about this whimsical ranch wedding, it’s tough to know exactly where to begin. From the bride’s gown and Emma Katzka headpiece, to the sprawling natural scenery, to the family style reception set aglow by hundreds of candles…it’s a fairytale day if I ever saw one and we’re only just getting started. More this way from the lens of Shannon Moffit.

From Shannon Moffit Photography… Justine and Zach are the kind of couple you can’t help but love! Their wedding was a perfect reflection of them, simple with an elegant flair. The two were married on a private ranch in Virginia, against a view of woodland mountains that seem to be painted on the horizon. The layers of Justine’s Sarah Seven gown danced in the wind as they said their vows, and her organic bouquet with shades of purple, made for a lovely color pop against the dark greens around us. The reception was one of the most unique I have experienced. Guests sat “family style” and dined solely by the glow of hundreds of candles; it was perfectly intimate!

From the Bride… Zach and I were first introduced by a mutual friend while attending Southern Illinois University. I was a bit of an introvert and highly focused on obtaining a suitable enough GPA to grant me admission into graduate school, while Zach was busy making the most of his college experience (wink, wink). Unsure at first, Zach soon won me over with his silly sense of humor and his easy-going nature, and I slowly converted him to a guy who preferred “Netflix & Nap” over that night’s college rager.

Five years, six moves and three cats later… Zach proposed to me while we were alone on the beautiful beach of Fort De Soto. After the initial shock wore off, the reality of planning a large wedding sunk in. While we lived down in Florida, most of our family lived in Illinois, so the first task was deciding where we would tie the knot. Travel would be required for at least half of our family no matter the state, so when one of Zach’s relatives’ offered up her retired horse ranch in the gorgeous rolling hills of Northern Virginia we jumped at the opportunity!

Zach and I are both pretty laid-back, with a style that I would describe as organic and minimalistic. Northern Virginia is stunningly beautiful, so we didn’t want loud colors or unnecessary bells and whistles taking away from the beauty of the countryside! Dove grey and gold were the perfect colors for our neutral affair, and we welcomed the soft yellow, orange, and red tones that came with the changing leaves of fall (our favorite season).

The bridesmaids wore a variety of convertible Jenny Yoo dresses, which perfectly accented the gold embroidered appliqué flowers in my Sarah Seven gown {Style: Practically Perfect}. We added pops of eggplant and lavender to the floral arrangements to honor my grandmother, who has always loved the color purple. The ceremony took place overlooking the horse pastures under a simple, but elegant structure lined with greenery and a beautiful banner. The wind was strong that day, but it made for the most beautiful movement with our chiffon dresses! The same mutual friend that introduced us, officiated our wedding, which made the ceremony so much more intimate for Zach and I. After the ceremony, the guests were moved inside a tent to enjoy a cocktail hour with hot apple cider – the perfect fall treat!

For the reception, tapered candles and loose greenery were used to decorate the beautiful farm tables that lined the barn from front to back – helping us set a comfortable, “family style” tone. Injectable donut holes made for the perfect dessert, and after dinner was served, the guests moved into the tent for dancing! The top and side panels of the tent were translucent, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without having to endure the frigid cold temperatures that evening!

In retrospect, our wedding was perfectly us – simple yet elegant. We could not have pulled it off without the help of our amazing event designer and stylist, Luxe and Luna Couture Events, and our fabulous photographer, Shannon Moffit Photography! These “friendors” helped us take our fragmented visions and make them cohesive and practical. While they took care of the heavy lifting, Zach and I were able to enjoy our day and the precious time with our beloved friends and family. We are so thankful!

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Photography: Shannon Moffit Photography | Event Planning: Luxe and Luna Couture Events | Floral Design: Petals and Hedges | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Cake: Sweetz Bakery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Tri-Spring Farm Catering | Makeup Artist: Makeup by Alexis Janney | Hair: Kirsten Marie Design | Calligraphy: Letterlyn Studio | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang | Venue: Family Horse Ranch | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Headpiece: Emma Katzka Bridal | Rentals: Something Vintage Rentals

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Newly engaged? Say hello to the perfect gowns for your girls.

Listen up, all you newly engaged lovelies: this one’s for you. We know you’re kicking off 2017 by diving head first into planning THE big day and we’re here to help make the process a whole lot easier by checking one thing off your to-do list. Think stunning bridesmaid looks from Bari Jay that are equal parts gorgeous AND re-wearable. The best way ever to celebrate the new year? It’s happening here.

