In the Bag

Not like I need another project but I love these little drawstring bags from Tec Petaja's latest wedding. I would probably go crazy making over 100 but maybe just a few for friends? And I found inexpensive, US-made, 100% cotton bags here.

Greater Garter

The thought of wearing a garter never occured to me. I'm not having anyone's head up my dress so what's the point of wearing one. That was before I saw this vintage-inspired beauties by Florrie Mitton. I.die.

The Problem With An Outdoor Venue

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You can't decorate the ceiling with birdies and crazy antlers!!!

I Like It Ruff(led)

I don't know, man. I think this wedding sh*t has really made me lose it. The other day I told my friend that I wanted to "poop ruffles" on my wedding day. Ruffles! Just cover me in them! I can't stand it! I blame her. If I had a 23" waist I would buy this dress in a HEARTBEAT and take those sleeves off.

More Ruffle Butts:

Edgardo Bonilla

Vintage William Cahill

Lazaro

Pattis

Palazzo

And ruffles do not come cheap, my friend. Anyone know where I can find a cheap ruffle butt out there?

There's No I'm Sorry About It

I have a favor to ask all the bloggers and blog-commenters out there. Can we stop apologizing, please? I really don't want to read another introduction to a post that starts with "I'm sorry I said that..." or "I'm sorry I feel this way but..." Or a comment apologizing for writing an opinion or feeling a certain way or making a certain decision. Your feelings and opinions are completely valid when it comes to your wedding. Just because our budgets differ or our invitation process is different doesn't mean that one of us is wrong. We don't have to judge each other for making those choices. Sure, we can still express individual thoughts (in a civil and nonjudgemental manner, of course) but it doesn't have to be a battle. I love posts that make me think about all the other ways people go about planning a wedding and make me want to participate in a discussion. It doesn't mean I'm going to think you are a horrible person for feeling that way or doing that thing.

So own it and stand up for yourself! Don't let people tell you that your feelings are wrong or you're choices are not right just because it differs from what that person might have done. They're the *ssh*le, not you!

Vintage Stamps: Worth It?

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I have a question for people who have already sent out their invites. Vintage stamps - everyone's crazy about vintage stamps but are they worth it? How many stamps did you need to get those puppies out the door? I know it's pretty and all but is anyone but me going to even notice or realize that I scoured EBay at 3am for a gazillion stamps???

Real Wedding: Erin and Chuck

I just can't stop looking at all of Corbin Gurkin's photos. I swear this is my favorite wedding ever and not just because of all the sweat and tears (I promise there was no sweat and tears in the cupcakes) that went into it. The whole thing was spectacular to look at and everyone had a great time (thank you, love bucket brew!). Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day. Check out more on Erin's blog, Corbin's blog, and ONCE WED (yay!).

Do you see the little heart in Erin's hair?! So sweet. Her sister, hair stylist extraordinaire, did a great job! Also, the look of love on Chuck's face as he gazes at his bride-to-be brings tears to my eyes.

It was a good day! Donuts and Love Bucket Brew always help! :)

Oh. And Best.Kiss.Ever.

There were SO many amazing, sweet, and talented vendors that made that day happen. I just have to give a shout out.

Venue: Dana-Powers House (This place is beyond gorgeous and Judi is a saint!)

Bouquets and boutonnieres: Amy Osaba

Driftwood Archway and aisle petal circles: Adornment Florals (I LOVE Laurel!)

Caterer: McGee's Catering (mac n' cheese to die for)

Cupcakes and Coordination: ME! Sweet Emilia Jane

Band: Steppin' Feet (They were SO good...and I have to say I overheard a couple female guests wishing that they had played a little longer.)

Hair: Megan Wayt

Makeup: Nyrie Makeup & Hair

Veil: Lo Boheme (this veil was fierce...the pictures DO NOT do it justice)

Invitations: Why, Miss Erin herself - Haute Off the Press

Photography: Corbin Corbin Corbin! (so talented and SO nice. I hope to work with her again!)

A Fall Treat

mmm...pumpkin cake.

I've created a new home for my baking and event planning - Sweet Emilia Jane.

Jet Setters

Not only does Erin have impeccable taste and now how to throw a party but girl has some sweet design skills. Check out these destination wedding save-the-dates!

Venue: The Loft

I went for a tour of The Loft in UCSD this morning and was delighted with the space. I don't even know if you could book it for a wedding but maybe a rehearsal dinner or shower. From a collection of these chairs to sweet terrariums and funky chandeliers, I think it would be a great venue for an urban, (mid-century) modern event. The space fits up to about 150 seated and there is a stage for a killer band. Anyone in San Diego considering this venue?

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From Inspiration to Reality

So remember way back when I was making boards for people (so sorry if I fell off the face of the earth and never got to yours!)? I would love to know if any of you have tied the knot and how the inspiration became a reality! If you still read wedding blogs, let me know!

Passing the Dress

Remember this amazing vintage wedding? It made me wonder - is anyone else planning on wearing your mother's wedding gown? Or maybe another family member's dress? I would love to know!

That 70s Wedding

I'm not one of those people who tries to emulate a certain look from an era like 50s' rockabilly or 60s' mod. I like vintage and retro furniture, clothes, music but I'm not tied down to one decade. Lately, however, I have been feeling a little boho (some people would say I have always been this way) and I've been channeling a lot Jane Birkin and a little Carly Simon. The wedding is kind of going in that direction too. Sometimes I wish I could just really GO there.

