You're My Everything.

Saturday night I slipped on my SJP inspired pink dress (ruffles included) and sparkly Steve Maddens and headed to the wedding of Drew and Shannon Etheridge.

Mind you, this was my first Catholic wedding so-besides the failed attempts to kneel at the appropriate times, I loved it. I mean, the church was beautiful and it didn't hurt that the wedding party was equally as good looking.

The reception was wonderful, set at a beautiful plantation and was soon kicked off by the wedding party dance. Oh yes, they did. And it was awesome.

As Jeff and I began to snag chicken ka-bobs and chardonnay we thought the rest of the night's entertainment would be led by the DJ. Were we wrong! But, man was it great... Take a look at some of Drew's good friends serenading the couple with a wedding rap. (Please forgive my holler'n)

Let me end by saying that the evening was a simply...fun. It was filled with dancing, singing, eating and drinking and best of all, it seemed as if the room was filled with great friends having a great time. Drew and Shannon-Thank you for allowing me to experience your big day with you and I wish you all the best in the future.

Southern Miss! To The Top!  



Coco & James

click image for direct link to Emily Etheredge

Latest entry on Emily Ehteredge Blog, 'She.' Showin' some love to the Mommas of the world (especially my own). Hope you love! XO.



Do Me a Favor

Hello my southern oak sun-shines! Now I know I have touched on this subject before, I am thinkin' we need a little refresher, yes? Favors for ya' favorites. Sorry I have to say this but, favors are a waste of your money. I know...these people drove from miles away and bought you a duvet (but) I don't think they'll care if they leave with 'love lip balm' or not.

So why don't we get started. I am warning you now...there are mason jars in just about all of them. I can't help it, you know me!

Have a special grandmother that can cook her can off? Does she have a recipe that you can put in a mason jar? Just print off some precious labels, tie a ribbon and send them with your guest. What person doesn't like a unique, homemade dessert? (Nom. Nom. Nom.)

(cupcakes in a mason jar. love.)

This is the perfect parting gift for a fall/winter wedding! Once again, ad that southern touch with a mason jar and paper doily, fill it with yummy hot chocolate and marshmallows and top it off with a personal stamp!

I know I've told y'all about candy bars before but I can't tell you how easy it is to DIY! Scope out deals at places like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Goodwill and your momma's pantry and build this yourself. Place gift bags on the table so they can leave with some sweet treats! 

Ok, we're friends by now, right? So we can be honest with each other. We all like pictures of ourselves. Think about it...Take a picture of the Grand Canon then put yourself in the picture. Which are you going to frame? (that's what I thought) Let your guest leave with a memory of what a great time they had at your wedding! Get them in front of that camera and let them shake it like a Polaroid picture!

(fun at work)
I hope you all have a wonderful, sunny weekend! Throw on that cute white dress and cowboy boots and work what'cha momma gave ya! Cheerio!

This is nuts-o! A save-the-date record card! Who knew?...

For Richer or for...Richer

Westminster Abbey by Phillip Martin

Pip pip, Cheerio my commoners! The time has arrived for me to give you the lowdown on this high-nosed wedding. Now, since the affair between William and Kate was about 4 hours I am going to fill you in on a few of my favorite highlights.

First thing's first, Kate's dress. But before we get started I'll have you know that I had a mean ol' anonymous blogger comment on a post of mine mocking my grammar so this description is for you buck-o...It was toats Ah-Mazing! Form-fitting, lace, with an elegant train. I couldn't have asked for more! Bravo miss Kate. Bravo.

Let's get serious for a moment. In your 4 a.m. delusion did you snicker a bit when Kate said, "for richer or poorer." I think there is a slight chance I saw a little smirk from her as well. I mean, really? How about "for richer or...even richer." Yep, that sounds more like it. Ah, royals...

My girl Pippa (Kate's sister and maid of honor) looked the bomb.com. Needless to say, her derrière stole the show and that dress was simply breathtaking! I have a hunch that a lot of wedding dresses will start to emulate this one.

Will and Kate, sittin' in a tree...How about those two smooches on the Buckingham Palace balcony? Every romantic bone in my body got all fuzzy at once and then came my complete and total envy!

A few new things you're gonna' love about this princess party:

Kate's tiara (circa 1936) was given to Queen Elizabeth by her mother for her 18th birthday.

The bridal bouquet was made of myrtle from a tree which grew from a cutting of Queen Victoria's own bridal bouquet. It also had a bit of the 'Sweet Willam' flower in it. Adorable, right?

When Kate met William at the alter he said to her, "You look lovely. You look beautiful."

Then leaned over to her father and jokingly said, "This was supposed to be a small family affair." Oh, Will...you've got me in stitches! 

So in conclusion, I have this to say...William, you will always be my childhood crush and dashing prince. And, Kate-you were beautiful, elegant, and altogether lovely. Now take that slammin' bod on your honeymoon and have a tall beer now that the bloody Queen's not breathing down your neck.

Until next time you can find me prancin' around in my Wellies speaking in an English accent. Farewell!

