We come from the camp that believes your bedroom should be an oasis. We’re talking a place so cozy that all the day’s stresses completely melt away. A good mattress is obviously key but so too are design details that you love and that really make your bedroom feel lux. From gold side tables to upholstered benches and no sew curtains, check out 25 ways to make your sleeping space pure magic.
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Psst, want to know the quickest way to land your celebration on the pages of SMP? Two words: bold bouquets. Take this celebration and the fabulously vivid florals as proof. With the talented Leslie D Photography on hand snapping up every second that A Day to Cherish Weddings & Celebrations planned, we’ve got it all waiting for you in The Vault!
From The Bride…When my fiancé and I first started planning our wedding we knew we wanted to have a smaller, more intimate wedding. I wanted an elegant, black tie affair but it was also really important to us to incorporate some of the beauty from the Arizona desert that we live in.
We chose to get married at the iconic Brophy Chapel. This old and beautiful church is full of history and subtle details. The intricate altarpiece along with the wooden beam ceiling and stained glass windows all helped create an elegant and authentic Arizona setting. We were fortunate enough to be able to have our reception at a private residence on top of Camelback Mountain that was overlooking the whole Phoenix valley. This residence had floor to ceiling glass walls with wrap around balconies that showcased the sweeping views of downtown Phoenix. The dining area opened up to the outdoors where bistro lights were strung up over the dance floor.
To stay true to our Arizona theme, we wanted to add some bright pops of desert colors to our neutral palette. The bridesmaids wore long, flowing dresses in shades of light dove gray and the tables were draped in white linens. We brought in the colors with the flowers with big blooms of coral charm peonies and sunny pops of bright poppies. We made sure to keep all the floral arrangements low to the table so not to block or compete with the breathtaking views. To add a little bit of warmth we had tall candelabras on the tables along with a mixture of gold and silver mercury glass candles. To continue with the southwestern feel, the menu included a creamy poblano pepper sauce with the entrees as well as other local flavors. The delicate gold calligraphy on the place cards was complimented by watercolors reminiscent of an Arizona sunset.
To me, some of the most beautiful details were the ones that were the most personal. My Nana was too old to travel all the way from New England to attend the wedding so I asked her to lend me something for my bouquet as my ‘something borrowed’. I was so surprised when she gave me my great, great, great, great grandmother’s wedding rings from the 1700s! We attached the rings to my bouquet and it was so special to walk down the aisle holding such a precious piece of our family history. Another aspect of our wedding that was very meaningful to us was making sure we honored my husband’s mother who had passed away. Since we weren’t able to have the traditional mother and son dance, my husband Dillon and I decided to surprise his sister and ask her to dance instead! When the time came, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room while Dillon and his sister danced to one of their mom’s favorite songs.
Eventually the sun sank into a classic, Arizona sunset and we saw the lights below of downtown start to twinkle as the city came to life. The guests danced under the stars in their tuxedos and gowns and at the end of the night everyone enjoyed a late night snack of s’mores by the fire. We felt so grateful that we were able to celebrate our marriage while being surrounded by all the people who matter the most to us. The night was filled with laughter and love and with family and friends and that is all we could have every asked for.
Photography: Leslie D Photography | Event Planning: A Day to Cherish Weddings & Celebrations | Floral Design: Sarah's Garden | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Ceremony Venue: Brophy College Preparatory | Reception Venue: Camelback Mountain | Makeup: Courtney Montes
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For those of you that think white is totally underwhelming, then you’re invited to peek at this pretty in The Vault from the ladies at Lovelyfest. Because this lovely little inspiration? It’s kind of everything. Complete with cactus details and major style moments (hello tassel cake, leather envelopes, and boho bride), Jen Rodriguez Photography captured it all to share!
From the ladies at Lovelyfest… When we dream about all the places we’d like to travel to in the world, Tulum, Mexico is at the top of our list. With it’s white sand beaches, historical ruins and effortless bohemia, it is definitely a one-of-a-kind destination. Even though we weren’t able to travel across the globe for this shoot, we took inspiration from it to create a high-end, textural, all-white wedding. This wedding inspiration is fit for a modern, upscale couple who loves that Mexican vibe. We were inspired by the romantic, natural feeling of the Riviera Maya, and centered the shoot around a natural palette of greens, white, ivory, grey, terra cotta, and wood.
Living on the California coastline, we are surrounded by wedding venues that are both very put together and polished, and those that are less ‘finished’. With the latter, we are able to use decor and our imaginations to completely transform spaces into our bride and grooms’ dreams. That’s precisely why we chose this empty greenhouse as the location for our shoot. The moment we laid eyes on the barren, white-washed greenhouse, the ancient ruins in Tulum came to mind. We knew our palette would go perfectly inside, and that with the right decor and vendors, the magic of Mexico would come alive.
With high-end weddings it’s important to reach out to vendors that go above and beyond in their craft. For this shoot, we carefully curated our vendor team and were lucky to work with some of the best in the industry. We had the opportunity to raid the warehouse of Elan Event Rentals, and pick out furniture (more like art pieces) that would capture the essence of Mexico. Because he travels around the world to source his rental pieces, it didn’t take long for us to find what we needed. The sophisticated construction of his wooden furniture paired with his intricate and detailed accessories lent us the cohesive Tulum vibe we were after. One of our favorite pieces was the hand-carved black and white skull that lent a slight edginess to the overall mood. Floral genius Stella Bloom Design created the most incredible textured arrangements to top the dining table with, full of all-white florals and touches of cacti and palms. The florals were accented by handmade terra cotta pots, all-white pillar candles and simple yet beautiful stemware and china. We wanted to bring in each color of our palette into the tablescape, and Rosey Calligraphy’s sun-dyed Saltillo tile place cards pulled everything together perfectly.
