Wake Up & Smell the Coffee

Top o' the mornin' to ya lassies! I've got something you're going to pour over so ch-ch-check it out! I know y'all love some DIY tricks and this one's cheap, fun, easy, and...thebomb.com.

It's what we'll call dyed coffee filter pom-poms! Let's talk moolah...for 10 bucks you can get 1,000 coffee filters! With some string and fabric dye you've got yourself a to-dye-for decoration!

Take a look at just what I mean...

pamgarrison.typepad.com

Just a Girl

Gia Canali & Sarah Remington

Now let's talk How To! Mix a large bowl of warm water and powdered dye. Dip individual filters in the dye for varying amounts of time to make lighter and darker tones, hang on a line and let dry. As flirty side-effect the die gathers around the edges, giving it a vintage, floral effect (so awesome!). Punch a hole in each, gather 5 to 10 filters, tie in place and fluff!

Molly Bermea

You could complete an entire room for less than $100! Go ahead and say it...Holy Moly! So going along with the theme of today check out similar creations with cupcake liners. Oh so retro.

Wedding 101

  

Too Stinkin' Cute

Now for my last hoorah...check out this bouquet of roses surrounded in...yep...coffee filters. Tell me it's awful, and I'll tell ya we are not on speaking terms.

The Coffee Filter Bride

So tomorrow morning, rather than grabbing your tall, non-fat, double, extra-hot, wet cappuccino head to Target, grab some coffee liners and get ta' craftin'! Love you lots ladies (and hopeful some gents)!

 I would totally appreciate a re-post if your loving this site! Thank-ya, thank-ya!

On one more note...for an awesome summer read, please check out Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo. Truly life changing!

Ring My Bell...

Hello my polling princesses! I need your help! It's time to revamp Southern Bells blog a bit and we're going to start with a new logo! Before I go any further, let me share with you a some of my inspiration through a little style board...

To bring in the 'Southern-ness' I was thinking earth tones (antique pinks, smokey grey, & accents of green). I feel in love with the pinks in the models outfit above! And as far as text, I wanted to go with the hand-written 'girly' font on the same lines as Southern Weddings and Audra Bender.

Then I let my girl, Katherine Rainey (photo on left) take over! I tell y'all what...this girl is good! I first noticed her talent while she served as t-shirt chair for the Phi Mu chapter at University of South Carolina and knew she would get into my head and produce somethin' great!

Now it's your turn! Please vote on what logo you're lovin' and check in soon to see which one takes the cake!

 

Thank you my magnolia mommas! 

Websites/Photographs used in style board:

Audra Bender Photography

Adam Hudson Photography

Model: Chictopia

Southern Weddings

With the Pixie Grin

Simple & Rustic

Hello belles! Long time, no blog but I am confident that this one will make up for my absence! I bring to you a beautiful wedding from my college town of Hattiesburg, MS (Southern Miss To The Top!) so grab your boots because these photos are going to knock your socks off!

Adam Hudson

I would like to introduce you to Tori and Nathan Mayo. Now, I may be biased because Tori is my Phi Mu sista...but her stunning southern style can surely speak for itself! So, let me share their story with you!

Give us the deets on your inspiration, style, and location:

Nathan and I both love the outdoors, so I knew the wedding would be outside! Originally, I wanted a rustic barn wedding but just couldn't find the right setting in Hattiesburg. So, I began thinking of other options when I thought of Mr. Lawerence and Mrs. Bonnie Warren (lifelong friends of my mother). Soon, my mom asked if we could host the wedding at their house and they said YES! I was so excited to start the planning at such a beautiful place!

I knew I wouldn't need to do much as far as decorations because the setting was already perfect. Now the goal was to make everything simple and rustic! My mom and I began collecting mason jars, lanterns, burlap, wood, and grapevine and with time it all came together!

Adam Hudson

Adam Hudson

 Tell us more about the story of you and Nathan:

Nathan and I have known each other our entire lives! I have a picture of us in the 3rd grade with 'I love Tori' and 'I love Nathan' painted on our faces. (We used this picture a lot at the wedding!) I always knew we'd get married so we didn't date in high school because I didn't want to mess anything up! We first started dating as soon as we graduated and here we are now! He is truly my best friend.

How did you feel about the planning process?

