As you know from reading, I write my posts from a fairly relaxed and sometimes grammatically incorrect standpoint. I try my best to incorporate what you, the bride/reader, might want to read including tips, suggestions, shoes (!), etiquette, etc. When I am writing, I think about what things I wanted to know and read about while I was planning my own wedding. But despite my attempts, I sometimes can’t come up with new topics and the last thing I want to do is bore you.

So now I really want to hear from you! What questions do you have? What color schemes are you using? What tips do you think would be useful? If you tell me what you need help with, I will answer! Talk to me!!!!

I love the fresh and clean look of Kelly Green and White. So when one of our brides asked for some help and told me these were the colors she wanted, I was more than excited. To me, I think simplistic. elegance is the way to go. This scheme is so beautiful because it is very natural. As I hunted for photos for the board, I found that it was difficult to find ones that did not pertain to Irish weddings or St. Patrick’s day weddings. I refused to give up.

I knew I was looking for something with a primary base of white and clean, crisp accents of green. I think I found a nice blend in these photos. The floral is one of my favorite parts about this scheme because it doesn’t seem “man-made.” Clear lines and elegant touches with these colors will make the perfect wedding day for any spring or summer wedding!

Photos by: Table Decor, Cake, Invitations, Table Numbers, Colored Glass Vases,

Paper Lanterns, Escort Board, Bridesmaids dresses, Bouquet

Don’t forget to enter every single contest on here! They are typically pretty easy to enter and you never know when you can win!

Banner Giveaway from Exquisite Weddings & Posh Paperie

 $5000 and a BCBG Wedding Gown from Ruffled and BCBG

$50 Gift Certificate for the new Ruche Bridal Collection from Junebug Weddings 

$1000 from ArtCarved and The Knot toward a Dream Engagement Ring

$5000 Crate and Barrel Shop Card

I have really been aching for a tropical vacation this week. I just really want to be in a warm and sunny place. I can’t help but wish that I lived in a climate that was a tad warmer all year around. But in my ventures online, I found a great bridal shower/bachelorette party gift for the bride. While, yes, those hoodies, tank tops and bikinis with “Soon-to-be Mrs. X,” “Bride,” or “Just Married” on them are super cute. Think about it. She will never wear that again after her wedding day and honeymoon. I too purchased a cute little zip up hoodie with “Sexy Little Bride” on the back thinking how cute it would be to wear while getting ready for my big day. That was the one and only time I wore it. Hindsight…

So now that I have gone through it and know that spending that $40 really wasn’t worth it, I realize there is a much better way to celebrate and flaunt your new name. Monograms. Simple enough right? You can literally find just about anything that can have a monogram stitched, engraved, or carved on it. I found these on The Knot Wedding Shop and thought about how much I would have loved to have this on my honeymoon.

These beach towels are something that she will use for the rest of its life! This is the perfect way to flaunt your new initials and soak up the excitement of being a newlywed. Trust me, she will love it.

I have come across so many giveaways and coupon codes in my blog stalking. I can think of no better way to give back to you, my little weddingistas, than to send out a short summary of what I have found. I want to enter each and every contest myself, but since I am not getting married again I think you should reap the benefits of my hard work. Each week, I’ll compose a list of the contests and coupon codes and post here for your entering pleasure. I was once told to enter any and every contest I could while planning my wedding. You never know when you might win!! So here are a few for this week. Enjoy!

$500 towards an engagement ring or wedding bands at the Orr”s Jewelers Bridal Trunk Show and Sale

$200 worth of Paper Lanterns and parasols from JadeTime via WeddingBee

Catbird 14k Gold ring trio

I think one of the best parts about my job is that I get to meet so many different women. Each has a unique vision for her big day. I love that we are not a cookie cutter venue and that we NEVER get cookie cutter brides. That would get boring.

Earlier this week, I was chatting with a bride who is getting married this summer. When she told me about her Rockabilly theme, I was pretty pumped. Yet another creative bride!! I think it is so suiting of her personality and will make her day totally about her and her groom. That really is the key to creating a vision for your wedding day after all! And this is a fun theme, so I am sure they will have a blast celebrating!! Since it was so creative, I thought I would create an inspiration board to share with you. Happy Monday!

Photos by: Ceremony Decor, Invitations, Clutch, Car, Table Decor,  Boutonnieres,

Necklace, Floral arrangement, Birdcage veil, Cake

You all know me by now. I love practical favors. So when I saw these cute tea party favors on Etsy from Dell Cove Spice Company, I knew they were perfect to share with all of my bridesmaids out there.

