As the leader of the free world, President Obama does a lot of handshaking and high-fiving. (Putin, we are not looking at you.) That being said, he has made the wedding world proud with our latest discovery — the fact that he takes off his wedding ring every time he shakes hands with someone.

Before you jump to conclusions and think it’s because he’s not wanting to show that he’s married to the world — relax — it’s moreso because he is super protective of his personal valuables, especially his ring (cue the ‘awwwws’). A video surfaced recently (below) of the president, flanked with Secret Service agents, leaving Air Force One in Greensboro, North Carolina while simultaneously taking off his wedding ring as he walked toward a crowd of people and got ready to shake their hands.

This isn’t the first time he’s done this, per the Washington Post, and it appears that he is doing it to keep the ring safe. Even though he is left-handed but still shakes hands with his right hand, he doesn’t want to put his precious ring in harm’s way or risk someone snatching it. How’s that for sweet and thoughtful husband?

After celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary this year, it’s only natural that we should look back on their beautiful nuptials, which took place in the Windy City. The couple got married on October 3, 1992, saying “I do” at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Mrs. Obama’s brother walked her down the aisle, and the president’s brother served as best man. The reception was held at the South Shore Cultural Center, and the lovebirds danced to “You and I” for their first dance as newlyweds. FLOTUS donned an off-the-shoulder long-sleeved gown (might we say that she’s totally Vera Wang Fall 2017 riiiight now?!) as well as statement drop pearl earrings, channeling a total ’90s vibe, and we’re not complaining.

See More: Barack and Michelle Obama’s Wedding Photos

24 years later, it’s so refreshing to see how the POTUS takes his vows and ring seriously, making sure that it is safely guarded on a daily basis. Let’s just hope he’s not like some guys who take it off and forget to put it back on! Now that would be a problem…

Happy Anniversary. ????

A photo posted by Barack Obama (@barackobama) on Oct 3, 2016 at 12:13pm PDT

"You and I" #21Years

A photo posted by Barack Obama (@barackobama) on Oct 3, 2013 at 5:31pm PDT

As your wedding fast approaches and planning kicks in to full gear, it’s easy to get too focused on your big day while other tasks end up on the backburner. While this is completely natural, there are a few things that should never take a back seat to the planning process. Be sure to keep these 4 things front and center on your to-do list, as you’re busy crossing the rest off.

Your Health
With a seemingly never-ending list of wedding tasks to accomplish, it’s all too easy to pull late nights, order in take-out, and skip those gym sessions. As much as putting these on hold might seem like a good idea at the time, sticking to your healthy routines are paramount while wedding planning. Lack of sleep, poor diet and limited exercise can lead to tons of health consequences, impact your daily performance, and make you feel pretty bad overall. Be sure to properly manage your pre-wedding time so that your health remains a priority.

Your Job Performance
Once you’ve said “I do” and have returned from your honeymoon your job will still be there when reality sets back in. Don’t jeopardize your reputation by slacking on the clock. As tempting as multi-tasking may be, remember that work is work — and while wedding planning on lunch is a-ok, sneaking in some extra tasks during time that should be devoted to job performance is a strict no-no. Remember that there is a time and place for everything — and the office isn’t the place for wedding stressors.

Date Night
It’s easy to forget to make time for the most important thing throughout wedding planning — each other. While you don’t have to get dolled up and go out to fancy dinners every weekend (although, we would totally support that!) you do need to set aside time to make togetherness a top priority. Even if you’re wedding planning together, some non-wedding related excursions, dinners and happy hours are all you need to keep the romance alive while embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.

See More: 8 Fights Every Couple Has During Wedding Planning

Girls Night
No, having your bridesmaids get together for a night of wedding DIY does not count. Be sure to still plan some non-wedding related girl’s nights for some quality time with your BFFs, you’ll need it — and they’ll love it. Whether it’s time at the spa, cocktails, brunch, or even some retail therapy, its super important to put your to-do list down and enjoy time with your friends.

Planning a wedding is like a second job, right? So treat it like one — especially when assembling your team.

You’ve set a date, found your venue, and determined your budget. Now it’s time to tackle the next step one your to-do list: booking vendors. Whether your day job has you supervising many or you’ve never had so much as an intern work for you, you’re now project manager of your wedding — congrats! Use these corporate-world tips to make some great hires, and watch them turn your vision into reality.

