Glamour and Grace

We've Moved!!

2011-03-07T00:23:00.002-05:00

Glamour and Grace has moved to a shiny new space!

Photo Fridays

2011-03-04T09:59:00.000-05:00

Did you say you wanted to see a gorgeous vintage styled shoot on a historic train? Well, you are in luck, because I happen to have a stunning 40's styled engagement shoot on a vintage train in NYC. This beauty is the product of the amazing photo team at Photomuse and the killer styling skills of Jacqueline from Merci New York (a must read blog if it isn't already on your list!)

The big redesign launch is on Monday!!

Glamour and Grace is getting a major facelift and moving to a shiny new home!

You won't want to miss one minute of next week because it is packed FULL of amazing giveaways

and general gorgeousness! I cannot wait to share it all with you!

Cheers to a fabulous weekend!

Bridal Session

2011-03-03T07:04:00.001-05:00

Savannah holds a special place in my heart. I went to school there at SCAD and fell in love with the city. So when Nicole sent me her bridal portraits, taken by fellow SCAD grad Anna Driver-Bishop, I knew I just had to share! Plus, Nicole is so beautiful and glowing in these photos, its hard not to be charmed!

Don't forget you only have until the end of the day tomorrow

to enter to win $150 from Williams-Sonoma!

Steal Worthy Idea

2011-03-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

Can't think of something to do for your cake table? Why not cover it in a blanket of flowers? It is modern here, but can also be done very romantic and vintage. Plus, it really helps the cake stand out and shine! Love this idea!

[ Style Me Pretty ]

P.S.- Like the new Steal This border? Its a little preview of the sweet yet modern new redesign

coming your way next week!

Real Wedding: Jandee and Shane

2011-03-01T10:38:00.001-05:00

If you don't love anything else about this wedding, you will fall in love with the venue! It is a tree filled overlook in the mountains and could not be more gorgeous! When you throw in a stunning bride and a vibrant bouquet, this wedding had amazing written all over it. The lovely photos come from Jason G.

Here are so details from the bride Jandee:
We wanted the wedding to be more of a weekend event rather than just one day. For most of our guests this was a destination wedding, so we wanted to have it somewhere that would provide a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of rooms. A colleague suggested Rockledge Country Inn and we were immediately attracted to its charming atmosphere and beautiful Colorado craftsmanship. We were able to rent out the entire house for the wedding party and rented Onaledge, which is another home the B&B owners have, for family. They were within 20 feet of each other so it was very easy for everyone to be together for the long weekend.

We made our own wine for the wedding at D'Vine wine in Manitou Springs. The whole process was so fun and interesting. They really took the time to explain why we were doing what throughout the couple of months that it took to make. We ended up renting the space out for our rehearsal dinner. Everyone loved being able to see where we took the time to make the wine at.

Seeing the whole thing come together was a lot of fun. If I had to pick my favorite it would have to be the first dance. Shane and I spent months and a lot of money taking dance lessons to prepare. We had this whole routine, which once we got out there, went out the window! We ended up just doing our own thing and it was perfect.

Photographer | Jason G

Venue | Rockledge Inn

Event Designer | Sapphire Celebrations

Hair | Girls and Curls

Don't forget to enter for you chance to win $150 from Williams-Sonoma!

Photo Fridays

2011-02-25T11:45:00.005-05:00

If something is French inspired, black and white, and filled with peonies, I'm pretty much guaranteed to swoon. So when Kristen Steele sent this lovely inspiration shoot over, I got giddy with excitement! It's all those good things I love and more! My favorite detail? The adorable bow tied place settings, just too cute and chic for me to handle!

I've got a really AMAZING giveaway coming at you on Monday!

You really won't want to miss it!! Have a lovely weekend!

Real Wedding: Michelle and Bill

2011-02-24T10:38:00.004-05:00

Today's wedding is a true example of a beautiful family affair. Family members were able to pitch in to help with food and music. Her mother's watercolor was the invitation art. This wedding was all about everyone coming together to have a great time. The couple even kept it fun for the kids with pizza and glow sticks. And if you want a beautiful wedding, it doesn't hurt having a few darling flower girls either. The lovely photos come from the one and only Melissa McFadden.

From the sweet bride Michelle:
The most important things were for people to come over to Walla Walla because it was a destination for all of our friends so we planned the gold day we hired a bus and we choose our favorite wineries. We planned every detail of our wedding most of the supplies were off Craig's List our biggest things were the ambiance and we really wanted people to stay and dance!

Some special things about our wedding were my dad played the violin during the procession and in the ceremony. My mother's watercolor painting was featured on our wedding invitations, so many details went in to make this our day and very customized. We took dance lessons at Arthur Murray and learned to Salsa so I changed dresses to a BCBG so everyone could see our moves. We choose By Your Side by Sade. It was amazing and we love everything about it!

My father and god father made some of the food we served and I spent months making the tissue pompom balls that were hung in all the trees. My husband knows I love twinkle lights so we spent the week before hanging them along wire and around all the trees checking them daily to make sure nothing went out. The last couple things I made were the letter "H" on the table for gifts and cards covered in moss, the Mad Libs guest book we asked people to fill out and the baggies with labels for our candy bar.

My favorite part of our wedding day, we actually broke all the traditional rules and spend the night before the wedding together at a B&B (Abeja winery) and in the morning we got up relaxed and ate the amazing breakfast they provided outside so we had time together on "our" big day. Best thing we did!

Inspiration Board: A Little Bit Country

2011-02-23T07:18:00.000-05:00

This week I'm feeling a little bit country. You can still have a down home feel without getting too cliche with the country feel. I love this old wagon wheel as an escort card holder. It is a lovely and unexpected detail. This lush bouquet is rustic chic perfection. Some simple white streamers add a lot of charm with very little work. And for the first time ever on Glamour and Grace, a pair of cowboy boots are just what this rustic bride needs! They are comfy and great for getting out in a field for some gorgeous photos.

[ Credits ]

Top: Once Wed, Once Wed, Ruffled, Piperlime

Bottom: Once Wed, Minted, Green Wedding Shoes, Watters

Real Wedding: Julie and Sergey

2011-02-22T09:45:00.000-05:00

Today I've got a simple vineyard wedding that is oh so sweet. This couple is so in love, you can't help but smile when you see them together. Plus it's shot by one of my favorite photography duos, Justin & Mary, so what's not to love?

The lovely Julie shares:
First of all, our wedding day was amazing. Our photographers - We absolutely love Justin and Mary's style, so we knew that we wanted them to shoot our wedding as soon as we got engaged. In fact, while planning the wedding we used their blog for inspiration.

We had the ceremony outdoors in a vineyard so the main color was green, but we added white accents (the chairs, columns, and flowers), as well as some navy blue (the ribbons on the flower baskets) since that was our main wedding color. I didn't want an arch, so we worked with our florist to come up with beautiful but cost-effective displays that wouldn't take away from the natural beauty of the vineyard.

The ceremony was beautiful, and we feel like the pictures literally got every angle and every detail we could have wished for. Justin was taking pictures from relatively close-up, while Mary and Alison were taking them from further away. As soon as the ceremony ended, Justin & Mary "whisked" us away for a few "just married" pictures - and those are definitely some of our favorite ones! We headed down to the wine cellar for a few pics and then took our family and formal pictures. Then everyone went and had a good time at the reception. Overall, I don't think there is anything that we would have done differently!

For the reception, our vendors really did most of the work. We worked with the florist to come up with centerpieces that we liked, had our food tasting with the restaurant, and then had (several!) wine tastings to figure out what wines we wanted served at the reception. Rhea at the Ginny Lee Cafe made sure that the tables were laid out exactly how we wanted, and everything went according to plan.

The best part I think is that since we chose to get married at a vineyard, we get to go back there as often as we'd like. We were actually there this past weekend, we both stood quietly and looked over the (now snow covered) grape vines and recollected our wedding day six months ago.

Etsy Find of the Week: Ampersandity & Verde Studio

2011-02-21T07:07:00.000-05:00

This week I wanted to share my favorite Etsy Finds that will help make your invitations a little more lovely. Worried about addressing your envelopes? I'm in love with Ampersandity's calligraphy return address stamps. A simple and chic was to get an elegant look without having to have them all hand written by a calligrapher. Bonus: you can use it well after the wedding to keep up with your stylish letter giving.

