Jena Malone's Engagement Ring Selfie is Legit the Cutest Thing We've Ever Seen

jenna malone engaged

Photo: Courtesy Twitter

We’ve never seen an engagement ring selfie this adorable! Actress Jena Malone is engaged to her love, photographer Ethan DeLorenzo, and her announcement on the ‘Gram has got us feeling all the feels. A too-sweet snapshot featuring both her sparkly engagement ring and the precious face of her baby boy served as Malone’s engagement debut. And we’re warning you now: Prepare for cuteness overload.

It’s been a summer of major changes for the 31-year-old actress, who welcomed the arrival of her first child with her beau — a baby boy named Ode Mountain — back in late May. “The best weekend of our lives!!!” Malone captioned the first photo of their family of three on Instagram. “What an incredible blessing to be chosen by this amazing, kind, gentle, and beautiful soul to be his parents. Humbled and in complete awe that we get to experience the most ancient and transcendent love that exists.” And now with this relationship upgrade, it’s been a whirlwind few months for Malone — but it sounds like she couldn’t be happier! And we couldn’t help but smile ourselves when we first caught a peek of her #EngagementRingSelfie / baby pic combo.

See More: 70 Amazing Engagement Ring Selfies

The Hunger Games star just posted her engagement announcement to social media, via a sweet snapshot that got up-close and personal with her little one’s cherubic face and captivating blue eyes, and — oh yeah — her new bridal bling. “One day, after all the youthful rushing quiets in your heart, you realize there’s nothing more you need,” Malone wrote alongside the nearly perfect pic. “Nothing more you want to achieve than to build your life around love. And oh the things we will get to build together. I couldn’t be happier. I love you Ethan.”

And just in case you missed that sparkly engagement ring glittering on Malone’s hand in the background, the Donnie Darko actress added a “#isaidyes” hashtag and the diamond ring emoji for good measure. (But really, how could you miss that megawatt rock?)

How 5 Brides Nearly Lost Their Sh*t Thanks to Their Moms

mother of the bride drove daughter crazy

Photo: Getty Images

No matter how much you love your mother, she’s bound to get on your nerves — even on your wedding day. That was certainly true for these five brides, who are here to share how their moms drove them completely crazy during the wedding planning process.

“My mom and I fought incessantly about the guest list. She insisted I invite family members I hadn’t seen or spoken to years. Then, two of the guests cancelled just three days prior to our wedding date, and they didn’t even have decency to tell me directly. They told my mother, who did not tell me. Instead, she let the seats go empty and paid for rather than letting me know so I could let a few people join last minute. I am still mad about it eight years later. She should be embarrassed to have fought so hard for these people who clearly did not care about us, never sent a gift, never apologized for cancelling last minute — all so that I could have fewer of my friends attending the wedding as a result.” — Michele

“As if it wasn’t bad enough that my mother completely overtook the planning process, she also overtook the wedding day. I’m pretty sure all my vendors wanted to kill her. She argued with my hairstylist about the best way to pin my updo. She told my photographer how to arrange us in posed photos. She told the limo driver which route to take us to the church. I felt so embarrassed the whole day.” — Tara

See More: 5 Common Wedding Fights You Might Have With Your Mom

“On my wedding day, my mother persuaded everyone to convince me to not wear my glasses while walking down the aisle. It was hard for me to see, and I nearly fell. My groom rescued me as we walked up the steps.” — Ruth

“My mother was one-of-a-kind. Nothing made her happier than when her two girls got married. The problem is she wanted to invite 1,000 people — 700 of whom we did not know. For my wedding, we had to create an A List and a B List. Only after the A List RSVPs came in did we plan to send the B List their invitations. But my mother took the B List and mailed it before the A List responded. We got lucky because many of our A List guests responded that they couldn’t come, so we were able to accommodate the B List guests.” — Lisa

“It sounds sweet, but my mom couldn’t stop crying on our wedding day. Like, she sobbed nonstop. It started long before I even had my dress on and continued to the end of the reception. I was so worried about trying to comfort and calm her down that I had trouble focusing on how I was feeling — other than stressed, of course.” — Abigail

