Happy New Year!!  With the new year full of wishes and resolutions, some of you are full of the lovey-doveys because you are recently engaged!!  Congrats to you! The wedding booking season is upon us so be sure to do your research and book your consultations as vendors are flying fast!  So with this slow economy, I would like to extend a special offer to you during this new booking season… (more…)

Hello everyone!  I am on vacation until Jan. 13th.  There will be no additional blog posts besides the scheduled ones.  Thanks for your patience!

Photos:  Edyta Szyszlo Photography

This pet portrait session was dear to my heart!  My friend, Marianne, approached me with the news that her little Fifi (a boston terrier) was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.  It was hard to believe because Fifi seemed so young and full of energy. While she is doing much better now (from all the loving care from Marianne and the medicines from the docs), we both knew it was important to get a photo session of her done as quickly as possible :(  So meet Fifi, the mellow and super chic sweet-poo… (more…)

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

I still can’t believe how fast this year has gone by.  My first full year in Chicago - new friends were made and amazing experiences were had.  2008 was a year full of personal accomplishments and discoveries about myself.  To all my 2008 clients - THANK YOU for allowing me to share special moments with you. And let’s not forget that my blog was born!  It’s been a pleasure sharing ideas with you.  I wish ALL of you an incredible night to the New Year!  Have fun and be safe!  Let’s make 2009 a sparkling year!

Photo courtesy of Nick & Nikki Lo Bue via Merriment

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday!  My stomach is still SO full.  Lauren of Staunch forwarded this incredible wedding invitation idea - a wedding book!  The couple had a great story to tell so they had a invitation book made to share their experiences as a couple and to invite their guests to their special day!  Check out the post for more.

Photo:  Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Happy Happy Holidays!!  I hope everyone enjoys the time with their family and friends - it’s been an incredible year!  Best wishes to you in the New Year!

I’m headed out of town for a few days to enjoy the family, but I wanted to leave you with a little bit of something…COOKIES!  Thanks to Dana for giving me this recipe - it’s my go-to cookie :)  Gooey Butter Cookies (sounds better when you add the word ‘ooey’ in front) were my staple this year for presents and a friend’s cookie swap.  I added a twist this year…color!   (more…)

Photo courtesy of GIELLA

I thought this would make a great gift or keepsake for your bridesmaids on your wedding day - custom blend nail polish from Giella!  Use a fabric swatch from their dresses or pick a complimentary color from their online swatches to guide you to the perfect shade! Giella also has custom eye, lip, face makeup and accessories!

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

Said to be a new trend (although this idea has been used many times before), lets just say it’s said to be more popular in weddings in 2009.  I’m a believer in using your local harvest and resources…mix it with a small wedding budget, and you have incredible food and decor!  Vegetables and fruits in bouquets, centerpieces and favors add a rustic feeling to the decor.  From your own garden to farm stand finds - the fruits of our labor is the way to go!  The images are from Susan & Steven’s upstate NY wedding featured in Martha Stewart - amazing and simple details. (more…)