There’s no doubt about it. The Spring 2017 Collection from Bari Jay is everything you’ve ever wanted… and so much more. From their drop-dead gorgeous lineup of fab new colors (hello, lavender, mint, mocha, deco blush and ruby) to their glittery + totally chic metallics to their endless mix and match options, your besties will most definitely be thanking you for making them look so, so good. Not to mention their stunning new fabrics (think georgette, floral sequin and sequin net) and wide variety of sizes, from maternity to junior bridesmaid to flower girl. In other words? Your entire bridal party is going to WOW.

Ready to find those bridal party dresses of your dreams? Visit the Bari Jay Look Book today to start perusing the pretty, from beautiful gowns to chic pants, wrap dresses and jumpsuits. And don’t forget to ask about their QuickShip program with select styles that are available for immediate shipping. You’re going to absolutely love working with them.

Photography: Jj Ignotz

See Why a Backyard Wedding Was So Important to this Couple

When it comes to choosing your wedding venue, considering family is always important. And sometimes that means saying your I do’s right at home, where the heart is. That’s exactly what this beautiful duo did for Dad, who had been battling ALS for eight years. Sadly, he passed before the celebration—but it’s clear in these captures from Betsi Ewing that his spirit was there to warm all. See the rest in The Vault!

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From the Bride… Jonny and I met our first day of high school, seated next to each other in Spanish class, and the rest, as they say, is history. We were together for 12 years the day we walked down the aisle. It is so special to find your soul mate so young and grow up together. We really wanted our wedding to be a reflection of that love. A celebration finally bringing our families together after all those years. Our cousins acted as the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, and Jonny’s sister and my two brothers served as our Maid Honor and Best Men; it truly was a family affair.

My dad had been battling ALS for about 8 years when we were planning our wedding, so we decided the best location for our reception would be in my parent’s backyard, where he could be there as much or as little as he was comfortable with. We also loved the idea of having no restrictions, and wanted our wedding to have to have that fun, cozy and intimate vibe where people felt like they could let loose and party all night. In order to accommodate our 250 guests, we covered the pool with Plexiglass and added disco lights underneath for a dance floor. We transformed our modest backyard into an elegant, romantic, enchanted Gatsby garden. The place was packed, but it had a warm and welcoming feel. Sadly, my Dad passed away 2 months before the wedding, but the decision to have the reception in my childhood home, where we grew up together, really brought a lot of comfort to us. His presence was felt throughout the day, from my wedding dress (which he picked out), to my parents wedding rings, which were given to Jonny and I to exchange as our wedding bands.

While the reception was at our house, we knew we wouldn’t be able to fit all 250 guests for our ceremony back there as well. We were able to find a beautiful church right down the street with amazing architecture – stained glass windows, hanging lanterns, wood beam ceilings – a historic gem in the Valley! Jonny’s mom and sister went to every Home Goods in the surrounding area to find these beautiful lanterns that we spray painted gold and used at the backdrop to the alter. The room was so dramatic and stunning that we really didn’t need much else!

We wanted to have a memorable send-off from the church to the reception and enlisted one of my Dads friends who collects classic cars to help us out. He showed up the day of the wedding with this beautiful white convertible Corvette with red leather interior. It was perfect, and such a fun addition to the day!

Music is really important to Jonny and I, and we wanted to make sure to incorporate some fun musical elements into the day as well. My cousin Frank sang “Can’t Help Falling In Love” as I walked down the aisle, and my Grandpa, his best friend/my Uncle Emil and my brother Sam performed as a jazz trio during our cocktail hour. Our friends are in an amazing cover band and kicked off the dancing, but since we also wanted them to enjoy the party with us, we had them share the night with a DJ as well. We discovered DJ As-Is spinning at a friends birthday party at a bar in Hollywood one night. He was playing our favorite retro hits and had everyone dancing on the tables. Jonny and I looked at each other and immediately knew we had to have him for the wedding. They had all of our guests dancing and singing all night long – the music was truly unforgettable!

We couldn’t have pulled this off without the help and support of our amazing family and friends. We didn’t have a wedding planner and they were there for us every step of the way, making sure the day was memorable and full of love.

Besti Ewing Studio did such an incredible job capturing our wedding. I am filled with so much love and joy every time I look at the photos and video they created that day. I am forever grateful for the beautiful moments and memories that will last a lifetime!


