Top Pick Thursdays: Me Lucky Charm

I Think I Found Me Lucky Charm
Meet Zara's New Pot of Gold...

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Top Pick Thursdays: "Pleating" the 5th

Morning my beauties!  I am SO excited today is Thursday because I can practically reach out and feel Friday inching closer and closer.  It smells SO sweet and decadent...like a chocolate mousse cake. YUM...oh sorry.  I relate EVERYTHING to food.

Any who, just a quick update on Ally, our sweet boxer. Yesterday, she got in a rumble with a wasp and lost the battle.  He got her left eye good.  Luckily, I noticed it before leaving work because she broke out in hives once we got to the clinic. She had an allergic reaction from the sting. Whew!  They juiced her up on a couple steroid shots and gave her some Benadryl.  When the Husband got him, he found her passed out on the floor sleeping like a baby.  Everything is now back to normal (thank God), but Mr. Wasp - if you are reading this, not cool man. Not cool.

On to today's post. It's NO secret that I (along with just about EVERY female out there) am crazily IN LOVE about pleats this season . I have a couple pleated skirts in my closet, but what I REALLY want is ONE of these beautifully unique pleated pieces. THESE, my darlings, are my top picks for today.

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Top Pick Thursdays: Blinged Out w/ BCBG

If you didn't know, now you know. I LOVE BCBG! I love them so much I am posting another entry on their amazing collection.  I've never been much of a "gold" gal; I like diamonds...plain and simply. Preferable anything 2 carats or more. (haha)  However, BCBG's gold jewelry is spectacular.  One of the latest trends for 2011 is pairing gold with neutral outfits as well as wearing statement rings.  So, these accessories would be perfect for you!  Check this out!  Isn't it fantabulous???

1. $58    2. $58   3. $68   4. $30 

5. $68   6. $68

7. $78   8. $138   9. $78

{Images via BCBG}

Top Pick Thursdays: Elizabeth Anne Designs Real Weddings

I originally planned to only post one entry today but when I came across Elizabeth Anne Designs, I gasped in awe and admiration at THIS real wedding they posted. This beautiful couple got married in Georgia and everything, I mean everything, was perfect. This is my top pick wedding for today.  The color selection (peach and champagne), the bride's gown (Vera Wang), and the classic theme makes for a picture perfect wedding. I especially like the picture of the dog at the sign-in table and the fireworks to top the night off.  Wow. 
 

Images via Elizabeth Anne Designs by Laura Negri Photography

Photography – Laura Negri Photography
Ceremony Venue – Wesley United Methodist, St. Simon’s Island
Reception Venue – The Cloister at Sea Island
Floral and event design – Sea Island
Stationery and favors – Arzberger
Calligraphy – Yellow House Design
Gown – Vera Wang, purchased from Bergdorf Goodman in NYC
Bridesmaids – Thread, purchased at Bella Bridesmaid
Hair and makeup – Ashley at Bienvenue Salon
Accessories – Gabriela
Shoes – Kate Spade
Catering, bakery, rentals, linens, transportation – Sea Island
Band – Papa Sol

Trendy Tuesdays: 2011 Wedding Trends

If you're planning your 2011 wedding, I'm sure you have noticed some growing trends while browsing web sites and magazine covers.  One HUGE trend I noticed while planning my wedding was the color PURPLE. It's a bit ironic, but my husband and I picked purple and gray because we felt there weren't many weddings with these colors.  Well, in 2010, not only was this a popular combination, but you can't imagine how many pictures we came across with our groomsmen tuxes (which we thought were "one-of-a-kind" at the time).   Here are the wedding trends for 2011.

VINTAGE-INSPIRED WEDDING THEME via LaBelle Bride

LOTS OF DIY via Budget Wedding

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS! via Flickr

OUTDOOR WEDDINGS via Outdoor Wedding Ideas

RUSTIC WEDDING CAKE via Once Wed

VINTAGE-STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY via KHP

Trendy Tuesdays: Jewelry from Turtle Love Co.

While browsing through 100Layer Cake, I found this company called Turtle Love Co. and absolutely L-O-V-E all their custom, handmade jewelry!  They are based out of Portland, ME and each piece of jewelry is made with TLC.  They make earrings, necklaces, and even engagement rings and wedding bands (for men and women).  Right now, they are running a sale for 50% off selected solitaires through December 20th.  Take a look at their collection HERE and get something just in time for the holidays. Here are a few of my favorite rings.

Images via Turtle Love Co.

1.  Nested White Pearl Ring $200

2.  Laurel Leaf Ring - Sterling Silver $95

3.  Rose Gold Vine Ring Set $1550

4.  Sylvan Men's Wedding Band $200

5.  Exquisite Nest Diamond Engagement Ring - Gold $490

6.  Oval Amethyst Ring $75 (originally $150)

Dreamy Draping for Your Wedding

With any event, ambiance is everything!  Setting the mood with the right music and the perfect amount of lighting always sets things off to a great start. However, if you are hosting your event (in this case, my wedding) in a less than beautiful ballroom, you may have to go the extra mile for that perfect look.  Thankfully, draperies can work wonders for those ballrooms that are older or just plain ugly. Take a look at these beautiful rooms from The Cinderella Project.

