Some fabulous photos by:
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Now That's Cool! III
Although I post a number of "too cool" pics I have collected over the week from across the "weddingsphere," there are a couple that always stand out as "cooler than cool!" This week, let's just say, that I have way too many favorites! For example, check out the wedding cake that has a color gradient inside!? Like who thinks of that, and who took the artful time to bake it?! Or, how about the wedding rings that I think are stunning -- I certainly love my own ring, but that super thin COPPER band..how unique! As always, I HAVE to feature a fabulous pair of shoes, and these shoes with large ankle bows certainly fit the spot. And last, but certainly not least, I want to highlight the headband that looks straight up out of ancient Greece! Truly unique, truly creative, and truly TOO COOL! Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Ann Taylor Wedding's Fall Collection Debuts!
I was so excited when I checked my e-mail today to see that Ann Taylor just debuted their brand-spankin'-new wedding collection for FALL! I know this 100 degree weather makes it hard to fathom the hearty hues of fall, but their collection is definitely worth a look-see! If anything, the thoughts of a cool breeze may help you cool down these days.
My favorite things about the Ann Taylor Fall collection?..ahh where to begin. For starters, the line is really versatile. Although does not offer the assortment that competitors like J. Crew offers, each dress seems to have it's own specific style that is applicable to a number of different weddings. Furthermore, this line offers some unique colors that are seemingly hard to find, but absolutely perfect for a Fall event. Overall, the line offers a combination of chic-romantic stylizing that would make any bride look like she is up on her fashion sense. Most importantly, every dress is RE-WEARABLE! In my opinion, there is not single factor of utmost importance..especially when asking your bridesmaids to invest in a dress. Any of the bridesmaid's dress would be perfect for a night out on the town or a swanky cocktail party.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Picture This!: A Destination without the Trip
So far, there has been a photo, a quote, an animal, and an activity featured as the "Picture This!" weekly series inspiration. I try to use various types of inspiration to show that literally ANYTHING can be your muse for the BIG day! It is all about knowing yourself, your significant other, and you both as a couple - things you love to go together, places you enjoy traveling to, schools you root for, the type of music you listen to...I mean the possibilities are seriously endless! I often hear of girl's ranting about how they would LOVE to have a beach wedding - just think...saying your "I Do's" on a sandy Hawaiian Beach or against a Puerto Rican Sunset, geez, you cannot get more picturesque than that! Although a destination wedding definitely has it's perks, there is a list of sacrifices you make to have a tropical affair. No fear ladies, if the beach has your heart, but you still want to make your hometown-big-wedding dream prove true, simply let a vacation picture from your favorite trip inspire your hometown wedding. Bring the "Aloha" to Atlanta and a beachy breeze to your ceremony! Check out an inspiration board created purely from a beach photo below:
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Thursday, July 21, 2011
Now That's Cool! II
Welcome to the second posting of "Now That's Cool!," where I compiled some of my favorite finds from across the "weddingsphere" this week! If you missed out of some of the fabulous things found last week, be sure to head back to the "Now That's Cool! Post I."
This week it was the super small details that kept catch my eye! Sometimes it is not the big and bold things you have at your wedding that impresses your guests the most; rather, it is the tiny, but SPECIFIC details that make an event seem so personal and unique. Keeping your eye out for those "hidden" subtleties is key to staying inspired to give your own BIG day the wow factor!
Check out some fantastic finds below -- I am talking some killer shoes, chic wedding dress, quotable pillows, a vibrant tux, and a great wedding day get-away ride!
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Treasure Finds: Some Seriously FABULOUS Shoes!
Alright ladies, if you are a daily reader of this blog, you already know what kind of a "shoe freak" I am! Nothing makes you feel more feminine than slipping on a sexy pair of stilettos or a beach-chic pair of wedges! I am always on the look out for a hot pair across the web and absolutely LOVE seeing what people are wearing under their dresses these days. For a quick shot at some of the fabulous heels out there, check out a past post: What's Under That Dress?