1. Sketch out a job description.
Sit down with your partner and decide the big stuff: What’s our budget? What look and feel are we going for? What are our top priorities? Write down your answers so you can refer back to them throughout the process.

2. Search for candidates.
If you’re not using a planner, you’re your own recruiter. Start by talking to people at your venue about who they recommend; if someone’s done a wedding there before, she’s likely within your budget. Next, search magazines and blogs, ask for recs from newlywed friends, and visit the local-vendors page on Brides.com. (You can search by zip code and vendor type.) Another trick? Scour the preferred lists on websites for other reputable venues, ones you like but didn’t book, says Lindsay Landman, a planner in New York City. It’s a built-in reference letter.

3. Conduct interviews.
Go for coffee at a place where you’ll both be comfortable (or Skype if it’s a long-distance hire), be punctual, and dress professionally, says Vicki Salemi, a career expert for Monster.com. “You’re the one hiring, so you should look and act like a manager,” she says. To avoid burnout, meet with no more than three of each type of vendor you’re hiring. Besides, says Landman, “You’ll never know everyone out there.”

4 Focus on chemistry first.
“An interview is about mutual selection,” says Caroline Ghosn, founder and CEO of Levo, a site helping millennials navigate the corporate world. A huge part of that is whether you like each other. “You need to, because you’re going to be building a months-long relationship with this person,” she says, and you’ll be collaborating on a very-near-to-your-heart project. So focus on the rapport: Does conversation feel natural or forced? Do you trust her? “Think about it like this: When her name pops up on your phone four months from now, are you going to be excited?” says Ghosn, who’s currently planning her own wedding.

Once you establish that you’re simpatico, then move on to discussing details of the job, such as the vibe you’re after, timing, and how you see the process should you decide to work together. And be sure to ask how available she’d be to you throughout the planning. As you’re chatting, take notes. The questions you should ask every vendor: What’s your story? Why and how did you get into this business? What does the process look like, during planning and on the day of? What’s your availability, during planning and on the day of? What’s your preferred mode of communication?

5. Don’t rush your decision.
After each meeting, debrief. You need time to evaluate the candidate based on your notes and first impressions, call her references, meet with other contenders for comparison’s sake, and make sure she fulfills the job description. She should be willing to hold a date for two to seven days after your initial meeting or, at the very least, agree to call you if someone else inquires about your date. “If she won’t do you that courtesy, walk away,” says Lisa Thomas, owner of Ooh! Events, a full-service planning, floral, and rental company in Charleston, South Carolina.

See More: 50 Things All Brides Should Do The Week of Their Wedding

6. Negotiate.
Once you’re ready to pull the trigger, gird for the part that’s hard for most brides: talking money. “Always, always, always negotiate!” says Salemi. Of 450 vendors we polled with help from our friends at WeddingWire, 87 percent say they’re willing to negotiate. How do you start? First, make her throw out a number. Then compliment her work — the more specific and heartfelt, the better — which vendors told us is the key to getting them to play ball. From there, ask clarifying, nonchallenging questions from a point of curiosity: Can you help me understand this part? What’s included in this cost? Finally, thank her for the work she’s put into the proposal and say you need to consult with your fiancé.

When you’re ready, come back with specific ideas to get you to a place that pleases both sides. (Can you throw in engagement photos? Waive a tasting fee? Add a food station at cocktail hour?) And if it’s just that the number is too high, be honest about it. “If a bride tells me she loves my work and asks if I can make my vision work within her budget, I’m happy to try,” says Thomas. “If I can’t make it work, I’ll recommend someone who can.” Note: Never use a competitor’s pricing as a bargaining chip, which telegraphs that you think everyone’s work is the same. (It’s not.)

7. Seal the deal.
Once you’ve settled on a figure, your vendor will work up her standard contract. Make sure the basics are included: logistics (date, time, and location), payment schedule, the scope of services offered (what’s expected to be done and when), and a timeline for deliverables (for anyone who owes you something after the wedding, like your videographer and photographer). And make sure it includes the deal-breaker clauses: one on cancellation, and one for the extent of liability insurance (covering circumstances beyond the vendor’s control, like if the photographer’s negatives were damaged, and “acts of God,” meaning cancellation due to a natural disaster; $1 million is standard). “If a contract doesn’t include these things and if the vendor won’t add them, walk away,” says Landman.