Planning the wedding was stressful but I really enjoyed it! It was a big wedding, so being outdoors came with it's struggles as you don't have all the amenities of a normal venue. We had to rent tents, lights, generators, and even bathrooms!! It was a lot of work but it was all worth it in the end!

Adam Hudson

Adam Hudson

Any last thoughts about your special day?

I am so blessed to have such an amazing family and great friends who worked so hard to make our special day possible. Thank you to the Warren's for allowing us to use their gorgeous home! It was everything I have always dreamt of and more! I feel like everything about the wedding fit Nathan and I perfectly and couldn't have asked for a more wonderful day!

Thanks for sharing your story, Tori! You were a beautiful bride and I wish you both all the happiness in the future!

-xo

Location: Home of Lawerence & Bonnie Warren
Caterer: Melanie Walker
Photographer: Adam Hudson
Wedding Planner: Melanie Nunnaly
Band: Memphis Soul
Dress: Lazaro
Florist: Blooms

Unconditional

A few days ago I took my child to the doctor (OK, I took my Volvo to get it's oil changed) and as I was waiting I watched Oprah. No more than five minutes later, yours truly is boo-hooin'. Yep, shedding tears in front of macho, greased up mechanics. So before I go any further on my explanation...check out what I saw.

I know this isn't the usual 'wedding' stuff I write about but above all I love...love! So I had to share! I hope this brightens your day as it did mine.

XO

Hot Southern Mess

Today we are going from Southern Belles to Sexy Belles, ladies! It's time for all those who've got the wrong idea about boudoir shoots to hop in your car...head straight to Vicky's Secrets and get your model on! So why am I telling you about a phenomenal place called The Boudoir Vixen? Hello...perfect wedding gift for your future husband!

I think we all know that while the belles like diamond goodies, the gents like (well...) your goodies! The more I have heard about photographer, Courtney Dellafiora the more I fall in boudoir love. There are bundles of praises on her behalf!

(just check out the video below or click here for personal testimonials)

Now it's time for me to give you a little sneak peak of what The Boudoir Vixen is all about...

 

All photos credited to Courtney Dellafiora

So go ahead and give your beau a gift filled with a ton of bow-chicka-wow-wow. It's time for you to find your beauty and I'm confident The Boudoir Vixen has what you're looking for!

Love,
Your Southern Vix

I stumbled upon this pre-wedding/wedding video and smiled through the whole dang thing! I'm tellin' you...this couple has got 'it.'

Her smile is so beautiful and his love for her is so evident. I love the idea to email out a video a day before the wedding, thanking the guest and sharing in the excitement! Ask for all guest's email addresses when collecting mailing addresses and shoot them a video surprise 24 hours before your big day! How personal and perfect, right?

So go ahead...check out the video below and fall in love as I have.

Ah...romance.

My Mike

Hi lady-loves! So my good friend Michelle, aka Mikey has a wonderful wedding blog and I wanted to share a video and entry I found on it! Here you go...

What a creative way to capture all the {precious moments} of your special day!  From the preparation, to the ceremony, all the way through the reception, in less than 5 minutes!  Definitely something to show the kids!  And don't you just love how the stop motion effect captures all those perfect smiles?! Just precious!

-Michelle Moulden of All Tied Up wedding blog.

I'll Do it Myself!

Ok...my new obsession has been found and now I'm passing this gem off to you! DIYwedding.org is sweet, flirty, and magical and is now tabbed as my favorite. (go ahead...do it now!)

I don't want to bog you down with all the deets but I do want to share some of my favorite photos and ideas from the site and let them do the talking!

Some are cute and creative-and others are just photography at it's finest.

Love the bouquet and simple veil!

(um...can I have him?)

Perfect for a springtime wedding. I'm going nuts for nautical! 

On the reverse side is the wedding program but if you get warm, fan it up and if the rain starts'a pourin' it can double as a comical hat. Love. Love.

All supplies needed for this topper can be found for under $10 and your local craft store!

I adore this DIY pinwheel! Get some pretty craft paper, old buttons and hot glue and you got yourself a vintage inspired centerpiece!

I hope you are as inspired as I am! You can check out the website by clicking on any of the photos above! I am sure you will fall head-over-heels like I did! Chat soon!

Love-

Your SB

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!