SUBMIT WEDDING
View Posts By:

categories

 

tags

 
Chic Napa-Inspired Floral Explosion Styled Shoot

This bold and beautiful wedding inspiration is sure to leave you breathless.  Filled with a colorful floral explosion designed by David Kurio Designs. everything from tabletops to the ceiling is adorned with elegant blooms.   The entire day was artfully planned and designed by Pearl Events Austin, who thought of every carefully curated detail.  Every image by Caroline Lima Photography is more stunning than the last, see them all inside the full gallery.




This chic Napa-inspired styled shoot is sure to make you feel like you are at a vineyard in the south. The bright and airy outdoor cocktail hour features a beautiful bar wrapped with toile vinyl, alabaster grapes showcased next to the fabric bar menu, contemporary cocktail table lamps, and a gorgeous textured cake surrounded by grapes.



Lush and abstract florals filled the tablescapes and hung from the ceiling in the dining space. Every detail down to the intricate floral candles gave the dinner setting such a romantic and intimate feel. To soften the rich-wine-colored florals we added the softest touches of lavender and linen throughout the place settings.



Guests could find their seats with decorative and delicious maccaron place cards. Lastly, our glowing bride showcased the most stunning garden-inspired jewels and exquisite Pronovias dresses.



Photography: Caroline Lima Photography | Florals: David Kurio Designs | Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Simon Lee Bakery | Stationary: Bryker Design Co. | Jewelry: Korman Fine Jewelry | Beauty: Adore Makeup Salon | Design & Planning: Pearl Events Austin | Event Venue: Tiny Boxwoods | Linens: Nuage Designs | Parasols: Bella Umbrella | Rentals: Premiere Events | Rentals: Loot Rentals | Tabletop rentals: Table Manners | Vinyl Decor: Katie Kime

5 Key Wedding Planning Tips That Translate Perfectly to Your Holiday Entertaining

You’re in party planning mode. And sure, you’ve got your hands full planning a wedding and all, but the holidays have officially arrived–it’s the perfect time to take your newfound entertaining skills on a dry run before the big day. Here are some insider tips for wedding planning that will translate perfectly to your holiday entertaining plans.

 

 

1 | GET ORGANIZED

Organization is key when it comes to hosting any event (no matter how big or small). Your wedding planning and holiday party planning should look the same at the beginning–you, a pen and paper, a bev of choice, and (of course) a Pinterest board. And remember, planning anything is a big job, so whether you look to your fiancée or a professional planner,  don’t be too proud to ask for help. Mark important dates/deadlines on the calendar, like when you need to have the headcount turned into the caterer or when you need to place orders for decorations so they arrive on time. And make sure to set reminder notifications! We find that it’s helpful to keep everything organized in a binder like this one, so it’s all in one place and easy to find when you need it. 

 

2 | DESIGNATE A PHOTOGRAPHER

Weddings and holiday parties share another common thread–all the people you love in one place. And it’s SOOO important to capture those memories. You’ve probably already hired a photographer for your wedding, and while we would definitely support you hiring a photographer for your holiday party, we understand that may be a little out of the budget. So, instead, give someone at the party the esteemed position of honorary photographer. Everyone’s got that friend or family member that always takes the best photos! Chances are, they’ll take the position to heart and you’ll end up with some beautiful candids that you’ll cherish for years to come. Encourage guests to take photos by setting up some insta-worthy backdrops with garland and cute signs like this one. It’s also a good idea to start a shared album that everyone can add to so you don’t miss a moment! 

 

3 | A SEATING CHART IS ESSENTIAL 

Ok, while holidays are certainly magical, they can also be awkward AF, especially when everyone is sitting at the same table. We know creating a seating chart can be tedious, but trust us, it’s ESSENTIAL! Even if everyone gets along (for the most part) you should still think about where everyone is sitting. Seat people together who have common interests or are from the same friend group, etc. To make it super simple, set up place cards ahead of time. That way, when dinner’s served, your guests have already had a chance to find their place. Plus think about how adorable the tablescape will look with festive place card holders like these.

 

4 | KEEP FAVORS SIMPLE AND USEFUL 

Favors add an elegant touch to any occasion and a holiday party is no different. But, don’t panic, you don’t need to spend a ton to make a big impact. The perfect favor is something small (that’s easy to transport) and something your guests can use like these cute tealight holders that can double as table decor. Customize them with your guests’ names and make sure they know to take them home.

 

5 | GIVE YOUR GUESTS ENOUGH INFO ON THE INVITE 

As you’ve no doubt learned on your wedding planning journey, there’s so much more to invites than just when and where. You also need to give your guests important info like dress code and even parking instructions. While that may see a little extra for a holiday party, trust us on this one! Seriously, how many times have you shown up completely overdressed or underdressed to a party and felt out of place? And your future self will thank you when you’re not fielding a million texts for parking instructions as you’re juggling guests arriving and making sure everything makes it out of the oven on time. For a complete breakdown of everything that should be on your invites (for your wedding and beyond) check out our Complete Invitation Wording Guide. 

 

And while we’re here to help your holiday plans go as smoothly as possible, don’t stress about making everything perfect! Like your wedding, all that truly matters is that the people you love are there to celebrate together. Happy Holidays from everyone here at SMP!

A Garden Inspired Wedding In San Jose Done In Sage Green

This California wedding is modern romance at its finest.  Filled with a color palette of sage green and black accents, Kindred Events Co transformed a private home into a lush secret garden affair we can’t get enough of.  Floral design by Cherries Flowers is beyond dreamy, and Natalie Bray Studios artfully captured the love and joy of the day in her imagery.  Visit the full gallery to fall head over heels in love with every last detail.




From Natalie Bray StudiosOn a beautiful Summer day, Devon and Nick wed at their private home overlooking San Jose. I had photographed Devon’s sister’s wedding and this was truly so special to be invited back to photograph hers.



Kindred Events Co completely transformed the home to look and feel like a garden with lush flowers and pergolas for an intimate feel at dinner. Modern dinnerware was chosen with matte finishes. Everything complimented and elevated the design beautifully.



Devon and Nick chose soft pinks and sage green with black and gold accents. Devon looked absolutely stunning in her gown with bow accents. She literally sparkled!



Photography: Natalie Bray Studios | Event Planning: Joni Papazian with Kindred Events Co | Floral Design: Cherries Flowers | cake: butter& | Catering: Betty Zlatchin Catering | hair and make up: hair and make up by moni | Hensley: Hensley Event Resources | rentals: Theoni Collection

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Endlessly Romantic Al Fresco Wedding Editorial

This summer wedding editorial is overflowing with inspiration.  You’ll fall in love with all the details, from the bride’s off-the-shoulder Joon Bridal dress to romantic florals by Stems by Em with a hint of moody hues.  Every artful image shot by Erin Wilson Photography is more beautiful than the last, see them all inside the full gallery.




From Erin Wilson PhotographyThis charming outdoor chapel and garden shoot was an absolute dream. I saw this beautiful dress at Joon Bridal and I knew instantly that I just had to document a beautiful editorial with it.



I have always loved Taegan Lovelace and I knew she’d be the most perfect bride model for this stunning shoot. JLK Weddings was the best wedding planner to design and organize this ethereal outdoor wedding inspiration.



Her style is impeccable and every detail was just right. We hope you fall in love with every magical moment.



