{Real Weddings} Keith & Lauren

Thank you guys so much for all of your awesome book recommendations yesterday, I can’t wait to dive in!  Actually I’m kind of dying, I wish I had the time to start now.

I get all sorts of wedding submissions… big parties, small parties, venues where everything is pre-planned, elopements that were planned in 3 days… there’s no one formula for a beautiful wedding.

But in the end, what really gets me are the emotions.  The bride dancing with her father… the first time the groom sees his bride… the pure joy on each and every person’s face.  That’s the best part…

Here’s the story straight from the bride…

Keith and I met through a sorority sister at UCF, who somehow knew “we were meant to be” and that we were perfect for each other. And sure enough we are. Keith and I love being outside, boating, beaching it up, and other fun things. We dated long distance for a while which was hard, but we some how managed to make it this far.

He proposed simply on April 9th in my bedroom. I think he tried to get my little beagle Lucy involved somehow but she wasn’t cooperating with him. Aka, I found him under the bed trying to get her to come out moments before the proposal.

I will move to wellington fl once I graduate. We are pretty simple people and love to have fun.

Photographer: Root Photography / Venue: Longboat Key Club

{Real Weddings} Lauren & Chance

A small, beautiful church, a happy couple, and their closest family and friends… as far as I’m concerned, the gorgeous simplicity of this Nashville wedding is as good as it gets.

Photographer: Alicia Looney Photography / Venue: West End Church of Christ

I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a hoarder.

When it comes to my closet, I have some real hoarder tendencies.

No matter how many times I sort and toss, there are always a few (dozen) things I know I’ll never wear, but I will also never throw away.

I can’t.

Some are sentimental, some are just plain cool (somehow, someday, I swear I’ll find a use for them) and some, well okay some just don’t have any explanation at all. But they’re there… and they’re never going away.

One day I’ll be tragically smothered under a crushing pile of vintage slips and cowboy boots…

“She couldn’t stop,” they’ll say, “We always knew it would get out of hand.”

Anyway… I was pretty sure this dress was destined to remain in the second category forever… hanging there, staring at me… daring me to figure it out.

But this past weekend I finally had the eureka moment I was looking for.

The key is really the belt… because without it, I think this vintage Jams dress (that if I’m going to be really honest, I think I’ve had since I was 12) is one very small step away from a muumuu.

Once I found the right belt, the rest seemed to flow pretty naturally, and really, after figuring it all out… I’m a little lost as to why I’ve found it so tough to style in the past!

I’m kind of inspired to tackle the rest!

Because of course, wearing them all is much more realistic than throwing them away… even the boots that are two sizes too small.

Don’t judge.

Dress: vintage / Jacket: EmersonMade, similar / Belt: similar / Shoes: similar / Necklace: similar

Our Engagement Shots: Part 1

Okay, I’m guilty. I meant to narrow these down to just one post… but it’s just too hard.

I’m not going to say that I love myself in every shot… because really, no matter how gorgeous the pictures, a gal can always find a flaw. But still… the light…

Steve doesn’t have to go far to remind me exactly why we chose him to photograph our wedding… it’s in every little detail of his work. The simple location where we took these shots just shines.

I can’t get enough.

And in case you feel the same, I promise won’t make you wait long… in fact part 2 will be up later today! So be sure to check back.

Photographer: Steve Steinhardt

{Real Weddings} David & Heather’s Blue Beauty

I hope everyone had an absolutely wonderful 4th of July!

This Toronto beauty was just what I needed to help me through the back to work blues.

Did you do anything special for the 4th?  Tell me all about your day!  Five whole years and yesterday was the first time Mark has ever made me his barbeque ribs.

He’s been seriously holding out on me.

Photographer: MIMMO & CO / Location: Berkeley Church / Bridal Gown: Magdalena Gymr, Vogue Sposa Boutique / Headpiece: Karolia Keeler / Bridesmaids: BCBG / Groomsmen: own suits; Hugo Boss ties / Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss suit and tie / Favors: Homemade / Music: DJ Ian Liwanag Studio 301[b] / Band: The Chops, featuring the Groom and four good friends / Salon: Tocci / Flowers: Caja Designs John Paul de Melo / Stationery: Paper & Poste, Beckee McCann, Alice Louise Press / Photo Booth: Snapz Photoboth

A Little Inspiration: 4th of July

Fruit Cones / Couple / Yarn Jars / Beer Vases / Strawberry Shortcake Pops / Blueberry, Strawberry, & Jicama Salsa

I know the holiday is little inconvenient this year, since it falls on a Wednesday, but are you planning a party for the 4th of July?

If I were, I would be all over those beer bottle vases and yarn jars.  I feel like they’re just the right mix of pretty and fun… and could be thrown together even at the last minute for very little dough.

… did you notice how I’m talking you into throwing a party?

Alosha & Stephanie’s Artsy Engagements

Stephanie, an art teacher, and her fiancé Alosha really wanted their engagement shots to represent who they are as a couple, and what better idea for this creative pair than to stage a painting party?

Photographer: iDropPHOTO

Vanessa & Ariel’s Bright Sunny Engagements

I can barely look away from these beautiful shots.  The lighting, the colors… and that puppy?  He (Hurley is his name) has my heart.

Ariel and Vanessa are getting married in Puerto Rico later this year, and their super talented photographer, Kimberly Chau, will be going along.  If these shots are any indication, I’m sure it will be amazing!

Photographer: Kimberly Chau Photography / Location: Hermann Park

A Little Inspiration: Green, White, and Blue

Couple / Coasters / Invite / Bouquet / Dress / Cake / Tulips / Table / Boutonniere

Always a classic combination.  Have a lovely afternoon!!

A Little Inspiration: Peach and Navy Perfection

Flower / Picnic / Shoes / Bouquet / Drinks / Tie / Clothes Pins / Cake / Table