1. Spring Gatsby

    May 20, 2013

    Thank you so much to everyone who sent graduation congratulations over the weekend! I’m so proud to have graduated from UT, and it was such a journey in every way getting to that point. Now it’s on to the next chapter, but not before a few weeks off to process the fact that I’m done with college, spend lots of time with my family, and do a few of my favorite summer activities. I’m already chipping away at my summer reading list, starting with re-reading The Great Gatsby, since I’ve been holding off on seeing the movie till then. I read most of it sitting in my hammock yesterday and will be finishing it up at the pool today! With all of that gorgeous 1920′s inspiration in mind, I put together today’s inspiration board. I wanted something a little less art deco and a little more romantic, and a color palette of deep red, soft pink, black, and gold brought it together just the way I wanted.

    Spring Gatsby{Invitation suite: Emma J Design| Bouquet: Vicki Grafton Photography| Chalkboard sign: Heather Saunders Photography via Molly Jacques Illustration| Gatsby-inspired dresses: Jenny Packham| Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop| Pear nectar and thyme mimosas: Sarah Culver via The Glitter Guide | Just Married sign: Max Wanger via 100 Layer Cake| Black sequin linen: Bryan Leahy Photography via Style Me Pretty}

    Love, Lisa



  2. May Bride

    May 1, 2013

    My sister and I had a book of celebrations from around the world when we were little, and one of our personal favorites was May Day. Both of us grew up never losing that special affinity for ribbons and spring flowers, so I couldn’t resist putting together this inspiration board for her today! I think the result is modern English countryside feel with lots of muted pastels and a little bit of whimsy, and I would love to see it come to life in a real May wedding.

    May Bride{Bride and groom: Coco Tran via Grey Likes Weddings| Flower girl: Manchik Photography via Green Wedding Shoes| Paper: Abby Jiu Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs| Cake: Erin Hearts Court via Style Me Pretty| Bridesmaids: Jose Villa via Elizabeth Anne Designs| Champagne bucket: Home Mag| Ribbon wand sendoff: Corbin Gurkin via Southern Weddings| Chair ribbons: Readyluck via Ruffled}

    What do y’all have planned for this month? I’m finishing up school this week, going to Syracuse for a long weekend, and graduating on the 17th!

    Love, Lisa



  3. Cocktails and Desserts Birthday Party Inspiration

    April 22, 2013

    I have been looking forward to this week for a couple of months now, and I’m so excited it’s finally here! This year, I teamed up with Minted through their Party Ambassador program to help me throw the perfect 23rd birthday party. Even though I’ve thrown a few parties here and there this year, this was my last chance to have a party with my close friends at school. Plus, since it was for my birthday, it was the perfect opportunity to style a party that truly reflected my personal style. The party was on Saturday evening, and this week, I’ll be sharing every last detail, including all of the fantastic Minted products that brought it to life. First up, my inspiration board for a girly-with-a-touch-of-glam cocktails and desserts party.

    Cocktails and Desserts Birthday Party{Bar backdrop: nbarrett photography via Something Pretty| Bar tray: The Why We Love via 100 Layer Cake| Pop fizz clink: Paperless Post| Dessert table: Jen Rodriguez Photography via Something Pretty| Gold dress: Kayture | Straws with flags: Minted| Flowers: She-n-He Photography via Camille Styles| Birthday table: Mint Love Social Club}

    Check back tomorrow to see my DIY invites!

    Love, Lisa



  4. Victorian Romance

    April 11, 2013

    I usually start inspiration boards with a style or concept in mind, but this time, it started when I found that stunning picture on the top left. I love the Victorian-inspired dress, the uniqueness of her updo, and the bold flowers woven into her hair. Can’t you just imagine this wedding at a moody restored Victorian mansion in spring? It’s definitely not my typical style, but I love the idea!

    Victorian Romance{Hair: source unknown, let me know if you know it!| Bridesmaid floral necklaces: Michelle Heimerman via 100 Layer Cake| Menu card: Laura Murray Photography via Ruffled| Miranda Kerr: Vogue US Feb. 2013| Sign: Jessica Burke via 100 Layer Cake| Chocolate seals: Ali Harper via Once Wed| Shoes: BHLDN| Tablescape: Elizabeth Messina via Santa Barbara Chic}

    What’s your favorite picture from this inspiration board?

    Love, Lisa



  5. Elegant Fiesta

    April 3, 2013

    I feel like I’m on the edge of my seat this week, because while looking at beautiful wedding pictures so often is one thing, attending weddings is a whole different ball game. And being a bridesmaid? Pretty much my favorite thing. One of my dearest friends is getting married this weekend, and I can hardly wait for the fun to start on Friday night! We had a long brainstorming session over gourmet macaroni and cheese and cupcakes shortly after she got engaged, and though her ideas have evolved considerably over the months, I thought it would be fun to share the original inspiration board I came up with for her and her fiancé. They came up with an incredible concept that I was thrilled to try to pull together–Mexican fiesta meets Great Gatsby elegance–and I love how it turned out.

    Elegant Fiesta{Drinks: Karen Mordechai via Sunday Suppers| Decorated fireplace: Picotte Weddings via Style Me Pretty| Earrings and lace bridal gown: Morgan Trinker via Southern Weddings| Bridesmaid in pearls: Justin DeMutiis Photography via Southern Weddings| Peony bud vase runner: via Martha Stewart Weddings| Gold sequin bouquet wrap: Taylor Lord Photography via Style Me Pretty| Gold mason jar: Pictilio via Engaged and Inspired| Papel picados: Jenelle Kappe Photography via Style Me Pretty| Gold cake: Vicky Starz Photography via Style Me Pretty| Groom: Alea Lovely via Ruffled| Bridal party: Pasha Belman via Southern Weddings}

    Follow along on Instagram this weekend for a few peeks at the real thing!

    Love, Lisa