Fab You Bliss Weddings

We Have Moved

2011-08-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

We have moved to

Please see us at our newly designed site & URL

Thanks for visiting!

Cheerwine Soda, Canoeing & LOVE!

2011-08-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone! I have a fun treat for you today with this e-session sent to me by Joseph & Andrea at Connection Photography. Their couple, Bride & Groom to be Jennifer and Jonathan are both from Salisbury, NC which is the birthplace of the soda of North Carolina; Cheerwine. Their engagement session is based off of the drink and their other passion, canoeing. Their love for the outdoors and each other is extremely evident as they spent a couple of hours just walking, canoeing, and loving life. Looks like lots of fun!

Photography: Connection Photography
Venue: North Carolina
Submission via Two Bright Lights

Have a Fab You Bliss Monday!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Colorful Wedding Complete with a Pink Tractor & Lots of BLISS

2011-08-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am so in LOVE with this wedding sent to me by Justine Russo at Justine Russo Photography. Besides the sheer bliss on both the bride and groom's faces, the pinks and oranges are so beautiful I'm simply swooning! And how about the pink John Deere tractor? Isn't that so cute...seriously too much fun! Heather and Dirk were married at the Mount Baker Rotary Club in Lynden, WA and everything about the two of them radiates happiness. But enough from me, let's hear some words from the photographer herself.

Heather did her own makeup!! I was blown away! And she did the makeup of her bridesmaids AND Her Mom! She is a makeup artist herself and didn't trust anyone else to the job on her big day! Heather and Dirk's wedding was colourful bouquets, country music, raspberry lemonade, hot pink heels, hay rides, a pink tractor, photobooth, line dancing, Mount Baker, rustic fireplace, ice cream brownie sundaes for dessert. After the ceremony, the wedding party hopped onto the back of the tractor for a hay ride around the block....they got so many honks from people congratulating them. Heather hates public displays of affection and every time Dirk tried to kiss her, she would giggle, turn away and scrunch her nose up! SO cute! He tried to sneak kisses in front of the camera all day. They spent their entire wedding day laughing.

Photographer: Justine Russo Photography

Hair Stylist: Mane Styles

Caterer: The Fairway Cafe

Floral Designer: The Backyard Gardener

Reception Venue: Mount Baker Rotary Club

DJ: Black Cat Productions

Makeup Artist: HD Beauty

Bridesmaid Dresses: Sears

Have a Fab You Bliss Friday & weekend!

xoxo

Stephanie

A SWEET Ice Cream Picnic Party E-Session Topped with Lots of Love

2011-08-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

This week seems to be engagement week as I've posted one every day including today's. It's weird how that happens where I'll go for weeks posting wedding after wedding then all of a sudden it's all about engagements. It's fun though...to mix it up a bit here and there. With the new blog, (which should be going live really soon), there will be all kinds of new stuff to keep you busy and I CAN'T wait to share it with you. But for now...let's get back to today's adorable engagement session sent to me by my friends Joseph & Andrea at Connection Photography. The soon to be bride and groom Shauna & Jeremy designed this beautiful and fun ice cream party picnic complete with vintage cameras to represent their love for photography and old books to round out the classic feel. And what an awesome job they did! So let's have a look-see...

Photographer: Connection Photography
Venue: Ohio
Submission via Two Bright Lights

Have a Fab You Bliss Thursday!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Vintage Surf Themed E-Session with a Really Cool Couple Shot by My AWESOME Friend

2011-08-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am SOOOO excited to bring you today's engagement session from one of my FAVORITE photographers of all time, Jessica Frey at Jessica Frey Photography. Jessica and I met at a Jasmine Star Workshop about a year ago. We instantly connected and I'm so happy and grateful for the friendship we've developed since. Plus...with our friendship comes the opportunity to second shoot for each other. Which just so happens to be the case with today's couple. Jessica asked if I was available to second shoot with her for Shannon & Mike's August 5, 2011 wedding and I was over the moon excited to say absolutely, YES!. So a few months ago we headed out to Carpinteria, a small beach community between Ventura and Santa Barbara on the California coast, to shoot their amazing engagement session. Jessica asked me to come along to assist her and to meet Shannon and Mike so we'd be acquainted before their big day. And boy did we all have fun! These two are super sweet and so much fun to be around and I can't wait for their wedding this coming Friday at the Rincon Beach Club!.

So go on...check out the fun and be sure to take a gander at the cool save-the-dates and programs Shannon & Mike designed from this shoot, very creative!

Photographer: The AHHH-MAZING Jessica Frey Photography

Venue: Rincon Beach Club: Carpinteria Beach

Submission via Two Bright Lights

FYI...here are the save-the-dates, program and rehearsal dinner invitations created from the engagement images. Super creative, huh?

And here's a shot of me and Jessica after the shoot. LOVE my friend!

A "Too Much Fun" E-Session at University of N.C. at Chapel Hill + A Sneak Peek at The Re-Designed Blog

2011-08-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Scene of the crime - University of N.C. at Chapel Hill.
Suspects - bride & groom to be Lauren Talley & Tom Kuell.
Investigator/Evidence Photographer - Joseph Sides & Andrea Harris at Connection Photography
Charged with - Having too much fun and showing excessive affection towards each other in public.