Read the contract in its entirety and understand what you’re agreeing to. “If you don’t know what something means, have her explain,” says Mary Herrington, a New York City lawyer focused on the wedding industry. Says Herrington, “You need to be on the same page about everything for this relationship to work.”

Subscribe now for the best wedding dresses, advice, and big-day inspiration.

Jesse Metcalfe of John Tucker Must Die made us want to die when we first got a look at the engagement ring he picked out for his soon-to-be bride, fashion blogger Cara Santana, back in August. And since then, we’ve been waiting to see how those wedding day details are shaping up for the early aughts movie and TV star. After all, his bride-to-be earns her living as a major trendsetter, so their wedding day is bound to be super chic, right? Here’s what we know so far…

The Date
According to Entertainment Tonight who chatted with Metcalfe at a recent Hollywood party, the couple is opting to take their time when it comes to wedding planning. (More time to make it all the more fashionable and jaw-droppingly gorgeous, right?) “We kind of set the date of September 2018,” revealed the actor. “We’re locking down a venue right now.” We’re marking our calendars as we speak!

The Location
And just where will this venue be? We can totally see this laid-back pair tying the knot in a nature-setting or in a trendy seaside soirée. “It’s gonna be on the East Coast, and that’s all I can tell you!” teased Metcalfe. Couldn’t be a little more specific there, Metcalfe?! But considering that Metcalfe popped the question while he and Santana were aboard a boat sailing along the Hudson River, an East Coast wedding seems totally fitting.

See More: 50 Mistakes Grooms Always Make

The Details
Thankfully, the former Desperate Housewives actor divulged a few more big day details to keep us satisfied. “I feel strongly about the music and I think we both agree and feel strongly that we just want to create an environment and throw a great party that everyone enjoys. We kind of want to do this for our family and friends, for our loved ones. Although it’s our big day, we want it to be a day that they’re going to remember, too.” Obvi they will! (And so will we, too!)

Although good tunes are a total must-have for Metcalfe, it sounds like he’s leaving the rest of the wedding plans up to his bride-to-be. “She kinda runs everything by me, so if something jumps out at me and I’m like, ‘No! I definitely don’t want that,’ then I kinda get to put my two cents in,” he explained. “But for the most part, it’s her party.”

In that case, a super chic soirée is a total given — and we can’t wait!

As great as sex can be, there are certain things that can be singular to us that we just don’t like. Sometimes we fake it so we don’t hurt our partner’s feelings; other times, we may not say anything because we think that over time we might come to like it.

But some things can just bug the crap out of us and ruin sex. We want to be honest and direct with our partners and tell them what we want, what works and doesn’t work for us, but it doesn’t always happen that way.

For some people, being told what to do in bed doesn’t make them feel better — it makes things feel less like sexy time and more like instructional time. When you have sex with someone, it doesn’t begin and end with intercourse. Sex can be from the time you have that first kiss to when you’re getting dressed.

There are some guys who start having sex with a woman, only to be totally turned off when she uses the bathroom afterward and leaves the door open, making the whole thing seem a little too intimate.

Because every zodiac sign has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to sex, it can be good to know what sex moves you may be doing that your man secretly hates.

Now, nobody wants to fart in bed with a hookup, but there are times that our bodies do all kinds of things we don’t want, and you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about it. Astrology isn’t saying don’t be human or don’t do what you want to do; all it’s saying is that you may not know that when you do something, your partner’s enjoyment is decreased a little.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Aries men secretly hate it when a woman is going full-force with the dirty talk, and then becomes really boring in bed and doesn’t do any of things she talked about it. Not cool.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus men don’t like it when their partner rushes through foreplay. For them, foreplay is the best part of sex. Rule of thumb: take your time with a Taurus.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Since Geminis are up to try anything, they secretly don’t like it when their partner wants to do the same positions over and over again. Variety is everything for Gemini.

