tying the knot {a wedding inspiration blog}

Wedding Day News Paper

2011-06-06T09:55:00.001-04:00

In reading hundreds of wedding blog posts a week, even 2+ years after our wedding, there are ideas that I have seen that I wish were around/blogged about before we got married.
One such idea would be to snag a copy of the city newspaper on the day of your wedding. Sure, you'll shove it in a box of some sort along with left over wedding programs and monogrammed cocktail napkins, but one day it might be neat to show it to your kids. Just another memento from {one of} the best day of your life.

photo via bippityboppityboo

Winter Chic Table Setting

2011-06-02T09:51:00.001-04:00

I know that it's the almost the end of Spring here in Ohio, but I also know that there are some of you out there searching for winter wedding inspiration. I just love this holiday tablescape that was put together for a styled shoot {see vendor list below}. The {stunning} arrangements of all white flowers are grouped together by flower type featuring anemones, ranunculus and tulips. You'll want to consider the seasonality of the flower that you are hoping to use. Roses, orchids, daisies and carnations are other flowers that are always available in the winter.
Christmas tree ornaments are used here as centerpieces in apothecary jars, flocking the flower arrangements and serving as individual place setting decorations. Wouldn't you agree that the ornaments are used here without looking too "Christmas-y"? Winter chic might be a more appropriate way to describe this table setting. However, as much as I do love this table setting, I am more ready for summer than winter!

As seen on: Green Wedding Shoes

Flowers: Janie of Janie Medley Flora Design and The Bride’s Cafe

Photography: Jodi Miller

Styling: Lynn Lindsay of Sunshowers and Rainshine

Memorial Day Getaway

2011-05-27T10:09:00.000-04:00

Oh hi friends! I'm slowly getting back to blogging here & there. But first, it's time for a little get away to the lake for Memorial Day weekend to kick off summer.
Hoping that you & yours get to enjoy a little r&r this weekend {& a few skinny girl margaritas-have you had one!? delicious!}. Any of you attending a wedding this weekend? I hope it's on a lakeside estate and filled with lovely little details!

p.s. I post a little more often on my personal blog, lucky knot. Come & say hello!
photo via JP Wedding Photography as seen at Once Wed.

Pink & Purple Flowers

2011-05-27T08:52:00.000-04:00

There's a little part of me that has a strong desire to become a floral designer. There's something about a beautiful freshly put together bouquet that makes me so happy.

I am loving the different textures in this bouquet. I have no idea what the various leaves, berries and flowers are called. All I know is that they comprise a stunning bouquet.

Wouldn't this make a stunning arrangement for a bridal shower? But, then again, you wouldn't want to upstage the bride-to-be!

via this post on erin ever after

Pictures

2011-04-18T16:31:00.004-04:00

Hi there my little bloggity blog friends! It's come to my attention that many, if not all of the pictures from 2009-2007 that I have posted on this blog are no longer visible. I will be working on this issue in the days and weeks to come and hope to have all of the pretty pictures back for you to see. xoxo.

Ring in the New Year

2010-12-30T09:15:00.000-05:00

As we're about to ring in the new year {2011, already!?} I thought that I would share some of my favorite ring shots that I've seen during 2010.

1. amelia lyon 2. jasmine star 3. cameron ingalls 4. via kelly oshiro events

5 & 6. simply bloom photography 7. stephanie williams photography 8. our labor of love 9. natalie moser photography
May 2011 be a fantastic year!

happy holidays!

2010-12-25T21:09:00.004-05:00

Here's to hoping that your holidays have been as sweet as mine!
Congratulations to those of you that are newly engaged! Happy planning!

photo via: bippityboppityboo

Love Always Guestbook

2010-11-07T10:45:00.000-05:00

Back in the day {September 2010}, Sarah over at truly smitten posted about a guestbook idea she had seen in the fall 2010 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings. In case you hadn't seen it yet, I thought I would pass along this guest book idea {you can still download the pdf to diy!}.

Below is an image of the template which allows for personalization of your names and wedding date. Then, simply print and display at your wedding for guests to sign!

After your wedding, frame the signed "love always" poster and display it for years and years to come as a little memento from your special day.

What are you having your guests sign on your wedding day?!

Photos via Martha Stewart Weddings via truly smitten.

Plaid and Peacock

2010-11-02T07:05:00.000-04:00

Weddings featuring even a hint of plaid are few and far between. This wedding has sprinkles of plaid {and peacock} throughout. Imagine my delight! Shall we start with the fabulous bow tie worn by the groom?!
Wait, it gets better. The groomsmen wore plaid ties, complementing the groom's bow tie. I love. The suspenders are icing on the cake.
Naturally, the bride was not to be outdone. Leaving the plaid to the men, she accented with peacock feathers in her hair & in the bouquet! Never mind the stunning neckline of her dress!

Likewise, not to be outdone by the groomsmen, the bridesmaids wore the sweetest dresses I've seen in quite a while. Each bridesmaid carried those cute little clutch purses instead of flowers and I don't mind that one bit!

See more of the details from this wedding by Jagger Photography right here.
Looking for more goodness from Jagger Photography? Here's another one of my favorites!

Love & Candy

2010-10-31T22:05:00.006-04:00

Five years ago, on halloween, Chris & I became "exclusive." Three years ago, on halloween, Chris proposed & the wedding planning frenzy kicked into high gear. I was and still am the luckiest girl. Hence, my new{ish} little personal blog, lucky knot.

To all of you that have been following along since my post on engagement post the day after halloween three years ago & to those of you that have just joined in, thanks for reading! I hope that your halloweens are filled with as much love & candy as mine have been!

xo, jessica lynn
photo via elizabeth messina.

Texturized Bouquets in Plum and Pink

2010-10-10T10:39:00.001-04:00

Janie Medley never ceases to amaze me with the bouquets she creates. I was a bride with a monochromatic white bouquet. While I still love it, there will always be a part of me that wishes I would have interjected a little color into my bridal bouquet.

Our wedding colors were raspberry and plum. I certainly think that this little beauty would have been a lovely substitute for my white bouquet of dahlias and mums. The textures in this bouquet are unbelievable....something that can only be achieved with the perfect mixture of more than 5 different flowers and bits of greenery here and there.

I do believe that those tall white beauties are milkworts. I would now consider them a must in each and every spring/summer bridal bouquet.

If you prefer adding more pink than purple to your day, Janie has created an equally beautiful pink bouquet.
It may just be my favorite pink bouquet of all time. Must be the abundance of texture and the inclusion of milkworts that put it over the top!

You can check out this post at the bride's cafe for more stunning pictures of each bouquet {photographed by Jodi Miller Photography}.

Escort Card Coasters

2010-10-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

I share a lot of my favorite paper goods over at my other blog, Penned & Pretty, but I just had to stop by and share this one with you.
maemae paperie has some of the most awe inspiring invitations that I have ever seen. So it was no shocker that I loved these coasters that she had a hand in making.

For all of the details, check out this post. For now, here's a quick run-down. These coasters were used for the escort cards at Jan + Ben's wedding. Betsy {love, love, love}did the calligraphy, The coasters were hole-punched and tied with either a peacock feather, a bleached peacock feather, or a jewel {each indicated the meal choice of the guest}.

If I were a guest at this wedding, these coasters would immediately have gone into my purse in order to fully enjoy them for days/months to come in my home! Congrats on a beautiful product maemae & Betsy!

Our Second Wedding Anniversary

2010-09-27T09:58:00.005-04:00

Two {?!?!} years ago today Chris & I tied the knot in front of our family and friends.
Our day of timeline notes that Chris & I had our first look at 10:45am. So, exactly two years ago at this moment I was fluttering around my bridal suite, adorned by my Mom & bridesmaids, getting in my dress, finishing my make-up & sneaking in sips of champagne. I was so nervous yet giddy with excitement. The rest of the day, was beautiful & everything I had hoped it would be. Looking back, were there things that we would change? Perhaps maybe the flowers, color scheme & a few details {like hiring a videographer & having Chris' older brothers in the wedding party} here and there, but nothing too dramatic. There are things that I know that I wouldn't change. Like the man I married, which is always a good thing. I love you Chris.

Thank you, little bloggity blog friends, for reading along...even when posts are few & far between. I suppose now would quite the perfect time to let you in on a little secret. I started a personal blog a few months ago. I would love for you to follow along with me there as well. Stop by tied the knot & lucky in love: lucky knot.

If you're new to this little blog, check out the following links for how we tied the knot: we did it, a preview, our honeymoon, our candy bar, lifesaver, getting ready, our first look, the bride and groom, bouquets and boutonnieres, the shoes, the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, the bridal party, the sock shot, favorites, the ceremony, the bubbles and the get away, rawry, toasts and dancing, the cake, reception details
all pictures by: nicole green. please link back to tying the knot when posting any pictures.

2010-08-21T19:55:00.000-04:00

One of the things I love most about being home on the weekends is that it provides the opportunity to rationalize picking up a beautiful bouquet of flowers since I'll be able to enjoy everyday for a week or two.

Isn't this bouquet just such a delight? I am loving the yellows, pinks and oranges that are just pouring out of the petals.

These flowers are the work of jm flora with photography by open air photography. You can see the whole post, with more pictures, here. Here's to hoping that you have a bouquet at home to enjoy that is just as beautiful!

Nautical Inspiration from Inspired By This

2010-08-14T09:36:00.000-04:00

Hi my little bloggity blog friends! Just stopping in to check on you! I have missed you so and have a long list of posts stacking up and no time to actually write them, which makes me sad.
To hold you over until I can get back to blogging...

If you're looking for any sort of nautical inspiration to plan your wedding, look no further than this post by Leila of inspired by this where she shares images from some of her favorite inspiring nautical summer weddings. Just click on one of the links/pictures on her post and you'll find some incredible nautical weddings!

Photo above by the ever fabulous Our Labor of Love. Be still my nautical loving heart...

A Bird With a French Fry

2010-08-02T09:07:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this post on 100 layer cake? To be honest, every single detail is phenomenal. But I would like to highlight just two of them in this post.

