The Loveliest Day

Christine + Mike's Breathtaking Bicycle Engagement Session...

2012-05-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today I have an absolutely beautiful engagement session for you, complete with an adorable back story, sent over by Jessica Zais Photography! Christine + Mike are such a gorgeous couple, and they chose an equally gorgeous setting as the backdrop for their engagement session. They wanted to include the bicycle as a nod to a funny experience they had at the beginning of their love story. Here's the story, as told by Christine...

"Mike and I met on New Years 3 and a half years ago. I was bartending at a fancy Belgium restaurant called Belgo in Calgary, and he had come in with the girls who do the marketing for Belgo. I never date customers, but Mike had found a way into tricking me into calling him. Two days later we had our first date, and I was blown away. Mike and I just knew we were meant to be together. Mike and I got very serious very fast. We both love to travel and started planning our first trip after only a month and a half of dating and decided to backpack through Brazil. While we were staying in Bonito, Mike had a great idea to do an 8km bike ride. I grew up in an active family, skiing in Nelson, but my parents were not huge on bike riding and had never taught me how to ride. However, I wanted to impress Mike and I just assumed 'it was like riding a bike.' People always talk about it like it's easy (I now understand what that saying actually means. lol) So we got our bikes and off we went, onto a super dodgy highway in Brazil. Mike was a little rusty at the beginning and assumed I was the same. I picked up the balance right away, but every time I hit a bump my handle bars would go crazy and I'd dive into the sidewalk. After about a km down this hill in 30 degree heat, Mike stops me and asks when the last time I rode a bike was. I looked down and said never. He kinda panicked because the road was so dangerous and made us walk our bikes all the way back to the hotel. It's funny the crazy stupid things we do for love."

Vendors:

Photographer: Jessica Zais Photography
Equipment Rentals: Vintage Origami
Makeup Artist: Melissa Craven

Rustic North Carolina Wedding...

2012-05-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, gorgeous ceremony altar! Hillary and Cody were married amongst the trees in Albemarle, North Carolina, and Hillary's younger sister and her fiance hand crafted the altar used in the ceremony as a gift. What an awesome gift!!! I love when couples do something special to bring a little extra oomph to the ceremony space. It doesn't take much to make a big impact. Thanks to Connection Photography for sending this lovely wedding over!

Vendors:

Photographer: Connection Photography
Reception Venue: Il Bella Gardens

Margaret + Morgan's Louisiana Wedding...

2012-05-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday- Hope you had a fantastic weekend!!! Mine was spent painting and shopping for furniture + light fixtures for our new house (on which remodeling will be getting under way soon, yay!) To start off the week, I have a Louisiana wedding for you, sent over by Berg Photography. I'm loving the bridesmaids in cowboy boots (always a cute look!) and the purple tulips in the centerpieces are just beautiful. One of my favorite flowers!

Vendors:

Photography: Berg Photography
Venue: Los Paloma
Floral Designer: Chinaberry's
DJ: Mark Kerr Entertainment

The Five-Year Engagement Giveaway Winner...

2012-04-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

It's time to announce the winner of our The Five-Year Engagement movie giveaway!

The randomly selected winner is...Brittany who said, "Oh my gosh I can't wait to see this movie! Going out to a movie has got to be one of my favorite things!"

Congratulations, Brittany!!! I'll be in touch shortly.

Make sure you go see The Five-Year engagement, it is in theaters tomorrow, April 27th!

Nerd Love Engagement Session...

2012-04-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sarah + Victor are self proclaimed nerds with a deep love for Disney, Star Wars, Nintendo and zombies. It was only fitting that they started their engagement session off at Downtown Disney before heading to a local park. I love Victor's 'talk nerdy to me' shirt- totally perfect! They are both wearing white lung cancer awareness bracelets in support of Sarah's Mom who is currently battling the disease. Thanks to their photographers Paige + Blake Green for capturing these moments and sending them my way!

Rainy Day Engagement Session...

