There’s nothing like messy fridges and overstuffed kitchen counters to totally put a damper on your pretty cooking space. And while I love a beautifully edited counter, I never know quite how to get there. Toasters, endless amounts of cooking utensils, paper towels… do these people own those? Now enter 12 secret weapons that are probably lurking behind all those streamlined kitchens.

12 Secret Weapons for Kitchen Organization

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12 Secret Weapons for Kitchen Organization

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It’s happening, loves. Pippa is tying the knot and if there’s one thing we know about this royal in-law + style maven, it’s that classic glamour is totally her thing.  So today we’re teaming up with The Registry at Bloomingdale’s for a little game of “What Will Pippa Register For” because, well… sooo much fun. Take a look at our beautiful picks for our fave sis below.

Pippa Middleton Registry Picks

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Pippa Middleton Registry Picks

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Our finds for Pippa are out-of-this-world gorgeous, but the best part? You can register for your very own Pippa-esque essentials by stopping by the The Registry at Bloomingdale’s in-store or online.  From stunning bed and bath necessities to decor must-haves to kitchen gadgets that will make your hearts sing, The Registry at Bloomingdale’s has EVERYTHING for your brand new abode, right down to that must-have blender for those Sunday morning smoothies.  Not to mention that The Registry at Bloomingdale’s also offers exclusive savings (20% off in store!) on dresses, intimates, fine jewelry AND men’s suiting + formalwear right through your wedding date, which means looking absolutely fabulous for that engagement party is totally covered… you and your groom will never look so awesome.

Contact your Personal Registry Consultant at The Registry at Bloomingdale’s TODAY for their expert advice AND to find out even more about their fab completion offer (10 – 20% off!), bridal event invites and amazing honeymoon packages. There’s even time saving essentials, like a Registry Checklist, Thank You Manager and mobile Big Brown App.  Head there NOW to fill your home with those traditional with a twist items Pippa would totally love.  They’ll take care of you… we promise.

The only thing more romantic than golden hour photography has to be sunset photography, when the sky looks like it’s filled with cotton-candy clouds. And those magical portraits are just part of the pretty, captured by Retrospect Images, at this California wedding. See all of the gorgeous moments in The Vault!

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From Retrospect Images…Amy and Ryan’s wedding day was absolutely perfect. I just adore these two and their beautiful country wedding at The Inn at Park Winters in Winters, CA. The elegant estate house, wide open fields, beautiful light, and all of the attention to detail by Alluring Events set the tone for this magical day.

Photography: Retrospect Images | Event Planning: Curated by Grace + White | Floral Design: In Full Bloom by MJL | Cake: Cake Couture | Stationary: Elli | Catering: Anderson Fmaily Catering | Hair + Makeup: Kat Tinney | DJ: Cope Entertainment | Venue: Inn At Park Winters

Once the excitement of the proposal settles in and you’re ready to start wedding planning, one of the first decisions you have to make will be choosing wedding colors. Choosing the perfect palette may seem like an easy task but knowing which direction to go can be more complicated than expected! The variety of colors to choose from is endless, making finding the right shades to pair together a bit of an obstacle. I’m here to help guide you down the right path with creative ways to choose your coveted wedding colors that’ll speak to who you are as a couple and create a celebration you and your guests will never forget!

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1. Favorite Colors

A common and simple way to decide on colors is to use both of your favorite colors – as long as they look nice together that is! If your groom’s favorite color is lime green and yours is red then it might not turn out how you would like but there still may be a way for it to turn out well – and beautiful too! Before completely ruling it out, take a look at different shades of your favorite colors, placing them together to see which ones go best together. You may find that a leafier green and muted light red could possibly work for the look you’re going for. If it’s just not working, let’s take a look at my next tip…

2. Pretty Paints

A great way to visually compare different shades of colors at one time is to go to the paint section of a hardwood store and start piecing together paint chips of colors you like. Take them home and see which colors stand out to you. These paint color cards can be extremely helpful because they typically have 3-4 different shades on one card, ranging from lightest to darkest, so that you can view a variety of tones at once. Also, any excuse to spend some quality time at the hardware is a win-win with your hubby-to-be ;)