A favorite trend of mine in the invitation world is using vintage stamps! It is such a great way to add a little personality to your outer envelop. A great shop to pick these up at is Verde Studio. I love them because they coordinate their stamps into sets, matching colors and themes to make it much easier to find what you are looking for.

I hope you love these ways to help make your stationary a little sweeter as much as I do!

Check back tomorrow for a lovely vineyard wedding!

Photo Fridays

2011-02-18T06:46:00.000-05:00

Today I'm loving this woodsy yet edgy engagement shoot from the awesome team at Adam and Imthiaz Photography. This couple is modern and fun, but they are contrasted with this vibrant yellow forest backdrop. Creating contrasts is a unique and easy way to set your engagement shoot apart with little need for props.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Look forward to a sweet vineyard wedding and a vintage French inspired shoot coming your way next week!

Inspiration Board: Crisp Spring Blues

2011-02-17T10:48:00.000-05:00

Today I was feeling the blues, but in a fresh country chic kind of way. It just feels so crisp and the perfect compliment to a Spring day. I was inspired by this simple and stunning tulip bouquet with the sweet striped ribbon. Some charming print fans help tame the heat and make cute programs too. Burlap and lace are musts for any rustic chic wedding. I love these quick chair covers and dainty lace detailing on the vases. Both are easy DIY ideas. You all know how I love a bow tied groom. This one looks so dapper with his patterned tie and flower boutonniere. And of course I have fallen in love with yet another J. Crew gown. This beauty is so modern and elegant and perfection paired with these killer heals.

[ Credits ]

Top: Love and Lavender, Ellen Silverman, Once Wed, Green Wedding Shoes, Piperlime

Bottom: Once Wed, Green Wedding Shoes, Once Wed, J. Crew

Real Wedding: Katie and Luke

2011-02-16T07:04:00.001-05:00

You know when you get a wedding from The Schultzes, its going to be good! And boy, this one does not disappoint. It doesn't get much better than a sweet winter wedding filled with romantic purples and dreamy snowscapes. Even with unexpected snow storm that had this couple searching for a new officiant the day before, Katie and Luke had a gorgeous day with wonderful memories.

Here are some details from the lovely Katie:
Our wedding was January 30th at the Fearrington House in Pittsboro, North Carolina. We were married in their garden terrace, a beautiful enclosed space with a large stone fireplace, and had our reception in the on-site barn. When we chose January 30th as our wedding day, snow was honestly not a serious consideration in our minds. We live in North Carolina, and significant snowstorms are a rare event. As our luck would have it, the snow began failing heavily during our rehearsal dinner the night before. By morning, we had a lovely, deep blanket.

When we were planning our wedding, we knew location and photography were two of our top priorities. We couldn’t have been happier with the Fearrington House. Their event planning staff took care of a lot of the logistics, and gave us real peace of mind throughout the process. Needless to say, The Schultzes were wonderful photographers. Like all of our vendors, they took the weather in stride and made sure we had incredible memories of our day.

I stayed by myself at my house the night before our wedding, so I began the day digging my car out from under the snow. That is a memory I won’t soon forget! Because North Carolina does not often get that kind of weather, some of our out-of-town guests were not able to attend. While we missed their presence, the smaller-than anticipated guest list created an intimate atmosphere that actually turned into an amazing day. We really focused on the essential elements of the day: we were there, we had someone to marry us (we had to find a new officiant the day before because ours got stuck in Tennessee on the front end of the snowstorm), and we were surrounded by loved ones.

This last shot is so stunning!

Photography | The Schultzes
Venue | Fearrington Village
Band | The Brothership
Make-Up | Make-Up Art by Jenny

Thanks so much for sharing your sweet day with us Katie and Luke!

And many thanks to The Schultzes for sending this beauty our way!

Trend We Love

2011-02-15T10:43:00.000-05:00

Nothing takes a wedding from drab to fab like gold. A little bit of gold leafing can go a long way. Consider using it on something ordinary to up the chic level. Using fruits in wedding decor, like pears, pomegranates and pumpkins, has become pretty popular. Make yours unique and unexpected by using gold leaf. A simple buttercream cake gets a glam makeover with some edible gold paint. And you can easily DIY gold mercury glass by adding in a little gold leaf. It is a simple and chic update that will add loads of style without loads of effort.

[ Forget Me Knot Weddings ]

[ Style Me Pretty ]

Etsy Find of the Week: Sweet Lydia's

2011-02-14T09:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! In honor of this day of love, I thought I'd share something sweet for this week's Etsy Find. Enter Sweet Lydia's and her delicious gourmet s'mores. These aren't just any old campfire s'mores. With tasty flavors like carmel, peanut butter, and raspberry, these are a chic version of the comfort food classic. They would be such a cute and unexpected favor at any wedding. The perfect late night treat for your guests to take home. Cause who wouldn't love to end the night with a gooey gourmet s'more?

I hope you and your Valentine have the sweetest of days today!

Photo Fridays

2011-02-11T10:49:00.003-05:00

Warning: this shoot is going to blow you away with romantic gorgeousness! Seriously, these bridal portraits are too lovely for words. I mean, the bride is crazy beautiful, the light is glowing, and these images taken by Becca of The Studio B are phenomenal! Plus it was styled by the talented Lovelee Affairs. I had the hardest time editing these down just to show you. And did I mention there is a horse? Yeah, best shoot ever!

Are you all swooning like me? I hope this gets you in a sweet romantic mood for Valentine's Day on Monday!

Hope you all have a love filled weekend!

Inspiration Board: Sweet Valentine

2011-02-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so I thought I'd create some Sweet Valentine inspiration for you. You can do a Valentine's wedding, without it being overly Valentine-ish. I love this more subtle and charming take on the day of love. Some simple red flowers and delicious treats will do the trick. I am in love with this darling ruffle cake! Add in these heart shaped cookies and silhouette sugar cubes, and everyone is in for a sweet treat. This polka dot bow tie is a must for any Valentine's groom. For the gown, abandon the wedding dress white for this blush tone stunner. This beauty is so fabulous, I don't think anyone would blame you!

[ Credits ]

Top: Green Wedding Shoes, 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty, Kate Spade

Bottom: Ruffled, Once Wed, Wedding Chicks, Elie Saab

Engagement: Priyanka & Sachin

2011-02-09T07:04:00.000-05:00

So I am pretty much obsessed with this engagement shoot location! Something about the neatly organized repetition of lamp posts just appeals to the design side of me. Apparently it is in LA, which means I must now go visit. It is a fun and unique location that doesn't need any props or themes, and has never looked better than through the lens of Matei Horvath. This gorgeous and adorable couple also snapped a few shots by the pier. Am I the only one loving how the pier posts mimic the lamp posts from the other venue? Yes, my artistic design side is very pleased with this shoot, very pleased indeed!

Real Wedding: Ariane and Ethan

2011-02-08T10:38:00.002-05:00

There is something so lovely about a DIY backyard wedding. Today's is chock full of sweet rustic charm and darling details. The bride, Ariane, summed up planning a small budget wedding perfectly: "Even though our budget was small, I knew I had to pay attention to the details to make the event seem bigger than it was." This is exactly what you should do when planning a budget wedding. Even the smallest of details have a big impact on the overall look and on your guests.

From the lovely Ariane:
Ethan's Aunt and Uncle own a beautiful home in Swampscott, Massachusetts and offered to host the wedding in their backyard as soon as they heard about the engagement. We couldn't resist, since it is such a gorgeous space and the free price fit into our very small budget. Ethan and I had talked a lot about how we wanted the wedding day to go. We were uncomfortable with spending lots of money on just one day and we knew we could make it special in our own way without a large budget. I'm a fairly crafty person and with the help of our talented friends and family, we were able to pull off the perfect vintage, backyard wedding on a tiny budget. The wedding day turned out to be more beautiful than I had imagined.

