e-plan my wedding

The lovely April of April Foster Events has recently launched a new wedding resource for busy, tech-savvy, budget-conscious couples who desire help from a professional wedding planner and love the convenience of the internet.

Here's what you need to know about eplan my wedding:
"The average wedding can take between 100-200 hours to plan. Our goal is to save a majority of time for you by completing those time consuming tasks. All the information/ideas/inspiration we collect and organize on your behalf is sent to you via your wedding eBinder where you can view the information and reply on YOUR schedule. With all that extra time, you can choose to either spend your hours crafting DIY details for your wedding or at work to keep your boss happy."

Just some of the services provided by your eplanner at eplan my wedding are timeline management, budget creation, rehearsal dinner location suggestions and out-of-town guest coordination {hotel rooms & transportation}.

For more information email: info {at} eplanmywedding {dot} com

p.s. my little calligraphy blog is a sponsor of eplan my wedding.

Lucky Designs Celebration

One of our favorite bloggers, Erin from Lucky Me, is hosting a give-a-way for five lucky readers in honor of her 30th birthday! Five random winners will receive one of the following prizes!

The Skinny Cow ice cream
A 1 hour consultation from Aviva Events
A $50 Gift Certificate from The Best Wedding Sites Boutique
Earrings from Natasha Ylana Designs
A set of thank you cards from Purple Lemon Designs

How to win:
Venture on over to Lucky Me and leave a comment describing your favorite birthday memory and/or birthday tradition by Friday, August 14th (midnight EST). Five random winners will receive a gift from one of the vendors above!

Feeding the Blogging Addiction

Dear Bloggity Blog Friends,
I am searching for new blogs to read. Lots of them. You see, I love the challenge my Google Reader presents to me everyday. Every morning I wake up to find about 60 new blog posts to read. Throughout the day that number grows and grows up to about 100 while I try to knock off a handful every couple of hours. So, its like a race. I try to keep my head above water and my Google Reader tries to stress me out by feeding me as many blog updates in one day as it possibly can. We have a love hate relationship.

Like I said before, I am searching for new blogs to read so that I can continue this fun little game that I play with my Google Reader everyday. So, send me your blog, the blog your bff from 7th grade writes, your dog's blog....whatever. Special requests are as follows: fabulous wedding blogs by brides-to-be, nesting blogs {severely in need of tips and tricks for decorating our new home} and blogs that make me giggle by posting about the randomness that is life. Allow me to give you references for said special requests:
<> Fabulous wedding blog by a bride-to-be: the artsy bride, grey likes weddings & veiled vows
<> Nesting/home decor blog: decor8, coco kelley & this young house
<> A blog that makes me giggle: just shoe me, daily pep talk from a best friend & blogging barbie

My Google Reader and I thank you for your assistance in feeding our addiction to the reading of lovely blogs. Send them our way!
The pretty picture {above} to accompany this post was found on the delightful blog of Southern Weddings.

PSA: Google Reader for Newbies

Hi friends,
If you're a veteran blogger and blog reader then I'm sure that you know all about Google Reader {how can you not?}. However, for those newbies out there that haven't heard about Google Reader, listen up.

Back in the day, I mentioned {here} that Google Reader was the best thing ever. It still is. Google Reader constantly checks your favorite blogs for new content and shows you the updates of each of the sites you subscribe to on one easy to read and condensed window. So, no longer will you find yourself going to your favorite blogs only to see that they haven't yet been updated! Instead, by going to Google Reader, you'll only see the blogs once a new post is up! So go to Google Reader and start "subscribing" to your favorite blogs today!

(hint: searching for "jessicalynn402" and "pennedandpretty" should pull up my blogs & allow you to subscribe!)

And, since every post should have a pretty picture:

sweet bouquet photo by Divine Light found via Lucky Me

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.

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

Hugh's Series

While perusing one of my favorite daily reads, we met in a bar, I was lead to the blog of hugh forte and the beautiful pictures from this wedding.
As I mentioned before, there is nothing I love more than a lovely series of {unposed} shots from a photographer. These pictures, below, of a couple's first look truly warm my heart.

If you have a moment today, use it to check out hugh forte's little blog. He has quickly become one of my favorite photographers. I hope he brightens your Monday as much as he has mine.

Our Labor of Love

Let's face it friends, it's Monday and we all are in need of some serious inspiration. I was on the prowl for some photographers to add to my google reader when I rediscovered our labor of love and their blog: our blog of love. If you have a few minutes to spare today, head on over to the our blog of love wedding category. The images will make your Monday just a little more tolerable, pinky promise.