3. Joint Activities

What are your favorite activities to do together? Does it involve being inside or exploring the great outdoors? A lot of times what you enjoy doing together can also speak to what colors you would like to represent your wedding. Enjoy the beach? Then a shade of blue could be an option. Fan of the mountains? Then neutrals and greens would be great options to start with. If ballrooms and theaters are more your thing, then regal colors such as crimson red, gold, or silver are fabulous choices. This helps to identify the base color and from there you can expand on accent colors that pair nicely.

4. Birthstone Colors

Birthstone colors are often overlooked but can make for a beautiful palette if examined closely for your wedding. It’s a sweet, sentimental way to decide on colors together. If the colors don’t seem to pair nicely together, try variations of shades in your birthstone colors to create a magical and personalized wedding. You may even be surprised how the colors cater to your personalities.

5. Inspiration!

One of the most popular ways to decide on colors is to get inspiration from other weddings you’ve seen and been inspired by online (the SMP Vault is bursting with ideas!). Make sure you take a look at some weddings with your man to know what colors stand out to him – or which ones he’d rather avoid. Make your wedding a day you will love with colors that mean something to the both of you. I share a helpful template for choosing your wedding colors – along with tons of other stress-free wedding tips – in my book, “My Fairytale Wedding: Planning Your Dream Wedding Without Breaking the Bank” and am excited to give away three signed copies to some lucky brides! Head to SMP’s Instagram to enter to win now! 

xoxo,
Desiree

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Peek Back at Desiree’s Wedding!

We have this thing with front doors and the more colorful the better. There is just something about a sweet little cottage with a sunny yellow entrance or a stately brownstone with a high gloss black door. It’s such an easy way to let your personality shine through from the very moment people lay eyes on your home sweet home. Pore through 20 of our favorite hues from Home Depot and get ready to add massive curb appeal with a little Behr paint and elbow grease.

Colorful Front Door Inspo

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Colorful Front Door Inspo

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See all home tours right this way!

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This wedding inspiration just so happens to combine two of my favorite things: spring blooms and the Pacific Northwest. Add in the totally talented Kylie Martin behind the lens, and you’ve got yourself a tasteful gallery worth gawking over. See every elegant detail in The Vault!

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From Kylie Martin…This session was inspired by all the blooming changes taking place in the Pacific Northwest. Our bride is modern and elegant but minimal in her styling. We hope to inspire brides to consider the “less is more” approach with styling and really pour their vision into the experience and feel of the day. By selecting important pieces that are a genuine reflection of the couple’s taste and aesthetic you are able to take a more minimal approach while still guaranteeing authentic imagery. This spring inspired session was tastefully simple in design but still elegant.

Photography: Kylie Martin Photography | Floral Design: Garden Of Eden Floral Design | Hair + Makeup: Katie Schieb | Venue: The Davenport Hotel | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Model: Katie Schieb | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic

How do you feel about rose gold? Well, I should warn you that you’re about to fall head-over-heels in love with said color like crazy. Captured by Julia Park Photography And Cinema this is one wedding inspiration complete with a stunning Ferré Sposa gown that you’ll want to pin pronto and we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Phoebe Lo Events…This magical day was captured in its bohemian spring elements, with a display inspired by the organic fluidity of poetry with a touch of elegance and luxury. The subtle interplay between soft textiles and delicate metals, further suggested by the fine array of artisan dyed linens and silk ribbon, all blend beautifully into a splendid palette of rose gold, silver and gold.

Nestled upon the soft blush chiffon is an exquisitely crafted glass invitation suite, embellished with contemporary calligraphy produced by Velsie Mak. The elegant heirloom ring is presented by a handmade velvet ring box, custom made by Painterly Posies.

The serene outdoors was the perfect place for a charming sweetheart table setting, with a rustic floral landscape arranged by Secrets Floral Collection. Al fresco fine dining against the majestic backdrop of St. George Golfing Country Club welcomes spring in a curious and fanciful way.