Our wedding was completely DIY. My mom and I found Martha Stewart printable invitations at Michael's on sale - 100 invitations, envelopes, RSVP cards and envelopes for $20.00. I designed the invitations and hand stamped a design on each one. I also designed, the menus, programs, and save the date cards myself. I made 100 tissue paper pom decorations thanks to a Martha Stewart craft idea, hand painted the table numbers, and hand stamped the tags on the mason jars we used for glasses. Even though our budget was small, I knew I had to pay attention to the details to make the event seem bigger than it was. The last thing I wanted was to make the day seem cheap. Little details make your event special and memorable for everyone. The rest of the decorations were things we found at yard sales or already owned. Making everything myself got stressful at times and we jokingly called the wedding our "huge mistake."

It truly was a family affair. Ethan's brother is a chef and cooked most of the food we served which revolved around a backyard cookout theme. Ethan's mom baked all of our pies and desserts including gluten free and vegan options for our friends with food allergies. We bought flowers at the whole sale flower show in Boston and my friend Rebecca made the flower arrangements using blue mason jars we bought at a vintage store. My mom is an artist and quilter and hand sewed our chuppah, which meant so much to us since the chuppah represents the home the couple is building together.

We had a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony and a not so traditional reception. Our immediate families gathered around the chuppah with us as we said our vows. It was such a joyous occasion and everyone was radiating love. Our fantastic photographer, Lauren Piper, captured all of the wonderful moments of that day. She really caught the mood and the vintage feel of the wedding. We had all of our closest family and friends with us to celebrate as we became husband and wife. It was a perfect day. I think it was so special because we had all worked so hard to make it happen - I know I put in plenty of blood, sweat and tears into the day.

Etsy Find of the Week: Linden Lovebirds

2011-02-07T10:48:00.000-05:00

Having trouble finding the perfect shoe? My new favorite trend in the shoe world is the shoe clip. They take a shoe from plain to fabulous in seconds! I'm loving these adorable options from Linden Lovebirds. Cute, simple, and chic, they are just the thing for a bride looking for that extra bit of shoe charm for her wedding day.

Photo Fridays

2011-02-04T08:54:00.000-05:00

I should warn you, this engagement shoot is pretty rad. With a classic orange Sting Ray and some sweet ring shots, what's not to love? Mad photo props go to Sphynge Photography for the awesome shots!

Hope you all have an amazing weekend! Get ready for next week cause I've got a rustic DIY wedding, a sweet city engagement, and some Valentine's inspiration coming your way!

Inspiration Board: Golden Apple

2011-02-03T07:27:00.001-05:00

Spring will soon be here and I'm inspired by bright golden yellows. I love spring weddings with some sweet rustic charm. Mixing patterns is an easy way to bring in a bit of country chic. A bounty of fresh flowers adds sunny cheer. Serving up a few tasty tarts and pies in lieu of cake is always a delicious option. And I am a huge fan of the vintage key escort cards. It is always sweet and unexpected. I love this cute flower bracelet by Alexis Bittar, its the perfect accessory for a spring wedding.

[ Credits ]

Top: Ellen Silverman, Style Me Pretty, Alexis Bittar, Martha Stewart Weddings

Bottom: Style Me Pretty, Minted, Jenny Yoo, Martha Stewart Weddings

Real Wedding: Alison and Matt [Part 2]

2011-02-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

I just loved Alison and Matt's portraits by Justin & Mary so much, I had to dedicate a separate post to them! They are so simple and sweet, overflowing with love. I'm obsessed with the gorgeous light and her long flowing veil! And can I just say, I really have the most beautiful brides. Alison is simply breathtaking in these shots!

If you missed the wedding, be sure to check out the purple loveliness here

Real Wedding: Alison and Matt [Part 1]

2011-02-02T07:40:00.002-05:00

I have a real weak spot for a sweet and meaningful wedding. The bride, Alison, wore her grandmother's wedding gown that she had been saving just for her. I love when couples take time to honor family to create something really special. It makes the memories just that much sweeter!

This one is so gorgeous, thanks to the super talented Justin & Mary, I had to split it up into two parts. Up first is the wedding, and later today I will show you the amazing portraits. I will let Alison share all the charming details.

From the stunning bride, Alison:
When Matt and I started planning our wedding, we knew we really cared about four things: that the ceremony be meaningful, that the music get people on the dance floor, that the food be good, and that we have great photos to remember it with. Basically we wanted a fun party and we wanted our guests to enjoy themselves as much as we did. And based on everything we hear (and what we see in photos), I would have to say we accomplished that.

I decided quickly that I would wear my Nana’s wedding gown as my “something old.” My mother’s mother, who passed away just a couple of weeks ago (making this that much harder to write), had recently celebrated her and my grandfather’s 65th wedding anniversary when we got engaged, and both Matt and I look to my grandparents as a marriage we would love to emulate – people still very much in love at 90. Nana’s dress had been packed away since 1942 and she offered it to me as soon as I got engaged – said it was “waiting” for me. It should be noted I am not the first of her grandchildren to get married. It was silver and long sleeve – and weighed a ton. We decided I would cut off the sleeves wear this for the ceremony and find something else for the reception because, as explained best by my grandmother: I asked “How do you dance in this thing,” “You don’t, dear.” In order to incorporate the dress further in the wedding, I had the sleeves cut into strips and the girls’ bouquets—including mine—wrapped in them. I also carried down the aisle a Bible that has been passed down in my father's family since the 1800s. Each woman who gets married carries it down the aisle and then signs it. Its amazing to see the generation of women on the pages of that book.

In order to honor Matt’s father, we chose not to have the men wear boutonnieres but instead wear simple white pocket squares, as Matt does every day to the office and as his father did for years while he was alive.

Some of my favorite memories of the day are before anything really got going. My grandmother was able to travel east from Arizona for the wedding and hung out with the girls as we took over a salon in a neighboring town getting our hair and makeup done. It was a truly special time with her; even more special in the last few weeks. The other moments were doing a “first look” with Matt, which gave us a private moment before it all “got going” and let us reflect on what we were entering into.

We found the Inn and Longshore pretty quickly in our planning process—having grown up in Westport, it was one of the few places in the area I knew of that would hold a big group and let us get married outside. After being mildly concerned about how our color scheme of pewter/silver, purple and white (Nana’s dress and a bouquet featured on the front of a magazine gave us our color scheme of silver, purple, and white), was going to look with a gold and ivory room, my mother (who owns a special events marketing company) took over and arranged for the chairs to be covered and new tablecloths, as well as some uplighting around the room to give it more of a glow. She was one helpful mother of the bride! Matt and I were both in awe of how beautifully it all came together with our simple centerpieces of low flowers and high candles.

Coming up in a little bit: the portraits! You will not want to miss a single image, so check back soon!

Steal Worthy Idea

2011-02-01T07:36:00.000-05:00

Here is great way to hit two birds with one stone. You will probably need escort cards to tell people where to go, and you will also probably serve bread. Why not combine the two as a delicious and chic place setting? These loaf name cards are easy to DIY and make a simple and sweet addition to the table. Everyone knows where they are sitting and get a yummy surprise awaiting them too!

[ Once Wed ]

Etsy Find of the Week: Doloris Petunia

2011-01-31T11:33:00.000-05:00

You all know I am a big fan of the statement necklace. But how about the statement cuff? These jaw-dropping designs from Doloris Petunia have me giving a resounding 'Yes, please!' Each piece is handmade with love and can be completely customized in any color or style. They are the perfect extra bit of glam for any bride looking to add some sparkle. Or let your maids join in the glitz and give them each a custom cuff to complete their wedding day look. Either way (or both!), this is one look that is a definite must for 2011 brides!

The designer for Doloris Petunia, Courtney Prince Miller, has many other amazing designs that are wedding musts, including the most stunning flower girl dress I've ever seen! So go check her out!

Photo Fridays

2011-01-28T07:25:00.000-05:00

This charming little engagement shoot comes from the one and only Rachael Grace. Sometimes the best shoots don't need anything more than love. You can tell this couple is just full of it. A brisk winter's day and a warm blanket is really all you need to take some spectacular photos. What makes this shoot even more sweet? Rachael broke out some good old film and a Holga for added fun!

So in love with these Holga shots!

Real Wedding: Rebecca and Owen

2011-01-27T10:43:00.000-05:00

Fall is such a gorgeous time of year in the north, and this wedding pretty much has the perfect autumn wedding venue. The trees are so golden and picturesque! Not only is the place stunning, but this couple is pretty sweet too. They took a lot of thought into making sure their day was as eco-friendly as possible. This couple proves that you can help the earth a little and look fantastic doing it!

