I have something absolutely beautiful for your today. Jennifer Fujikawa Photography did a phenomenal job of capturing so much beauty.
Photography: Jennifer Fujikawa Photography Floral, Makeup & Styling: Cammy Lau Dresses: Marisol Aparicio Model: Anne Miles
Please excuse the punny title of this post. While wedding favors aren't always a necessity, there are tons of fun ways to give your guests a small token of thanks. Because we are such huge foodies, we want our favors to reflect that. In traditional Italian culture, five Jordan almonds represent five wishes for the bride and groom: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. While Jordan almonds can certainly be a little cheesy, I found these stunning silver ones that would make a really fun favor. Here are a few things that are inspiring me this week as I think about favors:
Engagement session is such a fun time for us bloggers and wedding planners. So many gorgeous couples being shot with such excitement for their upcoming nuptials. The sweet Annie Agarwal Photography does such a fabulous job with this gorgeous couple and a wonderful sunset.
From the photographer: "Melissa and Ben are an incredibly laid back and carefree couple who genuinely love one another, which is so evident in these images. They scoped out a variety of locations, but fell in love with the simplicity of this large field on the side of the road! We spent our morning laughing and chatting, as they nuzzled in to one another to capture this sweet season of their lives. Melissa and Ben will be married in a backyard affair this summer."
Now that my invitation designer and I are getting closer to the final version of my invitation suite, it's got me thinking about all things signage! We are doing a lot of white text on colored backgrounds, so when I saw these "white on wood" signs, I knew they would be a great fit.
There is a simple tutorial, here. And some ideas on where to find old wood, here.
Did you have luck finding reclaimed wood for wedding signage? If so, how did you do it?
Spring is slowly starting to show its face here in California but I'm hearing of snow for some of you! Today's place setting was inspired by the upcoming weather and introducing some bright colors back into my life (Although if you follow me on Instagram, it is pretty evident that winter doesn't stop me from color).
Creating the perfect place setting is one of my favorite parts of a wedding. This is the chance to give each guest an individual experience of your wedding. the stakes are high and the options are endless.
Recently I've been loving the horizontal napkin under the salad plate. If you are doing something with a brighter color, the horizontal napkin gives the setting a pop of color but doesn't overwhelm the table as a whole.
The pink, purple and aqua color palette is so fun and so spunky! Perfect for spring time.
Photography: Jason & Anna Photography | Styling: Engaged & Inspired | Flatware, napkin, bowl, cups: World Market | Plates: Pottery Barn
This week I have to admit I was slacking big time with my own wedding planning. This past weekend we celebrated my future in-laws Bachelor/Bachelorette party in Palm Springs. I decided to finally make one of those Pinterest DIY projects I have been contemplating. These t-shirts are super adorable and easy to make so I wanted to share my fun find with all of you!
Source: Something Turquoise
SUPPLIES NEEDED: Clorox Bleach Pen, wax paper, piece of cardboard and your choice of t-shirt.
Source: Something Turquoise
For the full directions, click here.
Mine did not turn out quite as cute as these (so I'm not showing my finished product ). I left the bleach on for over 20 minutes, but for some reason my "Bride" was still a light pink color instead of a crisp white.
I will definitely try making these again with thinner material! What's your favorite bachelorette DIY project?
Let me just start this post by saying one thing: FOUR MONTHS. AHHHH! Now that that's out of the way...on to one* of my latest obsessions: bridal hair and makeup. For makeup, I've hired the amazing Audrey Crandell, but I haven't quite found the perfect hair stylist. I'm planning to keep my hair and makeup elegant, sophisticated, and not too fussy. I know I want a hair comb, so for hair, I'm loving vintage-inspired updos, with some movement. I'm also finding myself drawn to makeup with dark (but still natural-looking) eyes, and kissable lips. (And obviously, I'd like to look like a celebrity. Please and thank you.) Here are some of my favorites.
*Please don't ask my fiance Mark about bridal headpieces or he may have a complete breakdown...sorry honey! Pretty sure that I have looked at thousands at this point!
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7-11
Since we are having a destination wedding many of our guests will be arriving Friday evening before the wedding to get settled. This is one of my favorite things about destinations weddings because everyone gets in the party mood and relaxes like a mini vacation. To get everyone acquainted with the town we are getting married in, I will be putting together welcome baskets with a few goodies.
As much as I love each of these above, mine will probably a simpler and more cost effective because let's face it, there's not too much budget left for these kind of extras. I still love these simpler options too:
But here's my question, what should I put in them? Right now I'm thinking a map of the town, a couple water bottles, some snacks, and maybe a few Advil. But I'd love your help to think of fun things to put in them. Share in the comments!
All I can think about are pretty, polished, shiny nails this week! I love when brides go bold and pick a bright shade. It makes me think the bride is fun and laid back. And, then again, there's nothing like the perfect, classic nude to let your dress take center stage.
While I plan to go neutral for my own nails, I'm thinking it would be really fun for my bridesmaids to do bright colors - best of both worlds!
Will you be going for a bold or nude hue for you big day?
Often times I am underwhelmed by the options in bridesmaid dresses. Between organizing my 7 bridesmaids dresses, as well as being in quite a few weddings, I have become very good at finding rad bridesmaid dresses from highly unexpected places. First tip, don't even try to look at this "bridesmaid" collections offered at stores. They just aren't worth it. Instead, here are some resources to find the perfect options no matter what style, color or price you are looking for.
Dresses from: Express, BCBG from Nordstrom, Asos, Asos, Asos
Dresses from: Urban Outfitters, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Asos, Forever 21
Dresses from: Forever 21, Asos, Express, Express, H&M, Express
Asos.com is a great resource for inexpensive hip options. Searching by color is easy, and they offer so many in-fashion options for your girls! You won't find any satin or stogy looks here, only the best, and at some incredible prices.
Nordstrom is the best place to shop the best brands all in one place. No matter what style, color or price range you are looking for, you will definitely find it here.
J Crew is more sophisticated and a little more expensive than some other stores, but who doesn't love everything J Crew has to offer.
Express is probably one of the most unexpected places to look for bridesmaid dresses, but they often times have some great formal dresses that fit any body type.
Urban Outfitters is the go to spot for some incredibly hip looks. We all know that. But what you might not know is that their selection of formal dresses is really starting to look up. I find it to be a secret spot for some of the best looks if you hit them on a good day. I'm loving all the mesh they offer this season, so it is in fact one of my favorite spots for dresses.
If you want your girls to look their best be prepared to do a little bit of hunting. Give each of your girls the color palette and have them do the shopping. It is incredibly worth the extra hours when your girls look their very best on your wedding day. And when they look good, you look even better!