There was this adorable little framed print that caught my eye. "Today I will be happier than a bird with a french fry." How fitting is that sentiment on your wedding day!?! I am in love with this print and cannot even begin to fathom all of the places that it could pop up at one's wedding reception.
The flowers. Oh my goodness the flowers at this wedding were unreal. Every single flower was vibrant and perfectly arranged to be breathtaking. At the reception, some floral arrangements were placed under these little glass terrariums which just about took my breath away. The "french fry" print can be purchased here at the etsy shop of dazeychic. Hop on over to this post on 100 layer cake to see all of the pictures from this gorgeous wedding.

Vendors: Venue: Park Tavern Garden Tent Photography: W. Scott Chester Flowers & Decor: Amy Osaba Hair & Makeup: Raney O’keefe DJ: Beats and Bells Photo Booth: Majestic Photobooths Cupcakes: Cami Cakes Doughnuts: Sublime Doughnuts Bride’s Dress: Casablanca Bridesmaids Dresses: Arden B Officiant: Tyler Thigpen Maid of Honor Dress: sohomode Cupcake Toppers: Goose Grease Hair Piece: Which Goose Ties: Tux & Tulle Poms: Pom Love

Carnival Swing Ride

2010-07-29T09:49:00.000-04:00

I'd skip my cocktail hour at the reception to hop on a little swing ride with my newly minted husband. Especially if my photographer captured this photo as a souvenir. What a symbolic reminder of the feeling you had on your wedding day of floating in the clouds. Photo by Shea Roggio Photography as seen on this post at once wed.

My Favorite Inspiration Board

2010-07-27T07:15:00.000-04:00

If I had to pick a favorite inspiration board that the lovely Kathryn at snippet and ink has whipped up, it would have to be this one "Bottle Glass & Black."

I love that bottle glass color. It would be the perfect accent color to a traditional black and white wedding color scheme. It may be hard to find bridesmaids dresses, ribbon, linens, etc in the exact bottle glass color, but I assume it would be worth the work needed to bring everything together under this fabulous color combo.

You can see the board and Kathryn's words about it right here.

Pretty Plum Wedding Bouquets

2010-07-21T08:04:00.000-04:00

Take it from me {a bride that could not find flowers in juuusst the perfect hue}, plum {and/or raspberry, for that matter} flowers are hard to come by. Luckily, with blogging little florists like JM Flora and other blogs featuring more real weddings, it's getting easier and easier to find legitimate floral inspiration for your big day.
If only I had pictures of this bouquet to show my florist. It would have made things so easier. Did I ever tell you that I cried when I saw my sample bridesmaid bouquet? Instead of plum and raspberry it was more violet, orange and bright pink. You would have cried too.

I wanted to share the picture below because its the same bouquet as the one above, but it looks totally different propped up against this gold chair. It just goes to show that you can change the look of a bouquet entirely depending on the table linen/bridesmaid dress/etc that it's

accenting. So with the same flowers, you can have one look for the ceremony and another for the reception all while keeping the entire day cohesive. Looking for more plum flower ideas? UBB posted a great little feature on plum flowers that you can find right here. Or you could browse through all of my favorite bouquets and flower ideas I've posted right here.

Pictures above courtesy of JM Flora and photos by Katie of Open Air Photography . See the full post with even more gorgeous bouquets here.

e-plan my wedding

2010-07-01T06:44:00.000-04:00

The lovely April of April Foster Events has recently launched a new wedding resource for busy, tech-savvy, budget-conscious couples who desire help from a professional wedding planner and love the convenience of the internet.

Here's what you need to know about eplan my wedding:
"The average wedding can take between 100-200 hours to plan. Our goal is to save a majority of time for you by completing those time consuming tasks. All the information/ideas/inspiration we collect and organize on your behalf is sent to you via your wedding eBinder where you can view the information and reply on YOUR schedule. With all that extra time, you can choose to either spend your hours crafting DIY details for your wedding or at work to keep your boss happy."

Just some of the services provided by your eplanner at eplan my wedding are timeline management, budget creation, rehearsal dinner location suggestions and out-of-town guest coordination {hotel rooms & transportation}.

For more information email: info {at} eplanmywedding {dot} com

p.s. my little calligraphy blog is a sponsor of eplan my wedding.

Nautical Engagement Pictures

2010-06-22T07:46:00.002-04:00

I recently saw this incredibly gorgeous and completely nautical engagement session over at grey likes weddings {right here } and just had to share. After all, the nautical-ness that you are about to see is what tying the knot is all about. Sailboats, a wooden dock, buoys, sailing rope and blue skies. You just cannot go wrong.
I am loving the use of oars! The middle shot is just adorable. The couple could display a few of these pictures at their reception and have guests sign an oar instead of the traditional guest book!
Usually it's the bride-to-be's shoes that are featured in the famed "shoe shot." However, these Sperry Top-Siders totally stole the show {and the shot}!
This straight up nautical session is courtesy of yuriy manchik, a Seattle-based photographer. The entire engagement session can be seen right here.
As much as I loved the nautical-ish engagement photos of ours seeing these makes me wish that we would have taken it one step further and gone all out with a full-blown nautical engagement session!p.s. A little shout-out to Summer of grey likes weddings. She always features the best weddings. Reading her blog is a little slice of sunshine everyday.

Plum Bridesmaids Dresses {with pockets!}

2010-06-16T09:21:00.001-04:00

I would have given my left arm to have seen these bridesmaids dresses before our wedding. I would have swiftly zipped each one of my bridesmaids into one of them. I love the flattering shape of the dress as well as the neckline options. Not to mention the stunning color!
And did I mention/did you see...the dress has pockets!!! My best friends wedding was last weekend. Our bridesmaids dresses {cobalt blue & seen here} had pockets and I couldn't keep my hands out of them. Not to mention they come in handy to hold lip gloss and kleenex.

All pictures courtesy of jessica strickland from the wedding of kristi and matt

Engagement Pictures at the Speedway

2010-05-25T08:52:00.000-04:00

Indianapolis is gearing up for the Indianapolis 500 and I couldn't resist sharing a couple pictures from this engagement session shot by Nicole Green at the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway!

All of these shots were taken on the historic bricks that are still exposed on the track. You all know that I love the "shoe shot" that also provides a close up of the bricks! Thanks so much, Nicole, for sharing these pictures!

Nautical-ish Bouquets

2010-05-18T08:53:00.001-04:00

This past weekend I threw a nautical themed bachelorette party in Chicago for my friend Debbie. I'm still recuperating from planning and throwing the party and I'm absolutely still in the nautical themed mode, so I thought that I would share these adorable nautical-ish bouquets.
When I think of a "nautical" bouquet, it's always white. Then, its accented with green to provide a preppy nautical look or accented with a red {see below!} to provide the tried and true nautical color scheme. Both are gorgeous, in my opinion.

The striped wrap is just the icing on the cake, if you will, for these bouquets. And, it's what brings the nautical flare to these pieces.

I just had to sneak a picture in of the magenta {red} and white bouquet. Isn't it stunning!?

Janie from The Brides Cafe is the designer behind Janie Medley Flora Design and is consistently creating the most delightful bouquets which, I am sure, are even more beautiful in person!

p.s. The white bouquet contains Peonies, Scabiosa, Hypericum Berries and Scented Geranium Leaves. The red and white bouquet below contains Peonies, Dahlias {my favorite!}, Seeded Eucalyptus and Scented Geranium Leaves.

p.p.s. Bouquets designed by Janie Medley Flora Design and photos taken by Katie of Open Air Photography. used with expressed permission of Janie Medley Flora Design.

A Nautical Themed Chicago Bachelorette Party

2010-05-13T09:08:00.001-04:00

In 2008 my closest girlfriends accompanied me to Chicago for my bachelorette party. This weekend we're headed there again for a bachelorette bash in honor of my MOH and best friend Debbie. It's nautical themed, naturally, and I am quite certain that we will have a ball.
I'll be sharing the invitations {designed and produced by Chelsey at 4th and folded} next week over at Penned & Pretty, but here's a little sneak peek! Have a great weekend!!

Something Blue Bridal Shower Cupcake Flags

2010-04-14T05:06:00.001-04:00

Oh hi, friends! It's been a while and I'm so sorry about that. Recently I've been recovering from seeing my alma mater play in the Final Four and for the National Championship, attending a concert of one of my favorite country music artists & meeting her backstage{!!!}, working overtime at my day job, cranking out calligraphy order after order after order and trying to complete my duties as maid of honor for my best friend and her upcoming wedding. To say that those are only the highlights of the last month would be an understatement.
Today, I'd like to share with you the darling cupcake flags that I made for my friend's shower mentioned above. Debbie is having a Florida destination wedding sprinkled with blue, white and khaki accents. Thus, I wasted no time in throwing myself fully behind the idea of throwing her a "Something Blue" shower. As you know, friends, it's all about the details...and there just had to be cupcake flags present!

A while ago, I bought a jewel colored cardstock pack at Walmart for various craft projects. I used 1 piece of white cardstock and 4 different colored blue cardstock pieces to create 20 cupcake flags. Using a font that matched the shower invitations, I created the flag template on Word and printed it, in blue ink, onto each of the five cardstock pieces. {p.s do a couple of test runs first to get the correct printer settings and spacing before using all of your good cardstock!} Using a ruler and a pencil, I drew in a cutting guide for each flag.

After the long flag strips were cut, I folded each of them in half around a toothpick and affixed each one with craft glue. Cutting an inverse triangle into each flag provided just the effect that I was going for. The flags were ready to see some action.
Bridesmaid Laura Ann baked and iced the most delicious cupcakes! We added blue sugar sprinkles and gingerly added the flags as a finishing touch.
The cupcake flags were easy make and added a personal touch/detail at the shower that many guests commented about. It's also a great way to incorporate the theme/colors of the shower or wedding into the details of the shower. The bride loved them and, in the end, isn't that all that matters!?

If you would like for me to send you the template that I used, please send me an email to pennedandpretty{at}gmail{dot}com and I will send out a mass e-mail in the next week with the Word & pdf template! Just put "cupcake flag template" in the subject line!

p.s. stay tuned...later in the week I'll be sharing my something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue shower favors!

p.p.s. head on over to Penned & Pretty to see the something blue shower invitations. To say that I'm quite proud of them would be an understatement!

