Orange You Glad I Didn't Say....Orange?

Good morning ladies (and gents)!! I'm going to make an attempt at getting back on track here and squeeze one more autumn-related post in before I have to give it up and transition into winter (I'm not sure if I'm ready for that... not I'm not).  

Focusing again on color schemes and the use of color in your wedding, it is important to take the time of year into consideration when choosing certain details (i.e. attire, flowers), but at the same time don't feel pressured to let the season dictate your color scheme.

Autumn is a great example to use because people like to embrace the color ORANGE. Orange is awesome, but Fall brides, PLEASE don't feel obligated to completely drape your day in orange when there is a whole slew of fun Fall shades...reds, burgundy, gold, various shades of brown or bronze, purples and plum, and golden yellows. Think of all the beautiful colors that are in the changing foliage and don't be afraid to mix and match! Also consider some other pops of color such as lavender, green or navy blue; used in conjunction with more traditional autumn shades they can really add an unexpected surprise and touch of modern elegance to your event.

Check out the examples below of some fabulous bouquets using traditional and not so traditional color schemes. And for more fun with color and some amazing combo ideas, take a peek at The Perfect Palette blog!!  

{Photo: Martha Stewart Weddings}

{Photo: Martha Stewart Weddings} 

{Photo: Wedding Chicks via The Vine's Leaf}

{Photo: Wedding Chicks}

{Photo: Martha Stewart Weddings}

{Photo: United With Love} 

Brief Personal Note

First, let me apologize profusely for stepping away from the blog for so long. My family and I had a bit of a health scare with my Mom and it has taken a while for things to get back on track. You never know what life will throw at you, and we can only try our best to handle things with grace and composure. We love you Mom, and I continue to wish everyday for you to bounce back from this event. <3

I would like to invite all of you to visit the website for The Brain Aneurysm Foundation in order to learn more about this condition that affects so many, but is rarely spoken of.

Awareness remains the key to increasing early detection and treatment of such a debilitating, and possibly deadly, occurrence.

Happy Halloween!

Everyone enjoy an amazingly fabulous Halloween! 

Trick or Treat!!

Delicious Details

Just in time for your weekend Halloween gala or your autumn soiree, enjoy these ideas for tasty treats! 

For preparation and recipes click the link under the photos. 

Apple Spice Cake 

{Photo: Martha Stewart Weddings}

Butterfinger Caramel Apple via Creatively Caramel

{Photo: Preston Bailey via Creatively Caramel} 

Caramel, Chocolate and Candy Apples via Giada De Laurentiis

{Photo: Food Network} 

Cranberry-Orange Sparkler

{Photo: Martha Stewart} 

Autumn Apple Punch 

{Photo: Better Homes and Gardens}

The Jack-O-Lantern 

{Photo: The Kitchn} 

Fall-ish Thoughts

Take a break and enjoy some fun Fall ideas!!

{Photo: Martha Stewart Weddings}

 {Photo: Martha Stewart Weddings}

{Photo: Grey Likes Weddings}

{Photo: The Washingtonian}

{Photo: The Washingtonian} 

{Photo: The Bridal Bar}

Rustic+Autumn+Chic Inspiration

Who says rustic can't be chic. Take a peek at my autumn + rustic inspiration board...keep your eyes open for just a pop of glam. 

{Photo Credits (clockwise starting from upper left corner): Joy de Vivre Wedding Coordination,  Allyson Magda Photography,  Boutwell Studio, Elizabeth Millay Photography, Marissa Holmes, Souder Photography, True Event, DollFace Studio, Grey Likes Weddings, Juli Vaughn, Brides.com}

Pumpkin Chic

I'm so excited for Halloween I thought I would greet October with an elegant spin on traditional pumpkin decor. Thanks to Ladies Home Journal for the inspiration! Visit the link for full article and decorating instructions.

Things To Keep In Mind....

Ladies and gentlemen, I wasn't planning on blogging about this right now, but after the events of this weekend I think it may be necessary to emphasize a few important event planning points. 

This weekend I assisted in a rustic-DIY wedding held at a family’s home located right outside of Leesburg, VA. My “partner in crime” was called in on this wedding for some charming Day-Of Coordination.  While the ceremony and reception went smoothly, and guests genuinely seemed to be enjoying the festivities, there were a few unplanned snags that could have been easily avoided.

Communicate With Your Vendors

It is very important to read through any and all contracts you have with your vendors. The vendors should have a clear outline of what is expected of them in their contract including the length of time they are working, and if they are bringing any additional help (i.e. catering staff).  If you are bringing in a planner for day-of coordination do not assume they will read through your vendor contracts (not all of them do) AND do not expect them to assume responsibility for the actions of your vendor.