Graced with a collection of fine china and delicate glassware from William Ashley, the rose gold cutlery delicately plays with the soft blush linen that further defines the coexisting vintage chairs for the couple seating. The soft palette of blush, ivory and yellow is encapsulated by the blooms and bouquets framing the scenescape. This romantic setting is accompanied by a collection of handcrafted artisan candles by Fenwick Candles, produced in an eco-friendly manner with all vegan materials and hand poured for each celebration.

Our bride features two distinct wedding gown styles prepared by Ferre Sposa with accent accessories by LUVYT. These beautiful gowns and accessories were stylized by Jennifer Dang, with the charming look completed by Makeup Designer, Velsie Mak and Hair Designer, Puzzle Creations. The celebration is furthered by a collection of sweets and desserts by Sinfully Sweet Co. A rustic log cake celebrates the charm of the scene, paired with a more elegant triple layered cake.

The thematic spring inspiration was represented by the natural sprinkling of spring showers, accented with the unconventional bohemian layout of the sweetheart table. In place of a traditional centerpiece, the tablescape design was defined by asymmetrical floral and greenery. The castle-esque location showcases a variety of charming and unconventional spaces for wedding inspirations. From the age old architecture to the surrounding landscapes, each space embodied an unsurpassable elegance with very prominent notes of historical and bohemian pieces.

Photography: Julia Park Photography And Cinema | Event Planning + Design: Phoebe Lo Events | Floral Design: Secrets Floral Collection | Wedding Dress: Ferre Sposa Bridal Boutique | Engagement Ring: Anouk Jewelry | Makeup: Velsie Mak | Hair: Puzzle Creations | Venue: St. George Golf and Country Club | Cake + Desserts: Sinfully Sweet By Sonia J | Calligraphy + Stationery: Velsie Mak | Candles: Fenwick Candles | Fine Tableware: William Ashley China | Hair Accessories: LUVYT | Model: Jelena + Celeste | Ring Box: Phoebe Lo Events | Stylist: Ferre Sposa Bridal Boutique

Have big plans for this beautiful summer workday? Well, we’ve got you covered. Because this stunning film from Sky Focus Films is ALL you need to focus on.  From the heartwarming first moments with the handsome groom (read: you’ll love him) to the bride’s elated dance down the aisle (sooo cute), every.last.moment is absolute perfection, right down to that breathtaking Munster Rose bouquet. Do yourselves a favor and press play.

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From the Bride… Looking back to our wedding day, Carlos and I can safely say- it was PERFECT. When faced with the daunting, exciting, “I’ve waited my whole life for this” task of planning your wedding, there is a vision. Our vision was to create an occasion that was timeless, natural, family-oriented, and above all, a representation of us.

ARIA, in the Warehouse District of Minneapolis, created the perfect backdrop for our vision- old, beautiful and full of stories. I knew the moment I saw it that I wanted my story to happen there. Carlos and I worked to entwine the raw beauty of our venue into the rest of our decor- hanging numerous vintage chandeliers around the old warehouse, using farm tables to dine on, and keeping our floral as green and natural as possible.

My family also contributed, with my great aunt and uncle collecting moss from the same woods in Roseau, MN that I had played in as a child to fill antique frames that held my homemade place cards. Cousins baked and brought fruit breads to be served on wooden chargers that my uncle had cut and sanded for each dining table. Though the day was definitely made possible by wedding vendors, it had veins of hard work, home and love that made it so much more personal.

Our food also paid tribute to our individual heritage. Our caterer worked with us to create Ecuadorian-inspired appetizers including llapingachos and ceviche in homage to my husband’s background, as well as fried walleye for dinner, and baked Sweet Martha cookies for late night snacks – my chosen representation of my Minnesotan upbringing. We also brought in the owners of 5Watt Coffee to create and serve coffee and tea-based His and Hers drinks, as coffee has always been an important, enjoyable part of Carlos and my relationship.