2012-04-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

This adorable rainy day engagement session is perfect for the rainy week we are having in Southern California! Kristena + Ryan had been planning their Laguna Beach engagement session for months, and of course, hadn't planned for rain. Kristena is a girl after my own rain loving heart though, so she decided to bring her polka dot umbrella and just go with it! I'd say the results are pretty wonderful:) The photos were captured by Sargeant Photography + the sweet banner is by baybee-dahl boutique.

Colorado Vintage Indoor/Outdoor Inspiration Shoot...

2012-04-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

As they say, April showers bring May flowers, but April showers may also force a change of scenery for your Spring wedding from outdoors to indoors. This vintage inspired wedding shoot from a talented team of Colorado vendors plays on the idea of "plan b". As a nod to the ever changing Colorado climate they created and then recreated an organic vintage tablescape in both an indoor and outdoor setting. The indoor look is more formal with shades of gold, merlot, lavender and green, surrounded by the warm glow of flickering candles. The outdoor look brings in an industrial element with the exposed brick that pairs beautifully with the weathered farm table, fresh fruit, and vintage decor. A big thanks to Flourish Photography + Bridalize Events for sending this over! For a full list of vendors, scroll down after the images.

If you'd like to see more, check out this video of the shoot by Elevation Events...

Vendors:

Photographer: Flourish Photography
Hair Stylist: Salon Misha
Event Planner: Bridalize
Floral Designer: Delilah's of Denver
Cinema and Video: Elevation Events
Dress Store: Little White Dress Bridal Shop
Cake Designer: Cakes By Lacey
Makeup Artist: Kelsey Zabawa Makeup Artistry
Linens and Coverings: Chair Covers and Linens
Equipment Rentals: A Vintage Affair Rentals
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Ted’s Clothiers
Photo Booth Equipment: Flourish Photography

The Five-Year Engagement Giveaway + Weekly Wrap Up...

2012-04-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have a really fun giveaway today that I am super excited to share with you! I love movies, I love funny movies, I love movies about weddings, I love Jason Segel (dating back to Freaks + Geeks) and I love Emily Blunt, so naturally I love The Five-Year Engagement even though I haven't seen it yet. I can just tell it's going to be that good! Lucky for me and all of you, it comes out in one week from today, on April 27th. And to make things even a little bit sweeter, I have a giveaway for you to celebrate the release!

If you have been living under a rock and haven't heard about this movie yet, let me fill you in...

The director and writer/star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall joins the producer of Bridesmaids for THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT. This irreverent comedy looks at what happens when an engaged couple (JASON SEGEL and EMILY BLUNT) keeps getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle.

Exactly one year after Tom Solomon (Segel) met Violet Barnes (Blunt), he surprised her with a ring. By all accounts, Tom and Violet are destined for their happily ever after, but career plans and comical problems manage to torpedo every “save the date.” Five years later, two people who once dreamed of the perfect day just want to get it over with. Through the humorous trials of discovering who they will become as a couple, Tom and Violet will learn if they have what it takes to survive their five-year engagement.

One winner will receive:

- A $25 Visa cash card for a night at the movies.

- A Five-Year Engagement cosmetic bag filled with lip shine, nail file matchbook, eye mask, purse hanger, comb/mirror + faux engagement ring.

The prize pack is valued at $60, and is courtesy of Universal Pictures.

To Enter:

{Please leave a separate comment for each entry, and also include your email address with each entry so I can contact you if you are the winner.}

- Leave a comment on this post.

- Tweet about this giveaway! Include a link to the giveaway along with @theloveliestday. Comment here with a link to your tweet.

That is two chances to win! The giveaway ends Wednesday, April 25th at 11:59 pm PST. The winner will be announced on Thursday, April 26th. The winner will be randomly selected. This giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only.

In case you haven't seen it yet, check out the hilarious trailer for The Five-Year Engagement:

And visit Tom + Violet's wedding blog!

Good luck, my lovelies!!!

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Time for the weekly wrap up...

