Tonight. EARTH HOUR. Join us by turning off your lights for one hour, starting at 8pm.
UPDATE: The official “Earth Hour” may be over until next year, but who says you only have to do it one day? Why not try turning your lights off more often. If they’re not in use, make it a habit to turn a light off when you leave the room. Can’t hurt you, the earth, or your electricity bill! :) Win-win. Now do it.
Join millions tonight in the effort to bring attention to and make a statement about climate change! Learn more about it at: www.earthhourus.org, and spread the word!
What will you do in the dark for one hour? While I’m still deciding on this one, here are a few ideas I’ve come up with:
1. Have dinner ready before hand, and eat dinner by candlelight.
2. Set up the candles and create a spa-like feel for a long, luxurious bath.
3. Light the candles and light the spark between you and your honey!
4. The obvious - take a nap!
5. Pray or meditate. Take time to think. Unwind & chill, get rid of that stress.
6. Have friends over for cocktails by candlelight, along with good conversation!
7. Get your tiki torches out and have a party outside!
8. Grab your cell & catch up over the phone with an old friend.
9. Play a board game by candlelight.
10. Live near a participating city? Get out, walk around, and take pictures of this awesome event of businesses & homes turning off their lights.
Celebrate Easter With Fresh Decor Ideas And Baby Chicks!
I’m in LOVE with these adorable little chickies, created by Preston Bailey of course!
To learn how to create your own little chickies for fresh Easter centerpieces, check out THIS post on Preston Bailey’s fabulous blog, Inspirations and Transformations!
UPDATE: Here are the Easter eggswe colored this year! Posted a little late, I know. Note to self: Next year, stay away from painting eggs with nail polish. Whoopsie daisies! Thank goodness I only did a few that way!
I love thesewind chimes made out of recycled glass, found at Metamorphosi. Even better, I love how they used them as curtains!
Picture using these at an entryway at an outside event…let the breeze tickle your senses with the sound of chimes in the air…or as each guest arrives. These would be easy to make yourself, too! I’m sure you could find something similar to these recycled glass rings at any local craft store…what are your thoughts?
Now those are some cool favors…especially at $1.25/pc! Plant some kisses on your honey and let your guests plant some love. Come on, say it with me, “Awwwwww…” - love it.
Kim Calakoutis - Photographer, Design Specialist & Owner Of KC Photography
Recently I had the pleasure of talking to photographer Kim Calakoutis, who ownsKC Photography in MA. Kim has been working on her photography profession and building her portfolio for the last 10 years, and is excited to have finally opened her own studio in Saugus, MA.!
She specializes in photojournalisticphotography to capture your story, but makes sure to get those beautiful traditional shots as well. On her site is stated, “We keep our promise simple. We promise to take really beautiful images of your wedding day“. After viewing her work, you can tell she is true to her word, as it shows through her pictures. If you’re ever looking for an amazingly talented photographer in the New England area, she’s your girl!
Here is some of her work, along with some of her replies from my interview with her. This girl not only has talent, but she’s got a great personality too! She’s also very funny! To read the entire interview, go HERE! Enjoy!
What made you decide to become a professional wedding photographer and how long have you been in the industry?
I think it found me! When I was college I was in the fine art program, and I loved photography. I was really passionate about it, people started asking me if I could help out a friend of theirs, who were getting married but didn’t have a lot of money. After college, I spent several years working with established photographers, gaining experience and building a portfolio. Last year was my first year in business, and this year I just opened a new studio.
Describe yourself in three words.
My husband is sitting right here so I asked him. He said: sweet, pretty and loving (And then he added - stinky!). The three words I would use are: happy, fun, and maybe even a little wacky!
What kind of wedding photography do you offer?
The three words I like to use are: Timeless, Sophisticated and Elegant. I like traditional images done in a not so traditional way. I also really like simple. Simple can be so beautiful.
You recently created your website, ”A Visual Guide For The Online Bride”. What made you decide to do this? Can you tell us a little bit about it?
I started this shortly after my own wedding. For the photography business I was doing things like going to bridal fairs, and meeting other vendors. Brides at the bridal fairs were telling me that they would go to photographer’s websites looking for ideas. Having just been married I was really in tune with what it is like to plan a wedding right now. I did so much of my planning over the internet. There was one day I spent my whole day driving from the north of Boston to the south of Boston (This is not physically far, but it took me hours with traffic). Basically it was a waste of a whole day.I just realized I was in a position where I could really help brides. I am already being exposed to so many great wedding ideas. And I know how tough and time consuming planning a wedding can be. The idea was actually just really obvious to me. I just had to kick it up a notch!
