Wedding Lounge

A hot trend in the wedding scene is to do a lounge; either in the cocktail hour or for the dancing portion of the evening. It adds to ambiance of the room and also gives guest extra comfy seating during the night.

image via Bridal Inquirer


image via It's Lovely Blog


image via Isn'tshelovely.org

I think bright colors work best for the space. It seperates it from the bridal feel and gives it more of a party look.

Image via Altmodabridal.com

image via Southern Brides Magazine

Here is an entire wedding that was created to look like a lounge/ club in Paris...looks fun!

image via Southern Brides Magazine

While the lounge idea is a great I personally feel that it is overkill unless you just want to spend money. I think I will stick to my good old gold chivaris.

14 Days and Counting

Day 14: Truly Commited


A few weeks ago Chris was invited to play golf with a friend at one of the most prestigious country clubs in the country. He was beyond ecstatic. He told me about it after he received the invite and I was so happy for him. Well, later that night he called me again and apologized. I couldn't figure out why. He explained that he didn't consult with me to see if it was okay to go out with this friend. Why you may ask? Because the friend was a woman. Of course I trust Chris more than anyone in the world, but the fact that he goes out his way to show me that I am the most important woman in his life allows me to live free of the stress and heartache than many women suffer in a less than secure relationship. Even in the ministry he never gives other women specific attention and makes it very clear by his body language and communication his boundaries. He did this even before we were together. So now that we are together I know that his dedication to me and boundaries with all others is real. I couldn't imagine living any other way.

Wedding Jitters...Definitely NOT Cold Feet!

I am a nervous wreck today. I had a bad dream that I was a day early for the wedding. I also had a dream in which nothing was ready for the day. It shook me, but I know it is just my mind playing tricks on me. But still....I am nervous. Maybe nervous is the wrong word. I think I am really excited...maybe eager. I just can't believe that will be a married woman in two and a half weeks! What in the world?!? It seems so unreal. This picture is of a wedding held at my venue...it really gives me relief.

What's with all the baby talk?

Okay, so I am not even married yet and I get so many questions about when am I having a baby. I know many engaged, married and even single women get this question too. I know people mean well by it, but am honestly supposed to know. I am trying to keep my head above water with wedding stuff; let alone planning my pregnancy. Besides that it's quite intrusive. It's like asking a person when are they going to get out of debt, lose weight or my favorite "Time is ticking; you don't want to be too old when you get married!" Now that I am done with my ranting and raving I must go on the record and say I love babies and can't wait to have many of them. In fact everytime I see a baby I go nuts and gush all over the little bundle. I definitely was built to be a mother and that is one reason I am choosing to stay at home. I even browse baby stff at stores...don't even say it! Yes, I'm very excited for that day to come...with that said a there is another bundle of joy I am looking forward to bring home a little sooner.

I'll give you a clue: whats short and cute and hairy all over? That's right a puppy!

The type of puppy is to be determined. I know that it must be under 10lbs full grown and very fuzzy. I also want a boy. While Chris and I plan to adopt bigger dogs in the future this little guy will suit me just fine right now. I have such a soft spot for all dogs. I told Chris the other night while we we're watching Animal Cops that if I weren't going to stay at home that I would want to work with animals. It is hard for me to watch that show now because it makes me cry. The cruelty of some people is unforgivable. I won't even discuss a certain athlete who did some unthinkable things to very innocent dogs.

Anyways, back to happy puppy talk. I am trying to figure out whether I want a Yorkie, Pomeranian or a designer breed. Yes, designer dogs exist. My favorite is the Morkie (Maltese +Yorkie= Morkie)
Here's a little video of one full grown:


Here is a baby:






I am hoping beyond all hope to get one for my birthday/wedding present...but I don't think it will work out due to travel and home renovations....let's pray for Christmas!

