Spanish Destination Wedding by Simply Jessie Photography

Happy Monday everyone! Isn't it funny how when you're away from your technological world for a few days, your entire life sort of feels like it's been flipped upside down? After four trips back and forth between Chicago and Grand Rapids, Apb, little kitty and I are finally in our humble little abode surrounded by way too many kitchen appliances and lots of things that desperately need new homes. As I type this I am sitting in a room which I can proudly now call my very own office and this week I will be sprucing it up with le paint. I am incredibly excited to share the finished product with you when it's finally complete; so anyone up for some progress photos?

In other news I have so much prettiness to share this week with you which is fabulous because I feel rejuvenated from my little break away from the laptop. I am just dying to fill your days with loveliness. So first up I have this stunning and timeless destination wedding from a gorg Spanish Monastery. If you remember this rad Chicago engagement session with the sweetest love story eva, you'll know that Ashley and Phillip are yes indeed the fabulously good looking couple in today's wedding. And throw in those bridesmaids dresses (drool), that bridal bouquet (oh my word that ginormous bloom!) and the prettiest lit ceremony backdrop and you get one stylish wedding that's just oozing with romance and sweetness. A huge thanks goes out to the lovely Jessie from Simply Jessie Photography for sending these over my way. I had the pleasure of chatting with her on the tele this weekend and she's just the best! Enjoy blogettes.

Ashley and Phillip's January destination Miami wedding treated their guests to a winter escape. They were both filled to the brim and bubbling with excitement. Not about the event, or the party, or even their beloved friends and family but about one another. It was a special kind of love. It was fresh, comfortable, protective, beautiful and such a joy to be around. I'm not one to gush normally, but it was such a beautiful day. Also can I just say that Ashley was the queen of accessories complete with killer shoes, vintage hat, sparkly jewelry an killer red lips. Both her and Phillip were an amazing blend of classic and vintage. Adds Ashley: "I was a bundle of nerves until after the ceremony was completed. After we exited as man and wife, exhaled and looked around, we were both overcome by the beauty of our surroundings. The ethereal romance of the monastery lit up by candlelight was more than we could have imaged."

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Photography: Jessie and Eric Stevens, Simply Jessie Photography / Hair: Salon Couvert / Ceremony and Reception Venue: Spanish Monastery / Dress: Casablanca Bridal / Headpiece: Erin Lindsay Designs / Jewelry: The Left Bank / Menswear: Balani Suits / Bridesmaids Dresses: Max and Cleo / Cake: Yohan Herman

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Puerto Morelos Destination Wedding by Nate Broshot

If you've been craving a little vacay, a little sun and sand, a little bit of fun in the sun then this wedding may just be the perfection addition to your Wednesday morning. I nearly squealed with delight when I came across these stunning images from the raddest dude ever, Nate Broshot. The colours of the water, the sky and the surroundings in Puerto Morelos, Mexico are the perfect backdrop to any destination wedding, especially when it's so tough to pack all those decor and prop items into your suitcase along with your wedding dress - mind you the exact same dress you will later be wearing when you jump into the pool with all your guests. Yup that happened at this wedding. Scroll on to catch all the canvas-worthy shots (uhm there are.so.many) and don't forget to read Sarah's sweet love story. Serious sweetness. For more fabulousness including one crazy garter shot check out Nate's post too. Rock on blogettes! 

{Sarah and David's Love Story} We have an amazing love story. In January of 2006 we met in the Portland Airport while we were waiting to board a flight. I was visiting a friend for the weekend and David was flying back to school in Boulder, Colorado (we were both raised in different parts of Oregon and home for winter break). We struck up a conversation in the airport then boarded the plane only to find that we had seats right next to each other. We talked the whole flight and when we landed, made plans to meet up for dinner. Our date was so successful that we called United and rescheduled my flight ti push out my departure by three days so we could spend more time together. It was amazing! By the time I left Colorado I was certain this was the guy I would marry. After more than five years together we still fall more in love everyday. Life is better when we are together. We went through a lot to be here and had to make a lot of leaps of faith but it's been so amazing, I can't even imagine what life would be like if we hadn't even met that day

{Advice to Future Brides} Don't get so caught up in the little details, or in what you see in the magazines and remember that it's not just your wedding and it's your future husbands wedding too. Choose things that are really important to him. Focus on making sure that both of you are happy about the big stuff and don't worry about the rest. If it's something you do together it becomes more fun and will bring you closer together. The process should be enjoyable and not stressful or miserable.

{Biggest Obstacle While Planning} Finding the right resort. You want it to be the perfect place for all of your guests. We tried to appease the friends who would want a social scene and the friends who were looking for a romantic destination. We needed a place that would keep a 12 year old busy and having fun, but could also keep all of our friends entertained. It was such a tough decision that I turned it over to my wonderful husband to choose and I only weighed in when he had narrowed it down to three potential resorts. It worked out great and ended up being perfect!

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Photographer: Nate Broshot, License to Still / Travel Agent: Beach Bum Vacation / Wedding Coordination, catering and floral design: Hotel Marina El Cid / Parasols: Oriental Trading / Menswear: Target / Bridesmaids Dresses: The Limited / Flower Sashes: J. Crew / Hair Flower: made by the bride's mother

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