Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Pick Your Favorite

Over the course of planning our wedding, my readers were a constant sounding board and always gave thoughtful advice. It's that time again, my friends! Chris and I will be closing on our first house this coming May {knock on wood} and we need a picture to go above the mantle of our fireplace. So, remember all of those "favorites" and "framers" I mentioned in these posts?Well, now it's time to pick my true favorite and I just can't.

So, you get to! Don't worry, we narrowed down the field for you. Vote in the poll on the right side of the blog or comment in the section below. We'll frame the one that you pick. So, choose wisely!

option #1: the close up.option #2: the jacket pull. rawr.
option #3: down the stairs
option #4: the dip option #5: the staircase

option #6: the church exit I know, I know....what a tough decision you have on your hands. Good luck with that.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, the two pictures below are two of our favorites {and will likely be framed and placed in our home} but had to be disqualified due to their vertical orientation which makes them ineligible for placement over the mantle. This first one is quite the epic picture, don't you agree?
This last picture is a direct result of option #2: the jacket pull. like I said, rawr.


previously in the series "tying the knot": we did it, a preview, our honeymoon, our candy bar, lifesaver, getting ready, our first look, the bride and groom, bouquets and boutonnieres, the shoes, the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, the bridal party, the sock shot, favorites, the ceremony, the bubbles and the get away, rawry, toasts and dancing, the cake, reception details, what happens next, just a couple more


all pictures by: nicole green. please link back to tying the knot when posting any of these pictures.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Tying the Knot: Just a Couple More

What's a blogger to do when she has nothing to blog about?
Post pictures of herself, naturally.
For some reason there are a couple pictures of our wedding day that you haven't seen yet. So, a day like today is the perfect time to share them with you all.
The picture below flew under the radar with me for a while. It's now one of my favorites. previously in the series "tying the knot": we did it, a preview, our honeymoon, our candy bar, lifesaver, getting ready, our first look, the bride and groom, bouquets and boutonnieres, the shoes, the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, the bridal party, the sock shot, favorites, the ceremony, the bubbles and the get away, rawry, toasts and dancing, the cake, reception details, what happens next
all pictures by: nicole green. please link back to tying the knot when posting any of these pictures.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Birch & Pumpkins & Sticks

I have always loved the work of stacey kane and I have always loved fall weddings, so when I saw this little detail on her blog, I just had to share it with all of the fall brides out there searching for inspiration.
Wouldn't this be a lovely little way to spruce up your guest book table or head table!?

I am quite ready for fall!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Coral Concrete

If you hop on over to my other little blog, Penned & Pretty, today you will find the most adorable paper goods from the wedding of Ashley & Todd. Everything from the save the dates to the menu that serves as a place setting it's all eye catching and its all at this post. The paper goods are beautiful and so is the couple behind all of it. I just had to feature some images of them here on this little blog.So many colors, so many textures and so much perfect-ness...it would be hard to pick a favorite out of their portraits.
What would you do if your photographer told you to stand behind a slab of coral colored concrete while he took your picture? If it were Jose Villa, I would trust and believe. And below is one of the funky-cool shots that you would end up with:

You know that I couldn't leave you without "the shoe and sock shot" from this wedding. It's a keeper, for sure.
This post would not have been possible if it weren't for the lovely feature on this wedding over at the blog of Once Wed. If you aren't a daily reader of Once Wed, you are missing out on some serious loveliness.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Catching Up On Tags

I have some catching up to do! Jessica of Mason Jar Bride , Nicole Lynn of Sea Side Smitten, and Abby from A Glimpse of the Girl Next Door nominated me for the Blog Luv award {a blog that shoes great attitude and/or gratitude}! Thank you so much! I am truly grateful to all of you that come to this little blog everyday and read what I have to say. And I am so grateful to my Penned & Pretty clients, you are making my dream come true of owning my own little business! So, I pass this award on to all of you!
Here are the rules: 1. Put the logo on your blog or post. 2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE & link to your nominees. 4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. 5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award. 6. If you're feelin' extra frisky, go ahead and include 10 random facts about yourself.
Here are my random facts:
1. When I yawn once, I yawn at least 10 more times over the next 15 minutes.
2. I despise panty hoes. I refuse to wear them.
3. I used to have 6 mt. dew’s a day. Now I have 3-4 diet mt. dew’s a day. Such progress.
4. I have a bachelors, masters and I passed the CPA exam on the first try. Just had to brag.
5. I don’t know how I would make it through Monday’s if it weren’t for Gossip Girl, the Bachelor and One Tree Hill being on TV in the evening.
6. I could shop in Target and only Target and be quite satisfied.
7. Almost all the clothes in my closet are white, gray or black. Cut me some slack, I work in corporate America.
8. I didn’t have my first Starbucks coffee until I was a junior in college. I missed out, I know.
9. I am a Dee Gee.
10. I would not be able to function without my blackberry

