Dress Love: Net-A-Porter

I should turn away from this eye candy before I overindulge. Definitely sneak a peak at Net-A-Porter's beautiful wedding boutique. I'm loving the two modern and glamorous dresses featured below. 

My Little Flower Girl

As you may have noticed, I've been in a "dressy" mood lately. In keeping with that trend, I found the most luxurious flower girl dress today. I've included a snapshot of the dress and a photo of my cute little niece, Aubrey, who will be donning it in full fabulosity. She'll be nearly 4 years old, if we marry in May of 2012. The dress, made by Pegeen- Designers of Fine Children's Wear, is peony pink with a bisque silk sash. Its also accented by a Cinderella bow and two trailing roses- so gorgeous. 

Love this little girl!
 Here she is drying her recently painted nails :)
And no, she isn't wearing lip gloss.
She is going to make a beautiful flower girl. 

Obsession: Multicolor Bridesmaids

Lately, I've been seeing bridal parties, such as the one below, in which each girl dons a slightly different shade of the brides color pallet. I'm especially loving these two pictures I saw featured on The Cinderella Project. The combination light frosty colors is so dreamy and each girl is so perfectly complemented by thanks to variety in the straps and cuts of the dresses as well.

I'm not exactly sure as to how/where to find dresses that perfectly complement each other like these, but I'm willing to search. Thoughts?

Images Courtesy The Cinderella Project

Dress Love

I saw this amazing gown by Essence of Australia online and I am stunned by its beauty. Its definitely in the running to be my dress of choice.

Obsession: Fiori The Flower Studio

For some girls its the dress, for others its the location, but for some reason for me, its been all about the flowers.I finally got my chance to visit the delightful Fiori Flower Studio on Saturday.

After months of swooning over his work, I can officially say that I am obsessed with this vendor.

As with my other appointments, the consultation began with a discussion of my vision for the wedding. Of course, my common blog themes such as crystals, lavender, and pewter came up but as I reached for my iPad, to show him exactly what I meant, I found that it had overheated and it would take about fifteen minutes to cool off enough to be able to show him My Wedding Obsessions. In the meantime, we talked about outdoor weddings and the beautiful Pecan Farm Wedding I had seen online. To my excitement, it turned out that he was also the flower vendor for that same lovely ceremony I had written about.

Apart from our conversation, what I liked most about this vendor was his willingness & excitement to design something unique to our wedding. With other flower shops I visited, the fact that I didn't know the exact flowers I loved and that I "was open" to seeing different designs seemed to perplex vendors more than ignite their creative juices. I loved that he called himself a "floral designer" and that he even offered to create samples and modify them until we found the perfect fit.

I'll be seeing him again at the Kiss FM Love Affair & Bridal Expo this weekend, where he just may have some ideas for me to take a look at. In the meantime, I would say that his cottage-like studio nestled next to the Magic Pan on Doniphan is definitely worth a visit.

My Flower Hunt

After much delay, I have finally made an appointment with my dream florists, Fiori Flowers.

We'll see how everything goes in person after meeting/loving them at the Bridal Show in January and drooling over their pretty floral designs featured on their blog in the month since. Here are a few of my latest floral inspirations that I can't wait to share with them.

Color Board- Lavender

So much to do, so little time...

Between working full time at Western Refining, running TSM with Jessica & Farzad, writing for What's Up, working on my MBA and trying to stay in shape, getting to the grind on wedding planning has become extremely difficult. Luckily, though, having sweet friends like, Melissa Armendariz, keeps me excited and focused. She shared this adorable bouquet on my Facebook and I'm in love. Something like this in a blush or lavender color would be amazing.

My Pending To Do List: 

1) Have my engagement ring appraised & insured 

2) Attend "Before You Say I Do" classes at Abundant Living Faith Center March 4, 5 & 6 

3) Select location & schedule engagement photos with Shutterbug Photo

4) Engagement Party: Set a date, draft a guest list, and order the invitations

5) Visit Kara's Bridal- the owner contacted me via Facebook and invited me to come visit her boutique. She seems amazingly helpful and professional. I can't wait to go discuss some wedding details with her. 

Valentine's Day 2011

Ever since meeting Marc, I've grown to love Valentine's Day more than my birthday and Christmas combined. For two years in a row he's given me not just a Valentine's day, but a Valentine's Week. For seven days leading up to the typical celebration, I received flowers, chocolate and even fun things like workout clothes and a box of candy hearts consisting of only pink & purple hearts (my favorite flavors) which he picked out from all other boxes. Definitely looking forward to a lifetime of being sweetly spoiled. ;)

Photo by Italian Wedding Photographer Cinzia Bruschini 

Hair

I saw this wedding hairstyle on Style Me Pretty and I couldn't help myself. I find it so whimsical and pretty. I love how the braid gently rests on the nape of the neck and I also love how the style looks so effortless.

Dress Love: Anthropologie Wedding Collection

For me to wear? Perhaps not
Regardless, I couldn't help but share this pretty eye candy.

Photos Courtesy Glamour Magazine 

Obsession: Grey Tux

While normally I say that I am definitely planning to incorporate my latest obsession into my wedding planning, this time I've officially reached one inspiration point that I have no control over... the tuxes.