Paired with a white-on-white tassel layer cake from Papercake events, a cactus grove reaching over 20 feet in height, and the most beautiful Mexican model couple, this shoot resulted in a high-end wedding that would fit perfectly in Tulum. Or anywhere for that matter! With flawless makeup and hair by Jess Wilcox, a gorgeous lace Rue de Seine gown, and a Frieda-inspired floral headpiece, our bride effortlessly pulled off an upscale and bohemian look. Jen Rodriguez photographed everything in her timeless way and it couldn’t have turned out any better. Now get us all on a plane to the Riviera Maya!
Photography: Jen Rodriguez Photography | Event Design: Lovelyfest | Floral Design: Stella Bloom Designs | Wedding Dress: Moondance Bridal | Cake: Paper Cake Events | Invitations: Rosey Calligraphy | Hair + Makeup: Jess Wilcox | Venue: Private Estate | Bridal Boutique: Moondance Bridal | Furniture: Elan Event Rentals | Models: Brittanee Marksbury & Jorge Merino
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Hunter and Kaitlyn’s big day gives new meaning to at-home weddings. Inspired by their adopted hometown of Birmingham, the beautiful couple incorporated the city’s significant throughout the day — from the stationery to the welcome boxes to the “Magic City” sign that served as a photo backdrop. See every pretty detail, captured by Alisha Crossley Photography, in The Vault!
From Alisha Crossley…Born and raised in Alabama, Kaitlyn’s Southern roots started strong. Growing up in the South, her wedding dreams blossomed around classics like Steel Magnolias. Following a swoon worthy proposal in Colorado, Kaitlyn and her mother went fast to work with the precious M. Elizabeth Weddings and Events to create an event that would welcome every guest with certain Southern hospitality.
The ATL girl moved to the Magic City for her groom and wanted the wedding to represent their new hometown. Kaitlyn and Hunter incorporated the iconic “It’s Nice to Have You In Birmingham” slogan into their paper details and reception decor. The lovely welcome boxes contained local treats from The Peanut Depot, Bud’s Best Cookies and Savage’s Bakery. All in all, the couple created a Southern welcome worthy of praise.
From The Bride…Our story is so fun to tell. We met through being in mutual friends’ weddings, but we should have met so many times before. We were even in the same house for various get togethers over the years, but God had us meet at the perfect timing. I was living in Atlanta when we started dating, having made up my mind that I’d never move back to Birmingham (where I attended high school). I learned to never say never – not even a year after Hunter and I started dating I moved back to the Magic City and fell in love with it. Hunter and I both lived near downtown, and really enjoyed all the revitalization and growth happening in the area (we actually bought our first home in Avondale for this reason). We committed to supporting our city and have been diligent about getting involved, shopping local and exploring new venues/restaurants/parks/shops as they are built. We wanted to incorporate Birmingham’s significance to us into our wedding. We added small touches into our save-the-dates, welcome boxes, engagement photos and wedding décor. At the wedding, we even had a replica of the original “Magic City” sign that was erected in the 1920s, which served as a perfect backdrop for guest photos. Aside from the “Magic City” feel, my vision for the wedding spanned romantic and soft with a touch of bohemian. Hanging flowers were the most important part to me – I wanted guests to feel as if they were at an ethereal and romantic celebration. Mandy with HotHouse knocked it out of the park! Hanging flowers covered the dancefloor and bar and served as a centerpiece for the reception. The tents were a last minute addition with the expectancy of poor weather but ended up working beautifully with the decorations.
Photography: Alisha Crossley Photography | Cinematography: Main Street | Event Planning: M. Elizabeth Events | Floral Design: HOTHOUSE DESIGN STUDIO | Wedding Dress: Olia Zavozina | Cake: Barb's Cakes | Invitations: Annabelle's | Catering: Savoie Catering | DJ: JAMM Entertainment | Venue: The Donnelly House
I’d get along very well with these two. First off, I now totally plan on including my own pup in our next photo shoot, and secondly, their advice for what they’ve learned two years into marriage rings oh so true. “We have learned… to never stop doing the little things. The kiss on the cheek, the little surprises, or just doing something sweet for no reason at all.” Yes, yes, yes! Aria Photography captured all their affection; see every adorable image in our Vault right here!
From Aria Photography… I loved walking through the oak tree hills in the early morning light with Erin and David and their puppy Schmitty in El Dorado Hills, CA. Anniversary sessions are so special to me, because it shows how much the couple has grown together since their wedding, and how marriage just gets sweeter.
From the Bride… We don’t have a super exciting love story but I wouldn’t change a thing about it. David and I knew each other in high school through one of my friends, but with him being older, we didn’t talk or hangout much. Years later we saw each other at a Halloween party, he asked for my number, and we hung out ever since. We started out as just friends and it naturally grew into more. I loved how charming, sweet, and kind-hearted he was. He completely won me over. I wouldn’t let him kiss me for the longest time. He told me later it drove him crazy and he told himself it was his mission to kiss me. We dated for four and a half before we got engaged. We had been through everything together and knew we couldn’t live without the other. We have learned and loved so much in these two years of marriage. One thing we have learned is to never stop doing the little things. The kiss on the cheek, the little surprises, or just doing something sweet for no reason at all. Never stop. I’m so thankful I married someone who makes me feel special everyday. There’s no one else I would rather go through life with and Schmitty, too!