From the dapper groom, Owen:
Right from the beginning, we knew that having an environmentally conscious wedding was not just important, but essential. That's why Harrington Farm was the perfect location. They serve local, organic food and get energy from a nearby wind turbine. Our good friend Yvette runs a website dedicated to sustainable design, and she designed all our invitations and Save the Date cards, using recycled paper and the most environmentally friendly inks.

As usually happens, we ended up with more invitations than we needed. So Rebecca took the extras, and cleverly using some glue and an ink stamp, created our place cards! We reduced waste, and as an added bonus everything matched the color scheme.

Once all the important stuff was done, and the day finally arrived, we were finally ready to relax and celebrate. From day one, finding just the right band was at the top of our list. Soul Kitchen was perfect. They were upbeat and fun and kept everyone's feet moving all night long. Developed during many years of Thanksgiving preparations, the Milburys have a tradition of singing Motown into spatulas and cooking spoons. As a welcoming gift into the crazy family, Rebecca was presented with her own engraved spatula, and everyone stood and sang "My Girl" while the band played on. We couldn't have asked for a better ending!

Inspiration Board: Romantic Neutrals

2011-01-26T08:09:00.000-05:00

There is something so beautiful about neutrals. They are clean, crisp, and chic. I love using neutrals in a soft romantic way. Fresh blooms and fruit in antique silver set the mood for elegance. Bring in some vintage wood pieces to add some rustic whimsy. Go for classic with a monogram invite. A gown like this Vera is just too dreamy! Pair it with some lace earrings to complete the look. All together, it creates an event full of sweet romance!

[ Credits ]

Top: Snippet & Ink, Style Me Pretty, Betsy White, Piperlime

Bottom: Style Me Pretty, White Owl, Style Me Pretty, Vera Wang

Real Wedding: Cari and Marty

2011-01-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

There are so many reasons I love today's wedding. First off, it's shot by one of my fave photographers, Ken Kienow, who is amazing. Second, I am dying over the bride's stunning Carolina Herrera gown! Third, her brooch bouquet is probably one of the most gorgeous I've ever seen. And lastly, because of this beautiful moment of when Cari sees her brother, who just got back from Iraq, for the first time. It is so sweet, and truly what great weddings are made of!

From the bride Cari:
We live in Chicago and decided, on a bit of a whim, to get married in California. My dad and I had biked down the coast the year before and I fell in love with the central coast. My husband thankfully let me talk him into it all! And our parents were so gracious to generously help us achieve the idea.

Planning was easier than I ever thought it would be. We planned a weekend trip out to the SLO area about six months before the wedding and I set up one appointment for each prospective vendor. I figured with all the research that I had made great picks. And I was right! Everyone we met with, we hired. The most important things to us while planning was that we felt a sense of trust with our vendors since we were planning from a distance.

We also felt it was important that we have a Catholic ceremony (which my husband's uncle, a deacon, performed); hence we chose the incredible Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. I also really wanted to showcase our surroundings since most of our guests had not been to that area before. So we chose to have the rehearsal dinner at Edna Valley Vineyards and then conclude the celebration with a tented reception at Dolphin Bay, on a seaside cliff, as the sun set. It was truly magical for everyone there.

My favorite parts of the day: Seeing my brother in his dress Army uniform for the first time. Hearing my husband say when I reached him at the end of the aisle to marry him, "Well... that was worth every penny." And an impromptu stop at the Tolosa winery on our way to the reception with just our wedding party and us! We really just laughed so much through it all. THAT was the overall best memory of the day.

Photographer | Ken Kienow

Ceremony | Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Reception | Dolphin Bay

Dress | Carolina Herrera at Ultimate Bride

Bride's Brooch Bouquet | Noaki Jewelry

Florist | Jenny McNiece Flowers

Cake | Cakes by Judy

Hair | Gina Payne

Make Up | Melissa at The Bladerunner

Paper Goods | Randy Payne Designs

DJ | Joe LaBarbera

Lighting | Chris Bailey

Transportation | Elegant Image Limousines

Thanks so much to Ken for sharing these beautiful images!

And congrats to Cari and Marty for a gorgeous wedding!

Etsy Find of the Week: Wendy Jung Ceramics

2011-01-24T09:32:00.000-05:00

Candles are definitely the easiest and cheapest way to add a little romance to the wedding. I am utterly smitten by these adorable tea light holders by Wendy Jung! I can only imagine how gorgeous these would glow in the evening, spread around a reception space. The little holes create rays of light that illuminate the whole area. A definite must if you are looking to add a bit of warmth and romantic glow to any room, whether wedding or home!

Photo Fridays

2011-01-21T11:08:00.001-05:00

Today I'm sharing a fun post wedding shoot by Marisa Taylor. After their retro vegan wedding, Polly and Josh took time for an adorable love shoot. I love this couple's retro style, the hot teal heels, and of course the gorgeous brooch bouquet. And you can't go wrong with a dapper groom in a fedora!

Dress | Dolly Couture
Hair | Belle Soeur Styles

Polly wanted me to give a shout out to her amazing vegan baker, Brunie's Bakery! If you are in the Maryland area and in search of a vegan baker, or any baker, I'm told she is the best!

A Winter Wonderland Engagement

2011-01-20T10:23:00.001-05:00

Maybe its cause I'm from Florida and we never get snow, but snow is so magical and beautiful to me. Now a snowy engagement, that is even more magical! Megan and Matt are a gorgeous couple and these snowy shots are just dreamy. The credit for these amazing photos goes to the talented team at Byron Roe Photography. So grab a warm cup of cocoa and enjoy!

Venue | Sunriver Resort

Inspiration Board: Spring Pinks

2011-01-19T10:43:00.001-05:00

Even though its still winter, I'm ready for fresh and bright Spring! I'm loving this chic combination of pink, burgundy, and green. I got my inspiration from this stunning bouquet. It feels rustic and handpicked, yet so perfectly placed and elegant. For the centerpieces, go with the same natural feel with fresh flowers and artichokes in wooden boxes. Keep the food crisp and light, using seasonal ingredients and local flavors. For the gown, I love this sleek and simple silhouette with just a hint of blush pink. And this love ring is just too sweet not to wear! End the celebration with some bright and fun confetti for a stylish Spring affair.

[ Credits ]

Top: Once Wed, Style Me Pretty, Love and Lavender, Sydney Evan

Bottom: Once Wed, 57 Grand, Elva Fields, Oscar de la Renta

Trend We Love

2011-01-18T08:07:00.000-05:00

A hot new trend I've been noticing this year is moss! Just in time for spring, it is the perfect way to add in some earthy tones to your overall look. There are so many ways to incorporate moss like with this sweet and chic ring bearer pillow. Give your bouquet a boost of texture with some moss orbs. Or create easy DIY centerpieces with moss covered table numbers. Anyway you work it in, it adds an inexpensive and natural element to your wedding.

[ Every Last Detail ]

[ Para ti Novia ]

[ 100 Layer Cake ]

Etsy Find of the Week: Cheer Up Cherup

2011-01-17T10:27:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd start this week off right with some gorgeous paper goods. I'm in love with these bright and modern designs by Cheer Up Cherup! The name says it all: cheery designs that are both elegant and fun. Sweet and chic, they are the perfect invites for the modern bride!

Photo Fridays

2011-01-14T10:43:00.001-05:00

I've been holding on to this beauty of a wedding for a while and thought it was about time I share it with you! You might remember these bridesmaid mason jar candle holders from this Steal Worthy Idea. If you liked that, you will most definitely love this wedding! The breathtaking photos come from the talented Nick Horton, one of the few photographers now days that still uses film. I don't care what people say about the ease of digital, you really can't compare it to the emotion and depth of film. And these stunning photos just prove it!

Real Wedding: Emily and Tim

2011-01-13T07:31:00.003-05:00

Today's wedding is a gorgeous and classic black and white affair. And I will be honest, I am in dress lust with the bride and bridesmaids' gowns! Gorgeous! This couple also took a lot of care in making their wedding memorable and meaningful, which I love. The stunning photography comes from the amazing couple/photography duo at We Heart Photography. Enjoy!