Haha...I couldn't help myself with the intro. Isn't this e-session just the cutest? I love the save the date chalk drawings and the paint fight looks like so much fun. These two really have great sense of humor and Connection Photography did an awesome job of showing it. I can only imagine what fun and quirky things they're going to pull at their wedding later this month. Until then, check out their fun engagement session below.

Photographer: Connection Photography

Venue: University of N.C. at Chapel Hill

Submission via Two Bright Lights

Have a Fab You Bliss Tuesday!

xoxo

Stephanie

Ps...have I mentioned I'm re-designing my blog? It's gonna be REALLY cool! It should be ready for the final reveal & move to its new URL of http://fabyoubliss.com really soon. For now here's a sneak peek...

A Fun Filled Engagement Session on Lake Michigan

2011-08-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to shoot an engagement couple in a canoe. So many fun ideas pop into my mind with this kind of setting. And photographer extraordinaire Paul Retherford with Paul Retherford Wedding Photography has accomplished just that with this super fun soon to be bride & groom. Katy and Simon look like they're having a ball romping around the shores of Lake Michigan and like I said, I'm swooning over the canoe shots. So go on...have a look-see and enjoy!

Photographer: Paul Retherford Wedding Photography

Venue: Private Residence

Submission via Two Bright Lights

Have a Fab You Bliss Monday!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Unique Brittish Columbia Wedding + Some Pics of Our Vacay

2011-07-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

This wedding has already been featured by some of my favorite fellow bloggers and normally I don't like to publish something if it's been shown even a few times, but I just couldn't help sharing this one with you because I think it is so different...and I LOVE different! Also, the bride included their background story and that always makes me more interested in featuring a wedding...hint, hint ;-) Photographed by Anastasia Photography, Ashley & Christopher were married in Squamish, British Columbia. Love it! Even the name of the town is unique. Anyhow...here we go!

From the bride Ashley:

We met six years ago at a summer camp working together, hit it off and became friends. We starting dating three years later, then got engaged on a remote beach at night lit up with candles and a bonfire in Pemberton BC. The dress was the first one i saw and the only one i found that i liked!! I absolutely love it. I wanted something simple and beautiful. It was surprisingly hard to find something without sparkles. I hate sparkles! Just lace, love it.

Photographer: Anastasia Photography

Reception Venue: Furry Creek

Cinema and Video: Joshua Bauer

DJ: DJ Rich-A

Shoes: John Fluevog
Submission via Two Bright Lights

________________________________________________

Just thought I'd share a few more images from our Mammoth/Tahoe trip. Here's one of me and Q on our attempt to get up to Laurel Lakes in Mammoth. Unfortunately we couldn't get all the way up because there's still so much snow.

...my HAPPY toes...

...my beautiful sister on a hike up Shirley Canyon...

...and finally the Pupp-Awg running with the hubby. She cracks me up!

Have a Fab You Bliss weekend ya'll!

xoxo,

Stephanie

A Blue & Orange Wedding at The Hollywood Schoolhouse

2011-07-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

I have a problem. I freely admit it...I am an image hoarder. Plain and simple. Do you think they make support groups for this? Then again, maybe it's not a problem. I mean, I run this blog to, among other things, promote photographers and their work...so why not post as many images as possible, right? I mean, you don't mind do you? You come here to see great images and that you shall get. Case in point, today's wedding submitted by Amelia Soper at Amelia Soper Photography. There were just so many really good story telling images, I'm pretty much going to show them all.

Nicole and Matt were married on May 14, 2011 in Woodinville, Washington with a lovely reception at The Hollywood Schoolhouse. I'm really liking the blues and oranges, such a happy combination. And the Lady Bug that landed on Nicole's dress sash...so perfect! Finally the image of Nicole's friends hugging her at the reception, L.O.V.E...so special. Go on now...enjoy!

Photographer: Amelia Soper Photography

Floral Designer: Laurel's Floral Decor

Reception Venue: The Hollywood Schoolhouse

DJ: Jay Productions

Makeup Artist: MakeupByJustine

Jewelry: Erin Mcdermott Jewelry

Have a Fab You Bliss Thursday!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Stunning Downtown St. Louis Missouri & Stone Hill Winery Engagement Session

2011-07-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

When Cory & Jackie Phillips from Ada Photography sent me Lindsay & Nicolas's engagement session shot on June 25, 2011 in Downtown St. Louis Missouri and the Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, I started jumping up and down like a little girl who just got her first Barbie Doll. I swear...I wish there was a video camera pointed at my office then I could show you. Seriously, I was so excited about this engagement session I even re-arranged my schedule to get it to you sooner, that's how great I think it is. And I'm pretty sure you're gonna agree.

Lindsay & Nicolas will be married in the Ozark Mountains this winter. Alrighty then...let's waste no more time...go on, check em out.

Photographer: Ada Photography
Venue: Downtown St. Louis & Stone Hill Winery
Submission via Two Bright Lights

What do you think? Gorgeous, eh? I'm lovin' the 4 outfit changes. Seriously ladies, if you can talk your guy into changing four times for your engagement photos...you'll end up with a lovely mix of images like this. And your photographer will love it too ;-)

Have a Fab You Bliss Wednesday!

xoxo

Stephanie

Fab You Bliss Wednesdays: Fried Green Tomatoes with a Nice Pinot Grigio

2011-07-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Last week the hubby, Quinley and I went to Lake Tahoe to spend a milestone birthday with my sister and her husband. I won't tell you which "milestone" it was since we are only 17 months apart and that would give away my age...wink, wink.