Photography: Aria Photography | Dress: Free People | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Hair Accessories: H&M
Remember when we got to step inside Monika Hibbs gorgeous abode two years ago? We fell hard for her white and pink-splashed home with every piece in it’s perfect place. With two sweet babies now, we’re starting to think she’s wonder woman—especially after seeing her dreamy white bedroom design. Can you even? Step inside The Vault and peruse every stunning bit captured by Blush Wedding Photography.
From Monika Hibbs… Our bedroom is one of my my favourite rooms in our home. I wanted it to be a space that was fresh, bright and relaxing for my husband and I; yet still be welcoming for our kids to run in and jump into bed with us in the mornings. Yes, I am a lover of white and a bright and airy room. (Take it from a momma of two kids… it’s totally doable!)
I collaborated with my favourite home decor + design studio & store in Vancouver, The Cross Decor & Design to make my bedroom dreams come to life. We worked together to design the room and created some custom pieces too. We started with the bed. The Cross is known for their “Dream Bed”, which we changed up a bit and named it “The Monika Dream Bed”. We added some extra height to the tufted headboard as well as added a foot board, with a gorgeous fresh white linen fabric. It has such a gorgeous grand look to it, especially with our vaulted ceiling.
One of my favourite pieces is the custom floral bench. Not only is the floral fabric gorgeous, but I love the gold shelf detail too. Perfect spot to tuck away some extra books, a tray or even an extra blanket. I love how it adds a convenience and is a statement piece in the room.
I also love the Imperial Trellis Wallpaper that my cousin Stephanie of Stephanie Jean Design suggested I go with. I really hit a wall when choosing the wallpaper. I’m typically drawn to floral patterns, but because of the floral bench I really to choose sometime different. The trellis wasn’t originally on my list, but I’m so in love with how it turned out; I feel like it adds depth to the room with all the white.
Having windows on either side of the bed was a “must have” when designing the bedroom in the drawing stages with Sucasa Design. I told Andy that a bedside with gorgeous side tables + window + drapery + grass blinds were a must for more me! I ADORE the side tables. I wanted something large enough to fit more then just a book and a few little things. I can’t get over the look of them in front of each window.
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Home Owner/ Design: Monika Hibbs | Photography: Blush Wedding Photography | Decor: The Cross Decor + Design | Hair & Makeup: Eva Terez Beauty | Beach Artwork: Minted | Private Sign: The Cross Decor + Design | Hardwood Floors: Divine Floors | Architect: Sucasa Design | Windows: Westeck Windows | Mouldings Paint: Behr Paint – Ultra Pure White | Wall Paint: Behr Paint – Polar Bear | Grass Blinds: Stephanie Jean Design | Custom Drapery: Q Design Centre | Window Hardware: Q Design Centre | Rug: Rugs USA | Jewelry: Leah Alexandra | Jewelry Plates: The Cross Design | Vase: The Cross Decor + Design | Gold Frames: Kate Spade | PomPom Slippers: Folk Fortune | Macrame Flat Sheet: The Cross Decor + Design | Bedding: The Cross Decor + Design | Euro Shams: The Cross Decor + Design | Lamps: The Cross Decor + Design | Floral Bench: The Cross Decor + Design | Wallpaper: The Cross Decor + Design | Chandelier: The Cross Decor + Design | Side Tables: The Cross Decor + Design | Bed: The Cross Decor + Design
You know how we feel about backless wedding gowns. Seriously, is there anything more stunning? Pair that with the stylings and images by one of our favorite Swiss photographers favorites, Anna Tereshina, and you’ve got this inspiration shoot. Head to The Vault for more minimalist chic at its very best.
From Anna Tereshina Photography…This is a bridal shoot I’ve created being inspired by St. Paul’s Church here in Basel, where I live. It’s been built end of 19th century and I love how romantic yet minimal does it look. I wanted to create really clean and minimal look, using neutral palette, supported by green natural tones. I wanted to show contrast between different textures and surfaces. The model Monique is one of my favorite make-up artists to work with.
The concept, styling, papers, calligraphy and flowers are made by me. I believe that being a wide range artist helps me to create unique view of what I call modern wedding photography.
Photography: Anna Preisig Photography | Floral Design: Anna Preisig Photography | Wedding Dress: Victoria Rüsche | Bride's Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair + Makeup: Monique Eigenmann | Venue: St. Paul's Church in Basel | Calligraphy + Stationery: Anna Tereshina | Event Planning + Event Design: Anna Preisig Photography | Film Processing: Carmencita Film Lab | Model: Monique Eigenmann | Ribbons + Runner: Orchidee De Soie
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Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s BFF clearly forgot about the jumpsuit. Universally flattering, (usually) accompanied by pockets and super trendy to boot, jumpsuits are every girl’s no-fuss fave. But did you ever think to rock one to a wedding? Whether you’re hitting a casual summer “I Do” or a swanky black tie affair, we’ve picked the perfect jumpsuit to fit the dress code. So take a peek! We guarantee you’ll be jumping for joy…
8 Things to Never Wear to a Wedding|How to be the Best-Dressed Guest |What Each Dress Code Means
You’ve seen Father of the Bride, right? It’s pretty safe to say we’ve found the real life version that’s better than the movie any day. After becoming engaged, these two knew her childhood home was the perfect spot to tie the knot, and with the help of Intertwine Style they transformed her parent’s garden into a ceremony masterpiece. Almond Leaf Studios worked their usual magic behind the lens and there’s even more to pin this way.