Thank you so much for sharing your work and talent with us, Kim!!!
Brides, to view more of her work or check out her new “Visual Guide For The Online Bride“, click on image above or go HERE!
. Want to contact Kim, or learn more about KC Photography? Go HERE!
Pottery Barn has always been one of my favorite stores. Recently, I discovered they also have a section called “Style House” with great tips, ideas & advice for style and entertaining! It’s true, they have an entire section on their website filled with inspiration…check it out!
Including a bit of bubbly, single blooms, spa setting, toasts and treats & more!
The best part? Use their inspiration, then shop for your own personal favorite products for entertaining & decor all in one spot. From lighting to centerpieces, Pottery Barn is ready to help you party in style, no matter the occasion!
I know, I’ve been posting a lot of bakery this week…makes you wonder what’s running through my mind. Perhaps it’s because I’m trying to eat healthier these days, so at least I can get a sugar fix with these lovely visuals!
Realizing style and design can change between regions, I decided to look outside of the (box) U.S., over the ocean and on over to this delightfully creative bakery in Scotland!
Trying to come up with the perfect favor or centerpiece idea for that wedding or bridal shower? Why not do it with cookies?
At Cookies By Design, you can order sweetly designed cookie bouquets to use as unique bridal shower centerpieces!
Looking for the perfect favor to give your guests? Choose from several different designed wedding cookies. Their cookies are delicious…and great for any special occasion, whether it’s a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower or birthday!
Not only great for special occasions, but any occasion!
Think “cookies” as the new alternative to sending flowers. Yum! Everyone loves cookies.
So take a look…they’re fun, delicious, unique and even customizable!
Kat is a bride planning her very cool “rock ‘n roll wedding“…and she has become the inspiration for this post.
When I stumbled upon these pictures, I had to share with not only her, but all of you!
I truly adore the retro veiled hat look (makeup by: Sonia Roselli in Chicago).
I feel this look can make today’s “virgin bride” still seem somewhat mysterious to her groom…and mysterious can be very sexy!
I’m also loving the antique look of the jewelry and fabulous pink shoes, in the photo below, taken by Lillian and Leonard Photography, who are amazing photographers based out of Scotland!
Planning a “rock ‘n roll” wedding like Kat, but want to still wear white as a bride? Why not dress up your bridesmaids in black with soft pink hues? Rock on.
It’s true, the third week of March is American Chocolate Week. I don’t know why we need an entire week, but who am I to judge any excuse to indulge!! Here are a few ways to celebrate:
4. Get a chocolate massage: The Spa at the Hotel Hershey. Can’t get there? Their Cocoa Massage and Body Oil is available online.
5. Throw a chocolate tasting party: Allchocolate.com You can also learn how to pair chocolate and wine and create your own tasting mat! (Check out SavorChocolate.com, for more chocolate party ideas!)
6. Discover your chocolate personality: SavorChocolate.com (I’m a “Chocolate Goddess”!)
7. And of course, eat it! Botanical Truffles, by Kohler Chocolates. Available in honey, green tea, lavendar, and ginger. Those are my latest favorites! Check out the Craverie too!
Realizing many brides are currently planning their fall weddings, I’ve created my second inspiration board with a rustic fall scheme. I know, it’s jumping a little ahead as we’re just nearing Spring, but why not? Happy planning!
…Is Now Sweeter With The New ”Sweet Tooth Cupcakery”!
When did you fall in love with cupcakes? I’m sure we all enjoyed them when we were little, but when did you start paying more attention to them?
Was it when Martha Stewart featured her cupcakes on the cover of her wedding magazine, or are you like me who’s just always been a fan?
With the cupcake craze going on right now, I’ve noticed more and more places openingcupcake shops. Not all-around bakeries (which I love too), but actual cupcake shops.
I believe there are several in the “Windy City“, but now the western suburbs of Chicago will soon have one too, thanks to the ”Sweet Tooth Cupcakery“!
While the store itself has not opened yet, “Sweet Tooth Cupcakery” does currently offer delivery in the Chicagoland area.
Whether you need to order a dozen for yourself, the office, or need to order several for a special occasion, their cupcakes are the perfect solution to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth!
