…Who’s Super Fabulous!

I recently came across the wedding blog, Fabulously Lizy, created by Lisette.  Her happiness is truly refreshing, and it really shines through in her posts.  She always leaves such nice comments on my blog, plus I really enjoy reading hers, so I thought I’d throw a little blog love out there!

If you have a moment, head on over to Fabulously Lizy by clicking HERE.  And keep posted, I’ll be sure to share with you more of my favorite bloggers out there soon!  Until then, take a look at my blogroll and enjoy!

…Some Inspiration For All Of You Darling Fall Brides!

I just found this beautiful fall wedding inspiration board created by Nicki over at Wedding So Pretty. 

I love all the details and those pinecone placecard holders are just divine!  I also love how the blue, mixed in with the orange and brown, seems to give this board such a cozy and warm feeling.  Check out her blog for more great ideas by clicking HERE.  Happy planning!

He Really Does Exhist!

I can’t stop laughing!  You’d be laughing too after reading what I just read, “Stop and poke yourself with the roses because you’re so bored with flower shopping” - The Reluctant Groomzilla

Here’s a few other quotes from THIS post I found from The Reluctant Groomzilla, that made me fall off my chair laughing:

“If it were up to Josh, he’d buy his wedding flowers from a sidewalk vendor and call it a day.” 

“I thought we should have the guests bob for place cards, but for some reason this idea was shot down.”

Oh my goodness, I LOVE it!  To read this post and more, go to The Reluctant Groomzilla now, written by the groom…get ready for some good laughs, and realize that it’s not just about the bride anymore!

…If You’re Not Sure, Try It Out!

Getting married and want to have some gorgeous, full lashes for pictures?   Check out Shuuemura, they have a huge selection of different lashes for every type of girl, whether you’re going for the natural look, the fantasy look or just want to add a few accents.

 If you’re not into the application process of false lashes, try out the NEW The Colossal Volum’ Express by Maybelline!  It’s said to give you colossal lashes in just one coat.  I’m in!

Though I think my personal most favorite mascara is still Great Lash by Maybelline.  What’s yours?  We’d love to hear!

…Perfect For Pampering The Bride & Her Bridesmaids!

I don’t know what’s wrong with me - this week I’ve been in such a crazy shopping mood!  It’s all good though, because while shopping I came across this new fabulous store, Margarita Bloom!

Browse through the goodies in this store and see their many collections, just filled with lots of girly and fun pampering treats! 

 This would be an excellent place to shop for bridal shower or bachelorette party gifts for the bride!  Or, show your bridesmaids how much you love and appreciate them by giving them the gift of luxurious pampering!

Check it out by clicking HERE, or head on over to their sugar sweet blog HERE.  You’re going to LOVE it!

…It’s A Steal!

Gift Girl over at Wishpot just informed me about the awesome Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coming up this weekend, so I thought I’d pass the juice onto you!

The sale actually starts this Friday, July 18th ONLINE at 12:00PM PST.

Before shopping, why not sign up at Wishpot.com, so whatever you find at Nordstrom you can easily save to your Wishpot lists!

Get some really great deals this weekend. Check out these stunningly beautiful sparkly rings!

They’re all beautiful, but I simply adore the top three ones! 

Guys, get your bride one in Lemon Quartz with Yellow Gold, Rose De France in Rose Gold or Blue Topaz in White Gold.  She’ll love you forever! 

(Ok, she’ll love forever anyway but it never hurts to have a little “bling” to show off!)

Girls, why not get your groom some tre’ cool cuff links set in sterling silver?  Choose from several different colors, these would make great gifts for the groomsmen as well!

Happy shopping!

…While On Exhibit In London!

Take a look at these more than functional party dresses!

In what ways are they functional, you ask?  They became the structure of this party venue at the London Festival Of Architecture! 

“Party Dress is a roving performance that is part living architecture; part monumental fashion.” - Party Dress

Interesting, isn’t it?  The structure of the tent is none other than the dresses worn by a group of lovely ladies.  And we thought the only proper time for someone to go under a dress in public was when the groom took off the bride’s garter! 

So next time you’re asked to stand up in a wedding and you don’t like the bridesmaid dress chosen for you to wear, just be thankful the bride’s not asking you to become her venue as well!

To see more pictures of this fascinating work of performance art, click HERE. 

 Decorate With A Little Bit Of Love & Some Powdered Sugar!

I’m silly.  I forgot to tell you about the cupcake stencils I bought at Crate and Barrel a couple months ago - they are WAY cool! 

I wish I would have told you about them sooner because unfortunately the store no longer has them online, but no worries!  You can make your own cupcake stencils!  

Find out how by clicking HERE.  Yay!