Simple, long-sleeved gown (that I make myself, obv), big hat (my mother totally wore a HUGE-ass hat to her 1977 wedding).

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Groom-style straight from the closet. And areception small enough it can fit inside the house.

(PS: How amazing is that wallpaper!)

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Intimate, sunset ceremony.

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And a sweet, sweet ride.

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Zombie Love

I was researching 70s weddings for an upcoming post and I discovered these totally creepy and amazing old photographs. They were scanned from slides and it totally looks like a zombie wedding during the Apocalypse. I kind of dig it. Do I smell a theme anyone?

Charmed, I'm Sure

I have been following C is for...Charmed for a long time. I love her whimsical, romantic posts and her wedding definitely did not disappoint in the whimsy and romance categories. With a 6 hour gap between the ceremony (in a greenhouse!) and reception, the couple had time to hang out with each other and really reflect on the vows they had recited. I love that they trotted through a street fair and ate some hot dogs!

And here is some practical advice from the bride: "...it's just one of those really amazing days in your life that shouldn't be clouded with wedding dresses and sit down dinners and perfection - it should be about the two of you."

Oh, but what a f*ing gorgeous wedding dress it is!

{photos by aaron ingrao - they found him on craigslist!*}

*UPDATE: Chris and her husband did all the editing and processing on their pictures. Just divine! Is there nothing this girl can't do??? Check out here invites as well.

Blogucation

There have been a few smart ladies out there in blogland and I wanted to give them some love. Thank you for your level-headed, practical, easy-to-relate-to outlooks on life and wedding planning.

The Bowie Bride acknowledges, accepts and deals with her inner wedding planning monster (i hate the b-word, ya know?). If only my mr. were that quick to "get it" when I blow up in a planning panic.

A Los Angeles Love is always intelligent and well-spoken. She is the blogging anchor in wedding planning. Love is a decision ranks up there in blog post greatness.

A Cupcake Wedding brings the sass and the smarts. Who gives a f* about the chairs, really, and bring on the real "real wedding" people.

Killer Heels

If I wasn't already a giant I might opt for some killer heels to bring a little badass to a sweet wedding dress.

{photo by the paper pony}

The Ultimate Wedding Video

30- 40 birthday party...and a surprise wedding from Lorien Gabel on Vimeo.

I don't know Lorien and Jessica but, nevertheless, I was in tears by the time the credits rolled around.

Etch-It Party Cups

My marvelous wedding warrior, Kristy, found the chalkboard stickers or Etch-It tags. You can buy them already on the cup or by themselves. I'm pretty sure they can go on glass as well as plastic if you want to be classy about it. Your guests could be just as happy as Reby here!

The Cutest Keg

We are kind of beer snobs. A couple cases of bud light just won't cut it for our party. We have been trying to figure out how we are going to make our expensive beer tastes work on our budget. A couple of kegs came to mind filled with our favorites but they still would be, of course, a couple of kegs. A big no-no* apparently in wedding la-la land. I lo-lo-love what the Lollipop girls did at this mid-century modern, Palm Springs (swoon) wedding over at Once Wed.

And, hello, blackboard name tags (which I can't seem to find anywhere!)

{via lake jane}

* cough cough sarcasm cough cough. don't you know i'm the queen of no-nos??

Love of My Life

These sparkly creations by Cathy Waterman are divine.

Yeah, I shouldn't have looked at the pricetag. Ah well.

Hair Raising Dreams

The nightmares have started again! I was good for, like, 8 months! All of a sudden I have been having wedding-related dreams and they are no fun! Last night/this morning I had two different dreams and in both I didn't have enough time to do my hair. Actually, all the dreams I have had are about not having enough time. Last week, we were like 5 minutes away from the alter and I realized that I hadn't written a single vow. But back to the hair. I do not have the kind of hair that I can just whip into shape on a moment's notice. I was blessed (some would say...I beg to differ) with thick, curly, wild, obnoxious hair. If I want it to do anything I will have to abuse it for a good two hours. These dreams make me reconsider my desire to do my own hair. My hair is the longest it has been since I was, oh, ten years old and I really want pretty mermaid hair but with an edge like my favorite bouffant beauty - Bridgette Bardot.

Oh my pretty little wedding warriors - any of you know how to give good (hem hem) hair???

{images from here }

Photobooth Party

A photobooth was my one decor necessity from even before the very beginning. I LOVE photobooths and squeezing as many people in whenever one is around. Of course, renting a photobooth is completely out of my budget but that hasn't stopped me yet, has it? I know we've all seen a million different photobooths but I don't care. I think it will be a blast and a little crowd pleaser. Now the only thing besides figuring out how to make the camera remote work is to come up with a background idea. I'm still partial to the simple fabric backdrop but there are so many other possibilities!

Vintage Book Pages

My parents would never let me paint the house but I love this!

Wallpaper Collage

And my favorite - the blackboard paint wall

{top photo via green wedding shoes}

Sometimes I Like to Stalk My Photographers

because they are so f-ing good. Congrats on the new (perfect) name and the Once Wed spread!!!

{photos by Davina + Daniel}