fairy costumed wedding

There is something magical about Halloween, where people can get a little more opulent and crazy...imaginations are supposed to run a lil more rampant than normal. Even for those October 31st weddings.

This is a photo shoot I spotted on Kiss The Groom, it's not a real wedding...but it's very creative...and more like a magical ethereal take on what I would think a Halloween wedding could be, as opposed to blood and gore - which would actually be really fun. Ummm... come to think of it, I would probably feel more comfortable dressed up as a blood sucking zombie than a princess fairy...but that's just me. But isn't this forest space so INCREDIBLE?

*Unrelated news: today I move to my new home in upstate New York (not without a weekend stay with friends in DC first!). I'm so bummed to leave Philadelphia. This place grew on me and I fell for it hard. What a GREAT place this is to live and explore. I'm glad I was able to weave this experience into my life - what an adventure. I'd like to live here someday.

where's the simple?

One Love Photo - I love this picture. Doesn't it seam wonderfully real life? No performance...no show. Just a beautiful bride kissing her new husband, in the rain, under a dotted umbrella.

I'll admit, it happens to the best of us...getting caught up in the details. It happens to me quite frequently. But today, I'm feeling the pressure and it's making me flustered.

I've sat here, in this warm cozy Internet cafe - searching - diligently - for inspiration. I've been browsing all the "typical" sites - the sites that I get lost in. The sites where the couples look more like models and less like real folks, where everything is a tad more sparkly, and the flowers are overflowing. The sites that make me uncomfortably jealous with their couture and extravagance. I start to feel small. Small and insecure. And silly for even attempting to craft a homespun wedding celebration. And I start thinking, "it probably won't even turn out like I envision anyway."

Then it struck me. I'm doing this nonsense to myself. Why do I seek inspiration from these big wig sites? These photographers who charge zillions for the pictures will clearly be taking pictures at weddings that cost more than a zillion dollars in the first place. Where did all those wonderfully indie, diy and rustic wedding blogs go? What am I doing to myself!?

I've loved the process of planning my wedding thus far! But, I don't think I'm alone in that I'm not looking to create the most "knock your socks off" wedding our guests have ever attended...I'm not out to create an enviable opulent occasion...I guess you could say I'm not even out to impress anyone. I just want to love it...be present within it...and not get lost in all the hoopla.

Hummm...it's possible I'm having a bad day.

victory #8: our party

Julie Harris Photography

The phone calls have been made to the boys and my request invitations have been received by my girls. And collectively, our bridal party has confirmed with a big hearty, heart-felt, enthusiastic YES! Originally, we were going to keep our wedding party very small...only family. However, after much deliberation, we determined that we would rather marry with these special people standing with us.

Five on my side. Five on his side. Party on!

wedding wish #18 via my guy: drama club...exit stage left

Yet another insightful perspective from My Guy. Cultivating and nurturing my relationship with this wonderful man is the biggest joy of my life. I know...mega mush...but it's true. And after reading this, I knew he has more insight into the reality of weddings than I ever gave him credit for.

Please…no drama! I don’t want any drama at our wedding. Family drama, friend drama, whatever…none of it. I have zero patience for drama, and sometimes friends and families can stress you out to no end. They don’t mean to of course, but it just happens, and even more so when tensions are already high like they might be on our wedding day. I’d like everyone to be happy and cordial and without a sour-puss face. There is a solution for everything, and no matter what happens I just want my bride to be thrilled on our day, and not stressed about anything. Here’s to hoping that her bride’s maids can deflect any stress she might feel and help her deal with any issues that may arise. I’m also hoping that the staff at our site are helpful and there isn’t any drama involved in that. It would be nice to have everything go off without a hitch, though I’m realistic and don’t expect that. If there is a problem I’m hopeful we can deal with it swiftly and successfully and have a good laugh about it in the end. Life is too short for worries!

real life: carefree in colorado

This wedding looks so casual and so spectacularly simple. I just love how the colors of nature pop all around...reinforcing the fact that Colorado is breath-taking and nature really is the best backdrop. And I'm such a sucker for ski lift photos....I really am. All photos by Julie Harris Photography.

diy: will you be my bridesmaid?

