WeddObsessed

Pink & Vintage: Brittany and Malcolm!!

2012-06-01T12:47:00.001-04:00

This past weekend I worked my first wedding of the season! :) One of my favorite people in the world asked me to act as day-director for her little sister's big day! (Thanks, V!)

Held at Bella Sera in Cannonsburg, PA- Malcolm and Brittney had the sweetest wedding ever. Brittany and her mom had spent months leading up to the reception collecting antique teacups for centerpieces (pictured below!), skeleton keys for guest escort cards (also below) and other antiques to display at this fabulous wedding!

Shout out to Victoria for planning, and designing and masterminding so many of these details!! :) The candy table was especially a hit with Malcolm's Canadian friends and family! And to Mrs. B (Britt's mom)--I will never forget the 5,000+ cookie display!! Neither will the waistline of your guests!

Look at these handmade table numbers!! LOVE

Hello perfect cake! Done by Cakes by Tammy, who I am sad to report is scaling back her business for 2013. She is the BEST IN THE BUSINESS!

Excuse my poor quality photos, I used my iPhone! :)

I am SO EXCITED to see Beth Insalaco Photography's photos from this special day. You all know that Beth and I go way back, and that I love her and her husband like they are my own siblings!!

Congrats Britt and Malcolm, hope Jamaica is amazing!!

The Power to Stop Time.

2012-05-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

Your wedding day will be the absolute fastest day of your life. Count on it. Why not prolong the experience with a bridal portait session? This may be a better option for those of you who can't imagine doing a trash the dress session! :)

I love Jillian and David's session, shot by mariamunozphotography.com!

What do you think? It's basically like the Power to Stop Time. Thanks for sharing Maria Munoz Photography! Gorgeous.

Proof that Details Matter {a ton}.

2012-05-22T10:30:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things about today's bride: attention to detail. I love how much care and time is spent on little things. Little things matter, and this wedding is proof!

The lovely Janine Sept Photography submitted this astoundingly gorgeous wedding and I couldn't resist posting. Aren't the yellows, oranges and grays the PERFECT summer color scheme? So light and airy!

So if this doesn't convince you that details matter, I don't know what will! Exquisite!

Hair Stylist: O'Haira's Salon
Floral Designer: Safeway Flowers
Reception Venue: www.summerhill.bc.ca
Invitation Designers: weddingpaperdivas.com
Dress: sweetheartgowns.com, victorialanebrides.com
Band: theyounguns.com
Linens and Coverings: Sweet Beginnings Wedding Consulting and Event Planning
Makeup Artist: MAC Cosmetics
Shoes: Anne Klein
Jewelry: Abraham Jewellery , JK Schmidt
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo Bridal
Other: Lovey Dovey Dove Release
Pre Ceremony Location: Hotel Eldorado,Playa del Sol

What's Popping?! Free Popcorn from Bella's Kettle Corn(Give-a-way!)

2012-05-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

The all-American treat: Popcorn! What treat will make your guests say 'yum'? Popcorn!

Make the memory of your event last with a savory snack for your guests to take home!

Each Bella’s Kettle Corn favor is made fresh and packaged just days before the event to ensure the best taste and quality for your guests. You select the flavor and they will customize the packaging to match your event.

EVENT FAVORS

Make the memory of your event last with a savory snack for your guests to take home! Each Bella’s Kettle Corn favor is made fresh and packaged just days before the event to ensure the best taste and quality for your guests.

GOURMET KETTLE POPCORN BAR

Kettle corn is more than just a tasty treat…it is a stylish and elegant crowd pleaser when put on display! Impress your guests with a Gourmet Kettle Corn Bar designed specifically for your event. Work with our Event Coordinator on a concept, color scheme, and budget. We’ll provide all popcorn and can dye to match your color scheme!

POPPING ON-SITE

Pleasantly surprise you guests by filling the air with the sweet aroma of kettle corn when we pop right on-site! We can bring our kettle and pop kettle corn fresh for your guests as an appetizer, dessert, or favor for them to take home.

Bella’s is available for events in Virginia and North Carolina. Favors and Popcorn can be shipped anywhere in the Eastern US!

Contest closed 5/25/12.

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Obsessed With {Afternoon Cuddle Sessions}

2012-05-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

One of the best things about being in love? Easily the cuddling, coziness and comfort of knowing you've found someone amazing who loves you back. Litrato Studio submitted this fabulous engagement session with pops of color, sweet details, and most importantly....a couple in love. Here's what Angelie had to say about it.

