The dreamy world of Ruche Bridal...

If you haven't already, take a moment and get lost in the dreamy world of the Ruche Bridal Lookbook. These are just a few of my favorites from their brand new Bridal Line. The retro modern feel to the looks is so enchanting. And don't even get me started on the shoes...

I can't wait till my next sister gets married. Its only a matter of time;)

Katie's Front Yard Wedding

I just had to share with you all the images of this incredibly beautiful budget friendly wedding via Katie of The Bright Life. It all took place in her parents front yard! Katie shared with me that the her mom prepared all the food, a community of friends contributed flowers, and friends and family helped with the decor.That was what I loved most about this story. The most beautiful weddings don't have to be extravagant.

 

(all photos from Katie's blog via Ykvision)

Isn't is lovely? Makes you want to jump right in and join the party.

You can read more about the set up, the food, the flowers, and more on Katie's blog!

Thank you for sharing your story with us Katie.

P.S. I'm visiting Alisha today for an end of the summer blog party if you want to stop by;)

Wedding Belles & The Stationer: New Orleans, LA

So happy Netta introduced me to Wedding Belles and The Stationer- a sweet bridal and stationery shop in New Orleans, LA. Its charms jump right out of the pictures!

A little about the shop: 

In 2010, after nearly a decade of having their separate shops, Amy Casbarian and Jane Bensel met through a mutual friend and decided to get hitched, so to speak, and move in together to offer a new experience for their brides. With their combined store front, their goal is to assist, encourage and ultimately inspire brides in the New Orleans area. Together, Wedding Belles and The Stationer give brides the best of both worlds - exquisite gowns and gorgeous stationery.

A reason to visit this summer:

This summer, Wedding Belles and The Stationer held a bi-weekly series called Wedding Wednesdays to help guide brides through the somewhat daunting process of planning a wedding. With events like "You Said Yes: Now What?" and "Icing on the Cake," Wedding Belles & The Stationer host experts from around New Orleans on topics ranging from event planning to personal training to specialty cocktails. The events are all complimentary and have been a huge success - most of the brides who attend one come back for another and thoroughly enjoy learning from and meeting Amy and Jane and other brides.

If you plan on passing through NOLA, add Wedding Belles & The Stationer to your must see list!

P.S. Last day to enter the Flawed Perfection Giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/3kfepae Brand new giveaway launch tomorrow!

My best friends wedding in NYC

One of my best friends got married in NYC over memorial day weekend. My husband, baby, and I flew up to be a part of the wedding festivities. It was hands down one of the most fun weddings I have ever been to! Beautiful church and vows, incredible reception view, photo booth, killer playlist on the dance floor, mouth watering appetizers, and the best company you could ask for. Here's a recap:

 

Even taking photos was a blast. She had an awesome photographer who wasn't afraid to try new things on the fly and be spontaneous. For all you Callifornia based readers (he also travels!) you are in luck- he is based in the OC! His work is stunning. 

All photos by John Pascale of This Moment Captured Photography....

DIY Up-dos: Do the Twist

Here is a follow up post to the How to wear a headscarf.... Hairromance shares how to do the twist;) Also, if you have some upcoming weddings to attend there are several easy up-do how-to's on the site to try!

Enjoy!

Today is the last day you can vote for IHOD in the Circle of Moms Top25 Stylish Moms. Thank you so much for your votes and those who have voted every day to keep in the Top 25. It was really fun to be a part of!

Photography Spotlight: Andrea Dozier's Vintage Winter Wedding Shoot

 
 
 
 

I have been receiving quite a few custom wedding accessory requests lately in the shop, and so I think wedding season is in full swing. When I saw this shoot, my jaw was on the floor! EVERY detail was beautifully carried out, and each and every photo was magical. Andrea Dozier has quite the range of talents! DIY props, outfit arrangement, composition of place, and of course photography brilliance. And can't forget to mention she is from OH. (Where I grew up;))

This Vintage Inspired Wedding Shoot was immediately a of the year.

You can find out all the details of how to make these DIY details, Vegan dessert recipes, and place to find all the props over on Andrea's blog. For more of her photo genius:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

DIY- Pig Roast Engagement Party

One of my good friends from high school, Lauren, emailed me recently to share this event. Along with Jess (the engaged) and another friend, they planned detail for detail this "Tom and Jess Fest". Being a bunch of design majors, it is no surprise it turned out to be SPECTACULAR....not to mention it was just featured on Design Sponge last week! So, if you are planning an important event, let this inspire you to get creative! It's all in the details!