Anyhow, on my sister's birthday we had a celebration dinner at a restaurant called The River Ranch which overlooks the Truckee River between Tahoe City and Squaw Valley. The River Ranch is also a lodge and if you haven't been there, I'd highly recommend it.

So if you follow this blog you'll already know I lived at Lake Tahoe for 10 + years and now when I visit I always run into someone I either used to work with or somehow I knew during my time there. And on this visit I ran into an old friend/co-worker who just so happens to now be the Executive Chef at The River Ranch. Cool, huh? It's always fun meeting up with old friends and finding out what they're doing now and seeing Julia, all-grown-up and doing so well...it was really a treat!

Long story short...the night of my sister's birthday, Julia made us a batch of Fried Green Tomatoes that were simply delicious and I've been thinking about them ever since. So today's post is one of the BEST recipes I've found. Mind you, I'm not from the South...California girl here through and through so I'm sure there are some fantastic recipes out there that I don't know about...yet. And unfortunately this is not Julia's recipe, which I asked her to send me and I'm hoping she will. But if you like F.G.Ts, try this one out and let me know what you think. I'm betting you'll be hooked.

Ingredients

4 large green tomatoes
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick. Discard the ends.

2. Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium-size bowl.

Scoop flour onto a plate. Mix cornmeal, bread crumbs and salt and pepper on another plate. Dip tomatoes into flour to coat. Then dip the tomatoes into milk and egg mixture. Dredge in breadcrumbs to completely coat.

3. In a large skillet, pour vegetable oil (enough so that there is 1/2 inch of oil in the pan) and heat over a medium heat. Place tomatoes into the frying pan in batches of 4 or 5, depending on the size of your skillet. Do not crowd the tomatoes, they should not touch each other. When the tomatoes are browned, flip and fry them on the other side. Drain them on paper towels.

And presto...yummy goodness....

PS...we paired this with a nice Rodney Strong Pinot Grigio which I highly recommend.

This recipe is from Allrecipes.com. Hope you enjoy!

Have a Fab You Bliss Wednesday!

xoxo

Stephanie

An Intimate COLORADO Wedding + Pupp-Awg's First Trip to The Lake

2011-07-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

I adore an intimate event held at a private residence. And this wedding is just such a celebration. Photographed by the marvelous Christina Kiffney at Christina Kiffney Photography, Laura and Rob were married at their beautiful mountain home in Colorado which they lovingly prepared months ahead of time to create the perfect lush surroundings with a natural feel for their intimate celebration. The colors of brown and green compliment the environment and even the happy dog looks to be enjoying the event. I love everything about this wedding from Laura’s beautiful dress by Priscilla of Boston to the sweet flower girls, the Hydrangea filled center pieces from Boulder Blooms, the floating candles and that gorgeous cake by GateauxBakery.

So go on…let the eye candy begin.

Photographer: Christina Kiffney Photography

Floral Designer: Boulder Blooms

Reception Venue: Private Residence

Dress Store: Priscilla of Boston - Denver

Cake Designer: Gateaux Bakery

Submission via Two Bright Lights

_________________________________________________

So, if you follow my blog you know my husband and I returned from our Lake Tahoe vacation yesterday. And as much as I hate leaving there and my sister and brother-in-law, I must admit it's nice to be home. So here are a few pictures I took of Quinley one day when we took her to the lake to see if she'd like to swim. Mind you, she is part Golden Retriever, part Standard Poodle...both water loving dogs.

Here she is with Daddy giving her a pep-talk.

...not really sure she wants to venture in there...

...nope, not this time...

...nah, I think I'll stay right here with Daddy.

Next time we'll get her to go swimming and I bet we'll have a hard time getting her out. Funny dog!

Have a Fab You Bliss Tuesday!

xoxo

Stephanie

Leaving Lake Tahoe + A Coconino National Forest E-SESSION

2011-07-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the later than usual post today. We are driving home from Lake Tahoe and my mobile Internet connection keeps losing signal. Ah the perils of working on the road ;-) So anyhow, our vacation was mostly wonderful. Aside from my husband's 4Runner getting totaled on the first day we arrived, I can't express how happy I am that we are alive and we got to spend some time with my sister and her husband over her birthday week. Also I must say how thrilled I am that my sister has such wonderful friends who are always so welcoming when we visit. They are truly an exceptional extended family. And as usual, it is always hard to say goodbye. But we will be back soon!

Now...to today's engagement session sent to me by Melissa Dunstan, the AHHH-MAZING photographer who's images I always have a difficult time condensing because ALL of them are always so good. But you don't mind a lot of really GOOD images do you? Because every single one of these engagement images of Kristen and Adam, and their two doggies, romping around Coconino National Forest are absolutely stunning...don't you think?