Pretty Little Turquoise Reception Details

2010-03-05T07:40:00.003-05:00

If you're ever in need of some wedding invitation inspiration, head on over to my other blog Penned & Pretty. I try to feature everything from down home DIY invitations to the most luxurious invitations that should be hand delivered on a platter. One of my favorite invitation suites that I featured was this one with envelope liners resembling map paper and the envelopes themselves adorned with vintage stamps. Today, here at tying the knot, I'm going to share with you the stunning photos from the gorgeous reception that the guests that received the invitation had the pleasure to attend. Let's start with the darling bride and groom, shall we!? And, it never hurts that this little montage include a sock and shoe shot as well as the pleasant little chapel by the sea where they tied the knot! This wedding is bursting at the seams with the most beautiful details. I am loving her bouquet, and the locket that adorns it. And how incredible is this vintage car?! These are just a few of the details from the wedding. You must see the feature by Abby of Style Me Pretty on this wedding with the scoop on all the details. See the feature here, here, here, and here.

The reception details, my friends, are so perfectly coordinated without being overly matchy matchy. I love the escort card display adorned by the sign asking "where in the world are you sitting?" Incorporating the map details repeatedly the perfect way to gather that cohesive look.

I used to love messing around with my parents type writer back in the day. I think that there is something so nostalgic and sweet about the typewriter...a reminder of simpler days, perhaps, when people could {somehow} function without a blackberry or iphone tethered to their hands. Both the vintage typewriter {love that color} and postcards were scattered throughout the reception just begging to be used to deliver a sweet note to the bride and groom.
The last picture for this post is of the gorgeous reception setting. I have a feeling brides would give their left arm for a venue like this. Talk about stunning.

That's all for now, friends. There are so many beautiful details from this wedding that it was hard to only pick a few to share. You must check out the rest of the the stunning photos and take special note of her earrings...they are a gorgeous turquoise and provide the perfect pop of color and compliment her shoes.
Have a great weekend!

p.s. all images are courtesy of court at erin hearts court and used with expressed permission.
p.p.s i'm starting to pull together the design and cohesiveness of my personal blog. and i'm very very excited about it.

Married: In the Kitchen with a Clock

2010-02-24T06:11:00.001-05:00

Some of the most beautiful wedding photos are captured in the most atypical locations. For instance, this first photo was taken moments before the wedding ceremony. The bridesmaids and the bride were lined up in the kitchen of the restaurant where the ceremony and reception were taking place. You can almost feel their excitement.
The wedding ceremony came and went and the bride and the groom became mr. & mrs. The couple and their wedding party retreated back into the kitchen to share kisses, smiles, and laughter before re-joining their guests for the reception.

Who would have thought that a bride could have this much fun on her wedding day in the kitchen of a restaurant? I suppose having a newly minted husband, a glass of champagne and a stunning dress doesn't hurt. But this, my little bloggity blog friends, is my favorite picture from the kitchen series. How neat would it be to know that at 5:12 on your wedding day, shortly after you were pronounced husband and wife, that you kissed eachother...and the world stood still. It didn't matter that you were in a kitchen. It just mattered that in that moment you were married and very very very much in love. As you can tell, I am quite a fan of these pictures and other pictures taken in nontraditional locations that turn out fabulous and prove that pretty scenery isn't necessarily a must-have in an attempt to obtain a pretty picture. You can see more of these kitchen photos at 512 married and you must must must see this couples wedding photos right over here: the main course: ginger&adam

p.s. the stunning pictures in this post are by Heather of one love photo and used with expressed permission.

p.p.s. you can see a fantastic feature of this wedding {check out all the details and info!} by jen over at her always inspirational blog, green wedding shoes, right here!

Quite the Stunning Lace Dress

2010-02-15T08:41:00.002-05:00

You know, this dress just wasn't "me"at the time I was shopping for a wedding dress. But I so wish that it was. I am fairly certain that this is one of the top five of my favorite wedding dresses. Just look at that neckline!! And those straps extend into this stunning detail on the back of the dress. In my opinion, its everything a back of a dress should be, and more.
The dress even looks good in black and white, naturally.

You can see the details of this wedding right here. And trust me, there are a lot of pretty little details that you won't want to miss.

Pictures by the talented husband and wife team of Paul & Mecheal Johnson and used with expressed permission.

Style Me Pretty Calligraphy Feature

2010-02-12T04:17:00.000-05:00

There have been some pretty exciting things happening over at my little calligraphy shop, Penned & Pretty in the last few months! One of which I already blogged about over at Penned & Pretty, but just had to share with you here as well.

Back in December 2009, Molly of Paisley Quill gave me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of an inspiration to reality photo shoot for Style Me Pretty alongside some of the most wedding industry's finest vendors. I literally jumped at the chance.Molly sent me some of the most intricate and beautiful escorts I had ever seen. I put my "pretty adorable" calligraphy on about 20 of them and sent them back to her in time for the shoot. I couldn't wait to see how they would be used and I sure couldn't wait to see the pictures and feature!

Blacks, golds, baby blues and a little navy were the colors that shined throughout this stunning shoot. If you're thinking about having a winter wedding, I'm pretty sure that there is no way that you can see the pictures from this event and not be inspired. It's all about the details, as they say, and having the escort cards displayed on bare branches made for quite the eye-catcher. The stark branches gave way for the escort cards to shine. The outcome of the shoot was stunning, to say the least. If you haven't seen it already take a little look at the Style Me Pretty from inspiration to reality shoot part one part two part three part four {the video!} and part five!Here is a close-up of one of the escort cards. In case you didn't know, this is the "Pretty Adorable" style which is by far the most requested script from my little calligraphy shop! Here is a of the wonderful vendors that made this shoot happen! Flowers , Table Design and Dessert Buffet: Aisha Holly Dooby Design Group / Stationery: Molly Myers • Paisley Quill / Photography: Aruna Mall • Aruna B. Photography / Videography: Ryan Koral • Epic Motion / Venue: The Royal Park Hotel • Kristen Hickey / Hair & Make-up: Angela Valentine & Jennifer Jaroma • Salon U2 / Cake: Papa Joe’s Market/La Sala Banquet • Sue Helzer / Dress: Amsale • Donated by V2V / Model: Andrea Walker.

A very special thanks to Molly of Paisley Quill for the opportunity to be involved in this shoot and to Abby at Style Me Pretty for the feature!
All pictures by Aruna Mall of Aruna B. Photography and used with expressed permission.

Wedding Details with a Splash of Yellow

2010-01-18T08:47:00.000-05:00

The other day, over at Penned & Pretty, I posted one of the most unique escort card display I've ever laid eyes on. It just so happens that the rest of the wedding was just as lovely {with a splash of yellow}, so I had to share. Why don't we start out with the shoes? Ohhh these adorable little yellow bridal shoes.
Silver-taupe bridesmaids dresses? Yes, please! And those yellow bridesmaids bouquets pop with just the perfect amount of sunshine, don't you think?!

Don't get me wrong, I loved my bouquet. However, over a year later, I'm drawn more to the look and feel of a mixed bouquet. This one would be a delight to carry.

A little peak of the details on the tables at the reception and a charming cake with yellow details.

I'll leave you with one last picture, of the reception space {The Ocean Institute}. High ceilings, GORGEOUS table settings and a skeleton of an aquatic creature to top things off. See the absolutely to-die-for photos from this wedding right: here on the blog of Stephanie Williams. And don't forget to stop by the lovely blog of the talented Jesi Haack, the stylist behind all of the details of this event!
{pictures used with expressed permission of Stephanie Williams}

I'll Leave the Porch Light On...

2009-12-30T14:09:00.003-05:00

When I made my first post on this little bloggity blog back on August 22, 2007 (almost 2 months before I was even engaged!) there was no Snippet & Ink (September 2007), EAD Weddings (Oct 2007), the Bride's Cafe (October 2007), Green Wedding Shoes (Oct 2008) or 100 Layer Cake (Feb 2009). I know what you’re thinking…how in the world was one to ever plan a wedding without those blogs?!!? Back then I was (and still am) inspired by Classic Bride, An Excited Bride , Weddingbee and Style Me Pretty and I slowly began to plan our wedding day and document as much of the planning process as I could.

The wedding came and went and is now a lovely memory that I keep smiling back on. It would not have been as delightful if it had not been for the comments, ideas and inspiration left by readers like you and the copious amounts of pictures drawn from photographers blogs that helped form our vision thought the journey. After the wedding I pondered what would become of this little blog of mine. I didn’t really yet know the answer, so I kept plugging along and updating frequently with wedding things that caught my eye or made me swoon. And now, after 586 posts, I am once again pondering what will become of this little blog of mine.

I saw this quote on the {wonderful} A Practical Wedding a while ago and I think that it is most appropriate for this post of mine, "Every one of us is called upon, probably many times, to start a new life. A frightening diagnosis, a marriage, a move, the loss of a job... And onward full tilt we go, pitched and wrecked and absurdly resolute, driven in spite of everything to make good on a new shore. To be hopeful, to embrace one possibility after another - that is surly the basic instinct... Crying out: High tide! Time to move out into the glorious debris. Time to take this life for what it is." - Barbara Kingsolver, High Tide in Tucson

It is time for me to move out into “the glorious debris” of life after wedding planning. It’s time for me to cuddle more with my husband, fully enjoy nesting in our new home and make more time for friends and family. These things cannot be done while attempting to blog full time on two blogs, enduring a google reader containing over 100 lovely blogs and running a calligraphy shop on top of a real day job.
To say that this blog has brought me happiness over the past two years would be an understatement. I cannot put into words how proud I am of what this little blog of mine has become. I’ll never really be able to let this blog go, but it is time to start to loosen my grasp and move on to new shores and take this life as it is. Posting will be light and occur when the moment is right. After all, one can never resist to share a pretty picture of a soft image from a beautiful wedding, right? As long as I promise to leave the porch light on I hope that you will still drop by to visit every once in a while.

p.s. you can still catch me over at Penned & Pretty where I will continue to grow my blooming little calligraphy business and post as often on my calligraphy projects, favorite wedding invitations and other beautiful wedding paper goods.

p.p.s. perhaps a personal blog is in the works? would you read?!

photos by: adrienne beth photography . love them.