The personalized details that our vendors, family, Carlos and I had worked so hard to bring to life for our wedding will always be remembered. What I am eternally grateful for is the documentation of us on our wedding day. The ability to relive our faces, emotions, words and looks over and over by pressing play on our wedding video. I still cry with joy every time I experience the detail, personalization and timeless art created by our videographer. My vision for my wedding day carried through into my wedding video. To any bride: hire a videographer- do yourself justice- to be able to encapsulate your time, work, and love will be the best moment of your wedding day.

Photography: Mad Chicken Studios | Cinematography: Sky Focus Films | Floral Design: Munster Rose | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Cocoa & Fig | Stationery: Old City Press | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Chowgirls Killer Catering | Hair + Makeup: emily j. hair + makeup | DJ: Instant Request | Band: Orange Whip | Groom's Attire: Tom Ford | Venue: Aria | Bridal Boutique: l'atelier couture bridal boutique | Day of Coordination: Kirsten Fischer Of FAB Event Design

I fully admit that I need to step outside the box when it comes to makeup. I love my effortless day-to-day makeup routine, but when it comes to date night? I need a kick in the beauty booty. Enter these 5 makeup tricks that I’m determined to try (I’ve already tackled tightlining and love it!). What’s your favorite way to spice up the beauty routine for date night? Let us know in the comments!

5 Beauty Tutorials Every Girl Should Know

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5 Beauty Tutorials Every Girl Should Know

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Despite all the months of planning, sometimes the best part of your wedding day happens organically. For Ali and Mike, it was when they snuck off to the shoreline for a few moments alone and to recharge and regroup amidst the excitement. This candid moment was a reminder of their promise, “I will settle you,” and also led to their favorite photo of the day. See it, and so many more pretty moments, caught through the lens of Sarah Der Photography, in The Vault!

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From The Bride & Groom…We wanted our wedding to be both effortlessly elegant and shout “Ali and Mike!” down to the last detail. Our wedding incorporated some of our favorite things: love, Richmond, and Cape Cod. When we both arrived as freshmen on the Richmond campus, we spent a year falling in love with the school and the city, and the next three years falling in love with each other. Our jobs pulled us away from Richmond after we graduated college, but something told us that our love story with Richmond wasn’t over yet. We moved back two years after graduation, and the rest is history. Richmond played a big part in our love story, and we wanted to make sure that our wedding captured not only the easy-breeze vibe of springtime at the Cape but also the city that started it all.

Ali’s family started the wedding weekend by hosting a southern cuisine-inspired brunch. At the wedding, Mike and his groomsmen wore socks with spiders on them–a nod to the University of Richmond’s mascot, the spider. At the reception, the tables were named after some of our favorite Richmond and University of Richmond locations, and the ceremony cake toppers featured a bride spider and groom spider sitting in beach chairs surrounded by edible sea shells. We captured the lightness of the Cape with a relaxed brunch wedding, complete with champagne cocktails named “The Gazebo,” after one of our favorite places on the U of R campus. We created the effortlessly elegant vibe with an outdoor cocktail hour overlooking the bay, yummy and light brunch foods, and cool blue, green, and white local blooms (our florist even used sea glass in our flower arrangements!). We used handmade ombre calligraphy for the table names and escort cards, which brought the ocean indoors. We completed the brunch-y, relaxed feel by having newspapers with crossword puzzles (all about us and our friends + family!), pencils, and mimosas + coffee for guests when they arrived at our reception.

Our favorite memories from the day are when we were able to sneak away and share a few moments alone, as husband and wife (!). One moment that stands out in particular happened immediately after the chaos of the receiving line (great to do because we got to greet our guests, but it was overwhelming!). Ali is a bit introverted, so Mike walked Ali away from the receiving line and towards the shoreline so that they could have a few moments alone. Within minutes, Ali was feeling recharged and ready to enjoy the rest of the day. It was there that the words engraved in our wedding bands, “I will settle you” became reality. This moment was captured perfectly by Sarah (our favorite picture of the day!).