My dear friend, and mastermind behind Love, GiGi jewelry line, Mary Morris is my partner in crime when it comes to all thing SHOES! It is not odd to find us texting or e-mailing pictures of shoes we see while out shopping! Furthermore, we are both huge Etsy fans, so it should not be a surprise that we were somehow able to put the two together. Mary sent me over a link to an Etsy Shop called Bride and You - A CUSTOM SHOE SHOP! Are you freaking serious?! Custom, and I should add "couture," shoes for your BIG day - sign me up (too bad my chance has already come in gone)! Sojin Kim's, owner of Bride and You, talent in the art form of shoes is truly stunning, and she offers a range of styles, colors, textures, & embellishments. I encourage all you Bride-To-Be's to head on over the Bride and You to start working with Sojin Kim on your fabulous BIG day shoe creation! Here are some clips from her store front!
Monday, July 18, 2011
DIY Project: Flower Pomanders
I hop everyone had a fabulous weekend! It was my husband's 25th birthday on Sunday, so we celebrated with a fabulous steak dinner at Hal's located in Buckhead, Ga. If you are look for a outstanding date night with your loved one, Hal's is definitely a place to check out - their intimate setting and "brick" sized filet mignon is a perfect way to enjoy any evening.
I was looking over some pictures I had saved a while back and came across a photo of flower balls, or flower pomanders as they are properly referred to. Although flower pomanders are often the responsibility of the florist, in my opinion, these are a perfect DIY project that will surely save you a couple pocket's worth of muh-lah! Flower pomanders are great for pew markers, flower girl bouquets, table centerpieces, and overall wedding accents. Here is the key to keeping them low budget: use artificial flower buds. Why you ask? Well, for one, silk flower buds can be easy obtained online for a fraction of the price of the fresh stuff, and two, it is a general rule of thumb that people cannot actually tell if decor flowers are fake if they are at least 3 feet away from them - hence, a silk flower is perfect for a large table center piece or other accent decor not immediately at the guests' finger tips. Here are some simple instructions on how to easily (and cheaply) create flower pomanders to dress up your BIG day!:
DIY: Flower Pomanders
Materials
- Styrofoam Balls (these may vary in size and in number depending on your needs)
- Silk Flower Buds (Carnation's fluffy texture are perfect for this project, but other types may be used. Check out online resources for great deals - I found a large pack of silk carnation buds for only $2.99!)
- Optional: Hot Glue Gun, Sewing Pins, Hanging Ribbon
Step One: The silk flower buds will have a tiny bit of stem on one side - use this side to "punch" into and adhere to the Styrofoam ball. If the stem is not substantial enough to hold you may use hot glue to adhere the back side of the bud to the Styrofoam or, use sewing pins to pierce through the bud and into the foam.
Step Two: Continue adhering buds, by your chosen method, around the foam ball. Be sure to use proper spacing so that the ends of the petals overlap slightly - this will prevent foam from showing through and will ensure that your ball looks fluffier (and real!).
This project is by far one of the easiest out there - perfect to do while your watching your favorite TV show at night. The pomanders will bring a modern chicness to your BIG (without the big bucks! $$$). Check out the board below for some pomander inspiration.
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| J. Cogliandro Photography |
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Insider Tip: Make Your Outdoor Wedding a Pleasant One!
Today's weather - a heat advisory and an afternoon thunderstorm - is the inspiration behind this post. Heat or rain (or heaven forbid heat & rain together! yikes!) are a quick mix for outdoor wedding day drama. Having a ceremony, reception, or both outside yield tend to come with some major risks. Rain on your wedding day in general is a bug "taboo," but rain when the wedding is OUTSIDE can realistically be disastrous! And let's talk about the thought of heat as the sun beams down on you and your guests - you $100 make-up job will literally drip off you face! So why are so many of us drawn to having an outdoor wedding this time of year when your BIG day is the most vulnerable? Simply because the outdoors is a naturally beautiful backdrop to any wedding celebration! There is an uncanny fresh and subtle ambiance that an outside wedding has, and it is well worth putting your day against the risks. A successful outdoor wedding is most certainly possible if the proper steps are taken as a precaution to "mini-natural disasters." To help ensure that your outdoor wedding is not drowned in water or beaten by heat, follow these insider tips:
The Guests
The Guests
- Provide your guests with a wedding favor that has some purpose! Whether it is a pair of sunglasses, a colorful umbrella, a paper fan, or some flip flops - give them something to keep cool while you say your "I Do's!" If you need some "cooling favors" inspiration, check out our previous post: The Summer Heat - How to Keep Your Wedding Cool
- Let your guest know that all or part of your wedding will be outside. You can do this by putting a tag line on your invitation - this way, your guests know to dress accordingly for the weather.
