No 536: Real Wedding: Martine and Jeremy

In celebration of Memorial Day, I wanted to share a very patriotic wedding; Martine and Jeremy's July nuptials in National Harbor, Maryland seemed like the perfect way to honor our brave military servicemen. All that red, white and blue is enough to make me feel like a patriot, and the seersucker, lobster and fireworks remind us all of the idyllic summers of our childhood.

Ritzy Bee Events planned this Americana-inspired celebration, and Kate Headley beautifully captured the event. The wedding was featured in the Winter/Spring edition of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and with good reason! Sidra Forman designed the lovely flowers, and Fosters Clambake provided the food. Cupcakes by none other than Georgetown Cupcakes, and those sweet cookies, inspired by the couple's engagement shoot, were by Design Cuisine.

No 535: the Bridal Boutique

Manhattan is calling me! Besides the yearning for home and hotter weather than the Bay Area offers, J.Crew is opening their first free-standing bridal boutique this week! On Wednesday, June 2, at 769 Madison Avenue, there will be satin, tulle and blushing brides abound!

If you're an East Coaster planning to attend, be sure to take plenty of pictures!

No 534: the Truffle

With the evening to myself, I think I'll spend some time perfecting my truffle-rolling technique. These gorgeous chocolate-champagne truffles dipped in sparkling sugar are to-die-for delicious and beautiful, too!

Find the recipe at Martha Stewart Weddings!

No 533: the Princetonian

"I think of Princeton as being lazy and good-looking and aristocratic – you know, like a spring day."

-F.Scott Fitzgerald, This Side of Paradise

I was absolutely thrilled when I saw this Greek Orthodox wedding in Princeton, NJ, photographed by Susan Stripling. I picked my very favorite portraits, taken at the Battlefield and surrounding streets, for their beauty and my own fond memories of summer afternoons on Stockton.

No 532: the Red High Heel

What is it about red patent leather that always makes a girl feel better?

Photo by Cooper Carras.

No 531: an Addiction

Last night, I dreamt of Martha Stewart Weddings; I could see the new edition, but couldn't reach it! But the good news is, the Summer issue hits newsstands Monday! Let's hope I can get my hands on it!

No 530: the Getaway Car

Yesterday, I mentioned a drive down the Coast after a brief City Hall ceremony, and what would be more perfect for your first drive than a 1958 Porsche Speedster? While these cars are no longer in production, you can try borrowing one from a member of your local classic car club, or renting one from a classic car dealer. If all else fails, there are several companies that produce these cars in small numbers, so you can always have your favorite vintage vehicle on hand.

No 529: the Little White Dress

A 1960s wedding gown from Oscar de la Renta this season, perfect for a quick ceremony at City Hall before a drive down the Coast.

No 528: Style Icon Jane Birkin

Another of Hermès favorite women? The charming Jane Birkin, best known for her personal and professional collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg, and the icon for whom the Birkin bag is named.

Jane Birkin was born in London and emerged during the Swingin' Sixties as a model/actress. Serge Gainsbourg chose her to play opposite him in Slogan, a French film he was directing/starring in, despite the fact that she spoke no French at the time. Despite her English heritage, she is probably best known for her flawless interpretation of French style, particularly during the 1960s and '70s.

In true mod style, Jane was a devotee of the mini skirt, which she usually paired with knee high leather boots. Her most iconic accessory, the straw tote she carried, is said to have been part of the impetus for the creation of the Birkin bag; legend tells that Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas may have sat beside her on a flight, during which she bemoaned the lack of pockets in her Hermès datebook, and he decided she should carry something more fitting than a straw basket.

Since Birkin spent a good deal of her film career next to nude, and most of her evening gowns left little to the imagination, her hair might be the single most recognizable element of Birkin's style; she wore her dark hair long and straight, with full bangs. Pair 60s-inspired hair with full lashes, a French striped tee and flared dark denim, and Jane Birkin you'll be!

Photos c/o weheartit.

No 527: Real Wedding: Marisa and Robert

When I saw this gorgeous L.A. wedding featured on The Wedding Chicks this week, I swooned. When Jasmine Star and Amy gave me permission to share these images with you, darling readers, I was absolutely ecstatic! It is certainly one of the most divine weddings I've ever seen!

Robert and Marisa were married at the Bel-Air Hotel in Beverly Hills, a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour and stunning weddings. The bride wore a Monique Lhuillier gown (the first she tried on) and Manolo Blahnik heels (you might recognize them as Carrie's "wedding ring" from the first Sex and the City film). But Marisa wasn't the kind of bride to leave her 'maids poorly dressed: they wore dresses by Two Birds Bridesmaids. Robert wore a Hugo Boss tuxedo and Prada shoes: the picture of a perfect groom.

JL Designs created the phenomenal flowers; Marisa's classic bouquet is a knock-out, and the full arrangements of hydrangeas and garden roses made this the elegant garden wedding on the year. Joyful Weddings and Events made the event come together, from touches of lace and monogrammed details, to cozy nooks where guests could relax. The flawless invitations by William Arthur set the tone for this exquisite event, and de Bois Entertainment ensured each and every guest took a spin on the dance floor.

And where would this wedding be without the incredible Jasmine Star? Languishing in unphotographed obscurity, so thank Heavens for her!