Photography: Erin Wilson Photography | Cinematography: Erin Wilson Photography | Event Planning: JLK Weddings | Florals: Stems by Em | Dress: Joon Bridal | Cake: Shelby Lynne Cake Shoppe | Hair: House of Style NWA | Wedding Venue: Sassafras Springs Vineyard | Beauty: Veronica Lopes | Modeling Agency: Sculp Agency | Models: Taegan Lovelace | Models: Shawn Burns | Rentals: Host Rentals


[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/440863077 600 338]

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Soft-Sophisticated Wedding Inspiration in Michigan Full of Fall Colors

A knockout dress, a sailcloth tent, and a floral installation by Roots Floral Design that will leave you weak in the knees – today’s autumnal inspiration planned by Abby Mckinney Events and styled by Samantha Joy Events truly has it all! Soft sophistication meets Fall romance at the full gallery, all captured to perfection by Rachael Kazmier Photography.

From Rachael Kazmier PhotographyIn the small coastal town of Holland Michigan, autumn is a magical time when vibrant colors spread across the state. That is what inspired this relaxed and sophisticated wedding editorial. The color palate emulated falling leaves with emphasis on golds and corals, with pops of blue nodding to Lake Michigan.

An intimate ceremony took place in front of the idealic white chapel at Felt Mansion. The bride wore a perfectly pleated gown with drop sleeves and a romantic slit, which brought an air of sophisticated softness.

Abby Mckinney Events planned a reception filled with relaxed elegance in the waterside sailcloth tent. Roots Floral Design wowed with a grand entrance exploding in flowers. Velvet linens and mix-matched dishes made the tablecsapes both chic and fun.

Each detail of this editorial was filled with intention and is sure to wow the future bride who dreams of a soft and sophisticated wedding!

Photography: Rachael Kazmier Photography | Event Planning: Abby Mckinney Events | Styling: Samantha Joy Events | Floral Design: Roots Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Claire de Lune | Invitations: Ashley Frye Studio | Ceremony Venue: Felt Mansion | Beauty: Canvas + Coif | Rentals: Bowery And Bash | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Enchanted Events & Party Rentals | Rentals: Alpine Events | Rentals: Halls Rental

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Vera Wang Bride’s 2023 Collection Celebrating a Modern New Sense of Freedom Is A Must See

You guys, the latest collection from Vera Wang Bride is out and we can’t wait to talk about it! Inspired by the joyous influx of post-lockdown weddings and lending itself to an easy sense of celebration, the collection is youthful and sexy with all of the signature Vera Wang hallmarks that you’ve grown to love like hi-lo hems and bustled skirts, clean bandeau tops, and deconstructed ball gowns mixed with debutante design details like belted ties and opera gloves. Styled with bed-head hair, big sunnies, and sneakers, it’s giving cool-girl bride energy in the chicest way.

 

The Trends

Synonymous with bridal fashion, Vera Wang doesn’t merely follow the trends, she sets them. So, it’s no surprise that the 2023 collection puts the Vera Wang spin on a few of our favorite fashion moments of late. Here’s what to expect…

 

Detachable Sleeves & Accessories

This collection is all about allowing the bride to customize her look, and the quickest and easiest way to do that is to play with accessories. From sleek fitted sleeves and gloves in satin, lace, and even mesh to full lace peasant sleeves, adding (or removing) these babies will completely transform a look. 

 

Pantsuits

This trend has climbed its way from the rehearsal dinner to reception, and now to the aisle and we’re here for it! We love that while the silhouette is certainly “modern” when it comes to wedding day ensembles, the touches of lace and sheer panels give this look a distinctly feminine feel.

 

Empire Waist

We’ve all got Bridgerton on the mind, and with silhouettes as pretty as this, it’s easy to see why. Keep an eye out for a few empire-waist gowns in this collection as well as some strategically placed seamlines that give the same feel without all the volume. 

 

Asymmetry

From one-shouldered gowns to organic draping and big bows, asymmetry is big right now and no one does it better than Vera. Our favorite part about an asymmetrical gown is that it keeps you guessing and for your guests that are lining the aisle, there’s not a bad seat in the house.

 

Exposed Corsetry

This season is all about sophisticated structure paired with “effortless” draping (that actually requires a lot of effort to get that way). If you’ve always dreamed of a fairytale ballgown, corset and all, you’re sure to find “the one” in this collection.

 

Our Fave Looks

Daymara

This is the dress version of the “no-makeup makeup” look. Maybe it’s the exaggerated sleeves or the mesh turtle neck, but how does this tulle ballgown look so low maintenance? Only Vera could pull that off and we’re obsessed. If you want a ballgown but don’t want anything too fussy, this is the perfect dress for you!

 

Carmencita

For the bride that lives by, “if you got it, flaunt it”, this hot bandeau top and matching skin-tight mermaid skirt is the only way to go for your big day. It’s also giving Wedding Barbie, which we love.

 

Belva

The sparkle, the mini-shift dress lining, the off-the-shoulder sleeves, to say we’re obsessed would be an understatement. This dress has rooftop wedding written all over it!

 

Caridad

Of all the looks in the collection, this is the one that’s really serving red-carpet glam for us. The halter neckline is so sexy and flattering on just about everyone. And we love it paired with the white jacket draped over the shoulder. 

 

Engracia

Perfect for a beach wedding, this barely-there chiffon gown will dance in the wind as you walk down the aisle. The sheer but plunging neckline and strategically placed cut-outs also give this pretty look a sporty vibe.

 

 

This collection is now available in stores and has 54 new styles, so we’re just scratching the surface here. As part of the Pronovias Group, every gown is available to order in sizes 32 to 64 (from 0 to 32). See the full collection on their website and click here to find a Vera Wang Bride retailer near you. We can’t wait to see our SMP brides rocking these beauties in the next few months. 

Follow @verawangbride on IG and TikTok to see ALL of the looks from their latest collection! 

Wedding Dress: Vera Wang

An Elegant White Wedding Overlooking Florence’s City Centre

It doesn’t get more fabulous than this white-on-white Florence wedding. From personalized favors to a floral-adorned gelato truck, the team at The Tuscan Wedding carefully curated every detail.  Flowers Living filled the day with the most elegant blooms, and David Bastianoni elegantly captured every magical moment in his photography.  You’ll fall head over heels in love with all the lovely inside the full gallery.




From The Tuscan WeddingLilian & Thomas’ dream fairytale wedding at Belmond Villa San Michele was a picture-perfect day filled with white florals, luxurious cocktails, and romance. Planned and executed to perfection by The Tuscan Wedding, their wedding was unforgettable for them and their guests. This wedding planning team thought of everything from grand entrances to personalized favors. Lillian & Thomas wanted to celebrate their love in one of the most romantic countries, Italy. With its romantic architecture, cultural beauty, and rolling countryside, they decided Florence was the perfect place to say “I Do”. They chose Belmond Villa San Michele, a gorgeous 16th-century villa.



This exclusive venue allowed them to say their vows whilst overlooking Florence’s city center. Lillian wore a stunning white A-Line gown with embroidered applique flowers covering the bodice and skirt. It was the first glimpse into the luxury of the wedding. Thomas wore a classic black dinner suit, tailored to perfection. He was ready to greet his wife-to-be with personalized cufflinks and a perfectly tied bowtie. Their ceremony was touching and romantic, with friends and family there to celebrate their special day. The ceremony was held outside under an arch filled with exquisite white flowers. Flowers Living used an abundance of white roses, peonies, and ranunculus to create this show-stopping display. Furthermore, they lined the aisles with huge bouquets of white hydrangeas and roses.