See More: Who You Have The BEST Sex With, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
It’s really good to ask for what you want in bed, but don’t tell a Cancer man that he’s doing something wrong or criticize him in any way. That’s a boner killer for sure.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
If you’re having a threesome or some other kind of group sex, don’t ignore the Leo; that will not go over well. If anything, everyone involved should pay extra attention to every part of him, and praise his body while you’re at it.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Virgo men aren’t into big surprises in bed, so don’t spontaneously slap them in the face or do anything out of the blue. All it will do is shock them out of the moment.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Libra men want their partners to have a good time, but don’t scream like you’re being murdered during sex — it upsets them. Sure, you can make noise within reason, just don’t wake the neighborhood with your orgasm.

See More: 4 Naughty, Fun Sex Games To Help You KILL IT In The Bedroom

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Not to put too much pressure on you, but Scorpios secretly hate when their partners don’t orgasm. They want evidence that you’ve had as good a time as they have and that you’ll soon be up for round two… or ten.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Sagittarius men are spontaneous and like to mix things up, so they secretly hate routine in the bedroom or scheduled sex. If something worked great last time, keep it in the rotation, just don’t do it every single time.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorn men love sex and are very sexual; however, they don’t like when someone (without warning) sticks a finger up their ass. Please, a little warning first!

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Aquarius men secretly hate any kind of boring, traditional sex. Why do the missionary position all the time when there are so many others to try?

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Sex to a Pisces is an escapist adventure and one that he wants to last, so he secretly hates it when he’s bitten during a blow job. It usually brings him right back to reality. Keep your teeth away from the penis.

See More: 7 Brutal Truths About Having Sex With A Pisces (As Written By One)

This article originally appeared on YourTango.

Rehearsal dinners are generally a more intimate affair, a tradition reserved for the bridal party and close friends and family alone. So how can you make other guests arriving a night early for your celebratory weekend feel included in the pre-wedding festivities? A casual post-rehearsal gathering can really do the trick. Instead of the standard watering hole, consider a location with a little personality — like the five Chicago spots listed below — for this mood-setting meeting. Your guests, out-of-towners and otherwise, will thank you for it.

The Berkshire Room (Above)
Anchoring the trendy ACME boutique hotel, this cozy and chic bar stands out for its drink menu. If your gathering is a relatively small one, the dim ambiance and creative cocktails will win over even the hardest to please of guests. How? In addition to their pre-set drink menu, the Dealer’s Choice option allows patrons to design their own swanky sipper based on the flavors and styles they like best with the help of the bar’s talented staffers.

The Drifter
Plenty of places in Chicago try to cash in on the city’s sexy prohibition history, but few do it with as much style as this secret speakeasy hiding in the basement of an unassuming sports bar. Steeped in real 1920s history, this tiny retro lounge gets bonus points for special details like a tarot card menu and carnival-like performers. Like Three Dots and a Dash, things get tight here, so renting it out might be wise if you have more than a few guests attending.

Three Dots and a Dash
Stepping into this subterranean cocktail lounge is like hula-ing back in time to a fabulous ’60s tiki bar, complete with unforgettable drinks served in everything from a coconut to a retro chalice ringed with seahorses and adorned with tropical blooms. The space can get crowded and there’s often a wait, so reserving the bar as a private event may be your best bet.

See More: Arrive in Style with These Chicago Wedding Transportation Options

Headquarters
Unlike some other downtown nostalgic arcade-style bars, Headquarters two locations are brimming with old school pinball and video game machines that you can play free of additional charge. Playful without being exhausting, this choice is a memorable one for ’80s enthusiasts and craft beer fans alike.

Pinstripes
If you’ve got a particularly energetic group, this upscale bowling alley and event space rolls the line between playful game night and a posh party. The downtown location also features an impressive patio overlooking the Chicago river. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Still not sold on a welcome party venue? We have more to choose from on our Local Vendors page!

Feeling beautiful on your wedding day is every bride’s well-deserved right! Whether you’re hiring a glam squad to do your hair and makeup or watching a ton of YouTube beauty videos to learn the tips and tricks yourself, figuring out how to keep your makeup looking perfect all day is something to add to your pre-wedding to-do list. To help make that happen, here is what seven makeup experts recommend as their number one tip for long-lasting wedding day beauty.

