Modern Wedding Featured on June Bug Weddings

This past summer had I the wonderful opportunity to work with some AMAZING people, and contribute to a styled wedding shoot with a modern focus. Melissa Jill Photography and Outstanding Occasions were the big masterminds behind the project, and I was brought on to select the bridal gowns and the menswear for the shoot.

I'm very proud to share that this shoot was featured on June Bug Weddings last week, which is a great blog and wedding resource for brides, photographers, and any other industry related professional.

Mariee Gallery and Saks Fifth Avenue were the two places where I pulled the clothing for the shoot. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Mariee is a fabulous local bridal salon, and they were very generous in lending us a WTOO pocketed wedding dress and Matthew Christopher bridal gown.

From Saks Fifth Avenue, I found some gorgeous Chanel and Christian Louboutin shoes for the bride.

For the menswear, I really wanted to create a layered, patterned look.

I think it's a fresh take on what men can do with plaids, hounds-tooth and gingham prints. Why not use it for formal wear too, right?

We had beautiful jewelry by Emmaquist and Laura Eva Designs.

I think this shoot is a great example of how to create modern wedding for the city gal, and one that definitely resonates with someone like me.

Below is the extensive list of everyone that played a part in the project:

Event Planners: Outstanding Occasions Photographer: Melissa Jill Photography Floral Designer: Camelback Flowershop Reception Venue: W Scottsdale Invitation Designer: Idieh Design Dress Store: Mariee Modeling Agency: The Agency Arizona Cake Designer: Classic Cakes and Confections Linens and Coverings: Classic Party Rentals Phoenix Makeup Artist: Bliss Spa Hair Stylist: Organic Hair Lounge Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue Jewelry: Laura Eva Designs, Emmaquist Personal Stylist: AVE Styles

As you can see, it takes a lot of amazing people to create something so beautiful, and I'm so glad to have been a part of it all!

Make sure to check out June Bug's post to see more photos!

Photography by Melissa Jill.

Holidays

This past Thanksgiving was very memorable for me because Ryan and I hosted our first Thanksgiving dinner in our new home, AND I survived my first turkey encounter. Well, meaning, that I cooked my first turkey and it turned out picture perfect - as you can see below in my before and after picture...I credit my success to all of the advice my family and friends gave me, and the Italian Food Network beauty, Giada. That girl knows what she's talkin' about!

You may be surprised, but the day after Thanksgiving I never go shopping. No way! My day-after-Thanksgiving-tradition is to decorate for Christmas. So, Ryan and I enjoyed a lazy morning, and spent the afternoon putting decorations up around the house.

This was a totally new and fun experience because it will also be our first Christmas in our own house. AND therefore we had to learn how to properly hang lights.

All I can say is thank goodness for staple guns. Amen!

Thanks to Ikea I found some rad wreaths for the three windows of our bright door.

I thought it would be fun to draw a Christmas tree on my chalkboard door too. I got the idea from a CB2 catalog. Although, their drawing was WAY better than mine. hehe.

If you haven't noticed yet, I don't really decorate in the usual Christmas colors. I love the idea of a modern Christmas. Case and point my white Christmas tree.

Oh, and you may be wondering why in the world it's way behind my couch...Well, let's just say my dog, Wendy, likes to eat ornaments.

BUT, I will say, I think we're going to get a real Christmas tree as the big day approaches because pine scented candles just don't do the trick. Of course, this tree will be wrapped in ribbon and lights only, and not tempting, shiny ornaments. =)

How was your Thanksgiving? What type of decorations are you doing for the holidays?

Thankful

There are SO many things to be thankful for each day let alone each year. One of those things is friendship. I'm so blessed to have such incredible friends! Growing up as an only child, I looked at friends like my family. Actually, I STILL look at my friends like my family.

Last week, one of my best friends in the whole world, Michelle, came to visit me along with her amazing husband Rob (You may remember Rob from all of the menswear posts).

Michelle and I went to high school together, have been in each others' weddings, and continue to remain close.

It was SUCH a sweet time of catching up! And, of course, I had to capitalize on the fact that these two are flippin' adorable and fashionable.

So, Gina Meola (another one I'm SO thankful for) and I put together a southern inspired anniversary shoot.

I styled them with fall and winter colors and clothing in mind. There are SO many southern inspired shoots out there, but they all seem to showcase the stereotypical sundress and jeans. I thought it would be fun to play with something different. A little more Billy Reid-esque, especially since Rob used to work there.

These are just some pics from my measly cell phone camera. I can't WAIT to share with you the finished product!

Until then, you can check out the inspiration board for the project and a sneak peek photo on Gina's blog.

Bargain Hunting Dress Code

Black Friday is almost here, and I can smell the bargains, especially since I did some huntin' today at my favorite place, Last Chance. Regardless of whether you're going to brave the madness on Friday, there's definitely a way to dress to maximize your shopping time and look cute in the process.

1. Slip-on shoes - wear shoes that are comfortable, and that you can slip quickly on and off of your feet. This will make trying on shoes a breeze. And if you live in a climate like Arizona, don't wear socks.

2. Wear jeans - Pick your favorite pair that you'll feel confident in. Jeans go with everything so you can easily try on tops and jackets with them. Plus, they are comfortable.

3. Nude strapless bra - No matter what the top is you know that a nude strapless will show you the most optimal look with any dress or top you try on. The color nude goes under black AND under white. So, if you don't have a nude strapless at least wear a nude bra with slim straps.

4. A solid camisole or Tank top - Wear a camisole or tank top. There are so many things that require a camisole underneath them, so you may as well be prepared. Plus, when you're trying on different bottoms, you'll have something that matches them on top to give you the full picture.

5. Cardigan - It's something that you can take off in a snap and it'll keep you warm when wearing that tank top. Plus, if you get too warm you can wrap it around your waist.

6. Body-cross bag - Using a purse that can go across your body will enable both of your hands to be free. Thus, you'll be able to better sort through those bargain bins AND you won't set your purse down and forget it.

NOTE: You also want to avoid wearing your hair up and bright lipstick. Your hair is bound to get messed up when trying things on, so just leave it down. Bright lipstick can definitely ruin clothes. Just go with gloss and a darker eye if you feel naked without color on your face. I would probably avoid jewelry too. Sometimes snags happen.

Now this outfit may not be the most fashion forward cutest outfit ever created. DUH! But this is going to make your shopping trip incredibly efficient, and it's comfortable while being cute.

Drama Earrings

Last year statement necklaces were the accessory that was the "must have" item to glam up your outfits, and this year it's all about statement earrings. As you are preparing for all of the parties this holiday season, think about adding a wow factor to your outfits with earrings.

They don't even have to be very expensive. One of my favorite places to shop jewelry trends is Forever 21. You don't have to feel guilty about following accessory trends with prices like $3.80 for a pair of awesome earrings. They have 600 pairs of earrings to choose from right now, so you're bound to find something to match your outfit.

I actually just popped my head into the store the other day and walked out with the beautiful earrings below. $15.00 was my grand total for accessories that I plan to get great use out of. Lately, I've really been loving big earrings with my hair in a bun, but regardless of the hairstyle these earrings look great every time.