Hosting a bridal shower or planning a wedding? Why not order the “24 Carrot” cupcakes - their classic carrot cake cupcake with cream cheese frosting…yum!
The cupcakes are baked fresh daily, available in 20 different flavors, and stylishly decorated! I look forward to trying their Chocolate Mousse, Peanut Butter Cup, Key Lime Pie and Banana Nutella flavors. Check out their list…it all sounds so delicious! Which ones will you choose?
I’m a sucker for every wedding movie out there…so when I heard about this, I had to share! Watch the official trailer, it reminds me a bit of ”My Best Friend’s Wedding“, what do you think? No matter, I’m excited to see it!
Find out more about this movie at the official website HERE! Once you’re there, enter for a chance to win a red carpet wedding, a shopping spree, or a very cool gift bag. Check out the site for more details. Good luck!
Recently visiting the new blog of Sonia Roselli, one of my favorite makeup artists in Chicago, I realized I had to share!
In her latest post, she gives us makeup tips and advice on how to get the new BCBG ad look. It’s very soft, vintage and oh so sexy…perfect for any brides’ wedding day makeup!
To learn how to get the look, check out her postHERE! Click onTHIS link to read the rest of her exciting new blog! Interested in having Sonia Roselli do your wedding day makeup? Get more info at www.soniaroselli.com, and prepare to be pampered!
Planning a bachelorette party? Why not have a Makeup & Martini Party with Sonia Roselli! A unique and exciting party to have before you hit the night out on the town…learn more HERE. Now that’s awesome!
When: Friday, March 7th - 10am to 8pm & Saturday March 8th - 10am to 6pm
Where: Wyndham Chicago Hotel - 633 N. St. Clair, Chicago, IL. 60611
Register now to find the gown of your dreams at a great price! You’ll also be helping make wishes come true for those struggling with the fight against breast cancer. Have a dress you no longer need or are trying to get rid of? Stop on by and donate your dress for a good cause. If you’re not located in Chicago, it’s not a problem, click HERE to see other cities participating! Don’t have a dress, don’t need a dress? Why not volunteer to help out?
“100% of proceeds from this event enable the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation to grant dying wishes!” - Chicago Style Weddings
Just tie some crayons with ribbon, and provide them with either wedding coloring books or maybe a 12×12 piece of paper to color on (check out your craft store in the scrapbooking section).
Perhaps you could get creative and use a doily, a piece of paper in the shape of a flower, or draw up your own picture and make copies for the kiddies to color! It keeps the kids entertained, and the adults happy.
For more creative favor ideas, check out the rest of A Delightful Day’s post HERE.
Planning a summer wedding? Whether it’s an outside wedding or if you’re just planning on taking lots of pictures outside, get prepared to fight the blazing hot sun with charming help from Pamala’s Parasols!
These lovely parasols come in a variety of different styles, colors and designs for you to choose from. Have them personalized for you and your honey to stay in the shade and take great pictures with!
Why not provide your bridal party with some heat relief too?
Choose from different parasols or fans, for fairly reasonable prices if you buy them by the package!
These would also make a great gift…something they could hold onto as a keepsake from your wedding. Too sweet.
To check out the collection, get pricing, or order, go to:
This is not your average wedding shop. It’s Unique.
Now let me introduce you to my little friends…Black, White and Damask!
I’m in awe of the product and inspiration I found today from Estilo Weddings. It’s striking!
Perhaps it inspires me because when we gotmarried, we incorporated these same colors into our wedding!
Completely enamored by this look, I’ve created my very firstinspiration board, featuring all black and whitedamask products from Estilo Weddings!
Love that black wall hanging in the back? Created by designer Tord Boontje, get yours for $99.00HERE!
Hope you enjoy!
In love like I am? Decided you must have these items? Get them all now by shopping at Estilo Weddings!
They even give back a portion of all profits from Estilo Weddings to Women of Vision, a non-profit organization committed to lifting up women in need all across the globe! Now THAT is stylish.
Artist and designer Chandra Michaels has created a super sweet line of accessories that would make the perfect gift for any girl!
The urban-style art she illustrates on her items acts as modern, hip and alluring eye candy. It’s fun, sassy and sophisticated. It’s girly greatness. It’s pure Sugarluxe!
”Sugarluxe is really more than just fun accessories and fabulous products, it’s truly a Fashion Philosophy. Think of it as a personification of the things in life that are really sweet: best friends forever, a few cocktails every now and then, and lots of fancy stuff always. Cheers.” -Chandra Michaels
I’m loving the compact mirrors by Sugarluxe!
