The Loveliest Day

Weekly Wrap Up...

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

This was a very busy, but very exciting week in our house hunting journey. We made our first offer on a house!!! Who knows if we will get it or not, but just taking that step was such a thrill! When I was growing up, my dream home was a tree house. It seemed like the perfect place to live, and if it was good enough for the Swiss Family Robinsons and the Berenstain Bears, then it was good enough for me! The house we made an offer on isn't a tree house, BUT, it is full of unique details and fun little nooks and crannies like a small loft with a ladder leading up to it. It gives me the feeling of my childhood dream tree house, just in a more functional setting. Who knows, maybe one day I'll get that tree house. You never know!

{Photo via Sunsurfer}

What is your dream house like? Are you lucky enough to live in it now? I'd love to hear about it!

On to the weekly wrap up...

{Monday} Grey + Yellow Walnut Grove Wedding

{Tuesday} Scotty + Mollie's Sweet Engagement Session

{Wednesday} Jesse + Hannah's Louisville Elopement

{Thursday} Spring Green Stripes

Have the very best weekend, lovelies!

Spring Green Stripes...

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Even though it's still a couple months away, with this 85 degree weather, it feels like spring has already sprung! These adorable bridesmaids outfits spotted in Southern Weddings are absolutely perfect with their flirty spring green striped skirts and off the shoulder white tops. They are just so fresh and playful- Love!

{Photo by A Bryan Photo via Southern Weddings | Striped skirts by Anne M. Cramer}

Jesse + Hannah's Louisville Elopement...

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love a good elopement! I'll admit, as much as I wanted our big wedding (which ultimately I'm so glad we had), there were moments in the midst of planning when I got super stressed and thought- maybe we should just elope! Even though it wasn't the right choice for us, I think elopement is such a wonderful option for lots of couples. It's intimate, often budget friendly, and a special experience shared just between the two of you. It was definitely the right option for Jesse + Hannah, and I love the way they chose to document their day. Here's more from the bride, Hannah...

We tried to use a lot of friends and focus on places that supported our farmer friends in Louisville. Overall, by thrifting a lot and the support of friends, the whole day cost under $1000.

My dress was made by Aryn K from a small boutique in Lexington, but everything Jesse was wearing was thrifted. I made my own bouquet/hair pieces. We stayed at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, and visited amazing places with emphasis on farm-to-table and local ingredients: Hillbilly Tea, Harvest Restaurant, Louisville Beer Store.

It was a super casual day in some ways, but also really special. I am confident that we will always be able to remember every perfect detail of it...whereas I feel like most couples experience a sort of whirlwind on their wedding day after all the buildup and expectation and planning and money. It feels like a blur!

If I have any advice, it would be that having a small and intimate wedding, even an elopement, can still be special and extra-memorable. I think in some ways, it is MORE special. It is not for everyone, I am aware, but for us, while we are putting every penny towards our new farm and generally trying to live lives of small-impact, it just made sense.

By spending some money on our photographer (the extraordinary TIM HARRIS!), we are still able to share the day with all our friends and family, even though they weren't technically there. Basically, for engaged couples: do what YOU want - not what you think is normal or expected. It is YOUR day and about YOUR happiness.

Jesse + Hannah's photographer, Tim Harris, also put together this awesome video of their day. Which brings me to another point that I've said before, and I will probably say a million more times- having a video of your day is worth every penny! Great photos are incredibly important, but there is just something about being able to watch a video of your wedding that is really special and truly brings you back into the moment. With that, here is Jesse + Hannah's wedding video...

Jesse + Hannah from Tim Harris on Vimeo.

Scotty + Mollie's Sweet Engagement Session...

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes there is nothing better than a simple engagement session without any props or details, just a couple who is totally and completely in love. That is exactly how I feel about Scotty + Mollie's sweet engagement session, captured by the lovely Brooke of Blush Photography! The love in these images is palpable, and on top of that, these two are just too darn cute!!!

Grey + Yellow Walnut Grove Wedding...