Photographer: Melissa Dunstan Photography

Venue: Coconino National Forest

Submission via Two Bright Lights

Have a Fab You Bliss Monday!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Lovely Lake View Pavillion Wedding in Foxboro, Massachusetts

2011-07-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

I love these shoes. They're so pretty and delicate looking, definitely right up my alley. One of the difficulties of running a blog that features weddings is I'm constantly seeing things I want. But since I've already had my wedding, I must live vicariously through the ones I publish here. That's okay though, especially when they're as pretty as this one sent to me by Alicia Williams at Cordele Photography. Beth and Scott were married on April 30, 2011 in a lovely ceremony followed by a lively reception at Lake View Pavillion in Foxboro, Massachusetts. So let's not waste any more time, go on now...take a look see and enjoy!

Photographer: Cordele Photography

Caterer: Lake View Pavillion

Reception Venue: Lake View Pavillion

Invitation Designer: American Wedding Invitations

Dress Designer: Sottero & Midgley

Cake Designer: Montilio's Bakery

Submission via Two Bright Lights

As a final note I just wanted to mention that five years ago today my husband and I connected at our dear friend's wedding. Yes...we were a wedding hook-up :-) Pretty funny huh? Although we

knew each other for most of our lives having gone to high school together, it wasn't until that wedding that things became romantic for us. So...happy anniversary sweetie! These last five years have been the BEST of my life :-)

Have a Fab You Bliss Friday everyone & enjoy your weekend!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Fairy Tale Manor Wedding + So HAPPY to Be Alive

2011-07-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's Blog Around The World was so much fun! If you haven't checked out all the blogs I'd highly recommend it. Click on the link above to start some fun viewing!

Today's wedding comes to us from our friend Evan Godwin at Purus Wedding Studios. Iza and John were married in a sweet outdoor ceremony on March 13, 2011 at Fairy Tale Manor in Frisco, Texas. Feast your eyes on their vibrant colors of purple, orange and pink a top purple bridesmaids dresses and black tuxedos. Looks like such a fun wedding!

Photographer: Purus Wedding Studios

Floral Designer: Rockstar Floral

Reception Venue: Fairy Tale Manor

Dress Store: Circle Park Bridal

Cake Designer: Sugar Bee Sweets

Jewelry: James Avery

Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Al's Formalwear

Submission via Two Bright Lights

__________________________________________________

Anyhoo...it is my sister's birthday today, yay...and we are on vacation in Lake Tahoe to celebrate with her and several friends and family that will be making the trip up as well. And let me tell you, it's been one interesting vacation so far. Not to be a "Debbie Downer" because that's not what this blog is about. But my life and marriage is pretty much an open book here so I felt I needed to share this.

On Tuesday afternoon my husband and I drove with Quinley to Kings Beach to walk around town and do a little shopping while my sister and her husband were working. We parked on the highway, which is a four lane road that runs through town with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour. About two minutes after getting out of the car while I was holding Quinley about 15 feet away from our car on a store's door step, an older man fell asleep at the wheel of his car and slammed into our parked car so hard it buckled our car into a taco and pushed it all the way across the four lane highway where it landed up against the entrance of a restaurant about a football field's length away from where we parked it.

Miraculously no one was driving either way on the highway just after our car was hit as it traveled by itself across the road and neither the driver or the passenger of the car that hit us were seriously injured either. I sustained some trauma to my neck and back after whipping around to see what happened as I heard the crash. At this point the doctor has me on pain medication and muscle relaxers so we'll just see how it goes.

So why am I sharing this you might ask? Well, because this is a part of life and marriage. Things aren't always beautiful and pretty everyday and this situation is definitely one of those times. But...we are thankful we were not in the vehicle. And even though my husband's favorite car will most likely be a total loss, we still have each other and our Pupp-Awg and that is what's most important.

Be safe and be sure to treasure every day!

Have a Fab You Bliss Thursday!

xoxo

Stephanie

Blog Around the World: Out of Africa #15

2011-07-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Today...we are going to do something fun! It's called "Blogging Around the World" where I will be joining nineteen uber talented and absolutely fabulous bloggers to devote each of our blog posts today to images shot during a styled shoot. It is sort of a treasure hunt, if you will, where you will visit each one of the participating blogs to see another brilliant image from the shoot along with some fun tid bits, advice or inspiration.

Here are some words from the lovely Alicia at The Charity Wedding who helped organize the shoot and this Blog Around the World. Thank you Alicia for all your hard work!

Hello Lovelies! I am Alicia from The Charity Wedding and I am excited to present another round of Blog Around the World with some of my favorite wedding bloggers! I recently helped organized a styled shoot using the theme of a Vintage Desert Safari. Each blogger will be showcasing a photo from the shoot and sharing some tips, advice, or just some pretty-eye candy for you to enjoy! Be sure to visit all the blogs to make sure you catch all the goodness! Thanks so much to all of the participants!

Here's the order of today's blog around the world. I've added each blogger's Twitter handle as well so you can be sure to follow their fabulousness.