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T10:06:00.003-05:00

Many of you know that I have a little calligraphy shop, Penned & Pretty. So, you shouldn't be surprised that I always love receiving a pretty card in the mail complete with a fabulous envelope. This little beauty would have been a welcome guest in our mailbox. Oh my deer {or buck or antelope, whatever!}! Loving the break from the traditional Christmas tree, jingle bells and Santa Clause himself.
Oh what is there not to love about this envelope!? Red & gold is always a winning color combination at this time of year! If I do say so myself, my pretty calligraphy would look pretty adorable right beside the "kindly deliver to" instructions. The icing on top of the cake is that the envelope flap is on the side of the envelope instead of its traditional spot! On this Christmas Eve, I'd like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Here's to hoping that your stockings overflow with all sorts of goodness {and that you're not stranded in an airport!!}!
You can see more pictures of this holiday card designed by wiley valentine right here. p.s. there is all sorts of goodness by wiley valentine on their lovely blog. Enjoy!

The Perfect Gift

2009-12-02T07:36:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect gift for your maid of honor or bridesmaids? I think that I have found the answer. Keel's Simple Diary . The Simple Diary is a diary for those people that don't want just any diary. One with blank pages just won't do {mostly because our daily lives aren't that exciting to write home about}. The Keel's Simple Diary will ask you how your day went and give you only three options to choose from. Example: Your day was:
{ } irresistible { } reclusive { } listening Explain.
After that each page might feature a multiple choice question, a quote to ponder and a short question to answer either yes or no. Easy as that. Short and sweet, entertaining and just enough room to document the important or not-so-important events of the day.
I actually purchased the orange Simple Diary while on a recent {soul-searching} trip to New York City. Cross my heart, each night I look forward to recording my thoughts and answering the random questions in this diary. I recently gave a copy of this diary as a gift to my newly engaged MOH for her to use throughout her engagement period. What a neat keepsake to have {in my opinion}!

The Keel's Simple Diary is available on-line or at Anthropologie {$15} and can be purchased in a bevvy of colors!

p.s. just so you know, this post was in no way a sponsored post.

Cookie Favors or Gifts

2009-12-01T04:48:00.000-05:00

For those of you that have followed my blog for a while, you know that Halloween is my favorite "holiday" ever. So, I took the chance to send my seven bridesmaids a little Halloween care package. There were festive cupcake holders, cupcake toppers, a card telling each of them how much they mean to me and a mason jar of ready-to-make "Spooktacular" cookie mix {idea/recipie via Bakerella}.
You can get the full recipe/directions/ingredient list here at bakerella. I substituted orange, purple, black and green m&m's to make this a Halloween themed gift. Use red & green for Christmas and give as a hostess/thank you gift. These jars of goodness would also make great "prizes" at a wedding shower or bachelorette party {easily incorporating the bride's wedding colors}. You could even give them as favors if you are having a smaller wedding!

I finished each jar with an orange bandanna and a snippet of Halloween ribbon. Attached to the ribbon was a piece of green card stock with "Spooktacular" cookie mix written on the front with instructions to flip over for the recipe & cooking instructions. You could easily make a template for this card to print out multiples if giving them as gifts.

My friends loved the mix {thanks Bakerella!}! Hopefully some of you can utilize this little gem of a favor/gift. Easy to make, fun to give and good to eat...how can you resist!?

A Farmhouse Wedding

2009-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

What a setting! I'm a Midwestern girl, so it's no surprise that a rustic wedding at a dairy farm would be a delight for me to feature here on my little bloggity blog. Oh, and you must stop by Penned & Pretty today to see the corresponding wedding invitation suite!

Loving the delicate details in the brides dress contrasted by the dirt road.

What a lucky couple to have their wedding ceremony in the front yard of this adorable farmhouse!

The floral arrangements looked as though they were handpicked and you can't have a wedding in the country without a banjo!

A beautiful country background is the perfect setting for this casual formal yet informal bridal party photo. I always love a great ring shot and I love the texture of the wooden planks in this one!
Don't forget, you must stop by Penned & Pretty today to see the invitation for this beautiful wedding!

This lovely wedding was first spotted at Always Tuesday. Photos by Poiema Photography and used with expressed permission.

Thankful

2009-11-25T09:45:00.002-05:00

There are lots of things that I am thankful for, not just around the holidays, but throughout the year. I am thankful for the 23 short years that I was able to spend with my Dad. I am thankful that my Mom is not only my Mom, but a friend. I am thankful {and grateful} for a group of 10 women that have come into my life over the past seven years. I am thankful for the men & women serving in the armed forces. I am thankful that my husband and I have decent jobs and our bank account can afford my tri-weekly trips to Target. I am thankful for my little calligraphy business, penned and pretty and for this little blog {& it's readers} too. I am thankful that my husband and I have been blessed with over a year of marriage and have many more years together. And I am always, always, thankful for family.

photo by: adrienne beth

Tying the Knot: My Favorite Ring Shot

2009-11-20T11:56:00.004-05:00

Hi my little bloggity blog friends!
So sorry that posting has been slim to none here at Tying the Knot recently. To tide you over until next week I thought that I would share a never before seen ring shot {my favorite, actually!} of our rings taken by Nicole Green on our wedding day. My hairdresser had a fabulous bag complete with quite the bling that made quite the perfect background for our rings to rest on.
I hope that you all have a lovely weekend! I have been out of town for the past 12 days and am quite excited to land back in Ohio tonight and see my husband, Rawry, my own bed & pillow, catch up with my dvr {over a glass of wine} and partake in some early Christmas shopping & decorating that my husband promised me we could do this weekend. xoxo!

Picture Perfect: Matt & Erica

2009-11-17T09:57:00.003-05:00

I follow too many photographers blogs. Way too many. But it's all worth it when a couple that I know appears on one of those blogs. This time it was one of my sorority sisters, Erica, and her fiance, Matt. It took me all of two seconds to e-mail the ever fabulous photographer, megan w to see if I could share their pictures with all of you. You're in for a treat today.
Matt and Erica are "total foodies" as she puts it. They wanted some of their engagement photos in an Indianapolis restaurant with a unique, romantic and architectural feel.

Erica's black pumps and pencil skirt coordinated perfectly with Matt's professional suit and the attire was fitting for the restaurants' upscale cocktail hour. The pictures turned out just as Erica wanted them...a little sexy & sultry.

Matt & Erica also made a stop at Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians. Matt is an umpire in his spare time and Erica will often come to watch his games. The playful pictures from Victory field are some of Erica's favorites.

Matt and Erica took a bottle of wine to Memorial Park for a little picnic in the park. How cute is this, the blanket they sat on was made by Matt's grandma and the picnic basket was Erica's great grandmas.

This next photo is my favorite, hands down.

Erica and Matt are having their wedding and reception north of the city, so a couple of shots on the streets in downtown Indianapolis were a must. The Circle was the perfect location.

There were so many shots from their engagement session to choose from, it was hard to narrow it down. Matt and Erica also incorporated her favorite coffee shop, the Colts and the view of downtown from the suite where Matt works. They literally covered almost all of downtown in their engagement session!

You'll have to wait a little longer to see their wedding pictures. Matt & Erica are tying the knot on July 10th in Indianapolis. I'll be sure to post the pictures of the stunning bride & groom right here as soon as I get my little hands on them.

All pictures taken by megan w photography & used with expressed permission.

Effortless Beauty

2009-11-11T07:42:00.000-05:00

I am always a little giddy when I stumble upon a local photographer with a portfolio that makes my heart pitter patter. The lovely April Foster posted this gorgeous wedding by Amanda Wilcher and I was hooked. It took me all of about two seconds to scan Amanda Wilcher's blog before my little eyes landed on the wedding of Andy & Emily. Once again, I was hooked and I think that you'll see why.

I'll give you an extra minute or so to pry your eyes off of the bride's gorgeous dress. Warning: the next photo is equally gorgeous and it features the darling couple, Andy & Emily. The photographer, Amanda dubbed these children the "Ralph Lauren" children. I couldn't have come up with a better description. They are just too adorable.
My heart always does a little pitter patter when I see bridesmaids in something other than traditional {plain vanilla} bridesmaids dresses. These dresses are just divine. And re-wearable, naturally. These next two photos are a bride's dream. The most beautiful bridal portraits that just sort of unfolded before the photographer's eyes as they were making their way up a staircase.

Talk about effortless beauty.

This last photo is a favorite of mine for so many reasons: the lighting, the angles, the picket fence and, of course, a couple so clearly in love.

It was so difficult to select just a few favorites from this wedding. You must see the rest at Amanda's blog here.

Images used with permission from the fabulous photographer Amanda Wilcher.

The Perfect Fall Bouquet

2009-11-06T08:35:00.000-05:00

When I lived in Indianapolis, I worked with this little red head with a soft laugh and a welcoming smile. As you'll see, that little red head became a radiant bride this past October and Nicole Green {my favorite photographer} was there to capture her gorgeous day.

There was nothing, nothing {alright, perhaps the bride herself!} more beautiful than the bouquet that Kathryn held throughout the day. Be still my heart. The perfect fall bouquet:
Plum Shoes will always hold a special place in my heart. Kathryn's were just as adorable.
Kathryn, you were such a beautiful bride! I love this picture of the two of you. It's absolutely a "framer."

Kathryn gave each of the bridesmaids an adorable pashmina to wrap around their shoulders throughout the day since the middle of October can be a little chilly in the Midwest. Besides the flowers, I think that they were my favorite little detail of the day. The golden hue of the pashminas compliment the fall color scheme perfectly!

I love how Kathryn's bouquet pops against the white wall in the picture below. Like I said before, it was and is the perfect fall bouquet.
I'm always up for a good ring shot and Nicole always does such a beautiful job with them. Maybe I'll post mine for all of you to see next week. Until then, here is Kathryn's gorgeous ring atop Scott's ring and some beautiful fall foliage. All pictures taken by the lovely Nicole Green and used with expressed permission.

p.s. Kathryn was a Penned & Pretty client. Nicole was gracious enough to send over a picture of the place cards that I penned with my calligraphy for Kathryn's wedding reception. You can see it at Penned & Pretty by clicking right here!

