It’s Friday AND my birthday weekend (it’s tomorrow!) so doesn’t that call for some extra celebrating boys and girls?! It will definitely be a relaxing, do-nothing kind of 31st birthday and I’m so excited to be spending it with just my two favorite boys (the hubs and our fur ball). Wait, rewind. Did I say 31? As in 10 years past my 21st birthday? Eeeeek! To go back and remember how different that birthday was. Haha! Junior year of college and partying it up with my besties. Man, those were the days. But honestly, I love where I am 10 years later and couldn’t be happier how I’ll be celebrating it this year.
But before I head off and dive into some cake, I leave you with a gorgeous sea goddess photo shoot from the ever-so-talented Michelle March. It’s so perfectly styled and the colors are amazing!
I’m so glad Michelle shared the deets behind the shoot! Whenever Jacqueline Pinto and I get together magic happens. We share a passion for art, history, fashion and {clearly} Greek mythology. In this incredible collaboration, we were inspired by Amphitrite, Goddess of the Sea {wife of Poseidon}. In the story of Theseus, she gives him a golden crown for finding the ring which was thrown in the sea by King Minos to prove that he was truly Poseidon’s son. The dress, jewelry and crown were designed by Jacqueline Pinto. With the wonderful and innovative help of Christina Vidal (hair/makeup), we transformed the gorgeous Brigitta into everything Amphitrite embodies at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
p.s. I’m sooo in love with that necklace!!
p.p.s. This shoot has me wanting to be by the sea so if Florida’s weather Saturday treats as good as it has been the last few days, maybe we’ll take a spontaneous little road trip to St. Augustine for some good eats and seagull watching. =)
Join me back here on Monday when I’m sharing my 35 things to do before 35 list. One year down, 4 years to go!
Happy weekend Brides and Friends!
Mel
Wow- how quickly time flies! Already one month has past since our loveliest wedding day in Cabo. Although it doesn’t feel much “different” than before (since we did live together for the past two years), we definitely have enjoyed our time as “newlyweds.”
We were definitely worker bees before we left since I not only have a full time job but we own our own business. It’s soooo easy to get into “work mode” and work very, very late into the night…especially when your business is a 24/7 operation. It’s tough to shut off. But after returning from our wedding (and getting a little reminder of what’s important in life at a recent church service)…we decided we CAN control how often we work. Sure, our business can and will keep us busy and there will be days that will require “overtime” in the evening hours, BUT we know there are many things that can wait! So with my new relaxed attitude I have officially become a bum. Haha- just kidding. I just feel that way since I’m so used to going, going, going!
And well I guess I was still on “go” mode when we drove up to Atlanta this past weekend for a fun night out with fellow TWIPs members. I had a great time getting to know some fantastic ladies in the group while doing a little business networking over a fabulous dinner at JCT Kitchen. (P.S. Naomi, I’m still thinking of their Chicken and Dumplings. OMG- so yummy!)
One lovely lady who came out last Saturday night and whom I’ve actually had the pleasure of having dinner with back in April, was Krissy from Make Believe’N. She is one talented chica and I just love her attitude on life! I only got a “sneak peek” through some pictures of her wedding bridal sash designs back in April so I was super excited when she paired one of her latest with a summer dress and wore it to dinner! And wow, this chick is busting out with some serious fabric flower power now!
If you haven’t seen her collection- you’re in for a treat…
And her craftiness doesn’t stop with sashes. She can pretty much custom make any fabric flower accessory (in your wedding colors!) that you can imagine from bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, belts, hair fascinators, and centerpieces.
If you want to create a statement on your big day with something fun, unique, and personalized, Krissy’s handcrafted fabric wedding flower designs are a perfect place to start! Something I love about alternative wedding bouquets, bouts, corsages and such is that these are keepsakes that will last forever. My sister had my mom make a brooch bouquet and it’s something she displays on her mantel. I love that!
We have some great things up our sleeves with TWIPs and I can’t wait to work with Krissy more in the future. Remember to visit her Esty shop for more flowery goodness!
So and tell me, was there something alternative or big and bold you incorporated into your day? I want to know!
Whoop, whoop- you found lucky #7 here! I’m so excited to be a part of and share this special Blog Around the World feature of a vintage desert safari shoot- Out of Africa! So what is this special photo “reveal” idea? Here’s a little from Alicia, one of the masterminds behind this fabulously wild photo shoot:
Hello Lovelies! I am Alicia from The Charity Wedding and I am excited to present another round of Blog Around the World with some of my favorite wedding bloggers! I recently helped organized a styled shoot using the theme of a Vintage Desert Safari. Each blogger will be showcasing a photo from the shoot and sharing some tips, advice, or just some pretty-eye candy for you to enjoy! Be sure to visit all the blogs to make sure you catch all the goodness! Thanks so much to all of the participants!