We were so excited to share Cape Cod with our friends and family! Ali and her family grew up sailing, swimming, and sandcastle-ing on the Cape, and she and Mike have so many fond memories of runs on the beach and evenings spent watching the sunset over the water. We really can’t imagine a more serene and beautiful place to start our lives as Mr. and Mrs.! We also recommend getting married in either the bride or the groom’s hometown–it was so nice to be home with Ali’s family before the big day!

We must admit, planning a wedding is a BIG job, and not one that comes without complications! Our best advice to engaged couples is to constantly remember the most important part of the weekend: becoming husband and wife, which is pretty much the happiest thing in the world. We were able to channel that happiness towards some of the trickier, more emotional aspects of the reception planning, and we ended up with a wedding that was overflowing with joy, love, and light.

Photography: Sarah Der Photography | Floral Design: Cindy Of Vintage Flowers | Cake: The Casual Gourmet | Invitations: Minted | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of the Assumption | Reception Venue: Oyster Harbors Club | Bride's Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Oyster Harbors Club | Hair + Makeup: Cosmetique | Calligraphy: Dancing Ink | Band: The Moonlighters | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Rentals: New England Country Rentals | Wedding Dress + Veil: BHLDN

When you propose at the foot of Manawaiopuna Falls (aka the Jurassic Park waterfalls) you set the stage for one epic adventure – and that’s exactly what these two began, when they first met at a friend’s wedding and then a little later, when she proclaimed YES at those falls. Angela Newton Roy captured their “I do’s” and the results? Picture perfect. See them all in our Vault and get ready to start pinning some of the best bridesmaids’ dresses I’ve seen in awhile!

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From Bride… Ryan, a former FDNY firefighter and current Clarkstown police officer and I, a financial software account manager at Bloomberg, met in September 2012 at a mutual friend’s wedding. From the moment we met, we were inseparable. Sharing a love of music, Crossfit and travel, we spent the next year going to concerts, working out and exploring new places. In December 2013, Ryan proposed to me at the foot of the Manawaiopuna Falls (aka the Jurassic Park waterfall) in Kauai. We spent the next year and a half planning our dream wedding.

Finding a venue to accommodate the 325 guests was a task in itself. However, once we laid our eyes on the tented ballroom at West Hills Country Club in Middletown, NY, we knew this was the perfect venue for us. We wanted the wedding to embody fun elegance and that was exactly what we achieved.

The theme of fun elegance played out in my beaded lace dress, Ryan’s custom midnight blue tux (with mustache lining, of course), the blush tones of the garden roses, dahlias, succulents and scabiosa pods, combined with gold accents throughout and music from the one of a kind Nerds, the day was everything we dreamed of and more. Followed by a spectacular honeymoon to Australia, New Zealand and Bora Bora, we were ready to begin our new life together and look forward to what the future has to offer!

Photography: Angela Newton Roy Photography | Videography: RF Films | Event Planning: White Hall Events, By Amy Hardisty | Floral Design: Flowers By David Anthony | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Stationery: Briana Sudzinski | Ceremony Venue: St. Francis of Assisi | Reception Venue: West Hills Country Club | Bride's Shoes: Gucci | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Hair: Styles On B | DJ: Supersonic DJ's | Band: The Nerds | Groom's Attire: The Tie Bar | Baker: The Pastry Garden | Beauty: Lara D'Pietro | Bridal Prep: Parents Home in Yonkers, NY | Bridesmaids' Jewelry: For The Maids | Cathedral Veil: Malis Henderson | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Groom's Custom Tux: Indochino | Groom's Shoes: Calibrate | Photo Booth: Empire Sound

Most parents-to-be think of finding the perfect paint color or the sweetest crib when it comes to designing their baby’s nursery. But most often left for last? The lighting—an element that can completely transform the look of your babe’s new space. From show-stopping pendants to stunning sconces, we’ve got 10 beauties that’ll make any nursery shine with pretty!

The Sweetest Nursery Lighting

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The Sweetest Nursery Lighting

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Make DIY Wallpaper Panels for the nursery!

