if the shoe fits {bridal shoes}

I consider myself to be cheap'n chic. That being said, I love fashion that looks fabulous and does not cost an arm and a leg. Yes, my wedding day is going to be amazing, but that doesn't mean I need a $1,700 pair of shoes to feel fabulous. Yes, you read that number correctly. Some of you girls out there feel just fine spending that kind of mulah on a pair of pumps... but I, ladies, do not. Even if I had that kind of money to spend, I would not spend it on shoes... I'd spend it on a videographer. But, to each their own. This post is dedicated to the ladies who want to look and feel fabulous with breaking the bank. Who cares what the label says on the close-up your photographer is going to get of your shoes. (Gasp!) she is not wearing designer shoes on her wedding day?! Well, I might.... and if I do you best believe I'll get them at Loehmann's or The Rack ;-)

Here are some shoes I found inspiring. By the way, the sparkly one on the right by Enzo is only $159!

and who says they have to be white?

I know there are a lot of you out there that may disagree with me on the subject of shoes. I have many girlfriends who are passionate about their Christian Louboutin's and Manolo Blahnik's thanks to Carrie Bradshaw. But tell me ladies, how much is TOO much to spend on shoes?? Oh, and what color are you going for? Traditional white, or something more daring? Please share!

Affordable Shades of Grey {bridesmaids dresses}

Now that I have hired a wedding coordinator I feel like a lot of things are falling into place. For example, we finally hired a photographer!!! What a relief! The next step in that area is locking down a cinematographer and an officiant (expect a post on that soon). In a couple of weeks we are interviewing 2 officiants, a DJ, then visiting a florist...and that's all in one day!  Now that a lot of the big aspects of my planning are almost complete it's time to revisit the bridesmaids dress hunt. You may have read my original post about bridesmaids dresses. Since then, one thing is for sure now: I want grey dresses for my maids. What's not for sure is the style... long, short, mixed styles, etc.

Last night I was watching the movie "Bridesmaids" and I had to laugh when one of the women suggested they choose a dress that was $800. That amount is ridiculous, which many would agree. However, I also think anything north of $250 is absurd. When I first started casually looking at dresses for my girls I discovered that finding something affordable would be a challenge.

My best friend Shana is getting married this June and found fabulous bridesmaids dresses at http://www.dessy.com/ They have every style imaginable and tons of colors to choose from, and they are AFFORDABLE!!! The one piece of advice she gave me was make sure you see the color in person and have one of your girls try on the style you like. This seems like a no-brainer, but can you imagine just ordering online then finding out later that the cut and color you chose was unflattering in person? What I also like about Dessy is that they will tell you the nearest store to you where you can see the dresses in person. Awesome!

Here are just some of the styles I like from the Dessy Group that are affordable (less than $250).

Any other suggestions for affordable bridesmaids dresses?  Please share your ideas and websites!

Succulent Centerpieces & A New Engagement

Side-note before I get started on today's post... over the weekend my brother, Christopher PROPOSED to his girlfriend, Rachel!!!! They have been happily together nearly 6 years and are now engaged! I couldn't be more happy for the two of them. Let the countdown begin for my wedding and theirs! Cheers to the future Mr. & Mrs. Asimos! :)

At this point in my planning I am feeling much more relaxed. I have checked off many things on my list. On April 7th I will be meeting with my wedding coordinator and visiting a florist. Since flowers are not high on my list of budget 'must-haves' I'm interested in seeing what my money can get me.

I'm envisioning something simple, classy, and elegant. Oh, and succulents are a must. Here is some of my inspiration.

Check out these tiny white daisies below along with the tea wedding favors. (It says 'love is brewing' ... So cute!) I also wouldn't mind incorporating some baby's breath.

My friend Jessica shared with me a great idea that she used for her wedding. Reuse the flowers that are used in your ceremony and have them transfered over to your reception during cocktail hour. That way you get two for the price of one! She also advised that not every table needs a floral centerpiece. Instead every other table could have a candle centerpiece or something different.

Do you have any advice on where I could save money on flowers? I definitely want my flowers to be pretty but I don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Ideas welcome! Comment away! :)

A Picture is worth 1,000 words :: {video is priceless}

It's funny how some things I thought were important to me in my planning are now not that important. For example:  when I first started planning my wedding I was sure that I wanted live music.... now I don't mind having a DJ. Vinnie and I have our growing playlist on a shared google doc and we're totally okay with having someone just pull songs from that. However, the more time has passed, the more photography has become my main focus, or concern, if you will. When it comes to budgeting, I'm willing to give a little on other things so we can have awesome photography and not have to compromise. But one thing has been added to this mix.... videography! Ever since I watched my friends Jess & Mike Haro's wedding video by Love Spun I have been SOLD on the fact that I must have quality wedding video.

Here are a couple beautiful photos from their wedding

But watch their video and you'll see why I am SO inspired to have something like this to call my own :)

Mike & Jess Haro {Viansa Winery} Sonoma from Lovespun ~ Handmade Films on Vimeo.

I also love the cinematography from Picotte Weddings. Here are a couple photos from a wedding they shot

And here is the video where it all comes to life!

Maria + Sheffer . Le Chateau, Saddlerock Ranch . Malibu, CA from Picotte Weddings on Vimeo.