BRIDES Chicago: Here's How Much Your Wedding Venue Should Cost

chicago wedding venue costs

Photo: Greyes Photography

Getting married in the Windy City? Chicago is full of absolutely stunning venues, from the Adler Planetarium to Salvage One to The Field Museum. The city’s mix of modern, historic, and architecturally unique spaces give every couple a wealth of options to choose from, and can fit in with all sorts of themes — and budgets. So how much should venues on the coast of Lake Michigan cost? Katie Kozlowski, senior wedding & event planner for Bliss Weddings & Events, let us know what Chitown couples can expect to shell out for their wedding venue.

Hotel Ballrooms
Rather than a rental fee, hotel ballrooms have a food and beverage minimum that couples have to meet (or exceed) in order to use the space. “Packages at different hotels range from $140 per person to over $300 per person, with a total minimum ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 before service fees and tax,” says Kozlowski. Sounds like a lot, but the great bonus is that the house selection of tables, chairs, linens, dishes, glassware, and kitchen equipment are all included. “But read the details carefully. City taxes, service charges, and administrative fees add up and need to be budgeted for before you sign a contract to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road!” Kozlowski explains. Want different linens, a creative charger plate, or upgraded chairs? These rentals will add an additional cost to the bottom line.

Lofts and Blank Spaces
Chicago is full of unique blank space venues, ranging from intimate urban lofts to dramatic historic buildings. “The range in prices is just as large as the range in options!” Kozlowski reveals. Venues on the lower end might start at $2,000, but more popular venues cost between $7,000 and $10,000, and larger civic buildings could range from $12,000 to $17,000 — and that’s for just the space! “You’ll need to hire a caterer to bring in the food and beverages, as well as kitchen equipment, bars, tables, chairs, and place settings,” says Kozlowski. “Your wedding planner can also help connect you with some more of the creative pieces you’re looking for, like lounge furniture or unique dishware. Catering (including rentals and staff) runs between $150 and $250 per person but, says Kozlowski, “Each venue (and your personal tastes) will play a role in what that final number comes out to be. And don’t forget to budget for gratuity!” You’ll also want to read the fine print for fees like engineering, union rules, security, and other add-ons that aren’t covered by the actual rental fee.

See more: Plan Your Nuptials With the Best Wedding Planners in Chicago

Restaurants
If you’re thinking of having your wedding in a restaurant, you’ve got two options. The first: Private event spaces. “Many restaurants in Chicago have spaces separate from the main dining room that can accommodate up to 75 guests (with a few offering space for even more!),” says Kozlowski. This could include a separate entrance and restrooms dedicated to the space, or even a full separate floor and dedicated event staff. “There’s no rental fee associated with these spaces, but instead a food & beverage minimum you have to meet, plus tax and a steep service charge.” While it can be pricey, foodie couples tend to gravitate toward this option because they know exactly what type of cuisine they’ll get, and can offer guests their favorite local meals.

“Your other option is a full restaurant buyout, which is fun for a couple who wants the ‘restaurant’ ambiance as part of their celebration,” Kozlowski continues. “There’s no shortage of amazing spaces to choose from in Chicago, and some restaurants can accommodate up to 300 guests!” The fee to rent the entire space will vary from restaurant to restaurant, but expect a food & beverage minimum of at least $60,000, plus tax and gratuity, for a five-hour event. “You’ll want to consider the layout of the space, and work with your coordinator or planner to create a floorplan using the existing tables — remember that most restaurant tables seat 4-6, while most wedding tables often seat 8-10, so you’ll have to be creative.” But, Kozlowski explains, “The stylish décor, flattering lighting, and hip location can make a restaurant a very trendy choice!”

3 Ridiculously Sweet Fitness Engagement Stories

Fitness Proposal Stories

Photo: Getty Images

Popping the question has to be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of a guy’s life. One way to quell those nerves and pull off a memorable proposal? Work it in after a workout, when you’ve got those feel-good endorphins running through your body and have practiced enough single leg squats to know you’ll be able to make it down onto one knee.

