The Loveliest Day

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner...

2012-02-23T11:14:00.001-08:00

Happy Thursday- the weekend is nearly here! Before that though, we have to announce the winner of our giveaway with Shabby Apple for the lovely Spanish Steps dress!

The randomly selected winner is Catherine (aka Gertie). Congratulations, Catherine!!! I will be in touch shortly.

A big 'ol thank you to Shabby Apple for sponsoring this giveaway:)

Playful Desert Engagement Session...

2012-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

You know when something is so awesomely adorable that you almost can't handle it? That's exactly how I feel about this engagement session, sent over by Christina Chico Photography. Between the crazy chemistry this couple has, the poppy polka dot dress, the gorgeous light, and the desert backdrop, I don't know what could be any better! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little obsessed with it all.

Downtown Los Angeles Wedding...

2012-02-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

It doesn't get much more beautiful than Brie + Robert's wedding, sent over by Llanes Weddings! Remember Nicole + Seth's rad DIY wedding , also shot by Llanes Weddings? Well, Brie was the maid of honor in that wedding, and you can spot Nicole in Brie's bridal party. Love that! Also, I'm pretty much dying over all the stunning florals in this wedding. They are so good it's bananas!

Vendors:

Photography: Llanes Weddings
Coordination: Tiffany, Beloved Events + Weddings
Video: Paperback Weddings
Florals: Claudia Johnston
Hair + Makeup: Lorena
Venue: Majestic Halls
Decor: Seth Bauer + Christian Snell
Hotel: Biltmore
Officiant: Tim Chaddick
Catering: Dean Kahn
Dress: Vera Wang

Weekly Wrap Up + Shabby Apple Giveaway...

2012-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, all!!! Remember that great giveaway we hosted for a Shabby Apple dress during the holidays? Well, Shabby Apple was kind enough to extend another awesome giveaway for another beautiful dress to all of you! In case you missed the last giveaway, 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. This time around, the dress we are giving away is the Spanish Steps dress. It's just adorable! Don't you think?

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. Also, you must have a US shipping address to be eligible.}

- 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 which dress or item from the Shabby Apple website is your absolute fave.

That is four chances to win! The giveaway ends Wednesday, February 22nd at 11:59 pm PST. The winner will be announced on Thursday, February 23rd.

Good luck!!!

------------------------------------------------------

Time for the weekly wrap up...

{Monday} Sweet + Simple: Valentine's Day Egg in the Basket

{Tuesday} Valentine's Day Engagement Session

{Wednesday} Megan + Kyle's Florida Wedding

{Thursday} Parisian Engagement Session

Hope you have a spectacular weekend!!!

Parisian Engagement Session...

2012-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, Paris! You will always have my heart. I love being sent a good Parisian wedding or engagement session, and this one from Juliane Berry Photography is no exception! Juliane shared the sweet story behind Paul + Janelle's engagement session and I'm not going to lie, it made my heart flutter a little bit...

"Paul contacted me to set up an engagement session while he and his girlfriend, Jenelle, would be vacationing in Paris. He planned on proposing to Jenelle and then surprising her with an engagement session. Paul proposed to Jenelle in front of the Eiffel Tower just 2 days before this photo shoot. Adding even more romance to the proposal, he had the coordinates of the Eiffel Tower engraved into Jenelle’s engagement ring."

Megan + Kyle's Florida Wedding...

2012-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today I have a lovely wedding for you, sent over by Jaclyn of At Last Wedding + Event Design. Megan + Kyle were married last October at The Summerlin House in Orlando, FL. They experienced a few rain showers on their wedding day, but that didn't stop the fun. It did however allow for some super cute umbrella portraits! Check it out...

Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: At Last Wedding + Event Design
Venue: The Summerlin House
Photographer: Iris and Ember
Caterer: Big City Catering
DJ/Lighting: Elegant Entertainment
Cake Baker: It’s Tasty Too!
Hair/Makeup: Altamoda Salon
Officiant: Father of the Groom, Tim Gunter

Valentine's Day Engagement Session...