- Keep your ceremony to a minimum. Now this does not mean RUSH through it, it simply means to have the ceremony not last more that 30 minutes if possible.
- Offer your guests water or a cool lemonade to sip on during your outdoor ceremony. For the reception, make sure your bar is stocked with lots of water and cold beer (wine typically won't be of much interest on a steamy day)
- In corporate "cooling" things into your big day if the weather is going to be HOT. Ideas: an ice cream bar, a cooled summer salad, or frozen margaritas as your signature drink.
In Case of Rain or Shine
- If you are having an outdoor wedding, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have a back-up plan! Your back-up plan, depending on the facility you are using, could simply be to move the wedding inside (i.e. a ballroom, banquet room, etc); however, if your venue does not have an appropriate "indoor" area for emergency, you SHOULD rent an event tent. Your event tent should be big enough to cover all your guests, decor, seating, band, food, etc. More often than not, an outdoor wedding should have some sort of tent no matter what the weather - this not only helps with inclimate weather, but it is a perfect source of shade for guests and to keep the food from spoiling. There are some majorly beautiful event tents out their for rental -- check out your local renting company or event coordinator for further information.
- If you know the weather is going to be pretty toasty that day, rent an AC unit. These units are not that expensive for rental, but can quickly cool off anyone under a tent. Large cooling fans (sort of like the "cooling zones" at theme parks) can be rented as well.
The Wedding Party
- Include a hand towel in your wedding party's gift set. If you want to step it up a notch, have the towel monogramed with each person's name.
- Encourage the groomsmen to rent an extra shirt. An extra button down is only $2 more dollars at any tux rental - well worth it!
- Allow your wedding party to go barefoot or wear flip flops during your reception.
Overall, I 100% believe that an outdoor wedding can be perfectly successful if you are prepared! A wedding with nature as its backdrop is always breathtaking and memorable to all - so if you have always dreamed of a wedding against a big ole' oak tree or in a luscious garden - my advice = GO FOR IT! Check out some beautiful outdoor weddings below!
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| Photo Credits: |
Lisa Franchot
Samm Blake
Shannon Montez
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Now That's Cool! I
There are millions upon millions of creative ideas out there - I try to put my two cents into the melting pot of ideas, but I am continually finding myself jaw dropped in awe of others. I guess that is my favorite thing about creativity - creativity lends itself to an infinite number of creations, each one totally unique from another. I find myself saving pictures of stunning ideas just so I can "drool" over them later...however, this abundance of eye-candy creative ideas is making my computer sooo slow! To alleviate my overloaded hard drive AND to share the "there are no words to explain" creativity of others out in the big ole' weddingsphere, I am starting a new weekly series. The "Now That's Cool!" series will be a weekly post compiled of photos that are simply too cool for words (the photos speak for themselves!). Whether it is a breath taking view, a stunning use of photography, a unique decor set up, a mouth watering cake, or a ultra couture dress...just sit back and ENJOY! These photos are simply for viewing pleasure, creative sharing, and inspiration spiking!
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| Check Out the Amazing Photography Provided by: |
Monday, July 11, 2011
DIY: Corked Place Cards
I LOVE projects you can do yourself -- it saves money ( and keeps ya' busy!) Here's the premise: you will use wine corks to act as a stand for any paper product. In my opinion, The Corked Place Card Project is definitely the way to go if your BIG day requires place cards, table numbers, and/or decorative photos. The project in particular costs you near to nothing and takes minimal assembly time...and if you must have another reason to drawl you in, this project requires no CREATIVE ability - so if your shy with art, do not be scared off for this one! The only heads-up I will give concerning this project is that you need to start collecting corks well ahead of time (depending on how many you need) - you do not want to have to go through 25 bottles of wine all at once! Check out the [minimalist] instructions below and a special inspiration board to see all the great uses of these quirky corks!
Corked Place Cards
Materials Needed
Wine Corks (as many as your wedding requires)
Box Cutter or X-acto Knife
Step 1: Begin collecting wine corks at least 6 months ahead of time. Obviously, with the more corks required for your event, the further ahead you will want to begin collecting. Tip: tell family and friends to hold on to their extra wine corks - your collection will accumulate much faster!
Step 2: Once you have all your corks collected, you will begin the cutting process. You can choose to have the cork stand vertically or horizontally 9see the inspiration board below to choose which way you like).
