pretty bride

After all, tomorrow is another day...

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:37:00 +0000

I started Pretty Bride on a whim as an outlet for all of my wedding thoughts and musings. I had a passion for all things wedding and wanted to explore this industry more. It has been quite a journey - In the (less than) two years since I started Pretty Bride I got engaged, moved cross country, got married, got a job working as a wedding planner and designer, got a puppy, moved apartments and, most recently, got another job. The position I start next week takes me back into corporate events which, I have come to find out, is where my heart lies. As I start this new chapter in my career, I feel the need to close this one. While I still love weddings, it not a passion that is strong enough to fuel my career. Pretty Bride has been extremely neglected for months now and I feel it is time to close up shop. I will of course leave the blog available to anyone who has interest in my wedding planning process, but there will not be any new updates.

I wouldn't be surprised if the blogging bug bites in terms of a cooking blog or something more personal in the future, but for now, I am stepping away.

Thank you to everyone who has ever stopped by my little blog, and made it worth writing...

Happy Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:03:00 +0000

This week seemed to drag out for me, and Friday couldn't get here soon enough. Our weekend is jam packed full of a Grizzlies game, Griz Gala, my first photoshop class at the UofM and of course the NFL playoffs. Hope you all have a safe and happy weekend!

1. Vino, 2. West Elm Desk, 3. NFL Playoffs, 4. White House Black Market, 5. Photoshop 6. Grizzlies

Tiered Lace Gown

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:30:00 +0000

I'm loving this dress from BCBG... the style, the price, the low back...

Found here

Oh, Drew...

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:43:00 +0000

While watching the Golden Globes last night, I was completely taken by Drew Barrymore's dress. If I had to choose any dress to wear from last night, it would hands down be Drew's. I would love to be able to say I'd go for Jennifer Aniston's super hot look, but unfortunately, I would need her body to come along with it.

Ps...Everyone should see Grey Gardens. It is absolutely fascinating. A must-see, if you ask me.

So, tell me, what dress would you wear if you could choose any from last night's ladies? Also, I have to admit there were a lot of movies last night up for awards that I have yet to see. What should I see first?!?

Photo from Just Jared

Louboutin Knotted Damas

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:08:00 +0000

Just looking at these shoes makes me want to head out of town to a warm locale!

Neiman Marcus

Goals for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:31:00 +0000

Last year was a BIG year for me. I got married. Got a dog. Got a new job. Let's just say we were busy. I've been thinking a lot about what I hope 2010 holds for me and writing down goals is just the way to hold me accountable. For some reason I don't like saying "resolutions," it just sounds like something I won't do, similar to "don't steal french fries off your husband's plate." Yeah, never going to happen. Goals it is.

1. Turn our extra room into a charming guest bedroom. Since we moved into our new place in October, the extra room has served as a storage space. Even though I never have to go in the room, it annoys me just knowing it is filled with boxes. I want there to be a nice space for a desk and of course for our family and friends to stay when they visit.

2. Keep us on a budget. In the past we have both spent pretty freely, and I think it's time we start tracking where our money is going. We have come up with a budget based on Dave Ramsey's plans. Wish us luck on this one.

3. Train Clarence. In the two and a half months that we have had Clarence we have fallen completely in love with him. He's such a fun addition to our life and it's nice to have something to take care of and worry about other than ourselves. He is, however, a crazy puppy at times. He loves to jump and has quite the vertical (we're so proud he's an athlete). Being cute will get Clarence a long way, but no one wants to be the people with the annoying dog. Due to Goal #2 we will be trying to train at home. Any book recommendations are welcome!

4. Run more. It's so cliche for me to even be writing this, but yes, I want to work out more. I ran a half marathon a few years ago and it has always been a goal of mine to run a full. I am blessed with being able to build up endurance very quickly when it comes to running and am glad to be back in the swing of things. Even if I don't run a full this year, a couple half marathons would be fantastic. It's all about just staying healthy.

5. Figure out the direction of Pretty Bride. Clearly Pretty Bride is no longer all weddings, all the time. I still love weddings. I still work in the wedding industry. I do not, however, have the motivation or passion to blog about weddings day in and day out. I have several ideas about what to do with Pretty Bride that include a cooking blog (the frontrunner) and a lifestyle blog, but need to make a final decision. Let me know what you would like to see from PB!

What are your 2010 goals?!?

Baby Shower Style

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:11:00 +0000

As I may have mentioned, my brother and sister-in-law are expecting a baby! Her due date is March 11th and with the new year sneaking up on us, it's time I start planning the shower.

They do not know if they are having a boy or a girl, and I have been looking for a way to keep the design modern without entering the land of light greens and yellows. Right now the color scheme I like is navy and pink, inspired by this shower by Amber Karson featured on Style Me Pretty.