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Vintage-loving brides, this one is for you. “Paige knew she wanted guests to feel almost as if they had been transported back in time to an era of glamour. She incorporated many early 20th century period details, like her cap veil and the big band style music played at the reception. The color scheme was moody but bold, with a smattering of gold details to make the entire event sparkle.” Go see that vision brought to life with photos from Lauren Kinsey and a stunning film by Nathan Willis.

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Paige Bennett and Thorben Primke were married on April 11th. They met in Austin, Texas and moved to San Francisco when Thorben, who was born and raised in Germany, began working for Facebook. When they were thinking about places to get married, they considered destinations all over America, but they decided on New Orleans because of Paige’s south Mississippi roots and love for New Orleans. The two were married at the Marigny Opera House, an almost 200 year old church which had been converted into a performing arts center in the Marigny neighborhood of downtown New Orleans, adjacent to the French Quarter.

Since Paige and Thorben have both lived all over the world, they had guests who traveled from places like Oman, Germany, and all four corners of the United States. When thinking about what she wanted the wedding to look and feel like, Paige knew she wanted guests to feel almost as if they had been transported back in time to an era of glamour. She incorporated many early 20th century period details, like her cap veil and the big band style music played at the reception. The color scheme was moody but bold, with a smattering of gold details to make the entire event sparkle. After a lot of Creole and German inspired food, the reception came to an end with a bang: a traditional New Orleans second line, in which a New Orleans jazz band led a parade of the wedding party and guests through the streets of downtown.

Photography: Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Weddings | Cinematography: Nathan Willis Wedding Films | Coordination: Down Annie Lane | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Reformation | Catering: Dat's Good Food | Invitations and Calligraphy: Written Word Calligraphy | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Ceremony Music: Fine Arts Ensemble | Bridal Veil: Girl & a Serious Dream | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Marigny Opera House | Event Styling and Floral: Mitchell Willis Events | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Napkins: Backyard Printing | Reception Band: Jimmy Maxwell | Rentals: Party Rentals Delivered | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Second Line Band: Kinfolk Brass Band

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Written Word Calligraphy

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I’m just going to come out and say it, this wedding is everything! So much so that I would consider getting married all over again just so I can replicate the pretty Brushfire Photography captured. Complete with an intimate ceremony and totally chic details, we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Brushfire Photography…Jon and Jess planned their wedding down to the very last detail. They were very involved in the design and wanted their day to reflect what they love in life together. They created so many custom details for their guests and had only their closest family and friends attend. They wanted the day to be memorable for everyone including themselves.

Photography: Brushfire Photography LLC | Styling: Bride | Floral Design: Catskill Flower Shop | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Groom's Attire: Carson Street Clothiers | Ceremony Music: Hudson Pro Musica | Venue: Ashokan Dreams

If you thought sunshine was preferable on your big day, allow me to introduce you to the most romantic weather forecast every: fog. Because this sweet pair goes to show that a little mist can be totally magical. As captured by Karyn Johnson Photography, we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Karyn Johnson Photography…You plan and you plan and you plan for your wedding day. You buy a killer pair of baby blue heels, borrow your mother’s vintage veil, put on a gorgeous strand of pearls, and lace up your stunning wedding gown surrounded by your closest friends. The guys straighten their bow ties, tighten their belts, and button their coats ready for the day. But no one, no one can control the weather.

What Colby & Callie had planned for their outdoor Peaks of Otter ceremony overlooking a beautiful lake with a mountain view was erased by a thick, low layer of fog. And to everyone’s surprise the unplanned overcast skies and continuous mist added a unique element of romanticism to their day. Just as the day they met, when Colby locked himself out of his apartment during a snow storm and sought shelter and warmth from a nearby neighbor who would become his future wife, no one could have planned it more perfectly than as it happened.

The long light blue bridesmaids dresses gracefully flowed in the wind as Colby and Callie shared their vows and committed their lives to one another. Drops of water dripped from a nearby tree creating the sweet sound of rain without actually having a rain shower. Against everyone’s initial hopes and plans, this weather: the clouds, the fog, the chill, created a unique and unmatched atmosphere; something none of us had ever experienced before.