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, it's Monday once again. Why is it that Monday always seems so long, and Sunday always seems so short? Life can be so cruel! Enough complaining though, I have something that is brightening my Monday, and I hope it will do the same for you. Jasmyn + Matthew's gorgeous walnut grove wedding, sent over by JL Photographers. This wedding makes beautiful use of one of my favorite colors combos, grey + yellow! It's bright, fresh and cheery, and I just love it!

Vendors:

Photographer: JL Photographers
Venue: Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch
Event Planner: Mia Bella Weddings & Events
Event Designer: Dream Events
Hair Stylist: L.A. Beauty Squad
Caterer: Command Performance
Bakery: For Heavens Cakes
Paper Goods: Gray Cloud Print
Musicians: Christian Thierbach IV
Cinema and Video: Godfather Films
Dress Store: Mary Me Bridal
Veil: Unveiled Bridal Designs
Rentals: Mr Anderson's Benches
DJ: Final Touch Entertainment

Weekly Wrap Up...

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am so ready for the weekend! I have big plans to get some serious pre-spring cleaning and organizing done. It's probably more than I can do in one weekend, but I'm excited to get a start. I always hate it while I'm doing it, but it feels so good once I'm done! Know what I mean? We probably need to have a garage sale because there will be so much stuff I hate to part with, but just don't have use for. I wish I could just do an online garage sale instead! Haha.

Now for the weekly wrap up...

{Monday} Karen + Arcangelo's Modern Montreal Wedding

{Tuesday} Sequin Color Inspiration

{Wednesday} No post to protest SOPA

{Thursday} Alina Pizzano Spring 2012 Bridal Collection

What are your plans this weekend?

Alina Pizzano Spring 2012...

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

My favorite wedding dresses are always flowy, dreamy + romantic. Needless to say, when I saw Alina Pizzano's spring 2012 collection, my heart got all fluttery! This collection was inspired by Miami Beach, but I think these dresses would be perfect anywhere, beach or no beach. They are just gorgeous! As an added bonus, these looks were photographed beautifully by my sweet friend Abi of Abi Q Photography. Take a look!

This is just a peek of the collection. To see more, head over to the Alina Pizzano website. It's hard to choose, but I think my favorites are the first look and the short, one-shouldered number. Which dress is your favorite?

Sequin Color Inspiration...

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Coming up with the perfect color palette for your wedding or party can be challenging. I like to take objects and pair them together to find an ideal combination. Little bits of ribbon, buttons, scraps of paper, whatever I can find in the house. Sometimes though, I can't always find exactly what I need, so I turn to the internet for a little color inspiration. One of my favorite set of images comes from Pugly Pixel, and I wanted to share a great source of inspiration for me, with you!

{All images from Pugly Pixel}

Sequin mania! Color with a bit of sparkle is always an added bonus, don't you think? I hope these gorgeous images will inspire you as much as they inspire me. To see even more colorways, and to download the images, click here!

Karen + Arcangelo's Modern Montreal Wedding...

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello! I hope you all had a great weekend:) I love the wedding we are starting the week off with today. It was sent over by the bride, Karen, and is just beautiful!!! Karen and Arcangelo were married at an old 1930's cabaret that was converted into an event hall in Montreal, Quebec. While Karen loves all thing vintage, Arcangelo is more of a modern man, so the modern design elements like the lighting and attire, paired with the historic venue, made for a perfect meshing of their personal styles. I am DYING over Karen's dress and shoes!!! They are so unique and gorgeous. Don't you think?

Vendors:

Photography: Chelsea Gray + Elizabeth Delage of Blushing Bride Studio
Venue: Cabaret du Lion d'Or
Flowers: Atelier Carmel
Event Coordination: Les Mariages d'Amélie
Papergoods: DIY by the bride + groom
Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bride's Dress: BCBG Max Azria
Bride's Veil: Serephine
Wedding Cake: Fous Desserts
Catering: Le Petit Extra

Weekly Wrap Up + Kirsten Manick Photography Giveaway...