We have decided to make this a couples/coed shower. It will be mostly guests in their twenties and thirties and will be a cocktail party-ish baby shower. Let's see how I can pull this off.

First things first, the invitations.

These invitations are from Tiny Prints and while they are not really my style, I love that it makes it clear that it is a coed shower.

These are also from Tiny Prints. I like that they are simple and not too girly.

Right now these invitations from Minted are the frontrunner.

Which invitations do you like best? Ever been to a coed baby shower?!? Got any great games or ideas?

Wedding Gifts: Pottery Barn

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Sometimes I wish we had only registered at Pottery Barn. The list of things I would like from there are endless. We have some gift cards and are hopefully using them towards a big purchase, like a new kitchen table. The customer service throughout the registry process at both Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma was impeccable. Stress comes easy during wedding planning and anything that can take away from that is worth it.

Here are some of our favorite gifts we received from Pottery Barn...

This Montana Salad Bowl can be used to hold a large salad, fruit, or decor items and will always look great. It's a classic piece I feel everyone should own...

Unfortunately, this Magnetic Backsplash doesn't work in our current kitchen, but I couldn't be more excited to use it in the future to post recipes and reminders...

This Clam Serving Bowl is bigger than you would think and looks fabulous on a table while entertaining...

And my all-time favorite, the Sabine Chandelier...

Did you register at Pottery Barn? What did you think of the service? What were some of your favorite items you received?

Wedding Gifts: Williams-Sonoma

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:54:00 +0000

One of the most amazing aspects of getting married is the support you get from those around you. As I'm sure most of you understand, by the time the wedding was over, Matt and I felt so loved that we felt like we should be gifting our family and friends, not the other way around. Regardless, we were thrilled to have received such loving items and hope to keep them in our family for years to come.

You all know from my post last week how much I love Williams-Sonoma. I love to cook and bake. I love the feeling of the store and the quality of their products. I worked there last year during the holidays after Matt and I had moved to Memphis and I was still in-between jobs. And working there made me like it even more. Scary, huh? We registered at Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Target. While we loved everything we received, this week I'm going to take you through some of our favorites.

Oval Stoneware Bread Basket

We received this as a shower gift in a dijon (yellow) color. I keep fruit in it on the kitchen table during the week. It is a gorgeous basket that can be put in the oven and will then radiate heat to keep your bread warm. Mmm.

Emile Henry Bakers

I love all the Emile Henry items we received. I chose the caramel color but they come in red and a new nougat color that is simply delightful. They are fabulous casserole dishes and I love having matching items :)

Breville Panini Press

This is hands-down one of Matt's favorite items, but we both love it. It's even better than you think it will be. You can literally make anything on it.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven

I don't know how I cooked without this. I am in love. Have been since the day I got it.

Pilluvuyt Queen Anne Pitcher

While this isn't the same pattern as our China, I new I had to have it. Matt thinks it gives in to my Shabby Chic tendencies since I've used it as a vase and shelf decor, and not yet as a pitcher. Can you blame me?

We have gift cards to spend, so please share! Did you register at Williams-Sonoma? What were some of your favorite gifts?

The Holidays - WS Style

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:51:00 +0000

As a self-proclaimed holidays-junkie, I couldn't be happier that the holidays are right around the corner. I think it has something to do with living away from family. And something to do with the fact that I've been texting Home Alone quotes with my brothers for weeks now. Regardless of the reason, I swooned when I received the Thanksgiving catalog from Williams-Sonoma.

As soon as I saw the personalized ribbon and monogrammed boxes, I knew it was the perfect packaging for homemade desserts for Matt's business contacts.

I've always loved the Williams-Sonoma personal embosser for recipe cards and am smitten by the embossed holiday tags.

And since Williams-Sonoma has a way of making you leave hungry, don't leave without their new Peppermint Bark Cookies! Um. Yum.

Photo Card Creations: Contest Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Congratulations to Positively Preppy in Pink who won the Photo Card Creations Contest!

Email me at prettybride@live.com to redeem your prize!

Elizabeth and James "Reina"

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Bloomingdales

Introducing...

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:09:00 +0000

As you may have seen on Twitter, Matt and I added to our family this week. Meet Clarence!

We went to the shelter on halloween morning and left a few hours later with our little guy. He is a 6-month old yellow lab/golden retriever mix.

He's still very timid... and very puppy... as he should be :)

Martinez Valero "Zenith" Pump

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:57:00 +0000

Maybe I'm bringing back Shoe Saturdays? Maybe I'm just having a moment? We shall see...

These shoes are an obvious knock-off of the amazing Manolos Carrie wears in the Sex and the City movie. And I love them for it.

