Rustic Michigan Wedding by Abby Rose Photography

I don't know about you guys, but I am really digging anything and everything yellow these days. Then this little gem of a submission from the fabulous Abby Rose Photography shows up in my inbox. I lay my eyes on the stunning flowers and uber cute bridal party and it's a done deal, hook, line and sinker. And while this wedding remains close to my heart partially because it took place just a couple hours down the road from Grand Rapids in Ann Arbor, the details from this farm celebration are so genuine and sweet that I know you'll feel the same way too. Just look at all that yummy eye candy! Congrats Jaimie and Ari and hope you two are having an incredibly memorable honeymoon! Enjoy your day, blogettes and do something brilliant.

{From Abby, the photographer} This charming barn wedding was such a blast to photograph! Jaimie and Ari wanted a laid-back vibe to their day, and they definitely achieved it. Guests arrived around 6:00 pm for a lovely outdoor ceremony (complete with a marimba player!) and then made their way to the tent for a delicious meal prepared by renowned Ann Arbor chef Eve Arnoff (the couple met working at Eve's restaurant years ago!). After dinner, guests were treated to make-your-own strawberry shortcake for dessert, followed by a rockin' dance party in Misty Farm's beautiful barn.

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Photography: Abby Rose Photography / Venue: Misty Farms, Ann Arbor, Michigan / Brides Dress: Priscilla's of Boston / Bridesmaid's dresses: J. Crew / Flowers and bouquets: Pot and Box / Catering: Eve Arnoff / Groomswear: vintage suit found at Kiwanis, and custom tailored / Entertainment: Laith Al-Saadi, local Ann Arbor musician / DOC: Laura Davis Events

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Vintage Villa Wedding by Julie Harmsen Photography

You may remember this wedding from Wedding Chicks last fall. This first time I came across these photos I was instantly smitten with the lovely details, the unique colour scheme and of course the insanely gorgeous photography by Julie Harmsen. While I usually don't share weddings that are exclusive elsewhere, I just had to show this one off because it turns out, my May bride that you had the pleasure of 'meeting' yesterday (and my husband!) went to high school with Julie. I am absolutely thrilled to be working with both of these girls next month so I thought I'd show off a little bit of Julie's mad skills with one my faves of hers; this charming vintage California wedding. Seriously how fabulous are these photos? Be sure to catch all the details below from Nicole, the stunning bride!

{Nicole and Patrick's Love Story} Patrick and I met at a New Year's eve party 2006 turning into 2007. My girlfriend and her husband arranged the whole thing and it was at a club downtown San Diego. As soon as my friend Nicole and I entered the private area where the party would be held we sat next to two single guys (one of which was Patrick) and introduced ourselves. I remember thinking Patrick was very cute! Since I am very social it wasn't long before I was up and running around chatting to other people. People kept introducing Patrick and I over and over again and finally I said to him, I think people want us to meet. From that moment on we spent the entire night together talking, dancing and laughing with friends. At midnight we kissed and that was the beginning of us.

{Advice to Future Brides} As hard as it seems try to enjoy the planning process. Stop and remember it is supposed to be fun and it's about you and your fiance. Use the anxiety as positive energy to get organized and get things done. Our biggest obstacle while planning was making sure to include both families in the planning process and making sure everyone's needs are met. Everyone has a different idea of how they see the day and you need to do your best to listen and communicate your desires. Then you can compromise :)

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Photographer: Julie Harmsen Photography / Ceremony Site: St. Catherines of Siena, Laguna Beach / Reception Site: The Villa, San Juan Capistrano / Videographer: Couture Motion / Dress: Modern Trouseau / Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale / Bridesmaids Jewelry: Wendy Mink / Mens Suits: J. Crew / Catering: Ramos House Cafe / Cakes and Cupcakes: It's All About the Cake / Flowers: Stacey Fitts, Floral Occasions / Vintage Decor: Stephanie Stevens / DJ: Allen Ward, Mi Media / Guestbook Tree: bleudetoi on Etsy 

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DIY Twine-Wrapped Mason Jars

I feel like I'm a little late in joining the rustic chic party but hey better late than never right? In celebration of my latest project in the works which I shared a bit with you here, I thought I'd give these twine-wrapped mason jars a try. After all I certainly love wrapping and gluing anything I can around vases. This project was so easy peasy that you too can create your own with whatever kind of jar, twine and ribbon you want to use. The supplies are few as all you need is some glue (either crazy glue or you can use a glue gun), ribbon, mason jars, flowers and of course, lots and lots of the good stuff. Also known as twine. Oh sweet sweet twine. I heart you.

