sunday simplicity

Kristine Herman Photography via Emmaline Bride

“Christmas is a bridge. We need bridges as the 

river of time flows past. Today's Christmas 

should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow 

and reliving those of yesterday.” ― Gladys Taber

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
WATCH.

• I'm currently obsessed with this Apple commercial - the combination of lyrical dance choreography, that romantic Sam Smith song, and the falling snow is pure magic.

SWOON.

W+E Photographie via Ruffled

• A Hallmark worthy Christmas wedding from Emmaline.
• Bre's sitting area is my #1 Christmas decor inspiration.
• At Ruffled, a festive Alabama wedding (all the wreaths!).
• Cozy-meets-glam cocktail party inspiration from SMP.

SMILE.

• Desktops: The Everygirl, Dawn Nicole, Design Is Yay.
• This crock pot Italian pasta casserole is a new favorite.
• Love Virginia's daily photo advent calendar idea.
• All about Harry + Meghan in the news this week.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: My five favorite holiday recipes and geeky Christmas wish list. 
• 2014: My December favorites.
• 2013: Why Christmas is complicated for me and my holiday wish list.
• 2012: Honoring caregivers during the holidays and our Dickens-inspired decorations.
• 2011: Mr. Q and I got engaged and officially started Beyond the Aisle!

sunday simplicity.

O'Malley Photographers via Style Me Pretty

“It had long since come to my attention that people of 
accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to
them. They went out and happened to things.”

― Leonardo da Vinci

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...

SWOON.

Topshop via Refinery29

• Topshop's bridal collection is on point with the current 90's trend.
• A sweet casual Colorado ranch engagement session from Jamee.
• From Ruffled, the most romantic elopement in Santorini, Greece!
• A pretty, rustic Massachusetts wedding from Samantha Melanson.

SMILE.

• The Everygirl rounds up of this spring's new wardrobe staples.
• In adorable/political news, Cory Booker asked Mindy Kaling out!
• Currently pinning all the spring home decor/wardrobe inspiration.
• Planning Easter baskets for my team after seeing Joy's post.

FLASHBACK.

• 2016: Literary Junkies, spring getaway pinspiration, book + concert reviews (Elton John!), and my March Stitch Fix
• 2015: I pretty much predicted the Colors of the Year for 2016.
• 2014: Sunday Socialabout ideals and accomplishments, my fave green and black and white picks, and my April favorites.
• 2013: rainy day fashions, white bridesmaid dress inspiration, explained how we save money on groceries, completed my second Liebster survey, and shared my love story with Mr. Q for the Love and Marriage series.
• 2012: I collected inspiration for an April Fool's wedding.

this week's clicks: ovaries before brovaries.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• My typical move for this week would be to put a sweet, sappy love song here - BUT today is February 13th, Galentine's Day, a holiday that as far as I know was created by my fictional idol, Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. Here's the newest bit of sass from Ingrid Michaelson, featuring a cool ASL video.

SWOON.

Kelly Sauer via Elizabeth Anne Designs

• Vintage infused floral bridesmaid inspiration from EAD.
• Dreamy blush and gold moodboard from Mospens Studio.
• From Texas, a romantic Southern-meets-Scottish wedding.
• A modern organic wedding in North Carolina from SMP.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Cross Cards, Red Stamp, Going Home To Roost.
• Perfect for today: a roundup of Galentine's DIYs and crafts...
• and a giant pink-frosted donut cake, such a fun centerpiece!
• Fun Etsy find: succulent jewelry that looks like the real deal.

FLASHBACK.

• 2016: favorite looks from the Grammys and Instagram faves,
• 2015: a business casual V-Day look, my second Stitch Fix, and February faves.
• 2014: sporty s-t-d ideas, the Olympics, and Sochi and Team USA wardrobe picks.
• 2013: inspiration for a poppies and lace wedding, the Cupid Swap, Cinderella-inspired wedding ideas, Oscar Party tips, and February blog loves.
• 2012: a couple of V-Day snapshots, and a peek at  my weekend.
• 2011: our wedding inspiration in textures, V-Day as an engaged couple, flower arranging, and contemporary instrumental wedding music.