"When it’s snowing outside what do you love most to do? A cup of hot coffee and coco, and a warm cuddle from the one you love. Brandon and Amanda were just too happy for the indoor shot, away from the winter Toronto breeze. It was when we were strolling downtown Toronto and a cake displayed by the window caught our attention, it was the lemon cake. That’s how the concept of this shoot started."

Photographer: Litrato Studio

Hair Stylist: Denise Tuason

Reception Venue: Gladstone Hotel

Cake Designer: Katie's Cake

Personal Stylist: Litrato Studio

DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: LazyCaterpillar,Simplynesting

Obsessed with {Divine Appointments}

2012-05-11T12:35:00.001-04:00

Us, livin it up!

As promised, here is a recap of our fabulous anniversary vacation! The Grand Mayan was nothing short of amazing. Steve and I had a fabulous time reconnecting and relaxing during our week away from reality. The BEST part was we didn't get online, on the phone or ANY type of media all week. Remember what that was like, guys? When the internet didn't dominate our lives? :)

We opted not to do any major excursions rather we went to the spa (and by we, I mean 'I'), went scuba diving (Steve), relaxed (both if us!), read (me!) and ate TONS of amazing food (both!).

On our very first night, we were walking around the gorgeous grounds of the hotel and came across a couple trying to set up their camera timer for a picture. Having been there and done that ourselves PLENTY of times, we offered to take the photo for them. While Steve expertly took photos and explained the complexities of a Cannon camera to the male member of the couple, I struck up a conversation with his wife. 45 minutes later, Aicel and I were laughing, sharing marital advice and feeling like we had known each other forever! We looked over to see Steve and Drew (her husband) doing the SAME thing.

It was a Divine Appointment. After finishing our conversations, Steve and Drew prayed together right by the pool. It was awesome. Drew and Aicel are missionaries in Northern Africa, working on college campuses with Muslim students. They inspired Steve and I tremendously--it was so cool to meet a YOUNG, just married couple with a passion and fire for God. How rare to see people willing to give up their lives for others--seeking no personal gain or notoriety--they are living their passions EVERY DAY.

One of the things Aicel and I talked about was letting our husbands BE the men God created them to be--the leaders He created them to be as well. I'm not talking about dominating men, ruling over us, just the head figures in our lives and marriages. What a blessing to have the covering of a sweet and godly man over us!

I've thought a lot about Aicel since we've met (and we've already emailed back and forth!). Then yesterday, I read this AMAZING blog post by my cyber role model and friend, Emily Ley. Emily recently had an epiphany about what Matters Most. I encourage you ALL to read it for yourselves, but here's my favorite snippet (taken right from Emily's Blog):

1) Realization: I cannot change _______ (insert your husbands name here!). Period.

2) Question: Who would he be if I didn’t try to change or “guide” (fancy word for control) him?

_______(insert your husbands name here!) would be an amazing _______. He’d love _______… a lot. He’s be messy sometimes and really, really funny. He’d prefer “man food” to healthy food. He’d have a heart of gold.

3) Question: In looking at those things, how can I, as his wife, minimize our differences and amplify our similarities?

For example: Difference – Bryan loves football. I don’t understand it. I’ve never taken the time to learn it. Learn football. Similarity – Bryan and I LOVE wine. We love learning about wine and trying new ones. Make good use of our new wet bar in our new kitchen being renovated this summer.

4) Question: When the differences we have (that will always be there) upset me or when I mess up in my attempt to have a new attitude or be a better companion to him, what will I do?

Good stuff, no?? Today I feel challenged and inspired. All the 'Divine Appointments' I've had over the past few weeks have been truly a blessing. Thank you Aicel, for your AMAZING example and conversations about life and marriage, thank you EMILY for sharing such enlightening advice and feelings. I am all the better for these encounters.

We're BACK! :)

2012-05-09T08:23:00.001-04:00

We are back, Mexico was fabulous!!! :)

I reminded Steve we are in our third year of marriage now--tee hee, it made me feel super old and super (happily) married! Here is one of my favorite pics from our trip!