The jars I found were from Hobby Lobby as was the twine. I purchased the shorter jars since I was looking to save a bit of cash if you know what I mean, but I think taller jars would have looked really cool as the layers of twine would have crawled up the sides of the jar a little bit higher. Here are a few of the steps I took to wrap the twine around the mason jars. The most important part is obviously fastening the twine to the jar when you start and finish wrapping it around. I also made sure to wrap the twine over and across the exact point where I glued the start of the twine to the glass. This sort of anchored the twine to the glass and allowed me to wrap the twine sooner than it would have taken me if I had waited for the glue to dry. Patience? What's that?

Then you can make the twine sort of wrap around in a diagonal pattern over the first layer of twine. I did this by wrapping the twine in a figure 8 pattern over and over again until I felt like it looked right. And with that you can tie a pretty ribbon bow over both layers of twine to make the little jar flower-ready. Imagine a navy and red ribbon for a nautical them wedding? I think I may have just inspired myself. Love it when that happens.

Et voila! A few carnations, some baby's breath, a spray rose and pink stock complete the look.

Happy crafting!

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Temecula Farmhouse E-Session by Allie Lindsey Photography

I love love love this session. I love the colours. I love the lighting. I love that vintage trailer. I especially love the couple too; do they not look like they are head over heels in admiration with one another? As much as I dig styled sessions, there's something very special about engagement photos that involve a cool backdrop, a talented photog and a very much in love couple. And that my friends, is exactly what we have here. Nicole and Kevin will be getting married on July 2nd this year and if these photos here by Allie Lindsay Photography are any indication of how gorgeous their wedding pics will be then I cannot wait. Hurry up July 2nd and get here already!

Her lace dress. I die. So darn pretty.

Allie tells me that Nicole and Kevin first met a few years ago after being introduced by a friend. As soon as she met him, Nicole knew she wanted to date Kevin and the rest is pretty much history. It's also pretty clear that Nicole is head over heels in love with Kevin and Allie says they spent the entire engagement session never letting each other go, sharing endless laughs and kissing; it was a chemistry that she says she adores capturing. "Nicole and Kevin are an incredibly fun couple who will be married on July 2nd 2011 in Temecula, California at a new venue called the Temecula Farmhouse. This amazing property is a photographer's dream - endless amounts of awesome and unique places and things to photography. When I first met with this couple, I literally did somersaults in my head when Nicole shared with me her vision for her wedding day, it sounded like an Anthropologie catalog and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. From the small DIY touches she has planned to the orange accent (her favourite colours) and the many unique elements of the venue, this is for sure going to be a fabulous day!"

Love on, blogettes. Love on with every little bitty piece of your heart. And check out Allie's blog too :)

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Rustic Elegance Inspiration - Part I

I found the above inspiration board via the ever so lovely Snippet and Ink when I was trying to define a mood, feel and vision for my latest project in the works. Crooked Creek Ranch in beautiful Northern Michigan tweeted me a few weeks ago saying they'd love for little old me to style a shoot on their property. I was probably more excited than I should be about the opportunity until I realized that a very sweet friend of mine is a venue coordinator at the location (Hi Mich!) and Apb and I will in fact be moving back to the mitten state next month; surely these are both signs that this collaboration is a match made in heaven, no? The board above is sort of a guide to set the scene but we will be sticking to an all white and cream palette with pops of browns, lots of baby's breath, burlap and perhaps some galvanized steel. The best part is the spectacular red barn that will be used as the background to our set up; oh and the chance to get all of my ideas out there with the talent of other amazing industry vendors has me eeeek-ing and eeeep-ing over here! If you are an etsy seller or vendor who feels your services and products fit the above description and collage of images shoot me an e-mail to discuss what you have to offer. We'd love to have you on board for June 8th too. Happy Wednesday loves :)

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Dreamy Michigan Beach Wedding by Harrison Studios