From the Bride… I met Alex through mutual friends about four years ago. We hit it off instantly and talked to each other for the majority of the night. His intellectual curiosity and sense of humor are what initially drew me in and I have been smitten ever since! He proposed to me in our apartment kitchen on a Friday night with my dream ring from Satomi Kawakita. The ring is extremely simple and not your typical engagement ring by any means, but it is exactly what I wanted. The beauty and meaning behind the simplicity of the ring is perfect. We had friends over for champagne and dreamed of things to come!
My parents have maintained a beautiful garden at my childhood home of about 22 years. Growing up, the garden was a place to hang out and nibble on berries, pick flowers, and just enjoy the outdoors. It is a place I hold dear and when Alex and I got engaged it was instantly my ideal venue for our ceremony. Aligning our reception venue with the lush, dreamy, and nostalgic vibe of my parents’ garden was key for me. Luckily, a generous family friend offered up her peony farm, Oscar-Morse Peonies, which was a dream come true. We visited the farm as the sun was setting and I knew it would be perfect. I let the venues essentially guide the rest of my decision-making.
For floral design, we were lucky enough to have peonies from both Oscar-Morse and my parents’ garden. Having watched my parents’ peonies bloom yearly as a child, it meant so much to see them in bouquets and arrangement on our big day. Beyond the sourcing of the flowers, Kelly Lenard was a genius with the design! I wanted lush, soft, muted colors along with some blush/pale yellow/ivories. My dress was a color called “Butter” so I wanted some yellows in my bouquet to complement that. I also wanted a bit of an edge to the all the softness, which is where we integrated smoke bush, Do-Tell peonies, and rex begonia leaves. She executed on the vision flawlessly.
I wanted my dress to be chic, not fussy, and I wanted it to be Houghton Bride. When I saw Alice in Ivory was holding a Houghton trunk show I instantly booked an appointment. I am entirely obsessed with what Houghton has been doing in the bridal industry, and while Katharine Polk’s designs can lean a bit more “City Bride,” I *loved* every dress I tried on and ultimately chose the Kate Dress. It was the perfect fit for me and the garden wedding. To make it a little more ethereal, I added the Jennifer Behr Coronet and a thin belt. For bridesmaids I wanted a more formal spin on the slip-dress and Joanna August’s Kimi dress was a perfect fit.
The day was absolutely perfect and I cannot thank our vendors enough for all that they did to make it run seamlessly! The day went by faster than I ever could imagine and Almond Leaf Studios did a great job at capturing the day and emotion. We’ll look back on these pictures for years to come and think of what a happy day it was!
Photography: Almond Leaf Studios | Coordination: MerryMe Events | Styling: Kelly Lenard | Floral Design: Kelly Lenard | Wedding Dress: Houghton Bride | Cake: Adam's Cake Shop | Invitations: Minted | Ceremony Venue: Childhood Home - Private Residence | Reception Venue: Oscar-Morse Peonies | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Matterhorn | Hair: Jennifer Lewallen | DJ: EA Pro Music | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Bridal Belt: xLittlebee | Bridal Boutique: Alice In Ivory | Bride's Hair Piece: jennifer behr | Bride's ring: Satomi Kawakita | Flower Girls: Zara | Rentals: Burns | Ring Bearer: Zara | Wildflower Seeds: Etsy
Waiting for your little one to come into the world is such an exciting time. To see what their sweet face looks like, hold them and kiss them. That 9 month wait can make most parents-to-be anxious for the moment to come—but thankfully there are lots of ways to bond with your bump while you patiently wait. Start the slideshow below for a handful of fun ideas!
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32 Classic Baby Girl Names + Matching Nicknames
5 Ways To Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
10 Ways To Make Your Baby’s Nursery One-of-a-Kind
Any wedding at Nestldown is sure to be a fairytale with its enchanted Redwood forest setting, lily pad ponds and lush gardens. And for this Bride and Groom’s fairytale day, Sabine Scherer Photography, Stacy McCain Event Planning and Nancy Liu Chin acted as fairy godmothers, guaranteeing its magic. See it all in The Vault!
From The Bride…Danny and I were high school sweethearts. He proposed after 12 years together, at an enormous lily pond with geese everywhere. He got down on one knee. There were lots of happy tears. I was completely blown away! At first I wanted to elope, but once we saw Nestldown it was easy for me to let that go. I always wanted to get married in a forest and this was that dream come true only much better! The redwoods were breathtaking with beams of sunlight shining through them, and the lily pond was practically a sign for me. This was the place! I got a wedding planner immediately because I didn’t know where to start. She was great and made our vision a reality. Our wedding was small and intimate with about 45 of our family and friends. Danny and I decided not to see each other until the ceremony. So he stayed in a hotel and I stayed at the Nestldown guest house with my mom and my two best women. Danny had custom suits made for him and the best men. He wanted his suit to be a surprise for me like my dress was for him. When it came time to start walking down the aisle with my mom, I got a huge case of the giggles. He looked as handsome as ever. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be in this fairytale land marrying my best friend. I giggled through almost the whole ceremony but I got it together enough to clearly say my vows, thank god. We had our wedding rings passed around to all of the guests so they could be a part of blessing our union. We really felt the love from everyone there. Danny and I cried when we read our vows. It was truly the best moment of my life. After the ceremony we got to be alone together for a few minutes before taking pictures. I highly recommend this. My dress was so comfortable and light. That really helped me to fully enjoy myself. The rest of the wedding was effortless and blissful. It was so rewarding to see our guests enjoying everything we had planned for so long. Everything was beautiful to me, the flowers, the food, the music, and the toasts. There was so much love. It felt like I put on rose colored glasses and they are still with me today.