That’s exactly what these three grooms-to-be did when they proposed to their future wives, and their stories are as inventive as they are inspiring. Read on for the sweetest fitness proposal stories that’ll incite some serious fit couple #goals.

George & Jamie
“My husband, George, and I built our relationship around fitness. Both fitness enthusiasts, within weeks of dating we started hitting the gym, participating in outdoor road races (5ks, 10ks, half marathons, etc.), and taking classes (treadmill classes at Barry’s Boot Camp, where we would playfully compete with each other in our sprints!). It’s been a cornerstone of our relationship ever since.

When the time came to propose, George approached my ‘temple,’ Barry’s Bootcamp, for help. He arranged a proposal I’ll never forget!

After our usual 7:10 a.m. class, when the treadmills stopped whirling and with sweat dripping, the instructor said over the loudspeaker, ‘Okay, everyone back to their mats — and George, get down on one knee!’ The instructor had the ring in his pocket through the whole class and gave it to George to slip on my finger. The whole class was cheering and taking pictures. I saw them show up all over Instagram later, as all these wonderful strangers had become part of our special moment.

George had set it up so my mom and sisters would be there to surprise me, and they burst into the studio. I was stunned! Afterwards, the Barry’s staff brought us all protein shakes emblazoned with the words ‘She Said YES!’ on the side of the cup!

In the ensuing years, this proposal set the tone for running and fitness to play a central role in every moment of our relationship. We’ve continued to make fitness our shared passion, and even run a joint Instagram handle together, @NYCFitFam. We now have a seven-month-old son and can’t wait to imbue him with the same love of running that we share.”

Tricia & Rafael
“I love skiing, but it’s something my now husband and I hadn’t gotten to do a lot of. So when he had coordinated a skiing trip with a big group of our friends over Christmas, I was so excited, especially since I hadn’t seen him in months (we were long distance at the time, as he was living in Brazil). When we all arrived at the ski lodge, I was inconspicuously whisked away by some of my friends, who sat me down under a gazebo at the base of the mountain. A DJ immediately started playing music and, lo and behold, the whole group (and even some crazy strangers) started a flash mob dance to Bruno Mars’ song ‘Marry You.’

Then, my fiancé came out and proposed to me at the finale. We celebrated with Champagne and skied the day away, receiving well wishes from fellow skiers on the slopes. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and we even got the entire thing on video!”

Emily & Alex
“My family’s annual week vacation at Squam Lake in New Hampshire started like any other. Hikes, boating, grilling, bonfires, loon calls and bike rides were in full swing. My then boyfriend, Alex, arrived later in the week, and a hike up Mount Cardigan was planned. My family and friends joined on the hike as well as my now bridesmaid, Melissa. Alex bolted to the top of the mountain in an hour (it usually takes two hours). Meanwhile, I was completely unaware of what was planned and continued chatting casually all the way up the mountain.

When we all arrived at the top of the mountain, I offered Alex some snacks but he was too nervous to eat. Then he took my hand and asked if I wanted to go on a walk to check out the view. I was exhausted, and I almost said no because I was so beat from the hike, but for some strange reason, I felt compelled to go. When I stood up I saw a box in Alex’s pocket and was overcome with surprise, happiness and excitement, for what I could not believe was happening!”

This post was originally published on ClassPass’s blog, The Warm Up by Danielle Page. ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects you to more than 8,500 of the best fitness studios worldwide. Learn more here.

See More: Spending More Time Outside Can Help Manage Wedding Stress

Here's How Your Spouse's Credit Score Could Affect Your Marriage

credit score impacts marriage

Photo: Getty Images

List the reasons you love your significant other, and we’d be willing to bet his or her credit score isn’t one of them. But even if that three-digit number doesn’t factor into the romantic side of your relationship, it can have consequences on its practical side.