For only $34.00 each, it’s the perfect answer for any girly girl. Get one for each of your bridesmaids, to fit their personalities. Then splurge and get one for yourself! Go on - you deserve it.
Swoon over their other great accessories and designs at: www.sugarluxe.com
They just opened up a location near me, so I’m thrilled to go check out the line. Maybe I’ll go next week to try to sneak some pictures and post some favorite finds. Keep checking back! As for now, read the Gilly Hicks gossip HERE.
White frosting not for you? Looking to have an amazing wedding cake, but leaning towards something more unique?
How about this dark chocolate cake with rasberry filling, rasberries on top, and dark chocolate bark on the side? Your guests will surely be in heaven after eating this amazing creation! It tastes like true love.Like the idea but not for your wedding cake? Why not let it inspire you for the dessert bar, or make it the groom’s cake?
Apparently Lara from Ready2Spark and I were both thinking about the same thing the other day. Using the combination as inspiration, I asked her if she could create an inspiration board - and she did! Check out her wonderfully put together rasberry & chocolate boardHERE!
This would make a perfect bridesmaid gift for friendships far away or as lives get busy, people get married, kids are born, the perfect little way to remember your B/F/A!
Acrylic Diamond Rings - $10.00 each
The perfectly funky spin on the classic diamond wedding set, these fun trinkets can be worn all 3 together, or by themselves - either way making a statement! Would make great bachelorette party favors!
Silver Diamond Ring - $120.00
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride? Who needs a diamond ring (or a groom for that matter) when you can get yourself adorned with this fresh and very cool piece?
Can you imagine getting married on Leap Day? How would you celebrate your anniversary? One would imagine every 4 years, I suppose.
I think it’s fairly romantic…being that a couple who marries on Leap Day gets to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary after 20 years of marriage…making them still somewhat “newlyweds“!
Planning a Leap Day wedding?
Instead of a guestbook, ask guests who are able, to jump or leap in front of the camera for a “leap shot“…a small favor to ask for the couple who’s taking the biggest leap of their lives, right? Or, decorate with clocks.
Maybe instead of having a bouquet toss, ask all the single ladies to ask the single guys to dance…since Leap Day is also known as Sadie Hawkins, a day when it’s more “acceptable” for women to propose to men!
You could create a signature Leap Day cocktail. Get creative. Have fun with it! If you’re celebrating your Leap Year Wedding Anniversary today, why not share with us how you planned your day? Happy Anniversary!
Who invented the Leap Year? Read more about it HERE or HERE.
What is the USPS thinking when they schedule a postal rate increase right in the middle of prime spring wedding season? Well, if you’re planning a late May or early June wedding, it’s definitely something you’ll need to think about!
Consider this late May bride’s situation. Her invitations will deliver in early April and easily beat the increase. But her replies won’t. Her RSVP date is May 15th, just days after the change. What to do?!
Stock up now on some ‘Forever’ stamps. You’ll pay the current .41 rate, but they’re good ‘forever’ (kinda like your marriage)! And according to the USPS.gov website, they will have ‘5 billion Forever Stamps in stock to meet increased demand before the price change’.
Did you have your heart set on using wedding postage stamps? You’ll need to either move your RSVP date up to before the 12th, or include an extra .01 stamp.
So keep the post office in mind when planning your invitations.
To recap: Postal Rate Increase : May 12, 2008
2 oz stamps (generally used for invitations) increase from .58 to .59
1 oz stamps (generally used for replies) increase from .41 to .42
Here is some general advice that applies whenever you mail out invitations - take a sample to the post office and have them weight it before you send them out! Even if you don’t have a final printed set, your designer can usually put together a ‘comp’ for you to use. I will assemble all the components (they can be blank, we’re just concerned about weight) in the actual paper and envelopes. You don’t want to be a blushing bride because your invitations arrived with postage due!
You KNOW I’m a fan of 
Get your craft on over at 
Not only great for special occasions, but any occasion!
Recently I discovered a new wedding blog, called 
While the store itself has not opened yet, “Sweet Tooth Cupcakery” does currently offer delivery in the Chicagoland area. 
Check out this great idea found at 
Why not provide your bridal party with some heat relief too? 
Artist and designer Chandra Michaels has created a super sweet line of accessories that would make the perfect gift for any girl! 
I’m loving the compact mirrors by Sugarluxe! 