The Tuscan Wedding is a truly extraordinary wedding planner, thinking of every possible detail to ensure you and your guests have the perfect day. From the moment the guests sat down to celebrate Lilian & Thomas’ wedding, organizers gave fans to every guest to keep them cool in the Italian sun. The flowers on the day perfectly complimented Lillian’s embroidered flowers on her dress. Finally, Lilian & Thomas gave each guest a personalized bottle of sparkling limoncello to take away for an extra touch of elegance. An opulent dinner & reception. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and gelato on the terrace while the bride and groom took their wedding photos. Gelato is a delicious way to start a reception as it offers a cool refreshment before the main meal, especially on a warm Italian summer’s day, all served from Miss 500′s Ice Cream Vintage Bike. Guests enjoyed an exquisite dinner following the cocktails. Starting with a ceviche paired with vanilla-scented cauliflower, apples, and roasted pistachios, followed by ravioli filled with Italian meats, black truffle, and Parmigiano Reggiano cream. The main course was either a decadent beef fillet with chianti jus and basil vegetables or a roasted salmon and asparagus – a perfect Italian menu to compliment their Italian dream wedding. Finally, they cut and served their wedding cake, designed by TUSCAN WEDDING CAKES, to finish the meal. Gold leaf covered each tier with hand-painted cherry branches and finished with sugar peonies. Fireworks surrounded Lillian & Thomas as they cut the cake, a real bang to start their party.



Photography: David Bastianoni | Cinematography: Matteo Castelluccia Videomaker | Event Planning: The Tuscan Wedding | Floral Design: Flowers Living | Cake: TUSCAN WEDDING CAKES | Invitations: la precisina | Ceremony Venue: Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond | Reception Venue: Belmond Villa San Michele | Lighting: Wedding Music And Lights | DJ: Matthew | Beauty: Cherie Spisso | Bridal shoes: Jimmy Choo | Fireworks: Pirotenica Soldi | Ice cream: Miss 500 | Photo Booth: Booth Revolution

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
The Identite Collective Holiday Home Tour

After seeing so many gorgeous photos from the home of Anastasia Casey with The Identite Collective, we were SO excited to see it all dressed up for the holidays. The home’s neutral chic design gets further complemented with traditional based Christmas details like magnolia garland and luscious chocolate brown satin ribbon. Take a look and take notes, these guys know what they’re doing.

Its the first year my husband and I will be celebrating at home, so I wanted it to feel traditional. I wanted it to feel festive without being sparkly, so I opted for satin chocolate brown ribbon and raw silk shreds to hang from the wreaths and the tree.

Since our kitchen renovation was just completed, I opted for fresh greens and square wreaths.


Our tree is 9 feet and literally only fits in our stairwell. 

Editors note: At the end of the sentence above, Anastasia added an extremely relatable laugh/cry emoji and we wish we could translate it over for you, the reader, because it was truly a value add.

For more holiday home tours check out:

Laine & Layne Holiday Home Tour

Romantic Vintage Inspired Christmas Home Tour

Photographer: Harper Photography | Designer: Anastasia Casey

Sunkissed Mykonos Island Wedding That Celebrates All Things Wanderlust

Are you ready for the magic that is a Mykonos wedding? This island celebration is as stylish as it is fun, much like the iconic destination itself.  George Liopetas Fine Art Photographs beautifully captures the love of the day and floral design by Studio 7 is not to be missed.  We love the combination of pampas grass and lush white blooms! Leave it to NAIDO to bring a couple’s Big Day vision to life to a tee, you’ll swoon over every last detail in the full gallery.




From George Liopetas Fine Art PhotographsIf your wedding is all about enjoying every single minute with your closest and dearest, where bubbly bucket-fueled dancing at sun-dappled boltholes is a way of life, then Josh & Lizzie’s I do’s on the party island, will satisfy your dawn-till-dusker souls. The beautiful couple met 8 years ago in Newcastle when Lizzie was a freshman at university, and before they knew it they were as one. They moved to London and back to NC taking long and short breaks in between to travel the globe with family and friends. It was five years ago when they first set foot on Mykonos and kept coming back every summer, knowing the island of the winds just had to be their wedding destination.



“We love exploring cultures and foods, and Mykonos speaks to our soul- we feel at home here,” the bride confesses. Lizzie and Josh sided with NAIDO‘s Konstantinos Tsoukalas who curated their big day to absolute perfection: a sunkissed wedding with a dash of Mykonian glam. Hadn’t the term’ boho chic’ been so de trop, you’d definitely use it to summarize the entire languid summer scheme. Think flaxen grasses and Lunaria mixed with fresh orchids and ivory David Austins, and an arch divided in half, pampas on one side and greenery on the other.



The reception took place at Mykonos’ iconic Relais & Chateaux – Royal Myconian and was set in silver and gold, a touch of pewter, and mercury, topped with whites. The day began in delicious fashion details and Lizzie’s gifts to her bridesmaids; weaved baskets with pom-pons chockful of skin products and fashionable raffia pouches. After popping a bottle of bubbly and toasting by the pool, Lizzie slipped into her Berta Privee wedding gown and, escorted by her dad, headed down the aisle to marry her beloved. As for the party that followed Lizzie said, “Our priorities were definitely to enjoy every single minute with all of our friends & family that have traveled across the world to celebrate with us. We wanted everyone to have the best and biggest party possible! I wanted to make sure everyone would be dancing from the start, that the drinks would keep flowing and that our people would take in all Mykonos had to give.” Done and done, Lizzie!



Photography: George Liopetas Fine Art Photographs | Cinematography: Konstantinos Liopetas | Design: NAIDO Weddings | Event Planning: NAIDO Weddings | Floral Design: Studio 7 | Wedding Dress: Berta | Wedding Venue: Royal Myconian | Beauty: Make-up Mykonos | Preparations Venue: Mykonos | Rentals: Blue Furniture rental | Ring Boxes: Velweds | Signs, Stationary, Neon Lights: illuminography | Sound & Lights: Sound Mykonos | Weddings Heels: Sophia Webster


[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/759591103 600 338]

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Decorating For Your First Holiday in Your Own Home — Three Christmas Decorating Basics

Chances are you grew up in a home decked out with intentional, well-loved and curated holiday decorations. We’re talking wreaths on every door! Garland WITH Christmas lights! A big ‘ol well-lit tree filled with all kinds of collected ornaments! Ribbons galore! Your mom, a Christmas enthusiast, set the bar HIGH. Now that you’re in your own space you have a whole world open to you! Do you go with an artificial tree? Does it need to be pre-lit? Should you do classic red and green or more neutral? Or what if you went bold with a navy blue color pallet? If you choose a (*gasp*) trend this year will you have to stick to it forever?

Don’t panic — prioritize! Here are three basic elements of holiday decor that you can build from and start off your oh-so-festive Christmas decoration collection.

