Thursday, March 31, 2011

Sunflower Inspiration

One of my best friends, Bethany, has always loved the idea of a simple outdoor wedding in a giant field of sunflowers in Spring or Fall.  Everyone would be relaxed and casual simply enjoying the beautiful day and the people around them. 

So, with that idea in mind here is a little inspiration board I put together.

Apparently I'm really drawn to this barn... I've used it for inspiration once before.

Pictures via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7


Taste Test

What does your wedding cake flavor say about you? 


I thought this was too cute not to share!  I'd be Sophisticated & Romantic (for that wedding cake I'll have some day...). What about you?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

[Guest Post] - Wedding Day Shoes

Sometimes we all need a little break and today was a day I needed a blogging break.  But don't worry I still have something fun for you all to read! Thanks to Megan for this wonderful {Guest Post}!

After seeing Monday’s blog with those BEAUTIFUL Louboutins, I started thinking about the shoes brides wear on their big day.  As I have been a bridesmaid in multiple weddings, I always find that the shoes underneath the dress truly reflect the individual.  It made me think, what would I wear?

Two types of shoes came to mind:
First, if you know me, I hardly wear heels and when I do, I complain 99% of the time.  Due to my aversion to heels, I have become a flats aficionado.  I LOVE the Lanvin ballet flats.  Beautiful, simple, comfortable, and something that I could wear multiple times.  These flats come in multiple colors, so you can pick the one that fits you and your wedding theme! 

Another flat I love is the Repetto flats.  Repetto is a French ballet shoe company that also designs and sells “chaussures femme”.  Another example of how a flat can be elegant and timeless.

My second choice type of shoes is, wait for it…. cowboy boots.  As a native Texan, cowboy boots have become a staple shoe in my shoe collection.  My favorite boot brand is Lucchese.   To me, the cowboy boot would symbolize my personality – lighthearted, fun, whimsical, and truly Texan.  And not to mention, they’re extremely comfortable!



What shoes would you or did you wear on your wedding day?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Unexpected Color

"Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment"
~Claude Monet 

When you think of a bride, the first color that comes to mind is naturally white.  But a trend that many brides are taking on lately is adding a pop of color in an unexpected way to their wedding day attire.  So where can you add that little bit of color (other than the typical bouquet, bridesmaid dresses, etc.) on your big day?

Under your dress:
Have the crinoline (or petticoat) under your wedding dress dyed to match your colors.

Your wedding day shoes:
Find some bright heels to wear under your dress.  They'll make you feel sexy and add that little bit of extra color.

In your hair:
Add a silk flower to your hair.  You can tie in your wedding colors and add a flirty, feminine touch to your look.


What do you think of this trend?  Would you add an unexpected pop of color to your wedding day look?

Pictures via 1, 2, 3


Monday, March 28, 2011

Location, Location, Location

Deciding where to get married is one of the first and biggest steps in the wedding planning process.  The location can really set the tone for the theme and design of the whole wedding. 

During my rainy, lazy Sunday afternoon this weekend I was watching the Sex & the City movie and loved the idea of a wedding in the New York Library. 

How gorgeous is this set up in the NY Public Library?
 

And it got me thinking, what other landmarks around the globe would make for a great wedding venue...
  
The London Eye provides an amazing backdrop & view.

I think a wedding in Versailles would be so romantic... Bisous!

An outdoor ceremony at the Grand Canyon. 
How pretty is this picture?

I love this Indian wedding at the Taj Mahal. 
What better location then a gorgeous mausoleum built by an emperor out of love for his wife?
 
So, where in the world would you want to get married?

Pictures via: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

A Little Something ~ #3

Today's {A Little Something} comes to you from Mr. Christian Louboutin.


How amazing are these?  I think they'd be gorgeous under a wedding dress to give that little pop of color!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

A Legend Remembered

Elizabeth Taylor was truly a star and a legend.  She was one of those classic beauties with a huge talent for entertaining audiences.  Outside of acting and stardom, she was also a philanthropist and constantly giving to others.