And here's a little pretty picture for this post:

photo found via: Southern Weddings magazine

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Giddy Bachelorette

To say that I'm just a tad bit busy for the next few months would be an understatement. Being an auditor at the end of busy season, running a fairly brand new business {that is bursting at the seams with business}, maintaining two blogs and attempting to be a newlywed & purchase a home has left me just a little tired. So, instead of leaving you high and dry without a blog post, I thought that I would share some of my favorite blog posts from my other little blog, penned & pretty, with you over the next few days.
This penned & pretty post features my favorite bachelorette invitation of all time.

The feathers, the fishnet stockings and the glamour of it all make for one eye catching invitation, don't you think!?

p.s. Once you order them, go ahead and send these little lovelies over to Penned & Pretty to have the blanks filled in with some of the prettiest calligraphy your little heart can imagine!

"The Lauren" bachelorette invitation via Giddy Ink

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Bouquets in Various Hues

Case in point that your bridesmaids do not have to carry matching bouquets in order for a cohesive look to be achieved for the women in your bridal party.
Aren't these bouquets some of the most delightful flowers you have ever seen!? Fluffy, full and fabulous, in my little opinion.

Are you bold enough to let your bridesmaids carry bouquets in various hues?
Pictures found on the blog of style me pretty.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Green: I Tried

In honor of St. Patty's Day, I attempted to write a post centered around the color green. But wouldn't you know that when you scour your favorite photographers blogs looking for a certain color, its near impossible to find something you love.
I decided to go back in the archives of a photographer that I only started to follow about a month ago, leo patrone. If you have not already been to his blog, go now. You are in for quite the treat {almost as good as the green beer I'm sure some of you will partake in this evening. }.
My eyes landed on the delicate little green button mums in a charming white vase.
Then came this beauty. I almost couldn't believe my eyes. This green bouquet is to-die-for. Don't you think?! And then I saw her bracelet in the picture above. And I was even more in love. Check out how the bride and groom incorporated teal into their day:

And you know that I am not one to leave you without a picture of the shoes the bride wore. Aren't they lovely?!
I hope that you enjoyed this this green-ish {i tried!} post in honor of St. Patrick's Day!
p.s. you can see the whole wedding here.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Chivari Cushions

When it comes to the reception, most brides {myself included} use the chairs provided to them by the reception venue. Some brides dress up those chairs with chair covers. There are a few lucky brides that are blessed to have a venue offering chivari chairs {or pay a rental company to provide them}. And then there are brides that take the lovely chivari chairs to a whole new level:These pink cushions are absolutely divine. What a great way to utilize the beauty of the chivari chair and incorporate a color from your color palette! And my little eyes spy matching pink ribbon woven into the back of the chair making for just one more pretty little detail. Don't even get me started on the table. I love it all.

pretty picture via: jonathan canlas

Friday, March 13, 2009

Wine Barrels

It's Friday and that means that the weekend is near! I cannot think of a better way to relax and unwind than with a couple sips of my favorite wine tonight. Thus, this lovely picture is quite appropriate for today.

Have a great weekend!

picture by: travis hoehne

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Sexy Red Frame

If you have not yet read the blog of Sexy Red Frame from beginning to end yet, please block out about 4 hours this afternoon and do so. You won't regret it.

This link will take you right to all the beautiful pictures of her wedding. Here are just a few of my favorites:
I just love love love the lighting in the picture above. Isn't it just dreamy?! And in the picture below, my heart pitter patters at the sight of such beautiful green and blue hues.
You all know I have a "thing" for wedding pictures in beautiful fields. This picture did not disappoint.

My absolute, hands down, favorite.

