This just looks like an incredibly awesome experience for Megan Ann Photography and of course this couple. In The Mood For Love, an Italian event planner picked out these perfect locations. Who knew that Alberobello was the place to be?! These structures are the Trulli house village area. Simply gorgeous.
Source: Carina Skrobecki
While Erik was home on military leave this summer, we went shopping and bought his wedding band, a simple matte tungsten band. Seeing a ring on his finger somehow made things start to feel really real, can't wait for it to be there permanently! Now that we have his, I spent some time thinking about what I really want.
My ring, in the image above, is a custom designed band with small floral accents around a rose cut center stone, creating the look of a wide band. I absolutely love it on its own, and because it was custom made for us, it doesn't come as a set with a wedding band. Because I love it so much on its own, I don't really want something that nestles in perfectly to make it even wider, I feel like it would really change the whole look of the ring.
For awhile I thought I didn't want another band at all. My mom never had a separate engagement ring and band, and I didn't want something that would make me like my ring less. But, we do travel quite a bit internationally, and I wanted something I could wear in case I was nervous travelling with an obvious diamond on my finger. We also do a lot of gardening and house renovation, so again wanted something to wear in lieu of my engagement ring for weekends spent mostly at home depot. And then there's the symbolic aspect of having a band to bless on the day of our wedding. The engagement ring has so much symbolism, but I wanted another little something to have to remind me of the actual wedding day, even if I don't wear it 100% of the time.
So I started researching simple bands with some organic texture that brought the feeling of my engagement ring to them. I looked for very thin bands in hope of finding something that might work with the engagement ring for the rare day I might want to wear both. For this reason I was also looking for palladium or white gold options to match my diamond ring. Here are the favorites that I found:
Source: [one] [two] [three] [four] [five]
I really like all of these for different reasons, but one night on pinterest I stumbled across a band that has the same feeling to me as my engagement ring in a much simpler form. They won't necessarily go together, but I will feel equally beautiful wearing either depending on the day. They're both architectural yet organic:
Source: Anna Sheffield
One thing I especially like about this choice is that there is a matching band with diamonds that we can get down the road as an anniversary band. It would be a great wedding band option if you wanted something a little blingier. I've already started dropping hints for our 5 year anniversary.
I'm headed to the Amalfi Coast in a few short weeks. In preparation for our trip, I've been doing a lot of research on Italian destinations, must-see locations, and beautiful hotels. There are so many amazing ones, but the challenge is finding one that is under $1,000 a night! Maybe it is the fact that we are booking last minute, or that staying on the Amalfi Coast is a little pricier than I thought it would be. I'm not sure, but I've been really discouraged about the whole thing. Hopefully I can find something affordable but just as beautiful as these options! I'm pinning tons of Italian recommendations on my travel board this week. Isn't it amazing how Pinterest has changed the way we search for recommendations? I'm loving it.
Anyone else planning a trip to Italy? Honeymoon perhaps? Let's here your plans!
This shoot features two extremes, both of with I love! Beach shots filled with tons and tons of beautiful driftwood, then insane interiors and beautiful fashion all the way through. Hunter Ryan Photo did a wonderful job on this shoot.
From the Photographer: Sonika and Greg met as students at Ringling College in Sarasota, FL. Greg is an amateur photographer and graphic designer, and Sonika is now an interior designer. It was VERY fitting for them to have their engagement shoot first start at New College, then over to the amazingly beautiful Ringling Museum (Ca d'Zan Mansion). The architecture, details and design was so very "them." Finally we ended their shoot at one of their favorite locations - the stunning Longboat Key beach. It's almost magical there at sunset as the orange sun hits the weather-worn trees that just jut right out of the beach and water. From a design standpoint for Greg and Sonika it was THE perfect ending to the day.
Florals make the best first impression, don't you think? These caught my eye and I just can't stop staring! This is a wedding filled to the gills with personal touches and plenty of DIY projects.
Your Special DIY Projects:
The entire event was based on what we and our family + friends could do ourselves, so every aspect was DIY to some degree. For example... in each invitation we mailed out, we enclosed a small sketchbook and asked guests to fill it with memories, advice, wisdom, photos, etc and then bring it with them to the wedding to become part of a "library" that we can keep forever. We both agree, though, that the altar was the most special project we put together for the event. We're both architects, so utilizing reclaimed materials in a unique way helped us put a very personal touch to the ceremony.
Favorite memory of the day:
Brett's favorite memory is looking out at the guests during the ceremony and seeing everyone wearing the colorful sunglasses we provided -- even the grandmothers had on hot pink and lime green glasses... priceless! My favorite memory was the end of the night, when everyone really cut loose and sang their hearts out to Bohemian Rhapsody with us. Really can't top that in my mind!