I'll post more later! Till then, stay classy loves! :) xoxo

Obsessed with {Pittsburgh, PPG and Precious Couplies}

2012-05-04T13:29:00.000-04:00

I am all about Pittsburgh this week! Since I'm not HERE physically, I figured my vacation posts could pay homage to my favorite place in the WHOLE, WIDE, WORLD!

Veronica Varos Photography submitted this oh-so-Pittsburgh/Precious shoot to me, and I was so excited I could hardly stand it! Heather and Noah chose some of my FAVORITE Pittsburgh locations for their sweet, summer engagement shoot. One spot has some particularly fond memories for Steve and I....

Pittsburghers, how many locations do you recognize?!

Thanks for sharing this, Veronica! Congrats to Heather and Noah!

Obsessed with {Capturing the Moment}

2012-05-03T12:21:00.000-04:00

I have to say. A 'wed-gret' (wedding regret, a term I just coined. You're welcome. ;) I have is NO VIDEO. When we were planning, we briefly discussed getting a videographer, but it just wasn't in the budget. Looking back, I wish I had some footage of all the special moments of our day! Me walking down the aisle, my dad giving me away, our first kiss, first dance, last dance and all the moments in between. I'd love to show our future kids one day how cool and attractive Steve and I were at that moment (Kidding!! er....sorta!) I recently met with the lovely Megan Bowers of Pictory Productions, a 'Burgh vendor who I just adore. She is a self-made entrepreneur with a fun personality and style! She does some AMAZING work! Just the right amount of wedding coverage. A wedding 'trailer' of sorts. Check out this sweet sample of her work:

And now, get to know the woman behind the camera! :)

WeddObsessed: What is your favorite part about your job as a wedding videographer?

Megan (Pictory Productions): I love being able to create a product that gives so much happiness to my clients. I know that sounds cheesy, but I get the biggest rush from their reactions. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to shoot and edit beautiful moments between people that they'll cherish for a lifetime.

If I was creating a corporate training video, my client wouldn't tear up, show it to their entire families and re-watch it when they're having a bad day. If they did, I should really look into winning an Oscar. ;)

WeddObsessed: What are the biggest misconceptions about wedding videography?

Megan (Pictory Productions):Wedding videography had a bad reputation in the past. Cameras were evasive, the image quality was poor and the finished product was boring, cueing eye rolls across America during family functions. However, that doesn't have to be the case anymore. Camera's are smaller, the HD image quality can surpass the human eye and they can be fun to watch. They SHOULD be fun to watch, this is supposed to be the happiest day of your life. It's your party and you can dance and celebrate your socks off if you want to...and all of that should be captured on video.

WeddObsessed: What would you say to couple who is on the fence about hiring you?

Megan (Pictory Productions):Before I got into the wedding industry I completely understood where on the fence couples were coming from. I panicked when starting Pictory because I thought, "I can't create an entire business from this, why would people hire a videographer when they have someone taking pictures?!"

However, after shooting a few weddings, getting to know the planning process and creating the finished product for my couples, I think it should be a big priority.

Yes, I think it's important to capture poignant vows and reception speeches, but it's something about the video and the music that should stir emotion. You put so much time and effort into preparing this day, you deserve to share and re-live it. Watching your new husband kiss you on the forehead, hugging your teary-eyed mom once you've put on your dress, getting a behind-the-scenes look at your friends enjoying all those DIY (fill in the blank here) that you put your blood, sweat and tears into. Plus, how often do you get to see your elderly grandmother salsa dance to LMFAO? And yes, I'm using all of these examples because I have proof of them on my hard drive.

Here's to 60 more (at least)

2012-04-30T13:01:00.000-04:00

Photo by Joey Kennedy Photography

Today is our anniversary! Two whole years being married to the UTMOST best person I've ever met. Did you ever have those times in your life when you truly believed NOTHING would ever change? That you'd always be in the same situation you were in FOREVER? I had all but given up on love.

That's how I felt, pre-Steve. THEN All the cliches in the world came true when I met him:

1. Love finds you when you least expect it (It's comical how UNEXPECTING I was the day we met)
2. The best love stories start from friendship (He saw me through the single HARDEST day of my life, pretty shortly after we met)
3. When you know, you know (one day you wake up and think, when WASN'T I in love with this awesome man?)
4. All the stars align, and it just works (being with Steve is the EASIEST thing I've ever done)
5. All the heartache you've gone through is makes you appreciate a good man even more (True, So True--That's CHURCH)

I know two years isn't a long time compared to those inspiring couples who have made it through 50 years and more. Getting through kids, pets, mortgages, life-threatening illness---that's a feat. I can only pray that Steve and I weather life's storms with the grace and tenacity of the MANY couples we know and admire (Here's looking at you, Mom and Dad!!)

