sunday simplicity.

Ashleigh Jayne Weddings via Southern Weddings

"The bad news is time flies. The 

good news is you’re the pilot.”

— Michael Altshuler

clicks of note: don't you dare look back...

get your week off to a colorful start...

• I hope that you're all enjoying whatever Memorial Day finds you doing. What a busy weekend we've had - I chaperoned a school dance on Friday (Karaoke room duty was way more fun than I expected), Breeze's youngest sister graduated from high school on Saturday, her middle sister's bridal shower was yesterday, and our little tribe is having a cookout today. This week, I've got eighth grade Field Day, the last day of classes on Wednesday, a retirement/going away party for two co-workers, two teacher workdays to pack up my classroom, and my 30th birthday on Friday. I'm getting tired just thinking about all of it.

LISTEN.

• It may not officially be summer yet, but Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance" is my official Summer Jam. I'm linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

Jenna Henderson via Bridal Musings

• Bridal Musings features a charming rustic barn wedding.
• At SMP, an elegant Baltimore wedding with pretty details.
• SW features a beach wedding full of fairytale perfection.
• Wedding Chicks shows off Justin Alexander's new gowns.

SMILE.

• Buzzfeed rounds up .gifs from body-positive female celebs.
• Mindy Kaling has not one, but TWO new books coming out.
• Five secrets to being a great party hostess, from the Kitchn.
• Redneck Avengers had me laughing out loud like a weirdo.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I rounded up the #1 hit song on my birthday in years past, featured my spring blog loves, and recapped my April and May in Instagrams.
• Two years ago, I celebrated my cousin's homecoming from Afghanistan, showed off my favorite pieces from Target for link-up, rounded up some of my favorite Instagrammers to follow, and shared my entertainment faves from May.
• Three years ago, I rounded up confetti-inspired wedding inspiration.  
• Four years ago, I shared ideas for signature cocktails, memorial day party inspiration, and the ways my "venue twins" styled their weddings, and shared our wedding invitation!

 

wedding inspiration: the coolest quirky ceremony backdrops

It's round-up time!  I love when I see weddings around the web with creative backdrops for the ceremony and portraits.  We've all seen couples tie the knot in front of a giant candelabra, in front of a mantel, and under a floral arch.  Here are a few couples whose creative and unique ceremony backdrops really stand out.  Disclaimer:  If you'd like to add any of these images to Pinterest, please click on the link underneath the photo and pin from the source so that the creators and owners get credit!  Please DO NOT pin from this post.

Stone Crandall Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

This chalk art floral arch backdrop on a concrete wall is so creative and modern while also being a nod to traditional wedding decor.  This would be an easy idea to adapt for a birthday party, class reunion, or other celebration where picture-taking is essential in an industrial or urban space!  This couple used chalk throughout their wedding decor, along with other fun details like sparkly chevron table runners.

Nine Photography via Ruffled

Aren't these orange and yellow pinwheels delightful?  This is another idea that would be just as pretty at a birthday party or family event, and a great spot to snap individual or group portraits!  The couple who created these pinwheels filled their Dallas wedding with meaningful and artistic DIY details.  Plus, the bride uses the phrase "newly hubs" - I may have to steal that one.

Dev Khalsa Photography via Limn and Lovely

This neon take on the oft-used driftwood arch is so much fun.  This backyard wedding is full of similarly colorful details, from the button-and-ribbon wrapped bouquets to the dahlia cupcakes.

Derek Martinez Photography via Wedding Chicks

Many people are familiar with the idea that paper cranes symbolize good luck, and I love this whimsical paper crane arch.  This absolutely lovely wedding was held at Historic Cedarwood in Tennessee.  If anyone is planning a wedding there and would like to have an extra blogger/amateur photographer in attendance, I AM SO IN.

Our Labor of Love via Snippet and Ink

Suitcases make a fantastic, unexpected backdrop for a vintage-inspired wedding in a nontraditional space.  This couple had their pick of cool antiques from the Metropolitan Building in Queens, New York to use on their wedding day - I am a little jealous.

Which one of these unexpected backdrops is your favorite?

clicks of note: i'll be here till the colors fade...

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• This song, "Sing Loud" by Alpha Rev, has been getting a lot of play on my local indie station and I'm in love with the lyrics.

SWOON.

Bridal Musings

• Bridal Musings features a fun, adventurous travel themed engagement session.
• I liked the fresh green bridesmaids' dresses in this New England wedding at Elizabeth Anne Designs.
• Ruffled features an art deco wedding with pretty DIY touches.
• Emily from Southern Weddings shares her own gorgeous wedding day - her dress is amazing.
• Purple Wedding of the Week:  a stunningly elegant NYC celebration at Style Me Pretty.

SMILE.

• It's New York Fashion Week - and London Fashion Week starts Thursday!
• Loving this Single Ladies' Valentine's Brunch -BTW, married ladies would also enjoy an invite ;)
• I'm looking forward to making brown sugar blondies for Valentine's Day - there are more recipes and craft ideas on my Valentine's Day Pinterest board!

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared my first #febphotoaday Instagram challenge round-up, a couple of snapshots from my Valentine's Day, and my first ever round-up of favorite blogs.