The Tree

First and foremost — decide on your tree! This is the center point of Christmas decor, so the decisions you make here will help guide your other choices. First decision to make is to weigh out the options of a real or a faux tree. With a real tree, you get the delicious piney scent throughout your home, and acquiring the tree can turn into a fun tradition. However, a real tree sheds and is an occurred expense every year. A faux tree is a heavy initial investment, but you only have to make it once every 10 years (or so) and if you really splurge you can get it pre-lit, and that is a true luxury when decorating. Pro-tip — you might want to wait to get a faux tree after Christmas, the discounts are a present in and of themselves:)

Once you pick your tree, you’ll want to decorate it! Take a free pass your first year to start with the basics — lights and orbed ornaments. Once you’ve got your basics look into things like tree skirts (this one is, biasedly, real cute) memory ornaments, a tree topper, ribbon, and beaded garland.

shop our favorite tree decor glam orbed ornaments | traditional red plaid tree skirtbeaded garland

Greenery

Greenery is the key. You can get it for pretty cheap or splurge and get some gorgeous options — either way it packs a PUNCH. We’re talking garland, tree branches in a vase, bundled tree branches tied up with ribbon, and last but not least wreaths.

A wreath on your front door is like a friendly invitation to come inside and enjoy the merriment, and mini wreaths are so versatile you seriously can’t go wrong with grabbing a handful to deck aaaaall of your halls with (that pun was unintentional but really happily stumbled upon)

But garland is the real heavy hitter here. You can drape it, frame with it, cascade it — it all looks good. Garland can be an investment, so opt for one that you can adapt and dress up, and it will look good year after year!

shop our favorite greenery: Greenery and Pine Holiday Wreath |Mini Wreaths with Ribbon 4 Count |Pine and Eucalyptus Garland

The Mantel

The fireplace mantel is such a focal point to all of those fabulous photos you see on Pinterest, and it holds your ever-important Christmas stockings. If you have one yourself — great! Dress it up with garland, candlesticks, and some festive figurines. Throw up pretty stockings on some cute (and practical) stocking holders and take a moment to really appreciate the fact that you have an extremely coveted home feature!

But if you don’t have a gorgeous trimmed out mantel with a flip-switch gas-burning hearth (you’re not alone, you’re probably the majority!) you’ve got options. Any flat focal point surface can hold your stockings. Think the TV stand, a photo ledge, your dresser, a window ledge, a shelf on a bookcase, down a staircase — kick in the creativity and you’re sure to find a space in your home! And, adding an aforementioned sprig of greenery always ads festivity.

shop our favorite mantel decor: Sweater Knit Stocking | 2 Piece Deer Figurine Set | Gold Stocking Holder 3 Piece Set | 3 Piece Gold Taper Candle Holder Set

It can be overwhelming to fill a home with festivity in your first year. Don’t sweat it, enjoy the journey! And for a little inspiration, check out these beautiful holiday home tours.

Romantic Vintage Inspired Christmas Home Tour

Laine & Layne Holiday Home Tour

If you have a holiday home that’s decked out to the 9’s and you want to share it here, head over to our submissions page for a chance to be featured!

 

DIY Gilded Agate Coasters

Agate is has been having a major moment in home design the past few years, but the gorgeous natural rock doesn’t come cheap. Typically, coasters like these retail for $75! So, we thought teach you how to DIY them for yourself and avoid those steep prices that you will find in fancy pants boutiques. Quick, easy and oh-so-elegant, these gilded coasters make for the perfect amount of chic to dress up your coffee table.

Materials
Agate slices
Gold leaf
Adhesive pen
Sealant (optional)
Small paintbrush
Clear rubber bumpers (optional)
Masking tape

instructions
step-1

Use the adhesive pen to cover the edges of the agate slice with adhesive. Place a bit of tape on the slice to mark where you start gluing, so you’ll know when to stop when you come back around to the beginning.

step-2

Place the agate on a bit of cardboard or tin foil to dry for about 10 minutes.

step-3

When the edges of the agate are slightly tacky to the touch, gently press on gold leaf. Keep pressing on more leaf until the rim is covered in gold.

step-4

Use the dry paintbrush to gently brush off the excess gold leaf.

step-5

For more protection, you can paint a thin coat of sealant on the edges to seal them. You can also attach 4 self-stick rubber bumpers to the bottom of each coaster to protect your surfaces.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Design & Styling: SMP Living | Event Planning: Amazon | Cakes: Etsy.com

Preppy East Coast Inspired Garden Party in the PNW

From the fashion to the floral design… every inch of this preppy east coast-inspired PNW wedding is the definition of timeless. These are the bridesmaids dresses that will spark an uncontrollable slew of “omg WHERE are those dresses from” comments in our DM’s – and it’s no surprise why when you see them! BLC Events brought the bride’s classic garden party vision to life, while Haute Flowers kept the blooms elegant and understated. See all the pretty at the full gallery – captured perfectly by Sweetlife Photography!

From Sweetlife Photography… Harrison and Morgan met in seventh grade at Lake Oswego Jr. High. They were good friends in high school but became especially close during their senior year. They were freshman orientation leaders together and shared a similar class schedule. While Harrison still saw Morgan as one of his best friends, Morgan started realizing that there might be more to their friendship. She looked forward to their classes together and she started getting butterflies when he would run up to her in his baseball uniform and say hi while she was at tennis practice. She liked the way he was around her family and she loved how close he was to his own parents and siblings. They laugh about it now, but Morgan and Harrison’s sister were also friends, and Morgan would ask Madeline to do reconnaissance on whether or not Harrison might like her back. Something must have clicked because, finally, a few weeks before graduation, Harrison admitted that he had been holding back feelings. Morgan still remembers how amazing she felt in that moment!

What they thought would be a summer fling turned into four years of long distance while Harrison attended Oregon State and Morgan went off to the University of Colorado at Boulder. They stayed committed to one another all four years and supported each other through the highs and lows of college. Following graduation, they moved back to Portland where they were relieved to find that the distance had absolutely been worth it! Two years later, after six years of dating, Harrison got down on one knee at Alloro Vineyard in August of 2020. Harrison had laid out a beautiful picnic in a private location and popped the question over two of Morgan’s favorite things: wine and cheese. She was completely caught off guard but so incredibly excited! They ended the day celebrating with their closest family and friends. It was the perfect start to their 22 month long engagement!

Morgan couldn’t wait to start the wedding planning process! Even though they had picked a date that was 22 months away from their engagement, Morgan didn’t waste any time booking vendors. She started with their planner, BLC Events, and then immediately booked Waverley Country Club as their venue. Since Morgan loves photography and named that element as one of her non-negotiables, she reached out to Sweetlife Photography the same day she booked their venue. They ended up being one of the couple’s favorite vendors because they were extremely helpful, responsive and enthusiastic about their different creative ideas. They felt like a partner in the planning process and Morgan and Harrison appreciated how organized and thorough they were leading up to the big day.

Morgan and Harrison wanted their wedding to feel like an elegant garden party; sophisticated but casual. The bride drew inspiration from classic East Coast events, chic, preppy style boards and sleek black-tie parties. She also drew inspiration from a beautiful set of Richard Ginori dishes, which she incorporated into menus, bar signs and the mother-of-the-bride dress. Morgan thought up many different wedding looks over the course of their 22-month long engagement but settled on a simple black and white color palette. It’s timeless! For a small pop of color, she opted for light blue, tiered, lace bridesmaids dresses from Self-Portrait. The beautiful grounds of the Waverley Country Club provided the perfect setting to execute their vision. The club is very classic and the green space was the perfect backdrop for their cocktail lounge and sailcloth tent; two things that spoke to their vision of an East Coast garden party.

