fine CHINA

On top of all the other big wedding decisions, lately I have been trying to pick out my our fine china to register for. Honestly, this (registering) and looking at honeymoon spots may be my favorite things so far! Since I am super organized and picky, I have been researching everything before I actually register. I pretty much have everything decided on, so now I just need to do it.

The other day I stumbled upon Kelly Wearstler's fabulous china patterns. They are gorgeous! Only if I could afford them...

I LOVE all the patterns - and I love how the second picture mix and matches them. Yay for gold! How cute would an array of these teacups (or any variety) be displayed like this:

I have seen several of these tree stands floating around antique shops and I always wondered what I could do with one of those...[simple + pretty]

But, if I had to pick a set it would be:

I visited Macy's the other day and this Kate Spade pattern stole my heart:

You can hardly tell, but the rim has a matte cobblestone pattern (similar to the black background in both pictures) that is so discreet it is perfect. I love that it is simple with a hint of something special when the light hits it just right. I also found these cute "tidbit" plates to mix and match within the set.

Look for both of these Kate Spade items on my future wedding "wish list". Wedding website coming soon!

BEAUTIFUL DRESSES

This past Saturday my mom, my MOH Kathryn, and myself went dress shopping in Birmingham. It was so much fun - and tiring! But, I would have to say, I know what I like and don't like so that made the eliminating pretty easy. I like it simple, chic, and unique. I had it narrowed down to 1 at each store (we went to 2) and made the decision yesterday, trying my lead runner on one final time. Some may call me "aggressive", but I consider myself a go-getter that hates waiting til' the last minute! Just one more thing to mark off the list!

*side note - it takes several months to get a dress in, so you have to order asap for alterations and bridal portraits...at 7 months out, I am actually pushing the limit!

I know these images have been floating around blog world lately, but I think they are so beautiful and represent my taste and style, so I wanted to share them. The author of Cherry Blossom Girl blog visited designer Marcia Lucia Hohan's showroom and snapped some unbelievable photos of her showroom. Marcia Lucia Hohan designed Cherry Blossom's wedding dress. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

I just love the muted colors, romantic layering, soft fabrics, and most of all - simplicity!

SHOWER THE EXPECTING COUPLE

My friend Lacey referred my design services to a co-worker and I wanted to share the final invitation. The hostesses were throwing a casual, couples baby shower and wanted something gender neutral and fun. Check it out.

NEW CAMERA

I am so stoked, I got a new camera for my bday and I absolutely love it! I have been wanting to share more photos of my invitation projects, but my small power shot camera does not do them justice! So, I did a little researching (and with help from a co-worker) asked for this baby for my bday/Christmas:

It is not the newest Canon DSLR model, but it was the most bang for my buck. I got a package deal with a basic zoom lens, but I just ordered a 50 mm macro lens for everyday shooting. It came in this week and I have all ready photographed 2 invitation sets to post! So be on the lookout!

I am hoping my product photography turns out similar to these:

She has the best recipes! [pioneer woman]

[fly through our window]

[urban grace]

I have all ready noticed that the pictures I have taken are so much more vivid and crisp. Plus, I love the blurry background that you can create! Stay tuned for better images!

COVERED BOOKS

[Matt Albiani via Habitually Chic]

I found this awesome picture this morning while skimming my morning blogs and it instantly sparked an idea. I have noticed designers covering books with either brown or white kraft paper (yes, just like in high school when you were required to cover textbooks) to fill bookshelves consistently, but I have not seen both before. I appreciate the uniform look, but I also enjoy variety so this approach really caught my attention. 

Melrose's study has a built in white bookshelf and I have been debating on what to fill it with and I think I may follow this inspiration. I have my "real" books on display in the den. Could this same idea be applied with newspaper as well? Old news, brown kraft, and white matte - good combo?

