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…)

Photo courtesy Erin de Jauregui of Paloma Images and myself via Once Wed

OMG!   I have to share Courtney’s (of Flush Designs) guest post on Once Wed with you!!!  I can’t describe how incredibly creative this table setting and decor is for winter.  It’s always hard to find unique winter decor ideas for weddings and non-weddings (that’s not cheesy).  This one is right up my alley – Kitschy Winter Table.

Photos courtesy of J.Crew

Girls – you know how a cute pair of shoes makes you feel!  Aren’t these so fabulous!?  After doing much research on shoe trends for weddings in 2009, this is what I’ve concluded:  color, textures, gems, folds/twists, bows, jewels and shiny metallics.  Height is totally up to your comfort but out of the ordinary is totally in!  (more…)

Photos courtesy of Beau-coup

So if the snow on the ground and the fact that we coming up on the middle of December doesn’t hint that winter is really here, I don’t know what else will!  Mentally, I am not ready for the weather but the work break = yes!  If you haven’t heard of Beau-coup, well you better get on it!  They offer stylish and affordable wedding favors and little gifts for all parties.  It seems that every year, winterland weddings become more popular so here are some of my favorite icy favors to inspire you! (above left to right – mini snowglobes & snowflake wine stopper) (more…)

Hi everyone!!  Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!  I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things :)  The ladies of Vixen Beauty (located in Chicago) are pleased to present an incredible offer to my bridal clients!

Vixen Beauty would like to offer all my brides a complimentary makeup application for their engagement pictures!  *Offer is only valid when booking with VB for their wedding day makeup*

Most of my wedding photography packages offer an engagement session – you just can’t go wrong!  Check out their guest blog post for more info!