Using a template from here, and crazy straight up inspiration from the DIY tutorial at Once Wed, my ladies each got one of these cards with the words, "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" written on the back. I personalized the little ladies with the hair color of my gals, and wrote their names on the dresses. All of the dresses are different patterns in various shades of gray, with a couple accents of yellow thrown in. I love how they turned out!

bijoutiful *sale*

I'm a teeny tiny earring kinda girl...I love my studs...in every shape...and these are perfect.

I found this delightful Etsy shop, Bijoutiful, specializing in hand crafted nature inspired jewelry. And, ahemmmm....this designer uses only recycled, reused, repurposed, vintage & handmade metal components and materials. Yep - instant addiction.

ENDING TODAY, you can get 20% off in the shop's "WEEKEND DEALS" section!

Oct. 23rd-25th only

Ready - go!
(those holidays are right around the corner!)

A holly holiday ring!? Ahhh...so subtly festive.

love words weekend

Julie Harris Photography

For twas not into my ear you whispered
But into my heart.
Twas not my lips you kissed
But my soul.

Judy Garland

to my guy, on his birthday

via Le Love

Darling,

You are, unquestionably, my greatest earthly blessing.
Happy birthday love.

Miss you,
Jes

change in plans

Flagstaff in the fall - oooooooooooooo - I just love it there! Via TwilightEarth

I spoke with the wedding coordinator at our venue last weekend. It was a great conversation, she's a sweetheart, and so many of my questions were answered (ie: how many kegs do you really think we need? how many tables will seat our guests? good DJs in the area? Shuttle services? Yea, I corned her for a good 40 minutes - thank God for cell phones in standstill freeway traffic!)

One item, in particular, caused my head to spin a lil. The facility had some damage this summer and they are needing to remodel. This is probably a great thing for Snow Bowl - it's a little older and could probably benefit from a little tiny bit of work. The bummer comes from the fact that they are permanently removing the HUGE stone fireplace that I loved. I love LOVED it. I've mentioned that fireplace here and here...and have been planning the decor of the event around it. The structure split up the large space so perfectly - creating an intimate dining area on one side, and a dance area on the other...it had such a lovely flow. Also, my mom, my future mother in law, and I, have been scouring antique stores, flea markets, and vintage shops for crystal candlesticks for months now....to decorate the huge 15 foot mantles on either side of the fireplace. You don't even WANT to know the number we have collected. Will be using them for other things now...

Am I devastated? Umm...no, not really. I still love the fact that I'm getting married up there...high on the mountain...surrounded by the most beautiful views and most glorious trees. But the fireplace? It will be missed.

Now. I need to figure out how to decorate a huge huge room, so it doesn't feel like a huge huge room. I'm thinking bunting? garland? pom poms? Any suggestions?

wedding wish #17 via my guy: ooooooooooh snap!

Another Wednesday brings another glimpse into the party mind of my life's companion. It made me smile, and nod, while I read it. And I couldn't agree more.

Every great wedding has a crazy story. It might be your uncle getting totally smashed and doing something embarrassing like spilling wine all over himself. (Tip…if it is red wine, just pour white wine right on top of it and it will come out*) Or it might be your little sister getting drunk for the first time, sneaking booze with your cousin in the ladies room. Or it might be your buddy hooking up with a bride’s maid or someone getting lucky on the 18^th green of the golf course or a wicked stupid speech from a best man or guest (this is likely!). Whatever it is I’m sure with the cast of characters attending our festivities there will surely be some serious shenanigans going on. As long as it doesn’t interfere with our ceremony I am cool with it. I love that our friends and family are goofballs and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

*right Clare?

battling bridal bulge

here - this pretty brides likes her Coca-Cola too!

One would think that I'd be working out like a fiend since my wedding is 7 months away...like so many of my friends did prior their own jaunts down the aisle. Clearly this is not happening - not while I live in Philadelphia anyway. It appears that my health is actually going down hill.

I'm typically a regular work out gal. I try to hit the gym about everyday - I actually really enjoy going to the gym...I love the classes...I love the free weights...and I love reading my novels while I Elliptical (I get so much reading done in there!). But that is my big fat problem = I have no gym here. The local spots won't let me join for just one month.

This may seem silly - to fret over something like poundage. But this is actually rather huge - and not just huge as in the size of my waist. For me, working out maintains my sanity, helps me feel healthy, and motivates my healthy eating habits. When I don't workout, I spiral out of control.

I have no idea how that happens.