But first, let’s establish what a credit score even is. “Just like you’d check Yelp before visiting a new restaurant, lenders want to get a sense of you before advancing large amounts of money,” says Elle Kaplan, finance expert and founder of LexION Capital. Your credit score is essentially your review. “It indicates how likely you are to pay a loan back on time,” says Kaplan, “and it’s derived from the information on your credit reports.” It’s a three-digit number that can range from 300 to 850.

Everything from snagging an auto loan to a home mortgage weighs heavily on your credit score, Kaplan says. “If you have a poor score, you’ll end up paying higher interest rates — and possibly hundreds of thousands of extra dollars — on big-ticket items like a home,” she explains. “Sometimes, you can even get outright denied for important financing if lenders see a poor score.”

What’s more, a low score can negatively impact your career. More and more often, employers are pulling candidates’ credit reports as part of the application process, Kaplan says. And while they can’t see your score, they can see the financial history that lead to a low number, and they may choose to not hire you.

That brings us back to how your spouse’s credit score can impact your marriage. It’s important to know that even though marriage is a union, “you’ll still both have your own scores after saying I do,” Kaplan says. “Your credit report and score remains completely unchanged.” But that doesn’t mean your finances and future won’t be affected by one another’s number.

See More: What to Do If You’re Bringing Debt Into Your Marriage

“For any joint accounts you combine after marriage, they affect both your credit scores going forward,” Kaplan explains. “So if one partner misses a payment, you’ll both be affected. That’s why it’s important to make sure any behavior that caused poor credit in the first place is nipped in the bud before combining accounts.”

When you apply for your first mortgage together, both your scores will count, too.
“Unfortunately, your scores don’t average out for this,” says Kaplan. “Mortgage loans have hurdles that both credit scores need to pass in order to get approval.” If both your scores can’t jump over those hurdles, you won’t be able to get a mortgage.

And, “even if you both meet the hurdle to get approved for a mortgage, the lowest score can have an impact on the interest rate you’re offered,” Kaplan says. “Even a hundred-point difference can impact your mortgage rate. While a percentage point might not seem like much, it can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra payments over the life a mortgage.” Ouch.

Of course, you aren’t required to co-sign for financing with your spouse. “But this can be limiting because it only takes into account your income,” Kaplan says, “and it can affect the size of the loan you qualify for and your rates.” The same principals apply whether you’re applying for a home mortgage, a car loan, or any other financial aid.

Lastly, just remember this: “Financial issues are cited as the No. 1 cause of marital problems, and plenty of relationship milestones, like buying a home together, can be tied to credit scores,” Kaplan says. “If one partner has a poor score, it can cause more than financial damage. That’s why couples need to be open and honest about finances from day one of a relationship. Although you shouldn’t date based on credit scores, you do need to make sure you partner is on the same page as you financially, even if it means repairing credit.”

5 Gorgeous Museum Wedding Venues

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

Photo: Courtesy of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

There are so many stunning wedding venues to choose from, from classic ballrooms to rustic barns, lush gardens to bare lofts. Each has their own appeal and speaks to a different style, meaning there’s a venue out there for every couple. If you’re craving a dramatic setting, built-in entertainment, and décor that can’t be beat, hosting your wedding at a stunning museum might be just what you’ve been looking for. Designed by incredible architects and boasting collections an art lover can only dream of, it’s the perfect way to give your wedding a serious sense of style, all while playing into your personalities. We’ve rounded up five gorgeous museums from around the country, each of which is happy to host your wedding celebration. Take a peek!

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Above)
Located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, this classically-styled stone structure boasts a collection of over 40,000 pieces from across the globe. It also has four beautiful event spaces to choose from, including the Beaux Arts-style Rozzelle Court, which can fit 250 guests for dinner, and the contemporary Lens 2 Room, with space for 96 seated guests and translucent walls that are illuminated as the evening progresses.

Renwick Gallery Wedding

Photo: Courtesy of The Renwick Gallery

The Renwick Gallery
Just steps from the White House, the Renwick Gallery is home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection of contemporary craft and decorative art. The building itself (designed after the newest wing of the Louvre in Paris) is a National Historic Landmark, while the interior Grand Salon’s sleek finish is a beautiful contrast to the traditional architecture and ornate collection.