Photography: Sabine Scherer Photography | Cinematography: Justin Fone Productions | Event Design: Stacy McCain Event Planning | Floral Design: Nancy Liu Chin | Cake: Cake Coquette | Catering: Thomas John Events | Makeup: Sherrie Long Makeup Hair & Effects | DJ: Elite Entertainment | Officiant: Lisa Francesca | Venue: Nestldown | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photo Booth: Tomfoolery | Rentals: Danny Thomas Party Rentals
Hello brides-to-be, Olivia from LivvyLand here and I’m sharing some fun news…I went to Costa Rica for my destination bachelorette trip! For our tropical beach getaway to celebrate I crafted my ‘maids a fun gift to welcome them to paradise and as soon as we touched down in Costa Rica my fabulous crew went from bridesmaids’ to mermaids for an entire week of beach festivities!
If you saw how I asked my bridal party to be a part of my big day, it’s no secret that I thoroughly enjoy coming up with themed gift sets and making them come to life! Between being a Pinterest fanatic and my career as a fashion blogger, let’s just say creating these precious little sets is a ‘happy place’ of mine – not to mention getting to see the look on everyone’s faces when they open them up is truly the absolute best! I thought up a batch of items that would coincide perfectly with the ‘mermaid’ theme of the shindig and be useful throughout the trip. Here’s what I included in my mermaid gift sets:
Ramblers | Since we’ll be roaming from the pool to the beach, I opted for cups that can keep drinks extra cold throughout the day. I worked with Rambler On to customize YETI Lo Ball cups for my bridal party – each one says “Let’s Be Mermaids” on one side and then has their monogram on the back. I think we’re all set for a “cheers” photo opp!
Nail Kit | When doing some extensive mermaid research, I spotted this idea on Pinterest and knew I had to add it to my gift set! I got super lucky and found the glittery scale nail files at CVS (honestly, I’m not sure the cashier has ever seen someone so excited about nail files, ha!) and then scooped up the polish colors by Essie. My color scheme was coral and a mix of light blues and mint greens, so I grabbed polish colors within that spectrum. Finally, I tied each one with a dash of twine and voila, cutest little nail polish sets!
Bracelets | A beach getaway just calls for beaded bracelets with bursts of color, and when I saw these pretties by Gold & Gray I was completely hooked! I got one per gal, but if you’re feeling ultra festive you could pass out a few per person so they can stack them up!
Matching Tees | I love the idea of a matching bachelorette bridal party, and after scouring the internet for the perfect tee fit for a flock of fabulous mermaids, I decided this adorable coral Wildfox number was the one! For starers, it’s the color of Ariel’s hair (Little Mermaid reference), and two, I love the word ‘Mermaid’ written across the front – it’s got that effortless, playful look that I was hoping to find. Not to mention, everyone can use a breezy tee to throw on over a swimsuit after a day at the beach!
Shell Hair Pins | Such a fun and easy DIY activity! All you need is a hot glue gun, a pack of bobby pins, some small shells and pretty paper. I ventured to Michael’s for all of the items – they have a ton of itty bitty shell options in different colors to choose from.
Mermaid Inspired Cards | A gift set is never complete without a super adorable card that just sums it all up! My sister is an artist and runs the Etsy store Kimberlee Artworks, so I knew she could make my vision come to life. She hand painted these watercolor prints with pastel scales in the background and handwritten text – beyond precious and so perfect to top off this mermaid gift package!
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For all you beach bachelorette babes, I hope this gave you some fun planning inspiration! This is the time to treat your fellow mermaids like queens, so have an absolute blast with it! xx
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Bridesmaids’ Gifts | Save the Date | Reception Dress
Photography: Olivia Watson | "Let's Be Mermaids" Cards: Amazon | Beaded Tassel Bracelets: Gold & Gray | Blogger Bride: Olivia Watson | Mermaid Bikini Swimsuit: Amazon | Mermaid Tee Shirts: Amazon | Monogrammed cups: Rambler On | Nail Polish: Amazon | Starfish Veil : Amazon
We’ve fallen in love with many a pink sofa but never ever have we happened upon a home as elegant as they come and boasting two deliciously pink velvet sitters. Yes, TWO! It’s enough to warrant full on home crush; especially when you see the rest of the goods designed by Amanda Barnes Interiors with pretty, pretty photographs by Alyssa Rosenheck. See the full tour right here!
Amanda Barnes Interiors had two goals with this remodel. The first goal was to make the project family friendly. The second task was to give this old 1920s Spanish Revival home a contemporary flair with decor and finishes influenced by traditional Spanish design.
When the client purchased this home, the original charm had been removed in a previous remodel and they wanted to keep it feeling contemporary with just a hint of it’s old history.
Many old homes have long hallways and small doorways. To bring in more light and connect the entry space to the rest of the house, we knocked out most of the entry wall and put in an oversized doorway. This allows light to pass through the home from morning until evening and makes the space feel bigger.
We finished the entry with a cow hide which keeps the energy flowing in all directions to adjacent rooms. The hide can also withstand high traffic and of course, kids! A hand poured white cement table with brass finishes to toss everyday items onto completes this room.