Photo Credit: The Knot

Also for those using day-of planners, please remember to give them contact information for your vendors (just in case something goes wrong). Don’t hesitate to explain to them the general gist of the décor or give them a rundown of things that are not done or may have to be done on the “day of”---it is their job to help you and make your day go as smoothly as possible, so TALK to them.  Things will run better if the planner knows what is going on and where everything is.

Details, Details, Details

We all know weddings are stressful and there are a lot of things going on, but PLEASE stay as organized as possible.  Try not to be finishing your place cards or DIY centerpieces 3 hours before the ceremony. Maintain a list of things that need to be finished and give yourself a realistic timeline; if you think you need help finishing a task enlist the help of some trusted family and friends. The day of the wedding the only thing you should be doing is getting dressed and walking down the aisle---not overseeing flower arrangements.

Also remember to keep important decorations and other items together. Wedding and reception decorations should be organized together, flowers and bouquets should be labeled so they are put in the right place. If you have a cake-topper, marriage license, special gift or surprise, set it aside in a safe place and make sure you tell someone where it is—don’t risk losing it or scrambling to find it later.

**A note about marriage licenses- please make sure you understand all state and county laws and do go over the documents with your officiant prior to the wedding. 

Photo Credit: The Knot

Outdoor Pests

 If you are having an outdoor wedding or tented reception please be aware you may have some unexpected “guests” in the form of creepy crawly critters. There are a number of things you can do so your guests aren't dancing with mosquitoes or enjoying their dinner with arachnids. If possible, “bomb” or spray the area for bugs.  Some cleverly disguised citronella candles or torches are also great at keeping the pests under control.  Finally, offer up some bug spray in the bathrooms for your guests to use at leisure so they don’t feel like a bug buffet.

Chalk It Up To Creativity

It's September, students and teachers have made their way back to school, so why not show off your scholastic side with a little chalkboard inspired decor!

Chalkboards come in a range of sizes and have just as many uses--- mini-labels, elaborate "welcome" signs, or menu displays. Put on your thinking cap and write a fun note; your guests will appreciate the personalized message.

{Photo Credits: Clockwise from top center- Kortnee Kate Photography, Nadine Photography, LVL Weddings & Events, Jose Villa Photography, A Perfect Event, Melissa Dunstan Photography, Emily Steffen Photography}

Falling For You!

September is FINALLY here and that means it's officially Fall (my favorite time of year)! Time to eat some candied apples while we watch the leaves change. 

Stay tuned for awesome autumn inspired tricks and some tasty tidbits to spice up your Halloween celebrations---it's all coming soon! :) 

Temporarily Out Of Order

Oh it pains me to think that I haven't posted to the blog in several months, but it's the truth! I've had some personal hurtles and a computer meltdown to work through, and thus, have had to postpone the postings.

However, I hope to be back up and running soon (the sooner the better)! I certainly miss working on the blog and website that I put so much effort into creating!!   ~Amy Lynn 

Lovely Lace

I feel like lace is one of those fabrics that you either absolutely love or you can't stand. Personally, I enjoy a little touch of lace, it's feminine and can be used to enhance both antique or modern looks. So, in a nod to a certain young royal's wedding gown (sleeves), I present to you a few fun ways to incorporate a little lace...

Integrate some lace into centerpieces, flowers/bouquets or guest favors using lace...

{Photo Credit: Deborah Zoe}

{Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings}

I love these lace inspired invitations and invitation liners, both by Martha Stewart Weddings.

Incorporating a lace pattern into your cake design is a modern way to use classic lace patterns...and it's delicious!

{Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings}

These DIY lace paper lanterns are elegant and add a hint of interest to a table setting.

{Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings}

And of course, who doesn't love a lace parasol :)

{Photo Credit: Henry Kaye}

Introducing the Duke and Duchess...

OK, after debating all day about a post-Royal Wedding blog entry, I decided that while I fell royally in love with the wedding (I loved it all!!), I'm not going to sit here and give you a royal minute by minute rundown of the nuptials. Nor am I going to blast you with dozens of photos and factoids (only a select few) :)  Everyone has something to say about this wedding, so I will try to be brief and keep my joyous ramblings to a minimum (but no promises).

If you must have your continual fill of wedding fun (as I must), I recommend People Magazine or the Official Royal Wedding website.