Invitation Recap: Part II

Creating the inside of the invite was the fun part. It was all about the Photoshop on this one! I wasn't sure of the design I wanted or even the colors. It just happened organically. The butterflies came out of left field for me on this whole bridal experience. The more I think about it the more fitting they are. The caterpillar a dark, fuzzy and crawling insect who turns into a beautiful, graceful and admired creature. It truly is an amazing thing God did when he created the transformation of the butterfly. In so many ways that is what God is doing in our lives, Chris and I. We know we are on the cusp of God transforming us into the next season of life. A season that will impact the world for Christ.

Invitation Recap: Part I

After many weeks of hard labor camp I finished weddinging invitations. Depending on how far a person had to travel they recevied their invite 8-5 weeks before the wedding. I definitely learned some hard lessons during this project. Especially since it was my first time ever making them!!!! So how did I make silk wraped invites?

Here is what you will need:

• Silk fabric
• chipboard
• gold paper for backing
• ivory or white heavy paper for invite
• vellum paper for overlay
• vellum envelope
• paper envelope
• silk, organza, or satin ribbon
• silk flower petals
• gold yarn
• hi-temp glue gun (small one)
• paper cutter
• scissors
• spray adhesive
• custom stamps
• postcard rsvp

I am so tired looking at this list that I have lost all desire to describe how I made them....maybe I'll gain the stregnth to share it soon :) Til' then here are some pics of what I did. Of course some of the names and addresses have been blured to protect the innocent...lol.

Etsy: Bridal Paradise!

Etsy :: Your place to buy and sell all things handmade

Awhile back I sy=tumbled across a website called Etsy. It is absolutely fabulous...yes I hate that word...but it is appropriate here. I have found so much on here including my bridal earrings, Chris cufflinks, his monogrammed handkercheifs, bridesmaids gifts and alot more. The great thing about the site is that is all handmade or vintage. So it's not like the giant flea market that Ebay has become...although that will always be my first love. You also hae an opportunity to talk to and negotiate with the seller or designer. Many times if you contact them you can get a percentage off. I have learned in all my planning that it pays to ask...even to the point of when it si a bit uncomfortable...lol.

Birdcage veil via Santanica
Etsy feels so personal, but yet it's online. Here are a few great bridal finds for you.

Rose Monogrammed Hanger via Spoccdesign

Crystal Bouquet Holder via TheCrystalTopper

Ruffle Silk Dupioni Purse by Designdujour

Vintage Headband via Mauve Binchley

Crystal Bridal Bracelet via BelleNouvelleDesigns
Yes...even a vintage engagement ring!

ROUND CUT DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING ART DECO BEZEL 2.00CT via jewelsbyknr

We're not in Manhattan anymore Toto!

So Chris and I did a little road trip from DC to Atlanta yesterday. I had a ton of stuff to bring down including my wedding dress; so flying was not an option. The trip was great especially great since I slept the first four hours. Chris would periodically get a little happy with the volume of the radio during that time, but other than that there weren't any bumps in the road...sorta speak. We even did a little detour in NC to see where the Tarheels play. They are Chris' favorite college basketball team. Although I don't know why since he attended and played for Brown...go figure when it comes to guys and their sports. That ended up being complicated since NCU has like a thousand separate campuses and buildings. Well, we when we reached South Carolina we needed to stop for gas, bathroom, ect. It was a very hick town called Dunkin. The Wendy's, gas station, convenience store and what looked like an arcade/entertainment center were all one giant place. I believe this was the "hotspot" in town. While I went to pay for my coffee, I noticed a magazine rack that had only three magazines. Here are two of them:

It was upon this discovery I had two thoughts: "What in the world?" and "Better calm down on the road rage with the South Carolinians!"

26 Days and Counting

Day 26: He is Unexpectedly Handsome

There are times when I look at Chris and I am just so intrigued. His skin, his smile, and his eyes are the things that always get me. His skin: smooth and flawless; his smile: bright and welcoming; his eyes: deep and mysterious. Then there are his cheekbones; you can see how high they are even when he frowns. His lips are soft and smooth. As some may know, Chris has been an athlete all his life and works out everyday even now. He naturally is muscular with a small waist. His long muscular legs and beautiful feet add to the rugged attractiveness that makes Chris. Oh how I love the beauty of my man!