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, all! I have a pretty spectacular giveaway for you today... a full day of wedding coverage by Kirsten Manick Photography!!! The winning couple will also get a DVD of edited high res images, and an online gallery of those images to share with friends and family! Seriously, how awesome is that?! Here are a few highlights of Kirsten's lovely work...

Here are all the prize + entry details...

The Prize:

The winning couple will receive a full day of wedding coverage by Kirsten Manick and a second shooter, DVD of edited high res images, and an online gallery of your images to share with friends and family!

The Details:

- One entry per couple please.
- Entries must be received by Sunday Feb. 5th, 2012.
- The couple must sign a model release and contract (so that images may be published online and used for the Kirsten Manick Photography website).
- All travel expenses will need to be paid for by the bride and groom (Kirsten is based in Southern California).

To Enter:

{Please send the following information in an email with the subject "Giveaway Entry" to kirstenmanick@gmail.com}

- Share your story + why photography is important to you and your fiancé.
- Where + when your wedding will be.
- Venue location for ceremony + reception.
- Your contact information.
- A photo (or a couple) of you and your fiancé.

The winning couple will be announced on Friday, February 10th. Good luck everyone:)

To see more of Kirsten's work, be sure to head over to her website + blog!

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On to the weekly wrap up...

{Monday} Intimate Victorian Garden Wedding

{Tuesday} California Wedding with Southern Charm

{Wednesday} Sweet Chicago Engagement Session

{Thursday} La Gartier Giveaway Winner Announced

Have a fantastic weekend!!!

La Gartier Wedding Garter Giveaway Winner...

2012-01-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello! The time to announce the lucky winner of our giveaway with La Gartier is here:)

The randomly selected winner, who chose the Isabella garter is...

Kenya G. who said...

"I absolutely LOVE the Isabella garter!! It looks so classic & vintage and would match my engagement ring and wedding earrings. This would definitely complete my wedding look."

Congratulations, Kenya!!! I will be in touch shortly.

Big thanks to Sarah at La Gartier for sponsoring this giveaway!

Sweet Chicago Engagement Session...

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

We are heading to Chicago today to check out Ted + Aja's sweet engagement session, captured by trüstudio! They tried to feature locations that aren't 'typically Chicago'. Even though they shot in an urban environment, this session definitely has a more natural, outdoorsy feel to it. I love that Ted brought his ukulele along to serenade Aja with some tunes. Cute!

California Wedding with Southern Charm...

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today's wedding was sent over by Lydia Messenger Photography, and its venue brings a little bit of southern charm to California! Gone with the Wind is probably my favorite movie of all time (much to my husband's chagrin), and growing up I always dreamed of getting married at Tara in a flouncy ruffled dress ala Scarlett O'Hara (pre making a dress out of curtains Scarlett of course, though that curtain dress was pretty impressive!). As I got older, my wedding ideas changed a bit...ok a lot, but I will always hold a special little spot in my heart for that southern wedding dream. This bride clearly had a southern wedding dream too, and I love that she found a venue that helped bring that dream to life! Ok, rambling over, time for pictures...

Vendors:

Photographer: Lydia Messenger Photography
Getting Ready Location: The Mission Inn
Venue: Crestmore Manor
Flowers + Decor: Erma Tapscott
Cake: Heaven Scent Cakes by Rebecca Lehman
Linens: Raquels Specialty Linens
Wedding Banners: Firefly Events and Design
Bride's Dress: David's Bridal
Groom's Tux: Men's Warehouse
Flower Girl's Dress: Handmade by Mother of the Groom

Intimate Victorian Garden Wedding...

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, all- I hope you had a fantastic weekend! Mine was jam-packed, one of those weekends you feel like you need another weekend to recover from...but we started the journey of hunting for our first home, which is SO EXCITING! AHHHHH!!!

Now, on to the wedding I have to share with you today, sent over by John W Photography. Nikki + Greg had an intimate wedding ceremony and tea at an old victorian home in Tustin, CA called the McCharles House. The bride Nikki handmade all the sweet details, which blended seamlessly with the antique look of the venue. Check it out!

