Dreaming in White

Images via Haute Design Photos by David's Bridal

Did I get married one year too early?

2011 has brought some very, very good news for Brides-to-be searching for their ultimate wedding gown. The options are getting better & brighter! BHLDN introduces its fabulous, amazing wedding collection of gowns & accessories. Lilly Pulitzer joins the wedding gown game & offers some gorgeous gowns. Last but not least, wedding gown powerhouse Vera Wang takes her game to a new level by giving us an modern, affordable wedding gown collection at David's Bridal. Yes, you read that correctly!

I love, LOVE the debut collection called White by Vera Wang. The collection is quite dreamy with different silhouettes & sweet details. It was tough to choose but my favorite gown is the blush organza beauty shown on the bottom right. At $1200, the White by Vera Wang gown is more accessible than VW's regular line. There are many beautiful options at decent prices- take a look here! Those lucky, lucky late 2011 & 2012 Brides!

But, to be honest, I don't think I would've picked anything different than my wedding gown :-)

Last Days as a Soon-to-Be Mrs.

My final photo in my Soon-to-Be hoodie
Soon after this photo, I changed into my "getting ready" outfit

In the final days leading to our wedding, I was an easy recipe- one half stress & one half excitement. The two emotions struggled for my attention like 2-year-old twins having a meltdown. The to-do list was a mile long & the hours in each day were too few. But I was a happy Bride-to-be! That trumped everything. Most of the time.

Oh, the never-ending to-do list! I almost break out in hives just thinking about it now. Apply for marriage license. Shop for & assemble hotel welcome bags. Complete DIY projects. Final meeting with venue contact & wedding planner to review timeline, menu & details which was done via phone conference when snow shut down our meeting. Pick-up out-of-town bridesmaid & husband from airport. Last dress fitting for out-of-town bridesmaid. Manicure & pedicure with my sister. Clean engagement ring. Finalize table assignments. Finish escort cards. Make alphabetical guest list with table assignments & table list with guests assigned to that table. Wrap bridal party gifts. Drop-off hotel welcome bags. Pick-up wedding dress. Church rehearsal & rehearsal dinner. Pack overnight bag, ceremony & reception items. Clean the condo. Make final payments & allot tips. Etc, etc, etc.

I couldn't have tackled most of these tasks beforehand & the majority of the tasks were fun. Naturally, picking up my out-of-town bridesmaid & getting a mani-pedi with my sister were more enjoyable than working on welcome letters, table assignments & escort cards with a super-slow printer. Still, as someone who lives & breathes weddings, I enjoy every aspect. The stress crept in because there didn't seem to be enough time! By the last two days before our wedding, I was eating little & sleeping even less.

& yet, I was a glowing Bride-to-be who relished my remaining time as an engaged woman. I didn't want to pass up any opportunity to spend time with my family & friends who came to celebrate with us. It was better to stay up until 4am to work on things than miss a good lunch with my Mom, sister & cousin. Nothing was more important than these special times: dinner with my family including my out-of-town Mom & Grandma, soup, salad & breadsticks lunch with my Mom & dinner at our favorite pizzeria with my cousin & her husband. I will forever remember the love & laughter that poured over my overwhelmed & grateful heart.

It's A Wrap!

Photography by Amanda Wilcher
Image via Style Me Pretty

I spend a fair amount of time scouring wedding blogs, design blogs, craft blogs & more for inspiration each week. It dawned on me that I should be sharing this inspiration with you. Duh! Each Friday, I will recap my favorite finds for you in a little feature called "It's A Wrap!" Enjoy~

Love her blog, ADORE her wedding

Can't I have one?! Pretty, pretty please!

What sweet Valentines

You can have a princess dress, yes- you can!
(Editor's note: Start reading this blog NOW for your sanity!)

Won't you be my forever friend?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Vote for Hoboken Love!

The Boken T-Shirt
Available from Hoboken's Solid Thread

The Crate&Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest is off & running! Engaged couples are vying for the top prize of a $100,000 wedding of their dreams. How does it work? Each couple submits an entry describing their love story, their ultimate wedding & their dream home. Friends, families & strangers vote for their top choice & the couple with the most votes WINS!

This is where you come in to the picture . . .

I'm a girl who adores her hometown of Hoboken & dreams come true. There are seven Hoboken couples trying to win the Crate&Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest. It's so easy to help these local couples. Simply visit the Hoboken Ultimate Wedding Contest page & vote for your favorite couple. Can't decide? Spread the love & vote for all of them!

Good luck Hobokenites!

Crush on BHLDN

I was anxiously awaiting the unveiling of BHLDN, the bridal line of Anthropologie. Monday was the big day & I spent hours perusing the dreamy collection of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, hair accessories & more. It was soooo worth the wait! Here are my favs:

Graceful, Cascading Goddess Gown
Image via BHLDN

Cutie Fondant Tea Dress
Image via BHLDN

Shimmering, Burnished Organza Gown
Image via BHLDN

Have you checked out this fabulous collection? If not, RUN- don't walk! There is so much wedding eye candy. What are your favorites?

On This Day

My Valentine & Anniversary Roses

Four years ago, I met a charming guy with a sweet smile & a beautiful laugh.

Now he is my husband, my best friend & my love of my life.

L is for Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'd like to share a little snippet of the celebration of LOVE in our lives. Without further ado . . .

Two of my heart-made Valentines for our beloved family & friends:


Another heart-made Valentine paired with baked-from-the-heart cupcakes for a good friend:


One year ago Sunday, RZ proposed to me- another wonderful moment in our LOVE story!!! We went to Duck Walk Winery after the proposal for a wine tasting & bought two bottles- one to drink that afternoon & one to drink on our engagement anniversary. We enjoyed every drop last night! Cheers to us:


Whatever your plans for Valentine's Day, I wish you LOVE & laughter~