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Photography: BETSI EWING WEDDINGS | Cinematography: BETSI EWING WEDDINGS | Floral Design: Flowers By Leah | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Cake: A Sweet Design | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Ceremony Venue: First United Methodist Church North Hollywood | Bride's shoes: INC | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Catering: Masrour Catering & Events | DJ: Benjamin As-Is Ross | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Wedding Venue: family residence - private estate in studio city | Formal wedding portraits: Greystone Mansion | Getting ready hotel: Sheraton Universal | Getting ready hotel for guys: The Garland | HMU: imdb | Photo Booth + Lighting: Dashing Events | Photography + Cinematography - Assistance: BETSI EWING WEDDINGS | Rentals: Modern Party Rentals | Vintage / Fun wedding portraits: SmogShoppe

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The Best Advice a Bride Has Ever Given

It may sound simple but when I read this bride’s advice to her fellow bride’s to be, I knew that it was the most simply put, poignant piece of advice there is…”There will be flaws and hiccups that will not go accordingly to the detailed itinerary you spent hours making. Laugh about it and live in the moment. Your wedding day is about the new life you are creating with your soul mate and everything else doesn’t matter.” Thanks to the gorgeous photographs by Shaun Menary, you can literally that she took her own advice entirely to heart. More here!

From the bride…After we were engaged wedding planning was my second full time job. We were together for 8 years and this was finally a time I was able to put our own style and wishes into one day. I could have easily hired a wedding planner to do everything for us but instead I wanted this to be a personal journey of our own.

For the overall design choices I envisioned a soft romantic outdoor vineyard theme. We were able to enjoy the natural beauty of the vineyard as our backdrop for the ceremony. Our wedding colors were blush, gold, white, burgundy, and green.

On our special day we wanted a more intimate wedding with close friends and family. I have always dreamed of a romantic vineyard wedding and so we brought Nappa Valley to Illinois. After researching different vendors for everything that had wedding in the name ( invitations, decorations, venues, etc) I realized I wanted to try and DIY on some things. We were grateful to have amazing family and friends in our life that jumped on board when we told them the plan.

The overall wedding planning process was exiting, but also overwhelming at times with the amount of different options available. We sat down and made a decision on what was important to us and completed the budget from that list.  I wanted my dress to be a statement and Allure did not disappoint. The bridesmaids dresses matched my blush dress with burgundy and gold. The groomsmen wore black and white bowtie tuxedos.

My favorite part of the day was our ceremony. My father walked me down the aisle to A Thousand Years and seeing my groom at the end waiting for me under our backdrop was breathtaking. We had an intimate ceremony exchanging our own vows in front of our close friends and family. The reception carried on to the Italian restaurant next door.

One of our focuses for the wedding was good food and exceptional wine which is why we decided on Acquaviva Winery. They make their own delicious wine and have excellent Italian food. Family is everything to us so a memory table for those not here with us was a must. Our signature drinks were dedicated to past family dogs, and our cigar bar for our current furry son Chewbacca. The table centerpieces were gold plated bowls with overflowing flowers and greens. Candles were placed throughout the entire restaurant to add lighting and a romantic feel. Our wedding day felt like I was in a fairytale. Every detail I imagined came together and the vows we exchanged with one another are something I will hold close to my heart forever.

Advice for future brides- enjoy every single moment of the day whether good or bad. There will be flaws and hiccups that will not go accordingly to the detailed itinerary you spent hours making. Laugh about it and live in the moment. Your wedding day is about the new life you are creating with your soul mate and everything else doesn’t matter.

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Photography: Shaun Menary Photography | Videographer: Imagination Designers | Floral design: Hyvee Floral | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: The Sugar Path | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Wedding bands: Diamond Doctor | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Marien Mae Bridal Boutique | Catering: Acquaviva Winery | Makeup artist: Flawless By Tiffany | Hair stylist: Tami Martin | Suit: Michael Kors | Transportation: Way To Go Limousine | Wedding Venue: Acquaviva Winery | DJ and lighting: Magsino Mobile Entertainment | Paper goods: Wedding Paper Divas | Prep location: Pheasant Run Resort | Shoe retailer: Arte Latica | Wedding dress retailer: Marien Mae Bridal Boutique

Industrial Chic Meets Boho Beauty for this Fall New England Wedding

With a bit of boho, a dash of modern design and plenty of love, these two aimed to combine all their inspiration into one beautiful, balanced bash. And that goal was achieved quite stylish and successfully. Shabby met chic for this industrial autumn wedding and Ashley Largesse captured it all, from the DIY details to the custom designed dress. See every bit and every emotional moment in our Vault gallery right this way!