Vendors:

Photography: John W Photography
Venue + Catering: The McCharles House
Decor: The bride, Nikki Williams.

La Gartier Giveaway...

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, all! So, my holiday hiatus ran a few days longer than planned thanks to a dreadful flu I came down with while in the Bay Area visiting my family for Christmas. I had a fantastic Christmas, but spent my New Year's Eve stuck in bed feeling awful. No fun! I hope you all had a much more exciting time, full of bubbly and sparkles:)

I'm so excited that my first post of 2012 is an awesome giveaway for you all, courtesy of La Gartier! La Gartier is a custom garter company, created by owner Sarah Dobson to cater to brides out there looking for something more modern and stylish than the traditional wedding garter. There is a line of beautiful ready-to-ship garters available, or Sarah will work with you to create a custom garter that fits your specific wants and needs.

Sarah has offered one lucky reader a chance to win the garter of her choice from the three lovely La Gartier garters seen above.

The first is the "Madeline". It is made of an ivory double faced satin ribbon, silk flower embellishment and rhinestone/pearl center detail.

The second is the "Laura" and is made of an ivory double faced satin ribbon, ivory antique lace and center locket brooch. The locket actually opens too!

The third is the "Isabella" and is made of a white double faced satin ribbon, pearl dupioni silk, and a center rhinestone pendant.

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 telling us which of the three garters you will choose if you win, and why.

- Like La Gartier 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 + @sarahlagartier in your tweet. Comment here with a link to your tweet.

Four chances for you to win! The giveaway ends Wednesday, January 11th at 11:59 pm PST. The winner will be announced on Thursday, January 12th.

To learn more about what La Gartier has to offer, check out their website, twitter + facebook!

Weekly Wrap Up {Christmas Edition}...

2011-12-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here, and I am SO excited! I know I've said it before, but this really is my favorite time of year. I am at my happiest, and I'm convinced it makes me at least a 15% better person than I normally am. I think it's all the eggnog, Christmas movies + festive sparkle that adds the 15%:)

{Photo via Flickr}

I wish you all the merriest Christmas, happiest Hanukkah, most festive Festivus, and best time celebrating in whatever way you celebrate! I will be taking a little holiday hiatus, but will see you back here to ring in the New Year!

On to the weekly wrap up...

{Monday} Lines Orchids

{Tuesday} Bohemian Woodland Wedding

{Wednesday} Molasses + Sugar Inspiration - Plus a Molasses Crackle recipe!

{Thursday} Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner Announced

{Friday} Southern Christmas Engagement Session

Happy holidays!!!

Southern Christmas Engagement Session...

2011-12-23T05:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday, everyone! Instead of the usual Friday wrap up post (which I'll be posting tomorrow instead), I am bringing you this sweet southern Christmas gem! Nick + Ashley's adorable engagement session was sent over by Sassyfras Studios, and I LOVE it!!! It tells the story of Nick + Ashley heading out to find their very first Christmas tree together. Going to pick out a fresh Christmas tree each year is a special tradition in my family. Whenever possible we cut one down ourselves, so this darling session really hits home for me! I vividly remember going with my husband, back when he was still my boyfriend, to cut down our first tree. Such a treasured memory!

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner...

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

It's time to announce the winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway!

The randomly selected lucky lady who won the Gondola dress is...

Katie J. who said...

"I think I would keep it simple and pair the Gondola dress with a jean jacket and a cute pair of oxfords or a pair of neutral or coral flats!"

Congratulations, I will be emailing you shortly!!!

If you didn't win this time around, remember, Shabby Apple is offering a discount code for all readers of The Loveliest Day! Simply enter theloveliesday10off upon check out for 10% off. The code is good for 30 days:)

See you back here tomorrow for the weekly wrap up, and a little holiday send off!

Molasses + Sugar...