The entry floors were initially a bleached wood with carpeted stairs. By putting in new dark stained wood floors throughout the house and painting the walls white, this area was immediately infused with its old charm. The simplicity of the arches with the white walls and dark floors makes for a big statement.
One of the biggest challenges of an old home is how to address the oversized formal living spaces. This living room was no exception. My clients love to entertain. He wanted a place to have a drink with his friends and she wanted a space to entertain.
We divided this room into two sections to achieve their wish list. He got a bar and two oversized leather chairs and she got a more formal seating arrangement with two couches. The room is married by an open seating area in the middle. Mission accomplished.
When presented with an oversized dining room that includes high ceilings and a long entertaining space, there was only one way to go. Together with my clients, we selected a piece of marble that would serve as both a piece of art within the room and as an oversized table top. Constructed with custom stained legs and a steel base (almost as pretty as the marble!), this table can now accommodate up to fourteen people.
To compliment the seating area, I designed a custom seven foot long buffet for them to use while entertaining. This dark and sexy dining room is now perfect for entertaining. With the doors facing the back of the house open, the room can be lit up by the outdoor fireplace in the backyard as well as the fireplace in the adjacent living room.
One of the fastest ways to make your kitchen family friendly is to create a space where you can keep your eyes on your kids playing from all areas of the room. In order to achieve this, our clients agreed to knock out the wall between the kitchen and family room while raising the floor to make both rooms one level.
They also turned the direction of the room from facing the window to facing the family room. Now cooking and playing can happen simultaneously and everyone feels like they are sharing the moment and space with each other.
My clients opted for a timeless white kitchen with floor to ceiling storage and white marble with a proprietary sealer that makes it more durable than a synthetic stone. A paneled wine fridge, two sinks and two dishwashers make this kitchen a dream for entertaining!
When the owners bought the house, this little powder bath was reminiscent of a diner, complete with checkerboard floors and a fluorescent mirror. Hand painted arabesque floor tiles paired with a round cow hide mirror instantly bring this small space back to its Spanish roots.
Creating a small oasis for guests to enjoy is a simple way to show them you appreciate their visit. My clients wanted to keep the space simple and serene so we opted to layer a palette of soft, neutral textures to achieve this.
This bathroom got a complete overhaul. A new arched shower was built and tiles lining the bathroom in a traditional Spanish layout were installed using contemporary materials that matched the rest of the home. This family also needed extra storage space as there were no linen closets in the home. Amanda Barnes Interiors designed this built-in to include oversized drawer space that functions as towel and linen storage just as a closet would. Oil rubbed bronze hardware against the white stone and dark wood infuse old Spanish charm in this new and very functional guest bathroom!
A calm and cozy space with a reading nook was all my clients wanted for their master bedroom. Once again, we opted for a soft palette and layered in neutral textures. A combination of faux fur, leather, distressed metal and resin-cast raffia keep this room interesting and peaceful all at once. A few personal pieces were scattered throughout the room to keep it feeling intimate and relaxed.
The ultimate getaway! This bathroom uses all the same materials found throughout the rest of the home but takes it up a notch.
A crystal chandelier, an oversized soaking tub and steamy shower are taken over the top with the finishes. Faux horn, calcutta marble, and reclaimed wood give this glam bath a little edge and a whole lot of character.
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Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck Photography | Design : Amanda Barnes Interiors | Entry Gold Bookshelf Case: Arteriors Home | Entry White Paint : Benjamin Moore Simply White | Entry Light Fixture: Circa Lighting | Living Room Paint Color : Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray | Living Room Mirror: One Kings Lane | Living Room Coffee Table: Arteriors Home | Dining Room Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Deep Space | Dining Room Light Fixture: Robert Abbey | Dining Room Table : Amanda Barnes Interiors | Kitchen Light Fixture: Arteriors Home | Toddler Boys Room Rug: One Kings Lane | Toddler Boys Room Paint: Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue | Toddler Boy’s Room Prints: The Animal Print Shop | Toddler Boy’s Room Fox Blanket: Katy Skelton | Nursery Rug: Anthropologie | Nursery Floor Tile : Tabarka Studio | Nursery Crib: Oeuf | Master Reading Chair: Restoration Hardware | Master Tassel Blanket : La Chance | Kitchen Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Simply White |
You know how we feel about an unplugged wedding, and this stop and stare celebration? Well it’s certainly no exception. Complete with a tiara clad bride, a castle ceremony, and of course a few modern details (hello ombre cake) every single second will have you pinning to your dream wedding board pronto. The incomparable Nicole Berrett Photography captured it all to share in The Vault!
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From Nicole Berrett Photography…David John + Leah. Their wedding was a dream. They were married at a castle, she walked down the aisle to instrumental Disney music. The way David John looked at her and spoke of her was straight out out of a fairytale. Their personal handwritten vows included the beautiful quote from The Chaos of Stars. Their first dance was surrounded by friends, love and one hundred sparklers and when the clock stroke 10:00, we all ate mini grilled cheeses.
Photography: Nicole Berrett Photography | Cinematography: Something New Media | Floral Design: Carte Blanche Design | Wedding Dress: Suzanne's Bridal Boutique | Invitations: Megan Howard | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Rent The Runway | Hair + Makeup: Kiana | Venue: Chateau De Vie | Bridal Boutique: Suzanne's Bridal Boutique | Catering + Cake: Robert's Catering | DJ + Rentals: The Event Co. | Event Planning + Styling: Sage And Stem
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A whitewashed brick background paired with lush organic blooms? Talk about a crazy chic combo. Add in an ethereal gown and layers of luxe pastry, Lisa Renault Photographie captured every delicious bit to share in The Vault!