I was reading over some old posts from our first year of marriage. When I started to think I'd cook more (that didn't happen for long), when I realized at 6 months how it IS possible to love someone more and more every day, and finally when we hit ONE YEAR and I made a video compilation of all our memories so far.

Happy Anniversary sweetie--I love you a bushel and peck!

Take a walk with me down memory lane...

2012-04-27T12:20:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow, Steve and I leave for a fabulous one week stint on a fabulous resort in the fabulous Riviera Maya!

I can HARDLY wait! We are celebrating our big two year anniversary on Monday! :) I can't believe this much time has passed. Sigh! I love being married to Steve so much.

Walk with me down memory lane...

Because I love you all THIS MUCH, I have some fabulous posts ready for next week, so it'll be like I'm here, but instead I'll be on the beach, so it's a win/win!

Sayanora, sorta! xoxoxo ~Mrs.Dray

Obsessed With {Fairy Tales at ANY AGE}

2012-04-19T13:05:00.001-04:00

Okay. I cried when I saw these photos. Wendy Kathleen Photography emailed me this amazing story--documented BEAUTIFULLY. These two were high school sweet hearts! After marrying other people, and both being widowed, God had other plans in store for them.

At the age of 78, they reconnected at a USC football game, re-fell in love and got married! I LOVE THIS. One of my favorite sites IN THIS WORLD is when I see an older married couple, holding hands. This is an amazing love story with a happy ending!

Them, in High School!!! SO SWEET!

Fairy tales happen at EVERY age, every day. Sigh...

Our Nightly Tradition...

2012-04-18T12:39:00.001-04:00

I love journals. I love writing! I used to journal EVERY DAY when I was younger and I'm SO SAD I don't anymore. This weekend on a girlfriend trip to DC, I visited the BEST store ever, Paper Source in Georgetown. It was like my own personal mecca. I LOVE PAPER GOODS, but I digress...

While there,I happened upon this amazing journal. It's a five-year journal with a different question at the top of each page. You record your answers every day, for five years and watch yourself grow and change! Steve and I stared doing this every night before bed and it has been so fun. We both look forward to sharing our answers and it's a great way to start conversations about things we've never talked about (ex. 'What celebrity would you want to interview? or 'What do you think is your greatest shortcoming?')

As we come up on our two year (I can hardly believe it!!) anniversary, I'm glad we are growing closer by the day with the help of this journal.

What are some things you and your spouse/spouse-to-be do to learn about each other??

Obsessed with {Navy&Pink}

2012-04-16T12:59:00.000-04:00

Navy and pink, so underrated, don't you think? This wedding is utterly sweet. Not only are the bride and groom in love, Kamee June Photography shared the sweetest anecdotes about the two of them. There is something to be said about a vendor that rants and raves about their client. Let's be honest, they see the worst of the worst, along with the best of the best. If your photographer loves you, you MUST BE golden!

Renee and Omar are the type of people that would give you their shirts in zero degree weather. they would give you a lift home if your car had broken down, and would be there to lift your spirit when you needed extra support. they are really, really good people who love life, their friends and family, and especially each other! they considered a destination wedding, but knew it wouldn't be fitting when there were so many people at home that they wanted to share their day with. they opted for a wedding in california filled with all the elements the two of them wanted! it was absolutely beautiful!!!

Photographer: kamee june photography

Obsessed with {Closed Door First Look Shots}

2012-04-11T12:33:00.001-04:00

Be prepared to gaze upon the most PERFECT wedding you'll ever see! This is amazing, and I can't help but say--this is my little sister's dream wedding come to life! (Tammy, isn't it PERFECTION?) From the outdoor elegance, the colors, the FIRST LOOK shots...this couple EMANATES beauty and love. I can't get over the luxurious feel of the decor--which is completely set off by natures simplistic charm.

