Think Pink

Cascade Bouquet

Modern Bouquet

          As you begin to plan a spring or summer wedding, choosing the color palette can be a daunting task. Do you want to use bold colors, or err on the side of pastels and muted hues? If pink is in your palette,  Martha Stewart Weddings has compiled a selection of pink wedding bouquets that provide the pink-lover like me with endless possibilities. If you are considering pinks or pastels, or just want to browse some beautiful bouquets, Martha Stewart Weddings has forty-nine that will bring out the girlish side of any woman. 

Tissue Paper DIY Bouquet

Southern Sentiments

After being out of the south for over three months now, I have begun to truly miss my southern upbringing. I know that three months is a short time period, but it has begun to feel like an eternity. From queso to bow ties to salmon-colored t-shirts, there is something about Texas that I cannot duplicate out in California. Maybe it is just the rain that is coming down outside my window, but now more than ever I long to hop on a plane and fly back to my home sweet home. 

Dad or Grandpa's Bowtie on Your Bouquet

"It's A Nice Day For A White Wedding"

        Being a southern girl myself, I love the summer days and the heat that brings. But there is definitely something magical that happens with the changing of the leaves and the dropping temperatures. I cannot deny that I love to snuggle up next to the fire with a mug full of hot chocolate (or mocha, for the coffee addicts). 


        Winter weather certainly adds glamour to the wedding day, with flurries skirting the grass and dancing on the chapel steps. And to contrast the crisp white, deep colors add warmth to the occasion. Not to mention, winter weddings can be easily complemented by holiday cheer, like these pine cone escort cards from Martha Stewart Weddings. 

Pine Cone Escort Cards

             A pure white wedding dress can be even more dramatic amongst strong, deep hues and the white snow. (Not to mention, she can take a few winter liberties!)

BHLDN Kayleigh Dress with Accessories

Jenny Yoo Collections

BHLDN has designed a collection of gowns and accessories specifically for the winter bride, preparing her for the chill of the day head to toe. 

Christmastime Invitations

Skiing in Style

BHLDN Feather Trimmed D'Orsays

BHLDN Couplet Bridesmaids Dress

Simple Reminders

Unforgettable Wedding Moments: From Joanna Goddard

Unforgettable Wedding Moments

Tradition: A Reversion to Classical Elegance

There has be a growing trend towards the lace wedding dress. In her 2011 wedding to Prince William, Kate Middleton showed the world the value of old elegance and the beauty in "covering up." 
Over the past decade, while music may be crazier, the tabloids more exposing, and the culture more liberal on "socially acceptable" practices, the wedding has seen a shift back in time. At the beginning of the 21st century, brides embraced the strapless, satin wedding gown. True, they were beautiful, but old-fashioned lace is hard to surpass. I look at pictures from my grandmothers' weddings and marvel at the class and elegance in their wedding attire and environment. Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days and attend a wedding in the Forties or Fifties. I must admit, that although I love the glamour and glitz of the 21st century, I am excited about a potential reversion to lace, modesty, and simple elegance in the wedding. 

Grace Kelly, married 1956

Renee Zellweger, marriage to Kenny Chesney (2005)

Kate Middleton, married 2011

Fairytales Come True

From start to finish, this wedding is a fairytale event.



Nick + Socorra // A Fairytale from capture studios on Vimeo.

"Not Because I Have To, But Because I Get To"

Ben + Meghan // Your Purpose from capture studios on Vimeo.

The Simple Wedding Ring

A Cup Of Jo: Wedding Rings

Home Away From Home: Favors from Across the Country

Give your guests a little "piece" of home, wherever that may be, to take away with them from your special day. Use your favors to show your guests where you are now is unique, or assure them that you have not forgotten the sweetness of home. 
Regional Wedding Favors

BHLDN plays Dress Up

BHLDN recently added a new collection of skirts and tops that challenge the necessity of a gown. For weddings or other special events, shop BHLDN's separates collection. 

Wedding Dreams

BHLDN's A"maze"ing New Gowns

BHLDN added fourteen gorgeous new gowns to their collection today, and a gorgeous video to go along with it. My personal favorite of the dresses would be the Elysium Gown. The sheer detailing on the top makes this simple gown one-of-a-kind. Watch their video lookbook at www.bhldn.com. 

