ONE DAY IN DECEMBER

 Logo by Cris Tulle

So here we are, at the end of 2012. I can hardly believe another year has gone by and that Christmas is right around the corner. As I look back to everything this year has brought to me, I feel proud to be where I am and excited to find out what next year will bring. I know that I am a little bit stronger, a little bit wiser, and a little bit grayer, but couldn't be happier.

MY HUSBAND AND I.....

 

HAD A BABY
The most amazing event of the year was, hands down, the birth of my first child, Addison Claire. She is 9 1/2 months old now and she is the most amazing little person in the world. My husband and I are both totally smitten and feel so lucky that we get to be her parents. Adjusting to life as a new mom was tough and I definitely had my ups and downs, especially when it was time to balance work and baby, but I wouldn't change any of it for the world and still feel all giddy inside when I watch her sleep or see her smile and know that she's mine.

RENOVATED A HOUSE

You might remember from my 2011 "One Day in December" post, that my husband and I had just decided to move into a 90 year old house across the street from my in-laws and gut it from top to bottom. I laugh as I look back on that post at my naivety and positiveness - I really did believe that I would be moving into the completed house before the baby entered the world. Well, we moved in with my in-laws in December 2011 with high hopes that it would last one month as finishing touches were put on our new house, and it turned into TEN months.  

I experienced the last 3 1/2 months of my pregnancy (including a very stressful nesting phase that I could not act on), the birth of Addison, and the first 6 1/2 months of her life all while living with my in-laws. I will be forever grateful for everything they've done for us and for the sacrifices they made, but it definitely was not what I had planned for that time of my life.

That being said, I am happy to announce that we are finally living in the house! It is not totally complete (is it ever?), but we are getting there and it feels amazing to have our own space as a new little family. More blog posts to come in the future with interior pics, tips, and lessons learned.

RUFFLES & TWEED...

 

WAS PUBLISHED

I am super pumped to announce that two of my 2012 weddings and one of my 2011 weddings were published on Style Me Pretty this year! Such happy, happy days those were. All of the weddings took place at one of my favorite places, Island Farm on Elihu Island in Stonington, CT. It's a family-owned Island that only hosts 4 weddings a year (by appointment only) and is just gorgeous and magical, as you'll see in the pics. And, I am lucky enough to be the exclusive Planner/Designer for the space - lucky, lucky girl I am. The greatest thing about these weddings is that, despite the fact that they all occurred in the same place, they are all uniquely their own and were so much fun to help design.

You can find the full posts and full galleries on Style Me Pretty here, here, and here!

 Images by Anna Sawin Photography (#1) and Julie Morawski for Carla Ten Eyck (#2 & #3)

BECAME THE EXCLUSIVE PLANNERS FOR ANOTHER WEDDING VENUE

It's always so nice to be referred by colleagues in the industry, and when a caterer friend told the owners of a sprawling estate that they should work with me as they begin to think about how to host weddings at their incredibly beautiful mansion, I was over the moon. Since then, I've been working closely with them to get some initial logistics and details in place as we entertain inquiries and ramp up for what could potentially be a very successful first wedding season. I'm keeping the details and location a secret for now, so no pics just yet, but will be sure to spill the beans in the coming year, and can't wait to share the future events with all of you.

It really has been an astounding year, and I continue to meet the most amazing, inspirational people as I get further and further into this exciting industry. It's true what they say, and by "they" I mean Conan O'Brien:

 Quote by Conan O'Brien, Print by grassgreendesign, Image found via Etsy

One Day in December is quickly becoming an annual TWIPS* tradition. It's a way for us all to take the time to sit and reflect on the past year, as we remember our accomplishments, struggles, moments of clarity, and stages of doubt, as we attempt to teach and inspire through our own experiences. I hope you enjoy the series, and for some more inspiration, check out yesterday's post by Jen of Blush Printables, and tomorrow's post by Nicole of Simply Savannah Events.

  

*"TWIPS {Twitter Wedding Inspirational Pals} is a virtual wedding community comprised of international wedding vendors of various disciplines within the industry. The TWIPS community, created to promote camaraderie in the wedding industry, supports its members within a social media based network. Members are encouraged to educate and inspire one another while promoting, and celebrating the accomplishments, accolades, and advancements of all members." 

Text taken from http://thetwips.com/about 

WEDNESDAY'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

Print by angelaferrara, image found via Etsy

WHEN THE WORLD STOPS

I was thinking this week that I haven't been posting enough, and was getting excited about bringing back my "Friday's From Room to Wedding" feature and some new things I've been mustering up...and then something happened...something unimaginable...something so awful it makes you sick...makes your heart ache and your mind race...the world stops and you can't think straight...you can't imagine what the people involved are going through...can't imagine if it were to happen to you...and suddenly there was nothing important enough to post...

