Sassy Headbands

Some outfits just need that extra oumph to really feel complete. An engagement photo-shoot ensemble might be one such outfit, and another might be a bridesmaids get-up.

Can't afford ban.do? Neither can I. But never fear... Bambako headbands and accessories are here! Shop on their site this week with code DC30 and recieve 30% off. Shop some of the pink headbands on their site and 100% of the proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Now how do you say no to that? You're welcome ladies!

Real Wedding: Elegance and Earthiness

As a bride I look at real weddings online (and in magazines and on tv...) on a regular basis and I am not ashamed to admit, I have become quite a wedding style snob. It really takes a lot to blow my socks off when I look at pics of a wedding. You don't want the style to look too homemade or too produced, but you want something in between. Not too generic, not too eccentric. A lovely mix of tradition and style with just enough personal touches.

Ok, so with that said, this wedding is actually blowing me freaking right away. Seriously I am having a hard time sitting still while I am looking at these pictures. Probably because it is gorgeously elegant but seems down to earth at the same time. So magical!

First of all... the florals in this wedding are flipping genius. Amazing use of palm fronds, protea, dahlias and succulents (and candles! holy cow!). Second of all, the unfussy long centerpieces mixed with the more formal floral centerpieces and candles is making me swoon. Its so easy to over or under populate those wide banquet tables, but this hits just the right mark.

This cake is just so elegant yet earthy; simple and chic.

Totally stealing this use of palm fronds. How beautiful do the bride and groom look? Love the wide banquet style tables. Love how intimate this seems.

Cup of Love

Sometimes in life, it really is all about the simple things...

It Must Be A Sign

I'm seeing signs! Everywhere!!!! What's happening!!! Actually, I just looove the idea of hanging romantic placards around our ceremony and reception sites. It's so literal, I know. But I think it's sweet. There has been great inspiration around the internet lately, and I thought I would throw some out there. What do you think?

We're thinking of making a "Just Married" sign like these to hang by our cake table for some cute decorations, aren't they adorable?

J and I sing "You Are My Sunshine" to each other all the time because we are extremely corny (usually we change the lyrics depending on what we are currently doing. I can picture it now... You are my husband, my only husband... ahem, sorry). Anyways! I was pretty darn excited when I saw this picture and I could steal the idea. I know she's just holding it in this pic, but it would make a good addition to a guest book table, eh?

Super cute use of photos and cards for guests to write words of wisdom on...

My flowergirl can dance herself down the aisle but I thought this was too precious, I couldn't resist.

Cheap & Chic in Dublin

There was a recent article in the NY Times by Stuart Emmrich about the best hotels under $150 in Europe. Lo and behold the article list a few in Dublin and if you can tell anything from their websites, they look really lovely. This European honeymoon is getting more affordable by the day! :)

Baggot Court Townhouse

92 Lower Baggot Street

(353-1) 661-2819

www.baggotcourt.com

69 euros

Fitzwilliam Townhouse

41 Upper Fitzwilliam Street

(353-1) 662-5155

www.fitzwilliamtownhouse.com

89 euros

Paramount Hotel

Parliament Street and Essex Gate

(353-1) 417-9900

www.paramounthotel.ie

94 euros

O’Callaghan Stephen’s Green

Stephen’s Green

(353-1) 607-3600

www.ocallaghanhotels.com

89 euros

Harcourt Hotel

60 Harcourt Street

(353-1) 478-3677

www.harcourthotel.com

89 euros

Honeymoonya

J and I are enjoying playing mental holiday with all of the places we could go for our honeymoon. It's my third favorite part of getting married (after 1. the whole bonding myself to my best friend for eternity part and 2. the getting to celebrate with all of my favorite people all dolled up and in the same place part).

We are so confused though. For reals, ya'll. First we thought Hawaii, then we thought Napa, then we thought a cozy lodge somewhere in winter, then we thought a cruise through the Caribbean... All the whilst, deep in our hearts, if you asked us where we would go if we could choose anywhere, we would both say Europe (although it would be an extremely close race with The Seychelles). Where in Europe? Well, it was pretty much Dublin or Paris.

So, knowing me and my penchant for both travel and internet research regarding the cost of travel, I started investigating Europe. Not so much getting my hopes up as ruling the option out so we could stop yearning. But alas! Flights to Dublin are surprisingly affordable.

Thus, I had to share with you the beautiful Bellinter House. It's not exactly in Dublin (only an hours drive along the country greenery), but seriously, how much Guinness can one couple drink (ok, don't answer that)... Isn't it swoon-worthy?! A few days in the city seeing the sights and then some R&R in the country, sounds completely amazing.

Oh man, now I'm even more confused!

J.Crew Sale

Ummm, does anyone want to lend me like $500? J.Crew is having a sale and all of these very beautiful dresses (in silks and taffetas!) are under $99. Notice how nicely they work with our wedding color palette? That's no coincidence!

Aisle Runners

I have three 40% coupons to JoAnn's Fabrics burning a whole in my pocket so I am off to see what I can craft. I have been thinking about making our aisle runner, but I don't really know what material to use. I so dislike it when the aisle runner at a wedding gets all bunched up so I know I either need some really heavy muslin or maybe canvas.

The aisle at St. Margaret's is preeeeeetty long, so it may take a good chunk of material, but I think it will make a big, beautiful impact.

While looking into what makes a great aisle runner, I came across the Original Runner Co. Their aisle runners are beautiful but start at $400. Yikes. The good news? I entered a contest on their site to win a $500 aisle runner! Wish us luck! These are some from their site.