technique - How do I create this soft and bright effect?

This is my favorite look for photos, and I've been trying to achieve this for some recent family vacation photographs. What is the process?

Here are some links to some examples:

http://annstreetstudio.tumblr.com/post/39571496854/cheers-to-the-start-of-a-new-year-lets-have-a

http://annstreetstudio.tumblr.com/post/52392286364/summer-has-officially-begun-a-day-of-polo-with