From the beautiful bride, Emily:
My husband, Tim, and I had three top priorities for our wedding: the location, the decor and the photography. We wanted to treasure our wedding photos forever, so making sure the setting was as beautiful as possible was important. We chose the Rancho Bernardo Inn for our location because it was so lovely on its own, we hardly had to add anything. We wanted an elegant, yet relaxed wedding, so we chose the hold both our ceremony and reception outdoors. We chose black, ivory and silver as our color palette. Tim and I wanted our wedding party to consist of people who had influenced us and would also be a part of our lives in the future. My Maid of Honor was my actually my mom because she has been my best friend and role model for my whole life.

Favorite parts of the day: Honestly, the whole day was so awesome, start to finish. One of my favorite parts was the ceremony. I am really shy and the most nerve-wracking part of the whole wedding was walking down that aisle in front of nearly 200 people. As soon as I turned the corner and saw Tim's smiling face, I instantly relaxed. I loved listening to Tim say his vows with the biggest, brightest smile on his face. Also, we used Papa, Tim's 92-year-old grandfather, as our ring bearer, and we brought him up during the ceremony to give us our rings. He cried and held our hands as we exchanged rings, and it was the sweetest moment.Another favorite part was when Michael, Tim's brother and best man, recounted the story of how Tim got me to show up to his family's Christmas dinner wearing pajamas. When I showed up at Tim's house, all the men were wearing tuxes, and his mom and sister were in formal gowns. When Michael finished telling the story, he whipped off his tux pants and underneath, he was wearing flannel pajamas!

DIY: I made the favors for our wedding. I was took a bunch of graphic design classes through college, so I created a monogram that was both modern yet elegant. I purchased about 200 little white boxes at Michaels, as well as black satin ribbon. We filled the boxes with dark chocolate-covered espresso beans and our guests loved them! I also brought in a lot of the decorations that were used. We had this incredible indoor/outdoor fireplace with a huge mantel, and I stacked all kinds of silver candlesticks up there. I am not the biggest fan of DJ's, so Tim and I created several playlists to be played throughout the wedding. My brother, who is an amazing musician, helped us create out playlists and he was in charge of audio for the wedding. One of my favorite moments in the wedding was rocking out to James Brown with my brother. Finally, I got my jewelry from Etsy and my dress from a vintage and couture bridal store. My dress was awesome because it weighed barely anything, so I wasn't exhausted by the end of the night.

Advice to other brides: Remember that you will be looking at your wedding photos for years to come, so choose the things you love, but choose wisely. Also, when it comes to money, invest in what you care about the most. For Tim and I, we wanted awesome photography, so we invested in We Heart Photography and they did a phenomenal job. Finally, don't be afraid to break tradition. We put our flower girl in black, my mom was my maid of honor and our ring bearer was Tim's grandfather. Having those people involved in our wedding was meaningful for us and for them.

Photography | We Heart Photography
Venue | Rancho Bernardo Inn
Bridesmaid Dresses | Vera Wang

Inspiration Board: Toasted Meringue

2011-01-12T09:55:00.001-05:00

While winter whites are popular, I'm loving it paired with a toasted taupe. It still feels fresh and elegant, but with a modern touch. I was inspired by this stunning toasted meringue cake. It's so fun and different, yet lovely and sweet at the same time. Keep the tables simple and chic with white on white candles. Add in a bit of whimsy with these doily place settings. Delicious desserts are a must! Love these doughnut holes and milkshakes for an evening snack. This layered lace J. Crew number is pretty much perfect! I love it paired with some fabulous earrings that are sure to make a statement!

[ Credits ]

Top: Emma Stine, Style Me Pretty, Kate Spade, Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings

Bottom: Martha Stewart Weddings, Minted, Melissa Sweet, Martha Stewart Weddings, J. Crew

Also, if you haven't had a minute to fill out the survey, there is still time!

I really appreciate everyone's input so if you have a sec, please fill it out!

TO THE SURVEY!

Etsy Find of the Week: Macha Jewelry

2011-01-10T10:41:00.000-05:00

I thought I would start the week off with a little bling, but not your usual bling. These amazing designs come from Macha Jewelry. I am so in awe of these gorgeous designs! Chunks of metal take the place of the stone, creating a unique and modern look. They are elegant and fun at the same time. I am also in love with their Russian chain rings. So simple and sweet! These designs are a score for someone looking for something totally unique and original.

PS- There is still time to have a say in Glamour and Grace for 2011! If you haven't filled out the quick survey, I would really appreciate if you could. I have truly enjoyed all the feedback so far!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SURVEY

Photo Fridays

2011-01-07T10:37:00.000-05:00

We are ending the week with a fun Chicago engagement by the oh so talented Audrey Snow. This couple is adorable and I am way digging the rocker look toward the bottom! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Please, if you haven't already, take a second to fill out this survey!

You are helping shape Glamour and Grace for 2011!

Let your voice be heard because I really appreciate hearing from you all.

GO HERE FOR THE SURVEY

Inspiration Board: Cozy Winter

2011-01-06T11:01:00.000-05:00

Since it doesn't get that cold down here in Florida, I dream of crisp and cozy winters. Winter is and should be all about fresh frost and hot chocolate. I loved the idea of blending the cool blue tones with the warm chocolatey ones. The end result is this lovely blend of rustic elegance and icy glam. Anemones are the perfect winter flower, soft and sweet. I am completely smitten by this cross stitch invitation! So adorable and unique. Of course, serving hot cocoa and some delicious truffles are a must. This gown from The English Department is dreamy and romantic, two things every winter wedding gown should be. Add in some sparkly flats and a "wow" statement necklace, and you are well on your way to a cozy winter dream wedding.

[ Credits ]

Top: Eva Lindh, Prismera, Vera Wang, Love and Lavender

Bottom: The English Department, Minted, Style Me Pretty, J. Crew, Style Me Pretty

Steal Worthy Idea

2011-01-05T07:39:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for an alternative to the unity candle, this is a great idea. Plant a tree together to symbolize the beginning of your new life as husband and wife. It is unique, fun, and of course eco-friendly! A total steal worthy idea!

[ Love and Lavender ]

Real Wedding Kristin and Chris

2011-01-04T08:08:00.001-05:00

Today's wedding is a classic and elegant vineyard wedding full of sweet details. The photos come from the fabulous Stephanie Baker, who you might remember from this amazing shoot (one of the most popular posts ever!)

The stunning bride Kristin shares some details:
The wedding was set in Sanger at Wolf Lakes because it was different. I loved the outdoor intimate setting of the garden for the ceremony and the lakeside reception fit our style of crowd perfectly. Wolf Lakes was wonderful to us, with all the littlest things I asked for to make the day special. I wanted to incorporate a lot of things from my great grandma's (who passed away last year right before the wedding) into the wedding such as my great grandma's broach on my bouquet, my other great grandma's hankey, my great grandma's wedding ring, etc. That made the day more special to me.

I also request the excalibur car to pick Chris and I up at the house so we had the ride to WL all to ourselves. It was awesome. Since the day of the wedding is crazy, I wanted a few minutes to my self with my groom to be before hand! The colors were simple yet elegant. Black, Ivory and Champagne. I intermixed the centerpieces to give it character and we had a candy bar for our guests.

I wore two gowns, becuase we had a Chinese Wedding Banquet (thrown by his mom) three weeks after the wedding and I wanted to help perserve my gown. When I changed into my short gown, the bridesmaids had their gowns shortened as well (the bottom of them tore off and turned into a short gown). This made it fun for all of us to dance and not have to worry about dragging our gowns! My bouquet was my favorite personal item of the wedding beside my gown. It was hand tied gardenia's. Beautiful! I actually got to meet the designer of my gown to helped customize it to my body. Edric Woo from Tara Keely (he no longer is with them) but we still are in touch today.

Advice: tell all the little details to someone else or write it down for the planner. I wanted to do all the planning myself, wanted no one else's input but forgot some details in my head that made the day of planner wonder what I ment when I said guest book and there was no guest book, hehe. Only I knew the guest book was the Kendall Jackson Reserve bottle of wine to sign. Oops. But it all turned out well. If you can afford it, have at least day of event planners. I had 3 and it made the day sooooo much smoother!

