iSwoon

Not sure what it is about this that I find so enchanting. Maybe it's the colors. Maybe it's the couple. But I am quite certain it has something to do with the originality. Love it.

Photo by Jeff Tisman Photography.

Feeling the Love

So, one of my favorite things in the world is when I am reading along on one of my favorite blogs and all of a sudden they mention me. Usually I am just so surprised and flattered that I don't know what to do, but given that it's happened twice recently I wanted to extend a huge thank you.

First, Cocktails & Details, the blog of the fabulous Terrica of Fabuluxe [whom I admire greatly], mentions me briefly at the end of her post on "Gorgeous Calligraphy." I think I blushed a bit.

Then Erinn of Behind the Knot did an entire write up on me and Melissa DiStefano of MasterPiece Weddings. So honored. Thank you ladies for your kind words. They truly act as inspiration to me and my work.

Wood You RSVP, Please?

Recently I was contacted by Rocky Mountain Laser Crafts about their wooden designs. They explained that they did custom wooden invitations and maps and I was, well, a little skeptical - to say the least. But when they sent over some samples of their work it was a whole different story.

Who knew you could make such detailed designs on pieces of wood? It adds a whole new dimension to the word "keepsake." Can you imagine throwing away an invitation this original? And this... sturdy?

Be sure to check out the rest of their samples and work on their website.

I, personally, think it would add just the right amount of rustic charm to the right wedding. What are your thoughts? Is it neat and original or do you think it's lame?

iSwoon

That moment when nothing else in the world matters.

Image courtesy of Susan Stripling.

iSwoon

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Skog.

Weddings We Love: Daniel Lateulade

When Daniel Lateulade sent over these photos from a recent wedding he shot, I could not resist sharing a few of my favorite touches of Southern charm.

Rings on a fishhook? Love it.

Look at those colors! Love the unique combination of yellow and aqua.

So bright and summery.

Wait. Are those Miller Lite cans I spot on the back?

I'm going to take a shot in the dark and guess it's someone's favorite drink!

For the rest of the photos from this wedding and more of Daniel's work, be sure to check out his blog.

iSwoon

Via Style Me Pretty.

iSwoon

Photo courtesy of One Love Photo.

Facebook: The New eHarmony

Did you hear about this story? You know the one where Kelly Hildebrandt marries Kelly Hildebrant? After I read it I couldn't resist sharing...

About 100 guests are expected to gather at a Florida yacht club this October for Kelly Hildebrandt's wedding -- to Kelly Hildebrandt.

Kelly Katrina Hildebrandt says she was bored one night last year and decided to search Facebook for her own name to see if anyone shared it. Kelly Carl Hildebrandt of Lubbock, Texas, came up as the only match.

The two exchanged e-mails, then occasional phone calls. Eventually that turned into daily conversations, sometimes lasting for hours. After a few months, he visited her in Florida, and that cinched it. Last December, she found a diamond engagement ring hidden in a treasure box on a beach.

While the couple says it's fun sharing a name, there have been complications. They nearly had a cruise canceled when a travel agent deleted one ticket on their reservation, thinking it was a duplicate entry.

The couple are including their middle names on the wedding invitations to save confusion. And, they've ruled out naming any children Kelly.

Story found via ABC News. Weird, no?

iSwoon

Image courtesy of La Dolce Vita Studio.

Free Map

A few days ago, we mentioned the giveaways by Lindsey from Pure. What we failed to mention? That we would be a part of those giveaways.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Roark Photography

Be sure to head on over to Lindsey's blog today [and today only] to enter for a chance to win a custom map by SWOONOVERIT. Anyone can enter - brides, vendors, general blog readers - and there are no limitations on where you are located either. So what are you waiting for?

Happy entering!

iSwoon: The Series

So I realized a trend among several of my favorite blogs: a daily [or almost daily] picture, image, or idea as inspiration.

LHEverything has Daily Inspiration.

Design Crush has Picture It.

Behind the Knot has Daily Indulgence.

These posts so often make up my very favorites. Images that touch the soul. Thoughts that speak to you.

So, dear readers, let me introduce you to iSwoon. It won't be everyday. It might only be a few times a week. But, it will be featuring the images, thoughts, or ideas that have provided or are providing me with my best inspiration for that moment in time. I start this series with the hope that maybe just maybe these little pieces of inspiration will touch you as I have been touched by these fellow bloggers and their own inspiration.

Weddings We Love: Kari + Andrew

Remember how I told you about my dear friend Kari's wedding? Well, Kara of Kara Pennington Photography recently posted an overview of the evening and, well, I just could not wait to share. She honestly did such a phenomenal job.

Truly one of the most beautiful weddings. And I swear every vendor was, literally, amazing. Again, congratulations Kari and Andrew. To many happy years together.

To see the rest of the photos from the evening, be sure to check out the Kara Pennington Photography blog. You will not be disappointed.

Giveaway: Wedding Survival Handbook

Remember a few weeks ago when I was raving over loving The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Weddings? Well, the folks over at Chronicle Books were kind enough to send me a few copies and, well, I would like to share them with you my dear readers.