For instance, pictures from the wedding of Melinda & JJ {11.30.08}:

I love this next little series of the bride & the groom. Wouldn't these pictures look great framed & hanging side by side?

Everything about this photo makes it into such a beautiful bridal portrait. The light streaming in the window, the stunning bride, the relaxed feel of the moment and the antique/sepia photo finishing.

A nontraditional, but lovely, shot of the bride with her bridesmaids in the distance. Have I not mentioned that the bride's dress is adorable and perfect in every way?

How could I leave you all without the shoe shot? Loves it.

There. Isn't your Monday a little better already?

EAD Library

Just a shout out to the ladies over at Elizabeth Anne Designs for including Penned & Pretty as a member of the EAD Library ! We are tickled pink....or raspberry.

Head on over to the {newly redesigned} EAD Library to find wedding resources and professionals in your area!

Seldom

Seldom have I looked at a photographers blog post of a wedding and looooved every single image. Until I saw this post. I literally loved every single image. So much so that I actually watched the slide show of 100 images from the wedding. Never before have I wanted to replace my wedding with someone else's....until now.



And the best part, they had a day after shot...that was phenomenal.

You just have to see the slide show, it holds some of the best images of the day. Go here to see it.

Blush & Bashful

Normally I don't post about give aways or contests, but I had to make an exception after I received an e-mail from "longtime lurker, first time e-mailer" Emilee at blush and bashful events. In her e-mail, she told me she too is a DG and loved this this picture, of my DG bridesmaids and I. And although she knows I have a loyalty to Stephanie since she was our DOC lifesaver, she asked me to let all of you Chicago brides in on a little special blush and bashful is running: if you book a "Day Chic!" wedding day coordination package with blush and bashful events for the 2009 calendar year before Valentine's Day, you'll get a sweet little bonus. Read all about it here.

And for the pretty picture{s} to accompany this post, these lovely photos are from Pen Carlson, a Chicago wedding photographer.

Rich in Texture

If you aren't already a faithful reader of the Natalie Moser Blog, your eyes are missing out on quite a treat. Recently, Natalie posted the wedding of Shelby & Rich that took place at the Rancho Valencia. If your "wedding colors" are pink or yellow {or both}, you must go take a look.

My favorite pictures from this wedding weren't the ones showcasing the bright and vibrant colors. Rather, my eyes landed on these texture rich images...and I haven't been able to pull them away since. Take a little looksie:
{Above} One of my favorite "first look" photos. {Below} Reminds me a little bit of a wedding version of the "American Gothic" painting.

I know, it's hard to pick a favorite. They're all "framers."

And just because I love this photo {below} may just be my all-time favorite "Groom shot." Croquet, anyone?

Here's a fun little tidbit: If you already have your wedding photos, upload some of them to picnik {for free} and you can edit away at them to your little heart's desire.

Blogging at Pearls Events!

This week I have the honor of guest blogging for Aletha over at the lovely Pearls Events blog. I've been following Aletha's blog basically since day one. If she didn't live so far away I have a feeling that we would meet weekly at Starbucks with our peppermint mochas and delve into the latest bridal magazines together.

Over at Pearls Events, I'll be blogging a series about the gorgeous pictures and ideas that helped inspire the details that sparkled at our wedding. So, grab a peppermint mocha and stop by Pearls Events everyday this week! See you there!

Give Thanks and Share Your Link

This year, more than ever, I am thankful for my family, husband and friends and friendships. I’m attempting to be thankful for the 24 years I had to spend with my Daddy since some people don’t even get that long with their Dad’s. But I can’t help to think that I should have been blessed with about 24 more years with him.

On a lighter note, I am also thankful for my blackberry (Chris isn’t), gas being cheaper, diet mountain dew, target, wool socks & fake ugg boots, rice krispie treats, hooded sweatshirts, this blog, and the blogs Google reader delivers to be everyday.

I’ll be taking time out this weekend to spend with family, to do a little black Friday shopping, and (of course) to catch up on my favorite blogs. Speaking of blogs, I need some new material to read! So, while you’re home over Thanksgiving eating leftover turkey and getting an early start on Christmas shopping and decorating, drop me a comment with the link to your blog! I would love to stop by!

I think that it’s appropriate to end my last post before thanksgiving with a picture of a pretty table, just waiting for guests to arrive.

Thanks, Laura Ann for sending this picture from Jennifer Skog. I’m sure your tables at your reception will be just as beautiful as this one!

