Be Mine; A Valentine's Day Inspired Engagement Shoot by Tiffany Wayne Photography

Today's engagement shoot is just as sweet as can be.  From the way this adorable couple looks at each other (smitten) to the candy hearts they are carrying, to the cocoa they are sharing it is pure lovey dovey goodness.  Photographed by the fabulous Tiffany Wayne Photography, it is the perfect way to kick off the 2 week countdown to Valentine's Day!

The adorable couple Caroline & Kyle traveled up to Saratoga Springs, NY from Georgia for a few days of wedding planning excitement and braved the cold weather to get some of these amazing winter engagement photos.  Thankfully they did have a little warm up with these cups of cocoa...

They are just too cute, no?   & I just love these classic winter street scenes!

They did move inside to the beautiful Gideon Putnam Hotel to warm up and grab some more formal shots.  I love how you can just feel how happy these two are together - look at that smile, and that laugh!

and this one just might be my favorite, a spectacular display of l-o-v-e!

A huge thank you to Tiffany for submitting the photos and CONGRATULATIONS to the sweet couple!

Photographer:  Tiffany Wayne Photography * Event Planner:  Katie O' Weddings & Events

 Venue:  Gideon Putnam Hotel * Makeup Artist:  True Grace MakeUp

Sunday Bouquet: Green & White Rustic Chic Bouquet

I just adore this bouquet by Blushing Blooms pretty, soft, and full of texture - it is a beauty!

and this lovely comes with a bit of background from Sally, its talented creator;  "For a vintage, shabby chic, romantic style wedding I think this is divine. The flowers are a mix of lime green helleborus, brazillia berries, green-centred ranunculus and white roses with dusty miller folliage.  The natural stems are bound in cream duchess satin and the embellishment is a deco style buckle with soft blue hues."  Pure gorgeousness!

Friday Fun; Our First Dance featured in Brides Connecticut

Here's a little something fun for your Friday - Dan & I were asked to be included in an article in Brides Connecticut magazine talking about our first dance song!  This was a no brainer; we had basically had it picked out from the first moment we heard it back in 2005 (waaaay before the twinkle of a diamond was anywhere in sight).  In case I haven't mentioned it before, our song was Jack Johnson's Better Together, a simple and sweet love song, it is just perfect for us. 

images: Orchard Cove Photography, Michael Maler Photography, Anna Sawin Photography

While I wish I could say we were that couple on the left with those fancy ballroom dance moves alas, we are not. We are the couple all the way over to the right.  Initially we had full intentions of doing a choreographed first dance and even took a few lessons, but somehow it just didn't feel right - it just wasn't us.  So, we abandoned the idea and instead enjoyed a slow rocking dance move (a la prom style) smiling giddily at each other throughout the entire 3 and a half minutes.  True & Utter Bliss. 

Happy Friday!

Finding Inspiration: A Grapevine Gazebo in Elizabeth Park Hartford, CT

Inspiration truly is all around... like in this amazing grapevine structure found in Elizabeth Park in Hartford, CT.  What a unique background for an inspiration shoot, or for some wedding portraits like these beauties below from Victoria Souza.

Note to self... must plan a trip there in the spring; who's with me???

Thursday Purseday: Sparkle meets Utility, the sequin tote bag

Today's Thursday purseday is cute, handy, and SO AFFORDABLE.  At $14.50 a piece I might just have to scoop up one of these for every sparkly girl I know!

oldnavy

For some more #ThursdayPurseday love go visit my fellow bag loving friends: Niche White Bridal Loft, Enchanted Dream Weddings & Affairs, Realistic Wedding, The Charity Wedding, PeachBride,  The Demoiselle, Postcards & Pretties, Brancoprata, Swatchbook Weddings and Meant to be Sent.

A Vintage Wedding at Cedar Lake Farm by Evoke Images

Todays wedding might just be one of the coolest vintage eclectic rustic farm weddings at one of the most AHmazing venues I've ever seen, Cedar Lake Farm.  A farm/winery/event space this venue has a barn, a stage, and outdoor dance space all in one this place is like no other - Missouri Brides take note!  Designed by Proposing Dreams Weddings & Events and brought to life through the lens of Maranda Lambrich of Evoke Images, Jessica & Jesse's wedding is just inspirationally cool and they are just as cute as can be.  (yes, I did just make up that word) 

Isn't that barn shot the best kissing picture ever!  

And as if it couldn't get any better add a vintage car into the mix!!!

I just love that shot when Jessica is about to walk down the aisle...

and the lighting is just the icing on the cake!

Aren't they so cute?  Oh happy love!