A Gorgeous Friend Turned Gorgeous Bride: Part 2

2009-11-05T08:14:00.000-05:00

Jessica & Steve's wedding was the perfect mix of rustic meets beach. Therefore, the gave the bride and the groom had the perfect excuse to go barefoot for most of the day.
The groom and groomsmen wore dapper tweed vests. The groom's boutonniere opened throughout the day and coordinated perfectly with the overall rustic feel of the day.
The bridesmaids bouquets looked like they were plucked from a wild garden and formed into the most lovely arrangement.
Steve and Jessica were united in marriage next to the ebb and flow of the waves. I don't think that there could be a more fitting setting to marry in than on that mirrors the ups and downs of a marriage that you have to forge through together.
Remember this post?! Let me remind you that its a little nerve wracking to be standing up there in front of all of your guests during your ceremony. Instead of standing up there clutching your {gorgeous} bouquet, remember to reach for your fiance's hands. Not only will your nerves settle down, but it makes for a quite the lovely picture.These next two pictures are my favorites. I feel as though they truly convey why you and your new husband should take a moment at the end of the aisle to relish in the fact that you are finally married. For keeps, as they say.

Yet another favorite. I adore her bouquet.

I just cannot imagine a more charming venue to have a wedding reception. Picture perfect.

Now this, my friends is what a couple looks like when they are totally in the moment during their first dance.

I'm not sure on the exact back story on this truck, but I love the photos ben williams was able to capture as the couple was using it for their getaway vehicle. If you can't tell, this picture reflects the true spirit of Jessica and Steve.

Dearest Jessica, you're just as pretty as you were in high school. Figures! I hope that your wedding day was as beautiful as it appears in the pictures. More so, I hope that you have found your best friend and life long partner in Steve. Wishing you years and years of happiness!!!

Jessica and Steve's wedding day was captured by ben williams weddings. Pictures used with expressed permission.

A Gorgeous Friend Turned Gorgeous Bride: Part 1

2009-11-03T04:21:00.001-05:00

I had a friend in high school named Jessica. She was beautiful, outgoing and had an infectious smile. As you'll see, not much has changed. Jessica got married a few months ago and my jaw dropped when I saw the pictures of her wedding day. I know you'll love them as much as I do.

For starters, meet Jessica. A gorgeous friend and a gorgeous bride.
Jessica got ready for her day in a rustic cabin. My favorite shot of her getting ready was this one in which she was carefully putting a flower in her hair as her best friend looked on.

Naturally, my gorgeous friend would marry a gorgeous guy. Meet Steve:
I have to say that some of my favorite shots of the bridal party are of the groomsmen. I love their vests and boutonnieres {to be seen in the next post}, their chuck taylor shoes {below} and the fact that they were genuinely having fun together. You just don't' see that all too often.

Not to be outdone, the bridesmaids were full of smiles too.
Jessica and Steve were married in northern Michigan at Point Betsie Lighthouse. The venue, and the area around it, provided hills, sand dunes, water and an all around perfect place to say your vows and take your wedding photos.

One of my many favorites. More of the beautiful venues and ceremony images to come tomorrow!!

The photographer that so beautifully captured Jessica and Steve's wedding day is the talented Ben Williams of ben williams weddings . Pictures used with expressed permission.

Our First {Wedding} Anniversary

2009-11-02T15:14:00.001-05:00

Halloween is always a special day for Chris and I. On Halloween in 2005 we became "official." On Halloween in 2007, Chris proposed. Out of the two of us, I have a long list of our special days and anniversaries (the day we met, the day we kissed, the day we married, etc). Now that we're married, Chris is attempting to only have to really celebrate one day, our wedding day. I still intend on celebrating them all...even if it's just myself and a bottle of champagne! Ha.On September 27, we celebrated our one year {wedding} anniversary. My first gift to Chris was really more of a gift for both us. It is a tiny text "i love you" bowl from palomas nest. I have wanted one for a while now and this just seemed to be the perfect occasion to splurge on one. It now sits on our bathroom vanity counter top and holds our rings when we are showering or getting ready in the morning.
I also incorporated paper in my gift as it is the traditional wedding anniversary gift for the first year of marriage. A few months ago, I saw this little post on an idea for the "Card Catalog of Love" and i knew right then and there that it would be the perfect anniversary gift to my husband. The book call numbers were replaced with significant dates in our lives. The titles of the books were replaced with the event that occurred on that special date and included a summary of the event along with important people, locations, etc. My husband teared up when he started reading through the 30+ cards that I had come up with that date back to the day we met. We intend on adding 5-10 cards a year to the box along with pictures from those significant dates. In 10 years I think that it will be a family keepsake that we will always treasure.
It was a very happy {and meaningful} first anniversary!
Pictures taken by jessicalynn402 of the Palomas Nest bowl and used with permission of Palomas Nest.

Eat, Drink & Be Married Poster

2009-10-19T05:44:00.000-04:00

In this post, I featured the lovely poster mat from Heather's {we met in a bar} wedding. If you're looking for adorable posters for your guests to sign at your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception, check out the lovely etsy shop of orange beautiful and rest your eyes on this charming 8x10 poster!
Purchase it here and then find a snazzy frame for it to go in!

Throw Ring

2009-10-13T04:12:00.001-04:00

Remember this engagement session that I was so enamoured with!?
Well, the photographer, kate headley, just posted a sneak peak of one of the details from their wedding. And it totally ties into their engagement session!
The couple's adorable dog was featured in their engagement photo {left}. An adorable cookie reflected the black lab with an orange throw ring {right}, paying homage to the couple's too-cute-for-words engagement pictures. Needless to say, I cannot wait for the rest of the wedding pictures!!!
photos by: kate headley

White and Fluffy

2009-10-12T05:16:00.001-04:00

A short little post for you today as it's Monday. My weekend was spent travelling {per usual}, attending my niece's soccer game, reorganizing my closet completing a penned & pretty order and doing too many loads of laundry. So I'll just leave you with this little gem of a bouquet. I am in love the fact that its a stunningly simple bouquet filled with texture. There once was one lucky bride that got to clutch this bouquet on her special day!

as seen on the classic bride blog via Charleston Magazine

Just Beachy

2009-10-08T05:48:00.003-04:00

My dear friend Debbie is getting married in Destin, Florida this coming June and has chosen Candice K to be her photographer! As I wait for Candice to post Debbie and Andrew's engagement pictures, I thought that I would share this recent beach wedding she shot. I'm not always a lover of dress shots, but the light coming through the window blinds and illuminating this dress makes it easy to look at and love.
The bride's hair, make-up, jewelry and bouquet all compliment each other nicely. Soft and stunning.

A lovely shot of the bridal party. I am always a fan of men in khaki suits for a beach wedding. It gives off the perfect formal-but-casual vibe.
A beach/destination bride cannot go wrong with a simple centerpiece accented by a sand dollar and shells {while in Rome...}. The starfish is an added bonus, in my opinion.

I am so excited for candice to photograph Debbie and Andrew's wedding. And if I could just request one thing, it would be that she would snap a picture of them like this:photos on the blog of candice k from the wedding of brittany and kevin

Poster Mat

2009-10-05T04:36:00.001-04:00

Chris has constantly been telling me that we have too many pictures of him and I around our house. I justify it by saying that we have beautiful wedding and engagement pictures along with 4 years of documented memories that i just need to display. Besides, it's not like we have a child {or dog, for that matter} to take pictures of and display around the house!
Recently I saw this post at we met in a bar featuring the lovely poster mat from their wedding:

In my personal opinion, this has to be the next big trend {RIP picture mat}. Purchase a {wedding/love} print that you both love and want to hang in your home. Have your guests sign it and it's guaranteed to have a special place in your home and hold a special meaning for you both.

Naturally, Heather from we met in a bar, had a gorgeous instructional sign accompanying the marker jar to let her guests know they were welcome to sign the mat.

We had our wedding party and close family sign a picture mat at our rehearsal dinner {we had our guests sign a blurb guest book at our reception}. The signature mat is still sitting on the floor of our home office. I know, sad but true. One day it will find a home. I can't help but think that Chris would gladly let me hang a print, like the one above, before he lets me hang another picture of ourselves {picture mat included}. Le Sigh.
That being said, all you brides-to-be out there, jump on the poster mat bandwagon! I would love to see what poster you find for your guests to sign!
Images by Studio 7 Photography

Long Live the Weekend

2009-10-02T06:06:00.000-04:00

Monday can be hard to wake up to. So, I hope that you all thoroughly enjoy the weekend. Make it worthwhile by cuddling up to the one that you love and partaking in a glass of wine {or two}. Sprinkle in time with family, if possible, and catch a breath of the lovely fall air.

For those of you getting married this weekend. Live every moment of your big day, and get a little one-on-one time with your new husband. After all, who wouldn't want a picture like the one above!?
scarlett lillian as found on the blissful bride blog

Nautical Wrap

2009-10-01T05:47:00.000-04:00

Erin at Lucky Me! recently posted this lovely little eye candy of a fellow blogger {Aylee} that is planning her wedding with a nautical theme!

You all should know that nautical themed weddings hold a close little place in my heart as I spent my childhood summers at the lake and the anchor represented my sorority's ideals and beliefs. Once upon a time, I was planning a nautical wedding.

So, imagine my glee when this picture of Aylee's DIY bouquet appeared in my google reader!

I don't think that a bouquet could get more lovely! You cannot go wrong with hydrangeas, a nautical rope bouquet wrap and a bow to finish it off. Loves it.

Baby's Breath

2009-09-30T07:46:00.002-04:00

I have long been a fan of using baby's breath as the primary florals of a wedding day. And after seeing these pictures, why wouldn't you want to!?
The bridesmaids bouquets were beautiful heaps of baby's breath. Baby's breath also adorned each of the pews at the ceremony. What a soft flower that has an undoubtedly beautiful effect.

See the whole post here via the blog of southern weddings magazine.

Oh Hello

2009-09-29T07:49:00.000-04:00

I would like for all of you to say hello to one of the most beautiful wedding dresses I have ever seen. Oh hello, whimsy ruffles!I cannot decided if I'm more in love with the dress, or the incredible jacket that accompanies it. I'd say it's a toss up.
Either way, the dress and the jacket make for a stunning combination. I cannot seem to get over the copious amounts of darling ruffles.

I'd say that this qualifies as having quite the lovely train. Every bride should feel a little sassy in her wedding dress. I'd say this dress does the trick.As seen on this post at the utah bride blog.

Fall Flowers

2009-09-28T05:56:00.001-04:00

Chris and I purchased the most beautiful yellow mums this week to welcome autumn with open arms. Fall weddings have always been my favorite and our photographer, nicole green recently shot a beautiful fall wedding with the most divine flowers. I just had to share. Stunning. And then some.

The boutonniere, it's not half bad either. In fact, I am in love.