…Featured On My Guest Blog At Wishpot!

I felt so honored that “Gift Girl” from Wishpot.com asked me to be a guest blogger on the Wishpot Wedding Blog today!  They also featured a write up about me so you can all get to know me a little better!

 To see some creative DIY ideas including the one below, head on over to the Wishpot Wedding Blog!

While visiting Wishpot.com, don’t forget to sign up for free and register for your wedding!  Register for everything you want, from every store you want, all in one place.  It’s easy and super fun!  Even if you aren’t getting married - make yourself a wish list!

Get started now at www.wishpot.com.  Happy shopping everyone!

…Events By David Monn!

The New York City Ballet Spring Gala Benefit

Departures Summer Garden Party

De Beers U.S. Launch Dinner Party

Style Architect David Monn in New York is an expert on how to put the “WOW” Factor into events.  He uses smell, sound and visuals to really turn his clients’ fantasies into realities.  For summer parties, he suggests using scents such as jasmine, orange blossoms and green grass.  Using the perfect design, color, lighting, cuisine and entertainment, Monn sets the stage for truly memorable events!

On top of making his clients thrilled with the outcome of his designs, he also gives back to the community!  David Monn is the founder of the Art FunD, a “non-profit program created to place art experience in public schools”.

To learn more about David Monn or see more of his work, go to www.davidmonn.com.  Or, check out his blog HERE.

…Yippee Yo, Yippee Yay!

If you’re in puppy love, I’m sure you’ll see the beauty in these cute little pet party invitations!  Created for pet lovers, see more of this too-cute stationery collection at  The Pet Set!

Box of six Pet Set Party Invitation Cards With Envelopes

The Inside:

Come on - say it with me, “Awwwww!!!!!”  Now go be a party animal.

www.the-petset.com

…By Wonderful Graffiti!

I love chocolate.  I also love weddings!  So I was excited when I found out that just in time for fall, Wonderful Graffiti Weddings has come out with their new Chocolate Collection!

Sweet, contemporary and fun!  This collection would be especially great for for those of you planning a fall wedding.  I just adore the luminaries!  The banners are sweet too - it really creates a great “brand” for your event. 

Above are a only a few of the great products to this new collection…but there are many more!  To see the entire collection, go HERE.

…Turned DIY Event Decor!

My husband and I are currently looking for ways to decorate our bedroom walls.  When I saw this idea from Pink Grapefruit Style, I thought, what a fun, easy and affordable idea!  I think I might just have to try this for our room - I’ll let you know how it goes. 

Of course, I can’t see something creative without thinking of how one could incorporate it into wedding as event decor, so dream with me a bit here…

According to Holly from Pink Grapefruit Style, all you need to create these lovely pieces of art is 12×12 scrapbook paper, glue and foam board.  See her instructions HERE.  SUPER easy, right?!

Super affordable is what I really love about them.  So picture making these for your wedding or other event you might be soon hosting, only do it a little differently! 

Put 12×12 scrapbook paper on both sides of the foam board instead of just one.  Cut a little slit in the top of the board, and run a a long piece of ribbon through it.  Tie the ribbon around the slit.  Add different embellishments to each one if you wish or leave them plain with just the design of the paper.

Then, hang these decorative squares from the ceiling at your event!  Hang them above the dance floor, or just low above the tables.  You could even make small 4×4 squares, and hang them in the entryway!  Now picture this art twirling in the air in a festive way, knowing that YOU created it.  Way cool.

Thank you Holly for the inspiration!  To read the post about her wall art idea, head on over to her cheerful blog, Pink Grapefruit Style.  Happy crafting!

For Pretty Little Flower Girls!

Would you look at these baskets?  Aren’t they adorable?! Etsy seller Heidi
 of Birds Of A Feather sells these cutesy little hand-made baskets made out of paper with crepe paper trim, ribbons and other fun frilly things.  I’m loving the birds!

I think these would make the sweetest flower girl baskets, especially for a spring or country wedding!

If you must have one for your flower girl, you can buy it HERE.

This One’s For You, Chitown Bride!

If you haven’t checked out Chitown Bride’s blog, head over there now - her wedding pictures are beautiful!  She made a gorgeous bride!  Her hard work planning really paid off, as you can tell in the details. 

One thing that grabbed my eye that I don’t believe she originally planned on having were the peacocks that attended her wedding…she writes about them HERE, it’s funny how she tells the story, check it out.  Even if they did attend uninvited, she still got some great pictures with those lovely white birdies!

After seeing her wedding photos, the peacocks inspired me.  They were SO beautiful!  Maybe you don’t want actual live ones at your wedding, but you could probably find some fabulous pretend white peacocks to incorporate into your decor, along with white floral accents.