Then I came across a perfect little blog post by Lucinda Wesson of Chocolate Creative Design on her blog glitter, glue & fireflies. It says everything I've been thinking, feeling, trying to put into words. And, of course, it made me sob uncontrollably all over again. 

Here's an itty bitty excerpt...be sure to head on over to Lucinda's blog and read the full heartwarming post here.

My heart hurts...

for those children..

the adults..

the parents..

the 20 empty stockings hanging on all the 20 mantlepieces..

 

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

This Tuesday Shoesday is brought to you by my friend, Amanda Alpern Cordero, who has so graciously introduced me to my new obsession - Tory Burch cheetah-print haircalf pumps. Yup, I'm pretty much in love. They would work equally well with jeans for a weekend lunch date or with a red sheath dress for an evening holiday party. And...I am super happy to announce that they are currently on sale!

 

Image found via Tory Burch

 

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

Oh shoe boots, how I love thee. These Stuart Weitzman stunners might definitely need to find their way into my closet. Yesterday.

They have all the cuteness of your favorite black suede pumps, but with the added support of a tied shoe. And they're on sale for $155 (from $268) on Yoox.com - get 'em while they're hot!

Image found via Yoox.com

WEDNESDAY'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

Image found on Pinterest via mrnevergiveup.com

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

I'm loving this fresh take on a classic bootie from Cole Haan - the buckle makes all the difference. And it comes in one of my favorite colors - greige! But don't wait, because after tonight the $159.95 price tag goes back up to $328!

 Image found via Cole Haan

MY NEW FAVE - THE ANIMAL PRINT SHOP

I cannot even begin to express how happy I am that I came across The Animal Print Shop today. I have been tirelessly searching for neutral colored prints to hang in my daughter's nursery since I was pregnant and she's now 8 MONTHS OLD! So, her walls have been sad and empty because I just couldn't find anything that I loved.   

Until now. 

Thanks to Gloria of Little White Whale, I stumbled across The Animal Print Shop, and the rest is history. It's like Sharon Montrose crawled inside my brain and created everything I've ever imagined. Everything I've been seeing before now has been too young (in a cheesy nursery cliché sort of way) or too adult-like and boring. But these animal prints are just perfect and I especially love the neutral color palette and clean, natural aesthetic.

I couldn't stop myself and purchased the 6 below from the Babies collection. They really do look amazing all grouped together, and will be such a nice addition to the nursery's taupe and white patterned bedding, ruffly white curtains, and ivory shag rug - I can't wait to see it all come together!

Photos by Sharon Montrose, found via The Animal Print Shop

Oh, and the best part...Thanksgiving is at our house this year (for the first time ever!) and of course I want everything to be pulled together by then (since we just moved into our house this past August and are still unpacking!), so I sent an email to see if there was any way to ensure my package would arrive by the day before Thanksgiving...well, not only are they shipping it today via Priority mail, they're not even charging me extra - just the standard $5 flat rate shipping cost. Does it get any better than that?

Thank you Animal Print Shop (especially super sweet Jenny who responded to my email), I am your newest #1 fan, and will be singing your praises to everyone I know - much love! 
 

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

Tell me these jewel-encrusted pumps don't scream holiday party. You can rock these for all your glitzy December events, and then continue the party into the new year. They are the perfect black heels by BCBGMAXAZRIA that will go with everything, while adding that little something extra. 

And the fact that there is only pair left on Amazon in my size is making me feel like this whole lovefest I have going on is totally meant to be.

Shoes by BCBGMAXAZRIA, found via Amazon.com

BE THANKFUL

So I've been putting off blogging for the past couple of weeks...first because I was without power for a week due to Hurricane Sandy. And then after that, because I just couldn't get myself to write about shoes and weddings and other pretty things when all I could think about was the houses burned to the ground in Breezy Point, and the mom in Staten Island whose babies were snatched from her arms by the aggressive flood waters.

So many people lost so much and I couldn't get the images out of my head. I can't imagine what it must be like to attempt moving on with life once your babies are gone, your home is gone, all of your hope for life and your future...gone.

Then it hit me that life does go on. It has to. And all we can do is be thankful for everything we do have and to help the less fortunate in any and every way possible, whether that's donating time, money, or support. So I will do that to the best of my ability. And I will not let a day go by without being thankful. Thankful for my precious baby girl who has made my life worth living. Thankful for my loving husband who keeps me calm and sane (or at least tries to). Thankful for my supportive family who always believes in me. Thankful for my dear friends who keep me laughing. Thankful for the roof over my head. Thankful for my career. Thankful for all the little details that keep life interesting.

What are you thankful for? Really think about it this Thanksgiving and don't take any of it for granted ever again. 