Photographer:  Evoke Images * Event Planner:  Proposing Dreams Weddings & Events
Venue:  Cedar Lake Farm * DJ:  Rock Star DJs * Officiant:  Your Ceremony, Your Way! LLC

Soft & Pretty: Rustic Chic Looks for your Bridesmaids Dresses from Dessy Group, J. Crew, and Shop Ruche

Bridesmaids dresses; oh where do I begin? So many beautiful options out there perfect for mixing matching and finding your style, I love every bit of bridesmaid styling!  Being that I am already so sick of winter (8 weeks until Springtime!) I have soft, floating, flirty, romantic spring dresses on the brain.  I'm thinking blush, beige, grey, and pretty floral prints in gauzy chiffon and silks... perfect for a Rustic Chic spring wedding!

As in these lovelies from the Dessy Group...

and these pretties from the Ann Taylor wedding collection

(and in the shade of "light coral" nonetheless - how lovely is that - I feel a color trend coming on...)

or what about these - so well priced, these vintage inspired dresses from Ruche make an adorable & simple bridesmaid dress alternative!

Wouldn't they be fantastic for a bridal shower as well???

and I think it goes without saying how much I love the J.Crew bridal line...

Spring & Summer brides have you picked out your dresses yet?  What are your girls wearing this year?

p.s. wouldn't some floral accessories go splendidly with these looks???

A Sweet Vintage Bicycle Engagement Shoot in by LeeAnn Marie Photography

Nothing sweeter than a couple in love to start out your Monday morning... and this couple, Liza & Eric, are especially adorably in l-o-v-e! Sure to perk up your day LeeAnn Marie Photography beautifully captured these two lovebirds on an evening stroll complete with a vintage bicycle. 

How great is that ring shot?!

& this vintage green bicycle is the cutest!

LOVE that look of complete & utter happiness on her face!

LeeAnnMariePhotography

adore, Adore, ADORABLE!  Happy love to this happy couple!

Sunday Bouquet: Miniature Daisies, Billy Buttons, & Roses

Charming, whimsical, fresh, & fun today's sunday bouquet incorporates one of my favorite flowers - the simple daisy.  Love it!!

inspired bride

Floral Inspiration: Bridal Accessories

Oh what a happy day Friday is!  Hard to think of what might make it even better... but how about adding some pretty floral inspiration?  And not in the way of live flowers, but fabric floral accents!  I love what a soft girly feeling a good fabric flower brings, and I love even more that these are things you can easily use after the wedding!  You may not wear the veil again, but remove the flower and pin that floral broach on your cardigan or fabric tote bag, or slip that bloom into your hair on date night. 

and because I love them so much I couldn't help myself when hunting around on Anthropologie and found these pretty fabric blooms that you can get your hands on right now!  

Loving the beautiful blossoms by Emersonmade for Anthropologie & those absolutely adorable floral post earrings!

Happy Friday & Happy Shopping!

Beautiful Blooms; A Wine Bottle Vase

I see it asked time and time again, how do you use a wine bottle for a vase with the neck being so thin?  Here's how: with one single big beautiful bloom!

With a statement flower like that you won't even notice that it's just one!  All of this gorgeousness found at Events by Mary & Gabrielle

Thursday Purseday: Cupcakes & Cashmere for Coach

I just love this bag.  Maybe because it's the perfect size, maybe because its the perfect shade of blush pink, or maybe because I can't get it (isn't that always the case!).  Either way, I just love to look at this gorgeous Cupcakes & Cashmere limited edition Coach bag & I know you will too!

& here with its creator; Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere

Are any of you lucky enough to own this glorious bag?

For some more #ThursdayPurseday love go visit my fellow bag loving friends: Niche White Bridal Loft, Enchanted Dream Weddings & Affairs, Realistic Wedding, The Charity Wedding, PeachBride,  The Demoiselle, Postcards & Pretties, Brancoprata, Swatchbook Weddings and Meant to be Sent.

A Natural Chic Saltwater Farm Vineyard Wedding by Justin & Mary

Today's wedding by Justin & Mary is near and dear to me for a special reason - it was held at Saltwater Farm Vineyard (the same place my reception was!) Designed by the bride & groom themselves; this wedding is the epitome of clean, earthy, chic goodness.  Add to that so many wonderful meaningful handmade details and a drop dead gorgeous couple, Esther & JC, and you have one heck of beautiful day.

A sparkling fall day, a positively glowing couple, and homemade detail #1 - the bride's dress!! The groom's aunt hand-sewed Esther's gorgeous gown; now that is an instant family heirloom.

Homemade detail #2 -  JC brewed all of the beer featured at the wedding. He even made customized crates for his company, Trillium Brewing and created labels for each kind of beer he brewed.  Stonington Pale Ale - yes please!

Homemade detail #3 - JC's relatives also made these fantastic tree stump cake stands - total and utter rustic perfection!

::sigh:: doesn't it make you wish you were there?  A huge congratulations to JC & Esther (who were one of the first weddings at Saltwater Farm Vineyard!) and thank you to Justin & Mary for sharing all of these wonderful captured moments from their big day!

