wedding preview: wedding perfume

some time ago, while perusing my wedding blogs, i came across a couple whose two week destination wedding celebration was like a dream.  there were several things that i noted in my mind to someday use for my own wedding celebration.  one was a wedding perfume.  the bride & groom, together, selected a scent to wear for those two weeks, and to pull out for anniversaries and special occasions.  i thought to myself, what an awesome idea! it took me a while to find my "wedding perfume" but after many sniff tests, shawn & i found one that we both LOVED for me.  we chose tocca graciella & if you haven't smelled it before, it is sweet & romantic; which is exactly what i wanted!

photo via

are you a graciella girl?

xo

movie star

loving blake's look here. hair. makeup. dress.  all are perfect!

have a great weekend!

xo,

trial: part II

last week i talked about my upcoming hair and makeup trial. i shared with you some photos i have saved for my hair inspiration & today i would like to share my makeup inspirations as well.

i want to look like myself, but like the best version of myself! so i'm thinking soft, pink lips, pink/peach cheeks, and a dramatic lash line will keep the feminine, romantic feel that i am going for.

photos via pinterest

trial is today! i'll keep you posted on how it all goes down!

xo,

trial

next week i have my hair and makeup trial.  i am so excited! on the other hand this means it's time to make a decision.  i have been going back and forth about hair styles; i love the look of loose, romantic waves - but at the same time i think a low, loose up-do can have the same romantic feel without taking away from the details of the dress and/or jewelery. 

here are a couple photos i will be taking with me next week for my trial!

all photos via pinterest

happy thursday, friends!

xo,

color crush: coral

loving this color for the summer season.  no matter where i see it, it looks perfect!

all photos via pinterest

what's your favorite summer shade?

xo,

summer hair

loving these looks lately...which is your favorite?

all photos via

happy weekend!

xo,

oh, kate

i love this dress..and i love pretty much anything & everything kate.  if i could get my hands on this dress in ivory, i would make it my wedding gown!

photos via pinterest

xo,

spring - summer

source for all photos

what are you loving for spring & summer 2012?

xo,

just because

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xo,

 

7 MONTHS!

not only was yesterday valentine's day, but it was also the 7 month mark in the countdown to our WEDDING DAY! eeeeeeeks!! i've mentioned before that we usually do not make a big fuss over valentine's day. just a special meal and some good wine, linger a little longer in the hug, snuggle a little closer...you know, the little things. but this year is slightly different.  this is our first and last valentine's day as a an engaged couple. and to me (to us) this made valentine's day 2012 slightly more special :)

so it was quite a lovely surprise when i arrived home verrrry late from work to see a beautiful vase of red & raspberry tulips along with a little love note.  something that i was not expecting. something that was so beautifully written.  i will keep that letter forever.  and probably feel butterflies every time i read it.

it's the little things like this that make me realize & appreciate the meaning of love.  i will always remember what our priest told us at our pre-cana class back in october - it is no coincidence that you are sitting next to the person you are next to. what is happening, is meant to be happening. this is something so much bigger than you can ever imagine. you are your partner's life project, his/her key to heaven.  it is your life's job to get your partner into heaven.

this sentiment has stayed with me in my heart and in my mind. i love feeling like this once in a lifetime love, best friend, soul mate, forever kind of love is so much bigger than us.

when something special happens to us, we turn to each other and say, "always remember." ...
i will always remember...
...the second i knew shawn was about to get down on one knee & ask me to be his wife.
...our giggles & happiness during our engagement photo session.
...the closeness we felt after our pre-cana class.
...picking out our wedding bands & the feeling i got when i saw a wedding band on his hand for the 1st time! ....

i will always remember the giddiness of coming home to beautiful flowers & the loveliest of love letters... and knowing i'll always have a valentine...

xo,

a little bit of birdy

have you heard of birdy? the 15 year old from england? she has been in my head for two whole days now...i'm obsessed..

my brother introduced me to her music & i was instantly addicted. i cannot believe this is the voice and talent of a 15 year old...so jealous ;)

here are a few of my favorites:

"People help the people
And if your homesick, give me your hand and I'll hold it
People help the people
Nothing will drag you down"

xo,

hello november

autumn is in full swing and i am loving the cozy clothing and warm drinks, but not loving how cold it got and how quickly! however, such is the change of seasons, and with last night being halloween & today being the 1st of november, i am quite excited because this is the start of the holiday season!

so, go on & enjoy the last few weeks of brightly colored gorgeous leaves & warm sunshine midday, because before we know it, the ground will be snow covered & we'll be snuggled in for the winter..

have a fabulous 1st of november!

xo,

a fall fashion must have

one of my favorite things about the cooler temps is the option to wear scarves..what is more cozy than being wrapped up in something warm and stylish! i have always been one to stick to the neutral, but this fall i decided to go a little brighter with a mustard yellow scarf that i picked up for our engagement session.  since its purchase i have been noticing that i can wear it with almost any outfit, and i love that it is more neutral than i originally thought it would be. below are some of my favorite scarf images via pinterest...

 now i'm wanting scarves in teal, pink & purple!

xo,