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!! Sending lots of love to all of you:) Today I have a sweet Valentine's Day engagement session that was sent over by Jessica Bennett Photography! Jessica held a contest for this session, and the winners were the adorable Emilie + Derrick. A local vendor team came together and created the lovely set up. All of the handmade crafts were made by Jessica who is starting a new venture, Jessica Bennett Handmades. I particularly love those crocheted heart pillows!

There is also a love story video of Emilie + Derrick's session by Shutter Life Productions...

Vendors:

Photography: Jessica Bennett Photography
Videography: Shutter Life Productions
Cupcakes: The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck
Florals: Mijanne Wurdeman Florals
Save the Date: Chelsea Barrett Design
Furniture: Vintage Vines Furniture

Sweet + Simple: Valentine's Day Egg in the Basket...

2012-02-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and usually when I think of Valentine's Day and food, I think of sweets. Today I have a different take on a Valentine's Day treat for you though!

Want something sweet + simple to make for the darling in your life tomorrow morning to start their day off with love? How about heart shaped egg in the basket? It's a great idea for adults and kids alike. I found this darling recipe over on Petite Kitchenesse. Click here to see the full recipe!

{Image via Petite Kitchenesse}

Weekly Wrap Up + Kirsten Manick Photography Giveaway Winner Announced...

2012-02-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

Remember this awesome giveaway for a free day of wedding photography by Kirsten Manick Photography? Well the day has come to announce the winner, and I couldn't be more excited about it! The lucky couple who have won a full day of wedding coverage by Kirsten Manick and a second shooter, DVD of edited high res images, and an online gallery of images to share with friends and family is.......

The two cutie pies seen above, Michaela + Josh! Congratulations!!!!!!!

Here is a bit about their journey as a couple from Michaela ...

Josh and I met in a more than puzzling marine science class at our nearest community college. We only attended around four sessions before we both dropped the class due to the inability to understand a word the professor was saying. We spent those few sessions joking and clicking stop watches as fast as we could in attempt to stimulate brain activity. We drew a few "enhanced" pictures of our professor and then couldn't see ourselves solving such a riddle of a course, so we both dropped it. I didn't see or hear from the boy in my class till around 2 years later when we re-met at a wacko bible study. It was truly wacko to say the least but regardless, we quit attending that together and together we stayed. We both worked little and spent most of our time hanging out in San Clemente like kids in love. One day, as girls tend to do, I emotionally blurted something along the lines of, "are you going to marry me, or are you just teasing me" he responded with something like "Michaela, pump the brakes, I love you." We did love each other :) I had no idea, that almost 2 years later he was going to ask me to marry him.. Not even when my eyes were closed for a "surprise". It really was the best day of our lives, the way it all came together. It was like a Disney fairy tale on a mini electric party boat in lake forest. We were even surrounded by a hundred plus geese after I whispered "yes".

Love that story! And just because they're adorable, here is another photo of Michaela + Josh, taken by their friend Bryce Souve.

Now, on to the weekly wrap up!

{Monday} French Countryside Wedding

{Tuesday} Liz + Colby's Utah Wedding

{Wednesday} Gilded Hearts

{Thursday} Valentine Garland

How will you be spending your weekend? Will you be celebrating Valentine's Day early? Mine will be spent feverishly organizing and packing because yesterday we found out the offer we made on a home had been accepted! We will be homeowners soon and have a lot of preparing to do! Ahhhhhh!!!! I feel equally excited and overwhelmed by everything we have ahead of us...ok, maybe a little more excited:) You all will have a lot of before and after home posts in your future!

Valentine Garland...

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking about last Valentine's Day and the awesomely adorable garland valentine that my sweet friend Amber Moon of Pitbulls and Posies designed exclusively for the lovely readers of The Loveliest Day. It was so darling, I just had to share it again for those of you who didn't see it last year!

To download this little gem of a valentine, and see the full instructions, click here. Now I just have to decide which special people will get one this year:)

Gilded Hearts...

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming up soon, and when I stumbled upon this lovely and easy gift idea via Pinterest, I just had to share! A gold heart drawn with a paint pen onto a smooth river rock. Seriously, so simple, but so pretty! It would make a perfect Valentine's Day gift for friends, or would make a great wedding favor. A pretty little paperweight- I think everyone can find a use for that!