How To: Polish Your Party

G'day my lovely ladies! Tis' time to fill your heads with dreamy details of your delightful day! On my recent flight to Atlanta, I thumbed through The Knot magazine and couldn't help but drool over some party details that are original, timeless, and oh...so awe-inspiring. As always I searched for snapshots and summaries and now it's your turn to take a peek. Shall we?

Having an outdoor wedding? Near water? Or does your groom just love boats? Purchase (or borrow) an old canoe or rowboat, fill it with ice and top it off with your favorite beer! (Side note: keep an eye on the groomsmen, they will surely find a way to row it to their own private island)

This is one I adore! These paper cones holding flowers are shabby chic at its finest. Design these to hang on pews or chairs along the aisle. Purchase hollow craft cones for less than one dollar and cover in your favorite scrapbook paper. Add ribbon, buttons, and cloth flowers to amp up the DIY look.

'Circus-esque' banners are a big trend right now. They are whimsical, vintage, and all-together awesome! To make it all-the-better, you can make them yourself!

Purchase craft paper or burlap fabric (cut and glue to ribbon) and you got yourself an original art piece! Place these on the bride and groom chair, behind the head table, or at a photo booth for your guest.



You will be receiving plenty of cards full of well wishes (and hopefully some moo-lah) so purchase a vintage wooden box to hold them during the reception. I found this Hires Root Beer box on Etsy.com for only 30 bucks!  

Time to top off this post with some wedding advice from your guests. Consider designing a Mad Libs card for your friends and family to fill out. These will certainly induce laughter and can be easily put in a scrapbook to keep forever! Certainly sensational, Undoubtedly unforgettable.

I am here to tell you this: Be the Belle of the Ball and Damsel of the Details! Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend and sassed out in your pastels and prints.

Love your-

Nashville Native, Raggin' Cajun, & Mississippi Queen

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Let me make this perfectly clear, this girl loves some flowers! - For my birthday, holidays, anniversaries, or really any reason at all (let's get serious). Throughout the past weeks of blog research I have stumbled upon photos of my favorite table decorations and bouquets and it is time to share them with you! Let's get started...

(I am eatin' up the white table mixed with iron chairs. And, how budget-friendly are the awesome plants?)

How perfect would this bouquet (flower: anemones) be with a simple white and black color pallet for your traditional, southern wedding? I can just see it now, he in a black tux and I in a white ball gown (sigh).

Now, you know I am always thinking of ways to save and this centerpiece is adorable and affordable. The little splash of color is just enough to get me giddy.

Let me introduce you to my favorite bouquet I have come across yet. Cotton branches, Caramel Antike garden roses, magnolia leaves and pods, and green crape myrtle berries (this all sums up to be ah-mazing). Pair this with a sophisticated antebellum wedding and you are sure to get some jealous stares from mean Aunt Mildred.

Perfect in every way.

Hope you are having a wonderful Thursday and don't shun me for blogging so late. See you Sunday lovers!

Not my typical video post but this couple seems so in love that I just ate it up. And, let's get real...Emily loves some Converse.

A Day Late & A Dollar Short

Hello beautifuls! As much as I would love to post today, I am currently visiting the beau in Louisiana and tonight is my last night (tear). I am going to take advantage of this amazing weather and kick it with a movie, popcorn, and maybe a little wine. Interviewed with a great wedding venue today so keep me in your prayers tonight for good news tomorrow. See you on the flip-side!

'Louisiana Meal' -Blair Thrall

"Who says you're not perfect? Who says you're not worth it? Who says your the only one that's hurting? Trust me, that's the price of beauty. Who says you're not pretty? Who says you're not beautiful? WHO SAYS? " -Selena Gomez

Sealed with a Kiss

Belles beware, my detective skills are in full force today and I am ready to share my findings! During my morning meditation (OK, more like thoughts over Fruit Loops and E! News) I started to think about the quintessential wedding traditions and why we do them. So, let's get started, shall we?

Father of the Bride (walking down the aisle):

Long before women's rights and the 1920's, brides were literally handed over by their fathers. Women (often at birth) were bound to one man and later in life were 'given away.'

Seating for Families:

A marriage in ancient times would be set to bring order and peace with warring clans (aka, intrusive in laws). To prevent the claws from comin' out during the nuptials the families were seated on opposite sides of the church.

Bride Standing on the Left:

According to ancient bridal books (you caught me, there's no such thing) it was common for the bride to be kidnapped and held for ransom. To protect the blushing 'booty' the bride was placed on the groom's left in order to leave his sword-hand free in case he had to defend her. So stinkin' noble, right?

Meaning of Wedding Bands:

The Greeks believed that the forth finger on the left hand has a vein that leads directly to the heart. The circle shape represents eternal love and adoration.

Kissing the Bride:

In the Roman Empire, a kiss between a couple symbolized a legal bond ("Sealed with a kiss.") They believed that a kiss was a way to join each others souls. (And, a side note...please don't play tonsil hockey during your wedding. Grandma didn't sign up for a preview of the honeymoon.)

