Steal Worthy Idea

Can't think of something to do for your cake table? Why not cover it in a blanket of flowers? It is modern here, but can also be done very romantic and vintage. Plus, it really helps the cake stand out and shine! Love this idea!

[ Style Me Pretty ]

P.S.- Like the new Steal This border? Its a little preview of the sweet yet modern new redesign 

coming your way next week!

Engagement: Priyanka & Sachin

So I am pretty much obsessed with this engagement shoot location! Something about the neatly organized repetition of lamp posts just appeals to the design side of me. Apparently it is in LA, which means I must now go visit. It is a fun and unique location that doesn't need any props or themes, and has never looked better than through the lens of Matei Horvath. This gorgeous and adorable couple also snapped a few shots by the pier. Am I the only one loving how the pier posts mimic the lamp posts from the other venue? Yes, my artistic design side is very pleased with this shoot, very pleased indeed!

Real Wedding: Alison and Matt [Part 2]

I just loved Alison and Matt's portraits by Justin & Mary so much, I had to dedicate a separate post to them! They are so simple and sweet, overflowing with love. I'm obsessed with the gorgeous light and her long flowing veil! And can I just say, I really have the most beautiful brides. Alison is simply breathtaking in these shots!

If you missed the wedding, be sure to check out the purple loveliness here

Real Wedding: Cari and Marty

There are so many reasons I love today's wedding. First off, it's shot by one of my fave photographers, Ken Kienow, who is amazing. Second, I am dying over the bride's stunning Carolina Herrera gown! Third, her brooch bouquet is probably one of the most gorgeous I've ever seen. And lastly, because of this beautiful moment of when Cari sees her brother, who just got back from Iraq, for the first time. It is so sweet, and truly what great weddings are made of!

From the bride Cari:
We live in Chicago and decided, on a bit of a whim, to get married in California. My dad and I had biked down the coast the year before and I fell in love with the central coast. My husband thankfully let me talk him into it all! And our parents were so gracious to generously help us achieve the idea.

Planning was easier than I ever thought it would be. We planned a weekend trip out to the SLO area about six months before the wedding and I set up one appointment for each prospective vendor. I figured with all the research that I had made great picks. And I was right! Everyone we met with, we hired. The most important things to us while planning was that we felt a sense of trust with our vendors since we were planning from a distance.

We also felt it was important that we have a Catholic ceremony (which my husband's uncle, a deacon, performed); hence we chose the incredible Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. I also really wanted to showcase our surroundings since most of our guests had not been to that area before. So we chose to have the rehearsal dinner at Edna Valley Vineyards and then conclude the celebration with a tented reception at Dolphin Bay, on a seaside cliff, as the sun set. It was truly magical for everyone there.

My favorite parts of the day: Seeing my brother in his dress Army uniform for the first time. Hearing my husband say when I reached him at the end of the aisle to marry him, "Well... that was worth every penny." And an impromptu stop at the Tolosa winery on our way to the reception with just our wedding party and us! We really just laughed so much through it all. THAT was the overall best memory of the day. 

Photographer | Ken Kienow

Ceremony | Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Reception | Dolphin Bay

Dress | Carolina Herrera at Ultimate Bride 

Bride's Brooch Bouquet | Noaki Jewelry

Florist | Jenny McNiece Flowers

Cake | Cakes by Judy

Hair | Gina Payne

Make Up | Melissa at The Bladerunner

Paper Goods | Randy Payne Designs

DJ | Joe LaBarbera

Lighting | Chris Bailey

Transportation | Elegant Image Limousines

Thanks so much to Ken for sharing these beautiful images!

And congrats to Cari and Marty for a gorgeous wedding!

Inspiration Board: Toasted Meringue

While winter whites are popular, I'm loving it paired with a toasted taupe. It still feels fresh and elegant, but with a modern touch. I was inspired by this stunning toasted meringue cake. It's so fun and different, yet lovely and sweet at the same time. Keep the tables simple and chic with white on white candles. Add in a bit of whimsy with these doily place settings. Delicious desserts are a must! Love these doughnut holes and milkshakes for an evening snack. This layered lace J. Crew number is pretty much perfect! I love it paired with some fabulous earrings that are sure to make a statement!

[ Credits ]

Top: Emma Stine, Style Me Pretty, Kate Spade, Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings

Bottom: Martha Stewart Weddings, Minted, Melissa Sweet, Martha Stewart Weddings, J. Crew

Also, if you haven't had a minute to fill out the survey, there is still time!

I really appreciate everyone's input so if you have a sec, please fill it out!

TO THE SURVEY!

Etsy Find of the Week: Macha Jewelry

I thought I would start the week off with a little bling, but not your usual bling. These amazing designs come from Macha Jewelry. I am so in awe of these gorgeous designs! Chunks of metal take the place of the stone, creating a unique and modern look. They are elegant and fun at the same time. I am also in love with their Russian chain rings. So simple and sweet! These designs are a score for someone looking for something totally unique and original.

PS- There is still time to have a say in Glamour and Grace for 2011! If you haven't filled out the quick survey, I would really appreciate if you could. I have truly enjoyed all the feedback so far!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SURVEY