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• Of all the holiday songs I can think of, the one I probably would've said least needed to be covered was the novelty song "Mele Kalikimaka," made famous by  Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters in 1950 and featured prominently on the soundtrack of everyone's dad's favorite Christmas movie, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Until I found out that Kacey Musgraves has a new Christmas album. This song is cheesy, retro perfection with a Texas twist thanks to the Quebe Sisters.

SWOON.

Sposto Photography via Style Me Pretty

• From SMP, a muted take on the top colors of 2016.
• Domino rounds up cozy winter wedding details.
• I'd love to stay in this sweet Christmas guest room.
• Festive dessert table inspiration from Swooned.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Lime Ricki, ❤ Mae, Minding My Nest, Red Stamp.
• My mom used to make this potato candy when I was a kid!
• Helpful: what donation centers really need for the holidays.
• Pinning all the winter work wardrobe and beauty ideas.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: My geeky Christmas wish list.
• 2014: A DIY cardinal wreath, winter wedding guest outfit, and holiday book review.
• 2013: Why Christmas is complicated, great holiday party dresses, my wishlist, my all-time favorite Christmas movies and songs, and a historical fiction book review.
• 2012: Easy holiday party ideas, emerald green wardrobe and home picks, gift guides for the geeky girl and manly men in your life, and my 12 favorite Christmas movies.
• 2011: Homespun holiday decor ideas. 
• 2010: After our engagement, I shared our love story.

sunday simplicity.

Shea Christine Photography via Style Me Pretty

“True friends are always together in spirit.”

― Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

inspiration for a blush and pewter winter wedding.

By now, we've had some time to adjust to Pantone's unprecedented decision to name two colors of the year for 2016, and I'm currently obsessed with rose quartz. Just in time for Valentine's Day, I'm envisioning soft blush pink wedding details paired with lace and pewter for a perfectly romantic winter wedding.

Jodi Miller Photography via Grey Likes Weddings

Classic letterpress stationery will never go out of style. I love the idea of a bride using a family heirloom cameo or lace from her mother's wedding dress as her "something old."

BHLDN | Elizabeth Fogarty Photography via Style Me Pretty

For "something new," BHLDN's collection of vintage-inspired chandelier 

earrings is full of stunning pieces to complete a bride's look.

 

Elizabeth Fogarty Photography via Style Me Pretty | Gemma Clarke via Style Me Pretty

Lovely floral robes would make the perfect bridesmaids' gift, and if your girls are 

up for it, a centerpiece making party can help ease the pre-wedding jitters.

 

Gemma Clarke via Style Me Pretty | Jodi Miller Photography via Grey Likes Weddings

Abby Grace Photography via Southern Weddings

Buffy Dekmar Fine Art Weddings via Snippet and Ink

Jenny Wohrle via Every Last Detail

Abby Grace Photography via Southern Weddings

The silvery leaves of dusty miller add a perfect wintery touch to a 

blush and ivory garden rose bouquet.

Elizabeth Fogarty via Style Me Pretty | Kayla Barker Photography via Wedding Sparrow

Which of these Pantone-inspired details is your favorite? 

Let me know in the comments!

wedding wednesday: vineyard inspired

Happy first day of autumn, everyone! I'm enjoying watching the first signs of fall color appear here in the Blue Ridge Mountains and looking forward to my community's wine festival this weekend - which has my imagination turning today toward the perfect vineyard wedding - a plum color palette, dahlias, roses, and other fall flowers, and classic nods to a winery setting.

Sherrell Photography via Rustic Wedding Chic

I love the sweet ruffle on this plum bridesmaids' dress.

Julie Mikos Photographer via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Vitalic Photo via The Every Last Detail

Sherrell Photography via Rustic Wedding Chic

de la Barra Photography via Design Sponge | Vitalic Photo via The Every Last Detail

How fun (and easy) is this cork monogram?

Julie Mikos Photographer via Elizabeth Anne Designs

An apple basket makes the perfect vessel for an autumn dahlia centerpiece.