I started drinking Coca-Cola Classic again - my 'go to' beverage when I start to get stressed (no no liquor...it definetely hasn't gotten to that yet!) And I've been skipping salads for yummier, warm, comfort foods. Oh. And now that Halloween is right around the corner, I've got a bag of mini-Snickers in my freezer. My second bag of mini-Snickers to be exact. Not good. And it doesn't help that every time I need to use the Internet I have to go to cafes...I'm a sucker for pretty pastries behind gleaming glass cases these days.

I bought a couple hand weights, a little work out DVD and an exercise ball. I need to get motivated again. Grrrrrr.

elements of literature

August and After

You've heard the story...my future hubby is an English teacher...and I tend to be somewhat of a book worm myself. I keep wanting to go search out some worn older novels to add to the centerpieces for our reception. I think it would be wonderfully personal, and would add a whimsical touch to bring a little more of ourselves to the decor of the occasion. I would offer up our current collection - but I think I would be DEVASTATED if something happened to some of them (especially my bright yellow, well loved copy of Lust For Life, by Irving Stone...good Lord). And at weddings...things happen!

However. I keep saying to myself, "keep it simple!" I know that blogland is full of crafy details for everything...there isn't a single detail that gets overlooked in today's wedding world. But I almost wonder if too many details looses site of the whole point? I dunno.

Books or no books, these are lovely.

Once Wed

(Nancy Drew!! Awesome!)

Book stacks via Once Wed, found at Ritzy Bee

Lovely collection of worn reads...via RitzyBee

Brilliant Event Planning - clever to use the name of the author as the table assignment

*though I LOVE this idea, we've decided we don't have any extra dollars to spend on decor if we want to actually serve food and beverages at our event...hehehe...nor do we have the time to dedicate to this book collecting task. Oh well. I wanted to post about it anyway...

*sales* & *steals* sunday

I spent a good portion of my evening last night browsing all the rad thing at REI. They are having a huge store-wide sale...I just love that place. *heavy sigh*

Anyway...a couple of my fave shopping spots on the web are also hosting some fantastic stuff that END TODAY (Sunday 18th)!

B. Cyr GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of her birthday, Beth Cyr will be giving a $50 gift certificate to one of her shoppers: get the details here at her blog!

Visit her Etsy shop, and her Artfire shop.

Whispering Pines 15% off Sale

I just love this rug....so cute.

Whether you are looking for rustic pieces to decorate your home, or your holidays, Whispering Pines has a huge selection of adorable treasures. I've loved them since I started blogging! To get the discount, type in FALL15, when you check out. Oh. And check out her blog - it's delightful!

love words weekend

such a jubilant wedding, captured by One Love Photo

Love Sonnet XVII

I do not love you as if you were a salt rose, or topaz
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
So I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

- Pablo Neruda

glorious green giftwrap

I love finding clever ideas. They really make my day. Like these fabric reusable gift wraps from Chewing the Cud. I am always on the lookout for creative wrapping mediums (you should see the gift paper/gift bags/ ribbon organizer in my closet...it's fairly ridiculous). But this one really takes the cake - with no paper mess - gotta love living green. And they are so prettttty!

Etsy shop - PersimmianAndPine

Etsy shop, myFuroshiki, includes details instruction with how to wrap 'em beautifully.

GreenWillow - what about darling little fabric gift pouches? Cute!

Red Kettle Co - different sized fabric gift bags in fun colors...and sizes!

Or rock what this blogger did, of How to Survive Suburban Life, and wrap gifts in old silk scarves! I swear I see dazzling old scarves at the Goodwill for like 25 cents - I'll start buying those beauties now...I have a purpose!

diy: leafy accents

Freaking too rad for words. Totally genius. Totally simple. Totally eco-friendly. Another wildly wonderful Once Wed idea. See the site for DIY step-by-step instructions.

I want to do this. I want to punch our initials into everything.

wedding wish #16 via my guy: my grandmother

Straight from the wishing well of my loverboy. Is it odd to use the word "loverboy" when the post is titled "grandmother"? Hum.

Perhaps my most meaningful wish is that my grandmother will be there. Of course she won’t be in actuality, as she passed in 2007. Growing up she was my most favorite person in the whole world. As a youngster, I spent countless days at her house with my cousins, playing in her big yard, climbing trees, exploring the neat-o things in the attic, watching Red Sox (she was the biggest fan ever!) and eating the most delicious food in the world. I never imagined that she might not live to see me get married. I guess I just always took it for granted that she would be there when I got hitched, with a big smile on her face and a great big hug for me and my bride.