Her Dress:  Very appropriate for the occasion!! Her ivory, McQueen gown with hand embroidered detailing was beyond gorgeous and moreover, fitting for both the occasion and location. In the days leading up to the wedding many fashion "experts" were pining for Miss Middleton to strut down the aisle in a more form fitting (mermaid, trumpet, fit and flare) silhouette...OR they had her in ultra modern/avant garde fashion piece. Now, I agree there is no doubt she has an amazing figure that would look equally amazing in a fitted gown, but the fact of the matter is that she is...

A.) Becoming royalty. There is a certain protocol and there was no way the ever slim Catherine was going to slink it up for the Queen.
B.) Most form fitting gowns are not going to work in Westminster Abbey, she would have become lost. This is also a tip for all brides to consider, always keep your wedding location in mind. Sleeker gowns usually have smaller trains and in such a grand location a bride needs some volume and length to her dress or else the aisle is going to swallow her up.

Initially there were whispers that she had played it "safe" but personally, I am glad she did. The clean lines of the pleating on the dress paired with the veil and unobtrusive accessories created a very simple and elegant look. 

Bridesmaids In White: It isn't a common practice in the bridal world to put your bridal party in white, but I think it looked stunning. While stereotypically the bride is suppose to be the only one in white, the bridal party looked angelic and their dresses only played into the beauty of the Bride's gown. Keeping the styles simple and clean really worked well with the location and overall feel of the wedding.

Flowers + Ceremony: Aside from the austerity of the royal procession and not including the much anticipated receptions, the wedding itself seemed modern and, dare I say almost, simple. She carried a small, wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, Sweet William, and hyacinth; it did not overpower her, it merely acted as an accessory. :) The flowers and trees brought into the Abbey were plenty but subtle, lush and green. Even the cake, while regal in it's size was not over done; each tier had a different floral theme but the cake was not overly covered in flowers in any sense. The white and ivory cake details remained ornate and discrete.

I'm sure this wedding will start a boatload of wedding trends, but nevertheless it was a beautiful day for the couple. They seemed genuinely excited, adorably nervous and very much in love. Congratulations to the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!!

(All photos credit of Getty Images)

Royal Couple Does It Their Way

With less than 2 days left until the ultimate Royal Wedding, we are still clamoring to grab details of this awe-inspiring affair. While we know the couple is offering a much more modern spin on royalty, this begs the question of how are they remaining true to their tastes and styles while organizing a ceremony that is so entrenched in pomp and circumstance? Many of the details will soon be revealed, however "news" broke this weekend that the couple will not be serving beer at their upcoming reception, opting instead for champagne and wine. 

According to The Mirror, beer has been deemed unsuitable for such a prestigious occasion, with a source stating, " There won't be any beer. Let's face it, it isn't really an appropriate drink to be serving in the Queen's presence at such an occasion." The source later added, " It was always their intention to give their guests a sophisticated experience and they have chosen the food and drink with this in mind." 

I say kudos Prince William and Kate! It's your day, you can serve whatever you feel is best (this goes for all future event hosts as well, don't feel pressured to serve items you don't feel are necessary...others can do what they want at their own parties). 

Additionally, the couple has agreed to stay sober throughout the celebrating in order to savor the occasion. Again, this is a charming idea and I wish more couples would focus on savoring the experience; your wedding day is a grand celebration that will seemingly flash before your eyes, just enjoy it. 

Although, if I were in Kate Middleton's shoes, I would most likely need a very tall, very stiff drink after all that intense wedding planning :) Cheers!!  

Princess Bride

Alright, alright like many folks, I am waiting (almost) patiently for the Royal Wedding this Friday morning. I'll admit, I am sitting on the edge of my seat to see Kate's dress, all the while planning to live vicariously through her via my television set on the big day (I mean, really, who hasn't at least wondered what it would be like to be royalty). I have watched my fill of William + Kate tv specials, seen the kitschy souvenirs, and been inundated up to my eyeballs with Royal Family news coverage (I'm sure my fiance can't wait for it all to be over). And while we all are dying to know what Kate will wear, let us not forget about the best perk of being a princess....the sparkling accessories! 

So,while I try to figure out what channel to watch and DVR come this Friday, let's take some time to peruse some glittering tiaras in honor of Royal Wedding week!  

(Cartier, Princess Margarita of Romania)

(Queen Victoria's Diamond and Sapphire "Gothic" Tiara)

(Cartier, Kokoshnik-style Tiara, 1908)

(Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara with Cambridge Emeralds)

(Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara, reproduction)

(Cartier, Manchester Tiara, 1903)

(Portland Tiara with Sapphires, reproduction)