The Nichols via Southern Weddings

Katie DeLorme via Style Me Pretty | Mosca Studio via One Wed

Liz and Ryan via United With Love

Michael and Anna Costa Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Have you ever been to a vineyard wedding? How does your community welcome fall?

Style: Date Night with Weddington Way

Remember the closet from 27 Dresses, overflowing with bridesmaids' dresses featuring everything from puffy sleeves to hoop skirts? We've all been there: our girlfriend was so excited that she'd found a dress we'd totally wear again... and it's been in the back of the closet since the day she said "I do." Or worse, maybe we were that girlfriend (I certainly haven't seen any of my girls out on the town dressed like purple goddesses lately). 

A few things set Weddington Way them apart from other boutiques: their dresses are super stylish, they offer dress rentals, and they focus on a collaborative experience so bridesmaids can select dresses they want to wear again! To prove it, here's how I'd restyle one of their versatile bridesmaids' dresses for a summer date night.

For my re-style, I chose the Rita little black special occasion dress. The halter neckline, straight style, and short length keeps it from looking too "bridesmaidy," and best of all, it has pockets. For a perfect summer date night look, an LBD calls for a pop of color, a little bit of print, and fun jewelry - no tulle, butt bows, shoulder pads, or Scarlett O'Hara hats in sight! Check out all of Weddington Way's bridesmaid dresses here. You'll be a lot more successful than I was when I tried to re-wear a bridesmaid's dress on a date...

Don't be like this me.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Have you ever re-worn a bridesmaids' dress?

inspiration for a coral prep wedding

Since my post a couple of weeks ago on how popular Pantone's Strawberry Ice color has become this summer, I haven't been able to stop dreaming of cool coral pinks. Today, I'm imagining a preppy Southern summer wedding with garden-fresh florals, champagne, calligraphy, and plenty of bow ties!

Floral Bloom wedding invitation by Artsy Design Co. on Etsy

Athena Bludé Photography via Grey Likes Weddings

How beautiful is this driveway? I love the pop of blue from the hydrangeas.

Josh McCullock via Wedding Chicks | Emily Steffen via Style Me Pretty

Does it get more preppy than a dog in a polka dot bow tie?

Nicole Ryan Photography via Fab Mood

Erin Volante Floral via Bollea | Jessica Christine Photography

Athena Bludé Photography via Grey Likes Weddings

Equestrian-inspired details get me every time.

Coco Tran via Style Me Pretty | Kristin Byrum Photography via Style Me Pretty

What's your favorite color for summer weddings?

clicks of note: quick-thinking and kind of sly...

get your week off to a colorful start...
WATCH.

• An interviewer from Cosmopolitan noticed that Scarlett Johansson seems to get stuck with the same sexist questions in most of her interviews for her role as Black Widow, so she decided to flip those questions around. Mark Ruffalo gets asked about his go-to photo poses and whether he felt pressured to loose weight for his role, and Scarlett gets to talk about her stunts and her favorite thing about playing Natasha. Brilliant.

SWOON.

Daniel Cruz Photo via Style Me Pretty

• From Apt. Therapy, affordable tile alternatives.
• SMP features a pretty, simple backyard wedding.
• SW gives perfect pastel blue bridesmaid inspiration.
• At Wedding Chicks, a rustic multicultural wedding.

SMILE.

• Have you seen Time's name tool? Just call me Bessie.
• Reading recs from The Everygirl and Modern Mrs. Darcy.
• So happy that Hulu is saving The Mindy Project!
• Wes Anderson designed a café and I want to go to there.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared a Sunday Social full of summer memories, rounded up nautical fashion picks for Memorial Day and inspiration for a strawberry-themed wedding, reviewed the Nester's book,
• Two years ago, I rounded up patriotic home decor ideas for Memorial Day and beyond.
• Three years ago, I shared bridal portrait inspiration, my favorite mint fashion and beauty picks, and blue + mint wedding inspiration.  Two years ago, pretty flower girl inspiration.