Step 3: Test out the cork - place a piece of paper into the slit you just cut. If the cork rolls, shave a tiny layer off the bottom of the cork to create a slightly flat surface.
Step 4: Stuff your corks! Assembly all your place cards, table numbers, and/or photos into the slits.
Caution: When cutting the slits into the corks, be sure you are on a flat, non-slick surface. Watch out for your fingers at all times!
...quick note: if you are not a Bride-to-be, these are FABULOUS to use around the house or for an entertaining event. Use them a family photo stands, place card holders for Holiday dinners, or as name cards for your array of hours d'evours!
Corked Place Cards
Materials Needed
Wine Corks (as many as your wedding requires)
Box Cutter or X-acto Knife
Step 1: Begin collecting wine corks at least 6 months ahead of time. Obviously, with the more corks required for your event, the further ahead you will want to begin collecting. Tip: tell family and friends to hold on to their extra wine corks - your collection will accumulate much faster!
Step 2: Once you have all your corks collected, you will begin the cutting process. You can choose to have the cork stand vertically or horizontally 9see the inspiration board below to choose which way you like).
- Horizontal Holder: Stand the cork vertically on a hard service. Use a box cutter to cut a line down the cork (from top to bottom). Be sure to only cut halfway through the circle - that way the cork will not split into two (see diagram for reference).
- Vertical Holder: Lie the cork down horizontally on a hard surface. Use the box cutter to slit just the tip of the cork. Once you stand the cork up-right, the slit should be at the top.
Step 3: Test out the cork - place a piece of paper into the slit you just cut. If the cork rolls, shave a tiny layer off the bottom of the cork to create a slightly flat surface.
Step 4: Stuff your corks! Assembly all your place cards, table numbers, and/or photos into the slits.
Caution: When cutting the slits into the corks, be sure you are on a flat, non-slick surface. Watch out for your fingers at all times!
...quick note: if you are not a Bride-to-be, these are FABULOUS to use around the house or for an entertaining event. Use them a family photo stands, place card holders for Holiday dinners, or as name cards for your array of hours d'evours!
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| DIY Photos By: |
Adrienne Gunde Photography
Jessi Ringer
JAC Photography
Adeline and Grace Photography
Missy Cochran
Jessi Ringer
JAC Photography
Adeline and Grace Photography
Missy Cochran
Friday, July 8, 2011
Picture This!: Acoustic Ambiance
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| Photo Credit: MoonRiver1423 on Etsy |
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Understated Elegant Photos by: Rachel Barker Aric + Casey Photography Meredith Perdue Karen Hill Cathy Sunu |
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Treasure Find: Couture Style Never Seen Before
Every girl knows that find the PERFECT dress easily qualifies as one of the top memories along your wedding journey. Nothing makes you that much more anxious to walk down the aisle then slipping on a dress that makes you feel that you are glowing with radiance. Today, there are a million choices for your dress-to-be, from all over the world, and from a plethora of designers - nevertheless, finding your perfect dress can be an adventure (or a maze for that matter) in and of itself. And, just like high school PROM, no girl wants to wear a dress like anyone else's - we want it to look like it was made just for us; but, only a few major bridal shops most metro areas and so many designers "copy-catting" each other' work, how are you guaranteed to find a dress that is purely unique? Answer: Etsy. Although Etsy started off being a virtual store front for many "do-it-yourselfers," the site is now filled with an abundance of true artists offering their masterpieces to the public. Fashion designers, of every sort, are popping up daily on Etsy to present their couture lines worthy of New York Fashion Week. If you are looking for a unique wedding dress style (not so main stream), a custom dress to your specific order, or just a couture dress that has never been worn before...head on over to Etsy and SHOP AWAY!!! You will be true eye-candy as you walk down the aisle looking as though you are straight out of a designers studio! Below is a SMALL sampling of some awesome wedding dress designers I spotted on Etsy - click their link to check out their virtual shop or go on over to Etsy to explore it yourself.