And now to share the lucky #7 photo!
This photo took me deep into lala land as I reminisced and daydreamed of…
- My sister Lydia’s wedding that took place this past November, overlooking the wintery mountains and quiet streams in Helen, Georgia.
- A wedding full of rustic elegance with a dreamy bridal dress and accessory details like this big bow back and birdcage veil.
- The sweet vintage travel inspired e-sessions that swarm blog land and unique luggage tags for a destination wedding or honeymoon.
- All the pretty ways one can use bunting or garland as part of wedding day decor, bridal showers, or cake toppers!
- Of all the places and journeys I hope my life takes me around the world including my own African safari, outback excursions, & European backpacking trips.
This photo also instantly made think of my own bridal shower hosted a few weeks ago by my sister, Lydia with beautiful tea inspired elements and decor picked out by both her and my mom. My mom already owns some awesome pieces of furniture that could be used as “props” so they were put to good use the day of my Iced Tea Bridal Shower. A vintage chair, old vintage school desk and chair, mini tea set, and old vintage window pane turned into a bridal tea masterpiece with hanging tea cups and smaller framed art created the perfect display under a shady tree and beside a hydrangea flower garden. Ahhh, gotta love all the creative women in my life!
Remember you can spice up and add a little “wow” factor with some unexpected props at your next event or party. And you can do it for cheap! Just start by looking around your home, borrowing from a friend, or if you want to dish out a little change- go to the Goodwill or check out some yard sales. You don’t have to go broke to add a little fun to the mix!
So now let the real fun begin! I invite you take a wild ride with me on this WORLD WIDE safari throughout the blogsphere to see more amazing details from the Vintage Desert Safari shoot. A new photo will be revealed by bloggers every 15 minutes so I raise caution- this may cause some serious eye candy distraction throughout the day! =)
Coming up next in just 15 minutes from her own fabulously stylish Girl Cave is one of the sweetest, most creative and talented chicks out there, Rhi from Hey Gorgeous!
And if you haven’t been following from the beginning, be sure to visit those who came before me to see how the scavenger hunt began and don’t forget to show them some love!
Bubble Rock Studios (New Zealand) 9:00am
Cap Classique (UK, South Africa) 9:15am
The Unreal Bride (India) 9:30am
Brancoprata (Portugal)9:45am
Bijoux Bride (UK) 10:00am
Bridal Musings (UK) 10:15am
The Oceanside Bride (US) 10:30am
Hey Gorgeous (US) 10:45am
Sparkle and Hay (US) 11:00am
Wedding Pickle (US) 11:15am
The Perfect Palette (US) 11:30am
Oh Lovely Day (US) 12:00pm
La Petite Coquin (US) 12:15pm
Brenda’s Wedding Blog (US) 12:30pm
Fab You Bliss (US) 12:45pm
Landlocked Bride (US) 1:00pm
Bow Ties and Bliss (US) 1:15pm
A Paper Proposal (US) 1:30pm
Engaged and Inspired (US) 1:45 pm
The Charity Wedding (US) 2:00pm
You can also follow the hashtags #BlogAroundTheWorld and #OutofAfrica to keep up with the reveals throughout the day!
So just who helped bring this fantabulously wild shoot come to life? Here is the creative team behind the scenes…check ‘em out!
Location: Out of Africa Wildlife Park and Along the Verde River, Camp Verde, Az / Coordination & Concept: Alicia French of The Charity Wedding / Event Design: KD Event Designs / Photography: Fancy Fin Photography / Bouquet: Glamorous Occasions / Cake & pastries: Kick Ass Kakes / Invitations, Menu, Dessert Toppers and Hang Tags: Wedding Girl / Model: Dahlee / Makeup Artist: Sabrina Sweet Makeup / Hair Artist: Erin McDonald of Aveda Red 115 Salon / Gown: La Belle Reve / Jewelry: Genevieve / Cupcakes: Handmade by Alicia
If you told me I could have my wedding gown handmade for a very affordable price, I would have said you were crazy and that it was impossible! So now are you ready for it?
It is in fact now made possible by the skillful and crafty seamstress extraordinaires behind the online wedding dress shop, Simply Bridal! For all body types and shapes, style and fabric preferences, Simply Bridal can stitch up your dream dress in no time.
Here are just a few samples from their store…
I think this is one of my top favorites…Gorgeous!
And even better- they are offering Oceanside Bride readers, 15% off by using coupon code SAVEBRIDAL15 at checkout. So already affordable prices + a 15% off? Um yes please and thank you!
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