5 Things...

Well'p y'all...It's time for this Tennessee native's first hurricane. Yep, Isaac has forced me indoors for the past two days and I'm getting antsy from utter boredom.

I know a lot of my readers are in the path of this grumpy guy so I thought I'd tell you the 5 things that's making my time worthwhile.

(one.)

Looks like I got the new Southern Living magazine just in time! This issue features the best college football tailgating spots and yummy food to go along with it. So good.

(two.)

My new favorite chap-stick is this Maybelline Baby Lips. They come in about 5 different colors but these are the two I picked at Target... hot pink and cherry red. They look awesome on my smackers! 

(three.) 

I've been practicing my 'mod-calligraphy' during extended time on the couch. I'm using a fine point sharpie and bolding all the down strokes. The swirls and flags are extra touches to add a little pizzazz! 

(four.)

I couldn't resist grabbing The Hunger Games before the storm began Tuesday. Consequently, I've been rocking the side braid since. Team Katniss. 

(five.)

Nothing gets you through a gloomy day like good ole' mac-n-cheese. I'll be nursing on this batch until it's all gone. Nom. Nom.

(one to grow on.)

I've been doing some online shopping for some Scentsy gifts. If you're totally behind the times...these are the best smelling things next to Yankee Candles! They even have a 'Bride that is Beautiful' scent. Check out my sweet aunt's page by clickin' on the pic!  

What are y'all doing to stay dry? Any good reads or recipes? Online shopping? Holler at us with your 5 things! 

Five Things : Southern Hospitality

Invitations: Check

Dress: Check

Photographer, Band, Food: Check

Looks like you've got all your ducks in a row, miss-priss! But you forgot one little detail that will make your out-of-town guests remember why they love ya so much. In the south we pride ourselves on being great hostess. We throw great parties, give adorable favors, and make sure you have lots of wine with a ball'a cheese. Why should this be any different for our wedding? 

Your out-of-town guests came over the river and through the woods to celebrate your big day so how's about you show them some appreciation with an affordable gift basket! And don't fret, I found some great options for even better prices! 

(one.)

Pull out your colored pencils or grab a crafty friend to make maps of your town and it's hot-spots. Your guests may come a day early or leave a day late and might want to do some sightseeing. Take your sketches and favorite simple craft paper to a printer and boom...make-shift map!

(two.)

If your wedding is in a warmer season, consider straw hand fans. I found these online for $3 each! 

(three.) 

Your wedding city is bound to have some sort of local beverage. Whether it's wine or beer, throwing some of this in the basket is sure to please. If it's beer, put 2 in a basket or get sampler bottles of the local wine. This should only total to $2-$4 per basket. 

(four.)

Along with your drink of choice, throw in some local cuisine. Whether it's Hubigs Pies from New Orleans or Loveless Cafe jam from Nashville, your guest will appreciate a treat just for them! This pack of 3 is $8.95 so divvy 'em up for more to go 'round!

(five.)

And to help them rest in a foreign bed, add a lavender sachet to go under their pillow. Here shows you an easy DIY way to make them! So precious, right? 

Pile 'em all in a cute tin basket ($4 at this wholesale site) and you've got a goodie-bag-to-boot! 

xo,

Belle of the Blog

Click, Flash!

I recently sat down with Amanda Hill, a Memphis photographer to discuss her thoughts on bridal sessions. It seems that more brides are taking time, a few weeks before the 'I Do's' to get some hawt shots in their dress. My thoughts are, you spend lots'o moolah on a dress you wear one day, right? So how's about you play dress up once before the wedding?

Now what do ya say we get a photographer's opinion on this? Amanda, let us in on what you're thinkin'! 


Every bride spends a lot of time and money on their wedding day, and one major expense is the dress. Once you've worn it on your big day, you preserve it or hang it in the closet to collect dust until it's time to sell it or pass it down. I'm a firm believer that your dress is worth more than a one-day-deal.

