Who wouldn’t love to be made to feel this way?

Gentlemen, if you’re out there reading this, never underestimate the power of a grand gesture!

You’re gathering all of your friends and family and putting on what may be one of the biggest productions of your life. Why not make it personal and fun?

A whimsical sense of humor and love of travel are a huge part of what this couple is about. The color red (one of my favorites by the way) popped up everywhere from giant balloons to adorable “cootie catchers” containing questions like: Who said ‘I love you’ first and where did the first date take place?

No traditional guest book made an appearance here, instead guests were asked to write their well wishes on travel stickers which were then adhered to a vintage suitcase. Nearby, a map marked all of the destinations the happy couple had traveled to with tiny red hearts.

Little touches like these not only speak volumes about who you are as a couple but they make your guests really feel like they are active participants in your special day. So don’t be afraid to stray from tradition and have some fun. Most of all, make it personal!

Love, laughter, tears, hugs…swirling all around…let it all wash over you.

Happy Father’s Day! Here’s a little history on the origins of this special day taken from the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Father’s Day, in the United States, is a holiday (third Sunday in June) to honour fathers. Credit for originating the holiday is generally given to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, whose father, a Civil War veteran, raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. She is said to have had the idea in 1909 while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day, which at the time was becoming established as a holiday. Local religious leaders supported the idea, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, the month of the birthday of Dodd’s father. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge gave his support to the observance, and in 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaimed it a national holiday. Observance on the third Sunday of June was decreed by law in 1972.

Although it was originally largely a religious holiday, Father’s Day has been commercialized with the sending of greeting cards and the giving of gifts. Some observe the custom of wearing a red rose to indicate that one’s father is living or a white rose to indicate that he is deceased. Other males—for example, grandfathers or uncles who have assumed parenting roles—are often also honoured on the day. Some Roman Catholics have continued to observe the feast day of Saint Joseph, on March 19, as a tribute to fathers.

So when your dad gets that new father’s day tie or he is out grilling up his favorite barbeque be sure to give a little thank you to Sonora Smart Dodd and her father for this special day.

…makes everything sweeter

With summer being just around the corner, I thought you might enjoy this stunning sea-side wedding. Laura and Mo’s big day was the epitome of beach chic. Shutters on the Beach served as the perfect backdrop for this elegant affair. For those of you not familiar with this hotel, stepping through its doors is like being transported to a grand old house in Montauk or Martha’s Vineyard. It manages to be both cozy and luxurious all at once.

I especially loved the colors of this wedding, from the sky blue bride’s maids dresses, to the peachy pink tones of the ballroom decor, the entire day had a dreamy, ethereal vibe.

Amy and Trisha of The Hidden Garden pulled out all the stops with flowering branches and peonies the color of luscious sherbet. Their attention to the little things never ceases to amaze me – where most florists deliver bouquets in a cardboard box, The Hidden Garden will lovingly nestle their delivery in a beautiful wicker basket. A picture perfect detail!

And speaking of details, as usual, it was a pleasure being on Lisa Gorjestani of Details Event Planning’s team. We’ve worked with Lisa for over 14 years and in all that time, she has continually delighted us with the most charming, amazing couples.

Laura and Mo, you were an utter delight to photograph. You and your families could not have been more gracious and sweet. Larry and I wish you the very best in your new life together!

If you can’t get enough of this gorgeous couple, click here to see their engagement session photos at Griffith Observatory.