Here are some more similar images:

These remind me of catalogs - I may have to do this with my Southern Living magazines! [unknown]

I like these use of these crates - either these books are in the same collection or have been wrapped with paper. Either way, I like the consistency. [a life's design]

National Geographic magazines? I love how the yellow pops in a neutral room. [unknown]

I don't read enough to have enough books to cover and fill just yet, but a quick stop by an antique shop or yard sale can fix this!

WEDDING THEME

We officially have a date! Mark it down - February 26th, 2011 in Eufaula, Alabama. AFter exploring all of my wedding inspiration images (and I have been collecting for awhile so I had a lot) I was able to put together a theme perfect for the time frame.  We are creating a winter woodsy affair! It will consist of cotton bolls, linen, burlap, pine cones, natural wood cuts, lots of candles, mason jars, and of course, shades of gray, creams, and white...with a hint of sage! Check it out:

[click to enlarge. 1. style me pretty 2. style me pretty 3. unknown 4. unknown 5. green wedding shoes 6. style me pretty 7. unknown 8. delight by design 9. style me pretty 10. style me pretty.]

I love anything natural and want to implement any sort of winter growth. I will also be taking part in a lot of DIY projects so stay tuned! So far, I have the venues booked, the band, and the photographer! Yay!

THE NIGHT OF...

I finally downloaded my pictures from the "birgagement" weekend and I wanted to share them with you. I know you all are dying to see and hear the story! ;)

Since neither Brandon or I had to work Thursday, July 1st, we headed down to the beach that a.m. We encountered several "bumps" on the way down - a sinkhole on 65 South that appeared overnight delaying us an hour or so from leaving Birmingham and constant rain on the way down. Brandon said that luckily he has loyal employees to cover the sinkhole issue, otherwise we would have had to stay in Birmingham to resolve the issue - yikes! 

So, we got down to the beach around 5:30ish, unloaded our stuff, and decided to go out to eat while we waited on our friends to get down. Brandon kept hinting about a sunset cruise before dinner so I went along with it - I didn't know if he was just anxious to see Black Gold, or if he really had something up his sleeve!

We got to the boat and the weather was perfect! The rain had stopped and the clouds started to clear out revealing a beautiful sunset of blues, purples, pinks, and orange. We putted out to Crab Island, took our time enjoying the beach, and eventually Brandon turned me towards him (I was in the captain's chair) and started in on the speech. It was sweet and perfect and I couldn't ask for anything more! 

Here are some pictures from the night of...

Once we got back to the dock, the sunset was even more beautiful! I couldn't stop taking pictures!

[click on pictures to enlarge]

I don't believe any of these pictures do the ring justice, but it is gorgeous! I sent Brandon a few pictures of twisted, cable bands and he took it from there. I just requested yellow gold and solitaire and he couldn't have done a better job! 

Here are some more pictures from the exciting, celebratory weekend:

[re-do!]

[My BFF/MOH and I celebrating]

[Brandon's Mom, sister, and me on the balcony overlooking the harbor]

We had such a great time celebrating with friends and family all weekend and I can't wait for all the festivities to begin! I have an inspiration board to share tomorrow so stay on the lookout. But, don't be saddened, I will still continue to post house inspiration and updates on Melrose!

SHADES OF GRAY, CREAMS, AND WHITE...with a hint of sage

This color palette has been on my mind a lot the past few days ... raise your hand if you can guess why ...

Enjoy these inspiring beauties!

[dress, design, decor]

Oh the contrast! [absolutely beautiful things]

LOVE those burlap curtains! Instead of drop cloth? [cafe cartolina]

[unknown]

[delight by design]

[unknown]

[unknown]

[whiteport]

Perfection ... [desire to inspire]

[unknown]

[unknown]

Those mirrors are like heaven. [haven and home]

High "chair rail"? Great color choice, and all those books? Wow...[unknown]

If you raised your hand and answered 'wedding theme' then you are correct! Give me a few days to post pictures of the engagement and inspiration board, but I promise they are coming! And more house projects!