New Blog Header and Link Love

I wanted to post my series "tying the knot" without disruption, so that the pretty pictures would have time to shine. So, before my next series begins, there are a couple of things that I wanted to share with all of you.

Take a moment to sneak a peek at my new blog header. It was time for a change, friends. Here's the kicker. Once you start, you just can't stop. I have 3 options to choose from! Check them out below and either leave a comment or vote (on the right) for your favorite. I really appreciate it!

Option 1: new current header...

Option 2: add in the shoes...
option 3: tying the knot monogram...

Note: Chris (the Husband) helped out with #2 and #3, don't let him sway your vote.

A couple other changes that I made to the blog were updating the list of my favorite blogs. I updated the list of "blogs i love" and added new list of "planners i love".

Need a new blog to peruse?! My friend Laura is getting married in August and recently started her own little bloggity blog to detail the process of planning her wedding. She's off to a great start planning her wedding, and I hope that you'll all pop over to tell her hello! You must check out the adorable way she asked her friends (me included!) to be bridesmaids here.

Above: Nicole captured a great shot of Laura on our wedding day that I don't even think Laura has seen yet! Love ya Lo!

Just a little link love: Elizabeth Anne Designs launched a new addition to their little blog, Elizabeth Anne Designs Living. "...dedicated to making our everyday lives as beautiful and creative as the day we begin our marriage.Living will be filled with crafts, recipes, book reviews, and everything else we love about the home arts. We hope you will enjoy reading and contributing as much as we have writing it." Along with Elizabeth Anne Designs and The EAD Library there is a little something for everyone! And a little link love to SWS Mag on the redesign of the Southern Weddings blog...it looks great!

Coming later today, a follow-up to my "tying the knot" series, "how I tied the knot".

Being a Guest

Hi friends!
The lovely Molly from These Little Moments asked me to guest post on her pretty little blog while she is away on her mini-moon. Stop by and see some of my favorite bling!

As all of you know, I like to put a pretty little picture with every post. So in the spirit of my guest post, here's another one of my favorite ring shots.

photo via: bobbi + mike

p.s. hiiii to all of Molly's readers that have clicked over! i tied the knot exactly a month ago today and will be posting all about it next week, when we have our professional pictures. i'd love it if you would stick around! xo

Fingers Crossed

My fingers are crossed for Molly of these little moments because she is getting married today!! I hope that the leaves are the perfect fall foliage color, that your day is flawless, and you get a dreamy picture like this one:
photo via: m three studio

p.s. in a week we will have our wedding photos!!

Meet Me!

The lovely Liene contacted me recently about appearing on the Meet the Readers section of her fabulous blog, Blue Orchid Designs. Needless to say, I am thrilled and quite honored! Head over to Blue Orchid Designs "meet me"!!
photo via: nicole green
For those of you coming over to my little blog from Blue Orchid Designs, welcome!!
Here are just a couple of my favorite past posts that will help you get to know me a little faster!
The Proposal
Our Engagement Pictures
My Favorite Ring Shots
Our Monogram
Our Bridesmaids Dresses
Bridal Bouquet Sample
Bridesmaids Bouquet Sample
Plum Peep Toe Wedding Shoes
Our Original Color Scheme/Inspiration
Our Wedding Inspiration: Plum, Raspberry, and a little Gold:
So to my new visitors today, I hope to see you around here more often! And I always like to finish a post with a pretty little picture. I love fall and I just cannot wait for the moment when Chris and I are married and can drive away from the church for a moment alone....thus, this picture is perfect in every way:photo via: classic bride

Feast Your Eyes...

...on the work of one of my most favorite-est Indianapolis photographers.
Not only do I love her work, but there are two couples in particular that I have followed on her blog from their engagement to their wedding. The pictures are unbelievable. You must check out the whole post on Megan's blog.

Ross & Makenzie - Engaged: Fashionable and Trendy

Ross & Makenzie - The Wedding

Are you kidding me with those shoes?!!?

Might I note that the bridesmaids shoes and dresses are divine. I also love that the MOH is in a navy dress while all of the BMs are wearing red.

And those flowers! I love the pop of red with the white! And do you see those red headbands?! I blogged about my love for thin headbands here but it didn't sound like the BMs were in favor. You can rethink that decision now, BMs.
Matt & Katie - Engaged

Matt & Katie - The Wedding

Love the BM necklaces with the black dresses in the picture above. And the light in the picture below is divine.

Just one more photo to share. If there was ever a reason to go to the Indiana State Fair...it would be to get a picture like this:
Robbie & Maria - Engaged