Their wedding design reflects the couple’s simple, timeless, and classic style. More significantly, Waverley Country Club backs up to the Willamette River. The bride’s childhood home also sits on the Willamette River so Morgan and Harrison have many memories boating with friends and passing the Waverley while wake surfing, wakeboarding or cocktail cruising. The groom is also a golf fanatic, so having their wedding on a golf course was extra fun and meaningful to him!

One small but meaningful detail is Morgan wore her mom’s wedding shoes down the aisle! Her mom had preserved them so well and they fit perfectly. It was a special moment when she helped Morgan put them while they were getting ready.

Harrison also had his grandfather’s wedding ring tied into his tuxedo jacket. It meant so much to Harrison, his grandmother, and his parents to have him incorporate it into the day. Harrison’s cufflinks were also meaningful as they had been gifted to him at birth by that same grandfather, who passed days later.

Morgan and Harrison flew a custom flag on the Waverley flag pole! The flag was printed with their wedding monogram and it tied into menus and signage used throughout the day. The flag pole on the property is iconic and they received so many compliments on that custom detail!

During the wedding planning process in 2021, Harrison and Morgan temporarily moved to Las Vegas for Harrison’s job. They had such a fun year and they knew they wanted to incorporate that memorable time into their special day. To add a touch of Vegas to their reception, they thought it would be cool to do casino tables and print play money with their wedding monogram. Guests who didn’t care to dance enjoyed sitting around the poker tables and guests who spent a lot of time on the dance floor appreciated a space to “take a breather” while still participating. They made the room feel like a high roller lounge and it was close enough to the dance floor that people could easily flow between dancing, taking photos at the photo booth and trying their luck at a casino table. It was a huge hit and a unique activity that added an extra fun element to the night.

Something Morgan learned during the planning process is “if you can’t buy it, print it!” She fell in love with plates from the Richard Ginori Catene Nero collection many years ago and she always knew she wanted them as part of her wedding tablescape. When she began the wedding planning process, she searched far and wide but couldn’t find the plates or chargers in any local inventory. She could have had them shipped from a rental company in California but that would have been half of her wedding budget. Hard no! She felt defeated but she couldn’t stop thinking about the design. After a number of table setting iterations, she decided to play around with the idea of printing a similar chain decoration on the menu cards and bar signs instead. In the end, it achieved the unique visual element that she was hoping to incorporate and she saved a lot of money by adding the design that way instead of renting or buying physical product!

Morgan also had a unique journey to find her wedding dress. She found her original wedding dress on a mother-daughter shopping trip in LA. It was such a fun and special weekend looking for the perfect dress! Over the next few months, Morgan went through many alterations and, 3 weeks before the wedding, she did a final fitting and the dress was too tight. Morgan made the heartbreaking decision to completely scrap the dress and she started looking online and visiting consignment stores a few days later. She found the dress she wore online and had it rush-shipped to her house. Morgan found a seamstress who was willing to work with her on such short notice and it all worked out with 5 days to spare. Everything happens for a reason and she ended up loving the dress she wore even more than the original!

It truly was the best day ever! The couple had put so much time and energy into planning and the day went off without a hitch. They’re so grateful to their vendors for such a seamless wedding weekend! Some of their fondest memories were taking bride and groom portraits during sunset. The nerves from the beginning of the day were gone and all that was left was pure joy. It definitely came through in those photos! Morgan & Harrison loved posing together, kissing, and feeling like we were the only two people there. It was a lot of fun and a special time to relax, focus on each other and capture some wonderful memories.

Towards the end of the evening, another highlight was their outfit change! It brought new energy into the reception space and they were both more comfortable for late night dancing. The poker tables were also a huge hit! Guests loved having another activity option in addition to dancing and a photo booth.

When they got into the limo at the end of the night, they were beyond happy. Everything had gone so well! They had just finished an epic dance party surrounded by their closest family and friends and the love and enthusiasm put them both on cloud nine. They’ll never forget that feeling driving away from the venue that night! Pure bliss.

Morgan & Harrison left for their honeymoon the day after the wedding and spent 14 beautiful days in Greece and Italy. They visited Santorini, Mykonos, Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice. Santorini was definitely a highlight! It was romantic and peaceful and the food and views were equally exquisite. They can’t wait to go back one day! Morgan studied abroad in Italy and had so much fun showing Harrison where she had lived and traveled. They ate their way through each city, explored little alleyways and toasted to the beginning of their marriage with house wines. It was so much fun and they were very much riding the wedding high throughout the entire trip!

Photography: Sweetlife Photography | Videography: A Beautiful Union | Event Planning: BLC Events | Floral Design: Haute Flowers | Wedding Dress: Sachin And Babi | Cake: Ja Civa's | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Self-Portrait | DJ: Higher Ground Entertainment | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Ceremony Music: Duo Con Brio | Wedding Venue: Waverley Country Club | Beauty: Tiffany Randolph Beauty | Bridal Accessories: Lake Oswego Jewelers | Invitations & Paper Goods: Crave Design | Photo Booth: test | Reception Dress: Self-Portrait | Rentals: Great Jones NW | Rentals: West Coast Event Productions

A Classic Modern Wedding for Arkansas Razorback Royalty

This all-white wedding is sure to stop you in your tracks.  Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design planned a day that delights filled with super chic details and lush blooms at every turn designed by Silks a Bloom. From the custom beverage seating chart to serving champagne off a woman’s skirt, every incredible detail is artfully captured in imagery by Erin Wilson Photography. You won’t want to miss a single moment inside the full gallery.




From Erin Wilson Photography … Madison is the granddaughter of Frank Broyles, the former legendary coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks for the University of Arkansas. He was a beloved coach and athletic director that had a vision for the University’s field becoming a stadium and more. If you say the name Broyles in Arkansas the Razorback fans will know exactly who he is. He’s very loved and his beautiful granddaughter wanted to honor her grandfather by getting married on campus and hosting their rehearsal dinner at the stadium in the athletic center full of razorback-themed details. Not only is this the University where her grandfather coached football, but it’s the very place where Madison and Bradley met while they were in college and fell in love. The location has so many special memories for them and was the perfect place for them to get married.



Their wedding was all white, classic, full of florals, and right in the heart of campus under a clear tent with an incredible live band. Something that was very important to Madison was that they were married in her grandparent’s church which is the same church where her grandmother herself was one of the lovely women who stitched the pew cushions. Madison wore her mother-in-law’s veil down the aisle and a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown to match the beautiful vintage veil. Since the couple lives in Dallas they had to bring a little Texas fun to Arkansas by serving some Ranch Water drinks and tacos as the guests entered their reception adorned with the cutest little cowboy hat drink stirs. Their all-white classic wedding reception was filled with fun surprises all evening long. Two of the classic moments were their choreographed dance and cutting their 10-tier cake for the 10 years being together.



Such a sweet plan Madison and Bradley looked forward to. Madison is full of energy and so much fun and LOVES Elton John. Bradley pulled off a huge surprise by gifting her with an Elton John impersonator/look-alike to sing at their wedding it was a surprise to every guest and the bride was SO happy. Throughout the evening they had live dancers and late-night snacks delivered by the University of Arkansas Razorback mascots to represent her love for her Grandfather and his legacy and their love for the Razorbacks. It was such an incredible wedding.



