WedWed - Wedding Wednesday {19}

The other morning, while Chris and I were enjoying our breakfast burritos, we both came to the conclusion that things are about to get busy. With four short months until the wedding date, we are already starting to feel the increased workload. But don't feel sorry for us - this kind of crazy busy, once-in-a-lifetime season is worth loving not in spite of, but because of the madness. 

One aspect of the planning process that I have enjoyed the most is working with each of our bridesmaids on dress and accessory choices. During the past couple weeks, the girls and I have been focused on narrowing down dresses and colors in order to make some overall decisions. 

For the girls' individual looks, we decided to start with a neutral palette. Although the dresses are similar in tone, each is made with a different fabric to create interest. Also, tying the dresses together with complimentary accessories and shoes makes each look more playful. 

Recall the wedding palette from way back in WedWed {1}? With so many products on the market, having something such as a palette or mood board to refer to definitely came in handy here. I get distracted so easily!

Once we chose the dresses, I set out to make a look guide for each girl. It's only meant to be a starting point, but I think the girls will be happy to get some ideas and direction before they make final purchases. 

Here's how things are shaking up for the ladies thus far:

Images (clockwise from top left): Feather accent comb, Twigs & Honey; Selma silk taffeta dress, jcrew; Marble and brass necklace, The Vamoose; BP. Kenna Sandal, Nordstrom.  

Images (clockwise from top left): Peony hairpin, BHLDN; Silk chiffon Taryn dress, jcrew; Metal citrine and rope necklace, The Vamoose; Chinese Laundry Dreamland Sandal, Nordstrom.

Images (clockwise from top left): Silk flower pins, Twigs & Honey; Threshold slingbacks, BHLDN; Fabric and metal pom pom necklace, The Vamoose; Alannah silk organza dress, jcrew.

All they need is their gorgeous, "swoon-worthy" bouquet created by our florist, McKenzie Powell, and they're set!!

image{s} of the week

Chris's birthday cake is in the oven, so I can't stay long... maybe you can guess what kind of cake it is just by looking at the images!

I now have roughly 5 minutes before the timer goes off. Hope you have a wonderful, and delicious, weekend! See you next week.

note: all images taken with a Canon Rebel XTi.

WedWed - Wedding Wednesday {18}

I'm fairly confident than any person planning a wedding wants their guests to have an amazing time! Duh. Chris and I have been talking a lot about what makes a fantastic party lately - is it the decor? the food? the music? the venue? We have yet to settle on any one thing, but we do think that a simple way to add to the festivities is to host a small photobooth. 

A quick Google search led me to Smilebooth. Upon reading that this modern take on the classic photoboth is actually intended to "encourage a hot mess of fun and spontaneity," I knew I wanted one. Those people look like they are having an amazing time! I can envision each one of our crazy (and perhaps by this time in the evening also tipsy) friends acting silly in front of the camera at our wedding. 

Then, I recalled this image of Chris (right) and a couple of his friends at a Puma party taken in Boston last year:

I love that image! The image setup was simple too: a camera on tripod, a simple background, a light, and some silly props. That all seems doable, right? If I could find someone to work the camera, I could find a way to create a background and some silly props. Today, I spent my lunch hour scouting materials at our local party and costume store. Here are some of the highlights:

Animal masks and pine tree garland would compliment our buck hunter wedding, don't you think? 

image{s} of the week

Cookie Monster

Squirrel Watching

camera: Canon Rebel XTI
behind the lens: me 

WedWed - Wedding Wednesday {17}

The Impending Wedding Music Decision
a guest post by Christopher Roby

Hi LH readers - for this week's WedWed you're stuck with me, Chris, the groom. Those of you who know me know that I'm an electronic music junkie and a wannabe DJ. It's very rare to find me working in silence -- I have to have something playing through the speakers to keep me moving throughout the workday. Music is a very important part of my life and I'm extraordinarily lucky to be able to share my passion with my future wife. We attend live concerts at least once every few months, and have the absolute best time together. I can't imagine someone who I'd rather be with at those shows.

Early on in the wedding planning process, I volunteered to take care of the music. Music for a wedding reception should be fun, light, danceable, and something that our grandmothers can listen to without having to cover their ears and run inside. A live band can be great as they can engage and interact with the crowd. We've been to a few weddings together that have had a live band, and it was a really fun experience. A DJ, on the other hand, has a lot more music at their disposal, and can expertly change the mood on the dance floor as the night goes on.

When discussing all of this, Erin suggested (in the way only she can suggest) having a bluegrass band. I immediately, empathically, and respectfully challenged her suggestion. Thankfully, I even received some backup from Nona on the issue. Nona and I (more or less) successfully dissuaded Erin from pushing further on the bluegrass band front, but I'm sure she'd still go for it if she had the option today. I'd probably get some big brownie points to boot too.

Lack of brownie points aside, we've decided to (read: she's letting me) hire a DJ at our reception, and I'm looking forward to finding the perfect DJ for our night. I'm certain it's going to be a process and take a considerable amount of searching, but I'm hopeful that the perfect DJ for our wedding is out there just waiting for us to find them. Our wedding has to be the best party we've ever thrown - and it won't be the best without the prefect music to dance the night away!