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| "Some Kind of Wonderful" by clairelafaye |
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| "Maggs" by AngelsBridalBoutique |
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| "Silk Fusion Mermaid Dress" by PureMagnoliaCouture |
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| "Vintage Lace" by yourfairytalewedding |
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| "The Wide Open Spaces" by ArmoursansAnguish photo by Scott Woodman |
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| "Lace Dress" by dressmaker2011 |
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Insider Tip: Find Inspiration for Your Pre-Wedding Workouts
I hope everyone had a joyous, blessed, and relaxing weekend as we all celebrated the FOURTH! My husband and I were lake-bound Saturday and Sunday -- there is just something about the lake that gives off a natural relaxed ambiance -- I just cannot get enough! Yesterday, along with thousands of thousands of other people, I ran the Peachtree Road Race. This is my second year taking on the 6.2 miles that require pure mental and physical strength, and after running through it, I knocked 7 minutes off my previous time! I grew up naturally being competitive and have innately enjoyed pushing myself, especially when it comes to athletics - which got me thinking! The number one goal of a new bride-to-be is to, quote on quote, "I HAVE to go on a major diet and exercise regimen so I can look awesome on the wedding day!" And while looking your best and getting healthy seems like a wonderful endeavor, many quickly fall short of getting themselves on the restricted plan that is realistically needed to fulfill their "top body" dreams. The reason why?: Although we may think that your upcoming wedding day may be motivation enough to kick your bootie into a "healthy" gear, it is often not enough of a reason to get your internal fire going. With all the planning, all the showers, all the tastings, etc. etc...it is super difficult to squeeze in a apple and an hour workout in your day - especially if exercising was not a daily routine of yours BEFORE the engagement. Nevertheless, I think you should look YOUR BEST, FEEL YOUR BEST, and WORK HARD TO DO SO for your BIG day!! So to avoid failing to reach your Top Body goal, you need to create MORE motivation for yourself other than "just looking hot on your wedding day," and here is how!
If you are COMPETITIVE
Sign up for a race of some sort that is a couple of weeks before your wedding date. This way, you will be actually TRAINING for a particular purpose that truly tests your ability! Not only will you be more motivated towards a higher goal, but you will be forced to push your self harder during your workouts! For example, if you are just getting in shape for your BIG day, then you may walk a mile or two every other day -- BUT if you are training for a 10K, your butt is going to have to RUN several miles daily to get it in gear. Here are a couple of races coming up for you brides to be in the Atlanta area:
2011 Grand Finale 5K
Aug 13, 2011Come out and celebrate the last race of the 2010-2011 Grand Prix season at the Grand Finale 5K! The event features a great, new course around Chastain Park, the Grand Prix Awards Ceremony and the annual Atlanta Track Club member brunch. | A Georgia Multisports Production 400 Yard Swim, 13 Mile Bike, 5k Run Date: Sunday October 2, 2011 |
2011 Atlanta Marathon & Marathon Relay
Oct 30, 2011Discover Atlanta one mile at a time at the Atlanta Marathon and Marathon Relay on Sunday, October 30, 2011. The 26.2 mile urban course starts and finishes at Atlantic Station taking participants on a tour of Atlanta past well-known Atlanta sites and neighborhoods.2011 Atlanta Half Marathon and Thanksgiving Day 5K
Nov 24, 2011The Atlanta Half Marathon (ages 14 and up) is among the largest half marathons in the US. The event, which attracts thousands of runners and walkers each year, is a great way to earn your turkey on Thanksgiving Day!If you are CHARITABLE
Not-for-Profits always have events and races that are going on! If you are the goodwill type, these races for benefit are a perfect way to ignite your passion for giving and your will to train your body the best. Knowing that your exercise and new healthy lifestyle is helping you to race on behalf of others is a TRUE and GENUINE motivator. Just Google your favorite cause to find their upcoming event!
If you are a GROUP kind of GIRL
Do you find motivation in friends? Are you a social butterfly? If you answered yes, then finding a "group" thing is perfect for you! There are plenty of running clubs around the Atlanta area that could be a perfect motivator for your BIG day. Belonging to a club makes you feel like you are a part of something and you will easily be encouraged by others around you (you are not going to walk when there are 10 people trucking it with you!). Plus, talking to friends while exercising makes time go by faster! If you are not into running, but want to get into a good workout routine, join a class or boot camp at your local gym - if you go the same each week, you will quickly have camaraderie with your classmates and be eager to go back! Check out this website for a LARGE list of running clubs in the area!
I will leave you with this: look your BEST on your BIG day, and WORK HARD for it! Find multiple motivators that will keep your tight tush in gear and on the right path towards a heathy lifestyle! Furthermore, encourage your man to join you in your effort to being a better you...more than a better bride is a better couple ready to start a happy and healthy life together! Go get 'em!!
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