This year was quite the busy year. I got married (!), became an avid blogger, and visited dozen of wedding locations (4,200 miles!), met with the best vendors, and gathered much needed resources to help Santa Barbara brides plan their wedding day.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of my readers and have them share their own unique wedding stories (hey Wendy!),

explored what goes into making couture paper goods,

been lucky enough to have my favorite wedding bloggers share their inspiration (Snippet & Ink, coco & kelley),

and had some of the best photographers in the biz share their words of wisdom (Elizabeth Messina).

All in all, it’s been a very fulfilling year and I look forward to an even busier 2009. I hope everyone has a happy (and safe) New Year’s!

Images: 1.Harper Smith Photography 2. Rancho Dos Pueblos 3. Image from Wendy’s post 4. Laura Hooper Calligraphy 5. Snippet & Ink Inspiration Board 271 6. Elizabeth Messina

I’ve been tagged by Weddings Fresh for the “Your Blog is Fabulous” award! Thank you Dani, what a way to end the year!

Here are the rules: list 5 obsessions/addictions that you have, and tag back to the person who gave you the award. Post these rules and tag 5 more people.

Here is my list of obsessions/addictions:

1. Shoes, yes I know, completely shocking.

2. Magazines, particularly Elle Decor and House & Garden (oodles of inspiration in each).

3. Reading other blogs. I have about 40 I peruse daily and maybe another 50 I visit weekly. I’m pretty sure that counts as an obsession.

4. Tequila. I’m not talking Cuervo, but Don Julio 1942. Simply the best.

5. Tagliatelle with ragu from Ca ‘Dario. If you’re in Santa Barbara you must go there. Must go there.

And my list of fabulous blogs:

1. coco & kelley

2. Snippet & Ink

3. {this is glamorous}

4. A Practical Wedding

5. With This Ring

Images: 1. via Wedding Fresh 2. Leigh Miller Photography 3. via Elle Decor 4. via Tequila 5. John Valls

As the last Shoesday of the year, I thought some extra glamour might be appropriate. Photo by Nato Welton.

I love this fun combination of yellow with a deep purple. I picture this retro wedding taking place in an art gallery or in a loft setting. Inspiration came from the center picture of lights by I.Anton’s flikr.

Description: Yellow, purple, retro, modern, and some bling

Images top to bottom: {Column 1} 1. Erez Sabag 2. Next Exit Photography 3. John Dolan 4. Mamluke Flikr {Column 2} 1. Tina Rupp 2. I.Anton’s flikr 3. By Leah 4. Shoes by Oscar de la Renta {Column 3} 1.Purple dress via this is glamorous 2. Nato Welton 3. Jeff McNamara

I’m signing off for the week and running out to get the very last present on my list. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Images by Chris Everard.

Lately, I’ve had quite the love affair with gray & yellow. For this board I decided to branch out a bit and pair gray with a deep red. The invitation in the upper right hand corner by Peculiar Pair Press served as inspiration. Enjoy!

Description: Gray, deep rich red, silver accents, modern lines

Images: top to bottom {Column 1} 1. Shoes via Brides 2. Rings by Anna Kuperberg 3. Lounge by Laura Novak 4. Christmas Lights by l.anton’s flikr 5. Gray Draping by Michelle Rago {Column 2} 1. Invite Photo by Anna Kuperberg 2. Cake by The Cake Girls 3. Orchids in vase by Kate Mathis 4. Suit via Brides

I love the bamboo in this ring shot, photo by Whitebox Weddings. And stay tuned for a review of a brand new estate that has stunning ocean views and is avaliable for overnight accomodations as well…

Last week I had the pleasure of letterpressing these holiday cards myself with the help of Megan at Nutmeg Press.

I love the little tree– so cute!

I opted to do two colors for this card. Each color means a separate run of the press and the clean up in the between is quite a smelly and toxic process.

Also I’m excited to announce that we have been added to the Santa Barbara Wedding Guide! Anyway, I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!

I’ve been seeing even more peacock feathers around lately and thought I’d share these lovely photos.

I love the combination of the red dahlias with the peacock feathers. Unexpected, but oh so pretty.

How cool are these peacock trees from Two’s Company?

Layers of glamour with peacock feathers, it’s definitely over the top!

This headband by Collete Malouf could be fun for bridesmaids or even the bride to wear.

I like this graphic interpretation of peacock feathers from Plum Party. It would be fun to use to this for tray passed appetizers or drinks.

Images: 1. & 3. The Velvet Garden

I love the deep grey color of these Christian Dior shoes. Photo by Next Exit Photography.