And the bride's shoes were quite possibly the cutest gold flats I have seen in a while. Perfect for an early fall wedding.

Nicole, you have some pretty awesome clients with great taste. Myself included.

All the stars in the sky....

2009-09-27T09:53:00.002-04:00

Chris often asks me "How much do you love me?" For the longest time I would stretch out my arms as far as they would go and say, "Thhhhhis much." To which he would tease me by saying, "That's it?!?!" He would then pout until I assured him that I love him very very much. And then, one day, I found the perfect card to give to him {which now hangs on our fridge for him to reference anytime he needs some reassurance}:

"All the stars in the sky and all the shells on the shore...if you counted them up, I'd still love you more."
Today, we are celebrating our one year anniversary and I just cannot get over how lucky I am to have him in my life. I love you b. xoxoxo, wifey.
photo by: nicole green with a little extra processing from picknic

Did It Herself

2009-09-25T11:18:00.000-04:00

You can, and should, make your own bouquets & boutonnières for your wedding. There, I said it. I wish I would have done it and you shouldn't have the same regret. So listen up my little crafty readers and see how one bride {Brittni from papernstitch} did it herself.

A few simple raw {and beautiful!} materials were ordered from Whole Foods, assembled {above} and turned into a stunning bouquet {below}.

Do it the night before or the morning of and enlist your friends & bridesmaids to help. To be honest, I don't think that you could possibly "mess it up." Its not rocket science, but it probably helps to have a dry test run a month or so before the wedding!

You can see the complete step-by-step instructions/tutorial here and her wedding post here at 100 layer cake. Get to it!

Your Mom's Dress

2009-09-25T09:13:00.001-04:00

A couple years ago, I made my Mom pull her wedding dress out of the closet and show it to me. It was actually her mother's wedding dress that she also was able to wear. Talk about a beautiful heirloom worn by two women I love!
I, however, was not too keen on wearing it on my wedding day. And I didn't want to selfishly chop it up with scissors to make a garter or add part of it to my dress/veil/bouquet wrap. So, back in the closet it went.
This is what I should have done:
Pretty Bride displayed both her mother's and her mother-in-law's bridal gowns at her reception. What a lovely way to recognize both women! I am sure that the each mother, and the guests, loved the added detail.

You can find the rest of Pretty Bride's reception recap here.

Goof

2009-09-24T13:25:00.000-04:00

There's always that one groomsmen that's a little bit of a goof...

...hopefully your photographer can get him to behave for at least one shot.

photos by megan w

Four Years

2009-09-09T05:43:00.001-04:00

Four years ago tonight, I went on an unplanned and last minute road trip with a college friend. We grabbed a bottle of boone's farm wine at some point during the 2 hour drive {see explanation below} and blasted a CD filled with Rascal Flatts music in preparation for the concert we would be seeing later that night. Little did I know that I would find my future husband at that concert. Now, that's not to say that I didn't know almost immediately that we were meant to be. Here's a little known fact: we called each other future husband/future wife from the night we met. Precious isn't it!? So is this engagement photo that I never shared with all of you, if I do say so myself.

Happy anniversary, Chris. I am so so so thankful that fate brought us to that same concert on that hot September night. I love you!

Engagement photo by Nicole Green. Edited just a touch with the "cross process" function in picnik. Related posts: The Engagement Photos: Cottage Edition, Lake Edition and Fields and Tracks

{explanation: the walmart that we stopped at in the middle of nowhere didn't sell beer or wine or liquor. just boone's and maybe some mike's hard lemonade. we just did what we had to do. we were in college, so blame it on that too.}

Alternate Whispy-ness

2009-09-08T05:32:00.000-04:00

If there was ever a hair do that I could have had on my wedding day {besides the one I actually had!}, this would be it. It's just lovely mixture of sophistication and whispy-ness.
I never thought that I was a bride that would ever stick a flower in my hair on the day of my wedding. This little bride might have convinced me that I could have and I should have.

In case her dress was blinding you in the above shots, and distracted you from the beauty that was her hair, I present to you my favorite shot of the day:

pictures found at the brides cafe as shot by sarah rhoads

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-04T13:35:00.000-04:00

Hi friends,
I'm off with my husband to enjoy the last few rays of summer at the lake with my Mom. This time of year always comes with mixed feelings. The fun days of summer slowly fade and winter, it seems, is lurking right around the corner. But for this weekend I'm going to wear my favorite white shorts and capris {right up til Monday} and have as many margaritas as I can before trading it all for jeans, hooded sweatshirts and red wine that come along with fall.
Have a lovely weekend my little bloggity blog friends!
{not sure where this lovely image came from...apologies!}

An Abandoned Greenhouse

2009-09-03T07:37:00.000-04:00

I do believe that this engagement photo was taken inside an old abandoned greenhouse. Clearly, the results were phenomenal. Proof once again that one's idea of pretty scenery isn't necessarily pertinent to obtaining framaeble pictures. But, just in case you are more of a traditional engagement picture bride to be, here are a couple of other lovelies from their session.

pictures discovered on the brides cafe right here by What Shanni Saw.

Wrapped with Twigs

2009-09-02T04:21:00.000-04:00

Wait until you see the bridesmaid bouquets from this wedding you guys! First, however, the lovely couple with an equally lovely bridal bouquet.

The groom not only had a boutonniere {a calla lily and green berries} that completely complimented the bride's bouquet, but he had quite a stunning tie too!

Here, my friends, are the absolutely drop dead gorgeous bridesmaid bouquets.

I felt as though you couldn't appreciate their full beauty in the picture above. A close up was necessary so that you could see the berries, the calla lilies and the lovely way the twigs wrap around each bouquet. How could you not be charmed by one of these beauties?!

At the reception, the centerpieces incorporated the twigs from the bridesmaid's bouquets as well as the texture from the green berries. The result was a lovely spray that allowed the florals to tie the whole day together.
And I couldn't resist including a picture of the cupcakes in their complimentary color palette. After all, what better of a picture to end this post with than one topped with sugar!
photos by jessica strickland and can be found here

Make of it What You Will

2009-09-01T06:33:00.001-04:00

I am in love with these florals. In love. It's like the bride gave the florist a couple adjectives of what she wanted and told him/her to "make of it what you will" and run with greens and whites with hints of yellow. In turn, she received the most beautiful creations. Ever.
The bride's bouquet (above right) complimented the groom's boutonniere (above, left center) perfectly. The groomsmen's boutonnieres were similar but not matchy-matchy. The bridesmaids bouquets (below, left) had punches of yellow that glowed against their black dresses yet blended perfectly into a soft bouquet. Touches of lemons were added throughout the day (below, right)and were a welcomed detail. I won't even begin to tell you how much I adore the bridesmaid's lemon shoes!The place cards were pinned to a lemon which made them sweet and far from sour. Rustic table numbers were flanked by yellow flowers that made quite the statement.

The tables were and are a delight. The lemons did all the work in giving the tables that "wow factor." Simple leafy centerpieces flanked the tables and added texture to the tablescape.

This wedding is just another example of how the vision of the wedding was shaped through the bridal party flowers, the brides bouquet and the groomsmen's boutonnieres. What's not to love?!
all photos by the talented jose villa .

Yellow Billy Balls {and Baloons!}

2009-08-31T06:29:00.000-04:00

I always love how the vision of the wedding shines through in the bridal party flowers, the brides bouquet and the groomsmen's boutonnieres. I loved this bride's bouquet from the moment I set eyes on it. Just wait until you see how the flowers set the tone for this event {with the assistance of a couple yellow balloons!}. The bridesmaids carried a smaller version of the bride's lovely bouquet. These darling flowers are craspedia's which are more commonly known as Billy Balls or Billy Buttons. They certainly make a statement on their own but can also be added into a bouquet as an accent.

The billy balls were not only used in the bride's and bridesmaid's bouquets but they also made an appearance on the lapels on the suits of the groom and groomsmens. The groomsmen's yellow ties also pack quite a punch!To bring in the gray part of the color pallet to the bridesmaid's ensembles, they each had a gray cardigan to wear on the wedding day. And what did the groomsmen get to wear to spice up their outfits? Spiffy white shoes, of course!

As if it couldn't get any better, the groom and groomsmen sported yellow and gray argyle socks!

I'm going to go ahead and throw this story out there. My Mom suggested that we use balloons to decorate our reception venue. I recall looking at her like she had a horn growing out of her forehead. I associated balloon decor with my senior prom, not my wedding reception. However, these balloons actually work!Even the cupcake table reflects the yellow theme!

I am such a fan of the flowers used in this wedding and seeing how they pulled together the color palette throughout the wedding day. Check back tomorrow for another post on this same topic!

In the mean time, check out more pictures from this beautiful wedding by rebekah westover here here

Proof

2009-08-26T05:13:00.001-04:00

Proof that not all boutonnieres have to be fashioned from flowers.
A little lavender and some baby’s breath atop a small leaf makes for quite the charming addition to any lapel.

as found on the inspiring blog of: robert sukrachand

Bridal Take on American Gothic

2009-08-25T06:58:00.000-04:00

Nestled in the grass with the mountains in the background, two couple's take on the American Gothic painting. A shovel and a rake/pitchfork alongside a veil and a snazzy suit.
Create your own. And then frame it.

As found on utah bride blog here and here

The Beginning of Forever

2009-08-21T06:53:00.001-04:00

This weekend is the wedding of one of my dearest friends Laura to her fiance, Rich. You might know Laura as the blogger behind The Beginning of Forever. To me, however, she is just my crazy friend who is always up for a beer, a good laugh and picking up right where we left off.

After we get the rehearsal out of the way on Friday night, the party starts at a swanky downtown restaurant with the rehearsal dinner. Laura is then having her bridesmaids back to her bridal suite for a girls night sleepover. I couldn't be more excited to laugh, share stories and drink a little champagne!

Laura has an awesome bridal party and there is no doubt in my mind that we will rock out the bridal party pictures like so:

Laura, this weekend will be so memorable. It just seems like yesterday when our friendship truly began. That hot summer Wednesday evening in 2005 while sitting on your porch, beverage in hand, and deciding to skip our Macro Econ summer class. It was so worth it. We've shared so many memories together since that night and this weekend we will add many more. I cannot wait to hear you squeal with delight as you get into your dress and get all done up for your big day! You will be such a beautiful bride and I am so honored to stand next to you while you tie the knot! It will certainly be a beautiful day.

