S'more Brilliance

Why didn't I come up with this? Please, someone tell me.

This is like heaven on earth.

I don't know about you, but anyone who can make a messy campfire treat look chic and fabulous gets major winner points in my book.

Geniusness found via Twig & Thistle.

The perfect gift? I think so.

Please Excuse

There will be no post today because I was, I will confess, at the 12:40AM showing of New Moon. And I was, I will confess some more, donning my "Team Edward" shirt, Ray Bans, and squealing like a little girl. Yes, I might have been mistaken for a thirteen-year-old. But, it's the one night a year I have a good excuse for it. Plus, it's not like I am alone in this ridiculousness.

Image via Fan Pop.

And, just to make this wedding-related, did you know that if you Google Image search "Edward Bella wedding" you will find a slew of gorgeous photoshopped images fans have created imagining their wedding? Not to worry, I wasn't the ridiculously crazed person who discovered this.

For Boys: The Wedding Gift

Why are boys impossible to buy for? I mean, video games? Sure. Clothes? They'll take it. But what do they really want? And, for a wedding gift no less. It should be something they love and treasure. Something meaningful. Something special. Something they can keep forever.

So, when I saw what this bride did, I was, well, quite impressed. Her husband was an avid reader and collector of comic books. So, for the big day she had one custom-made to reflect the occasion. How amazing is that!? He looks like one happy groom, that's for sure.

Beautiful photo by Cheyenne Schultz.

So, though my husband doesn't collect comics I was intrigued by the matter. Where do you buy such a good?

Get In Toon is one option. Pretty cool, huh?

I'm also particularly digging these vintagey versions by Etsy seller Swelser.

So, what do you think? Do you have any unique ideas for groom gifts? What'd you get or what are you getting your man?

Defeated

I love making lists. Setting goals. Better yet, achieving goals. In fact, I've been known to set ridiculous goals for myself just to test my limits. Because, after all, if you aren't testing your own limits who is going to do it for you?

Last January (2009), I ran the Disney Half Marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of my very best friend (and former maid of honor!) in the whole, wide world. The race was challenging, uplifting, encouraging, strengthening, inspiring. I had grand hopes to run another half this February (2010) and though I trained a bit here and there, as time creeps closer and closer I realized that perhaps now is just not the time for me. I was stressed about running. When am I going to have time? Am I going to be trained enough? How am I going to train in January when I will be even busier? What am I going to let go of to make this happen?

Then I realized, why? Running, racing in particular, shouldn't be something to stress over. Sure, exercise is good. But running is a challenge. One that, if you can't enjoy it, there's no point in taking it on. Once you start training long distances you're running one maybe even two hours every weekend. If running makes you feel guilty because there are so many other things you should be doing then what is the point?

So, I'm admitting defeat. Something else I have gotten good at. That is, not because I'm a quitter, but because I set so many high goals for myself that sometimes you just have to learn to accept that they will not all be attainable with sanity intact. Alas, dear Five Points of Life, we will not meet this year. I will, however, set my sights high on some inner-city races after our big move in the Spring (have I mentioned we're moving!?).

Until then, it's Jillian Michaels for me. Have you had the Jillian Michaels experience [also known as the 30-Day-Shred]? Twenty minutes and she will kick. your. butt. I promise. It's not for the weak-kneed or faint-of-heart.

Twilight Wedding Concept

Some of Florida's most amazing vendors gathered together over a Twilight-themed wedding concept shoot. And, with photos by Pure by Lindsey, I am seriously drooling over here. A-mazing. Whether you are a lover of the movies or not you would be seriously missing out not to check out these photos.

For more photos and details check out the Pure by Lindsey blog.

You won't regret it. I promise.

Honesty

As I sit here and write this post, I'm inspired by so many things. I realized recently that some of my favorite blogs are not simply blogging about things, but also blogging about life.

In business, they say that we invest in the people that make up companies not the companies themselves. As cheesy as it may sound, I think that blogs and our investment in reading them and following them are kind of the same. I know personally I am far more interested and entertained by blogs where I feel like I know the writer. Blogs that yes, blog about weddings, but also blog about what they did this weekend, what they're doing next week. And how they feel about what's going on in the world.

This leads me to beg the question: what could you ever want to know about me? As a blogger? As a wedding professional? As a writer? Do you want to know about me? I am opening the door now and leaving it open. While I have no intention of blasting my personal life all over the internet, I love the idea of documenting a journey through life and not just documenting all the beautiful things I have found within it.

What do you think?

iSwoon

If I'm ever feeling short on inspiration, I just head on over to Susan Stripling's blog and I know that she'll have something to do the trick.

Amazingness by Susan Stripling.

That Wedding

You know, when you work in weddings and see weddings, you have the risk of being burned out. We work at a lot of the same venues. See a lot of the same colors (hellooooo orange and blue!). And, work with a lot of the same vendors.

So, you walk carefully on the edge of every wedding beginning to feel the same. But then you work weddings like Karen and Jonathan's like we had on Saturday. That wedding that makes your love for weddings come alive. That wedding where every aspect was labored over with love down to each minute detail. It killed me I didn't get a chance to snap more or better (we were in a super rush) photos, but I did catch a couple detail shots before the evening got rolling that I couldn't resist sharing.

This was the snack bar entitled "Groom's Favorite Snacks."

Jars were filled with oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate almond biscottis, and coconut cookies.

On the right side of the table was a jar labeled "Roscoe's Favorite Snack" - Roscoe is their beloved dog.

And, beside that were "doggie bags" so you can take them home to your pup.

This idea was, of course, adorable, until guests started eating them by accident. I'm not really sure how or why - they were in the shape of dog bones...