Photographer Ian Grant hit this one out of the park! :) Thanks for sharing with my readers! :)

Vendors to be Obsessed with!
Photographer: Ian Grant Photography

Caterer: 24 Carrots

Floral Designer: In The Now Weddings & Events

Reception Venue: Saddlerock Ranch

Cinema and Video: Stillmotion

DJ: SoCal-DJ

Makeup Artist: EchouMakeup

Obsessed with {Smiling Brides}

2012-04-04T12:50:00.002-04:00

'Your wedding day should be the happiest day of your life!'--how many of you brides heard that statement over and over again?! Well According to Leann Marie Photography, Bre was the 'smiliest' bride she has ever seen! I am so happy for Bre and Adam, just by looking at their fabulous photos!

You can clearly tell this was the happiest day of their lives-congrats you two!!

Photographer: Leann Marie Photography

Hair Stylist: Tease Salon

Reception Venue: Chesnut Ridge Resort

Dress Store: Bridal Beginning

Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero

Cake Designer: Moio's Bakery

Ceremony Location: St. Barbara Church

Help Stop Wedding Dress Fraud!

2012-04-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

Read here for more scoop!

Another Not Wedding! :)

2012-03-23T12:30:00.000-04:00

Who is up for a road trip? I so want to go to one of these! The next 'Not Wedding' takes place on Tuesday March 27, 2012 at The San Diego Air & Space Museum. Natalie Bray Photography shot this AMAZING retro-military engagement shoot to match the retro-military theme of the NOT wedding! Sign me up ASAP!

For Tickets: www.thenotwedding.com/rsvp

San Diego Vendors: www.thenotwedding.com/tunnel-of-love/san-diego

Vendors who participated in this engagement shoot:

Photography: Natalie Bray Photography
Coordination & Event Styling: Couture Events
Florist: Ashley Elizabeth
Paper Goods: Dear Lola Letterpress
Wardrobe Styling: Montes Y Mills
Hair Stylist: Andrea Duggan, The Lab A Salon
Makeup Artist: Couture Makeup
Desserts: The Sunday Sweet

(Don't be a bad bride like me!)

2012-03-19T12:33:00.000-04:00

I admit it. I was a bad bride. Bad at dieting, working out and taking care of myself for our big day!

Are you looking for a way to get in to shape? Need a way to stay motivated about getting in shape?

The Health Club at Fairmont Pittsburgh is pleased to introduce Bridal Boot Camp, an intensive eight-week training program designed to get brides, grooms and their wedding parties in top physical condition before the pending nuptials!

Bridal Boot Camp begins Wednesday, April 4^th with three-day-a-week classes including interval training, plyometrics, core and cross training. Interval training, designed to boost metabolism and burn fat with high-intensity work-outs interspersed with low-intensity activity, is offered Wednesdays from 6:00 – 6:45 a.m. On Fridays from 6:00 – 6:45 a.m., participants will be introduced to plyometrics – exercises that enable muscles to reach maximum force in the shortest possible time; and on Saturdays from 10:00 – 10: 45 a.m., Bridal Boot Camp concentrates on core and cross training.

Cost: $45 per week or $360 for the eight-week program

BONUS! Brides and grooms holding their wedding event at Fairmont Pittsburgh receive 50% off! For more information or to sign up for Bridal Boot Camp, contact the Health Club at Fairmont Pittsburgh at (412) 773-8882 or pittsburgh@fairmont.com. Located on the third floor of the hotel, the luxurious Health Club features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, personal training, group classes and spa services. Health Club memberships are also available.

What are you waiting for! Don't be a BAD BRIDE LIKE ME!! :)

Guest Post: For the FLORAL Obsessed!

2012-03-16T11:30:00.000-04:00

Floral decorations are one of the oldest wedding traditions. Their beauty and sweetness bless the couple for their new life together. How will you use flowers the next time you plan a wedding? Besides gracing the bride, her bridesmaids and the sanctuary, you can buy flowers to make lovely arrangements for the banquet tables.

Source

Every bride and groom have their own ideas about the color schemes used at their wedding. White and gold or silver are traditional, but depending on the season and other factors, the couple may want unusual colors or designs. Today's weddings might be aqua, rich red or even black. When you and the couple are sure of the perfect colors, you can start deciding on the flowers.

Using Natural Flowers

Always use flowers from sustainable, pesticide-free, organic sources whenever possible. All candles should be made of soy wax with lead-free wicks. Make sure that centerpieces are low enough that people can see each other across the table. Baskets or small vases placed at intervals along the tables are probably the easiest floral decoration.

