Welcome, Autumn

Every season has a special place in my heart: winter brought me our engagement AND our wedding, spring gives me warm breezes & daffodils, summer provides me with sunny beach days & autumn doles out hot apple cider & pumpkin patches.  As it's my nature to be fair, I've never declared a favorite season.  Until now.  Autumn is my very favorite season!

Autumn officially arrived last weekend but I had begun my Autumn celebration long ago.  I was excited to kiss Summer good-bye & I pulled out my candy corn hurricane & pumpkin spice candle the very first week of September.  As the official start of Autumn drew closer & closer, I got more excited about crisp days, colorful leaves & hot apple cider.  It slowly became quite clear that Autumn is my very favorite season. 

To officially welcome Autumn on the blog, I didn't think there was anything more perfect than this sophisticated Autumn centerpiece.  I love the typical rusts & browns of Autumn mixed with unexpected blush & cream.  Such a stunning combo!  & those miniature white pumpkins just steal my Autumn-loving heart.

Welcome, Autumn; I am so very happy that you are here.  Do you have a favorite season?

{Sneak Peek} Alycia & Daniel

Who is excited as I am that today is Friday?  I knew we'd be on the same page.  I'm uber-excited for the weekend because we're celebrating my sister's birthday.  & it's a big one, the almightly 4-0!  Before I get lost in happy thoughts of cupcakes & confetti, here is a sneak peek of next Wedding Wednesday:

Oh, what can I say to do this wedding any justice?  Natural.  Indie.  Laid-back.  Amazing.  Tune in to see for yourself next Wednesday!  

Three cheers for a lovely weekend~

Photography: Trembley Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Champagne on Pretty Ice

My very favorite drink is a bubbly glass of Wilson Creek Winery Almond Champagne.  Should you come to my house for a party or pre-event gathering, you are greeted by a bottle of my beloved Almond Champagne chilling in a silver champagne bucket.  Until yesterday, I thought this lovely presentation was classy & fancy.

Then I spied champagne chilling on beautiful pink rose-filled ice cubes & I realized I need to step up my champagne game.  How pretty is this?  & so simple too.  You could fill your cubes with herbs, rose petals, violets, fake spiders (for Halloween), etc to match the color scheme or theme of your party.  The possibilities are as endless as your creativity.  No matter what you chose for your ice cubes, it's guaranteed to be a hit.   

Helpful hint: Use cupcake/muffin trays to make your decorated ice cubes.  The larger ice cube "tray" is easier to fill with flowers & makes a big impact upon serving.

I can't wait to give this easy entertaining idea a whirl at my next party!  Cheers~ 

Photography via

{Real Enchanted Forest Wedding} Rebecca & Robert

Last week's almost wordless wedding was a smash hit . . . is that a hint that I should be writing less commentary & showing more photos?  Hmmm.  I will give it a shot!

On this Wedding Wednesday, we are being whisked away to an enchanted forest wedding in picturesque Vermont, where five cute fairies are guaranteed to steal your heart. Take us away, Derek Fowles Photography: 

Rebecca & Robert were college classmates & friends.  After graduation, they went on their separate paths in life, only to be reconnected 20 years later.  Their friendship blossomed into love & soon they were planning their summer wedding in Vermont.

Inspired by the greenery of Vermont & the love of their family, the Bride & Groom created an enchanted forest wedding with an emphasis on family.  The wedding took place on a stormy summer day in the very meaningful location of the Mother of the Bride's beautiful backyard transformed into a creative vision of an enchanted forest.  The Groom's daughters & nieces were the only attendants, five adorable fairies of the forest.  The sunny day turned stormy shortly before the ceremony & the truly gracious Bride never stopped smiling.  She & her Groom said "I Do!" in a sweet ceremony presided by her late father's best friend.

During the reception, the Bride's DIY projects & vision came together for the enchanted forest.  An amazing moss & butterfly display guided guests to their tables.  The family-style wooden tables & chairs had a rustic flair; while trailing ivy, moss runners & overflowing centerpieces including roses & ferns gave the forest feel.  The beaming new Mr. & Mrs. added the enchantment!  

Congratulations, Rebecca & Robert!

VENDOR LOVE:
Photography: Derek Fowles Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights  /  Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Vermont Residence  /  Florist: Summersweet Floral  /  Hair & Make-up Artist: SB Beauty

Hubbys & Wifeys

I love spying drop-dead gorgeous pair of Jimmy Choos peeking out from under a bridal gown as much anyone, yet I couldn't help but smile when I saw a Bride & Groom rocking their custom Hubbys & Wifeys Converse sneakers on their casual wedding day!  Talk about a whole lot of style & spunk.  My, my how far we have come since the days when Brides just wore plain, boring white or ivory shoes to match their wedding gown. 

These custom cuties may not work for everyone on their wedding day but they would super fun at the post-wedding brunch.  Or the honeymoon.  Or maybe my hubs & I could still get away with wearing these a year & a half after our wedding.  Pretty please!    

Photography: Imagine Photography via

{Sneak Peek} Rebecca & Robert

As your sweet self reads this post, my wedding-loving tail is working long & hard at a seaside wedding.  Today is a great day as I do what I love best!  I couldn't leave you without a tantalizing sneak peek at the absolute amazingness coming next Wedding Wednesday.  How much do you adore this creative table assignment display?!  You're just going to fall in love with this adorable wedding so make sure you tune in next Wednesday.

Happy Weekend, my friends!

Photography: Derek Fowles Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights  

Happy Birthday, RZ!

Today is a very special day: it's my husband's birthday!  Cue the confetti!!  Since we're away from home on his big day, I surprised him with this festive birthday balloon when he got home from work yesterday before we went out for his pre-birthday dinner.  Then at midnight, I whipped out an ice cream cake & candles for his "Happy Birthday" serenade.  I hope his birthday wish comes true because he deserves all that & more.  I just love celebrating with him!  

To my best friend, my love & my husband: Happy Birthday! xoxo