Now, although your beau may not be equipped with sword and shield on your big day, these traditions define what makes weddings so special today. So as you walk down the aisle to stand on the left, put that pretty round ring on your forth finger and seal it all with a smooch.

xoxo.

This couple is featured on my 'Today's Inspiration.' They are excellent photographers and might be the cutest couple I've never known. Check out their website by clicking on the logo above. Just fantastic!

Troy & Aimee's engagement (Troy Grover Photographers)

 Precious engagement story of Rylan and Mali.

Please tell me Antique & Estate jewelry gets you as giddy as I do! Take a gander at Walton's Antique & Estate Jewelry blog.

Walton's is located in my hometown of Franklin, TN and are always getting great new pieces! (obsessed).

How adorable is this couple? Her reception dress is just presh! 

Photography by: Jose Villa

First Impression

Mandy Lynne Photography

This weekend I facilitated a recruitment workshop for 120 sorority girls. Now, those who aren't familiar with the ins & outs of sorority rush there is one thing we are sure to drill and that is...how to make a first impression. So it got me thinking, what would I consider the first impression of a wedding?

Invitations are no longer just an invite; they are decorated cardstock that should tell a story, your story. Now, hear me say this...I don't want you spendin' an arm and a leg. A five piece invitation kit is sure to impress but is sure to join the scraps in less than a month.

So let's talk options. I love maps. If you are having a wedding in a tourist hot-spot make a map of not only where you'll wed but also hangouts you & your groom frequent (sports arenas, zoos, lake fronts).

Plantation (old south) weddings make me weak in the knees so if this is your plan, consider highlighting your venue with a hand sketched card. There's nothing I love more than a new drawing of old oaks.

Now, I am sure you'll all agree that there's nothin' better than a good love story. A timeline of a couples courtship tucked in an envelope would have me smiling and tearing up all at the same time. The invitation below pulled at my heart strings and is worthy of some Ooo's and Ahh's.

Now to top it all off, ponder your postage! Below are Martha Stewarts suggestions for (1)Garden Weddings, (2)City Celebrations, (3)Beach Parties, & (4)Mountain Nuptials. Simply put...love, love, love.

Remember, these can be inexpensive. Ask an artsy friend to draw you out a map, Photoshop a picture of your venue, or get a card company to make one example and color copy the rest on thick cardstock. Quote to leave you with:

To impress I suggest to request all the best.

'Save' the Date! (adorable)

I Kneed Your Love

                                                                                                                                                                  Grant Isaac Studio

                                                                                                                                                                                      

Tonight, at a sports bar with two women...I hopped on my soapbox as we discussed engagements. As we talked about their engagement stories, I exclaimed my requirements. They are simple and sweet and non-negotiable...

(1) Ask for my father's blessing

(2) Kneel on one knee

Yes, it is 2011 and I am aware this isn't the "old'n days" but if you want to call me old fashioned go right ahead! There is something kind and romantic about the beau you love, offering you the choice to spend the rest of your life with him. Today, only 60 percent of men do this...so hear me now fellas, step it up and kneel it down!

" Carry Kleenex "

Phindy Studios

Now that I am in my twenties, made mistakes, and learned valuable lessons I can now say, without rolling my eyes, she was right. Mothers are a precious gift that temperamental, teenage girls (world on the brink of ending) can take for granted. So, as an ode to the women who told us so, I have chosen to share a delightful and heartfelt story of a mothers experience watching her beautiful daughter shop for a wedding dress!

                "When we arrived at our first boutique, it was a bit overwhelming. As we sat in a sea of wedding dresses, the bridal assistant quizzed Lauren on all the wedding details and her budget. Soon they were pulling dresses and Lauren put on her slip. It was in that moment, as she began twirling in the white slip that a lump began to grow in my throat. The time was here, no turning back...my girl is about to become a princess. As the assistant, Caroline slipped the dress over Lauren's head, the tears were instantaneous. At that moment, the twenty-two year old faded away, and my little five year old was playing dress-up in a tiny white wedding gown and veil. I knew immediately that this was 'the dress.' One hour and ten dresses later, Lauren also knew she had found her dress, and it was that very first dress."

Do you have advise for future mother's-of-the-bride?

                "Mom, carry Kleenex with you! Trust me, you're going to need them. And mom, you had your chance to choose your dress, let her have her chance."

Lauren, age 5

Thank you Mrs. Cindy Poché for sharing your story! I know Lauren is so lucky to have a mother like you on her side!

Belles of the Ball Gown

Carolina Herrera

After a week of fighting a virus I can't pronounce, I am back...and loaded with dresses to share! I purchased the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine tonight and started thumbing through the many ads and crafty creations. 

Might I say...big thumbs up to Ms. Stewart. Unlike the cheesy prom magazines, I loved every dress that was advertised (granted these included Monique Lhuillier and Oscar de la Renta). No matter the name, they proved to me this - timelessness and elegance is how to dress to impress in 2011!

Christos

Each page was filled with beautiful draping, intricate belts, lace and sweetheart necklines. Mix them all together and it's better than buttered biscuits from Loveless Cafe! So here are a few of my favs...Let me know your thoughts! 

Ivy & Aster