1. Bubble Rock Studios (New Zealand) 9:00am EST @stephbubble
2. Cap Classique (UK, South Africa) 9:15am EST @capclassique
3. The Unreal Bride (India) 9:30am EST @unrealbride
4. Brancoprata(Portugal)9:45am EST @brancoprata
5. Bijoux Bride (UK) 10:00am EST @bijouxbride
6. Bridal Musings (UK) 10:15am EST @BridalMusings
7. The Oceanside Bride (US) 10:30am EST @OceansideBride
8. Hey Gorgeous(US) 10:45am EST @heygorgblog
9. Sparkle and Hay (US) 11:00am EST @sparkleandhay
10. Wedding Pickle (US) 11:15am EST @weddingpickle
11. The Perfect Palette (US) 11:30am EST @perfectpalette
12. Oh Lovely Day (US) 12:00pm EST @oh_lovely_day
13. La Petite Coquin (US) 12:15pm EST @lapetitecoquin
14. Brenda’s Wedding Blog (US) 12:30pm EST @weddingsites
15. Fab You Bliss (US) 12:45pm EST @fabyoubliss
16. Landlocked Bride (US) 1:00pm EST @LandlockedBride
17. Bow Ties and Bliss (US) 1:15pm EST @bowtiesandbliss
18. A Paper Proposal (US) 1:30pm EST @apaperproposal
19. Engaged and Inspired (US) 1:45 pm EST @EngagedInspired
20. The Charity Wedding (US) 2:00pm EST @charitywedding

Credits:

Location: Out of Africa Wildlife Park and Along the Verde River, Camp Verde, A
Coordination & Concept: Alicia French of The Charity Wedding
Event Design: KD Event Designs
Photography: Fancy Fin Photography
Bouquet: Glamorous Occasions
Cake & pastries: Kick Ass Kakes
Invitations, Menu, Dessert Toppers and Hang Tags Wedding Girl
Model: Dahlee
Makeup Artist: Sabrina Sweet Makeup
Hair Artist: Erin McDonald of Aveda Red 115 Salon
Gown: La Belle Reve
Jewelry: Genevieve
Cupcakes: handmade by Alicia

________________________________________________________

I chose to feature the image above as it reminded me of my trip to Africa last year to photograph one of my dear friend's wedding. People tend to look quizzically at me when they hear this because not many people from the US go to Africa to get married. But actually my friend was born there, in Zimbabwe, and it had always been her dream to get married there. And she did...I have the proof ;-)

Anyhow, besides the gorgeous country, amazing people and beautiful animals we saw on many of our game drives, (Giraffes in particular...hence the featured image), the food was absolutely out of this world! One of my favorite dishes was a delightful, savory dish called Stuffed Gem Squash which the bride selected as one of their reception menu choices. And guess what...I have a recipe for you.

FYI...Gem Squash may be hard to find in the US, so other than growing them yourself, (which we are going to do next year), you can substitute with Acorn Squash.

Ingredients

3 gem squash, cut in half and seeds removed
2 tablespoons corn oil
2 cups onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
0.5 kg (1 lb) tomatoes, skinned and chopped
1½ cups fresh breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
100 grams (4 oz) aubergine (egg plant), chopped
salt and pepper
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
watercress sprig to garnish

Method

1. Cook the gem squash in boiling salted water until just tender – about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well and arrange these rings in a large ovenproof dish.
2. Place the oil, onion and garlic in a frying pan and sauté for about 10 minutes until soft.
3. Add the tomatoes, breadcrumbs, parsley, mixed herbs, aubergine and seasoning, blend thoroughly and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Divide the mixture between the gem squash halves; sprinkle each with a little cheese. Place under a moderate grill to lightly brown the cheese and heat through.
5. Garnish with the watercress.

Enjoy! And, if you do end up making this dish or using it in your African/Safari themed wedding...please come back and share with us your thoughts.

Have a Fab You Bliss Wednesday!

xoxo

Stephanie

PS...don't forget to check out the other blogs listed above :-) Next up is # 16 Landlocked Bride posting at 1:00pm EST

A Lovely Garden Wedding at Loma Linda with ALL My Favorite Flowers

2011-07-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

I seem to be posting a lot of Texas weddings lately. Of course there's nothing wrong with that, I love Texas! And I especially adore this gem of a Texas wedding submitted by the lovely Ashley Swallow at Live Laugh PHOTOGRAPH, LLC. Katy and Jason were married in a darling ceremony on June 11, 2011 filled with lots of love amongst the beautiful venue of Loma Linda in Rockett, Texas. With so many fun details from the combination of Calla Lilies and white Roses in Katy's bouquet to a vintage bird cage for cards to specialty chocolates next to a gorgeous cream, brown and green cake adorned with Cymbidium orchids, this wedding is sure to be a memorable one for all.

Photographer: Live Laugh PHOTOGRAPH, LLC

Caterer: Randy's BBQ

Reception Venue: Loma Linda

Cake Designer: Dallas Affaires Cake Company

Band: Chad McBride & The Drifters

Ceremony Location: Loma Linda

Submission via Two Bright Lights

What do you think? Pretty wedding, huh? Katy picked all my favorite flowers. What did you love?

Have a Fab You Bliss Tuesday and don't forget to check back tomorrow for a special Blog Around The World with 19 fabulous fellow bloggers coordinated by Alicia at The Charity Wedding...it's going to be fun!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Lake Granbury Texas Wedding + A Not So Heavenly Bed

2011-07-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you mix a little bit of country with a whole bunch of modern flair, sprinkle in a spectacular lakefront ceremony, a super fun wedding party and a sassy pair of red cowboy boots? Well...you get Brittany & Toby's Lake Granbury, Texas wedding sent to us by Stephania Whitfield. I love these red boots and one of the black and white pictures of the bride and groom, so pretty I'm absolutely swooning over it. Can you tell which one?