     

At AM Photography we love to capture you in your wedding dress outside of your wedding day. One awesome reason is because, during your session, you are not limited to your venue. You can go anywhere! A romantic shot at the beach or a night-time photo downtown makes for beautiful memories that we can capture for a lifetime. AM Photography includes 2-3 different locations in our sessions. We also offer professional makeup services by Brickology and hair-styling by Sonya Miller. 


It is never too late to have a bridal session. Whether you've been married 2, 10, or 30 years, this is something you can choose to do for yourself! What better way to celebrate a long and fruitful marriage? 


What are you thinking, belle? Is this something your planning for? It's time to consider getting your model on, y'all! 

Busy Belle

Holy guacamole...It's been way too long y'all! In the past month ya' girl got a new job, new wedding gigs, and will be shipping more wedding dress canvases to brides-to-be! (These are great gifts for brides and/or bridesmaids) 

If you need hair or make-up services or a cutesy personalized canvas feel free to message me at emily.southernbells@gmail.com for pricing and details! Last week I had the pleasure of working with Stacy Hale's bridal party and they were fantastic! Check out some pictures of their do's and the view from her suite. Needless to say, the afternoon was the bomb.com.

Coming up soon: Wise words from a Memphis photographer and what grooms need to know about the mind of a lady before tying the knot! It's gonna be good! 

Call Me, Carly!

Any Maid of Honor ladies in the hizzz-ouse? Ok, I got my ghetto out. Now back to being a belle...

A'while back while pondering what to do for my best friend's bachelorette, I wrote down ideas before pickin' up the phone to call my girl. But you know me and when it comes to this subject, I want to go all out! So I set up a camera and put on my favorite jam. Call Me, Maybe. (Duh.) I recorded my ideas, gave her something to chew on, and then she could call me...maybe! 

So go on and get creative dolls. If anything it will give 'er a giggle! 

Have an awesome week belles and beaus! You deserve it! 

xo

I Wanna Marry You

80 degree weather, poolside, and a little Kendall Jackson is all I thought I needed to make this Memorial Day weekend the bestest. But an engagement video just made it a dash better and I can't contain my excitement any longer.

Thoughtful engagements make me giggle, cry and exclaim 'oh-my-lanta' and I'm takin' a bet that you're doomed for the same result! Read no further and watch. Amazeballs. 

Thank you, Chelsea for sharing! This is definitely going in my favorites folder. 

XOXO 

Nola Belles & Bachelorettes

Since becoming a Louisiana native, I've picked up on a few things 'round these parts. Po' boy is pronounced as it's written, it's not just hot - it's humid, and everything's better with a little Tony Chachere's. I've posed as the typical tourist, prancing around the River Walk and indulging in one too many beignets [Fr. ben-yey]. And other than Vegas, I've become aware that New Orleans is the prime destination for bachelorette parties!

There's got'ta be a reason the belles keep coming back so I've done my research! Below are a few places to begin your party planning. Now get out your Lilly planner and get'ta writting!

Shopping

French Market

Existing for over 200 years, beginning as a trading post off the Mississippi River, the French Market has evolved into the perfect place for open-air shopping.

Magazine Street

Belles, brace yourselves. This is a 6 mile long shopping oasis. Magazine is filled with awesome boutiques, galleries, and restaurants ta'boot. This is 'uptown' shopping at it's finest. You will d.i.e.

Breakfast and Lunch

Cafe Du Monde 

Established in 1862, this open-air coffee and beignet (an amazing powered sugar, donut-esque pastry) stand is open 24 hours! So you know what this means...shall your night turn into morning and you're needing a little grub, there is literally no better place to stumble upon. Seriously. I could eat my weight in these things! 

Cooter Browns 

If you want to let your hair down and kick off your pumps, head over to Cooter Browns! Not only does this place cater to all your local cravings like po' boys, burgers, and seafood but they have a beer menu with over 400 selections! All southern girls love a beer-n-burger kind'a meal! 

Court of Two Sisters

The first time I met Jeff's family they took me here. Wow y'all. This place is stunning. The outside courtyard is something from a fairytale. The food is authentic Louisiana creole and they usually have a jazz band playing. I melt.  