My gal got to meet my grandmother before she passed, which I am grateful for. I’m glad she at least knew the girl that I would be marrying. Before she passed, in one of our last moments together I let her know that I really loved my gal. I didn’t say that we were going to get married, but I think she got the idea. That is comforting to know. I always brought my girlfriends over to meet my grandmother, since I trusted her opinion of them over anyone else. After meeting Jes my grandmother told me that she really liked her, so I know that somewhere she is smiling at us and filled with joy that we will be starting our lives together. My wish is simply that her presence there will be felt. It may be in a bird that flies over or in a breeze that blows at just the right moment. Whatever it may be, I just want her to be there with us…somehow some way. I know she will.

*I had to share this sweet sweet tale. The first time I meant his Grandmother, she said to me with a huge smile: "if he loves you, then I love you too." She gave me a big hug and proceeded to pile my plate HIGH with stuffies and we ate ourselves silly. (stuffies are these yummy clam stuffed things...very New England)

*engaged* research

This fantastic (and blog famous!) shoot can be found at Once Wed. Photographed by Tec Petaja

As a medical student I have participated in a NUMBER of random research projects - the most memorable was an "injection" lab where my lil feet were poked with various sized needles to determine pain thresholds. Let me tell you, that wasn't quite as much fun as this research project that you are invited to participate in.

Christina, a doctoral student at University of Virginia contacted me to help recruit engaged couples for her research study. Here's her plug:

Engaged volunteers needed!

I am looking for volunteers for a study of attitudes towards marriage and parenthood among engaged couples. The study consists of a 25-30 minute online survey. To qualify for the study, you must be 20-35 years old, live in the U.S., and plan to marry or have a commitment ceremony within the next 365 days. You and your romantic partner must not have children, and this must be the first marriage for both of you.

You can:

-Help a doctoral candidate;

-Increase the pool of scientific knowledge;

-Support research on marriage and families; and

-Spend some time thinking about your relationship!

I am working with Dr. Charlotte J. Patterson, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia. This study has been approved by the University of Virginia Institutional Review Board #2009025800.

If you and/or your romantic partner are interested in participating or want further information, please email me at survey.couples@gmail.com. I will send you a link that you can use to access the study.

mello yellows

Ritzybee posted a few images from Martha Stewart's Fall 2009 Catalog a couple weeks ago. My heart just melted. I shall look no further. These will be the colors of our celebration. Simple and sunshiny, yet perfectly mellow. *sigh* Oh Martha...how do you do it?

What do you think the bridesmaids should wear? I'm thinking green would drown the yellow out, where gray might just be too stark. Perhaps beiges, whites, creams, tans, browns? Do I sound nutty? A lil bit?


PS: my weekend with My Guy was an absolute dream. He is, without a doubt, the best thing in my world.

love words weekend

One Love Photo

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

reunion

via Le Love

My Guy flies in tonight! You don't even know how elated I am. I miss him so.

This has been a very busy past couple of weeks - my living situation in Philadelphia is very lonely...no roommates, no neighbors, no TV, no radio, no Internet. And...it's scary outside. I was advised by the people in charge not to leave my place after dark. Ghetto.

Therefore, I'll be ditching my dodgy digs for a weekend in charming old city Philly. Tonight, I'll be dancing down the streets...hand in hand with the one who loves me best. Eating together...drinking together...side by side. I'll get to see him laugh. I'll get to feel his warm embrace. Oh man...

This is going to be the best weekend ever.

ponytail bride

here

I was watching Gray's Anatomy recently and was totally struck with Izzy's glorious ponytail. It was effortless and oh so lovely. I'm sortof obsessed now. I like this ponytail look... it's elegant and fuss free - words I live by (except I don't always nail "elegant"...I DEF got fuss free down to an art.)

here

(I posted this because it's verrrrry pretty....but I can't honestly say I'm a "side ponytail" kinda girl. I like a normal pony, and then bring the hair over the shoulder I think...but the "other" kind of side pony...yea...I just don't know if that's entirely my style...hummm...I might be over-analytical)

here

a lil crimp action is way fun...maybe not for my vows...but certainly for the bars!

here

here

So sleek!

here

here

These styles just look so smart!

via here

No really...isn't this so sweet?