See more: The 16 Rules for Choosing a Wedding Venue (Yes, 16!)

Frick Collection Wedding

Photo: Courtesy of The Frick Collection/span>

The Frick Collection
Treat your guests to a piece of Old New York with a celebration at The Frick Collection. The collection was originally assembled by Henry Clay Frick, and is now displayed in what was his 5th Avenue home. Masterpieces by Rembrandt, Goya, and Vermeer decorate the walls, all surrounding a Gilded Age interior courtyard with a central fountain beneath a glass ceiling. Seat 180 guests for dinner, or invite up to 260 to join you for cocktails in true 1920s style.

Aspen Art Museum Wedding

Photo: Courtesy of Aspen Art Museum via Facebook

Aspen Art Museum
Situated just blocks from Aspen Mountain, the Aspen Art Museum is a non-collecting institution that features a rotating display of contemporary art from around the globe. Wrapped in elegant basket-woven wood, the building itself is a work of contemporary art. On the roof, the café is partially covered, with a portion of the space looking out onto the surrounding mountains and giving you a stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony, no matter the season.

Art Institute of Chicago Wedding

Photo: Getty Images

The Art Institute of Chicago
Since its founding in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago has worked to compile a collection of over 300,000 pieces, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. With spaces perfect for weddings large or small, from an ornate room featuring portions of the old Chicago Stock Exchange to the light-filled and modern Griffin Court, you’re sure to find a venue that suits your needs and your style.

6 Wedding Photos Couples Always Forget to Take… But Shouldn't!

Wedding-Photos-Couples-Forget-to-Take.jpg

Photo: Amy Arrington

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes those long awaited for wedding photos from the big day! To make sure you have no regrets, especially when it comes to those treasured bride and groom pics, we recommend adding these must-have couple portraits to your wedding photo shot list.

1. A “second look” during the reception
Or third if you count seeing him at the altar, but you get the point! Steal a private moment away during your reception, and bring your photographers along to capture the magic of the new marriage, suggests wedding planner Marilisa Schachinger of Martel Event. “For example, if your reception is outdoors under the twinkle of cafe lights, what better spot to steal a dance and kiss away from it all that only you two (and your photographers) will remember.”

2. A picture of you and your pets
We know, we know…it’s a hassle! But this is one genuine family photo you’ll want to frame and cherish forever. As Brett Galley from Hollywood Pop Gallery points out, it’s a great keepsake to remember what pet you had at the time of one of the most important days of your life. “Plus, they’re family too, right?” To make things as smooth and stress-free as possible, we recommend hiring a pet nanny who can bring your well-groomed pooch to the venue and babysit him or her until it’s time for pics then take the pup home.

3. A thank you card photo
Chancey Charm Boston wedding planner Jyl Deering once had a bride and groom who really wanted a great photo for their thank you cards with a thank you sign. “It was just forgotten, as there were so many others on the list,” she explains. “Make sure you get a shot that you want for those thank you notes if you plan on including a picture with them.”

See More: 5 Unique Photos to Take on Your Wedding Day

4. Pictures of you and your boo during speeches
There’s nothing Houston wedding planner Chelsea Roy of Everything But The Ring loves seeing more than photos of the bride and groom’s faces while they’re listening to the speeches. “There’s laughter, tears and just so much love in those photos. It’s very raw emotion that will always tug at your heartstrings when you look back and remember their words.”

5. Bride and groom in front of the reception venue
You’ll surely get tons of candid and direct-to-camera shots of you and your husband right after the first look, during the cake cutting, during the first dance, etc., etc. But Rachel Jo Silver, Founder of Love Stories TV, really wishes she had beautiful shot of her and her husband in in-front of their venue (a stunning old barn in Northern Michigan) right before they walked into the reception. “There’s so much happening at that moment! However, if you plan it beforehand the photographer will make sure you get it.”