From Lisa Renault Photographie…As wedding planner, florist and photographer, Katayoun Khatami (Unikevent), Nadine Jazouli (Prune) and I wanted to combine our ideas and skills to create a styled shoot to inspire the brides and grooms-to-be. We envisioned a bright location with large windows and the urban charm of white brick walls. We wanted to create an atmosphere both sweet and romantic in an organic and airy style.
The studio L’Eloi was the perfect place with its huge open concept and gorgeous natural light. From the bridal bouquet and centerpieces to the wall decorations, everything was composed of organic elements with a lot of foliage, with some pears added for a soft accent of colour. The various handwritten elements by imaginejoy calligraphie also brought a romantic touch to the shoot, especially with the clay coasters bearing the words “Today, Tomorrow & Always”, and the “love” cake topper, placed atop a lovely white cake by Pâtisserie Petit Lapin. We also incorporated a lot of wood and other organic elements in the decor, like the beautiful tables provided by La Mariée Bohème as well as the chairs and slate chargers by Celebrations Group.
Our bride (Marilyn of Montage Models) wore a light and delicate gown provided by White, Montreal, with soft natural makeup and hairstyling by Priska & Co and Jenniloui Makeup Artist.
It was a pleasure to work with all these talented Montreal vendors and to see our vision come to life. We hope it will provide ideas to the couples for their big day!
Photography: Lisa Renault Photographie | Floral Design: Prune Les Fleurs | Wedding Dress: White, Montréal | Cake: Pâtisserie Petit Lapin | Makeup: Jenniloui Makeup Artist | Hair: Priska & Co | Venue: L'Éloi | Art Direction + Styling: Lisa Renault Photographie | Art Direction + Styling: Prune Les Fleurs | Art Direction + Styling: Unikevent | Bride: Montage Models | Embosser, Acrylic Stamps + Laser cutting: Central Stamp | Invitations, Calligraphy + Coasters: imaginejoy calligraphie | Rentals: Celebrations | Wood Tables: La Mariee Boheme
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These two know how to party. How do I know? Because they happened to throw one of the coolest Big Days I have ever seen. From their gorgeous bohemian ceremony to their fun-filled reception in a boxing gym, their vision of a music festival-like atmosphere came together perfectly with the help of Rosetree Events + a whole host of talented vendors. Sit back and get ready to be amazed by the beautiful film from Sky Focus Films… It’s awesome.
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From The Bride… Our tastes in music, fashion, and lifestyle can be really eclectic so it was really hard trying to channel just one theme or style. We basically pulled our inspiration from everything we loved and because we didn’t have a certain theme or color scheme we were following, I wasn’t sure how everything was going to piece together. It really didn’t matter though. Ultimately, we wanted our wedding to reflect who we were and how important each of our attendees were to us (wedding party included!). We wanted them to feel like it was as much a part of their day as it was ours and focus on how their support for us really helped make our long distance relationship persevere.
We both love attending music festivals and were really inspired by them for our wedding. More so on ambiance than style elements. We wanted to bring that kind of outdoorsy, open, fun, and unified atmosphere we’ve experienced from the festivals by creating a celebratory vibe for our guests. We wanted them to feel like they were coming to their party, not our wedding. For this, we knew our main focus was going to be the venues, everything else would be secondary.
For our ceremony site, we went with the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The greenery and the maze-like hedges gave us kind of a cool Alice in Wonderland feel, which we loved. The greenhouse also provided for a beautiful backdrop for our photos. For our reception venue, we wanted something with an open feel; something that didn’t feel too formal but had a unique style on its own and could really stand out devoid decorations. In addition to that, we needed a space large enough to accommodate 450-500 guests!
We had visited a few locations prior to the Uppercut Boxing Gym, and had a few more scheduled to view, but knew immediately that we would hold our reception there as soon as we walked in. The Boxing Gym is just such a cool space; and large! The exposed beams, the warehouse front, and graffitied courtyard really made it hard to pass. The venue is a statement on its own so we the rest of our décor followed quite nicely.
As much as our focus was on our guests and those around us, the times we had on our own, whether it was for photos or video shots, were still really special. Our first dance, actually, was quite nostalgic. It reminded me so much of the night we first met 8 years ago (9 years now)! We shared a dance the first night we met and just like our first wedding dance, everyone around us just kind of disappeared. For a short moment, it was just again, alone in the world. Moments like that are always so powerful and such a great testament to our faith.
All in all, the moments we shared with friends and family who traveled distances to celebrate with us; the smiles that were captured; knowing how hard our vendors worked and then seeing them out on the dance floor with everyone; the food; the love; the speeches; the perfect weather; the rip in my dress; the mishaps; and the 450 bodies that came in and out were all favorite moments that Lorzone and I will cherish forever. We will always live this night through and through with our video that Chris from Sky Focus Films captured so perfectly.
Photography: Tandem Tree Photography | Cinematography: Sky Focus Films | Event Planning: Rosetree Events | Cake: Nicole Thao | Ceremony Venue: Walker Art Center | Reception Venue: Uppercut Boxing Gym | Catering: Bonxai Catering | DJ: Christopher Lee | Decor: Nicole Thao
There are certain telltale signs your boyfriend is getting ready to get down on one knee — he’s nervous, secretive, overly sentimental and suspicious — desperately hoping to pull of the perfect surprise proposal. But, according to a new survey conducted by 77 Diamonds, 62.1 percent of women knew the ring was coming. And maybe that’s because, according to Creative Director David Allen, more couples are beginning to shop for engagement rings together. Take a look at more of the surprising stats below.