From my research I have found that good wedding cinematography can range anywhere from $2,800 to $6,000+

For my budget I am planning on sticking to the lower amount, but I am having video regardless. What are your thoughts on having your wedding documented on video? I have heard from some of my bride friends who did not opt for video that they wish they would have done it. What are your planning for your big day? Do you have any recommendations for a great videographer in southern California.... or maybe someone who's willing to travel? If so, please share by posting a comment :)

 

 

wedding timeline & color inspiration {so far so good}

When I got engaged September 12, 2011 I truly had NO idea what it would take to plan a wedding. Reading magazines and discovering that the average woman takes about a year to plan a wedding was surprising to me. To look back just 5 months ago to where I was and where I am now... WOW, I've come a long way, baby. I've laughed, I've cried and I almost convinced Vinnie to elope. But I have to say, at this point in the planning process I feel good. I have approx 7 1/2 months until my big day. I may not be exactly on the "Brides Magazine" countdown, but I'm comfortable with where I'm at...Here's what I've accomplished thus far :

  • Budget
  • Venue
  • Guest Count & Bridal Party
  • Wedding website (thank you www.modwedding.com for the fabulous & chic site! Oh, did I mention it was FREE?!?)
  • The Dress (gorgeous Elizabeth Fillmore gown for 75% off....SCORE!)
  • Met with a wedding planner
  • Scouted Photographers and Videographers (still need to hire one, but not stressing about it.... yet)
  • Color Palette: Light Grey & Yellow with Succulent Green Accents
  • Save the Dates (below) I love them and they're going out TODAY!!
In the next 2 months I must do the following:
  • Meet with vendors to plan the details (flowers, rentals, menu, cake, drinks)
  • Lock down our photographer/videographer
  • Order the invitations
  • Shop for bridesmaids outfits
  • Research & book the honeymoon (Yippee)
  • Select our officiant
I am so excited to check things off my to do list these next couple months. Here is some color inspiration. If you haven't noticed, I'm pretty obsessed with grey and yellow. It feels fantastic to know where I'm going with this whole vision. Locking down my colors has surprisingly eased my nerves a bit ;-)
Mexican tile inspiration (left) by Lizzy B Loves invitation design :)

I feel like I've finally gotten into the groove of wedding planning. I'm having fun and communicating better with my fiance... he likes to be kept in the loop and lend his opinions on things too! How are you doing with your timeline? Are you ahead of your own schedule? Any tips for staying focused and not stressing?

Beach Day in February

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 :)

{Something Blue} inspiration

I've been busy lately locking  down our photographer and DJ... not to mention negotiating the rates for our room block at the hotel, planning our engagement session, save-the-dates.... the list goes on. Since it's a rainy day here in LA today, let's talk about "something blue." Did you know the next line in the famous poem is

Something old, something new Something borrowed, something blue And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

I was curious about the origin of this tradition and thanks to a quick & easy google search I learned that blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. "In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity."

I'm not sure if I'm going to pick shoes or accessories to play out this tradition, but I do know that I will participate ;-)

Here are some of the images I was inspired by:

Will you be wearing something blue? What are you planning on wearing?

Looking forward to hearing your ideas :)

Wedding Hair Bliss {in Beverly Hills}

At this point in my planning I have been attempting to lock down a photographer, DJ/band, and florist. After a lot of time and effort focusing on those things I decided to take a well-deserved break. And what better way to reward yourself than going to the salon. My dear friend, Ashley, is also my hairstylist of 5 years and the artistic director at Kenworthy Salon. When I came in to Kenworthy to get my color done recently, she and I were just chatting about wedding hairstyles and thought it would be fun to start playing with my hair to get some ideas.  (She too is getting married this year!)

Here are some Tips from Beverly Hills Stylist Ashley Bostrom on how to prepare for your hair trial:
  1. The best way to prep for your bridal hair trail is to have your hair shampooed and dried the day before your appt. This makes your hair more manageable to mold into your desired style.
  2. Be sure to bring pictures of your favorite looks and accessories, so this way you have a better idea of how your hair will look the day of.
  3. Also another great idea is to bring a camera and have your stylist take a picture of your favorite look. Be sure to start your hair and makeup trails at least 4 months before your wedding, to alleviate stress and to make sure your favorite stylist is available for your big day!!
I also thought it would be a good idea to wear white; whether that be a white tank top, tube top, or even a cream shawl.... anything that will help you visualize how you'll look on your wedding day. I made sure to do my make up clean and natural too. Here are some photos of celebrities that we used for inspiration.... and photos of the beautiful work Ashley did on my hair :)

HOLLYWOOD GLAM

THE UP-DO THE MESSY BUN

 DOWN AND WAVY

 My favorite part about this whole experience is that there was no pressure... kind of like when I found my dress! I was relaxed, had no expectations, and most of all I had fun! Ashley and I are going to do one more hair trial in a few months, but I think I already have a favorite out of this bunch.... do you? I'd love to hear your feedback!

Have you had your hair trial yet? Do you have any extra tips you'd like to share?

Oh, and if you live in southern California and you're looking for a phenomenal hairstylist for your bridal hair, I think you know who's at the top of my list of recommendations ;)