Can't you just feel the love?

Can't you just feel the love in these unbelievably sweet engagement photos by Michael Norwood? His blog is full of inspiring, perfectly shot images that just make me smile. The unique settings and pops of color (hello, cute yellow shoes!) are so refreshing to look at.

If you live in California and are looking for a photographer, I'd definitely recommend checking out his site to see if he serves your part of the state.

The winner is...

Congrats go out to Susan! You have won a little "something blue". Thank you to all who entered! I hope you'll drop by again soon. =)

Special thanks go to jewelry designer seja b. once again!

Short, sassy + sweet.

Yum, double yum! I spotted this adorable, sass-tastic Jenny Lee Bridal dress in the newest issue of Modern Bride, and fell in love. The soft gray is very trendy, and I love the graphic, yet feminine quality of the lace overlay.

A reminder:
If you haven't done so already, be sure to enter the giveaway for a little "something blue". The deadline for entry is tomorrow at 8:00 PST. And how cute is this necklace by the giveaway's designer, seja b.? I love it!

Lovely.

When I was hunting for lilac photos last week, I ran across this breathtaking, peaceful photo. It is simply dreamy. I've got a busy day today, so I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday.

Found on Project Wedding. Anyone know who should be credited for taking it?

Enter to win your 'something blue'.

Looking for your something blue? Or do you simply swoon over a bit of bling? The lovely and talented seja b. has generously offered a pair of her delicious earrings to one lucky reader of this blog! Be sure to check out her Etsy shop for more pretties. Be sure to note: she'll be adding more items in the near future. =)

To enter: Simply leave your name and email address in the comments below by Wednesday @ 8:00 PST. At that time, a name will be chosen at random and the winner will be contacted. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

Coming soon to a tree near you.

I love lilacs. We had them growing right in our front yard when I was growing up and, now, I have three huge trees just outside the studio window. They are so close to popping, too! Once they do, I'll be cutting fresh bouquets in the hopes that our house will be permeated with the lovely smell they produce. Take note, spring brides, and consider adding lilacs to your big day.

Oh, and check back tomorrow for a delightful giveaway! =)

Credits (clockwise from top left):
Christine Marie Photography via Project Wedding, Julie70's Flickr stream, Bottom two by Martha Stewart

Hearting Etsy.

My Brocade invitation has been featured in an Etsy treasury. Be sure to check it out before it expires on Friday. Thanks to Unemployed Designer for including Maida Vale!

J.Crew for your tootsies.

Oh, J.Crew, you can really do no wrong by me lately. If I were looking for a little "something blue" for a summer affair, I'm pretty sure the Liza strappy sandal would be just the ticket. Not only do I love the vintage-inspired color, but the sweet little bow on top is irresistible. Also worth checking out (and available in that same vintage aqua): the Augusta peep toe.

This is what it's all about.

I love my job. The couples I work with are fabulous, so that fact makes it even easier to enjoy. I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Shannon & Matthew to create a navy blue version of Candy Shoppe for their upcoming wedding. After she received them, Shannon sent the following note:

I got our invitations and they are adorable! I actually cried a little when I took them out! So, thank you very much for your help and patience. They are great!

For me, this is what it's all about. =) Thank you, Shannon & Matthew!

Getting married in the mountains.

Living in Seattle is pretty sweet when the weather cooperates. After a lovely, spring-like weekend, we are set to have a couple of sunny days this week, as well. I get a bit impatient this time of year, wishing I could take a long hike towards a hidden wildflower meadow or secret mountain lake. Alas, the snow will linger for a couple more months, so I'll have to be satisfied looking at these magical mountain wedding pics.

All photos found on A Mountain Bride (after reading this interesting post on Bridal Buds). Credits follow each image.


Julie Harris Weddings


Karen Derby


Kirk Mastin

Cheers!

Can you tell it's Friday around here? How yummy does this Amalfi Sunset look? This could be the perfect signature cocktail for an Italian-inspired wedding, or for a simple summer affair. Visit Brides.com for the full recipe. Have a great weekend!

A good candy buffet never gets old.

Continuing from Tuesday's food post, I have to share some images of the most beautiful candy buffets possible—all created by Amy Atlas Events. These photos remind me of the time I first saw Chocolat. I burst out of the theatre and devoured the first bits of sweet goodness I could get my hands on. These photos have a slightly different effect, though... they make me want to throw a fabulous, extravagant party!

A girl can never have too many...

