Meet Rachel & Matt

Rachel & Matt are getting married on May 2 at the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville, Arkansas. These are just a few of their hundreds of fabulous engagement photos taken last weekend by Shannon of A Moment Captured Photography. We can't wait for the wedding! If these engagement shots are any indication, the wedding photos should be incredible!

Wedding Coordination with 15 Minutes Notice!

My husband was a groomsman in a friend's wedding this weekend. I went as a guest, but quickly became more. The poor bride was so stressed out by all of the questions she was being asked, the huge number of guests without seats, and details of the wedding processional that she was in tears. I was already there, so when she asked, I stepped into my usual role 15 minutes before the ceremony began. I was happy to help, and she was able dry her eyes and focus on becoming Mrs. Rogers! The ceremony went off flawlessly!

For all of the brides who think you can do it on your own, it's not worth the stress to save a few bucks! Hire someone to help, at least for the day of your wedding. Let someone else deal with the stresses, so you can be the bride!

Fabulous Vintage Designer Wedding Gowns!

Thefrock.com offers gorgeous vintage designer wedding gowns! With prices starting under $1,000. there's something for every budget. Granted, wearing a vintage gown is not for everyone, but if you've always imagined a vintage gown this is a great site to check out. How romantic to walk down the aisle in a gown with a story behind it! Not everyone can wear their mother's or grandmother's gown...this is a great option. Here are 2 of my favorites...This stunning Lanvin embroidered tulle gown from 1955 is available for $3,700. It would be gorgeous long or shortened - think Audrey Hepburn from "Funny Face".

This ethereal tiered gown by Christian Dior was created in 1955. It is absolutely timeless! The skirt looks like something on the runway this year. Purchase this gorgeous gown for $3,800.

Fall is in the Air...Perfect Favors!

In preparation for a wedding I have coming up this weekend I've been looking at and making all kinds of fall centerpieces, decorations, and favors. I'm addicted! and I wanted to post just a few fabulous fall favor ideas...

Caramel apples (above, left) are a wonderful fall favor and make for beautiful decoration as well. For a more formal event, you can use these as seating cards as well.

Place apples in a burlap bag with a decorative label (above, right) and include your favorite apple pie or apple dumpling recipe. Even better - include your grandma's recipe for a more personal touch!

Grandma's jam (above left) with a decorative lid & label to go along with your wedding invitations and decor.
Bag of nuts tied with twine & wedding label. Displayed in a dish full of nuts, these favors are fabulous! You can include your favorite pecan pie recipe if you use pecans.

Custom Stamps for your Wedding

Why settle for the 2 different wedding stamps offered by the post office? Create your own to compliment your wedding perfectly! Once you've chosen a color scheme and invitations, design a beautiful stamp that goes with everything. It is the perfect finishing touch for your wedding and shows the dedication to detail for your perfect day! Visit Zazzle.com and get started today.

Chewing the Cud Wedding Invitations

Yes, that's right, Chewing the Cud! They create adorable, whimsical invitations for the unconventional bride. If you're looking for something a little quirky, you'll find it here!Chewing the Cud is a wonderful way to go Green for your wedding. They use 100% cotton, tree free papers, and soy based inks. Every invitation is created the old fashioned way - using a vintage flywheel letterpress, each invitation is hand printed.

Surprisingly Chic Carnations

Carnations have gotten a bad rep over the years as a cheap, ugly, filler flower. They have been consistently avoided by brides. Granted, a few sparse carnations in a vase filled with greenery and babies breath does conjure memories of childhood ballet recitals. This is not the type of arrangement I'm talking about. A carnation is a relative of the VERY expensive and delicate Peony. When used correctly, carnations become barely distinguishable from their more expensive cousin.
Look what happens to this often overlooked flower when it is used in mass:

These wreaths are stunning for any wedding! Imagine this white variety used to create a floral monogram.

Unique guestbook idea - Have guests sign pre-made cards & pin to a floral pomander. Later, place cards into a photo album to make a keepsake for your home. For a larger wedding, create several pomanders and display elegantly.

A very affordable and incredibly chic combination of white carnations & moss. They combine to create a stunning garden wedding.

Finishing Touch Loves Boss Mae

It's obvious from my previous posts, I am obsessed with vintage! The perfect vintage piece will truly create a one-of-a-kind look for your wedding day and future family heirloom. Jessica of Boss Mae creates amazing jewelry from vintage pieces. She adds the perfect modern touch to these antique treasures! Jessica's smaller necklaces would be a stunning accent to your wedding gown.
Her signature is these absolutely gorgeous lockets, pictured above. They are the perfect gift for your bridesmaids. Mae's Emporium is located on West Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Visit their tiny shop soon to discover all of their amazing treasures!

Election Day Weddings!

In honor of election day, I had to post these wedding photos of both presidential candidates. Enjoy!

Barack & Michelle Obama - October 3, 1992

John & Cindy McCain - May 17, 1980

Butter by Nadia

I've just come across the gorgeous bridal collection of Butter by Nadia. I cannot get enough of these amazing wrap dresses! They are absolutely beautiful, comfortable for a long night of dancing, and universally flattering.

This is the perfect collection for you to let your bridesmaids choose their style. They would all blend together perfectly! Think of the bridesmaid look from Sex and the City.

Quirky, Fabulous Head Pieces

I've just come across these adorable headpieces by ban.do that are the perfect finishing touch for a quirky bride who cannot see herself in a traditional veil. They're colorful, fun, and full of personality! Made from silk, feathers, rhinestones, and much, much more these gorgeous accessories are sure to make a fabulous statement! I also love them for a bride to change into after the ceremony to add a little pizazz to your look for the reception.They do offer a few traditional head pieces such as the one on the bottom left here, but most of their pieces are unique, modern, and tons of fun. Prices range from $50 to $175. Enjoy!