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today's post has two parts. First, a color inspiration board, and second, the source of the inspiration- my favorite holiday cookie! I love to bake, especially at the holidays, but this year I only had the chance to bake once. So of course, I chose my very favorite cookie, the molasses crackle! It is always a total hit with everyone, and seriously the most delicious thing ever. It tastes like the perfect blend of a sugar cookie and gingerbread. Yummy! Here is the little board I put together inspired by molasses + sugar, the key ingredients in these cookies.

{Top-Bottom, Left-Right: That Kind of Woman | Birch + Bird | Cuisinart | Photo by Aaron Delesie via Martha Stewart | Photo by Aric + Casey Photography via Style Me Pretty | Photo by Aaron Delesie via Martha Stewart | Terrini | An Edible Mosaic}

And now, on to the recipe! I snapped a few pictures to show how pretty these cookies are in addition to being tasty. As an added bonus, they are really simple to make!

This recipe is adapted from one I found a few years back via Martha Stewart.

You will need...

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-3/4 cup of butter

-1 cup sugar, plus an extra 1/2 cup sugar for rolling the dough in

-1 egg

-1 1/2 tsp baking soda

-1 tsp cinnamon

-1/2 tsp ( I tend to make this a rather heaping 1/2 tsp) nutmeg

-1/2 tsp salt

-1/4 cup molasses

What to do...

- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.

- Beat the sugar, butter, egg and molasses together using an electric mixer. Once they are mixed, slowly add in the dry ingredients. I start with the flour, then add baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg + salt. Mix until a dough forms, it shouldn't be too sticky.

- Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough. Roll each tablespoon of dough into a ball, then roll in the extra 1/2 cup of sugar you have set aside. This time I used regular old sugar, but in the past I have used sanding sugar, which looked really pretty. Place the dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes (you may need to adjust depending on your oven), one sheet at a time to get the pretty crackling on top.

Enjoy! Let me know if you make them + what you think:)

Bohemian Woodland Wedding...

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is the last wedding I'll be posting before Christmas, and I must say, it's a pretty good one to end on before my little holiday hiatus! A fantastical bohemian wedding, set amongst a moss covered forest of towering trees in Oregon. Julie Pepin Photography was on hand to capture James + Aileen's magical day, and she truly caught that magic in her images. Here's some more about the wedding, from the bride Aileen...

I have not only attended but also participated in countless weddings. After a while, they all begin to look the same. I was never one to fantasize about my own wedding as they were always more of a chore than a joy. That was, of course, until my own boyfriend whom I'd known since I was 13 got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. As if struck by lightning, I suddenly knew EXACTLY the feel and vibe of our wedding as though I'd been secretly scheming for years. I knew it would be peacock themed and a bit on the rugged fairy tale-esque side with lots of green nature, brown woodsy goodness, and earthy lovin'. I also knew there would be tons of bargain thrift store hunting and DIY projects (which I love) in order to get the most out of our small budget. Lucky for me, James was completely on board and willing to help with everything I decided so long as he didn't have to figure anything out :). The stars aligned and everything began falling into place. There was such an outpouring of love and support from family and friends to help make our wedding celebration our own. What it all boils down to is that the day was perfect and James and I are as content as ducks in a pond!

Vendors:

Photographer: Julie Pepin Photography
Floral Design: Buena Vista Flowers
Event Decorator: Amore Creations by Maria Corral
Caterer: Don Pedro Mayor
Transport: Chafin Farm Carriages
Rentals: A-Z Party Rentals
Desserts: Lupita's Bakery
Bride's Dress: Cocoon Silk

Lines Orchids...

