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!