This book is for anyone who has planned, is planning, or is going to plan a wedding. It is for the industry professionals and those immersed in the field by force. Whoever you are, if you have any relationship with weddings and like to laugh - this book is for you.

Anyone can enter. Leave a comment on this post with a valid e-mail address telling me why you need this book before Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at midnight EST. Winners will be randomly selected.

Don't Forget the Pet

One of the things that broke my heart was not having our baby, Kira, as a part of our wedding in some way. [She's our adored shepherd/chow mix - in case you were wondering.] Since then I have realized it doesn't have to be that way. Not only can you include them, but you can involve them beautifully.

Don't believe me?

Quite possibly my favorite pet inclusion ever - I love how the photographer snuck her off to get some solo portraits in her wedding attire.

Via With this Ring.

Check out that tie! Precious. Photo from Gia Canali via Tying the Knot.

That look of adoration. Any dog owner knows that look.

Jeff Tisman Photography via LHEverything.

Two dogs in love? Are you kidding me?

Via Susan Stripling.

And then, as I was preparing this post, a miraculous thing happened... I stumbled upon these beauties via the fabulous One Love Photo and could not love them more.

If this last one doesn't say family then I am not sure what does.

And then it hit me, this is also a wonderful opportunity just to have those pro-photos of your furry family member [I refuse to call them "friend" since anyone who has ever owned a dog knows they are so much more than that].

So, what about you? Are you going to include your fur-baby in your wedding in some way? Or, like me, are you going to always regret that you missed that opportunity?

[On Pure by Lindsey] Relaunch Giveaways

You have heard me talk about her before [actually a few times], but I just cannot stop talking about Lindsey from Pure by Lindsey. Her work is stunning, she is a joy to work with, and well, we just cannot say enough good things about her. 

All images courtesy of Pure by Lindsey.

Recently, she has been taunting us with hints about her new rebrand and, with the official launch almost here, she is hosting a week long of giveaways to celebrate and share in her excitement leading up to the official launch. Each day's giveaway will get larger and more expensive - so keep heading back everyday through next Wednesday, August 19th to enter. 

And, of course, sweat with us in excited anticipation until she finally reveals the new face of Pure.

Bride$hare

The fabulous Dana LaRue, also known as the Broke-Ass Bride or Miss Meatball from Weddingbee, recently launched Bride$hare - a fabulous wedding planning resource. As the site itself says it is a "social networking site designed to help brides save money by sharing wedding-related resources and goods." 

The site is built upon a two-fold approach - it allows you to "save some green" while also being green. Who wouldn't love to reduce their wedding's carbon footprint while at the same time saving some money? Pure brilliance.

[On Lucky Me] A Lucky Giveaway

Erin from Lucky Designs is celebrating her 30th birthday and, in true style, is sharing gifts from some of her favorite vendors with her readers. With five fabulous giveaways ranging from stationery to ice cream - this is one giveaway opportunity you do not want to miss. 

And the best part? One entry [by leaving a comment on the post] qualifies you for any of the goods!

Happy birthday Erin. We hope it's a lovely one. And, thanks for spreading the birthday love around.

Toaster, anyone?

There are few things I like more than creative advertising. I mean, advertising has the potential to be so boring. So when people - especially those in the wedding industry - mix it up a bit I am all ears.

So, when Melissa showed me this video from Jeffrey Stoner of Stoner Video, well, I was cracking up. 

Not a bad deal, eh?

Happy Belated Blog-iversary

Whoops! I cannot believe that I managed to miss my one year blog-iversary. I mean, it's not that big of a deal - it is just a blog afterall. But then again it is this blog that has taken me down a lovely journey. This blog I have to thank for so many wonderful friends I have made in the wedding industry. For helping me start my own business. For allowing me creative expression.

I have kiddingly said that my life can be divided up as "Before Blogging" and "After Blogging." And, while it has been said in jest, it is kind of true in a way.

Dear readers, I am and continue to be humbled that you follow me, comment on my posts, and keep coming back. I hope that this blog has provided and continues to provide inspiration for you as a bride, wedding vendor, or blog enthusiast. Thank you so much for your continued support. 

To many more years of blogging...

Blog of the Week: Kee to Your Heart

Blog of the Week: Kee to Your Heart

It's a little delayed (since I typically post my Blog of the Week on Mondays) but I figured late is better than never. This week, I wanted to make the fabulous "Kee to Your Heart" blog the Blog of the Week. My dear friend Kari, owner and author of the blog, got married on Saturday. And, let me tell you - it was quite the event! If you follow me on Twitter, you probably saw my tweets and twitpics throughout the day. But Kari and everything about her event was gorgeous. 

And, when she returns from her honeymoon next week, I am quite certain she is going to have lots of eye candy to share. Plus, my understanding is she has some fun things planned for the future of the blog as well. So tune in my friends and stay tuned for what I have no doubt is going to be a fabulous recap of a remarkable event. 

And in case that wasn't convincing enough...

Photo courtesy of the amazing Kara Pennington.

Photo courtesy of the fabulous La Dolce Vita Studio.

How's that for a sneak peek?