Source

Crystal bowls filled with water and floating flowers look enchanting and are very easy to make. Use clear

rather than colored crystal, and be sure all the bowls are the same size. Some people recommend tinting the water with nontoxic dye, but don't do this for a wedding. Cut crystal bowls will catch the light and create dazzling rainbows. Choose a few large shallow bowls for centerpieces on long tables, or bowls small enough that each guest has one in front of him. Put glass gems, polished rocks or shells in the bottom of the bowl.

Orchids are excellent floaters as are roses, gardenias, camellias, daisies, and marigolds. Don't cut the stem too close to the flower. One inch or a bit more is plenty. That way the flower will have something to balance it and hold it upright in the water. Add a few floating candles for a really stunning effect. Put more flowers around the outside of the bowl. Table fountains with floating flowers can be placed at the center of each table or at the head table where the bride and groom sit.

Vases and candle holders should be short with broad bases as they are less likely to be knocked over. "Brandy snifter" types are ideal. Crystal vases shaped like baskets are another beautiful touch. Fill them with jasmine, lilacs, honeysuckle or other long trailing flowers.

Don't forget to include edible flowers in the wedding banquet. This is still considered an imaginative, novel idea. The wedding cake itself can be decorated with flowers. Sugared rose petals are traditional. Try peonies, violets, carnations, gardenias or marigolds. Put edible flower petals in the punch bowl or scatter them in the candy dishes. Jams and preserves made from flowers can be served as dessert. Try making flower ice cubes. Borage is traditional but any small bright edible flower is fine.

Edible flowers are specially grown for this purpose. Never use ordinary flowers from a florist or growing wild. Don't even use flowers from your own home. They may not be safe even if you grew them organically and without pesticides. Ask the people who handle your home delivery flowers for more information. Always wash edible flowers in cold water before using.

Using Artificial Flowers

Silk flowers can also be floated in glass or crystal bowls. Put silk garlands around the bowls. Scatter flowers, leaves and buds on the table at random along with clear or colored glass gems. Leave a silk flower on each plate or napkin. The guests can take them home for keepsakes. Votive candles in crystal holders are always a beautiful touch. Put them on glass dishes with little flower garlands around them. A big garland of silk flowers can go around the wedding cake platter.

Source

Garlands of silk flowers can be arranged along the edges of buffet tables or hung in swags. Try decorating the chairs with garlands as well.

Leave the tables undecorated for the wedding rehearsal dinner and wedding breakfast. Put out bowls of fruit or other appealing food instead. Save the flowers for the post-wedding feast. That way your floral arrangements will look even more spectacular!

About the Author

Patricia Hall works part-time for a florist focusing on floral delivery but loves to surround herself with flowers at any given point of time.

'To me there is nothing more beautiful and global as the language of flowers - it is the easiest to understand all around the world in the same way. That is one reason why I truly admire flowers for what they represent in some ways - unity of all mankind!' ~Patricia

Obsessed with {Embrace Your Dress}.

2012-03-14T12:37:00.000-04:00

Wedding dresses are (can be) expensive. It's really crazy when you think about how much money brides spend on clothes for ONE DAY! That's why I am, and will ALWAYS be a fan of Trash the Dress sessions! :) Have you seen what crazy stuff I did for mine?
I had the MOST FUN doing this session with Steve, I loved our wedding day, but I was really able to relax and have a ball during my TTD! That's why I HAD to feature this great session from Cecelia Flaming Photography! And I LOVE that the bride involved some friends!:)

Photographer: Cecilia Flaming Photography
Reception Venue: Fort Langley Community Hall

Obsessed with: {Cultured Couples}

2012-03-13T12:18:00.000-04:00

I am obsessed with engagement shoots and wedding photos that really reveal personal details about a couple! I loved this submission from the MOMENT I saw it! :) Vanessa and Quan showcase their beautiful culture in these very vibrant and beautiful engagement photos!:) Congratulations you two!

More from their photographer, Alexandra Hunt Photography:

Vanessa + Quan's engagement session was held in historic Chinatown, in Vancouver, BC. From striking turquoise building facades, to crumbling brick walls, to a children's playground, and the ever-gorgeous Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden (the only classical Chinese garden outside of China!), we ran around the old city showcasing not only their culture but their love! Back story: Quan proposed to Vanessa at Prospect Point, Stanley Park. He blindfolded her on the way to the park, then removed the blindfold to reveal a gorgeous sunset over the ocean - and him on one knee with an engagement ring!