Source: 77diamonds
In the event that you’re not a morning person (instantly raises hand), this lovely inspiration is here to turn your day around. Because honestly, what’s better than a waffle buffet? Complete with stunning views, honey favors, and a few ‘something blue’ details, Erin Wilson Photography has captured it all to share in The Vault!
From Erin Wilson Photography…Earlier this year a very lovely and talented florist (Magnolia Belle Florist) contacted me about a shoot she was dying to do. We both love Arkansas’ natural beauty and were inspired to showcase that and our beautiful sunrises with a brunch elopement. Dripping with golden tones and touches of honey we styled an etherial and organic sunrise brunch for our bride and groom. The perfect and intimate cove off the side of Mt. Petit jean proved to be the most stunning backdrop for young love and organic details. Beautiful dahlias, roses, golden ranunculus, pear tree forages and earthy findings were the basis of Magnolia Belle Florals stunning creations. We accented her designs with soft blue and gold chiffons and silks. Emily Howell Designs created custom name cards, invitation suite and paper goods (and banner) to perfectly accent the peach, golden and blue tones in our inspiration. We also were obsessed with the idea of a waffle bar…but not a typical waffle bar. We wanted yummy syrups and fruit toppings to make not only beautiful but tasty waffles to go along with our pomegranate sparkling champagne drinks and mimosas. My personal favorite is the mini-honey jar favors for the intimate crowd of guests invited to the private elopement. We were so pleased with Arkansas beautiful sunrise and how that soft light accentuated our brunch elopement. Images photographed on film and digital.
Photography: Erin Wilson Photography | Floral Design: Magnolia Belle Floral | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: Julie's Sweet Shoppe & Bakery | Jewelry: Joshua's Fine Jewelry | Hair + Makeup: Abbey Lee | Calligraphy + Invitations: Emily A Howell Design | Groom's Attire: Danielle's Bridal | Venue: Petit Jean Mountain | Bridal Boutique: Danielle's Bridal | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Silk Ribbon: ThePaperSandbox
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With her blue suede shoes, the best updo ever, and a smile that never stops, this Bride did it all right. Despite some little challenges (we’re talkin’ a wedding party of 18!), this spring celebration was smooth sailing, with the help of Hello Blue Photo who captured every blush and gold detail that we keep pinning and pinning. See all the goodness in our Vault right this way!
From the Bride… Our inspiration for the wedding came from a combination of elements. I began to feel overwhelmed with the printed bridal magazines and found myself constantly on Style Me Pretty’s Vault. We wanted it to be so classic that when we are showing our grandchildren pictures from our wedding, it would be timeless. I also started to follow a lot of wedding vendor’s accounts on Instagram (Details Details, Bloom Box Designs, Revelry Event Designers, etc.) for daily inspiration.
Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club was the first venue we saw. We’ve always envisioned ourselves getting married in Palm Springs since it is our favorite weekend getaway spot, but the second we saw the beautiful hardwood floors, classic gold chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling French windows, we knew that we found THE venue. Our event coordinator, Nicole, was so accommodating and genuinely wanted to make our wedding day everything we’ve ever dreamed of. Decorations were fairly easy to select due to how classic the venue was. The gold chandeliers dictated the gold chiavari chairs, gold chargers and gold accents. The white French windows and walls created such a bright inviting feeling to the space and I wanted to accentuate that with white linens, candles, and floral arrangements. I wanted to incorporate the soft pink color that the bridesmaids’ wore by adding light pink flowers in the arrangements and tying the favors with blush pink ribbon.
I can not say enough about Christina, Hello Blue Photo. There were so many reasons why we chose her and we are so happy with the outcome. We met with quite a few photographers prior to meeting with Christina and did not really vibe with them. The second I met Christina, I felt like I’ve known her for years and we instantly clicked. I had no doubt in my mind that she knew exactly what we were looking for in photography and completely understood where our vision was. My husband and I are not very comfortable in front of the camera and didn’t want the wedding to feel too posed. We wanted a photographer who would capture genuine, natural, clear and candid pictures. We knew that we disliked photos that are too edited and cheesy poses. Christina captured exactly what we were looking for and more! We had a fairly large wedding party (eighteen total!), and Christina and her team took charge the day of the wedding! They made sure we had all the pictures we wanted taken and encouraged such natural interaction in the process. We plan on using Christina for all photography needs in the future!
Photography: Hello Blue | Coordination: Nicole Manalo with Carmel Ranch Mountain Country Club | Floral Design: Design d’Fleur | Wedding Dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Flagship Boutique | Cake: Edelweiss Bakery | Invitations: Minted | Bride's Shoes: Schutz | Bridesmaids' Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Hair + Makeup: At Your Side Planning | DJ: Vox DJs | Groom's Attire: Theory | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club | Bridal Boutique: Love & Lace Bridal | Bridal Boutique - Bridesmaids' Dresses: Mary Me Bridal | Bride's Accessories: Nordstrom | Getting Ready Venue: Rancho Bernardo Inn | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Veil: Love & Lace Bridal
The countdown is on until the 2016 Olympic Games commence in Rio on August 5th. And in honor of the momentous occasion, we’ve rounded up the prettiest gold, platinum and rose gold (the bridal version of silver and bronze) engagement rings that will make any woman wearing them feel like a winner.
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100 Years of Engagement Rings | What’s Your Ring Style? | Unique Engagement Rings
