Simply Modern Weddings

one of my favorite things about vacationing is the fun photos that james and i get to take. we love trying to “out-photo” each other, even though neither one of us really has mad photo skills! one annoying thing about this, is having to carry our tumi messenger bag so our camera has some sort of slight protection when we don’t really feel like looking like crazy tourists carrying around a huge camera!

enter epiphanie bags these adorably stylish bags are more designer purse than camera bag…which i LOVE! it can carry your camera w/ lens attached, additional camera goodies, or any other crazy things you would put in your purse! currently, they have 3 purse styles…and as much as i love the aqua color of belle, i am so so digging lola’s style! hot hot hot!

be sure to check out epiphanie’s blog, they are having a contest this month giving away a brand new canon 5d mark ii or $2,500 southwest gift certificate.

hmm travel or new camera…which would you choose?

while doing my sunday morning blog reading, i ran across this beautifully filmed surprise proposal! i just absolutely love when my clients tell me their proposal stories, because there is always something so sweet, funny, and utterly romantic about them!

when james proposed, he had a photographer capture the moment…which is so great because i can go back and look at those photos (and laugh at my face which says, “shut up! are you serious!?).

i really love when thought is put into making the proposal both special and meaningful to the couple. which is why i am loving this sweet video below! check out the bridepop blog for the story behind the proposal!

i just adore my past bride alison…with her fabulous self! you may remember her from the stylish santa monica wedding with that gorgeous little pale peach gown she wore!

alison has a new reel on her blog ali on the go of her recent style expert hostings. check it out below! her blog is definitely a “must read” if you like to stay hip to what’s great in style, food, travel, etc.

true friday fabulousness!!!

closing out this week of great etsy finds are these cute clutches by emma england. they would make perfect gift for your bridesmaids…and since she has tons of fabric and color options, you can match to each girl’s personal style!

i received one of these adorable bags as a birthday gift from one of my sweet brides, and it’s a perfect size for a night out…or even just carrying around as an everyday bag! plus it is nice to not feel like a bag lady with all the huge purses we tend to buy nowadays, and small bag = easier to find stuff since you don’t have your whole life inside it!

to continue on with some more etsy finds…how cute are these wrap around address labels from le petit paper? these would be so perfect for sending out your wedding invitations, christmas cards, valentine’s day cards, or just about anything you can imagine!

these soft and pretty dresses from etsy seller sarahseven! they make me want to put one on and do a “little girl twirl”. i just can’t get enough of their amazingness!

sarah’s pieces are perfect for a bride looking for something couture, feminine, with a splash of whismy. this is definitely not the traditional strapless ball gown! you can customize your dress length, color, add/remove sleeves…anything your heart desires!

i am also loving that 10% of every gown purchase goes towards various charities that she supports. which is so beautiful of her to do! her pricing is also something to put a smile on your face, as the gowns pictured range from $455 to $1210. these are custom dresses peeps…and not just for weddings either!

like seriously, why are you still reading this? go fall in love with her shop right now!

i just received a save the date for the wedding of my dear friends brian & helen…and it reminded me how exciting it is to be a guest and receive a really cool save the date. especially when it’s so well thought out and gives you a glimpse of what’s to come for their wedding day! your first correspondence to guests regarding the wedding should always convey some sort of “sneak peek” of what your wedding style will be. not only does it get them super excited…but it also helps pull together one cohesive flow of your wedding from start to finish!

of course you know of my obsession when it comes to etsy…but i also have a “not so secret” obsession with cool acrylic pieces to modernize a wedding up. and since “etsy has everything it’s no surprise that i found these ultra chic acrylic mini save the date calendars for such an awesome price! the seller, paperthickink also has acrylic wedding invites, menus, guest sign-ins…you just have to love them!

if i were to receive this save the date, it would convey a ultra chic, minimalist wedding for a couple that loves to do things a bit outside the box! or it could also be for a luxe holidays style wedding…icy cool! oh so fabulous!

what will your wedding correspondence say about you?

i am just loving this creativity of my favorite wedding pros, especially their fun etsy shops! kristin with treasured petal is another one of my dear friends whose etsy shop features “delightful items to have, to hold, & to wear”!

for your wedding, there are beautiful bridal hair pieces, mercury glass lanterns, and adorable mossy ring bearer pillows. even if you aren’t getting married, she has some really cool items like hair clips, headbands…or how about a sassy masquerade ball mask! (i have seen those masks in person for a party and adore them!)

i bought her fabulous black and gray ribbon belt, which can also be used as a headband…and love it. guys, what a great valentine’s gift this would be for your accessory-obsessed girl! or ladies, how cool would this be for a birthday gift to your friends!

if you haven’t yet noticed, i have made this a valentine’s week full of fabulousness. we all know how valentine’s day has become a commercialized hallmark holiday of cheesiness…so that’s why this week is focusing on things that are fresh and unique for sharing your love!

todays little bit of love comes from one of my favorite etsy shops and sweetest wedding planner friend courtney with joyful weddings and events. courtney is known for creating the most adorable little goodies for her events and now her etsy shop joyful joyful brings her crafty touch to your own events. i have thanksgiving, christmas, and new year’s banners from her shop…and they are all absolutely adorable and totally add to our holiday decor. so why not a sweet valentine’s banner for your romantic dinner at home!

tomorrow is the last day to order in time for valentine’s day…so be sure to check out her shop!

because there has always been something so cliche to me about receiving a dozen roses on valentine’s day…i would think “come on, you couldn’t be just a bit more creative?”. unfortunately there really hasn’t been much selection out there for goodies to send your love on valentine’s day, so many folks just resort to what they see available. (which is “blah” long stem roses!)

thank goodness there are creative floral designers like my dear friend carissa from jl designs has launched another floral collection. you remember how in love with her holiday collection i was? well i think these are even sweeter! not only is there a collection of lovely floral for the ladies and dudes (yes, ladies…guys like receiving flowers too!) but she has created each piece with a cool persona. you’ve got the socialite, the california girl, the techie, the ex-football player, and so many other fabulous floral personas to choose from. this is so much cooler than a dozen roses, don’t ya think!

below i have showcased a few of my favorites from the male & female collection because i am so in love with her pieces, that i can’t even pick a favorite. which floral persona is your favorite?

to see more of her valentine’s collection and more info on ordering these amazing pieces for your honey, check out carissa’s blog!