Photographer: Alexandra Hunt Photography
Event Venue: Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden

Keeping Up With the Jones...I'm over it!

2012-03-07T12:23:00.004-05:00

Today's random musings brought to you by inspiration from Making Things Happen. If you don't read Emily and Lara's blogs, you should start NOW.

Over the past few weeks I've had some amazing conversations with some amazing ladies......Beloved friends, mentors and colleagues who have really challenged my world view. Last night one of my most cherished college friends and I talked about the challenges of being a modern-day lady. The whole concept of wanting it all: career, family, a home. Oh and time to travel, enjoy life and be with those who matter most.

We both are just plain frustrated with the Jones'. That is, keeping up with everyone and everything around us! Social media is a wicked-amazing thing--after all, I wouldn't be sitting here typing and you wouldn't be reading (if anyone is!) this if it weren't for all the amenities we have access to. I guess that's the 'amazing' part.

The 'wicked' part would be the comparing, obsessing and false representations that happen online. I've gotten to the point that I don't even WANT to go on Facebook or Twitter because I'm sick of feeling inferior to everyone around me.

Then I remembered-- Comparison is the Thief of Joy! (TMB, I owe you for life.)

What a POWERFUL phrase. And so true! Perfection is simply not attainable. But here are some things that are:

-Confidence
-Gratefullness
-Patience
-Contentment

I realize I may never have the Jones' life... But I CAN have something better. A grateful and contended heart, filled to the brim with peace and the knowledge that life does not have to be perfect (whatever that means) to be wonderful.

Fake Weddings to Inspire Real Brides: NotWedding!

2012-03-05T13:04:00.001-05:00

Calling all brides who need inspiration: The NotWedding (the "fake wedding to inspire real brides"!) is back and will be in Atlanta, Orlando and San Diego this March.

Complete with an emotional ceremony (performed by a spoken word artist!), a sit-down dinner and a dance-party reception, brides-to-be get to truly see weddings vendors in action.

The events are happening in Atlanta (March 8), Orlando (March 15) and San Diego (March 27), and tickets are on sale here: www.thenotwedding.com/rsvp

Before you RSVP, Check out this amazing 'notwedding' engagement shoot! :)

Photography: Rustic White Photography http://www.rusticwhitephotography.com/

Coordination: Signature Weddings & Events, http://signatureweddingandevents.com/
Vintage Rentals: Four Inch Fold, http://fourinchfold.com/
Hair/Make-Up: Raney O'Keefe, http://raneyokeefe.com/

Who is up for a road trip!?

:)

Obsessed with {LocalLove}

2012-02-24T18:17:00.000-05:00

When I saw this beautiful fall wedding from local (shout out to Pittsburgh!) photographer Aaron Varga Photography , I couldn't say no to a WeddObsessed feature! :) Chris and Tara are so obviously in love--and their wedding was gorgeous! I especially LOVE the grey bridesmaids gowns against the bright autumn colored trees!

A little about them:

"We originally met on a blind date 6 years ago through mutual family friends. We dated for a few months, but our relationship didn’t take off at that time and we slowly drifted apart. About 4 years later, after reconnecting on Facebook, we met up again at Station Square on St. Patrick’s Day. Shortly after, it led to months of long phone conversations and a genuine friendship that developed into much more. Over the next year, which included many family get togethers, 3 months of Chris living in Chicago, and foot surgery for Tara, we grew together and realized how much we were meant to be together.

One thing unique for our special day: Fall is our favorite time of year and since weather can be so unpredictable in Pittsburgh, we still wanted the chance of having the beautiful colorful leaves in our pictures. On our day, it was 65 degrees in November and it snowed not only the weekend before, but is snowed the weekend after!!! And the trees still looked awesome for our pictures!!!"

Love it you two! Congrats on an AWESOME wedding!

Obsession worthy Vendors:
Photographer: www.aaronvargaphotography.com
Floral Designer: mccandlessfloralinc.com
Reception Venue: holidayinn.com
Cinema and Video: accsvp.com
Dress: maggiesottero.com
DJ: Mike Wozniak
Ceremony location: saintsebastianparish.org/
Make-Up Artist: pittsburghmakeup.com
Jewelry: frostdiamonds.com
Bakery: Lincoln Bakery