Cravings of a Sugar Addict

Perhaps it is just my sweet tooth kicking in, but I love this dessert bar idea from Martha Stewart Weddings!
Summer is carnival time, and the time of outdoor weddings (if you can stand the heat!). I love the idea of a carnival-themed dessert bar,  complete with cotton candy, funnel cake, caramel corn, and sno cones. Leave the chocolate for indoors and wintertime and embrace the sweetness of summer. A carnival stand for dessert is the perfect subtle touch of flare to add life to a wedding celebration. Head to Martha Stewart Weddings for more ideas on dessert buffets for the wedding!

Feeling Blue?

It's always a bit of a challenge to find the "perfect" bridesmaid dresses. Many brides have chosen to pick a color and let the bridesmaids choose their style. Martha Stewart Weddings embraces this idea and gives you a preview of Spring 2012 Collections by color. With hundreds of dresses in a wide array of colors, styles, and lengths, Martha Stewart Weddings helps you find those "perfect" dresses! Now to finding that perfect dress for you, the bride...

It's All About Perspective

The average marriage age for a woman is 26, for a man, 28. Generally, American couples will date 2-3 years before "tying the knot". At age 26, the 50 year anniversary is certainly far off in the future. You may have known the man you marry only 1/20 of this landmark anniversary. I am always so amazed and filled with joy when I see couples who, 50 years later, nearly double the length of the time they had been alive when they committed to one another, are still madly in love. To see a man and woman who, after journeying through life and all that comes along with it together, still look at each other with love, who walk hand-in-hand in the grocery store makes me smile. My favorite visual is the husband who faithfully opens the car door for his wife and gently helps her in to the car. 50 years. When I think about how the past 20 have gone, I can hardly imagine another 50. Even my dearest friends have not known me half that time! I guess when you find that one to spend the rest of your life with, 50 years doesn't seems so long. Find that person who makes you smile. Who each day looks at you as if they are falling in love over and over again. Love them selflessly, and receive their love humbly. Never take for granted the love you have and the time you spend. Hold their hand and never let go. 

For the Coffee Lover

What a way to propose!

http://greenweddingshoes.com/a-starbucks-proposal-story/





Source: Greenweddingshoes.com

Childlike Idea, Beautiful Cake

Homemade cake doesn't have to look juvenile. But that doesn't mean you can't play while making it! Go back to the days of candy buttons and make a colorful, fun, and finished cake for your wedding. Take chocolate lentils in your choice of colors to match your wedding palette (shown here in yellow, orange, and pink) and layer them atop buttercream frosting. Simple, cute, and classy. 

Military Wedding Musts

http://www.getmarried.com/articles/view/5-military-wedding-musts

DIY Wedding Idea: Napkin Menus

Planning your wedding on a budget but still want something classy and creative? This simple menu can be printed on  cardstock (neutral colors are best if complimentary to your color scheme) and wrapped around your napkins. Easy, inexpensive, DIY.

BHLDN Comes to Texas

BHLDN announced its first store opening today! The store will open on August 18th in Houston, TX. They are already accepting appointments for brides-to-be online at www.bhldn.com.

Ring By Spring

 Texas pride goes a long way. Out in California, I make known that my hometown is in the Lone Star State. Texans also love their schools (some maybe a little too much). But in Texas, where "ring by spring" is accepted, even encouraged, the brides and grooms are not only newlyweds, but also newlygrads, often from the same school. So why not celebrate the big day with some school pride? These couples have made sure that their guests all know that, after one another and their family and friends, they love their schools.  

Who says you need to hire a photographer? Take matters into your own hands.

(Source: weddingarchives)

Gifts for the Groomsmen

Gifts for the Groomsmen 

“So often, grooms tend to get lost in the midst of wedding excitement. Grooms frequently seem entirely oblivious to their responsibilities as husbands-to-be, and it often falls upon the shoulders of the bride to push him in the right direction. With that in mind, we’ve assembled some great picks from the pros at Groomstars to help you with the task of selecting gifts for all the men in your wedding party!”