Please take a second to fill out this survey to help make Glamour & Grace great for 2011!

Glamour and Grace Survey

2011-01-03T13:39:00.001-05:00

Help make Glamour and Grace the best it can be for 2011! I've got a lot up my sleeve for the new year, including a redesign launch with a week of amazing giveaways, but I need your help. Please take a second to fill out this survey! I truly appreciate all of you for making Glamour and Grace what it is and I would love your feedback!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SURVEY

[ Martha Stewart Weddings ]

Etsy Find of the Week: Ready Go

2011-01-03T12:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that everyone had a fabulous weekend! I had an amazing time with my best friend for her wedding (can't wait to share photos when they come!) I wanted to start off 2011 with an Etsy Find that is sure to be a big trend in the coming year. Cake garlands and banners have just started taking off and are going to be the must have for 2011 weddings. I am so in love with these sweet cake banners from Ready Go. Simple and adorable, they are the perfect topper for any cake!

Guest Post: Luna and Chloe

2010-12-30T17:20:00.000-05:00

Hello lovely readers of Glamour and Grace Weddings! Kristi here from Luna and Chloe Weddings. Let me tell you - I was over the moon when Megan asked me to do a guest post for her. I adore everything vintage and chic all with a hint of glam - so you can imagine that I adore her blog. And not only is her blog fabulous, but she is as well. I had the opportunity to meet Megan in person earlier this month with my sister and two other bloggers, and we all had such a lovely evening! She was so sweet bringing us homemade treats that somehow mysteriously disappeared on the car ride home. And the next time I head to Florida to visit my family, I will be getting in touch with her before I go to make sure we can meet up again.

When Megan asked me to do a guest post for her, I was in full on holiday mode. Now that the holidays are almost over I am ready for Spring...and from there I thought of butterflies which were my inspiration for this post. I have a love of details and something out of the ordinary and while we have all seen butterflies used at weddings and events before, I tried to think outside the box and come up with a new way to use them. My main focus was the escort cards, but anyone that knows me knows that I usually can't stop there! I made all the butterflies myself by cutting them out of cardstock, and came up with two clever ways to use the same butterflies for two different escort areas - one for a table and one for a wall. So let's get on with it, shall we? First up is a table escort area that I created . The butterflies are attached by pins into picture frames, and each pattern represents the table the guest is to sit at...

Cute, no? The second escort area that I created is for use on a wall...

I love the idea of placing the butterflies so that they look like they are flying. Instead of putting a bunch of holes in my wall I decided to use double sided tape to attach to the wall. But if I didn't care about the holes, I would have definitely used pins. I included a large butterfly to lead the pack and represent the table. Here is one idea for decorating the tables using the large butterfly as the table marker...

One large butterfly pinned in the frame on each table. Here are a couple more pictures for you of the table...

And as one last thought for you...you could always use them to decorate cupcakes...

Or as cake toppers! There are so many different ways in which to use butterflies at a wedding or event, and just because this is a vintage style shoot doesn't mean that this idea couldn't be used in a retro, modern, glamorous or other way. I hope I shared some new ones with you today!
~ Ciao
...concept, design, styling and photography all by luna and chloe weddings

Best of 2010: Inspiration Boards

2010-12-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about running Glamour and Grace are the inspiration boards I get to create. I love thinking of new color combinations and ideas to share with you all. Here are a few of my faves from over the year. This top board was actually the first one I ever created and I still love it! Do you have a favorite?

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Icing and Velvet

Vibrant and Stripes

Best of 2010: Real Weddings

2010-12-28T11:07:00.000-05:00

There have been some amazing weddings this year that I've had the privilege of featuring. Some were modern, some vintage, and even a few rustic, but all of them gorgeous! Here are my top wedding picks from 2010! Check them out!

What did you think? Which ones were your faves? Was there one you loved that didn't make the list?

You won't want to miss a second of 2011 and the amazing wedding coming up!

Best of 2010: Etsy Finds

2010-12-27T09:46:00.000-05:00

As you know, each week I always try to bring you a unique Etsy Find. Etsy is an amazing source for vintage and handmade items that will help take any wedding to the next level. Over the year I have brought you so really amazing finds. Here are some of the most popular Etsy Finds, along with some favorites of mine!

Those are some of my faves, did you have any Etsy Find favorites not here?

Be sure to not miss a beat in 2011 for more spectacular Etsy Finds!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T12:03:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I just wanted to say thank you so much for supporting Glamour and Grace! I feel so blessed to have such amazing readers and friends. All of you inspire me and help make Glamour and Grace what it is. I wish all of you the most joyful and bright of Christmases! Hopefully some of you will get a white Christmas (alas, none for this Florida girl). Also, a little business before the holiday, Glamour and Grace will be getting a facelift in the next few weeks! That's right, a totally new and lovely G&G will be coming in the New Year, along with some other treats and goodies! You will just have to wait to find out more, but I will tell you, you should be excited, cause I am! Have a Merry Christmas!

I will leave you all with some gorgeous Christmas inspiration by Eva Lindh

Next week we will be counting down to 2011 with a Best Of 2010! Hope you will be there for all the goodness!

Engagement: Sarah and Patrick

2010-12-23T08:05:00.000-05:00

This time of year is all about love. No wonder it is the most popular time for engagements! Here is a classic and sweet Christmas engagement story I just had to share! Patrick proposed by hiding the ring on the Christmas tree, so they wanted a winter/Christmas themed engagement session.

Here's how it all went down:
We were getting ready to go out with some friends and I was in the bathroom putting on my makeup. Patrick comes in with an ornament that we forgot to put on the Christmas tree and asks me to do it for him. So (naturally...I didn't get it) I blow him off and he spends about another 20 minutes trying to get me over by the tree (at one point he was pretending to straighten a painting behind it) while I'm completely not paying attention. I eventually make it over there and he had the ring box hanging on the tree. I was so surprised/shocked/nervous that I don't even remember what he said when he got down on one knee, but it ended with me saying yes!

Photos by Kate Lehman

Inspiration Board: Christmas Time is Here

2010-12-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas time is here! Its that time of year where bright berry reds and soft snow whites flourish. I love a rustic winter wedding filled with antlers, pine cones, and mistletoe. Simple centerpieces with cranberries and pomegranates keep it fresh and festive. A sweet snowflake garland brings in the winter touches without being too cliche. Go with wood printed invites for the rustic chic feel. This Pricilla of Boston stunner is the perfect winter wedding gown! Just enough warmth with plenty of sparkle.

[ Credits ]

Top: Eva Lindh, Kate Spade, Style Unveiled, Bird and Banner

Bottom: Style Me Pretty, Maisy and Alice, Piperlime, Pricilla of Boston

Steal Worthy Idea

2010-12-21T07:10:00.001-05:00

Looking for an alternative to the traditional flower bouquet? I am completely smitten with this rustic option for your maids. Mason jar candle holders strung with twine are so sweet and chic! Plus the candlelight makes for great photos for a nighttime wedding. A total steal worthy idea!

If you are loving this detail as much as I am, just wait for the rest of the wedding coming up next week!

[ Photos by Nick Horton ]

Etsy Find of the Week: Maisy and Alice

2010-12-20T09:58:00.000-05:00

If you are looking to add a little whimsy and charm to your wedding decor, garland is the way to go. I'm swooning over these vintage book ones created by Maisy and Alice. With sweet heart made from old french books, what's not to love? These garlands are a simple and inexpensive detail that will add tons of character to you wedding.

Photo Fridays

2010-12-17T08:39:00.000-05:00

If you weren't feeling the winter love already, today's gorgeous shoot is sure to help! When I spotted these amazing shots over on Andria Lindquist's blog, I knew I had to share. Andria is an extremely talented photographer and this stunning shoot just proves her awesomeness. Bonus: the couple, Matt and DeAnna, are super fun and DeAnna is too pretty for words (seriously)!