I’m loving this tablescape I found at www.housebeautiful.com!  The peacock behind the table really makes it look so elegant, doesn’t it?  Now don’t forget to check out the peacocks at Chitown Bride’s wedding!  Congratulations Mrs. Peacock!

…With Skyy Infusions Vodka & Ultimate Host Tips From Skyy!

Have you tried the new Skyy Infusions Vodka?  I just noticed it for the first time the other day while shopping…but check out their site and look at the ads - there are SHOES in them!!!  What a stylish little vodka!  I love Skyy Vodka, and I REALLY love shoes, so I had to share.

While this blog is mostly family friendly, this blog post is obviously for adults 21 and over - so if you’re under 21, please feel free to browse the rest of the blog, but disregard this post!

I’m sure many of you have probably seen or tried fruit infused vodka before, many high-end bars will have a couple of glass pitchers on display, usually with lemon slices or strawberries soaking in vodka.  

Now we can enjoy it without having to put the work into it. Skyy Infusions comes in delicious Citrus, Raspberry, Passion Fruit, Cherry and Grape flavors.

Planning a wedding or hosting a party?  Create your signature cocktail using Skyy Vodka, or serve some up from the Skyy Vodka Mixology Guide, which you can easily download for some sassy little recipes!

 Skyy has also come up with an Ultimate Host Guide!  Offering tips and ideas on how to throw a stylishly memorable party, you’ll surely find it quite helpful - after all, you want to enjoy the event too!

Learn how to get started with organized planning.  Create your own themes or use one of the many themes from Skyy Cocktail Moments image collection!  Find out how to set the mood with certain decor and lighting.  Get tips on serving food. 

They keep it simple yet creative enough to inspire you.  Use your imagination to create your own party fantasy!

Get planning now, just head on over to www.skyy.com, they’ve got some really cool e-cards and backgrounds you could use, so have a blast! :) Please drink responsibly.

…A Special Way To Remember

 What’s a special way to carry someone you love, with you always?  Priceless Prints fingerprint jewelry by Prairie Creations!  These pendant charms in solid fine silver or 22 karat gold are created by the actual fingerprints of your loved one.

These charms would make a wonderful and unique wedding gift to each other, don’t you agree?  You could even apply them to your bouquet, around the stem, as a way to keep loved ones who have passed with you on your special day as you walk down the alter.

These would also make a great keepsake for baby, a special gift for mom by including all of her childrens’ fingerprints, a way to treasure the bond between siblings or friends, or a way to cherish loved ones far away.  The ideas are limitless, you can even capture your pet’s paw print!

After you receive your kit in the mail, simply follow the instructions on how to make your print, then mail it back.  “Your print will be fired, finished with a silver jump ring, hand-stamped with the initials you specify, polished and mailed back to you at the address you provided within four to six weeks.” - Prairie Creations

To learn more and order yours now, go to www.prairiecreations.com!

…What Are Your Thoughts?

I’ve always been a fan of creativity, and this palm tree centerpiece is definitely creative!  I’d love to hear your thoughts on it…

See more work by Birch Design Studio in Chicago by clicking HERE.

…She’s Addicted To Shoes!

Shoes by Benjamin Adams for Paradox London…absolutely gorgeous!

The majority of their shoes can also be custom colored to match your bridesmaids dresses!  To see more of this fabulous collection & find store locations, go HERE!

…Bridesmaid Dresses from Alvina Valenta!

Hey girly girls!  Check out the bridesmaid collection of Alvina Valenta by Victoria McMillan!  They also offer a beautiful line of bridal gowns.  So soft, so pretty, so sexy yet dripping with sophistication, these dresses have personalities of their own!  Here are a few of my personal favorites I thought I might share! 

The ruffle neckline on this lovely dress is adds the perfect touch of romance!

Style #AV9838

Brooch or no brooch, I’m loving the low back on this black taffeta dress!  Pure sophisticated sexiness!

Style #AV9837

With satin and lace, this knee length dress offers a very pretty vintage look!

Style #AV9847

With off the shoulder neckline, short ruffled sleeves, a low back, bow at the waist and side slit, go ahead - make them curious!

Style #AV9846

To see more or find a store near you, click HERE!

…Wild Wedding?  Go Ahead.  Sleep In!

These would be such an easy DIY project, don’t you agree?

Just design them on your computer, print them out on cardstock, fold the top in half, draw a 1/2 circle at the top of the fold, cut the circle and open the fold.   Or, just punch a hole at the top, and tie a ribbon around it, so it can hang by the ribbon instead.

Shazaaaam!  You’ve got your fun and fancy DIY “Do Not Disturb“ sign for guests to hang on their hotel room doors the night of your wedding.  Let them eat cake, and let them sleep in!