{Monday} Classic Coral Southern Wedding

{Tuesday} Taxidermy Bridal Shoot

{Wednesday} Sweet Springtime Engagement Session

{Thursday} English Mod Send Off Party

Have an absolutely wonderful weekend!

English Mod Send Off Party...

2012-04-19T05:00:00.002-07:00

It's finally Thursday, which means it's almost Friday...hooray! To celebrate it almost being the weekend, but not quite yet, I have a fun little party to share with you! Lane Dittoe and Amanda + Rachel of In the Now Weddings joined up with Bride and Bloom Flowers (who sent me this gem of a shoot!) and a team of other awesome vendors to put together a honeymoon send off party with a little English mod flair! It was complete with tea, mini desserts and a confetti exit. Oh, and a fab herringbone backdrop that I am loving!

Vendors:
Photographer: Lane Dittoe
Event Design: Amanda + Rachel of In the Now Weddings
Venue: In the Now Studios
Makeup: Flawless Faces
Caterer: 24 Carrots
Floral Design: Bride and Bloom Wedding Flowers
Linen: La Tavola Fine Linen
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Cheerio, my darlings!

Sweet Springtime Engagement Session...

2012-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Spring is certainly in full bloom here in Southern California. It's a sunny 80 degrees today, so this seasonal engagement session, sent over by Between Lenses and Roses, felt especially appropriate. Karlee + Joseph wanted a vintage inspired springtime engagement session,and that is just what they got! Between Karlee's adorable pastel floral and striped dress, and prop styling by Christine Yuan, this engagement session is positively overflowing with sweetness!

Taxidermy Bridal Shoot...

2012-04-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Carmen, the face behind FRESH Photography teamed up with a group of local wedding industry talent to bring her vision of a taxidermy inspired bridal shoot to life. I love finding beauty in the slightly strange, so this is right up my alley! Here is a bit more from Carmen about the shoot...

"The Oddly Beautiful Taxidermy-inspired Bridals were a creative, collaborative effort of local artists. FRESH brain-childs two such styled bridal sessions a year, partnering with trusted professionals to showcase, share and live our passion. We're mostly creatives from a small mountain town, fighting boredom in the off-season. The Bridals were originally inspired by the mixed-media sculpture of former Shack Shoot model, Joey Conundrum, and found vintage dresses and conceptualized by FRESH."

Vendors:

Photography: FRESH Photography
Concept + Styling: FRESH Photography
Cinematography: Luma Lab Films
Cakery: Sweet Dreams Cakery
Hair Stylist: Shine Salon
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Emily Kjelshus
Mixed Media Artist + Assistant: Joey Conundrum
Models: Lisa Frisk, Sam Zielsdorf + Tamer Vockeroth
Furniture: Trail's Treasure Chest

Classic Coral Southern Wedding...

2012-04-16T05:00:00.002-07:00

I love, love, love the classic Southern wedding that I have to share with you today! Caroline and Ross were married at a gorgeous plantation in Georgia, and if you read this blog regularly, you know how I feel about plantations- I'm obsessed! I can't get enough of the vivid coral pink bridesmaids dresses and the dogwood. Oh, the dogwood...sigh. Their day was captured beautifully by Red Fly Studios who sent this Southern gem of a wedding over to me. Check it out!

Vendors:

Photographer: Red Fly Studio
Caterer: Covington's Dining and Catering
Floral Designer: Singletary's Flowers
Dress Store: Etain Bridal
DJ: After Hours Productions
Bakery: Yes! It's Cake!
Event Venue: Alcyone Plantation

Becca + Jed's Adorable Utah Engagement Session...

2012-04-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

We've been on a bit of a roll with vintage inspired looks this week, so I figured why not continue it with today's engagement session? Becca + Jed's session is just adorable and was sent over by their photographer Heidi of Adore Me Photography. I love Becca's outfit choices, as well as her hair and makeup styling. Total babe!

Old Hollywood Glamour Shoot...

2012-04-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

I've got a little old Hollywood glamour for you today, courtesy of Kimbry Studios! A team of local Idaho Falls vendors put this shoot together, inspired by Hollywood in the 1930s. They used a color palette of deep red, ivory and gold, and found a beautiful old theater to shoot in. I love all the lights they used, it really added a dramatic feel to the whole thing. Check it out!