Inspiration Board: Romance in Peach

2010-12-16T16:46:00.001-05:00

While a lot of winter weddings are white and bright, I really love this soft and romantic take for winter. Some sweet peaches and creams paired with gold make the perfect whimsical winter combo. For centerpieces go with small and lush arrangements and ruffle lined table numbers. Add some literary charm with some book escort cards. Accents of velvet and gold give richness and depth to the whole feel. For the bridal look take on a lovely ruffled number like this Christos. Pair that with some bling glitter gold heels and a fun statement necklace and you are well on your way to winter whimsy perfection.

[ Credits ]

Top: Style Me Pretty, DSW, Simple Silhouettes, Style Me Pretty,

Bottom: Ellen Silverman, Mr. Boddington, Elva Fields, Christos

Real Wedding: Alison and Zack

2010-12-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

Today's gorgeous wedding is modern and bright, with a sweet vintage touch. If I told you this was a DIY wedding, would you believe me? Because I wouldn't have guessed it. This bride has style and she definitely let it show in her wedding! All the details are perfectly planned and expertly designed.

Here's what the lovely bride Alison had to say:
My husband and I got engaged in August 2009 and starting searching for wedding venues in December. I am from the Bay Area and he is from the Chico area. We both knew we didn't want to get married in our hometown's; we wanted something more memorable and unique. I used to go to the Santa Cruz area every summer with my family, and Zack had gone with us a few times; we both really liked it down there, and we thought it would be a beautiful place to get married. He wanted something by the ocean or tropical, and I wanted something that was outdoor, but not necessarily on a beach.

We were searching venues down in the Santa Cruz/Monterey area, and we stumbled across The Holly Farm. There we some pretty neat looking pictures on their website, which made us very interested. We set up a few different appointments with various venues in the Monterey area, but as soon as we walked into The Holly Farm, we knew that was the place. I loved the funky, vintage vibe, and he loved the tropical oasis feeling. We both really felt a connection, and The Holly Farm had so many different elements that fit both of our tastes.

My mother owns an antique store in the Bay Area, so I have been raised around antiques and vintage style. I always knew I wanted my wedding to be modern and glamorous, but with touches of vintage chic sprinkled throughout. When The Holly Farm had a few dates open for fall 2010, we knew we needed to book fast. As we were in the office at The Holly Farm I was flipping through wedding albums of previous weddings at The Holly Farm; as soon as I picked up Meg Perotti's album, I knew I had to have her do my wedding. To me, after the wedding is over all you have left are the memories, so pictures are one of the most important things for a wedding; they capture the special moments throughout the day, so they can last forever.

I always wanted to plan my own wedding, and make sure I didn't just have someone else map it all out for me. Between my mom and the antique store and my aunt the interior designer, I think designing and planning runs through my blood. Not only was I a big part of the planning process, but so was my husband. He was really interested in having a say about many of the details, and it was nice to here his ideas and opinions about specifics; after all, it was his wedding, too! :) I did work with a florist for my bouquets/boutonnieres/corsages and some of the table centerpieces, but I designed all of the orchid box centerpieces on my own. I went to the SF flowermart and starting picking combinations of flowers I thought were fun, flirty, and timeless. I knew I wanted a black and white wedding, but it wasn't until I went to the flowermart that I decided to go with yellow for my accents. We chose yellow football and spider mums, and mokara orchids, along with traditional white orchids.

The yellow candy bar was an idea I had seen online, but I tweaked it by using all yellow candies and apothecary jars. I designed the labels for the baggies the candy went in with our monogram and date using our computer and printer. The table number frames were also a DIY project using cheap black frames and our printer. I brought some vintage cameras, and a monogrammed paper parasol to use as props for fun pictures at the wedding. Overall, I feel like our wedding was a great combination of traditional style, elegance, but with a fun, vintage flair.

One of my favorite parts of the day was when I was getting ready; things were starting to get set up and I snuck down to the dining table and ceremony areas. I saw all of my planning unfolding before my eyes and everything was just as I had always dreamed. It sounds so cliche, but I really had dreamt of my wedding day since I was a little girl! Another big moment was when I was coming down the aisle. The look on my husband's face was priceless (a combination of complete awe and nervousness) and the mokara orchids hanging from the arbor over his head with all the beautiful tropical orchids and plants that fill The Holly Farm were just amazing. As I turned that corner with my dad, it was like a dream. I could go on and on about special moments from that day, but altogether it was great to feel so proud of a wedding that I was a part of the planning process every step of the way. As my husband and I were circulating the tables after dinner and mingling with guests, we repeatedly heard how amazed everyone was with the venue, and how amazed they were that we had done so much of the preparing and planning on our own. I was very pleased with how everything turned out, and enjoyed every minute of planning and creating the wedding of my dreams!

As for advice, I would say, "Be an active part of planning your wedding. It is something that most girls dream of their entire lives, so make sure you leave no detail left unturned."
"Make sure you pick a style, venue, and overall feeling for your wedding that fits your personality. Your guests should see decor that fits you and represents your style, not just something that is trendy or 'in style' right now, but something that you can look back on in 50 years and still be in awe about. Blend elements of modern and traditional for a timeless look."
"The day flies by! All the months of planning whiz by in mere moments, so make sure you and your husband have a chance to step back amongst all the hustle and bustle and soak it in! After all, it is the biggest day of your lives!"

Photographer | Meg Perotti
Event Planner | Grapes of Wrath Catering
Reception | Historic Holly Farm
Florist | Ribbons and Roses Florals
Cake | Layers

Thanks so much Alison and Zack for sharing your gorgeous wedding with us!

And many thanks to the incredibly talented Meg Perotti for the stunning images!

Trend We Love

2010-12-14T08:11:00.000-05:00

A big trend I have been noticing in wedding photography are the action shots. Photographers and couples are getting more creative with their shots and coming up with some great stuff. From jumping grooms to flying brides, these action shots are pure fun! It is a great way to show some personality and let loose a little!

[ Yes Bride ]

[ Whimsical Wonderland Weddings ]

[ Lavara Photography ]

[ Yes Bride ]

Etsy Find of the Week: Leanne Marshall

2010-12-13T10:35:00.000-05:00

If you love Project Runway as much as I do, then you might remember season 5 winner, Leanne Marshall. Leanne was one of my faves from day one, so you can imagine my glee when I found out she has an Etsy shop! That's right, you can get a delightfully feminine and unique Leanne original all from the comfort of your Etsy search tab! I am seriously swooning over these stunning designs. They are perfect for the bride searching for something lovely, modern, and romantic!

Be sure to check out Leanne's blog for her latest projects and musings!

DIY WEEK: Stationary and Downloads

2010-12-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of DIY Week and I thought we'd go out with a bang! Not only is this post full of the best DIY stationary around, but it includes 14+ FREE Downloads! That's right, 14 amazing and free downloadable stationary ready for you to print!

But first up, some super sweet DIY stationary ideas I love! My favorite and the most ingenious idea is the DIY calligraphy! Seriously, brides, this is so easy and looks amazing!
[remember, those with Free Downloads are marked with **]

1. Grey Likes Weddings | Save the Date *video tutorial

2. Ruffled | Doily Envelopes

3. Tulle and Feathers | Handkerchief Invitation

4. Weddings and Cookies | DIY Calligraphy

5. Once Wed | Rehearsal Fiesta Invite

6. The Sweetest Occasion | Kraft Paper and Twine Save the Date

7. Love, the Yes Girls | Doily Save the Date

And now onto the free stuff! Here are some adorable and chic downloadable details!

1. iDIY | Vintage Printable Labels**

2. The Bride's Guide | Announcement Flag**

3. iDIY | Vintage Labels**

4. Blush Printables | Cupcake Stickers**

5. Ruffled | Alphabet Bunting**

DIY stationary is by far the easiest and cheapest of all the DIYs, especially if the downloads are free! Enjoy these gorgeous beauties and the money you'll be saving!

1. The Wedding Chicks | Bunting Save the Date**

2. Love & Lavender | Lace Invitation**

3. Ruffled | Glam Night Out**

4. La Belle Bride | Vintage Bird Invitation**

5. Flights of Fancy | Pre-Wedding Fiesta**

6. Valley & Co. | Bridesmaid Card**

7. Glamour and Grace | Simply Bloom Invitation**

8. Ruffled | Save the Date**

9. Valley & Co. | Best Man Card**

Which ones do you love? I hope you all will take advantage of some of the gorgeous freebies!

