One Year from Today

I'm getting married Memorial Day weekend 2011.  Exactly ONE YEAR from today.   That is just crazy. Insane.  SOOOOO exciting!  


Next year, one year from today, I won't be prepping for a BBQ; instead I'll be wearing a wedding gown.  And my wonderful friends will be sacrificing hot dogs, hamburgers and an iPod playlist, for gourmet delicacies and a kick-butt band.


And because I'm going to miss out on some of that BBQ amazingness next year, I present to you some of my favorite backyard celebration inspirations:

{image via Etsy.com}

{image via The Sweetest Occasion}

{image via Keen to be Seen}

{image via Luna and Chloe Weddings}

{image via Wedding.blogdig.com}

Cute as a Button Place Cards

Sometimes I run across an idea and I get really really excited.  So excited that I can't even think of what to write about except about how excited I am about the idea.  That's how I feel about this.  I love these button place cards.  I love their DIY-ness and their FUN-ness and their altogether CUTE-ness.

So, basically, what I'm saying (now that I've calmed down a bit and can craft a coherent thought) is I DO and I WILL and YES YES YES to the button seating ideas you see below:

{image via Alannah Rose Stationery}

{image via StyleMePretty}

{image via Martha Stewart Weddings}

Featured Photographer: Furious Photographers

Lights, color, action - this Los Angeles engagement shoot of this super fun couple is captured beautifully. 

{all images via Furious Photographers}

One Shoulder Dresses

I've scheduled my first wedding dress shopping weekend and now I've got bridal gowns on the brain. And here's what I realized as I've pored over magazines... Whether it's a one shoulder wedding gown held up by flowers and lace or a one shoulder bridal shower dress adorned with feathers... lately I've been going gaga for one shoulder everything:

 {image via Qomis}

Phoebe One Silk 

{image via Aisle Dash}

Frank Sarabia 2010 Wedding Collection 

{image via Wedding Inspirasi}

BCBG Max Azria Dress

{image via Sweet Spot}

Nesting

Twigs, leaves, feathers, eggs... the sweet simplicity, yet the hard-to-see complexity of a birds nest will add an element of love and surprise to any wedding decor, favor or photograph:

{image via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

{image via Pink Cake Box}

{image via Cindy Dyer}

{image via My West Coast Wedding}

Sweet Jelly Bean Favors

My dad used to hide his Jelly Belly jelly beans from my brother and me.  He had his favorite colors and his favorite flavors.  These were his treats, his guilty pleasure and it was a big deal when we got to have a few.  I'm sure that is why, to this day, I have a strong sweet tooth for these little treats. I'm sure that is why I totally swooned when I saw these jelly bean inspired wedding favors:

{image via Sophie's Favors}

{image via MaddyCakes Muse}

{image via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

{image via Shine.Yahoo.com}

Featured Photographer: Mary Frances Photography

I know it's Spring.  And almost Summer.  But my favorite season - the one that inspires me and fills me with a sense of... excitement... is Fall.  Maybe it's the vibrant color of the leaves.  Perhaps it's the crisp air.  Whatever it is, photographer Mary Frances has captured my love - and the love of Emily and Matt - to a tee:

{All images via Mary Frances Photography}

Brilliant Boutonnieres

Look, I know all the attention is supposed to be on the bride (aka: me :) Trust me, I tooootally get it... but I only think it's fair that the other half of the wedding party gets to turn a few heads as well.  If you aren't into hats and want to steer clear of funky ties, jump head long into the flower thing (yes guys, I said flowers!).  Infuse your wedding colors, pick out a "manly" arrangement and let your guy strut a mind-blowing boutonniere:

{image via Chicago Wedding Resource}

{image via Concepts in Bloom}

{image via Masterpiece Weddings}

The Ultimate Frisbee Shot

While away in Wild & Wonderful West Virginia for a girls weekend, we tried to play frisbee.  This did not go so well. Throwing and catching the flying disc caused some issues.  But it made me think about how cute it would be if I COULD jump and slide and catch the colorful toy... and what an amazing photo op for those ultimate frisbee couples that want to incorporate their favorite game into their engagement photos:

{image via Trullinger Photography}

{image via Aric + Casey Photography}

{image via WeddingBeePro.com}

Featured Photographer: Carla Ten Eyck

Because I love action shots.  Because I love lights.  Because I love colors and laughter and (parts of) Connecticut.  Because of all these things and more ... I love these inspired, lively, completely awesome engagement photos by Carla Ten Eyck:

{all images via CarlaTenEyck.com}

Apple of My Eye

Confession: I love apples and peanut butter.  I love apples and honey.  I love apples and caramel. I love apple pie.  Surprisingly, I don't love apple juice.


But I digress...


I. Love. Apples.


And I know it's not TECHNICALLY apple picking season, but, I mean, aren't apples ALWAYS in season?


I've decided the answer is yes... which is why I kinda drooled over these sweet and tart photos:

{image via ParatiNovia}

{image via Eat Your Cake and Have Your Shoes}

{image via Wedding Window}

Pinwheel Pinwheel Spin Me Around

From DIY boutonnieres to pretty props, adding pinwheels into your engagement photos and wedding decor will leave your guests heads spinning (and wishing they had thought of it first!)

{image via The Schultzes}

{image via Kelly Prizel Photography}

{image via TheKnot.com}

Swing Away With Me

Nothing says freedom quite like swinging - beautiful scenery, wind in your hair, sun on your face.  It's no wonder I fell in love with these sweet engagement photos that prominently feature swingsets and tire swings, along with gorgeous couples:

{image via Kelvin Photographer}

{image via Blue Olive Photography}

{image via Brightwood Photography}