wed / 5 pins from my secret rehearsal dinner board

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We haven't started planning the details of our rehearsal dinner yet, but I was inspired by Alaina's blog post of 5 pins from her secret wedding inspiration board and wanted to share some rehearsal inspiration of my own. It's worth noting that A hasn't agreed to this color scheme yet, but the pinks and oranges are too happy not to share! What colors is everyone else into lately?

color / the mrs. box

I have lusted after The Mrs. Box ring boxes since they first launched, but the new lookbook takes it to the next level. It's 100 pages of gorgeousness! In looking at the creative minds behind it, I discovered Mae Mae Co and I've loved looking through her stunning branding portfolio! 

PS-I have my eye on the cobalt blue Brightstone box with a Highborn Block D on the front in gold. 

wed / place settings

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I've been on a ribbon kick lately and love the look of ribbon tied around each napkin/menu. It would be beautiful all times of year and in any setting. You can use rope for a nautical wedding, lace or twine for a rustic barn, or satin in a ballroom. If you pick up napkins from the rental company a couple days early and pre fold and tie in advance.

True story, folding menus into napkins was one of my favorite tasks when I was an intern one summer in Charleston. The repetitive task is actually relaxing...plus I could usually sit in the air conditioning for a bit instead of being outside in the 100 degree heat haha. 

What table top trends are you into lately?

wed / southern wedding southern belle

Although I wasn't born south of the Mason-Dixon, I grew up there and a few quintessentially Southern things have definitely rubbed off on me (namely monogramming everything, a love of tradition, and of course adding "ya'll" to my day to day speech). 

I absolutely adored "The Fabric of a Southern Belle" in V8 of Southern Weddings and I think it truly sums up the ideals and qualities of a Southern woman. 

wed / mountain top ceremony

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It's been quite a week! Long story short, we thought we were going to have to move June 1, started the apartment hunt, and then ended up being able to stay (thank goodness). For now, I wanted to share this breathtaking ceremony setup. I love the view, I love the circle, and I love the clear chairs that almost disappear into the view. 

weekend

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Spring is here! The weekend is here!! Enjoy the sunshine if it's out where you are. :)
iPhone shooting tips from Man Repeller. My phone is my only camera and I need these! 
I have been thinking about getting on the electric toothbrush train for awhile.  Has anyone else tried Quip?
Drugstore dupes for popular makeup. I need to print this out and keep it in my purse. 
In case you missed it: I'm starting to think about wedding shoes!
How to choose the best colors for you blog.
I agree with this argument for putting off a honeymoon. We're thinking about doing a shorter domestic trip in the days after the wedding (maybe 5 days or so) and then making a bigger first anniversary trip. 
The best wedding planners in the country. I had the pleasure of attending one of the weddings shown here and many of these images took my breath away!
I have literally worn giant holes in my Michael Kors Fulton flats and I desperately need to pick up some new ones this weekend.
Great toasting tips. Cheers!

wed / affordable charleston wedding venues

We are officially less than a year from our wedding and we're making awesome progress on the planning side! Venues, caterer, photographer, and hotel room blocks are all booked and we're close to booking florist and day of coordinator too. I am keeping our official plans under wraps, but I thought it would be fun to share some of the awesome wedding venues in Charleston, SC we considered. 
First, Marion's in the French Quarter. The space is super neutral and can easily be decorated in all different ways. Located right downtown, Marion's is easily accessible for all your guests and definitely an affordable option. It's great that you can bring in your own catering as well.

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Next up is the Charleston Yacht Club Flag Room which has beautiful views of the Ashley River. The space is also very simply decorated so you have a lot of flexibility to make the space your own. For a very reasonable rental, you can bring in your own caterer, stock the bar yourself, and utilize their included chairs and tables. If there was a little more space, this would have been perfect for us!

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The Historic Rice Mill is actually right next to the Yacht Club and also faces the Ashley River. There is a beautiful patio facing the water where you can host a ceremony for up to 120 guests and the exposed brick interior is a stunning backdrop for dinner and dancing. 

Catering and bar are provided in house, but when all is said and done, this was actually one of the most cost effective options we looked at.

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What wedding venues in Charleston does everyone else love? We also inquired at the Carriage House at Magnolia Gardens and Alhambra Hall (best for Mt. Pleasant residents), but when we factored in shuttles from downtown for everyone, it didn't make sense. 