Photography: Erin Wilson Photography | Cinematography: Lucy Camryn Films | Event Planning: Anne Claire Allen Planning & Design | Floral Design: Silks a Bloom | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Shelby Lynne Cake Shoppe | Wedding Venue: Inn at Carnall Hall | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/S1yBgqlQxWs 600 338]

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Waterfront Wedding On Bainbridge Island Filled With Style And Fun

This Bainbridge Island wedding will make your day.  Filled with a plethora of pretty pastel colors, and details like a floral and beverage-filled canoe, Simply By Tamara Nicole planned and designed a day that brought our couple’s wedding vision to life in the most wonderful of ways.  The Ganeys thoughtfully captured the waterfront wedding with imagery that is sure to stand the test of time.  You’ll fall in love with every magical moment inside the full gallery.




From the bride… Our wedding took place on Restoration Point – a historic piece of land located on Bainbridge Island where my husband’s family owns a home. If this waterfront property’s views of Mt. Rainier and the Seattle skyline didn’t make it special enough, it’s also where Sid proposed and our wedding story began. With the help of Simply By Tamara Nicole and beautifully captured by The Ganeys, we planned thoughtful details and surprises to entertain our guests, express our personality as a couple, and showcase the natural beauty of a Puget Sound summer. Guests were greeted with glasses of champagne with edible flowers, linen parasols, and paper fans to keep them cool as they enjoyed the waterfront ceremony. We were married under a hand-made chuppah adorned with baby’s breath that framed Mt. Rainier in the background. After exchanging our own personal vows, stomping on a glass, and sharing our first kiss as husband and wife, we lead our guests in a second line to cocktail hour to a brass trio playing Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.”



Cocktail hour was where our fun-loving personalities really came through. Guests sipped custom bottled cocktails as they were entertained by a magician and a falcon wrangler. In a tribute to Sid’s mother’s love of starting dinner parties by throwing ice shot glasses into the water from her Bainbridge home, guests took lavender lemonade shots and threw the ice glasses at a brass bell along the water.



The reception took place in a white sailcloth tent decorated with dreamy candles, natural linens, and colorful florals. An ombré escort card board by Libby Tipton displayed guests’ table numbers. Once at their table, guests found their name handwritten on a bleached oyster shell accompanied by dyed linen napkins, pearlescent silverware, and custom menus. To help get the party started, mini bottles of espresso martini were passed to guests as dinner ended. This proved to be the perfect post-meal pick-me-up as everyone hit the dance floor with enthusiasm and danced the night away! It was the day of our dreams and the perfect start to a wonderful marriage.



Photography: The Ganeys | Videography: Sound Originals | Event Planning & Design: Simply By Tamara Nicole | Floral Design: Simply By Tamara Nicole | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: SHow Me Your Mumu | Catering: Blue Ribbon Events | Hair and Makeup: Bridal Beauty Agency | Band: Ten Souljers | Bridal Boutique: Beloved Bridal | Dress Designer: Anais Anette | Envelopes & Liners: Margaux Paperie | Falconer: The Falconer | Magician: Nate Jester, Seattle Magician | Rentals: CORT Party Rentals | Signage: Libby Tipton

[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/F0MZBEFvqVI 600 338]
[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/F0MZBEFvqVI 600 338]
[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/F0MZBEFvqVI 600 338]
[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/F0MZBEFvqVI 600 338]
[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/F0MZBEFvqVI 600 338]
[iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/F0MZBEFvqVI 600 338]

UnBox The Dress Is The Newest And Chicest Way To Incorporate Your “Something Old”

We all know the saying, Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” and I’m sure we can all agree that the most challenging to achieve is the old and borrowed. Brides-to-be love the idea of incorporating a vintage touch into their special day, but figuring out what and how is the hard part. That is until we discovered Unbox The Dress. We’ve finally found the *coolest* solution to fulfill this Old English rhyme, so if you have a family wedding dress and want to transform it into an heirloom to love for a lifetime, keep reading on! 

 

What exactly is Unbox The Dress? 

They’re the trusted national leader in wedding dress redesign and have transformed over 6,000 dresses originally worn from 1901-2022! Offering 50 choices of products that can be made from any wedding dress, the company was started by mother-daughter duo Lorraine Stewart and Grace Lightner and now consists of a team of 25 carefully trained Graceful Sewers who work full-time transforming dresses.

 

How Does it Work?

The process starts with their design quiz. You’ll tell them about your mother or grandmother’s dress (or any family members’ for that matter) and what you’re potentially envisioning. They’ll then suggest personalized products to begin curating your very own wishlist. What blew us away? The family dress doesn’t have to be transformed into a different styled dress… we’re talking robes (most popular!) clutches, veils, ring bearer pillows and more! You’ll simply ship them your dress in a box sent by their team (that’s waterproof, lockable and fully insured, of course) and then meet with your designer to plan your dress transformation! Ready to get hyped up? Check out these testimonials from real brides. 

 

After The Wedding

For modern brides who want to transform their own gown after their wedding, there’s also the option to choose new romantic designs from their Anniversary Collection. The company’s second most popular design is a Christening or Baptismal outfit perfect for celebrating the arrival of a new little one in the family. And if you aren’t sure exactly what to have made, Unbox The Dress also has a Save to Transform service. This $200 service includes shipping, dress cleaning, repair and a year of museum-quality storage. 

 

Don’t miss their Black Tie Savings valid through the month of November! Get $25 off the DressBox with code SMP-25OFF. Every wedding dress tells a story. Give yours a whole new chapter with Unbox The Dress. 

 

 

Dress Re-design: Unbox the Dress

Five Things to Consider When Planning a Destination Wedding with LBB Member Taryn Stark Wyant

If you’ve spent any amount of time on TikTok or youtube shorts (it’s me, hi, we’re there too) in the past 10 months you’ve seen destination weddings skyrocket and we are in LOVE with the intimate, cultural experience they create.

But once you open up the whole world to wedding destination potential, it’s easy to get over-analysis-paralysis. So we sat down with our editors and one of our LBB experts, Taryn Stark Wyant Wedding Planning & Design to break down the most important elements to consider when choosing a destination wedding location!

1. Consider Architecture

In addition to a destination’s natural terrain, the location’s architecture is what will *really* set the tone for your entire wedding vibe. Whether you’re surrounded by growing vines up a brick english countryside cottage, or standing on an iron balcony with an accenting saltillo tile roof, the location dominates the aesthetic of the photo. Once you determine what time of background you’re working with, the rest of the details have a specific scope to work through.

And take it from us, you can never go wrong with choosing a location with a balcony. It’s a win every time.

2. Consider Incorporating Unique Transportation

A shocking 2022 trend that has taken our aesthetic preferences by storm is the incorporation of boats in the wedding transportation space, and we can’t get enough of them. You could be in a Chris Craft boat on the east coast or (in this case) a sail-boat in the Mediterranean and we will swoon every time. If you’re picking a destination with water, make the most of it!