Photographer: Stephania Whitfield

Floral Designer: Blooms Forever Events

Reception Venue: Inn on Lake Granbury

Dress Store: Ocones

Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero

DJ: Celebrations Events

Submission via Two Bright Lights

_______________________________________________________

So I'm sure you're wondering what in the world I mean by writing, "A Not So Heavenly Bed" in the title of this post. Well here's the reason, "Dear Westin Hotels, I love your style, all of your amenities, how wonderful you treat your guests and the fact that you allow dogs to stay in your gorgeous hotel. Considering we are in a town where about 95% of the population has a dog, yet there are only 2, (yes count them again), 2 restaurants that allow dogs on their patio, Westin...you rank REALLY high in my book. I only have one small complaint and it's about your Heavenly Bed. Let's just say the way they look and the way my back feels after sleeping in it...two totally different experiences and one is definitely not heavenly.

On the other hand, Westin gave Quinley a "Heavenly Bed" of her own and by the looks of it...she agrees with their definition. Apologies for the bad picture quality, it was taken with my phone...

Have a Fab You Bliss Monday!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Gorgeous Luling Texas Wedding + The Abduction of My Pupp-Awg

2011-07-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ughhhh...Pupp-Awg has been kidnapped and brain washed by my Step-Dad. More on that in a minute.

First let's chat about this beautiful wedding. When I received Stevie & Trevor’s Texas wedding shot by photographer extraordinaire, and winner of our first photography contest, Evan Godwin at Purus Studios, I knew I had to feature it. Why? Because other than the gorgeous couple themselves, they made their surroundings be an element of their wedding and I just LOVE that!

Set at Hillview Ranch in Luling Texas on the outskirts of Austin, their May 28, 2011 wedding was all about the outdoors, a gorgeous bride in a stunning Alfred Angelo gown, a happy groom beaming with joy and lots and lots of love.

Photographer: Purus Wedding Studios
Reception Venue: Hillview Ranch

Dress Store: Alfred Angelo

Submission via Two Bright Lights

________________________________________________________

Ummm, okay...so how do I say this without sounding ungrateful? I mean, I love it when my mom & Step-Dad take Quinley for the day because she gets to play with their Goldendoodle Ana. And it's good for her to be out socializing with other dogs and people while I'm working. Buuuuuuuuuut, each time she comes back I feel she loves me less and less. Seriously! They've taken her for the last two days under the guise of, "helping me out with her training", but I think the plan is to brainwash her into liking them better. I mean...all I do with her is take her for walks and to the dog park and give her lots of love. But they give her hats and rides on scooters...they're the FUN people, right?

...pictures don't lie...

There's some serious brainwashing going on...

...at least she tore up one of their plants. Good Quinley, good girl ;-)

Seriously, as cute as she is...who wouldn't try to steal her.

Have a Fab You Bliss Friday & Weekend!

xoxo,

Stephanie

A Unique San Francisco BIKE Themed Wedding

2011-07-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever ridden a mountain bike? Maybe you’re an avid fat wheeler and you already know what I’m about to say. Either way, you’re in for a special treat with today’s wedding. Gary Fisher is considered to be one of the inventors of the mountain bike and he was introduced into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 1988. To this day he continues to be is an avid rider and bike promoter, so naturally his wedding held a strong bike theme.

Gary married Alex Zapharis, a doctor and nutritionist on May 22, 2011 and all transportation was on bikes. Some guests rode their own, out-of-town guests received rented bikes and Pedi-cabs were hired for people who were not able to make the ride.

This looks like such a fun wedding and it proves that infusing yourself and what YOU love into your celebration can really make it extraordinary. So go on…peddle your way through these fun images provided by the uber talented Thor Swift at Thor Swift Photography. Enjoy!

Photographer: Thor Swift Photography

Event Planner: Kimela Hancock Weddings

Floral Designer: Fantasy Florals

Reception Venue: The Cliff House

DJ: DJ Matteo

Ceremony Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Transportation: Golden Gate Pedicab,City Bike Rental

Submission via Two Bright Lights

Have a Fab You Bliss Thursday!

xoxo

Stephanie

Fab You Bliss Wednesdays: And The WINNER Is...

2011-07-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

This was such an awesome thing to do! And I have to tell you...opening my email has never been so much fun. Thank you to everyone who submitted. I'm so glad you all found this contest as much fun as I meant it to be and I can't wait to do another one :-)

So here we go. With the amount of images submitted I needed to reduce the selection down to my favorites...and here they are.

Honorable mentions.

First Runner Up is....

Photographer: Maggie Taylor at Asrojuan Photography
Date of shoot: June 2011
Scenario: Baby who doesn't like balloons.

___________________________________________________________

Second Runner Up is...

Photographer: Cindy Jackson at The Extraordinary Moments
Date of shoot: July 17, 2010
Scenario: Groom who really wanted to smash the cake into his new wife's face. FYI...apparently she got him back really good right after.

____________________________________________________________

Third Runner Up is...

Photographer: Brent Deitrich at Live View Studios

Date of shoot: June 18, 2011

Scenario: It's hard to see, but it started raining really hard just after the minister pronounced the bride & groom husband and wife. The image was shot by the photographer's assistant who captured the photographer, (right), trying to flee for cover.