_____________________

Well, DIY Week has come to a close. I hope you have enjoyed all the great projects and found some inspiration! Next week we will be back to the usual awesome Etsy Finds and Real Weddings you will love!

DIY WEEK: Food and Favors

2010-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you all have been enjoying DIY Week for far! Today we are finally getting to the good stuff: food and favors! DIYing food for your wedding might need a little more skill than some other DIYs out there, but these are still pretty simple and definitely worth the effort!

[A little guide for the DIYs: Those marked with ** come with downloadable content!]

1. My Sweet and Saucy | Ruffle Cake *video tutorial

2. Our Best Bites | Pie in a Jar

3. Bridal Buzz | Sweetie Pies **

4. Bubble and Sweet | Ribbon Candy

5. Blush Ink | Chocolate Spoons

6. Austin Wedding Blog | Marshmallow Fondant

7. Wedding Chicks | Strawberry Jam

DIY favors are one of my favorite DIY touches. It is personal and sweet and lets guest know that you really care and took time to give them something special! Here are some of the cutest and unique favors I've seen!

1. Grey Likes Weddings | Tea Envelopes

2. Style Me Pretty | Ice Cream in a Jar**

3. Elizabeth Anne Designs | S'more Love

4. Style Me Pretty | Sugar Packets

5. Style Me Pretty | Coasters

6. Style Me Pretty | Lemon Drop Favors

7. Style Me Pretty | Apple Roasting Favors**

So which ones are your favorites? What DIYs will you be doing for your wedding?

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the last day of DIY Week! I'm going to overload you with the best DIY stationary and TONS of free downloads!

DIY WEEK: Details!

2010-12-08T11:06:00.000-05:00

Weddings are all about the details, and some of the best details are DIYs! For DIY Week today, I've pulled together my favorite quick and easy DIYs that are sure to make a chic difference to any wedding!

1. Ruffled | Lace Seating Chart

2. Alchemy | Tie Rack Seating Chart

3. Ruffled | String Chandelier

4. Emmaline Bride | Pom Escort Cards

5. Luna & Chloe | Wood Table Numbers

6. Ruffled | Doily Chandelier

7. Luna & Chloe | Votive Holder

8. Ruffled | Recycled Glass Chandelier

Creative seating charts and chandeliers have definitely been taking over the wedding world! I'm loving these easy DIYs that create such a chic atmosphere!

1. Style Me Pretty | Candy Poppers

2. The City Cradle | Shake for a Kiss

3. Truly Smitten | Felt Garland

4. Carter and Cook | Yard Covered Chargers

5. The City Cradle | Chalkboard Flags

6. Ruffled | Ring Bearer Bowl

7. Style Me Pretty | Ribbon Wand

Even the smallest details like these cute chalkboard flags or ribbon wands for your guests to wave will make such a sweet difference to you day!

______________________________

So what do you think? What details are you loving?

Be sure to check back tomorrow for awesome food and favor DIYs!!

DIY WEEK: Flowers and For the Cake

2010-12-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

Day two of DIY Week is all about flowers and cake! Brides have been getting so creative with making their own flowers and bouquets. I've seen everything from using fabric and paper, to creating bouquets out of brooches and knobs. Here are some of my all time favorites!

1. La Belle Bride | Felt Heart Bouquet

2. 100 Layer Cake | Fabric Flowers

3. The Inspired Bride | Sewing Pattern Flower

4. 100 Layer Cake | Knob Bouquet

5. Green Wedding Shoes | Paper Flowers

6. Santa Barbara Wedding Style | Fabric Boutonnieres

7. Fancy Pants Weddings | Brooch Bouquet

8. Wedding Chicks | Music Paper Flowers

There are so many easy and affordable ways to dress up you wedding cake. From adorable toppers to amazing dessert displays, here are some of the best way to keep your cake looking fab!

1. Eat Drink Pretty | Cake Stand

2. The City Cradle | Crocheted Cake Hearts

3. Ruffled | Polaroid Cake Topper

4. Austin Wedding Blog | Wedding Cake Chandelier

5. Project Wedding | Macaron Tower

6. Amy Atlas | Grocery Store Dessert Table

7. Ruffled | Thread Heart Cake Topper

Are you ready to take on your wedding day flowers? How about some sweet cake toppers?

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for more great DIY's! We will be overloading you with

the best DIY decor ideas!

DIY WEEK: For the Bride and Guests

2010-12-06T11:03:00.000-05:00

DIY Week is here!! If you haven't heard, this week is DIY Week at Glamour and Grace, a whole week dedicated to the very best in DIYs from around the wedding blogosphere! To start off the week, I thought we'd begin with amazing DIYs for the bride, her maids, and her guests.

[A little guide for the DIYs: Those marked with ** come with downloadable content!]

1. Style Me Pretty | Flower Bracelet

2. Ruffled | Vintage Lace Headband

3. Green Wedding Shoes | Pretty Shoes

4. Once Wed | Birdcage Veil

An easy and personal DIY to do is adding something special to your own look. Whether that be a fresh flower bracelet, a glam headband, some ruffled shoes, or a sweet birdcage veil, all are easy, chic, and cheap!

1. The Bride's Guide | Out of Town Guest Box**

2. Inspire the Bride | Bridesmaid Guide**

3. 100 Layer Cake | Bridesmaid Gift

4. Elizabeth Anne Designs | Bridesmaid Tote

5. Ruffled | Transparent Soap Gifts

Give your gals and your guests something they'll love! Let your ladies feel the love with a cute personalized tote filled with a sweet locket, some aromatic soap, and a wedding guide to keep them on track. A chic and simple out of town box will help your guests feel at home and excited for your big day.

__________________________

So what do you think? Which ones are your faves? Have you got what it takes to create a stunning bridal look and happy maids? With how simple all these DIYs are, I know you do! Be sure to check back tomorrow for all the best ideas for cakes and DIY flowers, you won't want to miss it!

Glamour and Grace

We've Moved!!

Photo Fridays

Bridal Session

Steal Worthy Idea

Real Wedding: Jandee and Shane

*Sponsored Post* Williams-Sonoma Giveaway

Photo Fridays

Real Wedding: Michelle and Bill

Inspiration Board: A Little Bit Country

Real Wedding: Julie and Sergey

Etsy Find of the Week: Ampersandity & Verde Studio

Photo Fridays

Inspiration Board: Crisp Spring Blues

Real Wedding: Katie and Luke

Trend We Love

Etsy Find of the Week: Sweet Lydia's

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Inspiration Board: Sweet Valentine

Engagement: Priyanka & Sachin

Real Wedding: Ariane and Ethan

Etsy Find of the Week: Linden Lovebirds

Photo Fridays

Inspiration Board: Golden Apple

Real Wedding: Alison and Matt [Part 2]

Real Wedding: Alison and Matt [Part 1]

Steal Worthy Idea

Etsy Find of the Week: Doloris Petunia

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Real Wedding: Rebecca and Owen

Inspiration Board: Romantic Neutrals

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Etsy Find of the Week: Wendy Jung Ceramics

Photo Fridays

A Winter Wonderland Engagement

Inspiration Board: Spring Pinks

Trend We Love

Etsy Find of the Week: Cheer Up Cherup

Photo Fridays

Real Wedding: Emily and Tim

Inspiration Board: Toasted Meringue

Etsy Find of the Week: Macha Jewelry

Photo Fridays

Inspiration Board: Cozy Winter

Steal Worthy Idea

Real Wedding Kristin and Chris

Glamour and Grace Survey

Etsy Find of the Week: Ready Go

Guest Post: Luna and Chloe

Best of 2010: Inspiration Boards

Best of 2010: Real Weddings

Best of 2010: Etsy Finds

Merry Christmas!

Engagement: Sarah and Patrick

Inspiration Board: Christmas Time is Here

Steal Worthy Idea

Etsy Find of the Week: Maisy and Alice

Photo Fridays

Inspiration Board: Romance in Peach

Real Wedding: Alison and Zack

Trend We Love

Etsy Find of the Week: Leanne Marshall

DIY WEEK: Stationary and Downloads

DIY WEEK: Food and Favors

DIY WEEK: Details!

DIY WEEK: Flowers and For the Cake

DIY WEEK: For the Bride and Guests

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