Flora

These arrangements effortlessly exude elegance and the perception of perfume-like scent. The colors don't match my palette but something about the spirit of these flowers makes me want to explore the idea further...

Images Courtesy Style Unveiled:

Just for Fun

Uh-oh Marc... haha! This picture makes me laugh.
Image Courtesy Bride & Beyond

Engagement Session

I'm so thrilled to finally share our engagement photos with everyone. Marc and I had so much fun taking these with Janelle Ayala of Shutterbug Photography. If you can believe it, we were actually her first e-session ever. I'm convinced that Janelle is quickly becoming El Paso's new *it* photographer. I'll be working on getting these posted on Facebook soon. Enjoy :)

Hopeless Romantic

Two weeks ago, my friends/M.O.H's Sarah & Amber accompanied me to Ella Blu to see my dress in person. To say we had fun is an understatement. Sarah cracked us up when she just "had to" try on this cathedral veil that I had deemed "way too traditional" for my taste. This picture makes me laugh. Sarah and I have praying for our future husbands ever since we were 14 years old so who knows, maybe I passed her some good luck. 

I'll Be There Shortly...

I love the current trend of slipping out of your gown and into a slinky little number at the end of the night. These short dresses look perfectly comfortable and flattering for a fun exit.

Images Courtesy March 2011 issue of Brides Magazine

Drinks, Dancing & Dessert Part 2

Some time ago, I mentioned that Marc & I were considered having an after-dinner party for our wedding. As for the menu? We're thinking a variety of unique, delectable treats & plenty to sip on as well. While surfing around the blogosphere I came across a few ideas which were out of the box and simply adorable. I wouldn't do all of these at once, but one or two may make for a delightful surprise.

S'Mores- Courtesy Love & Lavender

Cake Pops- Courtesy The Bride Suite

And just for fun..... 

Oreo Cake- Courtesy Bride & Beyond

I said "Yes" to the Dress!

Perhaps it was all of that royal inspiration floating around this weekend, but after my Saturday morning mother-daughter coffee session, I told my mom that I had made an appointment for us to visit Ella Blu. I hadn't done too much shopping for dresses until this point, but for some reason, I was in the mood to look around.

I had visited Kara's Bridal and became friends with the fabulous owner, Kara Heist, but I had yet to find that instant attraction to a dress. While, I didn't have any particular expectations for Saturday beyond getting a feel for what Ella Blu had to offer, the wedding-dress fairies obviously had different plans in mind.

I picked out approximately ten dresses to try on. While my mom was pushing for something made of satin, I knew El Paso's the summer heat during an outdoor wedding wouldn't be kind to this gentle fabric.

Ella Blu's owner, Sohpia, opted to show me a dress which had just arrived the night before and which she pronounced as "her favorite dress in the store." Our amazing consultant Laura, quickly added it to the collection of dresses I had been putting aside.

When my mother and I entered the dressing room, I knew we were in for some work. Getting in and out of those things is no easy task and poor Laura must have biceps of steel to be lifting and tying those gorgeous gowns all day.

When asked which dress I would like to try on first, I had no particular preference. None of them had caught my eye in their sheer covers and I couldn't really tell what they looked like yet. Because of my own indecision, I went with Sophia's suggestion.

The dress was made by Martina Liana. It was the first dress I tried on, and it was perfection. 


They always say that when you find the dress, "you just know." I never believed that saying and on Saturday, I was completely humbled by its reality. I tried on the others, but none of them sat so perfectly or matched my own interests like dress #1. I couldn't take my eyes off of it.

I want to avoid saying too much about the dress because of the ever-so-slight possibility that Marc wonders what I am doing typing away on this blog all of the time and decides to take a peek. What I can tell you, however, is the following:

• I wanted strapless dress, but my dress has shoe string straps.
• I wanted a mermaid silhouette, but my dress has a dropped waist. 
• I wanted a little lace, but my dress has zero lace. 
• The dress is made of raw silk and organza. Its dramatic and it is *me* 

My dress was nothing I expected and it was everything more. Overall, though, I can't say enough about the wonderful help I've had in finding a dress both from Kara, Sophia, my friend Sarah & my mom. I can't wait for Marc to see it. <3