{Red Online via Ez Pudewa on Pinterest}

Liz + Colby's Utah Wedding...

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

I've got a super duper awesome wedding to share with you today! Liz + Colby are such a gorgeous couple, and I'm just crazy over their Utah wedding. My favorite detail has to be the ripped fabric garland that seems to stretch for miles around the reception space. It adds such a sweet softness that I adore. And let's talk for a minute about the caramel corn in lace paper cones- adorbs! Their talented photographer, Brooke of Blush Photography , was on hand to capture every last lovely moment of the day!

I couldn't help but share a few of the absolutely drool worthy images captured during Liz + Colby's formal portrait session before their wedding. Just goes to show, a little rain never hurt anybody:)

Lastly, be sure to check out Liz + Colby's wedding highlights video by Davey Orgill of Pointe Digital...

Vendors:

Photography: Blush Photography
Videography: Pointe Digital, Davey Orgill
Reception Venue: Private Acreage
Florist: DWF, Candice Ruiz
Hair Stylist: Katie Carver at Essensual Hair Design
Invitations: Designed by Lifestyle Crafts, Produced DIY
Cake: DIY by Sister-in-Law
Cake Topper: DIY
Jewelry: Shane Co.
Bride's Dress: Custom by Danielle's Bridal Salon
Bride's Veil: DIY
Groom's Tux: Macy's
Rentals: Diamond Rental
Vintage car: Private Owner

French Countryside Wedding...

2012-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, all! We are starting the week off with Alex + Pierre-Antoine's beautiful wedding in the French countryside, captured by the sweet Amber of Live it Out Photography! This wedding is simple, yet so very stunning. Really, with a location as gorgeous as Issoire, France who needs a bunch of details?

Vendors:

Photography: Live It Out Photography
Venue: Abbatiale Saint-Austremoine
Flowers: Il était Une Fois La Fleur
Bride's Dress: Fortunée
Bride's Shoes: Enzo Angiolini
Bride's Veil: Vintage, belonged to Bride's Great Grandmother
Hair + Makeup Artist: Nathalie from Nathy'dom
Caterer: Rioufreyt
Music: Guilaume Mailet

Eastern Oregon Engagement Session...

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today's engagement session was sent over by Double Take Photography. It took place in Eastern Oregon, which I must say, looks absolutely breathtaking in these photos. So natural and green, the perfect backdrop for this lovely couple!

Luggage Tag Love...

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

After yesterday's Fijian fete, I've had honeymoons on the brain! Before jetting off you'll want to make sure you have all the right shoes, outfits, bathing suits and accessories, but don't forget one important accessory that may slip under your radar- luggage tags! You need to make sure your bags are easily identifiable, both for you at the baggage claim, and in case they get lost in transit. You can always use the little paper ones supplied by the airline, but why not go for something that stands out a little more? No one says all the fun stuff has to stay inside the luggage:) Here's a round up of some super cute luggage tags...

{Harlex | Dormify}

{Modcloth}

{Tiffany & Co. | Reed Krakoff}

{Jimmy Choo}

On the subject of luggage tags, I love this awesome wedding favor idea. Hand stamped luggage tags! While it may get a bit pricey for a large wedding, for a smaller one, it would be such a great and useful favor for your friends and family!

{Of the Fountain}

Tara + Mike's Fijian Fete...

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Fiji is by far my favorite place I've ever been!!! I have a hard time believing that any place in the world could top the natural beauty and wonderful people that my husband and I encountered there while on our honeymoon. Fiji holds a very special place in my heart, and I hope one day we have a chance to renew our vows there. Tara + Mike were lucky enough to get married at the gorgeous Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, and I love every last thing about their wedding! A big thanks to Deep Grey Photography who captured this beautiful celebration and sent it my way!

Vendors:

Photography: Deep Grey Photography
Venue: The Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Flowers: The Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Event Coordination: The Bride/ The Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Papergoods: James Sievers
Bride's Shoes: Halo Sandals by Diana Ferrari
Bride's Dress: Stephanie Phillips Design
Bride's Veil: Stephanie Phillips Design
Wedding Cake: Zhakita Cake Designz
Catering: The Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

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