And, the gorgeous guestbook. This page is of Roscoe, but they had a whole book full of beautiful photos of them. This photo-guestbook idea is used frequently, but I've never seen one with so many details on each page. The book told the story of their relationship. It was truly beautiful.

And oh this was only the beginning. I cannot wait to see the photos from the wonderful Jimmy Ho Photography of all their details and beautiful decor. Truly a fabulous night.

iSwoon

The colors. The light. It is, without a doubt, perfect.

Loveliness by Pure by Lindsey.

Inspiration: Shades of Gray

It's probably no surprise that I have been itching to do a board in SWOONOVERIT colors: clean gray and white. And, I have been holding this one back for a while because no matter how much I play with it things never feel quite right. I'm afraid this is as close as it's going to get.

My favorite details? The kissing couple by Barebone Photo and the oh-so-chic chandelier.

Oh yeah, and did I mention the map made by yours truly and photographed by Pure by Lindsey? I kind of like that detail too.

Map: SWOONOVERIT - photos by Pure by Lindsey

Pattern: Colour Lovers

Earrings: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Chandelier: eHow.com

Couple Kissing: Wedding Chicks by Barebone Photo

White Tablescape: Jennifer Skog

Favor Boxes: Tastefully Entertaining

Bride: Good Orient

So what do you think? Are there any gray and white details that it's totally missing? Do you think it's complete?

Couples Research

I recently received a very nice e-mail from Cristina, a Doctoral Student at the University of Virginia. She is conducting a web-based study of engaged couples and, if you are engaged, needs your help. The following is the information regarding her research. Please help her out if you can.

Engaged volunteers needed!

I am looking for volunteers for a study of attitudes towards marriage and parenthood among engaged couples. The study consists of a 25-30 minute online survey. To qualify for the study, you must be 20-35 years old, live in the U.S., and plan to marry or have a commitment ceremony within the next 365 days. You and your romantic partner must not have children, and this must be the first marriage for both of you.

You can:

-Help a doctoral candidate;
-Increase the pool of scientific knowledge;
-Support research on marriage and families; and
-Spend some time thinking about your relationship!

I am working with Dr. Charlotte J. Patterson, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia. This study has been approved by the University of Virginia Institutional Review Board #2009025800.

If you and/or your romantic partner are interested in participating or want further information, please email me at survey.couples@gmail.com. I will send you a link that you can use to access the study.

Run in Color

I have to say, I feel like the colored aisle runner has definitely come alive as a trend. But, back when I was planning my wedding I remember I was looked at sideways a few times when I mentioned it. Truly, colored runners really depend on your location. Does your venue need color brought into the area? Will it make the aisle pop?

More importantly: Is a runner at all appropriate? This is critical - brides should be advised on the dangers of using runners in areas that aren't suitable for them [a topic for a whole other post]. Also, will the color stain [the bride's white dress, for example]? Will you be able to see through it? Is it going to slip and slide on the flooring below? If so, make sure that the bottom is lined to prevent this from happening.

But, done right, colored and patterned runners can certainly have a wow effect.

Image from Katie Elfers.

Image via The Knot.

Image from Marry Wise.

...and my very, very favorite. How gorgeous is this!?

Runner from The Freckled Citizen.

Of course, if you're considering this or something like it we recommend going to a professional. Two of our favorite sources? The Aisle Runner and Aisles with Style. Then again, if you're feeling especially crafty then this might be one you can accomplish all on your own. Just don't forget our tips!

Did you have or are you going to have a colored or pattered aisle runner? We want to see!

Weddings We Love: Amber and Sterling

This one is particularly special to me because they were my clients who were kind enough to send me a link to some photos of their day. I love being able to see a client's wedding and how my work fit in with the look and feel. And, Amber and Sterling are so photogenic, and their photographer Freed was so fantastic, that the photos are truly stunning.

Plus, they have adorable details. So, I knew immediately I would simply have to share their wedding with you all.

Photos from Blue Sky Films, courtesy of Freed Photography.

Check out the Blue Sky Films post for more photos.

What do you think? Aren't they stunning? The book covers as table names! Why in the world didn't I think of that? Oh, and the gorgeous scenery. Plus, I would not have guessed it but it turns out I am head over heels for navy and yellow. Truly beautiful.

Thank you Amber and Sterling for allowing me to have a part (albeit little) of your very special day.

Spotlight: EatCakeBeMerry

I have been absolutely swooning over the cakes by EatCakeBeMerry, based out of New York. All of the designs are so fresh, original, and clean. And, best of all, adorable. So, I couldn't resist starting out the week with a little cake eye candy. Here are some of my favorites:

...and my absolute favorite... wouldn't this be perfect for a bridal shower?

Gorgeous, no? I love the simplicity and creativity of all the designs. Be sure to check out the EatCakeBeMerry blog and website for more.

The Ultimate DIY

A few weeks ago, I linked to a post about designing your own Nina shoes. Recently, someone brought to light the fabulous Shoes of Prey - a custom shoe design store.

What I love about Shoes of Prey? You don't have to pick out a starter shoe to customize. You start with just a plain shoe no matter what and then customize each section - toes, backs, decorations, heels, and heel height [as well as color of each] entirely to your liking.

You can keep playing over and over until you find something you like. Or, you can choose to save your shoe, share it, or embed it - as seen below. Or, like me, you can just keep designing and designing and designing. I know when I was a bride, finding the perfect shoes was a huge hunt. Thanks to fabulous finds like Shoes of Prey it does not have to be a worry any longer.

A bespoke shoe that I designed at Shoes of Prey.

And, of course, you can buy your design too. At less than $250 USD a pop you are still paying much less than many designer styles. Except, you've personalized it entirely to your liking!

What are you waiting for? Get on with it. And, happy playing.