Another thing that Elizabeth Taylor was famous for, was her many weddings.  Over the course of her lifetime she had eight marriages to seven different men.  In keeping with her personality, her weddings were all very stylish and made to be an event to remember.

Elizabeth & Conrad "Nicky" Hilton (1950)

Elizabeth wore a formal white satin dress by Helen Rose
along with a large bouquet of white orchids.


Marriage to Michael Wilding (1952)
For her second wedding, she opted for a more casual look. 
The flowers in her hair add a great finishing touch.


Elizabeth and Eddie Fisher (1959)
Four her fourth wedding, Elizabeth stepped outside the box and
went with a green chiffon dress.  This color is just perfect on her.


Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton (1954)
For her first wedding to Richard Burton (they married in 1964 and
again in 1975), Elizabeth Taylor wore an empire wasted yellow
chiffon dress.  To add to the look, she wore lilies of the valley
and white hyacinths in her hair.

Although yesterday was a sad day in losing Elizabeth Taylor, her memory and legend are sure to live on.

Pictures via 1, 2, 3, 4

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Royal Ride

With the Royal Wedding quickly approaching in less than month, more and more details are being released/leaked.  The latest details include the wedding day carriage for Kate & Prince William.

Kate Middleton's Wedding Day Carriage Revealed | Kate Middleton, Prince William

The above horse-drawn carriage will take the couple from the Westminster Abbey.  This 109 year old State Landau is used by Queen Elizabeth when she is entertaining heads of state.  The open top of the carriage will allow well-wishers to view the couple as they travel to Buckingham Palace for their first wedding day party.

Although, with England being so prone to rain, they had to have a back-up plan of course.  So, if it does rain on their big day, they will instead ride in a glass coach which was used by Princess Diana on her wedding day.

  


Rain or shine, this royal couple will be riding in style!

Pictures and details via People.com

Monday, March 21, 2011

A Little Something ~ #2

Today's {A Little Something} is this gorgeous cake.


I love all the tiny details and coloring.  It almost looks too pretty to eat!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Luck of the Irish

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


In theme with today, here's a little inspiration for a green wedding:



Pictures via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10


And as a reminder, tomorrow I will not be posting as part of the Day of Silence for the 'For Japan With Love' disaster relief started by Ever Ours and Utterly Engaged.  Please join me in supporting this cause and creating awareness for those in Japan!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Photo Shoot Inspiration

In two weeks, my sister and I will be doing a little photo shoot for the company with the help of my friend Morgan.  We are so excited and are already planning away with what we want to use for styling & props.  We want to get some shots to update our website and have some pictures really showing our style and who we are as a company.

For location, Morgan suggested Serenbe, GA and I think it's going to be such a great backdrop.


For styling, we LOVE these photos by Joielala on Sitting in a Tree's blog.  The tulle skirts are to die for and the lighting is amazing.  Hopefully we can recreate a similar feel.




For props, we are leaning towards using some balloons, possibly a tandem bicycle, and creating a little sign with the company name out of slice of a tree stump.




  

 

I'm really excited for this photo shoot and can't wait to share the pictures.

What do you all think?  Let me know if you have any other ideas.  I would love to hear them!

Spring Flowers

April showers bring May flowers.

The buzz about Spring is definitely in the air!  Before we know it warm weather will be here and flowers will be popping up everywhere.


When it comes to Spring flowers and weddings, do you think flowery bridesmaids dresses are a do or don't?











I kind of like the vintagey look of muted, mismatched floral dresses.  If done right, it can be pretty cute!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

For Japan With Love

I'm sure everyone is aware of the tragedy and shock occuring in Japan and the Pacific right now.  It's such a sad situation and we are hoping to do what we can to help out.

Two bloggers, Ever Ours and Utterly Engaged, have come together to help raise funds for Japan through 'For Japan With Love'.  This is such a great cause and is helping those who are in need right now.  So please help the cause and donate what you can!