Don't be afraid to call on your friends to offer their talents. Having those extra personal touches are exactly what made our wedding so special and memorable to us! And you never know, you might stumble upon a friend with at 1963 Plymouth Fury to drive off in!
Recently I met with the seamstress who will be doing some alterations to the gown I found at a charity sample sale earlier in the spring. This makes the whole thing feel real and has spurred me into figuring out the rest of my look. One of the images inspiring me was this fresh bride with smoky eyes, bright lip, simple curls, and a retro-inspired birdcage look.
Source: The Bride's Cafe
Gorgeous, right? I really love the vintage inspiration behind the netted birdcage veil, but the more I looked for options to purchase the more I wasn't sure it was QUITE right. As you can see from my dress inspiration, the silouettes that inspired by gown purchase aren't particularly retro (they're not tea length circle skirts or anything), and have some more modern elements. So I started to wonder how to channel the inspiration of the birdcage but in a more streamlined, simpler way. Here are some of the options I found and what I love about them:
Tulle blusher from Tessa Kim. I love that this has the same general shape as a birdcage, but falls a little lower and generally softer. Plus, the simple tulle has a cleaner look than the vintage netting. The Tessa Kim option comes in varying lengths (my favorite is the 18") and varying colors.
Source: Tessa Kim
Polka Dot blusher. I mean, Polka Dots. Originally I really wanted an Ivy + Aster gown in a swiss dot (unfortunately the bust line wasn't quite right for my girls), so I thought this might be a way to channel that sense of whimsey.
Source: Sibo Designs
Short Tulle Birdcage. I really loved the double-layer of this for a more modern line. Doesn't get more simple than this.
Source: BHLDN (No Longer available, but similar styles available at the other links in this post)
Circle Drop veil. I've been really loving the clean lines of drop veils lately since they avoid that ruched look at the comb. This veil is so simple its literally just a tulle circle cut to lay over your hair and face. Ultimately, i think the length is a little too traditional, plus I was worried about the logistics of uncovering my face during the ceremony with this one.
Source: Melinda Rose Design
Ultimately I ended up stumbling upon an amazing Tessa Kim pop up sale and chose hers because it fit the original birdcage blusher shape, had a soft simplicity, and I got an amazing deal. Actually, if I'm being honest, I actually bought a shorter one too that I might add some sparkle to and wear for my bachelorette and/or the rehearsal.
Now, off to finalize hair and find a hairpiece for the reception (I might DIY that, we'll see!). For more ideas on what I'm considering for my bridal look, visit my Bridal Attire pinterest board.
How sweet is this? Brinton Studios did such a fabulous job on this planes, trains and automobiles shoot! I mean seriously, this is such a fun idea for an engagement shoot. 
The natural light & those dogs make this shoot even more perfect! Brittanee Taylor Photography did a wonderful job capturing these two. The location, San Dimas Canyon, is simply perfection. Wait for it, there is a special appearance from a beautiful blue car later on in this shoot.
I'm obsessing over leather when it comes to fashion, interiors and of course weddings! It is a whole new approach to the rustic wedding that we all know and love. Leather can be incredibly sophisticated with a little calligraphy action. Gorgeous right?
1. That calligraphy menu is just to die for. 2 & 3: Jose Villa's wedding had one of the best invitation suite's ever. The mix of organic textures, calligraphy, and of course leather is making my hear skip a beat. Similarly. those place cards from their wedding were so sophisticated. 4. These notepad favors are such a perfect touch for a beautiful wedding.
This could quite literally be a fashion shoot if you ask me. These outfits are just so fabulous. You'll be spending the next bit of time gawking over these details, the collection of found items and the beautiful florals!
From The Photographer: "High School sweethearts, Brooke and Trevor are more of a real life Ken and Barbie than just about anyone we've met. But what is even more amazing than this couple's looks is their love for each other. Recently married, we decided to give them a post-wedding shoot to continue to showcase the love story that is only continuing to develop. Styled by Kaleb Norman James Design, this Ralph Lauren, prep-inspired shoot began with the couples love for fashion and all things Americana. We wanted the overall feel to transport you to a Hampton's manor home, complete with manicured gardens, sparkling silver and old world touches like the reclaimed trunk, vintage trophies and candelabras. Many of the items such as the fabric spools, flag and trunks were sourced from Snohomish, a local town, minutes from the location full of antique stores. We wanted the items to be authentic and original to the location we were shooting in and we couldn't have found more perfect items. We chose to work with purple florals, which might have been rather unexpected, due to Ralph Lauren's signature Purple Label line- a nod to his glamorous 1920's inspired designs."
Photography: Daniel Cruz Photography Styling & Floral: Kaleb Norman James Design Model's Dress: Rachel Zoe Groom's Suit: Gucci with Zara Jacket Venue: Private Residence - Snohomish, WA