Can't you picture them - with pants at a holiday party? With a fab LBD? In your robe hanging around the house?

Nordstrom

Photo Card Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:26:00 +0000

To help celebrate the launch of their new website, Photo Card Creations is giving all Pretty Bride readers the chance to win a $50 Coupon towards the purchase of ANY of their cards. The coupon can be used once towards the purchase of 75 or more cards & cannot be combined with any other promotions.

{LOVE these - remind me of my own wedding style!}

To Enter: Leave a comment below with what you would use the coupon for and/or which card style is your favorite!

Winner will be randomly picked & posted on Monday, November 8th!

Good luck!

Anthropologie LBD

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:25:00 +0000

This dress just looks like a good time...

Anthropologie

Most Anticipated Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:12:00 +0000

For me, this is the wedding of the year. No, not Khloe Kardashion and Lamar Odom's nuptials. And yes, Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum's wedding was breathtaking, but not them. And I of course highly anticipated my own wedding, but it didn't make the cut either. Tomorrow night is Jim and Pam's wedding and I'm a little embarrassed by how excited I am for it.

If you don't watch The Office, stop blog-browsing and run to your local Target and pick it up. Everyone else, get ready for the wedding, Scranton-style...

Who else is excited for our favorite coworkers big day?!?

Fall Wedding Guest Style

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:20:00 +0000

In a couple of weeks Matt and I are heading up to Chicago for his cousin's wedding. I'm so excited about spending time with Matt's family, getting out of town, and of course attending a fab wedding. But what is really weighing on my mind... what will I wear. Here are a few fall styles I'm currently loving...

From here

What's your go-to wedding guest attire?

Modern Wedding from Todd Pellowe

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:17:00 +0000

As soon as I saw this super-modern Chicago wedding on Todd Pellowe's blog, I knew I had to share it.

The details are breathtaking and it is so refreshing to see a different take on wedding decor.

Check out the rest of this glam wedding here!

Todd Pellowe Photography

Oh My...

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Check out the rest of this gorgeous wedding on April Foster's blog!

Amazing photography by Amanda Wilcher

The bold colors remind me of this inspiration board I created years ago...

My Bridal Luncheon

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:40:00 +0000

I wanted to post a couple pictures from the bridal luncheon my Aunt Carol and grandmother hosted the day before our wedding.

My grandmother collects china and my Aunt Ann is as crafty as they come. Ann picked up some flowers from a local florist the morning of the luncheon and created these lovely arrangements for the tables.

The linens on the tables were used at my mom's wedding reception. It was the most charming set up... I wish I had more pictures to share!

Elizabeth Anne Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:13:00 +0000

I am so excited to announce that I will be guest blogging on Elizabeth Anne Designs this week! I will be recapping my planning process and am honored to be featured. I have tried to share some different information and pictures than I did here, so be sure to check it out!

Recaps: The End

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:02:00 +0000

After the speeches, as guests were finishing up their first course, we cut the cake. And then it was time for the father-daughter dance. We danced to What a Wondeful World, by Louis Armstrong.

Matt surprised his mom by having family friends play and sing Maggie May, her favorite song, as their dance.

After that, it was time to party!

Our favors were an homage to New Jersey, where Matt and I met. We had an adorable sign made by Laura Hooper to explain the favors and bring everything full circle (see our Save the Dates here). We offered salt water taffy and CD's with songs by New Jersey artists. It was a hit!

Recaps: First Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:22:00 +0000

At 7pm, the doors to the ballroom were opened and guests were invited to find their tables...

As the first course was being served, my handsome dad gave his speech...

And then he introduced, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Matt Tumbleson...

{Note: I LOVE this picture}

My bridesmaid, Jacquelyn, sang Sea of Love as our first dance song...

Then my friend Jenny read a reading she selected which was the lyrics to I'll Cover You from Rent. I didn't know ahead of time what she was reading, and the show has special meaning to she and I, so it of course brought tears to my eyes.

Then the maid-of-honor and best man gave their wonderful speeches and kept the crowd laughing...

Recaps: Reception Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Pretty Bride) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:47:00 +0000

I knew exactly what I wanted when it came to the reception decor, and I was lucky enough to find a designer who could make my vision a reality.

You might remember me mentioning how I wanted to display both my mom's and Matt's mom's wedding dresses around the cake table. Well, I did it and I love how it turned out...

My talented grandfather made the cake stand based on a picture I had shown him of a white wooden cake plateau... How perfect!

I printed the menu cards at home. Matt then hole-punched them to stay consistent with our invitations. My grandfather also cut 225 pieces of plexiglass (and even rounded the corners) for us to attach the menus to for each seat.

I printed the table numbers at home on gold paper. The designer/coordinator colored the water to make it look gold...