Casual Chic

The other day I randomly told Lisa exactly what I envisioned for her wedding and she was totally digging it. Once I started talking, she began tossing out her own ideas left and right. I know it's ridiculous to plan a wedding many years away, but it's fun to dream and I love making inspiration boards with someone in mind. I picture a beach side soiree, casual and chic, with modern clean lines. Dark wood tables, succulents + white flowers, a gourmet food truck, and market umbrellas complete my vision. It's a favorite look of mine and totally matches Lisa's personal style. I can't wait for the chance (even if it doesn't look like this) to plan her big day!

All photos via Style Me Pretty, with the exception of the bridesmaids. Photo via Our Labor of Love by Heidi

Unveiled

This past weekend, I had the privilege of working the Washingtonian Bride & Groom magazine's annual bridal showcase, Unveiled, alongside the fabulous ladies of Simply Chic Events. I've assisted Simply Chic with day-of wedding coordination on and off since June of 2010. They are the best of the best, and this year they assisted Washingtonian staff with coordinating the entire event. From the Reem Acra runway show to the champagne glass chandelier, I loved it all.

Simply Chic's vendor table was decorated in an orange Ikat fabric with a touch of light teal and a pop of red. The seating cards were tied to teaspoons and teacups, alongside the saying, "You're My Cup of Tea" (cute, huh?!), with calligraphy by the ever talented Michelle of Meant to Be Calligraphy. Oh, and how adorable are the mini-baguettes on the place settings!? The whole look was very Anthropologie-esque and totally my style!

Simply Chic Event's Vendor Booth

Teacup and teaspoon place cards

Lounge in the Simply Chic booth

Champagne glass chandelier--- yep, that man on stilts cut a glass down for each guest!

Runway for the Reem Acra show

All my own photos

Cheers

For some reason, I've always assumed that the best events have a full open bar. That is, until my sister's boyfriend mentioned that the best weddings he's been to have been strickly beer and wine. Why, you ask? Simply because you can't take shots and people last much longer through the night. I've never really thought of it this way, considering I've only been the guest to five weddings in my life, and at only one of those was I old enough to drink. But by eliminating a full bar, you can seriously cut down on cost, which is always a plus and your friends aren't stumbing home before you've cut the cake. I think it's neat to have beer, wine and something interesting, like a mimosa/mojito bar or a signature drink. What do y'all think? Is it necessary to have a full bar, or is beer and wine the way to go?!

Photos via Pinterest

Pinterest Finds

I'm pretty sure we're all obsessed with Pinterest, so no need for me to go on about that, but I'd like to share some of my favorite event design pins! I pin a lot directly from blogs I read, but I've found some swoon worthy images swirling around Pinterest, as well. I think it's absolutely hilarious that it is now socially acceptable for girls to be planning their weddings on this site, even if a wedding is years away. But, I have to say, as an aspiring event designer, I love it. I'm pretty sure if any of their boyfriends saw their boards, they'd have a mini heart attack (mine included). Luckily, my wedding board is for "work" so I can get away with it ;).

You don't need perfect weather to have a rustic beauty.

Ombre silverware!? I cannot wait to do this! (And it peels right off -- how awesome?!)

That. Dress.

Pink, gold, and chevron. DREAM.

I love this funky bouquet.

Yup. This is exactly how I've always envisioned my big day :)

Jose Villa's wedding cake. Swoon.

I love the element of surprise here.

Comfy lounge seating for the casual affair.

All photos via Pinterest. Original credits can be found on my event design board.

Vow Renewal

My mom is my #1 fan, and when I first started creating inspiration boards, she suggested I make one for a vow renewal between her and my dad. All she said was that it would be at a private home in Ocean Isle, NC and I pretty much went from there. If I ever get the chance to turn this day into reality, I would pull the greens from the ocean and keep it simple with sea glass, fresh white linens, and fluffy white flowers. A late summer beach wedding in one of my favorite places in the world? Yes, please! Mom, care to be my first client?!

I created all of these inspiration boards via Style Me Pretty, but since then, the site has lost all of my credits. I'd still like to post my work, so I apologize for the lack of photo credits!

Save Second Base

I am so excited to announce that I have officially signed up for the Avon 2-day, 40-mile walk to fight breast cancer! My wonderful friend/roommate works for the Avon Walk and has been talking about how fun and rewarding the event is. Four friends and I signed up as a team so we can raise money collectively. We will be doing happy hours and other fun events to generate donations, and I have to say, I'm pretty excited about all of this. Breast cancer has directly effected my family and friends, so I am honored to be a part of something bigger than myself. Check out the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer website if you're interested in participating in a walk in your area!

The Best of the Best

I woke up feeling pretty crummy this morning--that is, until I hopped on over to Style Me Pretty for my daily dose of wedding bliss, and guess what I found?! They released their online magazine, featuring their favorite 2011 weddings (some of which you may recognize from my previous posts!). Each and every one is stunning, full of emotion, and pretty much perfect. I've gathered a photo or two from each wedding, but you must to go on over to SMP and check out the entire magazine. Join me, will ya?

 

 All Photos via Style Me Pretty

I'M BACK!

I'm alive, I swear! I spent a wonderful week with my family and friends, in Florida, and had a fun-filled few days here in DC, ringing in the new year! 2011 was a great year (one of my best!), so I'm sad to bid it adieu, but I'm very much looking forward to 2012. I already have some fun plans in the works and it's only the fourth day of the year, so I can't wait to see what else is in store for me! I'll be posting regularly, now that life's all boring and whatnot, so don't fret--I know y'all have been checking every single day for my next post, right? ;)

Photo via Style Me Pretty