Photographer:  Justin & Mary * Caterer:  Gourmet Galley Catering 

Floral Designer:  It's So Ranunculus * Reception Venue:  Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Cake by Toria Dolce

Love on Horseback: A Rustic Engagement Shoot by Alicia Dickerson Photography

I love weddings.  I think that's pretty obvious.  But why do I love weddings so much?  Because I love LOVE.  Nothing makes me happier than looking at beautiful photos of people who are radiating with joy because they are so utterly and completely in love - it is like giving your heart a hug.  And this gorgeous engagement shoot by Alicia Dickerson Photography completely gives me that feeling; and then some. 

A few months back I received an email from Kim, the beautiful bride to be.  A devout lover of all things rustic chic, her email exuded warmth, happiness, and enthusiasm over her upcoming nuptials - I believe the exact words she used describing the excitement over her recent engagement were "insert party horns & confetti here" (how much do you love that?!)  Though we have not met in person through our correspondence I can tell what a beautiful, lovely, sweet person she is, and my heart is so happy for her.

And this isn't just another pretty photoshoot in a barn...  the handsome groom is a cowboy and the pair are avid riders.  Their engagement photos were taken at the barn where they keep their horses, and the horse that the couple is riding bareback, Maverick, is their wild horse who has now been tamed.

So how did this love come to be?  Kim first spotted Matt on the 4th of July at a rodeo in St. Paul, Oregon. He was very shy when she approached him, but for the next year he couldn't get her out of his head.  When they ran into each other again at the same rodeo a year later, he seized the opportunity to get to know her. The rest is now history, or as I'd call it - true love's fate!

The couple is planning a rustic, yet elegant,  western/bohemian chic outdoor wedding in a horse pasture this September.  No doubt it will be positively beautiful!

Kim, there is no doubt that you will be a stunning bride. Thank you and Alicia so much for sharing these gorgeous photos!  I hope you continue to enjoy every moment of this fantastic time!

Gorgeous Wedding Hair (and bridal bouquet!)

If you are considering wearing it down this may be the most perfect hair style for your rustic chic wedding day!  (& that bouquet with blush roses & silver brunia, & succulents - swwoooon)

greylikesweddings

Wedding Registry Made Easy - Introducing Registry Stop!

Being engaged is such an exciting time!  Having been there recently myself I know full well how much you have going on in the months leading up to your big day - and how quickly time seems to go by!  Without listing the hundreds of new items that have now been added to your usual to-do list; it is safe to say that things can get slightly overwhelming at times (but don't worry - it will be well worth it).

 via

Newly betrothed, you are probably finding yourself being (nicely) bombarded with a slew of questions from your equally excited friends & family. Once you get past the first three big questions 1) did you pick a date?  2) where? 3) did you find your dress?) the fourth is usually: Have you registered yet?  While the other 3 may take a while to figure out (and possibly cause a bit of stress) registering should 100% NOT be a stressful wedding project.  Come on - this is the one time in your life you get to pick out your own gifts and tell people exactly what you want!  But what if those items you want come from more than 2 or 3 different stores (the usual number of places a couple registers)?  Before, this would have posed a problem, and sacrifices would have been made, but now there is a solution - Registry Stop. 

Using the Registry Stop lets you to focus on registering for your favorite items - the ones you really want - not confining you to choose items based on the store they come from, and making registering fun again.  A free tool which lets you combine multiple registries and manage them all from one convenient place, Registry Stop also gives your guests the flexibility to shop for you by item, not by store.  Love that Kitchen Aid mixer at Macy's but your guest finds it at Target for less? Registry Stop updates your master registry list to save you from a case of duplicate gift syndrome.  Find something new while shopping in-store at Crate & Barrel you want to add to your existing registry?  With the new I-phone App you can add it to your list in a matter of seconds (instead of waiting for a registry specialist or forgetting to add it online when you get home). 

Supporting retailers including Macys, Crate & Barrel, Target, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and now Bed, Bath, & Beyond - I'd say Registry Stop has got you covered!  (How I wish this was around when I was registering a year ago!) For more details on how Registry Stop works visit the website and sign up (for free!) to simplify your wedding registry experience!

Sunday Bouquet: A Winter Rustic Chic Wedding Bouquet

Not exactly a bouquet per se, but so, so pretty!

via pinterest via Snippet&Ink

My kind of wear it again; a Wedding Dress on a Farm

Now this is my kind of wear it again session, a little bit rustic and a lotta bit chic.  All dolled up in her gorgeous lace & beaded dress, this beautiful bride Aminata truly got to rock her dress all throughout the fields of this farm... Marisa Taylor Photography * Hair by Belle Soeur Styles * Bouquet by Wilhides Florist