From Ashley LargesseI’m still in awe at everything from this beautiful wedding day. From the bride’s gorgeous custom designed wedding gown and the bridesmaids’ unique dresses which she hand selected, to the DIY ceremony decor and carefully chosen geometric planters hanging from the reception ceiling. Each and every lovely detail so perfectly contributed to the beautiful and intimate setting which surrounded Heather and Dennis’ special day.

From the Bride… When my now husband and I got engaged in the spring of 2015, I have to admit the thought of planning a wedding seemed daunting. I wasn’t sure how I wanted to go about anything, but one day it just kind of came to me and I held true to it throughout the whole planning process. Neither of us had any strong personal connections to certain locations, we just knew it would be in the fall, in New England, inside. Although I always envisioned my bridal self in a meadow full of wild flowers getting married under an old tree, the thought of potentially going to battle with the unpredictable New England fall elements was too much for me to chance. I switched my more bohemian view to something that suited both our personalities. Balance is the one word that I repeated to myself throughout this whole process. As a couple, Dennis and I are seemingly diverse, but what I love most about our partnership is the necessary balance we bring to each other. I wanted to incorporate that balance into all aspects of our wedding. For some reason, I was strongly drawn to industrial interiors, like exposed brick and old windows, and I quickly fell in love with the androgyny an industrial setting would bring to our wedding. We looked at two industrial venues and landed on the lovely Rivermill at Dover Landing in Dover, NH during the peak season of fall 2016. The first time I saw the raw space, the floor to ceiling windows, exposed brick walls, grey stained old wood floors, I just knew it was where we would become husband and wife. It was simple like us, and I felt it would provide the perfect setting to share our love with family and friends.

After securing the venue, I spent time researching event specialists and wedding planners, and I soon realized I was a bit of a control freak. Not in a bridezilla kind of way, I just felt compelled to incorporate my own design ideas throughout the wedding, opting to hand make and build most of the elements in our wedding rather than fork over money and control to a planner. Take our ceremony backdrop for example: my husband and I built the copper pipe arch in the middle of a Home Depot aisle together, and we both made the lace embroidery hoops that delicately hung from it. It was so special to have something we created together highlighted on a day that was just about us.

When it came to flowers and decor, I knew I wanted to use soft greenery to help balance the masculinity and harshness of the massive open space, and I knew I needed to find a florist who fully understood my vision. Luckily, Jessica Christoferson from Cymbidium Floral in Exeter, NH answered my floral prayers. She just got my vision and brought it to life more beautifully than I could have ever hoped, filling the vintage glass bottles and ivory creamers I bought with stems of dusty miller, brunia, ranunculus and succulents, creating a gorgeous gathering of succulents and ranunculus in the wooden flower boxes my mom, Maid of Honor, and I made, and suggesting to add hanging plants to the geometric shapes I bought that would hang above our sweetheart table.

To bring more softness to the tablescapes, I made natural rope chargers for the round tables, which were perfect place settings to showcase our sage watercolor menus and wine stopper favors, and I created glass plates with lace to be used as chargers for the long tables, which beautifully complemented the rustic wooden planks running the length of each table. The mix of soft green and creamy florals, ivory linens, rustic wood accents, and touches of lace provided the perfect juxtaposition to the hard brick interiors. I added in some ivory ceiling draping by Event Lighting Concepts to tie the whole look together. Walking into our reception as husband and wife, it seriously took our breath away to see all of the DIY components come together so effortlessly.

Aside from the décor and setting, it was so important to us to have our closest family and friends by our side on our wedding day, and highlight them individually. I wanted my girls to look and feel their best, so instead of choosing one dress, one color, one style, I opted for different dresses, colors, and styles all together. I sent the girls a few different line ups of mix and match dress options, they chose their favorite, and the rest was pure magic. The first time I saw the Adrianna Papell dresses (all found on Nordstrom.com) lined up next to each other was the actual day of the wedding, so until that point, I was fingers and toes crossed, hoping the aesthetic I was going for was a realistic one. And amazingly, it was. Lined up all together, they mimicked a water color painting with strokes of blush, cream, and misty blues – the girls were absolutely stunning. For the men, we wanted to keep it easy and simple, having them wear their best navy suit with white shirt, brown belt, and brown shoes. Dennis provided the ties – blueish, grey linen ties from Etsy, and he also incorporated his love for all things America by gifting American flag socks, which paired perfectly with the giant American flag tapestry we used as a backdrop for the groomsmen photos.