This Friday, March 18th, is also a 'Bloggers Day of Silence'.  We are going to participate to reflect on those in need and the little things in life outside of this crazy blogging world.  Please join us and spread the word!

All Made Up

"Kiss and make up - but too much makeup has ruined many a kiss."
~Mae West

Picture via dwp

Nude lips, red lips, lots of blush, smokey eyes, no shadow...  Looking through any of the magazines out today, it is easy to see there are so many make-up combinations that it can get a little overwhelming. 

When it comes to the makeup you wear for your wedding day, there are a few things to keep in mind:
  1. What is the style of your wedding?  If you have a rustic, Spring wedding a bright red lip with smokey eyes would be very out of place.  If you have a very formal night wedding, you want more than a nude lip and no shadow.
  2. What are your wedding colors?  You want your makeup to match your colors.  If you have a lot of pinks, you may not want to have bright red lipstick.
  3. What inspires you?  Look through not only bridal magazines but also fashion magazines and find looks that you want for your big day.  Bring those pictures with you on the day so your makeup artist (or yourself) can get a true idea of what you want.
  4. Will you be hiring a makeup artist?  It is always a good idea to have someone else doing your makeup for the big day.  This way you do not have to stress or worry about it and you get to be pampered.  If you don't want to hire a professional, ask one of your friends whom does great makeup to do it for you.
Here are some different looks to pick from:

Red lips & heavy eyes


Red lips & minimal eyes


Nude lips & minimal eyes


Nude lips & heavy eyes



No matter what direction you go, don't wear too much makeup!  You want to look like yourself and not to done up.  Like Mae West said, too much makeup has ruined many a kiss!

I love the second look!!  Which is your favorite?

Pictures via 1, 2, 3, 4

Monday, March 14, 2011

A Little Something ~ #1

I'm constantly stumbling upon great cakes, centerpieces, dresses, shoes, etc. that make for some great wedding inspiration.  So in order to share these with you all, I decided to start {A Little Something} weekly feature.  Every Monday morning (yes I know that its the afternoon now, but starting next week it will be the morning.) I will post one of these great wedding finds on the blog for you all to enjoy!

Today's {A Little Something} is a rustic centerpiece made of birch tree stumps and gorgeous flowers in Spring colors.


Who else is ready for Spring & outdoor weddings/events?

DIY ~ Lingerie Shower

This past weekend I hosted a lingerie wedding shower at my lake house for a friend who is getting marriend in the coming weeks.  With the help of my friends, we created a memorable night for the bride!

Leah (the bride) walking down to the surprise shower.

We wanted to make the shower very personal, so we made a lot of the decorations and treats ourselves. 

 Sweet Treats

Last week I featured the DIY cupcake wrappers and they turned out so cute!  I made gluten-free red velvet cupcakes (that were delicious!) and topped them with cream cheese frosting and sugar pearls.

I loved the silver baking cups peeping through the doily wrappers.

For another sweet treat we made lingerie cookies. These are so fun and simple to make.  You start with heart shaped sugar cookies.


Flip the hearts upside down and start adding lingerie tops & bottoms to the top (now bottom) part of the hearts. 

The start of our lingerie cookies.


Ashleigh carefully applying bra & panties to the cookies :)


The finished product.  They were so fun to make!

Lovely Decor

The goodies, presents & decor

For the decorations, we also had several DIY features.  The first being a panty laundry line.  These were going to used later for a game (everyone decorates a pair of granny panties & the bride picks her favorite) but they added a fun touch to the shower.


Just hang up a clothing line & add the panties.

For the table centerpiece, my friend Brittany created a lovely tulle bouquet in a vase.  The vase was covered with a black & pink fabric bustier.  The bouquet was made of white & pink tulle stuck into a piece of flower foam and she added some bling as a final touch.



Lots of bling for the bride.


It was a great weekend and a great shower!  We had so much with girl talk, decorating panties, drinking some bubbly and celebrating Leah. 


Leah reading our sweet notes to her.

Congrats Leah & Christian!