A Coastal Engagement

Today I'm swooning over this adorable engagement session by Ami Duong of Love in Photography! I can't get over how perfect this couple looks frolicking on the beach and I'd highly suggest you try this idea out if you're currently searching for an engagement session location. See below for some killer photos and lots of love!

Photo Credit: Aimi Duong via Erich McVey Workshop // Location: Navarro River Redwoods State Park // Creative Direction & Styling: Ginny Au assisted by Charlene Tea // Art Direction: Kaela Rawson for Ginny Au //Hair & Makeup: Emily Newman & Kaela Rawson // Fashion: Zara // Talent: Tony and Hannah Culver for Muse Model Management 

Fall Inspiration

So here we are, still a few weeks away from the end of summer. As usual, my mind is already racing ahead and I've got fall weddings on the brain. I've always loved the rich colors associated with fall and I definitely thing brides should incorporate them into their wedding day. See below for some seriously gorgeous fall wedding inspiration!

Plum Bridesmaid Dress// Snuggle Up// Floral Headband// Naked Cake// Fall Makeup// Bouquet// Bouquet & Bride// Cranberry Lips// Long Sleeve Sunset// Flannel Cover// Buttercream Cake// Leather Jacket// Confetti// Orange Couple// Carmel Corn// Burgundy Bouquet

Loving The Long Sleeves

So about a week ago, the lovely Jennifer Aniston shared the picture below on her Facebook page and my jaw dropped! Even though Aniston and her new hubby kept most of the details of their nuptials to themselves, she finally leaked a glimpse of her dress. Although I wish we could see an actual photo of Jennifer in her dress, (this is just a photo from the designers website), I'm still totally excited!

Naturally, after seeing/falling in love with her dress, I went long-sleeved-wedding-dress crazy and today's post is the result. See below for a collection of some of my absolute favorites. Enjoy!

Jennifer Aniston's Dress// Laughing Bride// First Couple// Demure Bride// Forest Bride// Sheer Sleeves// Deep V Lace// Second Couple// Lace Neckline// Beach Bride// Third Couple// Copper Belt// Ball Gown// Illusion Neckline// Slit Dress// Fourth Couple// Heavy Beading// Thick Lace// Flower Crown// Sunset Bride// Low Back// Simple Bride// Cut Outs

Seaside Bridal Inspiration

So here we are, mid-August, and it''s blazing hot. I'm sure I'm not the only one who spends most weekdays fantasizing about blowing off life and hitting the beach. Sadly, this dream isn't very realistic for most of us so here's a little beach themed wedding inspo via Brittany Lane Photography to keep you day dreaming all through the work week. Enjoy!

Photographs via Brittany Lane Photography // Styled via Ginny Au // Gown via Emily Rigs // Workshop via Erich McVey

Painted Wedding Cakes

So, time to get real here - It's mid summer and I'm totally killing myself in an attempt to be/stay bathing suit ready. This means lots of trips to the gym and, yes, a nutritional plan. Sadly my diet doesn't have any room for cake... but a girl can dream.

My self inflicted sugar deprivation has spurred a slight obsession with pinning my favorite wedding cake designs. In doing so I've noticed that I have a running theme going. It turns out, I'm a big fan of the painted wedding cake trend and today I'm here to spread the obsession. See below to feast your eyes on some serious, calorie free pretty!

Blue Floral Cake // Gold & Floral // Metallic Brush //Ombre Paint // Portrait Cake // Glitter Brush // Splatter & Geometrics // Brush Stroke Gold // Orange Splash // Paint Patterns 

5 Tips For Creating An Ultra-Inviting Lounge Space

Who doesn't love a good lounge area? While chairs and cocktail tables are nice, there's just nothing like kicking back on a plush sofa after a few hours of dancing and libations. Today let's chat about the 5 key ingredients needed to create that oh-so-comfy atmosphere. 

Photo Credit: Yasmin Khajavi Photography 

Keep it cozy.

Blankest, soothing colors, and lots and lots of pillows are at the top of the list when it comes to designing a lounge. 