Keeping with the DIY theme, I chose none other than to custom design my own wedding dress. I fell in love with a Justin Alexander creation from In White Bridal Boutique in Agawam, MA, and worked with their amazing seamstress to change the entire dress to fit my vision. I forever pictured myself with a long sleeved lace wedding dress, so that was an obvious. I drew a sketch of what I wanted and sent some similar silhouette’s to the seamstress to use for inspiration. It was a little scary going through the different life cycles of this dress – the cutting up of the dress, the addition of the sleeves, the additional tweaks to the neckline and appliques, but the end result was everything I wanted and more. Dennis surprised me, and chose a lighter blue suit than his groomsmen, which fit him like a glove. He wanted to stand out from the other men – it was his day too.

The vibe of the day was exactly what we wanted. It was easy, fun, and simple, while still being elegant, modern and unique to us. To this day, we still talk about the moment we stepped aside together to take in the scene around us – the mound of donuts in the corner I couldn’t wait to get my hands on, our friends dancing like maniacs to the world’s best singing DJ, Dan Gorski of Sky Music Events, seeing our DIY elements seamlessly fit into the vast industrial space, our two families uniting as one, and us reflecting on what we knew would be a full, happy, and balanced life ahead of us.

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Photography: Ashley Largesse Photography | Floral Design: Cymbidium Floral | Stationery: Taylor Brodie | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Nordstrom | Makeup: Studio 90 | Hair: Studio 90 | Calligraphy: Wilde Paper Co. | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Wedding Venue: Rivermill At Dover Landing | Furniture + Tabletop Rentals: New England Country Rentals | Hairpiece: Peacock and Lotus | Handmade Details: DIY by Bride | Maid of Honor's Dress: BHLDN

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All the Inspo You Need to Infuse Your Wedding with Modern Romance

If you fall into the “scared to go modern” bandwagon, this inspiration is guaranteed to change your mind. It balances the sleek sensibilities of a contemporary affair with elegant details that give it an all out romantic feel. Crafted by Rachael Ellen Events with photos by Kenzie Victory, take a peek at column gowns paired with ponytails, elegant gold details married with a pop of bloom, and then there’s the marble cake by Flour & Flourish. It all makes for a combo that will promote you to modern’s #1 fan.

For this shoot we were inspired by the combination of modern romanticism—the way a minimal stark backdrop pairs with lush, feminine flowers. The way simple gold tableware balances the pop of color marble cake. It was all about opposites and the way they work together to evoke a feeling of chic modernism without skipping out on feminine bridal details.

For the bride, we styled her in a sleek, modern, Halston Heritage dress knowing that it would pair perfectly with glowing bridal makeup. We kept her hair in a messy but chic pony tail for a twist on the traditional up-do and paired that with mod geometric earrings. We love the use of gold and yellow paired with muted neutrals seen in the flowers and the accessories. J. Brooks Jewelers pieces provided the perfect amount of classic timelessness to balance the modernity in the rest of the design.

For the tablespace, I love this take on soft blues, greys, and lavenders—they are the new neutrals. Who says it has to be white to go with everything? The blue really allows the golden hues to pop while allowing for minimal color in the dinnerware which gives that modern appeal. We kept the geometric taper candle holder as the focal piece as it gives the design a wonderful linear yet romantic feel. Hand calligraphy for the place cards kept to the romantic feel while the pink marble cake gave a fun and unexpected pop of color while taking advantage of the marble trend. We styled the cake without any blooms or decorations because we feel that statement pieces speak for themselves.

The invitation suite was again the perfect balance between modern and romantic with a bold type paired with soft floral details. Styled with bloom clippings, Frou Frou Chic ribbon, and a Mrs. Box, the details felt luxe, mod, and feminine all at once. Our groom wore a classic tux that was the perfect amount of tradition to balance our fashion forward bride.

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Photography: Kenzie Victory | Event Planning: Rachael Ellen Events | Wedding Dress: Rent The Runway | Cake: Flour & Flourish | Invitations: Script Merchant | Jewelry: J. Brooks Jewelers | Hair & Makeup: Katie Livingston | Groom: Darryl Dzapasi | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: The Charcoal Loft | Bride: Jordan Blackhurst | Rentals: Wonderland by Alice Lane | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Styling Board: Lux Bindery