I love, love, love this custom ring from Etsy seller Kathryn Riechert. Its clean modern design and classic typeface is a real find at $36. Being the Libra that I am, though, I have no idea how I'd ever decide what message to have placed on it...

A darling placecard idea.

I love this darling placecard idea from Papier Valise. Wouldn't it have been cute for Easter? Seeing how I already have the little Martha Stewart bird punch in my collection, I might just have to tuck this idea away for next year. Check out the link for a full step-by-step tutorial. So cute!

Beautiful food.

I love food. There is just no getting around it. I'll go out of my way and stand in line in the cold if it means I get to taste the goods at a well-loved (but not necessarily expensive) eatery. When I was recently putting together menus for an upcoming wedding, my mouth was watering as I examined each food station's offering. There are so many ways to incorporate fun and quality eats into a wedding now and these ideas from Martha Stewart are no exception.


Wonton Napoleons with herbed ricotta cheese.


Mini macaroni & cheese. Hello!


Citrus sorbet. Cute!

Daffodil heaven.

When my in-laws were here with our nephew over spring break last week, we popped down to Seattle's Pike Place Market. The entire market roof is currently covered in daffodils, and the market's many flower stands were selling huge bouquets of them. If that isn't a sign that spring might be on its way, I don't know what is! =) At this time of year, yellow is so appropriate and lovely for a wedding or bridal shower. Wouldn't you agree after looking at these sunny photos?

Credits (starting with the top row):
Springdale Florists & Greenhouses, Project Wedding, Maida Vale, I Love You, Man, Project Wedding

Etsy finds: Silk pretties by Shakuyaku.

Since I started off the week with sassy little clutches, I thought I'd end it with these sophisticated pretties by Shakuyaku. The top peony clutch is swoon-worthy, don't you think?

Have you discovered any Etsy sellers that you plan to work in to your big day? If so, please share! Otherwise, have a wonderful weekend...

Etsy finds: Beautiful boutonnieres.

For most grooms, boutonnieres are no fun. Instead of a pink carnation or something equally embarrassing, why not adorn the men in your wedding with their own little work of art? As with just about everything else, there are quite a few Etsy sellers out there creating that little extra something to spruce up suits or tuxes. Check out these sellers' shops for many more options...


Twigs & Honey


Emily K Botanic Studio


Emily K Botanic Studio


Ruby Feather

Etsy finds: Semi-precious and beautiful.

I'm not a big diamond gal. I know this goes against my hard wiring as a female, but at least I go weak in the knees for semi-precious gems and Swarovski crystals. =) Etsy shop fuss jewelry is full of wonderful finds. I love the romantic, natural feel of these pieces and the muted colors really speak to me. And, how fabulous are those earrings? Divine.

Etsy finds: Me & Matilda (for the fellas).

Just when I thought it wasn't possible, I found more amazing finds for the fellas on Etsy! Me & Matilda caught my eye quite some time ago and the newest creations are no different. Her damask ties are oh-so-elegant, while the striped ones would look great at a more casual destination wedding. Good stuff.

Coming up tomorrow: jewelry!

Etsy finds: Sassy little clutches made by Hank.

It's been awhile since my last week full of Etsy features, so I thought I'd kick off another one this week. Yay! There will surely be some jewelry to drool over and hopefully a little something for the fellas, too.

The first seller I'm featuring is madebyhank. Although she isn't accepting custom orders at the moment, there are plenty of sassy little clutches filling her shop at the moment. I love the feminine ruffles and fantastic colors. And, at $20, the small ones (shown above) are quite a deal. Be sure to check out the whole shop to see the entire selection.

Found via Inc. Weddings (to whom I owe a special thank you for featuring on my work earlier this month).

Because it's spring break.

It might be because our nephew arrives tomorrow to spend spring break with us, or it might be due to planning a getaway to the Oregon coast with my hubby, but the beach is on my brain! Coral, khaki and aqua is dreamy for a seaside-style wedding as these photos prove...

Anyhow, I'll be back Monday with a week of Etsy picks for you. =)

Credits (starting with the top row):
Martha Stewart, Project Wedding, The Knot, Island Wedding Shop, The Knot, Maida Vale

What these April showers must bring.

It has been endlessly raining here in Seattle this week and, quite frankly, I'm a bit over it. I can only hope that lots and lots of May flowers are just around the corner. In fact, sooner than May would be preferable for their arrival!

Bouquets found at Martha Stewart Weddings.