Picture taken from the Spring 2008 issue of Inside Weddings magazine.

Made This Summer Backyard Bridal Shower One To Remember!

Sunflowers, lots of sunshine, great food, a hand-made tiki bar, family, friends and one happy couple - that was the setting for my cousin’s bridal shower this weekend.  It was lovely! 

The food served was cooked my my amazing aunt and made perfectly light & tasty for summer.  My uncle acted as bartender serving mimosas and bellinis, behind his new tiki hut.  Can you believe the tiki hut was hand-made by my cousin?  He had given it to him on Father’s Day, and it really worked great for the shower!  Too cool.

I love how the tables were set up, with soft yellow tablecloths and white place settings.  The favors were a hit - sunflowers were glued to the tops of these great smelling soaps from Bath & Body Works!  What a creative idea!  Each table was complete with a carafe of ice-cold lemonade with slices of lemon floating inside.

 One of my favorite gifts the couple received was the beautiful quilt that my grandma hand-made herself!  She started making them for my cousins and I, for when we get married.  I was the first one to get one, when we got married 5 years ago. 

We all tease her about how she’ll have to start making baby blankets soon…ha ha!  She’s going to have a ton of great grand children once we all start having babies!  She keeps saying, “Oh, don’t tell me that…I still have so many more quilts to make!”.  You know she loves it though!  The question is, “Who’s going to be first?”.  You never know!

So there you have it.  One amazing shower!  Congratulations to the fabulous couple, we can’t wait to see you at your wedding!

Thanks to Denise at Bellis Studios for some of the pictures!  She’s way better at photography than I.

…In Love!

I love this picture, found in Inside Weddings magazine.  The picture shows “dinner by lantern light” on a pontoon, at Turtle Island resort in Fiji.  However, it brought another idea to my wedding-obsessed brain.  If you’re planning a beach wedding, you might want to consider this as an option…

…What if you had your wedding ceremony on a small pontoon?  The good news is that you wouldn’t have to go to Fiji in order to do it!

I remember when I was little, my family and I would go up to the cabin.   There was a floating pontoon on the pond, similar to this one, attached to the dock by a rope.  It was mostly enjoyed for fishing or jumping off of to go swimming.

I’m sure there are many local ponds and lakes that also have the same thing, which you could use for your ceremony base.  Picture it…an intimate ceremony for the two of you, but at the same time allowing friends and family to still enjoy by witnessing your vows from the beach!

Of course, I’d keep it in shallow water just in case, with life vests ready…and I’d stay out of the ocean especially at dusk because I hear that’s when the sharks like to feed.  Don’t laugh… yours truly is terrified of sharks.  But don’t let me scare you, because this idea forming in my head was working well for a bit…don’t you agree?  What are your thoughts?

Happy planning! 

Thank you for nurturing my dreams, encouraging me to follow them and for continuing to inspire me every step of the way.

Love!

Maggie Sottero Revisited…

Last year, WedSmack shared with us a striking collection of red wedding gowns by Maggie Sottero, including the Amara Royale shown above.  I still think this is a phenomenal dress, so I thought we’d pay a little visit to it again to satisfy any 4th of July eye candy cravings.

I hope that all of you who celebrate have a very happy, safe and fabulous 4th of July weekend! 

It’s So Much Easier Wishing Upon This Star!

 ”Create your registry with Wishpot.  Add from your favorite stores, get new ideas from experts and brides.  Share your registry with guests.” - Wishpot.com!

Wishpot is great, especially if you’re looking to register for a wedding, bridal shower or baby shower!  Make lists for other events too, such as holidays, housewarming or birthday parties.  Create shopping lists for yourself, or for others! 

This site makes it super easy to add items to your lists from other online stores, so anyone can do it!

Planning a wedding?  Get great ideas from a handful of bridal experts on Wishpot (including yours truly).  Don’t forget to check out the new Wishpot Wedding Blog and check out their new baby section!

Get shopping now: www.wishpot.com

…Congratulations To Newlyweds Lance & Jenny!

Our good friends just got married in Cancun, Mexico, and I just wanted to send them a congratulations!  They were nice to share a few of their pictures online, so I thought I’d create a board in honor of their beautiful day! 

The bride looked absolutely gorgeous.  I love how the groom was goofing around and posed with the bouquet…hilarious!  All the best to this wonderful couple, we love you guys!

Click above or go to Brides.com to read the stories and watch the videos of the lucky 10 semifinalists.  Cast your vote!

…Inspiration For Your “Must-Take” Photos

To say these photos are only beautiful would be an understatement.

Captured Beauty.

Captured Faith.

Captured Dreams.

Captured Moments.

Westerman Photography.