I think I've finally nailed down my favourite aesthetic and colour palette when it comes to weddings. Vintage hues, simplistic yet lovingly-created details, show-stopping gowns, handmade touches and adorable, clearly in love brides and grooms. Sigh. I came across this wedding via the ever fabulous Ruffled and when I read that the wedding was in Grand Rapids (where Apb is from) and that the newlyweds went to Michigan State which also happens to be my Alma matter, I knew I just had to share the gorgeous images by Laura and Ben Harrison of Harrison Studios, with you. Even though some of you have already seen this wedding on Pearls Events blog (I've seen a few of you guys in the comments section!) scroll on to soak it all in again. And let your heart melt, blogettes! P.S. That dress? It's a blush colour. And it's a Vera. And it's absolutely perfect. 

What an incredible memory to have of your first look. I get goosebumps when I see these photos.

Dear Liz and Chris, please have this photo made into a canvas. Yours Truly, Me.

I can't get over that dress. I hope you wear it to bed at night, Liz :)

Over at Ruffled, Liz talks about how her and Chris had little time to devote to planning their wedding because they were both full time students trying to concentrate on their studies. I can completely relate to how she must have felt because not only was I a full time student during Andrew and I's entire 2.5 year engagement but we were separated by 13 hours thus making any sort of planning endeavor entirely difficult. Regardless, Liz was a smarty pants and hired an event planner. And I am sure she is oh so thrilled with her decision; her wedding was incredible. Now on to a few details :)

I'm going to say it again; but that dress is unbelievable. And the cake. The cake is unbelievable.

And a little dancey-poo to wrap up the night. Head over to Ruffled to catch all the details about the day including a list of the fab vendors involved. And Liz if you are out there somewhere you have got to get a hold of me. I feel like maybe we sat in on the same classes at State thus making me that much cooler to sort of 'know' you. And I have searched facebook and bridal registries looking for you but could only find you on Twitter! Shoot me a message girlfriend! And everyone else, have a lovely Wednesday afternoon. Thank you all for your feedback yesterday and opinions. They were definitely needed and appreciated. xo

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Dreamy Farm Wedding by Jagger Photography

Sometimes it rains on your wedding day. Sometimes the clouds come out to play. And sometimes, mister sunshine shows his pretty little face and drenches you in complete gorgeousness like it did on Candise and Paul's big day. The uber-talented and super fun Heather and Grayson from Jagger Photography were on hand to capture all the gorgeous details and yummy light. The wedding was held on a farm in Moorpark, California and the ceremony actually took place in a walnut orchard. The light streaming through the trees in the orchard was, well, look at the photos and see for yourself. I don't think words could possibly do these beauties justice! Thank you Heather and Grayson for gracing this blog with your lovely and inspiring images :)

The simple yet stunning detail that went into the flower arrangements and the decor is one element of this wedding that really melts my heart. I love the organic, rustic and textured feel of the flowers in Candise's bouquet and some of the flowers in the various arrangements are varieties I've never even seen before. Any floral gurus out there know the name of those small pink little poofs in the hanging jars? Love em. It's so refreshing to see florals in a wedding that aren't traditionally used.

Did you see the bride's fab shoes too? Nothing like a little sparkle under your gown. And what about the incredible floral design on the bridesmaid's sassy one-shoulder dresses? Now that my friends and bridesmaids-to-be, is a gown you can and definitely will, wear time and time again. Kudos to you Candise for having such a rocking sense of style (Not to mention the groomsmen and groom look pretty handsome in their gray suits and contrasting striped ties. Love it all you guys!)

Just married! What a sweet photo, capturing so much emotion. Ah! And those pink little poofs! What are they??

If you look closely on the cake you can see two pictures of cats. These are the adorable couple's pets. I love that they incorporated such an important part of their lives into a tiny detail of their big day. And how can I not mention the glorious button detailing on the cake. Sigh. So perfect (Cool FIY, there's a very funny photo here of a bunch of kids stuffing their faces with a piece of this exact cake. Just sayin')

To see more from Candise and Paul's big day check out the full post here on the Jagger Photo Blog. There are so many more fantastic portraits of the couple including some rad shots in a pumpkin patch. Hope everyone is having a lovely and happy middle-of-the-week Wednesday! Do something inspiring today and be back tomorrow with more gorgeousness :) *UPDATE - the little pink pouffs are called Snow Berries. Thanks Heather for letting me know!

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