3. Consider How Your Attire Will Match the Environment

Knowing how much the destination’s terrain, architecture and weather play a role in the aesthetic of your wedding, aligning your attire accordingly helps you make intentional decisions that make your whole look cohesive from head to toe. We will always love a groom in linen on the beach, a bride with a light, flowing chiffon running through grassy hills or a vineyard and you better believe there’s no better place for a ballgown silhouette than a castle venue (that goes without saying, but we couldn’t leave it out.) And in reference to point #2, if you’re going to stand at the helm of a sailboat, might as well do it wearing a cape!

author’s note: Capes are applicable and relevant in almost all settings and they are one of the best wedding fashion trends to emerge in a long time so please, please keep them coming. We swoon. 

4. Consider Color Palette

In this elopement the groom is slaying his alignment in color pallet to the environment and his bride’s accessories. The color of his jacket is a dialed up saturation of the colors naturally occurring in the background, giving him a little pop to stand out while still coordinating in the setting. And speaking of the bridal look, her bouquet looks as though it’s taken an eye droplet of color influence from everything that surrounds her.

When you’re working with the best of the best vendors, they ensure your floral game lines up with not only what your’e envisioning, but also how your vision and expectations translate to what’s native to your environment. And speaking of vendors, that leads us to our next and arguably most important point.

5. Consider Your Key Vendor

Picking a destination wedding means venturing outside of your familiarity and comfort zone and while sometimes that can seem scary, it’s also half of the excitement! So the most important first step to take after selecting your location is to find the right planner to bridge the gap of local understanding, time zones and helps connect you to the rest of your vendor team. Taryn Stark Wyant Event Planning & Design was the mastermind brainpower behind this coastal Italian elopement, and you can see the quality of coordination from start to finish.

When we talked to their team, the main objective they take for each wedding is to “curate personal, intimate, luxurious celebrations for our clients’ wedding weeks, affording them the joy and excitement of the experience without the stress!” and that’s exactly why you bring in the pros. Their biggest priority is to develop an authentic and meaningful relationship with each of our clients” and since you’ll be spending so much time planning and coordinating with them, it’s an important pillar to build on! 

One of the most important parts of the wedding planning process is managing your decision fatigue to protect your mental space and make the whole process as enjoyable as possible, and the best way to do that is by putting the right framework around each decision. If you’re considering doing a destination wedding, use these five considerations to help narrow things down and then get fun and creative from there!

Cinematography: Anna Lord Studio | Design: Taryn Stark Wyant Event Planning and Design | Event Planning: Taryn Stark Wyant Event Planning and Design | Floral Design: Moss Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Emily Kaye Bridal | Ceremony Venue: Falisia, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa | Calligraphy: Pirouette Paper | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Lingerie: Flirt Boutique | Photogra: Sarah Heath Photography | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Travel Planning: Britta Heath Luxury Travel

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Tonal Fall California Wedding at Grand Gimeno

Tones of taupe, terracotta and black accents make this Grand Gimeno wedding an absolute must-see.  Lovers of bohemian whimsy will adore every carefully curated detail artfully designed and planned by AmorologyPosey Pop filled the day with incredible florals that perfectly played off of textural elements like velvet chairs and warm wood.  Fall in love with every minute elegantly captured by Hannah Forsberg inside the full gallery.




From Hannah ForsbergOur theme was Bohemian whimsy with touches of classic romance took to the gardens, frolicking to the courtyard for an intimate candlelit evening with ruffly bunches of florals and soft linens mixed with dramatic tones and textures. Reflective touches of antiquated mirrors were woven throughout their day, as a nod to Morgyn’s love of fashion and the song Mirror Ball, just as pops of rust and terracotta played to Hunter’s motto “If you rest, you’ll rust.”



Our color palette: Neutrals of bone and taupe, greens, terracotta, rust, and touches of rose and merlot to complement the existing blue accents at Grand Gimeno. After celebrating their sealing at Newport Beach’s LDS temple, guests were invited to celebrate at Grand Gimeno, a stunning property nestled in the heart of downtown Orange. They were welcomed into the space with cozy lounges by the fireplace, delicious mocktails, and the smell of warm pizza cooking in the oven. Guests sipped on a Three Kisses lavender lemonade, playing to the way Morgyn + Hunter say goodbye to each other, and a Pinky Promise kiwi strawberry spritzer, a nod to their love of kiwi strawberry capri suns. Guests strolled to the sign-in table, where they gathered inspiration from Hunter’s motto, “If you rest you’ll rust. Come dance with us!” and left their dance floor requests and happy wishes to the newlyweds before they took their seats.



Guests found their seats in the courtyard lined with olive trees and lit with market lights and candles at a mix of black woven tables, caramel velvet draped rounds, and warm wood tables. The tables were dressed with layered gauzy taupe and white fringe runners, black and rust taper candles, black charcuterie boards with red apple touches, and gorgeous florals by Posey Pop with taupe velvet chairs mixed with a pop of orange chairs for the bride and groom to be seated in. An adorable rust-colored 12’ backdrop doubled as a photo moment and dessert display backdrop, with signage at one end saying “You’re like really pretty” with antique handheld mirrors with calligraphy saying “So you agree?” as a nod to the bride’s favorite movie, Mean Girls, and at the other end a gorgeous wedding cake and mini dessert display sat pretty on black rattan shelving via ARCHIVE RENTALS with lots of yummies to snack on throughout the night of dancing and cheer, celebrating Morgyn + Hunter for all to hear!



Photography: Hannah Forsberg | Floral Design: Posey Pop | Cake: HEY THERE CUPCAKE | Ceremony Venue: Grand Gimeno | DJ: DJ EDgar | Beauty: KC Witkamp | Cheesecakes: Alfa Bakery | Day of stationery: Four Things Paper | Design + Planning: Amorology | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper: Epoch Design | Rentals: Adore Folklore | Rentals: ARCHIVE RENTALS | Rentals: Hostess Haven | Video: Jennifer Affleck

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Dreamy Tented Reception at Private Estate

It’s official, we’ve fallen into a fairytale.  This green and white wedding expertly planned by Imoni Events is endlessly dreamy.  The tented reception is filled with opulent white flowers designed by White House Design Studio, and each image captured by Valorie Darling Photography Collective looks like a work of art.  Step inside the larger-than-life day inside the full gallery.




From the bride… We met in Three Arch Bay a cute little neighborhood in Laguna Beach. At the time we had a second house there, and that’s where Grif grew up (two doors down from our house) we met at a mutual family friend’s easter party. That day we met, I told my sister I was going to marry him, and now we are here, 9 years later!! We started dating that summer in July 2012 and have dated ever since! We did long distance while I finished high school in AZ for two years, and then we both went to Chapman in OC and now we live in Arizona together! One day Grif told me we had a “business dinner” we never have ever had one of those so I was definitely skeptical. So I got my hair done, nails, spray tan, the works just in case! And then he took me to my childhood backyard in this beautiful garden area and his best friend Brock was there playing “Marry Me” by Train on acoustics, and a photographer was there to capture it. And then he got down on one knee, I promised myself when that day came I’d remember every word he said, I don’t remember a thing! And then his friend was waiting on the other side of the gate in a full chauffeur outfit to take us to dinner, and then we went to our family country club down the street and I walked into 80 of my very favorite people in the whole wide world. All of our bridesmaids and groomsmen, both of our families, extended family, and family friends who hold a special place in our hearts were all there in that one room, it was perfect! I have never had a surprise done for me, I usually catch on to things and I had no idea they all would be there, I was truly speechless. I may have had an idea an engagement was maybe coming… But I never could have dreamt of a better night. And then every single person came back to our house and we played music and danced the night away in our pool house. I felt like I was living in a fairytale for the next week. It was the best engagement ever! And true foreshadowing of what the wedding was/is going to look like celebrating our special night on November 13th, 2021 the same place we celebrated our engagement.