I'll be back tomorrow with some beautiful shoes for Tuesday Shoesday...because life goes on, and because we need these little things to look forward to, and because, thankfully, there will be many weddings in my future, and many happy moments to celebrate.

SPECIAL LINDEE DANIEL BRIDAL GOWN OFFER

Ok, I'm about to make you Lindee Daniel loving ladies very, very happy. First of all, if you don't know who Lindee Daniel is, you need to change that. Now. 

I blogged about a trunk show she was having back in January, and since then, have been in love completely obsessively in love with her bridal gowns. And obviously, a ton of other people have fallen in love with her eco-friendly style too because one of her gowns, "Lauren", has exploded on Pinterest - check it out below in all of its dreamy, flowy glory.

 Image found via Lindee Daniel on Facebook, taken by Lane Dittoe Fine Art Wedding Photography

After seeing how insanely popular this gown has become, Lindee, being the gracious, generous soul that she is, wanted to share this true work of art with as many brides as possible...so...Lindee is now offering this $4,000 gown for $2,000 - that is half off! This kind of thing never happens. 

So, if you're interested in this amazing deal (trust me, you're interested), all you need to do is write to Lindee at enquire@lindeedaniel.com and tell her why you deserve or need this special offer. Then, you'll receive a reply with more details. But, hurry, October 31st is the deadline, so get going!

Good luck ladies! I would love to hear what happens and find out if you got the dress, so leave lots of comments below!
 

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

Basketweave on a shoe? I say, ABSOLUTELY, especially when it's made out of all sorts of glitter and gold. These super shimmery heels from BHLDN are fancy enough to wear with your best party dress, yet the chunky heel ensures that you'll be comfortable enough to dance the night away.

Image found via BHLDN

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

Introducing what I like to call, "the most versatile little boots of the season" - the perfect way to dress down a flowery frock or cozy up a tunic and skinny jeans. Available at Anthropologie, these cableknit booties will be your new best friend this Fall.

 Image found via Anthropologie

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

I desperately don't want to see the summer end, which is why I'm loving these bright pink Cole Haan sandals. The touch of braided espadrille is a perfect compliment to the pink, orange, and brown leather. And in true Cole Haan fashion, they are equipped with Nike Air Technology, so even the 4.5 inch heel feels comfy.

 Image found via Endless

REPIN WEDDING WEDNESDAY

Such a great way to add a little touch of something different to your wedding reception tables - check out the personalized decor hanging from a ladder above the table!

I re-pinned this on Pinterest, but the image originated on Ruffled, and you definitely don't want to miss the rest of the gorgeous inspirational shoot that goes along with it. View every last bit of black, white, and red prettiness here.

Image found on Pinterest through Kylie Mitchell via Darla Fitzgerald; original image found via Ruffled; photo by Emily Steffen Photography; design/paper goods/styling by Bethany Hway; linens and table decor by Linen Effects; flowers by Sadie's Floral; venue The Mpls Photo Center

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

I remember when I started seeing rose gold pop up on watches and jewelry everywhere last year. Well now, it's made its way onto shoes at BHLDN and I'm loving it! 

These heels in baby rose with rose gold detailing around the straps are delicious - check them out and tell me you wouldn't love prancing around town in these. And what a pretty site they would be peeking out from the bottom of a wedding gown.

 Image found via BHLDN

REPIN WEDDING WEDNESDAY

Most guys I know have absolutely no interest in wearing a boutonniere on their wedding day. But if they do it to make their future wife happy, I know they would appreciate it being as small as possible. And I think small, unique boutonnieres are more modern looking anyway. 

Well, who could resist this itsy bitsy peony? It's sooo incredibly cute and chic...um, I mean cool and masculine. And it's waaaay better than a huge, honking rose in your face. 

 Image re-pinned on Pinterest from Style Me Pretty, original image found on Style Me Pretty, image by Kristin Vining Photography, flowers by Lingky 

I just re-pinned this gorgeous shot on Pinterest - it was originally pinned by Style Me Pretty. Flowers are by Lingky and the image was taken by Kristin Vining Photography. 

 

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

These comfy, cozy flats remind me of the perfect aztec-inspired area rug, and I would love to slip my feet into them - comfortable enough to wear as a slipper, but cool enough to get you through work and cocktails. 

Designed by Belle by Sigerson Morrison and available on Piperlime.

 

Image found via Piperlime

 

REPIN WEDDING WEDNESDAY

What a perfect, messy updo for a casual chic, outdoor wedding. I found this on Pinterest via Hilary Houlette and I immediately repinned it. Tiffany Simpson of Ony Salon created the updo for a special photo shoot created by Mary Melissa Johnson of First City Events.

Image repinned on Pinterest from Hilary Houlette, original image found on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, in a shoot by First City Events, hairstyle by Ony Salon

Check out the original post for more shots of the 'do from different angles so that you can have your hairstylist recreate it!