Matt & Chrystin Sneak Peak

I met Matt and Chrystin last January when they were just beginning the process of planning their wedding. At our first meeting Chrystin declared that her main goal was for everyone to have a fun time and that she was renting a bouncy house and she wanted pictures in her dress in the bouncy house. And that's when I knew the next seven months were going to be fabulous!

Their wedding day was nothing short of perfect and I'll share details when I get more photos. In the meantime, here's a sneak peak to get your started! Photos were by the amazing Josie of Josie Liming Photography.

I'm a behind on my posting. It's wedding season so I'm a bit busy but the good news is I'll have plenty of photos to share of my amazing brides soon. Stay tuned!

Summer Trunk Show at Alicia's Bridal

Mark your calendars! Alicia's Bridal Shoppe is hosting a summer trunk show chock full of goodies that are sure to make you swoon. What sort of goodies you ask?

How about brand new 2Be Bride gowns from their Spring 2010 line! You'll be able to preview bridal gowns before your friends and choosing one will no doubt make you a true wedding trendsetter ;) There will also be new gowns for Fall 2009, featured bridal jewelry and accessories, information and discounts from other area wedding vendors, and refreshments-and not just any refreshements. We're talking sparkling cider, champagne and delectable bites from Pure Bliss Desserts!

Stop on by and check things out! What better way to spend an afternoon then surrounding yourself with fashion, dessert, champagne and fun?!

Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 10:00 am until 5:30 pm at Alicia's Bridal Shoppe

1400 N. State Street, Bellingham WA

"Trashing the Dress" with Jen Martin Studios

I don't often comingle my personal life on BB's Blog, but sometimes my business and personal lives mix and you get a small peek into my life. A few weeks ago Jen from Jen Martin Studios asked if my husband and I wouldn't mind being models for a "Trash the Dress Session".

For those readers that don't know what a "Trash the Dress Session"or "Day After Sessions", they're a photo shoot after your wedding capturing fun, unusual or creative shots that you wouldn't have done on your wedding day. I've see shots of couples laying on the beach with the waves breaking over them, brides floating in a pond, or couples simply getting more photos after the big day when they can focus and relax and not worry about staying on schedule.

Our session was a bit tamer, but still fun. Here are a few of my favorite shots:

If you're interested in booking your own shoot, talk to your photographer. Or better yet, give Jen a call. She'd love to spend an afternoon capturing your own moments!

Wedding Lemons

I've noticed a resurgence of lemons and yellows in wedding decor lately. Perhaps, when people think of happy summer moments, lemonade comes to mind. Not sure, but I love what brides are coming up with and putting together. See what you think!

Save the Date Even After the Wedding

I discovered these beautiful gift ideas at Frame the Date via Earth Friendly Weddings. And I must admit, I'm a fan. Not only is this a great gift idea for the modern and trendy couple, but the company utilizes a lot of reclaimed pieces to make a new gift of personalized art. Simple and beautiful.

Red, White and Blue Wedding Inspiration

I looked up "4th of July Weddings" on google, and while I'm not a big fan of stars and stripes wedding gowns, I am a fan of reds and aquas. This color palette has been making a big impact on weddings for the past few years and proves that there is a classy way to throw your own red, white and blue soiree. Happy Fourth of July!!

DIY: Sewn Detail Wedding Invitations

Another fabulous find from Merriment Design: Fabric poppy wedding invations. What makes me smile with this project is that the how-to information isn't design specific-customize the entire concept to your own event style. Intrigued? Inspired? Check out the instructions here!

Tara+Robert Continued

A few more shots from Tara and Robert's fabulous reception-again pictures by the amazing Kaylee Eylander Photography. Enjoy!

The Eco-Friendly Registry

Before you and your fiance fight over who gets to carry the scan gun at Macy's, take a few moments to consider some greener options for your new home. Yes, cute and fun things are important but take function, longevity and purpose into account before zapping everything in the store. Here's our top ten list of eco-friendly items that are a must for any home:

1. Cloth napkins-one set is good, two sets are even better (one for everyday and another for special occasions). You can help save scores of trees every year by reusing your own set and make every dinner a little more refined at the same time. Multi-colored fabric napkin set available from Crate and Barrel.


2. Bamboo cutting boards. Durable, sustainable and beautiful all at the same time. With proper care, bamboo cutting boards can last for decades and are pretty enough to use as serving trays. Green lite cutting boards available from Sur la Table.


3. Espresso Machine. Especially if you and your betrothed are all about your morning cup of joe. Not only will you save big bucks each day with your DIY drinks (average savings of $3 a day per 16 oz vanilla latte) but you'll avoid driving to the coffee stand and wasting paper cups and sleeves each day. Cafe Modena from Breville available at Macy's.


4. Cast iron cookware. With proper care, cast iron can easily last a life time. It has the ability to go from stove to oven and over time creates a natural non-stick coating. Enameled cast iron is another great option if you'd like items that can also function as serveware. I'm a fan of le creuset. Available at Macy's.


5. Fabric shower curtains and liners. Vinyl curtains are made out of highly toxic chemicals and break apart over time. Fabric curtains with a nylon fabric liner give you an elegant addition to your bathroom that are safer, non-toxic and easy to clean. 100% Cotton Pansy shower curtain from Target.


6. Organic bedding. 100% organic cotton meets trendy design for a comfortable and eco-friendly way to end your day. Willow duvet cover by Branch.


7. Beeswax candles. Candles are a staple for romantic evenings and dinner parties. Stock your new home with beeswax candles for a soft honey scent and "green" glow. Beeswax colonial taper candles by Bee Hive Candles.


8. Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. Opting for good quality appliances ensures that broken ones don't end up in landfills when you purchase replacements. The kitchen aide stand mixer is an appliance that has stood the test of time for generations and makes an excellent addition to any avid cook's kitchen. Available at Macys.


9. Recycled glass vases. Decor and heirloom pieces on your registry can still look great while avoiding damage to the earth. These fabulous recycled glass vases are a great way to add panache to your nest without looking repurposed. Glass vases available at VivaTerra.


10. Crock pot. Yup, just like grandma's, crock pots are incredibly energy efficient and cook up a mean pot of stew. Fantastic for having dinner ready when you get home from work or keeping foods hot at the buffet, they make an essential addition to any kitchen. Rival programmable crock pot available at Target.