So stop by Marli's lovely blog and tell her how much you love her photos. She has taken a little post-wedding blogging break, but cross your fingers she will be back!

All photos captured by: ian mitchinson

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Park It

Who would have thought that wedding photos in a parking lot with a vintage car could be so pretty?Go ahead and add these shots to your photographer's "must take" list.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Fields of Yellow

Whenever I am in a blogging slump, I look to the blog and work of jasmine star. It's a fail safe bet for inspiration and lovely stories about beautiful couples. So when she blogged the engagement pictures of stephanie & stephen it was no surprise that I was in love with every picture. My favorites from the session were the ones taken in a field filled with pretty yellow flowers:

And then came these beauties from travis hoehne. I am just loving the fields of yellow!
Don't you just love everything about these photos!? Start scouting out a yellow field for your engagement pictures today!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Anchors Aweigh

This weekend Chris and I are headed to Indianapolis to celebrate some special events with my sorority sisters {all of which were our bridesmaids}. It's been a little over a month since our last trip to Indianapolis and I miss my friends!

On Saturday Kristen is throwing a bridal shower for Candice {read her fiance's wedding blog here} at a local winery which I am quite excited about. Wine and good friends is always a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Chris is excited too because during the shower he gets to spend time with the boys and most likely go golfing indoors, play guitar hero or watch ESPN for four straight hours. You know what they say, when the cat is away....

After the shower it's off to our Alma Mater to watch the Dawgs play in the league semi-final game before going out on the town to celebrate Jenn's birthday!

So in honor of the big weekend ahead with my DG sisters, here's a little nautical picture that makes me smile.

photo via: marie labbancz
I hope that you all have a lovely weekend surrounded by wonderful friends!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

At the Winery

I came across this wedding a long time ago, on the blog of Laura Novak. The wedding was held at a winery and the ceremony took place in front of this adorable little building. I love the greenery cascading down from the roof, the pop of color the initial of the couple {crafted out of flowers} hanging on the door adds and the tenderness of the groom kissing the bride on the forehead.
Please tell me that some of you are getting married in front of something just as adorable.

Pink Peonies

If our wedding would have been in the spring, our flowers would have been peonies for sure. Big pink fluffy peonies. Don't they just give you big fluffy warm fuzzies inside? Love love love.
found at: Style Me Pretty

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

How I Tied the Knot: The Programs

There is one more part of How I Tied the Knot: The Ceremony that I still need to share with you, our programs!
A lot of time and thought was put into our programs. I wanted to give our guests something to read and enjoy both before and during the ceremony. And, naturally, they had to be beautiful.

Here are the quick & dirty details: April Foster obtained the purple cardstock that we creased in half to make the cover. She also formatted and printed the programs. {Thanks, April!} April created a 2 inch by 2 inch square logo that we affixed to the outside of the program. We incorporated our monogram on the logo square to say, "The Marriage Ceremony Uniting" Jessica & Chris. We also included the date and name of the church at the bottom of the logo. The ribbon was 1/2 inch ribbon bought from Michaels. It was weaved through two holes and bound our little program together.

Crafting the program for your wedding ceremony can be tedious, so here is a little glimpse of ours. Hopefully it will help you put together yours!

Page 1: About the Couple
Once upon a time, there lived a little girl named Jessica.
An only child, she was certainly the apple of her parents’ eyes.
She spent her summers at the lake and attended various summer camps.
In high school, she was quite the cross-country runner.
When it came time for her to spread her wings and fly,
she went to XX University in Indianapolis, Indiana.
It was there that she joined Delta Gamma
and gained the sisters she never had.

There once was a little boy named Chris, the youngest of four.
He soon found his dimple could get him out of any trouble he caused.


His childhood was spent playing sports and travelling with his family.
At XX High School he became a stand out golfer.
A short time later his golf skills took him to
the University of XX on a golf scholarship.

On a hot summer night on the ninth of September in 2005,
the boy and the girl both happened to attend the same
Rascal Flatts concert in Cincinnati, Ohio.
After the concert the girl and her friend
needed directions to the local bar.
They approached the boy and his friends,
Only to find out they just so happened to need a ride to that same bar.
They introduced themselves, and the boy flashed his dimple to the girl.

From that moment on, as fate would have it, they were inseparable
Halloween, 2005, was the day that they officially started dating,
even though they knew way before then that they were together.
On Halloween, 2007, the boy got down on one knee
and asked the girl, the apple of his eye, to marry him.
She said yes.