In Lauren's words, "Jess and I discussed concept and vision from the beginning, along with our close friend (and Jess' MOH) Amanda. Our color palette was soft peach/pink and craft paper brown...with accents of hot/neon pink and gold. "......

"From gorgeous screen printed invitations on chip board in hot pink lettering with a vellum overlay in gold/peach to homemade bunting, routed out pieces of old lumber for floral centerpieces, laser cut wooden signs with vinyl lettering applied, wrapping tables in craft paper, a magnetic chalkboard painted door to display their lovely engagement photos taken in L.A. (where they used to live) and a place for guests to write clever comments for the couple. The list goes on and on! "....

"We made some homemade summer cocktails (entitled 'piggy punch' and 'porch swing' to celebrate summer), each glass adorned with those adorable striped straws. Of course, with that much love and care poured into everything, how could you not dance the night away in celebration??" 

(All photos via Stacy Newgent Photography)

Aren't these details perfect?! The photography is just incredible. You can see more of the photos on Swell Photography Blog! If you have any questions, email me, and I will be sure to pass them on to Lauren! Thank you dear friend for sharing your talent with us!

Artistry Feature: Lemon and Lavender Designs

I have had bicycle fever this year...on shirts, in photographs, and now these paper goods!! I was so happy Ashley introduced her shop to me. I was immediately smitten by these...

Oh and wait, thats not all! Ashley also has a beautiful blog loaded with inspiration such as this flower girl board for a fall wedding...

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to visit!

Lemon and Lavender:

Blog | Shop

Meet the Blogger: Chris of Postcards & Pretties

Tell us the story behind the name Postcards and Pretties:

There is no real story behind the name. Since postcards are mainly used to send short messages to people, I saw my blog as a virtual postcard where I would be able to share my ideas and inspirations with my readers in different parts of the world… and not to mention I liked how two words sounded together.  J

What has been the best aspect of blogging for you?

It’s a tie…the best things for me about blogging is getting all the ideas I dream about out and being able to share them with my readers. I also love the blogging community - I would have never thought that I would meet such incredibly talented people {fellow bloggers, photographers, vendors, etc.} from all over the world with a common goal to inspire, create and support. I love that!

Your inspiration boards are incredible! What are your resources for inspiration?

Wow! Thank you! Let’s see…Antique shops, flea markets, magazines {online or print} and wedding and design blogs are mostly my main resources. I find inspiration in pretty much everything and anything.  I’ve noticed since I began blogging I tend to be more observant and keep notes of random things that could possibly transform into next weeks inspiration board. I’ve even began to carry a small journal in my bag for whenever I get inspired.

Do you have a current favorite color scheme or wedding trend?

It varies…but I would have to say soft neutrals - lots of cream, soft brown, pink and peach – to me there is something warm and casual about those colors.

I’m also a big fan of simple and intimate outdoor weddings especially with vintage/heirloom pieces mixed in and diy projects.

Just for fun-What is your ideal way to spend your weekends?

Sleeping in!! but that never happens. I love to visit local farmer’s markets, doing a bit of shopping and spending time with my nephew and niece.

Find more Postcards & Pretties Here:

Blog | Twitter | Flickr

* Find all the resources for the photos on Chris' blog! Thank you Chris for being a part of the series and sharing your inspiration with us! Can't wait to see more!

Style: J. Crew Wedding Launch

If the J.Crew Wedding Line had launched just a few years ago, I am pretty sure I would have chosen the bridesmaids gowns from here. They are elegant, graceful, and charming....Check out the full collection here. They now sell everything wedding!

My sister and I always joke about how we wish we could get married all over again. My wedding day was the best day of my life. For you bride to be's- hope this is inspiration for you! 

Happy Weekend!


P.S. So grateful to Katrina of PuglyPixel for giving Graphic Designer's like me such fun clip art resources! 

Nashville Nuptials!

My sister got married this weekend. Sigh...It was a beautiful thing to witness. The ceremony was incredible, the bride was glowing, and the reception was a celebration to remember...

 (my youngest sister Ava Grace and the beautiful bride!)

Catching up from all the travels....Will post more pics soon! 

Look forward to catching up with all of my favorite blogs this week:)