1. Love List

    April 13, 2012

    Happy Friday! Sorry for the late start today–I was up late last night working on a really fun project that I hope I’ll get to share soon! I’m excited to be posting this week’s love list because I’m turning 22 on Sunday, and these are some of the favorite happy pictures as of late. John is arriving tonight to spend the weekend with me, and we’re going out to brunch tomorrow at a really cute place with a group of my best friends in Austin. Since my birthday is toward the end of the school year, it always makes me reflect on what I’ve done or accomplished in the past year. At this time last year, I was stressed and lonely in Pittsburgh, but was so thankful to have my friends from Ohio come spend my 21st with me. I also got accepted as a transfer to Texas on my actual birthday, and it’s so crazy and surreal to think that it’s been almost a year now! I feel blessed. 21 has been a good one and I have high hopes for 22 :)

    {Such phenomenal pictures of a confetti ceremony send-off at a town hall in Italy! This brings the idea of a city hall wedding to a whole new level. By Giuli & Giordi Photography via Snippet and Ink}

    {Twirling around the Metropolitan Building in New York City decked out in couture bridal gowns? I literally cannot think of anything that sounds more fun! Be sure to check out the rest of this shoot, because it is Marie Antoinette-inspired and could not be more decadently gorgeous. By Judy Pak Photography via Style Me Pretty}

    {When I celebrated my birthday with my family last weekend, my mom and I whipped up this Devil’s Food Bavarian Torte. It’s Camille Styles’ go-to cake recipe, so we knew it would be good! It was absolutely delicious, and couldn’t be easier to put together. Leftovers did not last long! Via Camille Styles.

    {Speaking of cakes, I think more should wear balloons, don’t you? :) Love this whimsical cake topper by Potter and Butler}

    {I’m going to go ahead and say that this shot is my traditional birthday post picture. It’s just so happy and sparkly, I can’t resist! Note to self: plan a sparkly birthday party next year :P By Joielala Photographie via Grey Likes Weddings}

    Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Remember–cupcakes and champagne make tax day much more enjoyable. And you officially have an excuse to indulge in both. ;)

    Love,

    Lisa



  2. Nantucket Love

    February 23, 2012

    My Valentine’s Day-induced love of pink has officially been taken over by a crush on all things cherry red. The prettiest red always make me think of New England weddings, which always leave me breathless with their clean lines, sentimental details, and striking venues. The brides all seem so classy and chic, and grooms in navy and red will never go out of style. For this week’s inspiration board, I decided to pull together a bunch of details that would make up my perfect New England wedding (you know, just in case Style Me Pretty ever wants to hire me and I have to move to Massachusetts :P), with a color palette made up of bold red, crisp white, and pops of perfect sky blue.

    {Nantucket Love}

    {Lighthouse venue: Trent Bailey Photography (one of my absolute favorite photographers!) via 100 Layer Cake| Bouquet with lace: Melissa Munding Photography via Style Me Pretty| XO stamped napkins: Martha Stewart Weddings| Hand-painted nautical cake: Jennifer Sando Photography via Style Me Pretty| Bride with white bouquet: Ali Harper Photography via Southern Weddings| Stylish wedding party: Iris Photography via Style Me Pretty| Red trolley cart: Ali Harper Photography via Southern Weddings| Gorgeous tablescape with red chiavari chairs: Trent Bailey Photography via 100 Layer Cake}

    I am convinced that a gorgeous white lighthouse is the perfect wedding venue, and mixing classic and DIY details is right up my alley. And how about those red chiavari chairs? I’m officially calling it…colorful chiavaris are going to be huge this year, and I’m excited! :)

    Love,

    Lisa



  3. Southern Garden

    February 2, 2012

    I’m quickly learning that there can be a big difference between brides who commit to a color scheme first, and brides who commit to a style first. Personally, I prefer the latter. Choosing a style first allows you to work with your venue, your flowers, and eventually your colors to create a cohesive and natural look, while choosing a color first sometimes puts you at the risk of making things look forced, just to get those colors in. This bride-to-be is the perfect example of someone who knows what kind of wedding she wants, and isn’t tying herself down to a color scheme right off the bat.

    From the bride: I want my wedding to be a reflection of a perfect day! Lots of flowers, light, open spaces, and comfort food. I want it to be classic, yet unexpected and use both  light and dark colors. I would like to incorporate “Southern charm” elements in the food and details. Most importantly, I want it to be something unique and beautiful and a representation of things that make me happy!

    {Southern Garden}

    {Bride and groom at flower-covered table: Samuel Lippke via Grey Likes Weddings| White church for ceremony: Amy Arrington via Southern Weddings| Seersucker suit with navy tie: Jessica Smith Photography via Style Me Pretty| Peachy floral archway: Phindy Studios via Southern Weddings| Biscuit bar: Anna Wolf Photography via Southern Weddings| Sweet tea carafes: Ulmer Studios via Southern Weddings| Orchid cake: Kristen Gardner via Southern Weddings| Bridesmaids in navy blue: Stephen Devries via Southern Weddings}

    Behind the board: Since the priority for this board was flowers, I started out hunting for the most incredible florals I could find, and the picture on the top left was a clear winner. It reminds me of The Secret Garden! The flowers were carried over into a gorgeous floral arch, perfect for a ceremony space or reception entrance, and the cake covered in orchids–the bride’s favorite. Since this bride wanted a light-and-dark color combination, I picked on a loose color scheme of leafy green, navy blue, and peach for this board. Darling Southern details include a classic white church for the ceremony, a fully stocked biscuit bar, carafes of sweet tea, and a handsome seersucker suit for the groom!

    For inspiration board building, and other wedding design services, be sure to check out Something Pretty Online Wedding Design!

    Love,

    Lisa



  4. Intimate California Winter Wedding

    December 26, 2011

    I’ve spent most of my life in warm climates–Singapore, Qatar, and Texas are not too big on winter! With that in mind, I definitely know the challenge of feeling festive and holiday-ready when it’s 75 degrees outside. I think that’s why I was so drawn to this gorgeous Santa Barbara wedding, photographed by Jessica Lewis Photography. There are palm trees outside, but the beautiful couple still created a cozy, wintery atmosphere at their 20-some-person wedding.

    Thank you so much to Jessica Lewis for the honor of posting this lovely wedding!

    Love,

    Lisa



  5. Love List

    December 23, 2011

    ‘Tis the Friday before Christmas…are you ready? :) I put together an extra-long love list this week to squeeze in enough Christmas inspiration to last me till next year. Enjoy!

    {A darling Christmas tree-finding engagement session by Sarah Hasstedt via Grey Likes Weddings}

    {I’m all about unique receptions, but when it comes to ceremonies, there’s nothing like a church ceremony with traditional vows to get me teary-eyed. By Meredith Perdue via Southern Weddings}

    {I love the gorgeous colors and interesting elements of this mountaintop Christmas elopement centerpiece. By Casie Zalud Photography via Green Wedding Shoes}

    {Possibly the prettiest and most delicious looking cake I have ever seen! Bake from Scratch via Hostess with the Mostess}

    {Am I the only one who has watched Elf, oh, four or five times this December? This Buddy the Elf-themed holiday brunch is adorable, and the details are amazing! Luna Photography via Pizzazerie}

    {Another too-cute-for-words Christmas engagement session? Don’t mind if I do! Carol-Ann Photography via Style Me Pretty}

    {Just as a wedding…and Christmas…should be. :) She Wanders Photography via Wedding Chicks}

    Wishing you a weekend  full of love, joy, and the blessings of Christ’s birth.
    Merry Christmas!!

    Love,

    Lisa