We both have a strong faith in God, we love to be active and play golf and work out together. We have a Red Golden Retriever named Sailor, who is our love bug! We love doing things with her and taking her on walks! Grif loves to karaoke, I love to watch! He really honestly just makes life fun. If we’re going out to do something we will have the best time whatever it is! We love being with our family and friends and planning trips with them, living life together and to the fullest. How would you describe your style as a couple? I think we’re really similar in some areas and also different. We both have been athletic and the good kind of competitive our whole lives. And I think because we met so young, and have dated for so long we grew together and evolved together, which is really neat and special. We are who we are because of each other, but also let one another be who the other person is and have so much respect for one another. I think our styles are a little more different in the sense of he’s the beach boy at heart and so he could wear no shoes, board shorts, and be more casual. I think I have a ton of casual aspects to me, but I also like to get dressed up. I love anything with a ruffle, something classy but youthful and cute. I love a cute dress with flip-flops. And he wears jeans a t-shirt and cool tennis shoes, and is obsessed with surfer-type hats! He’s learned to get more dressed up. He had never worn a collared shirt before we met. We totally complement each other in different ways! I think our style is youthful, timeless, FUN, and also our style is so me and his is so him.



I love how timeless and just gorgeous all of Valorie Darling Photography Collective photos are! It looks like the people. I love that in 50 years the photos are just as beautiful/will be just as beautiful! Your photos are stunning in every way!!  Grif and I’s wedding is truly so special because of the family and friends that we get to celebrate with. We’re both some of the very first people in our lives to get married, and so we just planned the wedding how we wanted it to. Our wedding is really special having it at my childhood home. The house I grew up in is the house that every family and family friend comes over to for Easter, Christmas, or a Friday night because my parents love to entertain. My Mom is incredible at making a home, a party, anything so beautiful, timeless, gorgeous, and feel like home. My mom makes a party of 5, or a party of 100 feel just as special, just as homey, and just as beautiful. So it’s really special to have all of our family and friends celebrate in a home that really feels like home for so many. Our wedding also has this almost theme of a Ralph Lauren wedding, every single room in my parent’s house has at least something from Ralph Lauren whether it’s a pillow, couches, or plates, my Mom has always been inspired by his timeless beauty. And so in planning our special night we used a “Ralph” mindset with trying to create a “homey”, classy, elegant, and true timeless beauty of a night.



Photography: Valorie Darling | Videography: Something New Media | Event Planning: Imoni Events | Floral Design: White House Design Studio | Cake: A Bake Shop | Ceremony Venue: St. Theresa Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Bride’s Parent's Private Residence | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Catering: M Culinary Concepts | Makeup: Becky Tash | Makeup: Dayna Lynne | Lighting: Karma Event Productions | Entertainment: The Trip Band | Transportation: AZ Limo | Beauty: Julie Hiles | Getting Ready Location: The Royal Palms Resort and Spa Phoenix | Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Paper Goods: Celebrations in Paper | Reception Shoes: Christian Dior | Rentals: Bright Event Rentals | Suit Designer: Ralph Lauren | Wedding Dress Designer: Isabelle Armstrong | Wedding Submission Services: Published Pretty

Married Under a Floral Adorned Oak Tree on Kiawah Island

Today’s sun-soaked Kiawah Island wedding is sweeter than sweet tea! The darling couple exchanged vows under a sprawling oak tree, adorned with blush blooms and greenery by Festoon, and Spanish moss swaying in the wind. A Charleston Bride planned their late summer Southern fête to perfection, while Aaron And Jillian Photography was behind the lens capturing every pin-worthy moment from their day. We have a feeling southern belles everywhere are going to swoon over the stunning full gallery 😍

From A Charleston Bride… Lauren and Oliver exchanged vows at their favorite home away from home, Kiawah Island. For the late summer soiree, the two married under a floral adorned oak tree. 

We liked the idea of bringing in vintage pews for guest ceremony seating. Out stationery was designed completely around a handpainted view of the venue. 

Once guests entered the ballroom, we wanted a bright, summer aesthetic with pops of blush in our florals. Festoon knocked it out of the park with the head tables’ lush floral runner. 

As dancing begun, guests all wore light up cowboy hats in honor of the groom being from Texas!

Photography: Aaron And Jillian Photography | Cinematography: Hart to Heart Media | Event Planning: A Charleston Bride | Floral Design: Festoon | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal | Invitations: Studio R Design | Reception Venue: Kiawah Island River Course | Catering: Kiawah Island Club | Calligraphy: J. Lily Design | Beauty: Paper Dolls | Music: Bob William Duo | Music: Big Night Dynamite | Photobooth: The Photobooth People | Rentals: Curated Events | Rentals: BBJ Linen | La Tavola Linen | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals | Rentals: EventWorks

20 Royal-Approved Bridal Headpieces to Don on Your Wedding Day

Unless you’re a pageant queen, there’s one day in your life that you get to wear a crown and people won’t look at you like you’re insane…ONE–your wedding day. So, we say go for it! But, where does one even begin to look for said crown? Bestie, you’re already here. We’ve already done the work, now all that’s left is to figure out what kind of royal you are. Are you a fairytale princess, a Kate or Meghan, a Renaissance queen, or a modern royal? There’s only one way to find out–which of these 20 royal-approved bridal headpieces speaks to your inner princess?

 

Fairytale Princess

If you’ve been dreaming about your wedding since you were a little girl and you plan on frolicking down the aisle in a tulle gown followed closely by your animal friends, then babe, you’re a fairytale princess. For your bridal headpiece, the sky is the limit–there’s no such thing as too whimsical. Look for something organic in shape and of course, make sure it has plenty of sparkle!

 

Royal Wedding

You’re either team Kate or team Meghan and they’re your personal fashion spirit animals. For your gown, you know you want something modest for the ceremony, especially if it’s in a church. And by modest, we just mean covered-up, that gown is going to be LUXE. We’re talking hand-made French lace and is it lined with silk? You bet! For your bridal headpiece, you want something that says tradition. Look for symmetrical tiaras with natural elements like crystals and pearls, (bonus points if it has real precious gems!). Oh, and it needs to look good with a veil. Now, onto shopping for your reception look.

 

Renaissance Queen

You’re into magic and chances are you’re a little bit boho. And you’re definitely getting married in Mother Nature’s chapel–the great outdoors. Bell sleeves and fringe are definitely your cup of tea, and you’ll be wearing your hair down–obvi. When you’re shopping for your headpiece, look for crowns that lay closer to the head and have medieval motifs or Celtic vibes.

 

Modern Royal

You’re a practical princess. Your gown is a slinky little crepe number with a sexy open back and your wedding shoes are designer but understated. Veils aren’t your thing, but you still want something to give you all the bride feels, just for your big walk down the aisle. Peep these pretty headpieces. They’re minimalist and angular–paired with a slightly disheveled updo, they exude that effortlessly chic vibe.