Much love,

xoxo jessica lynn

photos via bobbi + mike

Birds Nest

2009-08-12T05:53:00.000-04:00

I absolutely adore this ring shot! A little birds nest used to cradle the most beautiful engagement ring perched atop a tiny flower bud.
Speaking of flower buds, the bouquet used throughout this engagement session is just divine. The word divine can also be used to describe the light in this photo, the cowboy boots and the other pictures in this engagement session.
photos by: erin jean via grey likes weddings

Lucky Designs Celebration

2009-08-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

One of our favorite bloggers, Erin from Lucky Me, is hosting a give-a-way for five lucky readers in honor of her 30th birthday! Five random winners will receive one of the following prizes!

The Skinny Cow ice cream
A 1 hour consultation from Aviva Events
A $50 Gift Certificate from The Best Wedding Sites Boutique
Earrings from Natasha Ylana Designs
A set of thank you cards from Purple Lemon Designs

How to win:
Venture on over to Lucky Me and leave a comment describing your favorite birthday memory and/or birthday tradition by Friday, August 14th (midnight EST). Five random winners will receive a gift from one of the vendors above!

White Shoes

2009-08-11T05:40:00.000-04:00

If you told me that I just had to wear white shoes on my wedding day, these would be one of my top 5 picks. Aren't they adorable?!photo by: stone blue productions via with this ring.

Engagement Pictures: Carnival Fun

2009-08-04T04:51:00.000-04:00

The days of summer are slowly slipping by. If your engagement session is coming up and the state fair or carnival is in town, grab your finance and your photographer and get to work capturing the last few rays of a beautiful summer evening.
I personally think it's a must to hop on the ferris wheel and the carousel. What's not to love about these pictures?!
When the sun sets, the vibrant colors of the sky combined with the glow from the booths are sure to make for some breathtaking pictures. previous posts on this topic: here
photos, from top to bottom: chenin boutwell, leo patrone via snippet & ink and millie holloman

Face Time

2009-08-03T06:49:00.001-04:00

Along with holding hands with your husband on your wedding day, make sure you get some face time in too.

Scheduling some extra, "fluff," time into your schedule will give you a little cushion to fall back on in case your hair stylist is taking too long or the groomsmen are late for their picture session. If your wedding day runs smoothly that extra time in your schedule will allow you some extra face time with your husband. Take advantage in the form of taking more pictures together or stealing a quiet moment away from all of the joyful commotion in a secluded place {your hotel suite, a private room in your venue or taking a walk nearby}. You'll be glad you did. photo by rebekah westover.

Holding Hands

2009-07-29T07:54:00.000-04:00

Just a little reminder from someone who has been there and done that. Its a little nerve wracking to be standing up there in front of all of your guests during your ceremony. Instead of standing up there clutching your {gorgeous} bouquet, remember to reach for your fiance's hands. Not only will your nerves settle down, but it makes for a quite the lovely picture.
Plus, it's your wedding day and guests like seeing you all touchy feely and in love!
photo via: chenin boutwell

Promotion

2009-07-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

This little blogger just learned today that she is getting a promotion in October at her day job!

A celebration is clearly in order and the husband is going to cook up quite a feast for us tonight and an expensive bottle of champagne will be purchased, opened, and consumed this evening.

Bonus points if he brings home a breathtaking bouquet like this tonight. These lovely flowers were designed by the talented JM Flora with photos by Katie Stoops.

Sheer Happiness

2009-07-24T06:09:00.001-04:00

If there is one feeling that you should have while putting on your wedding dress the day of your wedding, it is one of sheer happiness.
Bonus points if it makes you feel like a princess.
To all of you getting married this weekend, I cannot wait for you to experience that moment. Best of luck and enjoy every moment!

photo by amy carroll via pearls events

Killer Bridesmaid Dresses

2009-07-21T05:47:00.000-04:00

Evoke photography is back to posting {yay!} after an all-too-long hiatus and you have got to see these killer bridesmaid dresses.
Do you see it!? Do you see the absolutely beautiful lace overlay!? Be still my little heart.

In case you weren't sure if the dresses weren't beautiful enough from far away, a little up close detail action will surely assure you that any bridesmaid would be glad to wear a dress like this.

The images are appearing too small on my little bloggity blog so you must click over to this post and see them in their true glory.

Evidence

2009-07-20T06:21:00.001-04:00

By now you all know that I have a deep deep love for long {really long} veils. I would like to share this little gem with you. Just a little evidence of a long veil doin' it's thang and rockin' it out.
Further evidence of how stunning long veils are can be seen on this little bloggity blog here, here, here and here. And of course, my own veil in action striking a pose for the camera right here.

photo above via: out labor of love

My Special Day

2009-07-16T09:09:00.004-04:00

Today is my 25th little birthday and, if you don't mind, I'll be taking the rest of the week off to celebrate! Here are a couple gems that I wouldn't remind receiving from a certain husband.
I do believe that this bouquet is a bouquet of sweet peas. Sweet peas for a sweet pea, right?!

Peonies peonies peonies. What girl could ever resist peonies?!

I hope that you all have as beautiful of a day as I am about to have!

photos by open air photography for janie medley flora design

Potential New Best Friends

2009-07-14T08:42:00.001-04:00

I saw a little snippet of this engagement session of a super cute couple and I instantly wished they were our neighbors. I have a feeling that we could be the best of friends. You'll see why in a second. But let's just start with the fact that both her and I wore the same pop of coral/orange for our engagement photos.

Are you kidding me with this nauticalness {below}!? I am in love. In case you didn't know, Chris and have a love for all things nautical and incorporated it into our engagement pictures here. Do you see the best friend bond forming!?But this one?! This one did me in. Be still my heart. The puppy + the life vests = major preciousness.

You wouldn't want to take all your engagement pictures in the same place or with the same outfit now would you?! I like to call this one "City Chic."
If anyone knows where Chris and I can get neighbors like this, please let us know. We'll bring over the pitcher of margaritas.

sweet engagement photos by kate headley as found on ritzy bee.

Sitting on the Beach

2009-07-13T10:24:00.004-04:00

One of my best friends, Debbie, is getting married in Destin, Florida this coming June. I can't help but to hope that her photographer, Candice K, will snap a beauty like this one:
found on the Art of Love blog by Marie Labbancz

How I Tied the Knot: Napkin Folding 101

2009-07-09T12:09:00.002-04:00

Previously in the post Tying the Knot: Reception Details, you saw our lovely centerpieces and details infused into our beautiful reception. However, there was one little detail regarding our reception that I wasn't yet ready to share...our dinner napkins. Hear me out on this one.

I'll be the first to admit it. I was one of those brides that obsessed over how the napkins would be folded at our wedding reception. I asked our venue coordinator if they could do a tuxedo fold so that we could stick our dinner menus inside the napkins {as posted about here}. When it came down to it, I couldn't justify spending $50+ on 150 dinner menus and I scratched the idea. I touched base again with our venue coordinator and told her that I just wanted a fun folded napkin on each of the guests plates. This is what I saw when we got a sneak peek into our reception just minutes before guests were seated:

You guessed it, I went into shock. These napkins were far from being folded and laying on the plates of our guests!!! I suppose the overall effect wasn't horrible {below}, but it wasn't what I had envisioned. It was literally minutes before the doors to the ballroom would open to guests and I just knew that there wasn't enough time for the pointy cloth towers to be struck down and refolded into something else. It was one of those details that I just had to let go. After all, as Chris reminded me, "They are just napkins."

But they don't have to be "just napkins" to you on your special day. I came across this lovely little illustration/how-to on adorable and unique napkin folds. Pick one out and send it over to your venue/reception coordinator today!

illustration found at: keg design on this post.

Lesson learned #32: Don't drop the ball with your reception coordinator, even on the smallest of details, if you have a vision you are attempting to achieve. Pointy towers of cloth napkins aren't for everyone and could have been avoided with sending the coordinator a picture of an ideal napkin fold. Avoid the shock and heartbreak I endured by letting your DOC/friend in on how you want the reception area to look. She can do the damage control when she sees something isn't how you wanted it.

previously in the series, "how i tied the knot": getting ready, our first look, bouquets and boutonnieres, socks and shoes, bubbles and getting away, the cake, thank you cards, blurb guest book, outside the mansion, the dress, the invitations, cocktail napkins, the centerpiece vases, the programs, sexy little bride

all professional pictures by: nicole green. please link back to tying the knot when posting any of these pictures.

A Chicago Wedding Recap

2009-07-07T21:55:00.000-04:00

I will say it til I am blue in the face, Stephanie was a lifesaver on our wedding day. Because of her mad planning skills and sheer rock star talent displayed while coordinating our wedding, two of my close friends booked her within weeks. Almost a month ago, at the wedding of Candice & Landon, we were reunited. After I danced for a solid three hours, a bridesmaid's responsibility, we took a little picture together. Today, over twitter, she asked me if the little picture would make it's way onto this bloggity blog. Be careful of what you ask for.
I think that we both look equally pretty {after an outdoor ceremony & dancing}, but my aviators {gift from the bride & groom} give me a slight advantage if I do say so myself.

p.s. Stephanie is based out of St. Louis but will travel, as long as there is a McDonald's at some point on the route. Check out her blogsite here.

Since we're chatting about Candice & Landon's wedding, I might as well share a few more pretty pictures The first picture with all {but 1} of my best friends was taken during the cocktail hour. Isn't her dress amazing!??! I had serious envy.

The flowing feathery ruffles were to die for. She was such a beautiful bride. With killer pink heels.

And the feathery hairpiece was the cutest thing that I have ever seen. She made it herself for less than $10 and it complimented the dress {and her birdcage veil} perfectly.

My favorite photo of Candice, ever. Hands down.

A little preview of their day can be seen here. professional photos by katherine salvatori photo.

Wrap It

2009-07-06T09:56:00.001-04:00

My friend Debbie joined my Mom and I at the lake this weekend over the fourth. As I previously mentioned, Debbie's now fiance finally got proposed and they are now planning a June destination wedding(!!!!). My Mommy and I couldn't be happier and there was an abundance of wedding planning talk this weekend. Mommy echoed my thoughts that favors are quite unnecessary but that people "always love a good mint." Thus, when I came across these Minty Makeovers from the Hip Hostess Blog I just had to share:Cookies are always nice too. These, cookie favors are wrapped with tissue, parchment and gingham ribbon. They would make a nice addition to any candy buffet or place setting.