6. Sunset photos
Even if your wedding isn’t outside, Betsy Erickson of Essence Photography promises it’s worth leaving the party for 20 minutes to capture shots of you and your love at sunset. “This is the most incredible time of day. Not only is the light perfect and wrapped in golden deliciousness, but the images will also be romantic and intimate. Not to mention, it’s an incredible excuse to spend some quality time as newlyweds and enjoy each other before you get back to celebrating with all your loved ones.”

Honeymoon Tips: Everything You Need to Know About Foreign Currency

foreign currency

Photo: Getty Images

Before you jet-set, it’s important to know how exactly you’ll be paying for the luxurious travel, cocktails, meals and experiences that await you on your overseas honeymoon. Whether you’ve used dollars all your life, or are fairly accustomed to other currencies — check out our crash course in Foreign Currency 101.

Exchange Rates
This is a must — you have to know the current exchange rate as well as the strength of the US dollar in the country you are headed to. This will make calculations and comparisons simple, and accurate in your travels. While exchange rates fluctuate daily based on the international markets, it’s best to get a general idea of what to expect. Knowing this ahead of time will help you be more prepared, and have a more accurate budget when it comes to spending.

Currency Exchange Booths
Nearly every international airport will have currency exchange booths (of various companies) for quick and convenient exchanges. While it may seem tempting and easy — often times the exchange rates are inflated, or the booths charge fees that are much higher than the current rate. Because of this, we recommend budgeting honeymooners head into their trips prepared. However, one of the benefits of these booths that other methods don’t offer, is that some companies offer a rate-lock guarantee, so upon departure you can exchange the currency back for dollars at the rate you originally obtained. Do your research depending upon your destination.

Local Bank Orders
Head to your local bank and see if they can order currency for you — most larger corporate banks offer this service. It’s important to do this in advance as it can take up to 7-10 business days. Also inquire about the fees, and the exchange rate they can offer you to help decide if this is the method you would like to use. If you do this, you will be traveling with large amounts of currency, which some couples may not feel comfortable doing, especially in an age where everyone is used to swiping (or inserting the chip — ugh!)

Credit Cards
Perhaps the safest method of payment overseas is via credit card. Use (or obtain) a card with no foreign transaction fees and you’re in business. With the added security protection many cards provide (look these up or call your credit card company to verify — many have theft and travel insurance accommodations) you won’t need to carry large amounts of money at all times. If lost or stolen, you can put an immediate stop on transactions, and that peace of mind can come in handy during international travel. Plus, as an added bonus, tons of cards offer travel perks and points to sweeten the deal even more.

Taxation
Brush up on some local tax policies before you head on your honeymoon. For some, larger vacation purchases can end up being great deals if tax exemption is offered for tourists — depending on the exchange rate and currency, of course. Knowing ahead of time what tax situations apply can also help budgeting and enable you to make more informed purchases.

See More: 7 Smart Ways to Use Your Wedding Cash

This Couple Accidentally Listed Children As a Menu Option on Their Wedding RSVP Cards

Normally, the most nerve-wracking thing about sending out your wedding invitations and RSVP cards is whether or not your guests will actually receive them/respond in an appropriate span of time. But this is no normal RSVP card, ladies and gents. Nope, this RSVP card may very well scar you for life — or at least get you to double-check your invitations before sending them to the masses.

The hilarious photo, which was recently posted on Reddit, not only gave wedding guests the option of a beef or pork entrée, but a meal that’s a little more, um, disturbing. Instead of listing a vegetarian-friendly option (which, hey, not offering is a sin in itself!) this bride and groom featured children on their menu, but only 12 and under kids, obvi.

Clearly, this was a major printing mishap, but with the Internet being the Internet things got pretty out of hand. Even the user who posted the photo, moxin84, couldn’t help cracking a joke, listing the title as, “I’ll have the 10 year old, please, medium rare*” Ha! Papismooth wrote, “Free roaming and gluten-free please,” while MethodMZA commented saying, “I’ll have the baby back ribs.” And those are NOT the Chili variety ribs they’re talking about, peeps.