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm sure many of you have some last minute shopping to do. I know I have a few more things to buy! If you live in, near, or around Chattanooga, TN I have the perfect place for you to pick up those last minute gifts- Lines Orchids, a gorgeous little shop filled with a collection of orchids, plants + distinctive pieces for the home. It is located at Warehouse Row in downtown Chattanooga, a shopping district made up of restored warehouses that is a must visit for all those who love an eclectic, but well curated mix of shopping and dining. Best of all, Lines Orchids is a family-owned business that I am proud to say is run by none other than my family:)

My aunt and cousins opened up this boutique as an extension of the orchid business that has been in the family for four generations. While the specialty is orchids, and not just your garden variety of orchids, but varieties such as phalaenopsis, cattleyas, miltonias, cymbidiums, lady slippers + oncidiums; they also sell a selection of vessels + containers (I'm particularly in love with the zinc containers!), succulents, ivy topiaries, boxwood wreaths, paperwhites, and some of the cutest gift items you ever did see!

On top of all of that, they also offer both vintage and new pieces for the home. When I visited, I wanted to take every last thing home with me...literally!

This boutique is something different than your run of the mill flower shop. It is simple, clean and thoughtful, stocked with charming + uniquely different items for sale.

Yes, this spectacular little boutique is owned by family, and I'm excited to support them, but the reason I had to share this with you today is because I love everything they offer so much! I only wish there was a shop like this near me. It would be hard for me to resist popping in every day to pick up a new treasure.

So check it out, and if you do, let me know! I'd love to hear what you think:) Lines Orchids is open Monday-Saturday, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. You can find them at 1110 Market Street in Chattanooga, and here is the phone number if you want to give them a ring 423.309.7622!

If you don't have any last minute gifts to buy, or holiday centerpieces to pick up, keep this delightful little store in mind for Valentine's Day! I adore cut flowers of course, but there is something really special about being gifted a living plant that you can nurture and enjoy for months, and sometimes even years. A pretty little succulent garden over a dozen roses? Yes, please!

PS- After a day of shopping, make sure to pop in to Public House, a restaurant just a few doors down from Lines Orchids. I ate there a few weeks ago, and I am still thinking about it today. It was that delicious, people! Just a helpful little tip from me to you:)

Happy shopping!

Weekly Wrap Up + Shabby Apple Giveaway...

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today I have a little gift for you all, a giveaway courtesy of Shabby Apple! Shabby Apple is an online boutique that offers a well curated selection of darling women's dresses inspired by a vintage aesthetic, perfect for bridal showers, engagement sessions, honeymoon wear, or every day. I was allowed to choose my favorite dress from their collection to give away, and my choice was the Gondola dress. I hope you all love it as much as I do!

I absolutely adore the flirty feel of this dress, and the perfect pairing of punchy kelly green and bold sailor stripes!

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 Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave a comment here saying you did. This one is mandatory for entry.

- 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 + @shabbyapple in your tweet. Comment here with a link to your tweet.

- Leave a comment telling me how you would accessorize the Gondola dress to make it yours if you win!

That is four chances to win! The giveaway ends Wednesday, December 21st at 11:59 pm PST. The winner will be announced on Thursday, December 22nd.

As an added bonus, Shabby Apple has kindly offered a 10% off discount code to all of you! The code is theloveliesday10off and it expires in 30 days.

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Time for the weekly wrap up...

{Monday} Summer Camp Wedding

{Tuesday} Danielle + Andy's Greek Isles Honeymoon

{Wednesday} Fall Fun Engagement Session

{Thursday} Snowflake + Sparkle Inspiration

I'm off to bake my favorite holiday cookies, which I'll be sharing with you next week:) Have a spectacular weekend!!!

Snowflake + Sparkle...

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am a huge fan of winter whites, there is something so chic and dreamy about them. I couldn't resist putting together this board based on a winter white Christmas with a little added sparkle. Honestly, it's hard for me to not add a dash of sparkle in everything. What can I say? I'm a sparkly kind of gal!

{Top-Bottom, Left-Right: Peppermint & Gingerbread | Amy Atlas | A Field Journal | A Field Journal | Hello Naomi | Sevvven | Save On Crafts | Dustjacket Attic}

Fall Fun Engagement Session...

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Winter officially begins in only a few more days, so I thought we would have one final fall romp to bid the season adieu. Lilly + Mike's fun fall engagement session was captured in all its glory by Meg Brock Photography. One thing I really look for in engagement sessions and weddings is a couple who are having the time of their lives, because really, shouldn't those moments be some of the best times of your life? I think so! Clearly, Lilly + Mike are having the time of their lives in these photos, and it is written all over their cute little faces!