Summertime Shades

Summer is full of bright colors, and what better way to enhance the crisp white wedding gown than with colorful accents, from the necklace to the bouquet to the bridesmaid dresses. The strong colors of the bridesmaid dresses only draw more attention to the soft beauty of the bride. I also love the contrast in the bridal and bridesmaid's bouquets. So as to not overdo the color, the bridesmaids carry white flowers, whereas the bride has a beautiful bouquet of summer colors. This bride keeps her look simple and summery, while still remaining elegant. And all the colors point back to her fresh look, so the bride remains the center of attention. 

Photographer:  Katherine O’Brien

Vogue UK: "Wedding Belles"

 

Perfect Colorado Wedding: A Town With Charm

So I have spent the past two weeks in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado. Although when I initially arrived it was a bitter 25-35 degrees, by the end of my stay it had warmed up to nearly 70 each day. And the sun shone with few clouds and little wind.


Needless to say, it was breathtaking. I have always found Colorado to be an exceptionally beautiful place, but Breckenridge in particular caught my
eye. Breckenridge is small and quaint, but commercial enough to have all the necessary amenities and excellent dining. Breckenridge is home to multiple luxury resorts and lodges, any of which would be wonderful for a wedding, or perhaps the honeymoon. The Village at Breckenridge is located just at the base of Peak 9, so if you are there in the winter, you need do more than simply walk out the door an on to the slopes. The Breckenridge Resorts, of which the Village is one, provide wonderful indoor and outdoor setting for your dream wedding, whether that be in the snowy winter or the rocky and green summer. And the Maggie Pond which runs through the town only adds to its charm!

Morning Weddings for Morning People

Are you a morning person? Then why not have an early wedding with breakfast served at the reception! We are often looking our best in the morning, before the day has a chance to take its beating on us. So, if you don't mind waking up, start your day off on the right foot by getting married first thing! 
Check out these beautiful dresses, decor, and delicious breakfast food from a couple who just couldn't wait till evening to get married!

Gorgeous Wedding Photography

Marcus Bell Photography

Stylemepretty.com features some of the most gorgeous wedding photography shot by gifted photographers, and their current homepage highlights some of the finest. 

My BHLDN Obsession Contd.

So I waited nearly two years from the time of rumors of Anthropologie's new wedding line to the birth of BHLDN, the bridal counterpart of Anthropologie. Launched on Valentine's day, I was instantly in love with all of the dresses, accessories, and recently the new decor line. Last week, BHLDN added four new gorgeous gowns to the mix, each one as beautiful as the last. Like Anthropologie, BHLDN does not walk the wide road, choosing to adopt a less-traditional style. But they still hold on to a sophisticated look, and offer different cuts and styles for all kinds of brides. 


Being somewhat of a traditionalist myself, I am most drawn to the Panes of Lace Gown, a modern twist on a vintage gown. And I love the earrings shown in this picture, too!

Panes of Lace Gown

Passive-Aggressive Wedding Notes

Weddings are joyous occasions, but can be filled with stress, frustration, and just a little passive aggression. 

These passive-aggressive wedding notes from Glamour are both humorous and sad. It's friends and family's way to get their last words in before you head out on your own. (Found at A Cup of Jo)

Invitations Don't Have to be Engraved

The traditional wedding invitation is often silver or white, very elegant, and, while beautiful, relatively generic. If you are looking for something a little more creative, colorful, or intricate, Martha Stewart Weddings has some fresh ideas! Browse 50 wedding invitations, using one of their's or gathering inspiration for your own creation.
My favorite is #3, the green and white striped stationery. Basic, elegant, and fun!

Style Me Pretty

I love this wedding website! Provides the reader with local blogs, real wedding ideas, and much more!


http://www.stylemepretty.com/ 

Crepe-Paper Flowers

Crepe paper doesn't have to be reserved for children's birthday parties. Try this technique to create single flowers or a whole bouquet! 

DIY Paper Flowers

New Wedding Decor Line from BHLDN

While the Royal Wedding is certainly the most exciting news in weddings recently, I am very excited about the launch of BHLDN's decor line! So now, not only the details of the wedding attire, but also the stationery, tableware, and so much more can all be found on the same, wonderful site!

For the wedding attendee, there are an unlimited number of keepsakes to give the bride and groom, too!

Cake-To-Go Box

Sweethearts' Forks

Spiraled Shoppe Straws

Lily of the Valley Cake Topper

Blooming Bridesmaid Cards