1. Line Your Lips
“Line your lips and fill in the entire lip with lip liner. Follow with lipstick (not gloss) and then lightly pat with a tissue before applying a second coat. Also, it’s important to remember to apply lipgloss sparingly because gloss tends to take off lip color faster.” —Michelle Bouse, founder of Beauty Boutique

2. Don’t Rush
“As you’ve prepared for this day to come, I recommend not rushing by having your hair and makeup timed out so you can relax and enjoy the beauty process. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for make-up application on your wedding day. Also, It’s essential to have your skin clean, exfoliated, and hydrated so you can achieve a flawless application of make-up. Don’t forget to wear a button down shirt so you won’t smudge your beautiful wedding day hair and make-up.” —Tessa McCullough, Makeup Artist at G2O Spa + Salon

3. Take Care of Oil
“If you are feeling oily, use a tissue or toilet paper to blot your t-zone instead of adding more makeup on.” —Colgate Optic White Designer Smile Squad member, Marianna Hewitt

4. Make Your Foundation Waterproof
“If you already have a foundation that you love but its not necessarily waterproof, try priming the skin with Milk of Magnesia on a cotton ball (after you moisturize) to lock on the coverage for hours. This helps if you sweat a lot, get insanely oily or if you just want your makeup to stay in place all day!” —Beauty blogger, Nicole Williams

5. Go With Lip Stain
“For the perfect bridal lip, use a stain! You won’t have time to re-apply all day and you don’t want it rubbing off all over your new husband. Anastasia’s new soft coral/pink in Dolce is the perfect color for a bride! Apply just before you walk down the ailse, layer with a sheer gloss for your photos and you’re all set.” —Celebrity makeup artist, Rob Harmon

6. Prep and Prime
“The secret to long lasting makeup is in prepping of the skin, rather than the actual makeup application. Skin that has not been properly prepped will not be able to hold makeup beautifully. When you see makeup that starts to disintegrate with sweating and dancing, most of the fault lies in the skin preparation before makeup application. Always make sure that you start with a clean face. Wash your face and use a toner or cleanser to completely get rid of all dead skin, dirt or makeup residues. Moisturize your face (under your eyes as well) so skin is hydrated. Freshly hydrated skin will prevent makeup from drying on your skin & will help makeup blend in perfect for a long lasting effect. Follow your moisturizer with a pore primer, that will decrease the look of pores, wrinkles and lines.” —Dina Ramon of TCBeauty Care

See More: Wedding Day Beauty — The Top 40 Tips and Tricks

7. Layering is Key
“Layering is key, if I have a bride who wants a look involving eyeliner I always trace with black shadow first, and layer with a gel or liquid to ensure the look lasts all night. The same goes for blush, I love layering a cream blush and powder blush, it gives demension, texture and lasts for hours.” —Lori Leib, professional makeup artist and Creative Director of Bodyography Cosmetics

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

Throughout life and especially when making major decisions, we’ve all been told to just go with our gut and to let our intuition guide us. Sound advice, right? Well, turns out, planning a wedding is the perfect time to put that intuition to the test. Here are the gut instincts you definitely don’t want to ignore when it comes to your big day, unless you want to get burned, that is.

“This is too good to be true.”
If your gut instinct tells you your venue or a vendor is too good to be true, then unfortunately it probably is, warns wedding planner Francesca DiSalvo-Follmer of Pure Luxe Bride in Charleston, SC. “A vendor that gives you ‘a really good deal’ likely isn’t doing well or is a newbie that is just trying to build their portfolio.” If something feels off, trust your gut and keep looking.

“I hate my engagement photos.”
Sadly, one of the most overlooked red flags, according to Regina Osgood, owner of Meant2Be Events, is in regards to wedding photography. “Too often, as a planner, a bride hires us a few steps into the process and we get the question, ‘We hate our engagement photos, but we already put so much money down. What should we do?’

While your engagement session is a good time to get out those in front of the camera jitters, if you didn’t feel comfortable with your photographer’s direction during the shoot, it could be that’s the issue in your resulting film, she notes. In this situation, go with your gut. “Ditch the deposit and save yourself the heartache of missing out on a once in a lifetime moment being captured at it’s best with a photographer that’s a better fit.” We concur!

“I don’t trust my….”
If you think your hair and makeup trial was just “okay”, no matter how many tweaks you make, you likely won’t love it on your wedding day either, cautions DiSalvo-Follmer. “Book another stylist for a trial before committing to anyone.” This goes for anything you’re not happy with or anyone you don’t fully trust, be it your caterer or cake designer after a tasting or even your wedding planner.