___________________________________________________________

And the winner is...

Photographer: Evan Godwin at Purus Weddings

Date of shoot: October 3, 2010

Scenario: Cute baby at wedding. Now that's what I call a "money dance" ;-)

Great job Evan. I'll be sending you an email later with details for your prize.

Thanks again everyone who participated. This was a great FIRST contest of many more to come.

Hope you all have a Fab You Bliss Wednesday!

xoxo

Stephanie

A LOVELY Southern Wedding + I NEED My House Back + Today's The Last Day To Enter Our FUNNY Photography Contest

2011-07-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Having been born and raised in California, I don't have a whole lot of real life experience with the South except for traveling through it with my family when I was a kid and an awesome trip to New Orleans for Madi Gras a few years ago, woot, woot. But I do know when I think of Southern weddings...the union featured today is exactly what fills my mind. And I'm lovin' everything about it!

Seriously, from the moment I received this wedding from Josh Marshall at Sunlit Images I've been chomping at the bit to publish it. And now that the day has come, let's waste no time and get right to it.

Katie & Scott were married on May 28, 2011 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with their reception following at Richmond Plantation in Milton, Kentucky. Katie's girls wore signature Southern pearls with navy blue dresses fitted with a cute little ruffle at the hem while Scott and his guys looked handsome in grey tuxes. The gorgeous selection of Baby's Breath and blend of white, purple and pink roses were provided by In Bloom Again and hair & make-up was done by Blush on Main.

All in all the wedding was simply gorgeous and I'm swooning over all of these images. So go on...have a look see....

Photographer: Sunlit Images

Hair Stylist: Blush on Main

Floral Designer: In Bloom Again

Reception Venue: Richwood Plantation

Cake Designer: Mert's Cakes

Makeup Artist: Blush on Main

Submission via Two Bright Lights

Alrighty then...I won't mention too much about this because I'm sure you're sick of hearing it, but I'm SOOOOOOOO ready to get my house back. I mean...I NEED it back soon or I might do something crazy! I'm tired of living and working with drywall dust everywhere, brown paper, orange tape and plastic covering everything and these workers constantly here. If you've ever had construction done on your house I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. Ugh...

Here's the kitchen as of this morning. We're just waiting on the granite and sink to be installed, (mayyyybeeeeee today), the range to be delivered and the painters to finish distressing the cabinets. THAT'S it!!! That's all that's between me and being able to cook and clean and live in a non-brown-papered environment. That's all that's between me and sanity.

So hurry up guys. If it doesn't get finished within the next couple of days I can't promise I won't go all Linda Blair on you...just sayin'.

On another note, today's the last day to enter our FUNNY photography contest. If you haven't heard about it, click here to read the post. And if you have heard about it...what are you waiting for? Entries will only be accepted through 5 pm PST today. Can't wait to see what you got.

Have a Fab You Bliss Tuesday!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Texas Engagement + Our First Adventure at the Dog Park

2011-07-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. We definitely did...but I'll share more on that in a minute. First, let's have a look-see at Brittney & Jarod's engagement session shot by Stephania Whitfield and submitted to us via Two Bright Lights. Aren't these two just adorable? I love the variety of locations, colors and angles Stephania has chosen. Often times when we see and engagement session shot where the couple has not changed outfits, the images look much the same...but not here. Kudos to Stephania for giving us a nice variety of shots! And thank you & Brittney & Jarod for sharing these images with us.

Photography by Stephania Whitfield

Venue: Texas
Submission via Two Bright Lights

So how was your weekend? As I mentioned, ours was really nice. We did have some workers here on Saturday, but they didn't show up until 11:30 am so we had a chance to sleep in a little and we took Quinley-Bear, (Princess of all Pupp-awgs), to the dog park for the first time! Yes that's right, she's 8 months old and until now we had not taken her to the dog park. Not because we didn't want to, it's just the best dog park around is one that's only open from 6 am to 9 am and well...it just hasn't fit into our schedule until now. And to be honest...we had absolutely no idea how truly beneficial it would be for little-Miss-Q. Seriously! I mean, when you think dog park you think...my dog will get some exercise...a little socialization...nothing big....just a nice hour or two. But we NEVER imagined we'd return home with a dog so spent that all she'd do for the rest of the day would be to lay in one of her 3 beds and just REST.

Really guys, it was AHHHH-MAZING how calm and just, "whatever...man", she was for the rest of the day. Now...you better believe we're going to take her to that park every chance we get. So here's some shots of her from Saturday.

First, stealing a stick from a yellow lab she just met. That's not the way to make friends Quinley!

Running away with the stick.

Looking back to see if the yellow lab is chasing her...because that was part of the plan.

I got my stick....

Then there was this cute girl who thought she'd take the stick. She doesn't know Quinley very well...

Thanks for taking me to the park mommy & daddy...I'm having FUN!

