Brides, grooms and everyone else in between- whether you are planning a wedding, shower or some other special event, we’d like to remind you all to make an effort to relax, breath, enjoy your life and all things important in it.  We know that it’s not easy to juggle your 9-5 and plan the perfect wedding. To lighten things up a bit, I found this clever Workday Recovery Kit by knock knock via Twig and Thistle and thought it was a fun way to mend those wounds from a brutal day at the office and to also give yourself a good laugh, or at least put a smile on your face.

Have a great day today and do something fun!

xoxo,

~a

{photos from knock knock}

O-M-G….this cake is absolutely darling. From the texture, to the single pink heart, all the way down to the cake stand…this would be a perfect focal point for any reception. Believe it or not, you or your talented family member can make this cake…do-it-yourself!! Click below for the step by step directions from the wonderful Bakerella. Eat your heart out baby!

Click Here for Recipe

xo

Sonia

Photo credits: Bakerella

On a little search for an invite for an upcoming destination wedding, I stumbled upon JoyEverAfter’s darling shop.  I started poking around her wedding section and found some adorable customizable printables!  What perfect, thoughtful gifts!

{marriage certificate, far more beautiful than the real deal!  customizable colors, too}

{surprise the b&g with one of these on their door knobs after the wedding}

and i {adore} these sweet, sweet invitations

Stop into JoyEverAfter’s shop for joyful finds.  I think I just found one for myself, too (ooh, and another for a bridal shower gift)!

happy shopping!

xo,

paige

images:  joyeverafter

Newly engaged?  Newly registering?  I am newly in love with NewlyWish, a brilliant wedding registry.  Based in New York City, founder Amanda Allen created a concept that will make you delighted to easily {and excitedly} register in one place.   Featuring some of the finest shops in NYC, you’re able to choose from a wide selection of items that you could never find in a department store.  NewlyWish offers the best of both worlds:  you can support ‘Mom & Pop’ shops and register for unique gifts {and experiences} that you truly desire!

Create a personalized smorgasbord of options for your guests so they can pick and choose from pots, pans & platters to an evening at a South African manor on your honeymoon!   Register and start exploring!

xo,

paige

Congrats to Kristen and Gerrit on their upcoming nuptials!

Our lovely bride-to-be is a talented graphic designer.  She did an amazing job at creating their beautiful moroccan insprired invitation package — love that she incorporated a modern twist!

{rsvp postcard}

{directions}

~ just darling ~

Stay tuned for more from Kristen and Gerrit’s wedding!

xo

~A

{images from Kristen Smith}

I never imagined I would love my lil’ pooch as much as I do. She spends as much time with me as she possibly can. Literally…my tiny shadow. I treat her like any parent treats their first born.  So it was difficult when I found out she couldn’t join my husband and I in Hawaii as we exchanged vows. For those of you who CAN include your prize pet in any of your wedding activities…GO FOR IT!

If you decide to actually include your pet in your wedding ceremony, make sure you confirm with your venue that pets are in fact allowed. Check with your bridal party and guests to make sure no one is allergic to your pet. If calling each guest seems a little daunting, include a page on your wedding website about your pet and their participation in your wedding. Ask guests to contact you if they have any allergies.

Like small children, your pets need plenty of practice. Don’t assume they will cruise down the aisle with no issues. The music, crowd of people, and new surroundings might terrify Felix or Fido.

Another alternative, if you want your pet included in the festivities, is to have your photographer take some snaps on the day of your wedding rehearsal with the two of you and your pet. This way, you kill a two birds with one stone:

1. By requesting your photographer join you at your rehearsal gives you and your fiance’ an opportunity to get comfortable in front of the lens and allows your photographer a chance to have some fun without all the comotion.

2. It’s a great way to get some great professional photos with the three of you without a wedding dress on. Grab those matching Christmas sweaters (even if it’s the middle of July) for those upcoming Christmas cards as Mr. & Mrs.!

Or, on the day of your wedding, ask a close family member to watch your pet during the ceremony but include them in the photos before or after the ceremony.  If your pet wears clothes, this is a great opportunity to incorporate your wedding colors in their attire. And don’t forget the pearl or rhinestone necklace!

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with taking the stress off of the wedding planning process to make an excuse for a casual get together with other pet lovers. Yep, gather the girls and their pooches and have a wedding ceremony for your furry friends. Leopard print linens for the reception along with dog bowls at each place sitting {for your human friends} is perfect! Fill hurricane vases with dog treats and perch carnation balls at the top of the filled vases. Voila! A fun, fantastic event that is sure to get some belly laughs!

Tell us how you plan on including your pet for your wedding or engagement!

xo

Sonia

Photo Credits: 1. John & Joseph Photography; 2. Catherine Hall Photography; 3. Aves Photographic; 4. Eric Uys Photography; 5. Harrison Huwitz Photography

My bundle of fur turned 2 on Friday. My teacup poodle Maggie Rosebud had a fantastic Tinkerbell themed birthday party with delicious dog cupcakes, presents galore, and a day at the doggie spa! This 3 1/2 pound princess has a great life!

Check back with us later today for those of you who want some ideas on how to include your pooch into your wedding day!

xo

Sonia

{whoopie!}

it’s aimee’s birthday!

have a very {sweet} birthday, darling!

we heart you,

paige & sonia

photo & recipe: confessions of a bake-aholic

Today we received exciting news from Mindy Weiss headquarters in Beverly Hills. Brides, if you are interested in learning the basic  A-B-C’s of wedding planning, discovering new trends and meeting the best of the best vendors, you must be a guest at The Most Ridiculous Wedding Event Ever 2. The informative, jaw-dropping event is hosted by the super sweet celebrity planner herself, Mindy Weiss.  Paige, Sonia and myself attended this ridiculously amazing event last year and we cannot wait to show up at the event this year! Have a look at some photos from last year:

{table number & invite by lehr & black}

{amy atlas confections}

{gorgeous tablescapes}

{goodies for us from Mindy}

We are so excited to see what surprises she has in store this year!

Click below to find out more about it.

We hope to see you there!

xoxo,

a

Summertime is full of many glorious events, one of them being flea markets!   Our sweet little assistant, Anna, visited our annual local flea market last weekend and scored! Here are some of her little treasures. {We were both surprised to find out that people came from as far as Oregon and got there when the doors opened.  It’s no joke, folks– flea marketers take it quite seriously!}

{jackpot!  vintage set, made in california!  look at the price below!}

{and she even found some new kicks, too!  love the display job, miss anna!}

Take some time to explore the garage, moving and estate sales, flea markets and antique stores, too.  There are treasures you’d never expect to find at prices you simply can’t beat!

Finding inspiration is the easy part– figuring out how to get it all home is the hard part!

xo,

paige

photos by anna mccracken