Top to Bottom: (Images via The Cinderella Project) One Wed, Van Vliet & Trap, Cheri Photography, Mindy Weiss, Details Details.

I Made It Mondays: DIY Wedding Painted Vases

This past weekend, I took a trip to the 99 cent store in search of my latest and greatest DIY project for the wedding. I came across this idea at Style Me Pretty and wanted to try it for myself.  It turned out pretty good (for my first time) and only took about 20 minutes to do!  Let me know what you think and if you have other tips for me. 

What you need:
1. Assorted empty bottles and vases (all shapes, sizes, and textures)
2. Spray paint - $4.99-$5.99 at Hobby Lobby
3. Gloves - I suggest a couple pairs since the paint dries quickly and can get sticky
4. Rubbing Alcohol - To clean the vases
5. Newspaper - To line the floor

Instructions:
1. Clean and dry bottles and vases thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.
2. Put on gloves and hold spray paint at least 6-8 inches away from vase.
3. In a well ventilated area, spray paint items with several light coats of paint to cover entire piece. Allow each coat to dry completely before spraying the next.
NOTE: Resist the urge to "over" spray or the paint will drip down the vase.  It's better to spray a little to cover the entire vase and repeat this several times. Also, do not spray too close as this will give the same dripping effect.

4. Wait about 15-20 minutes or until completely dry.

5. Add flowers of your choice with water and there you have it!  An inexpensive and elegant look! 

Wedding Wednesdays: My 30-Day Wedding Checklist

It's crunch time!  Here's my last-minute checklist for the month and a few pictures to give me inspiration for my wedding decor. Happy planning!

Image via Wedding Wire

GUESTS/BRIDAL PARTY

1. Get a final headcount of guests

2. Start seating arrangement, escort cards, and place cards

3. Make sure the guys have been measured for their tuxes

4. Remind the ladies to get their alterations and schedule makeup appointments

VENDORS

1. Cake: Meet with bakery to finalize cake size, flavors, and decoration set-up

2. Food: Schedule our tasting

3. Flowers: Finalize floral arrangements for bridal party and reception

4. Décor/Drape Lady: Finalize colors and draping details

5. Music: Email our DJ for the final music list and quick run-through for the evening itinerary

6. Photographers/Videographer: Send itinerary for wedding day

CHURCH CEREMONY

1. Meet with Fr. Chris one last time for our wedding ceremony

2. Gather all paperwork for Fr. Chris

3. Design wedding programs

4. Church rehearsal the day before the wedding

HEALTH/BEAUTY

1. Hair: Meet with stylist for quick run-through

2. Makeup: Schedule a trial-run & send wedding day itinerary

3. Eat healthy, Keep hydrated, Exercise, Lots of Sleep, Repeat
4. Pick up my dress on the 30th

MINI-PROJECTS

1. Divide up projects for reception set-up and assign each person a “task”

2. Finish my wishing tree

3. Make party favors (yay!)

4. Make “signs”

5. Buy liquor (can’t forget about this!)

6. Work on slideshow

Image via SB Wedding Chic

Image via The Wedding Community

Image via The Wedding Community

I know – it sounds like a lot…but it really isn’t. My best advice to everyone out there (bride AND groom): DON’T STRESS!  At the end of the day, this is YOUR wedding day.  It’s something that will only happen once; therefore, shouldn’t you enjoy it??? YES!

DIY Wishing Tree Tags

In lieu of regular guest books and picture frame sign-ins, I decided to make a wishing tree for our sign-in table.  I wanted something a little different that could also be used as a nice decorative centerpiece and naturally, the wishing tree crossed my mind.

Did you know the wishing tree is actually a tradition of the Dutch?  They write their best wishes and/or advice for the happy couple and hang it on the tree.  I thought this was a neat and creative idea. Go Dutch!

www.save-on-crafts.com

I researched a lot of sites for the manzanita branches, crystals, vases, vase fillers, and wishing tags.  These are my 3 favorite:

Save On Crafts

Blooms and Branches

Hobby Lobby 

I decided to make the wishing tags myself to save a little money and have an excuse to do a creative project.  Since I am expecting between 200-250 guests, I made 125 tags.  I got ALL my materials at Hobby Lobby for 1/2 off! They are ALWAYS running sales so keep your eyes peeled for their specials!  Here's what you'll need:

1. A hole puncher - $0.00 (already had this at home)

2. Scissors - $0.00 (already had this at home)

3. Printer/Ink - $0.00 (already had this at home)

4. 1 pack of 50 thank you cards w/ envelopes - $6.99 x 2 = $13.98

    (each card will make 4 wishing tags)

5. 5 packs of 18ft. 1/4 wide ribbon (I used purple & ivory) - $1.99 x 5 = $9.95

    (each pack will make approximately 25 ribbons - 8.5 inches per ribbon)

GRAND TOTAL for 125 tag: $12.95 

(after taking into account the 1/2 off special and tax) 

YOU CANNOT BEAT THIS DEAL!  I took me probably 1 hour to do.  So easy and fun!

To top it off, I went to Michael's to buy a cute box to put the tags in.  It was on clearance for $7.99. Yay!