Guests drank pink champagne, danced, played games, and rejoiced over this new marriage at a rustic indoor ceremony with windows overlooking the foggy lake. DIY’ed wooden center pieces with vases of white hydrangeas adorned the hall as wooden beams towered between tables creating the perfect cozy, warm ambiance for such a chilly, wet day.

Colby and Callie exited their reception to a whirlwind of flower petals amidst the fog and drizzle. What a romantic ending to an already picturesque day.

Photography: Karyn Johnson Photography | Floral Design: Jamie Mays | Wedding Dress: Celebration Bridal | Cake: A Great Cake Experience | Invitations: Vista Print | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Swoon Boutique | Catering: Peaks of Otter Lodge | Hair + Makeup: Bethany Jane Bell | Groom's Attire: JCPenney | Groomsmen Attire: JCPenney | Venue: Peaks of Otter Lodge

There aren’t enough hand clapping emojis in the world to reflect how much I truly love this wedding. Think a lavish Palm Beach ballroom affair made completely personal, with not a single detail overlooked thanks to JCG Events. Per usual, Elizabeth Messina pulled off an image gallery that’s a complete work-of-art and we cannot get enough.

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From JCG Events … Every detail was thought through when planning this destination wedding for Brittany and Evan. From the first impression guests received of their custom engraved invitations wrapped in silk boxes to their newlywed brunch in the Circle Room at the Breakers. Guests arrived to Palm Beach and checked in at the Breakers where they were greeted with welcome bags. Each welcome bag was imprinted with a custom illustrated map of important locations and events of their relationship and wedding weekend. Inside the bags, guest found an assortment of thoughtful gifts that reflected the both the bride and groom. After settling in, guests were then invited to the welcome reception, which was at the classic Chesterfield Hotel. Guests enjoyed a poolside reception with a steel drummer, followed by dinner and dancing in the famous Leopard lounge.

The wedding day was filled with joy and excitement. The suite was buzzing around Brittany, as all the ladies were getting ready. Once ready for the day Brittany and Evan had their first look, and then headed to the beautiful gardens of the Four Arts Society for their portraits prior to the ceremony. This was an intimate and beautiful time for the couple and wonderful time to reflect before they headed to the chapel to be wed.

The chapel was decorated with wreaths on the front door and petals and lush arrangements. Following the ceremony guests headed to the Flagler Museum for the reception. The cocktail hour took place inside the Museum where we had an illusionist magician interact and awe guests while they sipped their Moscow Mules and nibbled on delectable hors d’ oeuvres.

We then escorted guests to the main reception hosted in the Pavilion. No detailed was overlooked, the servers wore custom monogramed aprons with matching bowties and white gloves. There was a vintage wood bar where handcrafted specialty cocktails were served throughout the night. Each table was adorned with beautiful linens, napery and gorgeous Maison dinning chairs from Nuage Desings and was completed with beautiful floral centerpieces by Tom Matheiu. Each place setting consisted of beautiful chargers, copper napkin rings, pressed glass stemware, Silver Croydon flatware, gold engraved menu cards and antiqued key for each guest’s place card.

The menu was of particular importance to the couple, as they are both foodies. Guests were treated to a lavish seated dinner that started with a thinly sliced red and yellow beet ravioli filled with goat cheese. The intermezzo was a refreshing lemon sorbet served in custom ice sculpture of the couple’s monogram then garnished with basil rock sugar. The main entrée was an oven roasted branzino with truffled cauliflower smear topped with roasted tomatoes and a Barola braised short rib. The dessert consisted of plated assortment of petit desserts, monogramed chocolate truffle pops and of course wedding cake! A dazzling design by Earth and Sugar decorated with both sugar and real magnolia flowers.

Guests danced the night away to the star powered band Powerhouse. When guests wanted to take advantage of the venue’s beautiful water views, they only need to head outside where we had set-up some lounge furniture under bistro lights. Towards the end of the evening late night snacks were then served which consisted of three types monogramed sliders: amber ale cheddar, crispy onion tangles and crumbled bacon and Portobello sliders. To satisfy guests sweet tooth there were smokin’ tres leches served.