That concert is the reason that the boy and the girl
are standing before each other today,
just waiting to finally become husband and wife.

Today they will recite their vows.

Today is the first day of the rest of their lives together.


Page 2: The Ceremony {middle page: opposite page 3}
Prelude Instrumental

Seating of the mothers Jesu, joy of man’s desire: Bach

Processional Cannon in D: Pachelbel

Entrance of the Bride Trumpet voluntary: Purcell
Escorted by her uncle, Mr. Scott XX


Opening prayer
Old Testament reading Genesis 2: 18-24
Read by: Mr. Randy XX, Brother of the Groom

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 103:1-2, 8, 13, 17-18a
Response: The Lord is Kind and Merciful
Read by: Mrs. Tina XX, Sister of the Groom

New Testament Reading 1 Corinthians 12:31 – 13:8a
Read By: Mr. Mike XX, Brother of the Groom

Alleluia Verse Celtic Alleluia GC 258

Gospel Reading John 15: 9-12
Father Clifford Vogelsang

Homily Father Clifford Vogelsang

Exchanging of vows

Exchanging of Rings

Lighting of the unity candle How beautiful – T. Paris

Prayer of the Faithful
Response: Lord hear our prayer
Read by: Mrs. Jill XX, Aunt of the Bride

Pronouncement of Marriage

Final Blessing
Response: Amen

Recessional Praise Processional: M. Dickerson
Hornpipe: Handel

Dismissal Instrumental


Page 3: The Wedding Party {middle page: opposite page 2}

We listed out the names of the members of our bridal party {including parents, GM and BM, Flower Girls & Ushers, Officiant and Readers} and how we knew them {example: College Friend of the Groom}.

Page 4: Our Thanks

We took a page in the program to thank our bridal party, parents and guests for sharing our special day with us. This was also the section in the program where we chose to recognize and honor our family members that could not be physically present on our wedding day.
The Bride & Groom would like to thank:

Tommy XX
For standing beside us on the most important day of our lives,
It means so much to us to have you as the best man.

Debbie XX
Your friendship has meant more to us than you will ever know.
We couldn’t have asked for a better maid of honor.

Our Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
For all the memories you have shared with the two of us,
we couldn’t imagine this day without each of you.

Our Flower Girls and Ushers
As you know, you are the cutest flower girls and ushers
That A Bride & Groom could ever ask for. We love you.

Our Officiant, Readers, & Musician
For your participation in our beautiful ceremony, we thank you.

Our Friends and Family
Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life,
love gives us a fairy tale…thank you for being a part of ours.

In Memory
To those who could not be present today,
but are certainly looking down on us.

Mr. Gary XX
Mr. & Mrs. Gustave XX and Mr. & Mrs. Robert XX
Mr. and Mrs. David XX and Mr. & Mrs. Fred XX
Their presence is felt in our hearts and is represented by the
three flames in the remembrance candle placed near the altar.

And last but not least,
Our Parents
Who loved us and raised us and who gave us all the support in the world.
We love you more than words can express.

I hope that this little glimpse of our program can be of help to those of you looking for a little guidance with your program!

Lesson Learned #28: Don't budget/plan to make one program per person. The men never take one and you'll be left with more extras than you know what to do with!

Lesson Learned #29: Kinkos can staple/hole punch/score/fold your programs for you all for just a couple dollars. Kinkos punched two holes in each of our 100 programs for $7. Best $7 I ever spent.

note: names and personal info have been removed/changed for privacy purposes.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Time for the Boys

On your wedding day, don't forget that your groom and his groomsmen deserve a couple minutes of camera time too!
I love this relaxed shot of the groom and groomsmen {by Kimberly Jarman} at the ceremony site smoking a couple of cigars and rockin' out their stylish shoes. Allow the guys some time together in front of the camera to hang out and smile pretty. Our groomsmen had about 25 minutes to "do their thang" and we loved the results.

photo by: Nicole Green

Side By Side

I'm feeling a little blue today {being out of town for the second week in a row is no fun for a newlywed} so I thought I would post a pretty blue picture that makes me smile.

I love the blue hue of the pavilion, i love the stance of the couple, and i love the photographer: jonathan canlas