Barboursville Winery E-session by Jodi Miller Photography

Guys check out these pics. In all but one, the groom to be is lovingly looking at his gorgeous fiance or resting his forehead against hers. I know you all, like me, love a really romantic engagement session especially after this last week, but throw in an Anthropologie wardrobe (where all of Natalie's cute outfits are from), some beautiful lighting and a Virginia winery as the backdrop and hello! You get this sweet e-session (and Love Story) sent over by the truly talented Jodi Miller Photography. To check out all the other awesome shots of Natalie and Michael head over to the blog and while you're there be sure to check out Jodi's lovely new branding and logo. I'm telling you this woman is a creator of prettiness. Enjoy the beautiful weather today!

{Natalie and Michael's Love Story} We lead incredibly similar lives and it was only a matter of time before our paths crossed and we realized we were meant to be together. It was the winter of 2006 at Massanutten Resort in Virginia where this finally took place. Michael was living in Washington, DC but would frequently visit the ski resort on weekends to visit old college friends, snowboard, and have a good laugh. I worked and played at the resort while in cottage. After several encounters on the slopes through mutual friends, we ended the season with a bond that couldn't be broken even when it became too warm to make fake snow. Promoted by our love of snow sports and our new found fondness for each other, we decided to move to Colorado for ski season in 2007. We had an unforgettable time. After moving back East, we continued to frequent Colorado as often as possible. On one particular ski trip in February of 2010, atop our favourite mountain (Vail), Michael asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Though we are both drawn to the deep snow and harsh peaks of the Rocky Mountains we chose Barboursville winery for our engagement session because not only are we lovers of Virginia wine but also because it's a picturesque representation of Virginia rolling hills and verdant beauty. Our wedding will be held several miles down the road from the winery at Montpelier Mansion (James Madison's home) on June 18th!

Read more...

Purple Winery Wedding by Allyson Magda

There's no doubt that we all love a gorgeous winery wedding. Something about the tranquility and simplicity of nature, and the sophistication of good wine paired together to celebrate love, makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. When this gem of a celebration was sent to me, I knew it was the perfect fir for the blog. Throw in the most incredible florals by Adornments (check this out my friends, succulents are still holding their position as one of the seasons hottest flower trends), an adorable bride and groom and dreamy, soft images by the always fabulous Allyson Magda and I am one happy girl. Scroll on to catch all the beauty.

That chair! Where could one be lucky enough to find such a fabulous chair. So perfect.

Allyson said that Natalie was one of the most fun brides she's shot before. She described her like a 'party waiting to happen in a bride,' I love that in a woman. Isn't that what it's all about anyways? And tell me, how perfect is this back drop for the ceremony. Nevermind fancy backdrops and DIY projects. Those trees are incredible and the yummy natural light streaming in and over the bridal party is like a little slice of heaven.

A few portraits of the super styling couple. My fave is the top left image. I love delicious lighting.

Reception florals, I love. I swoon.

The wedding was held at Adelaida Cellars in California and one thing I love about winery weddings is the big wood wine barrels that are often the backdrop for photos. There's something so rustic, organic and romantic about wine so getting married in a place that's all about the good stuff is so fitting. P.S. you know my love of sweetheart tables; how cute are these two in their own little space? Looks like it was such an amazing celebration of their undeniable chemistry and love.

For more from the ever-so-talented Allyson check out her work via her blog here, where you can find tons of eye-candy and visual inspiration. There's also tons of loveliness not to be missed over on her very pretty website here. She's such a sweetheart too! Enjoy the rest of your day everyone. Can anyone out there attest to how gorg a winery wedding really is? Regardless of where you live, what are some of the best wineries to get hitched at? (I'd love some new suggestions and referrals for both wineries in the US and Canada!)

Read more...

Gorgeous Winery Wedding by Jill Thomas

One of my most favourite things about the blogging world, is connecting with incredible people who are warm, kind and super easy to chat with. Even better, is finding other bloggers who share similar passions as you do. I recently connected with Liz from Portland to Peonies (well we met via the net but I remember finding her blog many moons ago and am not sure why we have taken so long to connect until now!) Liz got hitched this past summer to the love of her life and since she's so sweet and had the loveliest wedding ever, I asked her if I could brag about her wedding here. Thankfully she said yes :) The fabulous Jill Thomas captured the big day which was infused with incredible details, the most perfect simplicity and of course lots and lots of love.

Can I just admit how much I adore mix matched bridesmaids dresses?! Gah, why didn't I think of that?! The flowers were done by family members and the bride's mother designed and handmade the brides gorgeous lace gown. Liz told her Ma she wanted cap sleeves and heavy lace and she got this dreamy one of a kind gown that fit her to a T. Combined with her soft curls, flower hair pin and incredible looks; oh Liz! You looked just beautiful! Not to mention your bridesmaids are pretty gorg too.

The couple also opted for a first look prior to the ceremony and Liz has nothing but incredible things to say about the experience. Thanks to the extra time the first look provided the two love birds were able to take lots of fabulous portraits together amongst the incredible scenery of the winery. I love love love the above image (for more drool-worthy pics of the first look and portraits you must go see the full recap Liz did over at her blog!) And as a first-look bride myself I have to admit it's quite the magical experience.

 

I love the long wood tables and organic flower bunches that perfectly tie in with the other rustic elements. Every little touch is absolutely perfect. Liz says that the way the tables were set up meant her and her new hubby could sit back and watch the rest of their guests enjoy their food and the company of one another. This allowed them both to soak in the fact that their big day had finally arrived after all of those months of planning. She also said that the food was to.die.for. And I have to admit I am a tad jealous of the super rad fry truck that came as a surprise at the end of the night. I tried so very hard to get a fry truck to stop by our venue the night of our wedding but policies in our contracted prevented us from doing so. Liz, I will just live vicariously through you and your fry truck :)

Congrats Liz and Corey! Here's to many more fabulous years of happiness and lurve! Liz thanks for sharing your big day and for being such a lovely new blogging friend. 

{Vendors}

Catering: Voila Catering

Venue: David Hill Winery

Invitations: Cricket Printing
Cake: Michelle's Custom Cakery
Photographer: Jill Thomas Photography
Brides Dress: Bride's Mom, Elizabeth Kollo

And to all the rest of my readers, I hope everyone is having an amazing week so far. Apb is visiting me on Thursday and it's the first time I have seen him since our honeymoon. I think it's going to be a great weekend :) xo P.S. thank you for the kind words and messages on my post yesterday guys. I have the sweetest blog friends ever! 

Read more...