Vendors:

Photography: Kimbry Studios
Styling: Kimbry Studios
Cake: Ashley's Cakes by Design
Paper Goods: Courthouse Basement Design
Flowers: Lemon Blossom Design
Venue: Colonial Theater
Decor + Rentals: Signature Party Rental
Dress: Treasures Bridal
Hairpieces, Jewelry + Shoes: The Glass Slipper

1940s Inspired Vegas Elopement...

2012-04-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today I have a Vegas elopement for you! It was sent over by Jessica Marie Photography, the assistant photographer of this darling day. The primary photographer is Brittany Bauman of Southern Belle Photography. The couple, Jessi and Danny, were inspired by the 1940s, and styled themselves based on that inspiration. Jessi, a former pin up model, picked out all their clothing from vintage stores in their home state of Texas, and she did her own hair and makeup. She looked smashing and did a wonderful job! Here is a bit more about the day from their photographer, Jessica...

"Danny and Jessi met by chance when Danny was on a work trip to Texas through a mutual friend, and once they started talking they were inseparable. From the start of their relationship, it was based off spontaneity, and their love for going on adventures together. They have both been in previous marriages, and had the big, elaborate weddings of their dreams so they decided why not embark on the biggest adventure of all, and get eloped! In Vegas! So they ended up in Vegas the next week, contacted me about being their photographer, and I jumped at the chance to be apart of something so free, and exhilarating! It was the most spontaneous thing even I have been apart of. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Throughout the day you could see the love radiating between the two, and seeing the two emit so much love made me excited."

Vendors:

Photographer: Brittany Bauman of Southern Belle Photography
Assistant Photographer: Jessica Steiner of Jessica Marie Photography
Ceremony: Pop-Up Chapel at The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino
Venue: The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino

Yolanda + Eric's Lana'i Wedding...

2012-04-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Lana'i is on my bucket list of places to visit in my life. I've been to Hawaii, but never to the island of Lana'i. It just looks so beautiful and magical! Yolanda + Eric must have thought so as well because they were married on the scenic island, at The Four Seasons Lana'i, Koele Lodge. Their photographer, Joanna Tano, captured every special moment, including the fun touch of using games as centerpieces for guests to play with before and after dinner. Gorgeous AND fun- a fantastic combo:)

Vendors:

Photographer: Joanna Tano Photography
Venue: Four Seasons Lana'i Lodge at Koele
Hair + Makeup: Four Seasons Lana'i Lodge at Koele

Smitten on Paper Giveaway Winner...

2012-03-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday, friends! The time has come to announce the winner of our giveaway with the spectacular Smitten on Paper for a $75 store credit! Before we get to that though, here are two more Smitten on Paper designs I adore and had to share. The Petite Jardin Invitation + Barber Shop Twist Invitation...

Ok, now it's time to get down to business. The randomly selected winner is...Alaina! Congratulations!!! I'll be in touch soon:)

To see all the goodness Smitten on Paper has to offer, head on over to their website and check it out. A big, huge, giant thanks to them for offering this wonderful giveaway!

PS- Smitten on Paper is currently offering a promo for 10% off any order through 4/15 with the code 'love10'. Have fun shopping:)

Green + White Arboretum Wedding...

2012-03-28T05:00:00.001-07:00

Genise + Troy, hello gorgeous! This couple is seriously stunning, just like their wedding at the Los Angeles Arboretum. Everything was simple and classic, yet still manages to have a major wow factor. I love Genise's whole look, from the bold rep lip to the sparkly heels and birdcage veil. If she isn't a model already, she should seriously consider it! This incredible day was captured beautifully by Zoom Theory Photography. Now, on to the pictures...