Each and every one of your guests can enjoy a nice soothing spot of tea and think of you and your future hubby. If you really want to go all out, you could even plan an Alice in Wonderland themed shower and attach a “Drink Me” sign to each. Dell Cove Spice Company also has a number of other awesome products (cocktail rim sugar, popcorn seasonings, BBQ dry rub samplers, etc.). So you could even create a little gift basket to give away as a door prize or even as a cute gift for the bride (& groom!). Oh and Brides, don’t forget this as an option as a gift to your bridesmaids!!

XOXO,

During my wedding planning some things were neglected. Sometimes it was spending time with my dogs. Sometimes it was my work. Sometimes it was my blog. Sometimes it was my hubby. I think that things tend to get pushed aside because you are so wrapped up in the excitement and details. You can forget that your special someone is the reason you are even doing all this planning! I saw this and knew it would be perfect as a sweet little gift for him to let him know how much you love him. I found it on Emmaline Bride and it is the cutest! You can find the DIY instructions on the Emmaline Bride site.

So start making your list and reminding yourself of why you love him. After all, you should never stop saying “I love you.”

XOXO,

I recently had a bride who needed a little inspiration. She found her dream gown (which I won’t post on here JUST in case her FI decides to take a peek!). She had an idea of what colors she wanted to use. But she wasn’t quite sure how to bring her vision to life. She mentioned that the bridesmaids dresses were a burgundy color and that she was leaning toward a wine theme. It is a fall wedding so burgundy is a great color for that season. Well, I was all over that! I personally love wine. I get it honestly. My great-grandmother all the way down to my mom were/are self-proclaimed wine-o’s. But I digress…

So what do I do when someone is having a hard time finding their vision? Put together an inspiration board. And for your viewing pleasure, I have decided to post it here. I used a new board creator, so it is a little different than my previous boards. Let me know what you think!

Credits (clockwise): Bouquet, Personalized Sign, Sorella Vita, Invitations, Mansion Photo, Villa Rinata, Cork Save The Dates, Centerpiece, Escort Holders, Wine Barrels, Shoes

XOXO,

OK, who watched it? In my mind, the show was fairly uneventful. Hugo cleaned house, which always gets boring. There weren’t really any outlandish gowns, at least ones that were shown during the Red Carpet show and the awards themselves. I took notes as I watched the Red Carpet. Yes. I’m a dork. So let’s talk about some of my favorites because I went to all that trouble to take notes and everything.

So everyone was talking about Michelle Williams in this coral gown. While I cannot deny that she looked simply stunning in this gown, I will say that I did not love this one. Did anyone see what was going on with the back of this gown? I just didn’t get that. At first, I was a little excited because I thought it was an open back, then I searched and searched and finally found a pic of the back and was very disappointed. At least the color looked great on her!

I can say this is one of those gowns that look better on than on the hanger. The ornate designs are gorgeous and unique, which is probably why I would have chosen something else. But WOW. Jessica looked amazing in this gown. And no it’s not just because it’s black and gold. Big ups to the beautiful redheads in the world

I was a little confused when I saw Gwyneth at first. The cape really threw me off. But then I heard a comment that it was “cold” so I understood where the cape came in. I think this gown was the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. I loved the cap sleeves and only wish I could pull off a gown like this!

Now THIS is the type of gown I expect from Oscar attendees. Talk about old Hollywood glamour. I can also picture this as a bridal gown and maybe that is what attracted me to it. Do we think there would ever be a reason to wear such a gown in Pittsburgh?

Sandra Bullock has always been a favorite of mine. I love her witty/awkward sense of humor. Reminds me of a “real” person. The other reason I love her is because she has such a great sense of style. And can we talk about the back?!?!

And now for my favorite of the night…

Some had her on the worst dressed list, but I LOVE this gown. It was the perfect choice for Emma Stone. I feel like it was gorgeous, yet light and fun which is perfect for Emma. I really enjoyed the skit when she was presenting with Ben Stiller. Honestly, I wish more of the presenters had fun like this because the show was a little lack-luster in my opinion. I also wish I was going to be a bridesmaid in another wedding soon so I could find a gown like this to wear. Wouldn’t it be perfect?!

So now you know what I liked, but which were your favorites?

XOXO,