Dinner 

Superior Grill

Y'all...this is the best Mexican food in town. The atmosphere is amaze and the margaritas are even better! It's located in uptown, it's hip and swanky with great outside seating. 

Superior Seafood 

I'm pretty sure this place is owned by the same peeps that run Superior Grill. Either way, it is nom-nom good. Jeff and I went here before the Lady A concert and I'm still swoonin' over the oysters and stuffed chicken! This is a little more expensive but oh-so-worth-it. 

Port of Call

Famous for their steak and burgers, Port of Call is located in the French Quarter and is casual and cute! 

Bourbon House

If you want to be close to all the action, hit up Bourbon House. Located on Bourbon St. (no surprise there) this is a nice place to stop before your night's extravaganzas.  

Late Night 

Pat O'Brien's 

Ah, Pat O's. Known for an incredible piano bar and famous Hurricane drink. Go here to start off your night with a bang! They have napkins all over the tables - all you have to do is right down a song request and send it up to the piano players. Yep, they'll play just about anything and you can sing along all night!

Gold Mine Saloon

This place is said to have the best dance scene! The combination of cheap drinks and 80's and 90's music will keep the belles dancing for hours!

Cat's Meow

The favored of all karaoke bars and the best time you'll have in a hot minute! Even if you're not into showcasing your A.I. skills, this place is fun, clean, and energetic. It's a must-go for any bachelorette party! 

Now go have some fun ladies and let the good times roll! XO!

Keep Calm, Your Time Will Come

Are you in the 'life stage' I'm in? The twenty-something stage where everyone around you seems to be committed, engaged, or married? It's the time of life that's chaotically wonderful. You're growing into your adult skin, molded from college mistakes-heartbreaks-and wish-to-do do-overs. You're considering your life and the kind of person you want to spend that life with. So where's the ring? Where's the bended-knee proposal? Where, where, where?

Well'p, I'm here to say...simmer your sauce and just get happy! Because you my belle - you are in store for something great. You are in store for a perfect beau, a perfect engagement, and a perfect life for you!

Trust me, there have been moments when I catch the envy-bug and throw a pity parade filled with red wine and reality shows but that's not what God intended me to do! He intended me to celebrate, to call my friends and ask for all the deets, and write the most fantastic blog full of their love stories!

So this is the most comforting piece of truth I can offer you for now - His timing is perfect. It's hard to wrap our restless, list-oriented mind around it but His timing is greater than our 'schedule.' And you know what schedule I'm talking about:

18 - Graduate from High School

22 - Graduate from College (in 4 years, of course during which you'll meet Mr. Oh-so-Right)

24 - Get engaged (to some J. Crew lookin' stud who looks great in khakis)

28 - Start a family (that will dress in cardigans and polos for the yearly Christmas card) 

Sound about right? I'm sure your grinning to yourself as I am. For most of us, this quality of 'planning' allows us to be organized, sufficient, and reliable. But it's also cripples us to a world we are passing by. So allow me to hop up on my soap box and say, 'Let go and let God.' 

Single belles, have you considered that He has better taste then you? That He has not quite prepared your heart for your perfect match; that the man that matches your worth is still working on himself? 

And to all my taken ladies waiting for the sparkler. There will be a moment when your hearts combined are prepared for a lifelong commitment. Because that's what it is, right? We have to believe we are preparing for a lifetime.   

So celebrate in celebrations! Throw out your schedule and be comfortable in your 'life stage.' And above all else, keep your heart wide open.

Dream BIG belles and settle for nothing but your insurmountable worth. 

Follow @Southern_Bells on Twitter for a chance to win a copy of Handmade Weddings book!

 

I'll Cleave to You

This video was one of the first ever posted on Southern Bells. And every time I've watched it since, I hold back the urge to boo-hoo.

The vows are the killer. The girl is precious and her groom seems to absolutely adore her. Grab a hanky and join me friends. This one's good!

Vows:

Man:  I give you my life this day in the presence of God and according to His will. I leave my father and mother and I'll cleave to you.

I will love you as Christ loves the church, giving my life to yours. I will lead and protect you, as we share our life with God, who gave us one another.

