Being from Kansas, I have a soft spot in my heart for rustic, country weddings. Here are some of my favorite pieces of inspiration for down-home, heartfelt nuptials…

Check out this boot scootin’ boogie from photographer, Kate McElwee.

Cowboy take me away in this rustic, romantic gown!

I love this rustic barn-inspired reception theme, complete with homespun wheat accents! For the complete decor details, head over to Brides and check out Ross Whitaker’s showcase.

Looking to add a few personal touches to your wedding or reception? I love this DIY project from Withywindle. Use this directional sign to highlight milestones in your relationship from the first date to the proposal.

What wedding is complete with out some sweets, compliments of Style Me Pretty. I just love the wine barrels as support for the display table!

What country cutie wouldn’t want to fade into the sunset with her Redneck Romeo in this pickup truck, courtesy of Walk the Line?!

There are so many great color combinations to choose from when planning your event, but one of my favorites for summer is pink and navy. Navy is a fresh and trendy alternative to the standard black and pairing it with cheery pink creates the ultimate modern color palette for your wedding or event. Give your groomsmen an update with navy suits instead of the usual black tuxedo, order your bridesmaids bright pink pumps for a pop of color, and/or incorporate these colors into your invitation suite to show your guests they are in for a good time that is right on trend!

Would you incorporate this color scheme into your event?

{Photo Credits: Heavenwildfleur.blogspot.com, StyleUnveiled.com, Etsy, 4InspiredDesign.com, TheSugarSuite.com, MiddleoftheMapWeddings.com}

Looking for an easy addition to your next dessert table (or just a tasty snack)? You must try these s’more pops as seen on the woodland owl-themed baby shower I shared yesterday!

They’re super easy to make! All you need is:

• Marshmallows
• Sticks
• Chocolate — I like Wilton Candy Melts because they come in so many colors
• Graham Crackers

Simply melt your chocolate in one bowl, crush your graham crackers in another, put a stick through each marshmallow, and dip! Let cool on wax paper, and ta da — a cute and delish snack!

Hey ladies! Sorry for not posting yesterday — I was a busy bee all weekend prepping for and co-hosting a baby shower. And, as I promised yesterday on Facebook, today I’m excited to share that exact shower with you PLUS offer up some free party printables!

I had an absolute blast setting up this adorable “look whooo is almost due” woodland owl dessert table, with the help of my friend Kelly of Delicious DIY (be sure to check out her blog!)…

Isn’t that cake amazing as well?! If you’re in Knoxville, you must check out Dani’s Cakes! Dani specializes in really customized cakes, and she does an awesome job of making cakes in tons of crazy shapes.

Now, since I made the printables used in this display, I figured why not share them! So if you’re interested in hosting your own woodland owl shower, here are some fun, free printables for you to use. Just click the image below to download the set!

Looking forward to seeing your woodland owl showers!

It can be difficult deciding what favors to give your wedding guests as keepsakes of your special day. The possibilities are endless, but tasty treats are always a crowd-pleaser! How delicious do these wedding favors look?

1. Treats in Jars - These Mason Jars filled with delectable berries & cream are the perfect Southern wedding souvenir!

2. Sending You S’more Love - How cute is this edible s’mores favor?! They’re perfect for a summer wedding!

3. Jelly Beans – These “To Have & To Hold” jelly beans are bite-sized bliss!

4. Love is Brewing - These adorable burlap bags can be filled with loose coffee or tea grains.

If you know me, you know I’m not a huge fan of the boring white wedding shoe. That’s why I like to periodically share a few of my favorite, less traditional bridal shoe options. Enjoy…

{Goodie by Badgley Mischka}

{Sazerac by Chinese Laundry}

{Sierra by Jessica Simpson}

{Cycile by Steve Madden}

{Hands Up by Chinese Laundry}

{Evan by Nina Shoes}

{Flash by BCBG}

What do you think? Would you rock any of the shoes I’ve shared above?

Like many people, I used to view baby’s breath as just a filler flower, but I’ve recently discovered how absolutely beautiful it can be on its own. Not only is is ultra-affordable, but it can make a huge impact when used correctly. Thinking about putting baby’s breath front-and-center in your wedding decor? Here’s a little inspiration…

What do you think? Would you forgo the more traditional floral options for baby’s breath? Or do you prefer it as more of a filler flower?

{Image credits: Ritzy Bee, Intimate Weddings, Love and Lavender, Style Me Pretty, The Cinderella Project, Emmaline Bride, Project Wedding, JL Designs, Cori Cook Floral Design}

Having an outdoor wedding? If you and your ‘maids plan to wear stilettos and your ceremony’s on grass, lay little flat stones to stand on so their heels don’t sink into the ground! Talk about smart!

{Image credit: Delightfully Engaged}

Mason Jars are definitely a staple of any rustic and/or Southern-style wedding. Frankly, they’re a staple of life here in Tennessee, so I just love seeing all the amazing ways people use them in their weddings. That’s why I wanted to compile a big long list of my favorite ways to use Mason Jars in your wedding decor. Enjoy…

1. For Drinks

{Image credits, from top left: PoppyandPearlCo on Etsy, The Berry, Joyful Weddings & Events, Ruffled Blog, Modern Hepburn, Wedding Chicks}

2. For Favors

{Image credits, from top left: Boho Weddings, Keen to be Seen, Pinterest, Hostess with the Mostess, Ashley Maxwell Photography}

3. For Desserts

{Image credits, from top left: Emmaline Bride, Postcards and Pretties, Main Event Productions, Marry This, Southern Weddings}

4. For Centerpieces

{Image credits, from top left: Wedding Chicks, The Knot, Wedding Chicks, Pinterest}

5. For Aisle Decor

{Image credits, from top left: Love Life Images, Heavenly Blooms, Pinterest, Wedding Bee, Emmaline Bride}

6. For Light

{Image credits, from top left: We Heart It, Casa Sugar, Elizabeth Anne Designs, TreasureAgagin on Etsy, Bettencourt Chase, TreasureAgain}

7. For Fun

{Image credit: Style Me Pretty}

How are you planning to use Mason Jars in your big day?

This fresh favorite is easy to make and ultra-delicious! Even if you’re not hosting a brunch party, it’s perfect for a laid-back weekend breakfast; plus, fresh strawberry compote is a great alternative to fattening, sugary syrup! Head over to my Foodie page to see the recipe.

Want to make your own fruity appetizer (not just for brunch, for any meal) for a chance to win $10,000? Dole is currently hosting a California Cook-Off over on its Facebook page, and you’re all invited to enter. If you make your own recipe using at least one cup of any Dole product, you can win a trip to Los Angeles where you’ll compete at The Grove in the 2012 Dole California Cook-Off judged by Celebrity Chef Ben Ford! In addition to the trip, the winning recipe contestant will also receive a cash prize of $10,000, and the two runners up will each receive a cash prize of $1,000!

Don’t have a recipe to enter? Be a fan judge! Also on the Facebook page, you can enter your email address for a chance to win the sweepstakes prize, which is a trip to Los Angeles to be the Dole Fan Judge joining Chef Ben Ford and a distinguished panel of judges in crowning the winner of the 2012 Dole California Cook-Off! In addition to the trip, the sweepstakes winner will receive a cash prize of $500.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dole via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dole.