Have a Fab You Bliss Monday!

xoxo

Stephanie

A Rockingham Estates Wedding + Pupp-awg's Summer Hair Cut UPDATE

2011-07-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hey guys...sorry I'm getting off to a bit of a slow start today, it's just one of those days. Not in a bad way...no the engine's just taking a little more time to warm up, so to speak. But it's Friday and that's ALWAYS a good thing, right? So let's just get straight to the truly special wedding I have for you on this fabulous Friday. FYI...if you follow me on Twitter and or Facebook you'll know I just had trouble spelling fabulous ;-)

Anyhoo...last month I featured Anna & Zack's Engagement Session from my new friends and awesome photographers, Session Nine Photographers. And simply because I think their work is so unique and interesting, I specifically requested they send me Anna & Zack's wedding sight unseen. That's how much I like their work. Well...also because Anna & Zack are so gorgeous and easy to look at. Seriously, am I wrong?

But back to the point, what I like about Session Nine's work is that it is so distinctive. I mean, if you gave me an image taken by them and didn't tell me if was theirs, it wouldn't matter...I would immediately know it was theirs because of their style. And that is so amazing for photographers to have. Ask any professional photographer what they want most for their brand and having a "style" will be at the top of the list. So great job guys...keep up the good work!

Anna & Zack were married on May 7, 2011 at a private residence in Scottsdale, AZ called Rockingham Estates. And as you will see, their wedding wasn't about anything else but the two of them and the people that shared their intimate celebration...just the way it should be, a day of relaxed festivities with family and friends together.

Congratulations you guys and thanks for sharing your beautiful wedding with us!

Photographer: Session Nine Photographers

Caterer: Heidi's Events and Catering

Reception Venue: Rockingham Estates

DJ: Karma Promotions

Submission via Two Bright Lights

Alrighty then, so let me give you an update on how yesterday went with the Pupp-awg's first hair cut. Everything's fine...she's still alive and I survived my motherly-stress. But I will admit...when I first saw her my heart sunk and I said to myself...that's not my dog!!! I feel bad saying that now, but at first I was kind of disappointed we took her in. Like my friend Erin Vancura said yesterday, I was shocked and bummed that her "summer-do" was a definite "summer-don't". I mean seriously, she didn't even seem like the same dog to me. But it's grown on me now and I think it's grown on her as well...we both like it.

What do you think?

Happy Friday to ya and have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Stephanie

A BEAUTIFUL Lake Tahoe Wedding + My Pupp-awg's First Hair Cut

2011-07-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, LAKE TAHOE...my home away from home. I lived there for many years throughout college and after so when this wedding came in I was overjoyed, not to mention the images are from the amazingly talented Melissa Dunstan at Melissa Dunstan Photography and that just made this feature even sweeter!

Stephanie and Eugene were married last August at Zephyr Cove Resort, a beautiful and historic site on the Nevada shores of South Lake Tahoe. Zephyr Cove is a fantastic resort offering all the year round activities you can imagine from paddle wheel boat cruises, water craft rentals, para sailing, beach activities, fishing and horse back riding in the summer to boating and snowmobiling in the winter, and of course year round lodging and dinning.

Stephanie's gorgeous Mon Cheri Bridal gown looked quite lovely on her and absolutely perfect for the setting. Her hair was done by Acqua Hair Design and she carried a gorgeous bouquet of Burgundy and gold Calla Lilies while her attendants, wearing strapless, light yellow sundresses with beach ready flip-flops, walked down the isle holding bright arrangements of yellow and orange Gerber Daisies nestled among large pink Carnations. And Eugene's guys looked very casual and ready for some beach wedding fun in their Khaki pants and orange button downed shirts, while Eugene opted for a bit dressier look with black slacks and a white shirt.

And let's not forget their cute Boston Terrier with his adorable bow tie. I'm swooning over how cute that is and you know how much I love me some doggies! Also, check out their save the date card. It's a ticket with a tear off section showing a map of the lake on it...yes, swooning again. I just LOVE everything about this wedding!

Photographer: Melissa Dunstan Photography

Hair Stylist: Acqua Hair Design

Reception Venue: Zephyr Cove Resort

Dress Store: David's Bridal,Mon Cheri Bridal

Cake Designer: Katie Cakes Tahoe

Jewelry: Christopher Diamonds

Officiant: Rev. J.B. McIntyre

Speaking of Lake Tahoe, as I mentioned, I lived there for a while and so did my sister. She still lives there with her husband and BC and I are going to visit them there next week! I'm so excited!!! We tried going this past winter, but with our schedules it just wasn't possible. Summer on the lake is probably my most favorite time anyhow. And Pupp-awg is going to love it too! Only thing is, her long hair is not really great for the heat so I'm...GULP...taking her in for a hair cut this morning. I swear guys...I feel like an over-protective mother as I've been really nervous about this. She's my little girl after all and you hear all kinds of stories about what groomers do, so I'm kind of worried. Should I be? I just hate leaving her without knowing the people with her care. But the place I'm taking her has received many good reviews so I'm hoping for the best. So...we'll see.

Aaaaggg...I'm still so nervous! Anyone else feel this way about their dogs or am I just a silly dog crazy lunatic?

Here's Pupp-awg this morning. Isn't she so pretty, posing all perfect, right?

...yeah, only for a second. The 8 month old puppy doesn't like to sit still for long!

Happy Thursday to you all! And to all my blogger friends, if I don't get a chance to stop by your pages today to leave you some love, it's because I'm probably frantically stalking the groomers shop like an obsessed Paparazzo to make sure my baby is okay ;-) Do they make pills for this?

xoxo

Stephanie