I've done tons of research in the area, so let me know if anyone has questions!

wed / shoes for the bride

I am 99% sure I've settled on my wedding gown (!!!) and now I'm really excited to start looking for accessories like veils, jewelry, and of course, shoes! I've had my eye on these Kate Spades for awhile, but of course I want to see them with my dress.

I've started looking around and there are great options that are very "bridal":

...and there are awesome options for something a little more clean, but definitely more re-wearable...

...I'm thinking something ivory or nude or gold. Anything I've missed? Any suggestions?

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wed / will you be my bridesmaid?

One of the most fun parts of wedding planning so far was asking my closest girl friends to be my bridesmaids. I wanted to mail a little something as a gift to make the surprise extra sweet. 

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I ordered the gold monogram mugs from Anthropologie (I think they're only available around the holidays, but I also like these and these) and packaged them up with some hot cocoa packets, and a handwritten card from Rifle Paper Co. 
I got the sweetest reactions and some funny ones too! Did anyone else ask their 'maids in a fun way?

inspired / modern florals

I've been reading Sally and Molly's blog A Piece of Toast for years now and I was SO excited to see photos of Sally's gorgeous Florida wedding. The colorful, modern florals by Events by Nouveau in particular really inspired me. Here are the close ups:

wed / boston public library

I have always had a pretty clear vision of the way I wanted my actual wedding to be, however that definitely doesn't stop me from having many more "wedding alter egos", as I like to call them. Whether it's a black tie New Years Eve wedding at the Plaza Hotel, a sunset beach ceremony, or a glamorous city wedding in Boston, I could easily plan 6 different weddings for myself. 

In a new series of wedding alter egos, I wanted to highlight one the most classic, beautiful Boston venues: the Boston Public Library.  

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I would wear this dress:

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Carry this bouquet for a fall evening:

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And drive away in this car:

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weekend

I looooove LL Bean and Lands End canvas totes and am currently eyeing this leather handled one. A loves it too and I'm thinking my new last name might be the perfect monogram.

Babysitters Club Fashion. This is everything.

Did you see the Sesame Garlic Tacos recipe I posted? They are delicious!!

This calligraphy video is mesmerizing. 

Words that have a completely different meaning to Friends fans. 

Beautiful Ikea hack!

A lovely blue and white coastal home. 

Candles and bright colors at this Florida wedding. 

weekend

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Last weekend I made this recipe to freeze. I wanted to take advantage of the tomatoes at their best!

I love a good statement necklace, but this post makes me way to try statement earrings! I admit I'm a baby about heavy things on my ears, so we'll see how that idea goes...

I have been searching high and low for the perfect fisherman's sweater for years and A finally found me one...in the men's department! I should have known. 

Pottery Barn's post on the art of the shelfie. 

I have only a vague idea of our wedding venue, but I am really enjoying earmarking things for a registry. Right now my eyes are on this, this, and this. 

24 American behaviors considered rude in other countries. 

This nail polish may be the only color I ever need. It's the only color I will take off only to put on a fresh coat of the same thing. 

I love the pretty lacquer boxes from places like West Elm, but can't justify the cost. I am eager to try this DIY! I admit the idea of removing the hardware seems like too much work, so I would try this box without the clasp in the front. 

weekend

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How much do twenty-somethings actually get from their parents? Fascinating! 

I just discovered Russell and Hazel has an awesome free printable wedding planning template. I find a lot of planning guides to be a little too basic for me or generally not useful, but I think this one it awesome and have already started using it myself!

21 Things you didn't know about Love Actually. One of my favorite movies! Perfect for a rainy day like today. 

Pantry organizing amazingness. 

Have you tried out Violet to brand your wedding?

Speaking of branding, have you checked out my series about ways to brand your wedding? See part 1, part 2 and part 3!

Every style chart you could ever need.

I have been better about cooking at home lately and have my eye on these new recipes to try. 

I have a three day weekend and since it's storming outside, I have big plans for a little TV, home organizing, a DIY manicure and maybe some wedding plans of my own :). Happy weekend friends!

wed / how to brand your wedding part 3

So far in our How to Brand Your Wedding series, we've covered pre-wedding items such as invitations and ceremony items and now it's on to the reception, specifically dinner. Escort cards:

Place cards if you're being extra fancy! How cool are these agate slabs?

Menus at each place setting are a perfect place to get creative:

Table numbers (easily visible and legible, please):

(I actually was an intern and helped with this wedding!)

And something special to personalize the bride and groom's chairs:

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See Part 1 here.

See Part 2 here.