This was a memorable weekend for all where family and friends were able to enjoy a beautiful weekend in Palm Beach to celebrate the union of this wonderful couple.

Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Cinematography: Merge Social | Coordination: Masi Events | Event Planning: Masi Events | Floral Design: Tom Mathieu | Cake: Earth And Sugar | Ceremony Venue: Royal Poinciana Chapel | Reception Venue: Flagler Museum | Catering: A Joy Wallace Catering, Design & Special Events | Hair + Makeup: Tatjana Terzic | Band: The Powerhouse Group | Transportation: Padrinos | Transportation: Molly's Trolleys | Bridal Valet: Bless The Dress | Furniture Rentals: Afr | Rentals: Nuage Designs

For Adrienne Bailon, co-host of The Real, the City of Lights just got a whole lot brighter thanks to a massive new engagement ring from fiancé Israel Houghton. The emerald-cut stunner, which features a halo of dazzling diamonds, is the first step in a happily ever after for this former Disney star and her Prince Charming!

A video posted by Adrienne Bailon (@adriennebailon) on Aug 12, 2016 at 7:17am PDT

A photo posted by Israel Houghton (@ihoughton) on Aug 12, 2016 at 7:22pm PDT

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Outrageous + Beautiful E-Rings

Jaw-Dropping Engagement Rings Inspired by Celebs

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Jaw-Dropping Engagement Rings Inspired by Celebs

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More Diamonds to Drool Over

65 Unique Engagement Rings | The Perfect Ring + Band Pairings | Gold Medal-Worthy Rings

There are can’t miss events, and then there are can’t miss events – with the Weddings Unveiled bridal showcase at Embarcadero Center falling firmly in the latter category.  Think a one stop wedding shop with talented vendors, crazy cool demos and seriously stunning inspo all happening from 11 am ’til 2 pm on Sunday, September 11th.  See you there? (Answer: YES.)

Planning your Big Day should be just as much fun as the event itself and Weddings Unveiled is most definitely here to help you in the process.  From the 30+ wedding experts ready to talk shop to the fab photo booth to the awesome samples to the Bridal Galleria Runway Show, every.last.moment of the day will be filled to the brim with gorgeous inspiration and wedding vendors ready to help you throw the event of a lifetime.  Seriously… you can peruse everything from invites and music to cake and photogs. It’s going to be sooo ah-mazing… and sooo fun.

Ready to begin that journey towards your dream “I do’s?”  Mark those calendars for Weddings Unveiled at Embarcadero Center on Sunday, September 11th and don’t forget that the first 100 guests will receive a FREE goodie bag!  RSVP HERE.

Bridal Gowns: Bridal Galleria | Photo Booth: Night Owl Photo Booth

Scent is one of the strongest senses associated with memory, so if you want lovely memories in your home, it seems to be a no-brainer that your home should smell delicious. From light and fresh to warm and moody, these candles will make you never want to leave home.

Candles to Make Your Home Smell Ah-Mazing!

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Candles to Make Your Home Smell Ah-Mazing!

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Oh Tuesdays, you never fail to throw me off balance. I had my sparkling start to the week yesterday, and tomorrow is hump day, leaving today, well, kinda blah. Fret no longer though, because Tuesdays are for pretty Portfolios and meeting new vendor friends. So let me introduce you to Joel Serrato, photographer AND filmmaker. Both of those talents are on full display on his SMP page right this way…

From this work as a photographer capturing gorgeous celebrations (here and here) to his films that bring happy tears to our eyes (this one!), Joel Serrato’s work is all together in his Collections, ready and waiting to be watched and pinned and loved on all day long. Where to begin with all the beauty? Right here!

GORGEOUS JOEL SERRATO WEDDINGS HERE!

Waterside Summer Wedding | Elegant + Romantic Celebration | A Summertime Al Fresco “I do”

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

Cinematography

Joel Serrato Film Photographer

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