Lately, I've seen a lot of grooms & groomsmen donning grey suits. The cool tone of a neutral suit can be a really complementary touch to a wedding gown and I also love the way that a colored boutineer provides a clean and eye-catching accent. At the end of the day, however, the tuxes are 100% up to Marc. Maybe this sweet little inspiration board I made will help sway his opinion though ;)

Hanger Update #2

As I previously mentioned, I was finally able to locate the custom wedding dress hanger that I fell in love with early in my planning. While the site noted that the product was sold out, the seller wrote me an e-mail to  let me know how I could score the little touch that I can't live without. Look below for a copy of her note to me, and if you are interested in purchasing one of these hangers as well, visit her shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilafrances

SUBJECT: Custom Wedding Hanger

Hello Amy,

Thank you for your interest. This week's supply of The Original Silver Lingerie, Wedding Dress Hanger has SOLD OUT. The hangers will be made available again each Monday at 10 a.m CST on a first come, first serve basis. Just a friendly reminder that there is an 8 to 10 week wait from the time the items are purchased until they are completed and shipped, so please plan accordingly as we are unable to take pre or rush orders.

Thank you!

All the best,

Anna

Ring Pillows

Today, I found the most adorable wedding shop on Etsy. The seller goes by the name 'Woomi' and she specializes in Handmade accessories, wedding garters and ring pillows. After looking at pretty much everything she has to offer, I have to admit that I've fallen in love with her collection of uniquely beautiful ring pillows. I've made the decision to order one, but I just don't know which one to choose. Here are the few that I have narrowed it down to... 

To see the complete collection, visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/woomi. 

  

 

     

Shutterbug Photo

Of all the things I am undecided about regarding our wedding, there is one thing I'm sure of. Janelle Ayala, owner of Shutterbug Photo El Paso, will be the one taking our engagement pictures and capturing our wedding moments and I couldn't be more excited. 

I met Janelle, and was instantly amazed by her work, when we hired her as our Staff Photographer for The Stanton Magazine. I'm a regular visitor to her blog http://littleshutterbug.tumblr.com/, and I anxiously await her new work product every month.

Now for the scary part.

None of the pictures below feature bridal portraits because.... I am going to be Janelle's very first bride. While some would be worried, I am thrilled. She's one of the most talented photographers in El Paso & she's also the one that everyone else is looking out for. I can't wait to help her launch a new venture photographing weddings. Marc and I feel so lucky to be in such good hands.

Below you can see a few of my favorite shots by Janelle that I feel really capture her range & her ability to save the most perfect moments for later. The only thing we're going to need now is an assistant photographer who can compare...

Obsession: Sparklers

I love this small detail yet amazing twist on the Bride & Groom's final exit. So romantic & beautiful.

Image Courtesy Sparklers Online

Guy Friendly

I keep hearing about the idea of having a "groom's cave" at weddings. General idea is whisky & cigars but some that I have heard of even include XBox- that last detail may be a little much for me...

I do love the idea, though, of having an area for the guys to hang out for a few. I especially liked the cigar bar set up pictured below. When I showed the picture to Marc, however, he warned me that cigars would smell too strong for the other guests unless we definitely have an outside reception. Good thing thats what we're leaning towards... I'm still undecided but maybe thats because I won't be having any. We'll have to wait & see but I'm still liking the thought.

Spanish Bridal Fashion + Mexican Pastels

Yesterday, my amazingly stylish friend/ fashion blogger Jessica Escalante pointed me towards a sight called Green Wedding Shoes. She then showed me one of the most gorgeous wedding themes I've ever seen. While this may not be exactly what I'm going for with my wedding, I couldn't help but share this delicious eye candy! I tried to choose a few of my favorite photos that captured the essence of this theme. I"m particularly loving the generous use of succulents and that gorgeous wedding dress. If anything, I'm thinking of using this as an inspiration board for our engagement party details to follow soon....

Click here to see the rest of this amazing photoshoot. But more importantly, check out Jessica's "daily account of style & inspiration" on her fashion blog, J.Luxe because this little gem is only a peak at her fabulous taste.

Obsession: Champagne Bar

While some may opt for signature cocktails or an open bar, I'm yearning for an open *champagne* bar at our wedding. The ultimate celebratory drink for my biggest celebration, marrying the guy of my dreams.

Hanger Update

Thanks to two friends of mine, Cassie Bloss & Liz Sergel, I found out where I can track down one of those custom bridal hangers that I mentioned I love. It turns out that one of our sorority sisters, Emmelie Pickett,  had one made for her wedding. Here's a picture of hers, it reads Russ <3 Emme - so precious.

There's only one slight hiccup to this good news- the hangers are sold out! I've e-mailed the seller though to see when they'll be available & I'll keep you posted as per her response. Here's the link in case you are interested: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilafrances

P.S. Thanks Girls!

Russ & Emmelie Pickett

Just for Fun

Just thought I would share this... too cute & funny.

Image courtesy StyleMePretty

Color Board- Pewter

Pewter- A soft dark grey with a dull finish.

Obsession: Cupcakes

One dessert that we'll definitely be serving up at our reception is cupcakes. Marc has asked for red velvet flavor and I'm hoping to accent each one of these with a little sugar diamond on top. Apart from the fact that cupcakes are 'in' right now, I also think that they add a personal touch to the occasion. Don't worry we'll still have other surprises in store for our bride & groom's cakes....