Wife: According to the will of God and my desire, I give myself to you. To be your wife and your friend and to stand by you as we share our life together. Leaving my father and mother, I now commit myself to you.

I love you and believe in your from this day forward.

You're About A Million

 

Ah...videography. It sure has come a long way from our parents beta tapes! Now-a-days it's a perfect mix of music, I Do's, and clips of wedding highlights. Think of it as a two minute collage of the happiest day of your life.

Today I came across this gem of Jessica and David. The compilation is perfection and it sure don't hurt that the bride and groom are ridiculously good looking. Check out the magic that is their wedding by Contrast Films. 

What'a Catch

Looks like a catcher for the Baltimore Orioles has caught his belle...

Spring is in full bloom and so is the love between Brooke and Caleb! From the tiny snip-its I've received, Brooke hopped on a plane yesterday to visit her beau. Caleb and Brooke's family weren't far behind...covertly headed to one spot on the map to see the engagement!

I want to save all the deets for when Brooke can tell you the whole story but for now here's a glimpse of some post-engagement photos. And, from what I hear, Caleb hired a photographer to go all 'secret-ops' to get the whole engagement on film! I know... I can't wait to see the pics either!

Congratulations Brooke and Caleb! We can't wait to hear more about the engagement and wedding planning! 

5 Nonnegotiables

Inspired by the 10 Things that make me happy post, I decided to list my 5 Nonnegotiables. These are the 5 things I can't do without on my wedding day. Read on and send me your 5! 

Magnolias

 

In the bouquet, on the cake, or placed in a mason jar. All is fine with me!

 Quatrefoils 

 

The Phi Mu badge shape will have'ta show up somewhere!

Bow ties

Patterns make me melt. 

Photographer, Courtney Dellafiora

My favorite photographer based out of Baton Rouge and owner of The Boudoir Vixen. 

Ring Blessing

To have all close family members (grandparents, parents, and siblings) have time in the ceremony to say a prayer of blessing over the rings.

Preparing Hearts

Looks like another gent fell victim to a beautiful, blonde, southern belle. Learn a little about Caroline, Westley and all their wedding details only on Southern Bells!

What southern staples make you drool?

Mashed potatoes and mac n cheese. Both veggies right? We'll pretend.

Where are your heart stickers on the US map? 

Charleston, St. Augustine (a lot of Westley’s family that I love live here so we visit every summer), and it may sound silly but, I love Myrtle Beach! My family has a home there so lots'a

fun memories have been created at the beach.

3 things we'd find in your closet...

I’m sort of a plain jane, hehe! If I find a shirt that I like, I buy it in 3 different colors. Other than my solid tops, I love a good sundress! However, if I could just be totally honest about it all, I am the happiest in my nike shorts and a t-shirt! Norts never get old. One in every color, please! 

What was the first thing you did to plan for your wedding?

Other than picking our wedding date 30 minutes after Westley’s proposed; I called and booked the reception venue the next day! I've always loved the Springdale House and knew I had to snatch it up quick!

Thoughts on wedding colors?

Aqua and Coral!

Did you take anyone special with you dress shopping?

Mom and I decided to run in Bella Vista and browse one day. After about 30 minutes, I had found the dress…and it was on sale!

Any areas you've been able to save some moolah?

I’ve found some great websites via Pinterest for buying burlap, mason jars, and paper lanterns in bulk for a great price! And, of course my dress! 

Give the readers your best advise about wedding planning...

If I could give any advice it would be to enjoy the planning process but don’t forget to prepare your heart for marriage. Being engaged is not only a time to prepare for the wedding but to prepare your heart to be united to one another for a lifetime! A dear friend of mine gave me the book, Inviting God to Your Wedding and I would recommend it to any bride. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the hoopla that comes with planning for the actual day, but honestly none of that will matter. I will marry the love of my life on July 28th and even if it rains on my day, even if the bouquets aren't exactly right, even if no one else even shows up, God will be present at our wedding and He will be glorified…and that is all that matters to us.

Caroline, thank you for sharing your deets and wisdom with us! Southern Bells wishes you all the luck in your planning and a marriage full of love and adoration.