Vendors:

Photographer: Zoom Theory Photography
Event Planner: Liz Coopersmith, Silver Charm Events
Floral Designer: Butterfly Floral & Design
Invitation Designer: Benjamin Samuels
Cinema and Video: Avery J. Weddings
Dress Designer: Edgardo Bonilla
Photo Booth Equipment: Allstarphotobooth
Bakery: Pastries by Nancy
Event Venue: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Paula + Randy's Pond-Side Wedding...

2012-03-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Paula + Randy's pond-side Connecticut wedding, sent over by Jennifer Boyle Photography, is giving me serious heart flutters! Apparently I'm not the only one as their wedding and love story were recently featured in the Vows column of the New York Times. The happiness that radiates from these two is visible and absolutely infectious. They were married pond-side at their gorgeous 19th-century home in Eastford, CT, which really gave an intimate feel to the celebration. I hope you all enjoy this love-filled wedding as much as I do!

San Francisco City Hall Elopement...

2012-03-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today I have the sweetest elopement for you, sent over by the always wonderful Lilia Photography! Katie Ann + Loic were married at San Francisco City Hall with just a tiny group of close friends and family by their side. After the wedding, they rode around the city in an authentic yellow checkered cab, which was featured on the tv show "Taxi". They hit up Le P'tit Laurent, the restaurant where Loic proposed to Katie Ann, and finally headed to Beretta where they rejoined their guests for an intimate dinner. I adore the glittery heart clips Katie Ann's bridesmaids wore, Katie Ann's beautiful dress, and the cuff links worn by Loic as a nod to his Swiss heritage. I also love how Katie Ann described the day...

"Basically, we wanted a fun, unforced, relaxed party, and we succeeded in every way possible. We'd never imagine having a wedding any other way. Our wedding reflected the same amount of happiness, love and excitement we show to each other everyday."

Vendors:

Photographer: Lilia Photography
Floral Designer: Church Street Flowers
Venue: San Francisco City Hall
Dress Designer: Saja
Makeup Artist: Melissa Hall
Bride's Shoes: J. Crew
Transportation: Marin Checker Cab
Heart Clips: Ban.do

Weekly Wrap Up + Smitten On Paper Giveaway...

2012-03-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's giveaway time again- hooray!!! This time I have some pretty, pretty stationery for you, courtesy of the wonderful Smitten on Paper. Smitten on Paper is a recently launched independent stationery website that offers a fresh + modern take on personalized invitations, cards and so much more! Here are a few of my favorites from their website...

Pretty Please + Elegant Arrival Wedding Invitations

Dive Right In + Watercolor Chevron Save the Dates

They also offer table numbers, program covers, menus + more to coordinate with your invitations. For example, the Serendipity Table Number + Serendipity Wedding Invitation.

In addition, Smitten on Paper offers thank you cards, bridal shower invitations, address labels, holiday cards + more. Smitten on Paper really is the perfect name for this site, because I truly do feel absolutely smitten while browsing all the delightful designs!

The folks over at Smitten on Paper were kind enough to offer a $75 store credit to one lucky reader of The Loveliest Day!

To Enter:

{Please leave a separate comment for each entry, and also include your email address with each entry so I can contact you if you are the winner.}

- Like Smitten on Paper on Facebook and leave a comment here saying you did.

- Like The Loveliest Day on Facebook and leave a comment here saying you did.

- Tweet about this giveaway! Include a link to the giveaway along with @theloveliestday + @smittenonpaper in your tweet. Comment here with a link to your tweet.

- Leave a comment telling us what you will use your $75 store credit on if you are the winner!

That is four chances to win! The giveaway ends Wednesday, March 28th at 11:59 pm PST. The winner will be announced on Thursday, March 29th. The winner will be randomly selected.

Best of luck to you all:)

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Now, on to the weekly wrap up...

{Monday} Amanda + Kenny's Romantic Temecula Wedding

{Tuesday} Winter Days of Heaven Wedding Shoot

{Wednesday} Condor's Nest Ranch Engagement Session

{Thursday} Grayling Giveaway Winner

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!!!

Grayling Giveaway Winner...

2012-03-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

It's time to announce the winner of our giveaway with Grayling for the beautiful Caviar Oval Earrings + Crystal Row Necklace!