See More: How to Plan a Pinterest-Worthy Wedding for Less Than $15K

“This just feels right.”
Whether it’s actually marrying your fianc&#233 or picking the perfect venue, when it comes to the wedding, if something feels right (or, on the other hand, if it doesn’t feel quite right) you should trust your instinct first and foremost. You’ll save time and avoid the annoyance of over analyzing every little thing.

“I really should invite…”
There’s some people you’re going to have to cut from the guest list no matter what and you won’t feel much guilt about it, whereas there are always a few others you’ll go back and forth and stress out about inviting. Our best advice? Listen to your gut instinct. If you think you’ll ultimately regret not having someone at the wedding, just invite them. And if there’s someone your gut says definitely don’t invite, then don’t be afraid to make that decision either.

One of the best moments of a bride’s wedding adventure is the weekend when she and her closest gal pals can celebrate love, friendship and just simply have a good time — the bachelorette party weekend! There are of course a couple of classic bachelorette party spots, like Vegas or New Orleans that have cemented their place on the top of every bride’s list, but for 2017, the hot spots seem to be changing. Ready to lock down the fun location of your bachelorette weekend? Here are 4 hot spots to consider checking out.

1. Nashville, Tennessee
You can spend the weekend listening to live music, dancing at Honky Tonks, and even eating your way around the city. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for to party night and day and especially love the music scene.

2. San Diego, California
This place is the perfect go-to if you’re looking for a mix of beach, relaxation, and fun. There are spa options, wine tasting spots and brewery tours as alternatives for days when it’s not beach weather.

3. San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan should be at the top of your bachelorette party location list if you are looking for somewhere exotic, affordable, and easy to get to if you’re on the east coast. You can spend quality time on the beach, walking around town (doesn’t get cuter than Old San Juan), and eating some delicious local meals.

See More: 5 Nature-Themed Bachelorette Party Destinations Around the U.S.

4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you’re looking to kick your feet up and spend the weekend relaxing, or even doing water sports with your friends, Myrtle Beach is a city to check out for some beach fun.

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

There’s no denying the universe made every effort to bring Kaitlin Lurmann and Danny Van Acker long before they first met in 2010. “We grew up in the same county, attended neighboring high schools, and even unknowingly lived across the street from one another in San Francisco,” says Kaitlin. “It wasn’t until a clever friend brought me to a party at ‘the house across the street with all the cute boys’ that I first noticed Danny.”

Since the duo takes an annual trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, over the holidays, Danny knew it was the perfect opportunity to pop the question. “On the morning of New Year’s Day in 2014, Danny ran ahead on the path during a snow-shoe hike. He scrawled a proposal in the pristine powder and waited on bended knee,” she says. As the future Mr. and Mrs. started planning their big day, they immediately knew Santa Barbara, California, where the bride grew up, would be the backdrop for their wedding. “We envisioned all of our favorite people staying on one property, so it would feel intimate and like a vacation,” the bride adds. Once they toured the Bacara Resort & Spa, they knew they had found the perfect space.

So, with the team Sterling Social ensuring the couple’s vision of a sophisticated, high-energy wedding came to life, Katilin and Danny became husband and wife on May 16, 2015. You won’t want to miss a single detail of this SoCal celebration, all captured by Sargeant Creative.

“We wanted a very soft, romantic, chic, and modern setting for our wedding,” Kaitlin says. “Working from a base palette of white, nude, and champagne, we wove in muted metallic accents of gold, copper, rose gold, and bronze.” The bride and groom’s ability to meld neutrals with punchy metallic hues was first noted in their invitation suite from Wiley Valentine.

Kaitlin and Danny welcomed their 175 guests to Santa Barbara with a seriously well-stocked box of goodies, which included coconut water, a Voluspa candle, oranges, pistachios, and cookies.

The bride knew her strapless silk faile Oscar de la Renta wedding dress was the one when she came out of the fitting room ready to dance. “I was raising the roof when I walked out,” she says. “Cheesy, but true.” Since she wanted to let the structural silhouette shine, Kaitlin kept her jewelry simple, adding only her mother’s oval diamond wedding ring and pear-shaped diamond drop earrings.

