I think my obsession with shoes began at the age of 4 with ballet lessons and conveting those pretty, peachy, pink, pointe shoes… Needless to say this photo by Elizabeth Messina from the new Twigs & Honey Collection is right up my alley…

I love, love this pensive picture of my sweet bride Elizabeth, in her gorgeous Claire Pettibone gown, looking at the sea from Rancho Dos Pueblos.

The intricate beading, empire waist, and the delicate cap sleeves made Elizabeth feel like she’d just stepped out of the pages of Pride & Prejudice…

For a splash of color, and her something blue, Elizabeth picked these blue shoes by Poetic License. Her bracelet was her something borrowed and her earring were her something new (vintage baubles from 33 Jewels). To see the rest of Elizabeth’s wedding check out the Style Me Pretty magazine!

How simply stunning are the florals by Modern Day Design? Garden roses, ranunculus, berries, oh my… I particularly love the elegant water bottles (no ugly water pitchers here) and the chair treatment with olive branches is quite simply perfect.

I love the simple arrangement of ranunculus, mint and berries (mint is one of my favorite greens to use in flowers, it smells sooo good). And can we talk about the flatware? Obsessed. Its the bride’s grandmother’s silver, gorgeous no?

Since the couple wanted more of a dinner party feel, a record player played music, while guests feasted and ate homemade desserts (the groom’s brother made the macarons).

At the end of the night, the couple set some sky lanterns (basically a mini hot air balloon) up and away… What a stunning way to end the night…

From the bride, Tamara:

Today’s stunning wedding was designed by the bride, Tamara, and photographed by Beaux Arts Photographie.

The beautiful flowers by Camille at Modern Day Design incorporated cafe au lait dahlias, pink veronica, succulents and silvery brunia.

The accessories for the wedding day are too die for! Lace from the mother of the bride’s wedding dress was used to make Tamara’s garter, such a sweet way to incorporate her family’s heirlooms.

Tamara’s present to her groom, Roland. A beautiful watch…

The simple ceremony was held at Butterfly Beach under an arbor the groom made. Bird seed packets were set out for guests to toss…

I love Tamara’s Enzoani wedding dress, the lace is to die for and the simple fingertip veil is the perfect accent… Stay tuned for part two, the reception!

Is it just me, or does this upcoming wedding season look like it’s going to be a busy one?! While all of you wedding mavens out there are winding down for the weekend, make a big pitcher of this sangria to enjoy with friends. It’s absolutely delicious and a definite crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

~1 bottle of white wine (for this I used Chardonnay)

~2 Fresh tangerines, juiced and sliced (any other form of citrus will do)

~1 can of diced pineapples in juice

-ruby red grapefruit juice

~Fresh fruit (in this case I used cherries and tangerines)

~Brandy

~Tonic

*It’s very hard to give exact measurements for a sangria recipe because I am constantly tasting it as I go, adding a lil’ something here and there (you really CANNOT mess it up). Above is the gist of what goes into my sangria with minor alterations depending on what is in season. Add all ingredients together in a big pitcher and keep tasting it throughout the mixing process. Note: do NOT skip the brandy…it will bring your sangria to another level. After mixing all ingredients, let sit for at least an hour in the fridge to marinate. Happy mixing!

-XOXO Melissa

I love this soft and romantic color palette with its delicate grays, soft pinks and aquas… Quite simply chic… Would you consider it for your wedding day?

I’m pretty picky when it comes to engagement sessions (people please no more props!) but I love the simplicity and stunning photography of this one by Beaux Arts Photographie…

The stunning natural archway that frames the couple…

Sunflare and honest emotion…

Laughing and sharing with the one you love… Simply perfection.

How cute is the bride’s style? Elegant Vera Wang meets down home comfort with some well worn cowboy boots.

Add in a long veil, classic white peonies and a groom in a tux with classic pocketsquare and you’ve got a pretty timeless (but fun) wedding day style…

One pair is never quite enough…

Sometimes it’s undeniably necessary to feel girly and drink a “frilly”, sweet, and  brightly-colored martini. While I personally have to be in the right mood for such a lady-like libation, this cocktail pairs well with a cute outfit, a fresh manicure, and of course…spectacular shoes. Cheers ladies!

Ingredients:

~1 1/2 shots of vanilla vodka

~Small splash of pineapple juice

~Heavy splash of pomegranate juice

~Small splash of tonic

*Add all ingredients in martini shaker over ice and give a good shake. Serve in martini glass with a sugar rim

-XOXO Melissa