Other than being totes LOL-worthy, this viral photo proves two things:

1.
Kids are friends, not food.

2. YOU SHOULD LOOK AT YOUR RSVP’S BEFORE YOU SEND THEM, PEOPLE! Unless you really are into eating kids, in which case you should definitely be in jail.

See More: This Woman’s Engagement Photos Prove That Couples Who Laugh Together, Stay Together

See How One Couple Transformed an Atlanta Ballroom Into an Enchanted Garden

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Bride and Groom Portrait

Photo: Kate Headley

The third time was the charm for Danielle Darling and Shaun Collins — when it came to finding a place to exchange vows, that is. It took this couple two changes of venue (in two different cities!) but their ballroom garden party in the heart of Atlanta was worth the trouble. After getting engaged on June 13, 2013, the happy pair quickly started planning a wedding on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. But, one year into planning, Danielle was in her hometown of Atlanta looking at spaces for the couple’s engagement party and had a change of heart after finding a venue with a gorgeous garden. “When I saw the space, my jaw hit the floor. It was so beautiful,” the bride says. “I called Shaun and said, ‘We’re moving the wedding to Atlanta.'”

He was on board, and the duo spent the next five months planning there, but then they hit a snag: Their garden venue couldn’t accommodate their growing guest list, which had ballooned to 350 people. As luck would have it, the St. Regis Atlanta had a cancellation for June 13, 2015 &mdash two years to the day from when Shaun proposed — and checked all their must-have boxes. With a final venue locked in, the pair and their planner, Allison Jackson of Pineapple Productions, got down to work designing a wedding in just seven months. They drew inspiration from Restoration Hardware’s style and combined earthy elements with understated and elegant details. In the end, they created an enchanted garden-vibe in a glamorous ballroom in the heart of Atlanta. You don’t want to miss this stunning day, so read on to see how it all came together with the photographs captured by Kate Headley.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Custom Gray and White Invitation Suite from Cheree Berry Paper
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Welcome Bags with Local Snacks

Photo: Kate Headley

Danielle and Shaun worked with Cheree Berry Paper to create their custom wedding invitations. Their gray and white suite felt formal but still modern. Once guests arrived in Atlanta, they were treated to a taste of the city in the form of a beautiful welcome bag. Jute totes were filled with Georgia peaches, mini bottles of Coca-Cola, spiced Georgia pecans, local honey, and scones and petit fours from a nearby bakery.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Bride in Lace Oscar de la Renta Wedding Dress
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Bride's Sandals
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Cascading Orchid Bouquet
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Bride with Groom in Bonobos Tuxedo

Photo: Kate Headley

The bride chose a beautiful lace Oscar de la Renta wedding dress for her big day, but made a few custom changes to the style first. “The dress originally had cap sleeves and a tulle underlay on the train, so I removed the sleeves to expose my shoulders and had the tulle taken out so the skirt of the train laid flat,” Danielle says. “It was truly breathtaking!” She accessorized with a lace-trimmed veil and leather sandals from Saint Laurent.

For her bouquet, Danielle knew she wanted a large teardrop-style arrangement, so her florist created a lavish display of trailing white orchids with lime green accents.

Shaun wore his own tux that he had purchased from Bonobos.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Wedding Party
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Bridesmaids' Calla Lily Bouquets

Photo: Kate Headley

With twelve attendants each and two flower girls, Danielle and Shaun’s wedding party came in at a whopping 26 people. The ladies all wore floor-length gowns from Monique Lhuillier and carried white calla lily bouquets while the men wore classic tuxedos. The adorable flower girls donned white dresses and flower crowns.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Pergola Wrapped in Greenery
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Ceremony Altar

Photo: Kate Headley

Pineapple Productions transformed the venue’s ballroom into an enchanted garden thanks to a pergola covered with greenery and flowering branches. The team added a 60-foot-long rustic plank aisle and filled the space flowering trees or curly willow and amaranthus. “The effect was magical,” Danielle says.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Flower Girls Walking Down the Aisle
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Indoor Wedding Ceremony
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Ceremony Exit

Photo: Kate Headley

The two flower girls started off the ceremony. “Originally, both girls were supposed to carry floral pomanders and the ring pillow was supposed to be held by the best man,” says Danielle. “Five minutes before their walk down the aisle, one of the girls dropped her pomander and petals were scattered all over the floor. No panic! She quickly became the flower girl-turned-ring bearer and carried the pillow instead.”