Her bouquet shined, too. Kaitlin asked her florist to create a composite arrangement commonly referred to as a “Glamelia bouquet,” which makes one giant new flower out of the petals of many smaller ones. The all-white stunner was fashioned out of white and cream rose petals, accented with gardenia leaves and wrapped in an off-white ribbon.

Danny’s classic tuxedo from the Black Tux was the epitome of sophistication. He completed his look with a pair of his father’s suspenders (he forgot his own!), dress shoes, and a sleek black bow tie.

Kaitlin’s ‘maids wore a variety of different blush gowns from Amsale. “I wanted them to be able to choose the silhouette that they felt their best in,” she says. “I thought this way they’d have more fun and be more comfortable standing up there on the wedding day.” The ladies look great next to Danny’s groomsmen, who all wore black tuxedos.

Since the bride and groom wanted their guests to have an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean during the ceremony, they kept their décor simple. Chiavari chairs were lined facing the ocean and two large floral arrangements flanked the top of the aisle. “Our ceremony structure was open and airy, draped in champagne-colored organza and strung with a romantic garland of flowers and greenery,” the bride says.

The ceremony kicked off with an adorable entrance from the couple’s ring bearer, who carried an acrylic sign that read “It’s Finally Happening.” Then, a string quartet performed “Isn’t She Lovely” while the bride and her father made their entrance.

In addition to writing their own vows, Kaitlin and Danny honored the bride’s late mother and the groom’s late grandmother by releasing dozens of monarch butterflies. “Guests were brought to tears of joy when they discovered that two butterflies stayed behind throughout the ceremony,” the bride says. “One was on my dress and the other was on Danny’s tuxedo. Without a doubt, there were two special guests that made sure not to leave our side that day.”

Cocktail hour was all about the bride and groom’s favorite things, like a raw bar with oysters and shrimp cocktail (Danny’s favorite) and three signature cocktails.

Escort cards were displayed on acrylic boxes and held in place with oversized pieces of white quartz and gilded geodes. Metallic vases were filled with white blooms, a nod to the day’s overall color palette.

Kaitlin and Danny wanted their reception to feel dramatically different from their outdoor ceremony, so they transformed the Bacara’s ballroom with long tables, loads of white flowers, and plenty of glamorous metallic accents. “It exuded elegance with a contemporary flair,” the bride says.

White roses topped each table, and the room was cast in a warm glow thanks to taper candles in brass holders. Even the marble-topped bar featured a healthy dose of glam style, thanks to a structural gold backdrop that was filled with low candles.

Lanterns and additional low candles gave the space a lived-in vibe. Each place setting included a textured glass charger, gold-edged dinner menu held in place with a geode, and a fresh magnolia bloom. “We also personalized the reception with a circulating tequila cart, which offered shots to guests in every corner of the space,” the bride says. “We also made sure to stay true to our dance-and-music obsessed souls, hiring the most party-igniting of wedding bands to keep things rocking.”

For dessert, the bride and groom cut into a two-tier carrot and chocolate salted caramel wedding cake. And that single-tiered treat to the left? It wasn’t actually cake at all! “The groom’s cake was made of brie cheese,” Kaitlin says. “I surprised him by placing a mini Green Bay Packers helmet on it as an ode to his favorite football team and his family’s Wisconsin roots.”

And if anyone needed another sweet treat, the newlyweds had a wide selection of mini desserts on hand, including red velvet cupcakes, lemon bars, triple berry crumble pies, and pumpkin caramel cheesecake bites.

The pair shared their first dance to a mash up of Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic” and “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall and Oates. “It was a dance off between the two of us,” the bride laughs.

“Take a moment by yourself in private on the day of,” the bride advises future couples. “Close your eyes, become centered and grounded while feeling the sensations in your body and heart that unfold on such a big day.”

Venue & Catering: Bacara Resort & Spa || Wedding Planner: Sterling Social || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta || Hair & Makeup: 10.11 Makeup || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale || Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux || Flowers: JL Designs || Invitations & Paper Products: Wiley Valentine || Music: Ybarra Music; West Coast Music || Cake & Desserts: Sweet & Saucy Shop || Rentals: R. Jack Baltahzar; La Tavola; Classic Party Rentals || Videographer: Artisan Production || Photographer: Sargeant Creative

Can’t get enough of this wedding? Then we bet you’ll love watching another couple tie the knot in California in the video below.