I swear, I look at weddings now and just think, “I really should have gone with my gut on that one!” Stripes is a perfect example. I had all the ideas lined up, but just like those games you play when you are little where you find the thing that doesn’t belong, stripes was the odd man out in my equation. It just didn’t work. But looking back, it could have worked, and I should have fought myself a little harder, gotten a little further out of my confort zone and looked a little more at HOW it could have worked. These are the little tidbits when you have your 20/20 vision looking behind.

I knew I loved the look, and it is something I should have investigated a little more. Even though you don’t see tons of photos of something doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, and if you just spread a little creativity, you might discover some awesome ideas in the back of your mind that lead to an incredibly good looking piece of decor.

Source: bow tie, hair, cake, cake, bridesmaids, table

Oh well, there are tons of other places to use stripes, right? My closet is inundated with them, and every wall in my house has the potential to become them. And I just love it.

Source: Home, Fashion

These stripes stole my heart this time around, what is stealing your heart at the moment?

This weekend, I (finally convinced Dan to go with me and get us) registered!  It was a bit stressful admittedly, but we ultimately ended up having some fun!

We started with china and crystal, which was definitely an education. Did you know that good china should be slightly translucent (you should be able to see the shadow of your hand when you hold it up to the light)? It is also really strong so don’t get too nervous about pulling out that back dinner plate (the sales woman at Macy’s startled us by smashing the dishes together!) Who knew?!

We are probably going to go with something pretty simple and classic to be sure that our china goes with anything and lasts through the years, but I can’t help but drool over these antique-styled and more ornate designs. They are great inspiration for for you wedding dinnerware too.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 

We are also going to be registering for classic, causal, everyday pieces at Pottery Barn. You really can’t go wrong with white dinnerware or towels.

Sources: Pottery Barn

And when it comes to home décor, I adore West Elm and Anthropologie. Unfortunately, West Elm doesn’t offer registry and Anthropologie only has a “wish list.” Has anyone out there done a wish list as a registry? We might just let guests know that we like these stores as an option for gift cards or making their own selections. I’d love any thought or experiences on this one!

Sources: Anthropologie, West Elm

Any other registry tips are welcome!

Vinnie and I were engaged September 12, 2011. These photos were taken just last weekend on a sunny day at the beach in Santa Monica by our dear friend, Ricardo Bayona.

Vinnie and I met on St. Patrick’s day 2007, had our first date 3 days after meeting, moved in together after 9 months, and next month is our 5 year anniversary; hard to believe how time flies!  And speaking of time flying, we are  just 8 1/2 months away from our BIG DAY!

At this point in your planning, what have your checked off of your list? Is there anything you wish you would have done sooner?

Hope you enjoy getting to know us a little bit through these pictures :)