Danielle + Andy's Greek Isles Honeymoon...

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I shared a honeymoon with you, so I was super excited when Danielle + Andy sent over their fantastic getaway to the Greek Isles! I'll admit, I'm not much of a cruise girl, but this honeymoon definitely makes me give cruises a second thought. Danielle + Andy were able to visit so many different destinations without the nuisance of having to pack up and move hotels multiple times, which is seriously such a buzz kill on a vacation. They started their honeymoon out in Venice before heading to Greece, and here is an account of how it all went down, straight from Danielle...

For our honeymoon we wanted to have our beach time, but we also wanted to do more than sit on the beach all day. Greece has some of the best beaches in the world and plenty of sights to see, so it was our perfect honeymoon destination. There are so many amazing destinations to experience in Greece and we did not want to choose just one, so we chose a week-long cruise of the Greek Isles through Norwegian Cruise Lines, which started in Venice Italy, and stopped in Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Olympia.

We flew into Venice, Italy the day before our ship set sail. We took a water taxi straight to our hotel, Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli, where we stayed the night. This was the breathtaking view from our hotel door.

Our hotel was walking distance to St Mark's square, where we spent most of our time. Tip for other couples headed to Venice: Before we left, we downloaded Rick Steve's Walking Tour of St. Mark's square free podcast and put it on our phones. We learned so much neat stuff about what was around us; all for free!

Our first stop in Greece, was Corfu. We spent the day exploring Corfu Town. We decided to hike the old fort.

The view of Corfu Town from the top of the old fort. Totally worth the hike!

After walking and hiking for hours, we decided to rest our feet and treat ourselves to a romantic horse and carriage ride that took us throughout the gorgeous Corfu Town. It was just what we needed!

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped at a restaurant and enjoyed authentic Greek salad, and tzatziki. For dessert we had by far the best tasting baklava we have ever tasted!

Our next stop was Mykonos. In the morning, we took a spa day at the Myconian Imperial Hotel. We started at its relaxing thelasso center which had several different pools: one with oils, one with salts, and one with massaging jets. It was exactly what we needed after all the exploring we had been doing.

We also spent some time at the hotel's luxurious private beach. The view was unreal!

Then it was off to explore! In a city like Mykonos, it's best to just get lost.
While wandering through the 'labyrinth' streets of Mykonos, we came across this beautiful view. Mykonos is famous for its windmills. You can spot them in the distance.

The churches throughout the city are stunning.

Next we went to Santorini. Our favorite excursion was definitely the volcano hike and hot springs in Santorini. We hiked the volcanos which were formed by one of the largest eruptions in history, the Minoan eruption, which is believed to be the source of the legend of Atlantis. One of the craters is currently active, and you can see and smell the sulfur. We got an amazing view of Santorini, and it was simply breathtaking. After the hike, we got to jump off the boat (the small one that took us there, not the cruise ship of course) into the refreshing Aegean Sea, and swim to the beautiful and therapeutic hot springs.

Hiking the volcano. I distinctly remember asking Andy how people could spend their honeymoons lying on a beach, when they could be doing this!!!

Swimming in the hot springs. You can see the volcano all around us, as well as the boat we took. Tip: We bought a waterproof camera case for under $30 before the trip to use on an old digital camera. It was totally worth it! We were able to snap pictures like this in the hot springs, and at the beach, while completely dunking it in the water.

We couldn't go to Santorini without visiting the village of Oia.

We opted not to ride the donkeys, but that's a fun option for couples who aren't as pressed for time.

Our final stop was the ancient city of Olympia-the birthplace of the ancient olympics.

The gymnasium where athletes trained at the ancient Olympics.

One last shot- Ruins from the Temple of Zeus.

Our advice for those of you considering a honeymoon in Greece--do it!! Our honeymoon was, in a word, perfect.