At 6 p.m., the couple exchanged vows during a ceremony that their minister wrote by incorporating pieces of love letters Danielle and Shaun each wrote.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Cocktail Hour Tables
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Cocktail Hour Lounge Area
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Signature Cocktails

Photo: Kate Headley

After the ceremony, guests moved into an adjoining space for cocktails while the couple’s vendor team flipped the ballroom for dinner. Everyone enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, a Panini station, and signature drinks as they lounged on comfortable furniture or sat at café-style tables.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Escort Card Display
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Escort Cards on Greenery Wall

Photo: Kate Headley

As everyone moved back to the ballroom for dinner, they were reminded of the couple’s enchanted garden theme. Escort cards were displayed on an elaborate floor-to-ceiling wall of boxwood, curly willow, and gardenia that covered the entire hallway wall. On the opposite side, arrangements of flowers were displayed in ornate frames.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Reception Decor with Tall Floral Centerpieces
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Mirrored Reception Tables
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Tables Decorated with Hydrangea Trees
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Table Numbers in Moss Frames
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Monogrammed Linens

Photo: Kate Headley

Danielle and Shaun chose a mix of different tables and centerpieces to give their ballroom celebration lots of dimension. Mirrored estate tables were decked out in green and white flowers arranged in towering silver mercury glass containers and accented with silver candlesticks, moss spheres, and votives.

Round tables were decorated with linens and either the small tall centerpieces or tall hydrangea trees that were surrounded with succulents and other green and white blooms. Each table was marked with a calligraphed number displayed in a moss frame.

On their head table, the bride and groom splurged on taupe hemstitch dinner napkins that were embroidered with their monogram. “They’ve been such a sweet keepsake that we enjoy using at home for entertaining,” Danielle says.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Guests Eating
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Dinner
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Six-Tier Cake Decorated with Flowers
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Banana Pudding

Photo: Kate Headley

Because the bride suffers from food allergies, the couple worked with the chef at their venue to create a gluten- and egg-free menu that was still incredibly seasonal and delicious. Offerings like Hamachi sashimi, gremolata-crusted cobia, braised beef short ribs, and quinoa stuffed mushrooms pleased every type of palette in the crowd.

The couple cut into a six-tier wedding cake that contained two decadent flavors: Salted caramel truffle chocolate Devil’s food cake and chocolate cream cake with vanilla buttercream. “The wedding cake was entirely Shaun’s choice since I can’t each cake!” Danielle says. Instead, she dug into Southern-style banana pudding that was part of a large dessert display.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Sandals for Guests
Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Favor Bags

Photo: Kate Headley

“We anticipate a long night of dancing, so we provided an assortment of different sized flip flops that we displayed in bags that read ‘The Perfect Pair,'” says the bride.

Indoor Garden Wedding in Atlanta, Falling Confetti

Photo: Kate Headley

The evening came to an end at midnight when metallic confetti fell from the ceiling of the ballroom. “We really enjoyed having an indoor ceremony and reception because it alleviated the stress of weather concerns,” Danielle says. “That said, we loved bringing the garden inside!”

Venue & Catering: St. Regis Atlanta || Wedding Planner: Pineapple Productions || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta || Groom’s Attire: Bonobos || Invitations & Paper Products: Cheree Berry Paper || Floral Design: Legendary Events || Music: Party on the Moon || Favors: Swoozies || Videographer: Hart to Heart Media || Photographer: Kate Headley

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We’ve got more inspiration where that came from! Check out another couple’s Atlanta wedding in the video below.