Photo Credit: Braedon Photography 

Shed some light.

Even the most lavish lounge in the world wouldn't attract that many people without a little light. Keep in mind that you're going for a relaxing ambiance, so steer clear of anything too bright. Some bistro lights and candles should give the right effect. 

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Anne Designs 

Give lots of options.

When it comes to seating, more is more! Be sure to give plenty of options so guest can gather without feeling like they're on top of each other. 

Photo Credit: Pebelona Studios 

Add an area rug. 

Nothing says cozy like a nice plush rug. Add one and not only will it instantly give a cool pop of pattern and texture, but it will also help set the space apart from the rest of the festivities. 

Photo Credit: Frenzel Photographers 

Don't forget the table tops. 

Last but not least, don't forget to add some hard surfaces. Coffee and end tables can work double duty as decor and a sturdy place for guest to rest their drinks. 

Killin' It Copper

Copper is having a major moment in weddings and I thought it'd be a shame if I missed my chance to give it a mention. Today I'm sharing just a few cool ways to jazz up your wedding color palette with this warm metallic hue. From cake decor to bridal accessories, there are a zillion options when it comes to incorporating copper into your big day. See below and get inspired!

Hair Accessory// Cake// Invite Tray// Succulent Favors// Ceremony Pipes// Cake Table// Copper Shrug// Wall Script// Sequins Spread// Boutiner// Mugs// Copper Belt

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

I've been mildly obsessed with wedding shoes this week and I thought I'd share my faves today. I believe it was none other than the famous Marilyn Monroe that said, "Give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she can conquer the world." I think we've all felt the power of that perfect pair of shoes and I encourage you to spend however long it takes to find "the one" that's right for your wedding day. Here's a little inspiration to get you started!

Shoes from top to bottom: Rachel Simpson// Jimmy Choo// Gucci // Style Me Pretty// Jimmy Choo// Christian Louboutin// Christian Louboutin Flats// Badgley Mischka// Style Me Pretty// Grooms Men Attire// Badgley Mischka// Christian Louboutin// Style Me Pretty// Hazelnut Photography// Snippet & Ink 

Travis and Carolyn's Orchard Engagement

Today I'm obsessing over this beautiful Wisconsin engagement session. Basically what you see here is the perfect combination of real love, a few killer locations, and a beautiful couple. Mix that all together and add the amazing photography skills of Molly Jo Collection and you have one drop dead gorgeous shoot. All you newly engaged love birds out there, take note!

location, location, ubicacion | Bridal Blogger Alisha

For those of you that don't know, "ubicacion" means location in Spanish. Or at least that's what Google's translator told me after a quick web search. ...I really need to learn Spanish. 

Anyhow, possible incorrect translations aside, it's time for another wedding update from yours truly. Today I'm talking location and I would actually like you guys to weigh in if possible. I'm a little torn on the type of location and, well, let me lay it out for you...

Photo via Desiree Hartsock

As you may know, I'm planning a private ceremony (aka eloping) in Mexico. I've scoured the web for hours looking for possible locations and it's come to my attention that there is one big choice I need to make before I go any further. Do I want a all inclusive/hotel wedding or do I want to to pick a random, yet awesome, spot and find a separate coordinator? Let's look at this a little closer.

Photo via Wedding Chicks

The all inclusive/hotel option is probably more cost effective and will save me the trouble of finding my own help. On the other hand, I've read that a lot of resorts have several weddings a day, some of which are located very close together. Also I've heard that many resorts don't allow you to used vendors that are not on their preferred list. This may be a problem because photography and videography are SO important to me.

When it comes to the option of picking a random spot, I love this idea because it means we can get married in a truly unique setting. The trouble with this plan is, how do we find that spot? I was thinking the fiance and I could wonder around a day or two before and just pick a place we love but what if we don't find anything or it's too last minute to set things up the way I want it? Also, is it safe to just wonder around? 

I feel like I have so many questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Until next week - Adios!