The randomly selected winner is...Cat! Huge congratulations, Cat!!! I'll be in touch shortly.

Thank you so very much to Grayling for sponsoring this giveaway:)

To view their brand spankin' new bridal collection and to learn more about the brand, make sure to visit their website + facebook!

Condor's Nest Ranch Engagement Session...

2012-03-21T05:00:00.001-07:00

Ashlee + Jarrett's awesome engagement session is coming your way today. I l-l-l-looooove this one!!! It was captured by Lauren of LA Creative Studio, who by the way, totally rules- and the location is a rad venue in Southern Calfornia, The Condor's Nest Ranch. The light is beautiful, the locations are amazing, and the couple is adorable. What more could you want? I mean really!

Winter Days of Heaven Wedding Shoot...

2012-03-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Winter is on its last legs and Spring has almost sprung, but not quite yet, so I wanted to squeeze in one last snowy hurrah! This shoot was sent over by Meg Brock Photography and was inspired by the Terrence Malick film 'Days of Heaven'. Here's a bit more from Meg about her inspiration...

"I recently watch the Terrence Malick movie, "Days of Heaven," a love story that takes place on a farm in 1916. I was very inspired by the films organic, naturally illuminated imagery and wanted to translate some of this imagery into wedding inspiration. By chance, my husband and I discovered a field that closely resembled the movie's primary location, particularly in the golden light of the afternoon. I collaborated with Cindy (the florist), to create an elegant but unrefined decor that would have been appropriate for the movie's characters. A coating of snow hit the Philadelphia area the day before the shoot, changing the feel of our location. We came close to canceling the session but ultimately opted to endure freezing temperatures to create some beautiful winter wedding images. Resources for a couple living on a farm in 1916 would be limited, so we used many everyday objects in our decor. I borrowed a rustic, antique table from my parents that was draped with vintage linens and plates. I created plate charger's with knitting hoops and cheese cloth. Train travel was an element of "Days of Heaven" and I incorporated it into the decor with the seating chart. I used a vintage trunk as a display and vintage post cards as seating cards. I used old fonts and textured papers for the stationary. The floral centerpiece was placed in a vintage chocolate box I bought at a flea market. Cindy also filled teacups and brass gobblers with flowers."

Vendors:

Photographer: Meg Brock Photography
Floral Designer: Clark's Flower Shop
Dress Designer: Jule Couture
Boots: Oak Tree Farms
Models: Mike + Lilly Trapp

Amanda + Kenny's Romantic Temecula Wedding...

2012-03-19T05:00:00.001-07:00

Did you all have a great weekend? I hope so! I had a great weekend celebrating my birthday with my sweet husband, and to keep that streak of awesomeness going today- I have a beautiful wedding to share! Amanda + Kenny's romantic Temecula wedding was sent over by Allie Lindsey Photography, and I absolutely adore it!

Here is a bit more about the day...

"Amanda and Kenny's wedding was a photographer's dream. They had so many beautiful, unique, special details that it was so wonderful getting to be a part of it. Kenny's family owns a strawberry farm and they had made little jars of homemade strawberry jam to give to their guests as favors. Amanda had put so much thought into each detail from her beautiful dress, the gorgeous bouquets, the color palette, the table arrangements, the different flavors of bundt cake, everything! The weather that day was incredible too. There was a 100% chance of rain and we scrambled for a backup plan for the day. On the drive to the house the bride and bridesmaids were getting ready, it was still pouring, but when we arrived, the rain stopped and the clouds broke and gave us a beautiful backdrop for the bride and groom's portraits. Incredibly it didn't rain the entire day from that point and the day was absolutely perfect."

Vendors:

Photographer: Allie Lindsey Photography
Ceremony Venue: Grace Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue: Bride's Parents' House
Flowers: Enchanting Blooms
Cakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Bride & Groom Cake Forks: JessicaNDesigns
Coordination: Bride's Mom
Favors: Strawberry Jam from Groom's Family's Strawberry Farm