You can find the DIY tutorial for those cute little buttons here.p.s. ideas shown as found on the artsy bride via this post. if you aren't reading the blog of the artsy bride, you should be.

I Still Miss You

2009-06-30T14:58:00.000-04:00

For those of you that may be new readers to this little bloggity blog of mine, you might not know that my Daddy passed away suddenly a year ago this past weekend. He was racing our sailboat with my Mom and our friend when it capsized. We think that the stress of the event caused a pulmonary embolism that took him quickly while he was doing something that he loved. It was two weeks before my 24th birthday and two-ish months before our wedding. It was the worst day of my life. This past year, and Father’s Day especially, has been extremely difficult and filled with ups and downs along with lots of questions and tears.

I don’t know what I would have done if it wouldn’t have been for my then fiancé taking off two weeks of work to be with my Mommy and I almost non-stop and my friends for checking in constantly, even though I wasn’t strong enough to talk to them. To be honest, I don't know how my Mom has done it. To be still standing after such a devastating life event is quite remarkable. I admire her more than she knows.

So, my friends, I'll be taking the rest of this {already short} week off from blogging to spend time with family and friends and just celebrate the 24 years that I had with my Daddy. He won awards from our sailing club for his legendary margaritas and we'll be attempting to replicate his recipe and toasting to his wonderful life. Over this holiday weekend I hope that you spend time appreciating those around you and cherishing how special and short life really is.

And, to those of you lucky enough to walk down the aisle with your Daddy, I hope that your photographer obtains a picture like this beauty:
photo via: our blog of love

Family Wedding

2009-06-26T08:23:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow night Chris and I will be deep in the heartland of Indiana for the wedding of his niece-in-law, Kori. We are quite excited and naturally, I have the perfect dress to wear.
To those of you tying the knot this weekend {especially my penned & pretty clients!}, an early congratulations!
Have a lovely weekend!

Bridal Party Signage

2009-06-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Just a cute little piece of signage that, although not important or necessary, would make a lovely addition to the brides door while she is getting ready throughout the day.
Perhaps a crafty bridesmaid could make this for her friend since not too many brides will have time for DIY projects like this!

as seen on: the brides cafe photo by: sweet monday photo

Give Them Somthing to Look At

2009-06-24T07:54:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure that you can really see this in the photo below, but this bride and groom hung old family photos above the gift table at their reception.
Isn't it such a cute idea {if logistically possible at your reception venue!}!?! At least you're giving your guests something to look at while they put their carefully wrapped present on your gift table! as found on: the brides cafe photo by: sweet monday photography

A Word About Favors

2009-06-23T08:11:00.001-04:00

I know that there are many of you getting married within the coming months. You're probably {finally} starting to think about what you will give your guests as favors.

Advice to heed from Meg of A Practical Wedding.
"Perhaps one of my favorite posts I've written is one I wrote ages ago, on favors. In that spirit, I thought I'd share this thought from the imitable Miss Manners: "Who told you that you had to give out wedding favors? Etiquette has never thought of weddings as comparable to children's birthday parties, where the guests might need consolation for not being the center of attention. You owe them only the hospitality of the occasion." There. Now don't you feel better?"

If you remember from this post, we did a candy bar and, in retrospect, I would totally skip it. It wasn't worth the cost, I would have had to have 5 additional kinds of candy to make it eye-catching and diverse and for the amount of money that it cost me in the end I could have put it towards other details or kept the money in my pocket. So, if you're debating....skip the favors. No one will be offended.

As you know, each of my posts must be accompanied with {at least} one pretty picture. I've been saving these pictures for a while because I really had no good reason to post them. But I love them so I couldn't just let them go. So here they are, in all of their glory.

photos by the talented jonathan canlas while second shooting for leo patrone at the {breathtaking} wedding of heather and jonathan.

Maid Service {in Chicago}

2009-06-19T08:34:00.010-04:00

Tonight Kristen and I are off to the suburbs of Chicago to attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner of Candice and Landon. And we're not the only ones! Candice and Landon have 12 bridesmaids, 6 groomsmen and a boston terrier flower girl in the wedding party! Let's just say that it's a good thing that Stephanie will be the wedding coordinator behind the event!

Candice and Landon, tomorrow is the big day and I know that you are glad that your wedding is finally here! I wish nothing but clear skies and lots of love for the both of you {in your outdoor wedding!} tomorrow. As for the rest of your life, I cannot wait to see what is ahead for you.

Much love, jfro
And a pretty bridal party picture that is appropriate for this post by jessica claire: More to come next week, there's another wedding around the corner!

Fabulous Tulips

2009-06-18T09:23:00.004-04:00

I know that spring has come and gone, but aren't these tulips as close to fabulous as you can get?! When its your wedding day, the last thing that you would want to do is let go of a pretty bouquet like this. Unless you're setting it in a charming mason jar to admire it. Wouldn't you love to have your maid of honor carry the middle bouquet and have all of your bridesmaids carry a bouquet like the one on the left? Talk about a lovely floral composition!

These lovely bouquets are the work of Janie Medley Flora Design {you might know her from The Brides Cafe}. Photos by Katie Stoops.

Business Proposition

2009-06-16T07:57:00.000-04:00

I have a little business proposition for all of you out there. Someone find a space as open as this and I'll bring the robins egg blue paint and chandeliers draped with non-foo foo garland and we'll have ourselves a lovely little reception hall. After a couple finishing touches we can throw open the doors to brides to be and their rehearsal dinners, bridal shower lunches and even the occasional intimate wedding!
Who's with me? Extra points if you're a wedding planner since we could combine your mad planning skillz with my penned & pretty calligraphy skillz. Can you say full service?!
photo by: laura novak

Flower Girl Gawk

2009-06-12T07:15:00.000-04:00

To all of you lovely brides that are getting married today, I hope that your flower girl looks at you like this when she sees you for the first time all dolled up with your wedding gown on.
Best wishes and an early congratulations. xoxo, jessica lynn
photo via: simply bloom photography

Garden

2009-06-11T05:40:00.000-04:00

Never before have I so very much wanted to get married in a garden...

If you are planning any sort of garden wedding, you must must must check out this wedding by the ever so talented robert sukrachand

Cheap Shot

2009-06-10T12:30:00.003-04:00

I know, I know. I haven't posted in a couple days and it's a cheap shot to only post about ring shots. But these are adorable ring shots so I think that you will forgive me quickly.

Back in the day, I was all about damask details. So my heart did an extra little pitter patter when I saw this ring shot from Jessica Strickland.
"She saw him. She loved him. She got him." Photo by Laura Kay.

I didn't carry a bridal clutch on my wedding day. It just wasn't necessary. Or so I thought. Clearly it's purpose on my wedding day would have been to capture a ring shot like this by Kate Webber.

In my all time list of "favorite" brides, Nicole would have to be one of them. Don't you just love the birds she purchased off of etsy to assist with her ring shot!?

A lovely reader, Kim, sent me this ring shot a while ago and I just adore the mini snowman. He's holding some serious bling so I hope his little twiggy arm doesn't fall off! Photo by: Rose SchallerFor other lovely ring shots you can visit these two lovely posts by

An Alanta Bride and The Pink Book Blog !

Party Filled Weekend

2009-06-05T05:38:00.002-04:00

I'll have you know that I am off for quite the party filled weekend!

Tonight I'll be wearing my favorite sundress and breaking in my new cowboy boots at the Keith Urban/Taylor Swift concert with two of my Cincinnati girlfriends. Rest assured that I will be belting out "Days Go By", "Better Life" and my new favorites "Sweet Thing" and "Kiss a Girl." To say that I am quite excited would be quite an understatement.

Saturday brings the bachelorette party of one of my best friends, Laura Ann of The Beginning of Forever. We're keeping the events of the evening a secret from her, so I can't share anything with you since she is a regular reader of this little bloggity blog of mine. Let's just say that I found the cutest dress this past week at Forever 21 and it will be perfect for the occasion!

I hope that your weekend is shaping up to be as fun as mine will undoubtedly be!

image via it's mary ruffle

Seat of Honor

2009-06-04T05:18:00.001-04:00

It is my personal belief that every woman, on her wedding day {and every day of the year}, should be treated like a queen. She should be given the seat of honor, doted upon and adored by her husband. I think that the following pictures justify that school of thought quite well.

The seat of honor...

Doted upon...

And adored...

So, wherever your wedding day make take you. Make sure that you have the seat of honor and are doted upon and adored like never before by your husband. After all, the wedding day is all about the bride, right?!

photos via: rebekah westover, jasmine star and evoke photography

In the Details

2009-06-03T05:46:00.001-04:00

You know, when it comes down to it, most weddings look the same. What makes your wedding stand out in the minds of your guests {from the other 6 weddings they have already been to this summer} are all the little details.
I just had to share this little picture with all of you to demonstrate my point. Now, who in the world would think of putting flowers in a sink basin at their outdoor venue!? The bride who wants no detail to be overlooked, that's who. Granted, no guest will walk away saying, "Remember those flowers the bride had in the sink basin outside?! Oh, those were just lovely." But, once they see those flowers in the sink basin, their eyes will be drawn to all the other little details that you have incorporated into your special day. As they take it all in, they will form a beautiful memory of your lovely ceremony and reception that they will not soon forget.
photo by: one love photo via: the artsy bride

Pretty Scenery?

2009-06-02T05:40:00.000-04:00

If there is ever a reason to think that you must be surrounded by pretty scenery to obtain great engagement pictures, let this shoot prove you wrong.
From shrubbery to a parking lot, this couple posed in some nontraditional locations {isn't that what it's all about these days!?} which provided them with some lovely engagement pictures.

I've written about nontraditional locations before. This post was all about trusting your photographer when it comes to your engagement shoot locations. Newspaper stands, graffiti walls, fences and alleys are all fair game, remember?!

So, would you do it!? Are you bold enough to let your personalities, smiles and maybe a killer outfit command your photographs and let the scenery take a back seat?!

pictures by the talented sloan photographers

Striped Shoes

2009-06-02T00:33:00.002-04:00

Have you seen these shoes?! Not only do they have a delicious pattern but heels to die for. I love this bride's style already.
See more here at lucky me. Photo via emily photo.